2009-2010 Class Descriptions

Class: Algebra II
Teacher: Mrs. Diana Petty
Time: Tues/Thurs 8:30 – 10:00
Text: “Saxon Math Algebra II Second or Third Edition”
Grades: 8th – 12th

There is no requirement that you like mathematics. I am not especially fond of mathematics - and I wrote the  book - but I do love the ability to pass through doors that knowledge of mathematics has unlocked for me.” - John Saxon, “Algebra 2.” This class provides the next steps on the student’s journey toward discovering those mathematical keys necessary for unlocking future career doors. Recognizing that it is easy to forget necessary math concepts if not practiced regularly, Mr. Saxon has designed his text to first review material covered earlier in Algebra 1, then introduce new concepts in geometry, algebra, and trigonometry. Students will work together and with the instructor to master these concepts, using the text as their road map.

Class: Omnibus I
Teacher: Mrs. Ria Van Dyken
Time: Tues/Thurs 12:30 – 2:30
Text: Omnibus I, Veritas Press
Grades: 7th - 12th
Monthly Tuition Fee: $60
Material Fee: $15

“Omnibus is a Latin term meaning all encompassing or everything. In this course we focus our attention on the ideas, arguments and expressions of the Western Canon which have also become known as the Great Books of Civilization. Thus Omnibus is the study of the Great Books leading to the analysis of Great Ideas - the ideas which have shaped Western Civilization. The Great Books are those which have guided and informed thinking people in the Western Civilization. They are books which have stood the test of time..Omnibus 1″) In Omnibus 1 we will cover the biblical and classical civilization reading works by: Herodotus, Sophocles, Aristotle as well as Moses, Luke and St. Paul among others.
Although some of these are written by pagans we read them so we learn how NOT to think. It is the intention of this course to teach a distinctly Christian world view; to see the world as fallen and in need of a Savior. There is an emphasis on writing with the classical model introduced. We will also read “fun” books..those which are an easier read but still contribute to our world view. The goal of the Omnibus is to learn to reason well, communicate our beliefs and become connected to the past so we may have a godly influence in our culture.

Class: Chemistry
Teacher: Dr. Mary Leenheer
Time:  Tues/Thurs  10:00-12:00 AM
Text: “Exploring Creation With Chemistry, 2nd Ed.”
by Jay L. Wile
Grades: 9th – 12th
Pre-Requisite:  Algebra I
Monthly Tuition Fee: $60
Material Fee: $15

“Exploring Creation with Chemistry” will be taught through lecture, problem solving, and laboratory experiments.
God’s creation can be fascinating to study, and Mr. Wile has done an excellent job of writing  the  text in a style that captures the students’ interest.  He writes directly to the student and thoroughly explains concepts.  While the text is engaging and the experiments are fun, the course is academic, and designed for high school students.    They will be well prepared for any college level chemistry they may take in the future.

Class:  Physics
Teacher: Dr. Mary Leenheer
Time:  Tues/Thurs  1 1/2 hour class between 8:00-10:00 AM, exact time will be posted this summer
Text: “Exploring Creation With  Physics , 2nd Ed.”  by Jay L. Wile
Grades: 9th – 12th
Pre-Requisite /Concurrent: Algebra I I/Trigonometry
Monthly Tuition Fee: $60
Material Fee: $15

Physics will be taught using the text “Exploring Creation With Physics” which includes clear explanations of concepts and step by step examples of problem solving in physics.  Each module includes experiments which will be done in class as well.  The high school course is written to the student and covers the concepts of motion, energy, waves, optics, and electricity.

Class: World History
Teacher:Dr. Mary Leenheer
Time: Tues/Thurs 1:30 – 2:30
Text: KONOS History of the World, Volume One, The Ancient World
Grades: 8th - 12th
Monthly Tuition Fee: $45
Material Fee: $15

KONOS History of the World, The Ancient World is a comprehensive look at the history, literature, and art of the Ancient World, starting with Abraham leaving Ur and ending with the Etruscans and Celts of the pre-Roman world.  Our class will study cultures by civilizations including the Sumerians, Hebrews, and Greeks.  We will have weekly map projects, timeline assignments, biographies and other activities of interest to the students.  In our Hebrew study we will look at the Jewish feasts of the Old Testament.  The course emphasizes studying history and cultures because they are God’s story.

Class: Spanish 1
Teacher: Mrs. Yuri Dotson
Time: Tues/Thurs 10:00 – 12:00
Grades: 9th - 12th
Text: 15$ Book Rental Available:
Monthly Tuition Fee: $60
Material Fee: $15

Spanish 1 is a beginner level course in which students will develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish. Students will acquire language functions, vocabulary, and participate in interactive activities. The course is designed to help students gain an understanding and appreciation for the language, culture, and geography of Spanish speaking countries.

Class: Excellence in Writing
Teacher: Mrs. Karen Nyman
Time: Tues/Thurs 11:00 – 12:00
Text: Teacher provided.
Grades: 6th - 8th
Monthly Tuition Fee: $45
Material Fee: $20

The instructor will use material from the Institutes for Excellence in Writing within a writing workshop approach. Beginning writing students will learn to rewrite from a model and incorporate specific skills into writing. According to the author of the curriculum, students will learn “to outline and summarize, add style to their writing, create stories, produce reports, write critiques, develop essays, and put into writing the information they have hidden in their brain.” Students will develop life-long skills in literacy and become accomplished at expressing themselves through the written word.

Class: Writing Through Literature
Teachers: Mrs. Karen Nyman
Time: Tues/Thurs 12:30 – 1:30
Text: See book list
Grades: 8th - 12th
Monthly Tuition Fee: $45
Material Fee: $15

Learn how to read and respond to great works of literature through the use of effective literary strategies. In this class, students will express their thinking through writing: journaling, narratives, poems, newsworthy articles, essays, research papers, and more. In addition, classroom discussions and in-depth analysis will seek to enhance literary learning. Students will be exposed to prose, drama, and poetry through well-known authors such as Shakespeare and Harper Lee. Punctuation instruction will also be included. From a Christian perspective, students will see not only how creativity and critical thinking skills in literacy prepare them for high school and above but improve their ability to defend what they believe.

Class: Introductory Logic
Teacher: Reverend Donald Van Dyken
Time: Thursday 2:30 – 3:30
Text: Introductory Logic for Christian & Home Schools Fourth Edition ISBN: 1-59128-033-8
Grades: 7th - 12th
Monthly Tuition Fee: $25
Material Fee: $10

What is Logic? The authors of our introductory text, James Nance and Douglas Wilson, give us a succinct definition: “Formal logic is the science and the art of reasoning well. As a science, logic includes discovering and identifying patterns or rules by which we reason. As an art, logic teaches how to follow those rules, without abusing them in a wooden (and unreasonable) way.” The authors go on to describe how logic is an attribute of God and that studying logic can show us some of how God is reflected in His creation. In this class our goal will be to work through both the introductory and intermediate texts, learning the rules of logic, and how to apply them in every day life.