CLASS CATALOGUE Fall 2023
(GRADES 6-12)
To open the registration form in a new window, so that you can view the Class Catalogue next to the registration form in your browser, click Registration Form
Receive a 10% discount when registering for four or more classes per student by August 31.
* If you are a student at a homeschool charter school, you may be able to take our high school classes for credit if you talk to your contact person from the school, and request that the courses be added to their course catalog. All the schools have different procedures and policies. Please let us know if you need assistance with syllabi and curriculum.
MONDAY CLASSES (15 WEEKS) In-person at Adat Shalom
World History: Muslim World, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas
Monday: 9:00 am – 10:30 am (15 weeks)
Jan. 9, (no 16), 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, (no 20), 27, March (no 6), 13, 20, 27, April (no 3, 10), 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22
Grades 6 and up
Today, all humans, whether they are Europeans, Australian Aborigines, or Africans, belong to the same subgroup of human beings, Homo Sapiens Sapiens, or wise, wise humans. We have more in common with our ancient ancestors and each other than we often admit, and we have survived thousands of years because of our ability to adapt and progress. The material covered for the second semester will be from prehistory up to 500 AD, and will include that history from many regions of the world, including the Muslim world, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. We will be covering a lot of material in a short amount of time, so students will be expected to pay keen attention in class, take notes, and do a fair amount of homework, including a research paper (4-6 pages). Students will not only learn the important events in history, but also learn how the information fits together in terms of human development, time periods, and regions of the world. Students will be engaged in as many hands-on activities as time allows. The curriculum will be based on the second unit of the Glencoe World History book.
Students are welcome to take this class remotely. Please let us know when you register.
This class is not a repeat of Fall 2022 but rather, a continuation. New students are welcome!
TEACHER: Steve Rachwal
SEMESTER FEE: $435
Geography - Europe
Monday: 10:35 am – 11:35 am (15 weeks)
Jan. 9, (no 16), 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, (no 20), 27, March (no 6), 13, 20, 27, April (no 3, 10), 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22
Grades 6 and up
Pack your bags, and join us on an exploration of Europe! This course will cover both the physical and human geography of the European continent. Students will strengthen their map skills and become familiar with European currencies, languages, and climates. They will also learn about the rich history, culture, and landmarks of individual countries. I have traveled to many countries in Europe, so students will gain a firsthand perspective and be able to see pictures and objects from the countries we visit. At the end of the semester, students will complete an individual country research project on a European country of their choosing. Each class will include creative activities and discussions, as well as exercises on researching and writing. Students will be expected to complete assignments on Google Classroom. Access to a Gmail account is required for this class.
TEACHER: Hyla Rachwal
SEMESTER FEE: $395
Drawing Fundamentals
Monday: 12:00 pm – 12:55 pm (15 weeks)
Jan. 9, (no 16), 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, (no 20), 27, March (no 6), 13, 20, 27, April (no 3, 10), 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22
Grades 6 and up
People often tell me that they cannot draw. My answer is always the same: “Everybody can draw. You first need to learn how to see.” When you learn to play an instrument, you learn to identify the sound of the notes and you should practice often to become good. That is the same with drawing. We study the science of drawing (perspective and lighting), mixed in with doodling techniques, and other topics the students express interest in. Each student will need a sketchbook (minimum size 8”x10”) and will be expected to draw in it regularly outside of class. We will provide all other materials, but students are welcome to bring their own supplies.
This class is not a repeat of Fall 2022 but rather, a continuation. New students are welcome!
TEACHER: Steve Rachwal
SEMESTER FEE: $395
Jump Rope Skills
Monday: 1:00 pm – 1:55 pm (14 weeks)
Jan. 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, (no 20), 27, March (no 6), 13, 20, 27, April (no 3, 10), 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22
Grades 6 and up
This jump rope course will teach students the basics of Single Rope, Double Dutch, and Group Jumping. Students will learn a variety of skills and jump rope activities to improve confidence, endurance, focus, teamwork, and creative expression. All skills will be age appropriate.
Here is a link to the ropes Mike recommends: https://buyjumpropes.net/economy-beaded-jump-ropes/. Please purchase an 8 foot rope in the color of your choosing and bring it to the first class. Students will be responsible for bringing their ropes to class. Due to Covid, there will be no sharing of ropes. If your child would like to leave a rope at CLP, this is fine. It will be labeled with their name.
Returning and new students welcome!
TEACHER: Mike Fry
SEMESTER FEE: $350
Journalism This class is cancelled
Monday: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (15 weeks)
Jan. 9, (no 16), 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, (no 20), 27, March (no 6), 13, 20, 27, April (no 3, 10), 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22
Grades 6 and up
This new class teaches the craft of reporting news for print and other media. Topics include research, interviewing, fact checking, meeting deadlines, writing copy and “inverted pyramid style”, editing, editorials, long-form investigative reporting, breaking events, broadcast journalism and journalistic ethics (bias, source anonymity, corrections, etc.). Controversial and current issues will be addressed. Taught by a freelance writer with over 100 bylines including The Los Angeles Times and many magazines.
TEACHER: Aaron Vanek
SEMESTER FEE: $400
TUESDAY CLASSES (17 WEEKS) Online. Your teacher will send you the Zoom links.
An Introduction to ASL (American Sign Language)
Tuesday: 10:15 am – 11:15 am (17 weeks)
Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb 7, 14, 21, 28, March (no class 7), 14, 21, 28, ( no class April 4, 11), 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23
Grades 4 and up
The movie CODA has brought a new awareness of ASL and now you can learn to sign.
This class will begin with teaching:
- 1. The basic elements of ASL, including handshapes, body placement, movements, and facial expression
- 2. A brief history of ASL
- 3. The manual alphabet
- 4. ASL handshapes
- 5. Unique linguistics, artistic expression of ASL
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6. categories of common words describing "who", "do", "what", "where" and "when" in order to communicate basic conversations and needs
The class is then "customized" according to the interests of the students.
Given the time constraints of this class, fluency in ASL communication is not an objective. However, recommendations and referrals for further acquisition of ASL skills will be provided.
TEACHER: Miriam Cantor
SEMESTER FEE: $425
WEDNESDAY CLASSES (18 WEEKS) In-person at Adat Shalom
Marine Biology
Wednesday: 9:00 am – 10:00 am (18 weeks)
Jan. 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, April (no class 5, 12), 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24
Grades 6 and up
In this Middle and High School Marine Biology class, students will dive deep into the knowledge of our Water Planet. We study our oceans and the importance of ocean currents, waves, and tides. We will learn about the coral reefs and kelp forests, including the marine organisms that call these unique environments their home. Students will acquire knowledge about the conditions of intertidal environments, including the adaptations of the organisms that live there. Human’s impact on the marine environment will also be studied. Finally, we will discuss marine life in the different biozones in the ocean, including the continental shelf and the deep-sea trenches. If you love the ocean and want to learn more about aquatic life and animals, this is the class for you!
This class is run in two tracks. After the first 5 weeks, you can’t change tracks.
Track 1: Students will participate in lectures and in class projects. Quizzes, homework and at home project are optional. No formal grade is given.
Track 2: Students will participate in lectures and in class projects. Students in Track 2 will read the textbook, do assignments, quizzes and exams. The at home project is mandatory and formal grades will be given.
This class is not a repeat of Fall 2022 but rather, a continuation. New students are welcome!
TEACHER: Charlotte Swanson
SEMESTER FEE: $460
Middle School English (In-Person)
Wednesday: 10:00 am – 11:30 am (18 weeks)
Jan. 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, April (no class 5, 12), 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24
Grades 6 - 8
From Shakespearian plays to spooky poetry by Edgar Allan Poe, and the dystopian worlds of Ray Bradbury to the allegorical novellas of George Orwell, this class will explore the richness and variety that the literary world has to offer. Students will learn how to analyze literature, and think critically about different ideas and themes. They will learn to write creatively as well as academically. Writing skills include richer word choices, stronger paragraphs, idea brainstorming, organizational tools, description enrichment, the five-paragraph essay format, and editing strategies. Students will be expected to complete weekly assignments on Google Classroom where they will also receive individualized feedback. Access to a Gmail account is required for this class. No textbook required.
This class is not a repeat of Fall 2022 but rather, a continuation. New students are welcome!
TEACHER: Hyla Rachwal
SEMESTER FEE: $530
Food Science -More Herbal Magic
Wednesday: 12:00 pm – 12:55 pm (18 weeks)
Jan. 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, April (no class 5, 12,) 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24
Grades 6 and up
This hands-on class is an exciting way to learn about how food interacts with the human body, how to make medicinal remedies from plants, as well as a look into the historical and modern influences on our ecological systems. Students will explore the life cycle of mushrooms by growing them! We will study how particular foods impact certain biological systems through our senses. Participants will gain an herbalist's perspective by concocting tinctures and other plant remedies through first hand experience. We will traverse the history of agriculture in the United States, examine GMO impact, and learn the basic fundamentals of seed saving. Roll up your sleeves and join us at the table for Food Science!
All activities will be tailored to the age of the students in the class.
TEACHER: Bridey Phillips
SEMESTER FEE: $500
Speaker’s League
Wednesday: 1:45 pm – 3:00 pm (18 weeks)
Jan. 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, April (no class 5, 12), 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24
Grades 4 and up
Come join the fun and take the fear out of public speaking. Modeled after Toastmasters, Speaker's League offers kids the opportunity to hone their public speaking skills through hands-on activities including the preparation and presentation of speeches, impromptu speaking, the use of visual aids, gestures, and vocal variety. The meetings are run by the students and they progress through levels as they master specific skills.
New members are welcome!
TEACHER: Karen Golden
SEMESTER FEE: $450
THURSDAY CLASSES (17 WEEKS) Online. Your teacher will send you the Zoom links.
Art: Sentient Elephants - Characters in 3-D modeling
Thursday: 9:00 am – 10:00 am (16 weeks)
Jan. 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, April (no class 6, 13), 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18
Grades 5 and up
In this class, students will construct both human and animal forms using wire armature, Sculpey modeling clay, and surface painting.
The themes will include: imagining the future and learning about the past; characters from history and projecting them into the future like imagining Beethoven listening to his own symphony in 2150 and Cleopatra leading a powerful galactic interstellar nation; sentient elephants occupying a secret island and any place your imagination takes you.
3D construction suplies:
- 12 gage aluminum sculpture wire
- One pound of Supper Sculpie
- Needle nose pliers
- Gaffers tape (one roll any color)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Scissors
- Utility knife or X-Acto
- Cutting mat of any kind
The class will also be using some scrap cardboard and or some scrap plywood for basses.
TEACHER: Julianna Ostrovsky
SEMESTER FEE: $400
Creative Writing: The Short Story
Thursday: 10:15 am – 11:15 pm (17 weeks)
Jan. 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, April (no class 6, 13), 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18
Grades 6 and up
Short stories are jampacked with the same great characters, excitement, and language of full-length novels, but in bite-sized bits. The exciting variety of engaging poetry forms similarly offer a rich mini-playground for writing. In this workshop, we’ll focus on short stories as mentor texts to model as we unpack the elements and process of writing our own stories. Through the creative writing process, students will draft, revise, edit and share their original pieces in a collaborative and fun environment.
This class is not a repeat of Fall 2022 but rather, a continuation. New students are welcome!
TEACHER: Heidi Joyce
SEMESTER FEE: $425
FE JCC 5k with TEAM CLP. Team training is for EVER
FRIDAY CLASSES (17 WEEKS) Online. Your teacher will send you the Zoom links.
Storytelling - Let's Tell Stories
Friday: 8:00 am – 9:00 am (17 weeks)
Jan. 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, April (no class 7, 14), 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19
Grades 3 - 6
Humans love stories, and a well told story is even more beloved. In this class, we will learn to tell stories from a variety of sources including personal and family stories, folktales, legends and more. Students will learn what makes a good story and how to offer supportive suggestions for helping their classmates tell a better story. This class enhances creativity, public speaking, and the art of listening in a fun, interactive, and safe environment where even the shyest students can shine. Because this class is virtual, we can make friends from near and far and will have the opportunity to hear other professional storytellers from far-away places.
New and returning students welcome!
TEACHER: Karen Golden
SEMESTER FEE: $425
The History Of Chess
Friday: 9:15 am – 10:15 am (17 weeks)
Jan. 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, April (no class 7, 14), 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19
Grades 1 and up
Chaturanga, the game that would later become Chess, originated approximately 1500 years ago in Ancient India. Throughout the centuries, the game traveled to every part of the world via trade and conquest. Like an art or language, the changes in the game were influenced by different cultures and nations. In this course, each class will begin with a brief history lesson to give a cultural context to every rule change Chess underwent over the decades. Then we’ll play the game by ancient rules on replica antique boards. From Persia, to The Dark Ages, to the internet, and everywhere in between, we’ll “travel back in history” to experience the evolution of this Game of Kings that has stood the test of time!
*All students should be confident in the basic rules of Chess. This is a perfect follow up class for any children who previously attended Beginners Chess and/or Chess 2.0.
TEACHER: Brian Julian
SEMESTER FEE: $425
Chess 2
Friday: 10:30 am – 11:30 am (17 weeks)
Jan. 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, April (no class 7, 14), 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19
All ages
In this class for more experienced players, we will be taking Chess education to a higher level. We'll begin with a lightening fast review of the rules of the game but quickly move beyond that to dive into Chess strategy, technique and style! And there will be something challenging for all involved. The class will be fun and upbeat and will include gameplay, puzzles, technology, and group activities.
*All students should be confident in the basic rules of Chess. This is a perfect follow up class for any children who previously attended Beginners Chess*
TEACHER: Brian Julian
SEMESTER FEE: $425
In The News And Beyond The Headlines
Friday: 10:30 am – 11:30 am (17 weeks)
Jan. 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, April (no class 7, 14), 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19
Grades 6 - 8
We will read articles and watch videos about events in the news and have class discussions about how these events impact us, our communities, and the world. This class does NOT promote a specific political ideology. Topics will include elements of history, how our government and industry operate, and how to move ideas for change into action. Students will also gain news media literacy by learning how to judge the reliability and credibility of information. Students will be expected to write several short essays, often comparing opposing viewpoints.
All new material from last semester. New and returning students are welcome.
TEACHER: Steve Rachwal
SEMESTER FEE: $425
Middle School English (Online)
Friday: 11:45 am – 12:45 pm (17 weeks)
Jan. 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, April (no class 7, 14,) 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19
Grades 6 - 8
From Shakespearian plays to spooky poetry by Edgar Allan Poe, and the dystopian worlds of Ray Bradbury to the allegorical novellas of George Orwell, this class will explore the richness and variety that the literary world has to offer. Students will learn how to analyze literature, and think critically about different ideas and themes. They will learn to write creatively as well as academically. Writing skills include richer word choices, stronger paragraphs, idea brainstorming, organizational tools, description enrichment, the five-paragraph essay format, and editing strategies. Zoom classes will be interactive and include engaging elements such as breakout rooms, PowerPoint presentations, games, Blooket, Kahoot, and so much more! Students will be expected to complete weekly assignments on Google Classroom where they will also receive individualized feedback. Access to a Gmail account is required for this class. No textbook required.
This class is not a repeat of Fall 2022 but rather, a continuation. New students are welcome!
TEACHER: Hyla Rachwal
SEMESTER FEE: $425
Intro to Photoshop
Friday: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm (17 weeks)
Jan. 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, April (no class 7, 14), 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19
Grades 5 and up
We will learn the basics of Photoshop, including opening images, working with layers, adjusting image quality, making selections, retouching images, using color, adding text and shapes, combining images, applying filters, and more. Each week there will be assignments to complete using your newly learned skills. Adobe offers an “All Apps” plan to students for just $19.99/mo. for the first year.
TEACHER: Steve Rachwal
SEMESTER FEE: $425
Math Circle: A Partnership With 21st Century Math
Registration for this class is a two part process:
1. Email instructor Eric Kogan erickogan@21centurymath.com to request placement for the class, dates and fees.
2. Email Karen@karengolden.com to register for the class.
If you are part of a charter school, the Purchase Order is to be made out to Creative Learning Place. Thank you!
Beginners 2, Grade 5-6
Beginners 2 is based on the book, Math Adventures with ORMC, Level 2 "UCLA Math Circle" , From Ciphers to Nets of Solids, by Dr. Gleizer and Dr. Radko.
The course is designed for mathematically inclined children 9 to 12 years of age. There are 20 lessons in the book. Each lesson takes two to three 50-minute-long sessions to cover. Each lesson is followed by homework. The lessons cover the topics including ciphers, functions, solids, projections, introduction to logic, microchip design, and more.
Intermediate 1, Grade 7-8
The classes are suitable for mathematically inclined children 11 to 13 years of age. The topics covered include the Tower of Hanoi and the Sierpinksi Triangle, Egyptian multiplication and binary numbers, introduction to geometry, compass and ruler constructions, clock-face arithmetic, coordinates in the plane and on a sphere, functions and graphs, and geometry on the cylinder.
For more details about the program, such as our curriculum, grade levels, classes and fees please visit: https://www.21centurymath.com/.
Feel free to download the LESSON EXAMPLES to share with your children.
TEACHER: Eric Kogan
SEMESTER FEE: Will be based on the day of the week your child is placed.
Private Recorder Or Saxophone Lessons
Private Recorder or Saxophone Lessons
Learn to play the recorder or saxophone or brush up on your recorder skills. For beginning through advanced players. Private lessons can be arranged anytime Karen is not teaching a class at CLP, including Tuesdays and Thursdays, and in the afternoon and early evening hours. Both in-person and online.
TEACHER: Karen Golden
Class Fees: Private lessons will be sold in lesson packages: $120 for four 30 minute lessons.
Please email Karen@karengolden.com to schedule a time.
Tutoring
Are you interested in tutoring sessions in math or reading and writing for your child? A number of our CLP teachers are available to help your kids. Please check the box for tutoring on the registration form, or request tutoring here, and we will let you know about fees and availability.