Round out your homeschool education

Applied Psychology (fall)

Who am I in this changing world?

Can Ancient Greek myths teach us about empathy? How did the Chinese Cultural Revolution demonstrate the dangers of social conformity? How does the FBI predict human behavior? Do first impressions really affect our perception of others? As high school students prepare for independence in an unprecedented world, this class offers a safe space for learning and discussion about relevant issues facing young adults today. Students will explore the science behind personality types, learning styles, discover strengths and weaknesses, learn to define their purpose, and understand their personal limits. Learning from the lives of remarkable historical figures, we will examine the cultural issues that seem to define the modern day and how to use a unique Christian perspective in our approach to the Good Life.

Applied Psychology is for juniors, seniors, and motivated 10th graders.

• Homework: 30-45 minutes 3 times/week

• Credit: 1/2 credit per course for high school

Cadence Youth Orchestra

Making music to share and enjoy

In keeping with the culture of Greenhouse, Cadence will seek to make and share meaningful music in a community. The orchestra is designed for string players of various skill levels, and open to parents and older siblings of students as well. A family-friendly concert will cap each 11-week session. The repertoire will span classical, folk and sacred music.

Cadence has both an intermediate orchestra (Orchestra Allegretto) and advanced orchestra (Orchestra Allegro). Generally, the intermediate orchestra is for those who have completed Crickets 2 or Suzuki book 2 (or equivalent); while the advanced orchestra is for those have finished book 4 or more.

• Sections: Intermediate (Orchestra Allegretto - Crickets 2 or Suzuki book 2) and Advanced (Orchestra Allegro - Suzuki book 4+)

• Instruments: Violin, viola, cello, and bass. We may accept other instruments on a case by case basis to accommodate siblings (no piano or guitar).

• Prerequisites: To be part of the Advanced Orchestra requires approval from the Director and will be based on an audition, or current repertoire with the student’s private teacher.

• Homework: Practicing 1-2 times per week

Drawing 2

Develop your own personal drawing style

Drawing 2 will help students accomplish a higher level of achievement in their drawing skills. They will work in larger size sketchbooks to create drawings with more contrast and detail. Students will learn to communicate rhythm and motion in their drawings. Media used are pencil, charcoal, ink pen with the addition of watercolor wash on their ink drawings. Students will also be introduced to colored conté crayons. New drawing techniques and style will include fractured faces, extreme extenuated face portraits in colored conté and free-hand drawing machinery. A mixed media drawing focus is also an important aspect of Drawing 2. This class will help students develop their own personal drawing style.

• Sections: Drawing can be taken multiple times to allow for continued growth.

• Prerequisite: Drawing 1 or teacher approval based on student’s portfolio or sketchbook

• Homework: 45-90 minutes per week

• Supplies: Students will receive a supply list in advance of the class.

• Credit: High school students will receive 1/4 credit for this course.

Improv

A learning lab for loving your neighbor!

Improvisation is a creative lab for learning to love your neighbor -- not the neighbor you think you have, or the neighbor you wish you had, but the neighbor you actually have right now, in this moment. 

What will students experience in Improv? Games, scenes, stories, camaraderie, silliness, low-stakes failure and surprise success.

Over time, students will taste the fruit these practices. They will grow in communication and collaboration skills, as well as critical thinking and creative problem solving. Students will also grow in flexibility, awareness, empathy, and confidence.

Any performance experience is welcome, but none is necessary. Students will have an opportunity to showcase their work to friends and family. 

• Sections: Improv can be taken multiple times to allow for continued growth.

• Homework: None

Outdoor Adventure Intro

Helping young explorers be adventurous ... safely!

Designed for students in grades 5-8, this course introduces students to basic outdoor living, adventuring, and camping skills with a focus on servant-leadership, all from the foundation of a Christ-centered biblical worldview.

Like the high school course (below), topics will include things such as: rope craft, backcountry cooking, use of fires, health, hygiene, nutrition, safety, map and compass, adventure devotions, journaling, navigation, campsite selection, proper selection and use of equipment, shelters, creation care, basic wilderness first aid, environmental awareness, and Leave No Trace ethics.

Because these skills get stronger with practice, students can profitably take this course multiple times.

• Homework: 30-60 minutes of exercise plus time to practice the skills

Painting 2

Discover your personal painting style!

In Painting 2 students will build on the painting skills, techniques and styles they learned in Beginning Painting class. Students work on larger canvas boards with professional grade brushes and create their paintings with more concentration on composition, focal point and detail. They will paint from supplied reference photos but with more intentional personal interpretation rather than exact copying of the photos. They will learn new techniques and painting processes such as pour painting and squeegee painting. Students will also watch videos of the natural environment and interpret the moving images in paintings. They will select scripture verses and interpret them in a painting. All of these painting exercises will help students grow in their confidence in painting and develop their own personal style.

• Sections: Painting can be taken multiple times to allow for continued growth.

• Prerequisite: Painting 1 or teacher approval based on student’s portfolio

• Homework: 45-90 minutes per week

• Supplies: Students will receive a supply list in advance of the class.

• Credit: High school students will receive 1/4 credit for this course.

Spanish 1

Expand your horizons - ¡Habla Español!

This immersive course is conducted almost entirely in Spanish. As a result, students become increasingly familiar with how to communicate in Spanish. Students are exposed to large amounts of comprehensible Spanish in written, audio and video format. Great for students who have interest in becoming more marketable in any field by seeking proficiency in the second most spoken language in our country.

• Sections: Class meets twice a week.

• Homework: 60-90 minutes per week

• Credit: 1 credit for high school

• Note: Spanish 1 and Spanish 2 are offered on alternate years.

Writers Workshop

Join our literary fellowship!

In the spirit of the famed literary fellowship of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, Writers Workshop offers the supportive and engaging environment of an authentic writing community. Growing writers struggle together through the hard parts of writing, as well as celebrate together finished products by presenting in Author’s Chair. While drafting, revising, and editing various writing projects, students develop writing skills and confidence. In learning to give and receive encouraging and specific feedback, students grow as writers and as servant leaders. The teacher also provides feedback through in-class conferences, and parents are equipped and encouraged to give conferences at home. The inspiring environment emphasizes growing as skilled and confident writers – and thriving as followers of Christ, growing together in authentic community.

Writing Projects: Memoir, Expository Essay, Poetry, Persuasive Essay, Fiction, and Personal Choice.

• Homework: 30-45 minutes 2-4 times per week

• Parent Orientation: If your family is new to Writers Workshop, then it is essential that a parent attend the Orientation on Thursday night, August 21, 7:00-8:15 pm.