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

Middle School Writing

Title	Middle School Writing
Grades	7th-8th
Prerequisite	None
Tutor	Pending
Frequency	1 Day per Week
Costs	$55/month; $30 supply fee for the year
Books	Modern World History-Based Writing Lessons Student Book (2nd Edition), $35.00; ISBN: 9781623413316; available from: iew.com or christianbook.com
Supplies	Computer/printer, textbook; full list available August 5
Description	This 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

Title	Middle School US History and Literature
Grades	7th-8th
Tutor	Landry Estes
Contact	kyrenlandryestes@gmail.com
Frequency	2 Days per Week
Costs	$65/Month; $30 supply fee for the year
Books	America 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.
Description	This 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

Title	Middle School World History and Literature
Grades	7th-8th
Tutor	Kym Estes
Contact	handtoheartcpr@aol.com
Frequency	2 Days per Week
Costs	$65/Month; $30 supply fee for the year
Books	We 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.
Description	These 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

Title	High School Writing
Grades	9th-12th
Prerequisite	A 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.
Tutor	Wayne Saunders
Contact	twsaunders77@gmail.com
Frequency	1 Day per Week
Costs	$55/month; $30 supply fee for the year
Books	TBD
Supplies	Access to a computer with internet/email connectivity is required. A laptop or tablet that can be brought to class is encouraged but not required.
Description	An 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

Title	Elements of Literature
Grades	9th-10th
Prerequisite	Middle School Writing or approval from tutor. A writing sample for all students new to Areté is required. Contact the tutor for more details.
Tutor
Frequency	1 Day per Week
Costs	$55/month; $30 supply fee for the year
Books	Personal 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.
Supplies	The list will be available mid-August.
Description	Works 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

Title	World Literature
Grades	10th-12th
Prerequisite	Elements of Literature, British Literature or American Literature classes or similar. A strong writing background is recommended.
Tutor	Pending
Frequency	1 Day per Week
Costs	$55/Month; $50 supply fee (includes student notebook and all class handouts provided by tutor)
Books	A 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.
Supplies	Computer/printer, textbook; full list available August 5
Description	In 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

Title	American Literature
Grades	11th-12th
Prerequisite	Elements 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.
Tutor
Frequency	1 Day per Week
Costs	$55/month; $30 supply fee for the year
Books	Personal 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.
Supplies	The list will be available mid-August.
Description	This 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

Title	British Literature
Grades	11th-12th
Prerequisite	Elements of Literature, World Literature or American Literature classes or similar. A strong writing background is highly recommended.
Tutor
Frequency	1 Day per Week
Costs	$55/Month; $50 supply fee (includes student notebook and all class handouts provided by tutor)
Books	A 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.
Supplies	Computer/printer, textbook; full list available August 5
Description	While 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

Tutor	Landry Estes
Email	kyrenlandryestes@gmail.com
Biography
Courses	Middle School US History and Literature

Tutor	Wayne Saunders
Email	twsaunders77@gmail.com
Biography	Wayne 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.
Courses	High School Writing, Personal Finance/Consumer Math