Courses Offered - La Mirada
Science Discovery: Grades 1-6 (grade 1 – 6)
This fall discover the exciting world of science! Following guidelines for California State Common Core Standards, your 5th and 6th grader will delve into the mysteries of thermal energy and the solar system, as they learn to develop a hypothesis, record data, and draw conclusions.
NOTE: This course has an additional materials fee.
Eight-week term.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00004 | F | 9:25AM-10:25AM | $95.00 | OPEN |
Creative Writing: Grades 4-6 (grade 4 – 6)
This course is designed with all students in mind. This exciting offering will introduce your student to terminology of literature as well as how to create a setting, plot, character, and conflict for a story. Your student will have fun learning techniques that will improve their writing, as they develop a story of their own to share with friends and family.
Eight-week term.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00003 | F | 8:20AM-9:20AM | $95.00 | OPEN |
English 6–Introductory Composition (grade 6)
What do I write? How do I write it? These are the questions a student asks as he sits in front of a blank page. This beginning course in writing which employs the Institute for Excellence in Writing program gives students the tools for writing interesting reports and stories. Students will be introduced to all nine units of the IEW curriculum with clarity and purpose. Also included in this course is a grammar curriculum written especially for use with the IEW techniques.
NOTE: This course has an additional materials fee of $12.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00035 | W | 10:50AM-11:50AM | $220.00 | OPEN |
Fundamentals of Mathematics (grade 6 – 7)
Give your students one more year with the building blocks of mathematics. This sequential approach enables your student to master foundational skills and successfully progress to higher mathematics. Topics include the four basic operations of math, measurement, ratios, percentages and fractions.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00046 | W | 9:25AM-10:25AM | $220.00 | OPEN |
American History with Art (grade 7 – 8)
From Native American society through modern America, students use art projects in class to enrich their study of America’s past. Gaining an appreciation of the providence of God in the development of a country based on Biblical principles, the class discusses great works of American art as well as politics, geography, and events that shaped America’s history. This course complements the Intermediate Composition course.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00056 | W | 12:30PM-1:30PM | $220.00 | OPEN |
Earth Science (grade 7 – 8)
“One small step for man, one giant step for mankind…” The greatness of God’s earth when gazed upon from space cannot be denied. Science is not just a collection of facts, but a process of historically important events, structures, and action that can be observed in or from the earth. Dynamic class discussion includes topics such as geology, oceanography, atmosphere, weather, astronomy, space exploration, and environmental science.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00052 | W | 10:30AM-11:50AM | $230.00 | OPEN |
English 7–Composition (grade 7 – 8)
Junior high students with no prior Institute for Excellence in Writing experience and those who have been introduced to the techniques will work toward mastering these valuable writing tools. Writing instruction includes note making and paragraph writing, narrative summaries, essays, and research writing, as well as creative writing, and writing stories from pictures. An in-depth study of English grammar examining parts of speech, parts of a sentence, sentence diagramming, sentence patterns, and agreement is included.
NOTE: This course has an additional materials fee of $12.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00036 | W | 12:30PM-1:30PM | $220.00 | OPEN |
World History with Art (grade 7 – 8)
The curriculum focuses on major events in history from creation to modern times and teaches students about their place in world history. Students complete maps, timelines, and bi-weekly compositions along with in class art projects. Instructors emphasize the interpretation of historical events in light of God’s providence.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00060 | W | 1:35PM-2:35PM | $220.00 | OPEN |
English 8–Intermediate Composition (grade 8)
Building upon their prior knowledge of the Institute for Excellence in Writing, students will continue to utilize elements of this program as they read novels and respond to the ideas within. Discussion of time period, author, and theme will add light to the readings. Vocabulary study and grammar review will build students’ confidence in their writing skills. This course is intended for those with at least one year of Institute for Excellence in Writing experience and coordinates nicely with the American History with Art course.
Prerequisite: English 7
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00047 | W | 9:25AM-10:25AM | $220.00 | WAITLIST |
Pre-Algebra (grade 8)
Students learn the fundamentals of pre-algebra. Strategic exercises enable them to navigate through their course work and on to higher mathematics. Topics include integers, rational numbers, variables, solving equations and much more. Prerequisite: Students should be proficient in their math facts and basic arithmetic skills.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00040 | W | 8:20AM-9:20AM | $220.00 | OPEN |
Digital Photography (grade 8 – 12)
This fun and interactive course provides basic photography skills through bi-weekly assignments, photo field shoots and field trips. You will learn how to incorporate color, pattern, texture, lighting and composition into your photographs to enhance the final image with the end result of a better photograph. You will learn about Nature, Landscape, Portraiture and Documentary photography, as well as about the photographers most known for each style.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00039 | F | 10:50AM-11:50AM | $220.00 | OPEN |
Public Speaking (grade 8 – 12)
This course is a practicum course in public speaking coordinated by one of Biola's debate coaches and instructed by members Biola's Debate Team. Topics will include research skills, the structure of a speech, rhetorical devices and their use, and an introduction to basic communication theory. Students will be required to give several speeches in the course of this class of varying lengths and topics.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00068 | W / F | 3:00PM-4:00PM | $270.00 | OPEN |
Algebra 1 (grade 9)
This course includes a logical, concise discussion of algebraic vocabulary, real number system, solving of equations (including linear systems), and inequalities. A solid understanding of word problems brings practical application of algebra to the real world.
Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra or equivalent.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00041 | W / F | 8:20AM-9:20AM | $270.00 | OPEN |
American Sign Language 1 (grade 9)
As a basic introduction to the language of the deaf, students learn finger spelling, vocabulary, and learn to see “words” as pictures. Textbook incorporates deaf culture with practical use. Occasional outings acquaint them with deaf culture.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00061 | W / F | 1:55PM-2:55PM | $270.00 | OPEN |
General Literature and Composition (grade 9)
An exciting overview of literature and its elements is explored in this course through various stories, while the study of authors and time periods give perspective to these readings. The course includes weekly writing assignments. Class discussion and group projects enhance the classroom experience.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00048 | W / F | 9:25AM-10:25AM | $305.00 | OPEN |
Latin 1 (grade 9)
The relationship of Latin to English is presented throughout the course. This first-year foreign language study of Latin includes: reading, writing, and translation. Through Latin studies, students become better prepared to study the Romance languages such as French and Spanish.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00062 | W / F | 1:55PM-2:55PM | $270.00 | OPEN |
Physical Science (grade 9)
You can turn your backyard into an archaeological dig site…or you can join us to learn about the atmosphere, weather, volcanoes, earthquakes, fossil record, an introduction to the theory of evolution, an introduction to chemistry and physics, sound, light, and an introduction to astrophysics. A foundational science course, Physical Science prepares your student for upper-level Chemistry and Physics courses. Also included in this outstanding high school course are weekly labs.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00057 | W / F | 12:30PM-1:50PM | $365.00 | OPEN |
Spanish 1 (grade 9)
Students learn to speak, understand, read, and write basic Spanish, with an emphasis on everyday dialogue. This course provides a strong foundation for success in Spanish 2.
Prerequisite: Internet access
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00063 | W / F | 1:55PM-2:55PM | $270.00 | OPEN |
Logic (grade 9 – 12)
This course introduces students to Torrey Academy by exploring the importance of clear thinking for Christian spiritual development. Students learn why great Christian leaders have traditionally seen the life of the mind as a key component of spiritual growth. Students examine the basics of Socratic Logic, including terms, syllogisms, and evaluation of soundness and validity. The class also explores how argumentation plays out in everyday life, including a lengthy study of informal fallacies. Students end the year by exploring good methods for reading and engaging essays and literature using logical principles. Readings include With Good Reason by S. Morris Engel, How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler and Charles Van Doren, and works by Plato, C.S. Lewis, Washington Irving, William Shakespeare, J.P. Moreland, and others. We recommend that parents and independent study programs count this class as meeting the requirements for ten high school academic units for Logic/Critical Thinking. Logic is open to all 9-12 grade students. Students in 8th grade must contact the TA office before registering.
NOTE: This course has an additional materials fee. Print Full Course Description
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00067 | W / F | 3:00PM-4:00PM | $305.00 | OPEN |
American Sign Language 2 (grade 10)
Students continue to develop vocabulary and fluency in communicating with the deaf. They will begin to learn narrative skills. Textbook incorporates deaf culture with an understanding of appropriate cultural behaviors. Course requires outside activities.
Prerequisite: American Sign Language 1.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00069 | W / F | 3:00PM-4:00PM | $270.00 | OPEN |
Biology (grade 10)
Catch the love of God’s majesty as you witness His intelligent design first hand…from the complexity of the “simple” cell to the marvel of His handprint on all of His creation. Course topics range from botany, anatomy, physiology, the cell, and zoology with discussions, hands-on experiments and dissections.
NOTE: This course has an additional materials fee of $18.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00037 | W / F | 12:30PM-1:50PM | $365.00 | OPEN |
Spanish 2 (grade 10)
Students expand their ability to understand and converse in daily spoken Spanish, and enjoy a multimedia approach as they explore the customs and cultures of the Spanish speaking world.
Prerequisite: Spanish 1 and internet access.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00070 | W / F | 3:00PM-4:00PM | $270.00 | OPEN |
Algebra 2 (grade 10 – 11)
After students have mastered the basic principles of Algebra 1, this course gives a deeper understanding of linear equations, polynomials, and factoring. Students are immersed in complex numbers, rational expressions and other second-year algebra topics.
Prerequisite: Algebra 1.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00053 | W / F | 10:50AM-11:50AM | $270.00 | OPEN |
American History (grade 10 – 11)
Addressing both the providence of God and the shortcomings of humanity in the formation and movement of our country, the students discuss geography, politics, economics, and current events to formulate reasoned Christian viewpoints on issues in contemporary America. This course is complementary to the American Literature course. It is strongly recommended that they be taken concurrently.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00042 | W / F | 8:20AM-9:20AM | $270.00 | OPEN |
American Literature (grade 10 – 11)
Through a chronological reading of stories along with discussion of authors, worldviews, and time periods, students discover the values and ideas of the classic authors of this great country. Class discussion, compositions, quizzes, and group projects encourage the student to take a deeper look at the ideology of American people and culture. This course is complementary to the American History course. It is strongly recommended that they be taken concurrently.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00050 | W / F | 9:25AM-10:25AM | $305.00 | OPEN |
Geometry (grade 10 – 11)
This course provides a strong mathematical foundation in Geometry. Concepts include the nature of reasoning; lines and angles; triangle congruence; inequalities; parallel lines, quadrilaterals; transformations, area, similarity, the right triangle; circles; concurrence theorems; regular polygons; and geometric solids. In addition, students master two-column and paragraph proofs, as well as complete various constructions.
Prerequisite: Algebra 1.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00054 | W / F | 10:50AM-11:50AM | $270.00 | OPEN |
SAT and Career Prep (grade 10 – 11)
This one-semester course is designed for juniors, although sophomores that have taken Geometry may take it to be better prepared for the PSAT or SAT. Students will identify their skills and interests through assessment, then research suitable careers and university programs. They will review the admissions process and research financial aid opportunities, such as scholarships and grants. This course also covers SAT preparation in which students will learn important strategies for success in all aspects of the SAT including math, critical reading, and essay writing
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00071 | W / F | 3:00PM-4:00PM | $270.00 | OPEN |
Torrey Academy Writing Lab (grade 10 – 11)
The Torrey Academy Writing Lab is designed to guide students through the writing assignments required for the various Torrey Academy classes. Requiring separate registration, the Writing Lab complements Inklings and Foundations of American Thought class work by helping students to develop the skills needed to be successful in academic writing. Mandatory for 1st year students, encouraged for 2nd year students.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00038 | TAToolbox | / | - | $110.00 | OPEN |
The Inklings (grade 10 – 12)
Designed to spark a passion for critical thinking and for the beauty and wonder of the Triune God, the content of this first-year Torrey Academy class focuses on issues of faith, learning, and culture. The Inklings texts are provocative, challenging, and packed-full with theology, poetry, and apologetics. Inklings is open to all 10-12 grade students. Students in 9th grade must contact the TA office before registering.
NOTE: This course has an additional materials fee. Print Full Course Description
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00049 | W / F | 9:25AM-10:45AM | $520.00 | OPEN |
American Sign Language 3 (grade 11)
Students continue to develop fluency in communicating with the deaf, as they build upon narrative, presentation, conversational skills, and those needed to explain ideas and how things work. They will translate written text into American Sign Language. Curriculum includes language activities, cultural exercises, and cross-cultural discussions. Course requires outside activities.
Prerequisite: American Sign Language 2
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00064 | W / F | 1:55PM-2:55PM | $270.00 | OPEN |
Chemistry (grade 11)
Unlock the mystery of the atom. An understanding of chemical science brings with it the burden of responsibility to utilize this knowledge to benefit mankind. Students gain a foundational understanding of atomic structure, bonding, kinetic theory, solution, and equilibrium. This course stresses applications of chemistry, through discussion and lab experiments, identifies marvels of design in creation, and promotes the development of organized problem solving.
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00058 | W / F | 12:30PM-1:50PM | $365.00 | OPEN |
Foundations of American Thought (grade 11 – 12)
A natural progression from the Inklings, the Foundations of American Thought class takes students to the next level of academic, intellectual, and spiritual development. Following the same format as the first-year class, this second-year class changes only the content, not the amount of reading and writing. These readings and discussions focus on issues in American Literature, History, and Government from the pre-colonial period through the antebellum period in order to impart to students an understanding and vision of their own country and society. This course is aimed at helping students become responsible, knowledgeable citizens both in our democratic republic and in the City of God. Politics and literature are examined through a Christian perspective. Foundations is open to students who have completed Inklings or who are graduating seniors.
NOTE: This course has an additional materials fee. Print Full Course Description
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00043 | W / F | 8:00AM-9:20AM | $520.00 | OPEN |
Plato (grade 11 – 12)
A complement to Foundations of American Thought, this course explores in depth one of the most important authors of the Western canon of great philosophy and literature. The purpose of this class is to introduce students to the founder of Western philosophy, to deepen students’ understanding of ideas such as justice, beauty, virtue, and wisdom, and to fill out and complete students’ practice of rhetoric and dialect. The reading list consists of nine of Plato’s greatest dialogues. Students will focus on the philosophical themes highlighted in each text, as well as examine the characters of each drama. They will explore the nature of dialogue as a literary genre, and will practice critical thinking and rhetorical skills through discussion. Ten credits of high school philosophy and supplements the world literature studied in other Torrey Academy classes.
Prerequisite:Plato is open to students concurrently taking Foundations, or super seniors who have completed Inklings, Foundations, and Faith. Print Full Course Description
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00065 | W / F | 1:55PM-2:55PM | $305.00 | OPEN |
British Literature (grade 12)
This course covers British Literature chronologically. Critical thinking skills are developed as students read, analyze, and write about the ideas of authors. Creative and fiction writing, vocabulary and literature quizzes, class discussion, and group projects allow students to imitate excellent writing styles to develop their own skills. A college quality term paper and persuasive and expository essays are written, preparing the students for college requirements.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00044 | W / F | 8:20AM-9:20AM | $305.00 | OPEN |
Faith of Our Fathers (grade 12)
A core class for any Christian student who wants to understand the history of the Church in the West, the third-year class builds on the first two classes to strengthen students’ critical thinking abilities, writing and oral presentation skills, as well as their Christian worldview. As a natural next step in student development, the amount of required writing is reduced while the expected quality of work is higher. Class time continues to focus on Socratic discussion as in the first two Torrey Academy classes, and student research presentations are also added. The Early Church, Medieval, Renaissance, and Reformation texts are pervasively thought-provoking, beautiful, and challenging as they elicit deeper discussions of Theology and Christian culture that were initiated in the Inklings class. Faith is open to students who have completed Inklings and Foundations, or students who have completed Inklings and are graduating seniors. Print Full Course Description
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00045 | W / F | 8:00AM-9:20AM | $520.00 | OPEN |
Government (grade 12)
This one-semester course is a comprehensive survey of American Government. Students gain a firm foundation of knowledge concerning the history of our governmental structure and function. The ideas regarding a citizen’s responsibility to the government are included. Students study the constitution party politics and all three branches of our government executive, legislative and judicial.
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00066 | W / F | 1:55PM-2:55PM | $270.00 | OPEN |
Physics (grade 12)
Have you ever wondered what keeps you glued to your seat as you go around the giant loop on Riddler’s Revenge? Join us as we endeavor to unlock the mysteries of matter in motion! Course topics include: Newton’s laws, work and energy, waves and optics, electricity, magnetism, and more.
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 and Geometry
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00059 | W / F | 12:30PM-1:50PM | $365.00 | OPEN |
Pre-Calculus / Trigonometry (grade 12)
This dynamic class includes instruction in algebraic functions, trigonometry, and an introduction to calculus.
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 and Geometry
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00051 | W / F | 9:25AM-10:45AM | $305.00 | OPEN |
Shakespeare (grade 12)
A perfect complement to Faith of our Fathers, this course explores in depth one of the most influential authors of the Western canon of great literature and provides students with an opportunity to experience his works in a Readers’ Theatre setting. Students study Shakespeare’s plays in an intense discussion-based environment, and learn to take the written words of plays and incarnate them in the manner intended by Shakespeare. The reading list is comprised of eleven of Shakespeare’s plays, as well as Aristotle’s Poetics. Students will explore the nature of story and narrative, and will be deeply immersed in the culture, history, and politics of Elizabethan England. The class is focused on reinforcing critical thinking and rhetorical skills and more emphasis is placed on repeated reading of the text, discussion, and rhetoric, which more closely matches the methodology of the Torrey Honors Institute. This course fulfills ten units of high school fine arts credit and supplements the world literature studied in other Torrey Academy classes.
Prerequisite:Shakespeare is open to students concurrently taking Faith, or super seniors who have completed Inklings, Foundations, and Faith. Print Full Course Description
| CCN | Room | Day | Time | Tuition | Status |
| 00055 | W / F | 10:50AM-11:50AM | $305.00 | OPEN |
Enrichment Term
Eight-week Enrichment classes meet from September 19 to November 15 for Fall 2013.
Registration for Enrichment classes begins June 3, 2013.
Campus Schedule
All class schedules vary and are determined annually based on course interest, facility, and staffing.
Tuition
Tuition is per semester. (see Tuition/Fees)
Buy Books
Click here to buy books.
Course Level Guidelines
The course levels listed in parentheses (excluding Torrey Academy Classes) are guidelines. We realize that homeschoolers often cross grade-level "boundaries" for many subjects; therefore students are welcome to enroll in any class that suits their level of achievement. Please remember that our core courses are college preparation level, and students will be expected to maintain these high standards.
