Fall 2023 Course Descriptions
Grades 4th-12th

K-3rd Programs (click HERE for descriptions)

Elementary Grades 4th-6th

Tuesday

  • 5th-6th
    Ms. Jodi

    Students will be introduced to different types of writing. We will work on producing clear and organized writing that is appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. This class includes a fun unit on opinion writing.

  • 4th-5th
    Ms. Jodi

    Course description coming soon!

  • 5th-7th
    STAFF

    Think Home Economics meets entrepreneurship and you will have an idea of what to expect in this Life Skills course. Benefiting from a variety of instructors over the semester, students will gain experience and knowledge in different areas such as:

    Personal Development / Independence

    Healthy Habits

    Hand Sewing / Repairs

    Goal Setting / Prioritizing

    Baking Basics / Cake decorating

    Life Lessons

    Basic First Aid / what to do in an emergency

    Knots and Tools

    Verbal & Nonverbal Communication

  • 4th-5th
    Ms. Katie

  • 4th-6th
    Ms. Natalie

    How does one prepare for success in the real-world? One of the best ways to prepare is to practice! This class provides the opportunity to explore age-specific life skills to help students gain independence and prepare for success.

    Topics covered include:

    • Get organized & Set goals

    • Money Matters! - Learn to save, count, and spend your money

    • Introductions - Body Language - Art of Communicating

    • And more :)

  • 4th-6th
    Ms. Amanda

  • 3rd-6th
    Ms. Lara

    Children will enjoy physical activity, learn sportsmanship, and team support through games. Some games played this semester include: frisbee, tennis, badminton, soccer, croquet, balancing, relay races, and more.

  • 4th-5th
    Ms. Amanda

  • 6th-8th
    Ms. Natalie

    Personal confidence is the number one skill gained through improv and fun, laughter, and student interaction is the means to make it happen. :) Students will be introduced to various elements of drama, narration, body language, and presenting. Improvisational games and skits will be performed and played to help students relax and enjoy presenting.

  • 5th-7th
    Ms. Michelle

    Baking is a fun skill to learn and a delicious opportunity to gain confidence in the kitchen.

    *Although we will cover some of the techniques needed to adjust recipes for various reasons, this course is not designed for those with food allergies and/or sensitivities.

  • 7th-12th
    Ms. Lara

Wednesday

  • 4th-6th
    Ms. Maria

    In this engaging science unit, students will have the opportunity to learn about the nature of plants and how they grow from seed to flower using energy from the sun.

  • 6th-8th
    Ms. Bambi

    Are you an aspiring Bob Ross? Or have you ever wondered how to paint landscapes or animals? In this class, you will learn how to paint your own masterpiece. We’ll go step by step from concept to finished artwork.

  • 5th-7th
    Ms. Michelle

    Learning to cook for oneself is a giant step toward independence. In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of flavor, basic knife skills, recipe terms, and more.

  • 4th-6th
    Ms. Bambi

    Ready to take a trip? In this class we will be combining Geography and Art! We will explore regions of the world together and also learn important Art elements and principles. Each week we will travel to a different corner of the world and create artwork based on what we see and experience in that environment and culture. Students will even get a stamp in their passports! So, grab your passport and your paintbrush and let’s go!

  • 4th-6th
    Ms. Maria

    Students will have the opportunity to work on writing paragraphs, personal narratives, expository essays, letters, and a research paper.

  • 4-6
    Ms. Maria

  • 4th-8th
    Ms. Sheila

    Drama class will explore acting and singing techniques, stageperformance and choreography with lots of fun thrown in for good measure!! The

    class will culminate in a performance of “Angels Aware,” an incredible musical

    which Mrs. Drumm has directed over twenty times.

    “Angels Aware” is a musical play about the story BEHIND the Christmas story! It tells how the angels and prophets react when told God was going to earth and, more importantly, why HE chose to go as a baby.

    This production is uplifting! The songs are endearing, humorous, and memorable!

    Sheila Drumm is a retired elementary school teacher, who taught K-5 th grades as well as directing over fifty musical productions for grades K-8. Mrs. Drumm is a motivating, engaging, and fun educator.

  • 4th-8th
    Ms. Angie

    This class is great for both those new to chess and more experienced players. We will learn tips and strategies and have plenty of opportunities to play each other in the class. Tournaments will be included as well.

  • 4th-6th
    Ms. Natalie

    In this interactive class students will learn and practice, the alphabet, basic phrases, and common household terms. They will learn to sign simple word vocabulary and everyday phrases which as they progress will lead to beginner ASL conversations.

  • 5th-8th
    Ms. Sammy

    Students will learn to play chords and read simple tabs to play all of their favorite songs on the ukulele.

Thursday

  • 5th-6th
    Mr. Matt B.

  • 4th-5th
    Mr. Matt B.

  • 4th-5th
    Ms. Jodi

    Students will be introduced to different types of writing. We will work on producing clear and organized writing that is appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. This class includes a fun unit on opinion writing.

  • 5th-7th
    Ms. Katie

  • 4th-6th
    Ms. Natalie

    In this interactive class students will learn and practice, the alphabet, basic phrases, and common household terms. They will learn to sign simple word vocabulary and everyday phrases which as they progress will lead to beginner ASL conversations.

  • 4th-6th
    Ms. Kari

    Focuses on communicative skills of listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Includes high frequency vocabulary, basic verb conjugation, sentence construction, common phrases, and cultural aspects. Also stresses student participation in skills development.

  • 6th-7th
    Ms. Bambi

    In this class, students will learn how to use drawing as a means of visual communication. Students will be taught seven principles of drawing along with position and alignment. Students will learn how to draw “into” the paper and how to control the three-dimensional appearance of objects in a drawing. Sketchbooks will be provided.

  • 4th-5th
    Ms. Natalie

    Get ready to experience all the things we love about early elementary exploration! Learning through play, students will discover Art - Movement - Sharing - Nature exploration - Self Discovery - Character Lessons - And More! Collaborative games and lessons help to foster understanding, creativity, and problem solving. This class brings joy to the learning!

  • 3rd-6th
    Ms. Lara

    Children will enjoy physical activity, learn sportsmanship, and team support through games. Some games played this semester include: frisbee, tennis, badminton, soccer, croquet, balancing, relay races, and more.

  • 6th-8th
    Ms. Michelle

    Homeschool students often have the benefit of growing up in a household that stands on faith. The challenge for many of these same students is that their faith can become more of a cultural norm and less of a personal anchor and relatable truth to live by.

    The objective of this class is to create curiosity, context, and understanding of how to relate a two-thousand-year-old book to life today so that students can apply ancient truth to their daily lives.

  • 7th-12th
    Mr. Hall

    Intro to Coding

    This beginner's programming class will introduce students to the fundamentals of coding using Python, a programming language that is not only great for learning, but also is in high demand for jobs in the tech industry. Along the way, they will also work on the development of important engineering skills such as problem solving and troubleshooting.

Tuesday/Thursday

  • 4th

    Ms. Monica

    California Out of the Box

    Storytelling is a powerful and effective tool in learning which will be used to the fullest in this class. The story of California told through five delightful children's novels will be used as a springboard to explore literature, writing, science, religious traditions, anthropology, and art.

    Over the course of the Fall and Spring semesters, we will go deep into each time period and try to really understand what life was like for the people of California during the time of the Native Americans, the Spanish Missions, the Gold Rush, up through the 1930's.

    The five historical fiction novels needed for both fall and spring are:

    Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell

    Valley of the Moon: The Diary of Maria Rosalia de Milagros by Sherry Garland

    By the Great Horn Spoon! by Sid Fleischman

    The Earth Dragon Awakes by Laurence Yep

    Esperanza Rising by Pam Munos Ryan

    tem description

  • 5th
    Ms. Amelia

    Storytelling is a powerful and effective tool in learning which will be used to the fullest in this interdisciplinary course for 5th graders. The story of our nation will be told through several delightful children's novels. While reading each novel, the events, characters, and the setting will be used as a springboard to explore literature, writing, science, religious traditions, and art. Over the course of the school year, we will go deep into each time period and try to really understand what life was like for the people of America over the past 250 years.

  • 5th-6th
    Ms. Melissa

  • 6th-8th
    Ms. Krista

  • 6th-8th
    Ms. Kari

    Focuses on communicative skills of listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Includes high frequency vocabulary, basic verb conjugation, sentence construction, common phrases, and cultural aspects. Also stresses student participation in skills development.

  • 6th-8th
    Ms. Amelia

    Part skill building and part exploration of literature, this class will explore the art of Language Arts. We will work on the basic writing skills needed to create clear and interesting compositions. The students will read and discuss carefully chosen novels, short stories, and poems.

Middle School Grades 6th-8th

Tuesday

  • 7th-12th
    Ms. Michelle

    This course is designed to show the opportunities created by learning the basics of entrepreneurship. The focus of this introductory class is on personal development, creative problem-solving, and understanding how to set and reach personal goals.

    In business and in life, these skills will make a difference


  • 6th-8th
    Ms. Natalie

    Personal confidence is the number one skill gained through improv and fun, laughter, and student interaction is the means to make it happen. :) Students will be introduced to various elements of drama, narration, body language, and presenting. Improvisational games and skits will be performed and played to help students relax and enjoy presenting.

  • 8th-12th
    STAFF

    Course description coming soon…

  • 7th-12th
    Ms. Lara

    Physical activity relieves stress and also tight muscles and joints. After working hard all day in class, learn how to work your core with body weight movements. Strengthen your muscles. Rejuvenate your body and mind. Please bring comfortable clothes, water, and a yoga mat.

Wednesday

  • 4th-6th
    Ms. Maria

    In this engaging science unit, students will have the opportunity to learn about the nature of plants and how they grow from seed to flower using energy from the sun.

  • 6th-8th
    Ms. Bambi

    Are you an aspiring Bob Ross? Or have you ever wondered how to paint landscapes or animals? In this class, you will learn how to paint your own masterpiece. We’ll go step by step from concept to finished artwork.

  • 5th-7th
    Ms. Michelle

    Learning to cook for oneself is a giant step toward independence. In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of flavor, basic knife skills, recipe terms, and more.

  • 4th-6th
    Ms. Bambi

    Ready to take a trip? In this class we will be combining Geography and Art! We will explore regions of the world together and also learn important Art elements and principles. Each week we will travel to a different corner of the world and create artwork based on what we see and experience in that environment and culture. Students will even get a stamp in their passports! So, grab your passport and your paintbrush and let’s go!

  • 4th-6th
    Ms. Maria

    Students will have the opportunity to work on writing paragraphs, personal narratives, expository essays, letters, and a research paper.

  • 7th-8th
    Ms. Michelle
    This class is for students who like cooking/baking and have confidence, basic skills, and experience in the kitchen. This is not an intro to cooking class.

    • We will create and adjust recipes, work with a budget, develop menus, and prepare meals for a family or group.

    • This class will foster team-work as well as personal responsibility as we create and eventually facilitate an on campus lunch program.

  • 4th-6th
    Ms. Maria

  • 4th-8th
    Ms. Sheila

    Drama class will explore acting and singing techniques, stageperformance and choreography with lots of fun thrown in for good measure!! The

    class will culminate in a performance of “Angels Aware,” an incredible musical

    which Mrs. Drumm has directed over twenty times.

    “Angels Aware” is a musical play about the story BEHIND the Christmas story! It tells how the angels and prophets react when told God was going to earth and, more importantly, why HE chose to go as a baby.

    This production is uplifting! The songs are endearing, humorous, and memorable!

    Sheila Drumm is a retired elementary school teacher, who taught K-5 th grades as well as directing over fifty musical productions for grades K-8. Mrs. Drumm is a motivating, engaging, and fun educator.


  • 4th-8th
    Ms. Angie N.

    This class is great for both those new to chess and more experienced players. We will learn tips and strategies and have plenty of opportunities to play each other in the class. Tournaments will be included as well.

  • 4th-6th
    Ms. Natalie

    In this interactive class students will learn and practice, the alphabet, basic phrases, and common household terms. They will learn to sign simple word vocabulary and everyday phrases which as they progress will lead to beginner ASL conversations.

  • 5th-8th
    Ms. Sammy

    Students will learn to play chords and read simple tabs to play all of their favorite songs on the ukulele.

  • 4th-6th
    Ms. Margie

  • 6th-8th
    Ms. Natalie

    Personal confidence is the number one skill gained through improv and fun, laughter, and student interaction is the means to make it happen. :) Students will be introduced to various elements of drama, narration, body language, and presenting. Improvisational games and skits will be performed and played to help students relax and enjoy presenting.

Thursday

  • 5th-6th
    Mr. Matt B.

  • 5th-7th
    Ms. Katie J.

    Course description coming soon…

  • 4th-6th
    Ms. Natalie

    In this interactive class students will learn and practice, the alphabet, basic phrases, and common household terms. They will learn to sign simple word vocabulary and everyday phrases which as they progress will lead to beginner ASL conversations.

  • 4th-6th
    Ms. Kari

    Focuses on communicative skills of listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Includes high frequency vocabulary, basic verb conjugation, sentence construction, common phrases, and cultural aspects. Also stresses student participation in skills development.

  • 6th-7th
    Ms. Bambi

    In this class, students will learn how to use drawing as a means of visual communication. Students will be taught seven principles of drawing along with position and alignment. Students will learn how to draw “into” the paper and how to control the three-dimensional appearance of objects in a drawing. Sketchbooks will be provided.

  • 3rd-6th
    Ms. Lara

    Children will enjoy physical activity, learn sportsmanship, and team support through games. Some games played this semester include: frisbee, tennis, badminton, soccer, croquet, balancing, relay races, and more.

  • 6th-8th
    Ms. Michelle

    Homeschool students often have the benefit of growing up in a household that stands on faith. The challenge for many of these same students is that their faith can becomes more of a cultural norm and less of of a personal anchor and relatable truth to live by.

    The objective of this class is to create curiosity, context, and understanding of how to relate a two-thousand year old book to life today so that students can apply ancient truth to daily living.


  • 7th-12th
    Mr. Matt H.

    This beginner's programming class will introduce students to the fundamentals of coding using Python, a programming language that is not only great for learning, but also is in high demand for jobs in the tech industry. Along the way, they will also work on the development of important engineering skills such as problem solving and troubleshooting.


  • 7th-12th
    Ms. Alicia

    We will be documenting all of the fun learning & activities throughout the school year at ILA to create the Inspire Learning Academy Yearbook.

    We will learn basic principles of yearbook production which includes: developing a theme, designing a cover, organizing sale and distribution of the book, advertising and promoting, establishing and meeting publication deadlines and editing pages. These tasks will give students real-world exposure in leadership, allowing them to experience the successes and failures of working with their peers and meeting deadlines.


Tuesday/Thursday

  • 5th-6th
    Ms. Melissa

  • 7th-8th
    STAFF

  • 6th-8th
    Ms. Krista

    Let’s take a closer look at the world and dive in! We’ll be exploring with hands-on projects, worldly discussion, and sharing our thoughts and perspectives as we travel!

  • 6th-8th
    Ms. Kari

    Focuses on communicative skills of listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Includes high frequency vocabulary, basic verb conjugation, sentence construction, common phrases, and cultural aspects. Also stresses student participation in skills development.

  • 6th-8th
    Ms. Amelia

    Part skill building and part exploration of literature, this class will explore the art of Language Arts. We will work on the basic writing skills needed to create clear and interesting compositions. The students will read and discuss carefully chosen novels, short stories, and poems.

High School Grades 9th-12th

Tuesday

  • 9th-12th
    Ms. Michelle


    Confidence in the kitchen is a skill that can translate to greater health, new career possibilities, saving money, and the benefit of never having to arrive at a party empty-handed.

    In this cooking class, we will cover the basics of kitchen safety, pantry cooking/working with what’s on hand, creating flavor profiles, and meal prep. Best of all, we will eat what we prepare.

  • 7th-12th
    Ms. Michelle

    This course is designed to show the opportunities created by learning the basics of entrepreneurship. The focus of this introductory class is on personal development, creative problem-solving, and understanding how to set and reach personal goals.

    In business and in life, these skills will make a difference.

  • 8th-12th
    STAFF

  • 7th-12th
    Ms. Lara

    Physical activity relieves stress and also tight muscles and joints. After working hard all day in class, learn how to work your core with body weight movements. Strengthen your muscles. Rejuvenate your body and mind. Please bring comfortable clothes, water, and a yoga mat.

Thursday

  • 9th-12th
    Mr. Matt B.
    Course description coming soon…

  • 9th-12th
    Ms. Bambi

    In this class, students will explore the elements of art (line & pattern, shape, color, contrast, value, movement, etc.). These are the building blocks used to understand and create works of art. Student's will need to bring a sketchbook to class.

  • 7th-12th
    Mr. Matt H.

    This beginner's programming class will introduce students to the fundamentals of coding using Python, a programming language that is not only great for learning, but also is in high demand for jobs in the tech industry. Along the way, they will also work on the development of important engineering skills such as problem solving and troubleshooting.

  • 7th-12th
    Ms. Alicia

    We will be documenting all of the fun learning & activities throughout the school year at ILA to create the Inspire Learning Academy Yearbook.

    We will learn basic principles of yearbook production which includes: developing a theme, designing a cover, organizing sale and distribution of the book, advertising and promoting, establishing and meeting publication deadlines and editing pages. These tasks will give students real-world exposure in leadership, allowing them to experience the successes and failures of working with their peers and meeting deadlines.

Tuesday/Thursday

  • 9th-12th
    STAFF
    Course description coming soon…

  • 9th-12th
    Ms. Amelia

    In this class, high school students will enjoy the beauty of the English language through novels, non fiction, speeches, poems, and short stories. They will harness the power of the English language by developing writing skills that will be relevant in any occupation they have in the future.

  • 9th-12th
    Ms. Kelly

    In this course students will learn about and discuss events in World History through the perspective of "How is this relatable to our current life". We will cover all timelines required for High School World History, weekly reading will be assigned as well as quizzes and discussions. There will also be a semester-long project each student will be expected to work on with weekly 'Check-in's" to monitor progress and encourage good time management practices. Additional artifacts and video footage will be used to enhance students' "experience" of history.