ARETE
HOMESCHOOLING COLLABORATIVE
2024 - 2025 Course Descriptions (Update Coming Soon!)
Geometry
Elementary Spanish
(2nd - 4th)
High School History (9th & up)
Wednesdays 10:15-11:10
Instructor: Heather Magnuson
Cost: $170
Students will explore the people and events who defined the time period between the late 300s to the late 1400s, which ultimately shaped our own Western Culture. To get the most out of this class, students are encouraged to also enroll in the Medieval Lit class; however, it is not required. Students will have assigned reading of the same 9-10 works required for the lit class to be read throughout the year (including summer). The history spine for this class is Memoria Press’s A History of Medieval Europe from Constantine to Saint Louis by R.H.C. Davis. Essays and Socratic discussions are an integral part of the class. Will require 3-4 hours of homework time
Upper History (7th-9th)
Wednesdays 8:25 - 9:20
Instructor: Gina Granville
Cost: $170
Using Socratic discussions, students will study ancient history beginning with the fall of Rome up to the time just before the Reformation. This course is literature-based, and students will be required to read several historical novels over the summer and throughout the year. Curriculum will include The Book of the Middle Ages by Dorothy Mills (Memoria Press). Will require 2-3+ hours of study/homework time.
Middle History (5th - 7th)
Wednesdays 9:20-10:15
Instructor: Gina Granville
Cost: $150
Using Socratic discussions, students will study ancient history beginning with the cradle of civilization up to the Roman empire. This course is literature-based, and students will be required to read several historical novels over the summer and throughout the year. Curriculum will include Story of the World Volume II: The Middle Ages by Susan Wise Bauer. Will require 1.5 – 2.5 hours of study/homework time.
Elementary History (3rd - 4th)
Wednesdays 10:15-11:10
Instructor: Gina Granville
Cost: $150
Students will study medieval history using Story of the World Vol II: The Middle Ages curriculum. This course is literature-based, and students will be required to read several age-appropriate historical works over the summer and throughout the year. Will require 1-2 hours of study/homework time.
Algebra I
Mondays & Wednesdays
9:20-10:15
Instructor: Andrea Whitaker
Cost: $340
Students in this class will learn basic Algebra principles and concepts using: Algebra I: Expressions, Equations, and Applications by Paul Foerster. Meets twice per week, and will require 2-3 hours of homework time.
Pre-Algebra
Mondays & Wednesdays
9:20-10:15
Instructor: Regina Smith
Cost: $340
Students will learn foundational concepts to prepare them for Algebra I the following year using: Pre-Aglebra: An Accelerated Course by Mary P. Dolciani. Meets twice per week, and will require 2-3 hours of homework time.
**Singapore 6**
Mondays & Wednesdays
10:15 - 11:10
Instructor: TBD
Cost: $300
** This course will only be offered if there is enough student interest to populate a class and an available instructor. Students in this class will go through Singapore 6A/6B US Edition. This class meets twice per week, and requires 2 hours of homework time.
Singapore 5
Mondays & Wednesdays
10:15-11:10
Instructor: Regina Smith
Cost: $300
Students in this class will go through Singapore 5A/5B US Edition. This class meets twice per week, and requires 2 hours of homework time.
**Singapore 3**
Mondays & Wednesdays 8:25-9:20
Instructor: TBD
Cost: $300
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This course will only be offered if there is enough student interest to populate a class and an available instructor. Students in this class will go through Singapore 3A/3B US Edition. This class meets twice per week, and requires 2 hours of homework time.
Introductory Physics (9th - 12th)
Wednesdays
11:50-1:50
Instructor: Dr. Maury Estes
Cost: $340
Students will study Physics from a classical Christian perspective using Novare Introductory Physics. Students should have a solid grasp of Algebra I concepts to enroll in the course. In-class time will include labs and discussion. Meets once per week and will require 2-3+ hours of study/homework time.
Novare Life Science (7th+)
Wednesdays 11:50-12:50
Instructor: Abbey Snyder
Cost: $170
For middle schoolers who want a more academic rigorous life science or for high school students who want a lighter Novare Biology class. Students will study Life Science from a Classical Christian perspective using Novare’s Life Science. In-class time will include labs and discussion. Will require 2 hours of study/homework time.
Middle Life Science (5th - 6th)
Wednesdays 12:50-1:50
Instructor: Katie Fuster
Cost: $150
Students will study the living things that compose our wide and wonderful world using Biology for the Logic Stage from Elemental Science, The Usborne Encyclopedia of Science and The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia. Meets once per week, and will require 1-2 hours of homework time.
Elementary Life Science (3rd - 4th)
Wednesdays 12:50-1:50
Instructor: Abbey Snyder
Cost: $150
Students will study the living things that compose our wide and wonderful world using Biology for the Logic Stage from Elemental Science, DK Encyclopedia of Animals and DK First Human Body Encyclopedia. Meets once per week, and will require 1-2 hours of homework time.
Medieval Literature and Composition (9th-12th)
Mondays 10:15-11:10
Instructor: Heather Magnuson
Cost: $170
Students will delve into the medieval mindset by exploring several medieval novels while touching on literary analysis and literary devices. Students will read 9-10 works throughout the year (including summer) and participate in Socratic Seminars discussing the novels. This class will include a deep dive into Dante’s Divine Comedy. Summer reading is required for this class. Will require 2-3 hours of homework time.
Lost Tools Composition II (7th - 9th)
Mondays 11:50-1:20
Instructor: Kim Vermilyea
Cost: $230
A course for students who have had at least three years of IEW or have had a year of Lost Tools I or other writing experience. Students will review the major writing concepts taught in Lost Tools I and further their writing experience by completing the entirety of The Lost Tools of Writing Level I. Additionally students will begin to study literary devices and literary analysis using Teaching the Classics and review grammar concepts. Summer reading is required for this class. Will require 2-3 hours of homework time. This course requires parents to watch videos outside of class and edit their student’s papers each week. (Students in this class will have the option of staying for a Lost Tools study hall to get help with writing homework until 1:50 at a cost of $50/year.)
Lost Tools Composition I (7th-9th)
Mondays 11:50-1:20
Instructor: Christy Ward
Cost: $230
A course for students who have had at least two years of IEW or other writing experience. Students will further develop and sharpen the tools of writing and grammar using The Lost Tools of Writing Level I and TBD grammar program. Summer reading is required for this class. Will require 2-3 hours of homework time. This course requires parents to watch videos outside of class and edit their student’s papers each week. (Students in this class will have the option of staying for a Lost Tools study hall to get help with writing homework until 1:50 at a cost of $50/year.)
IEW Composition II (5th -7th)
Mondays 11:50-1:20
Instructor: Stephanie Howland
Cost: $230
A course for students with at least a year of IEW or other writing experience. Students will work through Structure and Style for Students Level 2A, while producing longer, more complex works. Grammar will also be taught using Junior Analytical Grammar: Mechanics. Will require 1-2 hours of homework time. Summer reading is required for this class. This course requires parents to watch videos outside of class and edit their student’s papers each week. (Students in this class will have the option of staying for an IEW study hall to get help with writing homework until 1:50 at a cost of $50/year.)
Pre-IEW Composition (3rd - 4th)
Mondays 10:15-11:10
Instructor: Stephanie Howland
Cost: $150
This course provides a gentle introduction to writing and grammar using a slow and systematic approach, building a strong foundation for students to begin the IEW program the following year. Students will work through the Essentials in Writing Level 3 which features small daily assignments so as not to overwhelm young writers. Students must be able to read and formulate/write a sentence to enroll in this class. Proper spelling and punctuation is not necessary. Meets once per week and requires 1 hour of homework time.
Psychology and Interpersonal Skills (9th– 12th)
Mondays 12:50-1:50
Instructor: Kristina Berry
Cost: $170
Using the text: Introduction to Psychology from a Christian Perspective, students will be given practical opportunities to learn important interpersonal skills including: conflict resolution, communication, and coping skills. This class will also explore attachment theory and how humans learn.
Senior Henle Latin (9th - 12th)
Mondays 12:50-1:50
Instructor: Cynthia Hazard
Cost: $170
A course for students who have had several years of Latin, including at least 2 years of Henle Latin. This course will continue studying the Henle Latin curriculum, as well as preparing students for the AP Latin exam. Will require 2-3+ hours of study/homework time.
High School Henle Latin (9th-12th)
Mondays 11:50-12:50
Instructor: Cynthia Hazard
Cost: $170
Students will continue working through the Henle 1 Latin text. Must have at least 2 years Latin experience or pass a placement test. Will require 2+ hours of homework.
Middle Latin II (6th-8th)
Wednesdays 12:50-1:50
Instructor: Emily Delmar
Cost: $150
Students will continue their journey through Latin with Latin for Children Primer B. This class is for students who already have had at least a year of Latin with a strong background in Latin grammar and vocabulary. Will require 1+ hour of homework.
Elementary Latin II (4th - 5th)
Wednesdays 11:50-12:50
Instructor: Emily Delmar
Cost: $150
This course will provide a gentle introduction to Latin for students who are new to Latin. Will require 1+ hour of homework. Curriculum: Latin for Children Primer A.
Intermediate Spanish (6th-8th)
Wednesdays 10:15-11:10
Instructor: MarÃa José Romero
Cost: $150
Students will continue their studies of Spanish grammar and to include verb conjugation in the past and future tenses using Colega 4. New students must have at least 2 years Spanish instruction experience and/or pass a placement exam. Will require 2 hours homework.
Middle Spanish Grammar/Conversation (4th-6th)
M 8:25 – 9:20/W 8:25 – 9:20
Instructor: MarÃa José Romero
Cost: $150 each
Grammar and Conversation will be offered as two separate classes at this level. While students are encouraged to take both courses, it is not required. Students will learn more advanced verb tenses and grammar, along with increasing their vocabulary continuing with Colega 3. New students must have at least 1 year of Spanish instruction and/or pass a placement exam. Will require 1-2 hours of homework.
Introductory Spanish Grammar/Conversation (3rd– 4th)
M 9:20 – 10:15/W 9:20 – 10:15
Instructor: MarÃa José Romero
Cost: $150 each
Grammar and Conversation will be offered as two separate classes at this level. While students are encouraged to take both courses, it is not required. Students will learn the basics of Spanish to include greetings, expressing likes, conjugating simple present tense verbs, and basic grammar constructs using Colega 1. Will require 1-2 hours of homework to include practicing vocabulary.
High School Art (9th - 12th)
Mondays 1:50-3:05
Instructor: Mary Randall
Cost: $210
Students will practice basic/intermediate art techniques using a variety of media. Students will have the opportunity to display their best works at an art show near the end of the year.
Upper Art (6th-9th)
Mondays 10:15 – 11:10
Instructor: Mary Randall
Cost: $150
Students will practice basic/intermediate art techniques using a variety of media. Students will have the opportunity to display their best works at an art show near the end of the year.
Middle Art (5th - 7th)
Mondays 9:20 – 10:15
Instructor: Mary Randall
Cost: $150
Students will practice basic/intermediate art techniques using a variety of media. Students will have the opportunity to display their best works at an art show near the end of the year.
Elementary Art (3rd - 4th)
Mondays 12:50 – 1:50
Instructor: Mary Randall
Cost: $150
Students will practice basic/intermediate art techniques using a variety of media. Students will have the opportunity to display their best works at an art show near the end of the year.
Choir (3rd - 10th)
Wednesdays 1:50-3:05
Instructor: Regina Smith
Cost: $190
Students will learn the basics of music instruction by singing hymns, modern worship and other songs. The class will participate in several performances throughout the year, culminating with a Spring Performance.
Shakespearean Drama (6th - 12th)
Wednesdays 1:50-3:05
Instructor: Kate Henry
Cost: $210
This class will perform an adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew set in the early roaring 20's. In the process, students will work to sharpen public speaking skills and build confidence. Will require 1-2 hours of study time/week to study the plays, memorize lines, and develop performance plans.
Musical Drama (3rd - 9th)
Mondays 1:50-3:05
Instructor: Kate Henry
Cost: $190
Students will learn a variety of drama skills culminating in a musical theatre performance in the spring. This class includes dancing, singing, and acting alongside building confidence, creativity, and team work. Will require at least 1 hour/week study time to memorize lines/ practice songs and dances. Musical Drama parents are required to attend a planning meeting on the first day of classes and are expected to ensure their students are learning their lines/songs/dances each week.
Arduino Programming/ Robotics (7th-12th)
Mondays 1:50-3:05
Instructor: Janna Camperman
Cost: $210
Through fun, hands-on projects, students will learn the basics of programming and electronic design using Arduino microcontrollers. Activities will include working with lights, switches, motors, and other simple electronic
components as well as introductory programming. Students will need a laptop to bring to class
Elementary PE
Wednesdays 11:50-12:50
Instructor: Tabatha Bumpass
Cost: $150
Students will have an opportunity to learn various team sports and activities while expending some energy.
Elementary Games Study Hall (3rd - 4th)
Mondays 11:50-12:50
Instructor: Student Proctors
Cost: $50
Students in grades 3-4 are invited to participate in this special “Games” Study Hall. Students will have the opportunity to play a variety of board games in a fun and relaxing environment. A proctor will be present to monitor the study hall and organize the games. (Because we have student volunteers to proctor this specific study hall, we are able to offer it at a reduced cost.
Study Hall (3rd - 12th)
Mondays & Wednesdays
Periods 1-5
Cost: $100/year/study hall hour.
Students in grades 3rd through 12th who have a break in between classes, and whose parents do not remain on campus, may enroll in a study hall period for periods 1-5. Students may be placed in an active classroom and will be expected to work quietly with plenty of work to keep them busy.
Hands-On Science (K - 1st/ 1st - 2nd)
K -1: Wednesdays 9:00 - 10:00
1 - 2: Wednesdays 10:00 - 11:00
Instructor: Abbey Snyder
Cost: $150
This fun, hands-on science course will cover the basic concepts of Life Science in a way that is comprehensible to little learners. Students enrolling in the 1st - 2nd grade class must be proficient at reading/writing. Meets once per week.
Literature Around the World (K - 1st /1st - 2nd)
K - 1: Wednesdays 10:00 - 11:00
1 - 2: Wednesdays 9:00- 10:00
Instructor: Selah Elder
Cost: $150
Students in this class will explore excellent children’s literature from different cultures around the world. The class will focus on geography, phonics, comprehension, and fluency skills while participating in fun activities. Students enrolling in the 1st - 2nd grade class must be proficient at reading/writing. Meets once per week.
Early Spanish (K - 2nd)
Wednesdays 11:45-12:25
Instructor: MarÃa José Romero
Cost: $100
Students will have a fun introduction to Spanish through songs and games.
Music and Choir (K - 2nd)
Wednesdays 12:25 - 1:05
Instructor: Regina Smith
Cost: $100
A beginning choral ensemble for early learners in a fun environment where each child can develop their God-given instrument: the voice. Students will learn American patriotic and folk songs, as well as worship songs. Students need no prior music or vocal training.
Early Drama (K - 2nd)
Wednesdays 1:05 - 1:45
Instructor: Kate Paxton
Cost: $100
A fun introduction to drama, with the aim of building confidence, speaking, drama skills and character work. Children will explore different techniques and drama games through a variety of children’s story books, culminating in a public performance in the spring.