All our Thursday Courses are listed below.
If you prefer to look at them on a printable PDF, click the button:
THURSDAY COURSE OFFERINGS (2024-2025)
HISTORY THROUGH STORIES:
is a middle school class on American history that will help your
student understand how the United States became a nation, established a new type of government and
grew as a nation under God. Through reading, class discussion, and projects, students will learn about how
our country began and then jump forward to the Civil War through the 1900s. Some topics that we will
cover are slavery, the Civil War, its causes and effects, amendments to the Constitution,
presidents and states, the Spanish-American War, inventions, Spanish flu, World War I, women’s suffrage,
the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, the Space Race, Martin Luther King and the Civil
Rights Movement, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Reagan Revolution. Each week, students
will discover the important people and events from an historical time period by reading a book from my
“book box”. Both nonfiction and historical fiction books are used to help students understand the people
and the period. In addition to reading, weekly homework may include answering questions, making
timeline cards, working on maps, or a project. Flexibility is allowed for the reading. Students may read
independently, with a parent, or listen to audio books (which is my favorite way to learn history). During
the year, 5 or 6 creative projects are assigned, where the students will do some more in-depth reading and
research on a person or topic and share it with the class. The timeline project is completed throughout the year. There is also an American hero project, a diorama project, a president project,
and others. Additionally, we use maps on a regular basis to get a picture of U. S. geography and how it
relates to the historical events that we’re studying. The more students read about history, the more they
will understand and remember. So, I give the students a history reading challenge with prizes for all the
students based on their reading and/or listening to books. Each year my students surprise themselves and
even their parents with how much history they read or listen to for this class. That’s the best way to learn
history! Materials: $12.00. Taught by France Vivenzio.
HISTORY: ANCIENT TIMES:
This high school course is based on My Father’s World: Ancient History, and begins our 4-year rotation of US/World history. Why study Ancient history? Because it helps us understand God’s work, our own place, and how to make history in our own age. Our post-modern world does not study history the way we do; they don’t see the “big picture”, and especially God’s hand in the creation of the world and involvement in all things. This year reviews Creation through the time of the Greeks. We look at the importance of the fertile crescent to civilization; Egyptian building, religion, and dependence on their great river; Greek philosophy, science and architecture, seeing how it influenced us; the importance of ancient Israel and how it fit into the greatest civilizations in the world. Each week students will be assigned map work, biography/timeline characters, history reading (stories; lots and lots of stories!), comprehension questions and some research. On Thursdays we will have discussions and presentations based on the week’s work, and related group activities to bring history to life (we celebrate Jewish feasts together), always with an emphasis on making the class time lively and the information relevant to life today. This course provides 1 full high school credit in history AND 1 full credit in Bible, as The Old Testament readings are a central focus of the history lessons and are integrated chronologically with our studies. Grades are based on completion of the homework, class participation, and quarterly exams. Consider taking the mythology literature class and ancient art classes. They are a nice complement to this one. Required Materials: Exploring World History Vol 1 by Ray Notgrass (ISBN: 9781609990619), Exploring World History Student Review by Ray Notgrass and Bethany Poore (ISBN: 9781609990718), The Baker Illustrated Guide to Bible by J. Daniels Hays and J. Scott Duvall (ISBN: 9780801015458), Taking the Old Testament Challenge by Judson Pooling (ISBN: 9780310249139), The Usborne Encyclopedia of the Ancient World (ISBN: 9780794511418). Materials/Copies: $25.00. Taught by Julie Shorey and Bree Brasil.
CLASSICAL MYTHOLOGY: (1st semester only) :
This fun, interactive one semester literature class immerses high school students in Greek mythology. It is open to all high school students. Without a grasp of ancient myths, students are ill-equipped to make sense of the classical allusions which abound in literature, media, sermons, and speeches. What is the underlying meaning when someone says beware of Greeks bearing gifts, or they have opened Pandora’s box, or they have undertaken a Sisyphean task? Understanding the origin of classical references that are still widely used in our culture today opens intellectual doors for students. This interactive class will focus on learning the conventional patterns and motifs of classical mythic stories, as well as making relevant connections with the Bible and modernity. Although the myths were written by pagan pre-Christians, what many people do not know is that these mythological stories had seeds of truth in them that God used to prepare the Gentiles (many of whom were Greeks) to receive the Gospel when Paul delivered it to them in the New Testament. For homework most weeks students will read a selection from Edith Hamilton’s Mythology, summarize the main points of a myth in an outline format, work through a couple of pages of questions/graphic charts, and write one paragraph from the classical Progymnasmata. Using their outlines, the following week in class, students will give an oral narration of the myth to a partner to show their understanding of the story. This is to reinforce the method of narration (remembering what you have read and retelling it orally) as well as to emphasize the oral tradition of the stories we are studying. Additionally, for homework, students will be required to read over (not memorize) a short script or poem in preparation for a class read aloud the following week. There are some quizzes, but there is no final test in this class; instead, students will complete two assignments. First, they write an essay comparing some of the myths with the Bible and then they complete a culminating project, Mythology in Modern Day, which requires students to take what they have learned, apply it to modernity, and present it to the class. This class is more reading intensive and is not as writing intensive, so most students can take it at the same time as a writing course. Students should plan on about 3-4 hours of homework per week. Required text: Edith Hamilton’s Mythology (ISBN 0316341517) The course is worth ½ high school literature credit. Materials fees: $35.00 (includes study guide, provided by the tutor). Taught by Allison Desautell.
ART HISTORY: ANCIENT (2nd semester only):
In this course students will use activities from Adventures in Art, lessons from KONOS, and projects from Visual Manna as we explore different mediums and techniques in the art of the Ancient World. We will study the growth and change of different elements of art and the effect they had on their societies. We will observe the art of the ancient civilizations through activities including: copper rubbings of the Sumerians, cartouches of Egypt, printmaking of Japan, sculpture of a seder plate of the Hebrews, making mosaics of Greece, building models of a Roman villa, and more. The students will create something new almost every week. It is suggested that the student has either taken All About Art (offered in the fall) or studied the Elements of Art in another context. A supply list will be provided. Materials: $45.00. Taught by Erin Hazen.
SPANISH 2:
This high school level class picks up where the Spanish 1 (or Spanish 1A and 1B) leaves off, quickly reviewing vocabulary, pronouns, present-tense verb conjugations, and noun/adjective agreement. Students should have completed level one successfully and will now begin building upon prior knowledge. Similar to learning one’s native language, we will learn through stories to reinforce vocabulary and structure. Students hear and read high frequency words and phrases repeated in stories. In addition to storytelling and reading, we will use conventional methods of language learning: vocabulary lists and grammar explanations. The 4 skills of language learning: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking are incorporated every week. Culture adds spice and interest to our curriculum and will be woven throughout each term. Prerequisite: Successful completion of our Spanish 1 or demonstration of the equivalent. Expectations: This is a high school level course. Students must complete one hour of practice and study per day. Language learning is time-consuming and cumulative; it is imperative that students complete all assignments throughout the week and maintain consistent attendance. The course covers 5 days’ worth of material each week; personal responsibility at home is necessary. Students use Spanish for Mastery 2 by Valette & Valette (on loan from instructor). There is no book fee, but materials fee covers supplemental copies. Copies: $40. Taught by Mikaela Shorey.
(6th grade) EXPLORING CREATION WITH CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS:
This class is an exciting bridge between the elementary Exploring Creation series and Apologia’s General Science. Geared towards 6th graders, or middle school students who are not yet ready for General Science, students will be introduced to the fascinating world of chemistry and physics. The topics include atoms, molecules, simple chemicals, laws of motion, electricity, magnetism, and simple machines. Class time will be packed with fun hands-on experiments and projects to make the concepts come alive! Students will have weekly reading (approximately 7-9 pages/week) and complementary work in the Student Notebook. Required materials: Apologia Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics Textbook by Jeannie Fulbright; Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics Notebooking Journal. Materials: $50.00. Taught by Sheri Harrington
GENERAL SCIENCE:
This Apologia junior high school level course is the foundation for all the upper level Apologia high school science courses due to its easy introduction to areas of biology, physical sciences, and anatomy and physiology in a simple and approachable manner. Labs and fun projects will be done in class while bi-weekly tests will be proctored at home. Apologia science courses follow a routine and rhythm that helps the students and that routine is established effectively in this foundational course. Required Materials: Apologia Exploring Creation with General Science, 2nd edition, by Jay Wile; 1 inch 3-ring binder with college ruled filler paper and 16 insertable dividers with tabs. Materials/lab fee: $40.00. Taught by Dana Cloutier
BIOLOGY (1½ hour tutorial):
This well-narrated Apologia high school biology course covers
numerous topics including the science of life, the chemistry of life, ecology, cell structure and
function, cellular energy, DNA, proteins, genetics, prokaryotes, viruses, fungi, plants, and
animals. The students observe both microscopic and macroscopic specimens and learn how to
write lab reports. Dissections include the earthworm, crayfish, fish, frog, and flower (pending
availability). The classroom experience covers lectures, games, discussion, and laboratory work.
Homework includes reviewing vocabulary and a quiz and test for each unit. Required Materials:
(1) Apologia – Exploring Creation with Biology, 3rd edition, Dincher (hardcover or now
softcover). (2) Apologia – Exploring Creation with Biology Student Notebook, 3rd edition
(softcover). Please note: This is a change in the edition from last year and has great
updates! Christian Book Distributors offers competitive pricing. Required Communication: Each
student (or parent) must have an email account for weekly updates and submit work and
view assignments on Google Classroom. This process will be explained in the
class. Materials/Lab: $25.00. Taught by Renee McInnis.
CHEMISTRY (1½ hour tutorial):
This Apologia high school chemistry class provides each student
with an introduction to measurement, matter, atomic structure, chemical equations, acid and base
chemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics and reduction/oxidation reactions. A basic knowledge of
algebra is needed to master the mathematical equations. The experiments include building
models, measurement, and observing changes in matter. Classes include lectures, experiments,
and games. Homework includes a written study guide and test for each unit. This course is suited
for mature high school students who can manage work independently. Required Materials: (1)
Apologia – Exploring Creation with Chemistry, 3rd edition. (hardcover or now also available in
softcover), (2) Apologia – Exploring Creation with Chemistry Student Notebook, 3rd edition.
(softcover), and (3) calculator. (Christian Book Distributors offers competitive pricing for
books.) Required Communication: Each student (or parent) must have an email account for
weekly updates and submit work and view assignments on Google Classroom. This process
will be explained in the class. Materials/Lab: $25.00. Taught by Renee McInnis.
PHYSICS (1½ hour tutorial) :
This high school class provides an introduction to physics. This course covers motion in one-dimension, one-dimensional motion equations and free fall, two-dimensional vectors, motion in two-dimensions, Newton’s laws, applications of Newton’s second law, uniform circular motion and gravity, work and energy, momentum, periodic motion, waves, geometric optics, Coulomb’s Law and the electric field, electric potential, electric circuits, and magnetism. This course contains laboratory experiments that help illustrate the topics in the class. Students will maintain a laboratory notebook to document the experiments performed and provide evidence to college admissions that the class included a lab section. Students can take this class at the standard level or the honors level. The honors level requires additional work with each module. Prerequisites: Algebra I and Geometry. Co-requisite: at least concurrent enrollment in Algebra II. Please purchase: Exploring Creation with Physics, 2nd Ed. Jay Wile. A scientific calculator is also required. Lab and materials fee: $25.00. Taught by Sandy Tracy.
FUNDAMENTALS OF MATHEMATICS (1.5-hour tutorial):
This is a middle school math course designed to bridge students between their elementary math studies and Pre-Algebra. This course will focus on fractions, decimals and percents. Fractions, in particular, are often something that students struggle with, and this struggle multiplies as they move further into higher math. The goal of this course is to help students understand and conceptualize these topics so that can move forward with greater confidence. We will approach the material through a variety of learning approaches which makes the material
accessible to all learning styles. This course requires about 30 – 45 minutes of DAILY work outside of class. Required Materials: 1 inch 3-ring binder for organizing books and handouts. Materials fee includes the worktexts, copies, and other miscellaneous materials: $95. Taught by Dana Cloutier
PRE-ALGEBRA (2 hour tutorial):
This class will meet twice a week, allowing for more in-depth interaction with the concepts. The course requires about 45 minutes to an hour of DAILY work outside of class. There will be required summer assignments to get students warmed up for the beginning of the school year. Prerequisites: Admission into this course requires passing a readiness test administered by the instructor. If a student is not ready for this class, Fundamentals of Mathematics would be an excellent course to begin with. Topics covered in Pre-Algebra include: variables, expressions, integers, order of operation, simplifying variable expressions, solving equations, multi-step equations, inequalities, factors, greatest common factor, rules of exponents, scientific notation, equations and inequalities with rational numbers, ratios and proportions, the percent equation, percent applications, simple interest, relations and function, graphing, linear equations in two variable, slope, graphing a line in the slop-intercept form, the Pythagorean Theorem, distance and mid-point, circumference and area of circles, basic statistics. The goal of this course is to help students understand the concepts and the connections between them, to avoid the some of that frustration for students thinking they are memorizing many, many concepts. We use a variety of approaches which make the material accessible to all learning styles, building a strong foundation for high school math and science. This course is designed for middle school students who have completed their basic elementary math work (7th and 8th graders, although some 6th graders may be ready for this course). Required Materials: Pre-Algebra, by Larson, Bosewell, Kanold and Stiff, published by McDougall Littell, Copyright 2005, ISBN 0618250034; a 3-ring binder with 5 dividers; lined and graph paper; a calculator that can handle trig. Functions and logarithms (I would highly recommend the Texas Instruments TI-30xs MultiView). Do not purchase a graphing calculator. The use of a phone is not allowed. Materials: $40 – includes one year subscription to IXL, summer review assignments and practice workbook. Taught by Sandy Tracy
ALGEBRA 1/HONORS ALGEBRA 1 (2 hour tutorial):
This class will meet twice a week, one hour on Tuesday and for one on Thursday. The course requires about 45 minutes to an hour of DAILY work outside of class, and can be taken at an honors level or a standard level. Required summer assignments will review the Pre-Algebra topics in chapters 1 and 2 and we will begin the year with chapter 3. Topics covered in this class include polynomial arithmetic, factoring polynomials, transforming formulas, algebraic fractions, negative exponents and scientific notation, functions and lines, equations and graphing, systems of linear equations, inequalities, rational and irrational numbers, and quadratic function. Prerequisites: Admission into this class requires either successful completion of Pre-Algebra or passing an Algebra readiness test administered by the instructor. Students should have a good command of order of operations, evaluating simple and complex expressions, solving linear equations, problem solving process, signed number arithmetic, positive exponents, and the distributive property. Required Materials: Algebra 1, by Larson, Bosewell, Kanold and Stiff, published by McDougall Littell, Copyright 2007, ISBN 0618594027; a 3-ring binder with 5 dividers; lined and graph paper; and a scientific calculator (I highly recommend the Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView). Do not purchase a graphing calculator. The use of a phone is not allowed. Material fee: $40 – includes one year subscription to IXL, summer review assignments and practice workbook. Taught by Sandy Tracy.
GEOMETRY/HONORS GEOMETRY (2 hour tutorial):
This is a high school level math course that meets twice per week, one hour on Tuesday and one on Thursday. This format allows for more in-depth interaction with the concepts. Prerequisite to admission into this class is successful completion of the Algebra 1 class or passing an Algebra Exit test administered by the instructor. [If a student is not ready for Geometry, the Algebra 1 course is a great place to begin.] The course requires about 45 minutes to an hour of DAILY work outside of class. A goal of this course is to help students understand why the concepts work, not just how to find the answer. This helps promote mathematical reasoning and conceptual growth which allows students to analyze new situation and deduce answers. Some of the topics covered include: parallel and perpendicular line, triangle relationships, similarity, polygons and area, surface area and volume, right triangles and basic trigonometry, circles, transformations, and proofs. Please purchase: McDougal Littell Geometry (2007 edition ISBN:978-0-618-59540-2). You will also need a calculator that can handle trig. functions and logarithms (I highly recommend the Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView ). Do not purchase a graphing calculator. The use of phones is not allowed. Material fee: $40 – includes one year subscription to IXL, summer review assignments and practice workbook. Taught by Sandy Tracy
HEALTH AND NUTRITION (for high school and beyond):
“Exploring Creation with Health and Nutrition covers what maturing students need to know to help them make the best choices they can for themselves as they become young adults. Health is about stewardship: managing what you have as well as you can. This 15-module course covers the physical, nutritional, emotional, and spiritual aspects of growing into a healthy adult. Students will study the human body systems, senses, genetics, temperaments, and physical influences on thoughts and feelings. The course respectfully covers mental illness and emotional stability, as well as the inestimable value of another human being, our culture, our gender roles, our families, socialization, communication skills, and conflict resolution skills. Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of both macronutrients and micronutrients, including the importance of exercise and proper diet. We will also touch on topics such as nature versus nurture, personal temperament, good decision-making skills, boundary setting, analyzing food intake and activity levels, creating good hygiene habits, keeping a sleep record, as well as so much more. Parental Note: This is a full health textbook. Some students may not be mature enough to discuss some of the topics. The reproductive systems are covered in detail, including accurate, yet respectful, illustrations and descriptions. We respectfully discuss the act of marriage, sexual misconduct, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases. We discuss alcohol and drug abuse, depression, pornography, and other topics that also require maturity. Please use your knowledge of your students to decide if this course is appropriate for their maturity levels.” (from apologia.com). Please note: If your student high school science course plan does NOT include the Anatomy & Physiology course, this Health course would be helpful to include with biology. Apologia Biology does NOT include any study of the human body in its biology book. Exploring Creation with Health and Nutrition can fulfill the health course requirements that some states require for high school graduation. It does not fulfill a lab science requirement. Required Text: Exploring Creation with Health and Nutrition. Strongly recommended: completion of Biology before taking Health and Nutrition. (Author suggests this in textbook introduction to course)
Required materials also includes student notebook, not just the text.
https://www.christianbook.com/exploring-creation-with-health-nutrition-course/laura-chase/pd/437038?en=google&event=SHOP&kw=homeschool-60-80%7C437038&p=1179710&dv=c&gclid=CjwKCAjwk6P2BRAIEiwAfVJ0rErl8VbHzz-8rmJZnDZdNiWZEa-KRWBAThr1965auv4besdqMZXBPhoCbDYQAvD_BwE Materials: $20.00. Taught by Dana Cloutier.
UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES (1½ hour tutorial):
This course by Summit Ministries answers the “whys” about many of the trends in current culture. It focuses on comparing six fundamental worldviews dominant in Western Civilization and influencing in a big way: Marxist Leninism (communism), Secular Humanism, Cosmic Humanism (New Age movement), Islam, Post-Modernism; and compares them with Biblical Christianity. Students learn the basic beliefs of each of these, often looking at their own writings, and compare them with Christianity. Some take the course because they are questioning what they’ve been taught; others because they want to learn about the world from an idea point of view and/or effectively defend their own faith. Students have reported feeling confident in their faith and able to defend it to others because they understand the various worldviews better. (And what matters more than that?) This course, or one like it, should be required for graduation by every Christian parent. But don’t worry. The students generally love the deep, thoughtful, lively discussions. Explore the Summit Ministries site and try taking this excellent (and free) worldview test yourself and then have your high schooler do it, to perhaps obtain some real insight into the need: http://www.secretbattlebook.com/checkup.html. While Apologetics is mostly studying the basics of the Christian faith from the Bible, this course involves studying respectfully what the other worldviews believe and how they compare to the basic concepts of Christianity, also using the Bible as the final authority. According to Summit Ministries, 70% of Christians leave the church by age 22, 40% of GenZ claim no religious affiliation, and only 4% of GenZ holds a biblical worldview. Instruction in the worldviews dramatically changes these statistics. The lively discussion/application format is very effective in encouraging students to interact about the things that really matter, and it is what the students love most about this class, along with the video lectures by experts in every field we study. Students can gain college credit for this class. Check it out at http://understandingthetimes.com/college-credit/. The material was written for juniors and seniors in high school, but not strictly limited, although it is challenging. Parents are welcome to sit in. Materials fee includes hard cover textbook, student manual, access to online video lectures, and copies. Materials: $75.00. Taught by Julie Shorey.
APOLOGETICS:
Every statistic says that Christians are walking away from the church in droves, with young people leading the charge. This class is one of our primary attempts to face that trend head-on. First, we directly and systematically work through the basic tenants of the faith, with a special emphasis of identifying the assumptions and blind spots which exist in the mind of the student. Next, we begin to create the building blocks of simple, clear and practical communication which students can use to defend and explain their faith to others. Finally, we tackle the deeper levels of philosophy and theology of the world and the church throughout history to better understand the unique and continuing challenges we face today. Throughout this process, the students will be challenged to honestly face the elements of the Christian faith which tend to be the most complex and challenging. Students will not be allowed to hide behind the “easy answers”, but every honest doubt or question will be welcomed and encouraged. In the end, we cannot make anyone believe the truth, but we can and must break down the barriers to the faith, and help to open the door for real belief. Our course structure is roughly aligned with topics align with the set of questions published by the National Christian Forensics Communications Association (NCFCA) for their competitive Apologetics category. We highly encourage students to compete at NCFCA tournaments throughout the year, which offer an excellent opportunity to put into words the things they have learned. However, competition is not mandatory for participation in the class. Required books and materials: a large notebook, and, of course, a Bible. Taught by Aaron Filipe
DEBATE (1½ hour tutorial):
Where Apologetics emphasizes theology with the help of philosophy, Debate emphasizes philosophy with the guidance of Christian theology. As in Apologetics, our course prepares students to compete in NCFCA-sanctioned tournaments, so our primary topic is the specific resolution put out by the league each year. However, our studies are much broader than that, as we cover philosophy, rhetoric, logic, and current events. Our goal is to teach students how to logically reason through both their own positions and those of others, as well as how to develop a clear, succinct, and compelling presentation to real-life audiences and individuals. We often get students who “won’t stop arguing at home”, so we understand the challenges of having a student who has not learned how to properly use an energetic mind. If that sounds like your child, rest assured that you are not alone, and that this class is concerned with teaching the student both how and when (or when not) to argue. While competition in a formal tournament is valuable and encouraged during the second semester, it is not required. Taught by Aaron Filipe