English Language Arts

Book Club
Jill Altom
Students will read great books from multiple genres and analyze literary elements through critical thinking, group discussions, writing assignments, and creative response to reading. They will explore the habits of good readers and how to get more out of the books they read. This class is an elective and not an all-encompassing English Language Arts class and should be accompanied by an additional grammar, usage, and writing mechanics curriculum of parents' choice.
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 1-2 hours/week
Grades 5-8

Literature 1
Jenny Conatser
Designed with freshmen in mind, this class will focus on learning how to analyze literary elements in a variety of literature from diverse authors. In a discussion-oriented class, students will have weekly reading and journaling assignments and will complete both informal and formal writing, including creative pieces and expository essays. This class meets two days a week and will qualify for 1 credit of high school ELA.
Grades 9-10
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 3-4 hours/week

Lit 2/3
Bea Troxel
Every voice matters in the discussion of literature: both the reader's and author’s voices. In this class, we will discuss a diverse spread of literature and synthesize it through class discussions. Students will write several analytical papers while also completing various creative responses that allow them to examine these books in different manners. We will be looking at literary devices such as tone, figurative language, symbolism, and artistic design. Each student should be ready to bring their knowledge, experience, and creativity to each class, as we all benefit from the various voices and ideas in the room. This class meets two days a week and will meet the Tennessee high school graduation requirement for one year of ELA.
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 4 hours/week
Grades 10-11

Magic & Monsters
Jenny Conatser
Designed around a year-long theme of Magic & Monsters, this class will examine various ways in which human beings engage with their fears and discomforts, their hopes and dreams on the written page. Appropriate for students who are comfortable writing three-paragraph essays and connecting themes in literature. This class meets two days a week and can qualify for a high school ELA credit if taken as a 9th grader. This class can qualify as a high school ELA credit if registered in advance as such with the Board of Education or an umbrella school.
8-9
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 3 hours/week

Our Stories
Anna Boneh
Literature gifts us the opportunity to discover a variety of life experiences through stories. This course is designed to explore a wide range of perspectives by contemporary and classical voices. Students will engage in stories through reading, discussion, and the writing of their own stories. Students can expect to expand their creativity, sharpen their writing skills, and have lively class discussions, with diverse points of view, in a welcoming environment. Assignments include class projects, presentations, essays, creative writing, poetry, and grammar work. Reading will span novels, poetry, autobiographies, short stories, and graphic novels.
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 3 hours/week
Grades 7-8

Reading for Writing
Rowena Aldridge
Kendra Andrus
Reading for Writing is designed to help middle school students improve their literary comprehension and writing skills. The course focuses on teaching students strategies for understanding and analyzing different types of texts, including fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. The course emphasizes the importance of writer's craft such as figurative language, imagery, and tone, in addition to the importance of revision and editing in the writing process. The overall goal of the course is to help students become more confident and capable readers and writers.
Grades 5-6
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 3 hours/week

Senior Seminar, Frozen Seas
Caiden Leavitt
Kafka said that “A book must be the ax for the frozen sea within us.” In this seminar, we will read and discuss books whose characters remain mysteries to themselves as a way to further understand our own inner worlds. This will include books by literary giants like James Joyce, David Foster Wallace, and Tolstoy. The goal is to prepare students for college level thinking and writing through seminar style discussions and analytical papers. The course will also help students develop their own unique voice in their college application essays and will meet the Tennessee high school graduation requirement for one year of ELA. This class meets one day a week.
Grade 12
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 3 hours/week

Math

Algebra 1
Becky Gore
This class will cover the standards required for a high school credit in Algebra 1. Topics include algebraic equations, functions and relations, systems of equations, linear, quadratic and exponential functions, and radical and rational equations. This class meets two days a week.. The textbook for this class is included in the class fee.
Grades 8-9
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 4 hours/week

Algebra 2
Elizabeth Bills
Will cover the topics normally covered in a high school Algebra 2 course. This course is designed to qualify for a high school math credit in Algebra 2 and meets two days a week. Algebra 1 is a required prerequisite. The textbook for this class is included in the class fee. Students will need to acquire a Texas Instruments nSpire cxii graphing calculator (NOT the CAS version). If they already have a Texas Instruments nSpire cx graphing calculator, that is acceptable.. Substitute/alternative calculators will not suffice, as instruction will be tied to certain features that are unique to this specific unit.
Grades 9-12
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 4 hours/week

Geometry
Elizabeth Bills
Will cover the topics normally covered in a high school Geometry course. This course is designed to qualify for a high school math credit in Geometry and meets two days a week. Algebra 1 is a prerequisite. The textbook for this class is included in the class fee. Students will need to acquire a Texas Instruments nSpire cxii graphing calculator (NOT the CAS version). If they already have a Texas Instruments nSpire cx graphing calculator, that is acceptable. Substitute/alternative calculators will not suffice, as instruction will be tied to certain features that are unique to this specific unit.
Grades 10-12
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 4 hours/week

Middle School Math
Leslie Lutz + Jansen Gibson
This class is designed to provide a solid foundation in critical mathematics concepts. We will cover multiplication and division of decimals and fractions, as well as geometry, integers (negatives), measurement, ratios, solving simple problems with an unknown (a variable), etc. We hope to meet students where they are and prepare them for advanced mathematical ideas. Prerequisites include being able to add and subtract all whole numbers, multiplication and division concepts, representing fractions in multiple ways, and all other 4th-grade math skills. This class may be taken twice depending on students' preparedness for the next class. We meet two days a week and the textbook is included in the class fees.
Grades 5-6
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 3 hours/week

Math 7
Leslie Lutz
This class will cover 7th-grade math standards, including two step equations, proportional relationships, slope and graphing equations, percent (markup, discount, interest, etc), scale figures, indirect measurement, probability, and will prepare students for pre-algebra.
Prerequisites include being able to do all operations with whole numbers, decimals, and fractions (we will review these), understanding fractions and ratios, finding the perimeter and area of basic shapes, solving simple problems with an unknown (variable), and other 6th-grade standards.
This class meets two days a week. The textbook for this class is included in the class fee.
Grade 7
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 3 hours/week

Pre-Algebra
Becky Gore
This class will cover 8th grade standards designed to prepare students for Algebra 1 and other high school math courses. This is the course where we tick all the boxes to ensure students are ready for high school math. Topics include a review of 7th-grade standards plus exponents, algebraic expressions, equations and inequalities, proportions and percent, functions and graphing in the coordinate plane, geometry concepts, measurement, and probability and statistics. This class meets two days a week. The textbook for this class is included in the class fee.
Grades 7-9
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 3 hours/week

Science

Advanced STEAM
Dawn Ruiz
This class is designed for students who have previous experience with STEAM projects and want to take a deeper dive into the engineering design process. Students will be presented with design challenges and will be expected to complete research and planning outside of class time. Materials will be provided for project building and improvement to be completed during class time. Students should have a teacher recommendation or portfolio and be concurrently enrolled in pre-algebra or higher.
Grades 7-8
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 1 hour/week

Astronomy and Space Physics
John Dvorachek
Students will learn the fundamental concepts of astrophysics from a conceptual standpoint. While there will be math used in the course, it will not be a math-based physics class. Core concepts will be gravity, the electromagnetic spectrum, spacetime, cosmic distances, star formation, general and special relativity, and quantum dynamics. Additionally, some observational astronomy projects will be performed. This class will qualify for a high school science credit.
Prerequisite: students must have completed Algebra 1 prior to enrolling in this class.
Grades 11-12
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 3 hours/week

Biology (High School)
Mary West
This course will give students a general introduction to a range of topics including basic biological concepts, the chemistry of life, structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, DNA and gene expression, cellular replication (mitosis and meiosis), cellular respiration, photosynthesis, and modern applications of biotechnology. This class will meet the Tennessee high school graduation requirement for biology with a lab.
Grades 9-12
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 2-3 hours/week

Biology (Middle School)
Brenda Wolff
In this class, students will explore the diverse realm of biology (with a focus on human biology) on a microscopic and macroscopic level: from unicellular to complex organisms, DNA to proteins, cellular to organism metabolism, human cells to body systems.
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 3 hours/week
Grades 7-8

Chemistry (Middle School)
Jansen Gibson
Students will investigate the world of atoms, molecules, reactions, explosions, energy, and more through a lab-based exploration of chemistry. This class will focus on the major concepts underlying chemistry, including physical and chemical properties, the structure of simple and complex compounds, polarity, energy, and reactivity. Textbook included in class fee.
Grades 6-7
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 2 hours/week

Chemistry (High School)
Jansen Gibson
Students will learn the fundamentals of chemistry, from the atomic to the universal scale. Discussions will include real-life applications of environmental, organic, biological, and industrial chemistry, and integrate hands-on labs and experiments to make our understanding of the chemical world tactile and “explosive.” This class will meet the Tennessee high school graduation requirement for chemistry with a lab. Textbook included in class fee.
Grades 10-12
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 3 hours/week

General Science
Dawn Ruiz
Covers science via discrete units of study with an emphasis on the scientific method and familiarization with scientific vocabulary. Units will include scientific method, life sciences, human anatomy and physiology, earth/space sciences, chemistry and physics.
Grades 5-6
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 1-2 hours/week

Physical Science
Mary West
Students will learn about mechanics, heat, electricity, atomic structure, astronomy, and more. Students should be enrolled in at least Pre-Algebra math concurrently. (Math does not have to be taken at WEB.) This class can qualify as a high school science credit if registered in advance as such with the Board of Education or an umbrella school. Textbook included in class fee.
Grades 8-9
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 3 hours/week

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math)
Dawn Ruiz
Jansen Gibson
STEAM class will be a hands-on experience. Each week students will be presented with materials and design challenges that incorporate different aspects of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Students will be encouraged to think critically and creatively about how to design and improve their projects.
Grades 5-7
Estimated out-of-class homework time: less than 1 hour/week

Survey of Science
Mary West
Survey of Science aims to prepare advanced middle school students for high school-level science courses. Central units include chemistry, physics, and biology. This course is designed for 7th and 8th graders who are new to WEB or 6th graders who are advanced students and prefer a science survey over Chemistry.
Grades 7-8
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 3 hours/week

Social Studies

Art Around the World
Evelyn Thoen
Art Around the World will explore the history of art through time and place. Students will learn about various cultures around the world and explore the lives of famous artists. In this class, we will move from continent to continent, encountering art and architecture while learning what drives humans to create. We will explore key artists and movements from ancient art to the modern day, and create hands-on projects inspired by the artists we learn about.
Grades 5-6
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 1-2 hours/week

Government/ Civics, first semester
Jenny Conatser
Economics, second semester
John Dvorachek
First semester, this class will explore the structure and function of the US government and politics. We will cover such topics as the Constitution, civil rights, interest groups, politics, voting, Congress, the presidency, the judiciary, laws, public policies, state & local government, and current events.
Second semester, students will learn how a citizen participates productively in society and the basics of macroeconomics. They will develop an understanding of how economic forces interact with government policy. Throughout the class, a focus will be given to political philosophy and the civic relationship between the citizen and the state.
This will qualify for 1 HS social studies credit in government, civics, and economics.
Grades 11-12
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 1-2 hours/week

Social Studies, Continued . . .

History of Civilizations
John Dvorachek
The course examines the study of human civilization through a variety of historical and cultural anthropological lenses. Students will learn what we "know" about the story of civilization, what we "think" we know, and what we know that we really haven't a clue about. As technological developments continually improve, our archeological history is constantly redefining itself. Put on your fedoras; we’re going full Indiana Jones here! This course is designed to qualify for a high school social studies credit.
Grades 9-12
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 3 hours/week

Pop Music Appreciation
Bea Troxel
What exactly is pop music? This is the question we will ask as we examine the greats of pop music--The Beatles, Taylor Swift, Destiny's Child, and onward. We will talk about the roots of pop music as we listen to many examples of the genre and see how it changed over time. For anyone interested in musical history, world history, and looking at how music reflects the world we live in, this class will ask big questions about what pop music says about our cultures, our governments, and ourselves.
Grades 6-8
Estimated out-of-class homework time: less than 1 hour/week

World Geography
Rowena Aldridge
Blending history, geography, and art, World Geography will introduce students to the diverse physical and cultural landscapes of the world. Students will learn about the earth's major landforms, climates, and ecosystems and how they shape the way people live. The course will also cover the political and economic systems of different countries, as well as the impact of globalization. Through collaborative activities, group discussions, and cartography projects, students will develop their critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. By the end of the course, students will be able to draw a map of the world from memory.
Grades 6-8
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 3 hours/week

World Religions
Jill Altom
Students will examine and explore religion academically through historical, social, and cultural lenses. In this class we plan to offer education about the world's major religions without promoting or denigrating any religion. We will consider the origins of religion and our modern world, so that students will have a fuller understanding of the beliefs, culture, and conflict surrounding the religions of the world. We will cover a variety of religions from all over the world throughout the year, examining each through historical, cultural, and sociological contexts. Units of study will include Ancient Religion, Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Eastern Religions, African Religions, and Cults and Modern Religions.
Grades 9-12
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 3 hours/week

World Languages

American Sign Language (ASL)
Heather Olmstead
Designed to introduce beginner students to American Sign Language. This course is designed to qualify for one year of a high school language credit.
Grades 8-11
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 1 hours/week

American Sign Language (ASL) 2
Heather Olmstead
ASL 2 develops knowledge of fingerspelling, vocabulary, and grammatical structures, and expands visual receptive and gestural expressive skills in order to comprehend and express essential ideas in ASL. This course is designed to qualify for one year of high school language credit.
Grades 9-12
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 1-2 hours/week

Introduction to Spanish
Rowena Aldridge
Intro to Spanish is designed to give the novice second-language student a taste of the Spanish speaking world, while making the language accessible and comprehensible. Students will learn basic vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure through listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. Students will also learn about a variety of Spanish-speaking countries and their cultures, which can help them to understand the language and its usage in the real world. The goal of the course is to give students a foundation in Spanish language and culture, and to prepare them for further study of the language.
Grades 5-8
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 3 hours/week

Art

Studio Art
Charles Key
High School Studio Art is designed to encourage and support students in their unique creative journey. An emphasis will be placed on traditional studio development with a strong focus on realistic drawing skills, observational drawing practice, three-dimensional shading, multi-point perspectives, and figure drawing. Completion of this class will satisfy one credit for a high school art class.
Grades 9-12 
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 1-2 hours/week

Studio Art Fundamentals
Evelyn Thoen
Studio Art Fundamentals is designed to encourage and support students in their unique creative journey. An emphasis will be placed on traditional studio development with a strong focus on realistic drawing skills, including three-dimensional shading, perspective, and figure drawing. Students will also explore painting, printmaking, textiles, and sculpture. Recommended for beginning art students.
Grades 5-7
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 30 minutes - 1 hour/week

Studio Art Intermediate
Charles Key
Studio Art Intermediate provides a space for artistically motivated, driven and experienced students who are ready to undertake new creative challenges in an independent work environment. During this studio course students will focus on defining their unique artistic voice while learning how to provide, process and utilize constructive feedback in a supportive and nurturing community of fellow artists.
Grades 7-8
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 1-2 hours/week

Electives

Choir
Fleming McWilliams
Students will learn to be confident in their singing voice and be able to demonstrate proper vocal techniques. Students will be exposed to choral elements, such as ensemble singing, blend, and vocal techniques. Students will sing and perform a variety of music. Students will grow a love and appreciation for music and its influence in society.
Grades 5-12
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 30 mins/week, plus rehearsals and performances

Finance, Semester 1
John Dvorachek
Test Prep, Semester 2
Elizabeth Bills
Finance introduces financial topics such as budgeting, finance, interest, taxes, etc. This class will qualify students for the high school finance credit (0.5) requirement.
Test Prep prepares students for standardized college admissions tests. Students will take practice tests and learn testing techniques to help prepare them for tests. Test prep counts as a high school elective, 0.5 credit.
Grades 10-12
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 2-3 hours/week

SEL Workshop
Rachel Parker-Shields
With the goal of developing self-awareness and stress management, as well as learning to connect mind, body, and breath, students will engage in a series of social-emotional learning games and activities. Classes will include breathing exercises, mindful movement, art creations, journaling, mindfulness activities, and positive affirmations. All activities are designed to build creativity, compassion, self-awareness, emotional regulation, and social skills.
Grades 5-8
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 1 hour/week

Theater
Megan Roggendorff
Students will learn the ins and outs of putting on a production. We will start the first few weeks of class doing acting exercises. The first part will work as a partial audition towards our show. We will then announce our show and go through an audition process. Characters will be assigned and from that point on we will begin working on our spring production, which will be a play this year (not a musical). Theater is a big commitment that includes parents. Students will need to be available for extra rehearsals as needed and parents will be asked to participate as volunteers in all aspects of the show.
Grades 8-12
Estimated out-of-class homework time: varies by role; average 2-3 hours, plus 6 - 12 hours of rehearsals in the two months before show date, and performance.

Walk the Land
Bea Troxel
Walk the Land is a class that encourages play and self-discovery, combining outdoor education with literature and art. Students will spend time outdoors learning about the trees and plants around them, gardening, and also creatively building poems, crafts, and ideas in tandem with nature.
Grade 5-8
Estimated out-of-class homework time: none to minimal

Yearbook/Journalism
Anna Boneh
Calling all aspiring writers, photographers, graphic designers, and young editors. In this course we will tackle two important tasks, the WEB yearbook and the inaugural year of our WEB newspaper. Students will have the opportunity to experience each of the many roles that bring a printed project together, as well as discover and hone hidden talents. Syllabus will include intro to photography, basics of graphic design, interviewing skills, journalism, layout, and editing. Access to a laptop and basic computer skills (create documents, cut & paste) is helpful.
Grades 9 - 12
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 4 hours/week

Wellness

Wellness
Brenda Wolff
Students will learn self-care and awareness by covering topics such as mental health, safety on the internet and social platforms, and physical health (including nutrition and sex education). This class will qualify for the required high school wellness credit.
Grades 9 - 12
Estimated out-of-class homework time: 2-3 hours/week

Other

Study Hall
Rachel Parker-Shields
WEB study hall provides a quiet, but not silent, environment for students to work on their homework and/or play board games or puzzles with other study hall students. Students will also have the opportunity to contribute to packaging meals for Room In The Inn. Adult supervision is provided. Students may not take more than one study hall per day.
Drop-in Study Hall is available as a convenience to parents for $10.
Grades 5-12

Extracurricular
(Registration is per semester)

Board Game Club
Dawn Ruiz
Do you enjoy board games? Come hang out with Ms. Dawn on Thursdays at 2:30 to play an old classic or try something completely new. We can play easy games or dive into some challenging strategic games. If there is a game you’ve always wanted to try, we’ll learn it together!
Grades 5-12

Creative Writing Club
Caiden Leavitt & Bea Troxel
Have you been writing a novel since you were a mere toddler? Have you been trying to finish a short story for the last year? Do you like writing but don’t know how to start? Ms. Leavitt and Ms. Bea will bring in a different prompt or short idea each week and then everyone will have time to write followed by time for sharing. While we encourage experimenting with different forms and ideas, you can always use the time time to work on whatever project most excites you.
Grades 7-12

Dance
Rachel Parker-Shields
Musical Theater Dance will be a fun, high energy class focusing on choreography from popular Broadway musicals.  We will study jazz and ballet fundamentals as well as practice character expression and stage presence, with the goal of building confidence while performing.  Everyone is welcome and no dance or theater experience is necessary.

Dungeons and Dragons
Tim Clo
Students teams, led by Dungeon Masters gather to play weekly with Mr. Tim available to supervise and provide necessary materials, tips, and support. Email Mr. Tim if your student is interested in being a Dungeon Master.
Grades 5-12

Open Art Studio
Evelyn Thoen
Open Art Studio provides time and space for students to work on projects with a variety of materials and an art teacher present to provide guidance, inspiration, and instruction. Students can work on the recommended project or work on something of their own.
Grades 5-12

Podcast Club
Rowena Aldridge
Calling all aspiring broadcasters and storytellers! Unleash your creativity in our new podcast club. The podcast is where you can explore the world of audio storytelling. Learn how to script, record, and edit your very own podcasts on topics you’re passionate about. From interviews to storytelling, news segments to creative narratives, the possibilities are endless! Come be a part of this fun and interactive club where your voice matters. No experience necessary - just your imagination!
Grades 5-12

Strength & Conditioning
Rod Steward
Join Coach Rod for an afternoon club where you will be sure to get your sweat on! He will cover proper technique for stretching and calisthenics, with a little running and some fun fitness games too.
Grades 5-12

Theater
Jacob Milstein
We will spend each class working on dramatic exercises and games to strengthen acting skills and build confidence. This class is all about gaining confidence in character building, the ins and outs of theater and how staging works. There will be no large productions or performances outside of our club time.
Grades 5-9

Yoga
Rachel Parker-Shields
In this yoga class geared toward the unique needs of middle schoolers, students will learn, not only balance, strength, and flexibility but also mind-body connection, self-awareness, and how to build a practice of self-care in a way that is enjoyable and long-lasting. Classes include yoga-based games, challenges, breathing exercises, meditations, and activities designed to promote a strong sense of community. A yoga mat will be provided, but students are welcome to bring their own if they prefer.
Grades 5-8