Fall 2025 Scholar Classes

Pathfinders

Land of the Free

Thomas Jefferson wrote, “The cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens.  They are the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous and they are tied to their country and wedded to its liberty and interests by the most lasting bands.” (extract from a letter to John Jay)

This class is NOT about making all of us farmers, but it is about discovering the characteristics of a farmer that support freedom and applying those principles to our lives.  These principles include relying on God and being money wise, innovative and resourceful.

Semester 1 Book List:

1) Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen

2) Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

3) Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

Semester 2 Book List:

1) My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

2) Little Britches by Ralph Moody

5) Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink

5) Little Men by Louisa May Alcott

Spring Semester Tuition: $85 or $5.30 per class

Sword of Freedom 

It's North versus South all over again! This class specifically studies the principles of freedom and the Constitution against the dramatic backdrop of the Civil War. It dares scholars (ages 12-18) to read challenging classics, to decide and discuss their opinions, and to write a research paper about one of their heroes from this time period.   

Scholars can look forward to an epic dart-gun battle to test their battlefield wisdom, and the opportunity to earn a replica sword as they complete specific requirements. It is estimated that the scholars will study 5-10 hours per week preparing for this class. This is a one semester class that will be followed by The Hero Project which studies WWII.

Book List

1) Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher-Stowe

2) Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt

3) Abraham Lincoln by Wilber F. Gordy

4) To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 

Quest III

Other Classes Offered in the Past - Look for them in the future

Sword of Freedom It's North versus South all over again! This class specifically studies the principles of freedom and the Constitution against the dramatic backdrop of the Civil War. It dares scholars (ages 12-18) to read challenging classics, to decide and discuss their opinions, and to write a research paper about one of their heroes from this time period.   

Scholars can look forward to an epic dart-gun battle to test their battlefield wisdom, and the opportunity to earn a replica sword as they complete specific requirements. It is estimated that the scholars will study 5-10 hours per week preparing for this class. This is a one semester class that will be followed by The Hero Project which studies WWII.

Book List

1) Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher-Stowe

2) Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt

3) Abraham Lincoln by Wilber F. Gordy

4) To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 

Pyramid Project You can LOVE math!!! In this class you will learn to take on your own education and discover math and science through new eyes, filled with patterns, sequences, chaos, order, and excitement! You will discover more about yourself as you play games, do experiments, and learn through famous scientists and mathematicians a powerful method of learning that is filled with truth and logic. This class will be fascinating!

We will not be focusing on any specific level of math during this class, though we will do a bit each week.  Youth will be encouraged to be more committed to doing more consistent math work on their own level at home and bring it to class to show.  Mentors are ready and excited to help with this on an individual basis after or before class.

This will be a two semester class that will require a scholar level commitment (ages 12-18).  During the 1st semester students will be expected to: read daily from their core book, notice and record patterns, record “I wonder..” questions, read and discuss the assigned books, record lecture notes, record four experiments, prepare a class presentation, daily math work, memorize the Characteristics of a Scientist and do a math or science project for the science fair.  

1st Semester Book List:

1) Carry on Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham

2) String, Straightedge, & Shadow by Julia K. Diggins

3) Selections from A Beginner’s Guide to Constructing the Universe by Michael S. Schneider

4) The Phantom Toll Booth by Norton Juster and Jules Feiffer

5) Inteligro Math by Tiffany Earl

Pyramid Project Student Manual (LEMI)

Before the 1st day of class students will need to have read Carry on Mr. Bowditch and Times Tables 1-12 memorized.

The Pyramid Project Student can be found at www.shop.lemimentortraining.com.  When you order use the “standard mail rate for books” please be aware that it may take up to two weeks to receive your binder.  It is important that the students have this material for the first day of class.

Georgics A two-semester program focused on learning the principles of Georgics

Georgics is a study in the agricultural application of Georgic principles.  This class is an Apprentice Scholar (12-15) level class and focuses on the 7 Principles and 7 Results of living a Georgic life.  These include Providence, Self-validation, Mission, Ownership, Community Stewardship, Local Interdependence, and Entrepreneurialism yielding the following results Work and Joy, Self-Reliance, Seeing the Whole Picture, Forgiveness and Perseverance, Community Interdependence and Growing Methods, Gratitude and Hope, and lastly Faith.

The purpose of this project is not to present a comprehensive course in agriculture, but rather, to provide an environment where the students will learn to be good stewards; feel and take responsibility for their choices; know and live the Georgic principles and gain the results of living them; feel self-validated as they do hard things; lead by example; share what they have learned with others; have a Homesteader mentality; and most of all Connect with God, themselves, and their fellowmen.

Student will need:

• Georgics Student Manual(LEMI)

• Little Men by Louisa May Alcott

• Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

• The Giver by Lois Lowry

The Georgics Student Manual can be found at http://www.shop.lemimentortraining.com .  When you order from LEMI and use the “standard mail rate for books” please be aware that it may take up to two weeks to receive your books.  It is important that the students have this material for the first day of class.  

The Normal Animal - A Vet Science Class

You can LOVE animals and science. In this class, you will learn to take on your own education and discover math and science through new eyes, while learning about animals. We will discover what is normal and how observations can help us know when our animal needs help. You will discover more about yourself as you do experiments, and learn about famous Veterinarians. This class will be fascinating!

Some of the activities will include models of the animal cell, dissections, visit with a vet, presentations, and book discussions. 

Semester Book List:

1) War Horse by Micheal Morpurgo

2) All Creatures Great and Small by James Heriot

Spring 2023 Semester Tuition: $85  

Mission: Hero WWII

Studying history is so much more than learning to recite facts and dates. Come along with us as we learn geography and take a look at how events unfolded during this pivotal time in the twentieth century. We will study how powerful people impacted the world, and spotlight the individuals who dared to make a difference, not knowing how far-reaching their efforts were. 

It’s all about the people, their stories, and why it matters today, in this Mission: Hero class. We will read inspiring books, and ask the tough questions about ethics, leadership, humanity, and how it’s all relevant to our lives. 

Scholars can look forward to team-building activities, simulations, a movie night, a special end-of-year scholar activity, and earning their own set of personalized WWII Air Force replica dog tags. 

Semester Book List:

1) Children of the Dust Bowl by Jerry Stanley

2) The Boy on the Wooden Box by Leon Leyson

3) The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

4) Unbroken By Laura Hillenbrand

5) Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr

Spring 2023 Semester Tuition: $85/$65 if taking another scholar class

Art of Archery (ages 11+)

This is a transition scholar class geared for students ages 11-14.  In this class we will combine shooting with literature, study skills and public speaking. Students will be increasing their vocabulary and making presentations, all to help them learn the Art of Archery! Our mentor has experience in competitive archery shooting.  He will be key in helping the students learn and grow.  Having your own bow is not required but if your student has their own, please plan on bringing it each week.

Students will need:

The Ranger’s Apprentice: The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan 

The Ranger’s Apprentice: The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan

Fall  Semester Tuition: $25/month (taken as a single payment of $75)

Foundations of Freedom (ages 11+)

How did the American Colonists from Europe go from being refugees of religious oppression to becoming the authors of “The Great Experiment” that brought a successful model of representative government to the world? Study the 28 Principles of Liberty that brought about the 5,000 Year Leap in advancement, as outlined by Cleon Skousen. Learn about the miracles and heroism that gave us the United States of America by studying the history of the American Revolution. Read through and discuss the Constitution as well as the Amendments. Through stories, simulations, book discussions, document studies, and other activities be inspired and develop a deeper love and appreciation for our country and those who fought to give us freedom.

Semester 1& 2 book list

Johnny Tremain by Esther Hoskins Forbes

The American Revolution by Bruce Bliven, Jr.

Being George Washington by Glenn Beck

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey

The Great Little Madison by Jean Fritz

Federalist Paper No. 10 attributed to James Madison (included in manual)

Anti-Federalist Paper Centinel No. 1 attributed to Samuel Bryan (included in manual)

The Law by Frederick Bastiat

Fall Semester Tuition: $25/month (taken as a single payment of $75)

People, Places and Pancakes (ages 14+)

Join us for a fun semester-long trip, to every continent of the world! Learn the names of countries, bodies of water, religions, and cultures. Enjoy making and tasting foods, like German pancakes. Discover music, imports, and exports, styles of government, sports and dance. As an added bonus, learn about anthropological history in each area! By the time this class ends, your travel bucket-list will be overflowing and your taste buds will do a happy dance. 

There may be assignments to share cultural food from time to time. 

Fall  Semester Tuition: $25/month (taken as a single payment of $75)

Quest 1 & 2 (See mentors for age requirement)

 An in-depth and personalized study of leadership (among other things!).  Scholars come face-to-face with six great leaders and their landmark speeches.  They read about, write about, and discuss the circumstances that lead these leaders to greatness.

Second semester, Scholars learn to find their own leaders among history and current times who exemplify—Virtue, Wisdom, Courage, Diplomacy, Inspiring Greatness in Others, and Moving the Cause of Liberty.

Scholars write persuasive essays and do presentations on the lives of those leaders who resonate with them personally.  Scholars also work on these essential traits as they come to see themselves and each other as people who can and will influence the world for good.

QUEST I & II are the first two components of a three part transformational journey...  QUEST I (Fall semester)= studying statesmen.

QUEST II (Spring semester)= finding statesmen.

QUEST III (two semesters , not offered this year, but soon!)= becoming statesmen.

Cost: $75/semester 

Books needed:

QUEST I

• STUDENT BINDER (included)

• A Place To Stand: The Word of God in the Life of Martin Luther by Gene E. Veith  ( must be read by second class, so order & start now)

• Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey ( also order now, as this needs to be read by the third week of class).

• The Boys In The Boat by Daniel James Brown 

• The Chosen by Chaim Potok

• Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom by Catherine Clinton

Four other biographies which will be included in the complete list provided at the QUEST Parent Meeting.

QUEST II

• Never Give In! : The Best of Winston Churchill’s Speeches by Winston S. Churchill 

• Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict by The Harbinger Institute 

• Personal Reflections of Joan of Arc by Mark Twain

• Other biographies TBD

Fall  Semester Tuition: $25/month (taken as a single payment of $75)

Brave Writer A two-semester class for Apprentice Scholar students ages 14-18. 

The goal of this class is to enable your teen to play with writing, to stay connected to their thoughts, ideas, and opinions, and to feel the freedom to express those ideas in their unique writing voices. We will start with creative writing then move into more technical and academic formats. It is my belief that we can enjoy the process of nurturing the writing voice of our kids all while training them to use the writing formats for academic purposes at the same time. In addition to our exercises in writing, we will be working our way through The Perfect English Grammar Workbook: Simple Rules And Quizzes To Master Today’s English by Lisa McClendon. We will also learn how to self publish and how to submit our work to literary publications, all while reading and discussing great works such as The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, Little Men by Louisa May Alcott, Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, as well as others. We are going to have a great time discovering our unique writing voices and cultivating our writing skills so our voices can be heard. Writing is power! A book list will be provided before the beginning of the semester. 

Dad’s Genius Open to all scholar students ages 12-18.

Our resident dad mentors are happy to teach our teenagers a few important life skills and have fun doing it. This one hour elective is designed to be a hands on and inspiring class. This class covers a broad range of topics including basic self defense, personal finances, simple building, entry-level blacksmithing and basic car maintenance.  

Key of Liberty A two-semester program for the Practice Scholar ages 12-13.

The study of the American Revolutionary War period, the United States Constitution, and other founding documents. This class offers an inspiring environment in which students are challenged to learn about many principles of government and read biographies of the founders. They will be asked to think about what they are willing to fight for, what liberty means to them, and what values govern their decision-making. The first semester they will study the Founding Fathers, the Declaration of Independence, different forms of government, and the Revolutionary War that led to the formation of the Constitution. 

The second semester is a more in-depth study of the Constitution. During the second semester, we will take an overnight trip to Sante Fe while Congress is in session. We will take a tour of the Round House and watch Congress in action. Students that finish all the requirements of the class will be able to celebrate their achievements together with an overnight trip to Albuquerque. We will go horseback riding, have dinner, sleep in a fun motel, and go to the Hinkle Family Fun Center. All expenses for trips are covered by the tuition. The students will earn an Independence Hall Key (replica) which they will tie ribbons to as they progress during the semester. Each ribbon represents requirements and achievements such as reading certain books, writing papers, preparing presentations, participating in simulations, and so forth. 

Shakespeare A two-semester program for all Scholar age kids - 12-18. 

Shakespeare knows words.  Shakespeare knows human nature. Shakespeare will lead us to deeper critical thinking as we explore new words, new thoughts, and ideas, and as we dissect his words and characters we will better learn about ourselves and the world around us.

 This project is all about inspiring the student through

·         great works,

·         great mentors (Shakespeare, himself),

·         an enriching environment,

·         beautiful, expressive language

·         learning to love doing hard things.

We will learn about the Elizabethan age and the life and times of this enchanting era. You will stroll down the royal road of England all the while learning about religion, education, plague, and the ever-intriguing iambic pentameter.

By examining Shakespeare, you will gain:

·         enriched cultural literacy

·         enlightened literary appreciation

·         expanded worldview

First semester will focus on the individual student's scholar goals for themselves and we'll begin to explore the world of creating a character with our own actions, facial expressions, and our voices. To be honest, we are going to have fun, get out of our comfort zones and make great memories. (We had a great 1st semester)

Second semester we will put our newly acquired skills onto the stage for our families. Through hard work, teamwork, and dedication we will create something wonderful and memorable. And in the process, we may be changed into greater beings.

Artistic Expression 

Come join us for a fun filled semester of playfully expressing your individuality through art!  Explore the masters as well as some modern artists who have influenced our world. Try your hand at sculpture, painting, and even architecture! For a little fun we will explore the world of illustration in cartoons, commercials, and comics. Everyone has a little creative genius inside and in this class we are going to let it out!

Semester Materials List:

• #2 pencil

•  pink or gum eraser

• pair of scissors

• utility knife

• ruler

• hot glue gun

• package of glue sticks

• alcohol markers

Semester 2 Materials List:

• 25ish oil pastels ($6)

• scissors

• drawing pencil kit (basic $6) including a kneaded eraser, 2H, HB, H, B, 2B, 3B pencils, & two blending tools

• stamp/wood carving tools

• markers/range of colors

• needle nose pliers

• wire cutters

• fountain pen & ink well ($13)

• clear craft glue

Spring  Semester Tuition: $45 or $2.80 per class

Land of the Free

Thomas Jefferson wrote, “The cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens.  They are the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous and they are tied to their country and wedded to its liberty and interests by the most lasting bands.” (extract from a letter to John Jay)

This class is NOT about making all of us farmers, but it is about discovering the characteristics of a farmer that support freedom and applying those principles to our lives.  These principles include relying on God and being money wise, innovative and resourceful.

Semester 1 Book List:

1) Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen

2) Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

3) Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

Semester 2 Book List:

1) My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

2) Little Britches by Ralph Moody

5) Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink

5) Little Men by Louisa May Alcott

Spring Semester Tuition: $85 or $5.30 per class

Wealthy and Rad 

A two-semester program for Scholars aged 14-18 

Welcome to Wealthy & Rad! You have just begun a dynamic mission to learn about the power of money. This class is intended to be fun, big, and bold. This is everything you'll wish you knew to navigate the finances of life! Through the requirements of this course, scholars will learn about checking & savings accounts, principles of saving money, being frugal, the power of investing, and encouraging tithing and/or donations as a way to give back. This class will change the way scholars think and view money!

Semester Book List:

1st Semester:

1)The Jack Rabbit Factor: Why You Can by Leslie Householder 

**This book needs to be read prior to the first class.

2) Total Money Makeover  by Dave Ramsey

3) Rich Dad, Poor Dad for Teens  by Robert Kiyosaki (Not the miniature edition.)

4) Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth  by T. Harv Eker

2nd Semester:

1)The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason

2) Live Your Life for 1/2 the Price (2015 edition) by Mary Hunt

3) Everyday Millionaires: How Ordinary People Built Extraordinary Wealth - and How You Can Too  by Chris Hogan

Spring Semester Tuition: $137.50 (all fees are paid back to Scholars as they complete assignments)