Blaze Class Descriptions 2024-2025

All students not currently enrolled at Blaze for the 2023-2024 school year will be required to take placement exams prior to enrolling in the following courses: Math, Science, Writing.

Math


Pre-Algebra: $649 ($64.90 per month) L. Stinebaugh

This class meets one time per week Aug-May
This class is designed to transition students from basic elementary math to the more complex thinking of algebra, with a focus on learning fluency with numbers.  Students will learn to manipulate numbers by analyzing complex problems and solving them in multiple ways. Students will be encouraged to think logically to solve a problem, not just to repeat given steps without knowing why.
Prerequisite: Assessment provided by Blaze Director; Assessment dates TBD


Algebra 1: $699 ($69.90 per month) L. Stinebaugh
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
This course covers basic algebra topics such as solving equations and inequalities in one and two variables, graphing linear equations and inequalities, working with exponents and factoring.
Prerequisites: Pre-Algebra; Assessment provided by Blaze Director; Assessment dates TBD

Algebra 2 :$850 ($85.00 per month) L. Stinebaugh

This class meets one per week Aug-May
This course is an extension of the Algebra 1 curriculum. Topics that were first introduced in Algebra 1 will be built upon and applied to problems that require higher order thinking skills. Fundamental skills of mathematics will be applied to such topics as functions, equations and inequalities, probability and statistics, logarithmic and exponential relationships, quadratic and polynomial equations, and matrices. Technology will be used to introduce and expand upon the areas of study listed above.


Geometry: $699 ($69.90 per month) L. Stinebaugh

This class meets one time per week Aug-May
This is an activity-based geometry course. All major topics are covered including (triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, area, volume, congruency, similarity etc.)  
Prerequisites: Algebra 1; Assessment provided by Blaze Director; Assessment dates TBD


Science

Junior High Earth Science: $649 +$25 supply fee = $674 ($67.40 per month) T. Ingram
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
Students will explore the glory of God on display in the scientific study of oceans, astronomy, weather, minerals, caves, fossils and more!
Textbooks: General Science 1: Survey of Earth and Sky Curriculum Pack - Grade 10 - Grade 11 - Homeschool Curriculum - General Science (masterbooks.com)

High School Physics: $699 plus $35 supply = $734 (73.40 per month) J. Douglas
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
This high school physics course is appropriate for anyone in high school who has taken or is currently taking Algebra 1. This course does not use trigonometry, so it is appropriate for those in 9th grade, but is also challenging enough for students in the upper grades of high school as well.
The students will learn about many topics in physics such as the scientific method, Newton’s Laws of Motion, energy, momentum, atoms and matter, heat and temperature, pressure and buoyancy, waves, sound and light, electricity, DC circuits, fields and magnetism, and geometric optics.
Class time will be spent doing experiments, answering questions on material previously covered and introducing new material.  Cumulative quizzes will be given weekly and four quarterly tests will be given.  The textbook used focuses on mastery-based learning.  Each week students will spend about 2/3 of their time on new material and 1/3 of their time reviewing old material.  Lab reports will also be done throughout the year.
Prerequisites: Assessment provided by Blaze Director

Forensic Science : $699.00 plus $35 supply fee = $734 ($73.40 per month) W. Johnson
This course is designed to introduce the requirements for becoming a forensic science expert. Students will learn about how a forensics investigation is performed, including observational techniques, certification testing, examination of evidence, and more.

English

English 6th-7th Grades: $649  ($94.90 per month) S. Douglas
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
This class is best for incoming 6th-grade students and 7th-grade students who need to focus on grammar instruction and improving their writing skills.
Throughout this class, students will practice good writing habits, such as being consistent with incorporating the writing process: brainstorming, outlining, creating a rough draft, editing, and producing a quality final copy. They will also work on increasing their vocabulary through out-of-class reading and encouragement to use more vivid words as they write their descriptions and creatively express their thoughts. There will be a heavy emphasis on complete and comprehensive coverage of all three elements of G.U.M. – Grammar (i.e. parts of speech, complete sentences), Usage (i.e. homophones, figures of speech, proper word choice to convey meaning), and Mechanics (i.e. punctuation, capitalization).
While this class will not focus on literature, there will be required reading from a provided list that the students will work on independently. This reading will be considered a part of their grade, and they will give an oral report on their chosen books several times throughout the school year. By the end of the school year, your student should feel better prepared for the higher-level writing required in the upper grades.

English 8th-9th Grades: $699 plus $20 printing and supply fee = $719 ($71.90 per month) S. Douglas
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
This class is best for 8th grade students and incoming Freshmen.
Throughout the school year students will:
• read novels and watch movies that will help them learn different aspects of literary analysis
• learn to write a personal narrative, different types of essays, a research paper, and poetry
• do grammar warm-ups at the beginning of class
• practice public speaking
Books needed for this class: 1st semester: To Kill a Mockingbird, Antigone, God’s Smuggler, 2nd semester: Anne of Green Gables, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, and The Practice of the Presence of God
• Please Note: these books will be covered in this order throughout the entire school year. To Kill a Mockingbird will be assigned the first day of class, so students need to have this book in advance. Antigone is available in the Public Domain and can be found as a PDF online.

English 10th-12th Grades: $699 ($69.90 per month) S. Douglas
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
This class is best for 10th-grade to 12th-grade students who would like to improve their overall writing skills and prepare themselves for the writing expectations of college and life after school. Some of the writing assignments students will work on throughout the school year will be:
• a personal narrative, a persuasive essay, a research report, and in the second semester they will work on SAT/ACT practice and timed essays.
While this class will not focus on literature, there will be required reading from a provided list that the students will work on independently. This reading will be considered a part of their grade, and they will give an oral report on their chosen books several times throughout the
school year.

Dual Credit English: $699 plus $150 to SHSU per semester = $849 (Eng 1301 OR 1302) $999 (Eng 1301 and 1302) A. McNeese
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
Students will receive college level instruction in the area of English. Within English 1301 and 1302, students will learn to read and write across multiple genres. This course is offered in partnership with Sam Houston State University. This class will take place on the Blaze campus at First Montgomery.
***Students must complete required paperwork and testing for this course prior to the first day of class on Blaze campus.***

History

Junior High Texas History: $649 plus $25 supply fee = $674 ($67.40 per month) S. Moore
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
Students will study the history of the great state of Texas from early times to the present day. They will examine the full scope of Texas history including the cultures of Native Americans living in Texas prior to European exploration and the eras of mission-building, colonization, revolution, republic and statehood. The focus in each era is on key individuals, events and issues and their impact.

World Geography: $699 ($69.90 per month) P. Moon
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
In World Geography, students examine people, places, and environments at local, regional, national, and international scales from the spatial and ecological perspectives of geography.
Students will describe the influence of geography on events of the past and present with emphasis on contemporary issues.
A significant portion of the course centers around:
•the physical processes that shape patterns in the physical environment
•the characteristics of major landforms, climates, and ecosystems and their interrelationships
•the political, economic, and social processes that shape cultural patterns of regions
•types and patterns of settlement; the distribution and movement of the world population
•relationships among people, places, and environments
•the concept of region
Students will analyze how location affects economic activities in different economic systems, identify the processes that influence political divisions of the planet and analyze how different points of view affect the development of public policies. Students will also compare how components of culture shape the characteristics of regions and analyze the impact of technology and human modifications on the physical environment and use problem-solving and decision-making skills to ask and answer geographic questions.

Foreign Language

Spanish 1: $675 ($67.50 per month) I. Fuentes
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
This class will provide students with a general introduction to the Spanish language: pronunciation, functional vocabulary related to everyday life, cultural information, and basic grammatical structures. Emphasis will be on the acquisition of listening and speaking skills. The main objectives of the class are to give the students the ability to carry on a simple conversation; to provide the students with instruction that teaches a basic understanding of Spanish speaking cultures, vocabulary, and grammatical concepts; and to enhance their learning by providing real life experiences with native Spanish speakers.
It is the purpose of this class to go beyond the academic, and in a fun, meaningful way creates connections that will aid in building lifelong learning.                              
Textbook: BJU Spanish 1 Student Text Third Edition; BJU Student Activities Manual Third Edition
Prerequisites: None

Spanish 2: $675 ($67.50 per month) I. Fuentes
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
In this class we will build on the basic skills acquired in Spanish 1. This course will reinforce the skills learned in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis will be on perfecting pronunciation, mastery of basic grammatical structures, and increased communicative proficiency.
Textbook: BJU Spanish 2 Student Textbook; BJU Spanish 2 Student Activities Book;
Prerequisites: Spanish 1

Elective Courses

High School Church History: $100 ($10.00 per month) Pastor Chris Gober
This course examines major events, key individuals, and significant trends in the history of the Christian church. Studying church history helps us appreciate God’s faithfulness in the past and understand the challenges and opportunities faced by the church today.
Prerequisites: None

Comparative Religions: $675 ($67.50 per month) P. Moon
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
Identify Counterfeit Religions and Know Truth:  
This course is the perfect resource to prepare students to stand strong in their faith when they face philosophies of other religions, cults, and belief systems. This one-year elective course guides your student in the study of over 50 world religious views, always with a focus on the Word of God as the standard and with a heart of compassion to share the Gospel to all.
This powerful course will equip students to understand the errors within these religious views and point the followers to the only hope of salvation — Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself” (John 12:32).
The Comparative Religions course:
•presents a clear and thorough analysis of "counterfeit" religions like Mormonism, Islam, Deism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Zoroastrianism, and many more.
•deals with many Eastern religions like Hinduism, Taoism, New Age, Sikhism, Confucianism, Shinto, and Buddhism, as well as other pagan-based systems like Witchcraft, Voodoo, Greek mythology and many more!
•focuses on the atheistic or humanistic type of religions, which is very valuable for us to understand as the church in the Western World.
Textbooks: World Religions and Cults (Box Set) (masterbooks.com)

Blaze Praise Youth Choir: $675 ($67.50 per month) L. Standard
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
Our youth choir invites passionate young voices to join a transformative musical journey! This class is designed for 6th through 12th graders who love singing, seek camaraderie, and have a heart for worship.  Participants will explore a range of modern choral arrangements from lively contemporary anthems to soulful gospel classics.  Our vision for Blaze Praise is to be more than a choir—but a community where friendships flourish, and faith finds its voice through song. No prior experience is necessary; all skill levels are welcome. We will cover everything from singing posture and technique to vocal ranges, melody, harmony in parts, and stage presence.  Rehearse, perform, and ignite the stage with your love for Jesus! Join Blaze Praise Youth Choir and lift your voice in worship to Him!

Basketball Skills: $675 ($67.50 per month) Coach LaT
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
The focus of this basketball program is to teach each player the basic fundamental skills that are needed to compete successfully in basketball.
Prerequisites: None

Theater I: $675 ($67.50 per month) M. and G. Brannon
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
The objective of this class is for students to gain confidence in their ability to speak and perform in front of an audience. Side effects may include increased creativity, better listening skills, and improved memorization, empathy, and flexibility.
Many shy and introverted kids enjoy playing a character and having words provided for them instead of struggling with what to say. Our prayer is that this class ministers to your children by growing their confidence and tapping into sides of themselves they didn’t know they had.
Class structure will include monologue work, scene studies, and improv. We plan to have a lot of fun.
Prerequisites: None

Adulting 101: $699 plus $25 supply fee = $724 ($72.40 per month) M. and G. Brannon
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
Have you seen that meme that says “I’m so glad I’m learning to do parallelograms instead of taxes. That will really come in handy come parallelogram season”?
That’s the spirit behind this class. Not that parallelograms don’t have their place, but many high school graduates fly the coop and end up discovering a world where they feel unequipped to function. We want to go through some of the fundamentals of adulting, to impart some knowledge that most of us take for granted but can give confidence to young people who want to feel ahead of the game.
We’ll be talking about Health Insurance - Healthcare is a disaster and we couldn’t decipher it if we tried but we will at least cover the basics- What is a deductible, premium, copay, and alternatives to traditional health plans.
We’ll even be looking at some car maintenance tips so your student will know what to do with a flat tire or check engine light.
Teen Talk - A few minutes each class will be spent discussing and role-playing things like- how to introduce yourself and make small talk, good manners, and etiquette, how to establish a good reputation, how to greet parents of your friends when going to hang out at their home, etc.
These are the types of topics we’ll be tackling, and we’ll be doing regular AMA’s (Ask Me Anything) so we can help these students avoid some of the mistakes we’ve made and learn some valuable lessons sooner rather than later.

Introduction to Sewing Fall Semester: $337.50 plus $40 supply fee = $377.50 total C. Dye
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
Introduction to Sewing will focus on several aspects of the sewing hobby and industry. The fall semester course will be broken into two units: basic hand sewing skills and then sewing machine anatomy/maintenance. Within each unit, we will cover various topics that coincide with a specific unit project. Each student will construct a major project within each unit to solidify and master the skills learned during the unit study. Sewing is a hobby that allows for fun projects, teaches you to be more self-sufficient, and even opens opportunities in entrepreneurial endeavors! Prerequisites: None. Supply Fee: One-time fee of $40.00 Supply List: Note that not all supplies will be needed all at once.
Supply List:
1. Basic sewing kit containing: (Need on the first day of class)
a. hand sewing needles, spool of black cotton thread, spool of white cotton thread, needle threader, seam ripper, flexible seamstress measuring tape, sewing pins, fabric-only scissors, 2-hold & 4-hole buttons
2. Hand Sewing Unit Project: (Need by week 4 of class)
a. 3-4 assorted colors of embroidery floss
b. 28” x 28” flour sack kitchen towel
3. Machine Sewing Unit Project: (Need by week 8 of class)
a. 3⁄4 yard woven cotton fabric (main fabric)
b. 1⁄4 yard woven cotton fabric (coordinating accent fabric)

Introduction to Sewing Spring Semester: $337.50 plus $40 supply fee = $377.50 total C. Dye
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
Introduction to Sewing will focus on several aspects of the sewing hobby and industry. The spring semester course will be broken into two units: garment construction and quilt construction. Within each unit, we will cover various topics that coincide with a specific unit project. Each student will construct a major project within each unit to solidify and master the
skills learned during the unit study. Sewing is a hobby that allows for fun projects, teaches you to be more self-sufficient, and even opens opportunities in entrepreneurial endeavors!
Prerequisites: Intro to Sewing FALL Semester or sewing machine skills signed off by the course instructor before the start of the spring semester. Supply Fee: One-time fee of $40.00
Supply List: Note that not all supplies will be needed all at once. Dates will be given in advance.
Supply List:
1. Basic sewing kit containing: (Need on the first day of class, should have from
previous semester)
a. hand sewing needles, spool of black cotton thread, spool of white cotton thread,
needle threader, seam ripper, flexible seamstress measuring tape, sewing pins,
fabric-only scissors
2. Garment Construction Unit: (Need by week 2 of class)
a. 2.5 yards of woven cotton fabric
b. 1.5-inch width non-roll elastic (length needs to be the measurement of student’s
hip + 3 inches.)
3. Quilt Construction Unit: (Need by week 7 of class)
a. 10 light-colored fat quarters
b. 10 dark-colored fat quarters
c. 3.5 yards of coordinating fabric
d. twin size quilt batting
e. 2 colors of coordinating embroidery floss

High School Woodworking Full Year Course: $675 plus $150 supply fee = $825 ($82.5 per month) S. Barry
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
This course will provide an overview of wood technology. This is a foundational course for a career in woodworking or construction. This course is designed to instruct students in the areas of reading project drawings, knowledge of wood and uses, calculations of materials, numerous joinery designs, wood lamination and project procedures. A major emphasis will be placed on safety, proper hand and power tool usage and wood processes. Students will receive an in-depth introduction to the woodshop and gain practical knowledge needed to work on their own projects as well as continue with lifelong skills in woodworking and construction.  

Speak Up: Introduction to the Art of Public Speaking:  $337.50 ($33.75 per month) M. Cooper
This class meets one time per week Aug-Dec
This one semester class will introduce your student to public speaking.  They will learn how to prepare for presentations as well as give them.  Formal and informal speeches will be analyzed and performed.  We will also explore the proper use of slides, props, videoing yourself, appropriate dress, usage of podiums, hand motions etc.

Intro to Missions: $100 ($10 per month) K. Piland
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
Using a hands-on learning style combined with real world experience, students will study the historical, social, and practical work of the missionary

Computer Basics: $675 ($67.50 per month) W. Jonhson
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
In today's digital age, understanding computer basics is no longer an option; it's a necessity. Whether your student is just setting out on their technological journey, or you've hesitated in the past because of the daunting vastness of the digital universe, this computer course, is sure to give your student a strong foundation and imbue confidence in every click.
Prerequisites: None
STUDENT MUST PROVIDE THEIR OWN COMPUTER

Art: $675 ($67.50 per month) A. Monreal
This class meets one time per week Aug-May 
This art class will be focusing on the foundations in art. We will be working on black and white/grayscale sketching and drawing. Students will learn the correct uses for their art tools and how to apply it to their work. From there, the foundations of drawing real world objects. Learning shape theory and how to break things that they see around them into shapes. Exploring basic anatomy, shading, lighting, figure drawing, concept art, and more. Through the year, we will build on each previous lesson. I hope that in the next year we can proceed with applying color to our art, and proceed further into finding their style and art voice.

Photography $675 ($67.50 per month) J. Anglin
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
Students will learn the basics of black and white and color photography along with camera operation, processing and studio setup. 

Elementary Courses

Elementary Science $650 plus $25 supply fee per student=$675 total ($67.5 per month) C. Dye
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
In the Elementary Science course, students will follow along with author and artist, Julia Rothman, as we discover Earth, the life that inhabits our planet in the land, sea, and air, what our beautiful planet’s bodies of water are made up of, how farmers grow and manage the tasty food we use to fuel our bodies, as well as the various foods we consume. Students will use acombination of written narration, drawing, and labeling as we study the environment, we thrive in.
Prerequisite: None.
Curriculum: https://dailyskillbuilding.com/product/nature-anatomy-bundle-printed/

Lil’ Texas History: $650 plus $25 supply fee = $675 total ($67.50 per month) S. Moore
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
Students will study the history of the great state of Texas from early times to the present day. Through hands on activities and play, students will examine the parts of Texas history including symbols, landmarks, regions, rivers, and Texas VIPs.

Blaze Praise Prelude: $650 ($65.00 per month) L. Standard
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
 Tailored for budding musicians in grades 2 to 5, this class is a vibrant introduction to music. We will lay a solid foundation of musical skills, build confidence, and form lasting friendships as we delve into rhythm, instruments, pitch, singing, and musical crafts and games. Depending on participation, students will also have the opportunity to prepare a musical or perform alongside Blaze Praise Youth Choir.  Our welcoming approach accommodates beginners while catering to those with some prior musical education, ensuring that everyone can find their place to thrive. Join us on a musical adventure and let the journey of musical exploration and praise unfold!

Elementary PE and Games: $650 ($65.00 per month) Coach LaT
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
Join Coach LaT for an afternoon of games and fun activities. Your student will learn a variety of team sports and focus on building a healthy active lifestyle.

Book Club for Kids: $650 plus $25 supply fee = $675 ($67.50 per month) K. Stanley
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
Read, read, read. Discuss, discuss, discuss. Learn the difference between fiction and non-fiction and what books fit where. In addition, students will complete activities and craft projects related to each book. Each student will also present two book bites (creative book reports).

Tiny Hands ASL: $650 ($65 per month) K. Spriggs
This class meets one time per week Aug-May
Tiny Hands will introduce the basic American Sign Language (ASL) skills, focusing on communication in a cultural context.  We will cover basic vocabulary as well as develop visual receptive and gestural expressive skills. Designed for students with little or no previous knowledge of ASL.

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