Core Academic Course Descriptions for Session 1, 2026-2027
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 1 is summary. 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. The 9:00 class will have Jenni Buchanan assisting. 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 is for 8th/9th level students who have mastered the foundational concepts taught in the 6th-8th ELA course. Due to room size limits, this course is prioritized for 8th graders who read/write proficiently (varied genres), desire a literature-focused course, and have educator approval. Writing lessons will focus on summary, personal response, and literary analysis. Over the year, students will complete classic novels, several classic short stories and poetry, and or/relevant articles and/or speeches. Selections are dependent upon the pace of the group. The themes of our selected readings will help students analyze human behavior and power structures in societies, while making relevant connections to their world today. Required reading will include analysis of both contemporary and classic literature. All reading will be accompanied by in-class reflection, discussion, note-taking, critical analyses, and historical and cultural connections, as well as lessons in composition skills (summary and literary analysis). One to three essays per session will be completed and assessed (depending on assigned readings and pace of the group). Materials needed: 3-ring binder OR spiral notebook, folder, assignment notebook, assigned reading, and pencil/pen. The course fee is for printed copies of stories and doesn’t include the cost of required novels (must be in hard copy). Independent reading and writing are required (2-3 hrs/week). It is also recommended that students take at least one ELA Study Session. Instructor: Jenni Buchanan. Max: 7
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MATH FOUNDATIONS 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 multiplication and division algorithms; relationships among 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. Instructor: Laura Erlig. 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 with 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: Laura Erlig (9:00) or Rachel Ameche (11:00). Max: 11
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MS ALGEBRA SYLLABUS HERE
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This two-day, 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: ZOOLOGY I SYLLABUS HERE
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Part 1 of 2. Study life science up close by examining the anatomy of several different animals (from worms to starfish to frogs and more) in this Biology of Zoology class! Students will deepen their understanding of the animal life cycle of many different phyla, classes, and species of animals. We’ll learn about the varied and specialized organs and systems of vertebrates and invertebrates alike, and study preserved animal specimens through hands-on dissections every other week. This is a fascinating and memorable way to see how internal systems and organs fit and work together, as well as understand the most basic similarities and differences between various animals. Students will be expected to keep detailed lab books, which are turned in weekly. In Sessions 3 and 4, this course will focus on human anatomy. Lab fee includes the cost of specimens and tools. Independent work is expected, about 30 min./wk. Instructor: Jenni Buchanan, with Jon McCabe assisting. Max: 12
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OCEANOGRAPHY I SYLLABUS HERE
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This
two-part* introductory oceanography course explores the vast and dynamic systems of Earth’s oceans. Students investigate ocean basin structure, water properties, waves and tides, currents, marine ecosystems, and the interconnections between oceans and human society. Through hands-on activities, observations, and model-building, students develop an understanding of how oceanographic processes shape life on Earth and how human activities impact marine environments. The course is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards and emphasizes inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and scientific communication. Students will be expected to keep detailed lab books, which are turned in weekly.
Independent work is expected, about 30 min./wk.
Instructor: Jon McCabe. Max: 10
*This course can easily be adapted to be a full-year course, pending student interest and commitment.
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EARTH SCIENCE I SYLLABUS HERE
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This
two-part* introductory Earth science course provides students with a comprehensive foundation in the major disciplines of Earth Science, including geology, meteorology, astronomy, and environmental science. Students investigate Earth’s interior structure, the forces that shape its surface, the composition and behavior of the atmosphere, the distribution and movement of water, and Earth’s relationship to the Sun, moon, and solar system. The course also examines the role of human activity in shaping Earth’s systems and explores pathways toward more sustainable interactions with our planet. All units are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards and emphasize inquiry-based investigation, data analysis, model building, and scientific communication. Students will be expected to keep detailed lab books, which are turned in weekly.
Independent work is expected, about 30 min./wk.
Instructor: Jon McCabe. Max: 12
*This course can easily be adapted to be a full-year course, pending student interest and commitment.
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CLIMATOLOGY I SYLLABUS HERE
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This
two-part* integrated climatology and environmental science course explores Earth’s climate systems and the interconnections between climate, ecosystems, and human activity. Students develop understanding of how Earth’s climate works, what causes climate change, and how climate change impacts ecosystems and human societies. Throughout the course, students examine real-world environmental challenges including biodiversity loss, pollution, deforestation, and resource depletion, connecting each issue to underlying climate and environmental science principles. The course emphasizes systems thinking, data analysis, evidence-based reasoning, and age-appropriate solutions-focused environmental action. Students will maintain a science notebook and culminate the course with an environmental sustainability project addressing a real community or global environmental challenge.
Independent work is expected, about 30 min./wk.
Instructor: Jon McCabe. Max: 10
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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 (depending 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, videos, and other resources. Each lesson will help students build an 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 2-3 hrs./week, including at least two 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. 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: 12
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VIEWPOINT I SYLLABUS HERE
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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 1, we will discuss why learning about history is vital to our present society and do a deep dive exploring the cause and effect of different events. 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 1: Chinese Exclusion Act, Farmworkers’ Movement, and Stonewall Uprising.
Independent work may be expected, about 30 min/week on average. Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 10
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WORLD MYTHOLOGIES I SYLLABUS HERE
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In this
two-part course we’ll learn about ancient mythologies from around the world—including Greek, Egyptian, Norse, Hindu, and more! We will delve into those crazy stories of gods and goddesses, heroes and monsters. We’ll discuss how myths helped ancient people explain the mysteries of the world, how these myths spread from one culture to the next, and how they continue to be important to our modern-day social identity. Classes will include art projects, storytelling, skits, deciphering hieroglyphics, monster-making, rune-casting, and more! If you like stories, movies, and games about mythology (or are obsessed with the Percy Jackson/Magnus Chase/Kane Chronicles books), then this is the class for you.
Independent work may be assigned, about 30 min/week on average. Instructor: Jenni Buchanan. Max: 10
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ANCIENT JOURNEYS I SYLLABUS HERE
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Our societies today build on the knowledge and discoveries made by those who came before. In this course, we’ll go back in time to ancient Egypt, India, China, Rome, and more to learn about the cultures and scientific breakthroughs that form the foundations of our modern societies. Students will acquire a broad overview of ancient history, with opportunities for more in-depth study of culture and technologies. Lessons in this
two-part course follow what is typically taught in 6th grade, but the course is open to 6th-8th graders (especially those who say they can’t remember what they learned in history class!). Each week, students will “visit” important early civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, China, India, Greece, and Rome– finding commonalities, differences, and connections. We will go in-depth into each civilization, with readings, discussion, art, science, games, and video to bring the learning to life. The course will culminate with student presentations on a specific subtopic from a civilization of their choice. Students’ reading level should be 6th grade or above. 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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AMERICAN HISTORY I SYLLABUS HERE
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This
two-part course provides a general overview of the 8th-grade social studies standards. Students will learn about the founding of our country, from its Indigenous people and colonial settlement to the American Revolution, and then the building of American society, culture, and economy. Through study of primary sources, debate, research & writing, as well as art & games, students will trace the development of American institutions, founded on English parliamentary traditions, particularly the shaping of the Constitution. They will study the challenges facing a growing nation—including Westward Expansion and the rise of industrialization—and the causes and consequences of the American Civil War. The course will conclude with student presentations on a relevant topic of choice. 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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ELECTION CONNECTION I SYLLABUS HERE
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Election Connection is offered every two years and always receives positive student reviews! With the 2026 Midterm election coming up, this
two-part civics course will help students objectively understand the basics of how our electoral process works, how people vote, the various layers of leadership, who their local and regional representatives are, some propositions and measures on the California ballot, and more. The bulk of the course will focus on the dynamics of elections (regional, state, national), including some history of our political parties, how candidates are chosen (primaries, mid-terms, caucuses, the electoral college, delegates, etc.), the Supreme Court, political advertising, election terminology, and what polls are. Reliable election education resources will be used (including PBS Learning Media). Despite personal opinions, this is a
non-partisan course where civil discourse and independent thinking are expected. Session 1 will prepare students for lessons in Session 2. After the November Midterms, in which students will “vote” (with a modified ballot), students will focus on how local, state, and federal governments work, with an emphasis on federal agencies (and all those acronyms!). Hopefully, students will be inspired to be civic-minded and well-prepared to make their votes count when they turn 18.
Instructor: Melanie Ware. Max: 12
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