High School Co-op
2024/2025 Middle and High School Co-Op Schedule
GreenMiddle School Classes
Blue High School Classes
Purple  — Includes Multiple Ages/Grades
LAF High School Co-op offers a la cart classes to students in 9 – 12 grades.
 
Parents are not required to stay on campus while students are in classes, but all High School families are required to fulfill cooperative duties during the year. Click on the link for more information about our Cooperative Requirements.
High School Tuition

High school classes are $265 each for the 2024/2025 school year (unless otherwise specified below), plus any lab/supply fees. 50% of tuition, plus 100% of lab/supply fees are due at the time of registration. Balances must be paid in full on or before Orientation on July 28 and 29, 2024. August 7, 2023.

REgistration fee

Beginning in the 2024/25 school year, we are adding an annual registration fee of $25 for each student in all age/grade levels. The fee will help offset the cost of the security measures we are putting in place in  2024/25. At Orientation this year, you will be onboarded to our new Brightwheel check-in system, and every family member (junior kiddos ages 5 and up included) will also receive a new ID card.

YOUNGER STUDENTS IN OLDER CLASSES
Do you have a middle schooler who wants to take a high school class or a 5th grader who wants to take a middle school class? In order to place a student in a grade level above their current grade level, you must follow the procedure below:
 
Step 1 – email coop@learningandfamilies.org with your request
Step 2 – the Board of Directors will discuss the request with the facilitator and pray about it
Step 3 – if the placement is a possibility, your student will need to write a paragraph explaining the following:
  • why they want to take the class
  • in what ways they will demonstrate maturity and commitment
 
If the student is approved, you will receive an email to confirm that your student still wants to take the class, and then a Board member will manually add your student to the class.
2024/2025 High School Classes

Below is our list of High School Co-op Classes for the 2024/2025 school year. Next to each class, we have listed the facilitator for the class, the day, time, and location of the class, the course description, and the required materials and additional lab/supply fees. 

Click here to meet our Middle and High School Facilitators.

writing
Advanced Composition and Creative Writing
Facilitator: Mariel Marconi 
 
Tuesdays, 10:30 – 12:20
Room C212
 

Course Description:

Advanced Composition and Creative Writing is a high school, college-preparatory class which reinforces for students the basics and teaches advanced skills of academic and artistic writing. Its design is based on college expectations of analytical reading and writing.

In the first unit, students will practice the foundational strategies of outlining, editing, and revision in expository and persuasive essays, following MLA guidelines.

The second unit teaches elements of literature and narrative, allowing students the opportunity to write creatively.

The third unit covers the history and formal qualities of five poetic forms. In each unit, we will take class time to practice peer-editing, workshopping, and forming plans for integrating feedback in future work.

This course prepares students for college-level writing assignments and helps them develop strong writing habits, and editing and revision skills necessary for critical thinking and reading.

Required Materials:

Home access to a computer and printer

College-ruled paper for class notes

Pencils and erasers

Pens (red ink)

Highlighters (at least three colors)

1-inch three-ring binder

Five binder dividers with tabs

 
Supply Fee:
$10  per student

Algebra 1 

Facilitator: Anna Braswell

 
Thursdays, 9:50 – 11:10
Room C102
 

Course Description:

Class will be structured around Teaching Textbooks curriculum with three lessons assigned weekly. Class day will include presentation of new material (lecture), vocabulary, and samples. Notebooks are required for class notes with in-class quizzes for practice and classroom assignments. 

 
Required Materials:
 
Lab Fee:
$10 per student

Algebra 2

Facilitator: Anna Braswell

 

Thursdays, 8:30 – 9:45
Room C102

 
Course Description:

Class will be structured around Teaching Textbooks curriculum with three lessons assigned weekly. Class day will include presentation of new material (lecture), vocabulary, and samples. Notebooks are required for class notes with in-class quizzes for practice and classroom assignments. 

Required Materials:

Lab Fee:
$10 per studen1

American English Grammar (Developing the Inner Artist!)

Facilitator: Jenni Stahlmann

 

Thursdays, 1:00 – 2:50
Room C105

 
Course Description:
This is a very LAYERED class! The primary goal is to develop every student’s inner artist. We were made in the image of God — the Creator of the universe — and within each of us lies the ability to create. But every artist needs to be able to express their ideas in writing with clarity, hence the grammar
 
As students learn new parts of speech and syntax rules, they will learn how to take notes and process them using the Cornell Notes Method to create a helpful study tool. With the exception of taking notes on lesson videos about every other week and studying for quizzes and tests, grammar work will be done in class.

There is also a vocabulary component, which will also be done in class. Students will learn 150 new words and the etymology of those words.

At home, they will read (or listen to the audiobook) for about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. In the first semester, we will study art that was influenced by other art. Did you know Disney’s The Lion King was inspired by Shakespeare’s Hamlet? In the second semester, we will study art that influenced society. Did you know that the way that most of the Western world celebrates Christmas today was heavily influenced by Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol?

Kindness develops creativity! So, in class, we will work collaboratively on a handful of Kindness Projects. And at the end of each semester, students will write a short speech on how it impacted them. Speaking of writing, there are four writing prompts per semester, and for each one, students will write a one-page response. Each semester, they will also work on one larger creative writing project,

Finally, I want students to learn more about what interests them and what they like. That’s where their inner artist is incubated! Students will keep a kind of scrapbook of things that interest them or things they like. And to help fill this book, we will have 12 optional field trips throughout the year. Students are welcome to attend any that interest them. A parent can come too if they want, but siblings will need to stay home for these. We will experience art, music, craftsmanship, performances, architecture, and great food! 

Optional Field Trips

Fri, 8/30/24 — Dali Museum, Hawkers Restaurant

Sept TBA  — West Coast Black Theatre Troupe, Green Zebra Cafe

Fri, 10/25/24 — Mote Marine, S.O.S, Old Salty Dog Restaurant

Thurs in Oct TBA — SCF Jazz Concert, Linger Lodge Restaurant

Fri, 11/1/24 — Solomon’s Castle

Sat, 11/30/24 — Sarasota Farmer’s Market and Bazaar 

Fri, 12/13/24 —  Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy, tour of Ringling College, Used bookstore for lunch

Sat, 1/18/25 —  Friendly City Flea

Fri, 2/21/25 — Spanish Point

March TBA — Sarasota Opera House and Tsunami Restaurant 

Fri, 4/25/25 — The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, 2D Cafe

Fri, 5/9/25 — Artful Giraffe Shop and Pottery Studio, restaurant in village (TBA)

 
Book List

No Fear Shakespeare (Hamlet) by Spark Notes

Emma by Jane Austen

Pygmalion by George Barnard Shaw

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift

1984 by George Orwell

Required Materials:

Supply fee will cover all grammar materials (syntax lexicon, vocabulary sheets, worksheets, handouts, etc.)

 Large, hardcover journal (lined or unlined)

Grammar Binder:

  • 1.5” 3-ring binder
  • 4 tab dividers labeled as follows:
    • Study Tools
    • Syntax Lexicon
    • Quizzes/Tests
    • Course Reference
  • About 20 page protectors
  • College-ruled lined, 3-Hole punched loose leaf paper

Vocabulary Binder:

  • 1.5” 3-ring binder
  • 6  tab dividers labeled as follows:
    • Quiz 1
    • Quiz 2
    • Quiz 3
    • Quiz 4
    • Quiz 5
    • Quiz 6

Pencil case or zipper pouch filled with the following supplies:

  • Pens (blue or black)
  • Assorted Color Ink Pens
  • Mechanical Pencils
  • Extra Fine Sharpie (for writing on flags and tabs)
  • Highlighters (assorted colors)
  • White Out
  • Post-It Flags
  • Post-It TABS (durable, writable)
  • Page Reinforcers
  • One roll washi tape (any color/design)

1 Subject Spiral Notebook (College Ruled)

Lab Fee:
$40 per student
American History
Facilitator: Kim Thomson
 

Tuesdays, 8:30 – 10:20

Room C102

 
Course Description:

This course is created using the Notgrass Exploring America history curriculum. As we go through American history from the early 1400s to present day, the students will learn that history has a direct influence on our lives today. The students will have a Bible-based history class that will delve into inspiring stories of people who have acted on their faith and made great strides for our country. Students will have the opportunity to go deeper on a topic of their choosing as they prepare for a class presentation each quarter.

Required Materials:

 

Notgrass Exploring America: curriculum package (Part 1 & 2, and American Voices)

Notebook

Pencil or pen

 

Supply Fee: 

$10 per student

American Literature
Facilitator: Kim Thomson
 
Tuesdays, 10:30-12:20
Room C102
 

Course Description:

This course is a high school college-preparatory literature and writing course designed with Hewitt High School Lightning Literature and Composition guides. Hewitt’s Lightning Literature guides provide lessons in literature that will help your student’s reading comprehension, love of books, and their writing as well. For this course, students read eight unabridged books along with short stories, poems, and other shorter literary works that are included within the student guides. According to the instructions in the student guide, students write one paper per literary work.

Required Materials:

(1 st semester)

Lightning Lit. & Composition: American Literature Early-Mid 19 th Century Student Guide

(2 nd semester)

Lightning Lit. & Composition: American Literature Mid-Late 19 th Century Student Guide

8 Unabridged novels (see below for details)

5 subject spiral notebook

1 st Semester Novels:

  1. Benjamin Franklin (nonfiction: Autobiography)
  2. Frederick Douglas (nonfiction: Narrative)
  3. The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne
  4. Moby Dick, by Herman Melville

2 nd Semester Novels:

  1. Uncle Tom’s Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe
  2. Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain
  3. The Red Badge of Courage, by Stephen Crane
  4. The Call of the Wild, by Jack London
Supply Fee:
$10  per student
Bible Exposition  
Facilitator: Natalia Drumm
 
Tuesdays, 10:30-12:20
Room C105
 
Course Description:

Do you really know the story of Scripture? Or just pieces to the story? Are you able to open any passage and read the text for what it says as it was meant to be read? In this course, we will explore how we are to correctly read and handle the Word of God as He meant for us to read it. We will study the metanarrative of Scripture, so as we explore and exegete independent books and passages we will be able to read, interrupt, and apply them correctly to our lives.

 

Required Materials:

How to Read the Bible Like a Seminary Professor by Mark Yarborough 

The Whole Bible Story by William Marty 

ESV Study Bible 

Teacher provided Teenage Theologian Binder

 

Supply Fee:

$75  per student
Biology
Facilitator: Kim Collins
 

Thursdays, 8:30 – 10:20

Room S104

Course Description:

This course is created using the Apologia curriculum. The course is a great overview of Biology. The course starts with the process of life and finishes the year with an overview study of animals. There are 16 modules covering high school biology topics with labs. We will be completing one module every two weeks throughout the school year. We will use lab books to record the labs we perform each week. Students are expected to participate in classroom discussions and presentations. A weekly quiz is given covering subjects from the previous class. Students will be expected to have their homework assignments, including module tests, and lab book completed to be checked after every module.
 

 

Required Materials:

Apologia Exploring Creation with Biology, 3rd edition
 
Exploring Creation with Biology Test Pages, 3rd edition
 
Carbonless Laboratory Notebook – available on Amazon
 
3 ring binder with 5 Tabs labeled:
  1. Notes
  2. OYO
  3. Questions
  4. Study Guide Questions
  5. Quizzes Tests
 

Supply Fee:

$50  per student
British Literature
Facilitator: Kim Thomson
 

Thursdays, 10:30-12:20

Room S106

 

Course Description:

This course is a high school college-preparatory literature and writing course designed with Hewitt High School Lightning Literature and Composition guides. Hewitt’s Lightning Literature guides provide lessons in literature that will help your student’s reading comprehension, love of books, and their writing as well. For this course, students read seven unabridged books along with short stories, poems, and other shorter literary works that are included within the student guides. According to the instructions in the student guide, students write one paper per literary work.

Required Materials:

  1. Lightning Literature and Composition: British Early-Mid 19th Century Student Guide
  2. Lightning Literature and Composition: British Mid-Late 19th Century Student Guide
  3. Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen
  4. Ivanhoe, by Sir Walter Scott
  5. Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley
  6. Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte
  7. Silas Marner, by George Eliot
  8. Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens
  9. The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde

 

5 subject spiral notebook

 

Supply Fee:

$10  per student
Chemistry (Honors)
Facilitator: Judy Blandin
 

Tuesdays, 1:00-2:50

Room S104

 

Course Description:

This course is created using the Discovering Design with Chemistry textbook by Dr. Wile. It is considered an honors course, and students will need to have completed Algebra 1. 
The course will cover fundamentals such as the classification of matter, atomic structure, spectroscopy, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, physical change, chemical change, stoichiometry, solutions, ideal gases, acid/base chemistry, reduction/oxidation reactions, thermochemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, and chemical equilibrium. Concepts will intertwine, alongside their math application, to give students a level of understanding that will enable analysis of major changes in matter. Relevant lab work will be part of this course. Students will be responsible for completing homework assignments, lab journals, quizzes, a final exam, and participating in class. 
 

Required Materials:

  • Discovering Design with Chemistry by Dr. Jay Wile 
  • Pencils
  • A notebook for class notes and homework (or two separate notebooks if desired) 
  • Carbonless laboratory notebook (may find on Amazon)
  • Scientific Calculator (i.e. TI-30X IIS or better recommended)
 

Lab Fee:

$50  per student
Criminal Justice Introduction
Facilitator: Kristin Slone
 

Tuesdays, 8:30-10:20

Room C105

 

Course Description:

Introduction to Criminal Justice is a high school level  course that will  begin with a general introduction to the United States criminal justice system (e.g., policing, courts, corrections, and juvenile justice). We will examine a number of factors (media, crime statistics, case law,  certain high profile crimes, technology, criminological theory, and public perception) that have influenced our modern day justice system.

 

Required Materials:

  • Notebook for note taking
  • Binder (one to start, may need an additional)
  • Writing utensils/ highlighter
  • The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row by Anthony Ray Hinton and Lara Love Hardin 
  • A device that can download the e-book will be beneficial, but not required. 
  • Handouts covered by the supply fee

 

Supply Fee:

$20  per studen
Drawing
Facilitator: Charlene Yoder
 
Tuesdays, 8:30-9:45
Room S104
 
Course Description:
Colored Pencils are inexpensive, easy to acquire, and often used in everything from school projects to doodling. However, they are the most misused medium in the art world. Understanding simple techniques and how to use the proper accessory tools can make a world of difference. Drawing skills, color theory, and proper mechanics will be taught through demonstration and practice. Vocabulary such as layering and burnishing will be emphasized and both dry and wet blending techniques will be experimented with. Subjects will focus on animals, landscapes, and textures.
 
 

Required Materials:

All included in supply fee
 
 

Supply Fee:

$60 per student
 
Economics (Spring Semester)
Facilitator: Erin Hall
 
Tuition: $155
 
Thursdays, 1:00-2:50
Room S106
 
Course Description:

In this ONE SEMESTER economics course, students will learn about the various types of economies and how they address the various factors in the production, consumption, and transfer of wealth. Students will learn a brief economic history of the United States and other countries so as to compare the different types of economies. This will be accomplished by looking at not only individual and business economic factors but also the economy as a whole. Students will learn about the laws of supply and demand, and the importance and impact of economic policies on our economy. They will also learn how money, trade, and markets work as well as how they are measured, and so much more. There will be a mix of reading, lectures, current event discussions, and hands-on activities designed to not only teach the various topics, but make it engaging with a semester end project as well.

 
Required Materials:
  • Notebook
  • Binder with pocket folder
  • Highlighters
  • Pens
  • Book TBD

Supply Fee:

$10 per student 
 
Financial Literacy (Fall Semester)
Facilitator: Erin Hall
 
Tuition: $155
 
Thursdays, 1:00-2:50
Room S106
 
Course Description:

In this ONE SEMESTER financial literacy and money management course, students will learn basic money skills including budgeting, saving, and investing. They will also learn how to file taxes, pay bills, and so much more. There will be a mix of reading, lectures, and hands-on activities designed to not only teach the various subjects, but make it engaging as well.

Some topics to be covered include: banking (including balancing a checkbook), investing (real estate, CD’s, IRA’s), credit cards (positives and negatives), credit score (what is it, why is it important, and how can you protect it), paying for college (different ways to help pay for college and how to choose a college keeping the cost in mind), insurance (health, car, life, renters, and others), paying taxes (we will actually look at a 1040 form), budgeting (the how and why), and other consumer skills.

 
Required Materials:

Notebook

Binder with pocket folder

Highlighters

Pens

Foundations in Personal Finance: Homeschool Edition – Print + Streaming

 

Supply Fee: 

$10 per student

  
Geometry
Facilitator: Anna Braswell
 
Thursdays, 11:15 – 12:30
Room C102
 
Course Description:

Class will be structured around Teaching Textbooks curriculum with three lessons assigned weekly. Class day will include presentation of new material (lecture), vocabulary, and samples. Notebooks are required for class notes with in-class quizzes for practice and classroom assignments. 

 
 
Required Materials:

Geometry – Version 4.0

 

Supply Fee: 

$10 per student

  
Government (One Semester Class — Available in Fall and again in Spring)
Facilitator: Andrea Stanford
 
Tuition:  $155
 
Tuesdays, 1:00-2:50
Room C102
 
Course Description:

This course is designed to provide students with a practical knowledge and understanding of the study of the American government, and its direct connection to its citizens. Students will be able to apply knowledge of the Magna Carta, Articles of Confederation, Ratification, The US Constitution, The Bill of Rights, and demonstrate their understanding of how the American system of government functions on the local, state and national levels as well as the impact on individual citizens. Students will also be able to demonstrate their understanding that US citizens have both rights and responsibilities in order for our government to function to the betterment of our society.  Students will actively investigate national, state and local issues, read and participate in discussions, and develop informed arguments using a variety of forms.

Specifically, the course aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the following:

  • The ideals and beliefs shared by Americans and the meaning of citizenship.
  • The historical, cultural, and philosophical foundations of the U.S. government system.
  • The significance of the Magna Carta, Articles of Confederation and Ratification.
  • The U.S. Constitution and the components and balances of the federal government.
  • The importance and relevance of the Bill of Rights and Amendments.
  • Understand the importance of participating in government.
 
Required Materials:

You will need a spiral notebook with paper and a writing utensil. We will be taking notes as well as completing a lot of in class activities so you will need these materials each and every day for class. 

For curriculum, we will utilize a variety of sources. No book purchase is required. Student supply fee will cover the cost of printed materials all of which will be provided.

 

Supply Fee: 

$30 per student

 
Life Skills
Facilitator: Mya Malone
 
FOR 8TH GRADE AND UP
 
Tuition: $215 
 
Tuesdays, 9:50 – 11:10
Room C103
 
Course Description:

This class is geared toward 8th graders and up. This course is designed to develop and enhance life skills the students will need for everyday life. This class will focus on personal, interpersonal, and communication skills. Also, this course will explore other topics such as personal finance/money management, home management, health/wellness, and more. These skills will help prepare students to be successful when they become independent and on their own. 

Required Materials:

1-2 inch binder 

spiral notebook

writing utensil

Supply Fee:

$10 per student

Marine Biology
Facilitator: Kim Collins
 
Thursdays, 10:30 – 12:20
Room S104
  
Course Description:
This course is created using the Apologia curriculum. The course is a great overview of our oceans and everything in them. There are 16 modules with labs. We will work through all 16 modules. We will use lab books to record the labs we perform each week. Students are expected to participate in classroom discussions and presentations. A weekly quiz is given covering subjects from the previous week. Students will be expected to have their homework assignments, including module tests and lab book completed to be checked after every module.
 

Required Materials:

Exploring Creation with Marine Biology 2nd edition

Exploring Creation with Marine Biology Tests, 2nd edition

Carbonless Laboratory Notebook – available on Amazon

3 ring binder with 5 tabs labeled:

  1. Notes
  2. OYO Questions
  3. Study Guide
  4. Tests
  5. Quizzes
 

Lab Fee:

$50  per student
 
Photography
Facilitator: Rachel Ying
  
Thursdays, 1:00 – 2:50
Room C102
 
Course Description:

An introduction and exploration into the world of digital photography. In this class we will learn the basics of photography: the exposure triangle, framing and lighting, color balancing, landscapes, portraits and much more. Students will learn how to use their own camera to capture the wonder of God’s creation in the world around them.

Required Materials:

  • DSLR or mirrorless digital camera with an interchangeable lens system
  • Memory card compatible with camera 
  • Memory card reader to transfer files to a computer
  • Photo editing software such as Lightroom or Darktable (needed after winter break)
  • 4×7 photo album to hold prints

 

Supply Fee:

$50 per student

 
Sewing
Beginning Sewing (Fall Semester)
Intermediate Sewing (Spring Semester)
Facilitator: Keisa Troyer
 
Tuition: $105 (each semester)
 
Tuesdays, 1:00 – 2:50
Room C209
 
Course Description:
Beginning Sewing is open to all students, including those with little or no experience
 
Intermediate  Sewing is open to students who have experience sewing. 
 
  
Required Materials:

Sewing machine with manual. 

Extra needles and bobbins that fit your machine. 

Sewing scissors 

Sewing pins

Assortment of colors of all purpose threads

1/2-1” binder 

*Optional iron 

Fabric TBD

 
Supply Fee:
$25 per student
Shakespeare
Facilitator: Mariel Marconi
 
Thursdays, 1:00 – 2:50
Room C204 
 
Course Description:

This course is designed as a first-time introduction for high school students to the works of one of the most influential writers of all time. We will focus on familiarizing ourselves with the language of Shakespeare’s writing and enough history of England and English theater to contextualize the works, their format, humor, and vocabulary. We will read a selection of sonnets, and two plays throughout the year. Students can expect to be capable of reading Shakespeare independently by the end of the year.

Required Materials:

  • Pencil case with the following
    • Pencils
    • Red ink pens
    • Highlighters in three colors
  • One 1-inch binder with writing paper
  • At home access to a computer and printer

Texts- No Fear Shakespeare editions of Romeo and Juliet, and Much Ado About Nothing

Supply Fee:

$10 per person

Speech and Public Speaking
Facilitator: Mariel Marconi
 
Tuesdays, 8:30 – 10:20
Room C212
 
Course Description:
This year-long course seeks to teach students skills of public speaking at the high school level, involving research, organization, and effective communication. Students will get experience speaking publicly and delivering speeches for their peers using visual aids and mixed media approaches to communication. In-class debates will also allow students opportunities for quick-thinking and exercise of logical structures. By the end of the first semester, students will be able to plan, construct, and deliver effective speeches, and successfully engage in debate guided by an understanding of the communication process, audience analysis, and public speaking guidelines. 
 
The second semester focuses on helping students make connections between the skills they’ve learned and real-life scenarios where these skills will help them succeed such as job interviews and conflict resolution. The same textbook will be used for both semesters. 
 
 

Required Materials:

College-ruled, spiral notebook with perforated pages for class notes

Pencil case with the following supplies

  • Pencils and erasers
  • Pens (blue or black)

1-inch three ring binder
Access to a computer at home
A USB flash drive
Sound Speech student textbook from Bob Jones University Press (978-1-57924-620-4)

 
Supply Fee:
$10  per student
World History
Facilitator: Kim Thomson 
 
Thursdays, 8:30-10:20
Room S106
 
Course Description:

This course is created using the Notgrass Exploring World History curriculum, covering creation and ancient times to the present day. As we learn about the flow of history through the ages we will better understand the world we live in. The students will have a Bible-based history class with inspiring stories of people who have acted on their faith and made great strides for our country. Students will have the opportunity to go deeper on a topic of their choosing as they prepare for a class presentation each quarter. 

 

Required Materials:

Notgrass Exploring World History curriculum package (Part 1 & 2, and In Their Words)

Notebook

pencil or pen

Supply Fee:
$10  per student

Stay Connected to LAF

Contact Information

Find Us Here:

Leave us a message

Additional Links

Apply for 2024/25

Learn more about our application process and apply for the 2024/25 year for our Support Community and/or our Co-op.