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English Courses (Click Course Name to expand or hide details)

Middle School Writing

TitleMiddle School Writing
Grades7th-8th
PrerequisiteNone
TutorLori Ricks
Contactltdaricks14@gmail.com
Frequency1 Day per Week
Costs$55/month; $30 supply fee for the year
BooksModern World History-Based Writing Lessons Student Book (2nd Edition), $35.00; ISBN: 9781623413316; available from: iew.com or christianbook.com
SuppliesComputer/printer, textbook; full list available August 5
DescriptionThis theme-based writing curriculum allows students to experience world history through the study of famous people and events while learning to write with the Structure and Style® writing method by IEW. This class will cover the mechanics of grammar, composition style and vocabulary for students in grades 7–8.
Note: The course will use Modern World History-Based Writing Lessons in 2024-25 and used U.S. History-Based Writing Lessons in 2023-24.

Middle School US History and Literature​

TitleMiddle School US History and Literature​
Grades7th-8th
Tutor *Landry Estes
Contactkyrenlandryestes@gmail.com
Frequency2 Days per Week
Costs$65/Month; $30 supply fee for the year
BooksAmerica from the Beginning, Student Guide by Joshua Franklin and Debbie Lawrence (available on christianbook.com for about $42)
(can be found used on Amazon or other Homeschool textbook site for a reasonable price)
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
These books can be easily purchased on Amazon or checked out from the public library.
DescriptionThis class will primarily be a study of history that will include limited reading and study of works of literature. It will rotate each year from a US History and Literature focus to a World History and Literature focus. For 2024-25, our focus will be US History. We will be using a history text which will be supplemented by 2 works of fiction (1 each semester).

Middle School World History and Literature

TitleMiddle School World History and Literature
Grades7th-8th
TutorKym Estes
Contacthandtoheartcpr@aol.com
Frequency2 Days per Week
Costs$65/Month; $30 supply fee for the year
BooksWe will be using BJU World Studies 4th edition student text, PowerPoint presentations, handouts, study guides for the history portion of the class. For Literature we will read: an online short story about “Aladdin,” "All Quiet on the Western Front" by Enrich Maria Remarque, and "Within These Lines" by Stephanie Morrill.
DescriptionThese classes will cover major events in history. But we will also cover some lesser-known events in a way that draws the student to discover why history is relevant today. “For the dead and the living, we must bear witness.” Elie Wiesel
My goal is to bring history from the pages of a book to life, while emphasizing God throughout it all. The Literature class will follow along with the timeline of the history we are studying. We will be doing 2 research papers in MLA format that will be taught.
My goal is to have two field trips within the school year.
This class will rotate each year from US History and Literature/ World History and Literature.
For 2023-2024 we will be doing World History and Literature

High School Writing

TitleHigh School WritingTop
Grades9th-12th
PrerequisiteA graded writing sample from another class will need to be submitted prior to the first class. Access to a computer with internet/e-mail connectivity will be required, as all compositions will be typed and shared with the instructor online.
TutorLori Ricks
Next TutorWayne Saunders
Contactltdaricks14@gmail.com
Frequency1 Day per Week
Costs$55/month; $30 supply fee for the year
BooksTBD
SuppliesAccess to a computer with internet/email connectivity is required. A laptop or tablet that can be brought to class is encouraged but not required.
DescriptionAn individual’s ability to create effective written communication will not only improve academic performance, but enhance one’s ability to express himself or herself across countless aspects of personal and professional life. High School Writing is recommended for all students in order to prepare them for the demands of writing at the high school level and beyond. Students will utilize the writing process as they develop their skills in composing, written expression, and usage/mechanics while exploring a variety of fiction and nonfiction genres. Instruction will involve discussions, demonstrations, practice assignments, peer editing and revising, and individualized conferences with the instructor.
The High School Writing class will meet the requirements for credit in high school English.

Elements of Literature

TitleElements of LiteratureTop
Grades9th-10th
PrerequisiteMiddle School Writing or approval from tutor. A writing sample for all students new to Areté is required. Contact the tutor for more details.
TutorLori Ricks
Contactltdaricks14@gmail.com
Frequency1 Day per Week
Costs$55/month; $30 supply fee for the year
BooksPersonal copies from the reading list are required in addition to these three books of poetry: Great Short Poems, Dover Thrift Edition, ISBN#: 978-0-486-41105-7; 100 Best-Loved Poems, Dover Thrift Edition, ISBN#: 978-0-486-28553-5; 101 Great American Poems, Dover Thrift Edition, ISBN#: 978-0-486-40158-4. The poetry books will be used in several literature classes at Areté and can be purchased at christianbook.com.
SuppliesThe list will be available mid-August.
DescriptionWorks such as Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado," Orwell’s Animal Farm and a play from Shakespeare will be included on the reading list for the year. This list will be adjusted according to students’ experience; other works TBD. Students will develop skills in literary analysis through the study of the short story, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and drama. We will consider works from writers around the globe and analyze and interpret these works from a Christian worldview perspective. We will review the terms, styles, and purposes of literature, and students will be assigned reading and writing assignments to be discussed and considered in class. A variety of essays, reports, and individual projects will be assigned throughout the year. This class is writing intensive and participation is expected.
Credit: The Elements of Literature class fulfills 1 credit of high school English.

World Literature

TitleWorld LiteratureTop
Grades10th-12th
PrerequisiteElements of Literature, British Literature or American Literature classes or similar. A strong writing background is recommended.
Tutor *Lori Ricks
Contactltdaricks14@gmail.com
Frequency1 Day per Week
Costs$55/Month; $50 supply fee​ (includes student notebook and all class handouts provided by tutor)
BooksA World Literature Anthology for Learning Language Arts Through Literature, The Gold Book - World Literature, $18.00; ISBN: 1929683316, (2014); available from: christianbook.com or commonsensepress.com.
Other Books Needed: We will consider major works of World literature such as The Epic of Gilgamesh, The Odyssey, Shakespeare's Hamlet, or Julius Caesar, Les Misérables (excerpts), and select short stories. This list will be adjusted according to students’ experience; exact book titles/editions will be available mid-August.
SuppliesComputer/printer, textbook; full list available August 5
DescriptionIn this course we will consider early literary pieces from Sumerian and Hebrew (Biblical) cultures. Persian/Arabian, Indian, African, and Asian myths, folktales, fables, and proverbs may be incorporated as well. We will carefully study Greek and Roman literature including epic poetry of the time. We will also consider European literature including works of Shakespeare and other medieval/renaissance literature. Our study of modern literary works may include short stories, and two or three novels. Students should be able to read and write at a 10th grade level and be self-motivated, as they must read independently and participate thoughtfully in class discussions. Some concepts encountered through the literature and discussions will require students to evaluate new and controversial ideas, and they are expected to approach every topic with maturity. Students will have a research paper and several reading and graded writing assignments or projects through the year. This class is writing intensive, and participation is expected.
A computer and printer are a must for successful completion of this class.
Credit: World Literature fulfills 1 credit of high school English.

American Literature

TitleAmerican LiteratureTop
Grades11th-12th
PrerequisiteElements of Literature and/or World Literature or approval from tutor. A writing sample for all students new to Areté is required. Contact the tutor for more details.
TutorLori Ricks
Contactltdaricks14@gmail.com
Frequency1 Day per Week
Costs$55/month; $30 supply fee for the year
BooksPersonal copies from the reading list are required in addition to the textbook American Literature by Whit Jones, PhD.; I have several copies of the textbook available to borrow.
Summer Reading List: The list will be available June 5. Completion of many of the books on the summer reading list is highly recommended for this class. Contact the tutor for more details.
SuppliesThe list will be available mid-August.
DescriptionThis course gives students the opportunity to explore the power and beauty of America's greatest literary works from a biblical Christian worldview. It will help them see how enjoyable literature can be, how it speaks to their lives today, and how it affirms and illuminates biblical truth and prepares them for life beyond high school. In this class we will study writings and authors in the following eras of American Literature: Colonial, Reason & Revolution, Romantic, Realism and Modern. During the year we will consider major works of literature such as The Scarlet Letter, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and The Great Gatsby, in addition to works of philosophical thought by Emerson and Thoreau and poetry by Poe, Dickinson and Whitman. We may also consider the American musical or drama. This list will be adjusted according to students’ experience; other works TBD. While we will review the terms, styles, and purposes of literature, students will be assigned numerous reading and writing assignments to be discussed and considered in class. A research paper and several individual projects will be assigned. This class is writing intensive and participation is expected.
Credit: The American Literature class fulfills 1 credit of high school English.

British Literature

TitleBritish LiteratureTop
Grades​​11th-12th
PrerequisiteElements of Literature, World Literature or American Literature classes or similar. A strong writing background is highly recommended.
Tutor *Lori Ricks
Contactltdaricks14@gmail.com
Frequency1 Day per Week
Costs$55/Month; $50 supply fee (includes student notebook and all class handouts provided by tutor)
BooksA British Poetry Anthology for Learning Language Arts Through Literature: The Gold Book British Literature, $8.00; ISBN: 1929683308, (2012); available from: christianbook.com or commonsensepress.com.
Other Books Needed: We will consider major works of British literature such as Beowulf, Shakespeare's Macbeth, Emma, Frankenstein or Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Nineteen Eighty-Four, and select poems and non-fiction works. This list will be adjusted according to students’ experience; exact book titles/editions will be available mid-August.
SuppliesComputer/printer, textbook; full list available August 5
DescriptionWhile we will review the terms, styles, era, and purposes of British literature, students will be assigned numerous reading and writing assignments to be discussed and considered in class. A research paper and several essays and/or projects will be assigned. This upper-level high school course designed to challenge students’ reading and writing abilities. Students are expected to be self-motivated, have an excellent grasp of grammar and MLA formatting, and be capable of defending a thesis in writing. This class is writing intensive, and participation is required.
A computer and printer are a must for successful completion of this class.
Credit: British Literature fulfills 1 credit of high school English.

English Tutors

TutorLandry Estes
Emailkyrenlandryestes@gmail.com
Biography
2024-25 CoursesMiddle School US History and Literature​
TutorLori Ricks
Emailltdaricks14@gmail.com
BiographySince 2009, Lori Ricks has shared her love of literature and writing with middle and high school students as a tutor in a variety of homeschool and cooperative settings. She has taught them all, from the highest achieving honors student to the struggling student who wonders what the point of reading well and writing well really is. What every student wants to be is inspired, to learn, and to have some fun while at school. She hopes her passion for learning and for kids comes through in her teaching and her classroom. With a background in architectural design, creativity and “thinking outside the box” is in her veins and is how she approaches lessons in her classroom. She tries to incorporate relevant topics from history, science, and real-world experiences that challenge students to understand that reading and writing about great books can be fun. She also continuously strives to refine and adapt her materials for all classes to make them relevant to today’s modern student. By giving students challenging and exciting assignments, she hopes to instill an appreciation (or maybe even love) for great works of literature.
2023-24 CoursesMiddle School Writing, High School Writing, Elements of Literature, American Literature
2024-25 CoursesMiddle School Writing, World Literature, British Literature
TutorWayne Saunders
Emailtwsaunders77@gmail.com
BiographyWayne Saunders is the father of three children who were all homeschooled for part, or most, of their academic lives. He earned a BS in History/Social Sciences Education (8-12) and an M.Ed. in Learning Disabilities from Virginia Commonwealth University. Recently retired, he taught for 31 years in Hanover County public schools. He has also worked with youth as a scoutmaster and in other leadership roles within the Boy Scouts of America. Having taught writing for many years, he has developed a passion for using language in effective and creative ways and for motivating students to become better writers. He has been investing and learning about “money matters” for his entire adult life and is eager to pass his experiences on to those just beginning a lifetime of stewardship. His goal in education is to meet students where they are to help each one reach his or her fullest potential, both academically and spiritually.
2023-24 CoursePersonal Finance/Consumer Math​
2024-25 CoursesHigh School Writing, Personal Finance/Consumer Math​