2026-27 High School Class Descriptions

Discover the art and power of storytelling through images in this hands-on introductory course. Students will learn the fundamentals of digital photography, including composition, lighting, and editing techniques, while exploring the principles of photojournalism. Through projects and critiques, students will develop their technical skills and creative eye, capturing compelling moments that convey stories and emotions. This course emphasizes ethical practices, visual communication, and creating a personal portfolio. Ideal for students interested in photography, journalism, or creative expression.

Grades: 9-12 grade

Duration: Year Long

Material Fee: $30

Monthly Class Fee: $60

 Materials Needed: Digital camera (a phone/tablet with camera will work, too), composition notebook, scissors, glue sticks

Homework: None.

Min/Max # of Students: 4-14

Teacher: Alece Campbell

Immerse yourself in the rich and expressive language of the Deaf community with our high school American Sign Language (ASL) class. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of ASL, including vocabulary, grammar, and cultural aspects. Through interactive activities, role-playing, and visual communication exercises, students will begin to work towards proficiency in ASL and gain insight into Deaf culture and history. ASL opens doors to communication and understanding, fostering empathy and inclusivity. Join us as we learn to communicate effectively through sign language and appreciate the linguistic diversity of our world.

Homework: Students should expect to spend a minimum of 2 hours per week practicing and reviewing vocabulary and lessons Because this is a foreign language, learning vocabulary is a must in the ability to understand and communicate. 

Grades: 8-12

Duration: Year Long 

Teacher: Kathy Hammond

Required text: Master ASL 1 student textbook and student companion.

Additional One-Time Material Fee: $20 

Monthly Class Fee:  $60/mo.

Minimum/Maximum # of Students: 4/10 

In American Sign Language 2 (ASL 2), students will build upon the foundational skills developed in ASL 1 to deepen their understanding of the language and its cultural context. This intermediate-level course will focus on expanding vocabulary, improving conversational fluency, and exploring more complex grammatical structures. Students will practice using ASL in real-life scenarios, engage in storytelling, and develop their expressive and receptive signing skills.

Grades: 9-12 (Pre-requisite ASL1)

Duration: Year Long 

Materials Needed: Barron’s American Sign Language A Comprehensive Guide to ASL 1 and 2. ISBN# 9781506263823.

Additional One-Time Material Fee: $35

Monthly Class Fee: $60

Homework: 1 to 2 hours a week 

Minimum/Maximum # of Students: 4/10

Teacher: Kathy Hammond

Using Notgrass’ Exploring World History, students will study the broad sweep of history from Creation to the modern age.

This curriculum features:

• Engaging lessons with colorful photographs and historic illustrations
• Primary source documents that reveal what people were thinking and feeling in the past
• Weekly projects/writing assignments
• Literature reading and optional Bible study assignments

This class will integrate with World Literature and Composition, to form a complete history/literature unit. Students may take both classes, or they may take only history or only literature. Students will also have the optional opportunity to earn a Bible credit.

Grades: 9-12

Duration: Year-long

Materials: Notgrass Exploring World History Part 1, Exploring World History Part 2, and In Their Own Words.

Homework: Weekly reading and project or writing assignments.

One-Time Materials Fee: $25

Monthly Class Fee: $60

Min/Max Students: 4/10

Teacher: Stephanie Starr

For strong readers who crave rich stories and big ideas, Beyond the Book offers an exciting, discussion-driven literature experience that goes far deeper than basic comprehension. This class is designed for students who love talking about what they read, asking thoughtful questions, and exploring books that challenge the mind and spark meaningful conversation.

Rather than stopping at “what happened,” students will dig into the why and how—analyzing themes, evaluating character choices, making connections across texts, and forming their own interpretations. All skills are taught through full immersion in great literature, with students working regularly in the higher levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy (analysis, evaluation, creation).

Parents love this class because it:

• Builds confident, articulate thinkers

• Strengthens advanced reading, writing, and discussion skills

• Encourages independent thought and deeper comprehension

• Connects motivated readers with peers who share their love of books

• Prepares students for high-level high school and college-style literary analysis

If your student devours books, loves meaningful conversations, and is ready to stretch their thinking, this class offers the challenge and engagement they’re looking for.

Some options for books include the following, but will be determined based on students’ interest and previous readings. 

• The Giver — Lois Lowry. A powerhouse for discussing ethics, individuality vs. conformity, memory, and the cost of a “perfect” society. A guaranteed discussion starter.
• The Hobbit — J.R.R. Tolkien. Rich worldbuilding, hero’s journey analysis, symbolism, and complex themes about courage, greed, and moral growth.
• The Adventures of Tom Sawyer—Mark Twain. A classic coming-of-age story perfect for exploring themes of friendship, moral choices, freedom vs. responsibility, and the innocence (and mischief) of childhood. Great for discussing character growth, loyalty, and the line between fun and integrity.
• The Wednesday Wars — Gary D. Schmidt. Funny, deep, and wonderfully layered. Provides opportunities to discuss coming of age, perseverance, literature’s impact, and relationships.
• The Call of the Wild — Jack London. A gripping survival tale perfect for discussing instinct vs. civilization, resilience, leadership, and transformation. Rich opportunities to analyze character change, the power of nature, and what it means to answer one’s true calling.
• The War That Saved My Life — Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. Provides strong emotional depth without crossing into overly mature territory. Great for character analysis, trauma healing, resilience, and WWII history.
• Fahrenheit 451 — Ray Bradbury. A more advanced option—still appropriate for strong middle schoolers. Excellent for discussing censorship, independent thinking, media, and society..
• A Wrinkle in Time — Madeleine L’Engle. Wonderful for analyzing theme, characterization, allegory, good vs. evil, scientific imagination, and the power of love.
• Refugee — Alan Gratz. Fast-paced and thought-provoking. Encourages deep analysis of parallel narratives, empathy, historical injustice, and global perspective.
• The Bronze Bow — Elizabeth George Speare. Rich historical fiction with themes of vengeance, forgiveness, identity, and transformation.
• The Outsiders — S.E. Hinton. Excellent for discussing identity, social class, belonging, peer influence, and the danger of stereotypes. Perfect for conversations about empathy, loyalty, and what truly defines “family.”
• Around the World in 80 Days — Jules Verne. Great for exploring perseverance, cultural awareness, global perspective, and the spirit of adventure. Encourages discussions about problem-solving, risk-taking, and determination.
• The Hound of the Baskervilles — Arthur Conan Doyle. Ideal for analyzing mystery elements, logic versus superstition, deductive reasoning, and atmosphere. Strong for teaching observation skills and critical thinking.
• Hatchet — Gary Paulsen. Great for examining survival, resilience, problem-solving, self-reliance, and personal growth. A strong pick for students who enjoy action and introspection.

Grades: 6-9

Duration: year long

Materials needed: Basic classroom supplies

Material fee: $15

Monthly tuition fee: $60/mo

Homework: Reading at home, approximately 4-5 chapters per week.

Min/Max: 5/8

Teacher: Rana Hicks

Are you ready for college writing? This class is the perfect next step for high schoolers who want to be sure they’re ready for college writing, or for high schoolers who are ready for college credit.

This course will introduce students to academic writing, including structure, purpose, and audience awareness. Students will plan, draft, and write personal narratives, evaluations, rhetorical analyses, and research essays. You may take this class for high school credit, or you may take it for both high school and college credit by enrolling with Colorado Christian University.

NOTE: For college credit through CCU you must apply to CCU for admission and register for this class via their website. They will have a separate fee for the college credit hours. If you fail to enroll with CCU you will only receive high school credit for this course. Enrolling through CCU and passing this class may earn 3 hours of college credit.

Duration: Year long. Although we will meet for the entire academic year, because we only meet once a week this will be the equivalent of a 1-semester (3 credit hour) college class.

Grades: 10-12, plus prerequisites or permission of instructor.

Course Prerequisites: Students must have prior experience and instruction in writing essays. Students who intend to earn dual credit must demonstrate college readiness by one or more of the following:

• Score of 945 or higher on the multiple-choice section of the TSI2 ELAR test, with an essay score of 5-8.
• Score of 480 or higher on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Test
• Composite score of 23 or higher on the ACT with a score of at least 19 or higher on the English portion of the exam.
• Permission of Instructor

Monthly class fee: $65/mo

Additional one-time materials fee: $20

Required Materials: The Norton Field Guide to Writing With Readings, 6th Edition. The 6th Edition is available used. If you would prefer an online edition/ebook, W.W. Norton only has the 7th Edition available but I will approve it for this class. Please make sure you get an edition with the readings. 

Homework: Approx. 3 hours per week.

Min/Max students: 4/9

Instructor: Stephanie Starr

(Formerly called English 1) In this class, students will gain skills in reading and writing about literature through short stories and epic tales. Students will learn how to read fiction and nonfiction texts analytically. Our focus will be on learning to write essays and reading fantastic literature.

This is normally the first English class a 9th grader will take at Thrive. It is an ideal class for students who need to hone their basic essay-writing skills. Students who read above grade level and have essay-writing experience may consider World Literature instead. 

Grades: 9-12

Materials – The Elegant Essay,  The Odyssey (Lombardo or Lattimore translations), Much Ado About Nothing (William Shakespeare) (any version). Other materials provided by instructor.

Homework: 1-3 hours per week

Additional one-time materials fee: $25

Tuition: $65/mo.

Max/Min Students: 4/10

Teacher: Stephanie Starr

In this English class students will read some of the great works of world literature, as well as a variety of examples of literature from various cultures and time periods. Along the way they will develop an understanding of how literature and history are intertwined and of how culture shapes literature. Students will write response papers, critical essays, imitations, and creative works.

This class integrates with World History. Students may take the two classes to get an integrated study of world history and literature. Students can also choose to take only the history class or the literature class.

Prerequisite: Students must read at a 10th-grade level, and must have foundational high school writing skills (i.e., write an excellent paragraph). If you are unsure about your student’s reading or writing level, please contact the instructor.

Each year I repeat high school literature and composition with a different book list and varied writing assignments. Each class is a credit of high school English. If you took British Literature last year, this will be a completely different class.

This is a new class at Thrive and the book list is still under review. Please check back or email Ms. Starr for updates. When the book list is complete it will be posted here and in the class description on our website. Works currently under review include Antigone, Julius Caesar, North and South, Cry, the Beloved Country, The Metamorphosis, The Cherry Orchard, and A Tale of Two Cities. This list does not yet represent the final book list, but it does provide insight into the reading level and content under consideration.

Homework: Students will have reading and writing assignments every week and should expect to spend 3 hours a week on this class.

Grades: 9th-12th

Duration: Year-long

Materials: TBA

Required Books:

Monthly Tuition: $65/mo

Additional material fee: $25

Min/Max students: 4/10

Teacher: Stephanie Starr

Using Journeys in Writing, students sharpen their writing skills while exploring varied topics such as the Constitution, Niagara Falls, and the symphony. Using IEW’s Structure and Style® method, students learn to plan, organize, and polish their compositions.

Throughout the course, students practice outlining, summarizing, note-taking, and sentence variety while steadily building strong vocabulary and clear paragraph structure. Step-by-step lessons guide them through each phase of the writing process so they can grow in both confidence and competence.

This course includes lessons in research and writing from sources, as well as literature critiques using short story masterpieces. It is appropriate for middle schoolers and 9th graders who want to develop strong writing skills for high school work.

Students will have an assignment to complete before the school year begins.

Grades: 6-9

Duration: Year long

Monthly Fee: $60/mo

Additional one-time material fee: $25

Materials: Journeys in Writing – Student Book a binder to keep papers in, pen/pencil.

Homework: Weekly writing assignments. Students should expect to spend 1-3 hours a week on homework. In most cases, parental supervision/help is essential to student success.

Min/Max Students: 4/12

Teacher: Stephanie Starr

This practical and engaging course is designed to teach high school students the essential life skills that many adults wish they had learned earlier. Packed with valuable lessons, hands-on experiences, and fun challenges, this class will prepare students for independence and success in their personal lives.

Topics covered include:

Financial Planning & Budgeting: Learn how to manage money, create a budget, and plan for financial goals.

Meal Planning: Discover how to plan and prepare meals efficiently, including tips for grocery shopping and cooking on a budget.

Basic Car Maintenance: Understand the basics of car care, such as changing a tire, checking oil, and recognizing common issues.

Basic First Aid: Gain confidence in handling minor injuries and emergencies.

Clothing Repairs: Learn simple fixes like sewing on a button or mending a hem.

Cleaning Essentials: Explore often-overlooked cleaning tasks to keep your space fresh and organized.

Safety Tips: Understand personal and home safety, from securing belongings to staying alert in various situations.

Special Experiences:

Become a coffee connoisseur! Learn to brew your own coffee and create custom recipes for a fraction of coffee shop prices.

Participate in fun challenges that reinforce the skills you learn, like budgeting competitions or meal-prep races.

Enjoy guest speakers who bring real-world experience and practical advice to class.

Through engaging, hands-on activities, this course will provide students with the tools they need to confidently tackle life’s challenges and enjoy their journey into adulthood.

Materials needed: Basic classroom supplies

Additional material fee: $60

Monthly Cost: $60/mo

Homework: None

Min/Max: 5/12

Teacher: Rana Hicks

Looking for support for high school math?

Each class begins with an SAT-style question focused on key concepts and test-taking strategies. Students then receive individualized tutoring using their own curriculum for support in Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Pre-Calculus. Designed for reinforcement, remediation, and confidence-building.

Grades: 9th-12th

Length: Year long

Materials: None

One-Time Materials Fee: $25

Monthly Tuition Fee: $60

Homework: None

Min/Max Students: 5/10

Teacher: Dean Campbell

High School Biology is a hands-on, concept-driven science course designed
to help students understand how living systems work—from the smallest molecules to entire ecosystems. Students explore how cells function, how organisms use energy, how traits are passed from one generation to the next, and how life adapts and changes over time.

Throughout the course, students participate in labs, interactive activities, guided notes, and discussions that emphasize scientific thinking rather than memorization alone. Vocabulary will be a key component.

Key topics include cell structure, photosynthesis and cellular respiration,
DNA and protein synthesis, genetics, adaptations, ecology, and maintaining
balance within living systems (homeostasis).

The course builds strong scientific vocabulary, data-analysis skills, and
confidence in reading and interpreting biological information.

Course Level: 9th-12th

Course length: Full year

Supplies: Binder, Paper, Dividers, Graph paper, colored pencils, index cards

Monthy Tuition Fee: $65

One-Time Materials Fee: $125

Homework: Biology tends to be intense with the vocabulary and diagrams. Expect 1-2 hours of reading, study, and note taking.

Minimum/Maximum # of Students: 4 min/12 max

Teacher: Mrs. Faith Schwartz

High School Chemistry is a full-year high school science course that helps students
explore the building blocks of matter and the rules that govern chemical change. In this class, students will investigate what everything around us is made of, from atoms and molecules to compounds and solutions, and learn how and why substances interact the way they do.

Students will engage in a variety of hands-on lab activities, experiments, and inquiry projects that reinforce core concepts and develop real scientific skills. In class, they’ll practice measuring, modeling, observing reactions, collecting data, analyzing results, and communicating conclusions. This course isn’t just about memorizing facts — it’s about thinking like a scientist and understanding how chemistry relates to everyday life, from energy and materials to health and the environment.

Grades: 9th-12th

Duration: Year long

Monthly Tuition Fee: $65

One-Time Materials Fee: $115

Required Supplies: Binder, dividers, colored pencils, paper, graph paper,
highlighters, note cards.

Homework: 1 hour per week of independent research and observations and
vocabulary.

Minimum/Maximum # of Students: 4 min/12 max

Teacher: Mrs. Faith Schwartz

Format: Lab-based, discussion-driven, hands-on physics with a mix of video
and teacher instruction.

Prerequisites: None

Estimated Workload: ~2 hours per week outside of class

Physics Series 101 is a full-year, high-school–level physics course that follows a traditional Physics 101 scope and sequence, while drawing on the clarity, depth, and narrative strength of Paul Fleisher Physics Series of books.

This course covers the standard progression of introductory physics—mechanics, motion, forces, gravity, energy, thermodynamics, waves, light, electricity, and magnetism—while teaching these concepts through observation, experimentation, and scientific reasoning, rather than formula memorization alone.

Paul Fleisher’s Secrets of the Universe texts serve as the at-home learning
conceptual spine, providing clear explanations of physical laws and their historical development. Students will be expect to read chapters outside of class, and notebook their finding and share their understanding with the class.

Class pacing and topic order align with a Physics 101 framework, ensuring students receive a rigorous, transcript-appropriate course suitable for high school credit.

Each unit centers on a law of physics, which students:

• Write and narrate in their science notebooks.
• Illustrate through diagrams and sketches.
• Test and observe through guided laboratory experiments.
• Apply to real-world and historical examples.

Supplies: Binder, dividers, graph paper, colored pencils, calculator access, Secrets of the Universe book series:
www.livingbookpress.com/product/the-secrets-of-the-universe-set/

Monthly Tuition Fee: $65

One-Time Materials Fee: $115

Minimum/Maximum # of Students: 4 min/12 max

Teacher: Mrs. Faith Schwartz

Description: This course is the second year of a two-year program designed to complete Spanish 1, ideal for younger students or anyone seeking a slower pace with additional study time and reinforcement of foundational skills and vocabulary. Grammar concepts continue to be integrated into practical language use through engaging stories, songs, games, and drills, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Throughout the year, students will create quarterly digital presentations to showcase their progress. By the end of the course, students will be ready to advance to Spanish 2, building on their skills and preparing for more advanced language learning.

Grades: 8-9

Duration: Year long

Materials Needed: Breaking the Barrier Spanish 1 text/workbook; Internet access

Additional One-Time Material Fee: $50

Monthly Class Fee: $60

Homework: approx. 90-120 min/week

Minimum/Maximum # of Students: 4/12

Teacher: Eliana Reece

Description: Spanish 1 is an honors-level language course designed to develop well-rounded speakers by emphasizing both conversational skills and practical grammar applications. Supplemented with music, games, following a “radio-style telenovela”, and collaborative opportunities in the classroom, this class will balance verbal fluency with grammatical understanding in a fun, engaging environment. Geography and cultural studies of Spanish-speaking countries will also be incorporated. Students will create a digital project each quarter to present and demonstrate their progress. It is recommended that students have a grasp of essential English grammar rules (parts of speech, verb tenses, etc.) prior to taking this class.

Grades: 8-12
Duration: Year long
Materials Needed: Breaking the Barrier Spanish 1 text/workbook; internet access
Additional One-Time Material Fee: $50
Monthly Class Fee: $60
Homework: approx 1.5-2 hrs/week
Minimum/Maximum # of Students: 5/12
Teacher: Eliana Reece

Description: High school students only; pre‐requisite Spanish 1. Students enrolling from other programs may need teacher approval. The honors-level course engages students with dynamic activities such as playing language games, following a “radio-style telenovela,” and watching a weekly TV program to enhance their auditory comprehension, writing, and speaking abilities. Quarterly, students will research and present a digital slide show explaining the history, geography, and customs of a Spanish‐speaking country to aid in their appreciation for and acumen of the language and culture. 

Grades: 9-12; (pre-req. Spanish 1, 1 A&B or teacher evaluation)

Duration: Year long

Materials Needed: Breaking the Barrier Spanish 2 text/workbook; internet access

Additional One-Time Material Fee: $50

Monthly Class Fee: $60

Homework: 120-150 min/week

Minimum/Maximum # of Students: 5/12

Teacher: Eliana Reece

Description: High school students only. This class will focus on building confidence in speaking, reading, listening, and writing in Spanish, while learning about history and culture in Spanish-speaking countries. Students will participate in classroom discussions about classic Spanish literature, audio books, television programs, and common everyday occurrences. They will also review and expand on grammatical concepts taught in Spanish 1 & 2. There will be a few local “field trips” with the opportunity to experience Latin American foods and engage in conversation with native speakers. Applied students will be prepared for AP or CLEP exams by year-end.

Pre-requisite: Spanish 2

Grades:10-12

Duration: Year long

Materials Needed: Materials needed: Student will be provided with personal copies of novels, access to the audio books and videos, and weekly worksheets for homework. They will need a tabbed 3 ring binder and note-taking paper. Cost of field trips is also included in the materials fee.

Additional One-Time Material Fee: $100 (includes cost of meals for field trips)

Monthly Class Fee: $60

Homework: 2-4 hrs/week

Minimum/Maximum # of Students: 3/12

Teacher: Eliana Reece