Math, Science, Logic, & History

Classical Science, Math, Logic, and U.S. History courses for students in sixth grade and up are typically offered on Thursdays. This is in addition to the required courses offered on Mondays. Though Thursday courses are offered à la carte, Monday enrollment is required to be eligible. A hallmark of classical education is the value placed on the interrelation of knowledge. The solid, shared foundation in Latin, classics, literature, and composition create a unique fellowship of learning for Thursday’s upper school studies. Read more about the classical approach to math and science here. Classes are offered between 8:15/8:30 AM and 1:30 PM, depending on each year’s specific schedule.

Exact schedule TBD based on student enrollment.

These are the tentative 2026-2027 offerings. If you would like HLN to offer an additional course for your child, reach out to the Directors.

  • Math: Understanding Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II
  • Science: Trees/World of Biology, Earth Science, Physical Science, Introductory Physics, Biology
  • Traditional Logic I & II, Material Logic & Rhetoric
  • Study Halls offered in all three blocks for Thursday students only

Click here to view a complete HLN Scope & Sequence.

For link to complete class materials, see our Book List. 

Science:

  • Trees & The World of Biology, 6th grade and up
  • Novare Earth Science, 7th grade and up
  • Novare Physical Science, 8th grade and up
  • Introductory Physics with lab, high school only
  • Novare General Biology, high school only
  • Novare General Chemistry with lab, high school only

Math:

  • Understanding Mathematics, 6th grade and up
  • Mastering Mathematics, 7th grade and up
  • Pre-Algebra, 7th grade and up
  • Algebra I, 8th grade and up
  • Algebra II, 9th grade and up
  • Geometry, 10th grade and up

A special note on math courses: HLN understands that no math class can be fully taught in 1.5 hours per week. HLN offers a teacher to guide and explain material in class to help keep your student on pace for the year. Students must do diligent daily work at home to master the material. Video resources are required in some cases for support.

Traditional Logic I & II:

The Traditional Logic Program is an in-depth study of the classical syllogism. HLN students will complete books I & II in one school year. In Book I students will gain a basic understanding of terms, statements, and simple categorical arguments. Book II covers the figures of the traditional syllogism, forms of rhetorical arguments, kinds of hypothetical syllogisms, kinds of complex syllogisms, as well as relational arguments. By the end of this course, the student will be able to analyze a variety of argument forms as well as recognize and respond to dilemmas. 9th grade and up.

Material Logic & Classical Rhetoric:

Material Logic is a practical study of the conceptual elements of rational thinking through the study of how to define, classify, and identify the basic components of language and thought. These elements are crucial to anyone desiring to acquire “critical thinking” skills. Emphasis is on Aristotle’s distinctions of the ten categories, the five predicables, and the four causes.

Classical Rhetoric is a study in the skills of written and oral persuasion, through the study of Aristotle’s Rhetoric, and has the goal of cultivating what Quintilian called “the good man speaking well.” As such, it involves a study of the fundamental principles of political philosophy, ethics, and traditional psychology. Students learn the essential elements of political, legal, and ceremonial speeches, as well as the elements of good character, the seven reasons people do things, what incites specific emotions under different circumstances, the elements of virtue, the four kinds of government, and the basic elements of traditional psychology. Students also study three model speeches as examples of the three branches of classical oratory, from Homer, Plato, and Abraham Lincoln. Students will also analyze Marc Antony’s “Funeral Oration” from William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar as an example of a great speech that defies categorization. Content includes the three elements of communication, the three kinds of persuasive speech, and the three modes of persuasion. Stress in this course is placed on persuasive speech within the context of human nature. 10th grade and up.

U.S. History

Land of Hope: An Invitation to the Great American Story & original source documents. Will satisfy the TN graduation requirement of 1 credit in U.S. History. 9th grade and up. Pairs extremely well with the Monday course Classical Civics: Cicero’s On Obligations, The Republic, and The Laws.