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High School Prep
For students in grades 8-9
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.
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.
Freshman Level Classes
For students in grades 9+ who have not yet earned these courses on their transcript.
Students should be in the 9th grade at minimum. Courses will require reading at the 9th grade level.
World History
Origins & Empires
Travel through time from the Big Bang to the age of exploration in this comprehensive and fun World History course. Students will investigate how different scales of time and space connect to shape our world, while developing essential historical thinking skills along the way. Through partner activities and hands-on projects, students will analyze primary sources, evaluate evidence, and draw connections across civilizations and eras. This course emphasizes collaboration and critical thinking, preparing students to consider multiple viewpoints and communicate clearly.
Suggested minimum prerequisite: Reading at 9th grade level and familiarity with one page essay
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Biology
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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!
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US History
This course puts you in the room where it happened. Through games, collaborative simulations, and investigations, you and your classmates will develop the critical thinking skills that historians, lawyers, and leaders rely on every day. Every unit is built around doing history. Analyze real primary sources, build arguments, and solve historical mysteries. We won't settle for easy answers or a single point of view. Instead, we'll take a critical look at the forces, voices, and perspectives that shaped our nation, diving deep into the issues that defined each era and continues into our world today. Students will show their learning through the creation of projects that bring history to life.
Prerequisite: World History, reading and writing at 10th grade+ level
Chemistry
Our year-long chemistry course is designed to make chemical concepts approachable, engaging, and meaningful for all students. Through a balance of hands-on laboratory experiments, problem-solving activities, demonstrations, videos, and interactive learning experiences, students will build a strong foundation in core chemical principles.
Throughout the course, students will explore topics such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, reactions, states of matter, and solutions while developing the critical thinking and lab skills needed for future science courses. Whether chemistry feels exciting or intimidating, this class provides a supportive, structured environment where students can gain confidence and succeed.
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This course is especially well-suited for students planning to attend college who need to complete a lab-based science requirement.
Prerequisite: Biology
Suggested minimum corequisite: Algebra and an understanding of unit conversion.
Sophomore Level Classes
For students in grades 10+ who have not yet earned these courses on their transcript.
Junior and Senior Level Classes
For students in grades 11-12 who have not yet earned these courses on their transcript.
Special permission by teacher and director may be given to younger students who already have other courses on their transcript
Literature:
Fairy Tales and Retellings
Fairy tales are the cornerstone of much of Western literature, as they are tales that we tell our young children but also stories that weave their way into major elements of popular culture. Within this course, we will read some of the original fairy tales from Hans Christian Andersen, the Grimm Brothers, and Charles Perrault. We'll discuss how these stories deviate from the tales shared in storybooks, analyze the symbolism and character archetypes, and discuss hypotheses on why the tales still permeate society. Once a foundational understanding is set, students will then explore contemporary retellings. Students should expect to read a number of short stories, excerpts of academic articles, and 3-4 novels over the semester.
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Please note that Literature is a semester-long course; in the spring, students will have the opportunity to take Writing in the Real World.
Physics
In Physics I, we will be studying the nature and properties of matter and energy. We will learn about classic mechanics, thermodynamics and more. We will view each topic through three different lenses…our own intuition or experience in the world, hands-on experimentation, and mathematical analysis (algebra-based only). Our explorations will help us to better understand how the universe works.
Come with an open mind and a sense of play to see what we can discover about the world around us! This is the first semester of a whole year Physics course.
Prerequisites: Biology; Algebra I
Elective Classes
For all students in grades 8-12
Collage Art
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1 credit, Fine Arts elective
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Explore the history and fundamentals of collage while putting your new knowledge to work creating unique works of art! Each week students will examine historical examples, discuss theory, and unlock the creative alchemy of combining different materials, including: color forms, shapes, text, and photos cut from books, newspapers, and magazines. Students will be responsible for maintaining a personal portfolio organized by category (materials provided). Selected pieces may be displayed at the end of each quarter.
1 credit, Physical Education elective
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This class will be a fun, active movement hour where being a good sport, participation, and gym shoes are the only requirements. Focus will be placed on playing and having fun as the priority, with opportunities to learn about fitness and lifelong movement. Each class will include a short dynamic warm up and a 5 minute topic discussion (rules of play, challenges, etc) followed by play. We'll try our hand at a variety of games from traditional sports to classic playground games. There will also be opportunities for student choice games.
Optional take-home fitness/health worksheets and fitness tracking sheets will be available for students who are using this as their high school PE credit and wanting to meet Indiana's PE standards.
PE Fun & Games
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Book Arts & Printmaking
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1 credit, Fine Arts elective
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Explore different facets of paper making, book binding, calligraphy and marbling, as well as designing and carving block prints. At the end of the course, you will have a bound custom notebook from handmade paper with marbled or printed endpapers and a block print cover. Discover the world of hand lettering using pointed pen calligraphy and learn different ways to make custom colored ink.
Culinary Arts III
An Introduction to International Cooking
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1 credit, Fine Arts elective
In this culinary arts elective, students will explore global cuisines through foundational techniques and bold flavors. Each week highlights a different region of the world, introducing new ingredients, cooking methods, and cultural context. From Italian handmade pasta to Indian spice layering, students will build confidence, skills, and an understanding of how food represents culture through the dishes we cook together.
1 credit, English elective
Some people are drawn to writing — we scribble in notebooks, compose whole scenes while staring out the car window, and have bestsellers enter our mind during the shower. But when are we given time to discuss our ideas and learn about the craft of writing? This elective will focus on a weekly mini-lesson related to writing, with possible topics including figurative language, expanding vocabulary, and expertly describing a setting. Students will also practice giving a critique of peer writing that was completed outside of class. At home, students will be challenged to write across two different 30 minute writing sprints; a list of suggestions will be provided weekly to help students formulate ideas and test out new topics.
Creative Writing
Online Courses
Enrolled students can enjoy these add-on courses.
Intro to Literature Circle
Grades 8-9
In this weekly book club-style course, students will contribute suggestions on texts to engage with and then will read approximately a book a month, completing four books over the semester. Each week, students will have the chance to discuss their reading in an informal Google Meet session.
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For families who are seeking additional rigor and wish to use this as an English credit, weekly packets will be provided for supplemental use.
US Government
Grades 10-12, first semester
Ever wonder how laws get made, why your vote matters, or what the Constitution means for your daily life? In this dynamic online course, you'll explore American democracy through its intellectual and political history. Participate in three optional live debate sessions where you can argue a perspective on historical political topics.
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Asynchronous, except for 3 debates
Literature Circle
Grades 10-12
In this weekly book club-style course, students will contribute suggestions on texts to engage with and then will read approximately a book a month, completing four books over the semester. Each week, students will have the chance to discuss their reading in an informal Google Meet session.
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For families who are seeking additional rigor and wish to use this as an English credit, weekly packets will be provided for supplemental use.
Economics
Grades 10-12, second semester
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.
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Generally asynchronous
And there's more!
Perks for students!
IHCA Fees
And included perks!
We meet Mondays at 10:30-3:15 PM. Students attend one core class, a shared lunch period, elective, a homeroom for socializing, and finally a second core class.
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Tuition is $120-145 a month. This cost varies depending on course selection, but as a base includes 2 core classes and 1 elective. We charge each month, July-May, for ten months total.
Adding an online course will be an additional fee.
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Other fees include a course supply fee of $10-50 per class, per semester. Some classes, like Culinary Arts or a science course with a lab, will have higher supply fees but will be limited to $50 maximum.
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A $75 enrollment fee is required upon enrolling and re-enrolling. These funds go toward insurance, facility costs, and other operating costs. Enrollment fees are non-refundable.
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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An honors option is available in all academic courses.
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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 background checks all instructors every three years.
Socializing is an important aspect of forming a community, so students have the opportunity to attend one field trip and one "hangout" each month. To stay connected, we host several hangouts over the summer break as well. In addition, there is a monitored Slack channel for online student communication.
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Other benefits include student council, D&D meetups, spring prom, JA Finance Park, Camp Tecumseh overnight trips, college visits, Kings Island trips, spirit days, and a yearbook!
Interested in joining IHCA?
Early access enrollment is open until June 15th. Enrollment fee increases to $125 after June 15th.
Instructor Bios
Hilary: Biology, Chemistry
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 four years.
Rachelle: World History, US 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 five years.
Cassandra: PE
Cassandra is a lifelong sports enthusiast who has played collegiate soccer and has five years of youth coaching experience in soccer and basketball. 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 four years.
Wendy: Physics
Wendy brings together the logical with the creative with her background in mathematics and architecture. She received her BA in Mathematics from Illinois State before pursuing her Masters in Architecture at Syracuse University. She worked as a project manager in Los Angeles on multi-million dollar projects (both residential and commercial) for several years before starting a family. She prefers using a hands-on approach to learning, so students can get an understanding of the topic first hand. Wendy has been a homeschooling mama for over five years and a member of IHC for three years.
Zach: Culinary Arts
Zachariah is a professional chef with decades of experience in both culinary arts and event management. He brings a passion for hands-on, experiential learning and enjoys helping students connect creativity with practical skills. Whether sweet or savory, you’ll usually find him in the kitchen, prepping for the next meal. Zach has enthusiastically led many cooking and baking clubs for IHC and will now be extending his skills to instructing our high school students as well. Zach has been a member if IHC for three years.
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 five years and has served as the Treasurer of IHC for four years.
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Cassie: Literature, Creative Writing, Literature Circles
Cassie has a varied teaching background and an ever-increasing list of hobbies and interests that form her eclectic teaching style. She is a Ball State Cardinal through and through, having received two degrees from the University: a BA in English Literature, Classical Latin, and Classical Culture with a Minor in Women's & Gender Studies and an MA in English Literature. Since 2019, Cassie has worked in elementary, middle, high school, and college classrooms, giving her insight into varied learning styles. The mom to a four-year-old, Cassie intends to homeschool in the future and currently sends her daughter to a preschool co-op. This is her first year with IHC.
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Ray: Collage Art
Ray has worked in the telecommunications industry for over 25 years, specializing in fiber optic networking, UNIX system administration, software development, and cybersecurity. A published author and cartoonist, he enjoys working with students to develop their technical, literary, and artistic skills through an intuitive combination of focused learning and creative play. Ray has been a member of IHC for three years.
Sarah: High School Prep Science
Sarah has a background in elementary education and taught in the classroom for nearly a decade before staying home to raise and homeschool her two children, who are now in 8th and 10th grade. She served on the IHC Board for several years, first as chairperson and later as secretary, and taught middle school science at IHC for three years. Sarah loves making science engaging, hands-on, and accessible, especially when tackling challenging concepts. She enjoys building connections with students and bringing curiosity, excitement, and a sense of fun into the world of science. Sarah has been a member of IHC for five years.
Jenn: Book Arts & Printmaking
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 seven years and a member of IHC for four years.