Fall Term 2026
This term features unique classes designed to inspire and engage our learners, helping them earn an accredited homeschool diploma and reach their goals.
We will be offering classes in Indigenous History, English Literature, Japanese, Spanish, Visual Arts, Maths, Citizen Science, and Foundations of Democratic Learning.
This Term’s Courses
Beginning Japanese – World Language Class
Intermediate Japanese – World Language Class
¡Hola! – Spanish for Beginners – World Language Class
Voices of Resistance: Exploring Identity Through Diverse Writers – English Language Art Class
Indigenous History of the Americas – Social Studies Class
Self Discovery – CTE Class
Applied Mathematics for Career Pathways – Math & CTE Class
Conservation Science: Birds and their Ecosystem – Science Class
Contemporary Visual Arts – Art Class
Foundations of Democratic Learning – Skills Class
Course Descriptions
Beginning Japanese – Online World Language Class
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday from 10:30 am – 11:25 am US Central
The Beginning Japanese class is an introductory course designed for students with little to no prior knowledge of the Japanese language. The course focuses on the fundamental building blocks of Japanese, including pronunciation, the hiragana and katakana writing systems, simple greetings, essential vocabulary, and basic grammar. Students will learn to engage in simple conversations on everyday topics, enabling them to introduce themselves and navigate basic interactions in Japanese.
The Pearl High School’s Beginning Japanese class will be taught by Nao Takeda.
Intermediate Japanese – Online World Language Class
Monday & Wednesday from TBD
The Intermediate Japanese class is designed for students with a basic understanding of Japanese. In this class, you will focus on advanced grammar while practicing your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. You will engage in everyday conversations using natural Japanese pronunciation. The course aims to enhance your overall communication abilities, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking. You will learn more complex grammar structures and expand your vocabulary. The goal is to help you speak fluently in everyday situations and comprehend moderate-level Japanese texts.
The Pearl High School’s Intermediate Japanese class will be taught by Nao Takeda.
¡Hola! – Spanish for Beginners – Online World Language Class
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday from 10:30 am – 11:25 am US Central
Are you curious about Spanish? Do you want to know what those lyrics from that song you like really mean? Do you want to pronounce them or sing them yourself? Then, this is the class for you. This is a course for those teens who’ll be having their first approach to the Spanish language. Throughout this course, learners will understand, speak, read, and write simple Spanish in meaningful, real-life situations. The aim is for them to be able to express ideas, ask questions, and interact with others in basic Spanish. The process will be fun, as we will be using comic strips, songs and movie clips. Are you in? ¡Bienvenidos!
The Pearl High School’s Beginning Spanish class will be taught by published author Paulino Ordóñez.
Voices of Resistance: Exploring Identity Through Diverse Writers – Online English Language Art Class
Tuesday & Thursday from 11:30 am – 12:55 pm US Central
This is a class about identity through the views of non-mainstream non-privileged authors with interesting writings in which they talk about life in different social backgrounds. Students will understand the lifestyle, struggles, and experiences these writers have shared, and we’ll discuss how our own experiences can relate to those that we read about and how much the world has changed since. Depending on learners’ interests, we will choose essays, poetry, and non-fiction from authors who challenge the dominant discourse through their voices. These could be non-white, feminist, LGBTQ+, Chicano, or indigenous authors, or some of the most famous mavericks: any reading material that will make us reflect on identity, culture, and social issues while strengthening learners’ critical thinking, expanding our perspectives, and reinforcing empathy is welcome.
The Pearl High School’s Voices of Resistance class will be taught by published author Paulino Ordóñez.
Indigenous History of the Americas – Online Social Studies Class
Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 pm – 2:55 pm US Central
This course explores the histories, cultures, resistance movements, and contemporary experiences of Indigenous peoples across North, Central, and South America. Learners will examine the histories, governance systems, trade networks, philosophies, and scientific knowledge that existed long before European contact.
Through primary sources, oral histories, maps, music, art, literature, and project-based inquiry, students will investigate how Indigenous communities have responded to colonization, forced assimilation, environmental change, and ongoing struggles for sovereignty and self-determination. The course also explores Indigenous contributions to democracy, environmental stewardship, art, agriculture, and social movements throughout the Americas.
Learners will be encouraged to think critically about how history is told, whose voices are centered, and how the past continues to shape contemporary issues today. Throughout the course, students will engage in research, discussion, reflection, and creative expression while building a deeper understanding of identity, resilience, and community.
The Pearl High School’s Indigenous History of the Americas Class is taught by Robin Harwick, Ph.D.
Self Discovery – Online CTE or Elective Class
Monday and Wednesday from 11:30 pm – 12:55 pm US Central
In this interactive course, learners will embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth within a supportive, democratic online environment. Through hands-on projects and introspective activities, they’ll uncover the strengths, interests, and experiences that make them unique, while also exploring how these personal qualities intersect with social responsibilities. Learners will develop practical tools for organizing their thoughts, expressing their identities, and engaging meaningfully with others. By examining both their inner creativity and the influences that shape their decisions, learners will build a foundation for a purposeful high school journey, one that prepares them to become informed, competent, and engaged citizens who actively contribute to a just and inclusive world.
The Pearl High School’s Self Discovery class will be taught by trained psychologist Paulino Ordóñez.
Applied Mathematics for Career Pathways – Online Math or CTE Class
Monday and Wednesday from 1:30 pm – 2:55 pm US Central
Bring math to life through real-world career applications! Applied Mathematics for Career Pathways combines core high school math with hands-on Career and Technical Education (CTE) experiences. Students learn algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and financial mathematics while applying these concepts to fields such as engineering, health sciences, business, information technology, construction, and data science. Through project-based learning, technology integration, and industry-inspired challenges, students solve authentic workplace problems, designing budgets, analyzing data, modeling systems, and making evidence-based decisions. This course strengthens critical thinking, collaboration, digital literacy, and career-readiness skills while ensuring mastery of the state mathematics standards. Students gain practical skills valued by colleges and employers, explore career pathways, and build confidence in applying mathematics beyond the classroom. Ideal for students who want to see the purpose behind math and connect academic learning to future careers.
The Pearl High School’s Applied Mathematics for Career Pathways class will be taught by Issac Azure, Ph.D.
Conservation Science: Birds and their Ecosystems – Online Science Class
Monday and Wednesday from 1:30 pm – 2:55 pm US Central
This course looks at conservation art and conservation science! Birds are the seen as the gateway to nature. And because they are easily accessible, they are great at providing us with information about the state of our ecosystems. This class will focus on learning about and investigating bird conservation, their habitats, food, and how we can help conserve them! Topics may range from invertebrates and plants that make up a birds diet, Migration, habitats and ecosystems, the human impact on bird species, and conservation art. This class takes a citizen science approach to observing and recording bird species using EBIRD. Every 2 weeks students will be required to take a walk or sit and record the bird species they see around them. There will also be a bird of the week.
The Pearl High School’s Conservation Science class is facilitated by Brittaney Drake, MA
Contemporary Visual Arts – Online Art Class
Monday and Wednesday from 4:30 pm – 5:55 pm US Central
Join us as we explore visual arts for the 21st century! From digital illustration to graphic design to painting and sketching, we help students learn the art skills that they want to know. Whether students have dreams of animation or are just looking to explore their creative side, we help students pursue art without judgment and respect the new styles of art brought to us by youth culture and the internet. Students will have the opportunity to work on their own art projects in addition to art exercises, assignments, and research activities! The learners in this course will meet together and collaborate on an arts curriculum based on the topics they want to focus on!
The Pearl High School’s Visual Arts class is facilitated by Brittaney Drake, MA
Foundations of Democratic Learning – Online Skills Class
Mandatory for New Students
Time: Thursdays from 3:00 – 4:00 pm US Central
Step into the heart of The Pearl with this essential orientation course designed to launch your journey as a democratic learner. In this one-hour class, you’ll meet with the director to review the student co-created handbook and community guidelines. You’ll have the opportunity to share your perspective on whether they feel just and fair. This is your chance to see democracy in action—your voice matters from day one. During this course, you’ll gain hands-on support in using our technology tools, learning how The Pearl works, and discover the mentorship and resources available to help you thrive. Together, we’ll also map out your very first Pearl creative project (and you’ll learn what that is and why we do them), setting the stage for a successful and fun first term.
Our director, Dr. Robin Harwick, teaches the Pearl’s Foundations course.
