Social Studies
Social Studies Tutors
Tutor: Kathy Dean
Biography: Kathy Dean graduated from the University of Iowa with a BS in General Science with a double emphasis in chemistry and math. She then went on to earn her Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois. Kathy practiced litigation and transactional law for many years before establishing her own practice. Although she retired from the practice of law when she and her family moved to Virginia, Kathy continued to be involved in the judicial/legislative arenas by volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Henrico CASA and then by working for many years as a legislative aide for State Senator Steve Newman until his retirement from office in 2023. Kathy’s favorite class in law school was constitutional law and it is her desire to instill in young people a profound respect for the uniqueness of the US Constitution, the men who wrote it, and the country that it governs.
Tutor: Teresa Gary
Tutor: Regan Hurley
Biography: Regan Hurley has been homeschooling for 13 years. During this time she developed a passion for history. She recently graduated her twins from High School and they are headed to college. She has a BA in Psychology with English minor from Randolph-Macon College. In her free time she enjoys cooking, scrapbooking, puzzles and reading.
Social Studies Courses
(Click Course Name to expand or hide details)
| Title | Middle School US History and Literature |
|---|---|
| Grades | 7th-8th |
| Tutor | Not currently offered |
| Contact | |
| Frequency | Days per Week |
| Costs | |
| Books | TBD |
| Description | These classes will cover major events in history as well as some lesser-known events, emphasizing why history is relevant today. The goal is to bring history to life while emphasizing God throughout the course. Literature will follow the history timeline, and students will complete two research papers in MLA format. Two field trips are planned for the school year. The course will rotate annually between US History and Literature and World History and Literature. For 2024-2025, we will be doing US History and Literature. |
| Title | Middle School World History and Literature |
|---|---|
| Grades | 7th-8th |
| Tutor | Not currently offered |
| Frequency | 2 Days per Week |
| Costs | $75/Month; $30 supply fee for the year |
| Books | We will be using BJU World Studies 4th edition student text, PowerPoint presentations, handouts, and 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 Erich Maria Remarque, and *Within These Lines* by Stephanie Morrill. |
| Description | These classes will cover major events in history as well as some lesser-known events to help students understand the relevance of history today. The goal is to bring history to life while emphasizing God throughout the course. Literature will follow the history timeline, with students completing two research papers in MLA format. Two field trips are planned for the school year. This class will rotate annually between MS US History and Literature and MS World History and Literature. For 2023-2024, the focus will be on World History and Literature. |
| Title | Virginia History |
|---|---|
| Grades | 9th-12th |
| Tutor | Regan Hurley reganmc2@gmail.com |
| Frequency | 2 Days per Week |
| Costs | $75/Month; $30 supply fee for the year |
| Books | TBD |
| Supplies | Students need a binder that is at least 2 inches and notebook paper. |
| Description | The course will provide an overview of the Commonwealth’s history, geography and government from 16th century to present. Through lectures, videos, and projects students will explore the rich history of Virginia. The goal is to not only learn the facts but to connect with the people and events that make the state great. The course includes quizzes, tests, 2 projects and homework. Field trips will be planned as well. |
| Title | World History |
|---|---|
| Grades | 9th-12th |
| Tutor | Regan Hurley |
| Contact | reganmc2@gmail.com |
| Frequency | 2 Days per Week |
| Costs | $75/Month; $30 supply fee for the year |
| Books | BJU Press World History 5th Ed |
| Description | This class will trace the major patterns in world history, from creation through post-Flood civilizations, Greece, Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, and include information on civilizations in Africa and Asia. The study will lead up to the 20th century and into the 21st century, highlighting how these patterns contribute to the triumph of the Kingdom of God. Students will have textbook readings and homework. There will be quizzes, tests and 2 projects. |
| Title | World Geography |
|---|---|
| Grades | 9th-12th |
| Tutor | Teresa Gary |
| Contact | teresagary3@gmail.com |
| Frequency | 1 Day per Week |
| Costs | $75/Month; TBD supply fee for the year |
| Books | Abeka History Series: World Geography in Christian Perspective, 2nd Edition Available from Christianbooks.com or Abeka.com |
| Description | We will start the year with the basics of Geography and then do a deep dive into each continent, exploring cultural diversity including language, religion, and governments. We will also cover current global events. Students will be expected to complete daily readings and questions, mapwork, quizzes, tests, and a midterm exam. The final project will outline everything learned about a specific area. |
| Title | US History |
|---|---|
| Grades | 9th-12th |
| Tutor | Regan Hurley |
| Contact | reganmc2@gmail.com |
| Frequency | 2 Days per Week |
| Costs | $75/Month; $30 supply fee for the year |
| Books | BJU Press: US History 6th Ed |
| Description | We will study American History from the Native Americans to the present day. This course helps students see the past through the corrective lens of a biblical worldview, giving special attention to the rise and growth of secularism. Students will be expected to keep up with textbook readings and homework. There will be quizzes, tests, 2 projects will be assigned, one per semester, with students choosing from a list of options. |
| Title | US and Virginia Government |
|---|---|
| Grades | 11th-12th |
| Tutor | Kathy Dean |
| Contact | kathy.b.dean1@gmail.com |
| Frequency | 1 Day per Week |
| Costs | $60/Month; $25 supply fee for the year |
| Books | American Government in Christian Perspective Third Edition, an A Beka book |
| Supplies | TBD |
| Description | The course will explore the Judeo Christian principles that guided our Founding Fathers in establishing the United States of America and the documents that govern our country today. Students will learn about the events leading up to the Declaration of Independence and the miracle that is the US Constitution. They will study each branch of government along with all 27 Amendments to the Constitution in order to gain an understanding of how the federal government was intended to function and will compare it to how it actually functions today. The students will also learn about the structure of Virginia government and how it operates in comparison to the national government. |
| Title | Civics |
|---|---|
| Grades | 7th-9th |
| Tutor | Teresa Gary |
| Frequency | 2 Days per Week |
| Costs | $75/Month; $35 supply fee for the year |
| Books | TBD |
| Description | Civics is a course that will explore the biblical foundations of government and the Christian’s role in shaping and participating in different aspects in accordance with the government. This class will study God’s ordination of government by examining the principles of authority, justice, and responsibility as presented in the Bible. Students will learn about the biblical framework for leadership, the purpose of government in maintaining order and justice, and how these principles should influence our actions within community, state, and federal levels. Christians are called to be active and responsible citizens, and by the end of the year, students will have an understanding of Biblical civics, and ways they can be contributing citizens throughout their lives. |
Social Studies helps students understand the world around them — past and present. Through the study of history, geography, civics, government and cultures, students gain a deeper appreciation for the people, events, and ideas that have shaped our society. Our classes encourage critical thinking, meaningful discussion, and active engagement.
