High School

 Tutor: Amy Holman

The ACT can be a very intimidating and anxiety-provoking test, especially for homeschoolers who often haven’t had much practice taking standardized tests. This course will provide students with key test-taking skills, strategies, and lots of practice to help improve confidence and decrease stress. We will use The Official ACT Prep Guide 2021-22 along with other supplemental materials provided by the tutor to become familiar with ACT format, types of test questions, and test-taking techniques.

  Tutor: Jason Lukawitz

PLA is excited to offer a unique learning experience that offers 3 disciplines (and 3 high school credits), bringing them into one course that introduces Biblical History, World History and Literature. 

You may know an 8th grader can get up to 3 high school credits. This is a PERFECT class for an 8th grader to achieve that goal!  

This journey explores how each subject intertwines with the other, and how neither History of Literature can exist without the Biblical component. 

 This 3-credit course will use multiple sources of information, and each student will be able to explore their own interests within the course while engaging with others….. this engagement creating an appreciation for the Bible, for History, and for Literature.    

Students who complete this course will receive 3 high school credits, but more importantly will emerge from this course with their faith strengthened, and their ability to defend a Biblical worldview enhanced.

    Tutor: Anthony Bokoles

In this course we will be learning the fundamentals of, and basics surrounding Christian psychology and how Christ made us to be. We will be learning through scripture and class discussions how to analyze and operate in the world Using “Psychology for Christian High School Students”. 

Tutor: Angie Hazzard  

Have you ever worried about how your student will handle the bombardment of secular and postmodern ideas in college or in the workforce? This course will help to equip your student to identify faulty reasoning and fallacies in everyday life while preparing them to handle the difficult conversations and debates that can develop from differing viewpoints. The course will incorporate logical reasoning and apologetics along with the ability to participate in informal and formal debates. I believe this course will develop critical thinking skills and relational skills needed to be successful in both college and career. No books need to be purchased for this class 

Tutor: Jess Sauer  

English II: Literature and Composition is a study of the major topics and themes across the history of world literature. Students will focus on the major literary forms of England and America, analyze literary themes and trends, and research and compose written assignments including a Literary Analysis.  Topics: narrative writing, cultural difference, theme, author’s purpose, diction, figurative language, context, Short Stories, non-fiction essays, poetry and plays (Shakespeare), allegory, symbolism, and Greek Mythology. Writing assignments:   ●  Comparison Essay   ●  Literary Analysis   ●  Poetry response- Poetry writing   ●  Poetry comparison/device essay 

Tutor: Jess Sauer  

Composition and Critical Reading is a study of writing skills and critical thinking skills. All literature selections will be used for the improvement of reading strategies, literacy interpretation, and critical analysis. Students will study different genres of literature (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and plays). Topics: Composition-- writing techniques that enhance student’s ability to analyze tests, respond to literature, develop language and style, and produce various types of writing. We will focus on writing, revising, workshopping, and editing. Critical Reading- 5 critical reading techniques (Survey, Ask Questions, Read Actively, Respond to Questions, Record Key Ideas) We will read work from various genres in order to learn interpretation and analysis skills. Writing curriculum: Writer’s Inc: Write for College (A Student Handbook)  ● Comparison Essay  ● Literary Analysis  ● Argumentative Essay  ● Poetry comparison/device essay  ● Research Paper Possible texts:  ● “Writer’s Inc: Write for College (A Student Handbook)”  ● “The House on Mango Street” -Sandra Cisneros  ● Selections from Ernest Hemingway’s short stories  ● Poetry Unit-American and British Poetry  ● Wendell Berry essays  ● “The Importance of Being Earnest”- Oscar Wilde

Tutor: Jason Lukawitz

Hello Students - I am so excited to get started on this journey that explores how our Government works, as well as a look into Economics, and what makes our ecomony work.  

Since we will be entering the mid-term election season, we will start with Government, and kick-off 2023 with Economics.  

Here are the books you will need for both classes:

American Government

Tutor: Poem Bokoles 

Health & Nutrition 

Throughout this course, students will learn the importance of overall health, through study, conversation, and real life application. We will be learning the ins and outs of physical health through exercise, diet, and lifestyle choices, alongside the importance of mental health, as we learn how to responsibly cope with anxiety, depression, and any other struggles that affect the youth of today. Students will grow throughout this course and learn to be the best versions of themselves, while becoming equipped with the tools to do so!  

Personal Finance 

A personal finance class designed to show teens How adulting Works. This fun, interactive one-semester class lets teens experience age 22-42 by making real choices and real budgets. This class is different: It’s Personal  Not only does this class teach the fundamentals of a financial literacy class, but the student will get a chance to apply those fundamentals to their own budgets. It’s Real Other personal finance courses and books tell the student about adult choices but guides them to practice using their birthday or part-time job money. In order to learn, your student needs to practice making adult choices with adult-sized dollars. This curriculum lets them do that. It’s Interactive Your student will not just hear a series of lectures like other financial literacy classes.  They will engage in the material by making personal budget choices in a way that leads to a heart change.

 Tutor: Laura Motok

It has often been said, history forgotten is history repeated. Current headlines are ripe with the news of riots and other demonstrations all seeking some form of change. History has long been dominated by course changing events that see outcomes, some good, some bad, but all that started with people desiring change. This class will take a look at American History, offering perspective, offering insight, and challenging convention, as together we learn about what makes the United States unique amongst other nations in the world. Using a Biblical perspective, you will uncover the framework and foundations for the United States, while examining current events, drawing parallels that challenges each student to read between the lines, draw assumptions, create opinions, and ultimately arrive at conclusions that creates a love for history as well as current events. Coursework will entail reading, discussions, and projects that will bring American History alive for each student.

Tutor: Teresa Burrow

 We will begin our journey with the basics of Algebra. We will learn to use the algebraic properties, solve equations that include integers, and extend order of operations to include algebraic grouping symbols. We will solve multi-step equations that include combining like terms, clearing grouping symbols, and equations with variables on both sides of the equal mark. We will solve rational equations and equations that include powers and exponents. We will learn to simplify radical expressions, solve quadratic equations, and graph functions. We will solve systems of equations, inequalities, and absolute value equations. We will conclude this year’s journey with a more detailed visit with statistics and probability. 

Tutor: Teresa Burrow 

Algebra II is an extension of Algebra I. We will review the Algebra I concepts that we learned and expand them. We will begin with solving first degree equations, then learn to simplify equations before solving. We will next solve fractional equations, expand knowledge of powers and exponents, and irrational numbers. We will explore second-degree and radical equations, investigate imaginary and complex numbers, then move to solving higher-degree equations. We will solve first and second-degree equations with two variables, equations with three or more variables, and systems of equations. We will then move to inequalities and absolute value equations. We will conclude our study with functions, exponential functions, logarithms, and statistics.

Tutor: Teresa Burrow

We will begin our study of geometry with vocabulary and simple postulates. We will study angles, angle pairs with parallel and perpendicular lines, then proceed to triangles. We will learn to write formal proofs for parallel and perpendicular lines, congruent triangles, and corresponding parts of triangles. We will study quadrilaterals, polygons, similar triangles, right triangles, and right triangle trigonometry. We will next move to circles and theorems related to circles, area of polygons, solid geometry, and coordinate geometry. We will complete our study with constructions and transformations.

Tutor: Amy Holman 

This high school science course covers both the anatomy and physiology of each of the organ systems in the human body including skeletal, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, muscular, integumentary, lymphatic, urinary, endocrine, and reproductive. We will be using the Apologia: Advanced Biology, Human Body Edition (Anatomy and Physiology) curriculum along with other supplemental material to give students a detailed understanding of the amazing human body. This course includes the required lab for high school credit which will include performing lab activities, experiments, group activities, and dissections in class. High school Biology is a prerequisite for this course, and a general knowledge of basic chemistry would also be helpful. Anatomy and Physiology is recommended for 11th/12th grade, although it could be taken earlier if the science prerequisites are met. This incredible course is perfect for students who are interested in any science or healthcare-related field as it covers subject matter that will prepare students for college-level work.

Tutor: Amy Holman  

This high school science course will provide a broad overview of God’s creation as we gain a greater understanding of the study of life. Students will explore many topics including classification, protists, fungi, cell structure and function, plants, animals, genetics and so much more! We will be using the Apologia: Exploring Creation with Biology curriculum along with other supplemental materials to give students a detailed understanding of many forms of life. This course also includes the lab that is required for high school credit that will strengthen comprehension through dissections, group projects, lab activities, and experiments that will be conducted together in class. We will use the 2nd edition of the textbook which can be found used at a much lower price. This course is also an excellent choice for 8th grade students to take for high school credit.

Tutor: Amy Holman

This high school science course will provide students with an introduction and greater understanding of chemistry as it pertains to God’s amazing creation. We will explore a wide range of material including atomic and molecular structure, ionic compounds, balancing equations, acids and bases, solutions, chemical reactions, and so much more! We will be using the Apologia: Exploring Creation with Chemistry curriculum along with other supplemental materials to ensureScience: Chemistry that each student gains a usable foundation in the basics of chemistry. This course also includes the required lab for high school credit which will involve group projects, lab activities, and experiments that will be conducted together in class. 

Tutor: Angie Hazzard

This course gives the student an understanding of the basic world that surrounds them each day of their lives and the forces in creation, so that they can appreciate the real-world relevance of scientific inquiry and the beauty of creation. We believe that students’ educations should prepare them for life, not just an academic year. Topics covered in the course include: The basics of science including the scientific process, scientific theories and laws, inferences and models, and measurement and units  Chemistry including properties and states of matter, atomic structure and the periodic table, chemical bonds and reactions and energy  Physics including motion, forces, energy, waves and sound, light and electricity and magnetism  Earth Science including the Earth’s structure and processes and our atmosphere and beyond  Chemistry and Physics in the life sciences  Physical Science research

Tutor: Eric Massengill

“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”

This course will provide an introduction to, and a greater understanding of, human

society and the physical features of the earth. Students will explore a wide range of

topics including: the effects of human activity on the planet (and vice versa), history,

economics, government, psychology, anthropology, and the ethics of human decisions

and their influence on the earth. Population distribution and the use of resources will

also be covered. This course aims to teach students how to positively contribute to

society, understand various world cultures, and to make informed decisions for the

public good as citizens of a culturally diverse society.

 Tutor: Teresa Burrow

Pre-Calculus

Pre-Calculus is the follow-up to Algebra 2 and the preparatory course for college algebra. In this course we will do an extensive study of functions. This will include basic functions, polynomial functions, rational functions, exponential, and logarithmic functions, as well as radical and power functions. Next, we will move to triangle trigonometry and trigonometric functions. The course also includes vectors and polar coordinates, systems, matrices, determinants, analytic geometry, sequences, probability, and statistics. The course ends with an introductory unit on calculus.

Student Supply List:

TI 84 Plus Graphing Calculator

Pencils

Wide-ruled paper

Curriculum

Teaching Textbooks Pre-Calculus (copyright 2016) for classroom use ($59.95)

Teaching Textbooks 4.0 (the app) for home use ($67.08)

Tutor: Jess Sauer

Composition and Critical Reading is a study of writing

skills and critical thinking skills. All literature selections will be used for the

improvement of reading strategies, literacy interpretation, and critical analysis.

Students will study different genres of literature (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and

plays).

Topics:

Composition-- writing techniques that enhance student’s ability to analyze

tests, respond to literature, develop language and style, and produce various

types of writing. We will focus on writing, revising, workshopping, and editing.

Critical Reading- 5 critical reading techniques (Survey, Ask Questions, Read

Actively, Respond to Questions, Record Key Ideas) We will read work from

various genres in order to learn interpretation and analysis skills.

Writing curriculum:

● Comparison Essay

● Literary Analysis

● Argumentative Essay

● Research Paper

Texts:

● “Elements of Literature: Sixth Course 2007. Essentials of British and

World Literature” ISBN: 0030424194

● “Paradise Lost” - John Milton

● “Frankenstein” - Mary Shelley