Scholar School

ELF: Exploring Literature is Fun: 

(Enrollment minimum/maximum: 5-12)

Step into a classroom where stories don't just stay on the page—they come to life! ELF is an introductory course designed for makers, thinkers, and explorers. While we journey through captivating novels and graphic novels, we don’t just study the narrative; we build, write, and play. This is a project-based literary environment. For every world we enter, we use hands-on activities and games to unpack the story. In ELF, we treat writing as a craft—a tool for students to build their own worlds and express their unique perspectives.

● Hands-On Projects: Build models, design maps, and create physical artifacts inspired by our novels..

● The Writer’s Workshop: Master the art of writing. From creative world-building and persuasive opinion papers to poetic expression, students will learn to translate their thoughts onto paper in an encouraging environment.

● Literary Gaming: Unlock themes and character motivations through strategy games and collaborative storytelling challenges.

● Foundational Scholar Skills: Naturally develop academic skills through active creation, peer discussion, and the "power of the pen."

We will dive into 3-4 books per semester, blending classic foundations with modern voices. Our journey may include

● The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

● Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

● The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds

● Poe: Stories and Poems: A Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds

To ensure every explorer can participate, many of our selections are available as audiobooks. We celebrate all reading styles and abilities!

Estimated time outside of class: 3-4 hours of reading, writing, and occasional creative projects. 

Transition/Practice Scholar

Mentors: Amanda Lee, Emma Yeager, & Bethany Cowin

Georgics:

(Enrollment minimum/maximum: 3-8)

Join us for a year-long, mentor-led adventure where students discover that freedom isn’t just an idea, it’s something you can grow. In this hands-on class, students will roll up their sleeves, dig into the soil, and learn how responsibility, creativity, and stewardship have shaped strong communities throughout history. Along the way, they’ll gain practical skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of what it means to create and contribute in meaningful ways.

Our reading list brings these lessons to life through unforgettable stories of courage, perseverance, and character. Possible books include:

● Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink

● Little Britches by Ralph Moody

● Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

● Up from Slavery by Taliaferro Washington

As students read and discuss these inspiring works, they’ll connect big ideas to everyday life, seeing how hard work, initiative, and integrity make a real difference. Each student will design a hands-on project that reflects those principles in action. They might plant and tend a garden, raise livestock, learn to compost, or pursue another meaningful project that demonstrates productive stewardship and creativity. Students will choose something that genuinely interests them and take ownership of it from start to finish.

Students will complete two mentored writing pieces each month, designed to meet them where they are and help them grow in confidence and skill. They will read one book per month, with engaging in-class discussions that bring ideas to life. Each semester includes opportunities for up to two presentations, along with a final project the student develops and completes over the course of the year.

Families can expect about 2–3 hours of work outside of class each week, depending on the scope of the student’s chosen project and any “Above and Beyond” work they pursue.

Transition/Practice

Mentors: Kate Rongey & Rachel Potts

Science Unleashed: Explosions, Ecosystems, & Everything In Between 

(Enrollment minimum/maximum: 4-8)

Dive into a year of hands-on discovery as we explore the building blocks of matter, chemical reactions, energy, cells, genetics, ecosystems, and Earth’s powerful systems. This interactive, lab-centered course blends exciting experiments, real-world problem solving, and engaging discussions with meaningful scientific reading and writing. Students will conduct experiments, analyze evidence, debate environmental issues, and design their own investigations. If you love asking “why?” and getting your hands dirty while figuring out how the world works — this class is for you.

Throughout the year, students will read books like:

● The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean – fascinating stories behind elements of the periodic table

● Bomb by Steve Sheinkin– the gripping true story of the race to build the atomic bomb and the science behind it

● The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan – exploring ecosystems, food systems, and environmental impact

● A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson (selected excerpts) – big-picture science made accessible

Additional short articles and primary-source readings may supplement these texts.

At-home work: Students should expect approximately 2–3 hours per week, including assigned reading, vocabulary study, written responses, lab reflections, and occasional project work.

This class may have an increased supply fee to cover experiment supplies.

Practice/Apprentice

Mentors: Kandice Johnson & Rylee Noble 

P.I.E.S Lifestyle

(Enrollment minimum/maximum: 3-8)

P.I.E.S. Lifestyle is a high‐engagement, discussion‐driven class designed for students who want to understand themselves better and step confidently into adulthood. We’ll dig into the four pillars of a balanced life—Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Self‐Awareness—and explore how each one shapes your leadership, your relationships, and your future goals. You’ll learn how to identify your personal strengths, set meaningful goals, manage stress, and build habits that actually stick. We’ll read thought‐provoking books like Tress and the Emerald Sea, The Way They Learn, Running with Sherman, and Anatomy of Peace, using them as springboards for real conversations about who you want to become. Writing assignments will be short, reflective, and shared in a supportive environment. This class is for students who are ready to take ownership of their future and build the skills that matter in college, work, and life.

***This class may be listed on a high school transcript as one or more of the following, depending on the student’s needs: Social Science, Leadership, Communications, College Readiness, or Health & Wellness.***

Apprentice/Self Directed  (15yrs+ unless mentor approved)

Mentors: Angie Waite & Tina Harrell

Club Hour: 

11:00 am - 12:00 pm 

Registration for Scholar Clubs will be done at Orientation.  Classes will be formed based on student interest.  Some options for Scholar Clubs include speech and debate, choir, sign language, board games, etc.

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math): 

(Enrollment minimum/maximum: 3-8)

In this hands-on, project-based STEAM class, students will learn by designing, building, testing, and creating. Using their creative thinking hats, they will tackle challenges such as: bridge building, wind power, Rube Goldberg machines, electricity, trebuchets, rockets, motors, etc. Along the way, students will discover how scientific principles connect to art, innovation, and everyday life. Outside of class, students can expect to read one to two books per semester. We also hope to share our learning by hosting a STEAM event for our community.

All Scholar Levels

Mentors: Rebekah Kowis

Shakespeare Performance and Musical (SPAM): 

(Enrollment: 10+ students)

What if Shakespeare wasn’t boring... but bold?

This year-long, mentor-led experience turns classic literature into a full-on musical adventure. You won’t just read Shakespeare, you will bring it to life! Step into the roles, wrestle with big ideas, and discover that these 400-year-old stories are surprisingly relatable (and way more dramatic than expected).

Along the way, something powerful happens. Scholars grow more confident speaking in front of others. They learn to think deeply, respond thoughtfully, and communicate with clarity and presence. They build leadership skills without even realizing it; because when you can command a stage, you can command a room.

First Semester: Exploring Shakespeare

Every class kicks off with an exciting dive into one of Shakespeare’s brilliant tragedies. You will explore the history, the language, and the ideas that make these old plays feel alive today. Each class offers an exploration of the art of performance. We’ll spend time developing skills in acting, music, and choreography - strengthening technique, deepening expression, and building confidence. Together, we’ll shape performances that feel authentic, engaging, and meaningful for both the performer and the audience.

Second Semester: Showtime!

All that hard work comes together on stage. You will perform one of Shakespeare’s masterpieces—with a musical twist! It’s your moment to shine, showing off everything you’ve learned. By the end of the year, you aren’t just studying Shakespeare—you’re living it, performing it, and making it your own.

All Scholar Levels

Mentor: Kate Rongey & Kylee Compton

Acting Deep Dive: 

(Enrollment minimum/maximum: 3-18)

Acting Deep Dive is an enrichment class designed for students who want to explore the craft of acting on a deeper, more intentional level—no matter their starting point. This course focuses on developing emotional range, character depth, and performance confidence through a variety of acting techniques and scene styles. Students will learn how to access and portray complex emotions while maintaining healthy emotional boundaries between themselves and their characters. We will explore how to safely “step into” and “step out of” intense roles, a skill essential for any serious actor.

Throughout the year, students will engage in:

● Improvisation (comedic, dramatic, and action‐based)

● Scene study across genres

● Stage combat foundations

● Emotional acting techniques

● Character analysis and emotional distancing

● Collaborative ensemble work

All of this training is geared toward preparing students for a more serious spring production. Possible titles include Murder on the Orient Express, Treasure Island, or The Three Musketeers.

● If 3–5 students enroll, we will instead produce an Actor Showcase featuring monologues, scenes, and choreographed moments.

● If 6+ students enroll, we will mount a full spring production.

This class is ideal for students who are ready to challenge themselves, take creative risks, and grow as performers in a supportive, mentor‐guided environment.

All Scholar Levels

Mentors: Tina Harrell, Angie Waite, Amanda Lee, & Kandice Johnson