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Classes at Northfield Academy

We focus on providing a classical liberal arts education that nurtures the intellectual and personal growth of our students. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to fostering a love for learning and critical thinking skills in a supportive and inclusive environment. At Northfield Academy, we believe in the holistic development of our students, preparing them for success in college and beyond. 

Our comprehensive curriculum includes a balance of core subjects allowing students to explore their interests while meeting the necessary graduation criteria. We believe in empowering our students to become well-rounded individuals with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills.

Deep Dive Courses

These are classes that run for one month, but each covers the same amount of material that other schools cover in a quarter to a semester.

Current Offerings: November 2025

Survey of Vertebrates
 

November 2025

Mrs. Wagner

Grade level: 7-9

This class will be a survey of the enormous complexity and variety found in vertebrate animals. We will look at the ways they necessarily differ from invertebrates, and how they differ from each other. Simultaneously, we will work on the skill of editing research papers and see how writing is a multi-step process. 

Rights and Rhetoric 

November 2025

Mrs. Hein

Grade level: 10-12

In this class students will read and listen to great speeches that have changed the course of history. We will learn about different rhetorical devices, look for them as we read, and discuss their impact . After reading and listening to speeches, we’ll discuss differing styles and tones and the different effects they have. Students will write their own speech on something that inspires or moves them.

Astronomy and Out of the Silent Planet

November 2025

Mr. Sturgill

Grade level: 10-12

This class examines comparative cosmologies from the ancient to the modern world, with a special focus on the Hebrew and Greek traditions. During the final week of class we will read and discuss C.S. Lewis’s Out of the Silent Planet. 

Italian Art History

November 2025

Ms. Nordhus

Grade level: 7-9

This course will be an exploration of art in Italy during the Renaissance period. We will dive into the history of Florence, where Ms. Nordhus studied this summer, uncovering its foundational role in the Renaissance period of art. We will learn about specific artists during the aforementioned time period, including Fra Angelico and Michelangelo. We will expand our hearts and their appreciation of beauty through material by Josef Pieper, the book of Psalms, and various forms of art during the Renaissance period, particularly by these two artists. 
 

Future Offerings

Short Stories
 

December 2025

Mrs. Hein

Grade level: 7-12

In this two week class, we will be doing a close reading of multiple short stories. We will take our time and examine the language choices, character development, literary devices, plot, and words we enjoy or that challenge us. There will be a lot of cozy reading time and perhaps some hot chocolate and popcorn to get in the holiday spirit. 

Creative Writing
 

December 2025

Mrs. Hein

Grade level: 7-12

After spending our mornings reading, we will turn the focus inward. Students will practice different techniques, try out the literary devices discussed in the morning class, share with peers, and revise and re-revise. There will be time to practice building different characters, strong imagery, detailed settings and more. Students will write their own short stories. 

Capstone Theatre and Drama
 

December 2025

Mr. Overholt

Grade level: 11-12

Traditionally, each year, during December, the Juniors and Seniors write, stage, produce, and perform an original Christmas-themed play! This gives them experience with teamwork, deadlines, organization, and many other useful skills.

Geography of the Middle East
 

January 2026

Mrs. Eastly

Grade level: 11-12

The unique geography of the Middle East has generated powerful global influence and constant, bitter conflict.  This class will deliver an overview of the physical, cultural, and political geography of the region, as well as India, Pakistan, and the Central Asian republics.  Students will be given a framework of knowledge that will help them understand current events in the Middle East.  

Survey of the Human Body
 

January 2026

Mrs. Wagner

Grade level: 7-9

The human body is almost infinitely complex. This class will briefly touch on cellular and genetic topics, and then focus on a survey all 11 systems that make up the human body, with an emphasis on how they work together to solve the problems we face everyday. This will prepare students for the in-depth anatomy classes they will take later at Northfield. 

Lit/Comp: Fahrenheit 451
 

January 2026

Mrs. Segard

Grade level: 7-9

Course description coming soon.

History and The Iliad
 

February 2026

Mrs. Hein

Grade level: 7-9

Course description coming soon.

Music: Melody
 

February 2026

Mr. Overholt

Grade level: 7-9

Course description coming soon.

Human Anatomy: TBD
 

February 2026

Mrs. Wagner

Grade level: 10-11

Course description coming soon. Students and staff are deciding which system to cover!

Computer Science
 

February 2026

Mr. Jochems

Grade level: 10-12

Course description coming soon.

March 2026

Mrs. Wagner

Grade level: 10-11

Course description coming soon.

Evolutionary Theories
 

April 2026

Mrs. Hein and Mrs. Segard

Grade level: 7-9 and 10-12

Course description coming soon.

History: The Odyssey
 

Past Offerings:

These are classes that have been taught in the past few years, many of which will be offered again on a rotating basis.

Literature:

  • The Tempest

  • Much Ado About Nothing 

  • The Taming of the Shrew

  • WWI & All Quiet On The Western Front​

  • Dante's Inferno

  • Dante's Purgatorio

  • To Kill A Mocking Bird

  • American Literature

  • Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

  • The Iliad

  • Japanese Culture and Literature

Science:

  • Earth Science

  • Oceanography

  • Survey of Invertebrates

  • Survey of Vertebrates

  • Planetary Science - Stars

  • Physics of Everyday Things

  • Basic Chemistry and Cell Biology

  • Genetics and the Cellular Basis of Inheritance

  • Anatomy- Nervous System​

  • Anatomy- Bones and Muscles

  • Anatomy- Immune System

  • Anatomy- Cardiovascular System

 

History:

  • Old Testament and New Testament

  • ​Modern Industrial Revolution​

  • Art History

  • WWI & All Quiet On The Western Front​

  • Ancient Rome

  • Johnny Tremain & the American Revolution

  • Jesus Throughout the Word

  • Great Scientists

  • Modern History and the World Wars

  • Ancient History: Augustus and Aeneid

 

Supplemental:

  • ​Great Books- Till We Have Faces​

  • The Art of the Great Conversation

  • Logic

  • Art

  • US Geography

  • Geography of Asia

  • Geography of Europe

  • Geography of Africa

  • Geography of the Middle East

  • Economics- Shoe Dog

  • Atomic Habits and Essential Skills for Life

  • Composition and Essay Writing

  • Music: Harmony

  • Art and Contemplation

 

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