Class Catalog

Class Description 2024-2025

Elementary:

Primary - Little Lessons with Literature: This class will combine several beloved classic children’s picture books with hands-on activities, art projects, games, and songs that reinforce the gentle lessons that come from each story. Little lessons will include topics on family and friends, nature, the seasons and holidays, and more. Children will have opportunities to interact with their teacher and peers in respectful ways. While exposure to letters and numbers, and the use of motor skills will be present in these lessons, this class is only meant to be supplemental to the basic lessons that a child will receive at home.

Discovering Art History – In this class, students will first learn about different artists throughout history and various styles such as naturalism, romanticism , impressionism, modernism, pop art, etc. Students will then get the opportunity to practice each style learned through fun creative projects, exploring with different media. This is a one day a week class.

Exploring God's Word - This Tuesday Bible Class for elementary aged students will focus on learning about God and how to have a relationship with Him. Student objectives for this class include: to better understand Jesus and His love, to show love to one another, to know that God’s Word is written for children as well as adults, and to form a lifelong love of Scripture. Class time will include prayer, Bible lesson, verse memorization, crafts and hands on activities. Units will include but not be limited to: Who is Jesus?, The Life of Jesus, Ingredients to a Godly Life, Resurrection Eggs, and The Life of Joseph. Students should come prepared to learn, have fun, and make friends! This is a one day a week class.

Grammar, Games, and Giggles - Don’t let this title fool you. While we will be playing games and having fun, the students will be learning grammar and how to write a complete sentence. Grammar topics will be introduced throughout the school year and practiced weekly. We will read and explore stories and identify the parts of speech we are learning. Some of the grammar topics
the students will learn are nouns (common and proper), verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, types of sentences, punctuation and much more. Skills will be practiced in writing, but reinforced with fun interactive games.

Lunch Recess - This period is for students that want to stay at HELP for lunch, a recess, and organized games with adult supervision.

Travel the World - Little Lessons with Literature: This class will combine several beloved classic children’s picture books with hands-on activities, art projects, games, and songs that reinforce the gentle lessons that come from each story. Little lessons will include topics on family and friends, nature, the seasons and holidays, and more. Children will have opportunities to interact with their teacher and peers in respectful ways. While exposure to letters and numbers, and the use of motor skills will be present in these lessons, this class is only meant to be supplemental to the basic lessons that a child will receive at home.

Spanish - Introduction to Spanish language covering basic grammar, vocabulary, conversational dialog and group presentations. Interactive and fun :-)

Writing IEW

This writing class uses the IEW method to develop confident writers. It does so by equipping the student with necessary tools and techniques to accomplish the writing goal at hand. Upper elementary is a great time to build your student’s confidence in writing before they hit middle & high school when writing skills will be needed across most disciplines. This class will meet once a week to receive instruction, encouragement and to share writing samples with their fellow classmates. Parental support from home will be necessary at this age in the form of typing papers and encouragement to complete weekly assignments. One can expect weekly writing assignments which are about three hours per week. This is a one day a week class to give time at home for quality writing assignments.

STEM – Elephant toothpaste, exploding pop, marble run maze and more! These are just a few of the exciting STEM projects the students will create, providing them with a fun way to learn stem principles in the areas of chemistry, biology, ecology and physics. Students will work in small groups to teach team collaboration, develop communication and listening skills and empower critical thinking skills and creativity.

Math:

Pre-Algebra

enrollment to Teaching textbooks will be purchased as a group by the tutor. 3 ring binder, looseleaf

Pencil (not pen)

Algebra 1

Topics covered in this fully comprehensive Algebra 1 course include adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing with powers and roots, scientific notation, solving linear equations and inequalities in one variable, rate, work and mixture word problems, simplifying and factoring polynomials, rational expressions, adding, subtracting, solving quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, and using the quadratic formula, graphing linear equations, slope, graphing higher-degree equations, solving systems of two linear equations in two variables graphically and algebraically, solving inequalities in one variable, graphing two-variable inequalities, functions, absolute value equations, mean, median, mode, range, stem and leaf plots, box and whisker plots, histograms, probability including tree diagrams, and using a graphing calculator. This is a two day a week class.

All registrations of students new to HELP math classes are subject to approval by HELP administration. Each student is required to take the following placement test and email to registrar@learnathelp.org. https://www.teachingtextbooks.com/algebra1-version4.html

Algebra 2

Topics covered include: solving linear, quadratic, radical and third-degree equations; solving systems of linear equations in two or three variables; working with complex numbers; graphing linear equations and conic sections (coordinate geometry); solving higher-degree systems in two variables, inequalities in one variable, compound inequalities, and quadratic inequalities; linear programming; functions and functional notation; determining domain and range; shifting and reflecting graphs on a coordinate plane; probability and statistics; sequences, matrices, and determinants; using a graphing calculator.

Pre-Calculus

Prepare your students for college-level math in this course. Lessons cover exponential and logarithmic functions, matrices and determinants, statistics and probability, trigonometry, analytic geometry, and an introduction to derivatives and integrals.

Placement Test is required before registration is confirmed for this class. This applies to ALL NEW STUDENTS TO THE HELP MATH PROGRAM. Please send your results to admissions@anchoredchristianacademy.org https://www.teachingtextbooks.com/pre-calculus-version4.html

HS SAT/ACT Prep for Math - This course will practice ACT/SAT style math test questions to cover types of problems, develop strategies, and build confidence in preparation for taking the ACT and/or SAT exams.

Science:

MS Science: Intro to Botany & Earth Science

This engaging course takes an academic and practical approach to teach about Earth Science and Botany. The first semester students will explore Earth Science and the second semester Botany. There will be lessons, projects, and experiments to help each student better understand the Earth and Plants from a Christian World view. In Earth Science, students will explore a range of topics such as spheres of the earth, the geosphere, the hydrosphere and the atmosphere. In Botany students will learn Botanical Science, plant anatomy and classification. This is a two day a week class.

MS/HS Physical Science

This course is designed to help your student make the transition from junior high to high school science. During this course, your student will study their physical environment and the basic laws that make it work. Topics include: the earth's atmosphere, weather, motion, Newton's laws, gravity, atomic structure, radiation, nuclear reaction, and outer space. Experiments for this course include: examining carbon dioxide and the greenhouse effect, exploring the forces between molecules, modeling plate, tectonics, predicting weather, and much more. Basic algebra skills are needed. If you have a younger student (7th grade), carefully consider the student’s readiness in terms of math and reading comprehension skills. See math required for physical science below. This is a two day a week class. The outside homework is approximately 3 hours weekly.

The math portion of the Physical Science course involves:

1. How to convert measurements/units

2. Simple rearranging of equations: given s=d/t, the student needs to be able to rearrange the equation and solve for distance or time as well as speed.

3. Dividing and multiplying fractions.

These are all things that are covered in most solid 7th grade math curricula, which would be considered one year before pre-algebra or two years before algebra.Students who have never done conversions or divided by fractions will struggle the most. Those who have at least some prior knowledge in converting units, rearranging equations to solve for any of the variables, and in dividing and multiplying fractions will be the most successful. (https://support.apologia.com/kb/article/147-what-are-the-math-prerequisites-for-physical-science/)

HS Anatomy & Physiology

In this dynamic Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology course with Laboratory, students will not only begin to grasp the intricate workings of their bodies, but also learn of the wonders of the human body, designed by our Creator and loving Father. Nothing else in the universe is quite like it. The body is delicate yet powerful–incredibly complex but at times amazingly simple. Students will explore the structure, function, and regulation of the body in detail.

Throughout the year, students will learn how the human body is built from foundational cells, to tissues, to organs, to systems and to the whole marvelous miracle that is the human creation. We will work hands-on through dissection and microscopy to learn how the masterpiece of the body is designed and functions. Supplemental to the text, students will explore how the history of medicine shaped the modern way medicine is studied today and will learn about some of the key historical figures that contributed breakthroughs in the field of medical science.

Although the world insists that our bodies are merely the result of time and chance, as students examine the human body closely, they will see that it cannot be by accident. It can only be the product of a Master Designer.

HS Biology

This course will use a creation-based science curriculum to help students explore, discover, and understand the wonders of creation. This course is an introduction to fundamental life processes and biological concepts. Students will learn about: scientific classification, biochemistry, atomic structure and bonding, cellular biology (including structure, function, and reproduction), molecular and Mendelian genetics, evolution, ecosystems, and the basic anatomy of organisms. This course incorporates an introduction to laboratory skills including: the scientific method, microscopy, dissection, classification, patterns of inheritance, diffusion, and observing, measuring & analyzing scientific data. A helpful prerequisite to this class is Physical Science.

HS Chemistry

This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of Chemistry through a variety of ways: lecture, discussion lab work, and self-study. Chemistry is the study of matter and its changes. Therefore, the topics covered in this course include, but are not limited to: measurement, atomic structure, electron configuration, the periodic table, gas laws, properties of liquids and solids, solutions, stoichiometry, reactions, acids, and bases. Students need to have both good study skills and math skills to be successful in this course. Prerequisite: completion of Algebra 1 with a grade of B or higher.

HS Physics

This course provides students with a strong background in the following: units, measurements, one-and two-dimensional motion, Newton's laws and their application, gravity, work and energy, momentum, periodic motion, waves, optics, electrostatics, electrodynamics, electrical circuits, and magnetism. Experiments for this course include: measuring average velocity and acceleration, determining factors that affect air resistance, estimating the work done by friction, making and using an electroscope and creating a parallel-plate capacitor and storing charge. This is a two day a week class.

Prerequisites: Trig/Pre-Calc (prior to or is taking this math the same year as physics)

English:

HS English/Literature/Writing - Gallagher

This one-credit course challenges students to improve their reading comprehension, writing, and analytical skills through the close reading of excellent literature in a variety of genres. Students will read classic novels, short stories and poetry, and will develop the skills necessary to analyze, interpret and respond critically to literature. Lessons cover all aspects of literary analysis, including plot, conflict, theme, characterization, setting and poetic language. This course also includes a significant writing component, as students will develop and hone their writing skills and vocabulary through various writing assignments including persuasive and literary essays. Building a cohesive essay is key, and we will focus on sentence and paragraph construction, word choice, and grammar. Students will learn citation methods in the Modern Language Association (MLA) format. Grading is based upon written assignments, tests/quizzes and homework/study guides. This class meets twice a week.

HS Literature & Composition - Butler

Reading, literature, and writing are the essentials to succeed in life! This class will focus on the five essay types of writing: analytical, descriptive, persuasive, expository, and narrative. Stylistic techniques, both basic and advanced are taught. Spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, and grammar are also stressed. A short beginning DAR research/essay will also be accomplished as well as a longer research paper given at the end of the year. The final research paper will incorporate MLA format. Literature pieces in the form of short stories and novels will be incorporated as well and discussed. The writing homework revolves upon the literature we cover in class. Homework is given and expected to be completed on time. This class meets once a week.

MS/HS Creative Writing

For incoming 6th grade through 12th grade: This weekly class will focus on creativity, technique, and genre. We will explore many styles such as: the fairy tale, fable, folk tale, tall tale, advertisements, the short story, myth, legend, song lyrics, comics, sci-fi, poetry, writing a children's book, and much more. All writers are welcome from the reluctant to advanced. Enjoying the process of writing in a relaxed atmosphere is stressed. Some mechanics of writing are also taught so that the finished work will be correct in content and writing mechanics. Homework is given and expected to be completed on time. This is a one day a week class.

MS Literature & Writing

Reading literature and writing are the essentials to succeed in life! This class is designed to cover different material each year so that the student will learn and grow. It will focus on the five types of writing: analytical, descriptive, persuasive, expository, and narrative. Stylistic techniques, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, and grammar are also stressed. A short beginning DAR research/essay will also be accomplished. In addition, paragraph styles are part of the curriculum. Brief literature pieces in the form of short stories and novels will be incorporated as well. Homework is given and expected to be completed on time. This is a one day a week class.

History:

MS History

This full year, twice-weekly Middle School level history course will explore our Nation from the perspective of faith in God and respect for His Word. It will include a survey of events and issues from European exploration to the war on terror, with extensive coverage of the 20th century. The first half of the year will focus on early exploration and colonization to the Civil War and Reconstruction. The second half will cover American History from the late 1800’s into the 21st century. Our primary source will be the America the Beautiful textbooks from Notgrass as well as working through the activities provided in the student timeline and maps.
The course will consist of various types of assignments, in-class participation via discussion, hands-on and group
projects, quizzes, and exams. When feasible, field trips, films, and in class special guests will be used.

HS History through the US Presidents

One way to develop a deeper understanding of the United States, its origin and development over time is to look at the actual individuals who were elected to lead it. Who were the presidents and what qualified them to serve? How did the presidents manage to lead the US as a rapidly changing country, facing rapidly changing technology in a rapidly changing world? The primary goal of this class is to learn to use a range of analytical tools and methods to help better understand the vast amount of information available on our presidents. This research and discussion based class will help students become better note takers, better researchers and better analysts not just on the subject of US history but in other subjects, as well. Students will also learn from each other and begin to draw their own conclusions about what it takes to be President of the United States.US

US Government

This course will focus on the foundations of American Constitutional Government and its
historical background. We will study the founding documents, including the Declaration of
Independence, the Constitution and other primary and secondary source documents in the light of Judeo-Christian revelation and natural law. Students will study the structure, functions and
powers of government at the federal, state and local levels. We will examine the principles of
separation of powers, checks and balances, republicanism, federalism, and the electoral process.
There will be a current events component to this course where we will review some of the events
of the day in conjunction with the operation of and impact upon all levels of government.
Students will also study and dissect caselaw of the Supreme Court of the United States. We will
discuss competing forms of government, in order that students will have a clear understanding of
the uniqueness of our constitutional republic, and the importance of preserving it. Grading is
based upon quizzes/tests, projects, and homework. Completion of the entire course is worth ½
U.S. Government/civics credit and ½ social studies/history credit for a total of 1 credit.

Electives:

MS Art

Students will learn artistic concepts (line, value, space, color, etc) using a variety of mediums and materials. Projects will take up class time and be finished as homework; a large, 12-hour project over the course of the year of the student’s choosing, and an art history project will be part of the curriculum as well. Expect homework that will take time and effort.

MS/HS Bible

The Bible is not only the best selling book of all time; it is also the most important book ever written. No other book reaches into the hearts of men like the Bible. It contains the very words of God. In this class, we will explore 25-30 topics that impact our lives as we live in this world. Topics such as Temptation, Handling Anger, Forgiving Others, Revenge, Honesty, Controlling your tongue and many more. This class will also provide each student with the opportunity to submit any questions they would like addressed throughout the year.

HS Computer Programs

A computer is an electronic device that receives input, stores or processes the input as per user instructions and provides output in desired format. Computers have become an integral part of our lives because they can accomplish easy tasks repeatedly without getting bored and complex ones repeatedly without committing errors. In this class we will discuss in detail about the different parts of computer that enable it to carry out tasks efficiently and correctly. We will also discuss about microprocessors, the brain of computers, which actually do all the assigned tasks.

Spanish

Introduction to Spanish language covering basic grammar, vocabulary, conversational dialog and group presentations. Interactive and fun.

Speech & Debate

Introduction to Speech is an elective course that will provide students with the basic skills needed in a variety of public and daily interaction within society. Students will learn to communicate more effectively, whether in front of an audience or one-on-one. They will learn the essential elements of effective speech, verbal and nonverbal. At the end of the course, students will have developed the skills needed to prepare and effectively deliver speeches in public.

By completing this course, the student will:

Develop the basic fundamentals of verbal and non-verbal communication
Understand fundamental speech skills
Gain the confidence needed to deliver a speech in a public setting
Learn how to persuade others through their speaking
Learn the different types of speeches and how to prepare for each one
Develop the skills necessary to clearly articulate in such a way as to educate, influence and enhance an audience

Introduction to Debate will explore the fundamental components of competitive team policy debate. It will focus on the Key elements of:

Research of designated Debate Topic(s)
Strategy/Case Development
Effective Listening to develop specifically targeted responses
Learning the component speaking parts in a debate (First Affirmative, First Negative, Second Affirmative, Second Negative, and Rebuttals), and the requisite obligations of each speaker
“Flowing” a debate to capture and address all points raised
Practical Presentation Exercises