Class Descriptions
Class Descriptions 2025-2026
Electives
Bible Class (7th-12th grade)
The Bible is truly an incredible book that has withstood the test of time. It is not outdated or irrelevant. Many movies have been made form the true stories of the Bible. Within the pages of the Bible, you will find stories of good vs. evil, stories of love and betrayal, of jealousy and rage, of war and peace, of virtues and vices. And tying together all these stories is the God of the universe who presents Himself as the Great Lover of Mankind.
This year we will look at many of the most fascinating moments in the Old Testament. We will explore stories that are preserved to help us see who God is and to teach us to live better lives for God! So, buckle up as we take a 30,000-foot view of the Old Testament capturing God’s incredible story of redemption! This is a one day a week class.
Tutor: Terry Lafferty
Introduction to Logic (9th -12th grade)
As we search for truth in this life, we will need the ability to discern logical and reasonable arguments from positions built upon fallacies. We are required to use logic and reason far more often than one may think. Logic is an invaluable tool for every student. This course will focus on learning the basics of logical concepts and will introduce students to both inductive and deductive reasoning. Students will learn about logical fallacies using real-world examples in a fun and engaging way. This will enable them to develop the necessary skills to identify correct versus incorrect reasoning. This course will also consider using logic in defending the faith.
Students will learn how to make a reasoned defense of the Christian faith, The Apostle Peter tells us in 1 Peter 3:15 “…to always [be] prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you fora reason for the hope that is in you… .” ESV.
This is a one day a week class.
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
Spanish II
A deeper dive into the Spanish language concepts incorporating grammar, vocabulary, dialog and group presentations built on the foundations introduced in Spanish I. Lots of opportunity for greater conversational development!
Prerequisite: Must have taken Spanish I at Anchored Christian Academy
We will begin by finishing the second half of the Alpha and Omega Spanish I LifePac Curriculum, which we started in Spanish I. Depending on the progress of the class, there may be another curriculum book that will need to be purchased later in the school year.
Tutor: Liz Casey
Computer Science (8th-12th grade)
A computer is an electronic device that receives input, stores or processes the input as per user instructions and provides output in desired format. Computers have become an integral part of our lives because they can accomplish easy tasks repeatedly without getting bored and complex ones repeatedly without committing errors. In this class we will discuss in detail about the different parts of computer that enable it to carry out tasks efficiently and correctly. We will also discuss about microprocessors, the brain of computers, which actually do all the assigned tasks. This is a two day a week class.
Tutor: Dr Connie Lee
Literature & Writing
Middle School Literature & Writing (6th – 8th Grade)
Reading literature and writing are the essentials to succeed in life! This class is designed to cover different material each year so that the student will learn and grow. 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.
Tutor: Ruth Butler
Elegant Essay and the Research Paper (9th-12th Grade)
In this one-credit course using IEW’s Elegant Essay, high school students learn the basic structure and organization that is the schematic for all types of essay writing. Course topics will cover the building blocks for analytical writing including Thesis Statements, Essay Organization, Transitions, Introductions, Conclusions, and Advanced Thesis Statements. Students will write various types of essays over the semester, incorporating these building blocks, as well as practicing the components of ideas, style, mechanics, and voice. The course will also include a significant vocabulary and grammar element, as these are also key components in developing excellence in writing. The second semester will focus on writing a research paper using a comprehensive, step-by-step approach, beginning with choosing a topic to submitting the final paper. This is a one day a week class.
Tutor Ruth Butler
HS English/Literature/Writing (9th - 12th Grade)
Reading, literature, and writing are the essentials to succeed in life! 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 around the literature we cover in class. Homework is given and expected to be completed on time. This is a two day a week class.
Tutor Ruth Butler
History
World Geography History & Culture (9th-12th)
In a discussion-based format, students will dig into the physical geography of the regions of the world and discover the connections the physical land, the people who live there and their historical past. Students will be guided in how to research a country and make connections between location, culture, history, and sometimes current events. Along with a much deeper appreciation of the variety of people and places in the world, students will develop strong research and analytical skills which they can apply to future studies. Ultimately, this class will broaden the students' perspectives of the world and help them not only to appreciate other people but also to be able to interact with people from very different walks of life. As children of God, this is particularly important skill to develop in an increasingly shrinking world
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 Creation to the Middle Ages. Our primary source will be the From Adam to Us: Creation to Cathedrals textbook from Notgrass as well as working through the activities provided in the student, timeline, and map workbooks.
We will use the Bible extensively as well. 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 of many civilizations. Our primary source will be the Exploring World History Part 1: Creation Through the Middle Ages textbook from Notgrass. The Bible will be an important source for our study as well. The course will consist of various types of assignments, film clips, 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
Math
Pre-Algebra (6th - 8th Grade)
This is a two day a week class at HELP 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 with availability to contact me the other three days if needed.
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
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.
This is a two day a week class.
This course requires a TI-83 Plus Calculator (by Texas Instruments).
Tutor: Tami Caraway
Curriculum: Teaching Textbooks Pre-Calculus
Science
MS Science: Intro to Chemistry and Physics (6th - 8th)
This class will introduce students to the fascinating world of chemistry and physics! It will begin by exploring the basic building blocks of creation, atoms, and molecules, and then journey through simple chemicals, the laws of motion, and energy in its many forms, before discovering the concepts of electricity and magnetism. Along the way students will make their own bouncy ball, formulate a smoke bomb, build a solar oven and much more!
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
Curriculum: Apologia Exploring Creation with Physical Science
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
Curriculum: Apologia High School Exploring Creation with Biology
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
Curriculum: Apologia High School Exploring Creation with Chemistry
Elementary
Elementary Primary (Pre K-1) Little Lessons with Literature
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
Travel the U.S.A. (Grade 2nd - 5th)
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
Inventors and Inventions (Grade 2nd-5th)
In this class, students will learn about famous inventors and their inventions that changed the world. Through great literature, they will learn about the life and success of inventors such as Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell and Benjamin Franklin. After learning about the inventor, through hands-on STEAM activities, students will delve into the theories behind these inventions through activities such as Science experiments, models and similar inventions.
Tutor : Kate Funk
Art Adventure (Grade 2nd-5th)
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
Recess/Lunch Period (2nd - 5th Grade)
Monitored lunch/recess period on Tuesdays & Thursdays
Tutor: Kate Funk
Elementary Bible class
We will be going through Answers in Genesis’ Answers for Kids Bible Curriculum. We will be focused in the book of Genesis and looking at the big themes of Scripture: creation, corruption, catastrophe, confusion, Christ, Cross, and consummation. We will also look at topics like: How did we get the Bible? and What about Dinosaurs? My desire is the students will come to know and love the only true God who has created and redeemed us. Class time will include prayer, a Bible lesson, memorization, and activities. Come prepared to learn and have fun! One day a week class.
Tutor: Laura Murrell
Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) (4th -6th Grade)
This writing class uses the IEW method to develop confident writers. It does so by equipping the student with necessary tools and techniques to accomplish the writing goal at hand. Upper elementary is a great time to build your student’s confidence in writing before they hit middle and high school when writing skills will be needed across most disciplines. This class will meet once a week to receive instruction, encouragement and to share writing samples with their fellow classmates. Class size will be limited to ten students so individualized attention can be given. Parental support from home will be necessary at this age in the form of typing papers and encouragement to complete weekly assignments. One can expect weekly writing assignments which are about three hours per week. This is a one day a week class.
Tutor: Jenny Lafferty