Course Descriptions and Information

Textbooks: CHESS works hard to find good prices on all of its textbooks. The textbook fees include all shipping and tax costs. Unless specified, textbooks will be used for both the fall and spring semesters. If you already own a certain textbook please contact the CHESS office to verify you have the correct edition.

Lab fees: Lab fees are determined by the number of copies and kinds of supplies the teacher will need for their course. We buy in bulk and try to keep these costs as low as possible.

Registration: To register for classes please fill out the Enrichment Academy registration form (Click here for the editable format) and mail to the CHESS office. For other Enrichment Academy forms, click here.

K5* & 1st Grade
*Students must turn 5 within the semester they are enrolled.

Ancient History
Tessa Powell

Lab: $5

A look at Ancient History by walking through Genesis. We will take side trips when we look at the ancient civilizations the characters in Genesis knew.

Health K-1
Kelly Wozney

Lab: None

When and why do I need to wash my hands? Why do I cover my mouth when I cough and sneeze? Why does Mom make me eat my vegetables? We will be taking a look at basic health and hygiene from a biblical perspective through fun and interactive lessons. We will also have a handful of guest lecturers, including a dentist, chiropractor, and police officer.

Character for Kids back to top
Sue Figgs

Lab: $5

Over 12 weeks we will take a look at 12 different character qualities and see how they were demonstrated by different Bible characters and how to apply the qualities to everyday life. Class times will include stories, memory work, games, and various hands on activities. Over a two year period (4 semesters) we will study 48 different character qualities.

Beginning Choir (Ages 5-8)   back to top
Teri Ong

Lab: $10/family

We will be learning some of the old traditional “campfire” songs that should be in everybody’s repertoire! In addition to learning songs, students will learn the rudiments of vocal technique, matching pitches, breath control, responding to a conductor’s direction, posture and group deportment. Students will be required to attend a dress rehearsal on Tuesday, March 27 from 9:00-10:00 a.m. and the performance on Thursday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m. to receive credit for the class.

Art For Kids   back to top
Alice Ong

Lab: $5

This class is an introduction to the basic concepts of art in which we will practice different styles to improve the skills of each child. There will be lots of fun projects to work on and time to develop skills.

 

Grades 2 & 3

U.S. Geography  back to top
Chris Smart

Lab: $5

Where in the world is Denver, Colorado? Did you know that Kentucky (fried Chicken) sits on Tennessee’s table? Join us as we learn about the United States and their capitals. We will also delve into other bits of state information such as state trees, flowers, and state birds (and how they sound). Jingles, maps, flash cards, and most importantly, file folder games will help your young student learn about the geography of our Nation.

Beginning Choir (Ages 5-8)   back to top
Teri Ong

Lab: $10/family (can be shared with Intermediate Choir)

We will be learning some of the old traditional “campfire” songs that should be in everybody’s repertoire! In addition to learning songs, students will learn the rudiments of vocal technique, matching pitches, breath control, responding to a conductor’s direction, posture and group deportment. Students will be required to attend a dress rehearsal on Tuesday, March 27 from 9:00-10:00 a.m. and the performance on Thursday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m. to receive credit for the class.

Etiquette   back to top
Kelly Wozney

Lab: None

When and why do I need to wash my hands? Why do I cover my mouth when I cough and sneeze? Why does Mom make me eat my vegetables? We will be taking a look at basic health and hygiene from a biblical perspective through fun and interactive lessons. We will also have a handful of guest lecturers, including a dentist, chiropractor, and police officer.

American Presidents   back to top

Jenny Martin

Lab: $5

This class will be an adventure of exploring the lives of some of America’s great presidents. We will discover the qualities and people that helped make them great and how God used these men to lead our country.

Science Through Art  back to top
Amanda Moralez

Lab: $5

Students will spend time exploring their world through a magnifying glass, a view finder and other tools. They will create paintings, drawings and more along with a hand-made field journal to record their findings.

 

Grades 3-5

Zoology   back to top
Michael Brockmann

Lab: $5

This course is a continuation of the fall semester. The class is open to new students with consent of the instructor.

Intermediate Choir (Ages 9-12)   back to top
Teri Ong

Lab: $10/family (can be shared with Beginning Choir)

We will be learning traditional folk music this semester. In addition to learning songs, students will work on harmonization and part singing and will learn to control their vocal range through proper breathing and technique. All students in this choir will be required to attend a dress rehearsal on Tuesday, March 27 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. and the performance on Thursday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m. to receive full credit.

Elementary Creative Writing   back to top
Chris Smart

Text: $5

Join us as we continue to explore and share our creativity through composition.  Through numerous projects, students get an opportunity to exercise their imaginations while learning structure and style. Tales, mysteries, limericks, rhyme, one never knows what we may be doing next!  While this semester builds upon the previous one, new students are always welcome.  Come along and have some fun!

Literature   back to top
MaryBeth Clifford

Text: $12

Come with us and follow Sir Gibbie on his adventures through the moors of Scotland’s Highlands more than a century ago. As an orphan, Gibbie must survive on the streets as a child unable to read or speak. See how this boy wins the hearts of his neighbors and offers what little he has to help others. Sir Gibbie, a classic novel by George MacDonald edited for young readers, will teach us about the ability to sacrifice self and to strive for honesty and truth. Parental advisory: This book tastefully and biblically deals with the consequences of alcoholism and sin.

continue to Grades 3-5 courses on right column

Grades 3-5 (continued)
back to grades 3-5 classes on left column

Instrumental Ensemble
Teri Ong

Lab: $5 (music fee)

This group is open to all students who have played their instruments long enough to be able to read music at an intermediate/advanced beginner stage (generally 1-2 years of instruction). We will be playing folk music this semester and will perform in conjunction with the beginning and intermediate choirs. Students are required to participate in the spring semester performance on Thursday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m. to receive full credit. If you are in doubt about your skills, auditions are available.

Art basic  back to top
Amanda Moralez

Lab: $5

Students will spend time exploring their world through a magnifying glass, a view finder and other tools. They will create paintings, drawings and more along with a hand-made field journal to record their findings.

Intro to Speech   back to top
Sarah Ong

Lab: None

It’s never too early to start working on public speaking skills. Students will have the opportunity to gain skill, confidence, and fluency in public speaking through this course. Students will develop an understanding of both basic communication principles and public speaking strategies through a variety of speaking assignments such as storytelling, in-class dramas, famous speeches, scripture reading, and persuasive speeches.

 

Grades 6-8

Intro to Latin   back to top
MaryBeth Clifford

Lab: $5

This course will introduce students to some of the basic elements of the Latin language. We will study first and second declension and first and second conjugation. As we study Latin we will see how much of the English language is derived from Latin and build our English vocabulary. A great introduction to a foreign language.

Intermediate Choir   back to top
Teri Ong

Text: $10/family (can be shared with Beginning Choir)

We will be learning traditional folk music this semester. In addition to learning songs, students will work on harmonization and part singing and will learn to control their vocal range through proper breathing and technique. All students in this choir will be required to attend a dress rehearsal on Tuesday, March 27 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. and the performance on Thursday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m. to receive full credit.

Instrumental Ensemble   back to top
Teri Ong

Lab: $5 (music fee)

This group is open to all students who have played their instruments long enough to be able to read music at an intermediate/advanced beginner stage (generally 1-2 years of instruction). If you are in doubt about your skills, auditions are available. We will be playing classical and operatic excerpts to enhance the choir performance this semester and will perform before the production of “The Villain of Venice” on Thursday, November 17 at 7 p.m. Participation in the concert is required to receive credit and a grade for the course.

 

Art   back to top
Amanda Moralez

Lab: BJU Pre-Algebra 1st Ed.

Explore art as we travel the world. We will apply the principles and elements of art as we explore almost every continent together. Learn how applying shade value, space, texture, and rich color to your work can add dimension and originality.

Pre-Algebra   back to top
Michael Brockmann

Lab: BJU Pre-Algebra 1st Ed.

This course is a continuation of the fall semester. The class is open to new students with consent of the instructor.

General Science   back to top
Chris Ong

Text: Apologia General Science 2nd Ed.

This course is a continuation of the fall semester. The class is open to new students with consent of the instructor.

Christian Worldview   back to top
Michael Brockmann

Text: $10

This course is a transitional class aimed at encouraging junior high students to answer the questions the world is asking about the authority and accuracy of the Christian Worldview. We will discover why it is vital to provide logical answers to skeptics, and how to give those answers with a solid understanding of what the Bible says about geology and astronomy. This class will be very interactive and paced in a way to encourage every student to interact with the teacher and peers in a meaningful way. Home work will include periodic reading, quizzes, homework discussion questions, and a final exam taken in class.

Creative Writing  back to top
Chris Smart

Lab: $5

Join us as we continue to explore and share our creativity through composition.  Through numerous projects, students get an opportunity to exercise their imaginations while learning structure and style. Tales, mysteries, limericks, rhyme, one never knows what we may be doing next!  While this semester builds upon the previous one, new students are always welcome.  Come along and have some fun!

Drama back to top

Michael Brockmann

Lab: None

 

In this class we will develop our God-given ability to communicate in effective and entertaining ways. Students will be encouraged to develop non-verbal communication techniques, and will learn the basics of dramatic acting including character development, enunciation and projection, conveying emotion and stage presence. We will spend the majority of the time using short skits in class to illustrate the key principles of whatever dramatic discipline we’re studying. Students should expect to act often and should come to class with a willingness to “step outside their comfort zone”. There will be minimal homework assigned, and the grade will be entirely based on in-class participation and growth in oral performance disciplines.

History of WWII back to top

James Clifford

Lab: $5

This class will be an overview of the historical events of WWII with a special emphasis on the European Theater. We will discuss the causes leading to the war, historical events during WWII, and the effects of WWII on our lives today.