Classes at ELCC

Class Offerings 

Our goal is to offer classes each year in sequence. Practically this means that if a child participates in a science this year, the subsequent science will be offered next year. Class sizes and Teachers are indicated after class name. 

The hour by hour class schedule can be found here

Nursery –

There is no fee for ELCC's nursery. Parents may use both nursery areas to change, nurse, play and relax with their child throughout the day.  However, we do ask that if you need your nursery aged child watched, register so we can be sure that we have volunteers available.

Our nurseries are located on the second floor, across from the office and in the preschool room. Those who do use the nursery, we would appreciate a donation of a few diapers and a pack of wipes. See Directors if you have any questions. 

Preschool Classes –  

Our preschool classes are designed for children who will be 3 when their preschool class starts, but are not yet ready for kindergarten. Class sizes and activities will depend upon the number of children in this age range and their parent's participation. Children who are 2 1/2 are often permitted to move into Preschool second semester if they can listen carefully, follow directions, share and are not a disturbance to the class.  See Directors if you have any questions.

The following supplies will be provided:  Worksheets and craft supplies for the year, musical supplies, active play supplies (mats, balls)  non toxic (Crayola) crayons, chubby pencils, erasers, glue sticks, and safety scissors.

Preschool Warm Up –  Sondra Rathe

Each month, we pick a theme to sing about, read about, and craft about. We have free-play at the beginning of each morning which helps ease the kids into an inviting environment before we gather around to sing a song and read a story. There are crafts afterward if the children want to participate in creating something or they are free to go back to playing if they wish.   

Cost: $20 per semester   Supplies: Each Semester we ask that parents donate a snack to share with the class

Games and Puzzles –Angie Daye

Time to wake up those little minds, work on fine motor movements, and practice following directions with some beginner-level games and puzzles.  We will set up 2-3 different areas each focusing on a different level of development.  One area will be a guided game, one area will be a self-led designing area with legos, snap blocks, bristle builders, or mosaics, and the third area with large puzzles.  This hour will be designed to engage all ages and levels. 

Cost: $20 per semester  Supplies: Each Semester we ask that parents donate a snack to share with the class

Letters and Numbers - Angie Daye 

Preschool classes are always changing and flowing to the ages and temperaments of the kids so we will read a variety of activities to introduce children to letters and numbers.  Class will start with circle time reading books, singing songs or introducing the days concepts followed by an activity to reinforce the concept followed by free play. 

Cost: $20  per semester

Supplies: Teacher may request parents donate some free/upcycled items from home. Each Semester we ask that parents donate a snack to share with the class

Little Science Explorers-Sondra Rathe

In this fun and exciting class we will explore science through hands on experiments.  Be ready for fun as we will sometimes be working with color, water, bubbles, dirt, outdoors and more!

Cost: $25 per semester

Supplies: Teacher may request parents donate some free/upcycled items from home. Each Semester we ask that parents donate a snack to share with the class

Story and Craft – Sondra Rathe   

Join us each week for a fun story and accompanying craft to introduce kids to many different mediums of art.  Throughout the year we will color, cut and paste, paint, sculpt, weave and build to bring stories to life.

Cost: $20   per semester

Supplies: Each Semester we ask that parents donate a snack to share with the class

Free Play– No Teacher 

This is a time of free play, just be sure to clean up the toys before you leave.  Parents supervise this hour so there is no teacher or fee.

Kindergarten (2 hours- 10am and 11am)– Amy Fraunfelter

This course is designed for children who are currently working on kindergarten curriculum and will be 5 by January of the current school year. It may be of benefit to some first graders. We start off Kindergarten at 10 am. Almost everything we learn that hour will revolve around the letter of the week. There will be lots of tracing letters, numbers, and shapes. We will be coloring, cutting, sounding out the letter, and going over many words that start with that letter. We also read several books revolving around that letter. 

All construction paper, activity pages, scissors, crayons, and glue are supplied. Each child needs to bring a folder.

During the 11 am class, we will be doing a craft revolving around the letter that we learned in the 10 am hour, but your child can attend one or both classes and still get a wide range of activities.  Pro Tip - practice cutting with safety scissors over the summer.  Children need to be familiar with this concept when they come to class. 

All construction paper, activity pages, scissors, crayons, and glue are supplied. Each child needs to supply a pencil box and a folder.

Please contact Amy Fraunfelter if you believe your child may be ready for Kindergarten, but fall outside of the typical age range for sign up.

Cost: $40 per semester/per hour

Art Classes - Taught by Diana Andrews

The art classes at ELCC are for creative expression and exploration. Students will grow in personal responsibility as they gather and put away materials, listen and ask for assistance, try and retry for personal best, and build on previously learned skills. All supplies are included and there is no homework.

Primary Art K-2nd graders Diana Andrews

Stages of drawing, Color Study, Subtractive drawing and painting, Crafts, artist trading cards (mixed media), and scratch art

Artists: Georgia O’Keeffe, Kandinsky, Leo Lionni, and Frank Stella

Mediums: acrylic, graphite, watercolor, paper, ink, and markers

Cost: $80 (everything included and no homework)

Elementary Art 3rd – 5th graders Diana Andrews

Stages of drawing, chiaroscuro, design, proportion, collage, print making, mixed media, crafts, 3D, and painting.

Artists: Vermeer, Picasso, Degas, and Cody Miller

Mediums: graphite, paper, acrylic, charcoal, and wire.

Cost: $80.00 per semester (everything included and no homework)

Middle School Art 6th - 8th grade Diana Andrews

Study of various color concepts, visual storytelling, image transfer, mark making, artist trading cards, mixed media, and various art styles.

Artists: Van Gogh, Rubens, Kline, and Todd Camp

Mediums: ink-dip pens, acrylic, spray paint, pencil, watercolor, and collage.

Cost: $80.00 per semester (everything included and no homework)

High School Art 9th -12th grade Diana Andrews

Stages of painting, study in values, shade, tint, and hues, blending or visual

texture, and color theory, shape to detail, drawing, design, and visual story

telling.

Artists: Paul Hamilton, James Young, O’Keeffe, Jeff Stahler, and Joe

Lombardo

Mediums: graphite, oil, acrylic, watercolor.

Cost: $80.00 per semester (everything included and no homework)

Mission Minded Art- 5th and Up Diana Andrews

Collaboration of ideas/design and painting on group projects, projects to inspire faith, values, outreach, and giving of themselves. 

Artists: Cody Miller, Haring, Rick Alonzo, Jesus Painter Ministries

Mediums: acrylic, mixed media, spray paint, paper, medal, and rocks

Cost: $90 per Semester

Cursive and Fine Motor Fun (Grades 3rd-6th)- Lyndsay Mueller

First Semester: Students will learn to write the lowercase alphabet in cursive.

Second Semester: Students will learn to write the uppercase alphabet in cursive, review special punctuation rules, and review the lowercase alphabet.

Classes will go as follows: Each class period, your child will learn a new lesson, usually 2-3 letters, and then they will have three days of homework to complete by the next class. Most children can complete this within 10 to 15 minutes or less.  This homework provides the necessary repetition and practice for your child to advance in the class and develop their writing muscles. After the writing portion of the class is done, students will practice fine motor skills by doing arts, crafts, playing with small building toys such as Lego Bricks or K'nex, or playing fine motor heavy games such as Jenga, Domino stacking, Topple, etc.

Curriculum and supplemental video instruction via Google Classroom will be provided and included in class cost. 

Access to the Google Classroom is strongly recommended, but not required. Your student will receive all materials in print in class. If you missed the first semester, yet wish for your child to join this class in the 2nd semester,  please speak with teacher Lyndsay Mueller to acquire materials to get your child up to speed so they may join in the second semester. l.mueller@excellenceinlearning.org

Class Cost: $35

Lapbook Creations- K-2 - Chrystina Tharp

In Lapbooks Creations, k-2 students will use the unit study approach to learning to dive deeply into various topics. Over the semester, this course will teach aspects of science, social studies, and literature. Topics for fall will include Rocks, the 5 Senses, and Farming and Agriculture. Through hands on activities, lapbook, and crafts, your children will be able to learn new things about the world around them and even themselves!"

Cost: $40.00 per semester

Careers in Crafting- 6th and up Amy Fraunfelter

Explore embroidery, bookbinding, journalling and so much more in this exciting class for teens. Get a taste of diverse crafts, find your passion, and create unique handmade treasures that could someday translate into a craft show career. Pair up with Entrepreneurship for Teens in the afternoon and watch your crafting career take off!

Cost:  $50 per semester

All Supplies will be provided

Entrepreneurship for Teens- 7th and up- Marshal Sillin

A class for young entrepreneurs, wanting to start a small business now. Marshal started his entrepreneur journey at 16 years old and tailors the class to the needs of the students. Students must participate, and have the time and freedom to work each week on the needs of their own small business. From business registration to business systems, we will move at a pace comfortable for all students to set up whatever they need to start their business journey where they are at. 

Suggested age range seventh through 12th grade. Willing to accommodate younger students who have ambition and drive, and accountability from their parents.

Cost: $55.00

Sewing - Amanda Sillin

In this class, students 3rd grade and up will learn the basic skills of sewing. From learning the parts of a sewing machine, using the machine, straight stitches,  and hand-sewing stitches. The importance of accurate measuring, cutting and sewing will be taught. Any student who has a sewing machine at home is encouraged to bring the machine to class each week. First semester we will be sewing a collection of easy items that can be given as gifts for the holidays. Second semester, we will be sewing a project from the 4H book "Sew Fun" 

Cost: $30.00 per semester, includes material for first semester

Supplies: sewing machine (if possible),  Sewing kit (overall cost is less than $20 and can be purchased at the dollar tree- it's part of the class to purchase and decorate your kit) Book "Sew Fun" which can be purchased from the OSU extension office for $10 on E Main Street in Newark. 

Logic and Deduction with Games and Puzzles- 3rd- 5th Grade- Hadassah Furniss

Designed for 3rd-5th graders. This class will use a variety of puzzles and riddles to get kids thinking. Using clues and logic, children will figure out how to solve puzzles in a fun way!  Students will work as a class and then in groups to solve puzzles in various workbooks. Then students will play games to practice deductive reasoning, logic, and critical thinking. Examples would include: chess, checkers, Guess in 10, Battleship, etc.

Cost: $30 per semester

Elementary Photography - Casey Green

This is a fun, hands-on class that gives children a general overview of photography. They will learn the value of documenting their lives & things around them through photos, the importance of creative aspects in photography, & the principles of good composition. There is no homework in this class. Students will work on practicing their lessons during class time. When the weather is cooperative, we will go outside to take photos.

Who is this class for? Students in grades 3rd – 6th that enjoy taking pictures, want to learn more about taking pictures, or are curious about taking pictures. There are no previous skills needed to take this class.

Requirements: A device to take photos on – phone, tablet, camera; student must be able to access the device if the screen times out (locks); student must know how to access the camera.

Cost: $50. Minimum student count 6, maximum student count 10

Basic Photography - Casey Green

A beginner course on the fundamentals of photography. This class is for students, in grades 8th – 12th & parents

This is a great class for those wishing to learn the basics of photography, such as the history & science of photography, composition, types of cameras, lenses, photography genres, editing, preserving your photos, & more… You will receive the first foundational layer of photography in this course. This class is a prequel to Intermediate & Advanced Photography, which will build upon the foundation you will learn here. There is homework in this class to encourage students to practice their skills at home, but it is minimal to not overwhelm or distract them from their core subjects.

Who is this class for? This course is for teens & adults that have the desire to learn more about the basics of photography & improve their skills.

Requirements: A device to take photos on – phone, tablet, or camera

Cost: $75, Minimum student count 6, maximum student count 10

Yearbook and Trailblazer Times Magazine- 6th and Up- Hadassah Furniss

This course will incorporate the yearbook and 2 magazines per semester. As a class, we will work through the writing process: brainstorming ideas, researching (if needed), writing, editing, and then publishing. Each student will get a copy of the magazine. Students will build confidence in their writing and improve their creative writing skills as the semester progresses. Each student will also be responsible for putting together pages in the yearbook: getting to design and organize their own yearbook pages. 

Cost: $55.00 Per Semester

Speech and Debate - Marshal Sillin

This class is designed for 6th grade and up (adults welcome) 

Speaking in public, whether it is for a company presentation or in front of a large public audience, can be a frightening experience, but with proper planning and practicing you can reduce the amount of anxiety you will experience and develop the self-confidence needed to deliver a killer talk or presentation.  In this class you will learn: 

• How to create engaging presentations

• How to best prepare for giving a talk, mentally and physically

• How to deliver a great talk with confidence like a professional speaker

• How to discuss a variety of topics with debate style without being offensive

Cost: $45.00  per semester, includes all course materials

Fallacy Detective 6th and up - Juliet DePriest

Designed for 6th -12th grades, this class will cover how to detect fallacy, or an incorrect or misleading way of arguing one’s position on a topic. Through exercises and real-life examples, students will learn to critically think through the arguments they are hearing…and learn how not to commit fallacies of their own in writing and speaking.

Cost: $55

Required materials: Textbook -- The Fallacy Detective: Thirty-eight Lessons on How to Recognize Bad Reasoning. 2015 Workbook edition. Pocket folder/binder; notebook paper; pen/pencil.

Memorize the Faith! (And Most Anything Else)- Shannon Hughes

We will learn a memorization technique used by ancient Greeks and Romans, such as Aristotle and Simonides, and church doctors like St. Thomas Aquinas. We will start with memorizing the Ten Commandments, the seven capital sins, seven virtues, and the beatitudes. Once this memorization system is established, students will be able to use the system to memorize most anything else! We will also play escape room type puzzle games to test our knowledge and have some fun. 

Cost: $35

Supplies: Teacher will supply all materials.

WeDo Lego 1.0  K- 3rd/4th- Hunter Fraunfelter

This class is designed for students in K – 3rd grades, who have never taken a Lego class and will incorporate the Lego WeDo program. Students will have hands-on STEM activities that helps them to develop their understanding of science through a robot-based learning system. Younger children will benefit from hands on practice and developing fine motor skills. Once the projects are built, the students work with a partner to program or code the projects so that they move, play sounds, and several other tasks. This class can be taken year after year as the activities change on a 3-4 year rotation.  While designed as a "first" class, even students with years of experience find this class exciting and engaging. Students move to future classes based on age and maturity, not just their experience with Legos. 

Cost: $55.00 per semester

Lego WeDo 2.0 Lab 3rd - 5th/6th- Hunter Fraunfelter

This class is designed for  3rd- 5th/6th grade students and will incorporate the Lego WeDo program. Students in 3rd/4th grade who have never taken a Lego class should start with the K-3rd/4th class and will move up based on maturity and experience. Students in this class will have hands-on STEM activities that help them to develop their understanding of science through a robot-based learning system. Younger children will benefit from hands-on practice and developing fine motor skills. Once the projects are built, the students work with a partner to program or code the projects so that they move, play sounds, and several other tasks. This class can be taken year after year as the activities change on a 3-4 year rotation.  Students move to future classes based on age and maturity, not just their experience with Legos. 

Cost: $55.00 per semester

Build and Battle with Lego Mindstorms 4th and up - Hunter Fraunfelter

Get ready to build and battle with "Lego Mindstorms"! This exciting class is open to 4th graders and up (even high schoolers are welcome!). Dive into the world of LEGO robotics and engineering as you learn how to construct engines, pistons, gears, and more. Master the art of robot design and put your creations to the test in thrilling robot battles.  Get ready to unleash your inner engineer! 

Cost: $70.00 per semester

SPIKE - Fun with Robotics - 6th/7th and up -  Amy Fraunfelter

Using the Lego SPIKE education Kits, Students will combine colorful LEGO building elements, easy-to-use hardware, and an intuitive drag-and-drop coding language based on Scratch. SPIKE engages students through playful learning activities to think critically and solve complex problems, regardless of their learning level. From easy-entry projects to limitless creative design possibilities, including the option to explore text-based coding with Python, SPIKE helps students learn the essential STEAM and 21st-century skills needed to become the innovative minds of tomorrow... while having fun! (Prior Lego Robotics classes are highly recommended) 

Cost: $70.00 per semester

Java Coding with Minecraft- 6th and up - Hunter Fraunfelter

Calling all Minecraft enthusiasts! Take your gameplay to the next level in "Minecraft Modding & Computer Science with Java in CodeHS". This class is designed for 7th graders and up who want to learn how to customize their Minecraft world. Get ready for a homework-intensive adventure where you'll first master the basics of Java, a powerful programming language. Then, unleash your creativity in the second semester by applying your coding skills to design your very own Minecraft mods!

Important:  You'll need a computer at home for assignments and practice. A premium Java Minecraft account will be provided at the co-op building for in-class use.

1st Semester is Java intense, 2nd semester they will apply this in the Minecraft Game

Cost: $75.00 per semester

Introduction to Computer Science with Python 1 and 2- Hunter Fraunfelter

Unlock the power of coding with "Computer Science with Python 1 & 2 in CodeHS."  This exciting class is perfect for 7th graders and up who want to dive into the world of programming.  Get ready for a homework-intensive journey where you'll master the fundamentals of Python, one of the most in-demand programming languages.  You'll build programs, solve puzzles, and discover how Python can open doors to amazing future careers in fields like software development, data science, and even artificial intelligence.

The content is fully web-based, with students writing and running code in the browser on the CodeHS website. The course is largely homework oriented, requiring students to do their work on their computer at home. During the in class days, students are refreshed and tutored via games and trivia.

First Semester is Python 1. Second Semester will be Python II. First semester prerequisite is recommended, but not required.  Students joining second semester without Python 1 will be required to start in Python 1. This class will have homework and students must be willing to work independently and complete homework weekly. 

Supplies: You must have a computer at home, internet access, and a willingness to complete lessons on time. 

Cost: $75.00 per semester

Spanish Vocabulary Games (3rd and up)-  Bobbie Wagner 

This class is for students in grades 3 and up who want to learn Spanish vocabulary and have fun while doing it. We will spend the beginning of each class learning groups of new words, and then practice them through various games.

No materials are required for this class.

Cost: $45.00 per semester

Advanced Spanish (7th and up)- Bobbie Wagner

This class will focus on key grammar concepts to promote appropriate use and comprehension of the Spanish language. It is geared toward students in grades seven and up who took Advanced Spanish in the spring, or have already taken some prior Spanish, or who are willing to devote their own time and effort to acquiring concepts that may have already been taught in such classes. There will be some homework, and students should be willing to spend time practicing outside of class.

Required materials: Easy Spanish Step-by-Step (First Edition) by Barbara Bregstein (ISBN: 978-0071463386) 

Cost per semester: $65.00 per semester

K - 2nd Reading Adventures - Hadassah Furniss (fall) Betsy Wright (spring)

This year our little reading adventurers will embark on a journey to complete the great big A to Z author challenge! We will keep track of all the authors covered and create a corresponding craft, activity, or game relating to the books read in class that week. This is a fun hour meant to encourage kids in their listening, reading, and relating to each other!   

Cost: $30.00 per semester

Adventure Book Club - 5th - 8th - Shannon Hughes

Join us on a reading adventure! We select middle school appropriate books that provoke critical thinking and discussion, and develop literary review skills. Each book is capped off with an individual project to help students work on presentation skills and express their creativity. Past books have included Sweep: The Story of a Girl and her Monster and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The fall semester book list will be announced soon, please reach out to Shannon Hughes if you have any questions. Fee provides the literary review packets the students will receive. Books will need to be purchased/borrowed individually. Students can also contribute to weekly snacks if they desire.

Cost: $32.00 per semester 

Supplies: Parents will need to check books out from the library or secure books another way.

Creative Writing 4th - 6th/7th - Amanda Sillin

This year-long class is designed for emerging writers in 4th - 6th/7th grades includes short stories, myths, and legends as brief reading assignments and encourages students to be creative in writing/rewriting these tales. Students will learn the basics of writing and parts of speech in a fun adventurous way. In addition, they will learn how to take notes from a written source, write sentences with varied and interesting components, study rich vocabulary, and learn about different styles of writing. Weekly homework writing assignments will be provided, reading is completed in class. 

Cost: $40.00 per semester 

Supplies: A binder with 20 page protectors and some loose leaf paper, a pencil, and a highlighter. Students will need to bring their supplies to class each week. Students are asked to share their papers in class each week, this is a very important part of the class and each student will need to share at least a 3-5 times each semester. 

Introduction to Essay Writing - Juliet DePriest

Getting ready to write those essays for upcoming testing or college entrance requirements? Planning to enroll in College Credit Plus (CCP)? Then Introduction to Essay Writing is for you! Designed for 6th – 12th grades, this class will teach students to write a well-structured, five-paragraph essay, from introduction to conclusion and everything in between. By the end of the course, students will have written two complete essays that they could use as future writing samples.

Required materials: Textbook -- The Elegant Essay Writing Lessons: Building Blocks for

Analytical Writing. Student book, 3rd edition, 2011.

1-2” three-ring binder with pockets; notebook paper, pen/pencil. Home computer access for

typing out final essays in Word, etc., is preferred but not required.

Cost: $60.00 per semester 

High School Literature and Writing – Amanda Sillin

This literature class is designed for students in 9th - 12th grades and incorporates Classical Literature. We could include an advanced 8th grader. Lessons begin with activities to teach a stylistic technique and writing structure and will continue by exploring literary style and cultivating deeper understanding of themes. Students will read 6 novels or novellas during the year and complete writing assignments for each book. Each book is a 4 week study which includes study about the author, literary period, and historical significance, as well as a thorough survey in analytical, persuasive, comparative, creative and technical essay writing. This class is recommended to be taken for multiple years as students work to improve writing skill and style and literature assignments change year to year. This class uses online Google Classroom and if students complete all assignments, this course is worth 1 credit for Literature and 1 credit for English.  

Cost $40.00 per semester

Supplies: Access to a computer, Google classroom, and a printer (they can print things at co-op as needed) A 2 inch three ring binder, a pencil. Students will read the following books which you can check out from the library, or use a link to a free book which is provided in the Google classroom - The Count of Monte Cristo, The Wind in the Willows, Robison Crusoe, House of 7 Gables, Pygmalion, and Animal Farm.  

Bible Stories- K-2- Joni O'Neill

Come discover early history through Bible Stories with us.  In this class we will share Old Testament Bible stories, and then do craft, sing a song, play a game or do another hands on activity that goes with that story.

Cost: $35.00 per semester

Explore the USA- 3rd to 5th- Joni O'Neill

Explore the USA is a geography/history class based on Notgrass’ 50 States Curriculum.  We will use this curriculum to visit each state and learn about the features each has to offer.  We will also learn the capital and location of each state on the map and what makes it special.  We will use some hands-on activities, crafts, and snacks to enhance learning about each state.

Cost: $35.00 per semester

Ohio History - Lisa VanTilburg 3rd- 5th 

Students will LOVE learning Ohio’s history with a fun interactive, hands-on class that will include a study of Ohio’s history, symbols, battles, native peoples and cultures, climate, geography, industry, cities, famous people and wildlife. This class will have many in-class projects, games and will even make the occasional snack. History can be fun!

Cost: $45.00 per semester

Students will need: folder/binder, pen/pencil, and colored pencils

World Cultures - 6th-8th - Lisa VanTilburg

This course will focus on many of the cultures of the world through its geography, societies, regions/groups, religions, foods, products and much more! This class will introduce country locations and develop map skills. Each week the class will focus on a specific country and will include sample foods/cuisines from each.

Cost: $60.00 per semester

Students will need: folder/binder, pen/pencil, and colored pencils

High School World History  - Lisa VanTilburg

Using BJU Press World History(4th Ed), students will survey the history of the world.

BJU Press' World History encourages students to trace the major patterns in world history, following them as they point more and more clearly to the triumph of the kingdom of God. As they journey through time in this engaging survey of world history, students will cover creation, the earliest post-Flood civilizations, Greece, Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, and civilizations in Africa, the East, Asia, pre-colonization Americas, and empires in Africa, India, and Asia.

Students will need: World  History BJU Press (4th Revised Edition), pen/pencil, folder/binder, and writing paper.

Cost: $45.00 per semester

Limited scholarships are available on a need basis.  Please see our Treasurer for the application.  Applications are not considered by the Treasurer but by the Doyenne. 

All applications are due by AUGUST 1st before the coming school year.