History/Social Studies Students participating in HLT Junior Integrated Studies will investigate major world and US events that have shaped the modern world. Junior High Students alternate years studying the Medieval Times as well as Early American and World Geography. Students will be given key questions to research utilizing various resources such as living books and recorded lectures. Students will participate in a weekly Socratic style discussion covering research topics, current events, government and philosophy. Students will work together to development projects to show their learning. The goal of this course is to provide students a safe environment to explore their interests and thoughts and use their new-found knowledge of history to make sense of the crazy times in which we are now living. Through the use of key questions and project-based learning students will begin to develop their personal world view.
Language Arts 7,8,9 It is our heartfelt belief that good literature should be read and experienced for what it is; good literature. Student will be asked to read literature that coincides with their chosen history track. Students will be encouraged to relate lessons learned from their individual reading during group discussions. As young adults, it is imperative that students learn to express themselves through written communication. IEW’s Teaching Writing with Structure and Style will be utilized for basic instruction in composition while other Language Arts components are used from the Good and the Beautiful along with additional grammar reinforcement. Writing assignments will correspond to the student’s history and/or science studies. The year will begin with learning how to key word outline a short passage and progress through writing a 3 reference research paper as the final assignment.
Concentrated Studies
STEAM I and STEAM II (Sciences, Math, and Art/Elective) LIFE Sciences Guides: Isaiah Niess
HLT has a fully functioning science lab on-site including a mobile STEM lab, a 3-D printer, biology and chemistry equipment and more! We have opted to do projects/labs on a separate day making these a two-day class. The instructor can better focus time on discussion of the topics and not have to be hurried or split time for labs. We believe that the more often a student can hear and think on material, the better they will be able to retain it. Having days between discussion and labs will benefit the academic success of the students. Students will be able to have more time to work on labs and projects outside of the scheduled class times.
STEAM I and STEAM II are alternated each year in the Fall so that your student can get a full cycle of STEM curriculum and projects to prepare them for STEAM III (Physical Science) in 8th or 9th grade.
In order to give students variety, there is a switch to LIFE Sciences in the Spring covering varying topics like Animal Science, Geology, Basic Biology or Chemistry.
STEAM is a highly-engaging, hands-on science class. High School students seeking credit for this course will be given more challenging work and will have to complete at least one project for credit and minimum one semester course through HomeLife Online courses in the area of technology, coding, engineering and design. Throughout the year, students will explore a variety of science topics including engineering and design that involve research, discussion, critical thinking, group labs, and individual projects. Students will have the opportunity to choose between technology-based projects (based in Minecraft, coding, or other computer platforms) or art-based projects (in a variety of media) for individualized exploration of the class topic.
Using a customized high school course through HomeLife Learning courses as a supplement for this course, students will embark in additional independent study overseen by the instructor and accented with hands-on laboratory activities and projects.
Personal Development Guide: Bryanna Ruesche
Students will enjoy time learning how to better themselves through focused discussion and journaling in their own "smashbook". Students will work on a personal development project along with the class and will work toward developing new skills to help them grown and mature.
Early High School Math Lab
Each student will complete a Math Assessment before classes begin and speak with our Diagnostic Specialist to determine the best curriculum, grade level, and learning style for your student. This class will be formatted similar to a college math lab where students can come to work on lessons with accountability while having access to a tutor to assist with understanding concepts, getting feedback, monitoring your student's progress and time-on-task. This enhanced learning support will allow students to work at their level and pace with an experienced teacher available on demand. Students can bring their own curriculum they are already using or you can opt to use HomeLife Learning or Math Essentials. This independent, self-paced, student-led curriculum is an excellent choice for this type of class. The instructor will be able to better monitor your student online during the week and answer any questions they may have through the online communication portal. You will be able to login and see progress as well. Online math is not the best fit for all students so helping families find something that works for their students is very important.
Note: If you want your student to use another math curriculum, you will need to provide a full lesson plan for each semester or you can work together with us to build a lesson plan for your student.
High School Readiness J-Term We have found that there is a huge need for Junior High students to acquire important skills to be successful and ready for high school. This class time will cover such topics as study skills, public speaking, composition, typing, basic computer knowledge, social skills, self-confidence, leadership and more. J-Term will generally include an interesting topic such as Greek mythology.