Small group, college preparatory science courses for middle and high school students.
Designed to provide a deeper, more personalized learning experience than traditional classrooms, with a focus on critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and real world application.
These courses are intentionally designed to go beyond standard classroom instruction.
Students are not only learning scientific content. They are developing the ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and engage with material at a deeper level.
Each course maintains a clear and structured format while allowing space for discussion, inquiry, and individualized support.
Overview:
This course builds a strong foundation in scientific thinking while introducing key concepts across life, physical, and earth sciences. Students develop curiosity, confidence, and problem solving skills through interactive lessons and hands-on activities.
Who This Is For:
Grades 6-8
Prerequisite: completion of elementary school science
What Students Will Study:
Scientific method and experimental design
Introductory chemistry and physics
Earth and environmental science
Foundations of biology
Data collection and interpretation
Course Format:
Weekly 60 minute small group sessions
Approximately 3 hours of independent work per week
Overview:
A laboratory based course introducing the foundational principles of biology. Students explore core topics through hands-on investigation, data analysis, and scientific communication.
Who This Is For:
Grades 9-10
Prerequisite: completion of middle school science
What Students Will Study:
Scientific method
Biochemistry
Cell structure and function
Cellular respiration and photosynthesis
Genetics
Biodiversity
Ecology
Course Format:
Weekly 60 minute small group sessions
Approximately 3 hours of independent work per week
Important Note: Evolution Content
Evolution and origin of life are not included in the standard course curriculum. Families may choose to opt in to evolution content through at-home instructional materials. Evolution is a standard component of college level biology coursework. Questions may be directed to info@saltwatered.com
Overview:
A college preparatory chemistry course focused on conceptual understanding, quantitative reasoning, and analytical thinking.
Who This Is For:
Grades 10-11
Prerequisite: Algebra I strongly recommended
What Students Will Study:
Atomic structure
Periodic trends
Chemical bonding
Reactions and stoichiometry
States of matter
Acids and bases
Course Format:
Weekly 60 minute small group sessions
Approximately 3 hours of independent work per week
Important Note: Laboratory Experience
This course uses a hybrid model combining hands-on experiments with virtual lab simulations. This allows students to explore complex concepts such as reaction rates and gas behavior in ways not possible in a traditional setting.
Overview:
This course explores the relationship between humans and the natural world, with an emphasis on environmental systems and ocean science.
Who This Is For:
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: high school biology recommended
What Students Will Study:
Ecosystems and energy flow
Ocean systems
Climate change and human impacts
Biodiversity and conservation
Natural resources and sustainability
Environmental data analysis
Course Format:
Weekly 60 minute small group sessions
Approximately 3 hours of independent work per week
Overview:
A college level preparatory course focused on independent research. Students design and carry out their own research project while developing advanced academic and scientific skills.
Who This Is For:
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: high school biology required
Ideal for students who:
Are interested in science, healthcare, or research
Want to strengthen college applications
Are motivated and independent learners
What Students Will Study:
Experimental design
Data collection and analysis
Scientific literature
Graphing and interpretation
Scientific writing
Research presentation
Course Format:
Weekly 60-minute small group sessions
Mentorship based instruction
Ongoing individualized feedback
Approximately 3 hours of independent work per week
Class sizes are intentionally limited to support a more focused and engaging learning experience.
Students benefit from:
Meaningful discussion
Individualized feedback
Active participation during each session
This structure allows students to engage more deeply with course material while building both confidence and academic independence.
Courses follow a consistent weekly structure designed to support both understanding and application.
Each session includes a combination of:
Direct instruction
Guided discussion
Case studies and problem solving
Hands-on or interactive lab experiences
Students complete approximately 3 hours of independent work each week. This may include readings, videos, practice assignments, projects, and other assessments depending on the course.
Students should have access to:
A computer or tablet with reliable internet access
A notebook or paper for note taking
Standard writing utensils
Most course materials are provided digitally, including study guides, reference materials, and assessments. Families may choose to print select materials at home when it supports organization or studying.
In class materials and instructional handouts are provided as needed to ensure consistency and reduce the need for frequent at home printing.
Courses are designed to provide a structured and supportive learning environment while allowing flexibility to meet the needs of individual students.
Instruction emphasizes conceptual understanding, application, and scientific reasoning rather than memorization alone.
Students receive regular feedback through assignments, projects, and assessments. Families may choose from flexible grading approaches based on the student’s goals and level of independence.
Additional support includes:
Discounted one-on-one tutoring for enrolled students
Optional extension projects for increased academic challenge
Honors level designation available for students who complete extension work
Laboratory designation for all high school courses
A course description and grade report are provided to support homeschool transcript documentation.
Courses follow a 28-week academic schedule divided into fall and spring terms.
Fall 2026
September 7 - December 18
(No classes November 23 - 27)
Spring 2027
January 18 - April 30
(No classes March 8 - 12)
Courses are offered across three locations. Families may choose the location that best fits their schedule.
Apex (Tuesdays)
Apex United Methodist Church
100 S Hughes St. Apex, NC 27502
Wendell (Wednesdays)
Wendell Community Center
601 W 3rd St., Wendell, NC 27591
North Raleigh (Thursdays)
Marsh Creek Community Center
3050 N New Hope Rd, Raleigh, NC 27604
*Courses are not affiliated with these facilities. Locations are reserved to provide a safe classroom and consistent learning environment.
Tuesday's (Apex)
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM- Middle School Science
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM- Biology
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM- Environmental Science and Ocean Systems
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM- Advanced Biology: Scientific Research and Experimental Design
Wednesday's (Wendell)
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM- Middle School Science
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM- Biology
Thursday's (North Raleigh)
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM Biology
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Chemistry
Additional days, times, or locations may be offered based on interest. Families with a group of six or more students may request a custom section by contacting info@saltwatered.com
Families who are interested in enrolling should complete the registration form at the bottom of this page to request a seat.
A separate form should be completed for each student
Multiple courses may be selected within the same form
Enrollment is confirmed after submission of the required deposit and completion of all enrollment forms
After submitting the registration form, families will receive an email with next steps, including enrollment confirmation, required forms, and payment instructions.
Registration remains open until 24 hours before the first day of class if space is available. Enrollment is not permitted after the first class session.
Middle School Science
$875 per course (all materials included)
Founding Family Rate for the 2026-2027 academic year
$400 non-refundable deposit due upon enrollment confirmation
Remaining balance:
$225 due August 1, 2026
$250 due December 1, 2026
High School Science Courses
$950 per course (all materials included)
Founding Family Rate for the 2026-2027 academic year
$450 non-refundable deposit due upon enrollment confirmation
Remaining balance:
$250 due August 1, 2026
$250 due December 1, 2026
Additional Details
Early registration discount: $100 off when registered by May 31, 2026
Enrolled students receive discounted tutoring rates
Families enrolling multiple students receive two complimentary 25 minute tutoring sessions per student
Payment methods include cash, check, Zelle, Venmo, or credit/debit card.
Saltwater Educational Services, L.L.C. is an enrolled provider for the ESA+ scholarship and is approved to accept ESA+ scholarship funds.
Students may not begin or continue in the course unless payments are made according to the stated schedule.
Each course requires a minimum enrollment to run
Deposits are non-refundable
No refunds are issued after the course begins
Enrollment represents a commitment to the full academic year (fall and spring terms)
Missed classes are not refunded or credited
Full policies, including withdrawal terms and payment expectations, will be provided as part of the enrollment process.
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Here is the link to the course registration form (opens in a new window).
Alternative link: https://forms.gle/4X8Z5BEhLXgFtrkQA