|
Dear Parents,
The 2025-26 academic year will be my 12th year teaching STEM and AP® classes to independent high school students, a "part-time job" which grew out of homeschooling my own kids through high school. Hundreds of high school kids have participated, including a growing number of AP® students who earn college credit for their work. My background: I earned masters degrees in engineering and business management (University of Washington & San Diego State University) and spent 30 years working in these fields in the private sector. One of my most rewarding experiences during this time was being a home educator. My goal is to offer an interesting, challenging, and easy-to-access Science, Pre-engineering, and Math curriculum. I am well-known throughout the large San Diego homeschool community - please feel free to read the parent comments on the "references" tab. Please email me with any questions. Sincerely, Kris |
What are the classes like?
First and foremost, they are designed to be interesting and fun... All of us are more likely to engage our minds and reach higher when we can make a real connection and see exciting opportunities and possibilities for the future.
Class Overview
Each class consists of 2 semesters of coursework, running from early-September to mid-May (the typical U.S. school year). The courses use a combination of live-interactive webinar instruction, in-person labs/projects, and a variety of modern Internet tools. The lab courses include a full complement of hands-on labs (or virtual labs in most cases), spaced-out evenly throughout the year. During webinars & labs there is lots of class discussion, and class cohesiveness and positive student-student interaction is encouraged over the course of the year.
Homework
You will have typical homework questions/problems, various internet assignments, and lab write-ups. Recommended study time for STEM classes is at least 5 hours per week. AP students should budget more than that amount.
Exams
You will have a take-home, open-book, midterm and final exam, covering semester material. The exams are not burdensome, and you will be given a week to complete each one. Emphasis is on applications, not on rote memorization. The National AP® exams occur during the month of May, and although the exams are optional I encourage all AP® students to take the exam in their subject. All of my AP® students who have honestly prepared for their exam have passed, many with 4's and 5's.
Course Requirements
Class Overview
Each class consists of 2 semesters of coursework, running from early-September to mid-May (the typical U.S. school year). The courses use a combination of live-interactive webinar instruction, in-person labs/projects, and a variety of modern Internet tools. The lab courses include a full complement of hands-on labs (or virtual labs in most cases), spaced-out evenly throughout the year. During webinars & labs there is lots of class discussion, and class cohesiveness and positive student-student interaction is encouraged over the course of the year.
Homework
You will have typical homework questions/problems, various internet assignments, and lab write-ups. Recommended study time for STEM classes is at least 5 hours per week. AP students should budget more than that amount.
Exams
You will have a take-home, open-book, midterm and final exam, covering semester material. The exams are not burdensome, and you will be given a week to complete each one. Emphasis is on applications, not on rote memorization. The National AP® exams occur during the month of May, and although the exams are optional I encourage all AP® students to take the exam in their subject. All of my AP® students who have honestly prepared for their exam have passed, many with 4's and 5's.
Course Requirements
- Attend the classes (in-person and webinar sessions). Be on time.
- Take notes and ask relevant questions during the lectures
- Turn in your lab reports on time
- Turn in your homework assignments by the due date
- Don’t fall behind in your work. Do not procrastinate!