Course Offerings

Understand the critical environmental issues that affect the sustainability of neighborhoods and cities and discover how you can protect both people and the planet through experiential learning that explores the important links between ecological integrity, disaster preparedness, climate change and the agency of local solutions. Beyond classroom learning, students will deepen their understanding through field trips around the Seattle community, where they will observe and analyze real-world conditions and also the applications of positive ecological practices. The course culminates in a final group project, where students will propose innovative solutions to local environmental challenges, integrating insights from each module. By the end of the class, students will have a firm grasp of ecological concepts, foundational knowledge of disaster risk reduction and management, and practical strategies for ecosystem-based adaptation. The primary goal of this class is for students to be empowered to find their own local solutions to build resilient, environmentally friendly communities.

Instructors: Aaron Lecciones & Hoseok Sa

Autoethnography ("auto-" or "self"; "ethno-" or "of culture"; and "-graphy" or "the writing of") is a form of research which asserts that no meaning-making is impersonal, even and especially the research essay, a genre that often asks that researchers be impartial and objective. This course explores this core idea by asking you, the researcher, to intertwine your personal experiences with the subject of your research. It asks that you place yourself explicitly as a mode of understanding within the texts you create. In essence, it relies on shrinking the narrative and logical distance between you and your subject of study.

Students will learn to source both ethically and rigorously with MLA as our citation model, applying these skills to an annotated bibliography and a research proposal. Students will also learn how to maintain a sense of identity through this process via tone, voice, structure, guided by deep explorations of interlinked memory. At the end of the course, students will have an autoethnographic research project on a subject of their choosing. This course is reading-heavy and designed for students who are interested in research, particularly qualitative research, as well as those interested in auto-fiction and memoir.

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.

Instructor: Sanjana Ramesh

Algebra 1 is designed to give students a foundation for all future mathematics courses. This course will cover the fundamentals of algebraic problem-solving. Through the use of interactive lessons and modeling, students will explore: foundations of algebra, solving equations, solving inequalities, an introduction to functions, linear functions, systems of equations and inequalities, exponents and exponential functions, polynomials and factoring, quadratic functions and equations, radical expressions and equations, and data analysis and probability. Common Core standards will be taught and reinforced as the students learn to apply the concepts taught in real-life situations.

Please note: Section A and Section B have different instructors but cover the same course material.

Instructor: Jym Kinney

Algebra 1 is designed to give students a foundation for all future mathematics courses. This course will cover the fundamentals of algebraic problem-solving. Through the use of interactive lessons and modeling, students will explore: foundations of algebra, solving equations, solving inequalities, an introduction to functions, linear functions, systems of equations and inequalities, exponents and exponential functions, polynomials and factoring, quadratic functions and equations, radical expressions and equations, and data analysis and probability. Common Core standards will be taught and reinforced as the students learn to apply the concepts taught in real-life situations.

Please note: Section A and Section B have different instructors but cover the same course material.

Instructor: Alex Perry

Our Algebra 2/Trig curriculum follows closely the ideas and skills described in the Common Core for that subject. These include operations with quadratics and higher order polynomials, work with rational expressions, radical expressions, and complex numbers, transformation of functions and their graphical representations, the fundamental theorems of algebra, including the factor theorem, rational root theorem, as well as trigonometric problem-solving and proofs involving trigonometric identities. To best complete one academic year over the four-week period, a large part of each day will be spent doing small-group work, individual study, and testing. Self-motivation, strong independent learning, and good study habits are essential for success in this highly accelerated and individually paced program. Not all students finish the entire curriculum.

This course has prerequisites. Students wishing to register for Algebra 2 must demonstrate that they have successfully completed (or are currently enrolled in) Algebra 1 and Geometry. Please submit evidence of success in these courses (by uploading a relevant report card) during the application process.

Please note: Section A and Section B have different instructors but cover the same course material.

Instructor: Pauly Giuglianotti

Our Algebra 2/Trig curriculum follows closely the ideas and skills described in the Common Core for that subject. These include operations with quadratics and higher order polynomials, work with rational expressions, radical expressions, and complex numbers, transformation of functions and their graphical representations, the fundamental theorems of algebra, including the factor theorem, rational root theorem, as well as trigonometric problem-solving and proofs involving trigonometric identities. To best complete one academic year over the four-week period, a large part of each day will be spent doing small-group work, individual study, and testing. Self-motivation, strong independent learning, and good study habits are essential for success in this highly accelerated and individually paced program. Not all students finish the entire curriculum.

This course has prerequisites. Students wishing to register for Algebra 2 must demonstrate that they have successfully completed (or are currently enrolled in) Algebra 1 and Geometry. Please submit evidence of success in these courses (by uploading a relevant report card) during the application process.

Please note: Section A and Section B have different instructors but cover the same course material.

Instructor: Alissa Berger

Our Algebra 2/Trig curriculum follows closely the ideas and skills described in the Common Core for that subject. These include operations with quadratics and higher order polynomials, work with rational expressions, radical expressions, and complex numbers, transformation of functions and their graphical representations, the fundamental theorems of algebra, including the factor theorem, rational root theorem, as well as trigonometric problem-solving and proofs involving trigonometric identities. To best complete one academic year over the four-week period, a large part of each day will be spent doing small-group work, individual study, and testing. Self-motivation, strong independent learning, and good study habits are essential for success in this highly accelerated and individually paced program. Not all students finish the entire curriculum.

This course has prerequisites. Students wishing to register for Algebra 2 must demonstrate that they have successfully completed (or are currently enrolled in) Algebra 1 and Geometry. Please submit evidence of success in these courses (by uploading a relevant report card) during the application process.

Please note: Section A and Section B have different instructors but cover the same course material.

Instructor: Reese Johnston

This is a reading, lecture, and laboratory course that covers the basic high school chemistry curriculum and provides an understanding of why materials in our world behave as they do.

Students must have completed first year Algebra or equivalent to apply.

Instructors: Jeannine Sieler & Melvin Soetrisno

When we think of writing, texts like essays, novels, or poems might come to mind. However, many of the texts we encounter, read and write in our lives today convey meaning not only through language, but also through images, layout, sound, video and more. Students today need awareness and skills to integrate multiple modes to make meaning in both reading and writing. This course is designed to strengthen students' knowledge and skills in using multiple modes to compose and interpret messages. Moreover, it will enhance their reading and comprehension skills across literary and non-literary genres. Students will be engaged in critical reading and response to texts, investigation of power relations and hierarchies in texts, self-reflection and metacognition, exploration of reading strategies across genres, and developing multimodal compositions and projects.

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.

Instructor: Patrick McGowan

Students will engage in urban planning and architectural design processes, contextualized through the lens of designing uplifting built environments.

Defining and measuring happiness in the research world is discussed, diagrammed, and practiced. Research on human physiological and psychological response to place and space back a unique assessment tool teaching students will practice with to better understand and evaluate existing environments for pro-happiness elements and qualities. Architectural visual communication skills will put into practice including scale drawing, iterative design, team collaboration, investigative critique, and model building, culminating in a final full-scale design-build installation and presentation.

Instructor: Rebecca Habtour

Natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires can cause huge damage, not just to human and non-human life or infrastructure, but also to important personal, family, and community stories. These stories captured through records like photographs, drawings, documents, or other media are a crucial source of information about one's history and local environments. As young people, addressing natural disasters may feel impossible, but it is necessary for everyone to know how to respond in order to help with recovery. This class will bring together teens to learn about how to identify, save and restore damaged records after a disaster. Students will also learn about the history of disaster recovery, safety protocols, and the different roles young people as disaster responders can take in these situations.

Instructor: Itza Carbajal

Long before the ancient Greeks began their journey of science and philosophy, humans were enchanted by light. Why and how does light intermingle with matter, like air and water? Where does light come from? What is the nature of starlight from the heavens compared to the bioluminescence from the seas? Through discussion and experimentation, this course will follow the development of our understanding of light and matter, from early Islamic knowledge to Einstein's questioning of space and time. Finally, we'll study the nature of science itself. The birth of optics, Edison bulbs, spectral emissions, glow sticks, LEDs, solar energy, cell phone displays, quantum computing – together these tell a version of our human story through the ages, through the lens of light and matter.

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.

Instructors: Grace Edwards

In this course you will learn fundamental concepts regarding plans and solid shapes, develop and apply common properties and formulas to solve problems, and apply principles of logic to prove theorems in geometry and how to extend that logic to other academic disciplines.

Please note: Section A and Section B have different instructors but cover the same course material.

This course has prerequisites. Students wishing to register for Geometry must demonstrate that they have successfully completed (or are currently enrolled in) Algebra 1. Please submit evidence of success in these courses (by uploading a relevant report card) during the application process.

Instructor: Thomas Ames

In this course you will learn fundamental concepts regarding plans and solid shapes, develop and apply common properties and formulas to solve problems, and apply principles of logic to prove theorems in geometry and how to extend that logic to other academic disciplines.

Please note: Section A and Section B have different instructors but cover the same course material.

This course has prerequisites. Students wishing to register for Geometry must demonstrate that they have successfully completed (or are currently enrolled in) Algebra 1. Please submit evidence of success in these courses (by uploading a relevant report card) during the application process.

Instructor: Truman Buffett

This engaging and comprehensive course is designed to provide a solid understanding of the structure and function of the human body. Throughout the course, students will explore the intricacies of various body systems, organs, tissues, and cells and develop a deep appreciation for the complexities of human anatomy. Students will learn how to use the basics of anatomical terminology through the study of each major body system, including the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, nervous, and reproductive systems, examining the structure and function of these systems in detail to understand how each system contributes to the overall functioning of the human body. Students will engage in a variety of instructional activities, including lectures, discussions, laboratory experiments, and multimedia presentations aimed at enhancing analytical thinking skills and building strong academic skills. Hands-on activities will include dissection of preserved specimens, identification of anatomical structures, and microscopy analysis.

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.

Instructor: Paige Reed & Sarah Krueger

In this immersive course, students with no prior knowledge of the French language will learn to communicate in French at the A1 (beginner) level. The focus of our course will be speaking and listening, so that students are actively communicating with each other for most of our class time. This highly interactive, conversation-based approach will be centered on communication and expression, with grammar-based instruction included to support communicative goals.

Topics will include introductions and greetings, counting, describing ourselves and others, asking questions, expressing preferences, telling time, describing our homes, talking about the weather, and discussing daily habits.

Instructor: Sarah-Kate Moore

Through lectures, discussion-based teaching, inquiry-driven learning, experiments, hands-on projects, lab experiments, and field trips, students will learn the fundamentals of the process of science, the interconnected and interacting nature of organisms and their environments and the adaptations that organisms evolved to meet these challenges.

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.

Instructor: Matt Stewart & Stephanie Houston

This course offers a structured introduction to Python, one of the most in-demand programming languages. Students will start with the fundamentals of Python setup and basic scripting, advancing through key concepts such as data types, control structures, functions, and modules. The curriculum progresses to cover more advanced topics including data structures, file operations, error handling, and an introduction to object-oriented programming. Each session combines theoretical learning with practical, hands-on exercises, enabling students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. The course culminates in a final project, where students will demonstrate their coding skills and creativity. Ideal for young learners with a keen interest in technology, this course aims to build a strong foundation in programming within an engaging and supportive environment.

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop (not a tablet). The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.

Instructor: Noah Nguyen

Ever wonder what it's like to take part in a trial? Introduce evidence? Question witnesses? In this course, students will participate in a mock trial. This introduction to law will include lessons on rules of evidence, cross examination, and courtroom decorum. Students will be a part of every aspect of the trial so come prepared to act as advocate, witness, and jury! Guest speakers from the Seattle legal community will also participate to give students a well-rounded understanding of the practice of law.

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.

Instructor: Samantha Hasegawa

When should non-humans have human rights? Should we make ethical decisions like Spock? In what sense does magic exist? How would your life be different if you couldn't lie? In this course, we will explore various philosophical concepts through their presentation in science fiction and fantasy. For example, as modern science progresses, what we once thought of as science fiction at the start of the 20th century is now approaching reality. These questions will help us understand how we think about ourselves, other people, and the world we live in while sharpening our skills in critical thinking, collaborative inquiry, and civil dialogue. Through the use of films, TV shows, selections from novels, and short stories, we will explore the intersections between philosophy, science fiction, and fantasy, and try to answer some of the philosophical questions that have inspired human minds for millennia.

Instructors: Nic Jones & Jack Flesher

Precalculus is about building the tools of mathematical problem-solving needed for introductory calculus. We assume enough prior familiarity with algebra to be comfortable with functions and their graphs and with manipulating linear and quadratic equations. The key question behind precalculus could reasonably be phrased as: how are functions applied to real-world situations? Closely related are the further questions: how are functions related to their graphs? And what does the graph of a function tell us about its real-world consequences? All three of these ideas will underlie the various topics in this course. Self-motivation, strong independent learning, and good study habits are essential for success in this highly accelerated and individually paced program. Not all students finish the entire curriculum. 

This course has prerequisites. Students wishing to register for Precalculus must demonstrate that they have successfully completed (or are currently enrolled in) Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. Please submit evidence of success in these courses (by uploading a relevant report card) during the application process.

Instructor: Theresa Eugenio

Precalculus is about building the tools of mathematical problem-solving needed for introductory calculus. We assume enough prior familiarity with algebra to be comfortable with functions and their graphs and with manipulating linear and quadratic equations. The key question behind precalculus could reasonably be phrased as: how are functions applied to real-world situations? Closely related are the further questions: how are functions related to their graphs? And what does the graph of a function tell us about its real-world consequences? All three of these ideas will underlie the various topics in this course. Self-motivation, strong independent learning, and good study habits are essential for success in this highly accelerated and individually paced program. Not all students finish the entire curriculum. 

This course has prerequisites. Students wishing to register for Precalculus must demonstrate that they have successfully completed (or are currently enrolled in) Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. Please submit evidence of success in these courses (by uploading a relevant report card) during the application process.

Please note: Section A and Section B have different instructors but cover the same course material.

Instructor: Dawood Dawood

To become public health experts, clinicians and scientists study the scientific discipline of epidemiology. Epidemiologists are the detectives of the health science world, tracking and analyzing the spread of disease to discover both the origins and future movements of a given outbreak or public health crisis. Through scientific inquiry and the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data, public health experts use this information to understand, control, or prevent disease and health problems. This course covers an introduction to the concept of public health, basic epidemiology principles, concepts and procedures, and related coding skills using statistical software. By blending interactive lessons, real-world case studies, and hands-on analytic and coding activities, we aim to ignite curiosity and provide students with a foundation in public health principles and epidemiological practices.

Instructor: Daphne Gallegos

In this course, students will embark on a self-generated research project, engaging them with regional or global issues and promoting communal engagement, while learning core research methods. Students will be able to identify problems within a specific group or community, investigate or create solutions for their chosen group, and communicate their research findings through a creative format known as the "zine" (pronounced "zee-n"), or mini magazine. Skills targeted by this course will be research methods, source evaluation, expository and persuasive writing – with a particular focus on writing structure, audience, style, and tone – as well as introductory art design. The final product will be a personalized zine featuring student writing and artwork that will be distributed to their intended audience, showcasing a creative research endeavor to connect and inspire social change.

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.

Instructor: Nicholas Durant

This course seeks to expose students to the competitive high school debate community and prepare students to compete when they return to their home schools. We will focus on developing a student's critical thinking, argumentation, and public speaking skills. To accomplish this aim, students will research current events, write speeches, and debate their fellow students in both formal and informal settings. Success in the course requires the motivation to learn about current events and dedication to improving the student's writing, speaking, and listening skills.

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.

Instructor: Stephen Thornsberry& Brooke Ranieri

What is language? How does language change over time and vary across distances? How do we learn, teach, analyze, and use language? This course will examine these questions and more in our exploration of linguistics: the scientific study of language. This course is designed to provide an overview of the main subfields of linguistics––phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics—while and how they work together to further our understanding of the nature of language. We will then explore how to apply this knowledge to the real world and to multiple disciplines, from education and medicine to gaming and the law, all while developing research skills through projects and experiments. Using what you have learned, you will be able to construct your own language!

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.

Instructor: Alex Henry

In this digital world, data are readily available in all shapes and forms. Data science literacy – the ability to identify, evaluate, analyze, and present data in various formats – is an indispensable skill to be successful as young scholars. In this class, students will learn to critically evaluate how data are used to represent the world through maps, statistics, and graphs. Students will be guided on how to acquire credible data sources that are available in the public domain. Hands-on practice with web-based data visualization applications will allow students to explore topics of their interest and prepare a presentation that will deliver a data-driven story about their worldviews. Students will leave with essential data science knowledge and skills to confidently navigate today's world as informed citizens.

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop (not a tablet). The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.

Instructors: Yen-Chu Weng & Eliza Knepler

We will explore the craft of writing contemporary poetry, creative prose, and creative nonfiction. Students will learn how creative writers cultivate public scholarship that engages with critical discussions of positionality through the lens of race, gender, and class. Students will be asked to imagine otherwise, using the fictional aesthetic space to begin their own critical lines of inquiry. Reflection and collaboration will be key. Students will work together to develop writerly practices through writing experiments, peer workshopping, and situated research. These activities will provide the foundation for the capstone project: a portfolio of scaffolded creative writing. By the end of this course, students will depart with a toolbox of skills for collegiate research, gathered through the development of their own writing practice.

Please note: This course requires the use of a laptop or similar device. The Robinson Center can provide a device if your child does not have access.

Instructor: Reggie Kent