Corvallis Leadership Commonwealth
Scholar classes
Scholar classes are designed for ages 12+. We offer classes for practice, apprentice and self-directed scholars. With each phase students are developing skills and abilities which are independent from and ultimately of higher importance than the content of the class. Each phase builds on the previous phase. For further description of scholar ladders please see http://ifamilyleadershipacademy.org/about-us/scholar-ladders/ and for blogs on scholar ladders please see Kathy Mellor's five blogs https://libercommunities.com/why-lemi-scholar-projects-part-1/
Please consider training to mentor a scholar class! We are always looking for new mentors.
Please look under the Schedule tab to see our current class offerings, their price and times.
Sword of Freedom/Hero Project
PREREQUISITES: 15 years and up
CONTENT: Civil War & WWII history
Sword of Freedom is a semester-long project within the LEMI continuum, designed to challenge and inspire emerging scholars. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Civil War, this course explores the enduring principles of freedom and the foundational truths of the U.S. Constitution. Students engage with powerful classics, wrestle with complex ideas, and articulate their own perspectives through rich discussions and critical writing. Each scholar will research and write about a personal hero from the era—someone who exemplifies courage, conviction, and leadership in a time of national upheaval. The course invites students to reflect on the battles we face today—internal and external—and how our values are tested in moments of decision. Where we seek truth determines where we stand. Through immersive simulations and thoughtful dialogue, scholars will examine their own allegiances and explore how those loyalties might be challenged, all within a safe and supportive learning environment.
Hero Project is a semester long, transition to apprentice scholar project that studies World War II. The purpose of this project is to help students see that every person has a unique mission and that each of them has the capacity to impact the world around them. As part of this project, students have the opportunity to grow through an interviewing process of gathering heroes' stories. As they study and ponder each story, they will gain insight into human nature and what has made these men and women great - what made them heroes. The goal of this project is to inspire youth to become the heroes they are inside and to let them know they have something special to offer the world.
Scholar Electives
PREREQUISITES: scholar-aged student
Content: student-led interests
This class is designed with a dynamic structure: the first hour is peer-led, fostering student leadership and collaboration, while the second hour is mentor-led, offering expert guidance and deeper exploration. Students have the opportunity to teach one or more sessions, depending on the skills being shared and the level of interest among their peers. Mentors and adult leaders are also invited to contribute by leading a focused unit—ranging from 2 to 6 weeks—where they can share their passions, expertise, and real-world experience, enriching the learning environment with diverse perspectives.
Quest 1-2
PREREQUISITES: 16 years and up
CONTENT: Leadership Principles, Public Speaking, and Writing
In Quest I & II, students embark on an in-depth study of leadership by examining the lives and legacies of prominent figures—some selected by mentors, others chosen by the students themselves. Through this exploration, they not only deepen their understanding of history but also uncover the traits that define effective leadership. Each month, students focus on a specific leadership quality—Virtue, Wisdom, Diplomacy, Courage, Inspiring Greatness in Others, and Advancing the Cause of Liberty. These traits are brought to life through service projects, reflective essays, and presentations, allowing students to internalize their meaning and discover how to embody them in their own lives. They also learn how to inspire others to adopt these values through compelling writing and public speaking. To sharpen their communication skills, students participate in blue book and oral exams, practicing the art of thinking and expressing ideas on the spot. The course culminates in a final research paper and a mock TEDx talk, giving students a platform to articulate their passions, find their voice, and influence others with purpose and conviction.
Quest 3
PREREQUISITES: 16 years and up
CONTENT: Worldviews, Jurisprudence, and Economics
CONTENT: Worldviews, Jurisprudence, Principles of Good Government, and Economics
Quest III invites students into a deep exploration of worldviews—examining how people across cultures and philosophies perceive the world. Through thoughtful comparison and contrast, students begin to identify their own worldview, recognizing both common ground and key differences with others. This process fosters empathy and equips them to communicate more effectively with those who hold differing perspectives. In addition, students engage with The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, learning how to apply these principles to enhance their personal and academic lives. The course also includes a rigorous study of good governance and jurisprudence, culminating in a dynamic Supreme Court simulation. In this capstone experience, students craft technical legal briefs and deliver oral arguments before a panel of practicing attorneys and judges—developing critical thinking, persuasive writing, and public speaking skills. Finally, students are introduced to the fundamentals of economics—both macro and micro—along with major schools of thought. They analyze how economic policies shape national outcomes, gaining insight into the forces that influence our society and future.
Classes not offered this year
Shakespeare (Offered 2026-2027)
PREREQUISITES: 12 Years and older
CONTENT: William Shakespeare and the Renaissance
Shakespeare is a Practice Scholar Project in the LEMI continuum. The objective of each Practice Scholar Project is to motivate the scholar to do the hard work of learning through: inspiring mentors, positive peer pressure, a culminating activity, outward motivations to choose (competitions and rewards), completing the project, and by planting seeds of determination to do hard work.
During the first semester, scholars become familiar with the challenging language of Shakespeare by studying a Shakespearean tragedy. The scholars will further be challenged to give an oral presentation on medieval life and history, watch or read at least 15 of Shakespeare’s plays, memorize a passage from a play, and participate in a Shakespeare Feast. The second semester focuses on actor training and implementing everything learned about language and human nature by preparing and performing in a Shakespeare comedy for performance in the spring. As all the hours of labor for the play are volunteer, families should be prepared to assist in some way to help make this a grand experience!
Key of Liberty (TBD)
PREREQUISITES: 13 years and up
CONTENT: Colonial America and the Revolutionary War
Key of Liberty is a Practice Scholar Project in the LEMI continuum. As practice scholars begin their journey into the Revolutionary Era they take a look at what our lives would be like without freedom. They will delve into the lives of some of the founders and study original documents including the Mayflower Compact and The Declaration of Independence. In the second semester, scholars will do an in-depth document study of The Constitution of the United States of America. As they re-write the document in their own words, they will gain understanding and a greater love and respect for our nation. The culminating experience is a Constitution Bowl, where scholars compete in their knowledge of The Constitution. During this class, each scholar is challenged to earn awards by completing specific requirements.
Pyramid (offered 2026-2027)
PREREQUISITES: 15 years and up
CONTENT: Mathematics, Habits of a Scientist, Philosophy
Pyramid project is a Transition to Apprentice Scholar Project on the LEMI Continuum. Scholars will learn how to think, not what to think. The four corners of the pyramid represent Logic and Reasoning, Truth, Habits of a Scientist, and Newtonian Mathematics. We are connecting mathematics and science to the world around them in a holistic way helping them to see their relevance. Developing the habit to log one’s study is emphasized as they learn to emulate Nathaniel Bowditch and his amazing self-education depicted in Carry on, Mr. Bowditch. We will learn how great scientists of all times learned to wonder, see patterns, and ask the right question. During the second semester, scholars will study the great philosophers of the past. They will delve into the sciences of Logic, Reasoning, Mathematics, and Geometry. Throughout the course there is a growth in the scholars’ ability to think logically and to measure things they encounter in the world against their core book (which may be scriptures or any other book that the scholar and their family uses as a foundation of truth). Scholars will read great classics, be introduced to many new ideas and views, develop the skill to test those ideas/views for truth, and develop the habits of a scientist.
Georgics (TBD)
PREREQUISITES: Ability and maturity to participate and contribute to the level of a practice scholar.
CONTENT: Georgic Principles of Stewardship
NOTE: Taken in conjunction with The Marvels of Math
Georgics will provide an environment for scholars to begin to see the world around them from a bigger picture perspective and to begin to recognize the many connections between themselves and their choices. Students will begin to realize that they have control over many things in their lives and that taking this responsibility increases their personal freedom. The purpose of this project is not to present a comprehensive course in agriculture, but rather to provide an environment where the students will learn to be good stewards; feel and take responsibility for their choices; know and live the Georgic principles and gain the results of living them; feel self-validated as they know they can do hard things; lead by example; share what they have learned with others; have a homesteader vs squatter mentality.
The Marvels of Math (TBD)
PREREQUISITES: 12 years and up
CONTENT: Basic mathematical concepts
NOTE: For kids ages 12-14, this is taken in conjunction with Georgics
NOTE: For kids ages 14 years and up, this is taken in conjunction with Classic Greek Writing Workshop and Colloquium
Marvels of Math will create a broad understanding of math by studying basic mathematical concepts through hands-on learning, encourage critical thinking skills, and discover significantly historical individuals who have influenced our world. Class will be spent discovering historically significant individuals who have influenced our understanding of math and applying concepts learned through hands-on experiments and art. Students will be encouraged to work individually and in group settings.
