Writopia Lab

"Writopia was Abey's first inclusion experience. He was embraced by the community and encouraged to submit his writing for publications and awards. Abey was very happy at Writopia and it gave us the confidence to transition from a private special education school to a NYC public high school. His highest compliment is 'This is just like Writopia.'"

Michelle Noris

Thursday is Willem’s favorite day of the week! He and several others from their D & D game just chatted with each other on roll20 the other day— love the way this group has bonded. I’m amazed and grateful to know that making friends virtually during a pandemic is totally a thing.

Jennifer Robinson

"I never thought I would say this, but i am soooooo happy that your classes are on Zoom so Robbie can continue to take your classes when we move!!! Thank you so much...I cannot express enough how wonderful Writopia has been for my son..."

Shari

"Thank you all. One thing I have learned from Covid is what people and activities are really the most meaningful for my child and Writopia is top of the list. Thank you all for creating such an amazing supportive community!!!"

L.P.

"I just glanced at Shaylem's essay and was really happy with what you all have helped facilitate for him. I really appreciate the feedback, all of your hard work, and the organization as a whole."

Liz Lawler

"My daughter loves her class. This is huge - for years, I've been digging for her passion, her fire, and I think we just rubbed two sticks together and got some."

A Proud Dad

"My daughter loved learning to write with Writopia teachers...They inspired her to write award-winning fiction. Long after working with them, my daughter continues to write with great enthusiasm."

Ora Shtull

"One of the many incredible things about Writopia Lab is that it offers an alternative social universe for quiet and cerebral kids. Its vibe is serious yet edgy, inclusive yet cool. [...] And, quiet or not, most of the Writopia kids read their work aloud at local bookstore events, and a staggering number win prestigious national writing competitions.”

Susan Cain, from her New York Times Bestseller, Quiet

"I came to Writopia without ever having been in a writing class outside of my school. I was scared that I would not be as good as the other members, but as soon as I stepped in I felt right at home. For the first time I was excited and passionate about my writing. Every week I was eager to learn from my friends and writing instructor how to improve my work. In the end I felt that it all paid off. Writopia gave me a chance to think about hard and personal subjects in a different way, and also gave me the chance to express myself in a free manner."

Gabe Fisher, 8th Grade Scholastic Regional Gold Key Winner

“Teaching at Writopia, I am constantly amazed by the bravery and creativity of the young writers in my classes who are equally bursting with things to say. It is so, so important for these kids to have a fun and safe environment to tackle the daunting and spectacularly rewarding feat that is writing. Most importantly, it's an atmosphere of mutual respect—students aren't talked down to, but instead learn how to talk to each other about their work, in turn becoming better writers themselves.”

Bekah Brunstetter, Writopia Lab instructor and two-time New York Innovative Theatre Award-winning playwright of Off-Broadway’s “Oohrah!”

“Writing used to be a solitary activity; shutting the door of my room and drinking iced tea while frantically punching the keys of my typewriter, shooing away anyone who deigned to disturb me. But now I am beginning to believe that writing is best done in a community, surrounded by fellow wordsmiths who can comment on your pieces, provide inspiration, gently offer suggestions, and encourage you to forge ahead regardless of how flawed you perceive your own work to be. In my first two weeks at Writopia Lab, I have already gained more tools and produced more complete work than I have in the years I spent struggling alone.”

Emma Koosis, 15, Writopia Lab

“For a glimpse into the fiercely creative and tremendously talented new generation of writers, check out the Writopia Worldwide Plays Festival. The teaching artists of Writopia Lab know how to get the best of their young playwrights. I’m not kidding.”

Terry Berliner, resident director of Broadway’s “The Lion King”
2011 and 2012 Worldwide Plays Festival Director

"I am one of the ELA teachers that had the pleasure of having Writopia in my class this past semester. I am writing to tell you what a pleasure it was working with Milana and Sarah. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and patience created such a positive and creative work environment. My students (an I!) looked forward to every Tuesday with them. We are all going to miss them!"

Michelle Putnick, PS/MS 89 Teacher,
The Bronx, 2019

"Writopia is the #1 writing program in the city."

Alex Tapnio
Senior Manager, National Programs, Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

"Rebecca has amazing lingual intuition – she knows how words feel and sound, and this enables her to work with all kinds of writing, from short stories to poems to essays... When she makes a suggestion, she is not offended if you don’t agree. She listens and considers your perspective as the writer. She can give general ideas and overall feedback as well as specific analysis, so that the writer is free to use her ideas but interpret them and write them their own way... Rebecca is an awesome (for lack of a more specific word of praise) editor and writer, and an equally amazing person. The gift of working with her is a double bonus – her amazing skill as a writer and editor, and her warm, smiling, funny, happy, wonderful personality."

Noa Bendit-Shtull, 15, Bard College High School,
Scholastic National Gold Key Winner, 2006

"Language Play is more focused on writing than any program I know of — and the group is more intimate."

Stephanie D., mother of Jack, three years old

"I was so impressed with how the children answered questions in a group setting... and how they were prompted to think creatively. They worked together and listened to each other's ideas. And the instructor really focused on the children's ideas as well."

Cecily C., mother of Lila, three years old

"The best thing about Language Play was watching the kids become active in storytelling, and involved in the creative process. No other comparable program offers practice using language, phonics, and creative language play."

Rebecca R., mother of Avner, three years old

"Living in Europe, our experience with Writopia has been wonderful for Jakob, an American 6th grader, attending a full-time school in Spanish. His lessons via Skype are exciting and above all creative. He's loving it!"

Leslie Z.
mother of Jakob, 11

"Writopia Lab was an unexpected soaring flight and blossoming of our daughter. She found her voice, was excited every week and could not wait to share what she was writing. 'Please read my work, let me read you what I am writing...' This from a normally reticent 9-year-old. Absolutely amazing!"

Kim, Writopia parent (Fall 2012)

"Writopia has been a blessing for my son. His amazing teacher has connected him to his creative spirit in a way that has never happened before. My 17-year-old son is now proud to call himself a poet and is excited about continuing to learn and write in College."

Denise, Writopia Parent (Fall 2012)

Writopia was really beneficial for students who already see themselves as writers, as it gives them the creative outlet. But it is also great for reluctant writers; they flourish in this type of environment.

Teacher, PS 276 in New York City

I absolutely recommend this class. Discussions and readings changed my thinking about how to teach writing... The classes were fun especially the writing games and exercises. I felt like a kid again.

NYC DOE educator's evaluation of Writopia Lab's Training Institute

"...thanks so much for granting Amira with her first sleepaway camp experience last summer at WriCampia. Amira had an amazing time and wants to attend again this summer... She still talks about her experience at WriCampia to date and keeps in touch with the friends she met. I myself really enjoyed viewing all of the photos, her short story video and fun memories captured! Thanks so much again!"

Tanisha, Writopia Parent (Winter 2019)

"Julio's attitude towards writing has changed so drastically. He’s become so much more confident and actually likes writing now. His teachers have noticed a huge improvement in his writing in school. I credit this to Writopia. I cannot thank Writopia enough! Truly an amazing program. Thank you. "

Lisa, Writopia mom,
NYC, 2019