Director: Chelsea Grunenfelder (Summit Wednesday)     

 

or    

 

Director: Melissa Swan   (Summit South in Rochester, WA)

 

Basecamp students will rotate through four class sessions each week: Claritas memory work, parent-led review games, science labs, and historically-themed art projects. Presentation skills will be introduced in our art class and be integrated throughout the program, allowing each student multiple opportunities throughout the year to give presentations. 

To benefit from the academic overview that Basecamp provides, parents will need to reinforce and augment reading, writing, spelling and math with additional resources at home.

 

Claritas Memory Work Cycle 3     

 

Students will acquire grammar memory pegs (or facts to memorize) in nine subject areas, including history, math, science, Latin, English grammar, Scripture, geography, hymns and timeline. Specifically, the Claritas Cycle 3 Memory Work Guide emphasizes the historical period from the Dutch Revolt to the California Gold Rush and geographical locations and features of North America. The Guide includes math principles, skip counting, and an introduction to chemistry terms and relevant scientists. The Latin verb esse (to be) and the 1st and 2nd declension nouns are introduced. The English grammar section focuses on pronouns after covering the basic definitions of each part of speech and the fundamentals of sentences. Review of memory work at home is strongly encouraged and motivational goals will be given for your student’s success. 

 

Science Class: Hands-on Labs                                          

 

In lab class, we will investigate chemistry with hands-on experiences and activities. Some topics covered include the scientific method, states of matter, atoms, element symbols, and chemical reactions. Review the Cycle 3 guide for our full year of science topics.

 

Historical Art Projects and Presentations

 

Students will learn the basics of drawing, painting, and creative artwork with historically-themed art instruction. We will focus on art projects that reflect the early modern period or an artist from that time. There will be hands-on projects like creating the Taj Mahal using ink transfer. We hope to build our children's confidence in creativity and inspire perspective as they learn history at home. While families read about each topic at home using the history curriculum of their choice, we will reinforce the time period through art projects in class. 

Once each quarter, students will have the opportunity to give a 2-3 minute presentation on history, geography, science, or any topic they are excited about. A calendar of our historical art projects, science labs and presentation dates will be provided. 

 

Basecamp Required Resources

Memory Work

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CrossSeven.org subscription and

Claritas Cycle 3 Map Booklet

or

Claritas Cycle 3 Memory Work Guide 

 

Claritas Publishing

Supplemental Cycle 3 materials are available online

 

Basecamp Suggested Resources for At Home

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History

The Story of the World, Vol. 3: Early Modern Times (revised edition)

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or

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Audio CD

Susan Wise Bauer

 

Additional Resources

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Consider these options for 8-year-olds planning to enter the Traverse program the following year:

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• An introduction to the IEW Structure and Style Writing Method is highly recommended as preparation for Traverse

  • People and Places in Our Community [Student Book]

  • People and Places in Our Community [Teacher's Manual]

• Claritas History Memory Work Cycle 3 by Outward Light | TPT

• Other supplemental materials from Claritas Publishing:

  • Handwriting Sheets, flash cards, audio options, timeline cards

  • Fundamental Grammar for the Lower Grammar Stage: Level 1

• Memorization of the English grammar portion of Cycle 3

• Cross Seven subscription is recommended with the use of quizzes

• Math and Science curricula that follow the focus of Cycle 3

Director: Chelsea Grunenfelder (Summit Wednesday)     

 

or    

 

Director: Melissa Swan   (Summit South in Rochester, WA)

 

The Traverse program bridges the Knowledge and Understanding stages as it prepares older elementary students, ages 9-12, for the Ascent program. Traverse guides will lead students and their parents in learning elements of English grammar, composition, science labs, hands-on history art projects, and memory work throughout the day.  Students will have the opportunity to create and give presentations. They will also enjoy a dedicated time for group math games and activities. 

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Students are equipped and encouraged to include memory work at home in nine subject areas including history, math, science, Latin, English grammar, geography, scripture and hymns. Some memory work will be integrated into the core subject times each week. Following the Claritas Cycle 3 Memory Work Guide, Traverse students will keep to the same schedule as the Basecamp students.

 

Institute for Excellence In Writing (IEW)

 

IEW teaches students a step-by-step process that includes note-making and outlines, writing from notes, summarizing references, formal essay models, and inventive or creative writing. Students will be expected to write a paper each week, and they will have regular opportunities to share their work in class. At least one parent is expected and required to attend the 8 IEW viewings that are shown throughout the year. These may be shown during lunch on Wednesday.

 

English Grammar 

Students will learn the fundamentals of our language, including the parts of speech, composition rules, sentence diagramming, and parsing sentences. Homework will be suggested each week to help students practice their skills.

 

Science

 

Science in the Age of Reason by Dr. Jay Wile is the fourth book in a hands-on, multilevel elementary science series that introduces scientific concepts using history as its guide. It covers the scientific works of natural philosophers from the early 1600s to the early 1800s. Because the course covers science as it was developed, it discusses a wide range of topics including astronomy, medicine, botany, zoology, chemistry, geology, human physiology, electricity, conservation laws, and weather. Students learn not only the science that was being discovered at the time, but also the beliefs of the natural philosophers who were discovering it. As a result, students can see how a person’s worldview affects his or her scientific conclusions.

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The textbook is built around hands-on activities and experiments, and includes three levels of review questions so that you may choose the depth of your family’s exploration. We will complete most of the activities and experiments during our meeting time, and, for a deeper learning experience, parents are encouraged to read the book at home. A scope and sequence for lesson topics and in-class labs will be made available. There will not be any homework assignments from class. 

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Hands-On History and Art

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This year, our history class will focus on early modern history. We will follow The Story of the World Volume 3: Early Modern Times curriculum and incorporate hands-on projects including crafting, model building, drawing, and painting. We will spotlight famous artists from the early modern times, taking some time to observe their work. At the end of the year, students will participate in a History Fair, which includes a presentation of a historical figure they have studied and written about.

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Traverse Required Resources

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Writing

Teaching Writing: Structure and Style, Second Edition [Seminar Workbook]

Andrew Pudewa, Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW)

 

U.S. History-Based Writing Lessons [Teacher/Student Combo], Second Edition

Lori Verstegen, IEW

English Grammar

Fundamental Grammar Guide  

 

Claritas Publishing

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Science

Science in the Age of Reason

Dr. Jay L. Wile

Berean Builders

 

Memory Work

Claritas Cycle 3 Memory Work Guide

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Cycle 3 Audio CDs or Audio Download, or CrossSeven.org subscription

Claritas Publishing

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Traverse Suggested Resources for At Home

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English Grammar

Cycle 3 FGG Workbook: Units 1 & 2 (consumable)

 

Claritas Publishing

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History

Story of the World, Vol 3: Early Modern Times (revised edition)

Susan Wise Bauer 

Director: Kerri Vincent

 

Science Tutor: Madelaine McCullough

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The Ascent program is our combined two-year middle school program, intended for the two years prior to high school.  The Ascent classroom will be made up of both first year and second year Ascent students, learning and growing together in community.  The main objective of this program is to provide a collaborative day where middle school students come together to encourage and challenge one another, build academic confidence and independence, make discoveries and ask questions, and have meaningful conversations all grounded in our shared Biblical worldview.  

 

Students will work from a common Academic Guide (syllabus) that lays out the specific academic expectations for each week at home.  Students will bring their completed work to class each week and that content will be the basis for our collaboration, cooperation, conversations, and science labs.  Our Wednesday class time will give students the opportunity to further develop a variety of skills, such as note-taking, summarization, organization, presentation, research, guided discussion, inquiry, critical thinking, and seeing GOD in all of it!

 

Our Ascent program is currently “under construction.”  Each year, as with every Summit program, we like to assess and evaluate and make adjustments that may be beneficial to students and families.  We prayerfully consider each potential change and ask the Lord for guidance in all decisions. We are excited about our Ascent program for the 2024-2025 school year and we will update this program page with specific information and curriculum as soon as it is available.  If you have specific questions before the page is updated, please feel free to email our Ascent Director, Kerri Vincent, at kerrivincent@comcast.net. 

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General Areas of Study (Curriculum will be posted soon):

 

Bible

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Logic/Reasoning

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Persuasive Writing

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Grammar

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Literature

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Science

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​Director: Amy Johnson                                                                                                             

 

Are you planning to homeschool through high school? 

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Join fellow high schoolers and our certified and experienced teachers once per week beginning this fall to engage in lab science, apologetics, speech and debate, writing, PE, theater, and more! When you join this thriving high school program, you will be included in optional social events, fairs, and an end-of-the-year dance. Join the community!

 

Students may register for one or multiple Summit Seekers classes. The classes offered below depend on enrollment numbers per class and may be adjusted to benefit the majority of enrolled families and teacher schedules. Classes will be scheduled between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm on Wednesday. A 30-minute lunch/recess will be programmed into the day. Spanish classes include an additional Zoom class each week during a time and day that works for the entire class. The schedule for all classes will be finalized in August. 

 

High school students may be dropped off. However, parents are welcome in the classroom and we love your encouragement, support, and presence in our community. High school parents are included on our recess monitor schedule to help out a few times during the school year. Additionally, high school parents are required to commit to a couple of tasks or chores from the list in our handbook at the time of enrollment. This is a great way to serve our community and connect with other families.

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See 2024-2025 Tentative class schedule below

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English Composition and Literature with Grammar    

Mrs. Beers

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IEW’s Structure and Style® for Students: Level C, Year 1 or Year 2. Join Andrew Pudewa as he leads students on a 24-week writing journey using IEW’s Structure and Style approach. Students reading at a ninth-grade level or higher and who have previously taken an English grammar course will take delight in Mr. Pudewa’s humorous, incremental, and effective writing lessons. The curriculum provides clear daily assignments and includes vocabulary words and literature suggestions. Choose the Year 1 or Year 2 class. Our students will watch the weekly DVD lesson in class. Students complete weekly writing assignments and turn these in for credit each community day. Students will have opportunities to read their assignments in class each week and receive accountability, encouragement, and camaraderie throughout the school year to complete over twenty papers with structure and style and one creative writing assignment in the form of a short story. IEW’s Fix It! Grammar: Level 5 and Level 6 will be offered as an additional option to this class. The grammar curriculum coincides with Structure and Style and is recommended for all students. It reinforces information such as parts of speech, punctuation, phrasal/clausal constructions, and quotation punctuation. Plus, it introduces more advanced grammatical concepts related to verb types, noun functions, and pronoun cases.

Full year of classes for 30 weeks. Offered 2024-2025

 

Required Course Materials

Both Courses

• The Wednesday Wars

• Cry, the Beloved Country

• The Screwtape Letters

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Year 1

Structure and Style for Students: Year 1 Level C [Binder & Student Packet], $35

Andrew Pudewa, Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW)

 

Fix It! Grammar: Level 5 Frog Prince (Optional)

Pamela White, IEW

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Year 2

Structure and Style for Students: Year 2 Level C [Binder & Student Packet], $35

Andrew Pudewa, IEW

 

Fix It! Grammar: Level 6 Little Mermaid (Optional)

Pamela White, IEW

 

 

English 3    

Mrs. Beers

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Content to be determined once we see how many students are interested.

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American History     

Mrs. Beers or TBD

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Compass Classroom Curriculum or a curriculum that works for everyone who is interested in taking this class. Once we see who would like to take this class, we will vote on a curriculum to be used.

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Math    

Mrs. Whittaker

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Those participating in one of these classes could choose to use their own curriculum, or one will be provided. Class instruction will focus on the concepts and skills. We will have a sign-up list online to see if we have enough student interest for any of the classes listed below. Class minimum: 6 students. 

 

Math Lab: For those students who are working on their own curriculum but would like additional assistance. Students will bring and work on their math curriculum and are able to receive help and support as needed. Full year of classes for 30 weeks. Offered 2024-2025

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Algebra 1 or 2:  Full year high school algebra classes. Students will work in class and at home on all skills and concepts required to master algebra. These classes will prepare students for success in applying algebra in geometry and other future math courses.these two classes may be combined if low enrollment. Offered 2024-2025

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Geometry: Full year high school geometry class. Full year of classes for 30 weeks.

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Math In the Real World: For those students who want a third year of math beyond algebra and geometry. General math skills are applied to everyday use of math, such as how to calculate the worth of a savings account when interest is being paid or how to calculate monthly payments when interest is being charged, etc. This class satisfies WA state math requirements for CTE. Full year of classes for 30 weeks. 

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Science Foundations    

Mrs. Whittaker

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Loaded with labs and problem-solving activities, this class studies fundamental concepts taken from the fields of physics, biology and chemistry to help explain and understand what science has discovered about the world around us. We will draw inspiration from observations as we test scientific claims for ourselves to see if we can validate them. We will look for examples of how the concepts we are learning have been applied in our everyday lives and God’s word. Students will use personal study time during the week to read, complete homework assignments, and do research in greater detail to understand each topic. In addition to labs and group activities, class time will be used to review information being studied, answer questions, and demonstrate how to solve problems.

Student Expectations:

• Students will have weekly assignments supporting their class activities. They need to possess a willingness to do their work at home between class meetings (approximately 1-2 hours each week), which will include reading, writing up labs or research/reports, project work, and practice problems.

• Students should expect to contribute constructively to group work and class discussions.

Required Materials:

• Something to write with each class

• Ruler with metric measurements

Full year of classes for 30 weeks. Offered 2024-2025

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Everyday Chemistry    

Michelle Whittaker

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Explore the world around us through the lens of chemistry. Use real-world context to learn foundational chemistry. For example – explore pH by experimenting with household acids and bases (real world – ocean acidification); explore chemical reactions (real world – poisons and toxins); explore concentration, molarity, and solutions (real world – concentration of sugar in drinks) – anyway – you get the idea… chemistry is happening in and around us everyday, so let’s learn about it…labs, of course.

For those preparing homeschool transcripts, our science classes satisfy standards, topics, and skills needed to meet requirements of a one-year science with a lab for high school graduation and college entrance. Books and materials provided. 

Student Expectations:

• This class is not introductory and assumes a basic understanding of atoms and molecules gained in a foundational science class. It is intended for students who are prepared for material and content equivalent to high school junior- and senior-level course work in order to satisfy the rigor required for college entrance.

• Students will have weekly assignments supporting their class activities. They need to possess a willingness to do their work at home between class meetings (approximately 2 hours each week), which will include reading, writing up labs or research/reports, project work, and practice problems. Students should expect to contribute constructively to group work and class discussions.

Required Materials:

• Something to write with every class

• Ruler with metric measurements. 

Full year of classes for 30 weeks. Offered 2024-2025

 

Forensics    

Michelle Whittaker

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What do you get when you mix science and criminal investigation? No, not the Avengers – but FORENSICS! The science applied to solving crimes. Join this activity-filled class where you will learn about the different kinds of evidence and tests used by forensic scientists in solving not only criminal cases but other types of mysteries. We’ll discuss different types of evidence that are best suited to solve various cases. You’ll practice some of the same techniques used by forensic science labs and be presented with cases that you and your investigative team will aim to solve through observation and labs. And we’ll even learn some science along the way! High school students can earn credit toward science graduation requirements.

Books and materials provided. One semester of classes for 15 weeks. Offered 2024-2025

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Health and Nutrition    

Carla Jacks or Michelle Whittaker

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How does your body work? We are God's creation, and He is a God of order. Our bodies make sense! In this class, teens will gain knowledge of the inner workings of their bodies and how to care for the whole self, both inside and out. Health topics we will cover include the systems of the body, developmental changes, interpersonal relationships, spiritual life, and mental health. Nutrition is another fundamental subject in this course, and we will learn about macro and micro nutrients and the good food sources of these nutrients. 

 

Students will be reading, building a journal, and completing projects to cover these topics. Apologia Exploring Creation with Health and Nutrition, 2nd Edition will be the foundational text, and students will need to purchase the accompanying Student Notebook. Our class will also use concepts from Nutrition 101 and information from my personal journey and experience as a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and Licensed Massage Therapist.

Full year of classes for 30 weeks. Based on interest for 2024-2025

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Our Living Planet (Biology)    

Michelle Whittaker

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From the microscopic to the megalithic, our world is teeming with God-created life. This high school-level, Biblical worldview, general biology course investigates life through hands-on labs, field and case studies, long-term projects, readings, videos and teacher/student-lead discussions. We will investigate different topics such as microbes and disease, genetics, populations and the environment, animal behaviors and more. We will also consider man’s obligation as a steward of the earth and his impact and influence individually and as a society as seen through current events.  For those preparing homeschool transcripts, this course will cover topics and skills needed to meet the requirements of a one-year study of biology for high school graduation. Books and materials provided.

Full year of classes for 30 weeks. Offered 2025-2026

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Worldview & Apologetics 1    

Kerri Vincent

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What is a worldview? How are we shaped by our worldview? What does Apologetics mean? The word Apologetics stems from the Greek word Apologia which simply stated means “an answer given in reply.” 1 Peter 3:15 says to honor Christ, “...always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” In this course, students will be encouraged to take a close look at the core tenants of their Christian faith as they begin to articulate what they believe and why they believe it. It is so crucial as our students grow up and head out into the bigger world that they have confidence that their God is mighty and their Christian faith is compatible with reason! We will also be looking at what it means to simply have a worldview versus living life from your own worldview. We will be surveying some of the prominent worldviews around us and see what the Biblical response would be to the main tenets of these worldviews. This class is a conversation, so come prepared to think, think, think, and share those thoughts! It is my prayer that through object lessons, group activities, and conversation, students will gain a deeper confidence and comfort level as they live out and speak about their faith. 1A is a 15-week course, however the worldview/apologetic topics are many, and I will happily open registration for a continued 15 weeks (1B) in the spring, if we have enough student interest. This class also pairs well with the Intro to Speech & Debate course as a two-hour block. Both courses, 1A & 1B, or teacher permission, are required before enrolling in the second year.

Full year of classes for 30 weeks. Offered 2024-2025

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Worldview & Apologetics 2 and 3    

Kerri Vincent

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Prerequisite: Intro to Worldview & Apologetics 1

This course is for those students who have completed Intro to Worldview & Apologetics Year 1 with Mrs. V and are excited about continuing the conversation together! In this course we will continue to dive into God’s Word together. We all know the importance, as followers of Christ, to always be humble and growing in our knowledge of the Scriptures. As we look back on foundational material from Year 1, we will continue to ask the Lord to further prepare and equip us for daily interactions and opportunities with believers and unbelievers alike. Coming prepared to think and converse will remain the key components in this course. That said, this course will have more writing and presenting than Year 1, but remember that our classroom is our family. This is the BEST place (and a safe place) to grow not only in wisdom, but in confidence. Excerpts from various books will be used in class. It will also be helpful to students if they have access to Christian theology resources (either in-hand or on-line).

Full year of classes for 30 weeks.. Offered 2024-2025

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Intro to Speech & Debate 1    

Kerri Vincent

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Interested in further development of foundational communication skills?  This course is designed to promote critical thinking, sound reasoning, and effective delivery while challenging students to always communicate truth with integrity and grace.  Unexpected opportunities arise regularly in our daily lives, and it’s great to have tools to assist us in effective communication. Practicing impromptu speaking, as well as preparing respectful argumentation through value debate, will help build these skills as well as build student confidence. We will have lots of fun as students discover and practice the common characteristics of good speaking, whether it be to inform, entertain, or persuade.  Course 1A is a 15-week course, however we have SO much ground to cover that I will open registration for a continued 15 weeks in the spring (1B), if we have enough student interest.  This class also pairs well with the Worldview & Apologetics course as a two-hour block.  No prior experience necessary – just a willingness to try new things in a safe and fun environment!  Both courses, 1A & 1B, or teacher permission, are required before enrolling in the second year.

Full year  of classes for 30 weeks. Offered 2024-2025

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Speech & Debate 2 and 3    

Kerri Vincent

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Prerequisite:  Intro to Speech and Debate 1

This Communications course is for those students who have completed Intro to Speech and Debate Year 1 and are looking to have some more fun with Mrs. V!

We will be adding even more tools to our tool belts as we dive deeper into impromptu speaking but add platform speaking as well.  We will continue to refine our critical thinking, sound reasoning, and research skills as we take a value debate topic from start to finish. This course will have more writing and presenting than Year 1, but remember…we are a family in our classroom and this is a fun and safe space to grow in our skills and confidence, all for HIS glory!

Full year of  classes for 30 weeks. Offered 2024-2025

 

Spanish 1    

Diane Bishop    

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This is an introductory course for the Spanish language. Students will learn how to comfortably converse in Spanish in the present tense, while learning basic vocabulary and grammar patterns. Throughout the course students will practice reading, writing, speaking, and listening, as well as learning about the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. There will be weekly homework assignments and quizzes, along with a half-hour weekly zoom call (in addition to the in-person hour of class each Wednesday).

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Required Text: Realidades 1 (formerly published by Pearson Prentice Hall, available online through Thriftbooks, AbeBooks, etc. ISBN: 9780131340916)

A dictionary is optional, as there are several good online dictionaries available (not translators!)     

Full year of classes for 30 weeks. Offered 2024-2025

 

Spanish 2    

Diane Bishop

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This is an intermediate course for the Spanish language. Students will use what they learned in Spanish 1 to continue learning the Spanish language. Now that they are comfortable using the present tense, the focus will be on learning the past tenses and various other grammar constructions, along with expanding their vocabulary. Throughout the course students will practice reading, writing, speaking, and listening, as well as learning about the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. By the end of the course students will be confident in both writing and reading short stories in Spanish. There will be weekly homework assignments and quizzes, along with a half-hour weekly zoom call (in addition to the in-person hour of class each Wednesday).

  

 Required Text: Realidades 2 (formerly published by Pearson Prentice Hall, available online through Thriftbooks, AbeBooks, etc. ISBN: 9780131340923)

A dictionary is optional, as there are several good online dictionaries available (not translators!) 

Full year of classes for 30 weeks. Offered 2024-2025

 

French 1  

 Diane Bishop

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This is an introductory course for the French language. Students will learn how to comfortably converse in French in the present tense, while learning basic vocabulary and grammar patterns. Throughout the course students will practice reading, writing, speaking, and listening, as well as learning about the cultures of the francophone world. There will be weekly homework assignments and quizzes, along with a half-hour weekly zoom call (in addition to the in-person hour of class each Wednesday).

 

Required Text: Discovering French Bleu (formerly published by McDougal Littell, available online through Thriftbooks, AbeBooks, etc. ISBN: 9780618035045)

A dictionary is optional, as there are several good online dictionaries available (not translators!)

Full year of classes for 30 weeks. Offered 2024-2025

 

P.E.    

Amy Johnson

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Our students have enjoyed a variety of recreational sports and games including: Archery Tag, floorball (hockey), strategy games such as battleball, Kin-Ball and more! We may also work on volleyball, basketball skills, and swing dance.

Full year of classes for 30 weeks. Offered 2024-2025

 

Theater    

Michelle Whittaker

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Calling all thespians! In this class we will be practicing the skills and art of stage acting. Exercises and activities are designed to learn and improve acting skills and prepare for live performances. We will also learn about the nuts and bolts of putting on a play (technical theater) – from props, costumes and makeup (yes, even the guys) to sound effects, stage effects, and lighting. This class is for students who want to rehearse and perform a play or musical. It is also for students who want to be technical support for a stage production (props, costumes, set, lights, sound, etc.) Class time will be used to rehearse and get technical things prepared – so you must be able to meet all class times.

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***Due to the nature of this class, after school and evening rehearsals/technical work will be required the week prior to performances. The extent of this time will be dictated solely by the preparedness of the students for their performances. Dates and times will be announced as far in advance as possible.

Minimum of 6-10 actors needed.

One semester of classes for 15 weeks. Offered 2024-2025

 

VEX Robotics    

Shannon Williamson

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Dive into the world of robotics with our VEX Robotics High School Group in its second year. This program empowers students with practical skills in engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork. Explore real-world applications of robotics while honing your abilities in a supportive and collaborative homeschool community. Prepare for the future by gaining hands-on experience that extends beyond the classroom, setting the stage for a successful journey in the world of technology.

Full year of classes for 30 weeks. Offered 2024-2025