1. Sign up: Posted in January 2026

2. Deposit: Non-refundable $50 per family reserves a seat (or seats)

3. Liability form: Sign the liability release form before or on the first day of class. 

4. Pay balance: Balance of $400 (+225 for sibling) due Aug. 1, 2026

Course: This college-prep general Biology course fulfills 1 high school science credit and 40 hours of laboratory work.  The authors designate this course as honors.  Class meets for 30 weeks. Syllabus 2026-2027 to be posted.  See Sample Syllabus.  

Who: Rising 9th - 12th graders (rising 8th grade STEM students okay)

When: Wednesdays 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM; starts August 19, 2026; ends May 5, 2027. Please note that class is now two hours in length.  Calendar to be posted.  (Dates subject to change)

Where: Private home with dedicated classroom with separate entrance. Located near Garner Costco (Ten-Ten Rd and Fayetteville Rd)

Curriculum: Discovering Design with Biology 1st edition by Dr. Paul Madtes Jr. and Dr. Jay Wile. Families are responsible for purchasing the textbook from an outside source. Please note, the companion Answer Key & Tests book and the Student Workbook are NOT necessary because customized resources are provided.  

Cost: $450 includes a $50 nonrefundable deposit, supplies, dissection specimens & tools, guided notes, lab worksheets, and scoring.  Sibling discount offered ($225 for sibling). The balance of $400 (+225 for sibling) is due Aug 1, 2026.  Tuition may be divided between two semesters. 

About the Curriculum

Discovering Design with Biology, published by Berean Builders, covers all general biology topics expected at the high school level.  Additionally, topics that parallel those found in a college textbook are included making it college-prep. Human anatomy and physiology are covered as well as the latest technological advances in biology.  All the tenets of evolution are taught in an objective and scientific way - the shortcomings of each tenet are addressed and alternative theories discussed. Co-author Dr. Wile's passion for scientific reasoning shines in this curriculum.  I think students will appreciate the conversational style of writing and structured format.

The authors designate this curriculum as honors level biology. 

Read curriculum basics: Discovering Design with Biology 

Read interesting details about this curriculum:  Discovering Design with Biology Blog

What We Do in Class

A structured format is used.  Each week the assigned material is reviewed using engaging PowerPoint slides and video clips.  Students are encouraged to actively participate during the lectures by filling in blanks on their guided notes and answering oral quiz questions.  Weekly laboratory exercises require data recording and post-lab analysis which can be completed in class.  

At Home

An online homework set is assigned each week.  Tests are taken online every two weeks.  Online flashcards and practice tests are provided.  Students may finish up lab reports at home if not completed in class.  Overall, students should spend about four hours a week on assignments and preparing for tests. 

Projects

A communications type project is assigned in the spring semester.  

Communications

Assignment checklists are emailed weekly to students and parents. In addition, assignments, schedules, links, scores, and resources are posted on Google Classroom.  Use of Google Classroom is optional.  A separate online gradebook is used for the official grades. Parents and students can access this resource to see scores and missing assignments. 

Absences and deadlines: Read my absence policy and deadlines policy.  

Scoring 

Tests, lab reports, homework sets, class participation, and a project are scored. Progress reports are emailed to parents each semester. Parents and students have access to the gradebook at any time.  

Privacy and Email Policies: Click here for the policy. 

Instructor: Paula W.