Class Descriptions
At Hope Learning Center we strive to keep our curriculum to high standard. Please review our class descriptions to learn more about each class we offer.
Science Classes
Please note that Elementary History & Science are both taught each Monday afternoon for an hour each.
Teachers:
1st-3rd ~ Emily Hopple
4th-6th ~ Cherri Locke
Prerequisite: None Materials: Science in the Beginning, by Dr. Jay Wile, Berean Builders. We’ll learn not only about God’s creation but we’ll learn a lot about God Himself! To do this, we will start at the very beginning. The book of Genesis starts with the account of how God created everything, so we will use that as our guide. Hands on experiments will be implemented throughout the year.
Teacher: Michelle Payne
Materials: Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics, Apologia. This science course will inspire budding scientists by introducing them to the world of chemistry and physics. Sixth and seventh grade students will study the basic building blocks of creation: atoms, molecules, simple chemicals, the laws of motion, and energy in its many forms. This class will spark a lifelong love of chemistry and physics with this engaging, hand-on science course.
Teacher: Michelle Payne
Grade Level: 7th-8th Prerequisite: None Materials: Science In the Atomic Age, Wile, Berean Builders. General Science can be taken for 1 or 2 years as the book’s topics are spread out over 2 years. This middle school science course combines hands-on learning with historical context to teach students about the building blocks of life and how living things are organized. Students start with atoms and molecules, then progress to cells and DNA, all while exploring the history of scientific discovery. The course then explores the levels of organization in living things, from tissues to
ecosystems, highlighting recent discoveries. Experiments and activities are a regular part of the class, and the course is designed to take about 45 minutes of work each day.
Teacher: John Rochester
Grade Level: 8th-9th Prerequisite: General Science Materials: Exploring Creation with Physical Science, 3rd Edition, Dr Jay Wile. From the inner workings of atoms to the grandeur of galaxies, we’ll explore creation together!
Teacher: Kathleen Baker
Grade Levels: 9th-10th Prerequisite: Physical Science Materials: Discovering Design with Biology, Madtes Jr. & Wile, Berean Builders. This laboratory-based high school biology course gives students an introduction to how living organisms are designed, how they interact with one another, and how they interact with their physical environment. They are taught how biologists classify life, the chemical processes that make life possible, the structures of RNA and DNA, and the designs of the different cells found in living organisms. Students also learn the means by which photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and cellular reproduction occur. They then learn the current state of biotechnology. With the molecular and cellular basis of life covered, the students are then given a survey of the different kinds of organisms found in nature: archaea, bacteria, protists, fungi, invertebrates, vertebrates, and plants. Students learn the biogeochemical cycles that keep environments hospitable to life, which leads to a discussion of ecosystems. Throughout the course, students see that life is the result of design and that organisms have been given the ability to adapt to their surroundings. In addition, they learn various problems associated with modern evolutionary synthesis.
Teacher: Kathleen Baker
Grade Level: 11th Prerequisite: Algebra I Materials: Discovering Design with Chemistry, by Dr. Jay Wile, Berean Builders. This course is designed to be a first-year high school chemistry course and gives the student a foundation in chemistry, in order to prepare him or her for a college-level course. Topic covered include classification of matter, atomic structure, spectroscopy, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, physical change, chemical change, stoichiometry, solutions, acid/base chemistry, reduction/oxidation reactions, thermochemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, and chemical equilibrium.
Math Classes
Teacher: Robin Rowe
Prerequisite: If you’re a new student to HLC, a placement assessment will be required. Assessments will happen on Monday, June 16th at 10AM. Materials: UCSMP Pretransition Mathematics. Students will work with all kinds of numbers: integers and fractions, percents, and positive as well as negative numbers. Students will see how numbers, measurements, and statistics are used in stories, in reports, on the Internet, at school, at home and at people’s work places. You will also continue to learn about geometric figures, and you will see some of the simple ideas of Algebra.
Teachers: TBA
Grade Levels: 8th- 9th (suggested) Prerequisite: If new student, placement Test on Monday, June 16th at 10AM. Materials: UCSMP Transition Mathematics. This course is to solidify the arithmetic that students already know and prepare them for algebra and geometry.
Teacher: TBA
Grade Levels: 9th-10th Prerequisite: If new student, placement assessment will be on Monday, June 16th at 10AM. Materials: UCSMP Algebra. In almost every country of the world, students learn algebra. But you seldom see algebra when you go into a store, or when you read a newspaper, or when you watch a tv show. So why is algebra so important? It is because algebra is the language of generalization. It is used to describe how quantities relate to each other and helps to solve countless numbers of problems.
Not offered in 2025-26
Teacher: TBA
Grade Levels: 10th Prerequisite: Placement test by appointment if deemed necessary. Materials: Geometry Seeing, Doing, Understanding 3rd Edition by Harold Jacobs. Students will gain an understanding of two and three dimensional figures and the relationship among them. The integration of algebra and geometry starts in the first chapter with the introduction of the coordinate geometry of lines. This coincides with the belief that students will have a better grasp on geometric concepts when they are taught in relation to algebraic skills they have already learned. Transformations provide practice with function notation and composites of functions. Students learn to use algebra to derive properties of figures by using a coordinate plane to place a figure on.
Teacher: TBA
Grade Levels: 11th-12th Prerequisite: Geometry. If new student, placement assessment will be given on Monday, June 16th at 10AM. Materials: UCSMP Advanced Algebra. The main goal of UCSMP Advanced Algebra is to improve and extend the algebra skills of students accumulated during the previous years of study to accommodate the topics traditional to a second algebra course.
English Classes
Teacher: Michelle Payne
Prerequisite: If new student, a placement assessment will be given on Monday, June 16th at 10AM. Materials: Teacher will provide supply list. This course is on a 3 year rotation so students can take it several years in a row. It will give students the tools and techniques that they need to write strong summaries, strong five-paragraph essays, and other writing fundamentals. Also in this course, students will read short stories, works of literature, and poems, develop writing skills using IEW techniques, practice grammar by examining grammatical concepts in their writing and expand their vocabulary through the introduction of new words which will be used in their writing. This course will also involve speaking and listening skills. Students will gain a solid foundation for future learning in language arts.
Teacher: Robin Rowe
Prerequisite: HLC Middle School English. If new student, placement assessment will be given on Monday, June 16th at 10AM. Materials: Rotating and can be taken two years in a row. Teacher will supply material list. Students will further develop their writing skills. This is a full one-credit English course that includes grammar/editing, vocabulary, literature, and composition. This course provides students with the opportunity to practice all four language arts skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The writing component will mostly be based on the structure and style elements from the IEW. Students will read short stories, poems, and short works of literature and learn to examine them using basic literary analysis techniques. Grammar instruction will be integrated into students’ writing assignments to reinforce practical grammatical concepts.
Teacher: Lisa Andrewjeski
Prerequisite: Teacher approval or if new student, a placement assessment will be given on Monday, June 16th at 10AM.Materials: Rotating and this can be taken two years in a row. Teacher will supply material list. This course will explore the four main elements of language arts: reading, writing, speaking, and listening through the lens of world literature. Students will have the opportunity to work collaboratively on various daily and longer term projects, developing academic and practical skills in written and oral communication.
History Classes
Please note that Elementary History & Science are both taught every Monday for one hour each.
Teachers:
1st-3rd ~ Emily Hopple
4th-6th ~ Cherri Locke
Materials: In this course, students will learn information about United States history, economics, civics and government, and geography. Upon completion of this course, students should understand the foundations of American history and geography. Students will complete a notebooking exercise each week to practice writing and reading. Students will need to be cooperative and good listeners, engaging in the class discussions. Because this is an elementary homeschool class, letter grades will not be given. Evidence of the student’s learning will be assessed verbally and through the notebooking exercises.
Teacher: Michelle Payne
Materials: The Story of the World: Volume 3
Want kids to love history? This curriculum contains short, engaging, and easy-to-read stories, providing rich content to pique their interest in the past! This volume picks up where The Story of the World Volume 2 left off, beginning with the Holy Roman Empire and Protestant rebellions before discussing Elizabeth the First and later the San Francisco 49ers. Students gain a complete view of world history during this time, studying Europe, Japan, India, China, Africa, Russia, the Americas, and more side by side.
Teacher: Rob Goff
Grades: 9th-12th Materials: American History Compass Classroom and The Federalist Papers. A comprehensive and engaging history of the United States applying a Christian worldview to the characters, events, theology, literature, art, and religious beliefs of the nation.
Teacher: Rob Goff
Grade Levels: 9th-12th Materials: Modernity, & Antiquity Compass Classroom student readers. This is a survey world history course from the ancients to the complex modern world we live in today. We will explore the significant turning points that shaped humanity, from the rise of ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia and Egypt to the complex world we live in today. We’ll analyze
primary sources, delve into different cultures, and discover how the past influences our present. Get ready to analyze historical events critically, develop your research skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the fascinating tapestry of world history.
Other Classes
Teacher: Rob Goff
Grade Levels: 11th-12th. Contemporary World Problems is a course designed to engage and prepare students to analyze governments, people, and cultures from around the world. Instruction will begin with learning common logical fallacies as well as some basic knowledge and understanding of past history. One semester class.
Teacher: Rob Goff
Grade Levels: 11th – 12th. Using a variety of video curricula, books, and other resources students compare and contrast today’s dominating worldviews (Islam, Buddhism/Hinduism, Atheism, and Christianity). Emphasis is on thoughtful, honoring, and respectful discussion of the origins, meaning, morality, and destiny highlighted in each of the worldviews.
Grade Levels: 9th-12th. Materials: Health for the Whole Person, 7Sisters. This is a one-semester course typically offered opposite Civics. Touted by some as the best stand-alone health program for middle and high school students, the information is clear and easy to read, the author doesn’t talk down to her audience, and the activities and suggestions for further study are helpful. While the student text isn’t flashy—just text with occasional black and white illustration—the tone is engaging and much more interesting than the average boring health textbook.
*Not offered every year, please check the class schedule.
Grade Levels: 9th-12th.
Teacher: Rob Goff
Students will learn to identify the rights and obligations of American citizens. The class will explore the mechanics voting, the role of political parties, methods for effective citizen participation and the function of governance.
Teachers:
1st-3rd ~ Emily Hopple
4th-6th ~ Cherri Locke
Materials: In this Elementary Social Studies class, students will have an opportunity to learn about community, careers, and culture through activities and experiences. Activities may include artist studies, handicrafts, cooking, music, experiments, projects, books, movies, drama, choral reading, puppet shows, and excursions.
Teacher: Lynsi Livengood
Grades: 8th-12th
Students will have daily homework and exercises as well as fun activities in their weekly class where they will learn ways to expand their Spanish communication and understand the significance of language and culture. Group projects and interactive assignments will help them get comfortable with Spanish, and gain knowledge at the same time. Students will discover the grammatical rules of Spanish along with nouns, adjectives, adverbs and pronouns. They will have opportunities to speak with native Spanish guest speakers. There will also be reading and listening practice while in class along with fun ways of learning Spanish culture, like making salsa!
Teacher: Anny Escano-Ruiz
Prerequisite: None
Some students may already enjoy drawing or painting, while others might be stepping into the art world for the first time. Regardless of background, there is always an opportunity to grow, experiment, and discover a passion for art. This art course is designed for students who want to explore their creativity and establish a strong foundation in visual arts or those who simply want to try something creative in a supportive environment.
Students will dive into the fundamentals, including the elements of art such as line, shape, color, texture, and value. These concepts will be applied through engaging projects using traditional and mixed media techniques. The primary focus will be developing drawing, painting, and basic design skills. Lessons will include direct instruction, hands-on practice, and open-ended assignments. Structure and support will be provided while students develop their ideas at their own pace. Additionally, a selection of historical artists and art movements will be examined to spark inspiration and deepen understanding of art.
The goal is to create an inspiring and encouraging environment where students can learn, create, and evolve as artists, one step at a time.
Teacher: Rob Goff
Grades: 9th-12th
Students learn the basic Economic concepts of the American Free Enterprise System. They will also learn how to navigate the financial decisions and to make informed decisions relied to career exploration, budgeting, banking, credit, insurance, spending, taxes, saving, investing, buying/leasing a vehicle, living independently, and inheritance. Development of financial literacy skills and an understanding of economic principles will provide the basis for responsible citizenship and career success.
Elementary Foundation: Math and Language Arts
Teachers:
1st-2nd Grade ~ Emily Hopple
3rd-4th Grade ~ Heidi Oswalt
5th-6th Grade ~ Cherri Locke
Materials:
Grades 1st-5th will be using Math with Confidence.
The Math With Confidence Series is from The Well Trained Mind, the same organization that developed Writing With Ease and First Language Lessons. The goal of Math With Confidence is to equip parents to help their children become confident and capable in math. This is done by building a deep conceptual understanding of essential concepts,
showing how math concepts are related and approaching instruction in a way that provides continual, ongoing review of core grade-level skills. The curriculum is scripted
in order to make it as user friendly for parents as possible.
6th Grade will be using Horizon Math.
Horizons 6th Grade Math Set form Alpha Omega Publications includes brightly-colored
illustrations and carefully planned lessons in consumable workbooks which introduce, review, and reinforce math concepts such as finding ratios by using division or
multiplication, constructing right triangles, and preparing a budget. The user-friendly teacher’s guide contains a daily lesson planner, answer keys, additional review
worksheets, daily teaching tips, specific goals, suggested activities, and a list of necessary materials to make teaching math easy.
Teachers:
1st-2nd Grade ~ Emily Hopple
3rd-4th Grade ~ Heidi Oswalt
5th-6th Grade ~ Cherri Locke
Materials: The Well Trained Mind, Language Lessons. Phonics Included.
“First Language Lessons” and “Writing with Ease” by Jesse Wise and Susan Wise Bauer focus on building a strong foundation in the correct and skilled use of language. The goals of this curriculum series include practicing the sound of properly spoken language, training students to speak in a grammatically correct way, developing comprehension and attention skills by having students listen to stories and retell them and teaching students to use correct grammar in their writing. Students practice these skills through copying, dictation, recitation and memorization utilizing content that is interesting, enjoyable, and engaging. Lessons become increasingly complex as basic skills are mastered and become automatic.
“Institute for Excellence in Writing” by Andrew Pudewa. IEW’s unique approach provides the structure to move students from imitation to innovation in all types of writing. Students develop confidence in the speaking and writing process while gradually working toward greater independence and creativity.
Additionally, Easy Grammar, Fix-it Grammar and Handwriting without Tears will be used in the appropriate grade levels. Reading lists will be sent home as well.