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Explore our options!
World History
Origins & Empires: World History and Civilizations
Embark on an epic journey through time with our comprehensive World History course designed specifically for homeschool students grades 9-12. Using the innovative Big History framework, students will explore humanity's story from the Big Bang to modern times, developing crucial historical thinking skills while investigating how different scales of time and space interconnect to shape our world.
Through engaging partner activities and hands-on projects, students will analyze primary sources, evaluate historical evidence, and make meaningful connections between different civilizations and eras. This dynamic course emphasizes collaboration and creative problem-solving, preparing students not just to understand history, but to learn important skills that will serve them in future endeavors.
An honors option is available.
Economics
A 1st semester online course
Dive into the world of economics alongside your classmates in this dynamic online course. While learning remotely, you will discover how economics impacts your life by analyzing how the economy functions.
In this one credit course, you will learn about economic systems, the nature and function of market structures, and how human behaviors and choices play a role in the economic past, present, and future. Be prepared to navigate your own personal finances by learning through real world examples and applications. Regular virtual meetups and interactive lessons through our online platform will help maintain our strong sense of community.
This course is recommended for 11th and 12th grade. An honors option is available. This course is an additional $150 per semester.
Anthropology
Physical and Cultural & Linguistic Anthropology
In the first semester of physical anthropology, students will explore the origins of humans, through evolution, race and genetics: Who are our earliest ancestors? How have humans changed over time? What does it mean to be biologically human? What is culture, and how did it develop?
Students will learn the methods anthropologists use to study the past and how these intersect with scientists in other fields, such as geology and biology. In addition, we will touch upon sub-disciplines of physical anthropology such as forensics and bioarcheology.
An honors option is available.
Prerequisite: World History
Government
A 2nd semester online course
Explore the foundations of American democracy in this engaging online course. While learning remotely, you'll examine how government impacts daily life by analyzing political institutions and processes. In this one credit course, you'll study constitutional principles, the three branches of government, and the importance of civic engagement.
Using primary and secondary resources, students will articulate, evaluate, and defend positions on government topics. As a result, they will be able to explain the role of individuals and groups in government, politics, and the need for civic and political engagement of citizens in the United States. Regular virtual meetups and interactive lessons maintain our strong sense of community.
This course is recommended for 11th and 12th grade. An honors option is available. This course is an additional $150 per semester.
Biology
Our comprehensive year-long course is designed to make learning biology fun and attainable for all students. Throughout the course, students will engage in hands-on laboratory experiments, interactive games, informative videos, and more. By incorporating diverse learning methods, we aim to cater to different learning styles and ensure every student can grasp fundamental concepts with ease.
Whether you're a science enthusiast or someone who finds biology intimidating, this course offers a supportive environment where you can thrive and succeed. Join us on this exciting journey as we explore the fascinating world of biology together!
An honors option is available.
Advanced Biology
Zoology and Anatomy & Physiology
The first semester of Advanced Biology will offer an exciting look into the field of zoology. Students will focus on animal development, classification, evolution, and more. Through hands-on laboratory activities, interactive games, engaging videos, and more, students will gain a deeper understanding of the kingdom Animalia. By the end of the semester, students will be well-prepared to apply this knowledge across diverse fields in biology, wildlife science, and veterinary studies.
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The second semester course description will be posted in fall 2025.
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An honors option is available.
Prerequisite: Biology
High School Prep is for the student who is looking to level up in time management skills, study strategies, note-taking, writing MLA formatted research papers, and communication skills for a successful transition to high school. These lessons will be applied in our two High School Prep courses: Integrated Science and World Geography.
The Integrated Science class will focus on topics such as chemistry, physics, astronomy, earth science, and life science. The World Geography course will focus on learning about the themes of geography which include local area geography, places, human-environment interactions, movement, and regions.
Self-directed work will be assigned each Monday for students to complete throughout the week, at family discretion. Using science and geography themes, the High School Prep courses will integrate valuable skills to help prepare students for high school level work.
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High School Prep
8th grade
Elective 1:
Intro to Computer Science
Computer science is a vast and ever-changing field that continues to be both a cornerstone of our modern world and a lot of fun. This class will introduce students to the field with several hands-on projects, some group work, an exploration of the growing options in code development, and discussions on security and privacy in tech. We will touch on the history of the computer science field, its fundamental skill set, and its future.
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Students will learn programming, basic data structures, and coding best practices while creating fun applications and learning more about the field. No previous programming skills are required, but several projects can be scaled up for students who have dabbled in coding already.
Elective 2:
Medical Terminology
In today's healthcare environment, understanding medical terminology is essential for professionals in all roles, from billing specialists and medical lawyers to healthcare providers. This course demystifies medical terminology, breaking down complex jargon into easily digestible components.
Through multisensory learning, retrieval practice, and interactive games, students will master the art of memorizing and applying medical terms. The course integrates these word parts with different body systems, providing a robust foundation that prepares students for advanced allied health classes and anatomy and physiology.
Elective 3:
Fiber Arts
​Immerse yourself in the creative world of fiber arts! We will learn about the history and variety of handcrafts that make up this form of the art scene. Fiber arts are still a very valuable skill to utilize in our modern lifestyle, often bringing a sense of calm and focus to the artist.
Join us as we prepare a raw sheep fleece, handcarding, handspinning, dye wools with natural and synthetic dyes, blending different fibers and knitting homespun yarns into a wearable item! We will also dabble with other fiber art crafts such as crochet, weaving, cross stitch and embroidery.
IHCA Fees
Includes 2 core classes and one elective!
Our Classes...
À la carte option available! Contact us for more details.
Government and Economics is an additional $150 each semester.
We offer one day a week of credit-worthy high school courses. Students will be immersed into rich content and challenged to become critical thinkers.
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We meet Mondays at 10:45-3:15 AM. Between classes, we offer a lunch period for socializing, followed by a choice of electives.
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Our Instructors are veteran homeschoolers and content specialists who are chosen for their experience and expertise in the fields they are teaching. IHC runs a background check on all instructors every three years.
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IHCA Prep Prerequisites: Students should be in the 8th or 9th grade with a minimum of 7th grade reading comprehension. Students should be able to independently attend class and focus for 20–30 minutes without breaks.
High School Prerequisites: Students should be in the 9th grade (or advanced 8th grade). Courses will require reading at the 9th grade level. Students must also be comfortable writing a one-page essay. Some courses may have more specific prerequisites.
Other fees:
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Course supply fees of $10-50 per class
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$65 enrollment fee until May 1
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$120 enrollment fee after May 1
$600
per semester for high school
$500
per semester for high school prep
Interested in joining IHCA?
Instructor Bios
Hilary: Biology, Zoology
IHCA science instructor, Hilary, has dual bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and pre-medicine from Ball State University, along with minors in biology and German. She has worked in pharmacy for over 20 years, and has three children whom she educates at home. Having experience in the sciences and home education makes Hilary a great fit for IHCA! Hilary has been a member of IHC for three years.
Rachelle: World History, Government
As history instructor and IHCA Director, Rachelle is passionate about bringing community and interactive learning to home-educated teens. She holds a Master of Arts degree in American history from Gettysburg College, as well as a bachelor’s in history from IUPUI. As a veteran home educator of over 15 years, Rachelle brings her commitment to individualized education into her classes. She also works as a grader for a history dual-credit program at the University of Texas, which helps her keep a pulse on high school and first-year college essay writing expectations. Rachelle has been a member of IHC for four years.
Jenn: Anthropology
Jenn is an enthusiastic and dedicated educator with a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Indiana University and a M.A. in Teaching from Marian College. Combining a passion for understanding human culture with a deep commitment to student success in the classroom, Jenn’s teaching philosophy centers on making the diverse cultures, histories, and practices of humankind accessible and engaging to students. Jenn has been educating her four children at home for 6 years and a member of IHC for three years.
Cassandra: Intro to Computer Science
Cassandra brings over 15 years of engineering expertise, having worked as both a software and project engineer. A Computer Science graduate from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, she now shares her technical knowledge by leading homeschool groups and tutoring students in mathematics, software development, and logic. A veteran home educator, Cassandra has been an active member of IHC for 3 years.
Sarah: Medical Terminology
Dr. Sarah Ferdinand is an accomplished neuroscientist with extensive expertise in learning, memory, and retention. With a robust background in both academia and industry, she has over 20 years of experience teaching undergraduate psychology and neuroscience. Dr. Ferdinand has also excelled in the global sector, working in scientific communications, medical education, medical marketing, and as a clinical research scientist.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Ferdinand is trained as a multisensory tutor specializing in reading, spelling, and algebra. She takes pride in homeschooling her two children, fostering a love for learning and discovery. Dr. Ferdinand is thrilled to offer a course studying the morphology of medical terminology, aiming to make seemingly complex concepts accessible and engaging for all learners.
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Shauna: Fiber Arts
With a background in both healthcare and traditional crafts, Shauna brings a unique blend of creativity to her teaching. As a certified pharmacy technician with training in medical sciences, she applies that same attention to detail and systematic approach to her fiber arts instruction. Drawing from over seven years of homeschool education experience, she has developed a comprehensive arts program that takes students on a journey from historical foundations through to finished creations. She specializes in teaching the complete creative process – from foraging natural dye materials and growing dye plants, to processing raw materials and creating finished pieces. She has taught workshops focusing on spinning and knitting techniques, while her extensive knowledge of natural dyeing adds a unique ecological dimension to her class.
Amanda: Economics, High School Prep Geography
Amanda holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in Elementary Education. She has been an educator in some capacity for 18 years. Her experience spans from childcare centers, public schools, and homeschool cooperatives. Amanda has four children whom she educates at home. Her favorite part about teaching is providing her students with memorable learning experiences. Amanda has been a member of IHC for 4 years and has served as the Treasurer of IHC for 3 years.
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Katie: High School Prep Science
Katie holds a BS in Elementary Education from IU and a Masters in Human Resources Management from UIndy. She taught elementary education for three years and spent another eight years teaching 6th grade. During her time in 6th grade, she taught everything but math and taught science for 3 years. She has also tutored students through 8th grade in all subjects and has additional training in providing accommodations for neurodivergent students.
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