Real-World Curriculum & Online Classes

Curriculum Phase 1:

Algebra 1, Geometry, & Algebra 2 Classes Online

It is the vision and goal of Nathan Carrell Homeschooling Services to eventually shift from an online math tutoring support system to an online, comprehensive high school mathematics classroom offering Algebra 1, Geometry, & Algebra 2 to families at the same cost as a textbook. Let's face it, one of the major hurdles to many parents homeschooling their children is the fear of having to teach these subjects that they never understood in high school themselves. Within the next year, I hope to create an online Algebra 1 curriculum designed to work seamlessly with my educational vision of high school mathematics with real-world context (i.e. relevant problem-based learning). After developing the Algebra 1 curriculum, I would like to apply the same process to develop a Geometry & Algebra 2 curriculum within a few years. Once the Algebra 1 curriculum has been developed, I will begin offering online classes which will be structured in many ways like a traditional classroom. 

The Practical Shift in Mathematics 

"Why are we learning this, Mr. Carrell?" I wish I had a dollar for every time a student asked me that question. The worst part is that I don't have a good answer that satisfies. I once asked an electrical engineer in my family how much he used math on his job and he said, "Never, I have programs that do all of that for me" (although he emphasized the need for problem solving skills). In another instance, I watched in horror as an architect downplayed the need of a math background to be an architect, "Focus more on art classes," he emphasized to my math students. The traditional high school mathematics model is often criticized for being heavy on abstract theory but light on practical application. My goal & vision is this, shift the focus from "solving for X" in a vacuum to solving for real-world independence. By moving away from rigid, one-size-fits-all standards, I have an aspiration to develop a curriculum that prioritizes the mathematical skills necessary for life and labor. This isn't a "watered-down" version of math; it is a specialized approach that treats Algebra and Geometry as the essential tools they are for the modern world.

Curriculum Phase 2:

Curriculum Built for the Real World 

In addition to traditional high school math classes taught with a real-world focus, it is my vision to design courses tailored to specific vocational and lifestyle needs, such as "Homesteader’s Math" and "Construction Math." Imagine a math class that is 100% useful to students who have no desire to go to college, but will use math to design and implement crop rotation, water-management systems, or animal grazing rotations on their own homesteads one day. For the homeschooler seeking self-sufficiency or the student aiming for a trade, these classes will provide the bridge between academic requirements and the skills needed on a job site or a family farm.

A Future-Focused Learning Environment 

While I currently provide high-touch tutoring, the long-term goal for these online classes is to create a robust, independent learning platform. This will eventually allow students to progress through my unique Algebra 1 and Geometry tracks at their own pace, using materials that I have personally authored based on a decade of classroom experience. By starting with these practical "Real-World" modules, NCHS is redefining what a high school math credit can look like—turning it into a badge of practical capability.