The primary goal is to build students’ fluency with graph construction, interpretation, and basic statistical reasoning (patterns, trends, outliers, proportional vs non-linear relationships) using data generated from virtual labs on topics such as gas laws, reaction rates, and phase changes.​ Across the course,students can repeatedly cycle through: designing a simple investigation in a simulation, collecting data, organizing it into tables, creating and refining graphs, and interpreting relationships. Common foci include good graphing conventions (like the TAILS acronym), lines of best fit, interpolation/extrapolation, and error/uncertainty: all anchored in chemistry scenarios that produce authentic quantitative data.​

Time Offered: 8-10 p.m.

Grades: 10-PG

Frankenstein: Identity, Creation, and the Making of Monsters is a semester-long exploration of identity, creation, and societal expectations through Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and its many film reinterpretations. Students will examine how literature and cinema construct “monsters” by analyzing narrative voice, characterization, visual storytelling, and cultural context. Through close reading, film technique study using IB-aligned vocabulary, and ethical inquiry into the responsibilities of creators, students will investigate how individuals are shaped—and sometimes distorted—by the societies that define them. The course culminates in a comparative analysis that asks students to consider how adaptations reflect shifting anxieties, values, and understandings of what it means to be human.

Time Offered: 8-10 a.m. or 8-10 p.m.

Grades: 11-PG (R-rated movie included)

Indigenous Literature: Story, Resistance, and Reclamation invites students to explore the depth and diversity of Indigenous voices through poetry, short stories, novels, and nonfiction from a range of nations and traditions. This course examines how Indigenous authors use story to preserve cultural knowledge, confront historical and ongoing injustices, and assert identity in the face of systemic erasure. Students will investigate themes of sovereignty, belonging, land, resilience, and the power of narrative as a tool for healing and community. Through close reading, discussion, analytical writing, and opportunities for creative response, students will develop a nuanced understanding of how Indigenous storytellers challenge dominant narratives and illuminate lived experiences often marginalized in mainstream literature.

Time Offered: 8-10 a.m. or 8-10 p.m.

Grades: 11-PG

Introduction to Poetry invites students to explore how poets use language to capture emotion, shape ideas, and make sense of the world around them. This course examines poetry as both a personal and cultural expression, encouraging students to consider how rhythm, imagery, and voice reveal the ways we see ourselves and others. By reading a wide range of poems—from celebrated classics to contemporary spoken word—students investigate how writers use form, sound, and style to illuminate experiences of identity, memory, nature, community, and change.
The course encourages students to think critically and creatively as they analyze how poetic choices shape meaning, and to experiment with expressing their own perspectives through writing. Through discussion, close reading, collaborative workshops, and creative practice, students learn to engage with poetry as both attentive readers and emerging writers. By the end of the course, students will develop a deeper appreciation for the power of language and gain confidence in communicating with clarity, imagination, and authenticity.

Time of Day: 8-10 a.m. or 8-10 p.m.

Grades: 7-PG

This course explores the complexities of identity, morality, and self-expression through a paired study of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and selected lyrics by Eminem. Students will examine how both writers use alter egos to confront forbidden desires, cultural pressures, and the tension between public image and private self. Through close reading, lyrical analysis, Socratic discussion, and short analytical writing, students will investigate how form, voice, and context shape each creator’s portrayal of the “double.” By comparing Victorian literature with contemporary music, students will develop stronger critical reading skills, deepen their understanding of rhetorical and narrative techniques, and reflect on how individuals navigate the conflicting forces that define who they are.

Time Offered: 8-10 a.m. or 8-10 p.m.

Grades: 11-PG (includes explicit lyrics)

This course explores the popular genre of apocalyptic literature, which generally focuses on human relationships and needs in a survival landscape. Students will be practicing and strengthening skills in critical thinking, collaboration, reading, writing, and communication through various assignments. Assessment formats are projects and essays, and feedback will be given regularly via both written and verbal interactions.

Time Offered: 8-10 a.m. or 8-10 p.m.

Grades: 9-PG

This course explores the origins and commonalities of mythology across history and across the world. The class will focus on classical literature such as The Odyssey, works by contemporary authors analyzing mythology, and concepts like The Hero’s Journey. Students will be practicing and strengthening skills in critical thinking, collaboration, reading, writing, and communication through various assignments. Assessment formats are projects and essays, and feedback will be given regularly via both written and verbal interactions.

Time Offered: 8-10 a.m. or 8-10 p.m.

Grades: 10-PG

This course explores the character development of Henry Plantagenet as a character in Shakespeare’s plays and contextualizes him as a historical figure. We will do this through the reading of four Shakespeare plays and watching BBC’s “The Hollow Crown” miniseries together, along with class discussions. Students will be practicing and strengthening skills in critical thinking, collaboration, reading, writing, and communication through various assignments. Assessment formats are projects and essays, and feedback will be given regularly via both written and verbal interactions.

Time Offered: 8-10 a.m. or 8-10 p.m.

Grades: 10-PG

In this course, students will explore how museums, curators, critics, and even algorithms act as gatekeepers, deciding which artworks, artists, and cultures are highlighted or overlooked. They will examine current debates around decolonizing museums, contested objects, and representation, and connect these issues to the visual culture they encounter everyday online. By the end of this course, students will be able to “read” museums and images with a critical eye, articulate who is deciding what gets shown and why, and propose more inclusive, ethical approaches to collecting and display. They will strengthen visual literacy, research, and argumentation skills, while gaining confidence in their own voices as emerging artists, viewers, and cultural decision-makers.

Time Offer: 8-10 a.m. or 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Grades: 11-PG

In this course, students learn to observe closely, analyze visual choices (composition, color, framing), and question context, power, and persuasion behind every image. Weekly themes build from art as “text” to media bias, personal curation, and visual storytelling. Students will emerge as critical viewers able to spot bias, articulate design intent and create purposeful images, enhancing skills for art, media, literacy, and everyday decision-making.

Time Offered: 8-10 a.m. or 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Grades: 9-PG

AI is ubiquitous. We are all using some version of it in our lives. Have you ever wondered how AI models work? What exactly is an LLM? When AI is “thinking” what is it actually doing? What is the difference between Chat and Gemini? How are these models built and trained? What is “deep learning?” How far away are we from artificial general intelligence? What are the ethical implications of ever-increasing AI use, and how can we mitigate the environmental impacts? What even are the environmental impacts? Seeking answers to these questions and strengthening our understanding are vital steps in defining our roles as productive global citizens in the modern world against the backdrop of an ever-changing technological landscape.

Time Offered: 8-10 p.m.

Confer CA Credit: Yes

Grades: 9-PG

The nature of reality at its most fundamental, irreducible scale is unintuitive and seemingly strange. However, our curious and extraordinary description of the physics of particles is the scientific theory that has held up best to experimental scrutiny. In this course, students will develop an understanding of the concepts of fundamental physics, such as quantum mechanics, quantum field theory, and the standard model of particle physics. Ultimately, students will form a better understanding of the trillions upon trillions of wonderful interactions which culminate in our experience of the universe and how these incredibly small constituents comprise our reality.

Time Offered: 8-10 p.m.

Grades: 7-PG

In this course, we will consider topics in units including saving and budgeting, interest and debt, investments and retirement, income and benefits, housing, car expenses, taxes, paying for college, and keeping personal information safe. Students will learn skills and habits that will be worth millions over their lifetimes!

Time of Day: 8-10 a.m. or 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Confer CA Credit: No

Grades: 9-PG

In this course, we will complete units from an introductory course on a topic that we all deal with in the day to day, like it or not: macroenomics. Topics include the level of overall economic activity, aggregate demand and aggregate supply, unemployment and inflation, economic growth and sustainable level of debt, economics of inequality and poverty, and demand-side and supply-side policies. 

Time of Day: 8-10 a.m.

Confer CA Credit: Yes

Grades: 11-PG

Short stories are a concise and impactful way to tell and experience a story. Over six weeks, we will immerse ourselves in a curated selection of both classic and contemporary short stories, students will read a curated selection of stories—from darkly humorous works like “Lamb to the Slaughter” to unsettling folktale-style pieces like “The Green Ribbon” and thought-provoking contemporary fiction including “The Egg”- while developing skills in close reading, literary analysis, and thoughtful discussion with their peers on themes like morality, human nature, and the efficiency of a shorter work. The class will culminate in a creative endeavor to produce an adaptation of their favorite work (a podcast, short film, photo essay, painting, or even a creative writing sequel!).

Time of Day: 8-10 a.m.

Confer CA Credit: Yes

Grades: 7-PG

This English language course is designed and focused on building English language skills. It offers intensive instruction in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will engage in interactive lessons and targeted practice aimed at continuing to expand vocabulary, improving grammar, and increasing language acquisition and fluency.

Time of Day: 8-10 a.m.

Confer CA Credit: Yes

Grades: 7-PG

Leadership is more than just a title. This course helps students identify their leadership style, develop a personal philosophy, and learn from inspiring leaders. We’ll focus on communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Students who complete both modules will apply these skills through a real-world leadership project in a setting of their choosing.

Time Offered: 8-10 a.m. or 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

This course will focus on the major art movements of the 19th and 20th centuries. Throughout the course students will develop visual thinking strategies to analyze artwork, complete projects on both artists and art movements, and participate in group discussions with their peers. This course encourages critical thinking and analysis, research and communication skills, and establishing interdisciplinary connections.

Time Offered: 8-10 a.m. or 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

This class explores the basics of strength and conditioning, introducing students to concepts in this field. As the high school and college athletics landscapes become increasingly more competitive, it is important for youth athletes to learn how to gain an advantage in their sports careers. We will discuss topics such as exercises, nutrition, recovery, and forms of training. Having an understanding of this material will not only improve students’ ability to integrate themselves into our strength & conditioning program at Cheshire Academy, but to also develop an idea of how to train in a way that promotes a healthy lifestyle for years well after high school.

Time Offered: 8-10 a.m. or 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

This course will serve to prepare students for their transition to Cheshire Academy. We will learn about the resources available at CA (Math Lab, Writing Center, Peer Tutors, Academic Technology, Health and Wellness), as well as library-based study habits, technology platforms, information and media literacy, social media safety, and the life skills needed to thrive in high school!

Time Offered: 8-10 a.m.

Why do smart, thoughtful people join cults? And why do they stay? This course looks at cults and high-control groups not as something “only other people fall for,” but as a way to understand how power, belonging, fear, and identity shape human behavior. We will look at well-known cults, lesser-known movements, and modern parallels including online communities, political groups, and influencer culture. Along the way, students will learn how manipulation works, how leaders build trust and control, and why leaving can be so hard. Students will leave with tools for analyzing how groups form and exercise power, how individuals make sense of their choices within those systems, and how group dynamics, authority, and influence shape belief and behavior.

Time Offered: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. or 7-9 p.m.

This online summer course is designed for students entering 11th grade who will be taking an IB Spanish course and want a refresher or structured introduction before the school year begins. The course focuses on rebuilding core language skills while introducing the expectations, skills, and thematic approach of IB Spanish. Students will practice essential grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structures, while developing confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Emphasis is placed on communication strategies, circumlocution, and cultural awareness rather than memorization. By the end of the course, students will feel more prepared, confident, and familiar with the pace and style of IB Spanish coursework.

Time Offered: 8-10 a.m., 10 a.m.-12 p.m., or 8-10 p.m.

How did more than 70 nations fight a global conflict, only to find themselves drawn into another devastating war just twenty years later? In this course, we will explore World War I and examine the consequences of the postwar decisions made by the Allied Powers—particularly the harsh treatment of the defeated Central Powers—that contributed to political instability and ultimately helped set the stage for World War II.
Students will analyze articles, primary sources, and documentaries to investigate major battles of World War I and World War II, as well as the key events of the interwar period that allowed unresolved tensions to escalate and the world to slide back into global conflict.

Time Offered: 8-10 p.m.

Students will be sorted according to their math backgrounds, allowing their course to cater to the rigor and content levels they are prepared to handle. Focus is on preparing students for Cheshire Academy math courses, even if those are a few years off, rather than building new conceptual understanding. Versions of this course that are further along in the math canon will confer credit.

Time Offered: 8-10 a.m., 10 a.m.-12 p.m., or 8-10 p.m.

Intro to Medical Biology is a course designed to introduce students to biology through a medical lens. Students will explore how cells, tissues, organs, and systems work together to keep the body healthy and what happens when those structures malfunction through real-life case studies. Through simple at‑home investigations (like tracking pulse and breathing), interactive visual tools, and collaborative case discussions, they practice thinking like health professionals as they interpret “symptoms,” basic vital signs, and simpler lab reports.

Time Offered: 8-10 a.m., 10 a.m.-12 p.m., or 8-10 p.m.

This six‑week online course helps rising 9th and 10th graders feel confident and prepared for their integrated science class by previewing key ideas from biology, chemistry, and physics in a low‑stakes, supportive setting. Students explore big themes such as matter and energy, forces and motion, and how particles and reactions underpin both living and nonliving systems, while practicing core high‑school science skills like graphing, data analysis, modeling, and scientific explanation writing. Through short interactive lessons, problem‑solving activities, and virtual “lab‑style” tasks that can be done at home with simple materials, students build the habits and background knowledge they will need to succeed in 9th and 10th grade science.

Time Offered: 8-10 a.m., 10 a.m.-12 p.m., or 8-10 p.m.

This course introduces students to health sciences through an interdisciplinary lens that integrates human biology, psychology, and social science. Students explore how biological systems function, how behaviors and mental health influence physical health, and how social, environmental, and cultural factors shape health outcomes at both individual and community levels. We will emphasize real-world applications, critical thinking, and career exploration within healthcare and public health fields.

Time Offered: 8-10 a.m. or 1-3 p.m.

Grades: 8-10

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of songwriting, guiding them through the process of creating original songs from idea to performance/playback. Students will learn the basic concepts of crafting melodies using meaningful lyrics and supporting their songs with simple chord progressions and basic instrumentation. Through hands-on exercises and creative exploration, students will develop their musical voice and gain confidence in self-expression. By the end of the course, students will be able to construct original songs that reflect their personal ideas, emotions, and creativity.

Time Offered: 8-10 a.m.

Grades: 7-PG