Elementary (5th and 6th Grade) Course Descriptions

Cost: $105 per semester

Supply Fee: $20 

Ages: 10-12

Time: 12:15 -1:25 pm

Class Size: 5 minimum/20 maximum

Instructor: Michelle Kennerk

Curriculum: None

This course will study the fundamentals of drawing using five basic mediums: graphite, charcoal, colored pencil, oil pastels and chalk pastels. We will use a variety of techniques to study line, form, volume, texture, space, light, and shadow through popular subjects such as still life, portraiture, animals, figure drawing and landscapes. We will also learn how to frame and matte our finished artworks for a final display. 

Note*– This class is held from 12:15-1:25 pm every Monday. Semester 2 often builds on semester 1, but one or both semesters may be taken.

Cost: $225

Supply Fee: $10 

Ages: 10-12

Time: 11:00 – 11:55 am

Class Size: 5 minimum/15 maximum

Instructor: Darby Smith

Curriculum: Please purchase the following books or have then checked out of the library when needed: Mrs. Frisby & the Rats of NIHM by Robert C. O’Brien, Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Spear, A Night Divided by  Jennifer A. Nielsen, A Year Down Yonder by Richar Peck, Hatchet by Gary Paulsen and Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

This class will help students develop a love for good literature, using classic books of varying genres.  Students will learn about literature fundamentals and weekly reading assignments will be given. Homework will vary with the use of study guides, creative projects, and individual presentation work.  Periodic quizzes and tests will assess comprehension and application of the material, along with engaging and fun group discussions. 

Cost: $225

Supply Fee: $15

Ages: 10-12

Time: 10:00 – 10:55 am

Class size: 5 minimum/15 maximum

Instructor: Julie Moledor

Curriculum: Apologia’s Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day by Jeannie Fulbright; 

Curriculum Link: https://www.christianbook.com/exploring-creation-zoology-swimming-creatures

This course gives students the opportunity to “dive” deeper into the world of amazing aquatic organisms.  Students will study a wide range of curious creatures from whales, seals, and sea cows, to echinoderms, cnidarians and cephalopods. They will learn to identify various creatures and recognize features that have given them the amazing ability to thrive underwater. They will begin familiarizing themselves with the microscope by viewing various organisms, like sponges and hydra. They will also participate in teacher-led dissections of multiple aquatic organisms such as the bony fish, crayfish, dog shark, squid, mollusk, and more for an amazing year of science.

Cost: $225

Supply Fee: $10

Ages: 10-12

Time: 10:00 – 10:55 am

Class size: 5 minimum/15 maximum

Instructor: Melissa Weimer

Curriculum: None

Essentials for Writing is designed to introduce students to fundamental elements of the writing process. It is ideal for students who need to establish writing skills before they jump into a more intense writing class, like Introduction to Writing. In Essentials for Writing, students will explore a variety of fiction and non-fiction writing styles, with an emphasis on organization, sentence structure, paragraph formation, editing, and revising.  Over the course of the year, a variety of essays, short stories, poetry, and a research paper will be written.

Essentials for Writing has a two-year rotation of curriculum. These years can be taken in any order or as stand-alone classes.

Essentials for Writing (A) covers the same curriculum as Essentials for Writing (B), but with expectations more appropriate for 10 to 12-year-olds. If your student has taken Essentials for one year, they can stay in (A) for their second year as well if it is still age appropriate; they do not need to automatically progress to (B).

Cost: $95 per semester

Supply Fee: $5 per semester

Ages: 10-18

Time: 1:30 – 2:25 pm

Class size: 6 minimum/20 maximum

Instructor: Erica Fill 

Curriculum: None

The class will focus on increasing endurance, strength, flexibility, cardio, and body composition while playing games and learning about personal fitness. Outdoor activities will include a parking lot circuit (various exercises along the route), softball, kickball, and a field run challenge, with an emphasis on learning the proper technique for each activity and playing as a team where applicable. Indoor activities will focus on individual bodyweight challenges, some dance, Wiffle ball, relay races, dodgeball, mini kickball as well as other exercise-related games. Please note that if we have less than eight students, there will be more of an emphasis on individual exercises. Group games are easier with a larger class.

Cost: $225

Supply Fee: $10

Ages: 10-13 (5-7th grade)

Time: 12:30 – 1:25 pm

Class size: 5 minimum/15 maximum

Instructor: Ashley Cole

Curriculum: From Adam to Us (Part 1 and 2) by Notgrass

Curriculum link:

Part 1:

https://www.christianbook.com/from-adam-to-us-part-1/9781609990848/pd/990848?event=Homeschool|1009389

Part 2:

https://www.christianbook.com/from-adam-to-us-part-2/9781609990855/pd/990855?event=Homeschool|1009389

From Adam to Us by Notgrass is a one-year world history course designed for students in fifth through seventh grade. The daily lessons are written in a narrative style and richly illustrated with color photographs and maps to include geography. Primary sources and hands-on activities help the student connect with the world’s history in a personal way to make the world’s story come alive as students travel through time to explore from the beginning of creation to the world we know today.

Note: The additional literature and Bible component of this curriculum will not be implemented.

*If your student is in 11th grade and taking Intro to Writing or Language Arts and you would be interested in this class, please contact us.

Cost: $280 

Supply Fee: $10

Ages: 14 +

Class Time: 10:00-10:55 am

Class size: 6 student minimum/15 maximum

Instructor: Emily Berg

Curriculum: See description below for book selections. Purchasing (not borrowing) is highly recommended. Dover Thrift Editions are a good choice for the classics. For the Count of Monte Cristo, please purchase this specific edition: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0553213504/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_6RTEJGBH3GX4GZ0MEAZ4.

Book list: The Importance of Being Earnest by Sir Oscar Wilde, The Count of Monte Cristo (specific abridged edition – link above) by Alexandre Dumas, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and various short stories, poems, and essays.

This literature class will familiarize students with high-school-level literary terms and criticism through a wide variety of genres and subject matter. The emphasis is on reading, reflection, exploring new ideas, critical thinking, and analysis, rather than on written responses. The class will focus on how we can read and enjoy drama, poetry, novels, short stories, and non-fiction – while using literary analysis to enrich our lives and change the world!

Cost: $280 

Supply Fee: $10

Ages: 14 +

Class Time: 12:30 to 1:25 pm

Class size: 5 student minimum/15 maximum

Instructor: Caleb Norrick

Curriculum: Exploring America by Notgrass (Both books – part 1 and part 2 – 2019 updated edition)            

Curriculum Link: Exploring America Part 1 – https://www.christianbook.com/exploring-america-part-1/ray-notgrass/9781609999988/pd/999991?event=ESRCG and Exploring America Part 2 – https://www.christianbook.com/exploring-america-part-2/ray-notgrass/9781609999995/pd/1000000?event=ESRCG

Providing students with an overview of American history from Columbus to the present day, Exploring America is a full-year high school history course that presents US history from a Christian perspective. Your high school student will gain a rich understanding of our nation’s past by reading the history narrative and completing hands-on projects. In addition to reading the narrative about events, issues, and people, students will read original documents, speeches, poems, and stories in American Voices.

Cost: $370

Supply Fee: $25

Ages: 14+

Time: 8:15 -10:00 am

Class size: 6 student minimum/ 18 maximum

Prerequisite: None

Instructor: Julie Moledor

Curriculum: Apologia Exploring Creation with Biology, 3rd Edition

Curriculum Link: https://www.christianbook.com/exploring-creation-with-biology-textbook/vicki-dincher/9781946506450/pd/506454?event=Homeschool|1002430

This course is designed to be a college-prep biology class, covering the vocabulary of biology, a hands-on approach to the scientific method, the kingdoms of life, microscopy, biochemistry, cellular biology, molecular and Mendelian genetics, evolution, dissection, ecosystems and more. Students who take and understand this class will be very well prepared for continuing education in Advanced Anatomy and Physiology or any biology courses they may take in college. The class will consist of lecture and laboratory experience, which will include a combination of hands-on experimentation and demonstration to more clearly solidify understanding of the science of life.

Cost: $370

Supply Fee: $25

Ages: 15+

Time: 8:15 – 10:00 am

Prerequisite: Algebra I

Class Size: 6 minimum/ 15 maximum

Instructor: Janice Pahl

Curriculum: Apologia Exploring Creation with Chemistry, 3rd edition

Curriculum Link: https://www.christianbook.com/exploring-creation-chemistry-textbook-3rd-edition/kristy-plourde/9781946506580/pd/506583?event=Homeschool|1002432

This high school course gives the student a rigorous foundation in chemistry in order to prepare him or her for college-level studies.  The course covers significant figures, units, classification, the mole concept, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, acids and bases, redox reactions, solutions, atomic structure, Lewis structures, molecular geometry, the gas laws, and equilibrium.  The course will include discussion as well as laboratory experience, which will include a combination of hands-on experimentation and demonstration to more clearly solidify understanding of the material.

Cost: $300

Supply Fee: $10 

Ages: 15+

Time: 10:00 -10:55 am

Class size: 5 minimum/15 maximum

Prerequisite: Introduction to Writing (Expository or Persuasive)

Instructor: Brittany Dowler

Curriculum: Essential Writing Skills for College and Beyond by C.M. Gill

Curriculum Link: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/633915/essential-writing-skills-for-college-and-beyond-by-cm-gill/

In College Prep Writing, the student will learn about 7 different rhetorical modes of writing and become an “expert” in identifying and writing in these modes. The student will read and study a variety of well-written essays, articles, and fiction selections from different perspectives, discuss how each author’s content and style affects its readers, and write a variety of responses to each reading selection. The historical context and rhetorical technique of each essay will be evaluated. Two research projects will also be completed during the course of the year.

Cost: $130 

Supply Fee: $10 

Ages: 12+

Time: 12:30 – 1:25 pm

Class size: 8 student minimum/16 maximum

Prerequisite: One semester of Introduction to Writing

Instructor: Kim Krajci

Curriculum: None

In debate class, the student will learn how to build an argument, the proper use of logic, ethics, and emotion, logical fallacies and how to avoid them, thinking on your feet, and how to conduct cross examination. The class will focus on Lincoln Douglas debate, a style of single debaters talking about ethical questions, and topics will be determined during the semester based on the National Speech and Debate Association topics used that year.  Since this class will require extensive research and writing, one semester of Introduction to Writing from Bridges will be required for registration in the Debate class (classes can be taken concurrently). Speech class is not required but highly recommended. Additionally, online video material will be regularly assigned, and access to Zoom may be required; therefore, a headset with a microphone and video camera may be necessary.

Cost: $125 per semester
Supply Fee: $5 (per semester)

Ages: 12+

Time: 12:30 – 1:25 pm

Class size: 6 minimum/12 maximum

Instructor: Kaylene Williams

Curriculum: None

The world as we know it is constantly asking us to show confidence and energy and a drama class is the ideal place to cultivate those skills. This course will provide an outlet for students to explore their creativity and expand their confidence as they learn acting fundamentals through games, activities, and short plays. 

The Fall semester will introduce students to the art of Improvisation.  Although this form of theatre is known for being performed as a form of comedic entertainment, the process of learning improvisational techniques helps foster life skills such as: Creativity, Acceptance, Confidence, Patience, Encouragement, Collaboration and Teamwork.

The Spring semester will still include improvisation while introducing students to the fundamentals of theatre such as: staging, exploring different genres and acting skills.

The course is open to anyone ready to learn what makes the stage so powerful and willing to interact with their peers in meaningful ways.

Note*– Semester 2 builds on semester 1, but one or both semesters may be taken.

Cost: $140

Supply Fee: $10

Ages: 15+

Class Time: 11:00 to 11:55 am

Class size: 5 student minimum/ 15 maximum

Instructor: Catherine Marx

Curriculum: Foundations in Personal Finance, 2014, Lampo Licensing, LLC.,  Student workbook only  **plus videos for home study.**  SEE NOTE AT BOTTOM OF DESCRIPTION

Curriculum Link: Text and DVD’s  https://www.rainbowresource.com/product/058148/Foundations-in-Personal-Finance-Home-School-Student-Text-2014-Edition.html?

This course will use Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace curriculum. It provides students an opportunity to learn, practice, and apply important personal finance knowledge and skills.  The 12 chapters are aligned with the National Standards for Financial Literacy.  Students will demonstrate mastery of the concepts taught. The course will also give the student experience in managing their personal assets and in managing an adult’s household finances in case studies.  Personal responsibility for financial decisions will be coupled with understanding of our role as stewards of God’s resources.

Note*- The Student Workbook needs the corresponding video content from the Teacher/Student Pack to be completed.  Bridges will provide the videos, however students will need to be prepared to spend their ½ hour lunch time watching the videos that accompany this curriculum.  If they are unable to do so they will need to purchase the videos for home viewing.

Cost: $140

Supply Fee: $10 

Ages: 15+

Time: 11:00 – 11:55 am

Class size: 5 student minimum/ 15 maximum

Instructor: Mary Ellen Abood

Curriculum: Total Health, Choices for a Winning Lifestyle by Susan Boe 

Curriculum Link: https://www.christianbook.com/total-health 

This course is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of all important physical, mental and social health issues. The text is written directly to teens from a caring and friendly perspective. Total Health presents a moral basis for a healthy lifestyle based upon scriptural principles. This course will dive into human anatomy, body systems, food choices, exercise, diseases, stress, emergencies, responsibility, and more.

Cost: $115 per semester

Supply Fee: $20

Ages: 12+

Time: 1:30 – 2:45 pm

Class Size: 5 minimum/ 15 maximum

Instructor: Angie Waters

Curriculum: None

This art class will be composed of two parts. The first semester will be learning acrylic. The students will learn the essentials of acrylic for those beginning, and a more in-depth understanding of it if for those who have taken it before. The students will learn to work with new variations of acrylic, as well as, new techniques. The second semester will be watercolor (which includes: utensils, paper weights, stretching, hues, color values, washes, smashing, lifting). The students will learn composition, use of negative and positive space, and many other concepts. If you have taken art before, we will be focusing on different aspects that will help you enhance your knowledge. We will make a watercolor journal with different paint designs, and techniques.

Note*– This class is held from 1:30-2:45 pm every Monday. Semester 2 often builds on semester 1, but one or both semesters may be taken. 

Cost: $280

Supply Fee: $10 

Ages: 13+

Class Time: 11:00 to 11:55 am

Class size: 6 minimum/15 maximum

Prerequisite: Intro to Writing (Expository or Persuasive) or teacher’s permission

Instructor: Emily Berg

Curriculum: Analytical Grammar by Analytical Grammar Inc.

Curriculum Link: https://www.christianbook.com/analytical-grammar

Language Arts will cover high school level grammar, while also reviewing writing concepts throughout the year to keep students current in their writing proficiency.  It is intended for those students who have completed at least one year of Introduction to Writing (expository or persuasive) and are proficient in junior high grammar. 

The step-by-step approach will prepare students for the rigor of later high school and even college work, while the comprehensive scope ensures mastery. Approaching grammar with the idea that students learn it and then move on, rather than continually re-learning the same concepts over and over, the “spiral” method will help students master grammar once and for all. This is intended to be the last grammar class they need.

Please do not enroll students in a Bridges writing class simultaneously while taking Language Arts.

Cost: $95 per semester

Supply Fee: $5 per semester

Ages: 10-18

Time: 1:30 – 2:25 pm

Class size: 6 minimum/20 maximum

Instructor: Erica Fill 

Curriculum: None

The class will focus on increasing endurance, strength, flexibility, cardio, and body composition while playing games and learning about personal fitness. Outdoor activities will include a parking lot circuit (various exercises along the route), softball, kickball, and a field run challenge, with an emphasis on learning the proper technique for each activity and playing as a team where applicable. Indoor activities will focus on individual bodyweight challenges, some dance, Wiffle ball, relay races, dodgeball, and mini kickball as well as other exercise-related games. Please note that if we have less than eight students, there will be more of an emphasis on individual exercises. Group games are easier with a larger class.

Cost: $275

Supply Fee: $20

Ages: 13+

Time: 8:30 – 9:55 am

Class size: 5 minimum/15 maximum

Prerequisite: taking Pre-Algebra or Saxon Algebra 1/2

Instructor: Amy Borland

Curriculum: Apologia Exploring Creation with Physical Science, 3rd edition

Curriculum Link: https://www.christianbook.com/exploring-creation-with-physical-science-textbook/vicki-dincher/9781946506511/pd/506511?event=ESRCG

This high school level course provides a detailed introduction to the physical environment and some of the basic laws that make it work.  It will include a good understanding of the earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. It also covers details on weather, motion, Newton’s Laws, gravity, the solar system, atomic structure, radiation, nuclear reactions, stars, and galaxies.  The course will include discussion as well as laboratory experience, which will include a combination of hands-on experimentation and demonstration to more clearly solidify understanding of the material.

Cost: $280

Supply Fee: $10

Ages: 13+

Time: 10:00 – 10:55 am

Class Size: 5 minimum/15 maximum

Instructor: Angie Waters

Curriculum: Spanish 1 Textbook, 2nd Edition by BJU Press

Curriculum Link: 

https://www.christianbook.com/bju-spanish-1

This high school level class introduces the Spanish language as spoken in Latin America. Students will learn greetings, verb conjugations, basic vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and sentence structure. The class will also provide a general overview of different Latin American countries and their customs. Students will start to develop the necessary skills to read and comprehend the language, and they will begin to learn conversational skills (the ability to ask and answer questions).

This class will be taught over the course of two years to increase the student’s comprehension and fluency in speaking Spanish.

Cost: $280

Supply Fee: $10 

Ages: 13+

Time: 12:30 to 1:25 pm

Class Size: 5 minimum/15 maximum

Instructor: Angie Waters

Curriculum: Spanish 1 Textbook, 2nd Edition by BJU Press

Curriculum Link: https://www.christianbook.com/bju-spanish-1

Students will learn to communicate at an intermediate level of Spanish, in different settings such as: the bank, store, airport, hotel, doctor’s office, etc. They will deepen their knowledge of grammar, proper pronunciation, writing style, listening and comprehension skills, verb tenses, and intonation in different types of sentences.  They will practice by dialoguing, writing exercises, and interacting with the teacher and their peers.  

This class is a continuation of Spanish 1 (A). Spanish 1 is taught over the course of two years to increase the student’s comprehension and fluency in speaking Spanish.

Cost: $260

Supply Fee: $10

Ages: 12+ 

Class Time: 1:30 to 2:25

Class size: 5 minimum/16 maximum

Instructor: Nathan Jarosz

Curriculum: None 

Speech is not a science, it’s an art to be mastered. Overcoming stage fright is the first step to success in life. In Speech class, we face our fears head on with a series of speech presentations and skills development exercises.  We will craft introductory and demonstration speeches, learn using body language and vocal variety to build an effective presentation, and develop impromptu speaking skills to get everyone started on the road to leadership in their own lives. Advanced speech topics will cover storytelling and persuasive speeches. Presentation techniques such as eye contact and rhetorical theory will be taught. Students must have access to Youtube videos to watch historical and contemporary speeches. Students will give speeches in front of their class peers. The benefits from learning to speak publicly will help anyone achieve their goals and dreams, regardless of their careers. By the end of this class, your student will be able to take the stage with confidence to present to a crowd!