CLASSES
Not sure which class to choose? Let our staff assess for you!
If you’re unsure which level your child needs, our staff will give your child an assessment, enabling them to be placed in the class that best fits their needs.
YOUNG EXPLORERS
Young Explorers
Instructor: Ms. Amanda Griggs
Ages 4-5
When: 2x weekly
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Min/Max Enrollment: 4/10
Theme: Drama and the Arts (first half of the course) National Parks (Second half of the course)
This course will focus on honing the skills needed for reading, writing, and number sense while building the foundation necessary to develop solid academic habits.
- Sequencing events, comprehension, (before, then, after)
- Daily writing and mathematical integration
- Listening to a variety of books, learning to read with expression
- Science of Reading foundations will be introduced
- Introduce Reader’s Theater and work through short plays together
- Perform multiple plays and works as a class and have students work in small groups and partners to develop cooperation with one another
- Explore different thematic elements
- Discover how the five senses are found in our daily lives and explore different sensory activities related to the various skills we work through
- Study the history of plays and their purpose as well as National Parks
- Halfway through the year we will do a field trip to “BAAY”, ‘Mount Baker Theater’ or ‘The Claire’ to see a short, kid friendly play together as a class
Second half of the course will align with the same skills building, but around the theme of our National Parks in the Pacific Northwest
Golden Grades
Instructor: Ms. Amanda Griggs
Ages 5-6
When: 2x weekly
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Min/Max Enrollment: 4/10
Journey Through the Jungle
We will work through “The Jungle Book” and other texts together in a well-rounded course combining reading, writing, math, and foundational skills, while integrating a variety of activities for hands-on, kinesthetic learning.
- Analyze the characters, story elements, and symbolism
- Compare and contrast cultural/societal differences
- Assess comprehension throughout with a variety of art projects and presentations of student’s own choosing (ie. they may design a newspaper ad, make a short video, create a poster, write a poem, write a song, or come up with a completely new idea)
- Study a variety of animals found in the jungle and determine how their character aligns with their animal’s traits
- Students will create their own personal character map in a collage style which would highlight different traits they appreciate in themselves, as well as important details about who they are as the protagonist in their own story
- Each student will create their own new character for the novel, choosing an animal found in the jungle and developing their traits based around that animal and what their character would add to “The Jungle Book”
- Work through foundational math skills “in the jungle” and ensure continued development of foundational math skills and strategies
Art Classes
Art: Storybook-inspired Art
Instructor: Mrs. Roderick
Grade Level: Ages 5-8*
When: 1x weekly (Tuesdays)
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Min/Max Enrollment: 5/10
Come explore story-based Art with Mrs. Roderick! In this class, you will experience a wide variety of art materials, techniques, and styles of art inspired by some of Mrs. Roderick’s favorite picture books! Each week we’ll read a book and make a fun, original art project inspired by the author or illustrator. You will learn to use art media such as charcoal, chalk pastels, oil pastels, watercolors, tempera paint, and collage, and will learn techniques in drawing and shading at your level. Art classes meet one day a week and will be tailored to the level of students enrolled.
*Note: Students will experience an enriched art and literature experience focused specifically to learners in grades K-3rd grade. Projects are open-ended, and not “cookie-cutter” cut-and-paste projects
Art: Let’s Make Art!
Instructor: Mrs. Roderick
Grade Level: Ages 9 and up*
When: 1x weekly (Tuesdays)
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Min/Max Enrollment: 5/12
Come explore Art with Mrs. Roderick! In this class, you will experience a wide variety of art materials, techniques, styles of art, and will learn about some famous artists as they relate to our projects. You will dabble in both 2-D and 3-D Art, using art media such as charcoal, chalk pastels, oil pastels, watercolors, printmaking, and papier mache. You will learn techniques in perspective and shading at your level to help make your drawings look 3-dimensional, and just have fun making your own original artworks! Art classes meet one day a week and will be tailored to ages 9 and older.
*Note: Students MUST be age 9 prior to Sept. 1, or have permission from Mrs. Roderick following a parent-child consultation to determine readiness
English Classes
To help you choose the right class for your child, consider this:
Introductory Language Arts and Upper Elementary Language Arts are our lowest Language Arts offerings.
The next level is Language Arts Workshop geared for 6th and 7th graders (students must be at least 12 years of age).
Language and Literature is for 7th and 8th graders.
Sometimes kids who are a little behind or ahead are in a class that might not match their grade level. If you’d like help in deciding which class is best for your student, Mrs. Likkel is happy to do an assessment.
Introductory Language Arts
Instructor: Ms. Amanda Griggs
Grade Level or Ability Level: Ages 6-8
When: 2x weekly
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Min / Max Enrollment: 4/10
Young Authors Club: Explore the works of authors published before they were 18
Some ideas for a couple of the many works we will read together will be:
- “The Swish of the Curtain” Pamela Brown, age 14 published June 1943
- “Journey Through Heartsongs” Mattie Stepanek, age 11 published 2006
We will read, explore, and enjoy a series of different genres and works written by young authors at a variety of levels for all learners and work through continual writing projects over the course of the year with a continuation of Science of Reading elements.
Students will:
- Write their own fictional story which will serve as both an ongoing assessment of their learning as well as a medium for exploring parts of speech, sentence structure, vocabulary, and basic grammar
- Introductory spelling
- Develop reading comprehension
- Expectations for writing will be accommodated based on student age and ability (ie. emerging readers and writers would be focused on learning how to write an engaging sentence- capitals, punctuation, detail, subject-verb agreement)
- Build creativity and enjoyment for the act of writing and storytelling
- Understand the inspiration we can draw from the experiences of others
- Learn to edit and add colorful detail to writing pieces
- Practice a variety of different writing styles
Upper Elementary Language Arts
Instructor: Ms. Amanda Griggs
Grade Level or Ability Level: Ages 9-12
When: 2x weekly
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Min / Max Enrollment: 4/10
Young Authors Club: Explore the works of authors published before they were 18
We will read, explore, and enjoy a series of different genres and works written by young authors and delve into grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and critical analysis. This course will largely revolve around project based learning with a variety of opportunities for students to choose a medium for presentations.
Some ideas for a couple of the many works we will read together will be:
- “The Swish of the Curtain” Pamela Brown, age 14 published June 1943
- “Journey Through Heartsongs” Mattie Stepanek, age 11 published 2006
Students will:
- Analyze a text critically and explore characters and character relationships, themes, settings, key events, and cause and effect relationships
- Identify different narrative perspectives in writing
- Focus on language development in areas of grammar, spelling, and vocabulary
- Recognize and utilize multiple different writing styles including narrative writing, informative writing, and persuasive writing
- Begin understanding the use of figurative language and its importance
- Build creativity and enjoyment for the act of writing and storytelling
- Understand the inspiration we can draw from the experiences of others
- Learn to edit and add colorful detail to writing pieces
The Writer’s Workshop
Instructor: Mrs. Sue Likkel
Grade Level or Ability Level: 6th – 7th Grade (At least 12 years old)
When: 2x weekly
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Min / Max Enrollment: 4/10
Prerequisite: Reading on or above grade level and writing a basic paragraph.
What to do with adolescents who are about to step into the world of vocabulary, novels and eek! -grammar? Well, you Love, Affirm and Believe; hence Writer’s L.A.B. We’ll treat words as if in a laboratory, to inspect and respect but we’ll also delight in them, use them in palatable ways.
This class is ideal for students who need to build foundational skills in all areas of English. An introduction to the literary elements as applied to novels, short stories, biographies, and poems will set the foundation for being more appreciative readers. A significant focus will be writing assignments such as creative, descriptive, & many forms expository such as compare/contrast, definition, reason and 5-paragraph essay. Although all skills are sequential through the year, instruction on parts of speech, grammar, mechanics, and sentence structure will be emphasized in the fall semester. Paragraphing, editing, word choice, and critical analysis in written assignments will be stressed during the spring semester.
At least 4 novels, 300 new words, 20 poems and dozens of essays will be read, learned and written. Challenging yet fun, this class equips and motivates the willing-to-learn student.
Language and Literature
Instructor: Mrs. Sue Likkel
Grade Level or Ability Level: 7th – 8th Grade
When: 2x weekly
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Min / Max Enrollment: 4/10
What surprises students most about this class? How much they really like the subject! Yes, they read, but the skills they learn in Language and Literature teaches them how to read better; as in, the author uses all kinds of techniques to make writing more interesting and rich. Students learn to identify and use these techniques in their own writing. Along with the novels we read they’ll discover a healthy dose of information about the historical background of the story. In addition, students write a variety of pieces combined with activities that underscore the lessons. Grammar and vocabulary are both studied and incorporated into this year-long course.
Freshman English
Instructor: Mrs. Sue Likkel
Grade Level or Ability Level: 9th Grade
When: 2x weekly
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Freshmen English will encompass five major components of language arts at this level: reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary and speech. This level of work will require students to be diligent as they read expository and narratives more deeply and write essays more clearly. Students will learn how to read and write poetry, understand the author’s artistry in short stories and speak with focus and clarification. In addition to learning more advanced forms of grammar, students will also read some great American classics.
Reading Buddies
Instructor: Ms. Sierra Spring
Grade Level or Ability Level: Grades K-6
When: 1x weekly, Tuesday OR Thursday
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Min / Max Enrollment: 4/10
Reading Buddies is a supplemental reading course designed to help students build confidence in their reading skills. Through fun, collaborative activities, students will work together to improve fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary. This class provides targeted support for students who need extra help with foundational reading skills, including phonics, decoding, and building reading stamina. By reading together in pairs, students can engage in peer support, practice reading aloud, and boost their confidence in a positive, low-pressure environment.
In addition to the group activities, students will work on vocabulary-building exercises, with a focus on expanding their word knowledge through context and repetition.
This class is the perfect opportunity to strengthen reading skills in a supportive and encouraging setting!
If your child would benefit from additional one-on-one tutoring to further support their growth, personalized at-home tutoring sessions are available. Please contact Ms. Spring for more information.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE Classes
Spanish 1
Instructor: Mrs. Kristi Andres
When: 2x weekly
Grade Level or Ability Level: Middle School & High School
Min/Max enrollment: 4/10
In Spanish 1, we will be learning about making conversation, family members, the body, food, weather and clothing, daily life, sports and pastimes, places in the community, eating out, animals and their environment. I will include songs, books, art projects, games and more to help the students grasp the concepts better. This class will focus on present tense verbs. Along with that we will be learning a bit about the culture of the different Spanish speaking countries.
Spanish 2 & 3
Instructor: Mrs. Kristi Andres
When: 2x weekly
Grade Level or Ability Level: Middle School & High School
Min/Max enrollment: 4/10
Prerequisite: Spanish 1 or 2 (or an equivalent class)
In Spanish 2 & 3, we will add on to what we have previously learned and include daily routines, celebrations and outings, shopping, the environment and technology. In addition to that, we will start to learn more verb tenses including both past tenses. This class will definitely challenge the student to use their Spanish speaking knowledge by adding classroom translation work as well. I will use songs, books, art projects, games and more to fully engage the student.
MATH Classes
Math 2 or 3
Instructor: Mrs. Karin Porret
Grade Level or Ability Level: 2nd -3rd grade, at least 7 years old
When: 2x weekly
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Min / Max Enrollment: 4/10
Let’s learn math together! Students will learn how to add and subtract using all sorts of games and manipulatives. As the course progresses, we’ll work on multiplication and division plus story problems, too, so we can apply our problem-solving skills to everyday situations. Come and learn the basics of math so you will have a solid foundation to build on in higher grades.
Math 4 or 5
Instructor: Mrs. Karin Porret
Grade Level or Ability Level: 4th or 5th Grade
When: 2x weekly
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Min / Max Enrollment: 4/10
This course provides students with a solid foundation in basic mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills. Topics include addition, subtraction, multiplication, story problems. Students will develop their reasoning and critical thinking abilities through hands-on activities, math games, and real-world applications like making pizza! The course emphasizes the development of mathematical fluency, conceptual understanding, and the ability to explain and justify solutions.
Middle School Math
Instructor: Ms. Sierra Spring
Grade Level or Ability Level: Grades 6-8
When: 2x weekly
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Min / Max Enrollment: 4/10
Course Materials: Access to a computer and internet outside of class, as this course uses Google Classroom for grades, class announcements, homework reminders, etc.
This math course is designed to support and challenge students in grades 6–8 by meeting them where they are. At the start of the year, students will complete a placement assessment to determine their current math level. Based on their results, each student will receive a grade-level workbook aligned with their individual learning needs.
SCIENCE Classes
Elementary Science
Instructor: Ms. Sierra Spring
Grade Level or Ability Level: Grades 1-5
When: 2x Weekly
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Min / Max Enrollment: 4/10
In this engaging elementary science course, students will explore the wonders of the natural world through hands-on activities and interactive lessons. Topics include the cycles of life, relationships between organisms and their environments, weather and climate, Earth’s surface and landforms, and the planets and stars in our solar system. Students will also take part in fun STEM challenges that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. This course is designed to spark curiosity and build a strong foundation in science through real-world connections and discovery-based learning.
Middle School Earth Science
Instructor: Ms. Sierra Spring
Grade Level or Ability Level: Grades 6-8
When: 2x weekly
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Min / Max Enrollment: 4/10
Course Materials: Access to a computer and internet outside of class, as this course uses Google Classroom for grades, class announcements, homework reminders, etc.
The aim of this course is for students to develop a deeper level of understanding of the world around us. In this process-oriented course, students will be exploring Earth Science themes such as the Rock Cycle, Natural Hazards, Space, and Oceans. Students will be actively involved in hands-on projects that are designed to reinforce course content. Students should have a basic understanding of graphing and calculating averages before taking this course.
Units 1: Scientific Method
Unit 2: Earth and Space
Unit 3: Rocks and Minerals
Unit 4: Volcanoes and Earthquakes
Unit 5: Weathering and Erosion
Unit 5: Climate and Weather
Unit 6: Oceans
Unit 7: Human Impact
High School Biology
Instructor: Ms. Sierra Spring
Grade Level or Ability Level: Grades 9-12
When: 2x weekly
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Min / Max Enrollment: 4/10
Course Materials: Access to a computer and internet outside of class, as this course uses Google Classroom for grades, class announcements, homework reminders, etc.
Biology is the study of living organisms. Themes that will be covered in this course include Cell Structure and Function, Genetics, Plant and Human Body Systems, Kingdoms of Life (Protists, Fungi, Animals, etc), and Ecosystems. Students will be actively involved in laboratory experiments and projects that are designed to reinforce course content.
Unit 1: Biochemistry
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
Unit 3: Genetics and Heredity
Unit 4: Kingdoms of Life
Unit 5: Photosynthesis
Unit 6: Cellular Respiration
Unit 7: Intro to Ecology
SOCIAL STUDIES AND HISTORY Classes
From Colonies to Country:
The U.S. History Quest
Instructor: Mrs. Karin Porret
Grade Level or Ability Level: 1st & 2nd Grade
When: 2x weekly
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Min/Max Enrollment: 4/10
Prerequisite: Writing and reading abilities must be at grade level.
In this history class we will look at the beginnings of the United States including the Native people who lived here, the Pilgrims who came to have a better life, and the brave pioneers who opened up new areas of our great country for others to follow. With each topic we will do a craft or a hands-on project. Skills learned include: writing strong sentences, chronological thinking, and geographic awareness. We will create a book full of colorful descriptions of our quest through history that you can take home at the end of the year.
We, the Kids:
Learning the Constitution
Instructor: Mrs. Karin Porret
Grade Level or Ability Level: 3rd-5th Grade
When: 2x weekly
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Min/Max Enrollment: 4/10
This course introduces students to the foundational principles of the United States Constitution in an engaging and age-appropriate way. Students will explore the purpose and structure of the Constitution, including the three branches of government, the separation of powers, checks and balances, and the Bill of Rights. Through stories, role-playing, discussions, and interactive activities, students will learn about the roles of citizens, the importance of laws, and how the Constitution protects individual freedoms. The course aims to build a strong sense of civic responsibility and an appreciation for democratic values.
