1. Semester 1:
   1. Science Department: September 13, 2010– January 21, 2011
   2. Bible, Apologetics, Worldview Department: September 13, 2010 – January 14, 2011
   • Thanksgiving break: November 20–28, 2010
   • Christmas break: December 18, 2010–January 2, 2011
2. Semester 2:
   1. Science Department: January 24, 2011 – May 27, 2011
   2. Bible, Apologetics, Worldview Department: January 31, 2011 – May 27, 2011
   • Winter break: February 19–27, 2011
   • Spring break: April 2–10, 2011

• NOTE:  This Web Site replaces current Apologia Catalog

[Click here for:  Teacher "Standards/Code of Conduct']

Larry Blythe, ApologiaAcademy Director and Teacher
Larry was raised in a Christian home in California. He became a Christian around the age of 9, and later committed to seeking full time ministry. He studied Pastoral Theology at Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College in Southern California where he received his B.A. in 1982. He pastored for about 15 years as an Associate Pastor/Student Ministries (Youth Pastor). During that time, he spoke at numerous youth rallies, camps and other junior high and high school events including teaching seminars for youth pastors with Word of Life Clubs and other student ministry organizations. After years of witnessing to Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, and other people deceived by false religions and other aberrant groups, Larry developed a counter-cult ministry reaching many Jehovah's Witnesses for Christ. This led him to seeking out further education in the area of apologetics – defending the historical Judeo-Christian faith.

Larry earned his M.A.A. (Master of Arts in Apologetics) from Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, NC in 2002. In 2003 he accepted a from the president of the Seminary to assist in starting Southern Evangelical Church, also located in Charlotte, Larry served 3 ½ years as the Assistant Pastor of Christian Education.

Larry has been a regular guest speaker at the National Christian Apologetics Conference, and the Spiritual Counterfeits Conference. He was an instructor of World Religions and New Religious Movements, and Church History at Southern Evangelical Bible College. He was the Founder/Director of the Lay Institute for Biblical Studies and taught on various topics including cults, apologetics, theology, OT/NT, and social disciplines. He is one of the editors of the Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics.

He teaches seminars on a variety of topics at various venues. In addition to teaching subjects related to World Religions, Cults, and general apologetics (defending the historical Christian faith), Larry's seminar topics include I Don't Have Enough Faith to be An Atheist, Are the New Testament Accounts True, Do All Religions Lead to God, How To Answer a Skeptic, 10 Things Teens Can Do To Change The World, How to Refute Non-Christian Claims, and many more. For approximately 2 ½ years Larry was a regular guest on the weekly radio program The Voice of Truth. He has also been a guest on the local public access television show Giving An Answer speaking on various topics including Scientology, The DaVinci Code, and Jehovah's Witnesses. He has been a guest on radio programs both live and pre-recorded. Larry occasionally teaches classes in apologetics and World Religions in the local prison ministry.

When he is not directing the new ApologiaAcademy, Larry enjoys racquetball, calling one of his three grown children, and dating his wife Jane. Larry and Jane, live in Charlotte, NC.

TEACHING THE FOLLOWING CLASS SECTIONS:  All classes in the Bible, Apologetics, & Worldview Department except Philosophy.

Rusty Hughes
Rusty Hughes and his wife, Cheryl, have always homeschooled their six children. Rusty, an Indiana State certified teacher, has considerable experience teaching science courses, including chemistry and physics, in public school and private tutoring. When in public school, he developed a physics classroom that integrated computer data-gathering equipment and was one of the first teachers to incorporate using a web page for assignments. Rusty's other interests include coaching baseball, playing golf, basketball referee and making heirloom-quality furniture in his woodshop, called The Full Quiver Woodshop. Rusty is currently writing a chemistry and physics text for Apologia's Young Explorer Series and is a member of the advisory board for their local homeschool support group.

TEACHING THE FOLLOWING CLASS SECTIONS: All Chemistry & Physics including Advanced

WELCOME NEW TEACHERS FOR APOLOGIA ACADEMY'S 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR:

Tabatha Jones, B.S. Education in Biology, Master of Science, summa cum laude, Technology in Science

Tabatha was born and raised in a Christian home in Michigan. She accepted our Lord’s free gift of salvation and asked Him into her heart at the age of ten. Her personal relationship with Christ grew abundantly in her early 20s when she began to study God’s Word and science. Tabatha graduated from Western Michigan University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education. In 2008, Tabatha earned her Master of Science degree in Education with a focus on Technology in Science. She graduated summa cum laude from Indiana University/Purdue University of Indianapolis.

Tabatha has taught in public schools in both Michigan and Indiana and holds a license to teach in both states. She has taught Physical Science, Biology, Advanced Biology, and Chemistry to students in grades 9-12. Tabatha has a love for teaching science and has a passion for learning and teaching others how the Bible is scientifically accurate.

Tabatha and her husband, Curtis, live in Indiana and are blessed with three amazing children. Tabatha enjoys gardening, scrapbooking, volunteering at her children’s school, serving as Vice-President of the Parent Teacher Fellowship, acting in church plays, coaching community soccer and softball teams, and being involved in a Bible study group called The Query.

TEACHING THE FOLLOWING CLASS SECTIONS: Physical Science 1, 3;  Biology 6 & 7
 

 

Becky Edmondson, B.S. in Biology, cum laude

After graduating with honors from Western Carolina University with a degree in biology, Becky married Rick in 1991. While he worked in the engineering field, Becky worked as a physical therapy assistant until the birth of their first child, Caelen, in 1994. This began her career as a stay-at-home mom and homeschool teacher.

Throughout their marriage, Becky and Rick have had numerous opportunities to encourage others regarding the blessings of parenting by God’s grace and according to His Word. They also speak locally on the practical how-to’s of biblical child training.

Becky began teaching during her college years when she tutored students in the areas of anatomy and physiology. That experience sparked her desire to become an educator. Several years later, while homeschooling her four children, she enjoyed tutoring high school and college students in algebra and biology.

When her own children were old enough to officially begin their science studies, Becky founded the Danville School of Arts and Sciences, a community-wide homeschool organization. There she began to teach Apologia science—primarily general science and biology. After moving back to Western North Carolina in 2006, she taught Apologia’s biology and physical science courses in a local co-op.

Becky’s four great loves are Christ, family, teaching, and science. Through Apologia & Apologia Academy she has the wonderful opportunity of seeing those four loves wed into one united front. Here she is given the great privilege of assisting families in teaching quality, Christ-centered science to their children. Becky’s prayer is that these students will not only enjoy science, but will also walk away with a better understanding of God’s universe and their place in it.

TEACHING THE FOLLOWING CLASS SECTIONS: Physical Science 2, 4, 5; Advanced Biology
 

Andrea Squibb, B.S. in Chemistry, cum laude

Andrea grew up in Burlington, IN where she graduated high school valedictorian. She graduated cum laude from Butler University in Indianapolis earning a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Chemistry. Andrea’s focus in college was medicine. She supplemented her science degree with courses in physics and biological sciences – immunology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology to name a few. Swearing she would never do scientific research, Andrea left college, delayed a medical career, and started a family. A year later God redirected her path and got the last laugh when He guided her into a career doing medical research – biochemical research developing medical tests.

She worked for 71/2 years with Seradyn Diagnostics in manufacturing, quality control, and finally in research: developing , improving, supporting, and validating protein-based diagnostic tests. After 7 years, the family finances were at a point where Andrea could follow her God inspired desire to remain home with her children. Her family eventually moved to the Indianapolis area and upon pulling her children out of school in order to move, she started homeschooling.

During her years of homeschooling Andrea found a passion for teaching and after tiring of hearing and seeing how boring science can be in public schools, Andrea took on the challenge within homeschool circles of making science come alive to children of all ages while also making it fun and understandable. She has taught physics, forensic science, GPS, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, environmental science and more, to classes ranging from 5 to 35 students in upper elementary and middle school. Andrea also taught biology, chemistry, and physics to high school students in her home and small homeschool “high schools” for 4 years.

Andrea currently works in the genetics lab for a non-for-profit organization called Indiana Crop Improvement Assn. testing agricultural products for genetically modified traits (GMO’s) and developing new genetics assays (tests) to automate current testing procedures. She also tutors chemistry and math students as well. Andrea now lives in Lebanon, IN with her 2 teenage children.

Over the years, outside of raising a family and working, Andrea enjoys music (learning piano and playing saxophone), biking, running, mountain biking, camping, canoeing/kayaking, reading, and swimming. She has also started an American heritage Girl troop, led Cub scout dens, taught Sunday School, coached baseball and soccer teams, and volunteers for her children’s activities. She especially enjoys cheerleading for her favorite athletes – her football, baseball, and basketball star son, and her competitive gymnast daughter who qualified for regional's in USA gymnastics April, 2010!

TEACHING THE FOLLOWING CLASS SECTIONS: Biology 2, 3, 4
 

Michael Clapper, B.A. Philosophy, M.A. Philosophy, magna cum laude, Ph.D (in progress)

Mike earned a B.A. Philosophy, Political Science, cum laude from Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, an M.A. in Philosophy, magna cum laude from Southern Evangelical Seminary, Matthews, NC, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Kansas. Mike was a staff writer for Worldwide Challenge Magazine, Orlando, FL where he wrote and edited feature and department articles. He composed their monthly newsletter and raised own financial support. Mike worked as Campus Ministry Staff Member for Campus Ministry where he recruited, taught, and trained college students in organization’s values using various methods. From 2001-2004 he was researcher and writer for Josh McDowell Ministry where he researched, wrote, and answered questions regarding The New Evidence That Demands A Verdict book and also developed several chapters for the same. He was a staff member for Campus Crusade for Christ from 1994-2004.

Mike's first love was science. Although he pursued degrees in philosophy he has never lost sight of his gifts, talents, and knowledge in the sciences. He is a public speaker and gifted teacher/communicator. Mike's contribution to Apologia Academy will uniquely benefit both the Science and Bible, Apologetics, & Worldview Departments.

Mike and his wife Lauri live with their 4 children in Kansas.

TEACHING THE FOLLOWING CLASS SECTIONS: General Science 1, 2, 3, & 4; Intro to Philosophy

Derrick R. Bucy, Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, 1985, Qualified Naval Nuclear Engineer, Master of Arts, Biblical Studies candidate, Reformed Theological Seminary, 2011 (expected)

Pastor Derrick comes to us from Fort Mill, SC and is the pastor of The Gathering Fort Mill. He received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech in 1985. He is currently studying for his Masters degree in Biblical Studies from Reformed Theological Seminary. Derrick was a US Navy Nuclear Submarine Officer, Lieutenant (he saw the fish up-close and in person!).

In addition to previously working for various industries and pastoring, Derrick has taught Apologia Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Physical Science in Christian Schools and at home. He has also developed additional classes in Oceanography and Marine Biology. Derrick was instrumental in transitioning the entire secondary school (a local private Christian school) to an integrated Apologia curriculum. Most importantly, Derrick is married to Lisa and has 4 sons: Aaron (21), Caleb (19), Noah (16), and Jonah (13).

TEACHING THE FOLLOWING CLASS SECTIONS:  Biology 5;  Marine Biology


YOUR APOLOGIA ACADEMY TEACHERS FOR 2010-2011:

APOLOGIA ACADEMY STANDARDS OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE & CONDUCT

APOLOGIA ACADEMY & APOLOGIA EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES, INC
Standards of Academic Excellence & Code of Proper Conduct
For All Teachers & Apologia Academy Staff

Apologia Academy teachers/educators make a conscientious effort to exemplify the highest ethical standards.

Apologia Academy is based on biblical principles and operates with the highest degree of integrity among its employees and towards its customers. Our policies, procedures, and guidelines require the same standards from our teachers. To accept anything less would negatively affect the way in which students receive instruction.

In order to maintain these goals and consistently provide academic excellence we require our teachers to agree to a Code of Proper Conduct and Standards of Academic Excellence. These are simple, basic guidelines and policies to ensure families and students experience exceptional, professional, and appropriate interaction with all teachers and staff and are respected at all times, in both business and teaching/classroom situations.

It is our promise to Apologia Academy families and students that all those employed by Apologia Academy will uphold these standards of decency, courtesy, and professionalism. To violate these guidelines would be inappropriate and show a lack of integrity.

Apologia Academy teachers/educators and staff agree to the following:

APOLOGIA ACADEMY STANDARD I: Ethical Conduct toward Practices, Performance, and Company
Apologia Academy teachers/educators should assume responsibility and accountability for their performances and continually strive to demonstrate competence.

Apologia Academy professional teachers/educators, as representatives of Christ, homeschool families, Apologia, Apologia Academy and their respective family name, and to maintain the dignity of the profession will demonstrate personal integrity and will not be involved in any immoral, impure, illegal, or unethical activity.

1. Apologia Academy teachers/educators agree to the Statement of Faith for Teachers/Educators as found on the Apologia Academy website and in section IV of this document.

2. Apologia Academy teachers/educators agree to the standards discussed below.

3. Apologia Academy teachers/educators (whether employed or contracted by Apologia) will report directly to the Academy Director.

4. Apologia Academy teachers/educators will adhere to the terms of their contract with Apologia Academy.

5. Apologia Academy teachers/educators will seek professional growth by staying on the cutting edge of their subject(s). They will foster spiritual growth by regular church attendance, personal prayer and Bible reading.

6. Apologia Academy teachers/educators should not intentionally misrepresent official policies of Apologia Academy, and must clearly distinguish between the views of Apologia Academy and one’s own personal opinions.

7. Apologia Academy teachers/educators will not use institutional or professional privileges for personal or partisan advantage, including (but not limited to) publishing or using class rosters and email lists for personal gain.

8. Apologia Academy teachers/educators understand that all email and contact lists of registered families and students are the sole property of Apologia and Apologia Academy and are not the property of employees, teachers, staff, or contracted employees. It is the responsibility of Apologia, Apologia Academy staff, teachers, and other employees, whether full-time, part-time, or contracted to ensure the confidentiality of all registered families and therefore will not sell, give away or publish email and contact lists. These lists must be returned or destroyed by anyone leaving the employ of Apologia and Apologia Academy.

APOLOGIA ACADEMY STANDARD II: Ethical Conduct toward Students, Families, Teachers and Staff
Apologia Academy teachers/educators accept personal responsibility for teaching students character qualities consistent with biblical principles that will help them evaluate the consequences of and accept responsibility for their actions and choices.

We strongly affirm parents as the primary moral educators of their children. Apologia Academy is not the school, the homeschool is. Apologia Academy is a resource available to assist autonomous homeschool institutions.

Therefore:
1. Apologia Academy teachers/educators will report all classroom activity, including assignments, tests, quizzes, and report card suggested grades, etc. to the parent via the student portal (and e-mail if appropriate) and will provide final grade suggestions based on this activity. It is the duty of the homeschool to monitor the grades of the student and develop their own transcripts and/or report card.

2. Apologia Academy teachers/educators are obligated to help foster both biblical and civic virtues such as godliness, integrity, diligence, responsibility, cooperation, loyalty, fidelity, and respect for the law, for human life, for others, and for self.

3. Apologia Academy teachers/educators, in accepting a position of public trust, measure success not only by the progress of each student toward his or her personal and educational potential, but also by how their lives exemplify Jesus Christ as a citizen of the greater community in which they live.

4. Apologia Academy teachers/educators will receive a Class Feedback summary based on a form to be sent to parents once per semester. All family names will be kept confidential. The Class Feedback form is for coaching purposes and will be used to help Apologia Academy teachers and staff to continually improve their communication and teaching skills.

5. Apologia Academy teachers/educators should deal considerately and justly with each student. They should seek to resolve problems, including discipline, in accordance with the law and Apologia Academy policy.

6. Apologia Academy teachers/educators will not intentionally expose the student to disparagement in class or in private communication.

7. Apologia Academy teachers/educators will treat all students, families and Apologia and Apologia Academy employees and staff with respect. All communication will be uplifting, encouraging, and cheerful at all times, including email and other correspondence.

8. Apologia Academy teachers/educators will, when faced with conflicts between the teacher, student, and/or family that cannot be resolved, report the situation to the Apologia Academy Director immediately. All e-mail correspondence must be scrutinized by the Apologia Academy director before being sent to the family or individual (this is only in reference to conflicts and potential conflicts, not to all e-mail correspondence between teacher and family/student).

9. Apologia Academy teachers/educators will not reveal confidential information concerning students, unless required by law.

10. Apologia Academy teachers/educators will not reveal confidential business information with non-Apologia Academy employees.

11. If concerns, questions, conflicts, or complaints arise with or about another Apologia Academy employee (which includes contracted, salaried, and full-time), Apologia Academy teachers/educators will follow the biblical directive found in Matthew chapter 18 and approach the individual in private seeking to resolve the conflict. If a resolution is not achieved, the issue should be discussed directly with the Apologia Academy director who will work together with the individual(s) to determine the best way to approach the situation. Apologia Academy teachers/educators can also speak with the human resources representative or president of Apologia if a resolution to the situation is not achieved.
If a difficult situation arises with a parent and/or student, the issue should be discussed directly with the Apologia Academy director who will work together with the teacher/educator to determine the best way to approach the situation.

12. Apologia Academy teachers/educators, in exemplifying ethical relations with colleagues, will accord just and equitable treatment and respect to all members of the profession, including those employed with other organizations.

13. Apologia Academy teachers/educators will not reveal confidential information concerning colleagues, unless required by law.

14. Apologia Academy teachers/educators will not willfully make false statements about other colleagues or staff, including those employed with other organizations.

APOLOGIA ACADEMY STANDARD III: Biblical Integrity, Statement of Faith for Teachers/Educators
Apologia Academy teachers/educators affirm the following:

The Bible: The Bible, including both the Old and the New Testaments, is the verbally inspired Word of God, and inerrant in the original documents.
Matthew 5:18; John 16:12-13; Hebrews 4:12; II Timothy 3:16,17; II Peter 1:19-21.

The Trinity: One God exists eternally in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Genesis 1:1,26; Proverbs 30:4; Mark 12:29; Matthew 28:19; II Corinthians 13:14; John 1:1-4, 14,18; Acts 5:3,4.

The Creation: The universe, angels, and all living things were created perfect by God.
Genesis 1:26,27; 2:7-9,16,17; 3:1-19.

The Fall of Man: The first man, Adam, sinned, resulting in the condemnation of all people.
Genesis 3:1-6; Romans 1:18,32; 3:10-19; 5:12,19.

The Virgin Birth/Deity of Christ: Jesus was born of a virgin and is both true God and true man.
Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-35; Philippians 2:6-11; Isaiah 7:14; John 1:14.

The Plan of Salvation: Jesus died, was buried, and rose bodily:
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice and rose again for our justification; and that all who believe in Him are justified on the grounds of His shed blood and are saved by grace through faith wholly apart from human merit and works. Acts 13:39; 16:31; Romans 3:21-28; 1 Corinthians 15:1-3; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:3-8.

The Means and Scope of Salvation: We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ Alone. That faith is then evidenced by good works.
John 1:12,13; 3:3-16; 5:24; 10:28,29; I Peter 1:23; II Peter 1:4-11.

The Second Coming: Jesus will come again bodily and will establish His kingdom on the earth.
Luke 24:36-43; John 20:24-29; Acts 1:9-11; I Corinthians 15:25; Revelation 1:5-7; 19:11-16; 20:6.

The Eternal State: The saved will live in conscious bliss and the lost in conscious woe forever.
John 5:28,29; Revelation 20:6,11-15; 21:1-8; Matthew 10:28; 18:8,9; 25:41,46; Mark 9:43-49; II Thessalonians 1:6-9.