Calligraphy: Lillie Knight, a native of Hong Kong, will teach students ages 10 and up the correct strokes to create various Chinese characters to be used in Chinese writing. Information for obtaining writing supplies will be provided upon class registration. Lillie homeschools her daughter and previously taught at the Chinese American Family Association of Maine Chinese School for four years.  Cost: $35 per semester, plus a one-time supply fee of $20. Schedule: 13 weeks per semester. Contact info:  foonfung@gmail.com

Beginning Sign Language: In this class we will be learning the fun and exciting American Sign Language! We will learn around 250 signed words, as well as start to be able to converse in sign language. All ages are welcome. No prior knowledge of sign language is needed. This class will be taught by Amanda Wares, a homeschool mom of 4. In her pre-homeschooling life, she was a sign language interpreter, with a degree from UNCG in Education of Deaf Children, concentration in Educational Interpreting. Cost: $30 per semester. All materials will be provided.  Schedule: 13 weeks per semester. Contact Info: Amanda Wares at abwares@yahoo.com or 210-7449.

Intermediate Sign Language: In this class, we will be building upon skills learned in the beginning sign language class. We will add to our vocabulary, while working to improve fluency with signed conversation. All ages are welcome, but this class will move at a faster speed than the beginning class. Students will be expected to review their words during the week so that they will be ready for a new set of words each week. Prerequisite: Beginning Sign Language. Exceptions to this prerequisite can be made on an individual basis, to be determined by the teacher. This class will be taught by Deedee Ungetheim, who is a homeschooling mom to Bryce. Bryce is deaf and uses both sign language and cued speech (another communication option for deaf people) to communicate. Cost: $30.00 per semester. All materials will be provided. Schedule: 13 weeks per semester. Contact info: dungetheim@aol.com

Algebra 2: Using materials from Math-U-See, your student will progress through 31 lessons covering topics such as exponents, factoring polynomials, the Quadratic Formula, graphing conic sections, and more.  Generally the prerequisite for Algebra 2 is at least Algebra 1, and often Geometry. Math-U-See structures their curriculum for Algebra 2 to come following Geometry. To ensure your child is ready for this course, go on-line to www.mathusee.com, choose the Parents tab, and then choose the Getting Started tab. Next click the Placement button, and then Placement Tests. Then you will find the Geometry Competency Exam with the Secondary Math Placement Tests. This class will be taught by Erica Noble, who has tutored privately and has taught high school level math in both public school and homeschool settings.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in Math and Education from Abilene Christian University, a master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Houston, and a doctorate in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University.  Curriculum: Math-U-See Algebra 2 ($72 Instructor’s Pack and $32 Student Pack, available at www.mathusee.com) and a TI-83 calculator, or equivalent. (This calculator use is not required by Math-U-See but will be helpful during the course). Cost: $100 per semester, plus a one-time $10 supply fee. Schedule: 15 weeks per semester. Note: It is important that each student watch the instructional video in addition to attending class; this is a practice highly recommended by Math-U-See as well. Contact info: erica.nobleone@gmail.com

American Literature (suggested course level: 10^th- and 11^th-graders): This course will explore a broad range of American literature by studying authors from the American colonial period through modern writers. We will be studying a variety of short stories, poems, and essays. These will be provided in a Reader (required) that the instructor will put together for the students. Along with the material in the Reader, we will also be studying:  The Scarlet Letter (Hawthorne), Our Town (Wilder), The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald), Of Mice and Men (Steinbeck), and A Walk Across America (Jenkins). These novels may be purchased in most book stores or on Amazon.com. This class will be taught by Valerie Chaffin, a licensed teacher who has been teaching high school English for fifteen years and has Advanced Placement certification. She has earned Teacher of the Year twice in her teaching tenure and has been featured in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers several times.  Cost:  $100 per semester, $36 for the Reader, and a one-time $10 supply fee. Schedule: 15 weeks per semester. Contact info: Valerie.chaffin@gmail.com

American Sign Language for 9^th- to 12^th-graders:  In this class, we will be building upon skills learned in Beginning and Intermediate Sign Language. We will add to our vocabulary, while working to improve fluency in signed conversation. This class will take students’ sign language fluency to a new level!  This course will assign grades so that high school credit may be given.   Open to 9^th-12^th grades (some exceptions may be made, at the instructor’s discretion).  Prerequisite: Intermediate Sign Language taught by Amanda Wares (exceptions may be made on an individual basis, to be determined by the instructor.) This class will be taught by Amanda Wares, a homeschool mom of 4. In her pre-homeschooling life, she was a sign language interpreter, with a degree from UNCG in Education of Deaf Children, concentration in Educational Interpreting. Cost: $50 per semester. Schedule: 13 weeks per semester. Contact info: Amanda Wares at abwares@yahoo.com or 210-7449.

Biology: We will be using Apologia’s award-winning college-prep biology course. From Apologia’s website: “This course provides a detailed introduction to the methods and concepts of general biology. With a strong emphasis on vocabulary and experiments, the course provides the student with a solid background in biology.” Because of the lab requirement and the depth of the material, this class will meet for 1.5 hours per week, beginning at 9:30 a.m. No pre-requisite necessary. Sheila Taylor, who has homeschooled both of her teenage sons since pre-school, will be leading the class. She has taught various age levels and subject levels in other homeschool co-ops and is delighted to teach her favorite subject – science! Curriculum: Exploring Creation with Biology (2^nd edition) by Apologia. Cost: $125 per semester plus a $25 lab fee. There will be a second lab fee (amount to be determined) due in January. Schedule: 15 weeks per semester. Contact info:iamsheilataylor@triad.rr.com or 404-4939.

British Literature (suggested course level: 11^th- and 12^th-graders): This course will explore a broad range of British literature by studying authors from the Old English period through modern writers. We will be studying a variety of short stories, poems, and essays. These will be provided in a Reader (required) that the instructor will put together for the students. Along with the material in the Reader, we will also be studying:  Beowulf (Raffel ed.), Canterbury Tales (Chaucer) (Please get ISBN# 0-553-21082-3), Macbeth (Shakespeare), A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens), Frankenstein (Shelley), and Brave New World (Huxley). These novels may be purchased in most book stores or on Amazon.com. This class will be taught by Valerie Chaffin, a licensed teacher who has been teaching high school English for fifteen years and has Advanced Placement certification. She has earned Teacher of the Year twice in her teaching tenure and has been featured in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers several times.  Cost:  $100 per semester, $28 for the Reader, and a one-time $10 supply fee. Schedule: 15 weeks per semester. Contact info: Valerie.chaffin@gmail.com

Chemistry: This high school chemistry class covers standard topics such as nomenclature, measurement and calculations, chemical composition and reactions, atomic theory, bonding, gas laws, solutions, acids and bases, equilibrium and oxidation-reduction reactions.  Because of the lab requirement and the depth of the material, this class will meet for 1.5 hours per week, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Chemistry is math-intensive and requires time, commitment, and homework.  An honors component is available. Algebra I is a prerequisite.  This class is taught by Kim Mills, who holds a Bachelor’s in Chemistry from Carson-Newman College and a Master’s in Textile Chemistry from NC State.  In her pre-homeschool life she was a lab chemist and taught intro chemistry at Catawba Valley Community College.  Curriculum: The text for this class is World of Chemistry (2005 edition) by Zumdahl.  The text can be purchased used on Amazon for less than $10, but please email me first and I will send you the link so you will get the right edition. You will also need a scientific calculator.  Cost: $125 per semester plus a $25 lab fee. Schedule: 15 weeks per semester. Contact info:  scpk1234@triad.rr.com

Creative Writing Master’s Course for 10^th- to 12^th-graders: This course is for students interested in being coached through the process of producing a publication-ready piece of fiction or non-fiction. Class time will be used for group critique and discussion around technical control, plotting, setting, and character development. Students will be guided in writing a query letter and synopsis as well as assisted in finding contests and other outlets for submission of their work. This class will be taught by Carla Harper, a local writer, facilitator and project manager who owns her own consulting business (www.west65inc.com). Carla holds a BA in Professional and Creative Writing from UNC-Wilmington as well as an MS in Natural Resource Management from Colorado State University. She writes a column called “Truth Be Told” for the Washington Times online that connects history to current events, and she’s completed a work of literary fiction – WORTHY – that awaits publication. Cost: $125 per semester with a one-time supply fee of $20. No required text. Schedule: 15 weeks per semester. Contact info: carla@west65inc.com

Drafting/Interior Design for 9^th- to 12^th-graders: In this class we will cover the following major topic areas: perspective drawing, architectural penmanship, color theory, drafting concepts, space planning, furniture styles, rendering with different mediums, forecasting upcoming colors and trends, and other basic design principles. Instructor: Wendy Gumpert has her degree in Interior Design. As an intern, Wendy studied under showroom and graphic designers at Henredon, Ralph Lauren, and Maitland Smith. After graduation she worked at the International Home Furnishings Market for Lazar Industries as a showroom designer and manager. Wendy sees Interior Design as a ministry to help others create a happy home where families can create a place of refuge from outside challenges. Cost: $100 per semester with a one-time $25 supply fee that will include all materials. Schedule: 15 weeks per semester. Contact info: WLGumpert@gmail.com

French (Beginning) for 9th- to 12th-graders: French is a language that is easy to learn and spoken throughout the world. Give your high school students the chance to discover the French language and culture with a native of France. This fun and active class will introduce students to basic French verbs and grammar, as well as vocabulary and conversational skills. They will begin to write, read, and speak in French as well as discover the different aspects of the French culture and civilization: idioms, tongue twisters, French food, French events, and the Francophony. Students will be required to review their lessons and complete homework during the week. The instructor, Anne-Fleur Butchart, is a native of France and has taught students of all ages for years in both the U.S. and France. Her school, Ecole Mille-Feuille (www.ecolemillefeuille.com), is listed with the Consulate General of France in Atlanta as a French language resource. Cost: $100 per semester with a one-time $60 supply fee (includes textbook: Déclic 1 Méthodes de français and workbook: Déclic 1 Cahier d’exercices). Schedule: 15 weeks per semester. Contact info: anne_fleur_la@yahoo.fr

French (Intermediate) for 9th- to 12th-graders: French is a language that is easy to learn and spoken throughout the world. Give your high school students the chance to discover the French language and culture with a native of France. This fun and active class will help students who have already begun studying French to improve their skills in writing, reading, comprehension, and conversation. Besides studying verbs, grammar, and vocabulary, students will enjoy learning about different aspects of French culture, including idioms, tongue twisters, French food, French events, and the Francophony. Students will be required to review their lessons and complete homework during the week. The instructor, Anne-Fleur Butchart, is a native of France and has taught students of all ages for years in both the U.S. and France. Her school, Ecole Mille-Feuille (www.ecolemillefeuille.com), is listed with the Consulate General of France in Atlanta as a French language resource. Cost: $100 per semester with a one-time $60 supply fee (includes textbook: Déclic 1 Méthodes de français and workbook: Déclic 1 Cahier d’exercices) includes textbook and workbook). Schedule: 15 weeks per semester. Contact info: anne_fleur_la@yahoo.fr

Geometry: Using materials from Math-U-See, your student will progress through 30 lessons covering topics such as points, lines, planes, angles, circles, triangles, quadrilaterals, the Pythagorean Theorem, conic sections, proofs, and more.  Generally the prerequisite for Geometry is Algebra 1.  To ensure your child is ready for this course, go on-line to www.mathusee.com, choose the Parents tab, and then choose the Getting Started tab. Next click the Placement button, and then Placement Tests. Then you will find the Algebra 1 Competency Exam with the Secondary Math Placement Tests. This class will be taught by Erica Noble, who has tutored privately and has taught high school level math in both public school and homeschool settings.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in Math and Education from Abilene Christian University, a master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Houston, and a doctorate in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University.  Curriculum: Math-U-See Geometry ($57 Instructor’s Pack and $32 Student Pack, available at www.mathusee.com) and a TI-83 calculator. (Although Math-U-See does not recommend the use of a calculator, it is encouraged by the teacher.) Cost: $100 per semester, plus a one-time $10 supply fee. Schedule: 15 weeks per semester. Note: It is important that each student watch the instructional video in addition to attending class; this is a practice highly recommended by Math-U-See as well. Contact info: erica.nobleone@gmail.com

PreCalculus: Using materials from Math-U-See, your student will progress through 30 lessons covering topics such as Trigonometry, identities, polar equations, logarithms, sequences, limits, and other topics preparing for Calculus. The prerequisite for this course is Algebra 2 and Geometry. To ensure your child is ready for this course, go on-line to www.mathusee.com, choose the Parents tab, and then choose the Getting Started tab. Next click the Placement button, and then Placement Tests. Then you will find the Algebra 2 Competency Exam with the Secondary Math Placement Tests. This class will be taught by Erica Noble, who has tutored privately and has taught high school level math in both public school and homeschool settings.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in Math and Education from Abilene Christian University, a master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Houston, and a doctorate in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University. Curriculum: Math-U-See PreCalculus ($72 Instructor’s Pack and $32 Student Pack, available at www.mathusee.com) and a TI-83 calculator, or equivalent. Cost: $100 per semester, plus a one-time $10 supply fee. Schedule: 15 weeks per semester. Note: It is important that each student watch the instructional video in addition to attending class; this is a practice highly recommended by Math-U-See as well. Contact info: erica.nobleone@gmail.com

Research Writing (suggested course level: 11^th- and 12^th-graders) – This course will explore the elements involved within in-depth research and composition as well as the complementary aspect of grammar. The course is designed for the student who is serious about preparation for college writing assignments. We will study the skills used in research, organization, and presentation. There will be several full-length research papers required during the course of the year. This class will be taught by Valerie Chaffin, a licensed teacher who has been teaching high school English for fifteen years and has Advanced Placement certification. She has earned Teacher of the Year three times in her teaching tenure and has been featured in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers several times. Required texts:  MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers 7^th Edition and A Commonsense Guide to Grammar and Usage 6^th edition. Cost:  $100 per semester, plus a one-time $5 supply fee. Schedule: 15 weeks per semester. Contact info: Valerie.chaffin@gmail.com

Algebra I with Math-U-See: Kids tearing their hair out over algebra? This is a simpler version of algebra and easier to understand. This class will cover graphing, simultaneous equations, exponents, polynomials, unit multipliers, and more. See www.mathusee.com for details. Parents will be responsible for purchasing other materials before class, including a student textbook. Teacher text, video, and test book are also available but not required. Students will go over a new lesson each week and will review the previous lesson. This class will be taught by Jennie Weekley, a former elementary/middle school teacher who earned a B.A. degree in education from UNC-Chapel Hill. Along with homeschooling her own children since 2000, Jennie has also tutored other students in math and science. Cost: $80 per semester. Readiness to be determined by parent and teacher (mostly likely 7^th-9^th grade, but age is flexible). Schedule: 15 weeks each semester. Contact info: mopsx3@aol.com

Choir for 6th- to 12th-graders (ladies only): Singers will be a part of the Gate City Young Singers. (www.gcys@weebly.com) They will learn elements of music such as music reading, singing, theory, sight singing, and rhythm. They will have the opportunity to sing a wide variety of music including sacred, classical, and Broadway. Students will sing in a Christmas concert and a spring concert as well as have other performance opportunities. This class will be taught by Tami Fields, who has taught music in private and public schools as well as community college (general music, music appreciation and chorus). She also has directed children’s/youth choirs in churches for the last 19 years. Tami holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from UNC-G (voice, piano, and choral conducting). Cost: $75 a semester plus a one-time supply fee of $25 (includes a choir t-shirt and a music folder). Schedule: 15 weeks per semester. Contact info: musicbtf@aol.com.

iCan – Computer Technology for 6^th- to 12^th-graders: Find out what’s inside your computer and how to keep it all working as fast as possible. Learn about critical topics such as backing up files, replacing memory and the hard drive, restoring lost information, and keeping your computer and yourself safe from threats. Pupils will discuss and experiment with the major software titles schools and universities assume students understand, as well as online tools for research, productivity, social networking, sharing, and communication. Students will be expected to do research at home and present their findings in class regularly. The final project is building a robust, useful website that exhibits the skills learned in class and uses the latest web standards. iCan will be taught by Christopher Chaffin, the music and children’s minister as well as the webmaster for Friendly Avenue Church of Christ and for Friendly Educators. A computer guru, Mr. Chaffin worked for Dell Computers for 10 years, is an ASQ certified Lean/Six Sigma instructor, a former teacher, and a published composer and arranger. Cost: $100 per semester. Note: Each student must bring a wireless capable laptop to class each week. Schedule: 15 weeks per semester. Contact info: chris@chaffinhome.com

Draw, Paint, Sculpt for 6^th- to 12^th-graders: Why choose one when you can do them all? In this class, we will be alternating projects between drawing, painting, and sculpting to experiment and practice with each one. This is great for those who like to jump from one thing to another and work on completely different projects each time. Wear an old shirt and be ready to jump in! All levels encouraged and welcome. This class will be taught by Michelle Lyman, a homeschool mom and former owner of From Art to Zebras Creative Studio. Michelle has been teaching adults and children to express themselves through art for over 15 years. Cost: $65 per semester plus a one-time $36 supply fee. Schedule: 13 weeks per semester. Contact info: michelle@fromarttozebras.com

General Science for 7^th- to 9^th-graders: Using Apologia’s Exploring Creation with General Science, students will get an excellent introduction to many of the major fields of science by studying such topics as the scientific method, designing experiments, simple machines, archaeology, geology, paleontology, and biology. Students will receive a course syllabus outlining what pages to read each week; labs will be completed in class. For a description of the class and a sample module, here is the link:

http://www.rainbowresource.com/product/sku/GENSET/5ab9955f15f0076e49d00cbc

This class will be taught by Jennie Weekley, a former elementary/middle school teacher who earned a B.A. degree in education from UNC Chapel Hill. Along with homeschooling her own children since 2000, Jennie has also tutored other students in math and science.

Curriculum: Apologia’s Exploring Creation with General Science, 2^nd Edition. Parents should buy the set that includes the textbook and solutions manual ($59.50, available at www.rainbowresource.com) as well as a 3-ring binder that should be brought to class each week. Note: Students will read and answer questions from module 1 before the first class.

Cost: $80 per semester plus a one-time supply fee of $30. Experiment materials will be covered with the supply fee except for occasional items that need to be brought from home by the student (i.e. 2 –liter bottle, glass bowl, etc.) Schedule: 15 weeks per semester. Contact info: mopsx3@aol.com.

Grammar for 8^th- to 12^th-graders: This course will explore all elements of grammar beginning with the simplest parts of speech, progressing through parts of the sentence (as well as phrases, clauses, verbals, etc.), and concluding with mechanics and punctuation. This course is designed for those who need a basic overview of grammar as well as for those who are ready for a more in-depth understanding of language skills. This class will be taught by Valerie Chaffin, a licensed teacher who has been teaching high school English for fifteen years and has Advanced Placement certification. She has earned Teacher of the Year three times in her teaching tenure and has been featured in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers several times.  Cost:  $100 per semester and a one-time $15 supply fee. Schedule: 15 weeks per semester. Contact info: Valerie.chaffin@gmail.com

Introduction to Essay Writing and Literary Analysis  for 8^th- to 10^th-graders*: Using materials from the Institute for Excellence in Writing, your student will spend the first semester learning to write an outstanding essay and the second semester putting those essay skills to work on introductory literary analysis. This class will be taught by Ellen Dockham, who has been teaching with IEW for eight years and holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill.  Ellen has worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, a public relations specialist, and a freelance writer. Curriculum: IEW’s The Elegant Essay (first semester) and Windows to the World (second semester). Both books are $29 and are available at excellenceinwriting.com. Cost: $100 per semester, plus a one-time $10 supply fee. *Note: Because we are focusing on essays, this class assumes the student is already proficient in writing a basic paragraph. If your student needs basic writing help, please contact Ellen for other options. Juniors and seniors may also take this class if they need essay help! Schedule: 15 weeks each semester. Contact info: edockham@bellsouth.net

Journalism/Yearbook for 8^th- to 12^th-graders: This super-fun class will explore what it takes to be a journalist, from conducting interviews to writing news, feature, and opinion pieces to photographing and designing pages. These young journalists will produce the Greensboro Home Educators’ Homesteader Yearbook, so GHE membership is required. The class will be taught by Ellen Dockham, GHE’s yearbook advisor and a UNC-Chapel Hill journalism graduate.  Ellen has worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, a public relations specialist, and a freelance writer. Cost: $30 per semester plus a one-time $10 supply fee. No additional curriculum is needed. Note: Students will be required to work outside of class to photograph and cover various GHE events throughout the year. A laptop that can be brought to class is preferred but not required. Schedule: This class will meet for 13 weeks each semester with possible extra meetings in the spring to finish the yearbook. Contact info: edockham@bellsouth.net

U.S. Government & Politics (AP exam prep) for 8^th- to 12^th-graders:  This interactive survey course will be taught using original documents such as the Declaration of Independence alongside a textbook to give students an accurate understanding of the American founding era through the present. We will explore the principles of freedom that enabled the country to project all of humanity from hand-plow agriculture to placing men on the moon in 100 years.  The AP College Board outline will be followed so students may use the class to prepare for the AP exam (learn more at http://www.collegeboard.com/). Students will gain contextual meaning and the ability to articulate American principles of governance as well as contrast competing ideologies such as communism, socialism, and progressivism to the American system. Class time will include multi-media presentations, discussion, and expert guest speakers. Evaluation will occur through student essays and in-class discussion. This class will be taught by Carla Harper, a local writer, facilitator and project manager who owns her own consulting business (www.west65inc.com). Carla holds an MS in Natural Resource Management from Colorado State University and a BA in Professional and Creative Writing from UNC-Wilmington. She writes a column called “Truth Be Told” for the Washington Times online that connects history to current events, and she is writing her own American history curriculum. Curriculum:  A Patriot’s History of the United States: From Columbus’s Great Discovery to the War on Terror, Larry Schweikart and Michael Allen (available on Amazon.com). Additional texts and articles will be supplied by the instructor. Cost: $125 per semester with a one-time supply fee of $20. Note: This is a rigorous course that prepares students for the AP exam and will require dedication to reading and essay writing outside of class. Schedule: 15 weeks per semester. Contact info: carla@west65inc.com

Book Club for 6^th- to 8^th-graders:  This exciting quest for the good and great books will introduce middle school-aged students to the basics of literary analysis, cultivate proper linguistic patterns through poetry, and most of all provide a RELAXED ENVIRONMENT in which to have enormous amounts of fun reading, discussing, and occasionally writing about classic literature. Incorporating materials and methods from The Center for Literary Education, this class will be largely discussion-oriented. Students will help choose the books, which may include such authors as Mark Twain, William Shakespeare, Robert Louis Stevenson, Charles Dickens, J.R.R. Tolkien, and many others. This class will be taught by IEW author (Timeline of Classics: Historical Context for the Good and Great Books) and accredited instructor Gail Ledbetter. Gail earned a B.S. degree in Bible and Elementary Education from Columbia International University. Since beginning her teaching career in 1987, she has taught public school, homeschooled her four children, tutored MS and HS math, and taught classical composition and rhetoric. Curriculum:  A reading list determined by the students and the instructor will be provided separately. Cost:  $85 per semester plus a one-time $10 supply fee. Schedule: 13 weeks each semester. Contact info:  gail@timelineofclassics.com

Destination ImagiNation for 6th- to 8^th-graders:  Destination ImagiNation is a program that builds participants’ creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in enjoyable and meaningful ways. The goals of Destination ImagiNation are for participants to:

• Foster creative and critical thinking.
• Learn and apply creative problem-solving tools and methods.
• Develop teamwork, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Nurture research and inquiry skills, involving both creative exploration and attention to detail.
• Apply and enhance written and verbal communication and presentation skills (both impromptu and sustained).
• Promote the recognition, use, and development of many and varied strengths and talents.
• Encourage competence in, enthusiasm for, and commitment to real-life problem-solving.

This is a hands-on class where children learn to take common household items and put them toward a given task. Without any outside help, as teams they will be asked to create an object to fill a need, to answer a question, or to fulfill a task. This class will be taught by Debbie Holt, mother of four, who has homeschooled for 9 years and has taught this program for numerous homeschool co-ops. No curriculum needed.  For more information about this national educational program, go to http://www.idodi.org.  Schedule: 13 weeks per semester. Cost: $30 per semester. Contact info: dahnotes6@hotmail.com

Drafting/Interior Design for 6^th- to 8^th-graders: In this class we will cover the following major topic areas: perspective drawing, architectural penmanship, color theory, drafting concepts, space planning, furniture styles, rendering with different mediums, forecasting upcoming colors and trends, and other basic design principles. Instructor: Wendy Gumpert has her degree in Interior Design. As an intern, Wendy studied under showroom and graphic designers at Henredon, Ralph Lauren, and Maitland Smith. After graduation she worked at the International Home Furnishings Market for Lazar Industries as a showroom designer and manager. Wendy sees Interior Design as a ministry to help others create a happy home where families can create a place of refuge from outside challenges. Cost: $100 per semester with a one-time $25 supply fee that will include all materials. Schedule: 15 weeks per semester. Contact info: WLGumpert@gmail.com

French for 6th- to 8th-graders: French is a language that is easy to learn and spoken throughout the world. Give your children the chance to start learning at an early age and discover the French language and culture with a native of France. Learn in a fun and active classroom: alphabet, numbers, colors, basic French verbs, vocabulary, introducing yourself, talking about your hobbies, songs, games and more. Discover the different aspects of the French culture and civilization with fun activities: tongue twisters, French food, celebrating French events, and the Francophony. The instructor, Anne-Fleur Butchart, is a native of France and has taught students of all ages for years in both the U.S. and France. Her school, Ecole Mille-Feuille (www.ecolemillefeuille.com), is listed with the Consulate General of France in Atlanta as a French language resource. Cost: $100 per semester with a one-time $60 supply fee (includes textbook and workbook). Schedule: 13 weeks per semester. Contact info: anne_fleur_la@yahoo.fr

Writing with IEW for 6^th- to 8^th-graders: Using materials from the Institute for Excellence in Writing, your student will progress through nine units: key word outlining, writing from key words, narrative stories, summarizing references, writing from pictures, multiple source research, creative writing, essay writing, and critiques. We will also study helpful grammar concepts as they arise in our writing. This class will be taught by Ellen Dockham, who has been teaching with IEW for eight years and holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill.  Ellen has worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, a public relations specialist, and a freelance writer. Curriculum: IEW’s U.S. History-Based Writing Lessons Student Book, Volume 1, 2^nd edition ($29, available at iew.com). Parents new to IEW are also required to purchase the Structure and Style Overview DVD from IEW ($10). Cost: $85 per semester, plus a one-time $10 supply fee. Schedule: 13 weeks per semester. Contact info: edockham@bellsouth.net

Science for 3^rd- to 6^th-graders: We will study sea creatures using Apologia’s Exploring Creation with Zoology 2: Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day. The reading will be done at home. We will spend two weeks on each module, with experiments, review, and fun activities in class the first week. Each student will do a project for the second week. Parents will purchase the textbook before class; a notebooking journal is available to purchase but not required. This class will be taught by Jennie Weekley, a former elementary/middle school teacher who earned a B.A. degree in education from UNC-Chapel Hill. Along with homeschooling her own children since 2000, Jennie has also tutored other students in math and science. Cost: $60 per semester with a one-time supply fee of $20. All materials for experiments will be provided with the supply fee except recycled items that might be brought in by students from home. Schedule: 13 weeks per semester. Contact info: mopsx3@aol.com

Writing with IEW for returning* 4^th- 6^th-graders: Designed especially for students in the 2012-13 All Things Fun and Fascinating class, this course will take their writing skills to the next level. We’ll progress through all nine units from the Institute for Excellence in Writing at a more in-depth pace and study helpful grammar concepts along the way. This class will be taught by Ellen Dockham, who has been teaching with IEW for eight years and holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill. Ellen has worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, a public relations specialist, and a freelance writer. Curriculum: IEW’s U.S. History-Based Writing Lessons Student Book, Volume 1, 2^nd edition ($29, available at iew.com). Cost: $75 per semester, plus a one-time $10 supply fee. Schedule: 13 weeks per semester. *Note: If there are still spaces available after returning students have registered, other 4^th- and 5^th-graders may register with permission of the instructor. Contact info: edockham@bellsouth.net

Book Club for 3^rd- to 5^th-graders:  This fun journey through the greatest in children’s literature will introduce elementary-aged students to the basics of literary analysis, cultivate proper linguistic patterns through poetry, and most of all provide a RELAXED ENVIRONMENT in which to have enormous amounts of fun reading, discussing, and occasionally writing about classic children’s literature. Incorporating materials and methods from The Center for Literary Education, this class will be largely discussion-oriented. Students will help choose the books, which may include such authors as Dr. Seuss, Laura Ingalls Wilder, E.B. White, A.A. Milne, William Shakespeare, and a host of others. This class will be taught by IEW author (Timeline of Classics: Historical Context for the Good and Great Books) and accredited instructor Gail Ledbetter. Gail earned a B.S. degree in Bible and Elementary Education from Columbia International University. Since beginning her teaching career in 1987, she has taught public school, homeschooled her four children, tutored MS and HS math, and taught classical composition and rhetoric. Curriculum:  A reading list determined by the students and instructor will be provided separately. Cost:  $75 per semester, plus a one-time $10 supply fee. Note: There are two sections of this class available. Schedule: 13 weeks per semester. Contact info:  gail@timelineofclassics.com

Chinese I for Kindergarteners to 2^nd-graders: Have fun being introduced to Chinese culture, language, and art! Lillie Knight, a native of Hong Kong, will teach the children easy Chinese words and Chinese writing as well as assist them with unique crafts. Lillie homeschools her daughter and previously taught at the Chinese American Family Association of Maine Chinese School for four years. Cost:  $45 per semester, supplies included. Schedule: 13 weeks per semester. Contact info: foonfung@gmail.com

Chinese II for 3^rd- to 5^th-graders:   Have fun being introduced to Chinese culture, language, and art! Lillie Knight, a native of Hong Kong, will teach the children more advanced Chinese words and Chinese writing as well as assist them with unique crafts. Lillie homeschools her daughter and previously taught at the Chinese American Family Association of Maine Chinese School for four years.  Cost: $50 per semester, supplies included. Schedule: 13 weeks per semester. Contact info:  foonfung@gmail.com

Choir for 2^nd- to 5^th-graders (boys with unchanged voices and girls): Singers will be a part of the Gate City Young Singers. (www.gcys@weebly.com) They will learn elements of music such as music reading, singing, theory, sight singing, and rhythm. They will have the opportunity to sing a wide variety of music including sacred, classical, and Broadway. Students will sing in a Christmas concert and a spring concert as well as have other performance opportunities. This class will be taught by Tami Fields, who has taught music in private and public schools as well as community college (general music, music appreciation, and chorus). She also has directed children’s/youth choirs in churches for the last 19 years. Tami holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from UNC-G (voice, piano, and choral conducting). Cost: $75 a semester plus a one-time supply fee of $25 (includes a choir t-shirt and a music folder). Schedule: 15 weeks per semester. Contact info: musicbtf@aol.com.

Destination ImagiNation for 3^rd- to 5^th-graders:  Destination ImagiNation is a program that builds participants’ creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in enjoyable and meaningful ways. The goals of Destination ImagiNation are for participants to:

• Foster creative and critical thinking.
• Learn and apply creative problem-solving tools and methods.
• Develop teamwork, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Nurture research and inquiry skills, involving both creative exploration and attention to detail.
• Apply and enhance written and verbal communication and presentation skills (both impromptu and sustained).
• Promote the recognition, use, and development of many and varied strengths and talents.
• Encourage competence in, enthusiasm for, and commitment to real-life problem-solving.

This is a hands-on class where children learn to take common household items and put them toward a given task. Without any outside help, as teams they will be asked to create an object to fill a need, to answer a question, or to fulfill a task. This class will be taught by Debbie Holt, mother of four, who has homeschooled for 9 years and has taught this program for numerous homeschool co-ops. No curriculum needed.  For more information about this national educational program, go to http://www.idodi.org.  Schedule: 13 weeks per semester. Cost: $30 per semester. Contact info: dahnotes6@hotmail.com

Draw, Paint, Sculpt for Kindergarteners to 2^nd-graders: Why choose one when you can do them all? In this class, we will be alternating projects between drawing, painting, and sculpting to experiment and practice with each one. This is great for those who like to jump from one thing to another and work on completely different projects each time. Wear an old shirt and be ready to jump in! All levels encouraged and welcome. This class will be taught by Michelle Lyman, a homeschool mom and former owner of From Art to Zebras Creative Studio. Michelle has been teaching adults and children to express themselves through art for over 15 years. Cost: $65 per semester plus a one-time $36 supply fee. Schedule: 13 weeks per semester. Contact info: michelle@fromarttozebras.com

Draw, Paint, Sculpt for 3^rd- to 5th-graders: Why choose one when you can do them all? In this class, we will be alternating projects between drawing, painting, and sculpting to experiment and practice with each one. This is great for those who like to jump from one thing to another and work on completely different projects each time. Wear an old shirt and be ready to jump in! All levels encouraged and welcome. This class will be taught by Michelle Lyman, a homeschool mom and former owner of From Art to Zebras Creative Studio. Michelle has been teaching adults and children to express themselves through art for over 15 years. Cost: $65 per semester plus a one-time $36 supply fee. Schedule: 13 weeks per semester. Contact info: michelle@fromarttozebras.com

French for 3rd- to 5th-graders: French is a language that is easy to learn and spoken throughout the world. Give your children the chance to start learning at an early age and discover the French language and culture with a native of France. Learn in a fun and active classroom: alphabet, numbers, colors, basic French verbs, vocabulary, introducing yourself, talking about your hobbies, songs, games and more. Discover the different aspects of the French culture and civilization with fun activities: tongue twisters, French food, celebrating French events, and the Francophony. The instructor, Anne-Fleur Butchart, is a native of France and has taught students of all ages for years in both the U.S. and France. Her school, Ecole Mille-Feuille (www.ecolemillefeuille.com), is listed with the Consulate General of France in Atlanta as a French language resource. Cost: $100 per semester with a one-time $60 supply fee (includes textbook and workbook). Schedule: 13 weeks per semester. Contact info: anne_fleur_la@yahoo.fr

Science for Kindergarteners to 2^nd-graders: Anatomy with Hands-On Minds-On Science for our youngest students. We will explore how the human body is amazing. The class will consist of a story, a craft (yearlong creation we will build on during each class), and a science project, along with songs and games. Each child will be given a folder at the beginning of the year to hold their creations in along with a weekly journal we will work on in class. This class is taught by Debbie Holt, mother of four, who has been homeschooling for nine years. She has spent the last year teaching Destination Imagination to a rambunctious group here at Friendly Educators. Previously, Debbie taught for two years at a homeschool co-op in Asheboro. Cost: $50 per semester with a one-time supply fee of $15. No curriculum needed. Schedule: 13 weeks per semester.  Contact info: dahnotes6@hotmail.com.

Writing with IEW for Kindergarteners to 3rd-graders:  Developed especially for our youngest readers and writers, Bible Heroes: Writing Lessons in Structure and Style introduces primary students to the kid-tested and mother-approved methods of the Institute for Excellence in Writing. Using familiar Bible characters, this class will teach: basic study skills, key word outlining, summarizing narrative stories, report writing, writing from pictures, and more. This class will be taught by IEW author (Timeline of Classics: Historical Context for the Good and Great Books) and accredited instructor Gail Ledbetter. Gail earned a B.S. degree in Bible and Elementary Education from Columbia International University. Since beginning her teaching career in 1987, she has taught public school, homeschooled her four children, tutored MS and HS math, and taught classical composition and rhetoric. Curriculum:  Bible Heroes: Writing Lessons in Structure and Style (available at iew.com for $29). Cost: $75 per semester, plus a one-time $10 supply fee. Schedule: 13 weeks per semester. Contact info: gail@timelineofclassics.com.

Letter of the Week for preschool siblings: Come explore the alphabet! Each week, we will focus on one letter of the alphabet. We will do various related activities, have a snack that fits the theme, and more! This will be loosely based on the LOTW curriculum found at this link: http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/letter-of-the-week. This class will be taught by Amanda Wares, a homeschool mom of 4, including one VERY busy preschooler! Cost: $10 per semester plus a one-time $10 supply fee. Schedule: 13 weeks per semester. Contact info:  Amanda Wares at abwares@yahoo.com or 210-7449. Note: This class is for preschool-aged (2-5) siblings of older students taking classes at Friendly Educators. It will ONLY be opened to non-siblings if there are spaces available in August.

Messy Hands Art for preschool siblings: Using different types of mediums, we’ll be sure to have lots of fun with all ten fingers and sometimes even our toes! Clean off your fridge, reserve a side on your Christmas tree, and be amazed at the mini masterpieces we’ll be pumping out. Wendy Gumpert is a homeschool mom of four creative kids and loves color so much, she received her degree in Interior Design. Need: One of Dad’s old long-sleeved dress shirts. Cost: $20 per semester, plus a monthly $10 supply fee. Schedule: 13 weeks per semester. Contact info: wlgumpert@gmail.com Note: This class is for preschool-aged (2-5) siblings of older students taking classes at Friendly Educators. It will ONLY be opened to non-siblings if there are spaces available in August.