Classes

Elementary Botany Science + Art Hands- on (yes, gardening!) art and science class all about our beautifully botanical world. optional homework.

This intermediate to advanced classical guitar course is designed for students who already have an understanding of fundamental techniques and are ready to tackle more demanding repertoire and refine their artistry. Students will develop advanced technical skills, including rapid scale passages, complex arpeggios, slurs, vibrato, and various tonal colors through exploring different timbres and articulations. The curriculum emphasizes interpretation and musical expression through in-depth study of works from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and contemporary periods, including compositions by masters such as Bach, Sor, Tárrega, Villa-Lobos, and modern composers. Through regular performance opportunities and constructive feedback, students will build stage presence and confidence while cultivating their unique artistic voice. By the end of the course, students will be able to perform challenging concert repertoire with technical precision and mature musicality.

This introductory guitar course is designed for students with little to no prior musical experience who wish to explore the rich tradition of classical guitar performance. Students will develop foundational techniques including proper posture, hand position, and fingerstyle playing using the right-hand combination of thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. The curriculum covers essential skills such as reading standard musical notation and tablature, understanding basic music theory, and playing simple melodies, arpeggios, and chords. Through carefully selected repertoire ranging from Renaissance and Baroque pieces to contemporary arrangements and études, students will build technical proficiency while developing musicality and expression. By the end of the course, students will be able to perform beginner-level classical compositions with confidence, demonstrate proper care and maintenance of their instrument, and possess the skills necessary to continue their classical guitar journey independently or in more advanced study.

This welcoming all-ages choir program brings together singers from diverse experience levels to create beautiful choral music in a supportive, inclusive environment. Whether you're a complete beginner who has never sung in a group before or an experienced vocalist looking for a community ensemble, this choir offers an opportunity to develop your voice, musicianship, and confidence while making meaningful connections through shared musical experiences. Members will learn fundamental vocal techniques, including proper breathing, posture, tone production, and healthy singing habits, while also developing essential ensemble skills such as blending, balance, listening, and following a conductor. The repertoire spans a wide range of styles and periods, from traditional folk songs and sacred music to contemporary pop arrangements, world music, and seasonal favorites, ensuring that every singer finds something that resonates with them.

Improv Club is all ages this semester and available to anyone that wants to give improv a try. No pressure to perform, jump in any time, and just have fun playing improv games with us! Mild content warning: kids say the darndest things and I don't censor the performers! Occasionally, the teenage ones talk like teenagers do in 2026. Hope to see you Thursday afternoons!

This is a project-based, hands-on exploration of math and the world designed for 4th/5th grade students. Topics may include: codes, symmetry in nature, knotwork, mazes and labyrinths, cardioid art, origami and paper folding, maps, graphs, tessellations, etc. There is no required homework.

The world of literature is vast, and there are as many reading experiences as there are readers. In this course, we will explore this exciting landscape, understanding that some stories require an epic journey that spans hundreds of pages, while others are simply a short, meaningful walk with a new friend.

This semester, students will become explorers of the written word, using their "reader's compass" to explore both depth and breadth in storytelling. We will embark on a comprehensive study of a single, full-length novel to map the classic Hero’s Journey arc, while simultaneously exploring the diverse worlds of various genres through engaging short stories. This dual approach will build strong comprehension skills, critical thinking, and an appreciation for the many forms a story can take.

Together, we will participate in interactive "Literature Circles" and learn to map out story arcs and character journeys for both long and short formats. Students will be expected to complete reading outside of class time and be prepared to discuss what they have read. We will also complete 2-3 projects, including a small presentation component.

Understanding narrative arcs, such as the Hero’s Journey, and common genre characteristics prepares students in many ways academically; however, my favorite outcome of our reading adventure is helping your child discover exactly what kind of stories they love most and encouraging a lifelong desire to learn through literature.

Elementary Spanish class is an introduction to the Spanish language. My hope is to give students an ear for the language so they have a foundation for later Spanish studies. Students can expect games, music, movement, art, poetry and other creative activities to encourage participation. I will focus on listening and speaking in order to develop oral language. Some writing will be included, but I will always differentiate to meet student needs. We will also spend time learning about Spanish speaking countries. This includes map work, and food! All that is required is a 3 ring binder and a playful spirit.

New and unique art class for all ages inspired by Fairytales & Fantasies. Optional homework (finishing art projects).

Acting and performance for ages 6-8. Actors study the arts of improvisation, clowning, Greek theatre, and modern scene works in a fun, simplified, and age appropriate way. Occasional homework required (memorizing just a few lines).

In this High School level course students will take a deep dive into the world of ACC! Students will learn all about the TSI exam and prepare for taking it. We will take practice tests, master the essay portion, and learn important study skills. Students will learn about study tips, notetaking styles, and how to plan class schedules & projects. We will also discuss what goals they have for their time at ACC, tour at least one ACC campus, explore the ACC Make It Center, and have guest lectures. Homework will be minimal, roughly an hour per week. Field trips will be scheduled based on availability of the majority.

AP Environmental Science is a college-level environmental science course. This course is taught as a traditional science course, incorporating laboratory activities, virtual activities, short-term projects, long-term studies, and field investigations. While not required, students will find it beneficial if they have already taken high-school biology and chemistry prior to this class. Students should expect to spend 6-10 hours a week outside of class doing assigned readings, assigned projects, watching videos, lab work, and studying for the AP exam. Grades are provided for this course in addition to the AP exam score. This is a college-level class. There is an additional lab fee for this course, and parents are responsible for registering students for the AP exam, approximately $100.

Please Note: It is not required to sit for the AP exam to take this class, but that does not reduce the courseload. Students can still list it on their transcript as an AP class, whether or not they take the exam. To be eligible for college credit, most colleges/universities require a 4 or 5 on the exam.

Topics covered in this course include:

• ●  Ecosystems

• ●  Biodiversity

• ●  Populations

• ●  Earth Systems and Resources

• ●  Land and Water Use

• ●  Energy Resources and Consumption

• ●  Atmospheric Pollution

• ●  Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution

• ●  Global Change
  Required Materials
  ● Environmental Science for the AP Course, 4th ed. by Andrew Friedland and Rick Relyea, ISBN: 978-1319409289, available through the Amazon Marketplace, or your preferred book seller.
  ● There are 4 non-fiction books that will be required reading for this class. These can be purchased or borrowed from your favorite library.

• ○  Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert

• ○  Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet by Ben Goldfarb

• ○  Cod: The Biography of a Fish that Changed the World by Mark Kulansky

• ○  Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Pandemic by David Quammen

• ●  An AP-approved calculator (see list here)

• ●  goggles, ANSI standard Z87.1 approved (safety googles will NOT work), like these

• ●  Computer access for Google Classroom

• ●  binder or notebook for notes

• ●  lab notebook

Algebra I is a high school math course designed for students who have completed a middle school sequence of math. Pre-Algebra is not required for Algebra I, but will be helpful for students who need to strengthen the foundation before jumping into Algebra. While it is a high school level course, it is also open to highly motivated and mature middle school students. This is a graded course that can be added to college application transcripts - even if your student is in middle school. As such, students should expect to spend 3-5 hours outside of class time each week working on assignments for class.

Topics covered in this course include:

• ●  Signed number, exponents, and roots

• ●  Scientific notations and unit conversions

• ●  Evaluating polynomial, rational, and radical expressions

• ●  Solving linear equations and linear systems

• ●  Radical equations and linear inequalities of one and two variables

• ●  Statistics and probability

• ●  Direct and inverse variations

• ●  Quadratic equations
  Required Materials

• ●  Saxon Algebra I Homeschool Kit with Solutions, ISBN: 9781600329715, available through Rainbow Resource, or your preferred book seller.

• ●  Texas Instruments TI-30XIIS Scientific Calculator, available at Target or Amazon.

• ●  Computer access for Google Classroom (requires an email address)

• ●  binder or notebook for notes

Biology I is an honors-level high school science course. This course is taught as a traditional

science course, incorporating laboratory activities, virtual activities, short-term projects, long-term studies, and field investigations. Previous experience with a course in life science will be helpful. Highly motivated 8th graders may be admitted with instructor approval. This is a graded course that can be added to college application transcripts - even if your student is in middle school. As such, students should expect to spend 3-5 hours outside of class time each week preparing for class.
Topics covered in this course include:

• ●  Biochemistry

• ●  Ecology and ecosystems

• ●  Cell Biology

• ●  Genetics and heredity

• ●  Biotechnology

• ●  Evolution

• ●  Classification

• ●  Anatomy and physiology
  Students will have the opportunity to conduct their own research experiments. There will be an option for dissection for students who choose to participate. Dissections are not required to take this class. There is an additional lab fee for this course.
  Required Materials

• ●  Miller & Levine Biology, ISBN: 978-0328925124, available through the Amazon Marketplace, or your preferred book seller.

• ●  A basic calculator - does not need to be a graphing calculator

• ●  Computer access for Google Classroom

• ●  binder or notebook for notes

• ●  1 subject spiral notebook for lab notebook

Chemistry I is an honors-level high school science course. This course is taught as a traditional science course, incorporating laboratory activities, virtual activities, short-term projects, and long-term studies. Previous experience with a course in chemistry will be very helpful. This is a graded course and students should expect to spend 3-5 hours outside of class time each week preparing for class.

Students will have the opportunity to conduct and present on their own research experiments in this course. There is an additional lab fee for this course.

Topics covered in this course include:

• ●  Scientific Method and Measurement

• ●  Matter and its Properties

• ●  The Periodic Table

• ●  Atomic Theory

• ●  Structure and Bonding

• ●  Acids and Bases

• ●  Chemical Compounds

• ●  Stoichiometry

• ●  Organic Chemistry
  Required Materials

• ●  Pearson Chemistry, ISBN 978-1323205907, available through the Amazon Marketplace, or your preferred book seller.

• ●  goggles, ANSI standard Z87.1 approved (safety googles will NOT work), like these

• ●  A basic calculator - does not need to be a graphing calculator

• ●  Computer access for Google Classroom (requires an email address)

• ●  binder or notebook for notes

• ●  lab notebook

In this civics class, students will explore how government works at the local, state, and federal levels. We will study the structure of the United States government, the roles of its branches, and how laws are created—from an idea to a bill becoming law. Students will examine their role as citizens by learning about the election process, as well as the rights and responsibilities that come with citizenship. Through discussion and real-world examples, students will gain a better understanding of how individuals can participate in and influence their government. The class will also focus on analyzing current events and developing strong news literacy skills. Students will learn how to identify bias in media, evaluate sources, and follow elections to better understand what is happening in the world around them. Throughout the course, students will: -Study primary government documents -Discuss current events -Participate in a mock government -Practice civil discourse and respectful debate -Compare different forms of government -Talk to local representatives and learn about city council -Write and present their own bill Goal: By the end of the course, students will walk away with the knowledge and skills needed to be informed, thoughtful, and engaged citizens in their community.

These literature courses explore banned and challenged books as a lens for understanding storytelling, critical thinking, and the role of literature in society today. Middle and high school students will read a selection of texts that have sparked debate and examine why books are challenged, how censorship works, and what these conversations reveal about culture, values, and power.

Students will develop essential academic reading and writing skills, including how to read closely, annotate texts, and identify key ideas and themes. They will also learn and practice various strategies for answering short-response questions, participating in discussion, and supporting ideas with text-based evidence.

Through guided analysis and respectful conversation, students will strengthen their ability to think independently, evaluate perspectives, and express their ideas clearly—skills that support success across disciplines and beyond the classroom.

Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week reading and annotating assigned texts as well as answering a maximum of 3 short answer questions. The last 4 weeks of class, students will have the opportunity to complete a “Defending the Right to Read” advocacy project on a challenged or banned book of their choice.

Required Materials:

2 Challenged or Banned Books to be determined after classes start. The class will vote on the first one, and individuals will choose the second one from a curated list. Once the class votes, students will have 2 weeks to get the books in hand.

A variety of materials for annotating hard-copy texts. Examples: Different colored pens/pencils, multi-colored ballpoint pen, sticky notes (1X1 and/or 3X3), sticky note flags of different colors. We will be experimenting with a variety of ways to engage with a text.Try to choose pens that won’t bleed through the pages.

**NOTE: Other than the book choices,the structure of the middle school and high school courses will be the same. Depending on the texts chosen and the interests of the students, conversations may include topics such as:

• Identity, culture, and belonging

• Family structures and relationships

• Race, ethnicity, and immigration

• Gender and sexuality

• Power, fairness, and justice

• Historical or contemporary social issues

• Ethical questions and decision-making

Students will NOT be asked to share personal experiences unless they choose to do so. Rather, the topics will be addressed through the lens of the text, with age-appropriate guidance and clear expectations for respectful dialogue.

Yearbook Club is a hands-on, creative team where students work together to capture the story of the school year. Members take photos at classes and events, conduct interviews with students, write captions, and design page layouts for our co-op’s official yearbook. The club fosters teamwork, creativity, and practical publishing skills in a real-world setting. No experience is required—just a willingness to learn, collaborate, and have fun while creating something meaningful that will be enjoyed for years to come.

Artists ages 12+ design and produce artistic elements for various theatrical productions, including (but not limited to) Greek theatre masks, props, costuming, makeup design, program design, set design/construction, and more. optional rollover time into fifth period. Some homework required (finishing art projects).

This music theory and composition course bridges foundational concepts with practical creative application, designed for students who have basic musical literacy and wish to deepen their understanding of how music works while developing their own compositional voice. Students will explore essential theoretical concepts, including scales, modes, intervals, chord construction and progressions, voice leading, harmonic analysis, and form, while simultaneously applying these principles to original compositions. The curriculum balances analytical study of works from various musical traditions—including common practice period classics, jazz standards, and contemporary styles—with hands-on composition projects that encourage experimentation and personal expression. Students will develop critical listening skills, learn to identify and notate musical structures by ear, and gain proficiency in arranging for different instruments and ensembles. By the end of the course, students will possess a solid theoretical framework for understanding music across genres, have completed several original compositions demonstrating their grasp of melodic development, harmonic progression, and be equipped with the analytical and creative tools to continue their musical growth as both informed listeners and emerging composers.

Advanced Creative WritingExplore ambitious genres and styles through writer-driven projects including (but not limited to) playwriting for performance, novels, and more. Feedback is exclusively through Read & Respond method. Ages 12+. homework required (writing outside of class).

Earth Science & Astronomy is an honors-level middle school science course. It is designated as honors not because it’s more work, but because I will introduce additional advanced topics in this course that are not generally introduced until high school.This course is taught as a traditional science course, incorporating laboratory activities, virtual activities, short-term projects, long-term studies, and field investigations. No previous formal science classes are required to be successful in this class. Grades are provided for this course. Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours a week outside of class doing assignments, watching videos, and working on projects. There is an additional lab fee for this course.

Topics covered in this course include:

• ●  The Scientific Methods and Models

• ●  Rocks & Minerals

• ●  Energy Resources

• ●  The Fossil Record

• ●  Volcanoes

• ●  Weathering & Soil Formation

• ●  Water, Erosion, & Deposition

• ●  Oceanography

• ●  The Atmosphere and Weather

• ●  Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe

• ●  Formation of the Solar System

• ●  The Planets of our Solar System

• ●  Space Exploration
  Required Materials

• ●  Holt McDougal Earth Science, ISBN: 978-0554005393, available through the Amazon Marketplace, or your preferred book seller.

• ●  goggles, ANSI standard Z87.1 approved (safety googles will NOT work)

• ●  A basic calculator - does not need to be a graphing calculator

• ●  Computer access for Google Classroom (requires an email address)

• ●  binder or notebook for notes

Acting and performance for ages 9-11. Actors study the arts of improvisation, clowning, Greek theatre, and modern scene works in a fun and slightly more challenging way. Occasional homework required (memorizing lines).

This class is the fall semester on repeat for anyone wanting to start now.

Life Science is an honors-level middle school science course. It is designated as honors not because it’s more work, but because I will introduce additional advanced topics in this course that are not generally introduced until high school. This course is taught as a traditional science course, incorporating laboratory activities, virtual activities, short-term projects, long-term studies, and field investigations. No previous formal science classes are required to be successful in this class.

Grades are provided for this course. Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours a week outside of class doing assignments, watching videos, and working on projects. There will be an option for dissection for students who choose to participate. Dissections are not required to take this class. There is an additional lab fee for this course.

Topics covered in this course include:

• ●  The Scientific Method

• ●  Characteristics of Living Things

• ●  Cell Biology

• ●  Genetics and heredity

• ●  Evolution

• ●  Classification

• ●  Anatomy and physiology

• ●  Biochemistry

• ●  Ecology
  Required Materials

• ●  Holt Science & Technology Life Science, ISBN: 978-0030462245, available through the Amazon Marketplace, or your preferred book seller.

• ●  goggles, ANSI standard Z87.1 approved (safety googles will NOT work)

• ●  A basic calculator - does not need to be a graphing calculator

• ●  Computer access for Google Classroom

• ●  binder or notebook for notes

This interactive Middle School Spanish class builds understanding through real-world communication and engaging written work.  I emphasize oral language through participatory activities and written work will focus on building vocabulary and basic conjugations. Students will build their own textbook as we go along and will end the year with a resource they can use in future Spanish classes. We will also spend time learning about Spanish speaking countries – map work and food tasting as well as cultural studies. High school age students are welcome to join, but content will cover middle school curriculum.

Selective admission course pending audition (see audition notice) for actors ages 12 & up, with rare exceptions considered for actors younger than age 12. Pre-requisites in BEG and INT Drama and/or alt theatre experience are highly recommended. Actors will audition, rehearse, and perform in full-scale theatrical productions throughout the year. This class has optional rollover time into fifth period & occasional time requirements outside of class for dress/tech rehearsals and performances. Homework required (memorizing lines).

Forensic Science is a science course that incorporates biology, chemistry, math, and physics and is recommended for upper middle school or high school students. This course is taught as a traditional science course, incorporating laboratory activities, virtual activities, and short-term projects. A previous course in biology and/or chemistry will be helpful, but is not required. This is a graded course. Grades are provided for this course. Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours a week outside of class doing assignments, watching videos, and working on projects.

Topics covered in this course include:

• ●  Crime Scene Processing

• ●  Types of fingerprints, fingerprint analysis, and fuming for fingerprints

• ●  Hair and fiber analysis

• ●  Identifying glass fragments using physical matches and refractive analysis

• ●  Soils and impression casts

• ●  Ballistics and tool markings

• ●  Blood spatters

• ●  DNA Evidence

• ●  Drug analysis and toxicology

• ●  Forensic entomology and anthropology

• ●  Careers in Forensic Science
  Required Materials

• ●  Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, ISBN: 978-1305077119, available through the Amazon Marketplace, or your preferred book seller.

• ●  goggles, ANSI standard Z87.1 approved (safety googles will NOT work)

• ●  A basic calculator - does not need to be a graphing calculator

• ●  Computer access for Google Classroom (requires an email address)

• ●  binder or notebook for notes

• ●  lab notebook

This introductory art class is designed to spark creativity while building an appreciation for great artists throughout history. Each week students will be introduced to a new artist ranging from classic painters to contemporary visionaries, and explore the unique techniques and styles that make their work stand out. After learning about the artist’s background and signature methods, students will create their own artwork inspired by that week’s focus, experimenting with painting and drawing techniques that encourage self-expression and hands-on learning. The class emphasizes creativity, curiosity, and confidence, helping young artists develop both their artistic skills and their understanding of art’s rich cultural history.

Join the Science Bowl Club, where middle and high school students come together to explore the exciting world of science through trivia and competition! The National Science Bowl® (NSB) is a highly competitive event that challenges teams of students to solve technical problems and answer questions across all branches of science and math. You can see sample middle school questions here and sample high school questions here. Our club will hold weekly practice sessions where students can engage in a fun, fast-paced, buzzer-style trivia game, honing their knowledge and skills in a supportive environment.

This club is open to all middle and high school students interested in answering and learning challenging science trivia, regardless of their experience level. However, official Science Bowl practice sessions will continue to take place at AAH Science Team on Fridays, and the teams AAH takes to the regional competition will be made up of members of the AAH Science Team. So if you’re interested in competing at the regional contest, you’ll need to also join the AAH Science Team. This club is just a dedicated bonus weekly practice time for students who are excited to get better at Science Bowl.

This club will support the level of engagement of its members. If students are really into improving their performance, there will be optional weekly homework to research questions missed during the quiz sessions. Otherwise no homework will be assigned, and no grades will be given.