12 to 14 Years Old
Anatomy Waldorf-style with Mr. Guest (Philip Guest)
In this Waldorf-based course, we board the rocket ships of our imaginations and embark on a journey to explore this “inner space”. The course uses art and imagination to create symbolic pictures of the various organs, systems and processes that combine to make up the greatest mystery and miracle of all–ourselves! (. . . and it won’t be icky at all!)
1.5 hours Monday
$335
Artistic Journaling (Jeanie Frias)
Hate to write, but want to keep a journal? Or Love to write, but tired of the typical journal entry that just embarrasses you later on? In this class, we explore ways to keep a meaningful journal/diary with few or no words needed.
1.5 hours Monday
$260 + $25 materials fee
Beginning Woodworking (Bruce Fleenor)
This class introduces basic woodworking skills like measuring, marking, cutting and screwing using boards the students cut themselves. The emphasis is on learning skills and developing safe work habits with tools.
1 hour Friday
$260 + $35 materials fee
C-Span StudentCam: Documentary Film Making (TBA)
Want to get political? Want to get your voice heard? Join CSPAN StudentCam!
StudentCam is C-SPAN’s annual national video documentary competition. The program was created to encourage students to think critically about issues that affect our communities, and our nation. Being a part of the StudentCam program gives students access to interview politicians and experts.
For the 2017 competition, students in grades 6-12 were asked to create a short (5-7 minute) video documentary on a topic related to the 2017 competition theme, “Your Message To Washington”. We don’t know what the theme will be in the Fall, but we’re looking forward to going for it!
Go to the C-Span website to learn more. This class requires regular work outside the classroom. Please do not sign up for this class unless you are willing to support your student in getting that work accomplished.
2 hours Monday
$415
Creative Writing (Josh Mann)
Writing is about telling a story. What is your story? What story would you like to share with the world? Using our imaginations and personal experiences, we explore the world of creative writing through a series of exercises that help you grow. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the writing process, whether it’s a special concept you’ve always had or a personal experience you would like to explore, this class allows us to learn what it means to be a dynamic storyteller. We also read passages from published material, so we can learn from the great writers of our time. We discuss what you love about writing and what you look for in a compelling story. You not only learn tools to become a better writer, but you also learn how to have fun during the process.
1.5 hour Mondays
$240
Digital Photography (Jeanie Frias)
Develop skills of visual communication. Express your unique point of view. Communicate your thoughts and feelings. Explore the world around you . . . through the camera lens. With help from fun weekly assignments, we explore metaphor, point of view, composition, movement, abstraction, self-expression, and more! Students need to bring a digital camera to class (or a phone with an extra large view screen) and have the ability to print at least one image at home each week.
1 hour Wednesday
$260
The History of Rock (Dan West)
A one hour course that teaches the history of rock music, with a backdrop of world events and social change. An interwoven approach to the history of music that provides historical context: What was happening in the world and how does that shape creative expression? The course requires listening, not only to music but to historic speeches and news events that defined each era studied. For example, the Kennedy assassination and the early stirrings of Viet Nam as a backdrop for the success of the Beatles and the British Invasion in America in the mid 1960’s. Another example is Great Britain in the early to mid 1970’s, and how the divide between rich and poor as a result of the failed policies of conservative politicians such as Margaret Thatcher and Harold Wilson, fueled the rise of The Sex Pistols and the Punk Rock movement. By contrast, how Punk Rock in America was a reaction to the failure of the hippies to provide a durable alternative to the conservative status quo left over from Post WWII America.
1.5 hours Tuesday
$260
Improv (Rebecca Martin)
Explore the Elements of Improv in this engaging class. You learn some of the core fundamentals and principles of improv, focusing on various games and exercises that encourage trust, communication, agreement (“yes and”); active listening, character, status, and making your scene partner look good. All of these practices are things kids can carry with them into everyday life!
1 hour Monday
$240
Intermediate Woodworking (Bruce Fleenor)
Designed for students with woodworking experience, this class is for students looking to expand their skill set. In this class, students build projects of their own design, or use others’ plans. Students are introduced to a wide range of tools and are encouraged to begin collecting their own tools.
1.5 Hour Friday
$365 + $35 materials fee
Junior Achievement – Entrepreneurship, Career Success and Personal Finance (Kirsten Karlsrud)
This class for young teens uses the National Junior Achievement Program curriculum to teach about personal finance, business finance, careers, and entrepreneurship. It’s a terrific curriculum, which we tweak to meet the needs and interests of our Homeschool kids.
1.5 hours Monday
$240
Mixed Media Art (Jeanie Frias)
A class for those who want a little variety in their artistic pursuits. Some of the projects you tackle include collage, plaster gauze mini sculptures, layering wet media, drawing into wet paint, and found object sculpture.
1.5 hr class Wednesday
$365 + $35 materials fee
Mock Trial (Pat Collins)
Students get an understanding of the law, practice critical thinking, and gain greater confidence with public speaking, by assuming the roles of attorneys and witnesses in a fictional criminal or civil trial. Students experience first-hand the difficulties that judges, lawyers and juries face in determining which facts are relevant, and what legal arguments are effective. This class requires work outside the classroom. Please do not sign up for this class unless you are willing to support your student in getting that work accomplished
1.5 hour Monday
$335
Model UN (Angelia Robinson)
In a simulation of the United Nations General Assembly, students become ambassadors as they debate important global issues. We learn about the world, about diplomacy, about international relations, and about problem solving. Students participate in regular in-class “Summits”, and regularly attend 3-4 larger Model U.N. events throughout the Los Angeles area on weekends. Both independent and group work is expected outside of class. Please do not register unless you are planning to support your student with this work. Attendance at the weekend Summits is highly encouraged.
1.5 hour Wednesdays
$365. Extra fees for summits are assessed as needed.
Painting (Jeanie Frias)
Ready to get creative? Maybe a little messy? In this class, we work with acrylic, water color, ink wash, and some dry materials that can be mixed with water to create different look. Group critique is an important part of this class – both giving and receiving positive and measured feedback is a huge part of growing as an artist and a human.
1.5 hour Wednesday
$365 + $50 materials fee
Rock Band (Dan West)
Learning an instrument? Want to be in a band? Grab your friends and come join Dan West (of our popular History Of Rock classes.) This class is created for younger kids to have fun together while learning the art of band-hood. Do you play guitar? Learn the difference between your role as rhythm and lead. Play bass? Find out why you need to become very close friends with the drummers! Play piano? Keyboard is incredibly versatile in a band. Are you a singer? Dan helps you find you inner Rock God (or Goddess)!
1.5 Hours Tuesday
$365
Rock Band Invite Only (Dan West)
This class is designed for musicians of all instruments who have mastered the fundamentals of playing, and now want to explore the very different skill of playing in a band. If your student would like to take this class, please contact us to arrange a tryout.
1.5 Hour Tuesday
$365
Social Action (Angelia Robinson)
Let’s explore social problems and issues, their root causes, and society’s response. Students work together to make a difference, locally and globally, through a series of philanthropic and community service projects. This class is not only philosophical;–it’s hands-on action!
1 hour Monday
$240
History of World War I and II (Abby Polakow)
This is a World History class which establishes the social and political conditions in Europe that triggered the first World War. The class extends for the duration of the school year, with the first semester focusing on the causes and conclusion of World War I, and the second semester focusing on how the outcome of World War I set the stage for World War II, how the second World War played out, including the Holocaust, and how the United States came to use the first nuclear weapons in warfare. The exploration of the events of both wars will include links to the present and an examination of how these events might have been altered or prevented.
1.5 hours Friday
$365