At the Pearl, we help homeschool parents create a hybrid education structure for their teens. This spring, we are offering 11 unique hybrid-homeschooling classes for teens to attend worldwide! These classes can count towards a United States high school diploma.
Our Classes
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Beginning Japanese – Online Language Class
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday from 10:30 a.m.-11:25 a.m. Central
In Beginning Japanese, you will start by mastering hiragana and katakana before delving into kanji (used for writing nouns, adjectives, adverbs, and verbs). Through engaging lessons and practice, you’ll develop the abilities to speak, write, and read Japanese with confidence.
The Pearl High School’s Beginning Japanese Class will be taught by Nao Takeda.
Practical Spanish – Online Language Class
Monday, & Wednesdays from 3 pm-4:25 pm US Central
In Practical Spanish, you will expand your listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills through interactive experiences, virtual trips, and self-directed learning projects.
The Pearl High School’s Practical Spanish Class will be taught by Lorena de la Vega Aguirre.
Advanced Spanish – Online Language Class
Monday and Wednesday from 11:30 am -12:55 US Central
In advanced Spanish classes, students will engage in language production through captivating activities such as crafting their own short stories, creating videos, and enhancing conversational skills. By immersing themselves in Spanish literary works, students will further solidify their language knowledge and grammar. This course mirrors the rigor of a high school level class offered in a Spanish-speaking country, designed to cater to native speakers. Join us as we embark on a language-learning journey that combines creativity, cultural exploration, and linguistic excellence.
The Pearl High School’s Practical Spanish Class will be taught by Lorena de la Vega Aguirre.
Astronomy from Around the World – Online Natural Science Class
Monday and Wednesday from 11:30 a.m.-12:55 p.m. Central
Students will explore astronomy in cultures around the world. Students will investigate planets in our solar system and beyond. They will also explore modern astronomy and learn how stars shine, galaxies form, and how the Universe came into existence.
The Pearl High School’s Astronomy class will be taught by Bassem Sabra, Ph.D.
Bio Quest: Theme Evolution – Online Natural Science Class
Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30 a.m.-12:55 p.m. Central
Evolution is the fundamental theme that encompasses all content in biology like the Ukrainian-American evolutionist Theodosius Dobzhansky wrote, “Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution.” This course will take students on the journey of digging deeper into why living things around them are as they are simple and complex at the same time. Students will walk the footsteps of Darwin and explore how organisms evolved over time through the process and natural selection and adaptations. Students will discover the evidence for macroevolution and will learn to link the evidence from microevolutionary processes to macroevolution.
The Pearl High School’s Biology Class is taught by Shubhada Bhamre, Ph.D.
Math: Economics, the Environment, and Arts – Online Math Class
Monday and Wednesday from 1:30 p.m.-2:55 p.m. Central
In this course, you will be free to explore high school-level math through everyday problems. Topics will include algebra, geometry, and statistics. Algebra will be introduced through economics. Geometry will be explored through design and art. Statistics will be presented via real-life problems.
The Pearl High School’s Math class is taught by Bassem Sabra, Ph.D.
Intro to Research – Online Social Science Class
Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 pm-2:55 pm Central
Embark on a journey into the world of research with our Introduction to Research Methods class for teens. Designed for aspiring researchers and community advocates alike, this course offers a rigorous exploration of foundational research techniques and their practical implementation. Dive deep into the art of applied research and gain invaluable skills for future academic endeavors or community-driven projects. This is an advanced class that welcomes students of all backgrounds, provided they’re ready to commit to the challenge and ready to lean into learning.
The Pearl High School’s class will be taught by our director and experienced researcher, Robin Harwick, Ph.D.
Economics for Everyone: Understanding the Basics and Contributing to the New Solidarity Economy – Online Social Studies Class
Monday and Wednesday from 3:00 pm-4:25 pm Central
Have you ever found yourself pondering the term “the economy” when it arises in the news or on social media? What exactly is “the economy,” and how did it come to be? Consider this: Does the work done within the household to care for our entire family count as a part of “the economy”? Furthermore, what about supply and demand—what role does the government play? Is money real or merely a construct?
In this course, you’ll delve into these questions and more as you gain an understanding of various economic concepts and terminology. By the end, you’ll be equipped to comprehend discussions surrounding “the economy” with ease, and you’ll even have the confidence to engage with experts in the field. Once you’ve mastered the basics, the journey doesn’t end there. You’ll craft a plan outlining how you can personally contribute to the economy, leveraging your newfound knowledge to make a tangible impact. Join us to discover your role in shaping the new solidarity economy.
The Pearl High School’s Social Science class will be taught by Hande Togrul, Ph.D.
Mythic Journey – Online English Language Arts Class
Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00 pm-4:25 pm Central
Come explore the world through myth. The first weeks of class we will explore Greek, Roman, Mesoamerican, West African, Chinese, and Norse myths. Then, choose the direction of the study for deeper inquiry and understanding of a particular set of myths. We will read mythological narratives and discuss how they relate to universal human experiences like: creation, heroism, love, and conflict. We will learn the symbolic and allegorical aspects of myths, as well as their influence on literature, art, religion, and popular culture.
The Pearl High School’s ELA course is taught by Sara Caldiero, MFA .
Contemporary Visual Arts – Online Art Class
Monday and Wednesday from 4:30 pm-6 pm Central
Join us as we explore visual arts for the 21st century! From digital illustration to graphic design to painting, photography, and sketching; we help you learn the art skills that you want to know. Whether you have dreams of animation or are just looking to explore their creative side we help you pursue art without judgment. We respect new styles of art brought to us by youth culture and the internet. You will have the opportunity to work on your own art projects in addition to art exercises, assignments, and research activities!
The Pearl High School’s Visual Arts class is facilitated by Brittaney Drake, MA
The Music Room – Online Music Class
Tuesdays from 4:30 pm-6 pm Central + 1:1 weekly private session
Do you want to learn how to produce your own music? Are you interested in group conversations about the history of music, and its power to change the world we live in? Would you rather learn how to read sheet music and play an instrument? Any or all of those things? Our online music class is designed to meet each student where they are–beginners, experts, singers, songwriters, instrumentalists–and provide a structure for reaching individual goals within the context of a supportive small community that tackles fun and challenging discussion topics every week. No audition required! Come hang out in the Music Room with us.
The Pearl High School’s Music course is taught by Ben Tufts, MM
About The Pearl Remote Democratic High School
All of our teachers are experts in their fields and welcome students with all learning styles and abilities! Teens can take all of our classes, a few, or just one. Because The Pearl is a Democratic High School, our classes follow a self-directed work style where students get control of their education. Additionally, we cap our classes at 10 students, so everyone gets the support they need.
Our curriculum is made up of hybrid-homeschooling classes for teens. This means that families who are already homeschoolers can supplement the education they provide with classes from experts to ensure that their child gets the best education they can receive.
We teach our classes online, using Zoom, and they are open worldwide! Students that work directly with The Pearl are eligible to work towards a WASC-Accredited US high school diploma through our partnership program with Angeles Workshop. This makes the Pearl an excellent option for students who are marginalized within the mainstream educational system. Additionally, students who attend The Pearl from outside the US are still eligible to receive a US diploma.