Classes Fall 2024
Click on the descriptions below for course descriptions. We will update information as often as necessary, so check back here for the most up to date information. Feel free to reach out to instructors directly if you have specific questions about their class.
Elementary K-6
K-1 Pre-Readers class is only available at the North Campus. 1st-3rd is available at the North Campus on Mondays and Wednesdays and South Campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 4th-6th is available at both campuses on Mondays and Wednesdays with the Tuesday/Thursday option at North. We encourage elementary students to sign up for the full course packages and cannot guarantee space for core a-la-carte classes at this level.
K-1 Pre-Readers North
Mrs. Ami Caroll
This class is designed specifically for young students learning to read. Mrs. Carroll will take them through a quality reading program called Logic of English to give them the essential building blocks for reading. Math (IXL The Ultimate Kindergarten Math Book), Language Arts, Science (180 Days of Science) and Social Studies (180 Days of Social Studies) will also be explored in a fun, interactive way. Bio: Ami Carroll has a bachelor’s degree in History with a minor in Psychology and an emphasis in Early Childhood Development. She operated a home daycare for 20 years and taught early literacy skills there. She also taught one year of math, history, and English at the middle school level. She is currently a homeschooling educator and has been doing that for nine years. She is passionate about instilling a love of learning into young children so that they develop into lifelong learners.
1st-3rd North and South
(M/W and T/Th)
Mrs. Olivia Palovchik
Minds of All Kinds
937-361-1008
9 am to 3 pm M/W (North), T/Th (South)
Meet new friends at this 1st - 3rd grade class! This class is designed for those who have already developed their beginning reading skills. This class will use Story of the Word Volume 2, Real Science 4 Kids (Focus on Elementary Physics), IEW Language Arts, and Saxon Math or a math program of your choice. Books to Order: - People and Places in Our Community (IEW) - Focus On Elementary Physics Laboratory Notebook - Story of the World (The Middle Ages) Vol. 2 (one copy per family- send to class with your oldest) This class will occur on M/W at the North Campus and T/Th at the South Campus. You may enroll your child for either of those campuses or both. Bio: Olivia Palovchik has a Bachelor’s Degree in special education for grades k-12 from Wright State University in Ohio. She has worked in the childcare and education field for 10 years. Olivia taught Life Skills at the high school level for two years. She enjoys teaching through social stories, music, and imaginative play. She is excited to share her love for learning with your students.
4th-6th North
Mr. Andrew and Mrs. Gabrielle Satterfield
Join this engaging 4th - 6th grade class learning community! All core classes will be explored using Story of the World (Vol. 2), IEW Language Arts, and Elemental Science (Physics for the Grammar Stage). Math will be done individually with Saxon Math or a math program of your choice. Learn with friends at the pace that's right for you! Bio: Andrew and Gabrielle Satterfield are experienced home educators of four brilliant children. Together they founded Monarch Educational Solutions. This year, they looks forward to the opportunity to serve your family through excellent instruction and inspiration. Andrew and Gabrielle makes a habit of actively serving his community through coaching sports, serving at church, and engaging in local government. They are looking forward to fun group projects and experiments as well as celebrating the relationships and the great work that your student will produce this coming school year!
4th-6th South
Instructional Team
​​Mrs. Madai Pichardo: Social Studies and Science
Renaissance Kids
PichardoMadai@gmail.com, 954-687-3803
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Mr. Michael Soper: Math
Alaska Math Guy
907-242-3360
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Mr. Ben Higgins: English Language Arts
The Cottonwood Project: bthiggins.com
907-764-7993
Join this engaging 4th - 6th grade class learning community! All core classes will be explored using Story of the World (Vol. 2) for Social Studies, Writers Room (by BT Higgins) for Language Arts, and Elemental Physics for science. Math will be done individually with Saxon Math or a math program of your choice. Learn with friends at the pace that's right for you! This class will be taught by a team of teachers with the schedule as follows: Social Studies Mondays Science Wednesdays with Mrs. Madai Pichardo: 9 am to 12 pm Lunch: 12:00 - 12: 30 pm Math with Mr. Michael Soper: 12:30 - 1:30 pm English Language Arts with Mr. Ben Higgins: 1:30 - 3 pm
Secondary 7-12 M/W Core Instruction
Grades 7-12 have (almost all) classes operating concurrently at both campuses. This allows you to travel between campuses if you need a specific course requirement that is not offered at your main campus. Students may attend Mondays and Wednesdays for core classes, add on Tuesdays and Thursdays for Independent Practice, PE, and Electives, or take a class a-la-carte.
Physics (North)
Mr. Michael Pankion
This course will explore science of force and how mass and acceleration affects everything! We will begin to explore how math and energy are used, explored and accessed for our benefit in this world. We will use the scientific method during labs and other practical investigations. Students will practice writing skills and critical thinking skills as we learn how forces work. Curriculum: Conceptual Physics, tenth edition by Paul G Hewitt (Mr. Pankion will have copies of the textbook available to rent.) Bio: Mr. Pankion has spent decades in the classroom teaching a wide variety of students and a wide variety of subjects. His favorites include history and worldview. He is a longtime Alaska resident and is passionate about enriching the lives of his students so they may fully enjoy this life by understanding reality.
Chemistry (South)
Mrs. Jessica Reid
Science with Professor Reid
907-202-1694
9 am to 12 pm Mondays
Supplies Fee: $75
Dive into the fascinating world of matter! This course explores the building blocks of everything, from tiny atoms to the world around us. Through experiments, problem-solving, and engaging activities, you'll: Master the periodic table and atomic structure. Unravel the secrets of chemical reactions and how elements transform. Explore the properties of solids, liquids, and gases. Discover the role of energy in chemical changes. Demystify solutions and how concentration affects them. Investigate the intriguing world of acids and bases. This foundational course prepares you for further exploration in biology, medicine, engineering, and more. Curriculum: no books to order. Online curriculum is OpenSciEd.org
World History (North)
Mr. Michael Pankion
World History will review the major historical events around the world. The purpose of the class is to expose students to the major ideas and event beginning with the Renaissance through present day. We will review historical periods, to understand how society, governments and peoples' reaction to the environment and economics are influenced by themselves and their neighbors. Students will understand how these events impact traditions and ideas. Textbook: Glencoe World History (textbooks provided by instructor to buy or rent) Bio: Mr. Pankion has spent decades in the classroom teaching a wide variety of students and a wide variety of subjects. His favorites include history and worldview. He is a longtime Alaska resident and is passionate about enriching the lives of his students so they may fully enjoy this life by understanding reality.
American History (South)
Mr. Dennis Tayman
This year-long course is taught by Mr. Dennis Tayman (Tayman Tutoring). It covers United States history from pre-colonization to the present. Students will be exposed to history using multimedia resources. Books, movie clips, videos, internet, and hands on memorabilia all combine to bring to life the history of the USA. We will focus on topics such as: Geography, economics, government, religion/philosophy, entertainment, science/technology, and sociology. Student will examine the events, conflicts, celebrations, cultures, and the changing world dynamics that make up the American experiment and what brought it to the world stage. Resource: American Anthem by Holt publishing. ISBN# 0-03-068527-3 copyright 2007 (limited # of books will be provided- check with sponsor teacher or contact Dennis) $10/student for book rental Honors option = will require extra work in addition to regular assignments. $20 additional fee
Math (North and South)
Mr. Michael Soper
Math is done independently with a facilitator there to help with questions and to keep students on track. We recommend using Saxon curriculum at your child's level in tandem with NicoletheMathLady.com. Nicole the Math Lady is is an online portal that teaches the lessons in a video format and students may enter their answers for grading and immediate feedback. Buy a subscription through us at $60/year (to Renaissance Kids/Leigh Sloan) or get your own family subscription. Find out what level textbook to order by having your student complete the assessment at nicolethemathlady.com. You may also choose to have your child use a different math program that might work better for them. The facilitator for this class will provide daily feedback according to the needs of parents and students. Bio: Mr. Soper has 25+ years' experience teaching and tutoring math. As a father of seven, he understands that every child is unique and what works for one, or even several, will not work for all. Wherever you find him, Mr. Soper can be found supporting all levels and abilities of math. We are thankful to have him on our team!
Language Arts (North)
Mr. Richard Hofacker
This course emphasizes the fundamental language skills of reading, writing, speaking, listening, thinking, viewing and presenting. An emphasis on vocabulary, composition skills, and a general review of grammar will be an on-going part of the program. The course includes studies of various literary genres: short story, poetry, novel, drama, and non-fiction. Literature study will be supported by composition. Curriculum: Excellence in Literature, Reading and Writing through the Classics: American Literature by Janice Campbell, IEW Fix It Grammar Book 3 Bio: Mr. Hofacker has almost two decades of experience teaching in private and public settings, particularly English and Geography.
Language Arts (South)
Mr. Ben Higgins
Most students have a strange, mixed relationship with their language arts classes. I know I did. On one hand, strong communication skills are crucial to success in life. On the other hand, ELA classes tended toward forgettable at best and something 'to be endured' at worst. Why have we turned vital skill acquisition into drudgery that repels genuine learning? English/ Language Arts with B. T. Higgins seeks to help students find their voice, craft their thoughts into words of substance and clarity, positively influence the world, and improve their circumstances. No more powerful tool exists for improving student well-being and growth than words. In this class, as we interact with the different modalities of language and skill development, I hope each student discovers what they have to offer the world. Their ideas and perspectives are valuable. Their words are priceless assets that they should learn to employ well. Course Description: English/ Language Arts with Ben Higgins is a comprehensive course designed to teach the five modalities of communication to students in grades 7-12. These modalities include writing, reading, speaking, listening, and thinking. The class meets the requirements set by the ELA public school curriculum and provides a creative approach to language arts education. Each week, students will complete a writing project and deliver a presentation on their work. Through a discussion-based learning model, students will engage in productive exchanges of ideas to refine their skills. Students are assessed on active participation, careful listening, and completion of their homework assignments. The course will cover American and world literature analysis, editing, grammar, revising, public speaking, and logical thinking. Curriculum: Writers Room Book 2 by Ben Higgins (order through Ben Higgins), Fix-It Grammar Bio: B.T. Higgins is an accomplished author of numerous books catering to middle-grade readers, as well as two non-fiction works addressing fatherhood and educational improvement. With a wealth of experience as a veteran classroom teacher spanning over thirteen years, B.T. also brings over a decade's worth of expertise in teaching homeschoolers of all ages. Leveraging his authorial background, B.T. is enthusiastic about infusing language arts education with creativity, relevance, and real-life connections.
T/Th Independent Practice
and Electives (4th-12th)
Independent Practice for core subjects is offered for grades 4-12 at the North Campus. One half hour of PE is also included. Students may choose 1 or 2 electives with the package or may take these elective a-la-carte.
Independent Practice/PE North
Mr. Michael Pankion
Tuesday/Thursday Independent Practice days at the North Campus is just like home learning alongside peers and a trusted facilitator in a learning conducive environment. It is designed for 4th-12th graders. Each day is structured to ensure that students are working on the appropriate assigments that were given on Mondays and Wednesdays. There is one hour of math, one hour of language arts, and an alternating hour of science/social studies on different days. Mr. Pankion will be there to direct the students and hold them accountable for work accomplished with breaks and lunch factored in. He will encourage them to achieve their best work. The end of this time is spent doing 30 minutes of PE activities together. Those who sign up for the Tuesday/Thursday Independent Practice package will also be able to choose one or two electives following their PE class. Bio: Mr. Pankion has spent decades in the classroom teaching a wide variety of students and a wide variety of subjects. His favorites include history and worldview. He is a longtime Alaska resident and is passionate about enriching the lives of his students so they may fully enjoy this life by understanding reality.
Choir (North)
Mrs. Kim Gaines
More information TBA!
NEW IN JANUARY 2025
Forensic Science (North)
Mrs. Jessica Reid
Science with Professor Reid
907-202-1694
Target Grades 9-12, with some exceptions
1 - 3 pm Thursdays
Learn about forensic science through labs, mock crime scenes, case studies, projects, review games and exams. We'll study Observation Skills, Deductive Reasoning, Eyewitness Testimony, The Innocence Project, Investigative Processes, Types of Evidence, Searching the Crime Scene, Photographing the Crime Scene, Evidence Collection & Chain of Custody, Crime Scene to Court Room, the History of Forensics and more. Use real tools to gather and analyze evidence. Put your knowledge of biology, physics, and chemistry into real world application. This class will target grades 9-12. However, exceptions will be made for students outside of those grade levels on a case by case basis. There is no supplies or books fee.
Art (North)
Mrs. Esther Kelly
Esther Kelly Art: estherkellyart.com
907-575-9182
Target Grades: 4-8, but may be older
Supplies Fee: $50
1 - 3 pm Thursdays
Mrs. Kelly will introduce students to great artists and different styles of art by doing works of their own and using the techniques that great artist use in their own work. She will give students an appreciation of different styles of visiual art, as well as increasing their artistic skills. The NCAS Anchor standards will be used as a guide. The National Core Arts Standards (NCAS) outline three anchor standards for the Creating process in the arts: 1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work: This involves brainstorming and coming up with new artistic concepts. 2. Organize and develop artistic ideas and work: This step focuses on planning and structuring the artistic ideas into a coherent form. 3: Revise and complete artistic work: This involves revising and analyzing the artwork to ensure it meets the desired standards. These standards aim to guide artists in developing their creative processes from initial ideas to finished pieces. Esther Kelly is an artist and sign painter born and raised in the Netherlands. She has lived in Alaska for 11 years. She is married to an amazing Alaskan husband, and we have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. She loves to share her journey and experiences as an artist with children. She wants her students to learn that trying to be perfect is a limitation in art. It is important to have fun exploring new ways of creating. Students might find out that they are an amazing artist in a style they thought they would not like. She wants her students to stay creative, loose and develop themselves in critical thinkers. This makes the art journey more exciting and engaging for the students. We decide together what they learn. It will be a fun exploration of art!
On Purpose Plus (self-paced)
Mrs. Leigh Sloan
This is a self-paced online, faith-based course that may count for a leadership development one semester elective. Students will sign into a portal and can go through it on their own or with a parent. Leigh Sloan, the instructor, will also include a complementary coaching session with the students and parent(s) if desired toward the end of the course. The course is half-price ($100) when you sign up with the Green Room and recieve a coupon code. (Note: charter schools may not be billed for this course.) Video sessions are a brief 15-20 minutes each with journaling assignments to be done on their own or with a partner. This course is designed to help Christian students discover who they are and develop a plan to work toward their goals. We recommend students completing it at least once throughout their high school years. Buy once and go through it each year if you'd like. Some students may be ready to complete it in middle school. Students will develop: - Understanding of who God is and how he sees them. - Realization of their unique gifts and design. - Emotionally healthy ways of relating to God and others. - Tools that will help them lead themselves and others well. Students start out life light-years ahead of their peers and even many adults on understanding their passions and life purpose. Leigh Sloan is an author, minister, life-coach, and consultant. She administrates The Green Room Learning Community and is committed to helping your student thrive in his or her purpose! Special Discounted Price for Green Room Students: $100
