Electives alternate yearly, these courses may not be offered next year.

Bible and Theology
Sytematic Theology (Track 4 - 2022-23)
This course is the fourth of four tracks in the Bible and Theology Libertas Curriculum. Students will have the opportunity to learn what the bible teaches about the core doctrines of the Christian faith, including God; Revelation; Creation; Sin; Salvation; the Kingdom; Eschatology, and more. Students will learn what the bible as a whole says about these themes and how they relate together in telling the Story of God. 
This is the break down over a 4 year cycle:

Track 1 – Hermeneutics and Biblical Interpretation
Track 2 – Biblical Survey
Track 3 – Apologetics and the Bible
Track 4 - Systematic Theology
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ACT-Mom Prep Class
Using ACT Mom (www.actmom.org) test prep methods and videos, this class will cover all four sections of the ACT College Entrance Exam: English, Reading, Science, and Math.
Students will concentrate on one section at a time, and will be assigned ACT mom videos to watch as homework.
The following class time will be spent taking an ACT subject test.
The next week, we will review problems missed and discuss strategies.
Must purchase a subscription to the ACT mom online course. We were able to get special pricing for Libertas, subscription is $200 per child.
Lab fee: $10 for practice tests used in class

American Government and Civics
American Government (Fall) and Civics (Spring)- Using Hillsdale College’s curriculum as a spine for our high school level course, we will spend the Fall semester discovering the foundations and systems of our American Government using the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and additional significant essays and writings. Along with those discussions, we will investigate other major forms of government found around the world and compare/contrast them to that of the United States. In the Spring, we will continue our studies, once again using Hillsdale’s curriculum, primary documents, and noteworthy speeches as we focus on Civics and explore our role in a “...government of the people, by the people, for the people….” During the spring semester we will also discuss political parties, the Electoral College, state and local governments, foreign and domestic policies, along with investigating civil rights and liberties. Since 2022 is a midterm election year, we will follow and discuss Current Election Events and the ensuing transitions of power from the national through local levels while practicing civil discourse and respect for those with differing opinions. In addition, questions on Civics, Government, and History from the U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Test will be covered during both semesters. (9th-12th)

Middle School Geography and World Cultures
In this middle school class, students will learn the countries, important cities, and particular features of each continent and so much more! We will study the interesting people who inhabit these countries and their cultures - the food they eat, the games they play, and the dangers they face. Learning about and praying for unreached people groups will be a focus. Through the study of climates, populations, economies, time zones, languages, and more, students will gain experience with map reading using an atlas. This class will also help prepare any student who would like to participate in the National Geo Bee. 


Middle School Speech, Debate, and Mock Trial
This course will teach logic by using the skills involved in speech and debate. In this class students learn how to conduct informal and formal debates, but also how to develop good arguments by using solid logic and the resources available in their own thinking as well as the world around them. Students will employ the techniques of logic and rhetoric, such as the common topics of definition, comparison, relationship, circumstance, and testimony. Additional study of ethos, pathos, and style is also included, as well as a study of debate arrangement.

This will be combined with curriculum from Florida Law Related Education – through which students will prepare to argue a court case in the group’s annual Middle School Mock Trial Competition, as well as participating locally in a mock trial with another home school group.

Introduction to Political Philosophy (1st Semester)
Introduction to Political Philosophy investigates three topics at the heart of political philosophy: the nature of man, the limits of government, and the separation of powers. Our exploration of each topic will center around a matchup between two opposing philosophers: Rousseau vs. Hobbes, Locke vs. Marx, and Plato vs. Montesquieu. Students will join the fray, debating these philosophers’ key points and grappling with weighty questions posited by their political philosophies. To prepare, students will complete light reading assignments incorporating excerpts from our six contenders plus Aristotle, Machiavelli, and Rawls. The class will culminate with a brief overview of how the Bible--especially the Mosaic Law--confronts our three main topics. Students will leave more informed voters and deeper political thinkers.
 
Due to the higher reading level of some of the philosophers’ works, this class is recommended for high school students.


Introduction to Western Philosophy (2nd Semester)
Philosophy 1 introduces students to key philosophers, concepts, and movements in the history of Western philosophy, starting with the Greek natural philosophers of the 600’s BC and ending with the New Age craze of the 1990’s. The class format blends lecture with discussion, creating a stimulating environment where students can discuss, defend, and hopefully strengthen their faith as they grapple with the big questions that have puzzled philosophers for millennia.

This class is recommended for high school students.

Guitar 1 & 2
This course teaches students how to play guitar from the ground up, focusing mainly on chords; strumming techniques; and all of the basic music theory needed to play chord charts, accompany other musicians, transpose, improvise, compose, and self-teach. Students will practice at least 90 songs in class and at home using the instructor’s original YouTube tutorials. The instructor will also provide written lessons, access to hundreds of additional chord charts, opportunities to practice outside of class, and other supplemental resources which students may elect to use at their own pace. In class, students will enjoy one-on-one attention from both the instructor and at least one teacher’s aide (depending on class size). Students of all levels will learn from this course’s unique approach to chord theory, and even the most advanced students will dramatically expand their song repertoires by participating. This is a full year class, semester 1 will focus on beginning guitar (Guitar 1) and semester 2 will focus on more advanced instruction (Guitar 2). Students who have taken Guitar 1 with Mr. Nicholson before are welcome to join both semesters for practice and review, or just for 2nd semester.  This class is appropriate for students 12 and up.  There is a $50 material fee.
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MS Latin
We alternate MS Latin A with MS Latin B (verb conjugation…

MS LATIN A
Middle School Latin A is designed for beginning Latin students to learn noun declensions prior to Latin 1. Teaches noun vocabulary and how the five noun declension endings are constructed in the context of Latin sentences.  

MS LATIN B
Middle School Latin B is designed for beginning Latin students to learn verb conjugations prior or Latin 1. Teaches Latin adjectives and prepositions. 

Latin I
    The study of Latin is the study of the history of Western Civilization: its wars, its poetry, its theology, and its laws. It is also the key to understanding many modern languages, especially our own. Using the Henle I textbook and the Henle Grammar book, this course will start at the very beginning of Latin study with an emphasis on learning skills for language acquisition as well as carefully studying the structure of language. Weekly vocabulary quizzes and intermittent grammar tests will encourage the student to master these basic elements in preparation for translating ancient texts successfully in Latin II.

Latin II
    After completing a year of Latin study, students are ready to begin the rewarding task of translation. Students study through Henle II in order to grasp the foundational grammar necessary to begin translating one of Ancient History’s greatest works, Caesar’s conquest of Gaul. Latin II introduces students to more complex grammar and sentence structures, teaching them the eloquence of good writing on its structural level. Weekly vocabulary quizzes and intermittent grammar tests will encourage the student to master these basic elements to ensure continued growth in translating Latin into English.

Latin III/IV
    Having completed two or more years of high school Latin, students have the unique perspective and sublime privilege of studying some of the ancient world’s greatest authors in their original language. Students at this level will be focusing almost entirely on translation while continuing to review grammar and syntax already learned, to study the nuances of the Latin language, and to further expand their vocabulary. Special attention will be given to mastering participles and other verbals such as the infinitive and the gerund/gerundive. Works studied this year include selections from: Cicero, Virgil, Ovid, Livy, Latin love poetry, and Scripture (a few of these texts will need to be purchased). Students will have two-three hours of translation homework and weekly vocab/grammar quizzes.

French I
    French 1 introduces the student to the study of the French language and culture using the Holt French 1 curriculum, “Allez, viens!” A maximum of class time is spent on speaking and listening, though reading and writing are also emphasized. The focus is on learning to communicate in the language, with grammar taught to support that primary goal. Students should expect to spend 30-45 minutes each day on their French work, as daily reinforcement is key to learning a second language. Learning experiences may include extra conversation practice, French food, projects, skits, and competing in the Modern Language Expo.

French II
    French 2 continues the study of the French language and culture using the Holt French 2 curriculum, “Allez, viens!” A maximum of class time is spent on speaking and listening, though reading and writing are also emphasized. The focus is on learning to communicate in the language, with grammar taught to support that primary goal. Students should expect to spend 30-45 minutes each day on their French work, as daily reinforcement is key to learning a second language. Learning experiences may include extra conversation practice, French food, projects, skits, and competing in the Modern Language Expo.

French III
    French 3 continues the study of the French language and culture using the Holt French 3 curriculum, “Allez, viens!” The focus continues to be on learning to communicate in the language; however, grammar takes a stronger role in supporting that primary goal, as we dive into more complex sentence structures and verb tenses. Learning about Francophone culture continues to support our language study. Students should expect to spend 45-60 minutes each day on their French work, as daily reinforcement is key to learning a second language. Learning experiences may include extra conversation practice, French food, projects, skits, and competing in the Modern Language Expo.

French IV
Textbook: Allez, Viens! French 4, published by Holt, Rinehart and WinstonIn French 4, students will practice and expand upon the language skills they have learned in the previous 3 years. They will continue to sharpen listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through a wide variety of activities.
Using various topics, students will learn to express themselves using increasing vocabulary, present, past, future, conditional and subjunctive-tense verbs, articles and adjectives. Increasingly complex grammatical structures will be introduced and practiced in the context of authentic communication. Culture is also learned throughout the course to help the student understand the people, countries, and histories of the French-speaking world. 

Spanish I
    Spanish 1 takes a grammar-centered approach designed to follow the natural processes by which people learn language. Each unit focuses mainly on one grammar concept so students can build their grammar foundations through an uncluttered, systematic process. Students start communicating in Spanish immediately and accumulate a rich vocabulary of hundreds of the most commonly used Spanish words. Online resources including Duolingo allow students to hear and speak the language throughout the school week. By the end of chapter 9, the course’s final chapter, students will have practiced a wide variety of sentence structures and gained proficiency in the present tense.

Spanish II
    Spanish 2 uses the same systematic, grammar-centered textbook as Spanish 1. The course focuses on chapters 10-15 but starts out with a fast-paced, 7-week review of chapters 1-9. Students will extensively practice three verb tenses, two verb moods, and a variety of other language mechanics, all the while assimilating hundreds more of the most common Spanish words into their vocabularies. At home, students will continue to hone their listening and pronunciation skills with Duolingo and other online resources.

Spanish III
Spanish 3 reviews Spanish 1 & 2 grammar and vocabulary at a fast pace before introducing new grammar concepts. Spanish 3 students will engage in more conversation practice, translation exercises, and pronunciation activities than in Spanish 1 & 2. Spanish 3 continues to use online resources including Duolingo and Quizlet to ensure that students hear and speak the language at home throughout the school week.

Availability of space in classes will ultimately determine placement.

Pre-Algebra
    This year-long math course takes students from basic operations in whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percent's, roots, and exponents and introduces them to math-building concepts in algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and exciting real-life applications.

    Every block of ten lessons in this math course begins with a challenging set of problems that prepares students for standardized math testing and features personal interviews showing how individuals make use of math in their everyday lives.

Algebra
    This traditional algebra course studies the fundamental properties of arithmetic operations and their order; functions and graphs; integers, rational numbers, and real numbers; equations in one and two variables; simultaneous equations; exponents and polynomials; factoring; fractions and fractional expressions, square roots and radical equations, quadratic and fractional equations; inequalities; and number sequences. Using Harold Jacob's Elementary Algebra as the text students can expect 4-6 hours of work each week, which will be routinely checked along with tests and quizzes.

Geometry
    One of the seven liberal arts, geometry is both useful and beautiful. We will use Harold Jacobs' Geometry. Its focus is on Euclidean Geometry and deductive reasoning through proofs. It is as much a logic course as a math course as one must justify each step of an argument, using simple objects around us such as circles as fodder for our reasoning exercises. A solid foundation in Algebra is necessary.

Algebra II
   This course will follow the first half of Paul Foerster’s Algebra and Trigonometry: Functions and Applications and will include the study of polynomial, rational, and exponential functions and relations, sequences and series, probability, data analysis, and functions of a random variable, trigonometric and circular functions, triangle problems, and matrices.

    Diligent study of this subject should prepare the student well for the study of calculus or trigonometry in college. Specific preparation for the SAT and/or ACT math sections will also be a focus of the class. The student can expect 4 to 6 hours of homework each week, which will be routinely checked, as well as chapter tests and quizzes.

Pre-Calculus
    This course will follow the second half of Paul Foerster’s Algebra and Trigonometry: Functions and Applications and will include the study of polynomial, rational, and exponential functions and relations, sequences and series, probability, data analysis, and functions of a random variable, trigonometric and circular functions, triangle problems, and matrices.

    Diligent study of this subject should prepare the student well for the study of calculus or trigonometry in college. Specific preparation for the SAT and/or ACT math sections will also be a focus of the class. The student can expect 4 to 6 hours of homework each week, which will be routinely checked, as well as chapter tests and quizzes.

Middle School Science
Middle school science will employ the classical model as students study astronomy, life science, and earth science. Students will research and report though presentations on various topics throughout the year. A sketchbook will be compiled each year documenting research papers, drawings, and biographies. Focus will include both memorization and understanding cause and effect relationships. 

Track 1 (2022-23): 
First Semester - Astronomy and Historical Scientist Study
Second Semester - Life Science with a focus on animals 

Track 2 (2023-24)
First Semester - Earth Science
Second Semester - Life Science with a focus on botany and cells
   

Physical Science
    The goal of this lab is to inspire students to pursue learning about God’s order. A course designed to be taken before Biology 1, Physical Science is an overview of earth science and physics. This lively course covers atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, weather, Newton’s laws and simple physics, forces in creation, sound, light, and astrophysics. Many hands-on experiments demonstrate the topics covered. Lab time is a lecture/experiment format. Assignments and lab reports will be completed at home. Quizzes, Mid-term, and Final exams are given in lab.

Biology
Prerequisites: Concurrently with/or after Algebra 1
    The goal of this lab is to develop an awe of God’s creation of living organisms. This course is a college-prep biology course that provides a strong background in scientific classification and terminology. Studies include: biological keys, kingdoms, chemistry of life, cellular biology, genetics, creation/evolution, dissections, botany, and a crash course on human body systems. Students will dissect at minimum: clam, grasshopper, perch, earthworm, crayfish, frog, snake, spider, flowers and a mammalian eye. The students will also become proficient in using the microscope. Assignments and lab reports will be completed at home. Lab will be a lecture/experiment format. Quizzes, Mid-term, and a Final exam will be given in lab.

Chemistry
Prerequisites: Proficient in Algebra 1
    This course will follow Apologia’s Exploring Creation with Chemistry, 3rd Edition and will include the study of significant figures, units, classification, the mole concept, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, acids and basics, redox reactions, solutions, atomic structure, Lewis structures, molecular geometry, gas laws, and equilibrium. In addition, this class will focus on the application of chemical concepts in the laboratory, and a full laboratory experience will be provided, well beyond that called for by the textbook. Diligent study of this subject should prepare the student well for the study of chemistry in college. The student can expect 4 to 6 hours of homework each week, which will be routinely checked, as well as chapter tests and quizzes. In addition, two formal lab reports will be completed each semester.


Anatomy and Physiology
Human Anatomy and Physiology is a laboratory-based course that will enable students to develop an understanding of the relationships between the structures and functions of the human body. Topics covered will include the basic organization of the body and major body systems along with the impact of diseases on certain systems. This course will involve laboratory activities, projects, dissections, textbook material, models and diagrams.

HIGH SCHOOL OMNIBUS AND RHETORIC
US American - Omnibus is a course that unites history, literature, art, and culture to gain a fuller understanding of a time period. In the 2022-2023 school year, we will study the United States, from colonization to contemporary times. In context with the experiences of God’s people during this time, students will explore American foundations through its literature, drama, poetry, art, architecture, philosophy, and historical texts. Primary sources will be used as often as possible, including those of the founding fathers. Evaluation of materials examined will come through journals, essays, projects, and semester exams, focusing on an understanding of significant ideas.
 
Rhetoric - In conjunction with Omnibus, the Rhetoric class will help students gain the skills to argue and express ideas eloquently and effectively in both written and oral formats. Through debate, writing exercises, and essays, students will respond to Omnibus material. Both the practicalities of grammar and citations as well as the beauty of well-crafted sentences will be used to aid these efforts to argue well.

SENIOR SEMINAR - MODERN OMNIBUS AND RHETORIC
Modern history examines the social, political, economic, and cultural development in the modern contemporary world in the period between the seventeenth and the twentieth century. Students will analyse key events such as revolutions, nation states, modern war, globalisation, political regimes, capitalism, totalitarianism, democracy, and communism, touching on the philosophies that brought about these ideologies. Methods of instruction will include socratic discussions, student led class discussions and more project/presentation/paper based evaluations.  In this Senior seminar, some time will be spent exploring post-high school opportunities and taking the required steps to make those things happen.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL OMNIBUS AND RHETORIC

The Latin word "Omnibus," meaning "for all," is an apt description of our Middle School course. In Omnibus, we will be covering the 1700s through Modern Times in chronological order. While this course will largely focus on American History, we will also study other parts of the world to explore people and events, not only through historical facts, but also through maps, literature, poetry, drama, religion, and art for a more complete view of the world. History is brought to life and literature is given context as we seek to integrate these parts into a cohesive whole. Primary source documents are used whenever possible. Biography presentations and fun semester projects will allow students to share their knowledge in creative ways.



Libertas Middle School Rhetoric classes emphasize the classical method of building up the student's reasoning and articulation skills while helping them successfully complete Omnibus themed writing assignments. Each semester the Middle School focuses on different classical forms of writing. Along with writing instruction, our focus includes filling gaps in mechanics (a sequential, thorough review of grammar, punctuation, and form), developing an appreciation and love of style, and rhetorical analysis of classic American and World Literature, along with famous speeches. Students will keep a journal, a commonplace book, and a grammar notebook. Homework will be minimal and mostly associated with Omnibus literature and primary sources. 
 

After graduating from Florida State with a degree in Humanities, Jennifer Drury taught a variety of courses at Christ Classical Academy, beginning in 2004. Crafting Omnibus courses remains one of her favorite parts of teaching, and she loves the freedom to do so outside of traditional school. She began tutoring fellow students in math and science in the 10th grade. While tutoring homeschoolers and teaching courses for a SAT prep company during college, she realized that she loved the humanities even more than her math and science courses and changed her major from chemistry, but she never lost her love of seeing students make math connections.

Mrs. Drury has homeschooled her children and taught courses from her home for the past six years. She enjoys helping students to find truth, goodness, and beauty, along with a lot of fun, in the great books within a historical context. Along with her husband and two daughters, she loves being a member of Center Point Church, where she is the administrator.

​about mrs. pittmanDebbie Pittman has been involved in education for several decades, beginning with homeschooling her own 11 children. She and her husband, Bo, have been active in local and state home education groups since before 1985 when it became legal. Debbie has also taught at various schools and co-ops over the last 15 years. Most recently, she has tutored Challenge A for Classical Conversations and tutored middle and high school students in writing and Latin. Debbie has a love for all things that involve words - reading, writing, speaking, and debating.