Foothill Learning Academy
K-12 Homeschool Support Program
Celebrating a Decade of Learning 2017-2027
HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES
ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS CLASSES
High School Literature: Romeo and Juliet/Of Mice and Men
Grades 9-12
$225 per semester (one voucher)
Studying, analyzing, and discussing literature is an invaluable high school experience. Engaging literature has the ability to draw students in, develop critical thinking, expand vocabulary, and improve both writing and communication skills. In this class we will
read, discuss, and analyze two high school level works. Each week the students will read and annotate, focusing on various aspects of the novel or play including theme, symbolism, historical impact, literary style, and personal or real world connections.
There is homework students complete to prepare them for discussion, increase their critical thinking skills, and satisfy state a-g curriculum requirements. This semester we will be studying Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, and Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. All books will be provided and are included in the class tuition.
This class is aligned with state a-g curriculum standards and when taken alongside the high school writing class will satisfy the semester’s High School English Language Arts curriculum requirements.
Teacher: Mary Frederick
email: messages2mary@att.net
phone/text: 916.990.3494
website: writeon4kids.com
High School Writing
Grades 9-12
$225 per semester (one voucher)
This class must be taken with the High School Literature class and will focus on writing projects, essays, and responses centered around the works studied. All writing assignments and projects are designed to meet a-g curriculum requirements. Students will received personalized, detailed feedback on their writing to help them grow as writers. This semester, students will complete an argument/research essay along with other short answer responses, essays, and projects.
This class must be taken in combination with the High School Literature class.
Teacher: Mary Frederick
email: messages2mary@att.net
phone/text: 916.990.3494
website: writeon4kids.com
SCIENCE
Biology
Grades 9-12
$250 per semester * Lab materials included in class price
This High School Biology course explores the fascinating world of life, from the building blocks of molecules to complex ecosystems and the mechanisms of evolution. Students will develop scientific thinking skills and explore what makes something alive, how cells function, how energy flows through living systems, the basics of genetics and heredity, and how populations
interact in ecosystems.
Key Topics Covered:
1. Nature of Science & Lab Safety
2. Properties of Water & Chemistry of Life
3. Macromolecules & Their Role in Living Things
4. Cell Theory, Organelles & Homeostasis
5. Cellular Transport & the Cell Cycle (Mitosis)
6. Enzymes, ATP & Energy in Cells
7. Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration
8. DNA Structure, Replication & Protein Synthesis
9. Meiosis & Mendelian Genetics (Punnett Squares)
10. Mutations, Biotechnology & Pedigrees
11. Natural Selection & Evidence for Evolution
12. Ecology Basics: Populations, Human Impact & Symbiosis
Labs and Hands-On Investigations may include:
● Build a candy model
● Protein Synthesis Scavenger Hunt
● Genetic Disorders
● Dinosaur genetics
● Adaptation
● Stop the spread
● Predation
This class is aligned with state A-G curriculum standards and can be taken as a year long
class. All students are welcome with no prerequisites needed.
Teacher: Laura Arroyo
Email: Lifefitpe1@gmail.com
Website: www.lifefitpe.com
SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HISTORY
Civics: Current Events & Global Issues
Grades 9-12
$200 per semester
Analyzing current events helps students better understand the world around them. Through socratic class discussion, students will learn to critically think about the facts and history behind the headlines while gaining understanding of the importance of people, events, and issues in the news. Today’s students need an understanding of the world’s economy, politics, social structures, and environment in order to become active, informed citizens. At the same time, consuming news with a critical eye is vital to enhancing democracy. Special attention will be paid to credibility of sources, bias, and discerning fact from fiction.
Teacher: Laurie Chiappe
email: MrsChiappe@gmail.com
phone/text: 408-472-6155
website: historyrockswithmrschiappe.com
Mock Trial
Grade 6-8, 9-12
$200 per semester
Mock trials have proven to be an effective learning tool for students of all grade levels. It helps them understand the law, practice critical thinking, and gain greater confidence in public speaking by assuming the roles of attorneys and witnesses in a fictional criminal or civil trial. Students experience first-hand the difficulties that judges, lawyers and juries face in determining which facts are relevant and what legal arguments are effective. This class is taught by Mrs. Chiappe, a former practicing California Attorney. (Year long class, students welcome to join in the Spring)
Teacher: Laurie Chiappe
email: MrsChiappe@gmail.com
phone/text: 408-472-6155
website: historyrockswithmrschiappe.com
Personal Finance
Grades 9-12
$200 per semester
Students will build practical financial literacy skills through hands-on activities, simulations, and real-world scenarios. Topics include budgeting, banking, credit, taxes, insurance, saving, investing, and major financial decisions. Google Classroom will
provide assignments and learning resources to support students as they develop confidence in managing money and planning for their future.
Standards Alignment: California Personal Finance Education Standards; California
Common Core Mathematics (HSN-Q.A.1–3, HSS-ID.B.6, MP.2, MP.4); and Common Core
ELA/Literacy (WHST.9–10.1, RH.9–10.7).
Teacher: Jenae Cooper
email: jenaecooper@icloud.com
phone: 530-321-5513
ART
Art Lab: Relief and Dimensional Art
Grade 7-12
$220 including supplies
Take your art off the canvas and into the dimensional. Some projects stretch over several weeks, like a large sculptural clay flower rising from a flat surface. Between projects spanning several class sessions are shorter, more experimental projects with relief, texture, and unexpected materials. Students build real skills, from clay hand building to planning a piece from sketch to finished work, while testing what art can be when it’s not flat. Works for all levels, beginner to advanced.
Teacher: Jennifer Rowe
email: jenniferrowestudio@gmail.com
phone: 916.212.3282
website: jenniferrowestudio.com
ENRICHMENT
Chess Academy
Grades 4-12
$195 per semester
Discover the exciting world of chess with an internationally certified FIDE Chess Instructor!
This class welcomes students of all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced players.
Students will learn chess fundamentals, tactics, strategies, openings, and checkmating techniques through interactive lessons, puzzles, and friendly games.
Instruction will be adapted to each student's experience, helping students improve their critical thinking, concentration, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Our goal is to build a strong chess foundation and inspire a lifelong love of the game!
Additional Learning with bichess.com
All students will also have access to bichess.com, an innovative AI-powered chess education platform.
The platform includes:
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An interactive AI Chess Coach that explains moves and strategies.
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Personalized chess training and game analysis.
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Chess puzzles and interactive exercises.
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Opportunities to practice and improve between classes.
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AI-powered explanations adapted to each student's skill level.
This allows students to continue learning and practicing chess at home between our weekly lessons.
Teacher: Amine Meddeb
email: aminemeddeb913@gmail.com
phone: 530-350-0118
Culinary Creations: High School Kids Kitchen
Grades 9-12
$265 per semester
All new recipes for a new semester! In this hands-on culinary course, students will expand their understanding of cooking, baking, and nutrition through practical skill-building and creative recipe development. Emphasis will be placed on advanced food and kitchen safety, meal planning, culinary techniques, and flavor profiling. Students will explore how ingredients interact, learn to adjust recipes to meet dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Throughout the semester, students will prepare a variety of dishes ranging from savory entrées to baked desserts. After in class demonstrations and guided prep activities, students will apply their learning by continuing and refining these dishes at home. This course encourages creativity, independence, and confidence in the kitchen skills that will serve students well beyond the classroom. Please be aware that this class is not tailored for households with food allergies and dietary restrictions.
This course integrates core standards across multiple subject areas
Teacher: Kelley Ayres
email: kidskitchenfla@gmail.com
phone/text: 530-417-1013
Advanced Digital Photography
Grades 7-12
$190 per semester
We will explore the functions of more advanced equipment, point and shoot pocket cameras, and how to make your camera phone do what you want it to! We are diving into digital editing and more complex projects. As students progress I increase the complexity of what they learn and challenge them with new assignments designed for their skill level. All students are required
to submit one final piece to the El Dorado County Fair.
Class requirements: a camera (even a camera phone) and laptops available for class use. Second semester and beyond students are encouraged to bring DSLR cameras. All other materials will be provided.
Teacher: Rachel Wattson
email: rachelwattsonfit@gmail.com
phone: 760-716-2793
High School Bible
Grades 9-12
FREE
Come learn about Jesus with Alissa!
Alissa Reynolds is overjoyed to have the opportunity to teach this year’s Bible Study class! She began her walk with Jesus in 7th grade and has had a strong desire to serve in any way possible ever since. Alissa is currently in her third year of the middle school residency program and hopes to continue working in youth ministry after completing it. She is excited to dive into the Bible with your students, helping them learn how to read it and live it out in their daily lives.
Teacher: Cat Fossen, Vintage Grace Resident
email: alissar@vintagegrace.org
phone/text: 916-597-5678
High School Student Government
Grade 9-12
$200 per semester
Through a series of guided interaction and group exercises, students will explore the principles of leadership and learn to develop individual and group leadership skills to impact their lives and their communities. Content areas include decision-making, goal setting, effective communication, servant leadership, organization and time management skills, and concrete strategies to implement change. Additionally, by planning FLA events and activities, this class gives the homeschool student the unique opportunity to experience traditional "student government" without attending a school. A FLA leadership shirt is included in the class fee.
Teacher: Laurie Chiappe
email: MrsChiappe@gmail.com
phone/text: 408-472-6155
website: historyrockswithmrschiappe.com
Sr. Musical Theater - 2 hour 20 minute class
Grades 4-12
$375 per semester
Become a part of a musical theater production! Each child will have a chance to participate as we rehearse and produce the Broadway Musical: Matilda Jr. Auditions for parts happen on day one! We practice stage presence, singing, and dancing as we develop our show. Costumes and props will be necessary. Students will be required to provide base costume pieces (like a certain
colored t-shirt, pants) and possibly a specific piece for their character. We perform our one hour musical on an assigned performance day outside of class meeting times to a live audience! Sr. theater rehearsal time extends to 2:45 pm.
Note: additional rehearsals are required for this class close to our performance date. A rehearsal schedule and further details will be sent out one month before we begin class. Performances will be on May 1st.
(Only available at El Dorado Hills 4th and 5th period)
Teacher: Rachel Wattson
email: rachelwattsonfit@gmail.com
phone: 760-716-2793