Who: 7th and 8th Grade Ascent HSE Students (6th graders may participate in select elective classes)
What: A la carte classes for homeschooled students. Pick and choose from any of the class options.
How: Click here to REGISTER for classes.
Click the arrow next to each course to read more.
World Geography and Cultures: Europe & the Americas
Term: Yearlong 2025-26, August - May (28 weeks)
Schedule: Mondays 12:00-1:30
Class Material Fee: $95
Description: With a focus on Europe and the Americas, students will explore the world's geography and global cultures through:
Geography concepts and maps
Cultural exposure, geopolitics and world history
Ethnic food explorations
Homework: reading and/or map exercises, culinary projects (approximately 2 hours a week)
Placement: recommended for 7th graders, 8th graders welcome
Course Text: Guest Hollow Geography and Cultures
Instructor: Mrs. Lorrie Hostetler
World Geography and Cultures: Middle East, Asia & Africa
Term: Yearlong 2025-26, August - May (28 weeks)
Schedule: Mondays 10:00-11:30
Class Material Fee: $95
Description: With a focus on the Middle East, Asia and Africa, students will explore the world's geography and global cultures through:
Geography concepts and maps
Cultural exposure, geopolitics and world history
Ethnic food explorations
Homework: reading and/or map exercises, culinary projects (approximately 2 hours per week)
Placement: recommended for 8th graders, 7th graders welcome
Course Text: Guest Hollow Geography and Cultures
Instructor: Mrs. Lorrie Hostetler
Middle School Chemistry
Term: Yearlong 2025-26, August - May (28 weeks)
Schedule: Mondays 10:00-11:30
Class Material Fee: $150
Description: This course aims to excite students’ love of science through the study of Chemistry. We’ll be covering a range of topics such as bonding, nomenclature, gases, and much more. The course will also improve scientific skills through weekly labs and reports including scientific observation, data management, graphing, sources of error, conclusions, etc. As part of a classical education we will include the historical context for major scientific breakthroughs and scientists. Students will give at least one individual presentation.
Homework: Weekly reading, writing, and memory work. Students should anticipate 2-3 hours of homework per week.
Placement: recommended for 7th graders, 8th graders welcome
Course Texts: The Usborne Illustrated Dictionary of Science, The Usborne Science Encyclopedia
Instructor: Mrs. Crystal Eutizi
Middle School Physics
Term: Yearlong 2025-26, August - May (28 weeks)
Schedule: Mondays 8:30-10:00
Class Material Fee: $150
Description: This course aims to excite students’ love of science through the study of Physics. We’ll be covering a range of topics such as motion, force, work, electricity, magnetism and much more. The course will also improve scientific skills through weekly labs and reports including scientific observation, data management, graphing, sources of error, conclusions, etc. As part of a classical education we will include the historical context for major scientific breakthroughs and scientists. Students will complete building projects (team and individual) as well as an individual science fair project.
Homework: Weekly reading, writing, and memory work. Students should anticipate 2-3 hours of homework per week.
Placement: recommended for 8th graders, or 7th graders with strong science background
Course Texts: The Usborne Illustrated Dictionary of Science, The Usborne Science Encyclopedia
Instructor: Mrs. Crystal Eutizi
IEW U.S. History Theme-Based Writing
Term: Yearlong 2025-26, August - May (28 weeks)
Schedule: Mondays 8:30-10:00
Class Material Fee: $95
Description: Students will use the principles in the nine units of the IEW Structure and Style program to develop as young writers. The class will incorporate various source texts and provide opportunities to practice creative writing as well as responding to literature. Students will be assigned weekly writing assignments to complete at home, along with grammar lessons from GetSmart Grammar.
Homework: Weekly writing assignments will be required. Students should anticipate spending 2-3 hours per week outside of class.
Placement: recommended for 7th graders, or 8th graders needing review or who are new to IEW
Course Text: IEW U.S. History Theme-Based Writing Lessons
Instructor: Mrs. Joanna Grant
IEW Modern World History Theme-Based Writing
Term: Yearlong 2025-26, August - May (28 weeks)
Schedule: Mondays 12:00-1:30
Class Material Fee: $95
Description: Students will use the principles in the nine units of the IEW Structure and Style program to develop as young writers. The class will incorporate various source texts and provide opportunities to practice creative writing as well as responding to literature. Students will be assigned weekly writing assignments to complete at home, along with grammar lessons from GetSmart Grammar.
Homework: Weekly writing assignments will be required. Students should anticipate spending 2-3 hours per week outside of class.
Placement: recommended for 8th graders, or 7th graders with a strong writing background and IEW experience
Course Text: IEW Modern World History Theme-Based Writing Lessons
Instructor: Mrs. Joanna Grant
Independent Work Time with Supervision
Term: Yearlong 2025-26, August - May (28 weeks)
Schedule Options: Mondays | 8:30-10:00 | 10:00-11:30 | 12:00-1:30
Class Fee: $40
Description: Students will have a supervised study period. They may work on homework assigned from Ascent teachers, or work they bring from home.
Placement: recommended for 7th and 8th graders needing additional worktime during the day
Instructor: Mrs. Jenna Craig
Term: Semester or Yearlong Course (class content will differ first and second semester)
Schedule: Mondays 1:30-3:00
Class Fee: $50/semester
Description: Middle School Performance Choir is designed to teach students fundamental vocal skills and musical techniques. The class will emphasize both technical musical skills and the joy of collective singing, providing students with a comprehensive musical learning experience. Students will participate in a winter and spring concert.
Placement: 6th, 7th and 8th graders welcome
Instructor: Mr. Matthew Eschliman
Term: Semester or Yearlong Course (class content will differ first and second semester)
Schedule: Mondays 1:30-3:00
Class Material Fee: $50/semester
Description: The art class will consist of the following units:
Clay. Students will learn about both sculpture and functional ceramics and will create an example of each. They will learn techniques of clay construction, and use previous knowledge and skills to create their three-dimensional clay artworks.
Fiber Arts. Students will learn about the history and function of Fiber Art, and use materials to create art pieces.
Modular Sculpture. Students will use wood or wire to design and create modular sculptures.
Printmaking. Students will engage in the process of carving and creating multiple prints.
Placement: 6th, 7th and 8th graders welcome
Instructor: Mrs. Leigh Anne Lewis
Term: Semester or Yearlong Course (class content will differ first and second semester)
Schedule: Mondays 1:30-3:00
Class Fee: $50/semester
Description: The class will focus on equipping students with essential life skills to enhance their academic, personal and social success. The aim is to help students foster independence, resilience and responsible decision-making. The class will use the curriculum Unstuck and On Target as a guide for weekly instruction to help students learn:
Attention
Prioritizing
Organizing
Planning
Understanding points of view
Staying focused
Time management
Class time each week will also include guided weekly planning, check-ins, and supervised study time to help students feel confident and prepared for their school work.
Course Text: Unstuck and On Target
Homework: Implementing and practicing strategies learned in class.
Placement: 6th, 7th and 8th graders welcome (class limited to 10 student maximum)
Instructor: Mrs. Laura Hirsch
Term: Semester or Yearlong Course
Schedule: Mondays 1:30-3:00
Class Fee: $60/month
Description: The Knight School offers a fun and engaging chess program designed to teach students chess through an innovative motivational approach. Their curriculum focuses on a "Tactic of the Week" where students learn chess strategies and earn colorful Tactix-Bands. The program aims to make chess enjoyable and educational, helping children develop critical thinking skills while having fun.
Placement: 6th, 7th graders, 8th graders welcome
Instructor: The Knight School
*Important note: This class is taught by an outside instructor, which is why the cost is higher than our other electives. We have worked with the organization to make the class available to our families at a 30% discount. We appreciate families covering the cost of their student fee, however we will make scholarships available to families who need the assistance in order for their student to participate. Cost includes a chess set and t-shirt for each student.
FAQ
Can my student just take one class?
Yes. You can pick and choose from any of the class offerings. Please look closely at grade-level recommendations.
How much homework will students have?
See each course description for more details regarding homework. Each core class will include 2-3 hours of weekly at-home work, so please plan accordingly.
How many students will be in each class?
A minimum enrollment of 8 students will be required to run a class, and we will allow a maximum enrollment of 16.
Do we need to purchase our own curriculum materials?
All curriculum materials are included in the class fee including consumable books, texts and class materials.
Are they all year-long classes?
Please read each description carefully. Most classes are year-long courses, while Studio Art, Performance Choir, Personal Development, and Chess Academy are semester courses.
How much do the classes cost?
Please see each course description for the cost of each class. Contact Mrs. Lorraine Bosworth to discuss financial assistance options if the cost of the classes creates a hardship for your family. During registration, you will have the option to pay the entire fee in full, or to pay in four monthly installments.
Does my student need to wear a uniform?
Yes. Uniform requirements for Middle School Mondays are the same as Enrichment days.
Is lunch provided?
Please send your student with a lunch and snack if they will be at school all day.
Can my 6th grader participate in Middle School Monday?
Yes! Our 6th grade students are invited to attend elective classes from 1:30-3:00. They can participate in Studio Art, Performance Choir or Chess Academy. Please see course descriptions for details.
My student has special learning needs. Will these classes be a good fit?
We are happy to accept students of all learning abilities, and we will work with parents to make accommodations within the classroom for students. Parents will also be expected to offer additional support at home for any work done outside of class.
Where can I find the Middle School Monday family handbook?
Please read through program details in the handbook found here.
What is the calendar for the year?
A required orientation day will be held on Monday, August 18th. The first full day of class will be Monday, August 25th. The School Year calendar for 2025-26 can be found here.
Who should I talk to if I have questions about the best placement for my student?
Please reach out to the teacher directly and they will be able to help you decide on the best placement for your student. For general program questions, contact Mrs. Lorraine Bosworth.