Preschool Art

During this class, the kids will be using different mediums such as watercolor, pastels, ink, and painting to create art and crafts.  

Instructor: Sarah Dakof-Coffman

Class fees:

• 1st semester:
  • $30 non-refundable deposit due August
  • $125 due first class in September
• 2nd semester:
  • $30 non-refundable deposit due December
  • $125 due first class in January

Class pricing allows for one missed class during the semester (teacher illness, teacher absence, co-op closure, etc.). After that, you will be reimbursed for any class I miss. A refund will be issued at the end of the semester. No refunds or credits will be issued if your child misses a class.

Each student has one week at the beginning of each semester to see if the class is a good fit. Your child may drop the class and be refunded for the remaining 14 weeks. 

STEAM Explorers

What happens when we add vinegar to baking soda?? Can we shoot cotton balls the same distance as marshmallows?? What happens when we use spaghetti as a paint brush?? In this class, we will learn through exploration, creativity, and play! Your child will be encouraged to explore the world around them through hands on activities, including: science experiments, unique art projects and age appropriate S.T.E.A.M. activities. Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Ages: 3-6
Monthly class fee: $25.00
Material fee: $30.00 upon registration/$30.00 January
Min/Max: 4 students/8 students
Payment: Cash, check or Zelle
Alexis Shipman
4shipman@gmail.com

PE Adventurers:

Let's get the wiggles out with warm up games, team sports, races, animal exercises, the limbo, balloon tennis & so much more!  Team sports can include soccer, kickball, dodgeball, capture the flag, floor hockey, etc..  We will focus on having fun, developing coordination, exercising, and playing together on a team along with some friendly competition. Class will be held inside the gym except for Thanksgiving to Winter Break while the church closes the gym for their holiday season. We will move classes outside weather permitting, please bring appropriate outerwear.  Any questions, please contact me.

Cost: $110 per semester (supply fee included in price)
Min/Max: 6/12
Ages: 5-7
Instructor:  Missy Stankowitz

Payment and Refund Policies:
Class cost is $110 per semester which includes a $10 supply fee.  Payments must be made in full before the start of the semester. If you need to cancel your child’s registration and receive a Full refund, please contact before August 24, 2024 for first semester; January 11, 2025 for second semester..  If you’d like to withdraw after those dates but before class begins, a refund will be provided minus the $10 supply fee.  If you need to withdraw your child from class after the classes have begun, please contact me and we can discuss the case individually.  Refunds or credits won’t be issued if your child misses a class.  Pricing allows for 1 canceled class; beyond that I will provide a credit if I miss a class and am not able to provide a substitute. 

Payment Options: I will accept Zelle, cash, and check.

PE Pioneers:

Fun is the theme in this action packed physical education class!  There will be fun warm up games, frisbee races, hula hoop passing, tower building, juggling, and team sports.    Team sports (soccer, kickball, dodgeball, capture the flag, floor hockey, and more) will focus on introducing kids to having fun, exercising, and playing together on a team.  Physical movement is essential for all students, so let's develop coordination, move our bodies, and maybe even find a new sport to love for life!! Class will be held inside the gym except for Thanksgiving to Winter Break while the church closes the gym for their holiday season. We will move classes outside weather permitting, please bring appropriate outerwear.  Any questions, please contact me.

Ages 8 - 10
Cost: $110 per semester (supply fee included in price)
Min/Max: 6/14
Instructor: Missy Stankowitz

Payment and Refund Policies:
Class cost is $110 per semester which includes a $10 supply fee.  Payments must be made in full before the start of the semester. If you need to cancel your child’s registration and receive a Full refund, please contact before August 24, 2024 for first semester; January 11, 2025 for second semester..  If you’d like to withdraw after those dates but before class begins, a refund will be provided minus the $10 supply fee.  If you need to withdraw your child from class after the classes have begun, please contact me and we can discuss the case individually.  Refunds or credits won’t be issued if your child misses a class.  Pricing allows for 1 canceled class; beyond that I will provide a credit if I miss a class and am not able to provide a substitute. 

Payment Options: I will accept Zelle, cash, and check.

PE Trailblazers:

Physical movement is necessary for overall health & wellness.  We will work on balance, self awareness, coordination, concentration, encouragement, and most of all having fun!  Let’s challenge ourselves, and our friends, with friendly jump rope competitions, badminton, foursquare, horse, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, and more!  Team sports can include basketball, soccer, kickball, dodgeball, capture the flag, etc.  During the month of April, students will have an opportunity to work towards earning the presidential fitness challenge. Class will be held inside the gym except for Thanksgiving to Winter Break while the church closes the gym for their holiday season. We will move classes outside weather permitting, please bring appropriate outerwear.  Any questions, please contact me.

Ages 11 - 14
Cost: $110 per semester (supply fee included in price)
Min/Max: 6/12
Instructor: Missy Stankowitz 

Payment and Refund Policies:
Class cost is $110 per semester which includes a $10 supply fee.  Payments must be made in full before the start of the semester. If you need to cancel your child’s registration and receive a Full refund, please contact before August 24, 2024 for first semester; January 11, 2025 for second semester..  If you’d like to withdraw after those dates but before class begins, a refund will be provided minus the $10 supply fee.  If you need to withdraw your child from class after the classes have begun, please contact me and we can discuss the case individually.  Refunds or credits won’t be issued if your child misses a class.  Pricing allows for 1 canceled class; beyond that I will provide a credit if I miss a class and am not able to provide a substitute. 

Payment Options: I will accept Zelle, cash, and check.

Children's Theatre Class IA

*Child must be 5 by first day of class.

Taking what these youngins already naturally do, with their own ingenious imaginations, the kids will be put “on stage." They will use an array of home-made, home-found costumes and props. They'll create scenery and sets making favorite stories come to life!  Our class fairytales will allow for unique diversions as in having four little piggies instead of the usual three. Improvised Mind-Island stories are a favorite!  Where the kids get to make up their own characters and situations to a narrative we create together.  

Presenting their self-written and/or self-illustrated book, after a visit of our class-stuffed-pet to your home, adds to conquering stage-fright and boosting self-esteem.  

No memorization is expected for this class.

Throughout the year, do expect to be invited to our classroom for the occassional open-show.

Ages: 5-7
NSTRUCTOR: Masha Furmanova, mafusha88@hotmail.com

No Drop-Ins, YET! feel free to come and watch the class at no charge. 

SEMESTER 1

MATERIAL FEE: $20 One-time fee per child, Due September 4, 2024

Pay MONTHLY: $20 Due first Wednesday of Sept, Oct, Nov & Dec 2024 ~ Cash or check 

ONE TIME PAY:  $95 (includes material fee) Due September 4, 2024  ~ Cash or check (That's a $5 discount available ONLY at start of semester) 

SEMESTER 2

MATERIAL FEE: $20 one-time fee per child. Due January 22, 2025

Pay MONTHLY: $20 Due first Wednesday of Jan, Feb, March, Apr 2025 ~ Cash or check 

ONE TIME PAY:  $95 (includes material fee) Due January 22, 2025 ~ Cash or check (That's a $5 discount available ONLY at start of semester) 

Children's Theatre Class IB

*Child must be 8 by first day of class.

This group of boys and girls will be put “on stage" using an array of "backyard" costumes, props and stage materials. Kids will create familiar stories incorporating their own imaginative twists. Improvised Mind-Island stories - where the kids get to make up their own characters and add their own ideas to any plot they act out - are always a favorite. Participation of these students will be more evident than the younger class with a hope for less narration on the part of a storyteller (me) and more dialogue participation from the thespians.  Once the kids have gotten the hang of our theatre expectations, the kids will be encouraged to produce excerpts of popular fairy-tales working in small groups; allowing them to choose their own costuming, setting and dialogue.  

Memorization of scripts won't be expected. 

Throughout the year, do expect to be invited to our classroom for the occassional open-show.

Ages: 8 - 10
NSSTRUCTOR: Masha Furmanova, mafusha88@hotmail.com

No Drop-Ins, YET! feel free to come and watch the class at no charge. 

SEMESTER 1 

MATERIAL FEE: $20 One-time fee per child, Due September 4, 2024

Pay MONTHLY: $20 Due first Wednesday of Sept, Oct, Nov & Dec 2024 ~ Cash or check 

ONE TIME PAY:  $95 (includes material fee) Due September 4, 2024  ~ Cash or check (That's a $5 discount available ONLY at start of semester) 

SEMESTER 2 

MATERIAL FEE: $20 one-time fee per child. Due January 22, 2025

Pay MONTHLY: $20 Due first Wednesday of Jan, Feb, March, Apr 2025 ~ Cash or check 

ONE TIME PAY:  $95 (includes material fee) Due January 22, 2025 ~ Cash or check (That's a $5 discount available ONLY at start of semester)

Children's Theatre Class II

Acting skills and stage presence will be developed in this class through fun theatrical activities. As a result, the boys and girls will bring to life short scripted plays using an array of "backyard" costumes and props to create their own scenery and stage sets. If your child is a writer of any sort - one's own made-up play is encouraged to be written and could be read by the class and/or performed with my approval.  Some memorization will be expected.

Throughout the year, do expect to be invited to our classroom for the occassional open-show.

Ages: 11+
NSTRUCTOR: Masha Furmanova, mafusha88@hotmail.com

No Drop-Ins, YET! feel free to come and watch the class at no charge.  

SEMESTER 1 

MATERIAL FEE: $20 One-time fee per child, Due September 4, 2024

Pay MONTHLY: $20 Due first Wednesday of Sept, Oct, Nov & Dec 2024 ~ Cash or check 

ONE TIME PAY:  $95 (includes material fee) Due September 4, 2024  ~ Cash or check (That's a $5 discount available ONLY at start of semester) 

SEMESTER 2

MATERIAL FEE: $20 one-time fee per child. Due January 22, 2025

Pay MONTHLY: $20 Due first Wednesday of Jan, Feb, March, Apr 2025 ~ Cash or check 

ONE TIME PAY:  $95 (includes material fee) Due January 22, 2025 ~ Cash or check (That's a $5 discount available ONLY at start of semester) 

Improv

FYI: Improv has been proven to breed good listening skills and self-confidence.

In this class the laughs come naturally as improvisational scenes, stories, and/or scenes materialize. AND these pre-teens and teens may not realize it - but, built into the program, they're improving listening skills, group cooperation skills, abilities to move conversations forward to be more interesting and how to Yes, And! The environment encourages imagination and lots of creativity that “just happens.” And... any inhibitions are dissolved in a safe and fun environment.  No scripts, no props, no costumes. Thus, no material fees!

Ages: 11+
Instructor: Masha Furmanova, mafusha88@hotmail.com

Drop-In students welcome for $6 cash paid day of class with instructor approval.

And, feel free to come and watch the class at no charge. 

SEMESTER 1 

Pay MONTHLY: $20 Due first Wednesday of Sept, Oct, Nov & Dec 2024 ~ Cash or check 

ONE TIME PAY:  $75 Due September 4, 2024  ~ Cash or check (That's a $5 discount available ONLY at start of semester) 

SEMESTER 2

Pay MONTHLY: $20  Due first Wednesday of Jan, Feb, March, Apr 2025 ~ Cash or check 

ONE TIME PAY:  $75 ~ Due January 22, 2025 ~ Cash or check (That's a $5 discount available ONLY at start of semester) 

American Sign Language (ASL):

In this class students will discover the expressive language of American Sign Language (ASL). They will learn to fingerspell the alphabet, sign colors, numbers, various objects, and family members. They will learn a wide range of everyday vocabulary that will enable them to engage in conversations using their hands and physical expressions.

Ages: 7 - 10

Instructor: Sarah Dakof-Coffman

Class fees:

• 1st semester:
  • $25 non-refundable deposit due August
  • $125 due first class in September
• 2nd semester:
  • $25 non-refundable deposit due December
  • $125 due first class in January

Class pricing allows for one missed class during the semester (teacher illness, teacher absence, co-op closure, etc.). After that, you will be reimbursed for any class I miss. A refund will be issued at the end of the semester. No refunds or credits will be issued if your child misses a class.

Each student has one week at the beginning of each semester to see if the class is a good fit. Your child may drop the class and be refunded for the remaining 14 weeks. 

Spanish "Viajes" (Travels) - Under 10:

Bienvenidos a la clase de Español! This Spanish course will introduce common phrases and vocabulary, along with some verbs and their conjugations using the Spanish for You curriculum as a guide as well as various videos as suggested by the teacher. During class time we will play games, sing songs, and otherwise play to reinforce learning.  Teacher will provide some at home activities and access to online practice decks at Boom Cards. Optional homework ideas available as indicated in the full curriculum (see below).In this class, our goal will be to have fun learning Spanish vocabulary and not on using the full Spanish for You curriculum or reading Spanish. Students with no Spanish experience are welcome in this class.

Instructor: Rebecca Reid

Ages: age 7-10          Min: 6               Max: 12

Prerequisite: Basic ability to read requested        

Class Fee:  $140 per semester (due Sept and January), 15 weeks per semester; installment option — $35/month due September-December and January-April.

Supply Fee: $20 + curriculum text book (price tbd). Supply fee is due in August to secure a spot in the class.

 Payment options: I accept cash,, check,  and Zelle/PayPal (Rebecca@rebeccareid.com)

Class attendance policy: Pricing allows for 1 missed class during the semester (due to teacher illness, teacher absence, co-op closure, etc.). After that, the teacher will reimburse families for any classes missed. Note that if a child is absent from class, no class fees will be refunded, but when possible, supplies/lesson plans will be provided to you for the class missed.

Drop policy: There is a 2 week drop period at the beginning of each semester for the class. You have 2 weeks at the beginning of each semester to see if the class is a good match for your kid. You can drop at this time and be refunded the remaining tuition. There is also an option to drop in between semesters or at the beginning of the 2nd semester.

 Curriculum purchase Option one (basics): Purchase just the textbook. Students should own the Spanish for You textbook to reference for vocabulary study and/or review. Parents will purchase the textbook themselves through the Spanish for You site. This textbook is not consumable.

Curriculum purchase option two (full program): In order to learn Spanish fully, you’ll need to complete homework every day during the week. The curriculum provides daily homework assignments ideas. Audio files are included in the downloadable curriculum to aid students in their learning. The curriculum package is about $55 + shipping. Parents will purchase the curriculum themselves through the Spanish for You site. This curriculum is reusable year after year and for multiple children within your own family. This younger class will not emphasize homework completion, but doing the work will assist in better language learning. Note that full curriculum purchase does include audio of all the textbook to help you hear the language from a native speaker.

Curriculum: As mentioned, in addition to the supply fee due to the teacher, a purchase of the Spanish for You “Viajes” curriculum package + shipping is high recommended. Parents will purchase the curriculum themselves through the Spanish for You site. This curriculum is reusable year after year and for multiple children within your own family. Purchase the curriculum at the Spanish for You site.

• 1 x Viajes Homeschool Co-op Student Package (Choose the level/workbook for the grade of your child 3-4, 5-6 or 7-8) - $64.95 Purchase here:  https://spanish-for-you.com/product/spanish-for-you-viajes-homeschool-co-op-student-package/  Use code buy-co-ops
  • For any additional child within a family, 1 x Viajes Optional Workbook G3-4 - $34.95

OR, for just the textbook.

• 1 x Viajes Student Book - $20.25. Purchase here: https://spanish-for-you.com/product/spanish-for-you-viajes-extra-book/ Use code buy-co-ops

Spanish "Viajes" (Travels) - Ages 10+:

¡Bienvenidos a la clase de Español! This Spanish course will introduce common phrases, vocabulary, and verbs and their conjugations using the Spanish for You curriculum (“Viajes”). During class time we will play games to reinforce learning as taught in the book. My focus will be on having fun while learning Spanish! I like to incorporate games into our class as often as possible.

 STUDENTS WILL NEED TO COMPLETE 10-15 MINUTES OF HOMEWORK A DAY during the week to learn Spanish and fully participate in class. Daily homework assignments are outlined in the curriculum and weekly suggestions will be given by the teacher. Audio files are included in the downloadable curriculum to aid students in their learning.  I’ll also provide access to online review task cards via the Boom Learning site.

 Class Fee: $150 per semester (due Sept and January), 15 weeks per semester; installment option — $38/month due September-December and January-April.

Supply Fee: $10 + purchase of curriculum. Supply fee is due in August to secure a spot in the class.

 Instructor: Rebecca Reid

Ages: age 10-14                 Min: 4             Max: 12

Prerequisite: The ability to read and desire to speak in Spanish. Students with no Spanish experience are welcome in this class.

Payment options: I accept cash,, check,  and Zelle/PayPal (Rebecca@rebeccareid.com)

Class attendance policy: Pricing allows for 1 missed class during the semester (due to teacher illness, teacher absence, co-op closure, etc.). After that, the teacher will reimburse families for any classes missed. Note that if a child is absent from class, no class fees will be refunded, but when possible, supplies/lesson plans will be provided to you for the class missed.

Drop policy: There is a 2 week drop period at the beginning of each semester for the class. You have 2 weeks at the beginning of each semester to see if the class is a good match for your kid. You can drop at this time and be refunded the rest of the remaining amount. There is also an option to drop in between semesters (at the beginning of the 2nd semester)

 Curriculum: In addition to the supply fee due to the teacher, a purchase of the Spanish for You “Viajes” curriculum package + shipping is required. Parents will purchase the curriculum themselves through the Spanish for You site. This curriculum is reusable year after year and for multiple children within your own family. Purchase the curriculum at the Spanish for You site.

• 1 x Viajes Homeschool Co-op Student Package (Choose the level/workbook for the grade of your child 3-4, 5-6 or 7-8) - $64.95 Purchase here:  https://spanish-for-you.com/product/spanish-for-you-viajes-homeschool-co-op-student-package/  Use code is buy-co-ops
  • For any additional child within a family, 1 x Viajes Optional Workbook G3-4 - $34.95

High School Spanish:

The objective of the class is to provide the practical skills of basic communication, i.e., greeting people, buying a ticket, ordering from a menu. 

The concentration will be in Latin American Spanish in creating simple sentence construction and formulating questions.

The focus will be on:

Reading – opportunities to increase their reading proficiency in the Spanish language

Writing – synthesizing their newly acquired knowledge to express themselves

Speaking – verbal proficiency helping to communicate with full sentences

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

$140 per semester (due Sept and January), 15 weeks per semester; installment option — $35/month due September-December and January-April. Cash, check and Zelle accepted. 

Instructors: Mariana Wade & Katie Redding

U.S. Constitution and Government

Ages: 14+      Minimum: 5                  Maximum: 12

Class fee:  $185 per semester (due Sept and January), 15 weeks per semester; installment option — $48/month due September-December and January-April. This class is intended to be a full-year class.

Supply fee: $20 + textbook (Painless American Government 2nd edition). Teacher will provide a note-taking copy of the constitution. OR Optional (for high school level): The Words We Live By — annotated constitution . (If this is purchased, the teacher won’t provide the note-taking copy; reduce the supply fee to $10.)

Description:  This course teaches students the history, the content, and the impact of the U.S. Constitution. The class will rely on critical thinking skills and learning through research as much as possible. Open Socratic discussions will be welcomed in class each week as we discuss the constitutional concepts as originally intended and as it has evolved over the years to meet our needs 200+ years later.

There will be a mandatory weekly discussion via a Google Classroom, as well as a requested current events submission (a brief write-up) each week to encourage student engagement with the Constitution and U.S. government. We will read through the textbook throughout the year, and students should attend (virtually is okay) a local and a national civic event. There will also other assigned homework each week, including reading, paragraph writing, quizzes and tests. In addition to class participation for 30 weeks, 2-3 hours of homework a week is expected for high school level learning. A grade will also be assigned for those counting the class for a credit of high school social studies.

Tentative outline for Fall Semester  (including textbook chapters 1-4)

• Civil dialogue & Constitution Overview
• Philosophical influences on the founding fathers
• U.S. history surrounding the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and Constitution
• Civil liberties and civil rights
• Structure of the Illinois State Constitution
• 
  

Tentative outline for Winter/Spring Semester (including textbook chapters 4-9)

• Legislative Branch
• Executive Branch
• Judicial Branch
• How our federal and state government functions within the U.S. Constitution framework
• Our civic role and duties as citizens

Payment options: I accept cash,, check,  and Zelle/PayPal (Rebecca@rebeccareid.com)

Class attendance policy: Pricing allows for 1 missed class during the semester (due to teacher illness, teacher absence, co-op closure, etc.). After that, the teacher will reimburse families for any classes missed. Note that if a child is absent from class, no class fees will be refunded, but when possible, supplies/lesson plans will be provided to you for the class missed. Please note that each week that there is class scheduled there will be lessons on the Google Classroom to review for the coming week. I expect students to do the weekly work even if they are absent.

Drop policy: There is a 2 week drop period at the beginning of each semester for the class. You have 2 weeks at the beginning of each semester to see if the class is a good match for your kid. You can drop at this time and be refunded the remaining tuition. There is also an option to drop in between semesters or at the beginning of the 2nd semester.

Creative Writing 

Using the NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) Young Writers Program curriculum, students will learn the elements of novel writing to complete a novel by the end of the year. In the first semester, students will focus on:

• Writing every week on a variety of prompts.
• Brainstorming and generating big, fun ideas for short and longer pieces.
• Preparing and planning to write longer pieces.
• Elements of story including characters, conflict, plot, point of view, dialogue and settings.

During the second semester, we will dedicate the month of February to novel writing. Students will have one month to complete the first draft of their novels using both time in class and time at home to write. Throughout March and April, students will engage in writers’ workshop with each other and edit their drafts to produce second and final drafts by the end of April. During the last two classes in May, students will be invited to read their work to the class. 

Required Class Materials:
All students are expected to bring the following materials to class each week:

• Lined notebook for writing prompts in class and journaling at home
• Lined notebook for novel writing
• Folder or binder to store important papers
• Pencil with eraser
• Favorite writing utensil

Students are asked to write by hand in class but they may use technology to work on drafts and final drafts at home if they prefer. 

Homework:
Students will be given writing prompts to complete at home and will be encouraged to write a couple times a week outside of class. During the month of February, students will be expected to work on their novels at home so they can keep up with their writing schedule.

Instructor: Natalie Krastev

Ages: 8 - 11

Mix/Max: 3/10

Cost per Semester: $220 per semester (includes a $20 non-refundable material fee).  

Middle School Writing and Literature 

Ages: ages 10-13  (about grades 5th through 8th)                  Minimum: 4          Maximum: 10

Prerequisites: Ability to write a complete sentence requested.

Class fee: $150 per semester (due Sept and January), 15 weeks per semester; installment option — $38/month due September-December and January-April.

Supply fee: $30 due in August to secure a spot in the class.  Students must have access to the following books: Paddle to the Sea (September-October), Minn of the Mississippi (February – March), Tuck Everlasting  by Natalie Babbit.. Library access to the books is sufficient. Additional stories in public domain will also be sent.

Description: Want to improve your writing skills and prepare for high school writing? With a group of your peers, you can learn about outlining what you read and writing with strong paragraph structures for academic writing and creative writing. We’ll do activities and/or brainstorm in class to learn about improving writing skills and sentence style, and we’ll share our writing with each other as we give feedback and improve throughout the year. 

This class will emphasize language arts development, especially writing but also including grammar, mechanics, vocabulary, and the revision process. Please note that this class will have a weekly writing assignment to be completed at home. Homework participation is essential for this writing class. Students can handwrite or type their paragraphs. The teacher will respond with feedback to the writing.

Younger ages are welcome if parents believe students are ready for the paragraph writing involved. The teacher anticipates adjusting expectations and plans based on student levels.

Curriculum: The class will follow the structure and style learning approach as introduced by the IEW curriculum, but this course will be the teacher’s own creation using the source texts.

Payment options: I accept cash, check,  and Zelle/PayPal (Rebecca@rebeccareid.com)

Class attendance policy: Pricing allows for 1 missed class during the semester (due to teacher illness, teacher absence, co-op closure, etc.). After that, the teacher will reimburse families for any classes missed. Note that if a child is absent from class, no class fees will be refunded, but when possible, supplies/lesson plans will be provided to you for the class missed.

Drop policy: There is a 2 week drop period at the beginning of each semester for the class. You have 2 weeks at the beginning of each semester to see if the class is a good match for your kid. You can drop at this time and be refunded the rest of the remaining amount. There is also an option to drop in between semesters ( at the beginning of the 2nd semester).

Playwriting - Creative Writing for Theatre and Performance 

This class will expand your child's creative writing abilities to "the stage." He or she will write stories, plays, skits, commercials and radio shows. They'll consider costumes and props.  They'll explore various perspectives, plots and characters.  We'll delve into comedy, tragedy, historical reality or complete fantasy and perhaps a little bit of the absurd. This class is NOT an acting class, but will incorporate simple acting on needed occassions. Bottomline:  It's a class for creative students, putting on paper what they have in their imagination for the stage. 

Instructor: Masha Furmanova, mafusha88@hotmail.com

Min/Max:  2/6 

Child is to bring to each class: 3-ring-binder with blank paper, several ready-to-write-pencils with erasures and either colored pencils or markers for drawing. 

No Drop-ins. 

SEMESTER 1 

MATERIAL FEE: $20 One-time fee per child, due September 4, 2024

Pay MONTHLY: $20 Due first Wednesday of Sept, Oct, Nov & Dec 2024 ~ Cash or check 

ONE TIME PAY:  $95 Due September 4, 2024  ~ Cash or check (That's a $5 discount available ONLY at start of semester) 

SEMESTER 2

MATERIAL FEE: $20 one-time fee per child, due January 22, 2025

Pay MONTHLY: $20 Due first Wednesday of Jan, Feb, March, Apr 2025 ~ Cash or check 

ONE TIME PAY:  $95 (includes material fee) Due January 22, 2025 ~ Cash or check (That's a $5 discount available ONLY at start of semester) 

High School Grammar and Composition

“Grammar is the logic of speech, even as logic is the grammar of reason”

--Richard Chenevix Trench

The purpose of this class is to deepen and refine an established understanding of grammar. As our students begin to think about resumes, college applications, and other professional writing, it becomes more essential for students to have polished, professional prose. Eloquence is an underestimated skill that can truly set someone apart. Using Fix It! Grammar as a spine combined with class writing time, we will work together to make sure the students’ writing is precise and thoughtful. I firmly believe that writing is a task that is learned through practice. Many people write the way
they speak, but these are two different methods of communication. It is important for students to understand that people process speech and text differently. They should learn to become aware of their audience and how best to reach them. On a weekly basis, I will expect students to take home a notebook (provided by me) to either free-write or write about a specific topic. I will not expect a lot of writing, but enough so that I can respond to their work in a productive way. To further focus this expressive effort, we will work through four different essay types over the course of the year—expository, persuasive, analytical, and argumentative. These types of essays are similar, but their distinctions will help to strengthen the students’ ability to synthesize ideas in text. We will discuss together how to choose a topic, do research, develop a thesis, create an outline, write an essay, and revise work. There will be time for writing in class in case they feel they need extra support. I don’t believe in grades. Each student starts in their own place and progresses at their own pace. I only look for progress and effort. If your student is worried about “failing” or “embarrassing themselves,” tell them not to worry. We are here to hold each other up, help each other learn, and encourage each other to flourish. I look forward to working with your student this year!

Max number of students—15
Instructor: Natalie Krastev
Required text—Fix It! Grammar Level 5 “Frog Prince”
Open drop policy—leave at any time.
$110 for the semester or monthly payments of $30 (September to December, January to April). If paying monthly, payment is expected at the beginning of the month. Pay by cash, check, Zelle, or Apple Pay.
I may miss one class within the semester without refunding; any additional missed classes will be refunded.
I will not refund class missed by a child, but I will send home information about the material covered while they were absent.

High School Literature

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go[.]”
--Dr. Seuss

Book List:
Animal Farm
Lord of the Flies
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
To Kill a Mocking Bird
The Pearl

Being a teenager facing the cusp of adulthood can be an intimidating period in life. The awareness of your own blossoming freedom can be exhilarating, but with it comes responsibility and peril. Literature is a space where students can explore many of those challenging ideas without living them. I chose books for this class in hopes of encouraging independent, critical thinking. They may further ground their personal morals by experiencing demanding and onerous ideas in the lines of these stories. I do not find lecturing productive. My intention in this class is to guide them socratically. I find that students learn more when they synthesize their own ideas about stories. So, I will be asking them to take home a notebook (provided by me) in which to write their thoughts and questions about the section of text they read that week. We will work through as many of their questions and ideas as we can as a group. The collective experience of analysis is extremely beneficial, but I realize it can be intimidating. Please assure your students there is nothing to worry about. We will maintain a respectful conversational classroom and make sure that everyone is heard. If they are afraid of speaking, please let me know and we will discuss alternatives to class discussion. I don’t believe in grades. Each student starts in their own place and progresses at their own pace. I only look for progress and effort. If your student is worried about “failing” or “embarrassing themselves,” tell them not to worry. We are here to hold each other up, help each other learn, and encourage each other to flourish. I think this will be a powerful class! I know some of the ideas may be difficult, but I am sure they will come away from these classic texts with new and wonderful thoughts about their place in the world. I look forward to seeing the thoughtful reflections of your student this year!

Max number of students—15
Instructor: Natalie Krastev
Open drop policy—leave at any time.
$110 for the semester or monthly payments of $30 (September to December, January to April). If paying monthly, payment is expected at the beginning of the month. Pay by cash, check, Zelle, or Apple Pay.
It will be the student’s responsibility to get the required reading.
I may miss one class within the semester without refunding; any additional missed classes will be refunded.
I will not refund a class missed by a child, but I will send home information about the material covered while they were absent.

FREE SPIRIT Cooking & Baking Class

Are you ready to embark on a flavorful journey filled with fun and excitement? Whether your child is a beginner or an aspiring young chef, this class will offer the perfect opportunity to explore, learn, experiment, and have fun in the kitchen! It caters to all skill levels in a stress-free setting. From savory delights to sweet treats, this class will cover a wide range of cuisines and dishes, ensuring that every child finds something they love. 

This class is not just about recipes; it’s about fostering creativity, building confidence, making friends, and having a blast! 

Children will roll up their sleeves, put on their aprons (please bring one if you have it!), and dive into the world of cooking and baking. They will learn essential kitchen skills as well as good habits to ensure a secure cooking environment.  

Come join us, and let's cook up some tasty memories together!

Class details:

***ALLERGIES***:  To ensure a safe environment for all participants, it is kindly requested that kids with food allergies refrain from joining this cooking class. Thank you for your understanding. When signing up for this class, the parent/guardian acknowledges that the teacher will not be held responsible for any allergic reactions that may occur during the cooking class.

***SAFETY***: While the teacher takes every precaution to ensure a safe learning environment, it is strongly encouraged that parents/guardians discuss safety protocols with their children prior to attending the class. When signing up for this class, the parent/guardian acknowledges that the teacher will not be held responsible for any accidents/harm that may occur during the cooking class. 

***HAIR*** : For sanitary reasons, please make sure that during the cooking class long hair ( for both boys and girls)  is tied up with a hair band in the back of the head.

***TIME RESTRICTIONS***: Sometimes it may take us a bit longer to finish baking or cooking. If that’s the case, you may continue with your other classes, but don’t forget to stop by and pick up your dish later!

****PRICING***: It is very difficult to predict what food prices are going to be in 2025. Therefore, if necessary, the teacher reserves the right to slightly increase the cost for the 2nd semester. Parents will be given notice in December of 2024 if such increase will take place. 

Age: 6+ 

Class size: Min 3/ Max 6

Cost per Semester: $225, I accept payments via Zelle (ph. nb. for Zelle 224-595-1166, Tomasz Wojtowicz) check or cash. Please contact me if you would like to deliver your payment in cash, or  check, or in case there are any issues with your Zelle payments. 

Full payments must be received by August 15th 2024, for 1st semester, and January 1st 2025 for the second semester. If I don’t receive your full payment by these dates and there is an active waiting list, you may lose your spot to someone from that list. Please make sure that all payments clearly state the student’s name. I encourage you to contact me after you have made/mailed your payment, to confirm that it was received. 

Refunds and drop ins/outs: No refunds or credits will be issued in case a student misses a class. The class pricing allows for 1 missed class during the semester (due to teacher illness, teacher absence, co-op closure, etc.), after that, the teacher will reimburse families for any classes missed. A refund will be issued at the end of semester. Each student has 1 week at the beginning of each semester to see if the class is a good match for him/her. You can drop out at this time and be refunded the rest of the remaining amount. Refunds for withdrawals after that time will be made on a case-by-case basis and full refunds are not guaranteed. After you have dropped out, you cannot drop back in for that semester. 

Students can join the class in the middle of the semester if there are openings. You will need to pay the total of the pro-rated fee for the rest of the semester before your first class. If there are openings, there is also an option to drop-in between semesters. Weekly drop-ins are not allowed.

Ingredients: Whenever possible/obtainable, we will try to prioritize the use of organic ingredients. 

Contact: Magdalena Widlarz-Wojtowicz, 224-595-2831, Messenger @ Magdalena Widlarz-Wojtowicz or email widlacha@yahoo.com

Discovery Science

This is a beginning science class designed to engage 5-7 year olds and help them to discover and understand the world around them. We will touch on many different facets of science such as the senses, the solar system, plant life, health and safety, sound, seasons, animals … This class is meant to be a fun and exploratory learning class, supplemental to any science taught at home. No homework ??

Class fee: $180 per semester, includes supplies.

1st semester:

• $30 non-refundable deposit due August 7
• $75 due September 11
• $75 due November 6

2nd semester:

• $90 due January 22
• $90 due March 5

Min/Max: 5 students/10 students

Payment: Check, Cash or Zelle cassidies@comcast.net

Teacher Information: Liz Cassidy cassidies@comcast.net

Pricing allows for one missed class during the semester. After that, teacher will reimburse for missed class. If child absent, no class fee will be refunded.

One week drop period at the beginning of each semester.

LEGO Challenge

Each week students will complete Lego challenges that gets them thinking outside the box. Besides having fun as they let their creative juices flow, here's some of the additional skills the kids will be sharpening throughout the year:

• Problem solving
• Team building/cooperation
• STEM challenges
• Public Speaking: communicating what you have built 
• Design challeges
• Confidence building through exploring new ideas

Instructor: Sarah Dakof-Coffman
Ages: 8 - 12

Class fees:

• 1st semester:
  • $25 non-refundable deposit due August
  • $125 due first class in September
• 2nd semester:
  • $25 non-refundable deposit due December
  • $125 due first class in January

Class pricing allows for one missed class during the semester (teacher illness, teacher absence, co-op closure, etc.). After that, you will be reimbursed for any class I miss. A refund will be issued at the end of the semester. No refunds or credits will be issued if your child misses a class.

Each student has one week at the beginning of each semester to see if the class is a good fit. Your child may drop the class and be refunded for the remaining 14 weeks. 

MacGyver Robotics

Step into the fun world of robotics where kids will start out learning the basic concepts of circuits and finish out soldering their own bot. We will be designing 12 projects throughout the year using some everyday household items and transforming them into race cars, wobble bots, walking spiders and much more. The kids will have opportunities to design, wire, glue and solder all to create something unique.

Ages: 10+
Instructor: Annie Alvarez

Payment:
The semester fee for this class includes all the supplies that your student will need except for you will need to purchase 1 box that they will keep all their robotics builds that we are working on in. Full payment of $170 must be received by August 7 th , 2024, for 1 st semester and $170 by December 18 th , 2024, for second semester. If full payment is not received on designated dates or you have reached out to set up a schedule and there is a waitlist you may lose your spot. If you are unable to pay the semester fee all up front, please feel free to reach out to work out a payment schedule. This needs to be agreed before August 15th.
Payments excepted are cash, check and Zell please use aalvarez2011@att.net

Refunds and trial of class:
No refunds or credits will be issued if a student misses a class for any reason. The pricing allows for 1 teacher absence per semester (due to illness, absence, co-op closure, etc.), after that, the Family will receive reimbursement for any subsequent teacher missed classes. This refund will be given at the close of the semester. Each student will be given 1 week trial at the beginning of the class to see if it is a good match for him/her and for the teacher. If they choose that it is not a good match, they will receive a refund prorated for the remainder of payment minus deposit and first-class cost. If you choose
to drop the class after the first week it will be decided on a case-by-case basis and full refunds are not guaranteed. After you have dropped out, you cannot rejoin until the following semester based on approval from the teacher and space availability. Students can join the class in the middle of the semester if there are openings. The full amount of the pro-rated fee for the rest of the semester must be paid before your student joins the class.
Students are more than welcome to observe a class before they join mid-year, but there will be no trial class offered during this time

Advanced Robotics

Prerequisite: Completion of MacGyver Robotics

Course Description: In the 1st semester, students will build an Elegoo Conqueror Robot tank using Arduino Software. They will face various challenges to learn coding and effectively utilize their robot. In the 2nd semester, new features will be added to allow students to further their coding and design knowledge.

Instructeur: Annie Alvarez
Contact: aalvarez2011@att.net

Class Details:

• Min/Max: 5/12 students
• Class Fee: $60 per semester per student
• Requirement: Students will need access to a smartphone or tablet for the coding portion.
• Class meets 2 times monthly exact dates will be given out in August

Supply Fee:

• Based on the group purchase price of the kit
• $150 due in August for the main kit
• $50 due in January for the add-on sensor kit

This course offers a hands-on approach to learning robotics, coding, and design, providing students with valuable skills and experiences in a fun and engaging environment.

Refunds and trial of class:

No refunds or credits will be issued if a student misses a class for any reason. The pricing allows for 1 teacher absence per semester (due to illness, absence, co-op closure, etc.), after that, the Family will receive reimbursement for any subsequent teacher missed classes. This refund will be given at the close of the semester.

Each student will be given 1 week trial at the beginning of the class to see if it is a good match for him/her and for the teacher. If they choose that it is not a good match, they will receive a refund prorated for the remainder of payment minus deposit and first-class cost. If you choose to drop the class after the first week it will be decided on a case-by-case basis and full refunds are not guaranteed. After you have dropped out, you cannot rejoin until the following semester based on approval from the teacher and space availability.

Students can join the class in the middle of the semester if there are openings. The full amount of the pro-rated fee for the rest of the semester must be paid before your student joins the class. Students are more than welcome to observe a class before they join mid-year, but there will be no trial class offered during this time.

Payment:

The semester fee for this class includes all the supplies that your student will need except for… Full payment must be received by August 7^th, 2024, for 1^st semester and December 18^th , 2024, for second semester. If full payment is not received on designated dates or you have reached out to set up a schedule and there is a waitlist you may lose your spot. If you are unable to pay the semester fee all up front, please feel free to reach out to work out a payment schedule. This needs to be agreed before August 15th.

A Taste of Science

During the year we will be covering the topics of Astronomy, Oceanography, Zoology, and Engineering. We will have a new topic each week with engaging hands-on projects based on what we will be learning. With the completion of each field of science the students will have a building design challenge, pulling everything we learned together.

Ages: 11-13 (6th - 8th grades)

Please note: (homework Requirement is optional) This adds a greater depth to what they are learning however it is up to you as a family how much time you have to work on this each week. The building projects are part of class and are required. Everything will be organized and assigned through Google Classroom. Students will be assigned roughly 2 hours of homework per week. If you would like to track your child’s progress, I can show you how you can easily do this at home.

Refunds and trial of class:
No refunds or credits will be issued if a student misses a class for any reason. The pricing allows for 1 teacher absence per semester (due to illness, absence, co-op closure, etc.), after that, the Family will receive reimbursement for any subsequent teacher missed classes. This refund will be given at the close of the semester. Each student will be given 1 week trial at the beginning of the class to see if it is a good match for him/her and for the teacher. If they choose that it is not a good match, they will receive a refund prorated for the remainder of payment minus deposit and first-class cost. If you choose to drop the class after the first week it will be decided on a case-by-case basis and full refunds are not guaranteed. After you have dropped out, you cannot rejoin until the following semester based on approval from the teacher and space availability. Students can join the class in the middle of the semester if there are openings. The full amount of the pro-rated fee for the rest of the semester must be paid before your student joins the class. Students are more than welcome to observe a class before they join mid-year, but there will be no trial class offered during this time.
Payment:
The semester fee for this class includes all the supplies that your student will need except for your student will need 1 notebook they will keep all their classwork in. If they were in my class last year, I would encourage them to keep using this book. Full payment of $200 must be received by August 7 th , 2024, for 1 st semester and $200 by December 18 th , 2024, for second semester. If full payment is not received on designated dates or you have reached out to set up a schedule and there is a waitlist you may lose your spot. If you are unable to pay the semester fee all up front, please feel free to reach out to work out a payment schedule. This needs to be agreed before August 15th.
Payments accepted are cash, check and Zelle please use aalvarez2011@att.net

Teacher information:
Annie Alvarez (aalvarez2011@att.net)

High School Biology with Labs

"Discovering Design with Biology" is an engaging and hands-on course designed to introduce high school students to the fascinating world of biological design. Throughout the course, students will explore the principles of biology through a design lens, discovering how nature has evolved and adapted over millions of years to solve complex problems. By studying the structures, functions, and processes of living organisms, students will gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of life and the ways in which organisms have inspired innovative design solutions.

Course Objectives:
1. Understand the fundamental concepts of biology, including cellular structure and function, genetics, evolution, ecology, and physiology.
2. Explore how biological systems have evolved and adapted through natural selection to meet various environmental challenges.
3. Investigate the relationship between form and function in living organisms, and how these principles can inspire human design.
4. Examine case studies and examples of biomimicry, where human-made designs are inspired by nature.
5. Develop critical thinking skills by analyzing and evaluating the effectiveness of biological designs in solving specific problems.
6. Apply the principles of biology and design to propose innovative solutions to real-world challenges, such as sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and healthcare.

Course Components:
1. Lectures and Discussions: Interactive lectures and discussions will cover key biological concepts and their relevance to design.
2. Laboratory Activities: Hands-on laboratory experiments will allow students to observe biological phenomena and explore design principles firsthand.
3. Case Studies: Analysis of case studies will illustrate how biological principles have been applied in various design contexts.
4. Projects: Collaborative and individual projects will challenge students to apply their knowledge of biology and design to propose innovative solutions to real-world problems.
5. Field Trips (if possible): Field trips to botanical gardens, zoo’s, or research facilities may provide opportunities for students to observe biological design in action and interact with experts in the field.

Assessment: Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, including quizzes, exams, laboratory reports, project presentations, and class participation. Assessment will focus on students' understanding of biological concepts, their ability to apply these concepts to design problems, and their critical thinking and communication skills. 

By the end of the course, students will have gained a deeper appreciation for the complexity and beauty of biological design, as well as the potential for applying these principles to address global challenges in innovative ways.

Refunds and trial of class:
No refunds or credits will be issued if a student misses a class for any reason. The pricing allows for 1 teacher absence per semester (due to illness, absence, co-op closure, etc.), after that, the Family will receive reimbursement for any subsequent teacher missed classes. This refund will be given at the end of the semester. Each student will be given 1 week trial at the beginning of the class to see if it is a good match for him/her and for the teacher. If they choose that it is not a good match, they will receive a refund prorated for the remainder of payment minus deposit and first-class cost. If you choose
to drop the class after the first week it will be decided on a case-by-case basis and full refunds are not guaranteed. After you have dropped out, you cannot rejoin until the following semester based on approval from the teacher and space availability. Students can join the class in the middle of the semester if there are openings. The full amount of the pro-rated fee for the rest of the semester must be paid before your student joins the class.
Students are more than welcome to observe a class before they join mid-year, but there will be no trial class offered during this time.

Payment:
The semester fee for this class includes all the supplies that your student will need for “in-class labs” you will need to purchase Discovering Design with Biology student book, and optional audio reader for those that would like to listen along in. The company has offered our group a 20% discount if we order as a group. Full payment of $220 must be received by August 7th, 2024, for 1 st semester and $220 by December 18th, 2024, for second semester. If full payment is not received on designated dates or you have reached out to set up a schedule and there is a waitlist you may lose your spot. If you are unable to pay the semester fee all up front, please feel free to reach out to work out a payment schedule. This needs to be agreed before August 15th.
Payments accepted are cash, check and Zelle please use aalvarez2011@att.net
Instructor: Annie Alvarez

Fun with Math 7-9

Fun with Math ages 7-9 will engage the intermediate elementary math student to build upon basic math skills with the purpose of acquiring a solid foundation necessary for higher math levels. Suggested topics will include math fact drills, multi-digit addition and subtraction, single/double digit multiplication, double/single digit division, squares, cubes, fractions, (in)equalities, geometry, money, time, exponents, measurement, visual bar graphs, mixed operations, simple ratios, puzzles. We will engage in games, small team competitions, problem solving, and real life examples. We will have fun learning shortcut methods and apply them in ways to expedite problem solving. This class is designed to be a fun supplement to and reinforcement of any learning done at home, with the fun companionship of friends. No homework ??

Class fee: $140 per semester, includes supplies.

1st semester:

• $30 non-refundable deposit due August 7
• $55 due September 11
• $55 due November 6

2nd semester:

• $70 due January 22
• $70 due March 5

Min/Max: 5 students/10 students

Payment: Check, Cash or Zelle cassidies@comcast.net

Teacher Information: Liz Cassidy cassidies@comcast.net

Pricing allows for one missed class during the semester. After that, teacher will reimburse for missed class. If child absent, no class fee will be refunded.

One week drop period at the beginning of each semester.

Math Tutoring

Drop in Tutoring:
The concept here is that students can drop in and have help on their math homework. Students who are taking math elsewhere or want to spend an hour a week being able to ask questions can sign up for this class and I will help them with their work. Besides answering questions I can help them outline their study plans, give them feedback on weaknesses that they have and provide additional material. Cost: You need to sign up for a month, but you don’t need to sign up for the year. The cost is $45 per month. For students who are taking one of my classes the drop in hour is included, but I ask that they
notify me if they are planning on meeting during any given week. That way, if I have no other students scheduled I won’t inadvertently leave.
Teacher Information
Teacher: Guy Desaulniers
Email: guy@discoverylearninginstitute.com
Call or text 847-566-9669

PreAlgebra

Prerequisites: The student should know their times tables, all the math operations and have at least a basic knowledge of fractions and decimals.
Min/Max Class Size: 3-7
Cost: $45 per month
Class Description:
In some ways this is the most important class in Algebra. I say that because in my experience with students who are having difficulty in Algebra; that they do not have strong pre algebra skills. A student who knows their fractions, ratios and proportions completely is well equipped for Algebra I. Thus the emphasis in this class will be on mastery of the following skills: fractions, decimals, percentages, factoring and ratios and proportions . We will also introduce exponentiation, integers, roots, word problems and basic Geometry.
The text we are using, as is true of almost all texts, teaches the material provides practice and then goes to the next topic. The Saxon method emphasizes continuous practice, so they provide regular practice in subsequent lessons. Again, most texts do this to some extent. In order for students to obtain mastery, the teachers, i.e. the parents, and I need to work together to make sure that the students are actually grasping the material and can apply it to problems.
To me that means that we need to try to get beyond memorizing the steps. Most of us when we are learning new math we memorize names and steps: “a fraction is part of a whole, you need the same denominator to add fractions, to add fractions without common denominators you need to list the multiples”.... That is perfectly appropriate and essential for us to learn, but it is the first step. For us to know a skill well enough to apply it we need to integrate it into our thinking. Part of that is extra and regular practice, part of it is doing hard problems, part of it is understanding how the pieces fit together, part is encouraging students to try when things are hard and part is understanding where each individual is struggling. I could say more about this, but I will leave it here.
Teacher Information
Teacher: Guy Desaulniers
Email: guy@discoverylearninginstitute.com
Call or text 847-566-9669

Text: Saxon Math 7/6 ISBN: 978-1-59141-319-6

Algebra I

Prerequisites: It is suggested that you take the Algebra I readiness test that is attached below. The student should score 8/10 or above.
Ages: 10-18 Min/Max Class Size: 3-7
Cost: $45 per month
Class Description:
This class will cover the tools and the major concepts of Algebra. This includes, factorization, exponentiation, solving equations and emphasizes an understanding of functions and systems of equations. We will emphasize mastering and applying concepts. We will talk a little math history and
have some fun-I know: fun and math are redundant. 

Homework: The parents are the teachers here, but I generally tell students that they need to work on Algebra every workday. That is generally true about learning every subject and it applies of course to mathematics. It is also important that students also identify their own areas of weakness and ask
questions.

Fun Fact: The word Algebra comes from the title of a 9th century book, Kitab we al jabr wa al muqabalah, The Book of Shifting and Balancing by Al_Khwarizmi.

Teacher Information
Teacher: Guy Desaulniers
Email: guy@discoverylearninginstitute.com
Call or text 847-566-9669

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qNMrWuxcBiX4gxFTTg0rckVFYWtEorH1/view?usp=sharing

Text: Algebra I: An Incremental Developmental Approach by Saxon ISBN 1-56577-134-6

Algebra II

Prerequisites: It is suggested that you take the Algebra II readiness test that is attached below. The student should score 8/10 or above.
Ages: 12-18 Min/Max Class Size: 3-7
Cost: $45 per month
Class Description:
This class will briefly review Algebra I and then get more into advanced topics in Algebra; picking up Trigonometry. The approach is both visual (graphing) and algebraic with the goal being to connect the two. Although them in order to see how Algebra fits into the real world. In order to make progress in math, or any subject, one must engage in regular study. Although the parents are the teachers I highly recommend that the students work on math every workday.

Teacher Information
Teacher: Guy Desaulniers
Email: guy@discoverylearninginstitute.com
Call or text 847-566-9669

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UICtvv0wSY37nmuXQxtaLOEs1rEQ4izS/view?usp=sharing

Text: Algebra 2: An Incremental Development ISBN -939798-62-X

Art History and Art

Do art museums seem boring and you would like to change that? Do you wonder why there are monkeys and dogs randomly scattered in old paintings? Have you ever seen a medieval battle rabbit? Do art ideas seem really snooty or hard to understand? Fear no more! This year we are going to learn about the art itself and the history of art by doing art! Humans have been trying to express themselves throughout time with the tools they had available, and my goal is to help make these big ideas feel much more accessible while also giving kids a new way of thinking about art in the world around them. Each week we will tackle a different period in art history and try our hand at the style that defined the time. Masterpieces not required—even if the student doesn’t feel very confident with their art skills, they’re more than willing to come learn and express themselves!

Children 7 and above welcome. All art supplies will be brought by me to class.

A note to parents: Much of classical art contains nudity. There will be occasional depictions of such classical nudity, like Michaelangelo’s David or da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man. We will maintain a classroom of respect for the art and the narrative around it despite moments that might initially incite giggles.

Open drop policy—leave at any time

$100 per semester. Monthly payments $25 (September to December, January to April). If paying monthly, payment is expected at the beginning of the month. Pay by cash, check, Zelle, or Apple Pay.
Deposit and material fee due before the semester begins is $50 for the year.
I may miss one class within the semester without refunding; any additional missed classes will be refunded.
I will not refund a child missing class, but I will send home information about the material covered while they were absent.

WEEK 1: Paleolithic--Introduction, discussion, ocher, charcoal, mud? sticks? hair?
WEEK 2: Ancient art—Up to 400 A.D. Ties to the Agricultural Revolution/Mesopotamia (freedom to specialize in a skill), cuneiform, friezes, metal work, stylized art. Clay, sticks, wire, beads.
WEEK 3: Ancient Egyptian Art—3000 B.C.E. to 30 C.E. Unusual perspective and pictography (hieroglyphics) entrenched in naturalistic religious motifs. Heavy focus on the effects and power of the natural world. Bold, two dimensional images, graphite, pen, and chosen media to color.
WEEK 4: Umayyad and Abbasid art—Between 500 C.E and 1500 C.E. Focus on establishment of Islam, development of math, repeating patterns, aniconism, and calligraphy. Try creating patterns with rulers. Pen, ink.
WEEK 5: Tang Dynasty art—focus on trade throughout the world affecting the art of China, growth, learning, movement away from nepotism and toward education for those in control. Buddhist influence on painting—small human figures in panoramic landscapes (Shanshui or mountain water painting). Pen,
watercolor?
WEEK 6: Medieval Art—Between 500 C.E. and 1400 C.E. Focus on upheaval and change due to fall of the Western Roman empire and how it affected art as Germanic influences took hold, Icons, Crusades, Gothic art. Focus on Medieval illuminations—calligraphy, line work, funny animals
WEEK 7: Renaissance Art—Between 1400 C.E and 1600 C.E. Highlight the social transition and upheaval brought about by the Bubonic plagues. A flourishing new society seeking hope in art and self-discovery through individuality and humanism coupled with faith. The rise of mirrors. Focus on linear perspective and shading.
WEEK 8: Da Vinci—Cont. Renaissance. Born April 15 th , 1452 in the Republic of Florence. Overview of life and works, focusing on inventions, sketches, Vitruvian Man, and Mona Lisa. Pen and ink, cross hatching
WEEK 9: Michelangelo—Cont. Renaissance. Born March 6 th , 1475 in the Republic of Florence. Overview of life and works, focusing on statues, figure studies, Sistine Chapel. Carving floral block 
WEEK 10: Raphael—Cont. Renaissance. Born March 28 th or April 6 th in Dutchy of Urbino (modern day central Italy). Focus on School of Athens and various Madonnas. Discuss human proportions. Graphite, marker.
WEEK 11: Mannerism—Between 1527 C.E.--1580 C.E. Focus on style over content. Elongated human forms and super bright colors. Discuss heroic proportions. Graphite, markers to draw weird human forms.
WEEK 12: Baroque 1600 C.E.—1750 C.E. Focus on chiaroscuro, tenebrism, and the growing battle between Protestantism and Catholicism, fueled by Caravaggio’s work. Highlight Caravaggio, Vermeer, Rembrandt. Any medium, use dark and light areas, creating a dramatic scene.
WEEK 13: Baroque Cont. Artemesia Gentileschi. Take time to discuss forgotten female artists and contrast how Artemesia and male painters portray women. Create an image of self that feels powerful in favored medium.
WEEK 14: Rococo Art 1700 C.E.—1780 C.E. Lightness, decorative, pastels, seashells and porcelain. Focus on the contrast to Baroque, the lean toward silliness, new and weird animals from around the world (Clara the rhinoceros). Collage.
WEEK 15: Neoclassicism 1750 C.E.—1850 C.E. Focus on new archeology, fascination with ancient Greece, grand, noble figures, sculpture like figures, strong shapes. Look at Trumbull and David. Diorama.
WEEK 16: Romanticism 1780 C.E.—1850 C.E. Focus on individualism, mystery, emotions, and nature. Look at Caspar Friedrich and John Constable, etc. Attempt moody watercolors.
WEEK 17: Realism 1850 C.E.—1900 C.E. The rise of photography and the Anti Romantic movement. Desire to accurately depict life. Gustave Courbet, Edward Hopper, Winslow Homer. Learning to grid a photo to recreate it, primarily graphite, then any media.
WEEK 18: Impressionism 1865 C.E.—1885 C.E. Rejection of the camera, desire to capture the impression of the moment. Any media, try to paint the feeling of a space.
WEEK 19: Monet—Impressionism Cont. Born November 14, 1840 in Paris, France. Focus on painting through recollection and au plain air, plays of light, broken brushstrokes. Nature, gouache.
WEEK 20: Edgar Degas—Impressionism Cont. Born July 19, 1834 in Paris, France. Focus on mixed media, unique angles, common people and places or dancers. Any media, human form.
WEEK 21: Mary Cassatt—Impressionism Cont. Born May 22, 1844. Strongly influenced by Degas, rejected male domination of art schools. Focus on women, girls, mothers and children. Pastel, family.
WEEK 22: Post Impressionism—1885 C.E.—1910 C.E. Much like Mannerism after Renaissance, Post Impressionism continued to use many of the hallmarks of Impressionism while switching to a focus on style and expression rather than just observation. Focus on Van Gogh, Seurat, Gauguin, Cezanne. Chosen medium in pointillism.
WEEK 22: Art Nouveau 1890 C.E.—1910 C.E. This was an effort to not copy any pervious artists. Focus on expressive lines, patterns, natural elements. Mucha, Klimt, Salis. Pencils, then markers, for creating delicate lines and bold colors.
WEEK 23: Fauvism 1900 C.E.—1935 C.E. A break from representational color to something more expressive, Matisse led the artform, building on ideas from Seurat and Van Gogh. Any media, focus on nontraditional color choices, possible still life.
WEEK 24: Expressionism 1905 C.E.—1920 C.E. A representation of the Western world’s sociopolitical anxieties, it also pulled in a lot of influence from indigenous art from around the world. It was a means to express that uncertainty. Focus on Munch, Klee, Schmidt-Rottluff, Rouault. Any media, loose
movements, anxiety.
WEEK 25: Cubism 1907 C.E.—1914 C.E. Complete rejection that art should fully represent or imitate life. Focus on flat planes of space, 2D objects, fragmentation. Any media.
WEEK 26: Surrealism 1920’s—1950’s and Abstract Expressionism 1940’s—1950’s. A reaction to the destruction brought by “rationalism” in the wake of world wars, art was no longer created to expressly depict any image, this focused on process and spontaneity. Focus on Rothko and Pollock. Any media,
just process.
WEEK 27: Pop Art 1950’s—1960’s. An elevation of mundane objects to counteract capitalistic consumerism and advertising. Also a specific challenge to hierarchy of artistic concepts. Focus on Warhol and Lichtenstein. Any media, mundane subjects elevated.
WEEK 28: Art Pauvre, Minimalism, Concept Art 1960’s—1970’s. Art that asks what art is and, in some ways, comes full circle to the earliest paleolithic art. Symbolism, transcendental meaning. Focus on Mendieta, Boetti, Merz, Frank Stella, Kosuth. Any media
Last two weeks, discuss current and digital art, what they feel about AI art after their study, and leave room for drawing on their own shirts in permanent marker. More than one shirt may be available.

Exploring Acrylic and Watercolor Techniques

"Exploring Acrylic and Watercolor Techniques" is an immersive art course designed to introduce high school students to the vibrant and diverse world of painting. Through hands-on exploration, students will learn fundamental techniques and principles specific to acrylic and watercolor mediums. This course aims to develop students' technical skills, artistic expression, and appreciation for the versatility of painting as a medium of artistic communication.

Ages: 11+

Course Objectives:
1. Understand the unique characteristics and properties of acrylic and watercolor paints, including their handling, drying times, opacity, and texture.
2. Develop proficiency in basic painting techniques, such as color mixing, layering, blending, glazing, wet-on-wet, and dry brush techniques.
3. Explore the principles of composition, perspective, value, form, and color theory as they apply to painting.
4. Study the works of master painters and contemporary artists who have employed acrylic and watercolor mediums to express their ideas and emotions.
5. Experiment with different surfaces, tools, and painting supports to create diverse effects and textures.
6. Cultivate individual artistic style and expression through experimentation, self-reflection, and peer critique.

By the end of the course, students will have gained a solid foundation in acrylic and watercolor painting techniques, as well as a deeper understanding of the expressive potential of painting as an art form. They will be equipped with the skills and confidence to continue exploring and developing their artistic practice beyond the classroom. 

Refunds and trial of class:
No refunds or credits will be issued if a student misses a class for any reason. The pricing allows for 1 teacher absence per semester (due to illness, absence, co-op closure, etc.), after that, the Family will receive reimbursement for any subsequent teacher missed classes. This refund will be given at the close of the semester. Each student will be given 1 week trial at the beginning of the class to see if it is a good match for him/her and for the teacher. If they choose that it is not a good match, they will receive a refund prorated for the remainder of payment minus deposit and first-class cost. If you choose
to drop the class after the first week it will be decided on a case-by-case basis and full refunds are not guaranteed. After you have dropped out, you cannot rejoin until the following semester based on approval from the teacher and space availability. Students can join the class in the middle of the semester if there are openings. The full amount of the pro-rated fee for the rest of the semester must be paid before your student joins the class.
Students are more than welcome to observe a class before they join mid-year, but there will be no trial class offered during this time.

Payment:
The semester fee for this class includes all the supplies that your student will need. Full payment of $220 must be received by August 7 th , 2024, for 1 st semester and $220 by December 18 th , 2024, for second semester. If full payment is not received on designated dates or you have reached out to set up a schedule and there is a waitlist you may lose your spot. If you are unable to pay the semester fee all up front, please feel free to reach out to work out a payment schedule. This needs to be agreed before August 15th.