Communication Arts Projects (CAP) has five main purposes: 1) To challenge students to use the talents and gifts God has given them for His Glory and His purposes. 2) To help students build their knowledge and skills by producing professional quality marketing and illustration projects. Students will learn to be creative, use technology, and exercise logical thinking as they produce exciting and persuasive media. 3) To help students to recognize logical fallacies and unethical ways of thinking and persuasion. 4) To help students use logical and honest persuasion methods. 5) To encourage students to explore how to reach out to people through hands-on work. Students can apply visual design and media skills to create projects ranging from posters and booklets to websites, campaigns, promotions, and even greeting cards.
Requirements:
The software we use is available for free and hopefully students will be able to use it on their home computers. Students that are considering a career in web design or graphic design should consider purchasing a laptop computer.
In this beginning-level writing class, students will discover the joy of writing while learning to communicate clearly, creatively, and with purpose. With a focus on mastering the paragraph, they will practice crafting both factual and fictional pieces, while developing essential skills in organization and note-taking. Grammar and writing mechanics are gently integrated into each lesson through engaging stories that make learning both fun and effective. By year’s end, students will be confidently writing full reports and imaginative stories—laying a strong, Christ-honoring foundation for future academic success.
Most importantly, this class reminds students that writing is a gift from God. Together, we’ll explore what the Bible teaches about words, character, and how we can use our writing to honor Him and serve others. Each child is encouraged to progress at their own pace and to do their best as they learn to write for God’s glory.
Requirements:
Students should already be comfortable reading independently and able to write a complete sentence. To fully benefit from classroom instruction, students must also be able to follow directions, read aloud, speak when called upon, listen respectfully, and participate in simple in-class writing activities.
Each week, students will be assigned one paragraph to write at home, reinforcing the skills taught in class. Families are expected to support their child by ensuring this weekly writing assignment is completed, along with reviewing and correcting the paragraph together. Occasional worksheets may also be assigned to reinforce grammar, organization, or mechanics. Consistent family engagement is essential to student success in this course and is a core part of the learning process.
Students must bring a 3-ring binder to class for handouts and resources, including lined notebook paper. Also required are pens in black, blue, and red ink.
In this beginning-level writing class, students will discover the joy of writing while learning to communicate clearly, creatively, and with purpose. With a focus on mastering the paragraph, they will practice crafting both factual and fictional pieces, while developing essential skills in organization and note-taking. Grammar and writing mechanics are gently integrated into each lesson through engaging stories that make learning both fun and effective. By year’s end, students will be confidently writing full reports and imaginative stories—laying a strong, Christ-honoring foundation for future academic success.
Most importantly, this class reminds students that writing is a gift from God. Together, we’ll explore what the Bible teaches about words, character, and how we can use our writing to honor Him and serve others. Each child is encouraged to progress at their own pace and to do their best as they learn to write for God’s glory.
Requirements:
Students should already be comfortable reading independently and able to write a complete sentence. To fully benefit from classroom instruction, students must also be able to follow directions, read aloud, speak when called upon, listen respectfully, and participate in simple in-class writing activities.
Each week, students will be assigned one paragraph to write at home, reinforcing the skills taught in class. Families are expected to support their child by ensuring this weekly writing assignment is completed, along with reviewing and correcting the paragraph together. Occasional worksheets may also be assigned to reinforce grammar, organization, or mechanics. Consistent family engagement is essential to student success in this course and is a core part of the learning process.
Students must bring a 3-ring binder to class for handouts and resources, including lined notebook paper. Also required are pens in black, blue, and red ink.
Wednesday - Science Lab - 127: 10:00 am - 10:50 am
Description:
In this beginning-level writing class, students are often surprised to discover how much they can write when they are given the right tools and encouragement. As they learn to communicate clearly and confidently, they will discover the joy of turning their ideas into stories, reports, and well-written paragraphs. Through a variety of factual and imaginative writing assignments, students will develop skills in organization, note-taking, and written expression.
Grammar and writing mechanics are taught through engaging stories and activities that help students understand and remember important concepts. By the end of the year, students will be confidently writing reports and creative stories while building a strong foundation for future academic success.
Most importantly, students will learn that writing is a gift from God. Together, we will explore what Scripture teaches about words, character, and communication, encouraging students to use their writing to honor God and serve others. Each child is encouraged to progress at his or her own pace, do his or her best work, and develop confidence in the abilities God has given.
Requirements:
Students should already be comfortable reading independently and able to write a complete sentence. To fully benefit from classroom instruction, students must also be able to follow directions, read aloud, speak when called upon, listen respectfully, and participate in simple in-class writing activities.
Each week, students will be assigned one paragraph to write at home, reinforcing the skills taught in class. Families are expected to support their child by ensuring that assignments are completed and by reviewing and correcting the paragraph together. Occasional worksheets may also be assigned to reinforce grammar, organization, or writing mechanics. Consistent family involvement is essential to student success in this course and is an important part of the learning process.
Students must bring a 3-ring binder for handouts and class resources, including lined notebook paper. Black, blue, and red pens are also required.
Because parent participation is an important component of this course, at least one parent must attend the required orientation at the beginning of the school year.
This course continues where Level 1 ends, guiding students from solid paragraph writing into more advanced composition skills. In Level 2, students will begin crafting longer fact-based and fictional pieces, learning to structure 3–5 paragraph compositions. This process is approached one paragraph at a time to prevent overwhelm and to build confidence.
As students strengthen their paragraph structure and organizational skills, they will also be introduced to advanced “dress-ups” that enhance style and expression. Grammar, editing, and writing mechanics are gently incorporated through engaging, story-driven lessons.
The theme of this course is Character Traits. Each writing assignment focuses on a godly virtue, e.g. diligence, patience, and respect, as illustrated in Scripture, and examples from nature. Students will be reminded that writing is a gift from God, meant to be used for His glory and the good of others.
Requirements:
Students enrolling in this class should be able to take a Key Word Outline, retell the content orally, and then write a paragraph from their notes. They should also be familiar with the basic “dress-ups” (e.g., strong verbs, quality adjectives, and -ly adverbs) and know how to use them in a sentence. In addition, students should be able to write a cohesive paragraph. They must also be able to follow directions, participate respectfully in classroom activities such as reading aloud or speaking when called on, and complete simple in-class writing tasks.
Weekly homework is required. Assignments typically include writing one paragraph, revising or editing a previous paragraph, and occasionally completing additional worksheets to support grammar or mechanics instruction. Reading short stories will be included at times. Families are expected to support their students by helping ensure that homework is completed, corrected, and brought to class.
Students must bring a 3-ring binder to class for handouts and resources, including lined notebook paper. Also required are pens in black, blue, and red ink.
This course continues where Level 1 ends, guiding students from solid paragraph writing into more advanced composition skills. In Level 2, students will begin crafting longer fact-based and fictional pieces, learning to structure 3–5 paragraph compositions. This process is approached one paragraph at a time to prevent overwhelm and to build confidence.
As students strengthen their paragraph structure and organizational skills, they will also be introduced to advanced “dress-ups” that enhance style and expression. Grammar, editing, and writing mechanics are gently incorporated through engaging, story-driven lessons.
The theme of this course is Character Traits. Each writing assignment focuses on a godly virtue, e.g. diligence, patience, and respect, as illustrated in Scripture, and examples from nature. Students will be reminded that writing is a gift from God, meant to be used for His glory and the good of others.
Requirements:
Students enrolling in this class should be able to take a Key Word Outline, retell the content orally, and then write a paragraph from their notes. They should also be familiar with the basic “dress-ups” (e.g., strong verbs, quality adjectives, and -ly adverbs) and know how to use them in a sentence. In addition, students should be able to write a cohesive paragraph. They must also be able to follow directions, participate respectfully in classroom activities such as reading aloud or speaking when called on, and complete simple in-class writing tasks.
Weekly homework is required. Assignments typically include writing one paragraph, revising or editing a previous paragraph, and occasionally completing additional worksheets to support grammar or mechanics instruction. Reading short stories will be included at times. Families are expected to support their students by helping ensure that homework is completed, corrected, and brought to class.
Students must bring a 3-ring binder to class for handouts and resources, including lined notebook paper. Also required are pens in black, blue, and red ink.
Wednesday - Science Lab - 127: 11:00 am - 11:50 am
Description:
What happens when a student discovers that writing is no longer difficult or intimidating? Confidence begins to grow. This course continues where Level 1 ends, guiding students from paragraph writing into multi-paragraph compositions. As they learn to organize and write 3–5 paragraph reports and stories, students will approach the writing process one paragraph at a time, building both skill and confidence with every assignment.
As students strengthen their organizational and paragraph-writing skills, they will also be introduced to advanced stylistic techniques, including new “dress-ups” that add variety, detail, and expression to their writing. Grammar, editing, and writing mechanics are naturally incorporated through engaging, story-based lessons that make concepts easier to understand and remember. Along the way, students will experience the satisfaction of watching their writing grow from a single paragraph into complete stories and reports they can be proud to share.
The theme of this course is Character Traits. Each writing assignment explores a godly virtue—such as diligence, patience, respect, or flexibility—through Scripture and examples from nature. Students will discover how character shapes both what we write and how we communicate with others.
Most importantly, students will be reminded that writing is a gift from God, meant to be used for His glory and the good of others. By the end of the year, students will have developed greater confidence, stronger writing skills, and a deeper understanding of how words can be used to honor God and serve people.
Requirements:
Students enrolling in this class should be able to take a Key Word Outline, retell the content orally, and write a paragraph from their notes. They should also be familiar with the basic “dress-ups,” such as strong verbs, quality adjectives, and -ly adverbs, and know how to use them in a sentence. In addition, students should be able to write a cohesive paragraph with a clear topic, supporting details, and a concluding sentence.
Students must also be able to follow directions, participate respectfully in classroom activities, read aloud or speak when called on, and complete simple in-class writing tasks.
Weekly homework is required. Assignments typically include writing one paragraph, revising or editing a previous paragraph, and occasionally completing worksheets to support grammar, organization, or mechanics instruction. Reading short stories will be included at times. Families are expected to support their students by helping ensure that homework is completed, corrected, and brought to class.
Students must bring a 3-ring binder for handouts and class resources, including lined notebook paper. Black, blue, and red pens are also required.
Great writing begins with great thinking. In Composition 3, students learn to examine evidence, evaluate competing viewpoints, and communicate their ideas through clear, thoughtful writing. As students write about Providential History, they will explore the people, events, and ideas that shaped our nation while developing the skills needed to think critically from a Biblical worldview.
This middle-school composition course builds upon the writing skills developed in earlier levels and introduces students to more advanced analysis and argumentation. Through weekly writing assignments, students will learn to summarize information, compare perspectives, support conclusions with evidence, and defend their reasoning in an organized manner. Weekly assignments include two well-developed paragraphs and emphasize critical thinking, vocabulary development, logical reasoning, transitions, note-taking, and advanced IEW stylistic techniques.
Through their study of Providential History, students will encounter important questions about liberty, leadership, character, faith, government, and God's providential hand in the affairs of men and nations. Through class discussion and writing, students will learn to distinguish fact from opinion, recognize assumptions, evaluate arguments, and articulate their own positions with clarity and respect.
Grammar, editing, and writing mechanics are continually reinforced as students strengthen their composition skills. By the end of the year, students will be writing with greater confidence, maturity, and precision, laying a strong foundation for success in high school writing.
Most importantly, students will be reminded that words matter because truth matters. Through the study of Providential History, they will learn to use writing not only to communicate effectively but also to seek wisdom, pursue truth, and glorify God.
Requirements:
Students should be able to write a cohesive paragraph with a topic sentence, supporting details, and a concluding sentence. They should be familiar with the Key Word Outline process and be able to retell information from notes in their own words. Prior experience with IEW is helpful but not required. Students who are new to IEW should be prepared to learn stylistic techniques and writing expectations as part of the course.
Students must be able to follow directions, participate respectfully in class discussions, read aloud when called upon, and complete short in-class writing activities. Reading short history selections will be required.
Weekly homework is required. Assignments typically include writing two paragraphs, revising or editing a previous assignment, and occasionally completing exercises that reinforce grammar, editing, sentence construction, or vocabulary.
Families are expected to support their students by helping ensure that assignments are completed, corrected, and brought to class.
**Required Materials**
* 3-ring binder for handouts and class resources
* Lined notebook paper (loose-leaf; no bound notebooks)
* Black, blue, and red pens
Music composition lessons are, in fact, just like lessons on an instrument, but instead of weekly practice on that instrument, students are required to practice composition by *writing* music each week. Lessons focus on the craft of composition and on music theory. Both are universal to composing in all genres of music. As we lay the groundwork, I will help your student explore the particular genres they are most interested in, whether it be classical, songwriting, worship, jazz, video game music, working with a DAW, hymn-writing, pop/rock… whatever it might be! Or, if they're not sure, that's even better, because we learn much by exploration! I grew up in Vancouver, steeped in its rich musical community. I studied piano, clarinet, and jazz piano before attending Western Washington Univ. from which I received a B.A. in music, focusing on music education, but also investing much in music theory and history. I went on to study composition privately with Roger Briggs, culminating in one year of a Master’s degree in composition at the Jacobs School at Indiana University. I absolutely love my job as a teacher of music, recognizing that young, aspiring musicians growing up in households of faith look to their teachers as examples of how to be close followers of Jesus Christ. Even as we learn how to become better musicians, it is even more important to become better followers of Christ, knowing who we are in Him. I seek to model Keith Getty’s charge: “Be the best musician you can be and make sure that your faith is growing faster than your music.” $27 for 40 min. (all ages) Payment due first class of the month.
Requirements:
One year of private lessons on an instrument or voice.
Music composition lessons are, in fact, just like lessons on an instrument, but instead of weekly practice on that instrument, students are required to practice composition by *writing* music each week. Lessons focus on the craft of composition and on music theory. Both are universal to composing in all genres of music. As we lay the groundwork, I will help your student explore the particular genres they are most interested in, whether it be classical, songwriting, worship, jazz, video game music, working with a DAW, hymn-writing, pop/rock… whatever it might be! Or, if they're not sure, that's even better, because we learn much by exploration! I grew up in Vancouver, steeped in its rich musical community. I studied piano, clarinet, and jazz piano before attending Western Washington Univ. from which I received a B.A. in music, focusing on music education, but also investing much in music theory and history. I went on to study composition privately with Roger Briggs, culminating in one year of a Master’s degree in composition at the Jacobs School at Indiana University. I absolutely love my job as a teacher of music, recognizing that young, aspiring musicians growing up in households of faith look to their teachers as examples of how to be close followers of Jesus Christ. Even as we learn how to become better musicians, it is even more important to become better followers of Christ, knowing who we are in Him. I seek to model Keith Getty’s charge: “Be the best musician you can be and make sure that your faith is growing faster than your music.” $27 for 40 min. (all ages) Payment due first class of the month.
Requirements:
One year of private lessons on an instrument or voice.