- why they want to take the class
- in what ways they will demonstrate maturity and commitment
Below is our list of Traditional Middle School Co-Op Classes for the 2025/26 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, required materials, additional lab/supply fees, and a link to email the class facilitator.
Click here to meet all of our Thursday Facilitators.
Facilitator: Tanya Taylor
Dive into Fractions and ratios, equations and the Pythagorean Theorem, absolute value and fractional percents all while learning to see beauty and order in God’s design through Math, reviewing multiplication tables through 12 and building your mental math skills. Students will be encouraged to participate and occasionally lead math discussions in class.
Required Materials:
- Saxon Algebra 8/7 Kit:
- Text
- Test/Worksheets
- Solutions Manual
- Graph paper notebook
- Pen
Facilitator: RaeAnna Biehl
If you have an interest in science, more specifically biology, then you have found the right class. Science doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. In fact, it isn’t.
Join us in this Middle School Biology class for a deep dive into God’s living works of art. Using old fashioned pen and paper, and fun of course, we will learn about
- Botany (Plants)
- photosynthesis
- reproduction
- plant systems
- Zoology (Animals)
- animal relationships
- vertebrates and invertebrates
- fish
- amphibians
- reptiles
- mammals
- birds
- ecosystems and food chains
- Humans
- body systems
- respiratory
- digestive
- muscular
- skeletal
- circulatory
- reproductive (in a PG way)
- hormones
- senses
- brain
- heart
- health
- body systems
- Bacteria and other single celled life
- Viruses
- Fungi Cells
- structure
- how they work
- organelles
- nerves
- genetics
- diseases
- reproduction (on a molecular level)
- Life cycles and cycles in nature
We will NOT learn about evolution or adaptation because we believe in the Living Word here (pun intended).
Required Materials
- College ruled, multi subject spiral notebook
- Colorful pens, markers or pencils
- Pencils
- Tape
- Smile
Required Materials
Exploring Creation with Botany Textbook (2nd Edition)
- Exploring Creation with Botany Notebooking Journal (2nd Edition)
- Blank paper (8 ½” x 11”)
Note paper (8 ½” x 11”/3 hole punched)
- 2″ three-ring binder with tab separators
- Folder to fit in binder (3 hole-punched)
- Pencils
- Ruler
- Colored Pencils
- Complete Acrylic Paint Set – 12х Rich Pigment Colors & 6x Art Brushes – Includes 3 Paint Canvases, Palette Knife & Sponge – Perfect for Canvas, Clay, Ceramic – Non-Toxic, Great for Kids & Adults ($10 on Amazon)
- Paint Pallet
- Magnifying Glass
- All other materials will be covered in the lab fee
Drawing from the acclaimed Teaching the Classics curriculum, we will explore literary devices, figurative language, and the foundational tools of literary analysis. Through the thoughtful application of the Socratic Method, students will learn to engage critically with award-winning works of literature, sharpening their minds and deepening their appreciation for the written word. I look forward to fostering a classroom environment where a love of reading is kindled, thoughtful discussions are encouraged, and every student feels empowered to explore the rich world of storytelling.
Required Materials
- Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly
- Kite Fighters by Linda Sue Park
- Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
- When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed
- Inside Out and Back Again by Thanna Lai
- binder
- notebook
- 8-tabbed dividers
- pencils or pens.
Required Materials
- Exploring Themes in Literature 7 Student Edition, Fifth Edition
- Wildoak by C. C. Harrington
- A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park
- Call of the Wild by Jack London
- Refugee by Alan Gratz
- Pens/pencils
- Notebook
- Folder
- Highlighters in pink, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple
NOTE — You may purchase books new or used and from any store you prefer. The only requirement I have regarding the books you purchase is that the BJU press student book be the fifth edition.
Facilitator: Heather Burdick
We will be exploring God’s creation on Earth and in the sky, through studying the oceans, weather, minerals, and astronomy. This class would be a great fit for 6th-8th grade students.
Wonders of Creation Masterbooks General Science 1 Set:
- “The New Ocean book
- “The Mineral Book”
- “The New Weather Book”
- “The New Astronomy Book”
- Teacher’s Guide
1-inch 3 ring binder
pack of notebook paper
Explore several writing styles as well as different stylistic techniques with your student as we dive into the excellent resources created by Andrew Pudewa.
Learn how to avoid plagiarism as you share ideas from other authors or compose your own excellent creative writing pieces.
- This course will give tools and plenty of encouragement to develop confidence in a reluctant writer or make your eager budding writer more refined as we
- expand vocabulary
- explore various essay styles
- develop critical thinking skills
We will work our way up to a final 5 paragraph essay on your student’s favorite Medieval topic. Students are encouraged to present some of their essays in class.
- IEW Medieval History-Based Writing Teacher Manual
- IEW Medieval History-Based Writing Student Book
- Ruled notebook
- Pen
- Computer/printer for home use (optional, as papers could be written by hand if desired.)
Recommended for Parents:
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style — 12 DVD’s and Workbook.
- Our Mother Tongue by Nancy Wilson.
In this one semester class, we will study the elements of storytelling and the use of dialogue in playwriting. As a class, we will co-write a play and submit it the Florida Studio Theatre Young Playwrights Festival. Each student will also write a play that will be submitted to the Young Playwrights Festival.
As part of our study, we will read a play together and also study a handful of small plays.
As a class, we will attend three performances at Florida Studio Theatre. Admission price and dates for the plays will be announced in the summer
- The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
- 1″ binder
- Loose leaf paper
- Pens
- Pencils
$15 per student
Florida History
Facilitator: Heather Kelley
Course Description
When did Florida become a state? What does the state seal symbolize? Who are some of the most influential figures from the Sunshine State? These questions—and many more—will be explored through an engaging, hands-on approach to learning Florida’s rich history.
This course blends interactive notebooking with immersive reading from Patrick D. Smith’s award-winning novel A Land Remembered, offering students a dynamic and memorable educational experience. As they journey through Florida’s past, students will build a presentation-style scrapbook filled with fascinating facts and visuals, alongside a personal journal capturing their reflections and literary insights.
By the end of the course, students will not only gain expert knowledge of Florida’s history, but also develop a deep appreciation for the stories and people that shaped our great state.
- Volumes 1 and 2 of A Land Remembered Student Edition. You can find these editions almost anywhere you usually shop for books, including the link here.
- Florida State History from a Christian Perspective Student Booklet
- Abeka’s My State History Book
- 2-inch 3-ring binder
- page protectors
- colored pencil
- crayons or markers
- glue stick
- scissors
- pencils/pens
- notebook
American History
Facilitator: Andy Hoffman
Course Description
History is much more than memorizing dates and learning about dead old guys. The history of our world has dramatically shaped what we think, feel, and do. We see history as his-story, and everyone has one.
- BJU Press The American Republic Grade 8 Student Text, 4th Edition
World History
Facilitator: Samantha Sherfy
Course Description
World history is more than the story of one culture or country—it’s a rich and beautiful blend of societies from every corner of the globe. Each has played a part in shaping the world we live in today. Together, we’ll explore major events, influential civilizations, and diverse cultures throughout history. From ancient empires to modern revolutions, we’ll discover how the past connects us all and helps us better understand the present.
Volume 1: The Ancient Times, Story of the World By: Susan Wise Bauer
The Story of the World Vol.1: Ancient times, Revised Edition Student Pages
Additional physical books being considered for this class (final list will be published in the summer, and the class will be notified)
Lined Journal
Notebook paper (8 ½” x 11”/3 hole punched)
Blank (unlined) paper (8 ½” x 11”)
2″ three-ring binder with tab separators
Folder to fit in binder (3 hole-punched)
Colored Pencils
Complete Acrylic Paint Set – 12х Rich Pigment Colors & 6x Art Brushes – Includes 3 Paint Canvases, Palette Knife & Sponge – Perfect for Canvas, Clay, Ceramic – Non-Toxic, Great for Kids & Adults ($10 on Amazon)
Geography
Facilitator: Jody Hagaman
Course Description
Come explore the exciting world of geography through presentations, research, and group projects. Discovering God’s creation is exciting! We will learn how geography shapes the world around us, from natural forces to human activity. The projects and interactive assignments will encourage students to exercise their imagination, creativity, and critical thinking.
- To be announced. Check back this summer.
Civics
Facilitator: Samantha Sherfy
Course Description
Has your student ever asked, “What is my role in society?”
In this course, we’ll explore that question by breaking down the structure and function of our government. Together, we’ll dive into what it truly means to be a citizen—examining our rights, our duties, and our responsibilities within a democratic society. By understanding how our government works and how individuals can make an impact, students will be empowered to become thoughtful, informed, and active members of their communities.
US Constitution and Government Course Book by the Good and the Beautiful
US Constitution and Government Student Journal: One Per Child Grades 4–8
Mystery on Constitution Island
Notebook paper (8 ½” x 11”/3 hole punched)
Blank (unlined) paper (8 ½” x 11”)
2″ three-ring binder with tab separators
Folder to fit in binder (3 hole-punched)
Scissors
Pencils
Erasable gel pens
Glue
Tape
Dictionary – Webster’s Dictionary for Students, Special Encyclopedic, Sixth Edition, Newest Edition -$6.49 on amazon
Manila envelopes – 25 Pack 9 x 12 – $6.79 on Amazon
2nd Period – 10:40 – 11:55
Room CI 217
*OPEN TO STUDENTS IN 5-8TH GRADES
The DAR Essay Contest was established to encourage young people to think creatively about our nation’s great history and learn about history in a new light.
For the first half of the semester, we will do a deep dive into the history of the topic (topic announced by DAR in the last week of July). Then we will spend the rest of the semester working on the writing assignment, which will be submitted to our local DAR chapter for judging. This course will help students study for and write an excellent contest submission!
Essays are judged for historical accuracy, adherence to the topic, organization of materials, interest, originality, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and neatness.
Each student participant receives a certificate of participation from the chapter and the chapter winners receive bronze medals and certificates. State winners receive certificates and silver medals and a monetary award. National winners receive special certificates, medals, and a monetary award.
- 1″ 3-Ring Binder
- 5 Tab dividers
- College-ruled notebook paper
- 3 clear page-protectors
- 3-hole punched, 2-pocket folder
- Pencil case with
- pens (blue or black)
- red ink pen
- multiple highlighter colors
- post-it flags
- post-in notes
In middle school art class, students communicate visually, expressing themselves by first learning the elements of line, shape, space, color, value, texture, and form. Building on those art concepts using a variety of media and techniques as the year progresses.
The students will learn to draw from observation using still life props, create a self-portrait, learn to mix paint and different paint media and the many ways to use those media. We will also learn about famous artists and their art movement’s significance in culture, recreating or taking their concepts and creating unique works of art.
*NOTE – Students must submit a paragraph (2 – 3 sentences is acceptable) explaining why they want to take this class. This class is open to waitlist only until the required paragraph has been emailed to the facilitator (see email below), and the student has been approved for the class. Then the student will be added to the class roster.
Please note that this class is for students who are willing to work hard at improving their art every week.
Required Materials
- The lab fee will cover the supplies that will be bought by the teacher for the whole year’s classes.
- Each student may opt to bring a t-shirt or smock for messy days.
Photography
