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

Pre-Algebra

TitlePre-Algebra
GradesMiddle School
Tutor
Frequency1 Day per Week
Costs$55/month; $35 book/copy fee for the year
BooksTBD
SuppliesEach student will need a 3-ring binder, paper and pencils.
DescriptionThis course is designed to review middle school math and introduce students to beginning algebraic concepts. Some of the topics we will cover include operations with fractions, decimals, percents, exponents, order of operations, square roots, negative numbers, algebraic expressions, and other topics designed to prepare the middle school student for Algebra I.

Algebra 1

TitleAlgebra 1
Grades9th
PrerequisiteBasic math skills to include knowledge of multiplication facts, how to add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions, an understanding of decimals and completion of a pre-algebra course
TutorMichal Saunders
Contacttwsaunders@comcast.net​​
Frequency2 Days per Week​
Costs$65/month; $20 copy fee for the year
BooksMath-U-See Algebra I student pack​​ (mathusee.com)
DescriptionThe purpose of this class is to aid the student in understanding the basic concepts of algebra and to help the student acquire important algebraic skills. We will be using the Math-U-See Algebra 1 curriculum. The course is designed to prepare students to transition into Geometry or Algebra 2. A solid understanding of Pre-Algebra, fractions and decimals is essential before beginning this class. This class will have a midterm and final exam. Any questions about readiness should be directed to the tutor.

Geometry

TitleGeometry
Grades10th-11th
PrerequisiteAlgebra I
TutorMichal Saunders
Contacttwsaunders@comcast.net​​
Frequency2 Days per Week​
Costs$65/month; $20 copy fee for the year
BooksMath-U-See Geometry student pack (mathusee.com)
DescriptionThe purpose of this class is to aid the student in understanding the basic concepts of geometry and use these concepts to develop his or her math skills and increase problem solving skills. This class will have weekly quizzes, three unit tests, a midterm and final exam. We will be using the Math-U-See Geometry textbook as the foundation of our study.

Algebra 2

TitleAlgebra 2Top
Grades11th
PrerequisiteComplete understanding of Algebra I, including Algebra 1 graphing concepts
TutorMichal Saunders
Contacttwsaunders@comcast.net​​
Frequency2 Days per Week​
Costs$65/month; $20 copy fee for the year
BooksMath-U-See Algebra 2 student pack (mathusee.com)​
DescriptionThe Algebra 2 student will continue to develop concepts learned in Algebra 1.
New topics introduced will build on this material and will include imaginary and complex numbers, conjugate numbers, binomial theorem, the quadratic formula and graphing conic sections.
A complete list of the topics taught can be found at www.mathusee.com under the Table of Contents for Algebra 2.There will be several hours of homework each week. This class does not have a mid-term exam, but will have weekly quizzes, three unit tests, and a final exam.

Personal Finance/Consumer Math​

TitlePersonal Finance/Consumer Math​Top
Grades11th-12th
TutorWayne Saunders
Contacttwsaunders77@gmail.com
Frequency1 Day per Week​
Costs$55/Month; $90 supply fee for the year
BooksDo Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations by Alex & Brett Harris (a couple copies are available to borrow)
DescriptionThis course is beneficial for anyone who will ever own a home, buy a car, use a credit card, apply for a loan, or pay taxes. It is also excellent for anyone who will ever write a resume, go on a job interview, or need to choose a career.
​​Foundations in Personal Finance will meet the requirements for high school credit in consumer math and personal finance. Some of the topics covered will include: Savings, Understanding Investments, Credit and Debt, Financial Responsibility, Money Management, Budgeting, Consumer Awareness, Insurance/Risk Management, Real Estate, Mortgages, Income, Taxes, and Giving.
​​We will also cover Career Choices, Job Search Strategies, Resumes, and Interview Techniques. Older teens are getting ready for the real world and facing these challenges of life. And we want them to be ready!

Mathematics Tutors

TutorMichal Saunders
Emailtwsaunders@comcast.net​​
BiographyAfter teaching elementary school for six years, Michal became a stay-at-home mom and began homeschooling in 2003. In addition to teaching her own children a wide variety of subjects, she has taught in several homeschool co-ops, as well as a private school. ​​She has taught math on all levels up to and including Algebra 2, using materials from several different publishers. She is a life-long artist who enjoys drawing, painting, pottery, and printmaking. She enjoys teaching children of all ages and has a desire to encourage them in their spiritual and academic growth. She has a B.S. in Education from Virginia Commonwealth University.
2023-24 CoursesHigh School Art, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2
2024-25 CoursesHigh School Art, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2
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​
TutorStephanie Whittington
Emailstephwhitt@gmail.com
BiographyAfter teaching Elementary Special Education and preschool for several years, Stephanie began homeschooling her own children in 2015. As a life-long lover of history, field trips to historical places were one of her favorite things about homeschooling! Stephanie received her bachelor’s degree in psychology along with a teacher certification from JMU and her master’s degree in special education from ODU. She enjoys volunteering at her church, Cool Spring Baptist, watching documentaries, and listening to podcasts about theology, culture, and history. Stephanie and her husband Rick have two children, Abby and Andrew.
2023-24 CoursesSkills for Academic Success, Introduction to Psychology, Virginia History, US History
2024-25 CoursesIntroduction to Psychology, World History, US History