Welcome to Teach to the Text!

Teach to the Text offers live, asynchronous, and independent study courses for homeschooled students and lifelong learners, with a special focus on high school composition and classical literature. Below are listed only the courses and offerings that are nonsectarian.

Not sure what is right for your student? Get a free consultation! Email Ms. Ellen Finnigan at [email protected]. You'll receive a response within 24 business hours.

Asynchronous Writing Courses and Coaching

Start Anytime

(Includes feedback)


Don't know where to start?

Email Ms. Finnigan for a personalized recommendation for your student!
[email protected]

10-Day Winter Online Writing Camp

with a personal writing coach

Courses: 2

$150

Writing Coaching + Office Hours

Coaching via email, plus the option to pop in, ask questions, talk it through

Courses: 2

$150

Self-Paced Writing Courses

Start Anytime

(No feedback)


Don't know where to start?

Email Ms. Finnigan for a personalized recommendation for your student!
[email protected]


The 5-Day Essay

A crash course in how to "level up" your writing for high school.

Ellen

Ellen

$75

6 Steps to Textual Support

Sequel to "The 5-Day Essay". Recommended for college prep.

Ellen

Ellen

$75

Live Creative Writing Courses


1) Short Stories: Reading and Writing (one semester, high school)
2) Creative Writing for Middle School (one quarter)


Short Stories: Reading and Writing

January - April 2025 (11th-12th grade)

Ellen

Ellen

$150

Creative Writing for Middle School

Jan. 15, 2025 - March 5, 2025

Ellen Finnigan

Ellen Finnigan

$200

Asynchronous Business Course

with professional business coach, Jana Sanchez


Start anytime after Feb. 1, 2025

Preparing to Start a Business: The Things You Should Know to Be an Entrepreneur

Asynchronous course available February 1, 2025.

Jana Sanchez

Jana Sanchez

$500

Free Downloads

Why Your Kid Can't Write

And what parents can do to help their children.

Ellen

Ellen

FREE

One Quick Solution for Struggling Writers

"The struggle is real!" Find out one common problem that Ms. Finnigan has identified after years of working as a Writing Coach, which has nothing to do with you or your student. Implement this solution in your homeschool, and she is sure you will see an immediate difference in your student's ability to tackle the next assignment.

Ellen

Ellen

FREE

Hi! I'm Ms. Finnigan.

I have a B.A. from Boston College and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Montana. I've been teaching writing online to homeschoolers in one form or another since 2008. I taught in the high school English and Literature department at Kolbe Academy Online for nine years before starting Teach to the Text in 2022.


My most popular offering is my 10-Day Online Alpine Writing Camp. In all my years of teaching, I'ver met a high school student who couldn't benefit from a quick review of the fundamentals, while learning a few new techniques. This camp has helped hundreds of students succeed in high school -- and beyond!


I am available to teach private online writing classes custom-tailored for your group (9th grade and up). I can also provide recommendations about which mix of services might be right for your student. Just send me an email to start a conversation! I'll get back to you within 24 business hours!

[email protected]


For more information, check out the website at:
www.teachtothetext.com