Elementary Course Descriptions

Cost: $235 per semester

Supply Fee: $10 

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

Time: 12:30 -1:25 pm

Class Size: 5 minimum/20 maximum

Instructor: Ashley Cole

Curriculum: America the Beautiful (Part 1 and 2) by Notgrass

Curriculum Link: 

Part 1: https://www.christianbook.com/america-beautiful-part-from-1000-1877/charlene-notgrass/9781609991418/pd/991418?event=Homeschool|1003750

Part 2:

https://www.christianbook.com/america-beautiful-from-late-1800s-present/charlene-notgrass/9781609991425/pd/991425?event=CPOF

The Notgrass History America the Beautiful curriculum is a one-year American history and geography course designed for students in grades 5-7th grade. The daily lessons are written in a narrative style and richly illustrated with color photographs and maps to include geography. It combines the flexibility and richness of a unit study with the simplicity of a textbook-based approach to history. Daily lessons guide your middle-school student chronologically through American history, with an emphasis on key events, people, and places in their nation.

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

Cost: $110 per semester

Supply Fee: $20 per semester

Ages: 10-12

Time: 12:15 -1:25 pm

Class Size: 5 minimum/20 maximum

Instructor: Stacey Baker

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: $235

Supply Fee: $10 

Ages: 10-12

Time: 11:00 – 11:55 am

Class Size: 5 minimum/18 maximum

Instructor: Darby Smith

Curriculum: Please purchase the following books or have them checked out of the library when needed. The order of the books and date they are needed will be given by the first class. 

This class will help students develop a love for good literature using classic books of varying genres. The students will need Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo, By the Great Horn Spoon by Sid Fleischman, Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis and Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt. 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: $235

Supply Fee: $20

Ages: 10-12

Time: 10:00 – 10:55 am

Class size: 5 minimum/20 maximum

Instructor: Julie Moledor

Curriculum: Science in the Beginning, by Jay Wile

Curriculum Link: https://www.christianbook.com/science-in-the-beginning/jay-wile/9780989042406/pd/042406?event=ESRCG

Science in the Beginning introduces scientific concepts using history as its guide. The beginning of history is given in the Bible's creation account, and this book uses the days of creation as a way of introducing a wide range of scientific concepts including the nature of light, energy conservation, the properties of air and water, introductory botany, our solar system, basic zoology, and some aspects of human anatomy and physiology. As the students learn about these scientific concepts, they are constantly reminded of the Creator who fashioned the marvels they are studying, and focusing on more than one branch of science during the course of a year keeps the students engaged and introduces them to concepts which they will continue to master throughout their Jr. and Sr. High science experiences. This course will include hands-on experimentation and an introduction to microscopy. 

Cost: $235

Supply Fee: $10

Ages: 10-12

Time: 9:00 – 9:55 am

Class size: 5 minimum/18 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 academically 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.  During November, the student will participate in National Novel Writing Month (NANO WRIMO), setting and achieving his or her own word-count goal. 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) generally 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/24 maximum

Instructor: Erica Fill 

Curriculum: Students will need a softball or baseball glove

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 body weight challenges, some dance 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. We can only play games if we have at least eight students. 

*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 prior to registration.

Cost: $290 

Supply Fee: $10

Ages: 14 +

Class Time: 10:00-10:55 am

Class size: 6 student minimum/18 maximum

Instructor: Emily Berg

Curriculum: Please purchase the following books and plays- Refugee by Alan Gratz, Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, Animal Farm by George Orwell, Shakespeare Bats Cleanup by Ron Koertge, Hamlet by William Shakespeare. Students will also read the autobiography This Voice In My Heart by Gilbert Tuhabonye.

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 nonfiction – while using literary analysis to enrich our lives and change the world! Various short stories and poetry will also be read throughout the year which the teacher will provide.

Cost: $380 

Supply Fee: $30

Ages: 15 +

Prerequisite: Biology

Class Time: 8:15 - 9:55 am

Class size: 6 student minimum/15 maximum

Instructor: Jenny Petersen

Curriculum: Apologia’s The Human Body, 2nd edition

Curriculum Link: https://www.apologia.com/product/advanced-biology-2nd-edition-student-textbook/

The human body is quite simply a remarkable creation.  In this course, students will achieve an in-depth understanding of how their very own body works.  While the class certainly prepares participants for college level coursework, it will more importantly provide a solid foundation of understanding to make sound lifestyle decisions beyond the years of school-based learning.  All major body systems will be addressed along with common conditions, which affect them.  The class will include discussion as well as practical laboratory sessions to provide students with a solid understanding of perhaps the most amazing creation ever – the human body.  

Cost: $155 for the year (as many or as few classes as the student needs)

Supply Fee: none

Ages: 14 +

Time: 12:30 - 1:25 pm

Class size: 3 student minimum

Instructor: Janice Pahl 

Curriculum: None

Mrs. Pahl will be available for tutoring to assist students that are working through an Algebra 1 curriculum at home.

Cost: $380

Supply Fee: $30

Ages: 14+

Time: 8:15 - 9:55 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: $380

Supply Fee: $25

Ages: 15+

Time: 8:15 – 9:55 am

Prerequisite: Algebra I

Class Size: 6 minimum/ 15 maximum

Instructor: Janice Pahl

Curriculum: Discovering Design with Chemistry by Dr. Jay Wile  

Curriculum Link: https://www.christianbook.com/discovering-design-with-chemistry/9780996278461/pd/278461?event=ESRCQ

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: $155 for the year (as many or as few classes as the student needs)

Supply Fee: none

Ages: 15+

Time: 1:30 – 2:25 pm

Prerequisite: Algebra I

Class Size: 3 minimum

Instructor: Janice Pahl

Curriculum: Discovering Design with Chemistry by Dr. Jay Wile  

Curriculum Link: https://www.christianbook.com/discovering-design-with-chemistry/9780996278461/pd/278461?event=ESRCQ

This hour will be available throughout the school year for students who are in need of extra help that are enrolled in the Bridges' chemistry class. 

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

Ages: 12+

Time: 12:30 – 1:25 pm

Class size: 6 minimum/16 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 first 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 second 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: $145

Supply Fee: $10

Ages: 15 +

Time: 11:00 - 11:55 am          

Class size: 5 student minimum/15 maximum 

Instructor: Catherine Marx

Curriculum: Abeka Economics: Work & Prosperity in Christian Perspective

Curriculum Link: https://www.christianbook.com/abeka-economics-work-prosperity-christian-perspective/russell-kirk/pd/274563?event=ESRCG

This course will give a basic understanding of the world of economics with an emphasis on Capitalism. All the major forms of economies around the world will be presented but the emphasis will be on what are the unique aspects of the American Economy even as it faces increased pressures from a global economy.

Cost: $145 

Supply Fee: $10

Ages: 15 +

Time: 11:00 - 11:55 am

Class size: 5 student minimum/15 maximum

Instructor: Caleb Norrick

Curriculum: Exploring Government (Student Text 2016 Updated Edition) by Notgrass

Curriculum Link: https://www.christianbook.com/exploring-government-student-text/ray-notgrass/9781609991005/pd/991005?event=ESRCG

This course will cover all the key elements of the United States Government, beginning with the Articles of Confederation and each article of the U.S. Constitution, as well as each of the amendments to the Constitution and the process of amending the Constitution. We will study the Executive, Judicial and Legislative branches, covering the key responsibilities of each one and the process of how a bill becomes law.  Various levels of government will be studied (city, county, state), as well as different government systems from around the world. This course is designed to give each student a working knowledge of how our government functions and the importance of every citizen’s participation.

Cost: $310

Supply Fee: $10

Ages: 15 +

Time: 10:00 - 10:55 am          

Class size: 5 student minimum/15 maximum 

Instructor: Brittany Dowler

Curriculum: Please purchase the books listed in the course description. A particular ISBN number is not required.

This class will introduce students to a variety of classic pieces of literature, ranging from novels and plays, to short stories and poetry. Students will write a variety of responses, fiction and nonfiction, pertaining to the selections being studied. The main reading selections will be The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Night by Elie Wiesel, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, The Crucible by Arthur Miller, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Class time will consist of a content quiz, presentation of historical background, and discussion and debate about major themes from the text. 

*Please note that the emphasis of this class is writing through great literature. It is an upper level writing class.

Cost: $285

Supply Fee: $10 

Ages: 12+

Time: 11:00 – 11:55 am

Class size: 5 student minimum/20 maximum

Instructor: Ami Adams

Curriculum: Writer’s Inc. Handbook, 2006 edition

Curriculum Link: https://www.rainbowresource.com-Writers-Inc.

The work-horse of the Bridges’ writing courses, Introduction to Writing is an excellent overview of persuasive writing. A variety of weekly five-paragraph essays will be assigned, from compare/contrast, to cause/effect, to problem/solution. Students will not only master the art of writing an essay, they will also master the art of persuading an audience. During November, students will write their own novel during National Novel Writing Month (NANO WRIMO), and in the spring, the student will research a topic of his or her choice and write a persuasive paper (MLA style). 

Due to the intensity of the workload, please do not enroll the student in another writing class or Language Arts. This class is a prerequisite for College Prep, Great Books and Great Writing, and also Debate.

Cost: $120 per semester

Supply Fee: $20

Ages: 12+

Time: 1:30 – 2:45 pm

Class Size: 5 minimum/20 maximum

Instructor: Angie Waters

Curriculum: None

This art class will be composed of two parts. The first semester will be learning  graphite. The students will learn the essentials of drawing, composition, values, three dimensional drawing and much more.

The second semester will be watercolor, which includes utensils, paper weights, stretching, hues, color values, washes, smashing and 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 and creativity!

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: $290

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-workbook-student-book/r-finley/pd/262102?event=Homeschool|1004860

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/24 maximum

Instructor: Erica Fill 

Curriculum: Students will need a softball/baseball glove

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 body weight challenges, some dance 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. We can only play games if we have at least eight students. 

Cost: $285

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: $285

Supply Fee: $10

Ages: 13+

Time: 10:00 – 10:55 am

Class Size: 5 minimum/15 maximum

Instructor: Angie Waters

Curriculum: Spanish 1 Student Text, and the Student Activities Manual both 3rd Edition by BJU Press.

Curriculum Link: 

Student textbook: https://www.christianbook.com/bju-press-spanish-1-student-text/9781606829370/pd/300231?event=ESRCG

Student Activities Manual: https://www.christianbook.com/bju-press-spanish-student-activities-manual/9781606829707/pd/500736?event=CBCER1

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).

Cost: $285

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 dialogue, 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 

Public Speaking is a lifelong skill used in almost every aspect of life. From job interviews, class presentation, work presentations, training a skill, and so much more, being an effective communicator is essential. We will engage in impromptu speaking to practice and gain confidence. We will learn speech outline structures for informative and persuasive messages. Students will also practice giving feedback and evaluations. 

Students will deliver a total of 7 prepared speeches in addition to short speeches, impromptu, and even historical speeches by the end of the course. This course provides a safe environment for students to advance their speaking skills as well as overcome nervousness or speech anxiety. 

Cost: $290

Supply Fee: $10

Ages: 14 +

Time: 12:30 - 1:25 pm

Class size: 5 student minimum/20 maximum

Instructor: Caleb Norrick 

Curriculum: Exploring World History by Notgrass 

Curriculum Links: 

Part 1: https://www.christianbook.com/exploring-world-history-part-1/ray-notgrass/9781609990619/pd/990619?event=ESRCG

Part 2: https://www.christianbook.com/exploring-world-history-part-2/ray-notgrass/9781609990626/pd/990626?event=ESRCG

From Creation to the 21st century, Exploring World History presents ancient, medieval, and modern history from the perspective of faith in God and respect for His Word. It offers a thorough survey of Western civilization with significant coverage of Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Completing the full course provides your child with a year's high school credit in World History.

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