Classes Fall 2026-Spring 2027

Art Club is a dedicated open studio time for MS and HS students seeking additional or focused time to develop their creative projects. It is designed to support ongoing artistic work, encourage inspiration through shared space, and foster growth within a collaborative environment. All styles and approaches are welcome and supported! This space is intended both for enrolled art students who wish to work more in depth and for students unable to take an art class who want the opportunity to create alongside other artists.

There is a per semester supply fee of $25 *

(*fee waived for students enrolled in a current studio art or art history class)

Since the first days of flickering fires in ancient caves to the modern ghost stories that we tell each other around the campfire, people have used myths to explain the terrifying, the beautiful, and the as yet unexplained. This course is an introduction to the foundational myths and folklore connected with civilizations across time and around the globe. Students will read, listen to, and watch stories from the ancient oral traditions of ancient Mesopotamia and the Americas to modern interpretations found in multiple mediums including the written (books) and spoken (podcasts) word and visual formats such as live action and animation - television, motion pictures and video games.

Four Keys for Understanding

Every story we study will be filtered through these “Four Keys,” teaching how to perceive the storyteller’s intent:

Explanatory: Using myth to explain natural phenomena (Why does it thunder? Why do we die?)

Moral Instruction: Using a narrative to define right from wrong and present consequences

Social Instruction: Using legends to establish cultural hierarchies, laws, and “who is in charge”

Comfort & Inspiration: Using stories to provide hope, address grief, or inspire bravery

Students will explore four distinct phases of human communication: the Oral Era (epic poems, indigenous creation myths, etc.), the Written Transition (fairy tales, the tales of King Arthur, his knights and their round table, etc.), the Visual Revolution (graphic novels, shorts and feature films, etc.), and the Interactive Frontier (video games). Through our journey, they will learn to identify the explanations or morals being communicated by the storyteller and understand how recurring characters behave (The Hero, Trickster, Shadow) across vastly different cultures and eras, and enhance their media literacy by observing how different mediums (text vs. film vs. interactive games, etc.) change the way a “moral” or lesson is delivered and why those changes may occur.

Homework

For this age group, homework is never required. However, if students wish to spend more time with the myths and cultures we are studying, there will be optional assignments they can complete alone or with their family.

Students can expect to spend 30-90 minutes weekly outside class. This may be a combination of reading, reviewing media (podcasts, movies, etc.), and a short journal assignment based upon the material. If students choose to participate in journal assignments, these can be completed by hand or computer and can vary from a handwritten paragraph to a drawing or craft or an audio or video record of their thoughts.

Required Materials

· Myths, Legends, and Sacred Stories: A Visual Encyclopedia – This can be new, used, paperback or hardback.

· Additional reading materials will be provided by the Instructor

Get ready to explore, experiment, and discover!  This 4th/5th-grade science course will cover a broad curriculum focusing on physical science, life science, and Earth/space systems through interactive investigations, creative projects, and engaging lessons.  My goal is to build excitement and curiosity about science!

No additional materials/textbooks are required, and no homework (aside from occasionally finishing class work) will be assigned.

This welcoming youth 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. 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.

Explorations of Math in Art (Ages 6+)

This class is a hands-on exploration of math, art and the world. The aim is to have fun while exploring mathematics that we see in art and the world. Topics may include: fractions, symmetry in nature, knotwork, weaving, mazes and labyrinths, cardioid art, origami and paper folding, maps, graphs, tessellations, and codes. Topics and activities are deliberately varied from year to year, so that this course can be repeated.

There is no required homework.

There is an additional $25/semester materials fee requested for this course.

In Semester One, we’ll jump into the colorful world of The Cardboard Kingdom, where kids turn cardboard into epic adventures, and we’ll learn how pictures and words work together to tell a story. In Semester Two, we’ll follow the tiny but mighty hero of The Tale of Despereaux as we uncover how authors build suspense, shape character growth, and craft satisfying endings. Along the way, we’ll explore short stories and picture books, and a lively poetry unit too! Younger students will respond through drawing, storytelling, and discussion, while older students may dig deeper with written reflections and literary analysis. Pre-readers are welcome. Our goal is to further develop a love for literature, and learn some things in the process!

Skills Covered

• Identifying story elements and plot structure

• Understanding character motivation and theme

• Making predictions and drawing conclusions

• Exploring poetic devices and imagery

• Strengthening discussion and critical thinking skills

• Expressing ideas through writing and creative response

• Building confidence in literary analysis

No required materials; $25 supply fee requested.

Optional Materials (suggested for readers who like to follow along in the book during a read-aloud):

• The Cardboard Kingdom (A Graphic Novel) by Chad Sell, ISBN: 978-1524719388

• The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, ISBN: 978-0763680893

K-3 students are invited for exciting adventures into the world of science! In this interactive, hands-on class, students will dive into exciting scientific concepts inspired by the beloved Magic School Bus series. Each week, learners will embark on a new journey to fascinating destinations—outer space, the ocean depths, the human body, and beyond—bringing learning to life through experiments, creative activities, and group discussions.

From whirling weather patterns to buzzing ecosystems, students will ask questions, make discoveries, and develop a love for science. Together with Ms. Frizzle, we will learn that with curiosity and imagination anything is possible!

For current Magic School Bus families: If your student joins again next year, expect mostly new topics, fresh experiments and projects, and even deeper exploration of the science concepts we cover.

Skills Covered

• Introduction to the scientific method

• Asking scientific questions and making predictions

• Participating in hands-on experiments and investigations

• Observing, recording, and discussing results

• Understanding foundational concepts in life, earth, and physical science

• Developing scientific vocabulary

• Building critical thinking and problem-solving skills through exploration

No required materials, but a $25 supply fee is requested.

This engaging elementary Spanish class is designed to help younger students build confidence in speaking and understanding Spanish through interactive, oral language-focused activities.  I emphasize listening and speaking development.  Students will learn everyday vocabulary and phrases through songs, poetry, games, role-play, movement, and other fun activities.  We will also spend time learning about the culture of Spanish-speaking countries.

No additional materials/textbooks are required, and no homework will be assigned; however, reviewing topics covered in class would help to build proficiency.

Although some of the same material from the 25/26 session will be covered, it will be presented using different activities and would be suitable for current students to re-take.

This Spanish class will be geared towards younger Elementary students.  I will introduce young learners to Spanish through songs, games, stories, movement, and creative activities.  We will explore Spanish in a fun and playful way!  Children will learn basic vocabulary and simple sentences; my focus will be on oral language. We will also learn about cultures in Spanish-speaking countries – focusing on music, food, and celebrations.

This project-based studio class introduces young artists to the foundational concepts of visual art in a fun, supportive, and imaginative environment. Designed for students ages 6–11, the course encourages curiosity, exploration, and confidence while building essential artistic skills through hands-on learning.

Students will explore a wide variety of 2D and 3D art-making approaches, gaining experience with materials such as drawing tools, paint, collage, clay, and mixed media, learning core artistic language and concepts along the way.

A strong emphasis is placed on developing ideas and encouraging students to think like artists—observing closely, experimenting boldly, and expressing their unique perspectives. They are encouraged to take creative risks, share their ideas, and reflect on their work in a positive way.

There is an additional $25/semester supply fee for this course.

In this fun hands-on class, elementary aged students will build their outdoor skills while connecting with our local ecosystem.  Each class will begin with a 5-10 minute sit spot where students log their observations in their personal nature journal - paying close attention to seasonal changes, urban wildlife and tiny details they may have previously missed.  Students will then gather up and shift focus to the days’ lesson, craft, or skill.  This will include topics like survival priorities, wilderness safety, native species, simple shelters, knot tying, edible/medicinal plants, and nature crafts.  Class wraps up with active and exciting games like ‘fox tails’, ‘fire in the forest’, and ‘run rabbit run’.  Emphasis will be placed on safety, leave-no-trace, and ethical/respectful practices - with credit given to the original inhabitants of this land and the origin of the skills.

For safety and individualised attention this class will be assisted by teen wilderness aficionados, well versed in all things outdoorsy and excited to share their knowledge and skills.

A supply fee of $25 per semester will cover the journals and crafting materials.

Appropriate clothing for the weather is encouraged, along with shoes for active play.

Elementary students are invited to explore the world through folktales, legends, and cultural stories while building foundational geography skills. Each unit focuses on a new region as students locate countries and continents on the map, learn about traditions and daily life, and discover how land, climate, and culture shape the stories people tell. Through map work, cultural exploration, and creative projects, students will develop global awareness and a deeper understanding of the connections between place and tradition. Activities are thoughtfully adapted to meet students at their individual ability levels, inviting younger learners to explore through drawing and oral storytelling while older students dive deeper into cultural discoveries, map exploration, and connections between place and tradition.

For current Passport families: Coming back next year? Expect fresh books, creative projects, and a deeper dive into each region — with multiple weeks per country so we have time to really explore

Skills Covered

• Identifying continents, countries, and world regions

• Understanding how geography influences culture

• Comparing traditions across cultures

• Making connections between place and story

• Listening comprehension and discussion skills

• Creative cultural projects

No required materials; $25 supply fee requested.

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.

Required Materials

Guitar (preferably classical)

Recommended sizing: 1/4 size (ages 4-6), 1/2 size (ages 5-8), 3/4 size (ages 8-12), and full-size (12+ or 5ft+ tall).

This introductory ukulele course is designed for students with little to no prior musical experience who wish to learn the basics of playing Ukulele. Ukulele is a great introductory instrument for younger students who may be interested in playing other stringed instruments down the road. Students will develop foundational techniques including proper posture, hand position, pick and fingerstyle playing. The curriculum covers essential skills such as reading standard musical notation, tablature, and chord diagrams. understanding basic music theory, and playing simple melodies, arpeggios, and chords. By the end of the course, students will be able to perform beginner-level ukulele songs with confidence, demonstrate proper care and maintenance of their instrument, and possess the skills necessary to continue their musical journey, on ukulele or other stringed instruments.

Required Materials

Ukulele

Acting 1: Beginning and Intermediate- level actors learn theatrical performance foundations through Improv, Theatrical movement techniques including Laban Movement Analysis and Jacques Lecoq Levels of Tension, and performance. This class is ideal for Elementary and Middle School-aged actors who are continuing to strengthen their reading/memorization proficiency and confidence; previous acting experience is welcome, but not required.

Performances: 1-2 per semester (no additional tech rehearsals, but each performance day has a call time of two hours prior to performance).

Outside of class rehearsals: On occasion, an Acting 1 performer may be invited to perform in the Acting 2 theatrical productions. If they opt to participate, each production has 1-2 tech rehearsals (with advance scheduling notification).

Homework: Memorizing lines, as needed.

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 consider current events 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

• 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.

In this single semester, High School level course students will take a deep dive into Dual Enrollment classes at Austin Community College (ACC).  Together we will work through the ACC application process, examine and prepare for the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) and tour an ACC campus.  Special guest speakers include currently enrolled homeschoolers at ACC and our ACC representative.  Additional topics include study skills, choosing the best initial classes, using the Rate My Professors website, special ACC offerings and setting college goals.

Homework includes completing ACC application steps,  practicing for the TSI, and exploring related media.  Students will use Google Classroom and need a computer with internet access.

No other materials or fees.

There will be at least one tour scheduled outside of our normal class hours.

We will discuss opportunities for taking the TSI and first class with peers.

AP Psychology (strict 9th grade minimum) is a college-level social science course. This course will follow AP guidelines to prepare students to take the AP exam in May 2027. This is a college-level class and students should expect to spend 6-10 hours a week outside of class doing assigned readings, assigned projects, watching videos, lab work (yes, there are labs in psychology!), and studying for the AP exam. Grades are provided for this course in addition to the AP exam score.

Additionally, students will need to register for the AP exam with their local school. The AP Exam fee is approximately $100. This fee is NOT included in the course fees and registration for the course does NOT register you for the exam. Students will need to create a College Board account and register for the exam independently.

Please Note: It is not required to sit for the AP exam to take this class, but that does not reduce the course load and class expectations. 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:

• Research methods in psychology

• Biological basis of behavior

• Sensation and perception

• Consciousness and sleep

• Learning and cognition

• Motivation, emotion, and stress

• Developmental psychology

• Personality

• Abnormal behavior and its treatment

• Social Psychology

Required Materials

• Myers’ Psychology for the AP Course (3rd edition), ISBN: 978-1319070502, available through the Amazon Marketplace, or your preferred book seller.

• Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman, ISBN: 978-0374275631

• Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker, ISBN: 978-1501144332

• How Emotions are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain by Lisa Barrett, ISBN: 97801328915436

• Shrinks: The Untold History of Psychiatry by Jeffery Lieberman, ISBN: 978-0316278980

• Computer access for Google Classroom

• binder or notebook for notes

Recommended Materials

• An AP Prep book, like the 2027 Princeton Review AP Psychology Prep book or the Barron's AP Psychology Prep book  (both publishing in August 2026).

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

Botany (13+) is an upper middle- and high- school science course. This course is taught as a traditional science course, incorporating laboratory activities, virtual activities, short-term projects, field investigations, and long-term studies. Students should have taken a previous course in biology before taking this course. Students should expect to spend 2-3 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 $50 lab fee for this course.

Topics covered in this course include:

• Parts of the plant: roots, stems, and leaves

• Genetics and molecular biology

• Plant names and classification

• Plant Metabolism

• Meiosis and alteration of generations

• Evolution

• Classification

Required Materials

• McGraw Hill Stern’s Introductory Plant Biology (14th edition), ISBN 978-1259682742, available through the Amazon Marketplace, or your preferred book seller.

• Field microscope like this.

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

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

• Computer access for Google Classroom

• binder or notebook for notes

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

HS Cultural Anthropology (13+):

This course introduces students to cultural anthropology through a modern anti-colonial lens. Students will explore culture, power, race, gender, globalization, inequality, migration, environment, and activism using ethnographic thinking and critical analysis. Emphasis will be placed on questions of representation and ethics.  Our main text will be “Perspectives: An Open Invitation to Cultural Anthropology", an open access multi author college textbook along with various articles, videos, podcasts, and movies.

Students will learn to:
• Define and apply key anthropological concepts
• Analyze systems of power and inequality
• Evaluate representation and narrative authority
• Conduct basic ethnographic observation

Materials
• Textbook - “Perspectives: An Open Invitation to Cultural Anthropology” 2nd Edition              ISBN: 1931303673 (free online or available in print new and used)
• Notebook or digital journal
• Internet access and Google Classroom

Homework Expectations:
Students will complete 1–3 hours of work weekly including reading, reflective writing, listening/viewing, and occasional small projects.

Description:

This course is designed to teach students the fundamentals of object-oriented programming. While this course is meant for high school students, highly motivated middle school students are welcome. Students will utilize the Java programming language to learn and apply various programming concepts. No prior programming experience is required.

Concepts:

Classes, subclasses, objects, methods, attributes, sequence, selection, repetition, encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, conditionals, debugging, setters, getters, arrays, and UML diagrams..

Homework:

Students should expect to spend 3-5 hours per week outside of class completing assignments and projects.

Required Materials:

• Laptop (Windows, Macbook or Chromebook)

• Visual Studio Code Editor (Free)

• Draw.io (free)

• Internet Access

In this high-school Literature Course, we will explore how writers shape our understanding of the world through both evidence-based argument and powerful storytelling.

In the Fall, students will read paired short fiction and nonfiction texts, learning to analyze and distinguish between sound reasoning and flawed logic, recognize bias and persuasive techniques, and support their own ideas with clear, evidence-based thinking. We will consider questions such as: If fiction isn’t true, why do some stories feel so real? And how do we know that nonfiction is really true?

In the Spring, students will read Born a Crime by Trevor Noah and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, examining how a non-fiction author and a fiction author draw on personal experience, cultural context, and narrative voice to shape their stories. We will consider questions such as: How can personal stories reveal truths that facts alone cannot? And how do humor and narrative help people make sense of difficult realities?

Students will maintain a reading journal throughout the year to record responses to texts, track questions, and prepare for class discussion. Journal entries will provide evidence of students’ developing ability to analyze ideas, consider multiple perspectives, and support their conclusions with reasoning from the text.

Topics covered in this course include:

Analysis of fiction and non-fiction texts
How authors influence what readers believe or question
Distinguishing fact, opinion, and interpretation
Sound reasoning vs. flawed logic
Bias, perspective, and point of view
Credibility and reliability of information
Evidence-based discussion and argument

Identity, culture, and belonging
Using humor and storytelling to communicate serious ideas

Required Materials:

Bound composition or spiral notebook (not loose-leaf notebook) for reading journal

3-ring binder

lined, looseleaf paper

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (Spring semester)

ISBN# 978-0399588198

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie (Spring semester)

ISBN# 978-0316013697

Physics (13+) 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. A previous course in chemistry will be helpful. Students should expect to spend 3-5 hours outside of class time each week preparing for class. While this class will emphasize the concepts of physics, students will find this course easier if they have completed Algebra I. There is an additional $50 lab fee for this course.

The expected course sequence for high school courses is biology, chemistry, and then physics as the material in each of these classes builds upon what was learned in previous years. If your child wants to take classes outside of this traditional sequence, instructor approval is required; please speak with Aubrey prior to registering.

Topics covered in this course include:

• Forces in one and two dimensions

• Gravitation

• Rotational Motion

• Momentum and energy

• Waves

• Reflection and Refraction

• Electric Current and Circuits

• Magnetism

• Nuclear and particle physics

Required Materials

• McGraw Hill Inspire Physics, ISBN: 987-0076884544, available through the Amazon Marketplace, or your preferred book seller.

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

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

• Computer access for Google Classroom

• binder or notebook for notes

Algebra II is a continuation of the Saxon high school math sequence designed for students who have successfully completed Saxon Algebra I or an equivalent Algebra I course. While it is a high school level course, it is also open to highly motivated and mature middle school students. This graded high school level course can be added to college application transcripts - even if your student is in middle school. Students who complete the Saxon Algebra I and Algebra II sequence may also claim high school credit for Geometry.

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: uniform motion; simultaneous equations with 2 and 3 variables; non-linear equations; geometry; right-triangle trigonometry and trigonometric ratios; conversion from rectangular to polar coordinates; addition of vectors; quadratic formulas and roots of quadratic equations; graphing lines and parabolas.

Required materials​:

• Saxon Algebra II Homeschool Kit with Solutions (3rd edition), ISBN: 9781600329722, available through Rainbow Resource Center here, or your preferred book seller.

• Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus calculator, available at Target or Amazon

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

• Binder or notebook for notes

A Timeline of Social Justice Initiatives in America (13+)

While we may consider Social Justice to be a modern, progressive term, it originally appeared in the 1840s to describe the kind of virtue necessary for mediating social problems. Before the term was coined, the historical record is rife with accounts of the need and the application of social justice by various activists, reformers, politicians and ordinary people.

This is an examination of the idea of social justice and its related initiatives from 1492 to present day in the United States of America. Instruction will utilize materials ranging from speeches, pamphlets, folk tales and music, sermons, newspaper exposes, radio broadcasts, television and film. Special attention will be paid to the evolving definition of social justice and the roles of peaceful protest and civil disobedience.

This course will be structured chronologically, across five units. In class, students will be analyzing primary sources, participating in guided discussions, listening or watching a variety of media and recording their thoughts for use in future discussions or homework. The units covered will be - Foundations (1491-1776), 19th Century Reform, Nonviolence & Civil Rights, Late 20th Century, and 21st Century.

The following questions will be the starting point for most topics and accompanying discussions. Students will be invited to draw parallels between historic events and our current culture and politics.

• How is “social Justice” defined in this era?

• Who defines it?

• What strategies are used (petition, pamphlet, sermon, journalism, protest, civil disobedience, conscious objection, media)?

• What are the risks and the consequences to those involved?

Homework

Students can expect to spend 1-3 hours weekly outside class. This may be a combination of primary source reading, reviewing media (podcast, clip, speech, music/lyrics), and an assignment based upon a prompt provided in class. Students will often have opportunities that allow them to tailor their homework to their preferred mediums, written (reflection paper, journal entry, script, etc.), visual (political cartoon, student on the street interview, flyer/poster, etc.) or audio (theme aligned playlist, original song/composition or podcast, etc.)

Required Materials

• One book per semester to be selected after the first class; price should not exceed $15

• Additional reading materials will be provided by the Instructors

• Notebook or Digital Journal

• Internet Access, Google Classroom and Google Docs

This 2-day-a-week Spanish 1 course is designed to build a strong foundation in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish.  Students will learn the vocabulary and grammar needed to communicate about everyday topics.   We will cover verb conjugation, adjective agreement, and more complex sentence structures.  We will also spend time learning about the culture of Spanish-speaking countries.

I will be using the Trayectos textbook to lead our learning; however, a textbook will not need to be purchased.  Students will only need to provide a 3-ring binder.

Homework will be assigned because frequent practice helps to develop a language. Fifteen minutes a day goes a long way!

HS Writing:

This high-school Writing Course will explore how audience and purpose in written work influence the way we understand, interpret, and respond to the world around us.

In the Fall, we will analyze how events in true crime, nature, social justice, and other areas are framed and interpreted across different forms of writing—essays, speeches, music lyrics, news articles, etc. Students will be able to mirror these texts as they experiment with writing for different audiences and purposes, ultimately choosing their favorite piece to revise and polish into a finished work at the end of the semester.

In the Spring, we will focus on academic audience and purpose as we lean into students’ curiosity and create a collaborative research paper on the class’s topic of choice. Students will experience every step of the research process from choosing a topic to gathering/synthesizing information to drafting the completed paper, including appropriate citation formats, as they produce a publication-quality research project.

Topics covered in this course include:

Audience and purpose in writing
Writing across genres
Tone, voice, and style
Persuasive techniques
Revision and editing
Research skills and source evaluation
Formal research writing with citations

Required Materials:

3-ring binder & paper

lined, looseleaf paper

Portable device with access to Google Classroom as well as the Internet and Google Drive for research & collaboration during class

Optional Texts for Grammar/Sentence Structure/Punctuation Review

The Deluxe Transitive Vampire: The Ultimate Handbook of Grammar for the Innocent, the Eager, and the Doomed by Karen Elizabeth Gordon

ISBN# 978-0679418603

The New Well-Tempered Sentence: A Punctuation Handbook for the Innocent, the Eager, and the Doomed – An Essential and Friendly Guide to Grammar by Karen Elizabeth Gordon

ISBN# 978-0618382019

This course is for actors ages 12+ to practice and perform the theatrical art of improv. Performers will learn short-form improv (Who’s Line is it Anyway) as well as long-form, narrative, Commedia Del’Arte, and Harold-style improv (Second-City, Groundlings, UCB, Playback, and more). Previous acting experience is welcome, but not required.

Performances: 1-2 per semester (no additional tech rehearsals, but each performance day has a call time of two hours prior to performance).

Homework: None

Artists ages 12+ design and produce artistic elements for various theatrical productions, including props, costuming, makeup, hair, and wig design,  set design/construction, and more.

Performances: 1-2 per semester (no additional tech rehearsals, but each performance day has a call time of two hours prior to performance.

Outside of class rehearsals: Each production has 1-2 technical and final dress rehearsals. The length of these rehearsals will change based on the ensemble’s preparedness going into Tech Week

Homework: Finishing Art Projects

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

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 consider current events 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

• 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.

Integrated Physics and Chemistry (11+) 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. 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 $50 lab fee for this course.

Topics covered in this course include:

• Laws of Motion

• Work and Simple Machines

• Forces and Fluids

• Classifying Matter

• Elements and Chemical Bonds

• Chemical Reactions and Equations

• Carbon Chemistry

• Waves: sound, electromagnetic, light

• Electricity and magnetism

Required Materials

• McGraw Hill Physical iScience ISBN: 978-0076773053, available through the Amazon Marketplace, or your preferred book seller.

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

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

• Computer access for Google Classroom

• binder or notebook for notes

Description:

This course is designed for on-level 7th grade and advanced 6th grade students. It uses the Saxon Math 6/7 Homeschool curriculum. Students will learn, develop, and apply higher-order thinking to better evaluate, organize and solve various mathematical problems.

Concepts Covered:

Decimals, fractions, number lines, measurement, area, perimeter, volume, place  value, solid figures, percent, ratio, unit conversion, probability, angles, coordinates.

Homework:

Students should expect to spend 3-5 hours per week outside of class completing assignments and projects.

Required Materials:

• Saxon Math 7/6 Homeschool (4th Edition) ISBN: 9781591413196 available through Rainbow Resource Center or your preferred book seller,

• 2-inch binder with loose-leaf notebook and graph paper.

Recommended Materials:

• Saxon Math 7/6 Solutions Manual (4th Edition) ISBN: 9781591413271 available Rainbow Resource Center through or your preferred book seller.

Description:

This course is designed for on-level 8th grade and advanced 7th grade students. It uses the Saxon Math 8/7 Homeschool curriculum. Students will learn, develop, and apply higher-order thinking to better evaluate, organize and solve various mathematical problems.

Concepts Covered:

Fractions, decimals, percents, geometry, area, volume, ratio, proportion, exponents,  scientific notation, signed numbers, algebraic terms, 2-step equations and inequalities, slope,  graphing, the Pythagorean Theorem.

Homework:

Students should expect to spend 3-5 hours per week outside of class completing assignments and projects.

Required Materials:

• Saxon Math 8/7 Homeschool (3rd Edition) ISBN: 9781591413202 available through Rainbow Resource Center or your preferred book seller,

• 2-inch binder with loose-leaf notebook and graph paper.

Recommended Materials:

• Saxon Math 8/7 Solutions Manual (3rd Edition) ISBN: 9781591413288 available through Rainbow Resource Center or your preferred book seller.

Through interactive lessons and collaborative activities, students will develop confidence in speaking, listening, and writing in Spanish.

Students will learn practical vocabulary and grammar structures that will allow them to communicate in Spanish. In addition to language skills, students will explore the cultures, traditions, and geography of Spanish-speaking countries.

No textbooks are required.  Homework will be assigned because reviewing topics covered in class will help to build proficiency; expect to spend 15 minutes daily.

Although some of the same material from the 25/26 session will be covered, it will be presented using different activities and would be suitable for current students to re-take.

Since the first days of flickering fires in ancient caves to the modern ghost stories that we tell each other around the campfire, people have used myths to explain the terrifying, the beautiful, and the as yet unexplained. This course is a deep dive into the foundational myths and folklore connected with civilizations across time and around the globe. Students will analyze stories from the ancient oral traditions of ancient Mesopotamia and the Americas to modern interpretations found in graphic novels, modern cinema, video games and the internet.

The Four Keys of Analysis

Every story we study will be filtered through these “Four Keys,” teaching how to identify the storyteller’s intent:

Explanatory: Using myth to explain natural phenomena (Why does it thunder? Why do we die?)

Moral Instruction: Using a narrative to define right from wrong and present consequences

Social Instruction: Using legends to establish cultural hierarchies, laws, and “who is in charge.”

Comfort & Inspiration: Using stories to provide hope, address grief, or inspire bravery

Students will explore four distinct phases of human communication: the Oral Era (epic poems, indigenous creation myths, etc.), the Written Transition (fairy tales, the tales of King Arthur, his knights and their round table, etc.), the Visual Revolution (graphic novels, shorts and feature films, etc.), and the Interactive Frontier (video games, online urban legends, etc.). Through their journey, they will develop critical thinking skills by deconstructing complex narratives to find the underlying social or political message, identify recurring archetypes (The Hero, Trickster, Shadow) across vastly different cultures and eras, and enhance their media literacy by evaluating how different mediums (text vs. film vs. interactive games, etc.) change the way a “moral” or lesson is delivered.

Homework

Students can expect to spend 1-2 hours weekly outside class. This may be a combination of reading, reviewing media (podcasts, movies, etc.), and a short assignment based upon the material. Students will often have opportunities that allow them to tailor their homework to their preferred mediums, this will include more artistic forms of completing assignments.

Required Materials

• The Mythology Book (DK Big Ideas) – This can be new, used, paperback or hardback.

• Additional reading materials will be provided by the Instructor

• Notebook or Digital Journal

• Internet Access, Google Classroom and Google Docs

This comprehensive studio course offers a rigorous and engaging introduction to the fundamentals of visual art for middle and high school students. Designed for artists ready to deepen their skills and creative thinking, the class emphasizes both technical development and personal expression through a structured, skill-building approach.

During the first semester, students focus primarily on the foundations of 2D art, with a strong concentration on drawing. Core concepts include line, shape, form, value, composition and one- and two-point perspective. Students work from observation as well as imagination and projects will explore a range of media such as graphite, charcoal, Sumi ink, and mixed media, while reinforcing essential design principles.

In the second semester, students expand their practice into painting and color theory, learning color relationships, harmony, contrast, and the emotional impact of color. Students experiment with watercolor and acrylic techniques, layering, blending, and brush control. Emphasis is placed on developing thoughtful compositions and refining technical skills while emphasizing their personal creative vision.

While the primary focus is on 2D art, select projects introduce foundational 3D concepts such as form, structure, and spatial design to broaden an understanding of artistic construction.

This class is ideal for students seeking a serious and structured art experience that prepares them for advanced study while fostering creativity and artistic exploration.

*There will be occasional follow up videos I assign to further technical understanding.

*Keeping a weekly sketchbook - either paper or digital is *highly* encouraged.

There is an additional $40/semester supply fee for this course.

Acting 2: Selective admission course pending audition for actors ages 12+, with rare exceptions considered for actors younger than age 12. Pre-requisites in Acting 1 and/or alternative theatre performance experience are highly recommended. Acting 2 performers will audition, rehearse, and perform in full-scale theatrical productions throughout the year, including the possibility of acting competitions. Productions selections include Classical (Shakespeare), modern contemporary plays, and new works written by Austin Keystone Academy student-playwrights.

Performances: 1-2 per semester (no additional tech rehearsals, but each performance day has a call time of two hours prior to performance.

Outside of class rehearsals: Each production has 1-2 technical and final dress rehearsals. The length of these rehearsals will change based on the ensemble’s preparedness going into Tech Week (if you prefer efficient tech rehearsals, please encourage your actor to practice memorizing their lines so that they may be off-book on schedule).

Homework: Memorizing lines.

AUDITION FORM: https://forms.gle/9zdp2Y4tQfWVjhhT9

This course is for writers ages 12+ to explore character creation and world building through a variety of genres and unique, often off-putting, sensory experiences. Yes, it’s weird, but weirdly effective. Writers’ works may be selected for Austin Keystone Academy’s  New Works Fall Festival: Staged Reading of Original Ten Minute Plays, and New Works Spring Festival: Writer’s Choice (original new works of prose, poetry, plays, and more). This class may include optional writing competitions.

Performances: 1 per semester (no additional tech rehearsals, but each performance day has a call time of two hours prior to performance).

Homework: Writers will spend 1-5 hours outside of class writing or editing their works-in-progress.

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.

Required Materials

Guitar (preferably classical)

Recommended sizing: 1/4 size (ages 4-6), 1/2 size (ages 5-8), 3/4 size (ages 8-12), and full-size (12+ or 5ft+ tall).

This welcoming MS/HS 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.

Come play D&D with us! This club is open to middle and high school students, regardless of D&D experience. Beginners will have help creating character sheets and learning the mechanics of the game. Experienced DMs will spend the year leading club members through original campaigns. All materials (dice, character sheets, rulebooks, etc) will be provided.

D&D is a game built on collaboration and creative thinking. Along the way, players naturally practice skills like storytelling, decision‑making, and thinking from different perspectives, but the heart of the club is building community. By participating in the club, students will have dedicated time to build relationships with a fun cohort of like-minded people.

Description:

This course is designed to teach students the fundamentals of front-end web development. This course is suitable for both middle and high school students. No prior web development experience is required. Students will learn about and utilize front-end web technologies such as HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and JavaScript (JS) to develop single page websites.

Concepts Covered:

Elements, attributes, tags, classes, ids, styles, selectors, properties, values, intellectual property, security, images, audio, fonts, digital footprint and layout.

Homework:

Students should expect to spend 3-5 hours per week outside of class completing assignments and projects.

Required Materials:

• Laptop (Windows, Macbook or Chromebook)

• CodePen.io account (Free)

• Internet Access

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 new artists 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 to develop both their artistic skills and understanding of art’s rich cultural history. *There are occasionally mature themes discussed in this class that are relevant to a particular artist’s work or a particular artistic movement.

*There are optional sketchbook prompts and resources supplies for further research between classes, otherwise no assigned homework.

There is an additional $25 supply fee/semester for this course.

Music Production (11+) This course is designed to show students common practices and techniques used in making music on various DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) such as creating midi tracks, loops, and recording live instruments. Students will work together to create original songs. By the end of the course, students will be able to create songs on their own using the DAW of their choice.

Music Theory (11+) 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.

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 graded high school level course can be added to college application transcripts - even if your student is in middle school. Students who complete the Algebra I and Algebra II sequence may also claim high school credit for Geometry.

Students should expect to spend 3-5 hours outside of class time each week working on assignments for class.

Topics covered include: signed numbers (positive and negative), 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; plus an introduction to high school geometry (perimeter, area, volume).

Required materials:

• Saxon Algebra I Homeschool Kit with Solutions, ISBN: 9781600329715, available through Rainbow Resource Center here, 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

Science Club is a hands‑on space for students who love exploring how the world works, whether they’re already on the AAH Science Team or just into science and want to dive deeper. Each week, we’ll blend fun, fast‑paced activities with guided skill‑building that helps students advance their scientific explorations.

Students will get to try out Science Bowl, a team‑based buzzer trivia game (our young AAH team placed 7th in Texas this year!). If they like it, we’ll build in time for that every week. We’ll also explore Science Olympiad events through group builds, lab investigations, and problem‑solving sessions. This might look like building a marble roller coaster, testing powders in a chemistry lab, or trying to identify a bunch of random rocks.

For current AAH Science Team competitors, the club offers structured practice time with a coach on hand to help with study strategies, resources, and event prep, such as learning to use an ID‑bot for identification events or building effective Anki decks to help master a topic. For students who aren’t on the team (or aren’t eligible), the club provides a welcoming way to experience the same creative, collaborative, and exploratory spirit of Science Team. If you're an experienced Sci Oly competitor, you would be empowered to help guide/teach members of the club about your favorite event in an ongoing way, which would look really good on a high school transcript, just sayin'!

This course is designed to develop students’ public speaking, performance, critical thinking, team work, and persuasive skills. Debate-focused students will learn to craft compelling arguments, analyze complex topics, and present ideas clearly and confidently (Lincoln-Douglas and Cross-Examination debate styles). Emphasis for debate is placed on research, organization, and ethical communication. Performance-focused students will learn the theatrical arts of prose, poetry, humorous interpretation, oratory, duet, dramatic interpretation, impromptu speaking, and more. Students are invited to explore and participate in any and all styles. Speech and Debate provides students with tools to succeed in competitive tournaments as well as in all academic and professional settings.

Competitions: Participation in local, regional, and national competitions is encouraged but not required. Advanced notice for competitions will be provided.

Homework: Students will spend 1-4 hours per week practicing their respective areas of interest and researching (culling resources) for debate resolutions.

Additional Fees: Each student will have to pay their portion of competition entry fees. We will have fundraising opportunities for students to earn money toward competition costs. Students participating in competitions will need professional (suit and tie) attire.

Performances: 1 per semester (no additional tech rehearsals, but each performance day has a call time of two hours prior to performance). As most competitions do not allow audience viewing, these performances are our debaters and competitive actors' chance to showcase their performances for their loved ones.

In this course students will learn about United States history beginning with the pre-colonial era through to present day. Through a combination of lectures, readings, written assignments, and discussions, students will learn and use the skills common to historians, such as: analysis of primary and secondary sources, and the use of comparison, causation, continuity and change to develop well-reasoned historical arguments. The course is structured using nine, chronological periods of history that will sometimes overlap depending upon recurrent historical themes that we will be studying. This class is designed to strengthen students’ abilities in forming and communicating cogent, well-researched arguments through a variety of assignments across multiple mediums (traditional written paper, preparing an advertisement, creating political cartoons, etc.)  Students will be encouraged to take notes by hand when possible, this method has been shown to enhance recall in learning situations.

Historical Periods

Historical Themes

1. 1491-1607

2. 1697-1754

3. 1754-1800

4. 1800-1848

5. 1844-1877

6. 1865-1898

7. 1890-1945

8. 1945-1980

9. 1980-Present

• American Identity

• Labor and Technology

• Geography and Environment

• Migration and Settlement

• Politics and Power

• The Role of Culture

• America in the World

Homework Requirements

Students can expect to spend 2-4 hours per week on out of class assignments; split between 1-2 hours of reviewing various course materials from assigned readings, videos or online research, and 1-2 hours completing homework assignments.

Required Materials

• Textbook - A True History of the United States by Daniel Sjursen ISBD 13: 978-1586422530

• Additional reading materials will be provided by the Instructor

• Notebook or Digital Journal

• Internet Access, Google Classroom and Google Docs

Yearbook Lab is a hands-on, project-based course where students collaborate to plan, design, and produce the school yearbook. Students will learn the fundamentals of layout design, photography, caption writing, interviewing, and visual storytelling while working as a team to document the school year. Through real-world deadlines and collaborative roles, students will gain experience in organization, communication, and creative problem-solving.

By the end of the year, students will have contributed to a professionally designed publication that captures the stories, events, and spirit of their community.

Skills Covered

• Planning and organizing a large-scale publication

• Page layout and digital design fundamentals

• Photography and photo composition

• Interviewing and journalistic writing

• Writing effective captions and headlines

• Editing and proofreading for clarity and accuracy

• Collaboration, leadership, and meeting production deadlines

Required Materials

• A reliable laptop is preferred, but an ipad is acceptable (required for in-class design work)

• A notebook or digital note-taking system

• A digital camera or smartphone with camera capability

• A Treering account (can be setup in class)

Time Commitment Outside of Class

Because Yearbook Lab is a collaborative publication course, students should expect occasional work outside of class time. This may include photographing school events, conducting interviews, completing page layouts, or meeting production deadlines. While much of the work will be completed during scheduled class time, students should plan for additional responsibilities during peak production periods.