High School
9th - 12th Grades
Anchor offers a variety of High School courses designed to meet the varied needs of our students. Our selection includes core subjects along with unique electives, all designed to nurture a well-rounded, Christ-focused student.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONStop
Click on the course names below to go directly to a course description.
Registration for the 2023-24 school year will start May 1st for current families and May 15th for new families
Check back on March 15th for an updated course listing for the 2023-24 school year!
For more information on 2022-23 Tuition and Fees, click: HERE!
| 2023/24 Classes | Classes on 2-3 year rotation | |
| American Government | Adulting | |
| World History | American Literature Through the Wars | |
| World Literature | American History Through the Wars | |
| Essay Writing | Earth/Environmental Science | |
| Biology | Economics | |
| Chemistry | ||
| Algebra | ||
| Foundations of Math | ||
| Pre-Algebra | ||
| IEW Writing (7th-9th Grade) |
| 2023/24 Elective Courses | Elective Courses offered on Rotation | ||
| Drama | Studio Art | ||
| Creative Writing | Inductive Bible Study | ||
| Fitness | Life of Christ | ||
| American Sign Language 1 (ASL) | ASL: American Sign Language 2 | ||
| Intro to Philosophy | Art of Argument |
TUTOR: Becky Van Rees
REQUIRED TEXT: Exploring Government* Curriculum Package by Ray Notgrass (*While this curriculum is written as a 1/2-credit high school course, the tutor will supplement other activities and resources to create an entire 1-credit course.)
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins. /30 weeks
CLASS TIME: Tuesday 10:30-12:00
COURSE FEE: $280 MATERIALS FEE: $35
GRADE LEVEL: 9th-10th
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Moderate to heavy
COURSE DESCRIPTION: In this course, students will study Biblical teachings about government and leadership, definitions and historical examples of different forms of government, and the background of the American constitutional system. The course thoroughly studies the U.S. Constitution and the workings of the federal government. Students will also study state and local government, the revenue and budgeting process, international relations, specific issues that government faces today, and how individual citizens can be involved in government. We will read primary source documents and essays about government to complement the lessons. To demonstrate understanding, students will delineate and construct viable arguments, participate in Socratic Seminars and discussions, engage in historical simulations, and create multi-media presentations.
Return to top
TUTOR: Gayla Kingston
REQUIRED TEXT: Booklist to be provided
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins. /30 weeks
CLASS TIME: Tuesday 10:30-12:00
COURSE FEE: $280 MATERIALS FEE: $50 (includes all supplies needed for the class)
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Moderate
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will explore the growth and development of the United States via American authors from its inception to the current day. The class will introduce various authors within movements such as Transcendentalism to expose students to the societal trends of the time. Class discussions will explore the writings and the intertextualities between movements and genres. Students will complete writing assignments as part and parcel of this course and must complete all required readings and homework assignments before class.
TUTOR: Gayla Kingston
REQUIRED TEXT: TBD
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins. /30 weeks
CLASS TIME: Tuesday 1:00-2:30
COURSE FEE: $280 MATERIALS FEE: $50 (includes all supplies needed for the class)
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Moderate
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will explore the United States history from its inception to the current day via the lens of warfare. Class discussions will center on building knowledge on the complexities and perspectives in the diplomatic, information, economic, and military domains pertaining to how the United States developed into the country it is today. Students must complete all required readings and homework assignments before class to ensure the discussion is valid and relevant.
TUTOR: Gayla Kingston
REQUIRED TEXT: curriculum will be provided
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins./30 weeks
CLASS TIME: Tuesdays 9:00-10:30
COURSE FEE: $280 MATERIALS FEE: $35
HOMEWORK LEVEL: moderate to heavy
GRADE LEVEL: 9th-11th
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class teaches the students the essential parts of a beautifully written essay so that they can learn how to craft one of their very own. From captivating introductions to compelling descriptions and convincing conclusions, students learn to bring their words and arguments to life.
TUTOR: Gayla Kingston
REQUIRED TEXT: TBD
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins. /17 weeks
CLASS TIME: FALL or SPRING Thursday's 1:00-2:30
COURSE FEE: $140 MATERIALS FEE: $25
GRADE LEVEL: 8th–12th Grade
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Moderate
PREREQUISITE: Students should be proficient writers and have experience in structured essay writing.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: In this one-semester course, students will have the opportunity to unleash their imaginations and spark their creativity through their writing. Completing writing assignments such as short stories, blog posts, and poetry will allow students to fully develop their creativity and give them different outlets to express themselves. Students will not just be writing; they will expand their vocabulary, learn pre-writing strategies, and use story elements such as plot, character development, and conflict to create amazing, creative writing pieces. Students will be required to come to class fully prepared, complete all assigned work, and be ready to participate fully.
TUTOR: Trisha Pellegrino
REQUIRED TEXT: Apologia's Exploring Creation with Biology, 3rd Ed. textbook and student notebook
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins./30 weeks
CLASS TIME: Thursdays 1:00-2:30
COURSE FEE: $280
GRADE LEVEL: 9th-11th
MATERIALS FEE: $50, includes lab supplies
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Moderate
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This college-preparatory biology course will provide a detailed introduction to general biology methods and concepts emphasizing hands-on activities and laboratory experimentation. Students will explore God's Creation from the microscopic world of single-cell bacteria, fungi, and protozoa to animal and plant kingdoms' complex organisms. The class will comprise lectures, homework reviews, microscopy, laboratory experiments, dissections, and other hands-on activities. Upon completing this course, students will be well-versed in the 5 kingdoms of Creation. Grades will be based on homework completion, research topics, lab participation, and performance on chapter tests.
TUTOR: Melissa Hardesty
REQUIRED TEXT: -Purposeful Design: Earth and Space Science Link to purchase
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins./30 weeks
CLASS TIME: Thursdays 2:30-4:00
COURSE FEE: $280 MATERIALS FEE: $75
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Moderate
GRADE LEVEL: 10th-12th
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This Earth Science class will use rigorous studies, engaging discussions, and outdoor exploration to instill a love and awe of the observable world around us. Using critical thinking skills, we will explore the Earth and learn how to observe it in a way that shows God's hand at work. The class will consist of eight units, including geology, weathering and erosion, volcanos and earthquakes, oceanography and water systems, meteorology, environmental issues, astronomy, and space exploration. This will be a hands-on class including around 6 or 7 field trips, including a geology tour through Maryland, a cavern tour, fossil hunting, a local swamp tour, a bay ecology tour, and a night astronomy lab. Field trips are optional but are strongly encouraged as they will enhance the lessons. Grades will be based on homework completion, discussion participation, lab performance, unit tests, and a final project.
TUTOR: Cathy Backhaus
PREREQUISITE: Because this level of IEW moves at a more rapid pace, it is recommended that a student who is new to IEW be able to write an organized paragraph with a clear topic sentence and complete body sentences before enrolling in this course. If there is uncertainty about the placement of a 7th grader in an IEW class, it would be beneficial to speak with Mrs. Backhaus before registering.
REQUIRED TEXT & MATERIALS: IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) World History-Based Writing Lessons, Second Edition, November 2019 by Lori Verstegen (Student Book Only) Please note that this is a revised edition.
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins./30 weeks
CLASS TIME: Tuesdays 10:30-12:00
COURSE FEE: $280 MATERIALS FEE: $45
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Approximately 30-45 minutes daily; varies from student to student.
GRADE LEVEL: 7th-9th Grades
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class will develop composition, grammar, and vocabulary skills while students write about World history. Incrementally, instruction will cover all the IEW models of structure and style elements, including grammar rules, vocabulary, and stylistic techniques. In addition, we will be writing narrative stories, poetry, research papers, critiques, formal five-paragraph essays with proper formatting, and summarizing references. Daily journal entries to provide written expression practice will be assigned every other week throughout the year. Also, we will complete weekly FIX-IT Grammar editing worksheets, which will boost the students' general ability to communicate through the written word.
TUTOR: Olivia Allie
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Monthly Creative Cloud (student discount) Subscription
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins./17 weeks
CLASS TIME: Tuesdays 1:00-2:30, Thursdays 2:30-4:00 (Separate Classes)
COURSE FEE: $140 MATERIALS FEE: $20/month Creative Cloud Subscription (Total $60)
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Moderate
GRADE LEVEL: 8th-12th
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students will learn the basics of graphic design: line, shape, space, etc., and how it comes together to create a finished product. They are also learning how to use programs created for graphic design. In addition, students will learn terms commonly used in graphic design like foreground, background, focal point, etc. Homework includes creating artwork based on that week's lesson (lines, shapes, etc.) and more significant projects incorporating multiple concepts learned throughout the course.
TUTOR: Tracey Ernst
REQUIRED TEXTS: TBD
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins./17 weeks
CLASS TIME: Thursdays 10:30-12:00
COURSE FEE: $140 MATERIALS FEE: $30
HOMEWORK LEVEL: light to moderate
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Music theory is the building block for any musician who wants to compose and write their own songs, work with other musicians to perform ensembles, or understand their own music better. Students will understand the components of music (staff notation, rhythmic notation, harmonic & melodic intervals, chord structure, key signatures, meter, form, dynamics, tempo) both visually and aurally through various drills and games. The course will contain some written homework assignments. No prior musical experience is necessary. The instructor will include individualization that will challenge the students to grow musically from their current level of knowledge and ability. A $20 fee covers the cost of course materials. (I own the curriculum, manipulatives, apps, etc… but the workbooks need to be printed ??)
TUTOR: Liesl Schiavone
TEXT: Playbook
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins./16 weeks
CLASS TIME: Thursday 10:30-12:00 (Spring)
COURSE FEE: $140 MATERIALS FEE: $50
GRADE LEVEL: 7th-12th
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Light
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will teach beginning and intermediate-acting skills, improvisation, and the elements involved in putting on a theatrical production from beginning to end. Students will audition and be assigned roles to prepare for their final performance throughout the semester. Students will be required to memorize lines and stage directions and contribute artistically to the production. Material fees will cover script, performance fees, a recording fee, and set costs. In addition, students will be responsible for their costumes.
TUTOR: Logan Chambers
REQUIRED TEXTS: TBD by the instructor
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins./17 weeks
CLASS TIME: Thursdays 1:00-2:30
COURSE FEE: $120 MATERIALS FEE: $30
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Moderate
GRADE LEVEL: 7th-12th
COURSE DESCRIPTION: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV) If this verse is true, what does that say about how we Christians should know, interact, and understand the Bible? In this course, we will be asking and answering those questions. The goal is not only that the students who take this course will learn how to study and use scripture in their daily lives but also that they fall in love with God's word and understand who they are and who God made them be. We will do this by analyzing the truth revealed through the Bible.
This is an introductory Inductive Bible study course where we will study and discuss Biblical translations and interpretations and the historical context of the text—the different literary forms throughout the Bible. Also, How to apply scripture to our cultural context right now.
TUTOR: Logan Chambers
REQUIRED TEXT: A Bible
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins./17 weeks Spring semester
CLASS TIME: Thursday 9:00-10:30
COURSE FEE: $120 MATERIALS FEE: $30
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Light
GRADE LEVEL: 7th-12th Grades
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Whether you claim to be a Christian or not, the Life and ministry of Jesus completely changed the world. When we look in the bible, we have four different accounts of Jesus' life: the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Do all four of these accounts tell the same story? Why was Jesus seen as radical during his lifetime? Did he claim to be the incarnation of God? What was the core of his message, and why did it impact history and still today? These are some of the questions we will explore in the Life of Christ. We will look at Jesus' life from a historical and philosophical perspective to see what we can learn about the man who changed the planet.
We will discuss the themes of each Gospel writer. For example, why do Matthew, Mark, and Luke seem more closely connected than in the book of John? Next, we will look into the parables and the sermon on the mount to get the core of some of Jesus' teachings, how they applied to his immediate audience, and what they mean for us today. Finally, we will look into his trial, death, and resurrection from a cultural standpoint to see if this one man was who he claimed to be.
TUTOR: Laura Thompson
REQUIRED MATERIALS: The tutor will send a supply list via email.
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins./17 weeks Spring and Fall semester
CLASS TIME: Thursdays: 9:00- 10:30 or 10:30-12:00
COURSE FEE: $140 MATERIALS FEE: $55
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Light
GRADE LEVEL: 7th-12th Grades
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class will take fine art learning to the next level and lead the students to create artwork that reflects themselves or conveys a message. Sketchbooks will log techniques which will ultimately make an excellent reference book. In addition, students will have a deeper exploration of the creative process with drawing, painting, wood-burning, and clay tools.
*Students will be asked to purchase a specific journal for the class that is not included in the fee*
TUTOR: Jessica Kruse
CLASS LENGTH: 60 on Tuesdays and 90 minutes on Thursdays
CLASS TIMES: Tuesdays 1:00-2:00 (60 min) and Thursdays from 1:00-2:30 (90 min)
COURSE FEE: $465. MATERIALS FEE: $25
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Assignments on Monday, Wednesday, Friday
PRE-REQUISITE: Students should be working on at least 6th-grade math. If you are unsure if your student is ready, please email Caroline Allie at [email protected].com
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class will focus on the skills your students need to prepare for Pre-Algebra. The tutor introduces two to three new skills each week and works closely with students to ensure comprehension of further information. Students must complete assignments outside of class to keep up with the pace of the course. Students will be working independently and in groups during class time and instructed to maximize involvement and understanding. Topics reviewed and reinforced will include Whole numbers, rational numbers, integers, positive & negative numbers, combining terms, inequalities, ratios, area, and volume. You can find outlines here: 6th Grade Outline, 7th Grade Outline. The class will use a variety of these 2 curricula.
TUTOR: Jessica Kruse
CLASS LENGTH: 90 minutes twice a week
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Curriculum Provided
CLASS TIMES: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-4:00
COURSE FEE: $555. MATERIALS FEE: $25
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Assignments on Monday, Wednesday, Friday
PRE-REQUISITE: Students should be working on at least 7th-grade math. If you are unsure if your student is ready, please email Caroline Allie at [email protected].com.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The tutor introduces two to three new skills each week and works closely with students to ensure comprehension of new information. Students must complete assignments outside of class to keep up with the pace of the course. Students will be working independently and in groups during class time and instructed to maximize involvement and understanding. Topics covered will include real numbers, equations, exponents, ratios and percents, functions and linear relationships, systems of equations, geometry, probability, and statistics.
TUTOR: TBD
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Comfortable clothing and sneakers
CLASS LENGTH: 45 mins.
CLASS TIME: Tuesday 1:00-1:45 and 1:45-2:30, Thursday 10:30-11:15 and 11:15-12:00
COURSE FEE: $85/semester MATERIALS FEE: $15
GRADE LEVEL: 7th-12th Grades
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class will be 40 minutes of high-energy and fun-filled activity, starting with a dynamic warm-up, a series of exercises, and ending with games. By making exercise fun, students get excited to move around. Moving around results in becoming physically stronger and more energetic. It's a significant first step on the road to cultivating a lifetime of health and fitness!
TUTOR: Angela Somers
REQUIRED TEXT: Provided by the tutor
CLASS LENGTH: 45 mins Tuesday and Thursday
GRADE LEVEL: 7th–12th Grades
CLASS TIME: Tuesdays 3:15-4:00, Thursdays 9:45-10:30
COURSE FEE: $280 MATERIALS FEE: $25
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Moderate
COURSE DESCRIPTION: In part 2 of our ASL class offered in 2021-22, the students will continue to learn new signs and become proficient in using American Sign Language to communicate with others. The course's primary focus is to introduce students to American Sign Language. In addition to learning ASL, students will be exposed to the fundamental aspects of the Deaf community.
TUTOR: Caroline Allie
REQUIRED TEXT: No Required Text
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins./30 weeks
GRADE LEVEL: 10th–12th Grades
CLASS TIME: Tuesdays 9:00-10:30
COURSE FEE: $280 MATERIALS FEE: $50
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Moderate
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students will dig into personal finance (budgeting, investments, credit, debt, saving, giving, real estate, etc.); learn basic automotive upkeep (like changing tires, oil, and fluids); become proficient in sewing, knife & kitchen skills, cleaning basics, simple home repairs, and home maintenance; and dive into internet safety, social media presence, and etiquette in various situations. We will identify and approach all the ways we use math in our everyday lives, from finances to home improvements to cooking. And this is just scratching the surface! Scripture will guide students in how to conquer challenges in conflict resolution and decision-making. We will use various resources to accomplish this task, including guest speakers from our community and talented parents from within Anchor, presentations, hands-on experiences, role-playing, journaling, and research. You've got a great life ahead of you!