Classes
OUR CLASSES
Music
Early Beginner – Late Intermediate Piano Lessons
Course Description: Individual piano lessons will provide students ages 5-17 with the exciting opportunity to develop a love and appreciation for music through learning to play the piano. Throughout the year we will learn classical, contemporary, praise and worship, and popular piano literature, along with beginner/intermediate theory concepts and a variety of technique exercises. Varying according to each student’s age and ability, theory concepts will include an emphasis on reading music, the staff, note values, time signatures, rhythm, dynamics, articulation, tempo, key signature, major and minor scales, primary and major triads, and chords. Students will also be able to participate in a end of the year recital to showcase favorite pieces they have learned. My goal in teaching is not simply meticulous instruction, but to provide an environment in which students can be excited to grow, learn, and experience the great gift of music.
Instructor: Ashley Neal, 11521 Old Carrollton Court Richmond, VA 23236, 804-897-6138
Lesson Time: Lessons will be given once a week for 30-35 minute time slots (two lessons happening every class period). Call or email the instructor for scheduling details.
Tuition Fee: $540 per year, payable $60 per month ($15 per lesson)
Other Information: Method Book (Theory/Technique/Lesson book)
Fee: $30 (The Alfred Piano course is typically used through Elementary levels, however, much of the student’s curriculum will be supplemented by the teacher’s music collection)
Mathematics
Pre-Algebra
Course Description: Algebraic expressions and linear equations are applied throughout a thorough review of operations on integers, fractions, decimals, percents, and radicals. Students explore relations and functions using equations, tables, and graphs. Chapters on statistics and geometry extend foundational concepts in preparation for high school courses. Problem solving and real life uses of math are featured in each chapter.
Instructor: Liz Needham 2159 Hunters Mill Rd., Powhatan, VA 23139, 804-598-3667
Lobran@aol.com
Text: Bob Jones Pre-Algebra for Christian Schools
Tuition Fee: $450 per year, payable $50/month.
Copy Fee: $25 due the 1st class
Class Minimum: 6 students
Algebra I
Course Description: This course helps students to develop an understanding of Algebra. The students will be introduced to graphing, solving systems of equations, operations with polynomials and radicals, factoring polynomials, solving rational equations, and graphing quadratic functions. We will review multiplication facts through speed tests and games. Each student is required to take a placement test before he/she is placed in this course.
Instructor: Chelsie Porterfield, PO Box 391, Amelia, VA 23002, 804-658-7657
Tuition Fee: $450 per year, payable$50/month (September through May)
Copy Fee: $25 due August 1st
Text: Bob Jones Algebra I (ISBN 978-1-59166-643-1)
Class Minimum: 5 students
Algebra II
Course Description: This course will take the principals learned in Algebra I and apply them to problems that are more complex. We will also study Linear Systems, Matrices, Quadratic Equations, Polynomial Functions, Radicals, Rational functions, Inequalities and complex numbers. Every attempt will be made to integrate into each lesson real life examples, computer and internet technology activities, and research (where appropriate), and practical applications of the concepts being taught. Also, special care will be given to the formation of excellent study habits to prepare students for success in college algebra.
Pre-Requisite: Successful completion of Algebra I. A placement test will be available to aid in cases where student placement is questionable.
Instructor: Ms. Lisa Kessel, 18400 West County Line Road, Midlothian, VA 23112 (804)591-9327
Tuition Fee: $450 per year, payable $50 per month
Copy and Resource Fee: $25
Text: Bob Jones Algebra II for Christian Schools
Class Minimum: 5 students
Geometry
Course Description: In this course we will study points, lines, and angles; parallel lines; analytic geometry; the coordinate plane – including distance, midpoints, and slope; equations of lines; deduction and formal proofs; polygons; comprehensive triangle topics; quadrilaterals and parallelograms; perimeters and areas; circles and related topics; area and circumference; and higher-dimensional geometry (spheres, cylinders, cones…). Every attempt will be made to integrate into each lesson real life examples, computer and internet technology activities and research (where appropriate), and practical applications of the concepts being taught. Also, special care will be given to the formation of excellent study habits to prepare students for success in college math.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I and/or Algebra II. A placement test will be available to aid in cases where student placement is questionable.
Instructor: Ms. Lisa Kessel, 18400 West County Line Road, Midlothian, VA 23112 (804)591-9327
Tuition Fee: $450.00 per year, payable $50 monthly
Copy and Resource Fee: $30.00
Text: Discovering Geometry, Key Curriculum Press
Class Minimum: 5 students
Science
Physical Science (recommended grade level: Advanced 7th – 9th grade)
Course Description: This course discusses such topics as the atmosphere, the wonderful properties of water, the hydrosphere, weather, the structure of the earth, environmentalism, the physics of motion, Newton’s Laws, gravity and other forces in Creation, the nature of light, the electromagnetic spectrum, and astrophysics. A lab component is included in this class. This is an excellent course in preparing the student to take a college-prep high school curriculum.
Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra
SCIENCE FAIR: Participation is required with approved projects for Physical Science and Biology. Several months preparation will be given with due dates set well in advance. Mid-April will be the tentative date with judges chosen from the local scientific community.
Instructor: Jennifer Krug, 12400 Brightwater Lane, Henrico, VA 23233, 703-907-9475 jenkrug@comcast.net
Tuition Fee: $450 per year, payable $50/month
Lab and Copy Fee: $40 (includes all chemicals, equipment, and copies)
September and May fees and lab fee due on the first day of class - $140
Text: Exploring Creation with Physical Science by Dr. Jay Wile,
Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc.
Biology (recommended grade level: 9th-10th)
Course Description: This is a high school level course covering basic biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, taxonomy and classification, and mammalian anatomy and physiology. In addition, students will become familiar with methods of scientific investigation, and will be engaged in research projects, demonstrations, dissections and experiments to enhance instructional material. While preparing students for upper level/college biology courses, this class will also provide a basic understanding of biological principles that will be useful in all areas of life.
Instructor: Sharon Kessel, 18400 W. County Line Rd. Midlothian, VA 23112, 804-897-3457
sjskessel@msn.com
Tuition Fee: $450 per year; payment options available through tutor.
Lab and Supply Fee: $40 – due at the first class.
Text: Exploring Creation with Biology, 2nd edition, Dr. Jay Wile, Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc., and ABEKA Biology Field and Lab Manual
Class Minimum: 5 students enrolled by August 1 will be necessary to proceed with the course.
Class Maximum: 15 students
SCIENCE FAIR: Participation required as above.
Physics (recommended grade level: 11th or 12th)
Course Description: In this course, the student will study principles and concepts of classical physics. The student will gain an appreciation of the contributions and applications of physics in everyday life. The student will further develop their ability to solve problems by deepening their understanding of data analysis, extracting information from relevant sources and using reasoning and logic to evaluate evidence. Areas covered will include force, circular motion, gravity, Newton’s Laws, energy, momentum, and conservation of energy and momentum, work, Laws of thermodynamics, periodic motion, fluids, sound and light waves, electric fields and potential, energy transformation and magnetism.
Prerequisite: Algebra I and completion of Algebra II or concurrent enrollment with this course.
Instructor: Judy Carboni, 13541 Trilithon Rd. Midlothian, VA 23113, 804-378-1823 jac354@comcast.net
Tuition Fee: $450 per year, payment options available through tutor.
Lab Fee $50 - due at first class.
Text: Exploring Creation with Physics, 2nd Edition, Dr. Jay Wile
(Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc.)
Class Minimum: 5 students
General Science
Course Description: The course covers such topics as the scientific method, designing experiments, simple machines, archaeology, geology, paleontology, biology, and human anatomy and physiology. Labs and experiments will be conducted throughout our lessons. Students will often be required to read individual lessons at home for review in class, and will be assigned projects to complete to further complement our studies. We will concentrate heavily on study skills, project outlining and taking effective lab and lecture notes. This course is an excellent springboard toward further studies in high school science.
Instructor: Liz Needham 2159 Hunters Mill Rd., Powhatan, VA 23139, 804-598-3667
Lobran@aol.com
Text: Exploring Creation with General Science,
2nd edition, Apologia Education Ministries
Tuition Fee: $450 per year, payable $50/month.
Material & Lab Fee: $50 per child/per year (non-refundable unless class doesn’t make) – due by July 25th to allow the instructor time to order lab kits and supplies.
Class Min: 6 students
Class Max. 12 students
Chemistry
Successful completion of this high school Chemistry course will equate to a full credit in college-bound honors level chemistry. There is a strong math component to this course and labs are done weekly. A sample of topics covered include lab procedures and equipment, properties of matter, understanding the properties of the elements through the periodic table, properties of the atom, chemical bonding and molecules, naming compounds, understanding reaction chemistry, stoichiometry, chemistry of gases and the kinetic-molecular theory, equilibrium, molarity and molality, and applied chemistry.
Prerequisite: completion of Algebra I
NOTE: There are certain hazards and risks inherent in doing chemistry laboratories; therefore, safety will be given top priority through the responsible execution of labs and disposal of by-products. A student/parent signed responsibility contract will be required when class begins.
SCIENCE FAIR: Participation is required with approved projects. Several months preparation will be given with due dates set well in advance. Mid-April will be the tentative date with judges chosen from the local scientific community.
Instructor: Jennifer Krug, 12400 Brightwater Lane, Henrico, VA 23233, 703-907-9475 jenkrug@comcast.net
Tuition Fee: $450/yr, payable $50 per month
September and May fees and lab fee due on the first day of class – $150
Lab and Copy Fee: $50 (includes all chemicals, equipment, and copies)
Text and Student Lab Manual: Exploring Creation with Chemistry, 2nd edition, edited by Dr. Jay L. Wile; Apologia Education Ministries
Class Minimum: 5 students
Class Maximum: 15 students
Foreign Languages
Spanish I
Course Description: This is a first year high school level class for students with little or no background in the language. Beginning conversation, reading, grammar, and writing skills will be covered. The culture of Spanish speaking countries is also explored. For students 12 years and above.
Instructor: Mrs. Janice Goldstein, 3509 Jonwarn Ct., Powhatan, VA 23139, 804-366-8980 powhatansage@comcast.net
Tuition Fee: $450 per year
Copy Fee: $25
Textbook: Bob Jones University Press Spanish I and Activities Manual
Class Minimum: 4 students
Class Maximum: 12 students
Spanish II
Course Description: This is a high school level class for students who have completed Spanish I or the equivalent. Conversation, reading, and writing skills will be expanded and improved with intermediate vocabulary, grammar and group projects. .
Prerequisite: Spanish I with a minimum grade B for the year
Instructor: Mrs. Janice Goldstein, 3509 Jonwarn Ct., Powhatan, VA 23139, 804-366-8980
powhatansage@comcast.net
Tuition Fee: $450 per year
Copy Fee: $25
Textbook: Bob Jones University Press Spanish II and Activities Manual; Easy Spanish Reader by William T.Tardy which can be purchased through Amazon.com or by the teacher.
Class minimum: 4 students
Class Maximum: 12 students
Spanish III
Course Description: Spanish III begins with a review of all grammar covered in Spanish I & II, then continues into new conjugations (ex: subjunctive). Conversation and writing skills will be practiced and Hispanic history and culture will be studied as the class progresses through the textbook and workbook.
Prerequisite: Spanish II with a minimum grade of “B” for the year.
Instructor: Mrs. Janice Goldstein, 3509 Jonwarn Ct., Powhatan, VA 23139, 804-366-8980
powhatansage@comcast.net
Tuition: $450 per year
Copy Fee: $25
Textbook: Bob Jones Spanish III textbook and Activities Manual; Easy Spanish Reader by William T. Tardy which can be purchased through Amazon.com or by the teacher
Class Maximum: 12 students
Humanities
Government and Economics ( recommended grade level: 10th – 12th)
Course Description: In this course, we will learn the ins and outs of our government, along with how our economic system functions. Using Uncle Eric’s Whatever Happened to Penny Candy, Whatever Happened to Justice, and Are you Liberal, Conservative, or Confused?, we will obtain a clearer view of how government and economic power are interwoven and what we need to do to bring our country back to the vision our founding fathers had for us. Abeka’s American Government will be our spring board for exploring the branches of government in depth. The student will know the purpose of our Constitution, the Bill of Rights and its amendments. Each student will be expected to offer his or her personal views and opinions in class discussion. The subjects that are broached in this curriculum are for the mature student. Real issues that tend to fuel political as well as moral debates will be brought forth for open discussion. Ninth graders that are well informed about the world and the issues that are actively debated in the world today could be allowed in this class.
Instructor: Lee Ann Arnett, 4310 Pierce Rd., Powhatan, VA 23139, 804-598-6255 meanlittlewoman@hotmail.com
Tuition Fee: $450 per year – monthly payments may be negotiated with teacher’s permission.
Copy Fee: $45 plus a minimum payment of first month’s tuition will be due at “Back to School Night.”
Text: American Government, 12th grade, Abeka Uncle Eric’s Series as listed in course description
Class Minimum: 5 Students
US History – Part I (recommended grade level: 6th-8th)
Course Description: Join us as we learn who the first people in North America were and where they came from – Potiatches, totem poles, and traveling along with John Smith in shackles to Virginia. From colonies to a country, with a tea party or two along the way, learning that life was far from fair depending on the color of your skin or your gender. Students are encouraged to have an open mind, where history begins as a clean slate and travels forward and westward with amazing adventures. Each book completed in this series will be made into a portfolio.
Instructor: Lee Ann Arnett, 4310 Pierce Rd., Powhatan, VA 23139, 804-598-6255
meanlittlewoman@hotmail.com
Tuition Fee: $450 per year – monthly payments can be negotiated with teacher’s permission.
Copy Fee: $80 per year – $40 plus minimum payment of first month’s tuition will be due at “Back to School Night.” Second payment of $40 will be due the first week of January.
Text: History of US, Volumes 1, 2, and 3, by Joy Hakim
Class Minimum: 5 students
US History – Part II (recommended grade level: 6th-8th)
Course Description: This course will continue with Book 4 of History of US – The New Nation. We will continue on the adventures of our young country as we break free of England’s rule, riding the trail to Santa Fe, finding gold in “them hills” to working on the railroads, bringing us closer to the “Gilded Age” where not everything that glittered was gold. Each book completed in this series will be made into a portfolio.
Part I is not a prerequisite for this course.
Instructor: Lee Ann Arnett, 4310 Pierce Rd., Powhatan, VA 23139, 804-598-6255
meanlittlewoman@hotmail.com
Tuition Fee: $450 per year – monthly payments may be negotiated with teacher’s permission.
Copy Fee: $80 per year- $40 plus minimum payment of first month’s tuition will be due at “Back to School Night.” Second payment of $40 will be due the first week of January
Text: History of US, Volumes 4 and 5, by Joy Hakim
Class Minimum: 5 students
US History (recommended grade level: 9th – 12th)
Course Description: Starting with the “Gilded Age,” we will explore the economic growth of American, WWI, “free enterprise,” and roar our way into the 1920’s. We will experience the hardships and the sacrifices people made during the 1930’s, the “New Deal”, WWII, the Baby Boomers, Rock ‘n Roll through the 1950’s, groove into the 1960’s with the Civil Rights Movement, JFK, MLK, and RFK. We will explore women’s rights, tye-dye to Vietnam, with a presidential spy game thrown in for the 1970’s. We will visit the Berlin Wall, Gulf War, the War in Iraq to the New Millennium! Learning about our past helps us to know who we are as a people and how we got here. We will portfolio the work from this class.
Instructor: Lee Ann Arnett, 4310 Pierce Rd., Powhatan, VA 23139, 804-598-6255
meanlittlewoman@hotmail.com
Tuition Fee: $450 per year – monthly payments can be negotiated with teacher’s permission.
Copy Fee: $80 per year – $40 plus minimum payment of first month’s tuition will be due at “Back to School Night.” Second payment of $40 will be due the first week of January.
Text: Abeka’s United States History, 11th grade
Class Minimum: 5 students
English, Writing, and Literature
Introductory Writing and Literature: Level 1
Course Description: Recommended for 6th graders or students who have little experience in writing. The goal is to introduce quality literature on a middle school level and practice methods for written responses to those works. We will focus on organized writing skills in a variety of formats, such as description, process, and cause and effect. After practicing these formats in paragraphs, students will be introduced to several essay formats. Key wording from sources and beginning lessons in sentence variety will be also be conducted. Students will read 4 novels and a collection of short stories and poetry. Additionally, an assortment of literary terms and concepts such as figurative language, genre, and plot elements will be taught. For each book, vocabulary words will be introduced, and students will write
entries in a response journal throughout the year. Novels will likely include: The Silver Chair (C.S. Lewis), The Bronze Bow (Elizabeth G. Speare), My Side of the Mountain (Jean C. George), Tuck Everlasting (Natalie Babbitt). This class will be combined with Introductory Level 2 as in past years.
Instructor: Abigail Pegram, 7217 South Drive, Richmond, VA 23225, 804-221-4158, appleslices@juno.com
Tuition Fee: $450 per year, payable $50 per month 2nd student in family $10 per month
Copy Fee: $25 per student
Text: Students are responsible for purchasing/borrowing a copy of each book read. Other reading selections provided by teacher.
Course Maximum: 12 (in combination with Intro Level 2)
Introductory Writing and Literature: Level 2
Course Description: This course is designed for 6th-8th grade students or those who have some experience in writing short essays. Students will read quality literature on a middle school level and practice various written responses to those works. This class will meet with Introductory Writ/Lit Level 1, as in past years, but the older students will have more challenging writing assignments. Students in this class will gain abundant experience in writing essays in a variety of formats such as cause and effect, process, description, and comparison. For each essay, much time will be spent developing statements and organized outlines. Methods for creating sentence variety will be taught along with key wording from sources for research reports. Students will read 4 novels and a collection of short stories and poetry. Concepts such as figurative language, genres, and plot elements will also be learned. Vocabulary words will also be assigned for each book, and students will write entries in a
response journal throughout the year. Novels will include: The Silver Chair (C.S. Lewis), The Bronze Bow (Elizabeth G. Speare), My Side of the Mountain (Jean C. George), Tuck Everlasting (Natalie Babbitt). This class will be combined with Introductory Level 1 as in past years.
Instructor: Abigail Pegram, 7217 South Drive, Richmond, VA 23225, 804-221-4158, appleslices@juno.com
Tuition Fee: $450 per year, payable $50 per month 2nd student in family $10 per month
Copy Fee: $25 per student
Text: Students are responsible for purchasing/borrowing a copy of each book read. Other reading selections provided by teacher.
Course Maximum: 12 (in combination with Intro Level 1)
Intermediate Writing and Literature
Course Description: This course is recommended for 8th-9th grade students or those who need extra practice with the process of writing. Reading selections call for more analytical thinking in discussion and written response than introductory levels. Students gain experience in various types of exposition including cause and effect, comparison and contrast, research essays, and verbal presentations. For each novel, students will compile a detailed portfolio of book-related research, author background, chapter summaries, vocabulary, and theme list. Writing assignments will teach and improve essay organization, sentence opener variety, punctuation, and proper source citing. To prepare students for later high school classics, strong historical fiction will be utilized as students learn to identify the author’s worldview and the book’s purpose. A variety of short stories will be utilized along with the following novels: Johnny Tremain, Words by Heart, The Light in the Forest, and The Giver. (Parents please note the thought-provoking topics within these books; all issues will be discussed with a Christian worldview.)
Instructor: Abigail Pegram, 7217 South Drive, Richmond, VA 23225, 804-221-4158
appleslices@juno.com
Tuition Fee: $450 per year, payable $50 per month; 2nd student in family $10 per month
Copy Fee: $25 per student
Text: Students are responsible for purchasing/borrowing a copy of each book read. Other reading selections provided by the instructor.
Course Minimum: 6 students
Course Maximum: 12 students
Advanced Writing and Literature Level I
Prerequisite: Intermediate Writing and Literature (or 9th grade writing assignments and reading list approved by teacher)
Course Description: This class is recommended for students in the 10th grade. Reading selections include plentiful short stories, To Kill a Mockingbird, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Pride and Prejudice, and The Scarlet Pimpernel. For each book, students will learn 15-30 vocabulary words with a focus on everyday usage. Reading with understanding will be stressed by verbal discussion, chapter summaries, plot diagrams, etc. Organized writing skills will be strengthened by the use of essay outlines and thesis statements. For each novel, 1-2 essays of assigned topic choices will be completed. Research essays will be assigned as skills in key wording, outlining, and source-citing are taught. Additionally, small research projects and presentations will be assigned. Students will begin practicing skills for SAT writing through the use of in-class paragraph and essay writing assignments. Parents must purchase the Total Language Plus guides for two of the novels; teacher will provide guide materials for other books. (Parents, please note that 2 these books contain serious themes; To Kill a Mockingbird contains mild language. If you have concerns, please read the books for yourself.)
Instructor: Abigail Pegram, 7217 South Drive, Richmond, VA 23225, 804-221-4158
appleslices@juno.com
Tuition Fee: $450 per year, payable $50 per month; 2nd student in family $10 per month
Texts and Materials: All novels and 2 Total Language Plus Guides for To Kill A Mockingbird and
The Scarlet Pimpernel. Please see teacher for guide purchase information
Course Minimum: 6 students
Course Maximum: 12 students
College Preparatory Writing
Prerequisite: Two or more years of formal writing, grammar, and literature experience. Placement must be confirmed based on writing samples submitted to the teacher.
Course Description: Recommended for high school seniors or advanced juniors, this course is designed to prepare students for the SAT writing exam and college-level English composition classes. Utilizing resources from the Institute for Excellence in Writing, this challenging class will offer an introduction to timed essays and specific tips for the writing portion of the SAT. To help the student prepare for college, skills in outlining, editing, note-taking, and overall essay construction will be taught. A review of writing mechanics will also be conducted. Students will frequently construct personal essays, group essays, and research papers with in-text citations. While the majority of course content will focus on writing, vocabulary lessons and literature discussion will also be assigned (including at least three major works of literature and several readings from college English classes).
Instructor: Abigail Pegram, 7217 South Drive, Richmond, VA 23225, 804-221-4158
appleslices@juno.com
Tuition Fee: $450 per year, payable $50 per month
Copy Fee: $25 per student
Text: Blue Book of Punctuation and Grammar, and The Elegant Essay
Course Minimum: 6 students
Course Maximum: 12 students
Electives
Home Economics
Course Description: Students will explore many different topics including food preparation and service, party planning, basic etiquette, shopping basics and tips to save you money, sewing basics (lost a button or tear a seam…no problem!), craft design and construction, simple home repairs, basic wood refinishing, gardening, and much more. For both boys and girls who need to learn basic survival skills for life in a fun atmosphere. Students are required to keep a notebook for the class.
Instructor: Sharon Kessel, 18400 W. County Line Rd., Midlothian, VA 23112, 804-897-3457
Tuition Fee: $360 per year, payment options available through tutor
Copy/Supply Fee: $25, due at first class
Class Minimum: 5 students
Sewing Essentials I
Course Description: Express yourself in this class! Learn to save time and money (and have fun!) by creating your own fashions and home accessories. This class will help you to become familiar with different types of fabric and how to make the best choices for your projects; selecting and cutting out a pattern; operating a sewing machine; construction basics; aspects of planning and design; redesigning pre-constructed garments; and alterations. This class is open to students age 10-adult. There will be no required textbook for the class; however, each student is required to keep a notebook. Students age 10-18 will receive quarterly grades. While some materials will be provided in the cost of the class, there will be additional expenses for patterns, fabric, and supplies purchased by the student for some class projects. We will be using sewing machines for projects.
Instructor: Sharon Kessel, 18400 W. County Line Rd., Midlothian, VA 23112, 804-897-3457
Tuition Fee: $360 per year, payable $40 per month. Add Mom or a sibling for $15 per month.
Copy/Supply Fee: $20
Class Minimum: 4 students
Drama
Course Description: An introductory course that teaches basic techniques of acting through the use of character development, movement, and some vocal training. Class will consist of skits, improvisations, pantomime, basic singing, and theater games, history of theater/music theater and short plays drawing from the Bible, classical literature, and historical events to gain stage presence and experience. Class will perform a showcase for family and friends at the end of each semester. Homework will involve acting, singing, and some choreography. Minimal written work will be required.
Instructor: Jeanne’ Dawe, 2024 Stoneheather Road, Richmond, VA 23238, 804-740-9214
Tuition Fee: $540 per year, payable $60 per month – discount available for 2nd child
Resource Fee: $15
Class Minimum: 12 students