Foothill Learning Academy
K-12 Homeschool Support Program

ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS CLASSES

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High School Literature: Mockingbird/ Wes Moore

Grades 9-12

$225 per semester (one voucher) 

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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. All books will be provided and are included in the class tuition. This semester we will be studying To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore. 

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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.

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Teacher: Mary Frederick

email: messages2mary@att.net

phone/text:  916.990.3494

website: writeon4kids.com

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High School Writing

Grades 9-12

$225 per semester (one voucher)

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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. Our focus fall semester will be on persuasive, argument and creative writing, as well as speaking and presentation.

 

This class must be taken in combination with the High School Literature class.

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Teacher: Mary Frederick

email: messages2mary@att.net

phone/text:  916.990.3494

website: writeon4kids.com

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SCIENCE    ​​​

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Biology

Grades 9-12

$250 per semester * Lab materials included in class price

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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. This class is aligned with state A-G curriculum standards and can be taken as a year long class. Spring students are welcome as well, with no prerequisites needed.

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Key Topics Covered: 

• Nature of Science & Lab Safety 

• Properties of Water & Chemistry of Life 

• Macromolecules & Their Role in Living Things 

• Cell Theory, Organelles & Homeostasis 

• Cellular Transport & the Cell Cycle (Mitosis) 

• Enzymes, ATP & Energy in Cells 

• Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration 

• DNA Structure, Replication & Protein Synthesis 

•  Meiosis & Mendelian Genetics (Punnett Squares) 

•  Mutations, Biotechnology & Pedigrees 

•  Natural Selection & Evidence for Evolution 

• Ecology Basics: Populations, Human Impact & Symbiosis 

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Labs and Hands-On Investigations may include:: 

•  Lab safety & measurement stations 

• Hand sanitizer vs. soap effectiveness (microbe/inquiry investigation) 

• Murder and a Meal – macromolecule testing (Benedict’s, iodine, Biuret, Sudan III with food samples) 

• Gummy bear osmosis (exploring cellular transport) 

• Water properties graphing + engineering challenge (water tower) 

• Natural selection simulation (e.g., “beak” or candy adaptations) 

• Ecosystem in a Bottle (closed system observation – plants, snails, decomposers) • Simple photosynthesis/respiration demos or modeling activities

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Teacher: Laura Arroyo

Email: Lifefitpe1@gmail.com

Website: www.lifefitpe.com

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SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HISTORY                     ​​​​

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Civics: Current Events & Global Issues

Grades 9-12

$200 per semester

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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.

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Teacher: Laurie Chiappe

email:  MrsChiappe@gmail.com

phone/text: 408-472-6155

website: historyrockswithmrschiappe.com

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Economics

​Grades 9-12

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This A–G aligned course introduces students to key economic principles through real-world applications and hands-on learning. Students explore scarcity, opportunity cost, supply and demand, and the role of government while developing critical thinking and analytical skills. Students will examine historical case studies and simulations, including the Great Depression, to show how economic systems respond to change and crisis. The course emphasizes analyzing data, interpreting graphs, and evaluating real-world economic issues. By the end, students will be able to explain their thinking with evidence and apply economic concepts to everyday decisions. 

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Teacher: Jenae Cooper

email: jenaecooper@icloud.com

phone: 530-321-5513

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Mock Trial

Grade 6-8, 9-12

$200 per semester

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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)

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Teacher: Laurie Chiappe

email:  MrsChiappe@gmail.com

phone/text: 408-472-6155

website: historyrockswithmrschiappe.com

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ART 

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Art Lab: Mixed Media & Recycled

Grade 7-12
$220 including supplies 
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Create one large, unique mixed media piece on canvas over 8 to 10 weeks! Each week brings a new art experiment — paper marbling, sculptural elements, realistic drawing, image transfers, and more — that gets collaged or incorporated into your growing art piece.  The final weeks shift to recycled art, exploring how found and repurposed materials can become part of your creative process. The result is a deeply personal creative exploration of yourself and your interests. Works for all levels, beginner to advanced.  
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Teacher: Jennifer Rowe
email: jenniferrowestudio@gmail.com
phone: 916.212.3282
website: jenniferrowestudio.com​

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ENRICHMENT

 

Culinary Creations: High School Kids Kitchen

Grades 9-12

$265 per semester

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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

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Teacher:  Kelley Ayres

email:  kidskitchenfla@gmail.com

phone/text:  530-417-1013

 

Elements of Photography

Grades 7-12

$190 per semester

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There is no need for a fancy camera to take a great picture! Learn the art of composition. Figure out how to use lighting to create mood. Understand the value of perspective and telling a story with an image. These things will make even a camera phone a tool for art. 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! Basic digital editing will be covered during the last three weeks of class. This is a class that can be taken over and over again. As students progress I increase the complexity of what they learn and challenge them with new assignments designed for their skill level. 

Class requirements: a camera (even a camera phone) and access to a computer. 2nd semester and beyond students are encouraged to bring DSLR cameras. All other materials will be provided. 

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Teacher: Rachel Wattson

email: rachelwattsonfit@gmail.com

phone: 760-716-2793

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High School Bible

Grades 9-12

FREE

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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: Alissa Reynolds, Vintage Grace Resident
email:  alissar@vintagegrace.org
phone/text:   916-597-5678

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High School Student Government
Grade  9-12
$200 per semester 
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​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

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Sr. Musical Theater - 2 hour 20 minute class

Grades 4-12

$375 per semester

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Become a part of a musical theater production! Each child will have a chance to participate as we rehearse and produce the Broadway Musical: Seussical The Musical 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 1 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 December 12th 
(Only available at El Dorado Hills 4th and 5th period) ​​

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Teacher: Rachel Wattson

email: rachelwattsonfit@gmail.com

phone: 760-716-2793​​

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