Core Academic Course Descriptions for Session 3, 2025-2026
Course syllabi available in January.
ELA: ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS for 6th-8th SYLLABUS HERE
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This two-day, full-year core course is divided into four sessions, accommodating a range of skills, and focuses on reading and composition. High-interest articles, essays, and book excerpts will be enjoyed, with time for discussion, evaluation, and writing. Scholastic SCOPE or similar materials will be used for analysis of current events (subscription included). Social studies/current event topics are often incorporated into lessons, with a range of activities to be expected (group presentations, reader’s theatre, etc.). The focus of Session 3 is argument/persuasive writing. Students should expect to complete at least two final draft essays. Basic conventions, mechanics, and editing will be practiced each week. Additional independent reading will be assigned, as well as extra writing practice as needed. Materials required: Spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, and pencil/pen. Independent reading and writing are required (2-3 hrs/week). Students will need to have an approved novel of choice for independent reading each week. At least 5 novels should be completed annually. The 9:00 class is recommended for students in 6th/7th grade. The 11:00 class is recommended for those at the 7th-8th level. It is also recommended that students enrolled in ELA take at least one ELA Study Session. The one-time course fee includes a subscription to Scholastic SCOPE Magazine. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 12 per class
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ELA 2: ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS/ LITERATURE SYLLABUS HERE
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This two-day, full-year course of study combines 8th-grade English Language Arts and 9th-grade English Literature & Composition, aligning with many recommended curriculum standards for both grades. This course is prioritized for 8th graders who read/write proficiently (varied genre) at or above a 9th-grade level, desire a literature-heavy course, and have educator approval. This course will differ from the 6th-8th ELA in that writing lessons will focus on summary and literary response only (not creative or argumentative). The reading will be directed (not student-selected), with analysis of both contemporary and classic literature. The themes of our selected novels will help students analyze human behavior and power structures in societies, while making relevant connections to their world today. Over the year, students will complete at least four classic novels (selections may include novels by Bradbury, Golding, Orwell, Hinton, Buck, Lee, and/or Steinbeck), several classic short stories or poetry (selections may include writings by Maupassant, Hemingway, Whitman, Angelou, etc.), and or/relevant articles and/or speeches. Selections depend upon the pace of the group. All reading will be accompanied by in-class reflection, discussion, note-taking, critical analyses, and historical and cultural connections. At least two essays per session will be completed and assessed. Lessons in composition skills (summary and literary analysis) will be included. Text selections may vary depending on the students enrolled and will be included in the syllabus. Materials required: Spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, assigned reading, and pencil/pen. The course fee doesn’t include the cost of required novels (must be in hard copy). Independent reading and writing are required (2-3 hrs/week). Students will need to have an approved novel of choice for independent reading each week. At least 5 novels should be completed annually. It is also recommended that students take at least one ELA Study Session. Instructor: Jenni Buchanan. Max: 7
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FOUNDATIONS OF MATH SYLLABUS HERE
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This two-day, full-year course of study aligns with the recommended curriculum standards for 6th grade but is open to 6th–8th graders who need a solid foundation in middle school math skills. Students will learn and practice foundational skills, including basic algorithms of multiplication and division; relationships between fractions, decimals, and percentages; and all operations involving decimals and fractions. Word problems, games, and activities will be used to enhance understanding. Students will receive a consumable text,
Everyday Math, Book I, and a Student Reference Book (to be returned at the end of the year).
Materials required: Spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, and pencil
. Independent work is expected, 2 -3 hrs/week. Instructors: Laura Erlig and Rachel Ameche. Max: 12
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PRE-ALGEBRA SYLLABUS HERE
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This two-day, full-year course of study aligns with the recommended curriculum standards for 7th grade
but is open to 6th–8th graders who are ready for this level. Students will be provided instruction specifically targeting pre-algebra skills to build proficiency with key algebraic concepts, such as analyzing, using, and applying proportional relationships; rational numbers; algebraic expressions and linear equations; and appropriate geometric, probability, and statistics concepts. This course is designed to prepare students for Middle School Algebra. Students will use the Glencoe Pre-Algebra text (to be returned at the end of the year) and other supplementary materials. The format of lessons given is direct instruction, independent practice, problem solving, and project-based learning. Materials Required: One three-ring binder at least 1 inch to store all notes and homework, loose-leaf lined paper or graph paper, pencil & eraser, scientific calculator (TI-30 suggested). Pre-assessment is required for placement. Independent work is expected; 2-3 hrs./wk. Instructor: Rachel Ameche. Max: 11
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MS ALGEBRA SYLLABUS HERE
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This full-year course of study aligns with the recommended curriculum standards for 8th grade. Students will be provided instruction specifically targeting algebra skills to build proficiency with key algebraic concepts, such as analyzing, using, and applying rational numbers; algebraic expressions; linear equations and functions; and appropriate geometric, probability, and statistics concepts. This course is designed to prepare students for 9th-level Algebra 1. The format of lessons given is direct instruction, independent practice, problem solving, and project-based learning. Students will use the Glencoe Pre-Algebra text (to be returned at the end of the year) and other supplementary materials. In Session 1, we will cover linear equations, inequalities, functions, and graphing. Students will also review and practice foundational math skills.
Materials Required: One three-ring binder at least 1 inch to store all notes and homework, loose-leaf lined paper or graph paper, pencil & eraser, scientific calculator (TI-30 suggested). Pre-assessment is required for placement.
Independent work is expected; about 2-3 hrs./wk. Instructor: Laura Erlig. Max: 7
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BIOLOGY: ANATOMY I SYLLABUS HERE
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Learn about the anatomy and physiology of mammals (including humans), from the smallest cells to the largest organ in the body! In this two-part course, we’ll study the structure and function of each organ system and learn how they work in concert with each other to keep us alive and healthy. Class will include hands-on labs, including Miniscope work and dissections of various organs such as an eye, heart, and/or brain of a cow, sheep, or pig. Lab fee includes the cost of specimens and tools. Independent work is expected, about 30 min./wk. Instructor: Jenni Buchanan. Max: 10
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PHYSICS III: ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING SYLLABUS HERE
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Let’s get electrical! Students will use
snap circuit kits to understand topics of electricity and electric currents, open and closed circuits, potential and kinetic energy, voltage, batteries in parallel and in series, Law of Conservation of Energy, types of Energy, resistors, filaments, conductors and insulators, and parallel circuits. They will correlate that the circuit board is like the ones found inside televisions, radios, and other electronic devices. This class will take some of the concepts learned to a practical application with hands-on exploration. Some note-taking is expected. This course will explore physical principles through Session 3, then transition to a course called Taking Things Apart in Session 4.
Instructors: Rachel Ameche with Jenni Buchanan assisting.
Max: 10. *
Parent permission is required to transport your child.
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MAPPING THE WORLD SYLLABUS HERE
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This full-year course
will allow students to immerse themselves in world geography, starting at any level. By the end of the year (IF
attending all four sessions and completing all assignments and independent practice), students will be able to draw a map of the world by heart
, on an equirectangular grid, and (dependent on their starting point of knowledge) will include most of the world’s countries, major bodies of water, and major landforms. Like anything, the final product is determined by the time and effort put into this course, which begins in August! Lessons are taken from David Smith’s “Mapping the World by Heart” curriculum, a teacher-developed curriculum, video, and other resources. Each lesson will help students build understanding of various maps, regions, climates, GPS, the spatial relationships of countries and continents to one another, and regional/cultural and historical information about MANY countries. Session 1 will focus on major world regions and the Americas, with an independent country study project started. Materials needed each week include a spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, pencil/pen, and an atlas for personal use: National Geographic “Kids” Student World Atlas, Fifth Edition (2019). National Geographic Kids World Atlas, Seventh Edition (2025) may also be used, but the 5th edition (“student/kids”) is recommended as its maps align more easily with the ones we use in class, and it is geared toward middle/high school. Optional: personal set of sharpened colored pencils.
Independent work is expected, about 2 hrs./week, with several projects. Instructor Lori Peters. Max: 12
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MONEY WISE I SYLLABUS HERE
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Money Wise is a
two-part financial literacy course designed to help students build real-world money skills and confidence. Using the
Lifestyle Math curriculum as our guide, we’ll explore topics such as budgeting, saving, spending habits, comparison shopping, interest, and responsible financial decision-making. Each week combines guided lessons with interactive activities and fun games that help students apply what they’ve learned in meaningful ways. By the end of the course, students will have improved their everyday math skills and learned smart money management they can use for the rest of their lives.
Independent work may be expected, about 30 min/week on average. Instructor: Rachel Ameche. Max: 10
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VIEWPOINT III SYLLABUS HERE
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Students in this course will look at a few historical events that have been met with controversy and a broad range of viewpoints, and analyze how they each have affected current events. For Session 2, we will discuss why learning about history is vital to our present society and explore the cause and effect of different legislation. We will discuss motives and the positive and negative impacts, both temporary and lasting. Students will explore various viewpoints, ones they may agree with or not, to better understand the decisions and opinions of different groups of people at the time. Discussion is expected and encouraged! Topics in Session 3 will focus on foreign affairs: the Iran-Contra Affair, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Vietnam War.
Independent work may be expected, about 30 min/week on average. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 10
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THE RENAISSANCE I SYLLABUS HERE
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After the darkness comes the light—and after the Dark Ages came the Renaissance! This time period saw an explosion of advancements in art, science, architecture, literature, philosophy, and exploration. It was an exciting time to be alive, and it is an equally exciting time to learn about! In this
two-part course, we’ll study the people who revolutionized the Western way of thinking and looking at the world, and dive into an exploration of the ideas and advancements that lit up Western civilization to provide the foundation for our modern way of life. We’ll learn from the greats (DaVinci, Michelangelo, Shakespeare, Copernicus, Descartes, Gutenberg, and more) and bring the Renaissance to life with our own art, writing, games, engineering, and even some philosophical debate! An independent research project into a topic of choice will culminate the unit in Session 4. Independent work is expected, up to about 1 hr./week; the course will culminate with student presentations on a topic of their choice. Instructor: Jenni Buchanan. Max: 7
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GOVERNMENT & CIVICS I SYLLABUS HERE
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This two-session course is highly recommended for 8th
graders, but open to mature younger students who have a basic knowledge of and/or interest in American government. Using a program called iCivics as well as related articles, videos, and discussions, this course will improve students’ civic knowledge, civic attitudes, and core literacy skills. Students will learn how our political systems were developed and work, and what the U.S. Constitution lays out as a framework for our rights and responsibilities. They will use that knowledge to address real-world issues. Students will grow more informed and curious about being engaged in government. They may step into the role of a Supreme Court or Federal judge, a member of Congress, a community activist, or even a President– and do the job they are expected to do. Students gain civic knowledge and skills in a learning experience that is both fun and challenging. Independent work is expected, about 1 hr./week; the course will culminate with student presentations on a topic of their choice. Instructor: Jenni Buchanan. Max: 7
- About the iCivics program: When the first female Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, retired from the Supreme Court in 2006 after nearly 25 years on the bench, her exemplary career was already the embodiment of civic engagement and the American pioneer spirit. An aspiring cattle rancher as a child, Justice O’Connor went on to forge a legal career at a time when few women did, serve in all three branches of Arizona state government, and become the first woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court. Over the course of her career, Justice O’Connor grew concerned about a growing lack of understanding of our system of government and the disengagement that inevitably follows. She discovered that civic education had been disappearing from curricula across the country for decades. Where it was taught, it was often dry and uninspiring. So, in 2009, Justice O’Connor founded iCivics to transform civic education for every student in America with innovative, truly engaging games and resources. Of all her accomplishments, Justice O’Connor considered iCivics to be her most important work and greatest legacy.
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MEDIEVAL TIMES I SYLLABUS HERE
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Continue the journey through history by delving deep into the fascinating (and sometimes disgusting) world of the Middle Ages! In this
two-part course, we’ll begin with the fall of the Ancient Roman Empire, and then we’ll follow the thread of history through the barbarian invasions, feudalism, the Crusades, and the plague until we reach the bright spark of the Renaissance. Along the way, we’ll learn about Knights and Castles, heraldry, Vikings, Samurai warriors, and the advancements in the arts, science, and technology that provide the foundation for our current understanding of the universe. We will go in-depth into each civilization, with readings, discussion, and video, with each lesson to be followed by a STEM project-based exploration of one key technology or advancement from that civilization to bring the learning to life. An independent research project into a topic of choice will culminate the unit in Session 4.
Independent work is expected, about 1 hr./week; the course will culminate with student presentations on a topic of their choice. Instructor: Jenni Buchanan. Max: 9
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ECO EXPLORERS: BOTANY SYLLABUS HERE
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In our third installment of Eco Explorers, we will dive into the extraordinary study of Botany. Students will explore the fascinating world of flowering plants through basic ecology, botany, and real-world application. Each week, we will discover how flowers grow, how they interact with their ecosystems, and why native plants play a key role in a healthy ecosystem. Students will also learn to practice safe and respectful foraging as we collect local wildflowers, then use them to create simple, natural salves. This class blends science, creativity, and outdoor learning to help students connect with the environment while creating something useful and beautiful. Instructors: Rachel Ameche and Deneen Cienfuegos. Max: 9
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NANOSCIENCE: CHEMISTRY ‘R’ US II SYLLABUS HERE
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This
four-part molecular science series (nanoscience) is designed to engage middle school students in the joys of chemistry and biology. The course will review 5th – 8th-grade California chemistry and biology standards in a fun and interactive way that is bound to leave students with a lifelong appreciation of the sciences. The class will reveal insights and connections with real life as chemistry and biology are all around us and within us. Most students who take this class will look forward to high school science. This series of 32 molecular science classes includes the following sessions: Shapes of Nature, Chemistry “R” Us Part 1, Chemistry “R” Us Part 2, and the Biological World. The classes in this series are equal parts lectures, videos, hands-on experiments, and discussion.
Please note: a $100 annual course fee is due before the first session. Light work may be expected, such as reviewing handouts, up to 30 min./wk. Instructor: Dr. Steve Yoshinaga. Max: 12
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GEOLOGY I SYLLABUS HERE
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Learn about the forces that shape our planet in this
two-part course, which is designed as an introductory Earth Science survey of geologic processes. Study the history of geology, inner processes unique to our world, rocks and minerals, geomagnetism, the geologic time scale, fossils, and more! Classes will include different STEAM activities, including drawing, model making, identification labs, and other investigations. Local field studies are possible and will be detailed in the syllabus. Learn what makes the Earth unique among the planets and why understanding these processes is crucial to understanding our home. A small lab fee will cover the costs of mineral samples and consumables.
Independent work may be expected, about 30-60 min/week on average. Instructor: Jonathan McCabe. Max: 10
- About Jonathan: We are excited to have Jonathan join our team! He is a former public educator with 15 years of experience teaching science at the high school level. He specialized in Earth Science disciplines to include astronomy, oceanography, and geology. Jon has had a lifelong love of astronomy since receiving his first telescope at age 11. He is a long-time resident of Ventura County and enjoys the wonderful outdoor spaces available to us here. He is an avid cyclist as well and has completed several multi-day tours of California and Oregon.
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ASTRONOMY I SYLLABUS HERE
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This
two-part course will serve as a survey of astronomy and our place in the universe. We will learn about the composition of our solar system, the stars, and the universe itself, from the smallest atoms to the vast galactic clusters. A brief history of the discoveries that led up to the present day will be discussed as well. Most of what we know about the universe is through the study of the Electromagnetic Spectrum; therefore, students will receive hands-on instruction in how to study light and the instruments used to do so. Students will gain hands-on experience with astronomical instruments through two field outings, one daytime and one in the evening (Astronomy Night is scheduled for 3/20, or 5/14 if the weather/cloud cover on 3/20 is bad). A lab fee will cover consumables used in some of our model and instrument making.
Independent work may be expected, about 30-60 min/week on average. Instructor: Jonathan McCabe. Max: 10
- About Jonathan: We are excited to have Jonathan join our team! He is a former public educator with 15 years of experience teaching science at the high school level. He specialized in Earth Science disciplines to include astronomy, oceanography, and geology. Jon has had a lifelong love of astronomy since receiving his first telescope at age 11. He is a long-time resident of Ventura County and enjoys the wonderful outdoor spaces available to us here. He is an avid cyclist as well and has completed several multi-day tours of California and Oregon.
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