World Cultures is a combination of History and Geography. This will be presented as a lesson prepared
by the teacher. The students read and study from a textbook (World Cultures: A Global Mosaic by Prentice Hall ISBN 0-13-831801-8).
The students are also introduced to the great writings of past world leaders who have influenced each area of study. For each
region studied, the students choose a project of their choice (see list of typical projects on this page).
Oceanography is another lecture subject. The class follows an accompanying text (Secrets of the
Seas by Readers Digest ISBN 0-7621-0109-1 [used]). Writings by scientists who have pioneered the study of oceanography are
studied. Hands-on experiments and dissections are part of this subject.
The World Religions text (The Usborne Internet-Linked Encyclopedia of World Religions ISBN
0-794501826 and the older students will also be using Anthology of World Scriptures by Robert Van Voorst, 4th edition
[used])) is read by students in advance and the teacher leads a discussion about the topic covered. Religious texts from
around the world are studied. All discussion encourages understanding and respect for the many religions around the globe.
American Government is a video series that is followed by class discussion. The writings of our Founding
Fathers will be included in this class. During the study of this topic we not only cover American Government in great depth,
but also teach students how to take effective notes.
Creative Writing assignments come from a list of assignments that need to be completed during the course
of the year. The students choose in what order they want to accomplish the list. Packets are available for instruction and
well-written samples are available as models to study and inspire.
Literature is enjoyed as a book club stucture. A master list of great books is available. From this
list, three choices of books, all at different reading levels, are assigned for each month. A student is in charge of leading
the discussion on one book during the year.
The Theater and Film course is very "hands on." The history of theater is studied, with an emphasis
on Shakespeare. The students will need a copy (any edition) of All's Well that Ends Well by William Shakespeare.
There is a fieldtrip to the Shakespeare Festival and a one act play is performed, with students acting and designing both
the costumes and sets. Movies are studied as an art form, not just as entertainment. We discuss what makes a good film. A
year-end movie is written and filmed by students.
In our Math class students may use what ever program they are currently happy with. We recommend either
Saxon or Math U See, but there is great flexibility with this so students can choose a math program that best suits their
learning style. All that is required is that the texts include chapter test to check understanding of the concepts and answer
keys. Students learn at their own pace, with the teacher and parent volunteers available as tutors. Tests are taken to determine
advancement, not to determine grades. A student earns her/his grade in math through effort. Math games and the lives of great
mathematicians are included in this unit.
Foreign Language is utilizing the Power-Glide Program. This company has chosen our school as the
host of their pilot program for their new materials. All materials are donated and free. It promises to be a fantastic and
very complete class.
