See class descriptions below.

Thursday, 9:00am-10:45pm
Ages 14-18
Mentored by: Shawn Crane

What is liberty? Who should be free? Where does freedom come from?

This class focuses on the founding era of American History, the Revolutionary War, the Declaration of Independence, and the U. S. Constitution. This will be an interactive and in-depth study of the principles that inspired ordinary people to create a new paradigm of government. Students will be challenged and supported in building critical scholar skills such as: increasing attention span, managing time and long-term projects competently, reading for both content and application, writing persuasively, and public speaking.

Students will read and discuss freedom classics, study and memorize core documents including the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution, and participate in historical simulations.

Learn about ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness’ in Key of Liberty!

*We hope to offer a merit-based Spring trip for students in this class to visit key historical sites on the East Coast.

Outside Work Required:

Students will need 5 to 10 hours each week to complete reading and writing assignments, presentations, speeches, etc. Additional time will be needed for students attempting to earn award making them eligible for the trip.

Monthly Class Fee: $85
Materials Fee: $35 per semester

Thursday, 9:00am-10:45am
Ages 14-18
Mentored by: Michelle Anderson

What if you graduated high school already knowing how to handle money with confidence?

In this class, students will learn real-life money skills using the Foundations in Personal Finance curriculum by Dave Ramsey. Through this curriculum, we’ll explore how to budget, save, avoid debt, invest wisely, and make smart choices as consumers.

But this isn’t just a lecture-based class—we’ll bring money to life through interactive games, group discussions, and real-world scenarios. Students will also read selected books on investing and personal finance to deepen their understanding and think critically about how money works.

By the end of the course, students won’t just know about money—they’ll feel confident using it wisely in everyday life.

Outside Work Required: 1-2 hour per week

Monthly Class Fee: $85 
Monthly Class Fee for iLead and Blue Ridge Charter Funds: $90
Materials Fee: $85 

Thursday, 9:00am-10:45am
Ages 14-18
Mentored by: Kimberly Ashton

Is your learner interested in diving deep into his/her personality and learning more about how he/she ticks? Have you thought about how your student would handle a job or college application interview? Does your student know how and when to write a proper thank you note? Do you feel confident your student could send emails that would be well received by a professor or possible job interviewer? What if that interview is at a formal restaurant? Would your learner panic about which fork to use and what bread plate is his/hers? Does your student need support with gratitude, positive self-talk, and resilience?

This Masterclass is a unique, semester-long training series where students learn how to handle and be prepared for many real life situations. In addition to learning the above, this class will feature many talented adults who will showcase their careers and hobbies to spark passion and interest in our learners. This class will include mock resume writing, mock interviews, thank you note crafting and email writing, a variety of simulations, PLUS the added benefit of learning about a variety of careers and hobbies!

Outside Work Required: Students will need approximately 1 to 2 hours each week to complete assigned reading, videos, writing, etc.

Monthly Class Fee: $85
Monthly Class Fee for iLead and Blue Ridge 
Materials Fee: $40

Thursday, 11:00am-1:00pm
Ages 14-18
Mentored by: Shawn Crane

Reading for understanding, discussing to gain clarity, writing to refine thinking, debating to refine ideas, and speaking persuasively with confidence—these are the skills that set students apart. This course actively develops them through guided practice, meaningful feedback, and dynamic engagement.

Students cultivate a lifelong love of learning while growing as independent thinkers and emerging leaders. Through classic texts and rich discussion, they learn to ask thoughtful questions, challenge assumptions, and engage with the great ideas that shape our world. Writing becomes a powerful tool for both learning and influence, while regular speeches, debates, and simulations build poise and confidence in speaking.

At a time when many students enter college without strong communication or study skills, this course provides a clear advantage—equipping students with the reading, writing, thinking, and speaking abilities essential for success in college and beyond.

Writing instruction includes materials from the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW), helping students build both confidence and competence in high school–level writing.

Outside Work Required: Students will need 5 to 12 hours each week to complete reading and writing assignments, preparation for presentations, debates, simulations, etc.

Monthly Class Fee: $90
Materials Fee: $35 per semester

Thursday, 1:45pm-4:45pm
Ages 14-18
Mentored by: Michelle Anderson & Amanda McCarthy
(iLead and Blue Ridge charter funds accepted for this class.)

In Shakespeare Connection, we explore the poetry, humor, wit, and wisdom of William Shakespeare through reading, writing, discussion, and performance. In the fall, we read and discuss several of Shakespeare’s plays. Beginning in January, we are rehearsing and performing! Acting gives students an opportunity to understand Shakespeare’s plays and characters at a deeper level, and “sets the stage” for developing many practical skills – public speaking, persuasiveness, as well as the use of language, humor, movement, and body language to tell a story. Actors learn to work with others and develop as a team, as well as technical aspects of theater.

IMPORTANT DATES:
Shakespeare Faire Rehearsal days: January 22, 29 (9-5pm)
Shakespeare Faire: January 30, 2027 (12-8pm)
Rehearsal Week: (9-5 pm each day)
May 17-June 3 (Memorial Day off)
Dates for Spring Play with call time:
June 4 (1-10pm), June 5 (2-8pm), June 6 (11-5pm)

Outside Work Required: 5-10 hours per week

Monthly Class Fee: $130
Monthly Class Fee for iLead andBlue Ridge Charter Funds: $135
Materials Fee: $60 per semester
Production Fee: (Spring Semester) $200/student