Online Classes

Is your middle schooler ready to move beyond the screen and discover how the world really works? ​In a world dominated by rapid-fire digital algorithms, scrolling feeds, and clickbait headlines, true media literacy is a superpower. Introducing our brand-new online unschool enrichment class: Front-Page Frontiers: Media Literacy & Current Events. Designed specifically for 6th–8th graders, this interactive, 8-week class turns the local Sunday paper into a vibrant, hands-on learning lab. Each week, your learner will grab a physical local newspaper (from a library, newsstand, or coffee shop) and dive in. No screens, just real ink and paper! They will select two articles—one they find interesting and one they deem important—and deconstruct them using the foundational 5W + H method (Who, What, Where, When, Why, & How). They won’t just read the news; they’ll learn how the journalism business works—from local newsstands and print distribution to advertisers and ethics. Learners will clip their articles and match them with their written reports on a physical poster board portfolio. Class is held Wednesdays 10-10:50A CT starting June 24, 2026.

Welcome to Body Basics. In this 8-week class, unschoolers will start their journey to understanding the human body with confidence and clarity. This class is perfdct for future doctors or nurses, or simply those interested in medicine. Dive into the world of health, diseases, and the body. We will review recently known medical cases and complete engaging, hands-on activities. This class is ideal for grades 5-8. Class is held Wednesday  11-11:50A CT, starting June 24, 2026.

Welcome to The Reel Deal: Mastering the Basics of Filmmaking class hosted by Friends of Cabrini. The Reel Deal is an immersive, 10-week hands-on production course designed for middle school unschoolers ready to step behind the lens. We will transform from passive viewers into active visual storytellers, learning that filmmaking is a blend of technical precision and creative soul. From the first "Action!" to the final cut, we will navigate the entire production pipeline: screenwriting, storyboarding, location scouting, cinematography, sound design, and digital editing. By the end of the term, each unschooler will have produced a short film and developed a roadmap for sharing his or her work with the world. In The Reel Deal, we move beyond just "pressing record." This class is designed to mirror a professional film production cycle, teaching unschoolers how to bridge the gap between a creative idea and a polished final product. This class includes multiple in-person field trips to help students gain more in-depth knowledge about the filmmaking process and industry. All unschoolers will be provided with an updated syllabus for this class. This class is ideal for unschoolers in grades 6-8. Class is held Tuesdays 11-12:30P CT, starting April 28, 2026.

Welcome to the ultimate online stage built just for littles! Show & Tell: Speech and Social Skills is more than just sharing a favorite toy—it is a powerful tool for early childhood development. This highly interactive, small-group class uses the familiar joy of "Show & Tell" to explicitly teach foundational communication, active listening, and social-emotional skills. Class is held Mondays 2-2:25P CT, starting July 6, 2026.

It's time to pull phonics off the worksheet and turn it into an active, high-energy game! ​This 4-week class is a dynamic, multi-sensory reading class designed specifically for active, kinesthetic and neurodivergent learners who thrive through movement. Instead of staring at flashcards, learners will use their favorite toy blasters (Nerf, dart guns, water blasters), beanbags, or plush toys to literally "hunt" and zap letter sounds live on camera. By gamifying phonological awareness, we remove the performance anxiety of learning to read and replace it with pure, tactical fun. Class is held Mondays 2:30-2:55P CT, starting July 6, 2026.