SECONDARY  COURSE  INFORMATION

2010-11 School Year              Revised 05/19/10
The Academy offers a unique learning experience. Teachers provide the instruction for all the lessons. Then the
student completes the homework/tests at home under his/her parents‟ guidance and returns the assignments the
following week for the teacher to grade. All homework assignments and grades are available through our on-line
grading service, „SnapGrade‟. Most classes offered at the Academy carry high school credit for Homeschoolers
desiring to earn a diploma. This may be done through HASJ‟s High School Diploma Program. Your student‟s
schedule will be planned to meet New Jersey diploma requirements.
The HASJ is a "low-tuition" based school. Payments are made monthly. The first payment, due with registration,
includes the cost of textbooks, supply fees, lab fees, and diploma. HASJ‟s Cancellation Policy states that classes
may be cancelled at any time with a prorated refund. Class size is limited to 10 students, so it is not advisable to wait
until September to register. Discounts are available for families registering two or more children full time and a
special discount is also available for registering before August 31. New registrations will be accepted until classes
are full.
The Homeschool Academy of South Jersey admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to
all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the
school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its
educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic and other
school-administered programs.
Principal of Secondary Division: Rose Sias
Vice Principal of Secondary Division: Myriam Mooney
Treasurer: Dennis Sias
Biology Science
A strong background will be provided in the scientific method, and the five-kingdom classification scheme,
microscopy, biochemistry, cellular biology, molecular and mendelian genetics, dissection, and ecosystems. Lab
work will be a significant part of the class..
Geometry
This basic course in Geometry includes homework and tests.
Prerequisite is Algebra 1 a passing grade. The Math-U-See program will be utilized for this course.
History of US 1, (prehistory to 1860)
At first glance, you might read “U.S.” – but it really is “US” – as in you and me, and our history as a people. “The
History of Us” (by Joy Hakim) is an exciting series, full of pictures, maps, biographical vignettes, and other
interesting “asides” – pieces of history lost in many standard school textbooks. For Part I, students utilize books 1 –
5. Class time is devoted to discussion with portions of carefully chosen, relevant historical novels, quotes, and other
materials. Students are expected to read assigned chapters in preparation for class discussion. Short research
papers and project work will be assigned.
All families must have access to a computer with Internet capability. Grades and homework will be
available on-line. Homework assignments may require Internet research.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
History Courses:
Each grade level is a suggestion of the grade content. Students may enroll in other levels by passing a placement test
or with consent of the teacher.
History of US 2, (1860 to present)
A continuation to Part 1, students discover the exciting events that shaped our country Civil War thru present).
Students are expected to read assigned chapters in preparation for class discussion. Short research papers and
project work will be assigned. Prerequisite is History of US 1.
Math Courses,
(All incoming students will take a Math placement test. Review the test at www.mathusee.com – click „placement‟).
Call Ms. Myriam to schedule a placement test at 609-805-7242 prior to the first day of class.
World History
Build a solid foundation of ancient history that traces man, his lands, and cultures from the beginning of the human
race through current times. The history of ideas, art, music, revolution, evolution, socialism, communism, humanism,
liberalism and more will be featured in this class. The most important area to cover will be current events with an
optimistic forecast of where the 21st century is heading. A special emphasis will be on map study.
Science
Economics and Civics,
(Economics will be taught 1st and 2nd quarter. Civics will be taught the 3rd and 4th quarter).

The Economics course will weave economics, history, current events, social studies, government, math and a little
science into a delightfully revealing look at the foundations and workings of our monetary system. This class is for
students who think the business of money is beyond them and should be left to the experts.
The Civics course will explore, briefly, the origins of our country and the Constitution. It will cover how and why our
national government came into being, examine the Constitution in detail, understand what it represents and the
means by which it operates. Other topics include history of law, the difference between scientific law (how our
government was intended) and political law (what we‟ve ended up with), components of common law, reasons for
government, and unsolved legal problems. This is an excellent introduction to law and justice.
Math Review
This has been designed for the student who needs a thorough review in basic math skills. It will cover addition,
subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals and percent review. After completion of this course students
will be prepared to enter Pre-Algebra.
Personal Finance Math, (Prerequisite: completed decimals and percents).
This should be the only required math course since it will be the most useful. Learn the most important math
concepts of taxes, banking, interest, real estate, expense of operating an automobile and much more. This is taught
from a Christian perspective from the Math-U-See collection.
Pre-Algebra, (Pretest required).
This course will fulfill 8th or high school level math and will cover polynomials, area, circumference, volume, ratios,
Pythagorean theorem, positive and negative numbers and probability. This course combines the strength of
systematic review and hands-on manipulative to teach at a conceptual level. The Math-U-See program will be
utilized for this course.
Algebra I
This basic course in Algebra includes homework and tests. An entrance test is required. The Math-U-See program
will be utilized for this course.
Physical Science, (8th).
This course will provide a detailed introduction to the physical environment and some of the basic laws that make it
work. It will cover the earth‟s atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. It will also cover details on weather,
motion, Newton‟s Laws, gravity, the solar system, atomic structure, radiation, nuclear reactions, stars and galaxies.
Many lab experiments will be performed during the lab portion of the class.
Chemistry Science, (Prerequisite of Algebra 1).
The course covers significant figures, units, classification, the mole concept, stoichiometry, thermo chemistry,
thermodynamics, kinetics, acids and bases, redox reactions, solutions, atomic structure, Lewis structures, molecular
geometry, the gas laws and equilibrium. Lab work will be a significant part of the class.
Calculus, (Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus).
This is a complete course in Calculus. The Math U See program will be utilized.
Language Arts 8
Want the ability to write with structure and style? Students will develop excellence as they learn to outline, and
summarize, generate cohesive paragraphs, create stories, produce reports and critiques, develop essays, and put
into writing the information hidden in their brains. The Student Writing Intensive course has been developed from the
Institute for Excellence in Writing. Along with developing their writing skills, vocabulary, grammar and great
literature will be included.
Physics Science, (enrolled in Pre-Calculus or had an introduction to Trigonometry).
This course will provide the student with a strong background in units, measurement, one-dimensional and two-
dimensional motion, Newton‟s laws and their application, gravity, work and energy, momentum, periodic motion,
waves, optics, electrostatics, electrodynamics, electrical circuits, and magnetism. Lab work will be a significant part
of the class.
English
All incoming students should call Ms. Myriam to schedule a placement test prior to the first day of school. Please
call 609-805-7242.
Intensive Writing Course, (Recommended for all incoming 9th grader and new students.).
This level will build on Advance Student Writing Intensive techniques from the Institute for Excellence in Writing.
Along with a review of the Student Intensive Writing course as mentioned in the Language Arts 8th class, this course
will cover topics such as: summarizing a reference, writing from pictures, research reports, creative writing, essay
writing, expanded essay, persuasive essay, super essay, personal essay and literary critiques. Grammar, vocabulary
and great literature will be included in the class.
The Homeschool Academy of South Jersey
Secondary Division: 609-805-2548
Elementary Division: 609-805-7242
www.homeschoolacademysj.org
staff@homeschoolacademysj.org
“We can help you Homeschool your child”
Cumberland County Community Church
1800 E. Broad Street
Millville, N.J. 08332
Are you feeling overwhelmed with all the academic subjects you need to teach your child?
The Homeschool Academy of South Jersey, (HASJ), provides courses in academic and enrichment subjects
with highly qualified teachers and small class sizes. The Academy has been operating successfully for eight years,
with many high school students graduating a year in advance. (If you are interested in this service, our consultant can
help you prepare for the accelerated high school program). The Elementary Division includes 4th through 7th grade.
The Secondary Division includes 8th through 12th grade. Classes are held on TUESDAYS from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. The school year is divided into four 9-week quarters, with a two-week break in late December. All classes,
except electives, are 85 minutes long. A one hour lunch break begins at 11:30 a.m.
Algebra 2, (Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and Geometry).
This basic course in Algebra 2 includes homework and tests. An entrance test is required. The Math U See
program will be utilized.
Pre-Calculus, (Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2).
This is a complete course in Pre-Calculus. An entrance test is required. The Math U See program will be utilized.
Literary Analysis
Students will learn how to read, infer, analyze, and write about literature. Additionally, literature has the power to
influence readers for good or for ill, and consequently this course seeks to teach students to recognize an author's
worldview and exercise discernment when reading literature assignments. Course topics include: analytical
techniques, literary elements, literary devices, and writing genres. Students will study vocabulary and intensive
writing skills to produce the basic essay, the expanded essay, the persuasive essay, the super essay and the personal
essay.

The literature textbook will seek to build good character qualities while increasing the enjoyment of good literature,
as students read Leo Tolstoy, Nathaniel Hawthorne, O Henry, and Guy de Maupassant. They are just a few of the
author‟s works in the literature textbook. Students will continue their study of grammar concepts, writing techniques,
speech presentations, vocabulary, reading comprehension, literary elements, writing genres, poetry, literary devices,
and research writing all from the Institute for Excellence in Writing.
World Literature
Students will learn how to read, infer, analyze, and write about literature. Additionally, literature has the power to
influence readers for good or for ill, and consequently this course seeks to teach students to recognize an author‟s
worldview and exercise discernment when reading literature assignments. Course topics include: analytical
techniques, literary elements, literary devices, and writing genres. Students will study vocabulary and intensive
writing skills to produce the basic essay, the expanded essay, the persuasive essay, the super essay and the personal
essay.

The literature anthology will focus on famous authors such as Dickens, Poe, Goethe, Tolstoy, and Hugo. Students
will master grammar concepts, sentence structure, vocabulary, comprehension, literary elements, writing genres,
poetry, literary devices, and research writing, all from the
Institute for Excellence in Writing.
American Literature
Students will learn how to read, infer, analyze, and write about literature. Additionally, literature has the power to
influence readers for good or for ill, and consequently this course seeks to teach students to recognize an author‟s
worldview and exercise discernment when reading literature assignments. Course topics include: analytical
techniques, literary elements, literary devices, and writing genres. Students will study vocabulary and intensive writing
skills to produce the basic essay, the expanded essay, the persuasive essay, the super essay and the personal essay.
The literature textbook will include short stories, drama, poetry, and essays by some of America‟s great preachers,
writers, authors, poets, statesmen, and scholars. Students will master vocabulary, reading comprehension, literary
elements, writing genres, literary devices, speeches, and research writing all from the
Institute for Excellence in
Writing.
Electives
Introduction to Microsoft Office
The emphasis is on Computer Applications, with a concentration on Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, Access and
PowerPoint. Students are also taught about computer hardware and peripherals, operating systems, networks. They
continue to work on their keyboarding skills.
Art Projects
Basic principles of composition, color, and two and three dimensional design will be explored. Students will have the
opportunity to work in a broad variety of media. Personal expression, creative techniques, critical analysis of
artwork, and art history will be included. Topics may include: oil pastels, chalk pastels, colored pencils, etc, taught
along with appreciation. Examine famous artists and their work. Advanced techniques using chalk pastels, charcoal,
watercolor and acrylic painting, and mixed media are given.
Healthy Living
This class teaches a new topic each quarter. Topics include drug education, Driver‟s education, CPR Training and
First Aid. Students are required to read on-line lesson excerpts and complete weekly homework assignments and
quizzes.
All Foreign Language Courses, (12-month program).
Rosetta Stone is the world‟s #1 foreign language program. It provides a rich, interactive and engaging language
learning experience. Students will work through the on-line course from their home computers. One year of a foreign
language is required. Two years is recommended for those planning a college career. The 12-month plan allows you
to complete 4-5 years of the language of your choice. Please visit www.rosettastone.com for a full list of all the
languages available. Because of the extensive cost of these courses, there is an additional charge of $50 for the year.
New Jersey Minimum Requirements for a High School Diploma

4 years English
4 years Physical Education and Health
3 years of Math (2009 begin with Algebra 1) (2010 begin with Geometry)
3 years of Science (2009 begin with Biology) (2010 begin with Chemistry and continue with Physics or
Environmental Science or Engineering)*
2 years of U.S. History
1 year of World History
½ year of Economics (required in 2010)
1 year of a Foreign Language (Recommend 2 years for college-bound students.)
1 year of the Arts
1 year of Practical Arts
4 Electives
Total Credits – 24 ½ minimum

These courses are subject to change based on availability and interest.

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2010 to 2011 HASJ Schedule

HASJ Registration form

HASJ Scholarship Program form

Parent-Student Handbook
Updated: June 27, 2010