SPECIAL INTEREST  2026 – 27

CLASS BEGINS:  September 10, 2026

COURSE DURATION:  1 school year, from September 10 through May 27

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of the world’s three dominant economic and political systems: capitalism, socialism, and communism. Students will critically evaluate the core theoretical frameworks, historical evolutions, and real-world implementations of each ideology, focusing heavily on how they distribute resources, power, and individual liberties. By examining both foundational texts and modern critiques, students will uncover the systemic strengths and structural failures that have shaped global history. Mastering these complex dynamics is vital for students to navigate contemporary geopolitical conflicts, evaluate public policy, and understand the shifting boundaries of the global economy.

Course Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Differentiate Ideologies:Compare the foundational theories of classical capitalism, Marxist communism, and democratic socialism using primary historical texts.
• Analyze Historical Policies:Trace how economic theories translated into 20th-century state policies, identifying the structural successes and failures of command versus market economies.
• Deconstruct Systemic Mechanics:Evaluate how different systems solve the problem of scarcity, comparing market price signals against centralized state allocation.
• Critique Ideological Trade-offs:Formulate evidence-based arguments regarding how each system balances individual liberty, economic equality, and productive efficiency.
• Evaluate Modern Hybrid Models:Analyze contemporary mixed economies, including the Nordic social democratic model and China’s state capitalism.
• Synthesize Solutions:Construct a capstone research project applying historical frameworks to modern systemic crises like automation or wealth inequality.

Assignment & Grading Breakdown

• Class Participation & Weekly Discussions: 25%
• Weekly Reading Reflections: 20%
• Midterm Roundtable Project: 25%
• Final Capstone Project & Presentation: 30%

COST:

• $275.00 per semester
• ($300 if a charter student)
• plus books.
• Miss Lilli is a vendor for: Sky Mountain, ILEAD, Excel Academy, Sage Oaks, Golden Valley, Gorman, Inspire, and more.

REQUIRED MATERIALS: Students are expected to bring the following to class on the first day.

-Writing paper and a writing tool such as a pen or pencil

–The Case Against Socialism by Rand Paul. Paperback version available at EIE for $19. Please notify Carolyn to make sure she didn’t run out.

 Assessment: Grades are based on weekly discussion participation and writing assignments.

Grades 7–12

Cost: $160/semester

The Bible has shaped literature, history, language, and culture for thousands of years. In this discussion-based class, students will explore the Bible through a literary lens while deepening their understanding of Scripture.

Students will study a variety of biblical genres—including historical narratives, poetry, wisdom literature, prophecy, and parables—discovering how each communicates truth through unique literary techniques. Along the way, students will strengthen critical thinking, reading comprehension, and communication skills through thoughtful discussion and occasional writing assignments.

During the second semester, students will read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis and examine its rich biblical themes, symbolism, and allegorical connections to Scripture.

This class is ideal for students who enjoy reading, asking questions, and engaging in meaningful conversations about literature and faith.

Students will:

• Explore historical, poetic, and prophetic books of the Bible
• Learn to identify literary devices, themes, symbolism, and imagery
• Participate in thoughtful class discussions
• Complete occasional writing assignments and literary responses
• Compare biblical themes with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
• Develop stronger reading, writing, and critical thinking skills

Maliapoggio10@gmail.com

IG: @STEM4homeschoolers

COST:  $100.00 per family per semester

• Yes, the cost is per family, not student.  We feel this would be a great family style class for high school and older.  Parents and siblings are encouraged to attend at no additional cost.

AGE TARGET:  High School and higher.

Course description:

This course will introduce the science topics most relevant to the study of Biblical Creationism.  There will be a video each week from Educate for Life with Kevin Conover followed by a discussion and relevant activities.

Topics covered include:

•             Fossil record vs. evolution
•             Evidence for a world-wide flood
•             Did man walk with dinosaurs?
•             Age of the earth
•             Genetic mutations and Intelligent Design
•             Irreducible complexity  and thermodynamics
•             The Big Bang and the anthropic principle
•             Scientific hoaxes
•             Evolutionary ethics
•             Answering atheism

Cost:

20 1-hour sessions for 10 credits for one year is $310 or $290/child in the same family ($300/$280 if you use Zelle)

Target audience: High School

Course description:

Many young people leave high school without the essential skills needed to navigate real-world challenges. Practical Life Skills 101 aims to bridge this gap by providing students and young adults with the knowledge and tools necessary for everyday success. This comprehensive curriculum covers critical topics such as goal setting, career planning, financial literacy, self-care, and effective communication, among others.

Topics include Self-Care, Personality Tests, Career Planning, Travel & Culture, Future & Life Planning, Money Management, Professional & Personal Communication, The 8 Keys of Excellence, Pursuing Excellence & Resilience.

Materials:

You will need a laptop, tablet, or smartphone for research. 

Sandra Jung

Practical Life Skills 101

(323) 691-7132

practicallifeskills101.org

life101.sandra@gmail.com

COST:  $30.00 per class plus $10.00 material fee.

AGE TARGET:  12 and up.

One of the great benefits of homeschooling is to explore and experience different types of classes and activities.  Now, with our woodworking class, you can experience the wonders of converting raw wood into some fantastics items.  Start out with making simple toys and depending on your dedication create some awesome wooden projects.  In fact we have one family that actually took the information they learned in this class and created their own businesses.  This class is taught by a professional high end cabinet and furniture maker in his shop.  The students will work with real woodworking equiptment under the supervision of a craftsman.

CONTACT:  Jeff Krieger   (626) 695-5688

Grades: 2nd – 6th 

Cost: $100 PER SEMESTER

Class Description: In this class students will learn engineering and public speaking skills while expanding their creativity. Each week students will be given a build challenge and then they will present their creations to the class. Each week students will learn a new public speaking skill, such as eye contact, speaking clearly, standing up straight, etc. They will also learn listening skills as each of their classmates present their creations. In addition, students will also learn some fun Lego facts along the way.

Enrollment:

• Call Carolyn (626) 821-0025
• or Drop by EIE

Cost:         $177.00

Recommended   ages:   5  to    13   or   grades   K  to   8.

Open  to  beginners  and  advanced   students

Students  will learn to play the game of Chess and learn winning strategies.  They will become prepared for tournament  play which is organized  by  Coach  Jeff.  Tournament  play  is not required but is an added bonus.

Chess  is  a  wonderful  game that helps children develop mental discipline, analytical  skills, strategic  thinking, and  do  better academically.  Studies  have shown that   students   studying   Chess    demonstrated    a  marked   development   of  their  verbal    and math  aptitudes.  This  class  is  a great way for kids to have fun, improve  in  Chess, and  make  new  friends.

Added  bonus:   As  Coach  Jeff’s    program    is  in  twenty-one    elementary   schools   in   the  San  Gabriel   Valley,  Coach  Jeff organizes    three   tournaments   per  semester.

About  Coach  Jeff:   Jeff  Schwartz  has  played   tournament  chess    from  the  time  he  was  a  freshman   in  college.   Coach  Jeff  is a  Life  Member    of  the  United  States   Chess  Federation,  and  an  active  member  of  the  Arcadia  Chess   Club. Coach  Jeff  has taught  Chess   since   2007,   helping  hundreds   of   students  mature  in  the  world  of  Chess,  even  while  he   uses  an individualized  approach   for  each  student.

Contact:    chesscoachjeff@live.com or (626) 545-8457

Cost                                                       $150.00 materials included

Inquires & Information               cindrabarnes@yahoo.com or TEXT ONLY 909-993-2203

Register                                               At the above contact info

Class Description                  Students will learn the basics of Biology, Herbology and Farming. They will develop skills in co-operation and the use of tools while working together for a common goal. The class will focus on the preparing, maintenance, harvesting and reaping of the garden and use fun activities such as, bird feeders, steppingstones, and gnome painting to enhance their communal space.

VENDOR: We Spark Learning

TARGET: Grades 4-7

COURSE DURATION: 1 year (two, 13 week semesters – classes begin Sept 2, 2026)

DATES:

• Semester 1 runs Sept 2 -Dec 9 2026
• Semester 2 runs Jan 27-May 12 2027

COST PER SEMESTER : $296.00 (courtesy discount given to those who pay for class in full on day of registration). We are an approved vendor for most area Charter schools. If not, we’ll contact you to start the vendor process for your school!

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Become a Jr. Detective as you dive into Sherlock Holmes inspired challenges, with thoughtful exploration, hands-on testing, problem solving, logic and deduction. You’ll  stretch your mind to test out-of-the-box solutions,  solve mysteries, flex your reasoning, boost your creativity, and harness the power of teamwork!

We will study a few of Sherlock’s famous cases together and he will inspire every lesson that will include:

•         Perplexing Puzzles
•         Detective Mysteries
•         S.T.E.M. Challenges (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
•         Brain Games
•         And more!

Who is Sherlock Holmes?

Sherlock is a fictional private detective created by British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.  This famous character is known for his amazing powers of observation and superior logical reasoning that helps him solve the most difficult and unusual cases.

REGISTRATION: Enrollment opens for new students on April 10th, 2026 – Charter School students should follow up with a request for a P.O./Enrichment Certificate to be issued as soon as possible to complete your registration with us.

Questions? Call (626)482-8963 or email WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com