Urban Homeschoolers

Art & Social Change: From Early American Life to the Civil Rights Movement (Megan Sanchez)
This is a powerhouse of a class! There is much to explore and discuss — and of course make art. We explore early Social and Political Sciences through the Arts, starting with pre-colonization and ending with the Civil Rights Movement. Through the art of the day, we examine movements and social changes in American history. We see what life was like in the US for people through a visual lens. We decode art and read poetry, dissect songs, and make our own art to express what we are learning about these very swift changing and emotionally charged times in American History. 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.
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 hour Wednesday
$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

Biology (Rachel Rosenstein-Sisson)
Ready to perfect your scientific thinking in the Science of Life through inquiry-based lab experimentation and journaling? Come pursue answers to questions about structure and function, inheritance, matter and energy in organisms and ecosystems, and natural selection. Labs start with interesting questions and build student confidence in applying questions, hypothesis, materials, procedures, data analysis, conclusions, and recommendations. This class meets twice a week. Both days are mandatory. 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.
1.5 Hours twice a week: Mon and Wed. Total of 3 hours.
$440

Biology Monthly Labs (Rachel Rosenstein-Sisson)
These monthly 4-hour labs are designed to supplement your at-home biology bookwork, and fulfills A-G requirements. These are full-year programs, and will continue into the Spring Semester. For a complete description of the course contents and the class schedule, visit Science Labs.
4.5 hours, Thursdays, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm, 9/21, 10/19, 11/16 & 12/14
$295 + $112 materials fee

Monthly Chemistry Labs (Rachel Rosenstein-Sisson)
These monthly 4-hour labs are designed to supplement your at-home chemistry bookwork, and fulfills A-G requirements. These are full-year programs, and will continue into the Spring Semester. For a complete description of the course contents and the class schedule, visit Science Labs.
4.5 hours, Thursdays, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm, 9/21, 10/19, 11/16 & 12/14
$275 + $125 materials fee

C-Span StudentCam: Documentary Film Making (TBA)
Want to get political? Want 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

Citizen’s History of America (Megan Sanchez)

This history class uses the book, A People’s History of the United States, by Howard Zinn, to explore the history of our country through the lens of America’s women, factory workers, African Americans, Native Americans, working poor, and immigrant laborers. This is a year long class that covers America’s history from Christopher Columbus’ arrival through President Clinton’s first term. 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
1.5 Hours Monday
$335

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 to 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 to 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 in the process. 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.
1.5 hour Monday
$240

Digital Photography (Jeanie Frias)
Develop visual communication skills. Express your unique point of view. Communicate your thoughts and feelings. Explore the world around you . . . all through a 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

Essay Writing (TBA)
This class begins with basic organization, drilling the fundamentals of brainstorming, outline, rough draft, edit and final draft. Learning organization helps students break down a project into bite-sized pieces and confidently move step-by-step to complete the writing assignment. Repetition of the basics reinforces the concepts until they are learned, while lively and personal subjects keep things fun. 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.
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 define 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 of 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 succeed in providing a durable alternative to the conservative status quo left over from Post WWII America.
1.5 hours Tuesday
$260

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 Hours Friday
$365 + $35 materials fee

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

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
$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 painting, 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 criminal or civil case provided by a Mock Trial organization. Students experience first-hand 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 (Angela 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. 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. Extra fees for Summits are assessed as needed. Attendance at the weekend Summits is highly encouraged.
1.5 hours Wednesdays
$365

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 hr class Wednesdays
$385 + $50 materials fee

Pre-Algebra/Algebra (Rachel Rosenstein-Sisson)
Class time is spent learning new material, working through examples, asking clarifying questions, and joining in math discussions. Home time is spent reinforcing class learning with practice questions from Khan Academy. Rachel checks in with students throughout the week via Khan. Prerequisite skills: 1) Arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) of integers, decimals, and fractions. 2) Factors (listing integers that when multiplied result in the number). 3) Familiarity with exponents and square roots. 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.
1 hour twice a week, Monday/Wednesday
$385

Rock Band (Dan West)
Learning an instrument? Wan 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 hours 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 political action projects. This class is not only philosophical–it’s hands-on action.
1 hour Monday
$240

World History – Elizabethan England (Abby Polakow)
A class that will be rich in student participation, blending history with theatrical performance work. Students will discover the unique social and political conditions that led to England being ruled by an unmarried queen and the rich artistic culture that flourished during that time, with some studies of Shakespeare’s work, popular dances and songs as well as a thorough look at the politics of the time. This fascinating period tells us a great deal about the country whose government was the initial basis for American government, and whose people crossed the Atlantic to seek a better life.
1 hour Friday
$240