Some teachers cover material; others bring it to life. Royal Fireworks Online Learning star instructor Kevin O’Brien brings that rare combination of deep knowledge and passionate presentation to every course he teaches. With years of experience teaching literature, writing, and history and a professional background as an actor, writer, and performer, Kevin creates courses that are lively, thoughtful, and deeply engaging. His ability to bring stories, ideas, and historical moments to life helps students connect in meaningful ways.

You can meet Kevin and learn more about his teaching style by watching his virtual open house video.

Reading, Writing, and Rhetoric
Student Ages: 12–18
Class Meetings: Thursdays, 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time
Dates: September 10 – December 17, 2026; January 14 – May 13, 2027
Cost: $575 per semester/$1,100 for the full year
Course Highlights:
– Develop strong writing and communication skills.
– Explore rhetoric and persuasive techniques.
– Engage with meaningful texts and ideas.
– Build confidence in expression and argumentation.

Short Stories
(single semester course)
Student Ages: 12–18
Class Meetings: Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time
Dates: January 13 – May 12, 2027
Cost: $550
Course Highlights:
– Read a variety of short stories from notable authors.
– Analyze plots, character development, genres, and themes.
– Discuss cultural and social issues in the stories.
– Write your own short story.

The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings
Student Ages: 11–18
Class Meetings: Wednesdays, 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Dates: September 9 – December 16, 2026; January 13 – May 12, 2027
Cost: $575 per semester/$1,100 for the full year
Course Highlights:
– Dive into Tolkien’s epic works in depth.
– Explore themes, characters, and world-building.
– Discuss literature in an engaging, interactive setting.
– Strengthen reading comprehension and analysis.

Love and the Meaning of Life
Student Ages: 14–18
Class Meetings: Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time
Dates: September 8 – December 15, 2026; January 12 – May 11, 2027
Cost: $575 per semester/$1,100 for the full year
Course Highlights:
– Explore timeless questions about the nature and meaning of love.
– Engage with great works of philosophy and literature, including Plato and C.S. Lewis.
– Examine connections between love, identity, purpose, and human experience.
– Analyze poetry and classic texts, including Shakespearean sonnets.
– Develop deeper thinking through discussion of complex, meaningful ideas.

The Word Made Flesh: Music, Art, and Literature in Christian Culture
(single semester course)
Student Ages: 11–18
Class Meetings: Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time
Dates: September 9 – December 16, 2026
Cost: $550
Course Highlights:
– Explore great works of music, art, and literature from the past 2,000 years.
– Examine recurring themes, symbols, and ideas in Christian culture.
– Approach the material from an academic, cultural perspective.
– Gain insight into how these works have shaped Western culture.
– Make meaningful connections across artistic disciplines.

Seventh-Grade History: World History: Settlements to 1500
Student Ages: 11–14
Class Meetings: Thursdays, 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Dates: September 10 – December 17, 2026; January 14 – May 13, 2027
Cost: $575 per semester/$1,100 for the full year

Eighth-Grade History: World History: 1500 to the Present
Student Ages: 12–15
Class Meetings: Tuesdays, 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Dates: September 8 – December 15, 2026; January 12 – May 11, 2027
Cost: $575 per semester/$1,100 for the full year

Installment Pay Option: We offer installment payment plans at no additional cost. For more information and to enroll, visit the Online Learning page.

As always, if you have questions or need assistance in selecting a course, feel free to call us at (845) 726-4444. We’re here to help! Our phone lines are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

Happy learning!
The Royal Fireworks Team