science
In this year-long, honors-level class, each student acquires both a deep understanding of chemistry and an appreciation for its real-world applications. Each week comprises live lecture and live discussion enhanced by graphics and PowerPoint presentations. Students perform labs under the instructor's guidance and are provided with lab materials and worksheets to be completed at home.
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High school and even college courses often "teach" physics by requiring that students memorize and apply formulas. Students who are whizzes at math or good at memorization excel in such classes; the rest are left confused. — Our instruction in Honors Physics takes a different approach: our students begin by experiencing for themselves specific physical phenomena and exploring their underlying principles. Then and only then do they delve into the mathematical conceptualization of those principles and their algebraic applications.
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Our online science intensives are eight weeks long; each delivers in-depth, focused study of a particular topic in science, and they all include labs. Each is a standalone course that may complement nicely your at-home science curriculum. But you may also combine two or more intensives in whatever way suits your student's interests and needs. — You can even fashion a robust year-long science course complete with labwork.
Instructor Diane Speed will deliver intensives on the following topics:
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Viewing our schedule
You can view our weekly schedule of online classes simply by clicking on the
image at right.
math
Algebra is the study of mathematical relationships. Many algebra courses emphasize the mechanics of solving problems: first do this; then do that... — In our online courses, by contrast, we aim to teach an understanding of the why: why certain relationships exist; why we solve problems the way we do. To keep students engaged and motivated, we use a variety of instructional tools and methods, such as games and competitions. Students solve problems with the help of the teacher, and once the concept is understood, homework is assigned to reinforce the learning.
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In geometry, many students discover a new and practical application for the algebra they've already learned. They may also recognize for the first time the beauty and power of logic: students in this class create chains of reasoning, building knowledge from just a few givens.
Equally important, when solving geometric problems, students practice skills important for understanding the world:
- deductive reasoning;
- spatial understanding;
- problem-solving.
Along the way, they strengthen a variety of mental muscles like visualization and sustained concentration.
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Literature
This year-long study features great works from around 1800 to the early 20th century — all by women.
The primary activities in this course:
- close reading of the novels on our reading list (see here);
- in-depth, live discussion of those readings;
- writing two substantive essays of literary analysis.
All works are introduced with a historical perspective.
Returning in 2022–23
This is a year-long online course in close reading of medieval texts. The emphasis is England and English literature, but a great deal of what the students learn about this period will be applicable to other European societies and cultures.
The "Medieval Millennium" extended from roughly 500 to around 1500 ad, encompassing a huge swath of British history. English literature of the period spans everything from Anglo-Saxon poetry and the epic poem Beowulf to The Canterbury Tales and Malory's Morte Darthur. This course provides historical perspective, traces the development of the English language, and takes students on a deep dive into the most important literature of the period.
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WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS
Live & online
This program addresses the principal concerns parents have about homeschooling through high school — everything you need to know about the high school curriculum and credits, standardized tests, transcripts and record-keeping, applying to college, pursuing scholarships, and much, much more.
The thing I liked best about this workshop: The workbook! Having all the information presented by Diane also on paper where notes can be added is so valuable! That's the true treasure from this workshop — it can be referred to repeatedly through high school years and when applying to colleges.
—Jacqueline B.
Homeschooling mom
Terrific. Full of information. The materials were so thorough. I now have a plan of action. Also, this workshop is inclusive: No matter what type of homeschooler you are, you will understand better how to prepare your student for college and present him or her in the best light.
—Homeschooling mom
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