High School (9th-12th Grade) Class Descriptions 26-27

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Dive into the epic world of gods, heroes, and timeless questions in this high school literature course built around D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths by Ingri d'Aulaire and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire. Students will explore the foundational stories of Western civilization—from Perseus and Hercules to the Trojan War and Odysseus—while analyzing archetypes, symbolism, tragic flaws, and themes such as fate, pride, justice, and heroism. Through Socratic discussion, literary analysis essays, a formal MLA research paper, and oral presentations, students will strengthen critical thinking, academic writing, and public speaking skills. This discussion-based course provides a strong foundation in classical literature and prepares students to recognize and interpret the mythological allusions that shape great works from Homer to modern literature.

Focus will be appreciation and composition of poetry. Also a look at poetic-prose writing. We will discuss authors such as Tolkien or Sanderson who use poetry to enrich their world-building. Reading aloud and recitation will be a definite part of this course. Homework will mostly consist of memorization, reading, and composition of original poetry. *

* [There will be an assignment for HS to watch a movie containing poetry, and a list of family-friendly options will be provided. However if you do not want your student to participate, an alternative assignment can be arranged.]

Forensic Science (11th–12th Grade) is a 90 minute long dynamic, lab-based high school course that allows students to explore the science behind crime scene investigation using Forensic Science. Through hands-on activities such as fingerprint analysis, simulated blood spatter examination, fiber and hair microscopy, and mock crime scene investigations, students apply principles of biology, chemistry, and physics to analyze evidence and uncover truth. Taught from a biblical worldview, this course strengthens critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and lab documentation skills while providing a full high school lab science credit. Ideal for students interested in STEM, medical, or criminal justice careers, this engaging class combines rigorous academics with interactive learning that brings science to life. Course fee of $290 includes all lab materials.

Consumer Math & Financial Literacy (11th–12th Grade | 1 High School Credit) is a practical, senior-level course designed to prepare students for real-world financial independence. Using a blended approach from Demme Learning’s Stewardship and Not Consumed’s Consumer Math for Real Life, this class combines structured consumer math instruction with hands-on financial projects and real-life simulations. Students will learn to create and manage budgets, understand paychecks and taxes, evaluate credit and loans, compare housing and transportation costs, and explore saving and investing—all through the lens of biblical stewardship. Designed specifically for juniors and seniors nearing graduation, this course equips students with the practical skills and confidence they need to step into adulthood prepared.

This will be a Bible study focusing particularly on godly manhood in its various roles and responsibilities. We will incorporate samples of other books on manhood as we study what the Bible teaches about leadership in the home, work place, church, and community. The Bible study will utilize teaching, readings, and discussion times with weekly outside reading assignments for homework. 

Throughout the first semester, students will study the foundations of American government, including the Constitution, the three branches of government, federalism, political parties, elections, public policy, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Instruction will emphasize how biblical principles relate to law, leadership, justice, and civic engagement. 

The curriculum used will be from Notgrass History. The primary textbook will be Exploring Government ($50 new) (ISBN-13: 9781609991784). In addition to the textbook, students will be required to have the Student Review book ($7) (ISBN-13: 9781609991760) and the Quiz and Exam Book ($6) (ISBN-13: 9781609991753). *Please note the textbook may be purchased second hand or borrowed from the homeschool library. 

By the end of the course, students will have a clear understanding of how our country’s government functions and how faith informs responsible citizenship. 

Throughout the second semester, students will study key economic concepts including supply and demand, markets and prices, competition, entrepreneurship, trade, inflation, and the role of government. Beyond foundational principles, the course will examine the relationships between theology, philosophy, and economics, helping students understand how worldview shapes economic systems and decision-making. Students will also explore the connection between economics and government, and learn how economic principles apply to everyday life, personal finance, and current events. 

The curriculum used will be Economics for Everyone by Compass Classroom. Students will also use the Economics for Everyone Study Guide, which may be purchased directly through Compass Classroom for $20 (paperback). 

By the end of the course, students will be equipped not only with a strong grasp of essential economic theory, but also with the tools to think critically and apply economic reasoning in real-world situations. 

In this engaging, discussion-based high school course, students will explore the fascinating study of human thought, emotion, and behavior through Introduction to Psychology from a Christian Perspective by 7SistersHomeschool. Students will examine foundational topics such as personality theory, learning and memory, human development, mental health, research methods, and social behavior — all while thoughtfully evaluating psychological theories through a biblical worldview. This course emphasizes critical thinking, respectful dialogue, and practical life application as students learn how psychology impacts relationships, decision-making, culture, and faith. Designed to prepare students for college-level coursework while strengthening discernment, this class includes readings, guided discussions, real-life case studies, projects, and assessments appropriate for high school credit.

This high school worldview course, built around Understanding the Times by Summit Ministries, equips students to think critically and biblically about the ideas shaping today’s culture. Through an engaging study of competing worldviews—including Christianity, Secularism, Marxism, New Spirituality, and Postmodernism—students will learn how beliefs influence politics, economics, ethics, science, and everyday life. In a discussion-based co-op setting, students will analyze primary sources, evaluate current events, strengthen logical reasoning skills, and practice articulating and defending a Christian worldview with clarity and grace.

Using Not Consumed curriculum - this course will cover health in a classroom setting and active conditioning movement in a PE  or physical conditioning style setting.  

 Mandy is currently on staff with Attic Productions in Fincastle as a director and in the past has worked with Roanoke Children's Theater directing for them.

Description: Students will explore all aspects of theatre production ranging from the performers on stage, backstage crew, props, costumes, set design and the audience experience. Some classes will focus on the purpose of each component, exploring them in a practical way. The goal will be to have performances with one larger one culminating in an end of the year presentation that family and friends can attend. All props and costumes will be provided. Students are required to bring a notebook, pen, pencil and highlighter. There will be occasional, minimal, homework.

In this class explores storytelling through dance. A variety of styles will be explored including jazz, contemporary, rhythm and dance/drama to bring the stories of Broadway to life! All abilities welcome. This class focuses on dance only, not song. A short recital will be performed at the end of semester 2.