Instructor: Britney Gibson, britney.gibson3290@gmail.com

Tuition: $45/mo; Supply Fee: $40/fall term, $55/spring term

Recommended Grades: K-2

Students will be gently guided as they learn basic skills while using the elements of art to express themselves artistically. The class will focus on developing confidence and creativity as students are introduced to various mediums. We will work through a variety of hands-on projects, some of which may align with seasonal themes or books we read aloud. In addition to guided projects, they will have time for imaginative exploration.

Instructor: Britney Gibson, britney.gibson3290@gmail.com

Tuition: $50/month; Supply Fee: $50/fall term, $65/spring term

Recommended Grades: 3-5

In this studio art class, creativity is at the heart of our process! Young artists will discover new techniques and have the chance to experiment with various mediums to create completed works of art. Students will explore the fundamental principles of art while we continue to encourage their imagination. They'll be crafting little masterpieces to take pride in! Expect a bit of mess and a whole lot of fun in this class! No previous artexperience is necessary.

Instructor: Britney Gibson, britney.gibson3290@gmail.com

Tuition: $65/month; Supply Fee: $70/fall term, $70/spring term

Recommended Grades: 6-12

This class is 90 minutes.

Students will engage in a combination of mediums and skills to develop projects in clay. They will explore art history and clay techniques, creating works that range from functional to decorative. Opportunities will be provided for sketching ideas, creating projects with multiple mediums and critiquing their own artwork. By working on projects that inspire and challenge young artists, we aim to discover and cultivate our unique styles while establishing a solid foundation.

Instructor:

Tuition: $40/month; Supply Fee: $50/term

Recommended Grades: 6-12

Students will work in clay to design, cut, form and create a variety of beads to produce wearable or hanging art pieces. Each student will walk away with finished, wearable jewelry of their own creation – from clay blocks and slabs to wiring and finishing their designs. No prior clay or jewelry making experience required.

Instructor: Britney Gibson, britney.gibson3290@gmail.com

Tuition: $65/month; Supply Fee: $70/term

Recommended Grades: 3-6

This class is 90 minutes.

Students will explore hand-building techniques to craft functional pottery and decorative items that can be cherished for years. They will start by sketching their ideas to bring their visions to life on paper before transforming them into clay creations. Each piece will be completed, glazed, and fired, resulting in a memorable keepsake to take home! No previous clay experience is necessary.

Instructor:

Tuition $30/mo; Supply Fee: $35/ Term

Recommended Grades: K-5

We will build a beautiful journal cataloging many forms of seasonal nature learning. Poems, art, and other notebooking activities, along with some outside exploration will round out this hands-on nature adventure.

Instructor: Brandon Daggerhart, brandon@daggerhart.com

Recommended Grades: 3-6 & 7-12

Tuition: $35/month; Supply Fee $35/fall term, $45/spring term

Logic games, puzzles, and activities are known to boost critical thinking, memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. These games range from traditional pencil puzzles and their varieties (such as Sudoku, Kakuro, and Pentomino puzzles), as well as board games like Chess, recognized for stimulating your brain.

In this class students will learn the simple mathematical and logical foundations for these puzzles, learn to think outside of the box, and grow their deductive skills and enhance their decision making abilities, all while having fun through interactive games.

Instructor:

Tuition: $35/mo; Supply Fee: $40/term

Recommended Grades: 7th-12th

Our young people today are faced with many pressures and an unlimited amount of information. Critical thinking is a set of skills that includes the ability to define a problem, identify assumptions, analyze ideas, ask insightful questions, reason critically, systematically list different possible causes, create plausible solutions, evaluate statements and arguments using logical reasoning, making creative connections between ideas, seeing both sides of an issue, evaluating evidence, solving problems, separating reliable sources from unreliable ones, coping with peer pressures, and resisting groupthink. This course will teach these skills to students enabling them to make safer, smarter decisions and to develop their leadership potential. This course will use workbook activities, games and simulations to learn key aspects of critical thinking.

Instructor: Emily Taylor, Ourtayloredlife@yahoo.com

Tuition: $25/mo; Supply fee $30/term

Recommended grades: 3rd-8th

Solving a Rubik's cube requires and improves reflexes and brain-eye-hand coordination. It also increases finger dexterity when practicing speed-cubing!

Along the journey of learning the Rubik’s cube or continuing to hone your skills, you’ll not only get to hangout with friends in this club, but you’ll learn to challenge your memorization skills and your speed.

Those who already know the Rubik’s Cube will also have the opportunity to work on their leadership skills while helping their fellow classmates improve.

Instructor: Josie Kay, jkayfarmgirl@aol.com 

Tuition: $30/mo; Supply Fee: $30/fall term, $20/spring term 

Recommended Grades: 1-5

In the second season of Folktales and Storytelling we will embark on an exploration of stories from all over the world that serves as a part two for last year’s students and a standalone class for new students.

From the beginning of humanity stories have been passed down in generations of voices, as time went on stories were written down and immortalized in print. In this class we will figuratively travel the globe examining the stories of diverse cultures and time periods. Each class will focus on a particular region, focusing on the content of each tale against the backdrop of what life was like for the people who first made the tales legendary. We will develop critical thinking and communication skills as well as reading and writing skills as we add onto our own stories in class each week. 

Instructor:

Tuition: $45/mo; Supply Fee: $20/term

Recommended Grades: 7-12

Required Book: Easy Grammar Plus Student Workbook ISBN 9780936981147

This course is 2 consecutive semesters and meets for 1.5 hours per week.

This course teaches proper grammar mechanics (parts of speech, verb usage, sentence structure) needed to enhance writing skills. Various creative writing assignments will be required as students learn to incorporate learned skills and steps of the writing process. Weekly homework, some quizzes.

Instructor: Angie Malan, angmalan5@gmail.com

Tuition: $40/mo; Supply Fee: $20/term

Recommended Grades: 5-7

Prerequisite: 0-1 yr IEW experience

Required Book: Adventures in Writing, Student Book. ISBN: 978-1-62341-405-4

Each week we will cover one lesson from the IEW student book. We will write a paper every week, so there will be outside work required. Students will learn to take notes, retell narrative stories, summarize references, write from pictures, and compose their own stories. All papers will be turned into me and graded using the checklist provided in each lesson. Tickets for completing the paper and for using vocabulary words will be given each week. Those tickets will be used by the students to bid on items in the auction. The auction will take place on the last day of class, Spring 2026, and is a wonderful incentive to get them writing and also using new words!

Instructor: Angie Malan, angmalan5@gmail.com

Tuition: $40/mo; Supply Fee: $20/term

Recommended Grades: 8-12

Prerequisite: 0-1 yr IEW experience

Required Book: Investigations in Writing, Student Book. ISBN: 978-1-62341-419-1

Each week we will cover one lesson from the IEW student book. We will write a paper every week, so there will be outside work required. Students will learn to take notes, retell narrative stories, summarize references, write from pictures, and compose their own stories; everything from making an outline to writing a five paragraph essay. All papers will be turned into me and graded using the checklist provided in each lesson. Tickets for completing the paper and for using vocabulary words will be given each week. Those tickets will be used by the students to bid on items in the auction. The auction will take place on the last day of class, Spring 2026, and is a wonderful incentive to get them writing and also using new words!

Instructor: Carrie Laughridge, carrie.laughridge@gmail.com

Tuition: $40/month; Supply Fee: $60/term

Recommended Grades: K-2nd

Prerequisite: None

Required Text: None (read aloud by instructor)

We begin with TEA! Poetry Teatime is a delightfully enriching practice that not only teaches children to love and understand poetry but also opens a window to other cultures, encourages experiencing new scents and flavors, and develops conversational and hospitality skills that are useful in every walk of life. Classes will begin with mini lessons teaching students about types of tea (or other “hospitality” beverages - cocoa, coffee, lemonade, etc.). We will discuss countries and cultures of origin and the process of serving and hosting in different cultures and situations. Once served our beverage and snack for the day, students will enjoy listening to fun and engaging works of poetry, specifically written with children in mind. Many of the books for this class have fantastic illustrations to engage more visual learners! Group discussion will help students understand the elements of poetry and why poems are written, identify different types of poetry, and relate poems to specific cultures and/or time periods. Class themes may include: seasonal poems, nature poems, holiday poems, Americana, world cultures, select poetic styles (sonnet, haiku, tanka, free verse, ballad, etc.), and nonsense poems. We will also experiment with writing poems as a group to practice rhyme, rhythm, and literary elements like alliteration, onomatopoeia, and metaphor. No worries about kids who are not reading and/or writing independently - all composition in this class can be done through verbal participation. 

*As food and drinks are a major part of our class activities, please let me know any concerns about food allergies prior to Orientation. 

Please contact Carrie Laughridge directly at carrie.laughridge@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.

Instructor: Carrie Laughridge, carrie.laughridge@gmail.com

Tuition: $40/month; Supply Fee: $60/term

Recommended Grades: 3rd-6th

Prerequisite: None

Required Text: None

We begin with TEA! Poetry Teatime is a delightfully enriching practice that not only teaches children to love and understand poetry, but also opens a window to other cultures, encourages experiencing new scents and flavors, and develops conversational and hospitality skills that are useful in every walk of life. Classes will begin with mini lessons teaching students about types of tea (or other “hospitality” beverages - cocoa, coffee, lemonade, etc.). We will discuss countries and cultures of origin and the process of serving and hosting in different cultures and situations. Once served our beverage and snack for the day, students will enjoy listening to fun and engaging works of poetry, specifically written with young readers in mind. Students that enjoy reading aloud will be encouraged to select from a provided list of poems to practice and read before the class (this is not a requirement). Group discussion will help students understand the elements of poetry and why poems are written, identify different types of poetry, and relate poems to specific cultures and/or time periods. Class themes may include: seasonal poems, nature poems, holiday poems, Americana, world cultures, select poetic styles (sonnet, haiku, tanka, free verse, ballad, etc.), and nonsense poems. We will also experiment with writing poems as a group and individually to practice rhyme and rhythm, and learn to use literary elements like alliteration, onomatopoeia, simile, metaphor, and personification. 

*As food and drinks are a major part of our class activities, please let me know any concerns about food allergies prior to Orientation.

Please contact Carrie Laughridge directly at carrie.laughridge@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.

Instructor: Josie Kay, mail4ms.josie@gmail.com

Tuition: $30/mo; Supply Fee: $30/term

Recommended Grades: K-2

Reading Games combines phonics and introductory reading practice with fun games for kids. Students will work to gain a better understanding of phonetic concepts through reading based games, including bingo, memory games, board games, and many other things!

Instructor: Carrie Laughridge, carrie.laughridge@gmail.com

Tuition: $40/month; Supply Fee: $60/term

Recommended Grades: K-2nd

Prerequisite: None

Required Texts: None (read aloud by instructor)

Author Focus (K-2nd): Beverly Cleary 

Welcome to Reading Retreat! This is the perfect place to let kids settle into an imaginary world, refresh their minds, and explore creativity. A relaxing atmosphere and hands-on activities are wonderful tools to help kids improve their auditory learning and fine motor skills. Students will enjoy various options to keep little hands busy (manipulatives, puzzles, playdoh, tangrams, legos, coloring, crafting, etc.), while listening to a classic children’s novel read by the instructor. During the second half of class, we will engage with and apply ideas and concepts from the novel through crafts, games, and group activities. 

*Occasional themed snacks may be a part of our class activities, so please let me know any concerns about food allergies.

Please contact Carrie Laughridge directly at carrie.laughridge@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.

Instructor: Carrie Laughridge, carrie.laughridge@gmail.com

Tuition: $40/month; Supply Fee: $60/term

Recommended Grades: 3rd-6th

Prerequisite: None

Required Texts: None (read aloud by instructor)

Author Focus: Roald Dahl 

Welcome to Reading Retreat! This is the perfect place to let kids settle into an imaginary world, refresh their minds, and explore creativity. A relaxing atmosphere and hands-on activities are wonderful tools to help kids improve their auditory learning skills, while also providing an unstructured creative outlet. Students will enjoy various options to engage their ingenuity (manipulatives, puzzles, playdoh, tangrams, legos, drawing, watercolor, crafting, etc.), while listening to a classic children’s novel read by the instructor. During the second half of class, we will discuss the progression of events in the novel, examine character and theme development, make connections to other works of literature and art, and address any questions students have about the text. We will then engage with and apply ideas and concepts from the novel through crafts, games, and group activities. 

*Occasional themed snacks may be a part of our class activities, so please let me know any concerns about food allergies.

Please contact Carrie Laughridge directly at carrie.laughridge@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.

Instructor: Matthew McKnight, mjmcknight@gmail.com

Recommended Grades: 7 - 12

Tuition: $30/month; Supply fee: tbd/term

In this middle grade and high school, we will read one short selection from modern literature each month; discuss the themes, ideas, and questions raised; and engage in writing assignments that explore those ideas — love, nature, freedom, etc. — through lessons on basic literary techniques.

The goals for the class are to build a foundational knowledge of essential literary works, develop a basic understanding of the techniques and characteristics of literary forms, and engage in dialogues about how those works of art are meaningful in our lives. The writers we'll read include Toni Morrison, Thomas Mann, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, William Faulkner, Zadie Smith, and more. We won't read extensively, but I will guide the students toward reading more deeply and analytically, to developing an understanding of how and why a piece of writing takes its particular shape.

Instructor bio: Matthew McKnight is from Washington, DC, and has lived in Rutherfordton for four years. He works as a Senior Editor at Grist, a publication dedicated to reporting about climate change and environmental justice.

Instructor: Carrie Laughridge, carrie.laughridge@gmail.com

Tuition: $40/month; Supply Fee: $50/term

Recommended Grades: 7th-12th

Prerequisite: None

Required Text: Playbook for Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar (provided in class)

Does the thought of reading Shakespeare intimidate (or provoke a yawn from) your middle school or high school student? FEAR NOT! The Shakespeare Experience will engage even timid readers and actors in the thrill that was the theatre, or playhouse, in the age of Shakespeare! Students will learn about the differences between the modern theater experience and drama during the Elizabethan period (full daylight, stage surrounded by audience, minimal sets, handmade costumes and props, interaction with the audience, improvisation, etc.).  Students will get immersed in one of Shakespeare’s historical tragedies through a variety of activities including energetic group readings, acting out scenes, discussing costume and prop options (and making them!), modernizing the language and style of scenes, etc. We will also explore the reasons behind Shakespeare’s loose adherence to historical fact (and why this is ok!), and make connections to modern works of literary art. Experiencing Shakespeare the way actors and audiences did during the Elizabethean period makes these plays come alive and gives evidence to why his plays stand the test of time. 

Instructor: Josie Kay, mail4ms.josie@gmail.com

Tuition: $35/month; Supply Fee: $0

*Students will need to provide a personal laptop for the class. And be expected to work outside of class as well.

Middle school and High school students create and publish the annual yearbook (from start to finish!) for Agape Learning.

Instructor: Stephanie Wilde M.A. SLP, stephaniepatricia77@gmail.com 

Tuition: $40/month 

Supply Fee: $20 (Covers paper/worksheets, writing materials, and activity supplies) 

Recommended Grades: 3rd - 5th 

Prerequisites: Students should possess basic mechanics of printing and spelling.  

Required Materials: A journal or spiral bound notebook. 

Unleash Your Imagination! Do you love to tell stories? Do you dream of creating your own worlds with words? Join our Young Writers class and discover the magic of writing! In this fun and interactive class, we'll journey through the exciting world of language and storytelling. We'll start with the building blocks of writing, exploring:

• Parts of Speech: Learn to identify nouns, verbs, adjectives, and more, and understand how they work together.

• Sentence Superstars: Master the art of writing complete, grammatically correct sentences.

• Vocabulary Adventures: Expand your word power and learn new ways to express yourself.

• Figurative Language Fun: Discover similes, metaphors, and other creative language tools.

But we won't just focus on grammar! We'll also:

• Write Descriptive Paragraphs: Learn to paint vivid pictures with your words, sharing experiences and creating engaging stories.

• Informative Writing: Discover how to share facts and information clearly and effectively.

• Opinion Power: Learn to express your opinions and support them with reasons.

Our class will be a dynamic blend of activities! We'll start each session with exciting journal prompts to spark your creativity. Then, we'll dive into interactive games, collaborative writing exercises, and creative projects to keep you engaged and inspired.

You can expect: 

• A supportive and encouraging environment.

• Opportunities to share your writing and receive constructive feedback.

• Fun and engaging activities that make learning enjoyable.

• Tools and techniques to build confidence in your writing.

Join us and let your imagination soar!

Instructor: Emily Taylor, Ourtayloredlife@yahoo.com

Tuition: $35/mo; Supply fee: $30/term (covers games, flash cards, etc)

Grades: 3rd-6th, 7th-12th

Welcome to the world of American Sign Language! In this class we will be learning all the basics a beginner needs to know from our ABC’s to every day words and simple sentences. We will have fun games in this class to help us along our journey and hopefully lots of laughter as I feel learning should be a joyful experience.

We will also be learning some of the history and facts of American Sign Language to deepen our appreciation for this beautiful language.

Instructor: Francesca Lamaruggine Stenard, f.lamaruggine@gmail.com

Tuition: $35/mo; Supply Fee: $25/term

Recommended Grades: (3rd-5th grade)

Using songs, games, and activities, this fun and interactive beginner Italian class will help students learn basic vocabulary, simple phrases, and everyday greetings. In addition, a focus on Italian culture will be included in the form of: food, music, and photos from Miss Francesca’s time living in Italy! No prior knowledge of Italian is required. Italian Basics is recommended for 3rd to 5th graders, but please email Francesca directly (f.lamaruggine@gmail.com) if your child is interested but doesn’t fit this range— we’ll see if we can make it work! 

Instructor: Jordan Matchin, pairofmatches@gmail.com

Tuition: $30/mo; Supply Fee: $20/term

Recommended Grades: 6-12

Building on basic Spanish language knowledge in this class for middle and high schoolers we will expand our vocabularies, grammar skills, and ability to communicate effectively. In this class we will begin speaking and writing in Spanish in fun ways as we learn.

Instructor: Jordan Matchin, pairofmatches@gmail.com

Tuition: $30/mo; Supply Fee: $20/term

Recommended Grades: 3-5

In this fun class we will be learning basic Spanish vocabulary and grammar skills. Starting with greetings, each class will be filled with games and songs to help elementary schoolers learn and retain Spanish language knowledge.

Instructor: Josie Kay, mail4ms.josie@gmail.com

Tuition: $30/mo; Supply Fee: $20/term

Recommended Grades: K-2nd

In this fun class we will be learning basic Spanish vocabulary and grammar skills. Starting with greetings, each class will be filled with games and songs to help elementary schoolers learn and retain Spanish language knowledge.

Instructor: Daniel Dover, darbyfarmacy@gmail.com

Tuition: $35/mo; Supply Fee: $40/term

Recommended Grades: K-2

Required materials: rain boots & warm coat

Get your boots on! Let the Adventure begin! In this class, we learn by doing fun crafts, playing team building games, making & building things, and learn life & leadership skills. Most of our classes will be held outside, weather permitting.

Students will need to have a clean pair of shoes to wear before/after Adventure Kids class. No boots allowed inside the building.

Instructor: Daniel Dover, darbyfarmacy@gmail.com

Tuition: $35/mo; Supply Fee: $40/term

Recommended Grades: 3-6th

Required materials: rain boots & warm coat

Get your boots on! Let the Adventure begin! In this class, we learn by doing fun crafts, playing team building games, making & building things, and learn life & leadership skills. Most of our classes will be held outside, weather permitting.

Students will need to have a clean pair of shoes to wear before/after Adventure Kids class. No boots allowed inside the building.

Instructor: Elle Matchin, ellisonmatchin@gmail.com

Tuition: $40/mo, Supply Fee: $55/term

Recommended Grades: K-2

In this hands-on cooking class, young chefs will explore the exciting world of food through fun, creative, and interactive lessons. Each class introduces new techniques, ingredients, and cooking concepts, from making homemade pasta to decorating playful snacks. With plenty of tasting, mixing, and experimenting, kids will gain confidence in the kitchen while having a blast. Perfect for curious cooks who love to explore, create, and, of course, eat!

Instructor: Elle Matchin, ellisonmatchin@gmail.com

Tuition: $40/mo, Supply Fee: $55/term

Recommended Grades: 3-5

In this hands-on cooking class, young chefs will explore the exciting world of food through fun, creative, and interactive lessons. Each class introduces new techniques, ingredients, and cooking concepts, from making homemade pasta to decorating playful snacks. With plenty of tasting, mixing, and experimenting, kids will gain confidence in the kitchen while having a blast. Perfect for curious cooks who love to explore, create, and, of course, eat!

Instructor: Elle Matchin, ellisonmatchin@gmail.com

Tuition: $40/mo, Supply Fee: $55/term

Recommended Grades: 6-12

In this hands-on class, students will refine their baking skills while learning professional decorating techniques. From perfecting doughs and batters to mastering piping, fondant, and cake decorating steps, each lesson builds confidence in both technique and creativity. By the end of the course, students will be able to create stunning and delicious baked goods for any occasion!

Instructor: Josie Kay, mail4ms.josie@gmail.com

Tuition: $20/mo; Supply Fee: $25/term

Recommended Grades: 5-12

Would you like to learn to make your own blankets, accessories, or stuffed animals? Welcome to the wonderful world of crochet! In this course students will learn the basics of crochet and a few specialty stitches. Yarn and hooks will be available for use. Each student will choose from a list of beginner projects to complete during this semester.

Instructor: Jay Beck, jay@psalters.org

Tuition: $60; Supply Fee; $40

Recommended Grades: (3-8)(6-12)(7-12)

This class includes West African Drumming.

Through writing, music, poetry, mask making, storytelling, performance, spoken word, and other art forms, students discuss personal and social issues, explore their emotions and identities, cultivate their creativity, and develop deeper cultural understandings. Students identify their unique strengths as leaders, build a sense of community within the classroom, and work together.

Jay Beck is a percussionist, vocalist, drum-maker, storyteller, actor and educator who has been performing, teaching, touring and recording professionally for many years visiting 15 countries through four continents. He has performed with numerous groups including Madison Greene, Woodspeak, Unidos da Filadelfia, Phillybloco, Netos de Kansala West African Drum and Dance ensemble, Psalters and BEAST. He is a founder of Holy Fool Arts, a core organizer for the Carnival de Resistance and collaborates with his partner Tevyn East. He has studied West African traditional drumming under Mamady Keita, Babatunde Olatunji and Anssumane Silla. He has studied Afro-Cuban drumming under Baba Clemente (Chuckie) Joseph and Brazilian samba drumming under Michael Stevens and Junior Teixeira and traditional Sicilian frame drumming with Alessandra Belloni. He has taught cross cultural percussion workshops as well as using the arts for rites of passage work and cross cultural understanding from age levels of elementary school students to university students as well as at music festivals and after school programs for youth through Artwell in Philadelphia. He currently resides and works at the Dreaming Stone Arts and Ecology Center in traditional Cherokee land now called Rutherfordton, NC, in the Broad river watershed in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Instructor: Krystina Kilpin, Klkilpin@yahoo.com

Tuition: $40/mo.; Supply Fee: $30/term

Recommended Grades: 7th-12th
Prerequisite: None
Required Book: None

Our bodies are amazing!

In this course, we will explore the wonders of the human body with a fundamental overview of anatomical systems such as cardiovascular, muscular, skeletal, and the digestive system. Paired with an understanding of basic health and nutrition, we will learn how to care for our bodies by studying nutrients, their function in the body, and where to find them. We will examine the importance of healthy food choices, exercise, and positive mental health for overall wellness. This course will incorporate various learning methods, including lectures, games, and hands-on activities, to enhance understanding. Let's discover some of the fascinating things our bodies are capable of, together!

Instructor: Stephanie Wilde | stephaniepatricia77@gmail.com

Tuition: $75/month (please note this class meets across 2 class periods)

Supply Fee: $75

Recommended Grades: 6th-12th (Exceptions considered; see below)

Prerequisites: Prior cooking experience, including basic knife skills, stove proficiency, and recipe comprehension.

Required Materials: None (Comprehensive PDF workbook provided)

Homestead Kitchen: Advanced Culinary Skills for Self-Sufficiency

Embark on a culinary journey towards greater self-sufficiency! In this advanced cooking and kitchen skills class, we'll delve into a variety of hands-on projects designed to empower you with the knowledge and techniques to create delicious and sustainable food from scratch.

Here's what you'll learn:

• Preservation Techniques: Master the art of pickling and canning to extend the life of seasonal produce.

• Fermentation Fundamentals: Explore the fascinating world of fermentation, creating flavorful and healthy foods.

• Grain to Glory: Learn to mill grains and use them to bake wholesome breads and other baked goods.

• Sourdough: Cultivate your own sourdough starter and bake artisan loaves.

• From Scratch Creations: Discover how to make essential ingredients like stocks, sauces, condiments and more.

• Dairy Delights: Craft homemade cheeses, yogurt, and other dairy products.

• Basic Herbal Remedies: Explore the natural world and learn to create simple herbal remedies.

This class is designed for students who have already completed an Agape cooking class or possess a solid foundation in basic kitchen skills. This includes safely using a stove, demonstrating basic knife skills, accurately measuring ingredients, and confidently following recipes. 

Younger Students: If you have a child younger than 5th grade with exceptional kitchen skills and a strong interest in this subject, please contact Stephanie at stephaniepatricia77@gmail.com to discuss their suitability. Please be aware that the class will include older students.

Please note: This class focuses on hands-on learning. Some projects may require completion outside of class time. Any dietary restrictions or allergies must be communicated to the instructor prior to the start of the class.

Join us for a delicious and educational adventure in the Homestead Kitchen!

Instructor: John Miller, jmiller818@gmail.com

Tuition: $30/month; Supply fee: $35/term

Recommended Grades: 8-12

Influence is cyclical; meaning we are influenced by others and we have an influence on others. With this in mind, it's important for teenagers to learn important leadership skills; not just for the workplace, but for life in general. Each week we will examine a different leadership attribute and discuss its importance (i.e. Integrity, Self-Confidence, etc). This class will involve team-building activities and lean heavily on group discussions.

Instructor: Jessica Morehouse, M.Ed., JLMorehouse11@gmail.com

Tuition: $45/mo.; Supply Fee: $30/term

Recommended Grades: K-2nd

Prerequisite: None

Required Book: None

Does your kindergartener, first grader or second grader love to move, shake, spin, twirl, bounce, bop, and groove? This 45-minute enrichment class is designed for girls and boys to learn different dance styles and rhythms. Intended for children interested in experiencing dance in a non-competitive environment, the goal is simply for students to be motivated by having fun and building their confidence through trying something new! Previous dance experience is not required or necessary. This is a survey-style class, meaning that students will be able to “sample” many different genres of dance, such as: Tap, Jazz, Ballet/Lyrical, Hip Hop, Latin, Swing, Line, Contemporary/Modern, Interpretive – in the process, they will enjoy hearing different musical genres as well! For this age group, greater emphasis is placed on learning movements and short routines versus rehearsing for a recital performance.  Students will also learn how to recognize and practice patterns (repeated or alternating movements and sounds) with rhythm instruments, manipulatives/props, sequencing games, movement challenges, and more! These important skills can translate beyond dance - especially for young learners building foundations in math, music, and more!

Each lesson will also include time for free-style movement. If your child(ren) would be excited to wear “dance wear” (ex. leotards, dance socks, etc.) to class, they are welcome to, but it is certainly not required! Comfortable clothing and shoes is all that is needed.  Please contact Mrs. Jessica directly at JLMorehouse11@gmail.com with any questions or concerns!

Instructor:

Recommended Grades: 4th-7th

Tuition: $45/month; Supply Fee: $60/term

We will begin with the basics of machine sewing and work mainly on the building blocks of sewing with a machine. We will create simple projects curated to the ability of beginners in order to build a foundation to work on later. Projects will start with simple straight stitches.

Tools needed for making projects will be supplied. Students will need to furnish their own sewing machines. Students will have 4-5 projects during this semester. They will also learn to follow written sewing directions.

Instructor: es: 6-12

Tuition: $55/month; Supply Fee: $70/Semester

This class is 1.5 hours in length each week. We will review the basics of their sewing machine. Straight sewing, decorative stitching, We will create projects for students with more knowledge of sewing. They will be encouraged to try new sewing techniques and understanding patterns and sewing with them. They will be learning about fabrics. There will be at least 4 projects for them to complete this semester. Students will need to furnish their own sewing machines. Tools and supplies will be supplied.

Instructor: Jeff Hodge, jefreevay@gmail.com

Tuition: Individual Lessons - $140/month for 45 minute lessons; $100/month for 30 minute lessons

Prerequisite: Requires instructor approval prior to registration.

Required Supplies: Student should have their own guitar for lessons and practice

Book fee TBD

Learning and loving to play an instrument is a life long process. In a fun and positive environment, students will build strong foundational skills to set the stage for wherever their hearts may take them.

Instructor: Marie Cole, nmcello@yahoo.com

Tuition: $100/month (30-min private lesson) or $140/month (45-min private lesson)

Prerequisite: REQUIRES INSTRUCTOR APPROVAL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION!

Required Supplies: Cello (instrument rentals ($90/term) are available); Book fee: $50

Cello lessons offered in 30 or 45 minute private sessions. Students learn the mechanics of playing the cello & basic music theory/reading. Intermediate students build their repertoire and learn more advanced theory concepts. Parents are encouraged to attend lessons with their students if in grade K-3.

Instructor: Anna Levitsky, annalevitsky@gmail.com

Recommended Grades: 3-6

Tuition: $40/mo; Supply Fee: $35/term

Cultural dance is a special type of dance that is shared by a community, and is unique to those people and their traditions. These dances can have specific uses or meanings, ranging from the ceremonial and ritualistic down to pure and simple enjoyment! In this class, students will explore dance styles from all over the globe. We'll enjoy watching, listening, and moving to an array of dances and accompanying music, widen our dance vocabulary, and discuss the cultural, historical, and geographical origins of each dance, along with art and craft projects, and a performance at the end of the semester. Class material rotated on 2-yr cycle.

Instructor: Brandon Daggerhart, brandon@daggerhart.com

Recommended Grades: K-12

Tuition: Individual Lessons - $140/month for 45 minute lessons; $100/month for 30 minute lessons * (ages 10 and under)

Required Supplies - Practice pad and sticks (inquire of Brandon for recommendations) to learn technique, before moving on to full kit or other percussion instruments.

Book fee TBD

Humans have been playing percussion for as long as they've been singing. It is one of the most primal artistic endeavors we can express, and is deeply ingrained in the fibers of our being. The drums themselves (stretched skin over a cylinder) have been around for almost the entire time, and the complexity and intricacies of their musicality has only grown over the centuries.

In this class, lessons will be tailored toward students' individual learning styles, talents, and interests. Through positive and fun lessons that include rudiments, technique, and a fundamentals-first mindset, students will build a strong foundation for a lifetime of musical fulfillment. For drums, it is traditional and useful to start with the single snare drum to learn technique, before moving on to full kits or other percussion instruments.

* Notes to parents: If your children have had previous lessons, or are already familiar with full-kit technique, please email brandon@daggerhart.com with the curriculum/method series they have used, and how far they have progressed. For students age 10 and younger, lessons are 30 minutes instead of 45.

Instructor: Jeff Hodge, jefreevay@gmail.com

Tuition: Individual Lessons - $140/month for 45 minute lessons; $100/month for 30 minute lessons

Prerequisite: Requires instructor approval prior to registration.

Required Supplies: Student should have their own guitar for lessons and practice

Book fee TBD

Learning and loving to play an instrument is a life long process. In a fun and positive environment, students will build strong foundational skills to set the stage for wherever their hearts may take them.

Instructor: Daphne Bickley, daphnebickleyviolist@gmail.com

Instructor: Marie Cole, nmcello@yahoo.com

Tuition: $40/mo; Supply fee: $25)

Students will learn music reading, basic theory, solfège, and rhythm, with an introduction to musical instruments as simple as their own voices and as complex as orchestral strings.

Students in our introductory music class will gain understanding of the elements of music, use their own creativity to begin to think musically, and of course experience the joy of music!

Instructor: Brandon Daggerhart, brandon.daggerhart@gmail.com

Music History: A Time-Hopping Odyssey of Western Music

Instructor: Brandon Daggerhart - brandon.daggerhart@gmail.com

Tuition: $40/month; Supply Fee: $40

Grades: 4-7; 8-12

Prerequisites: Students should be able to express clear thoughts in full written sentences, and should have an attention span for both listening to long pieces of music and discussing them with their peers.

Requirements: 3-ring binder with dividers, notebook paper, acceptable way of listening to music at home (Spotify; Youtube; Amazon; CD Player; Record Player - as long as you have something)

From the ethereal chants of antiquity to the avant-garde compositions of the 20th century, students will trace the evolution of Western music, exploring diverse styles, techniques, and forms. Students will embark on a captivating journey through the eras of musical history, hopping through time to gain insight into the cultural and historical contexts that influenced musical expression.

Throughout the course, students will actively engage with the material through a variety of immersive activities. Daily listening logs will serve as their passport to the past, allowing them to experience the sounds of different eras and reflect on their significance. Diary readings from some of the greatest musical minds will allow them to see what composers thought in their own words. By engaging in round-robin discussions, students will collaborate to foster a deeper understanding of the evolution of music. Upon completion of the course, students will have developed an understanding of the diverse musical styles and traditions that have shaped Western music history, and will leave the course equipped with the tools and knowledge to critically engage with music in all its forms.

Instructor: Marie Cole, nmcello@yahoo.com

Tuition: $40/mo; Supply fee: tbd (approx $15-$25)

Music Mind Games is a curriculum of more than 300 cooperative games for teaching music theory and reading. Students learn sophisticated concepts involving rhythm, dictation, note reading, and sight singing in the form of imaginative games. Thanks to a nurturing and teaching philosophy, sequential pedagogical concepts, clever materials and mind-stimulating games, students grow to love and be excited about music theory at any age. A great class to learn about music while you are deciding which instrument to take or enhance your instrumental learning experience. No previous music instruction required.

Musical Theatre Songs and Scenes

Instructor: Hooper Stevens, james.hooper.stevens@gmail.com

Recommended Grades: K-2nd

Tuition: $40/month; Supply Fee: $20 (Covers sheet music costs, props, costumes, and musical accompaniment.)

Required Supplies: Water bottle

Welcome to Musical Theatre Performance K-2! This engaging and enriching course offers students in grades K-2 a comprehensive exploration of vocal technique, theatrical expression, and performance skills through the vibrant world of musical theatre. Each week we will work as a class on music, acting games, and memorization.

**Students will perform 1-3 songs as a group during the end of semester showcase.

Musical Theatre Songs and Scenes (Grades 3-12)

Instructor: Hooper Stevens, james.hooper.stevens@gmail.com

Recommended Grades: 3rd-5th

Minimum enrollment per class: 5

Tuition: $40/month; Supply Fee: $20 (Covers sheet music costs, props, costumes, and musical accompaniment.)

Required Supplies: 3 ring binder, pencil, and water bottle. (Access to a piano or keyboard for practice is helpful but not required.)

Welcome to Musical Theatre Songs and Scenes! In this dynamic and engaging course students will have the opportunity to explore the exciting world of musical theatre.

Course Highlights:

Performance Focus- Throughout the course, students will focus on preparing and performing a selection of songs and scenes from popular musicals.

Tailored Selection- Musical numbers and scenes will be carefully selected after the course starts, ensuring that students are challenged and engaged with material that suits their age and skill level.

Auditions- Auditions will be held during the second week of class to determine roles and assignments. In the first week, students will be given a song to learn and a scene to practice, which will be used in auditions.

Skill Development- Students will have the opportunity to enhance their vocal, acting, and performance skills as they prepare for their roles in the selected songs and scenes.

Creative Exploration- Through rehearsals and performances, students will explore character development, storytelling, and stage presence in a supportive and encouraging environment.

**Student’s work will be presented at the end-of-semester showcase.

Instructor: Hooper Stevens, james.hooper.stevens@gmail.com

Advanced Theater

…more details to come.

Instructor: Marie Cole, nmcello@yahoo.com

Tuition: $100/month (30-min private lesson) or $140/month (45-min private lesson)

Prerequisite: REQUIRES INSTRUCTOR APPROVAL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION!

Required Supplies: Access to a piano or keyboard to practice; Book fee: $TBD

Piano lessons offered in 30 or 45 minute private sessions.

Students learn the mechanics of playing the piano & basic music theory/reading. Intermediate students build their repertoire and learn more advanced theory concepts. Parents are encouraged to attend lessons with their students if in grade K-3.

Instructor: Brandon Daggerhart, brandon@daggerhart.com

Recommended Grades: K-12

Tuition: Individual Lessons - $140/month for 45 minute lessons; $100/month for 30 minute lessons * (ages 10 and under)

Required Supplies - Access to a piano or keyboard to practice;

Book fee TBD

The physical and mental benefits of playing music have long been recognized - research has found that music can be used for everything from reducing pain to lowering stress levels. Piano is one of the most versatile instruments you can study, and many people consider it a springboard for the study of other instruments.

In this class, lessons will be tailored toward students' individual learning styles, talents, and interests. Through positive and fun lessons that include note and chord reading, theory, technique, ear training and performance skills, students will build a strong foundation for a lifetime of musical fulfillment.

* Notes to parents: If your children have had previous lessons, please email brandon@daggerhart.com with the curriculum/method series they have used, and how far they have progressed. For students age 10 and younger, lessons are 30 minutes instead of 45.

Instructor: Jeff Hodge, jefreevay@gmail.com

Tuition: Individual Lessons - $140/month for 45 minute lessons; $100/month for 30 minute lessons

Prerequisite: Requires instructor approval prior to registration.

Required Supplies: Student should have their own ukulele for lessons and practice

Book fee TBD

Learning and loving to play an instrument is a life long process. In a fun and positive environment, students will build strong foundational skills to set the stage for wherever their hearts may take them.

Instructor: Daphne Bickley, daphnebickleyviolist@gmail.com

Tuition: $120/month (30-min private lesson) or $140/month (45-min private lesson)

Prerequisite: REQUIRES INSTRUCTOR APPROVAL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION!

Required Supplies: Instrument (violin or viola, resources provided); Book fee: $50

Violin and viola lessons offered in 30 or 45 minute private sessions. Becoming a classical musician is a fun-filled, challenging journey that allows students to exercise mental focus, performance and presentation skills, confidence, and physical coordination. As an experienced performer and teacher, I am here to help you realize your musical goals. Accepting students of all age and skill level.

Instructor: Hooper Stevens, james.hooper.stevens@gmail.com

Recommended Grades: 3-12

Tuition: Individual Lessons: $140/month for 45-minute lessons, $100/month for 30-minute lessons; Supply Fee: $20 (Covers sheet music costs, i.e. paper, ink, books, and subscriptions.)

Required Supplies: 3 ring binder, pencil, and water bottle.

 * Access to a piano or keyboard for practice is helpful but not required.

Through tailored lessons, students will delve into vocal technique, breath control, expression, and performance skills across a diverse range of musical genres. Abigail’s background in opera provides a solid foundation in classical vocal technique, while her expertise in jazz, musical theatre, and contemporary styles offers students the opportunity to explore and master their preferred genres.

Discover the numerous benefits of singing, from improved breathing and posture to enhanced elf-confidence and emotional expression. Whether you dream of gracing the opera stage, belting out show tunes on Broadway, or captivating audiences with contemporary hits, Abigail will empower you to realize your full vocal potential in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Join us and unlock the transformative power of your voice today.

**Notes to parents: If your child has previously taken voice lessons, please email abigailvoicestudio@gmail.com with details of the curriculum/method series they have followed and their level of progress.

Instructor: Jay Beck, bookpsalters@gmail.com

Tuition: $60/month; Supply Fee: $200/term OR $50/month for instrument usage

Recommended Grades: 3-8

Learn the exciting polyrhythmic traditional music of west Africa!

Class will cover traditional rhythms, technique and history of the Djembe, Dununs, Shekere and bells

No experience necessary! Bring your own drum if you have one, but instruments are provided.

Jay Beck is a percussionist, vocalist, drum-maker, storyteller, actor and educator who has been performing, teaching, touring and recording professionally for many years visiting 15 countries through four continents. He has performed with numerous groups including Madison Greene, Woodspeak, Unidos da Filadelfia, Phillybloco, Netos de Kansala West African Drum and Dance ensemble, Psalters and BEAST. He is a founder of Holy Fool Arts, a core organizer for the Carnival de Resistance and collaborates with his partner Tevyn East. He has studied West African traditional drumming under Mamady Keita, Babatunde Olatunji and Anssumane Silla. He has studied Afro-Cuban drumming under Baba Clemente (Chuckie) Joseph and Brazilian samba drumming under Michael Stevens and Junior Teixeira and traditional Sicilian frame drumming with Alessandra Belloni. He has taught cross cultural percussion workshops as well as using the arts for rites of passage work and cross cultural understanding from age levels of elementary school students to university students as well as at music festivals and after school programs for youth through Artwell in Philadelphia. He currently resides and works at the Dreaming Stone Arts and Ecology Center in traditional Cherokee land now called Rutherfordton, NC, in the Broad river watershed in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Instructor: Jay Beck, bookpsalters@gmail.com

Tuition: $60/month; Supply Fee: $200/term OR $50/month for instrument usage

Prerequisite: West African Drums 1 or Earth Leaders. Requires instructor approval prior to registration.

This is a course for students who are ready to move to the next level of West African Drumming.

Jay Beck is a percussionist, vocalist, drum-maker, storyteller, actor and educator who has been performing, teaching, touring and recording professionally for many years visiting 15 countries through four continents. He has performed with numerous groups including Madison Greene, Woodspeak, Unidos da Filadelfia, Phillybloco, Netos de Kansala West African Drum and Dance ensemble, Psalters and BEAST. He is a founder of Holy Fool Arts, a core organizer for the Carnival de Resistance and collaborates with his partner Tevyn East. He has studied West African traditional drumming under Mamady Keita, Babatunde Olatunji and Anssumane Silla. He has studied Afro-Cuban drumming under Baba Clemente (Chuckie) Joseph and Brazilian samba drumming under Michael Stevens and Junior Teixeira and traditional Sicilian frame drumming with Alessandra Belloni. He has taught cross cultural percussion workshops as well as using the arts for rites of passage work and cross cultural understanding from age levels of elementary school students to university students as well as at music festivals and after school programs for youth through Artwell in Philadelphia. He currently resides and works at the Dreaming Stone Arts and Ecology Center in traditional Cherokee land now called Rutherfordton, NC, in the Broad river watershed in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Instructor: Lindsay Bauer, lindsayleekirk@gmail.com

Tuition: $45/mo; Supply Fee: $20/year

Recommended Grades: 8-10

Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra

Course is 2 consecutive semesters. Meets for 1.5 hours each week.

Required Texts: Saxon Algebra 1 ISBN 9781565771345); Saxon Algebra 1 Solutions Manual ISBN 9781565771376

1-year college prep class for high school students. Algebra 1 Saxon is an incremental development and continual review course including exponents, polynomials, factoring, graphing & other algebra concepts. Upon course completion, students will have mastered skills necessary for higher level mathematics.

Instructor: Lindsay Bauer, lindsayleekirk@gmail.com

Tuition: $35/mo; Supply Fee: $40/ Term

Recommended Grades: K-2

In Lego Math 1 we will be using LEGO blocks to introductory math skills such including, but not limited to, place value, skip counting by 2’s, 5’s and 10’s, geometric shapes, telling time, basic measurement, basic computation, and estimating. Further we will be applying critical thinking skills and basic engineering skills as we build structures and complete challenges.

Students who have mastered computation using numbers up to 100, know some/most of their multiplication tables can jump to Math 2.

Instructor: Lindsay Bauer, lindsayleekirk@gmail.com

Tuition: $35/mo; Supply Fee: $40/ Term

Recommended Grades: 3 - 5

In Lego Math 2 we will be using LEGO blocks to put upper elementary math skills to work for us. Math skills that we will work with include 3-dimensional geometric shapes, calculating area/volume, telling time, measurement, fractions, factoring, multiples and mathematical expressions. Further we will be applying critical thinking skills and basic engineering skills as we build structures and complete challenges.

*Students should have a solid understanding of computation, including knowing their multiplication tables and understanding the concept of division to be enrolled in this class.

Instructor: Lindsay Bauer, lindsayleekirk@gmail.com

Tuition: $35/mo; Supply Fee: $40/term

Course: 2 consecutive Semesters

Recommended Grades: 3 - 5

This class is recommended to complement the math program that is taught at home. We will use manipulative and games to practice skills in calculations, number concepts, fractions, decimals, geometry, measurement and statistics. Students will be asked to apply reasoning and critical thinking skills. The material covered will be adjusted in each term to meet the needs of the students enrolled and therefore students can take this class for multiple years.

Homework will be given to complement the class.

*To be enrolled in this class students should have a solid understanding of number concepts (place value, skip counting, etc.) and computation (adding/subtracting numbers up to 100, have memorized multiplication facts, simple division, etc.)

Instructor: Lindsay Bauer, lindsayleekirk@gmail.com

Tuition: $40/mo; Supply Fee: $40/term

Course: 2 consecutive Semesters

Recommended Grades: 6 - 8

This class is recommended to complement the math program that is taught at home. We will cover Number Systems & Properties, Ratios/Proportions/Percentage, Exponents, Expressions/Equations, Linear Equations, Inequalities, Geometry, Statistics/Probability and the Coordinate Plane/Functions. The material covered will be adjusted in each term to meet the needs of the students enrolled and therefore students can take this class for multiple years.

Homework will be given to complement the class.

*To be enrolled in this class students should have a solid understanding of computation across number systems, basic geometry and be able to reason and discuss mathematical problems.

Instructor: Rachel Chaney, rachelachaney@icloud.com

Tuition: $35/mo; Supply: $10/term

Recommended Grades: K-5

Required Attire: athletic shoes & clothing (modest length shorts, capris or pants & t-shirt – no tank tops)

Recommended materials: yoga mat or towel for stretching exercises. Emphasis on individual & team games, appropriate stretching techniques, team-building exercises, & physical fitness. Students will also learn how physical, mental, social, & spiritual health factors work together to impact their lives, using the “sharpen the saw” approach based on the 7 Habits for Healthy Kids.

Instructor: Rachel Chaney, rachelachaney@icloud.com

Tuition: $35/mo; Supply: $10/term

Recommended Grades: 6-12

Required Attire: athletic shoes & clothing (modest length shorts, capris or pants & t-shirt – no tank tops)

Recommended Materials: yoga mat or towel for stretching exercises

Emphasis on physical conditioning, knowledge of muscle groups, appropriate stretching techniques, individual & team games, & physical fitness. Students will also learn how physical, mental, social, & spiritual health factors work together to impact their lives, and will discuss ways to lead an overall healthy lifestyle.

Instructor: Lynn Harmon, lynnharmon@hotmail.com

Tuition: $30/mo, Supply Fee: $10/term

This class links breath work and physical postures to enhance strength, flexibility, focus and body awareness. Class consists of movements that progressively build, fun yoga games, and ends with a positive affirmation for the week.

Recommend: yoga mat

Recommended Grades: K-2

Instructor: Lynn Harmon, lynnharmon@hotmail.com

Tuition: $30/mo, Supply Fee: $10/term

This class links breath work and physical postures to enhance strength, flexibility, focus and body awareness. Class consists of movements that progressively build, fun yoga games, and ends with a positive affirmation for the week.

Recommend: yoga mat

Recommended Grades: 3-5

Instructor: Lynn Harmon, lynnharmon@hotmail.com

Tuition: $30/mo, Supply Fee: $10/term

Recommended Grades: 6-12

This class links breath work and physical postures to enhance strength, flexibility, focus and body awareness. Class consists of movements that progressively build, fun yoga games, and ends with a positive affirmation for the week.

Recommended: yoga mat , yoga block

Recommended Grades:6th-12th

Kenpo Karate Class

Instructors: Daphne Bickley daphnebickleyviolist@gmail.com

Tuition: $50/month

Required Supplies: comfortable exercise attire, (gloves, headgear, and protective pads provided with a one time fee of $100)

MINIMUM Class size 4 students

Grades: 1st-9th

Prerequisite: REQUIRES INSTRUCTOR APPROVAL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION!

Karate is a striking martial art involving kicks, punches, and fast movement. In kids class, blows are limited to soft strikes and blocks with protective padding. As experienced competitive martial artists, we teach discipline, respect, confidence, and an appreciation of physical fitness and self defense! Be ready to sweat and have fun!

Instructor:

Tuition:$35/mo. Supply fee: $30/term

Recommended Grades:9-12

Come learn about how scientists know what they know about the human past! We will learn how to do archaeology, and learn about some of the world’s most important archaeological sites. Note: Archaeology does not study dinosaurs!

Instructor: Stephen Hughes, slhughes315@gmail.com

Tuition: $50/mo. Supply fee: $30/term

Recommended Grades: 9-12

As the oldest science, astronomy has fascinated mankind for millennia. This class will have three phases. The first will cover how we see things from our perspective on earth and will include seasons, moon phases, eclipses, constellations, and planetary motions. The second phase will cover objects in our solar system, like planets, moons, and asteroids. In the third phase, we will consider things beyond, such as stars, clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. A laptop is strongly recommended for the class.

There will be a monthly gathering at night to observe various objects in the night sky called a Star Party. A telescope is not required, but if you have one, please bring it! Let’s plan for the second Friday night of each month, weather permitting. We will also take a field trip to a planetarium and an observatory!

Instructor: Jessica Morehouse, M.Ed. , JLMorehouse11@gmail.com

Tuition: $50/mo; Supply Fee: $50/fall term, $60/spring term

Recommended Grades: 9-12

Are you ready to dive deep into the fascinating world of organismal biology? Students will conduct hands-on investigations to understand the structures, physiology, behaviors and ecology of living things. Each laboratory activity follows the 5E model of instruction (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate), an evidence-based approach for active learning and greater comprehension. As a bonus, real stories from my real life -working with venomous snails, carnivores, lemurs, and tons of other amazing creatures- will enhance the relevance of each topic! Supplementary materials will be provided for lesson extensions. Come to this exciting class ready to have fun while learning my favorite subject!

Instructor:

Tuition: $50/mo, Supply Fee: $50/term

Recommended Grades: 9-12

Required Book: Forensic Science Bertino & Bertino (2nd ed.) ISBN 9781305077119

Forensic Science is a hands-on laboratory and project-based learning course that will lead the student through a foundation of law and criminal justice, history of forensics, and modern scientific advances in the field. Hair, fibers, DNA, poisons, arson, explosions, fingerprinting and more will be studied. BEFORE YOU REGISTER: please contact instructor for a listing of course content and materials used so you are fully aware of the occasionally graphic nature of our study.

Instructor:

Recommended Grades: 10-12

Tuition: $50/mo; Supply Fee: $50/term

Course is 2 consecutive semesters.

Pre-requisites: Pre-Algebra and a score of 75% or better on the science placement exam (Instructor can provide study material to help students prepare for the placement exam).

This course provides an introduction to matter, it properties, and interactions. Topics to be covered include the elements and the periodic table, the structure of the atom, molecules and compounds, chemical bonding, nomenclature, fundamental chemical reactions, and balancing chemical equations.

The laboratory is designed to help students build skills in basic lab safety, chemical safety, sterile procedure, laboratory techniques, data collection and analysis, and the use of laboratory instrumentation. Students will be given assignments each week that are to be completed outside class for the following week.

Instructor: Jessica Morehouse, M.Ed., JLMorehouse11@gmail.com

Tuition: $50/mo; Supply Fee: $50/fall term, $60/spring term

Recommended Grades: 6-12

Suggested Reading: High schoolers will be provided with suggested reading materials electronically by topic. Suggested reading materials for middle schoolers interested in foundational integrated science texts include the following:

1) Encyclopedia Science! (DK Knowledge Encyclopedias), ISBN-13: 978-1465473639

2) ScienceSaurus: A Student Handbook, Ages 11+/Grades 6-8 (ISBN-13: 978-0669529159 or ISBN-13: 978-0544058408)

Do you learn best when you get to use your hands? Weekly "LAB-tivities" (hands-on learning activities) will allow students to investigate select Integrated Science concepts across multiple disciplines (Geology, Chemistry, Botany, Biology, Genetics, Anatomy, and more!). If making edible models, playing games, and solving mysteries sounds like your kind of fun, then this class is for you! Each lesson follows the 5E model of instruction (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate); this evidence-based approach for active learning and greater comprehension proved highly effective during my time in secondary science classrooms! Differentiated supplementary materials (specific to either middle or high school, depending on each student's individual grade level) will be provided for lesson extensions. Come to this exciting class ready to get your hands dirty and engage all of your senses!

Instructor: Lindsay Bauer, lindsayleekirk@gmail.com

Tuition: $45/mo; Supply fee: $50/term

Grades: 4th-6th

Physics for Young Scientists: A Year-Long Exploration

This year-long physics class, designed for 10+ year-olds, and combines math, theory, and hands-on experiments to make learning engaging and interactive. Covering topics from motion and forces to electricity, waves, and modern physics, students will develop a strong foundation in physics concepts while practicing real-world problem-solving.

Each class includes:

● Concept Exploration – Understanding fundamental physics principles.

● Math Applications – Using equations to solve physics problems.

● Experiments & Demos – Hands-on activities reinforcing each lesson.

● Research & Critical Thinking – Encouraging curiosity through discussions and projects.

By the end of the course, students will complete a final physics project, demonstrating their understanding and creativity. This class is perfect for young learners eager to explore the world of physics in a fun and engaging way!

Instructor: Lindsay Bauer, lindsayleekirk@gmail.com

Tuition: $45/mo; Supply fee: $50/term

Grades: 7th-12th

Physics for Young Scientists: A Year-Long Exploration

This year-long physics class combines math, theory, and hands-on experiments to make learning engaging and interactive. Covering topics from motion and forces to electricity, waves, and modern physics, students will develop a strong foundation in physics concepts while practicing real-world problem-solving.

Each class includes:

● Concept Exploration – Understanding fundamental physics principles.

● Math Applications – Using equations to solve physics problems.

● Experiments & Demos – Hands-on activities reinforcing each lesson.

● Research & Critical Thinking – Encouraging curiosity through discussions and projects.

By the end of the course, students will complete a final physics project, demonstrating their understanding and creativity. This class is perfect for young learners eager to explore the world of physics in a fun and engaging way!

Instructor: Victoria Hughes, vehughes412@gmail.com

Tuition: $30/mo; Supply Fee: $30/fall term, $35/spring term

Recommended Grades: K-5

Science Experiments Cycle 1— Weekly, students explore new science concepts with a short lesson and then plunge into the fun & excitement of scientific discovery by doing hands-on science activities & experiments related to our lesson. No book required. Class material rotated on 2-yr cycle.

Instructor: Jessica Morehouse, M.Ed., JLMorehouse11@gmail.com

Tuition: $45/mo.; Supply Fee: $60/term

Recommended Grades: K-2nd

Prerequisite: None

Required Book: None

Does your kindergartener, first grader or second grader enjoy doing hands-on science activities, or arts and crafts? Would they love doing BOTH - at the SAME time - in the SAME class? I’m sure you’ve heard of STEM, but what about STEAM!? It’s an educational movement gaining momentum globally as the need for creativity and problem-solving skills increases in our future workforce! As an instructional approach to learning, “STEAM” is simply an acronym used to represent an integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. By intentionally blending these subjects, STEAM education offers well-rounded learning opportunities that can help prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to compete in an ever-changing job market. Students will be able to learn STEM concepts while making works of art and engaging in hands-on “lab-tivities” with a different experiment and/or project to complete each week! Engaging in these types of creative learning activities at an early age can help lay the foundation for so many different kinds of knowledge! Comfortable clothing (that can get messy!) is recommended.

Instructor: Jessica Morehouse, M.Ed., JLMorehouse11@gmail.com

Tuition: $50/mo.; Supply Fee: $60/term

Recommended Grades: 3rd-5th

Prerequisite: None

Required Book: None

Does your third, fourth or fifth grader enjoy doing hands-on science activities, or arts and crafts? Would they love doing BOTH - at the SAME time - in the SAME class? I’m sure you’ve heard of STEM, but what about STEAM!? It’s an educational movement gaining momentum globally as the need for creativity and problem-solving skills increases in our future workforce! As an instructional approach to learning, “STEAM” is simply an acronym used to represent an integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. By intentionally blending these subjects, STEAM education offers well-rounded learning opportunities that can help prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to compete in an ever-changing job market. Students will be able to learn STEM concepts while making works of art and engaging in hands-on “lab-tivities” with a different experiment and/or project to complete each week! Engaging in these types of creative learning activities at an early age can help lay the foundation for so many different kinds of knowledge! Comfortable clothing (that can get messy!) is recommended. Extension activities and/or supplementary materials are provided weekly to keep the learning going at home, too!

Instructor: Jessica Morehouse, M.Ed., JLMorehouse11@gmail.com

Tuition: $50/mo.; Supply Fee: $60/term

Recommended Grades: 6th-12th

Prerequisite: None

Required Book: None

Does your middle or high schooler enjoy doing hands-on science activities, or arts and crafts? Would they love doing BOTH - at the SAME time - in the SAME class? I’m sure you’ve heard of STEM, but what about STEAM!? It’s an educational movement gaining momentum globally as the need for creativity and problem-solving skills increases in our future workforce! As an instructional approach to learning, “STEAM” is simply an acronym used to represent an integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. By intentionally blending these subjects, STEAM education offers well-rounded learning opportunities that can help prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to compete in an ever-changing job market. Students will be able to learn STEM concepts while making works of art and engaging in hands-on “lab-tivities” with a different experiment and/or project to complete each week! Engaging in these types of creative learning activities at an early age can help lay the foundation for so many different kinds of knowledge! Comfortable clothing (that can get messy!) is recommended. Extension activities and/or supplementary materials are provided weekly to keep the learning going at home, too!

Instructor: Meriana DuBose, meriana.dubose@gmail.com

Tuition: $35/mo; Supply Fee: $40/term

Recommended Grades: K-5

Did you know that wombats have cube shaped poo? Why do llamas spit? What is an axolotl? This class will explore some of the craziest animals from around the globe. Each week we will learn all about a weird, wacky or just plain unique animal and then complete a craft that students will take home.

Instructor:

Tuition: $35/ mo. Supply fee: $30/term

Recommended Grades:10-12

This class will explore some of the most famous biblical archaeology sites, as well as other archaeological sites from around the Holy Land.

Instructor:

Tuition: $35/mo. Supply fee: $50/term

Recommended Grades: 7-9, 10-12

Students will learn more about various cultures from around the globe. We will explore customs, foods, languages, music, and crafts. We will also be introduced to some of the important social issues in each culture.

FALL: South America, North America and Africa. SPRING: Europe, Asia and Oceania. Note: Students do not have to take both semesters.

Instructor: Darby Lambert, darbylambert16@gmail.com

Tuition: $35/mo; Supply fee $50/term

Recommended Grades: K-5

The study of World Geography focuses on the relationships among people, places, and environments that result in geographic patterns on the earth. The students will learn about cultural music, clothing, arts, foods and crops, as well as maps, landforms, oceans, climates, and natural resources of the world regions. Students will use a variety of materials such as music, maps, pictures, songs and games to learn about the geography of different world regions.

Instructor: Anna Levitsky, annalevitsky@gmail.com

Tuition: $40/ month, Supply fee $35/term

Recommended Grades: 6th - 9th

There is an important threshold in every person’s life when they transition from childhood to young adulthood. This class will explore how cultures around the world acknowledge, celebrate, and honor adolescence through various rites of passage, initiations, rituals and ceremonies. Students will be encouraged to examine their own journeys into adulthood through group discussions, reading, writing, journaling, and art projects.

Native American Games and Toys

Instructor: Josie Kay, jkayfarmgirl@aol.com

Tuition: $35/mo; Supply Fee: $40/term

Recommended Grades: 2-6

In this class we will explore the games played by children in a diverse selection of tribes throughout what is now the United States. Most of these games had a purpose and function to either develop the mind or agility of young children while still being incredibly fun. We will make toys in replica to the ones children would have played with in these tribes. Through play we will begin to examine the similarities and differences in our culture versus tribal cultures including Pueblo, Klamath, Zuni, Blackfoot, and Cherokee. This class is recommended for anyone who would like to learn more about Native American Culture.

Instructor: Josie Kay,  jkayfarmgirl@aol.com 

Tuition: $30/mo; Supply Fee: $15/fall term, $20/spring term 

Recommended Grades: 7-12

Why was Catherine the Great so great? Who is Johannes Gutenberg? Eleanor Roosevelt, Nelson Mandela, Pope Gregory VII, Ben Franklin, and Madame CJ Walker all have something in common: they irrevocably changed the world around them and their names have been immortalized in history. In this class we will learn about the men and women who made history and the circumstances that made them rise to the occasion. We will be honing our writing skills with weekly prompts, our reading skills with historical accounts, communicate in group discussions, and broaden our minds as we imagine the world through the eyes of our historical heroes. 

Instructor: Josie Kay, mail4ms.josie@gmail.com

Tuition: $35/mo; Supply Fee: $45/fall term, $50/spring term

Recommended Grades: 6-12

Throughout all the ages, empires, and cultures of history there has been a single uniting factor: the need for nourishment. In this class we will explore the cuisine of great empires and give a brief lesson on the geographic region of origin, history, and cultural significance. Throughout the semester, we will hop through time by putting together recipes, tasting them, and learning about the cultures they come from. The historical time periods will range all the way from foods seen in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and spoken of in the Bible to the decadent Gatsby-esque roaring twenties and war ration survival of WWII. There will be hands-on cooking, food prep, and lots of amazing things to learn.

Instructor:

Tuition: $50/mo; Supply Fee: $30/term

Recommended Grades: 9-12

Required Book:

1.5 hour class each week

Heavy reading/writing required. A required course for HS students can be exciting! Join us for a survey of U.S. History from exploration to modern events. We will cover the foundation of our country & government, preparing students for future study & graduation.

Instructor: Josie Kay, mail4ms.josie@gmail.com

Tuition: $40/mo ; Supply Fee: $25/term

The Story of Appalachia

A history class focusing on Appalachia that will span from the original tribes that lived in the regions to our vital contributions to industry in the modern age. This will be taught with emphasis on the unique culture and the incredible beauty of these mountains.

Instructor: Josie Kay, mail4ms.josie@gmail.com

Tuition: $40/mo ; Supply Fee: $25/term

An in-depth exploration of the factors that caused the world wars, the involved countries, the battles fought, and the first-hand accounts of the horrors of war.

Supervisor: Elle Matchin, pairofmatches@gmail.com

Cost: (paid when supply fees are due) $15/fall term, $20/spring term

Grades: K-5 (required for any student attending period before AND after lunch. See par. 7 of Agapé Policies & Procedures.)

Required Supplies: Must bring own lunch & clear drink

Supervised lunch that includes (while eating) a time for students relax and socialize.

Supervisor: Elle Matchin, pairofmatches@gmail.com

Cost: (paid when supply fees are due) $15/fall term, $20/spring term

Required Supplies: Must bring own lunch & clear drink

Grades: 6-12 (required for any student attending period before AND after lunch. See par. 7 of Agapé Policies & Procedures.)

Supervised lunch that includes (while eating) a time for students relax and socialize.

Students must clean up after themselves — failure to do so will result in cleaning fee.

Cost: $10/student/period

Grades: 6-12 only (absolutely NO ELEMENTARY STUDENTS)

MUST BRING WORK TO DO! Space & supervision are limited, therefore no more than 1 study hall period/student/day allowed unless approved by site director first. If scheduling conflict due to an AGAPÉ Learning schedule (e.g. piano lesson) causes student to need study hall for less than 30 minutes, there is no charge.