Middle School Co-Op
2023/2024 Middle School Classes
GreenMiddle School Classes
Blue High School Classes
PurpleOther Offerings
LAF Middle School Co-Op offers a la cart classes to students in 6 – 8 grades.
 
Parents are not required to stay on campus while students are in classes, but all Middle School families are required to serve in some capacity during the year. Click here for more information on our Cooperative Requirements.
Middle School Tuition
                   
Middle school classes are $195 each for the 2023/2024 school year, 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 August 9, 2022.
2023/2024 Middle School Classes

Below is our list of Middle School Co-Op Classes for the 2023/2024 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.

American Sign Language
Facilitator: Jaimie Sciesinski
 
Tuesday, 1:00-2:15
Room C207
 
Course Description:
In this course students will learn the structure of ASL, fingerspelling, the importance of facial expression/body language, numbers, word signs, and basic communication through simple statements and commands, yes and no questions/answers. We will also cover the Deaf history, and the Deaf culture. Learning ASL helps with communication skills,  encourages eye contact, body language, and spelling skills. It is a beautiful language and benefits the Deaf community.
 

Required Materials:

  • 1 1/2 inch 3 ring binder
  • Student Study Guide to a Basic Course in American Sign Language
  • Pen or pencil 
 
Supply Fee:
$15 per student
Anatomy & Physiology
Facilitator: Trish Cruise
 
Tuesday, 11:15-12:30
Room C212
 
Course Description:

All creation is awe-inspiring, but the work of the human body, created in the very image of God, is especially jaw-dropping! This study of anatomy and physiology showcases the intricacy and design of the human body, from DNA and cell creation to the skeletal, muscular, digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous/endocrine, immune, and intergumentary systems. Integrated with health and nutrition information, as well as plenty of scripture and biblical application, this complete guide to the human body is written in an enjoyable, conversational tone that will keep kids engaged. Experiments, notebooking assignments, narration, and a “personal person project” provide interaction with concepts outside of reading, and help to solidify understanding. 

Required Materials:
Apologia Anatomy and Physiology text

 
Supply Fee:
$40 per student
Apologetics 
Facilitator: Melissa England
 
Tuesdays, 8:30-9:45
Room S104
 
Course Description:

Foundation Worldview’s Careful Thinking Curriculum helps kids recognize false worldview ideas and understand how they differ from the Christian worldview. They will learn skills to unmask faulty ideas and embrace the truth

Required Materials:

Bible (any version, but please bring the physical book, not an app.)

Pens and pencils

 
Supply Fee:
$40 per student
Art 
Facilitator: Annie White
 
Thursdays, 9:50-11:10
Thursdays, 11:15-11:30
Room C212
 
Course Description:

In middle school art class, students communicate visually, expressing and exchanging ideas, learning to understand and apply Elements of Art and Principles of Design using 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 and the student has been approved for the class. Then the student will be added to the class roster.

Required Materials:

There is no textbook for this class. The supply fee will cover the majority of supplies to be used by the student in class.

 
Supply Fee:
$75 per student
Chemistry/Physics
Facilitator: Nick Gutsche
 
Thursdays, 8:30 – 9:50
Room S106
 

Course Description:

In this course, your student will learn introductory principles of chemistry and physics. Topics include atoms and molecules, the periodic table, Newton’s Laws, Sound, and Light. 

Required Materials:
1. Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics by Jeannie Fulbright.
2. Chemistry and Physics Notebooking Journal for Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics
3. Pencils
 
Lab Fee:
$25 per student
Civics
Facilitator: Rachel Besaw
 

Tuesdays, 9:50-11:10
Room C212

 
Course Description:
Have you ever wondered how elections work or what the President does all day? How about who decides where stop signs go? What is Labor Day? If you like to know the answers to these questions and many more, then the Uncle Sam and You Civics course is just for you! This is a one-year course designed for middle school students. The curriculum will guide you on an engaging tour of American government. You will discover the everyday roles of elected leaders and citizens who make this country work. Civics is a study of the rights and responsibilities of citizens as well as the relationship between citizens and their government. Along with the course materials, we will also utilize media and discuss current events to really bring the lessons to life in a fun and informative way. There will be weekly assignments and classroom discussions. We will have fun while learning!
 
Required Materials:
1. Notgrass: Uncle Sam and You curriculum package ($100)
2. Pencils/Pens
3. 2 glue sticks
4. Scissors
5. 3 ring binder
6. Most importantly, a smile
 
Supply Fee:
$15  per student
Daughters of the American Revolution Essay Course (Fall Semester)
Facilitator: Jenni Stahlmann
 

Tuition: $100

Tuesdays, 11:15-12:30
Room C105 

Course Description:

*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 summer). Then we will spend the rest of the semester working on the essays, 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. National winners receive special certificates, medals, and a monetary award. 

Required Materials:
  • 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
 
Supply Fee:
$5  per student

General Science 1

Facilitator: Chrissy Roberts 

Tuesdays, 11:15-12:30
Room S104
 

Course Description:

Captivate your children with their Creator’s handiwork! As they explore the oceans, astronomy, weather, and minerals, they’ll learn about tides, waves, and currents; the dynamics of planets, stars, and galaxies; the importance of the jet stream and water runoff; the properties and uses of minerals; and more. 
 
Required Materials:

General Science 1:Survey of Earth and Sky

Siblings can share textbooks, but will need their own ‘Teacher Guide’ which is actually the student workbook.

Students will need a folder, highlighter, notecards, and a student Quizlet account.

 
Lab Fee:
$20 per student

Gym

Facilitator: Coach Phil D

Tuesdays, 1:00-2:15
Gym
 

Course Description:

30 minutes of a Sport or Game, 15 minutes of a fun group mixer, 15 minutes of a FCA Huddle (Team Building Through Fun, Food and Friendship with each other and God… ends with a short talk and prayer.
 
Required Materials:

Something you don’t mind sweating in!

 
Supply Fee:
$15 per student
Life Skills
Facilitator: Andrea Stanford
 
FOR 8TH GRADE AND UP 
 
Tuesdays, 1:00 – 2:50
Room C103
 
Course Description:

This course is designed to provide students with skills for real world, everyday life with a focus on Personal Development, Communication, Goal Setting, Problem Solving & Decision Making, Time & Money Management, Basic Cooking & Sewing, Nutrition and Wellness and more…all in an effort to prepare them for independence and life on their own. Students will actively engage in various activities to develop lifelong processes for dealing with these and other life events.

Required Materials:

  • 3 Ring Binder Notebook paper
  • Writing utensil (Note: 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:

$10 per student

Literature 6

Facilitator: Heather Kelley
 
Tuesdays, 9:50-11:10
Room C105
 
I am overjoyed to facilitate Literature 6 on Tuesdays. I anxiously anticipate reading engaging literature with your students while sparking a desire for them to expand their vocabulary, and inspire a zeal for writing. Over the course of the year, the students will learn vocabulary, the stages of plot, and literary devices, including figurative language. In addition, we will have a short review of grammar during each class. The students will also be given a few writing assignments that correlate with the books they read. I know students are all on different levels of reading and writing. Therefore, feel free to either read to your students, utilize audiobooks (libraries often offer free apps for audiobooks), check YouTube for free videos of books, or have your child read independently. It is also a great idea to allow your students to dictate their writing assignments to you so they can be free to focus on their words and not be concerned with spelling, typing and grammar rules. Then they can edit their writing assignments afterwards.
 
 
Book List

Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters ,by Leslie M. M. Blume (Genre: Realistic Fiction)

Friedrich, by Hans Peter Richter (Genre: Historical Fiction)

When Stars Are Scattered, by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed (Genre: Graphic Novel Memoir)

The Kite Fighters, by Linda Sue Park (Genre: Historical Fiction)

Paddle to the Sea by Holling C. Holling (Genre: Adventure)

Out of the Dust ,by Karen Hesse (Genre: Novel in Verse)

Frindle, by Andrew Clements (Genre: Realistic Fiction)

 
Required Materials:
  • 2” Binder
  • 3-hole punched folder for binder Loose leaf notebook paper
  • 8 dividers for binder or Sticky Tabs
  • pens and/or pencils –
  • 3×5 notecards and container/ring (optional — if your student wants to use them for vocabulary study) Books the students will need for the year:
 
Supply Fee:
$20 per student

Literature 7

Facilitator: Summer Gordon  
 
Thursdays, 1:00- 2:15
Room C207
 
Course Description:

The primary goal of this class is to expose students to great works of literature written during a variety of time periods. The book choices will help to facilitate critical thinking, conflict resolution, and encourage in-class discussion.

Students will be expected to participate in class discussions and will also be required to present their writing in class throughout the year. At various times during the year, we will have student debates and video reviews as well.
 

Required Materials:

Book List

Bronze Bow, Elizabeth George Speare
A Land Remembered (The first edition for students), Patrick Smith
The Secret Garden, Grances Hodgson Burnett
Bruchko, Bruce Olson
The Westing Game, Raskin
Outsiders, S.E. Hinton
Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Mark Twain

 

Supply Fee:
$10 per student

Literature 8

Facilitator: Anna Braswell
 
Tuesdays, 8:30 – 9:45
Room C105
 
Course Description:

This class is going to be a mix of great literature, many group discussions, some creative assignments, and writing projects. The mix of stories used in class will range from fantasy to real-life, coming-of-age stories. There is something for every reader to enjoy. Students are expected to participate in class by adding relevant feedback to detailed discussions. Some sharing of projects and reading essays in front of the class will be needed as well.

Required Materials:
Book List

The Hiding Place, by Corrie Ten Boom

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis

Carry on Mr. Bowditch, by Jean Lee Latham

The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolken

The Adventures of Huckelberry Finn, by Mark Twain

To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee

Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, by Washington Irving

Supply Fee:
$10 per student

Photography

Facilitator: Rachel Ying
 
Thurdays, 8:30 – 9:45
Room C212
 
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
  • 4×7 photo album to hold prints (example)

Supply Fee:
$70 per student

Physical Science
Facilitator: Nick Gutsche  
 

Thursdays, 9:50-11:10

Room S106
 
Course Description:

In this course your student will learn basic principles of chemistry, physics, and earth science. Topics include unit conversion, chemical reactions, force diagrams, the water cycle, layers of the earth, and mechanical waves.

 

Required Materials:

Apologia Advantage Set, Physical Science, 3rd Edition 

 
Lab Fee:
$20 per student

Pre-Algebra

Facilitator: Brandi McNulty
 

Tuition: $245 

 
Thursdays, 11:15 – 12:30
Room C105
 
 

Course Description:

Horizons Pre-Algebra builds on basic math operations with hands-on lessons in introductory algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and real-life applications. The complete set includes a full-color student workbook with 160 engaging lessons, a user-friendly teacher’s guide, and a separate tests and resources book for evaluating student progress.

Pre-Algebra Student Book teaches your child: volume and surface area of solids, four operations with monomials and polynomials, representations of data, trigonometric ratios, and more.

 

Required Materials:

  • Horizons Pre-Algebra Student Book
  • Tests and Resources Book
 
Lab Fee:
$10 per student

Intro to Robotics

Facilitator: Nick Gutsche

 
Tuesdays, 9:50 – 11:10
Room S106
 
Tuition: $245
 

Course Description:

In this course your student will build the Super Sphere robot and learn basic principles of computer science.

 

Required Materials:

 
Lab Fee:
$10 per student

Spanish 1

Facilitator: Wendy Willis

 
Thursdays, 8:30-9:45
Room C105
 
 

Course Description:

This beginner class will be an introduction to Spanish and to the wide number of countries and cultures that share this language. Students will learn to read, write, pronounce, and understand basic Spanish vocabulary. The goal is to welcome students into a language journey that God can use to open countless doors for them. Class time will be dedicated to student participation through games, role plays, read-alouds, and simple presentations. Students will get to taste authentic foods, listen to the richly diverse music from all around Central and South America, and learn the basic geography of these regions.
 
Topics include:
  • Greetings & Conversations
  • Numbers 0 – 1,000
  • Colors
  • Alphabet
  • The Family
  • Adjectives
  • The Body
  • Food
  • Weather and Clothing
  • Months, Days, Holidays, Seasons
  • Daily Life
  • Sports and Pastimes
  • Places in the Community
  • Telling Time
  • Meals and Restaurants
  • Animals and their Environments
 

Required Materials:

 
Lab Fee:
$15 per student
Speech & Logic
Facilitator: Cari Gibson
 
Thursdays, 9:50-11:10
Room C103
 
Course Description:
The goal of this class is to teach students to be confident in speaking in front of others and to be able to reason without fallacy. Students will be giving prepared and impromptu speeches in class and discussing the different fallacies that are plaguing communication in our culture. Students will also read some of the remarkable speeches that have shaped American history. 
 
Required Materials:
  • Fallacy Detective
  • Book of Great American Speeches for Young People, by Suzanne McIntire 
  • Binder with 5 tabs
 
Supply Fee:
$5 per student
STEAM Makerspace (Second Semester)
Facilitator: Kathleen Reardon 
 
Tuesdays, 11:15-12:30
Room C105
 
 Tuition: $100


Club Description:

In this class, students will become engineers and “makers” who engage in fun challenges. We will explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) principles to solve problems and build solutions together. Projects could include brainstorming and building solutions for our favorite fairy tale characters; creating 3-dimensional cards for families and friends; considering our community’s needs and performing acts of service. And we will use class time to design and build our LAF Egg Drop inventions!
 

Class Fee:

$40  per student
U.S. History
Facilitator: Chrissy Roberts
 
Tuesdays, 9:50-11:10
Room S104
 
Course Description:
The Notgrass History America the Beautiful curriculum is a one-year American history, course designed for students in grades 5-8. It combines the flexibility and richness of a unit study with the simplicity of a textbook-based approach to history. Daily lessons guide your middle-school student chronologically through American history, with an emphasis on key events, people, and places.
 
Required Materials:
 
Supply Fee:
$10 per student
Writing 1
Facilitator: Cari Gibson
 
Thursdays, 8:30-9:45
Room C103
 
Course Description:
In writing class this year, students will be using the U.S. History-Based Writing Lessons from the Institute for the Excellence in Writing. They will be implementing structure and style in their writings. Students will begin the year with basic concepts such as key word outlining, writing from notes, writing topic sentences, retelling stories, and adding adverbs and adjectives to sentences. Students will build upon these skills and learn summarizing, writing from pictures, inventive writing, and adding more stylistic techniques and sentence openers to their papers. At the end of the year, students will write a formal research paper and complete a literature critique.
 
Students will also be learning grammar through Fix It Grammar Level 3. Students will correct sentences, label parts of speech, and rewrite sentences each week to practice and reinforce their grammar skills.
 
*NOTE – This class is open to waitlist only until the required paragraph has been emailed to the facilitator and the student has been approved for the class. Then the student will be added to the class roster.
 
Required Materials:
  • IEW US History Based Writing Student Book, 2nd Edition
  • Fix it Grammar Level 3 Student Book New Edition 
  • Binder with 5 tabs
 
Supply Fee:
$5 per student
Writing 2 (7th and 8th grades only)
Facilitator: Cari Gibson
 
Thursdays,  11:15-12:30
Room C103
 
Course Description:

The goal of this class is for 7th or 8th students to refine their writing skills by focusing on persuasive writing and reasoning. In addition to writing persuasive essays through The Lost Tools of Writing, students will complete various creative writing assignments throughout the year. In class, students will be expected to participate in discussions of various short stories (which will be provided) and respond to various writing prompts in their journals.

*NOTE – This class is open to waitlist only until the required paragraph has been emailed to the facilitator and the student has been approved for the class. Then the student will be added to the class roster. If you have a 6th grader who is an advanced writer, and would like special consideration, please email the facilitator.

 
Required Materials:
  • Lost Tools of Writing, Level One Student Workbook
 
Supply Fee:
$5 per student

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