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NexGen academy
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8th-12th grade homeschool STEM program
- An easy-to-access homeschool STEM program for 8th-12th grades, with in-person and virtual learning settings, integrated with a Christian worldview. Classes are offered at regular-level and AP®-certified levels, and you can take the courses online from any location OR in-person if you live in the San Diego area.
- Classes use a combination of live webinars, in-person and virtual labs, homework assignments, and various internet assignments. The AP®-level classes are certified by the College Board®, confer college credits at most colleges/universities, fulfill the "a-g" subject matter criteria, and use a 5.0 grading scale. They require additional work and lab analyses beyond the ‘regular’ version of the same class.
- Parents can track student progress throughout the semester in Canvas®.
- Refer to the class list and class outlines below.
- For more information, or to reserve a seat for 2022-2023, email kjohanson@nexgenacademy.org.
2022-2023 Classes (see "Teaching Schedule" below)
- Biology - regular and AP® Biology
- Chemistry - regular and AP® Chemistry
- Physics - regular and AP® Physics 1
- Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus I
- Principles of Engineering
- Economics & U.S. Gov't
- Business Management & Ownership
- Anatomy & Physiology
- NEW: MakerLab
Teaching Schedule
2022-2023 Class Schedule (updated 6/27/2022)
This upcoming year I am continuing with our current format, with the classes alternating each week between live-webinar lectures and in-person lab sessions (so for example: week ‘A’ webinar, week ‘B’ lab, A-B-A-B and so on). If the government reinstates pandemic-related lockdowns again, or if gas prices go higher, then we can adjust if and when that happens. Math classes, Econ, and Business Management can be done online, with occasional in-person sessions if everyone wants that. That's going to be up to parents.
Classes will start right after Labor Day, and end in late May. This allows time for the AP students to prepare for their Spring exams, if they so choose.
I will be finalizing this schedule in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please send me your feedback via email.
Wednesdays
8:30-10:00 Economics/U.S. Gov’t
10:30-12:00 Business Management & Ownership
12:00-1:15 reserved
3:30-4:45 pm Algebra II (or one of the other math's)
Thursdays
8:30-10:00 Physics
10:00-10:45 AP Physics extension
11:00-12:30 Principles of Engineering
3:30-4:45 pm Pre-calculus
Fridays
8:30-10:00 Biology
10:00-10:45 AP Biology extension
11:00-12:30 Chemistry
12:30-1:15 AP Chemistry extension
3:30-4:45 pm Calculus 1
Anatomy-Physiology and MakerLab, if there's interest, can be slotted-in a few places.
This upcoming year I am continuing with our current format, with the classes alternating each week between live-webinar lectures and in-person lab sessions (so for example: week ‘A’ webinar, week ‘B’ lab, A-B-A-B and so on). If the government reinstates pandemic-related lockdowns again, or if gas prices go higher, then we can adjust if and when that happens. Math classes, Econ, and Business Management can be done online, with occasional in-person sessions if everyone wants that. That's going to be up to parents.
Classes will start right after Labor Day, and end in late May. This allows time for the AP students to prepare for their Spring exams, if they so choose.
I will be finalizing this schedule in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please send me your feedback via email.
Wednesdays
8:30-10:00 Economics/U.S. Gov’t
10:30-12:00 Business Management & Ownership
12:00-1:15 reserved
3:30-4:45 pm Algebra II (or one of the other math's)
Thursdays
8:30-10:00 Physics
10:00-10:45 AP Physics extension
11:00-12:30 Principles of Engineering
3:30-4:45 pm Pre-calculus
Fridays
8:30-10:00 Biology
10:00-10:45 AP Biology extension
11:00-12:30 Chemistry
12:30-1:15 AP Chemistry extension
3:30-4:45 pm Calculus 1
Anatomy-Physiology and MakerLab, if there's interest, can be slotted-in a few places.
Course Outlines
Here is a brief description of each course. The lineup changes a little from year to year, so please consult the class list above.
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Physical ScienceThis is a middle school, introductory laboratory science course which teaches lab skills, the metric system, observing and collecting data, measuring, graphing, and using scientific equations. The first semester focuses on introductory-level Chemistry and the second semester on introductory-level Physics. Textbook: BJU Physical Science. Prerequisites: concurrent enrollment in pre-algebra.
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Biology and AP® BiologyThis is an introductory Biology course with hands-on labs. The class covers a complete high school Biology curriculum, including chemistry of life, cells, photosynthesis, genetics, DNA and RNA, bacteria & viruses, body systems, ecosystems, and related topics.
Textbook: BJU Biology, 3rd or 4th edition AP textbook: OpenStax Biology Prerequisite: Completed Physical Science, and completed or concurrent enrollment in pre-algebra.
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Chemistry and AP® ChemistryAn introductory Chemistry course with hands-on labs. The course covers a complete high school Chemistry curriculum, from matter & atomic structure through organic and nuclear chemistry. Labs have been carefully designed to illustrate the key concepts.
Textbook: BJU Chemistry, 3rd - 5th edition AP textbook: Zumdahl Chemistry, 8th edition Prerequisites: concurrent enrollment in Algebra 1 or Integrated Math 1.
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Physics and AP® Physics 1This is an introductory Physics course with hands-on labs. The course covers a standard U.S. curriculum including classical Newtonian mechanics, rotational motion, mechanical waves & sound, periodic motion, electrostatics, DC circuits, and nuclear physics. This is not calculus-based Physics.
Textbook: Young & Geller, College Physics, 8th edition Prerequisites: Completed Algebra 1 and recommended concurrent enrollment in Geometry.
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Calculus I
This is an introduction to differential and integral calculus, covering the same topics that you would cover in the first semester of college calculus, but spreading it over the whole year.
Textbook: OpenStax Calculus, Volume 1. Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra II. |
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Human Anatomy & PhysiologyA High School level course that investigates the structure and function of the human body to include several dissections. You will cover statistics in physiology, chemistry of life, cells & tissues, integumentary (skin) system, muscular-skeletal movement, neurophysiology, heart & cardiovascular, human nutrition, and related topics.
Textbook: Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology, by Tortora, 12th Edition. Prerequisites: Introductory Biology is recommended, plus basic knowledge of Chemistry is helpful.
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Principles of EngineeringThis course is an outstanding introduction to the field of engineering! Students are exposed to a wide range of design concepts used in mechanical, civil, structural, electrical, and aeronautical engineering. The course includes an introduction to AutoDesk® CAD software (free download). Designed for ~8th-10th graders, but older students welcome.
Textbook: Principles of Engineering, by Handley. Prerequisites: Concurrent Algebra 1 or Integrated Math 1.
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Civil Engineering & Architecture
Are you interested in architectural design or construction technology? Do you have an interest in art and/or design concepts? If so, I highly recommend this course!
In this course, high school students are introduced to the design and construction of residential & commercial buildings. They will learn how to read architectural plans and document their own work using CAD software. Designed for ~10th-12th grades, but younger students are welcome. Prerequisites: Concurrent Algebra 1 or Integrated Math 1
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Economics & U.S. Government
This course lays the foundation for a successful understanding of micro-and-macroeconomics, based on the concepts of free enterprise and limited constitutional government. We will also analyze the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights as founding documents. Prerequisites: completed or enrolled in Algebra 1 or Integrated Math 1.
Textbook: Principles of Economics, 1st, by Mateer, Coppock |
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Business Management & Ownership
If you have ever wondered if you are interested in a career in business or are just curious about why things happen in the economy or in your place of work, I highly recommend enrolling in this class. This survey course covers a wide range of topics that will aid you in understanding business functions and the world around you. There will be lots of discussion and constant reference to what is currently happening in the real world. Prerequisite: Students should be able to manipulate basic numbers and use Excel. Completion of Algebra 1 is recommended.
Textbook: Entrepreneurship, Owning Your Future, 11th, by Mariotti.
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Testimonials from parents and former students
I want to thank you for all that your class is doing for my son, _______. It has opened new thought processes for him, it has showed him how to apply physical principles to practical problems, and given him a glimpse of the trial and error aspects of real engineering.
Scott Y.
I cannot thank you enough for teaching these two classes for _______. I wasn’t sure if he would be able to handle the load of 2 high school science classes but thought it would be a good test to see if he really wanted to study astrophysics or another STEM major. God has truly used your classes to solidify and clarify even more his desire to study science. We are very grateful for your investment in our son!
Many thanks,
Leslie W.
Thanks again, Kris! It's a great progress report! Thanks so much for being ________ teacher!
Praising Him today!
Lynne S.
Thank you so much for generously sharing your talents and expertise with our children! Joyfully,
Brook M.
I'm very thankful for your class! We appreciate all you are doing for our students!
Debbie V.
Thank you for the tremendous amount of work you do for this excellent class.
Mary B.
When I realized I needed a recommendation, I immediately thought of you. Your class inspired me to pursue engineering in my further studies. You showed to me the many different facets of engineering that interested me in so many different ways. Thank you so much for your help!
Mitchell K.
Scott Y.
I cannot thank you enough for teaching these two classes for _______. I wasn’t sure if he would be able to handle the load of 2 high school science classes but thought it would be a good test to see if he really wanted to study astrophysics or another STEM major. God has truly used your classes to solidify and clarify even more his desire to study science. We are very grateful for your investment in our son!
Many thanks,
Leslie W.
Thanks again, Kris! It's a great progress report! Thanks so much for being ________ teacher!
Praising Him today!
Lynne S.
Thank you so much for generously sharing your talents and expertise with our children! Joyfully,
Brook M.
I'm very thankful for your class! We appreciate all you are doing for our students!
Debbie V.
Thank you for the tremendous amount of work you do for this excellent class.
Mary B.
When I realized I needed a recommendation, I immediately thought of you. Your class inspired me to pursue engineering in my further studies. You showed to me the many different facets of engineering that interested me in so many different ways. Thank you so much for your help!
Mitchell K.
Our son ______ is currently taking both of your classes and he has learned so much about what he would choose as major in University. We would like to know if you are planning to teach any or both classes again next year.
Noemi O.
Thank you for teaching. I enjoyed your class and the challenges that came with it.
Ezra S.
Your class is a lot of work, but _____ is enjoying it and likes the project format which integrates so many skills. We appreciate your expertise, extensive time on this and professionalism. This is such a blessing to our 9th grade school year.
Brian W.
Your engineering classes are the best experience and opportunity ever for our students. Your expertise and instruction to guide these students are impeccable, I pray that you are able to teach this class for awhile. Thank you for this great opportunity.
Deborah M.
He REALLY enjoys engineering. I think he didn't realize till he got into it. It may be where he would like to pursue as a career.
Diane Y.
THANK YOU for the wealth of info which you are imparting to our children! I've had an opportunity to look through the project submissions and enjoy the 'learning-by-doing'. Thank you for the time and work put into these classes.
Blessings in Christ,
Ardy L.
Thank you so much for teaching Principles of Engineering. We are deeply grateful for your expertise, creativity, and professionalism. Your instruction has been a great asset to _______ education. Thank you for allowing God to use you in this way.
Warmest regards,
John & Chris J.
Thank you so much for a wonderful class. __________ learned a lot. I hope he can take other classes with you next year.
Blessings,
D.R.
Thank you so much for teaching Principles of Engineering and Civil Engineering. I really enjoyed both and learned a lot.
Ryan Z.
Noemi O.
Thank you for teaching. I enjoyed your class and the challenges that came with it.
Ezra S.
Your class is a lot of work, but _____ is enjoying it and likes the project format which integrates so many skills. We appreciate your expertise, extensive time on this and professionalism. This is such a blessing to our 9th grade school year.
Brian W.
Your engineering classes are the best experience and opportunity ever for our students. Your expertise and instruction to guide these students are impeccable, I pray that you are able to teach this class for awhile. Thank you for this great opportunity.
Deborah M.
He REALLY enjoys engineering. I think he didn't realize till he got into it. It may be where he would like to pursue as a career.
Diane Y.
THANK YOU for the wealth of info which you are imparting to our children! I've had an opportunity to look through the project submissions and enjoy the 'learning-by-doing'. Thank you for the time and work put into these classes.
Blessings in Christ,
Ardy L.
Thank you so much for teaching Principles of Engineering. We are deeply grateful for your expertise, creativity, and professionalism. Your instruction has been a great asset to _______ education. Thank you for allowing God to use you in this way.
Warmest regards,
John & Chris J.
Thank you so much for a wonderful class. __________ learned a lot. I hope he can take other classes with you next year.
Blessings,
D.R.
Thank you so much for teaching Principles of Engineering and Civil Engineering. I really enjoyed both and learned a lot.
Ryan Z.
Attached is my bombardier beetle report. This was actually a really fun assignment! I loved learning about the side effects of Benzoquinone and the chemical reactions involved in making it.
Ethan W.
____________ has learned so much under your instruction and I feel that this class has been very valuable for him!... He has learned so many valuable lessons and was challenged to think "outside the box" and problem solve in many different ways. You are offering an excellent course.
Thanks again!
Karla B.
Thank you for showing me so much mercy during this whole year… This was one of the hardest subjects for me to learn and I’m so grateful for your patience. I am walking away from your class with a better understanding of not only the economy, but the basic functions of our government as well.
Best wishes,
Julia H.
Thanks for teaching such a great class. _____ really enjoys and never complains about the work load; just gets to work. You have really made a difference in _____ high school life, and Bruce and I thank you.
In Him,
L.S.
Thanks for your excellence in teaching all year long – and keeping the standard high. The Architectural Design class was an exceptional experience for _____ and our family. The projects were so interesting & required a lot of skills from _____. We appreciate the time and guidance you gave to ____.
Thanks!
Kim G
Thank you for all of your hard work that you put into this class, I really enjoyed it!
Sarah L
Mr. J reflects a thorough interest in the subject to the students. His teaching style reflects a lot of behind-the-scenes study and research, which is evidenced off and on with his discussion of things that are sparked by the subject matter of the curriculum....It is obvious that Mr. J seeks to light the spark of interest by encouraging students to also think about some of the choices that they have both in college and career with these courses of study. Opening devotional thoughts and prayer also challenges the student to keep a godly perspective in their pursuits.
Emily C.
Thank you so much for being such a great Chemistry teacher... I really appreciate all you put into the class and I am so thankful to have had you as my teacher!
Thanks again,
Nicole L
Hello Mr. J, thank you for being a gracious and attentive teacher! I loved learning chemistry from you this past year. You were always encouraging and taught me to do hard things!
Leilani C
Thanks so much for an amazing year Mr. Johanson, I really appreciate the time and effort you put into this class, I will forever remember the experiments and the fun times!!
Thomas A
I want to extend a deep heartfelt thanks and appreciation to you for your involvement in _______ life and our family. _____ has thrived under your studies and it has been fun to see him enthralled by architecture, engineering, and enjoying learning about economics. He is also encouraged and feels able to go do college!
Sincerely,
Sam O
Thank you for teaching Principles of Engineering this year. It was my favorite class. Loved the projects!
Jesse S.
Ethan W.
____________ has learned so much under your instruction and I feel that this class has been very valuable for him!... He has learned so many valuable lessons and was challenged to think "outside the box" and problem solve in many different ways. You are offering an excellent course.
Thanks again!
Karla B.
Thank you for showing me so much mercy during this whole year… This was one of the hardest subjects for me to learn and I’m so grateful for your patience. I am walking away from your class with a better understanding of not only the economy, but the basic functions of our government as well.
Best wishes,
Julia H.
Thanks for teaching such a great class. _____ really enjoys and never complains about the work load; just gets to work. You have really made a difference in _____ high school life, and Bruce and I thank you.
In Him,
L.S.
Thanks for your excellence in teaching all year long – and keeping the standard high. The Architectural Design class was an exceptional experience for _____ and our family. The projects were so interesting & required a lot of skills from _____. We appreciate the time and guidance you gave to ____.
Thanks!
Kim G
Thank you for all of your hard work that you put into this class, I really enjoyed it!
Sarah L
Mr. J reflects a thorough interest in the subject to the students. His teaching style reflects a lot of behind-the-scenes study and research, which is evidenced off and on with his discussion of things that are sparked by the subject matter of the curriculum....It is obvious that Mr. J seeks to light the spark of interest by encouraging students to also think about some of the choices that they have both in college and career with these courses of study. Opening devotional thoughts and prayer also challenges the student to keep a godly perspective in their pursuits.
Emily C.
Thank you so much for being such a great Chemistry teacher... I really appreciate all you put into the class and I am so thankful to have had you as my teacher!
Thanks again,
Nicole L
Hello Mr. J, thank you for being a gracious and attentive teacher! I loved learning chemistry from you this past year. You were always encouraging and taught me to do hard things!
Leilani C
Thanks so much for an amazing year Mr. Johanson, I really appreciate the time and effort you put into this class, I will forever remember the experiments and the fun times!!
Thomas A
I want to extend a deep heartfelt thanks and appreciation to you for your involvement in _______ life and our family. _____ has thrived under your studies and it has been fun to see him enthralled by architecture, engineering, and enjoying learning about economics. He is also encouraged and feels able to go do college!
Sincerely,
Sam O
Thank you for teaching Principles of Engineering this year. It was my favorite class. Loved the projects!
Jesse S.
I wanted to thank you for teaching Chemistry. _________ has really enjoyed your class and learned a lot! ...Thank you again for all you put into teaching. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Roxanne K.
Thank you for your kind words and the first semester grade report (very thorough!). You and your class have been a blessing!
Matt and Amila V.
I just wanted to thank you for doing a great job as science teacher. I have really enjoyed being in your class. It's been very exciting!
Jacob C.
Here is my Physics final. Thank you for teaching the class this year! I really enjoyed the challenge and you were extremely helpful with explaining all the different concepts.
Colin D.
_________ has turned out to be such a wonderful young man, and your mentoring has been part of that. Thanks for everything these past couple of years. Your classes have been excellent and enjoyable.
Kim G.
Our very best wishes, and thanks, for all your dedication, hard work, and obedience to what is clearly a spiritual calling.
Blessings,
The H. Family
Thank you so much for teaching this class, Kris. __________ learned so much and really worked hard. Thank you for pushing her and making the class so interesting. Have an awesome summer,
Vicki S.
Thank you so much for teaching Anatomy & Physiology at EC2 this year. We're very grateful.... it turned out to be a huge success.
Beth & Melanie
Thank you so much for sending __________ grade. She has enjoyed your class and I appreciate the valuable experience you’ve given her.
May the Lord bless you for your time and dedication in serving.
Dena C.
Thanks so much Kris. Thanks for that extra session and the allowance on the exam submission. You ran a great class and ________ loved all the labs!
Tabitha F.
_________ has learned so much in your science classes. Thank you so much for what you do for the homeschooling community! Your classes were a tremendous blessing for our family. So Grateful!
Monica D.
Roxanne K.
Thank you for your kind words and the first semester grade report (very thorough!). You and your class have been a blessing!
Matt and Amila V.
I just wanted to thank you for doing a great job as science teacher. I have really enjoyed being in your class. It's been very exciting!
Jacob C.
Here is my Physics final. Thank you for teaching the class this year! I really enjoyed the challenge and you were extremely helpful with explaining all the different concepts.
Colin D.
_________ has turned out to be such a wonderful young man, and your mentoring has been part of that. Thanks for everything these past couple of years. Your classes have been excellent and enjoyable.
Kim G.
Our very best wishes, and thanks, for all your dedication, hard work, and obedience to what is clearly a spiritual calling.
Blessings,
The H. Family
Thank you so much for teaching this class, Kris. __________ learned so much and really worked hard. Thank you for pushing her and making the class so interesting. Have an awesome summer,
Vicki S.
Thank you so much for teaching Anatomy & Physiology at EC2 this year. We're very grateful.... it turned out to be a huge success.
Beth & Melanie
Thank you so much for sending __________ grade. She has enjoyed your class and I appreciate the valuable experience you’ve given her.
May the Lord bless you for your time and dedication in serving.
Dena C.
Thanks so much Kris. Thanks for that extra session and the allowance on the exam submission. You ran a great class and ________ loved all the labs!
Tabitha F.
_________ has learned so much in your science classes. Thank you so much for what you do for the homeschooling community! Your classes were a tremendous blessing for our family. So Grateful!
Monica D.
Thank you so much for making these homework videos, they have helped me with homework so much not only to understand the concepts better but also to stress less about homework. I'm really enjoying the class this year, thank you for teaching it!
Gracie M.
The lecture was very informative and I especially appreciated the dialogue on the 15th amendment because I had to give a speech on that topic...
Nathan Y.
Thanks so much for teaching me Chem this year, it was a lot of fun to learn!
Sincerely,
Natalia M.
Thank you for a good Biology class this year! I learned a lot and enjoyed drawing all the diagrams. The SAT Biology test was definitely a challenge; it was my hardest final this year!
Josh G.
Thank you for investing in him. Your classes have provided a stimulating community for learning.
Sincerely,
Darci W.
Thank you for everything you taught my daughter this school year. She enjoyed Physics a lot!
Ruth A.
Gracie M.
The lecture was very informative and I especially appreciated the dialogue on the 15th amendment because I had to give a speech on that topic...
Nathan Y.
Thanks so much for teaching me Chem this year, it was a lot of fun to learn!
Sincerely,
Natalia M.
Thank you for a good Biology class this year! I learned a lot and enjoyed drawing all the diagrams. The SAT Biology test was definitely a challenge; it was my hardest final this year!
Josh G.
Thank you for investing in him. Your classes have provided a stimulating community for learning.
Sincerely,
Darci W.
Thank you for everything you taught my daughter this school year. She enjoyed Physics a lot!
Ruth A.
Thank you so much for teaching Principles of Engineering. I learned so much about so many things related to engineering and had an absolute blast...
Sincerely,
Ben S.
Thank you, Mr. Johanson. I’m learning a lot from your (Principles of Engineering) class and how to apply it to my little designs at home!
Michael M.
Thank you for everything you taught me in Chemistry, you are an amazing teacher.
May God bless you,
Avery M.
Thank you for teaching Economics this last year! I've enjoyed all of the classes you've taught throughout my high school experience, and I appreciate the investment you have made in my education. Have a blessed summer!
Sincerely,
N. Y.
Sincerely,
Ben S.
Thank you, Mr. Johanson. I’m learning a lot from your (Principles of Engineering) class and how to apply it to my little designs at home!
Michael M.
Thank you for everything you taught me in Chemistry, you are an amazing teacher.
May God bless you,
Avery M.
Thank you for teaching Economics this last year! I've enjoyed all of the classes you've taught throughout my high school experience, and I appreciate the investment you have made in my education. Have a blessed summer!
Sincerely,
N. Y.
