Every morning, Monday through Thursday, is dedicated to Seminar, a flexible, extended session from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Students gather in grade-level cohorts of about 16, led by an Advisor who progresses with the group through the years. This time is used for community building, group projects, excursions, independent work, tutorials, self-evaluation and planning, documentation of work, and scaffolded self-directed learning.
Middle school students participate in Freshman Seminar with extra support.
Every morning, Monday through Thursday, is dedicated to Seminar, a flexible, extended session from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Students gather in grade-level cohorts of about 16, led by an Advisor who progresses with the group through the years. This time is used for community building, group projects, excursions, independent work, tutorials, self-evaluation and planning, documentation of work, and scaffolded self-directed learning.
Every morning, Monday through Thursday, is dedicated to Seminar, a flexible, extended session from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Students gather in grade-level cohorts of about 16, led by an Advisor who progresses with the group through the years. This time is used for community building, group projects, excursions, independent work, tutorials, self-evaluation and planning, documentation of work, and scaffolded self-directed learning.
Every morning, Monday through Thursday, is dedicated to Seminar, a flexible, extended session from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Students gather in grade-level cohorts of about 16, led by an Advisor who progresses with the group through the years. This time is used for community building, group projects, excursions, independent work, tutorials, self-evaluation and planning, documentation of work, and scaffolded self-directed learning.
Senior Seminar is focused on post-graduation planning and capstone projects.
Every morning, Monday through Thursday, is dedicated to Seminar, a flexible, extended session from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Students gather in grade-level cohorts of about 16, led by an Advisor who progresses with the group through the years. This time is used for community building, group projects, excursions, independent work, tutorials, self-evaluation and planning, documentation of work, and scaffolded self-directed learning.
Senior Seminar is focused on post-graduation planning and capstone projects.
Every morning, Monday through Thursday, is dedicated to Seminar, a flexible, extended session from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Students gather in grade-level cohorts of about 16, led by an Advisor who progresses with the group through the years. This time is used for community building, group projects, excursions, independent work, tutorials, self-evaluation and planning, documentation of work, and scaffolded self-directed learning.
Every morning, Monday through Thursday, is dedicated to Seminar, a flexible, extended session from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Students gather in grade-level cohorts of about 16, led by an Advisor who progresses with the group through the years. This time is used for community building, group projects, excursions, independent work, tutorials, self-evaluation and planning, documentation of work, and scaffolded self-directed learning.
Every morning, Monday through Thursday, is dedicated to Seminar, a flexible, extended session from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Students gather in grade-level cohorts of about 16, led by an Advisor who progresses with the group through the years. This time is used for community building, group projects, excursions, independent work, tutorials, self-evaluation and planning, documentation of work, and scaffolded self-directed learning.
Middle school students participate in Freshman Seminar with extra support.
Step into the woodshop with master builder Jaylin Stahl for a hands-on introduction to carpentry. In this small-group intensive, you’ll learn the safe use of essential tools and build your own handcrafted chess board or cutting board to take home.
Whether you’re brand new to woodworking or ready to refine your skills, this is a chance to build with purpose, precision, and pride. Along the way, you’ll gain confidence in the shop and develop practical craftsmanship you can carry forward.
In this workshop, you will:
Learn safe operation of common woodworking tools and machines
Understand key carpentry concepts like measurement, layout, grain direction, and finishing
Practice patience and persistence through detailed, focused construction
Collaborate in a respectful, safety-first shop culture led by a seasoned professional
Important: Students must commit to attending all four sessions. This is a small-group, high-focus environment where safety and full participation are essential.
This 4-week workshop will happen over November and December. November 7, November 14, December 6, December 12.
Fridays, November 7 – December 19 (6 weeks)
Led by LightHouse student Liam McClellan with staff support from Nate Maynard
Limit: 10 students | Full attendance required
Step into a world of imagination, teamwork, and storytelling in this six-week Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or new to the game, this campaign offers an epic opportunity to explore fantastical realms, develop your character, and collaborate with your party to navigate challenges, solve mysteries, and battle mythical foes.
Players will build creative writing, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while immersed in rich roleplay and strategy. This campaign is limited to 10 committed players — you must commit to all six Fridays. Prepare for adventure!
Fridays, November 7 – November 21 (3 weeks)
Led by Steph Zello
Participate in person, online, or both
Join us online for a dynamic writing workshop designed to spark creativity, build skills, and strengthen your voice as a writer. Through guided exercises, peer sharing, and supportive feedback, participants will explore new techniques and generate original work in a welcoming, collaborative environment. Open to writers of all levels and genres.
Participate in person, online, or alternate each week as needed.
Sharpen your strategy and settle into the rhythm of Friday mornings with the LightHouse Chess Club. Whether you’re brand new to the game or already thinking five moves ahead, this class offers a chance to deepen your skills, build your focus, and explore the rich history and cultural significance of chess.
Through gameplay, discussion, and research, you’ll analyze classic openings, study legendary matches, and learn to communicate your thinking clearly and respectfully—win or lose. You’ll also explore how chess connects to systems thinking and sustainability, drawing lessons from its global impact and the psychological and environmental benefits of focused play.
Two meetings only: 12/05 and 12/12, 9:00 am-12:00 noon"My Learning Journey" is a new form of support that will be available for all students at LightHouse starting in January 2026. It will appear on every student's Alma class schedule to provide resources, tools and learning activities that can be adapted and individualized per each student's needs.
In two workshops on December 5 and December 12, we will beta-test and finalize the plans for "My Learning Journey." The workshop will introduce this new opportunity, give students the opportunity to contribute and co-plan the final draft and to get a head start on their own Learning Journey. The workshop also provides opportunities for students to develop or improve artifacts that demonstrate the following Competencies: Community, Effective Communication, and Collaboration with the possibility of Community Leadership, and advanced-level Competency.
This is a class for thinkers, tinkerers, artists, builders, and anyone curious about how ideas become real. In Making What You Want, students work across disciplines—combining art, design, science, engineering, and craft—to bring their own creative visions to life.
Each student will identify a personal goal or area of curiosity and work toward completing a self-directed project using materials that are available or can be sourced. Projects may include kinetic sculptures, wearable tech, interactive art, functional tools, experimental inventions, or something completely unexpected.
Students will be supported to:
Identify and break down complex problems, iterating on ideas and adapting plans when challenges arise.
Build resilience and focus, learning how to manage frustration, recover from setbacks, and celebrate small wins along the way.
Understand their own learning style, reflecting on how they think, work, and grow best when faced with open-ended, creative tasks.
This course emphasizes process as much as product. Students will document their progress, learn from failed attempts, and deepen their self-awareness as creators and learners. Whether you're starting with a detailed blueprint or just a spark of inspiration, this class is about transforming vision into reality
(Section A)
Math Lab is a personalized learning space designed to meet students where they are and support their growth in mathematical thinking, confidence, and skills. Instead of a one-size-fits-all curriculum, each student will collaborate with the instructor to create an individualized learning plan focused on their unique goals, interests, and future aspirations.
Students will engage with the foundations of mathematics while also exploring higher-level concepts as they are ready, with an emphasis on:
Foundational Computation: Strengthening fluency with arithmetic, algebraic reasoning, geometry, and data analysis through regular practice and application.
Developing problem-solving strategies by tackling real-world scenarios, puzzles, and open-ended challenges that require persistence and creative thinking.
Practicing perseverance by approaching unfamiliar problems step by step, building resilience by working through unfamiliar or complex problems, reflecting on mistakes, and adapting approaches when stuck.
Students may work independently or in small groups, with substantial individualized support and attention provided throughout. Whether preparing for future math courses, standardized assessments, personal projects, or life beyond LightHouse, Math Lab fosters confidence and curiosity while helping students understand how mathematics connects to the world around them.
This course prioritizes process over speed—valuing deep understanding, flexible thinking, and the ability to apply mathematical concepts across diverse contexts.
Cell Phone Policy: Students may use their cell phones during class as a tool to engage in learning relevant to the class.
In this hands-on course, students will learn the art and practice of crochet—a tactile, calming, and expressive fiber art form. Whether you're picking up a hook for the first time or refining your skills with advanced patterns, crochet offers a space to slow down, focus, and create something meaningful.
Beginner students will start with foundational stitches and techniques, learning to read patterns and build basic shapes. Projects may include washcloths, hats, or simple amigurumi (stuffed figures). Emphasis will be placed on process over perfection, helping students develop self-compassion, patience, and attention to detail.
Advanced students will dive into more complex pattern work, experimenting with texture, color theory, wearable design, and original pattern creation. Students will be encouraged to take on long-form or multi-piece projects, developing confidence in their ability to set and meet creative goals over time.
Throughout the course, all students will:
Practice self-care through craft, using crochet as a meditative practice that supports emotional regulation and stress relief.
Develop original creative work, exploring personal style, symbolism, and intention in design.
Strengthen perseverance and focus by working through mistakes, solving technical problems, and completing challenging projects.
Crochet is a skill that cultivates patience, self-expression, and joy.
Cell Phone Policy: Appropriate, non-disruptive cell phone use with headphones is allowed in this class.
Join the heart of our community kitchen as part of the Lunch Team, a small group dedicated to bringing lunch service to life each day. Working side-by-side with Chef Blue, students will:
Refine their culinary skills by learning professional kitchen etiquette, time management, and food presentation.
Develop leadership and collaboration through real-time problem solving, communication, and coordinated teamwork.
Cultivate wellness and service by contributing to our daily shared meals and exploring the connections between food, health, and community.
This role is a key part of LightHouse's commitment to nourishing both body and spirit. As part of the team responsible for final prep and service, students will help set the tone for our shared dining experience—learning what it means to lead through care, show up consistently, and serve with pride.
Join the heart of our community kitchen as part of the Lunch Team, a small group dedicated to bringing lunch service to life each day. Working side-by-side with Chef Blue, students will:
Refine their culinary skills by learning professional kitchen etiquette, time management, and food presentation.
Develop leadership and collaboration through real-time problem solving, communication, and coordinated teamwork.
Cultivate wellness and service by contributing to our daily shared meals and exploring the connections between food, health, and community.
This role is a key part of LightHouse's commitment to nourishing both body and spirit. As part of the team responsible for final prep and service, students will help set the tone for our shared dining experience—learning what it means to lead through care, show up consistently, and serve with pride.
In this class we will study war journalism, with a specific focus on the art and challenges of reporting in conflict zones. Scholars will learn about the role of war correspondents in documenting and conveying the human stories of war. Through a combination of historical examples, firsthand accounts, and contemporary media, we will analyze the ethics, risks, and responsibilities inherent in war correspondence.
During this class we will cover Sebastian Junger's War, a novel that combines the personal narratives of soldiers with the complexities of modern warfare. Students will examine Junger's firsthand experiences with U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, evaluating his approach to storytelling, the impact of trauma on both soldiers and correspondents, and the broader implications of war on both those who fight it and those who report on it. By the end of the course, students will gain a deeper understanding of the powerful role war correspondents play in global conflict coverage and develop their own skills in critical thinking, ethical reporting, and narrative storytelling.
Through reading, discussion, and project-based analysis, students will:
By the end of the course, students will gain a deeper understanding of the powerful role war correspondents play in global conflict coverage and develop their own skills in critical thinking, ethical reporting, and narrative storytelling.
Cell Phone Policy: Students may use their cell phones during class as a tool to engage in learning relevant to the class.
This course offers a comprehensive, inclusive, and respectful approach to understanding human sexuality. Students will explore essential topics including anatomy, sexual reproduction, contraception, STIs, consent, identity, and relationships, with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and open discussion. Through honest conversation and factual instruction, students will build the skills to make informed decisions, engage in healthy communication, and understand their own values and identities.
This course is designed to support the development of key graduation competencies, including Self-Awareness and Identity, Applied Scientific Reasoning, and Health and Sexuality. These competencies are required for graduation.
Students will:
Demonstrate understanding of cis male, cis female, and intersex anatomy and reproductive systems
Learn and reflect on topics such as sexual reproduction, contraception, and the transmission and prevention of STIs
Discuss different sexual preferences and orientations with accuracy and respect
Explore the concept of consent and practice using clear and respectful communication in hypothetical and real-life scenarios
Classroom Norms and Cell Phone Use:
Students are expected to engage with maturity and care. Cell phones must be put away during class unless the teacher invites their use for a specific activity or resource.
This advanced-level studio course is designed for students ready to pursue an independent creative project using camera-based media—including photography, video, or experimental forms. If your artistic vision involves a lens, this is your space to bring it to life.
To enroll, you must arrive with a clear project idea that can sustain your focus for at least half the block. While the class includes occasional shared instruction and critique, most of your time will be self-directed. You’ll be expected to manage your time, work independently, and take responsibility for developing your creative voice.
Some experience with cameras or editing software is helpful—but not required—as long as you bring curiosity, commitment, and a desire to learn through doing. This course is not a good fit for students who are unsure about working independently on a sustained idea.
Competencies:
Voice: Students will craft visual and narrative stories that reflect their personal perspective and communicate intentional meaning.
Creativity: Students will take creative risks, revise and refine their work based on feedback, and demonstrate original thinking through visual media.
Advanced Visual Arts: Students will create technically sound, compositionally thoughtful work using camera-based tools and methods; they will also engage in critique and develop a portfolio-quality piece or series.
Classroom Norms:
Students will be asked to put their cell phones away for the full class period all or most days, to support focus and deep creative work.
In this class, we’ll design and play collaborative games that rely on storytelling, creativity, and shared decision-making. We’ll explore questions like: How do we build consistent worlds? What kinds of creatures live there, and what motivates our characters? How do we resolve conflicts and keep things surprising?
We’ll experiment with simple tools—dice, pencils, markers, game boards—to create a variety of story-based games, then play and refine them as a group. You’ll gain practice in communication, collaboration, and creative development as we build games from the ground up.
Competencies: Community, Effective Communication, Creativity
In this course, students will focus on the following attainments:
Cell Phone Policy: Students may use their cell phones during class as a tool to engage in learning relevant to the class.
For 9th–12th Grade Students Only
This high school–level course is for theater creators ready to have fun and focus. Whether you’re new to the stage or already experienced, you’ll strengthen your skills in acting, writing original work, and directing others to bring your stories to life. You'll explore the full theatrical process—developing scenes and scripts, rehearsing, and giving and receiving constructive feedback in a collaborative, creative space.
Through ensemble work, students will:
Develop Effective Communication by crafting and delivering clear, expressive performances with voice, movement, and presence.
Strengthen Collaboration by engaging in peer-led work, sharing roles, and supporting one another to refine creative pieces.
Advance Performing Arts Skills by analyzing professional works and refining their craft in multiple aspects of theater production.
Open to grades 9–12 only. This course is for students who are excited to create, ready to participate fully, and willing to work together toward something exceptional.
Cell Phone Policy: No cell phone use for the entire class period.
This structured visual arts class explores the expressive power of collage, with a new technique or prompt introduced each week. Students will build foundational and advanced design skills over time, experimenting with composition, layering, color theory, and mixed media techniques. Weekly assignments and focused in-class time are essential—this is not a drop-in space, but a skill-building studio for committed artists. Come ready to think visually, work thoughtfully, and grow your creative voice through practice and experimentation.
Competency Attainments You’ll Practice:
Cell Phone Policy:
No cell phone use for the entire class period.
Students will explore foundational concepts in environmental science with a focus on ecosystems, human impacts, sustainability, and environmental justice. Through a combination of classroom instruction and local field experiences, students will learn how natural systems function and how communities like Holyoke interact with and depend on their environment. This course emphasizes hands-on investigation, critical thinking, and real-world application.
Competencies and Related Attainments:
Cell Phone Policy:
Students may use their cell phones during class as a tool to engage in learning relevant to the class (but not otherwise).
This is a double block course with Lab and students are required to register for both sessions.
This course explores human anatomy (what body parts are and where they are) and physiology (how they work and what they do), focusing on the cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, nervous, digestive, and excretory systems. If time allows, we will also explore the immune and endocrine systems.
Using discussion, guided notes, and activities, students will build a working understanding of their own bodies—how they function and how to keep them healthy. This class also supports students preparing for future coursework or careers in healthcare or related fields.
Students will work toward key attainments such as:
Explaining and modeling how body systems function and interact.
Identifying ways to care for both physical and mental well-being.
Reflecting on how personal identity and experience shape relationships with health and healthcare systems.
Communicating clearly and respectfully about personal wellness.
This course is designed to be taken alongside Anatomy Lab for a more hands-on experience.
Cell Phone Policy: Phones may be used only when directly relevant to classwork.
This Anthropology course aims to help us uncover the question: What makes us human? We'll explore the four main subfields of anthropology—cultural, biological, linguistic, and archaeological—as lenses through which to better understand human experience across time, geography, and culture. As we navigate this inquiry, we’ll also examine key themes of identity, social justice, privilege, and power—uncovering how different societies organize themselves, express meaning, and pass knowledge from generation to generation.
Class sessions will include lectures, discussions, and collaborative projects that promote critical thinking and deep engagement with global human stories. You’ll work with texts, films, and artifacts, and draw connections between the past and present, between faraway cultures and your own lived experience.
This course supports:
Effective Research
Students will formulate relevant questions, assess credible sources, and synthesize information across media. They’ll practice structuring arguments, documenting evidence, and revising for clarity—building a research practice that’s purposeful and persuasive.
Social Justice Concepts
Learners will explore systems of inequality and resistance across cultures, developing language to discuss identity, privilege, and oppression with care and nuance. Students will be asked to examine their own perspectives and biases, and to reflect on the impacts of power across societies.
Global Thinking
Students will gain insight into how culture shapes worldview, behavior, and values. Through the study of diverse belief systems and cultural practices, they’ll develop empathy, curiosity, and an appreciation for the complexity of global human experiences.
Cell Phone Policy
The teacher and students will agree upon and regularly review a class norm for cell phone use for this class.
Money is part of everyday life—and learning how to manage it with confidence is one of the most empowering skills you can gain. In this class, you'll build your personal financial toolkit: understanding how to read a paycheck, track spending, build a basic budget, set financial goals, and save for what matters to you. We'll also explore different ways to pay for things, what sales tax actually means, how interest works (for you and against you), and how to make informed choices about your money now and in the future.
This is a great class for students who are beginning to earn money or take more responsibility for their personal finances. Questions and real-life examples are encouraged—your financial goals, experiences, and ideas will help shape what we explore.
This course supports:
Cell Phone Policy
Students will be asked to put their cell phones away for the entire class period.
This course provides an in-depth, personalized introduction to digital audio production and recording arts. Students will develop technical and creative skills by working on original projects in a professional media lab environment. Instruction includes hands-on training in production techniques, recording, mixing, sound design, and the creative use of effects.
Students will receive guided instruction in Logic Pro—an industry-standard digital audio workstation (DAW)—and will either learn the platform for the first time or advance their existing skills. Emphasis is placed on independent project development, technical proficiency, and creative expression.
Projects may include songwriting, beat-making, audio essays, podcasting, or experimental sound work, depending on student goals. Students are expected to engage in self-directed work while receiving ongoing support and technical mentorship.
Competency Alignment and Attainments:
Advanced Technical Skills
Operate studio hardware and software with increasing independence
Apply professional recording, editing, and mixing workflows
Troubleshoot and resolve common technical problems in audio production
Media Fluency
Compose and edit media using sound as the primary mode of communication
Make deliberate choices in production to influence audience interpretation
Evaluate media content for bias, quality, and effectiveness
Voice
Express ideas and perspectives through original sound-based works
Develop a distinctive personal or artistic style
Tailor creative choices to suit specific audiences or artistic goals
Cell Phone Policy: Students may use phones for relevant classwork.
Problem Solving, Perseverance, Applied Scientific Reasoning
In this hands-on simulation course, students will use Kerbal Space Program to design, launch, and fly spacecraft through the fictional Kerbolar system—learning the physics and engineering principles that govern real-world rocketry along the way. From designing stable launch vehicles to selecting rocket engines, fuels, and aerodynamic elements, students will experiment with how thrust, mass, and gravity interact to make (or break) a successful mission. Each phase—reaching orbit, escaping gravity, landing on other planets—requires planning, testing, failing, and trying again.
In this course, students will:
• Apply scientific reasoning to solve real-world physics problems related to motion, energy, and atmospheric resistance
• Collaborate in teams to share ideas, test theories, and problem-solve design issues
• Demonstrate perseverance by working through repeated launch failures and design revisions
• Engage in iterative learning, refining their understanding of force, trajectory, and mechanics through testing and data analysis
• Take ownership of learning by setting project goals and monitoring progress toward space exploration milestones
• Demonstrate effective problem-solving by identifying technical challenges, generating possible solutions, and evaluating outcomes
• Approach failure as data, learning to test hypotheses and adjust systems based on results
• Make decisions based on evidence, incorporating real-world mechanics and constraints into their designs
This class is perfect for aspiring engineers, space nerds, and anyone ready to defy gravity through design, experimentation, and teamwork.
Cell Phone Policy: Students may use their cell phones during class as a tool to engage in learning relevant to the class.
All ages and experience welcome
Laughter takes skill! In this comedy-centered class, students will write, perform, and analyze humor across formats—from improv and stand-up, to sketch comedy and cartoon gags. You’ll explore what makes people laugh and why, while developing your own comedic voice through games, exercises, performances, and peer feedback.
This course supports growth in:
Public Speaking: practicing performance with clarity, timing, and audience awareness.
Voice: developing tone, style, and expression to match your comedic intent.
Creativity: generating original material, experimenting with structure, and revising with feedback.
Whether you’ve been cracking jokes your whole life or just want to give it a try, this is your space to explore the art and craft of being funny.
We can listen to a song or look at a piece of art and think, “That’s cool.” But what happens when we look—and listen—closer? In this course, students will explore a wide range of visual art and music and uncover meaning beyond the surface. By diving into detail, context, and craft, students will learn to decode how creative works reflect human experience, history, identity, and power.
Each week, students will explore a new piece—ranging from contemporary music videos to classical paintings to protest songs—and build interpretations grounded in both analytical thinking and personal insight. Writing will be central: students will craft thoughtful responses that evolve over time, moving toward clarity, depth, and coherence. Students should expect to write at length and with intention each week.
This course directly supports:
Effective Communication: Students will strengthen their ability to identify central ideas and evidence, articulate thoughtful opinions, and revise for clarity and impact. They will use writing as a tool to build and express understanding.
Advanced Social Science: Learners will engage with the cultural and historical dimensions of art and music, examining the impact of race, class, gender, identity, and power across artistic movements and social movements.
Advanced Visual Arts: Students will practice interpreting visual choices made by artists, considering form, symbolism, and design. They will build vocabulary and analytical skills to talk and write about visual composition and meaning.
This course is open to any student willing to write, reflect, and engage in dialogue. No prior experience in art or music is required—just curiosity, openness, and a willingness to go deep.
Cell Phone Policy
No cell phone use during class.
This is a double block course and students are required to register for both sessions.
Anatomy Lab is the hands-on companion course to Anatomy and Physiology. This class is designed to deepen students’ understanding of human body systems through tactile and visual learning, including anatomical modeling, diagrams, dissection (when available), and focused lab activities.
Students will strengthen their understanding of form and function in major body systems such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, digestive, and musculoskeletal systems. Projects and activities will emphasize applied learning, scientific reasoning, and personal health awareness.
Students will work toward key attainments such as:
Identifying the anatomical structures and functions of key body systems.
Applying scientific vocabulary and reasoning to real-world anatomy.
Engaging in safe, respectful, and collaborative lab practices.
Recognizing how health knowledge supports self-care and wellness.
This course is designed to be taken alongside Anatomy for a comprehensive experience.
Cell Phone Policy: Phones may be used only when directly relevant to lab activities or assignments.
Whether you’ve never played or are already a fierce competitor, Chess Club is a place to learn, improve, and compete—all while building a supportive team culture. Students will learn the rules of chess, develop strategies, and build their skills through gameplay, puzzles, and analysis of famous matches. As experience grows, students will have the opportunity to represent LightHouse in tournaments with other schools.
But Chess Club is about more than just the board—it's a space for building community, practicing perseverance, and developing empathy through kind communication and good sportsmanship. Whether you win or lose, we’re here to support each other’s growth.
This course supports:
Community
Students will create a positive and welcoming environment for all skill levels, build shared norms, and engage in collaborative learning and team events.
Perseverance
Through challenging games and complex puzzles, students will build focus and resilience, learning to approach setbacks as opportunities for growth.
Empathy
Students will practice respectful, kind communication—especially in moments of competition—modeling encouragement, fairness, and emotional awareness.
Cell Phone Policy
Cell phone use is not permitted during Chess Club in order to support focus, connection, and presence.
This unique opportunity provides options for students to engage in a specific, focused project that will support their development of skills related to communication and literary skills. The class will be limited to 5 students who are interested in one of these specific, focused projects, and will be offered to Seniors first, and then on a first-come-first-served basis:
"Undertaking Literature," - A Study of the Work of Thomas Lynch, Poet, Essayist, and Undertaker, focused on creating a body of original writing that demonstrate the student's understanding of Lynch's work. The student, with support from the instructor, will identify Competencies they will practice and develop throughout the project.
"Making Sense," - A Study of Grammar, Sentence Structure, and Standard Written English, focused on creating a body of original writing, including analysis, that demonstrates the student's mastery of English grammar and sentence structure. The student, with support from the instructor, will identify Competencies they will practice and develop throughout the project.
"Music Her with Silver Sound", A Study of Romeo & Juliet through Music - focused on creating a playlist of 25 or more songs, one for each act in the play. The student, with support from the instructor, will identify Competencies they will practice and develop throughout the project.
"Zora and Spike," A study of the novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God," by Zora Neale Hurston and the film "She's Gotta Have It," by Spike Lee, focused on creating a body of written work that compares and analyzes the novel and the movie. The student, with support from the instructor, will identify Competencies they will practice and develop throughout the project.
"Writers Write!" - A project for someone who wants to have dedicated time in their week to write, write, write (any genre or style) focused on publishing a short collection of original writing by the student. The student, with support from the instructor, will identify Competencies they will practice and develop throughout the project.
Advanced Communication:
Voice:
Effective Research:
PLEASE NOTE: Students in this class will be expected to spend one class period a week, as well as time outside of class, focusing on their project. They will also be expected to attend and participate in a seminar discussion once a week, during which all cell phones will be turned off and put away.
This course is a space for male-identified boys and young men to explore the meaning of identity, responsibility, and purpose—within themselves and in the communities they belong to. Rooted in the cultural principle of Knowledge of Self, students will examine how beliefs, behaviors, and language shape their lives and relationships.
Through deep reflection, honest discussion, movement, journaling, and creative expression, students will develop self-respect, emotional literacy, and personal discipline. They will be challenged to think critically, take accountability without shame, and define leadership on their own terms.
Topics include identity beyond labels, reacting vs responding, cultural symbolism, manhood and accountability, and how to uplift others with truth and care. The course culminates in a self-expression project that demonstrates each student’s growth and commitment to living with integrity.
Students will work toward key attainments such as:
Cell Phone Policy: Students will be expected to put away their phones for the full duration of each class session.
Please note: This class welcomes male-identifying young people only with the goal of creating a safe affinity space to share and discuss topics particular to boys and men in our culture.