Wednesday, 3:00-4:00 | Grades 11-12 (younger students accepted if they have completed chemistry) | Instructor: Camilla Rivera  |  Class meets 33 times

Prerequisite: Biology is required, Chemistry is recommended

This class is intended to be a second biology course. We will be using Apologia's text, The Human Body: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made. The course's focus will be on lab with homework and tests being completed at home. Topics covered include: Histology (study of tissues), Integumentary and Skeletal Systems (skin and bones), Skeletal System Histology and Movement, Muscle Histology and Physiology, Skeletal Muscle System, Nervous System, Central Nervous System, Peripheral Nervous System, Endocrine System, Circulatory System, Lymphatic System, Digestive System, Respiratory System, Urinary System and the Reproductive System. Lab fee is $55.

Advanced Biology: Human Anatomy Prospectus

Mon/Wed, 11:30-12:30 | Grades 8-12 | Instructor: Laurie Capen | Class meets 66 times

This is a college preparatory high school mathematics class. Algebra is the most important high school math course your student will take as all other math courses are based on the skills learned in this course. The course will cover pre-algebra review, working with real numbers, solving equations and problems, polynomials, factoring polynomials, fractions, applying fractions, introduction to functions, systems of linear equations, inequalities, rational and irrational numbers, and quadratic functions. There is no prerequisite, however students are asked to complete a placement test. The test can be found at: http://group.calvertschool.org/website/documentlibrary/HS04AlgebraPlacementTest.pdf. Those who have completed a previous course in pre-Algebra will be the most successful. The textbook is McDougal Littell Algebra: Structure and Method: Student Edition Book 1. Students should be in 8^th grade or higher. 7^th grade students will be accepted by teacher permission only.

Algebra I Prospectus

Wednesday 3:00-4:00  |  Grades 9-12  |  Instructor: Laura Ottaviano  |  Class meets 33 times      (Serious minded 8^th graders would be welcome with permission of instructor.)

Prerequisites: No prior Bible Study skills are required; however, elementary writing and basic presentation skills are required.  The student will be asked to make many short oral presentations, written essays, and several in depth research analyses.  Formal research paper writing skills are not required, but students should be able to research information from multiple sources and compile the information into a meaningful summary around a defined opinion.

The Bible above all books is a book meant to be thoroughly understandable to all who approach it.  However, the formats, languages and meanings can sometimes be confusing and intimidating.  The Bible Study course teaches study skills that open up the Bible making its truths applicable across many disciplines, developing literary analysis skills that will be useful for a lifetime. Students will gain insights into practical as well as doctrinal topics and will gain valuable practice in presenting analysis and insights to others orally.  Bible Study is both an academic and life skill course.  The ability to personally unlock the lessons of the Bible gives each student knowledge, wisdom and understanding applicable to every area of life.  A student, who can understand what the Bible states about any topic, is at a distinct advantage both in living their faith and in sharing and defending it. In addition, students will develop regular habits of Bible reading in this course.  Therefore, students who make Bible Study a regular part of their academic year will also have the advantage of receiving spiritual strength needed to grow in faith and to succeed in their other coursework.

Bible Study Skills Prospectus

Monday 12:40-1:40  |  Grades 9-12  |  Instructor: Camilla Rivera   |  Class meets 33 times

Prerequisite: Students must also be enrolled in Chemistry Lab to attend this class.

Chemistry is not always the student’s favorite class, nor is it the parent’s favorite. At least 50% of the students taking chemistry can learn everything from the book. Where does that leave the other 50%? Perhaps in the Chemistry Lecture class. This extra lecture class is suggested for: students that are weak in math; students that have a difficult time learning new concepts from reading a book; and for parents that know there is no way they, or someone else in the family, could possibly help their student with chemistry concepts. Additional lectures, extra practice problems, and discussion will occur in this class to help give the student that extra boost to get through chemistry. All lectures will follow the same schedule as the Chemistry Lab class. This class is not required for the Chemistry Lab. Not all students in Chemistry Lab need to take the Chemistry Lecture. Copy Fee is $15.

Chemistry Lecture Prospectus

Wednesday 4:10-5:10 |  Grades 9-12  |  Instructor: Laurie Capen
Class meets 16 times Fall semester only

Prerequisite:  Must have a laptop or netbook that can be brought to class and student must have Internet access at home.

Computer Information Systems is a high school level, one semester course focused on the integration of technology across the high school curriculum and in particular in conducting research.  Utilizing Microsoft Office, Home and Student Edition, students will learn to master Word, Excel, Power Point and One Note.  Additional topics include Google applications and common internet research engines.    Colleges today expect students to be comfortable with integrating technology into classwork.  Students need to be able to make presentations using these software programs that are appealing, interesting as well as scholarly.  The goal is to gain confidence in using common software programs for integration across the curriculum and particularly research projects.  Class will consist of predominantly lab work learning how to work with existing practice files as well as how to conduct their own research.  Students will generate several small research projects including science, math, history and English.  Projects prepared in this class may be used for other courses at CHESS.  The textbook will be Microsoft’s Step by Step curriculum.  Mrs. Capen is working on a list of sources for inexpensive netbooks and is negotiating a plan for free or inexpensive Office software.  Highly motivated 8^th graders may take this class with instructor permission.

Computer Information Systems Prospectus

Wednesday, 3:00-4:00  |  Grades 7-12  |  Instructor: Betsy Dill  |  Class meets 33 times

Includes in-depth study in realism, finishing techniques, shading and highlighting, simple anatomy, composition, elements of design, simple perspective, color theory. Emphasis is on developing a personal style. Line work with pencils, charcoal, pen & ink, Egyptian reed pens, markers, etc. Human & animal portraits, Cartooning/caricatures, personal still lifes, logo design, projects, more. Each year, different projects. Student maintains an electronic portfolio by submitting digital photos of finished projects as homework. Homework is simply finishing projects begun in class No holiday assignments.

Drawing in Depth Prospectus

Honors Option

Wednesday, 1:50-2:50  |  Grades 8-12  |  Instructor: John Jenkins  |  Class meets 33 times

This honors-optional class (both JR and SR) teaches college and professional writing techniques that develop a student’s critical thinking, research and organizing skills, natural writing voice, and effective communication through essays. Class includes (JR High - an introduction) SAT timed essay preparation and practice. Students will learn how to: 1) research and select effective essay/paper topics, 2) organize, plan, and structure a paper, 3) understand and avoid plagiarism through documenting sources with footnotes, 4) write and rewrite a paper using accepted college formats, and 5) use techniques for developing original thinking so that every paper is written with purpose. This class can be taken as an honor’s class. Additional reading, research and writing required.

Effective Writing Prospectus

Wednesday, 11:30-12:30  |  Grade 11  |  Instructor: Theresa Powell  |  Class meets 33 times

English 11 will help students fine tune their skills and expand their knowledge in vocabulary, grammar, and literature. The vocabulary curriculum supports the SAT prep. Students will read a few classics as well as study a unit of Greek Mythology. Writing an effective five paragraph essay will be covered in preparation for college entrance exams, and five short (five-paragraph) essays will be assigned. We will incorporate creative activities as the course unfolds. Fun will be had by all. Parents may want to supplement with additional writing assignments.

English 11 Prospectus

Wednesday, 12:40-1:40  |  Grade 7  |  Instructor: Theresa Powell  |  Class meets 33 times

English 7 is designed for homeschooling students to make the transition from an Elementary curriculum to Junior High curriculum with ease. For many, this class will be a first for group study, homework accountability, time management, and academic responsibility outside of the home. Each student should have completed a comprehensive sixth grade curriculum before signing up for English 7.  The course work for the year will include reading, reading comprehension, writing, spelling, grammar, and vocabulary building. Learning games will be incorporated into the course activities. With weekly parental supervision and consistent student participation, each student will have the opportunity to lay a solid foundation for future English classes.

English 7 Prospectus

Wednesday, 1:50-2:50  |  Grade 9  |  Instructor: Theresa Powell  |  Class meets 33 times

Students should be ready to read and review four novels throughout this course. We will learn how to compare movie adaptations scripted from novels. Grammar review will be covered at each class meeting. Five paragraph essay writing will be introduced during the spring semester. Vocabulary building will be part of the weekly schedule. Fun and creative activities will abound. Approximately four-five hours of homework will be needed to gain the most from the course.

English 9 Prospectus

Monday 12:40-2:10 and Wednesday 12:40-1:40  |  Grades 9-12 (8^th by permission)  |  Instructor: Mary O’Donnell  |  Class meets 66 times

Prerequisite: purposed review of English grammar before classes begin (specifics available)

This comprehensive Christian-based French course taught by a native speaker uses BJU French I materials and will include additional reading assignments, activities, and simple book reports. My goal is to equip students to communicate clearly and effectively to those in francophone countries (FYI: there are 50+ countries where French is spoken and 7 continents!), to give them an appreciation for the French language and culture, and to improve their English vocabulary and language skills in preparation for the SATs. (60% of our own language comes from French!). I provide almost all the books needed for a rental fee of $5 per item (first come basis) or you may purchase them all on your own for about $180. This is a FUN, interactive class with many games and oral exercises to encourage memorization and oral fluency, BUT it is also face-paced and academically rigorous. For this reason, this first level French class needs 2.5 hours/week of class time and a minimum commitment of five hours per week of homework time. References and insight about this class from former parents/students are available upon request. Copy and material fee is $40.

French I Prospectus

Wednesday 1:50-2:50  |  Grades 7-8  |  Instructor: Camilla Rivera  |  Class meets 33 times

Exploring Creation with General Science is a first “real science” course for junior high students. It is an excellent preparation for high school work. The course is well laid out and encourages good reading comprehension and study skills. It is also an introduction to simple lab work. Students will be expected to read the material and answer the questions on their own. Class time will be used for short labs and class discussion of the material. The instructor provides daily reading and homework assignments, and grades all tests and labs.  Parents will be asked to monitor homework and grade/correct homework with student. Topics include:  scientific inquiry, analyzing and interpreting experiments, archaeology, geology, paleontology, DNA, human body (class does NOT include reproduction) and energy. Lab fee is $40.

General Science Prospectus

Honors Option

Wednesday, 4:10-5:10  |  Grades 11-12  |  Instructor: Jody Lyon  |  Class meets 33 times

In this class, students will be presented with the origins, meanings and application of our form of government. We will first focus on philosophy and history, placing the formation of our nation in context. Students will research philosophers who influenced our founders and look at documents in place before the Constitution. Next we will study the Constitution. As we look at each Article/section/ amendment, the class will address history, personalities, present day issues, court interpretations, and implications for the future. The Constitution Project (the student’s “personal” U.S. Constitution) will reflect their personal insights and understanding of “the words we live by.”  This usually results in the students being more familiar with this document than most adults - even Congressmen! The course will wind up with a study of the Bill of Rights and corresponding Supreme Court decisions. Now familiar with the nature of our government the students will become Supreme Court justices making their own rulings on past cases. The class will end with a Who wants to be a Millionaire? game. This class can be counted as social studies or as social science. Younger students may be admitted at the permission of the instructor.

The Words We live by: U.S. Government Prospectus and First Day Homework Assignment Part 1 and Part 2

Monday, 10:20-11:20  |  Grades 7-9  |  Instructor: John Jenkins  |  Class meets 33 times

Prepare your students for the rigors of Effective Writing 101. This class incorporates the same academic and professional techniques that develop a student’s critical thinking, organizing skills, and effective communication through essays. Students will learn how to 1) take notes, 2) conduct research on the internet, 3) organize information, 4) document sources including footnoting, 5) write effective sentences and paragraphs using basic grammar, spelling, capitalization rules, plus formatting skills such as double-spacing, indents and setting margins. Using these basic skills, the students will then learn how write effective essays.

Intro to Effective Writing Prospectus

Monday, 12:40-1:40  |  Grades 7-9  |  Instructor: John Jenkins  |  Class meets 33 times

Help develop critical reading skills in your Junior High student through this unique read to write literature class. First, using short stories and novels written by John Jenkins, as well other classic short stories and novels, students will learn how to read and explore a broad range of literary genres, themes and literary traditions. Second, students will learn how to bring those developing skills to life by writing literature, using proven fiction-writing techniques aimed at the Jr. High level, and imitating the techniques of master storytellers they have read.  Students will learn 1) the historical and literary contexts from antiquity to the 20th century, 2) the author’s worldviews, and 3) the fundamentals of figurative language. Students will apply their knowledge through class discussions and  presentations, and by writing scenes and  vignettes suggested by the short stories’ novels’ plots, characters, and themes. Students will learn the basics of effective dialog, writing descriptively, and plot development.

Intro to Literature Prospectus

Wednesday, 12:40-1:40  |  Grades 9-12  |  Instructor: John Jenkins  |  Class meets 33 times

The Master StoryTeller combines professional fiction writing principles, methods and techniques with styles and themes from classical literature with the express purpose of helping a student develop the skills necessary to submit their work to a publisher. In this professional-skills class students will learn how to: 1) read, interpret, and understand literature, 2) understand the impact of the author’s worldview and historical context on their stories, 3) how to plan, write, and rewrite short stories using elements that include: setting, plot, characterization, tone/mood, genre, and theme, and optionally, learn how to format and edit a story for publication.

Master StoryTeller Prospectus

Monday 1:50-2:50  |  Grades 7-9  |  Instructor: Laurie Capen  |  Class meets 33 times

Exploring Creation with Physical Science is a “real science” course for junior high students. It is an excellent preparation for high school work. Think physics without the trig!  The course is well laid out and encourages good reading comprehension and study skills. It is also an introduction to simple lab work. Students will be expected to read the material and answer the questions on their own. Class time will be used for short labs and class discussion of the material. The instructor will grade tests and labs. Parents will be asked to monitor homework completion and proctor tests. Topics include: atmosphere, the hydrosphere, weather, the structure of the earth, environmentalism, the physics of motion, Newton’s Laws, gravity, and astrophysics.  There is no prerequisite.  There will be a lab fee for this course.

Physical Science Prospectus

Mon/Wed, 11:30-12:30  |  Grades 7-9  |  Instructor: Camilla Rivera  |  Class meets 66 times     

Pre-Algebra is a bridge between the computational math learned in grades 1-6 and the world of algebra with variable manipulation. In this class we will make sure that fractions, decimals, and percents are solidly mastered and introduce the beginning concepts of measurements, geometry, and algebra to help the student become familiar with the terms used again in high school math and science. The teacher will provide a daily schedule and will grade all tests. Homework will be required Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Students are required to check homework answers and come to class with any questions. Class time will be spent reviewing previous material, answering any questions, and introducing new topics. The text is Basic College Math by Lial (7^th edition). Copy fee is $25.

Pre-Algebra Prospectus

Wednesday 4:10-5:10 Spring semester  |  Grade level 10-12  |  Instructor: Laurie Capen  | 
Class meets 16 times Spring semester only

This will be a review of mostly algebra and geometry in preparation for the SATs. I believe strongly that while the verbal section of the SAT represents a lifetime of reading and can be difficult to prepare for, the math section represents a limited set of material that can be systematically reviewed and mastered. What is tough about the math SAT is many of the questions are asked somewhat different than in your standard high school text. That is where this class comes in. We will review material needed for the questions and practice, practice, practice the types of questions commonly seen on the SAT. Students must have completed algebra and geometry for this course to be of benefit. Completion or current enrollment in at least algebra 2 is recommended. Student will be provided a study plan and there will be regular homework to include practice tests.

SAT/PSAT Math Prep Prospectus

Wednesday, 3:00-4:00  |  Grades 7-10  |  Instructor: Karen Dellinger  |  Class meets 33 times (1 credit)

Grammar study is not often considered a very important end in itself, but it is a key to more effective communication, especially when learning a new language. The purpose of this class is to review important grammatical subjects such as parts of speech, sentence structure and verb tenses in English, then relate each of those to the Spanish language.  Contrasts and comparisons with Spanish usage are taught.  Emphasis will be placed on memorizing the vocabulary/terminology of grammar, since that knowledge is essential to understanding grammar presentations in Spanish textbooks.  Our text is English Grammar for Students of Spanish.

This class may be taken the year prior to enrolling in Spanish I, and will be especially beneficial for those who have not studied grammar recently or who struggle with understanding grammatical concepts.  There will be some exposure to Spanish vocabulary and verbs as well.  Combining this class with the “Beginning Spanish Conversation” class would provide very thorough preparation for Spanish I the following year.  This class and Spanish I may also be taken concurrently.

Spanish Grammar Prospectus

Mon/Wed, 1:50-2:50  |  Grades 9-12  |  Instructor: Karen Dellinger  |  Class meets 66 times

Prerequisite is successful completion of Spanish II.  Placement test is strongly recommended for any student who did not complete Spanish II at CHESS.  In this course, we review material covered in Spanish II and continue our study of language and Hispanic culture using the ¡Exprésate! third-year materials.  As in the earlier texts, the publisher incorporates culture study into the material.  Students also prepare a research paper in Spanish on a cultural topic and present it to the class.

Spanish III Prospectus and Textbook Ordering Information

Honors Option

Wednesday, 3:00-4:00  |  Grades 7-12  |  Instructor: Jody Lyon  |  Class meets 33 times

Our area is rich with opportunities to experience Virginia History. This is a plus for home-schooled students and can be taken advantage of to bring learning to life. The primary goal of this class is for the student to discover Virginia. We will begin with the "idea" of Virginia - from the perspective of the original Virginians and those who planned to venture here from Europe. Next we will discuss pre-colonial Virginia and the institutional developments e.g. religious, slavery, agricultural, philosophical. Colonial Virginia informed much of what America was to become and Virginia’s role in the Civil War as home to the Capital of the Confederacy as well as Robert E. Lee cannot be underestimated. Finally, as Virginia moves into the modern era we will discuss persons and events that are unique to Virginia in the context of American history. This class can be counted as one year of Virginia or American History. There is no text book to be purchased. The class is research, discussion and long-term project based.

New World to Old Dominion--Virginia History Prospectus

HONORS OPTION

Monday, 11:30-12:30  |  Grades 10-12 (younger students with permission  |  Instructor: John Jenkins | Class meets 33 times

World Literature is all about learning to to read with understanding — essential to being prepared for the AP Literature exam and in obtaining a critical understanding of the role of classic literature in our culture. Key student text: Stobaugh’s World Literature. Key student websites: classics.mit.edu.com, Norton World Lit Online, and earlychristianwritings.com. Students will explore a broad range of literary genres and themes through systematic forays into poetry, narrative, plays, and novels, including works such as Gilgamesh, the Odyssey, Meditations, the Divine Comedy, and One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovitch.   Students will learn 1) the historical context of World Literature from antiquity to the 20^th century, 2) the thematic/worldviews focus of the authors, and 3) the fundamentals of literary analysis (including literary devices) and apply their knowledge through class discussions/presentations, basic and advanced essay writing, and literary vignettes/poems. This class can be taken as an honor’s class, with additional reading, research and writing required.

World Literature Prospectus