COURSE KEY FACTS 
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TEACHER

​John Trapasso has 27 years experience teaching in leading independent schools and a proven track record of excellence.  I worked as an instructor at the Foundation for Critical Thinking training educators nation-wide and at annual International Conferences.
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WHERE

Live online Zoom classes; possibility of in-person in Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay Area.

PROGRAM OF STUDY

Critical Thinking Humanities, combining language arts and social studies into a daily two-hour long course of study. 
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​FOCUS ON THINKING
​AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Emphasizes the development of inquiry and learning skills, critical thinking, and the core skills of close reading, essay writing, and discussion.  Focuses on in-depth study of a few major topics rather than a shallow survey of many.
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GRADES 7-12 COURSES 2021-2022

A Grade 7-8 and a Grade 9-12 class are offered.  The course of study for both levels is: The Evolution of Societies: The Hunter-Gatherer and Horticultural Eras.
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STUDENTS

My course benefits all learners; it challenges the gifted and provides methods that support those with learning differences.  It is not for an elite few; it strives for a balanced workload and degree of challenge where everyone can succeed.   Any student with enthusiasm for learning will thrive in my class.  
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INDEPENDENT SCHOOL
​COURSE
​DESIGN

My program was developed at leading independent schools to provide an exceptional education with engaging and active projects, Socratic discussions, analytical essays, thorough assessments, meaningful homework, narrative report cards, and parent and student conferences.  It features essential questions, rigorous challenges, and high standards.
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CLASS SIZE

Class size is 20 students.  If there is demand, I may increase that number by a few students to accommodate more families.
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YEARLY SCHEDULE
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A class is a yearlong course of study, five days a week, September to June; a total of 180 days. Calendar forthcoming.
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DAILY CLASS TIME

Start time for each grade level class to be determined; classes are between the school hours of 8:30 to 3:30 Pacific Time.  A class is a two-hour block.
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APPLICATION
PROCESS

Application form and family interview required by July 9.  If space is available, applications will be accepted after this date.
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YEARLY TUITION
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The yearlong humanities course combines traditional classes in language arts and social studies.  The cost is $3,600.  Please contact me about the flexible tuition program.
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TEACHING
​CREDENTIAL

I have a lifetime teaching credential in social studies for grades 7-12 from the state of Massachusetts.  Although I worked for years as an independent school teacher in California, I did not require and do not have a California state teaching credential; I do not plan to get one in the future.
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STATE HOME SCHOOL LAWS

You are responsible for knowing your state’s home school laws and completing all paper work requirements; I will provide a written semester report of your child’s progress in my class.
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CALIFORNIA
​HOME SCHOOL LAWS

I am new to the home school world in California and still learning its requirements for parents, so please check that my understanding is accurate.  Because I do not have a California state teaching credential, my classes do not qualify as an approved home school course that could be offered through a Charter School home schooling program.  Therefore, I have not sought to register my classes as part of a state Charter School program.  You will not be able to get state funds to pay for my class, as I understand it.  To get credit for my class from the state, I believe your family needs to be registered as an independent private school.
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