Our 2020-21 Plan

We have looked over the results of our Sound Learning Community Survey and have developed a plan for the coming school year that reflects your preferences and our commitment to provide uninterrupted instruction during the coming school year.

We will be starting the year with all remote courses. Classes will begin on Monday, September 14 and Tuesday, September 15. See Stage 1 Schedule.

Additionally, we have a tentative plan for a partial return to in-person classes while continuing remotely for all classes. We do not have an estimated date for the partial return. See Stage 2 Schedule.

Stage 1 Schedule All Remote

 Monday Remote (Stage 1) |||||Tuesday Remote
Stage 1
8:30American Studies
Grades 6-8
Biology
Grades 10-12
Literature/Comp 1
Grades 7-8
Washington State History w/Study Skills
Grades 9-10
10:00Pre-Algebra
Grades 7-10
Algebra 1
Grades 8-12
World History
Grades 10-12
Composition 1 – Following Narnia
Grades 6-12
Advanced Literature/Composition
Grades 10-12
11:30Lunch
12:00Physical Science
Grades 9-12
Literature/Comp 2
Grades 7-9
Geometry
Grades 9-10
1:30Earth Science
Grades 7-8
Intro to Am. and World Lit
Grades 9-12
Algebra 2
Grades 10-12
3:00Artistic Pursuits 2
Grades 6-12

Once we can return to the building, American Studies, Biology, Physical Science, Earth Science, Artistic Pursuits 2, Pre-Algebra,  Algebra 1, and World History classes will meet in person first. Those who do not wish to attend in-person classes can still attend remotely.

Note that American Studies has a time change between the two schedulesThis schedule change avoids most students from having gaps in their schedule.

Artistic Pursuits 2 will be available Monday in person OR remotely on Tuesday during Stage 2.

Stage 2 Schedule Partial Return

 Monday
In-person/Remote (Stage 2)
|||||Tuesday
Remote
Stage 2
8:30Artistic Pursuits 2 –
Stage 2 In-person Meeting Time
Biology
Grades 10-12
Literature/Comp 1
Grades 7-8
Washington State History w/Study Skills
Grades 9-10
10:00Pre-Algebra
Grades 7-10
Algebra 1
Grades 8-12
World History
Grades 10-12
Composition 1 – Following Narnia
Grades 6-12
Advanced Literature/Composition
Grades 10-12
11:30Lunch
12:00American Studies
Grades 6-8
(In-Person/Remote Time for Stage 2)
Physical Science
Grades 9-12
Literature/Comp 2
Grades 7-9
Geometry
Grades 9-10
1:30Earth Science
Grades 7-8
Intro to Am. and World Lit
Grades 9-12
Algebra 2
Grades 10-12
3:00Artistic Pursuits 2
Grades 6-12
Stage 1 and 2 Remote Meeting Time

In-person classes will have to abide by all current safety guidelines.

Once face covering and distancing regulations have been relaxed, we anticipate a full return to in-person meetings, while still accommodating students who wish to remain remote.

What is new at Sound Learning in 2023-24?

After several years of uncertainties concerning location, health regulations, and instructor availability, we are pleased to continue to meet at the cozy Log Cabin at Peninsula Bible Fellowship providing great classes for middle school and high school kids.
Dr. Jennifer Floyd, who taught Biology in the Spring of 2021, is excited to rejoin us and teach Biology this coming year. Alisha Anunson, who taught Middle School Ancient History this year, will expand her offerings and teach High School World History and Middle School American Studies. We are bringing back Algebra 2! This class will be taught by Holly Anderson, our Algebra 1 instructor. Lastly, Joy Pope is creating a new course exploring English Literature for 10-12th grade students.

Returning courses include Charisse Bryant’s Math Basics and PreAlgebra classes, Tess Doornink’s Life Science class, Joy Pope’s Introductory Composition class, and Literature/Composition 2 class.

We will also be changing our starting and ending times to help families get to afternoon activities. Our first class will begin at 8:15 and our last class ends at 3:00. See our class schedule for details.

Our Writing Program

Student writers have found the opportunity for success at Sound Learning! Extremely capable writers are challenged and struggling writers improve while enrolled in the Following Narnia series and subsequent Sound Learning English courses. Students are guided by teachers with 25+ years of teaching experience and continuing education in writing instruction. In 2016, our English teachers began working on certification with IEW and we began incorporating IEW Structure and Style methods into our classes.
Composition 1 – Following Narnia Vol 1 This is the entry level class for all 6th-12th grade students entering the program.

Writing instruction and exercises will be presented through lectures, lessons, and interactive activities. Students will write paragraphs and essays based on the first three novels in the Chronicles of Narnia series.  Parents must attend at least one Sound Learning composition course orientation and be available to work weekly as a parent-editor with their student. 

Literature and Composition 1 and 2 (Grades 7-9) Students will study genres of literature including historical fiction, science fiction, and adventure.  They will be asked to analyze literature and practice personal connections, interpretations, and responses to literature which show higher order understanding of the text.
Prerequisite – Successful completion of Composition 1 or equivalent. Instructor permission is required.

Introduction to American and World Lit (Grades 9-10) Students will receive an introduction to American Literature and World Literature through in-depth study of two major works of literature and one novel of their choice.
Prerequisite – Successful completion of Composition 1 or 2 or equivalent. Literature and Composition is recommended. Instructor permission is required.

Adv World or American Lit/Comp (Grades 10 and up)  Students study selections from World or American literature within the context of history, culture, and worldview. They review “close” reading and composition skills to write a formal literary analysis research paper. Students learn elements of rhetoric analysis as a foundation for persuasive writing and Socratic Seminar discussions. An end-of-the-year project encourages students to respond to literature through composition and artistic expression. Prerequisite – Successful completion (80% or above) of Introduction to American and World Lit. and instructor approval.