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2010-2011 Class Descriptions
Class: Omnibus II
Teacher: Mrs. Ria Van Dyken
Time: Tues/Thurs 12:30 – 2:30
Text: Omnibus II - Church Fathers through the Reformation, Veritas Press
Grades: 8th - 12th
Monthly Tuition Fee: $60
Material Fee: $10
“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 I). In Omnibus II we will cover the church fathers through the reformation reading works by: Shakespeare, Dante, Chaucer, Athanasius and more. 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: Excellence in Writing
Teacher: Mrs. Karen Nyman
Time: Tues/Thurs 12:30 – 1:30
Text: Teacher provided.
Grades: 6th - 8th
Monthly Tuition Fee: $45
Material Fee: $35
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 1:30 –2:30
Text: Great Expectations, King Henry IV Part One, Jane Eyre or The Count of Monte Cristo
Grades: 8th - 12th
Monthly Tuition Fee: $45
Material Fee: $30
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 Dickens, Shakespeare, and Bronte or Dumas. 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 & Intermediate Logic
Teacher: Reverend Donald Van Dyken
Time: Tues/Thurs 2:30 – 3:30
Text: Introductory Logic for Christian & Home Schools Fourth Edition and Intermediate Logic for Christian Home & Home Schools Second Edititon
Grades: 7th - 12th
Monthly Tuition Fee: $45
Material Fee: $15
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.
Class: Spanish 1
Teacher: Ms. Bethany Deibler
Time: Tues/Thurs 10:00 - 12:00
Grades: 9th - 12th
Text: $15 Book Rental Available:
Monthly Tuition Fee: $60
Material/Workbook Fee: $35
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: First Form Latin
Teacher: Mrs. Diane Pfaff
Time: Tues/Thurs 9:30 - 10:30
Grades: 6th - 9th
Text: First Form Latin, Memoria Press
Monthly Tuition: $45
Material Fee: $20
This new Latin program, written by Cheryl Lowe of Memoria Press, includes a small, concise, nonthreatening text with 34 two-page lessons. There is an accompanying workbook which provides 4 - 6 pages of exercises for each lesson. These exercises help ensure skills, mastery, and rapid recognition of inflected forms. By limiting the number of vocabulary words, students are able to focus and master the grammar forms. First Form Latin covers the six indicative active tenses second declension adjectives and 185 vocabulary words. We will use the class time to drill the vocabulary and grammar forms, as well as play some games. Students will need to commit to doing 45 - 60 minutes of homework per day on non-class days. Why study Latin, a dead language? Here are some reasons. Firstly, more than half of all English words are derived from Latin, so studying Latin helps in building English vocabulary. Secondly, Latin prepares students for the study of modern foreign languages. Thirdly, Latin teaches grammar far more effectively than English curriculum. Fourthly, Latin trains students in valuable habits of mind: memory, order, and attention to detail.
Class: Algebra I
Teacher: Mrs. Diana Petty
Time: Tues/Thurs 8:00 – 9:30
Text: Algebra 1 Third Edition, Saxon
Grades: 8th – 12th
Monthly Tuition Fee: $50
Material Fee: $15
John Saxon, in the preface of his book “Algebra 1″, describes his philosophy of teaching and learning. “Algebra is not difficult. Algebra is just different. Time is required in order for things that are different to become things that are familiar.” In this class students will be given that necessary time as they work together and with the instructor through the lessons of this text. Mr. Saxon has done an excellent job of breaking down concepts into smaller units to make them manageable and easier to understand, as well as providing the necessary repetition needed to retain these skills long term. It is the instructor’s hope that by the end of the school term the student will have a solid understanding of the basics of Algebra, have learned some valuable problem solving skills, and come to agree with Mr. Saxon’s philosophy that Algebra is not difficult; Algebra is just different.
Class: Physics/Math Tutoring
Teacher: Mrs. Diana Petty
Time: Tues/Thurs 9:30 - 10:30
Fee: To be discussed with teacher on an individual basis
Mrs. Petty will be available during this hour to tutor students in science and math.
Class: Chemistry
Teacher: Dr. Mary Leenheer
Time: Tues/Thurs 8:00-10:00
Text: Exploring Creation With Chemistry Second Edition by Jay L. Wile
Grades: 9th – 12th
Pre-Requisite: Algebra I
Monthly Tuition Fee: $60
Material/Lab Fee: $30
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 student’s 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: Science Explorations (TOPS)
Teacher: Dr. Mary Leenheer
Time: Tues/Thurs 10:30 - 12:00
Text: To be decided
Grades: 7th - 10th
Monthly Tuition Fee: $50
Material/Lab Fee: $40
Exploring God’s creation through experiments is the focus of this course. TOPS science curriculum and a history of chemistry and physics will be used to facilitate experiments and learning through activities. Subjects covered will include weighing, solutions, analysis, and possibly sound. Students will be encouraged to work with partners to complete experiments and learn concepts.
Class: AP Chemistry
Teacher: Dr. Mary Leenheer
Time: Tues/Thurs 12:30 - 1:30
Text: Advanced Chemistry in Creation by J. L. Wile, First or Second Edition
Prerequisites: Chemistry, Algebra II
Monthly Tuition: $45
Material Fee: $15
This course will be taught using Apologia’s Advanced Chemistry in Creation. Successful completion of this course gives the student the equivalent of the first year of college chemistry or prepares students to take the AP Chemistry test (Advanced Placement) administered in early May. The course covers limiting-reagent stoichiometry, orbitals, intermolecular forces, soutions, equilibria, acids and bases, redox reactions, and introduction to nuclear chemistry, and organic chemistry.
