Class Descriptions
Class Descriptions 2026-2027
Electives
Bible Class (7th-12th grade)
The Bible is the greatest book ever written and has been preserved throughout history by the
hand of God. So, it is incredibly valuable to examine its contents to see how they impact our
lives. This is a brand-new class! This year we will be examining each book of the New
Testament. Not only will your student become more familiar with each book, but your student
will learn truths that are relevant and applicable to his/her life! When the class is over your
student will have a binder with a summary of every book of the New Testament that he/she can
refer to throughout the years!
There will be no tests, but each week there will be a 5-question quiz based on the previous
week’s class. Those quizzes will account for 40% of the grade, and class participation will
account for 40% of the grade. The final 20% will be a service project your student will be
required to complete and present to the class, So, come along on this journey as we explore
what God has to say!
Tutor: Terry Lafferty
Personal development (9th- 12th)
This class will lead students on a discovery and affirmation of who they are in Christ, and what that means for them, practically, personally, and relationally. We will use multiple tools, such as Meyers-Briggs, DISC, learning style inventories, and Enneagram to help students connect the dots and see how God has uniquely wired them. As Christians, we will also delve into the personal practices of Jesus (spiritual disciplines,) to also challenge students in their spiritual growth. Class time will be discussion based, and assignments will be based around the tools, scripture, and journaling.
Tutor: Lise Sentell
Middle School Spanish & Latin Culture
In this class we will be diving into the world of Spanish Language and culture, with a specific interest in God's heart for Latino people and how He can use us! This class will involve both book and online homework exercises, gaining an understanding of Spanish grammar and vocabulary. We will also be exploring various cultural aspects of different Spanish-speaking countries. This class will involve conversation practice, cultural projects, skits and speaking practice, and participation in Spanish worship songs. I'm excited to partner with you in enjoying the wonderful world of Espanol!
Tutor: Liz Casey
HS Ethics
Is it always wrong to lie? Is it wrong to steal food if you are starving and desperate? Should we try to clone human beings? Is it right to hire your friend for a job when the other person is more qualified? This is a real-world class! These (and many more) are the types of questions we face when we live in this real world.
Ethics is a system of determining what is right and wrong. We will explore the basis for morality and ethics and try to answer some hard questions along the way about what we will do in difficult, challenging and tempting situations.
Tutor: Terry Lafferty
Literature & Grammer
Middle School Literature & Writing (6th – 8th Grade)
Literacy and writing are the gateway to all other academic learning. This class is designed to cover different material each year so that the student will learn and grow. Many students take it all throughout middle school. It will focus on the five types of writing: analytical, descriptive, persuasive, expository, and narrative. Stylistic techniques, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, and grammar are also stressed. A short beginning DAR research/essay will also be accomplished. In addition, paragraph styles are part of the curriculum. Brief literature pieces in the form of short stories and novels will be incorporated as well. Homework is given and expected to be completed on time. This is a one day a week class. Fifth graders are welcome depending upon their ability.
Tutor: Ruth Butler
HS English/Literature/Writing With an Honors Option (9th - 12th Grade)
Literacy and writing are the gateway to all other academic learning. This class will focus on the five essay types of writing: analytical, descriptive, persuasive, expository, and narrative. Stylistic techniques, both basic and advanced are taught. Spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, and grammar are also stressed. A short beginning DAR research/essay will also be accomplished as well as a longer research paper given at the end of the year. The final research paper will incorporate MLA format. Literature pieces in the form of short stories and novels will be incorporated as well and discussed. The writing homework revolves upon the literature we cover in class. Homework is given and expected to be completed on time. The class is designed to include new material each year, so students can take the class all throughout their high school journey.
There is an Honors Option as well. To receive credit for the Honors designation, the parent or guardian must sign a permission form. The student will be in the same class as the regular English class. The difference between regular and honors are: The student must maintain a B average, participate orally in the literature discussion on a consistent basis, and their homework will be slightly longer than those enrolled in regular English. They will act as group leaders when appropriate in group work, and they will need to complete an end of the year project (there will be several options to choose from).
Tutor: Ruth Butler
MS/HS Creative Writing
This weekly class will focus on creativity and genre. We will cover many genres such as: the fairy tale, fable, folk tale, poetry, short story, myth, legend, song lyrics, comic strip writing, letters, and much more! Common writing errors such as grammar, spelling, and punctuation will also be discussed and corrected in a comfortable and relaxed manner. There is weekly homework, and it is expected to be handed in on time. Please email me with any questions.
Materials Needed: A composition book, a 3 ring binder, highlighters, pens, and pencils. No books are needed.
Tutor: Mrs. Butler
History
Middle School History (6th-8th grade)
This full year, twice-weekly Middle School level history course will explore our world from the
perspective of faith in God and respect for His Word. It will include a survey of events and issues
from the fall of Rome to today.
Our primary source will be From Adam to Us: Castles to Computers textbook from
Notgrass as well as working through the activities provided in the student and map workbook.
The course will consist of various types of assignments, in-class participation via discussion,
hands-on and group projects, and quizzes. Students will be able to do their own research and
projects on topics that interest them from this vast time in history.
Tutor: Beth Burlingham
High School History (9th-12th grade)
This full year, twice-weekly High School level history course will explore our world from the perspective of faith in God and respect for His Word. It will include a survey of events and issues from the fall of Rome to present day.
Our primary sources will be From Adam to Us Part 2: Castles to Cathedrals and In Their Words from Notgrass.
The course will consist of various types of assignments, in-class participation via discussion, hands-on and group projects, quizzes, and exams. There will be opportunities for individual projects and research on topics chosen by the students.
Tutor: Beth Burlingham
US History Through the Presidents
One way to develop a deeper understanding of the United States, its origin and development over time is to look at the actual individuals who were elected to lead it. Who were the presidents and what qualified them to serve? How did the presidents manage to lead the US as a rapidly changing country, facing rapidly changing technology in a rapidly changing world? The primary goal of this class is to learn to use a range of analytical tools and methods to help better understand the vast amount of information available on our presidents. This research and discussion-based class will help students become better note takers, better researchers, and better analysts not just on the subject of US history but in other subjects, as well. Students will also learn from each other and begin to draw their own conclusions about what it takes to be President of the United States.
Tutor : Winkie Illic
MS World Cultures & Geography
This class provides an interactive overview of different countries with a specific emphasis on culture and geography. We will journey through different regions of the world in a survey-style mix of lecture and class discussion. Tuesday’s class will explore the cultural aspects of a given region/country. On Thursday we will dive into the geography of the same country, and use that information to build interactive research projects that students will present in teams. There will also be opportunities for students to bring in food that they have researched and prepared with their families based on the given culture! This is a hands-on style class for those who want to discover more about the nations and God's heart for them!
Tutor: Liz Casey
Math
Pre-Algebra (6th - 8th Grade)
This is a two day a week class and will require online home lessons and work to be done three days a week. The curriculum for this class is Teaching Textbooks. Teaching Textbooks is a complete math curriculum offered as an app for each course. There will be in person teaching two days a week and online teaching the other three. Topics include: Arithmetic Basics, Rational Numbers, Decimals, Percents, Measuring Length, Measuring Area and Volume, Simple Algebraic Equations, Integers, Longer Algebraic Equations, Combining Like Terms, Rational Expressions, Powers, Polynomials and Radicals, Geometry, Relations, Functions, Graphing, Statistics and Probability, Inequalities, Properties, and Absolute Value. The goal is to prepare students for Algebra I by partnering with parents by offering in person teacher led lessons two days a week.
Curriculum: Teaching Textbooks Pre-Algebra
Algebra I (9th - 12th Grade)
Topics covered in this fully comprehensive Algebra 1 course
include adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing with powers and roots, scientific notation, solving linear equations and inequalities in one variable, rate, work, and mixture word problems, simplifying and factoring polynomials, rational expressions, adding, subtracting, solving quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, and using the quadratic formula, graphing linear equations, slope, graphing higher-degree equations, solving systems of two linear equations in two variables graphically and algebraically, solving inequalities in one variable, graphing two-variable inequalities, functions, absolute value equations, mean, median, mode, range, stem and leaf plots, box and whisker plots, histograms, probability including tree diagrams, and using a graphing calculator. This is a two day a week class.
Tutor: Tami Caraway
Curriculum: Teaching Textbooks Algebra I
Geometry (9th - 12th Grade)
In this course, students will be taught the fundamental basics of geometry up through more difficult topics such as coordinate geometry, theorems, properties, and postulates. Chapters cover lines and angles, parallel lines, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, area, solid geometry, non-Euclidean geometries, and more. Problems modeled on questions found in the SAT/ACT are also included to help prepare students for standardized testing. This is a two day a week class.
Tutor: Tami Caraway
Curriculum: Teaching Textbooks Geometry
Pre-Calculus (10th - 12th Grade)
Prepare your students for college-level math in this course. Lessons cover exponential and logarithmic functions, matrices and determinants, statistics and probability, trigonometry, analytic geometry, and more through easy-to-understand lessons.
Tutot: Tami Caraway
Curriculum: Teaching Textbooks
Science
Middle School Science: Intro to Anatomy & Physiology (6th - 8thGrade)
This engaging course takes an academic and practical approach to teach about the human body. There will be lessons, projects, and experiments to help each student better understand the complexity and purposes of the human body’s design. Students will explore a range of topics such as human DNA, cell anatomy, body systems, and health and nutrition. Some projects to be completed are creating a personalized human figure, testing bacteria content, finding blood types, creating a cell model and much more! This is a two day a week class.
Curriculum: Apologia Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology
Physical Science (8th - 9th Grade)
This course is designed to help your student make the transition from junior high to high school science. During this course, your student will study their physical environment and the basic laws that make it work. Topics include: the earth & atmosphere, weather, motion, Newton’s laws, gravity, atomic structure, radiation, nuclear reaction, and outer space. Experiments for this course include: examining carbon dioxide and the greenhouse effect, exploring the forces between molecules, modeling plate, tectonics, predicting weather, and much more. Basic algebra skills are needed. If you have a younger student, carefully consider the student’s readiness in terms of math and reading comprehension skills. This is a two day a week class.
Tutor: Jenny Lafferty
Biology (9th - 10th Grade)
This course will use a creation-based science curriculum to help students explore, discover, and understand the wonders of creation. This course is an introduction to fundamental life processes and biological concepts. Students will learn about: scientific classification, biochemistry, atomic structure and bonding, cellular biology (including structure, function, and reproduction), molecular and Mendelian genetics, evolution, ecosystems, and the basic anatomy of organisms. This course incorporates an introduction to laboratory skills including: the scientific method, microscopy, dissection, classification, patterns of inheritance, diffusion, and observing, measuring, and analyzing scientific data. This is a two day a week class.
Tutor: Jenny Lafferty
Chemistry (10th - 12th Grade)
This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of Chemistry through a variety of ways: lecture, discussion lab work, and self-study. Chemistry is the study of matter and its changes. Therefore, the topics covered in this course include, but are not limited to: measurement, atomic structure, electron configuration, the periodic table, gas laws, properties of liquids and solids, solutions, stoichiometry, reactions, acids, and bases. Students need to have both good study skills and math skills to be successful in this course. Prerequisite: completion of Algebra 1 with a grade of B or higher. This is a two day a week class.
Tutor: Dr. Connie Lee
Computer Science (8th-12th grade) 7th graders considered with prior approval from tutor
Welcome to Computer Science! This year, you won’t just learn about technology—you’ll create with it. Our class is all about exploring how computers think, solving real-world problems, and bringing your own ideas to life through code.
We’ll start the year with Programming with Music, where you’ll dive into coding by making music. You’ll learn how to build, remix, and perform songs using programming concepts like sequencing, loops, and functions. Along the way, you’ll practice thinking like a computer scientist—breaking down problems, recognizing patterns, debugging mistakes, and designing creative solutions. By the end of this unit, you’ll combine your coding skills and musical creativity to produce your own unique genre mash-up project.
Next, we will explore the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. You will learn how computers use data to recognize patterns and make decisions. Working with real-world data, you will train your own machine learning models and discover how AI is used in everyday life. For your final project, you will design and build your own machine learning app that solves a problem that matters to you.
This class is hands-on, creative, and collaborative. You will experiment, make mistakes, improve your ideas, and build projects you can be proud of. Whether you’re brand new to coding or already have experience, this course will challenge you to think differently and create something meaningful. Get ready to code, create, and innovate! This is a two day a week class.
Tutor: Dr Connie Lee
Elementary Classes
Elementary Bible
Using Answers in Genesis's year 4 homeschool curriculum, we will be diving into Jesus's last year of ministry, His death and resurrection, and the beginnings of the spread of the gospel with Peter and Paul's ministries. Class will include prayer, a Bible lesson, and simple activities. Come prepared to learn and grow in your understanding of Jesus! This class is one day a week on Thursdays.
Tutor: Laura Murrell
Elementary travel the USA
Come join us on an exciting adventure as we travel the USA! As we journey across the USA, state to state, we will learn the capitals, landmarks, state birds, presidents and so much more. We will learn about important historical events such as the Declaration of Independence, California Gold Rush and Westward Expansion. We will get to know famous people such as Lewis and Clark and Neil Armstrong. We will delve into science as well, as we explore the animals, geology and weather events in each state. Interesting facts from each state will inspire learning topics too. For example, Minnesota is home to the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota was the first to perform open heart surgery. We will then learn all about the different systems of the human body and how they work. Lessons will be engaging and incorporate hands-on fun activities. This course is designed to cover Geography, Social Studies, History, Science, Bible, Music, Art, Enrichment as well as some Language Arts. With this course, the only subjects the parent would be required to teach at home would be math and Language Arts.
Tutor: Kate Funk
Primary- PreK-1st
This class will combine several beloved classic children’s picture books with hands-on activities, art projects, games, and songs that reinforce the gentle lessons that come from each story. Little lessons will include topics on family and friends, nature, the seasons and holidays, and more. Children will have opportunities to interact with their teacher and peers in respectful ways. While exposure to letters and numbers, and the use of motor skills will be present in these lessons, this class is only meant to be supplemental to the basic lessons that a child will receive at home.
Tutor : Laura Murrell
Learning and Laughing through Literature
Elementary Language Arts should be low-pressure, fun and engaging! It should instill a love of learning for both reading and writing. In this class, quality and interesting literature will be the spine for learning language arts. Each week, we will read chapters from an interesting, well-written, age-appropriate chapter book and then use it to explore literary analysis, grammar, writing and spelling. Fun projects will be incorporated into our literary units to keep our learners excited and motivated.
Tutor : Kate Funk
Exploring Art
In this class, students will have the opportunity to learn and explore through creative expression. They will learn a variety of techniques to create meaningful art projects. They will explore with a wide range of media including collage, painting, drawing , sculpture and more. The students will create work for seasonal and yearly themes such holidays.
Tutor: Kate Funk
Scientists and Discoveries
In this class students will learn about famous scientists and their discoveries that changed the world. They will learn about the life and success of scientists such as Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, and Galileo Galilei. After learning about the scientist, through hands-on activities, students will delve into learning more about them through activities such as science experiments, models, and projects.
Tutor: Kate Funk