Course Catalog
This Course Catalog contains descriptions, costs, and other important information for each course we offer. Feel free to contact any of the faculty members with further questions. Students must be rising 7th graders and at least 12 years old by the first day of class in order to register for 7th grade courses.
Costs:
Registration Fee: $50/student/academic year [$75/student/academic year if registering after May 31, 2022]
Tuition: $200/course/semester (if paid by semester) or $375/course/year (if paid annually)
Any additional expenses (textbooks, lab fees, materials, etc.) are noted in the course description. Textbooks and materials should be purchased at least two weeks before class. The tuition for World Literature (Honors) is $100/semester or $175/year per student.
All classes meet once per week for 90 minutes. Although individual class requirements will vary somewhat from class to class and from week to week, each class generally requires about 3 to 5 hours of reading, study, and/or homework outside of class per week in addition to actual class attendance.
If you are wondering what courses to take and when to take them, a suggested 7th to 12th grade curriculum plan is available below. (Please note that not all classes are offered every year.)
Costs:
Registration Fee: $50/student/academic year [$75/student/academic year if registering after May 31, 2022]
Tuition: $200/course/semester (if paid by semester) or $375/course/year (if paid annually)
Any additional expenses (textbooks, lab fees, materials, etc.) are noted in the course description. Textbooks and materials should be purchased at least two weeks before class. The tuition for World Literature (Honors) is $100/semester or $175/year per student.
All classes meet once per week for 90 minutes. Although individual class requirements will vary somewhat from class to class and from week to week, each class generally requires about 3 to 5 hours of reading, study, and/or homework outside of class per week in addition to actual class attendance.
If you are wondering what courses to take and when to take them, a suggested 7th to 12th grade curriculum plan is available below. (Please note that not all classes are offered every year.)
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Spanish I, II, III, and IV
Taught by Josue Raimundo
(grades 7 - 12)
Books and materials will be issued the first day of classes. Mrs. Waller will send invoices for these materials for payment.
Spanish-language sources and hands-on objects will be used to teach more than one aspect of Spanish, including vocabulary, grammar, culture, caring, and community.
Students will build vocabulary, confidence with conversation, and grammar, all of which will immediately be put to use with each other. They will be able to write simple sentences in Spanish. Students will have many chances to participate interactively as well as opportunities to listen to authentic Spanish. Homework will be given to reinforce what was learned in class and the student should work on Spanish every school day between classes. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with building blocks to communicate, express ideas and opinions at a basic level in Spanish. Josue hopes to instill in each student a deep appreciation for the Spanish language. The work completed for each course equals one high school credit.
Spanish I focuses on basic daily conversations with an emphasis on speaking and writing the language.
Spanish II focuses on Spanish grammar and mid-level conversational skills. The student will learn to speak and write about different issues related to daily living. Students will learn different conjugations of verbs and acquire a clear understanding of the grammatical components and tools to express themselves in Spanish.
Spanish III concentrates on reading, discussions, literature, debates, and essays on various topics. Spanish III will also cover advanced grammar and composition.
Spanish IV concentrates on advanced reading, discussions, literature, debates, and essays on various topics. Spanish IV will also cover advanced grammar and composition. Book list for Spanish IV to come. (Class size: 3–10 students/class)
Books: A list of the necessary Spanish books for each class will be provided on the first day of class at Tara Learning Center.
(grades 7 - 12)
Books and materials will be issued the first day of classes. Mrs. Waller will send invoices for these materials for payment.
Spanish-language sources and hands-on objects will be used to teach more than one aspect of Spanish, including vocabulary, grammar, culture, caring, and community.
Students will build vocabulary, confidence with conversation, and grammar, all of which will immediately be put to use with each other. They will be able to write simple sentences in Spanish. Students will have many chances to participate interactively as well as opportunities to listen to authentic Spanish. Homework will be given to reinforce what was learned in class and the student should work on Spanish every school day between classes. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with building blocks to communicate, express ideas and opinions at a basic level in Spanish. Josue hopes to instill in each student a deep appreciation for the Spanish language. The work completed for each course equals one high school credit.
Spanish I focuses on basic daily conversations with an emphasis on speaking and writing the language.
Spanish II focuses on Spanish grammar and mid-level conversational skills. The student will learn to speak and write about different issues related to daily living. Students will learn different conjugations of verbs and acquire a clear understanding of the grammatical components and tools to express themselves in Spanish.
Spanish III concentrates on reading, discussions, literature, debates, and essays on various topics. Spanish III will also cover advanced grammar and composition.
Spanish IV concentrates on advanced reading, discussions, literature, debates, and essays on various topics. Spanish IV will also cover advanced grammar and composition. Book list for Spanish IV to come. (Class size: 3–10 students/class)
Books: A list of the necessary Spanish books for each class will be provided on the first day of class at Tara Learning Center.
Writing Basics
Taught by Jenn Rogers
(grades 7 - 8)
This introductory course focuses on preparing students for success in high school and college by teaching the mechanics of composition. Students will learn the fundamentals of English grammar while journeying through the history of English formation. Along the way, students will begin to practice persuasive, creative, and informative forms of writing. Assignments will include weekly sentence structure and vocabulary handouts, essays, and creative writing projects, as well as quarterly projects and a final project at the end of the year. The course also relies on supplemental readings from the various cultures that feed into modern English. As students better understand the roots of English grammar and vocabulary, they will become more fluent in using their own language for future writing assignments and more capable of learning the second languages that high school brings. The work completed equals one high school credit. (Class size: 3–10 students)
Prerequisite: None.
Purchase Books at least 2 weeks before classes begin:
(grades 7 - 8)
This introductory course focuses on preparing students for success in high school and college by teaching the mechanics of composition. Students will learn the fundamentals of English grammar while journeying through the history of English formation. Along the way, students will begin to practice persuasive, creative, and informative forms of writing. Assignments will include weekly sentence structure and vocabulary handouts, essays, and creative writing projects, as well as quarterly projects and a final project at the end of the year. The course also relies on supplemental readings from the various cultures that feed into modern English. As students better understand the roots of English grammar and vocabulary, they will become more fluent in using their own language for future writing assignments and more capable of learning the second languages that high school brings. The work completed equals one high school credit. (Class size: 3–10 students)
Prerequisite: None.
Purchase Books at least 2 weeks before classes begin:
- The Mother Tongue: Adapted for Modern Students, George Lyman Kittredge
- Grammar and Composition II, 6th ed., A Beka Book
- Supplemental readings
Composition/Literature ITaught by Tom Rogers
(grades 7 - 9) Composition/Literature I includes writing and its many elements, mechanical and creative. Initial emphasis is on mechanics: overall organization, sentence structure, and spelling. This course also includes a comprehensive, year-long review of the fundamentals of English grammar. Creativity, the interest factor, is integral from the beginning, increasing in significance as mechanical issues are resolved. Assignments may include basic essay forms, book reports, creative writing, newspaper forms, letters, poetry, term papers, and reviews. The course stresses preparation for college-level writing and formats. Each quarter is structured around one or two classic works of literature or history, including children’s literature. Special exercises deal with the importance of titles, openings, and conclusions. There will be writing exercises during and outside of class, in addition to longer-range projects. Spelling concentrations include spelling problem words, ie/ei words, Latin expressions, and foreign language expressions. Vocabulary study of word meanings using Greek and Latin word roots will be included. This course stresses both reading and writing, but the emphasis here is on writing. The work completed equals one high school credit. (Class size: 4–10 students) Prerequisite: None. Purchase Books at least 2 weeks before classes begin:
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Composition/Literature IITaught by Tom Rogers
(grades 9 - 12) Composition/Literature II is an intermediate course in writing that also includes a broad survey of world literature from ancient times to the modern era. Students will study various works of literature and explore their historical and stylistic contexts. The course stresses preparation for college-level writing and formats. Each quarter is structured around one or two classic works of literature or history. There will be writing exercises in and out of class, plus longer-range projects. Assignments may include term papers, essays, book reports, research projects, creative writing, and letters. Spelling and vocabulary enrichment covers difficult words and word spellings, foreign expressions, and word roots. Grammar will be included as needed. This course stresses both reading and writing, but the emphasis here is on writing particularly, including cover letters, resumes, college application essays, etc., as well as general preparation for the SATs. This course serves as a "bridge" between the grammar-intensive and writing fundamentals-intensive Composition/Literature I course and the heavier reading and longer-form writing requirements of the American and British Literature survey courses. The work completed equals one high school credit. (Class size: 4–10 students) Prerequisite: Composition/Literature I is recommended (but not required). Purchase Books at least 2 weeks before classes begin:
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Composition/Literature I (Comp I) and Composition/Literature II (Comp II) are usually offered in alternate academic years. Students entering 7th or 8th grade in years when Comp I is not offered will have an opportunity to enroll in Comp I the following year. Completion of Comp I is recommended but is not required for enrolling in Comp II.
Although Comp II is intended primarily for students in 9th or 10th grade, 8th graders who have successfully completed Comp I may take Comp II. Comp II is also appropriate for 11th or 12th graders new to TLC and/or looking for a general writing/literature course. If you have any questions, please contact the instructor. An Honors option is available for Comp II.
Although Comp II is intended primarily for students in 9th or 10th grade, 8th graders who have successfully completed Comp I may take Comp II. Comp II is also appropriate for 11th or 12th graders new to TLC and/or looking for a general writing/literature course. If you have any questions, please contact the instructor. An Honors option is available for Comp II.
Survey of American Literature
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Survey of British Literature
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†Survey of American Literature and Survey of British Literature are offered in alternate academic years and may be taken in any order. These courses emphasize not only literature (both courses have a substantial reading requirement) but also research paper preparation, writing improvement, and intensive vocabulary enrichment. Although these two courses are intended primarily for students in grades 10 to 12, 9th graders who have successfully completed Comp II may also enroll.
World Literature/Writing (Honors Course)
Administered by Tom Rogers
(grades 11 - 12)
Students who have completed either (or preferably both) the American and the British Literature courses are eligible to enroll in an Honors Literature and Writing course. For more information, see World Literature/Writing (Honors).
(grades 11 - 12)
Students who have completed either (or preferably both) the American and the British Literature courses are eligible to enroll in an Honors Literature and Writing course. For more information, see World Literature/Writing (Honors).
BiologyTaught by Karen Scott
(grades 8 - 12) This is a college-prep biology course providing a detailed introduction to the methods and concepts of general biology. Topics include the scientific method, kingdom classification, microscopy, biochemistry, cellular biology, molecular and Mendelian genetics, evolution, dissection, and ecosystems. Students will perform three dissections including a frog in the spring. The work completed equals one high school credit. (Class size: 4–10 students) Cost: Lab Materials Fee, $40 Purchase Book at least 2 weeks before classes begin:
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Advanced BiologyTaught by Karen Scott
(grades 11 - 12) This is an Honors course which, when combined with Exploring Creation with Biology, gives the student the equivalent of a university biology course. These two courses together, cover the entire "advanced placement" (AP) curriculum. The Human Body: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made covers both the anatomy and the physiology of the human body's eleven organ systems in detail. Students must have completed a first year biology course and the equivalent of a first year chemistry course before taking this course. Lab will be included and the student will do at least three dissections during the year. The work completed equals 1.5 high school credits. (Class size: 4–10 students) Prerequisite: Both Biology and Chemistry Cost: Lab Materials Fee, $40 Purchase Book at least 2 weeks before classes begin:
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Physical ScienceTaught by Karen Scott
(grades 7 - 12) Although this course is designed by Dr. Wile as the last science course the student takes before high school biology, it can be a high school class when supplemented with additional papers and projects. The following is an excerpt from the Apologia site: “this course discusses such topics as the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, weather, the structure of the earth, environmentalism, the physics of motion, Newton’s Laws, gravity, and astrophysics. The author especially concentrates on the myths generated by the hysterical environmentalist movement.” The work completed equals one high school credit. (Class size: 4–10 students) Cost: Lab Materials Fee, $40 Purchase Book at least 2 weeks before classes begin:
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ChemistryTaught by Karen Scott
(grades 9 - 12) This is a college prep chemistry course designed to give the student a rigorous foundation in chemistry. Topics include significant figures, units, classification, the mole concept, stoichiometry, themochemistry, acids and bases, thermodynamics, kinetics, redox reactions, solutions, atomic structure, Lewis structures, molecular geometry, the gas laws, and equilibrium. The work completed equals one high school credit. (Class size: 4–10 students) Cost: Lab Materials Fee, $40 Prerequisite: At least a C+ in Algebra I. Purchase Book at least 2 weeks before classes begin:
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ASL I and II
Taught by Alicia Thomson
(grades 7 - 12)
ASL I is an introductory course to American Sign Language (ASL) as used by the American Deaf community. ASL II is a continuation of ASL I. Using the total immersion approach, students will learn basic vocabulary, fingerspelling, and grammatical components of ASL. Classes will provide ample opportunity to practice comprehension and production skills. Students will also be introduced to basic Deaf culture norms.
Students will be expected to complete weekly homework assignments, mainly from the student workbook. There will generally be one quiz and one test for each unit, as well as various production projects. A comprehensive final exam will be given at the end of the year to assess both comprehension and production skills (don’t worry, the final exam will likely cover the same material covered on unit tests). Since we will only be meeting once a week for class, it is very important that students complete homework assignments and practice new vocabulary prior to class.
The completion of this course equals one high school foreign language credit. (Class size: 4–10 students)
Prerequisite for ASL I: None
Prerequisite for ASL II: ASL I or equivalent skills
ASL I: Purchase at least 2 weeks before classes begin:
ASL II: Purchase at least 2 weeks before classes begin:
(grades 7 - 12)
ASL I is an introductory course to American Sign Language (ASL) as used by the American Deaf community. ASL II is a continuation of ASL I. Using the total immersion approach, students will learn basic vocabulary, fingerspelling, and grammatical components of ASL. Classes will provide ample opportunity to practice comprehension and production skills. Students will also be introduced to basic Deaf culture norms.
Students will be expected to complete weekly homework assignments, mainly from the student workbook. There will generally be one quiz and one test for each unit, as well as various production projects. A comprehensive final exam will be given at the end of the year to assess both comprehension and production skills (don’t worry, the final exam will likely cover the same material covered on unit tests). Since we will only be meeting once a week for class, it is very important that students complete homework assignments and practice new vocabulary prior to class.
The completion of this course equals one high school foreign language credit. (Class size: 4–10 students)
Prerequisite for ASL I: None
Prerequisite for ASL II: ASL I or equivalent skills
ASL I: Purchase at least 2 weeks before classes begin:
- Signing Naturally Student Workbook, Units 1-6. DawnSignPress, 2008, Smith Lentz, Mikos, 4th ed., Cambridge University Press, 2001
ASL II: Purchase at least 2 weeks before classes begin:
- Signing Naturally Student Workbook (workbook and DVD), Units 7-12. DawnSignPress, 2008, Smith Lentz, Mikos, 4th ed., Cambridge University Press, 2001
Public Speaking/DebateTaught by Ellen Rogers
(grades 8 - 12) The ability to communicate effectively in public is one of the most useful skills one can have, with applications in school, work, ministry, and everyday life. The goal of this class to help students develop that skill, enabling them to present themselves and their subject matter in a clear, confident, and polished manner. To accomplish this goal students will be assigned a number of different types of oral presentations and speeches - interpretive, anecdotal, demonstrative, informative, persuasive, inspirational, etc. The spring semester will include a video project, a unit on debate, and a unit on Christian apologetics. Grades will be based upon homework and in-class presentations, and no tests will be given. The completion of this course equals one high school credit. (Class size: 6–10 students) Prerequisite: None. All written course materials will be provided. |
Biblical Thinking/ApologeticsTaught by Josue Raimundo
(grades 8 - 12) What is thinking? How do we think? Why do we think? What, after all, is a Christian thinker? In this course, Josué Raimundo uses the Bible to answer these basic questions, thereby teaching students not primarily what to think, but how to think. As the class explores Biblical thinking, students will discover practically what is the beginning of all knowledge and how to apply it. Because of the nature of thought in the Biblical worldview, Josué necessarily takes the class through Biblical logic, which leads to Biblical debate. “Biblical Thinking” therefore counts as a comprehensive course in both logic and debate. Using the whole of 1 Peter 3:15 as an ideological and functional bedrock, students will emerge from this class with a new confidence in the reasonableness and authority of the Word of God, and a new competence in dialoguing with the world about what Christians believe. The work completed equals one high school credit. (Class size: 4–10 students) Note: This course is accessible -- in part -- via online instruction. Please contact the instructor if you have questions regarding this course. Prerequisite: None Survey of the BibleTaught by Josue Raimundo
(grades 8 - 12) This course is a comprehensive survey course of the entire Bible, covering the Old and New Testaments, with a focus on content, theology, and practical implications of the Bible in today's world. The purpose of the course is for students to have a clear understanding of God's revelation in the story of the Bible. We will seek to establish the pillars of truth on which our faith rests. The work completed equals one high school credit. (Class size: 3–10 students) Suggested Reading: Promises Made (Old Testament), Mark Dever (Crossway Books, 2006), and Promises Kept (New Testament), Mark Dever (Crossway Books, 2005) Note: This course is accessible -- in part -- via online instruction. Please contact the instructor if you have questions regarding this course. Prerequisite: None |
U.S. GovernmentTaught by Ellen Rogers
(grades 10 - 12) This is a year-long course devoted to a study of American Government. Particular emphasis is placed on the historical, philosophical and religious foundations of American constitutionalism, federalism, and the separation of powers. Other topics covered include the three main branches of government, the electoral process, party politics, state and local government, and a variety of current issues in law and public policy. We will finish the year with a unit addressing the role of government and the economy. In addition to the required text, students will be reading and studying a variety of primary source materials. During the spring semester the class will enjoy a field trip to the U.S. Capitol and the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. This course fulfills one high school credit. (Class size: 4–10 students) Prerequisite: U.S. History Purchase Books at least 2 weeks before classes begin:
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Philosophy and Comparative ReligionTaught by Ellen Rogers
(grades 10 - 12) This course is designed to introduce students to the major streams of philosophical and religious thought competing for dominance in the “public square.” The first semester will focus on the fundamental branches of philosophy including, logic, metaphysics, ontology, epistemology, ethics, aesthetics, and political philosophy. In addition, we will examine how these philosophical categories are expressed in less formalized worldview commitments. The second semester will focus on comparing and contrasting the basic contours of major and minor world “religions,” including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Atheism, Naturalism/Materialism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Mormonism, and New Age Spirituality. Throughout the course, particular emphasis is placed on the use of well-reasoned arguments in Christian apologetics. The work completed equals one high school credit. (Class size: 4–10 students) Purchase Books at least 2 weeks before classes begin:
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World HistoryTaught by Jenn Rogers
(grades 9 - 12) This survey course will cover world history from ancient times through the modern era, using literature and class discussion to help students think through the story of the world. In addition to weekly fact-check quizzes, assignments will include required and optional readings, quarterly papers, and investigative projects with multi-media opportunities. Because the course emphasizes historical literature, students will also read a number of historical fictions, biographies, and supplemental readings, choosing at least four works as the focus of their main projects throughout the year. The objective in this course is not only to provide a solid overview and understanding of world history but also to instill a love for history, biography, and historical literature in each student. The work completed equals one high school credit. (Class size: 3–10 students) Prerequisite: None Purchase Books at least 2 weeks before classes begin:
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U.S. HistoryTaught by Ellen Rogers
(grades 9 - 12) This course offers a survey of U.S. History, including the people, events, ideas, and geography that shaped the development of our nation. Our studies will include in a hopeful but honest evaluation of both her strengths and her flaws. Our basic text for this class will be the recently published and critically acclaimed book by Wilfred McClay, Land of Hope: An Invitation to the Great American Story, supplemented by a wide selection of primary source readings and video material. In addition, students will select and read a book (a biography, autobiography, or memoir) by or about a significant figure in American history, write a paper about that person, and give an oral presentation based on their paper. The completed work for this course equals one high school credit. (Class size: 4–10 students) Purchase Book at least 2 weeks before classes begin:
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