Academic Activities in Reston, VA

🎉 Free Fall Frenzy! 🎤 Fundamentals of Public Speaking for Parents and Tweens/Teens (Grades 5-8) 🗓️ Sunday, August 24 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM 📍 Hosted by Highest Speak We don’t just tell you how our classes work — we have kids AND parents experience it! Join us for a fun, fast-paced, and completely free one-hour workshop where kids (Grades 2–4) and their parents will learn the fundamentals of public speaking through games, movement, and hands-on practice — together! In this session, you'll: 🎤 Learn key performance skills like body language, eye contact, and vocal energy 🎲 Play super fun speaking games that get both kids and parents involved 💡 Get a real feel for the Highest Speak approach — not just by hearing about it, but by doing it! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect for families new to public speaking and Highest Speak 📣 Already taken our classes? You may know this material — but come for the fun and games! 🚨 Space is limited! Register today to join the frenzy and experience it for yourself! Please limit to 1 parent with attending child!

This is a Level 1 class — perfect for beginners! No prior experience is necessary. ( Not sure what class your child took before or which level is the best fit? Just reach out at info@highestspeak.com—we’re happy to help! If they have never taken a complete Highest Speak course, this is the perfect starting point!) Talk Trekkers: Intro to Public Speaking This high-energy, small-group class is the perfect launchpad for new public speakers! Designed especially for our beginner Highest Speakers, this 5-session series is incredibly fun, highly interactive, and packed with hands-on learning. Throughout the course, students will: - Explore the fundamentals of effective public speaking and different speech styles - Learn tools to manage public speaking nerves with confidence - Play dynamic speech games and complete fun in-class speaking challenges - Present to the group in every class - Sharpen their quick-thinking and impromptu speaking skills - Receive personalized feedback from the instructor and their peers - Practice both prepared and on-the-spot (impromptu) speeches Students will experiment with a variety of speaking styles, including persuasive, informative, entertaining, and storytelling formats. All of our instructors are professional educators and public speaking coaches—and they’re also experienced performers and comedians—so students can expect to have a blast while they learn! 💬 Please note: No class on Sept. 23 due to Student Holiday. Also, light homework may be assigned, and students get the most out of the class when they take time to practice skills outside of our sessions.

🗣️ Friday Magic Mic Night Presents: "Highest Scream...A Spooktacular Student Showcase and Halloween Fun!" Friday, October 24 | 5:30-7pm Ready to celebrate Halloween Highest Speak style? Calling all Fall Highest Speak Students! You MUST be registered for a Fall 2025 Course to take part in this! It’s your time to shine (and spook)! Join us for our first-ever Friday Magic Mic Night, a fun and informal evening where students can perform: ✨ A favorite piece from one of their Summer or fall public speaking classes 📝 An original piece they’ve written — Halloween-themed or not! Students must attend one mandatory rehearsal on Sunday, October 19 from 11am-1pm or Tuesday, October 21 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, where they’ll be coached and prepped for performance. All pieces must be 2 minutes or less; longer pieces will be trimmed during rehearsal. You must select your rehearsal date at checkout. 🎤 On Friday, October 24, from 5:30pm to 7:00 PM, students will perform for a small audience — each performer may bring up to 2 guests. 👻 Expect some surprise fun! Instructors may perform a spooky piece or lead Halloween-themed games for students and families. 🪑 We’ll provide a mix of chairs and cozy floor pillows 💬 No microphones — just big voices and bold performances! ⚠️ Limited performance spots available! 📌 This event is only open to enrolled Fall Highest Speak students — sign up ASAP to reserve your spot!

Level 2 Storytelling & Public Speaking (Grades 5–8) Prerequisite: Students must have completed Highest Speak’s Previous Tall Tales Storytelling class or our Summer 2025 Creative Writing Class. If your child took the Tall Tales class in Grades 2–4, an assessment with our instructors is required to determine readiness to level up, as the Grades 2–4 class is less advanced. Based on the assessment, we will recommend whether your child should enhance their skills with Level 1 or move on to Level 2. Please email info@highestspeak.com to schedule an assessment or if you’re unsure about the appropriate level. Winter is the perfect time for crafting captivating stories! In this dynamic Level 2 class, tweens and teens will deepen their storytelling skills and elevate their public speaking abilities. Designed for grades 5 through 8, this course builds on foundational techniques, encouraging students to develop more complex narratives, enhance their stage presence, and engage audiences with confidence. What students will do: - Write longer, richly detailed stories with clear structure and strong themes - Master advanced storytelling elements like voice modulation, pacing, and body language - Develop skills for both prepared presentations and impromptu storytelling - Participate in interactive games and exercises to sharpen quick thinking and creativity - Receive personalized feedback to refine delivery and storytelling techniques - Practice storytelling styles including persuasive, informative, and entertaining speeches Our instructors, who are both skilled educators and professional performers, create a supportive yet challenging environment where students thrive and have a blast! Please note: Assignments may be given to encourage practice and growth outside of class. Bonus Opportunity: Students enrolled in this class are eligible to participate in our Friday Evening Winter “Magic Mic” Night on December 12 for a small additional fee! Registration for this event is separate.

🗣️ Friday Magic Mic Night Presents: "Highest Cheer...A Student Showcase and Holiday Fun!" Friday, December 12 | 5:30-7PM (Mandatory Rehearsal: Choose one — Sunday, Dec. 7 from 11am-1pm Tuesday, Dec. 9 from 5:30-7:30PM Ready to spread some holiday cheer, Highest Speak style? Calling all Winter 2025 Highest Speak Students! You must be registered for a Winter 2025 course to participate. It’s your time to shine (and sleigh)! Join us for our festive Friday Magic Mic Night, a fun and informal evening where students can perform: ✨ A favorite piece from their current or past public speaking class 📝 An original piece they’ve written — holiday-themed or not! 🎄 Students must attend one mandatory rehearsal on either Sunday, Dec. 7 (11 AM–1 PM), Tuesday, Dec. 9 (6–8 PM), or Wednesday, Dec. 10 (6–8 PM). Students will be coached and prepped for performance. All pieces must be 2 minutes or less — longer pieces will be trimmed during rehearsal. You’ll select your rehearsal date at checkout. 🎤 On Friday, Dec. 12 from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, students will perform for a small and supportive audience — each performer may bring up to 2 guests. 🎁 Expect some surprise fun! Instructors may perform a holiday-themed piece or lead festive games for students and families. 🪑 We’ll provide a mix of chairs and cozy floor pillows 💬 No microphones — just big voices and bold performances! ⚠️ Limited performance spots available! 📌 This event is only open to enrolled Winter Highest Speak students — sign up ASAP to reserve your spot!

🎤 Sky Divers: Intro to Debate (In-Person – Middle School) Get ready to dive into the world of competitive debate! This 8-week, (2 hours per session) in-person course is perfect for middle schoolers eager to learn how to build powerful arguments, think critically on their feet, and speak with confidence and style. Whether your child is brand-new to debate or has some experience, this class will prepare them to compete—and shine. Led by renowned Debate expert and instructor, Aaron Trujillo, students will participate in engaging games, drills, small group coaching, and practice rounds that make learning debate fun, challenging, and impactful. The course culminates in something BIG: 🎯 Students will be fully prepared to compete in a Virtual National Winter Debate Tournament—where they’ll apply everything they’ve learned in a real competitive setting with peers from across the country. Weekly Breakdown: Week 1 – What Is Debate? + Different Types Week 2 – Structuring Strong Arguments Week 3 – Crafting Compelling Speeches Week 4 – Responding to Others’ Arguments Week 5 – Asking & Answering Questions Effectively Week 6 – Speaking with Style & Substance Week 7 – Adapting to Judges & Tournament Prep Week 8 – Practice Tournament + Final Coaching 🗣️ Students will gain hands-on experience, individualized feedback, and opportunities to implement skills immediately through games and mini debates. Brief take-home assignments will reinforce key concepts and help them gear up for the tournament. 🚨 Please note: The course is held in person, but the National Winter Debate Tournament is virtual.

This is a Level 1 class — perfect for beginners! No prior experience is necessary. This high-energy, 8 session, small-group class is the perfect launchpad for new public speakers! Designed especially for our beginner Highest Speakers, this 5-session series is incredibly fun, highly interactive, and packed with hands-on learning and socialization. Throughout the course, students will: - Explore the fundamentals of effective public speaking and different speech styles - Learn tools to manage public speaking nerves with confidence - Play dynamic speech games and complete fun in-class speaking challenges - Present to the group in every class - Sharpen their quick-thinking and impromptu speaking skills - Receive personalized feedback from the instructor and their peers - Practice both prepared and on-the-spot (impromptu) speeches - Socialize and have the opportunity to make new friends! Students will experiment with a variety of speaking styles, including persuasive, informative, entertaining, and storytelling formats. All of our instructors are professional educators and public speaking coaches—and they’re also experienced performers and comedians—so students can expect to have a blast while they learn! 💬 Please note: No class on Sept. 23 due to Student Holiday. Also, light homework may be assigned, and students get the most out of the class when they take time to practice skills outside of our sessions.

. 🎬 KidSpeak Productions A Content Creation & Video Production Class for Grades 6–9 (MUST be in these grades to partcipate!) Sundays, October 5 – December 14 | 1.5 Hours for 10-Weeks! ***ONLY 10 SPOTS AVAILABLE! Please note that we expect your commitment to the crew as an important team member for the 10 weeks (unless illness, emergency, or other urgent reason for not attending a session.) Welcome to KidSpeak Productions—where kids don’t just learn how to create content… they become part of an official production team! In this dynamic 10-week course, students in Grades 6–9 will write, film, edit, and share original content across video and digital platforms, all while building the one skill that powers everything: confident communication. From spooky short films to hilarious Thanksgiving scenes to heartwarming holiday videos, to hilarious memes, each project reinforces the core message of Highest Speak—your voice matters, and how you use it can move, inspire, and entertain! 📹 What They’ll Create: • 🎃 October: Costume Short Movie – spooky or funny Halloween-themed videos • 🦃 November: Friendsgiving or Snoopy Short – fun takes on friendship, food, and chaos • 🎄 December: Favorite Gift Ever – meaningful stories about giving, receiving, and connection • 💬 Weekly Bonus: Students also create lighthearted, humorous content like digital posters or short-form videos that explore the role of communication in everyday life 🎯 What They’ll Learn: • Camera angles, lighting, and B-roll basics • On-the-street and classmate interviewing skills • Scriptwriting, storyboarding, and character development • Editing using tools like CapCut and Canva • Voiceover and narration techniques • Content planning, teamwork, and digital storytelling 📲 Share It Loud, Share It Proud All content created will be featured on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, so students can proudly share their work with friends, family, and a real audience. 🎉 Final Day Celebration We’ll wrap with a class showcase party—featuring their finished films, behind-the-scenes highlights, and fun awards voted on by the team (Best Holiday Short, Funniest Interview, etc.). Whether your child dreams of being a YouTuber, filmmaker, or just wants to learn how to express themselves in fun and modern ways, KidSpeak Productions is where creativity meets confidence—on camera and beyond!

✨ Tell It Well: A Halloween Themed Storytelling & Story Writing Workshop (Grades 9–12) 3.5-Hour Workshop | Fun, Creative, and Confidence-Building It's Highest Speak's FAVORITE time of year! In this engaging, spirited, Halloween Themed workshop, students will learn how to craft and share powerful stories—through fun games, interactive activities, and real-time practice! Whether they’re new to storytelling or looking to take it further, this high-energy session is designed to build confidence and creativity. 🔑 Workshop Highlights: - Practice the Art of Storytelling Performance: Learn to bring stories to life using voice, expression, movement, and timing. - Explore Story Structure: Understand how to shape compelling personal or fictional stories with clear flow and emotional impact. - Use Stories Everywhere: Discover how to naturally incorporate storytelling into interviews, conversations, speeches, and more. Students will receive personalized feedback from instructors and peers in a supportive and encouraging environment! Storytelling is one of the most fun—and powerful—ways to practice public speaking, especially during this spooky and magical time of year!