Scholar Projects

Scholar Projects are led by trained mentors who will challenge you to think deeply and communicate clearly as you move through the dialectic and rhetorical stages of learning. While each class is different, every project focuses on helping you grow as a leader through the study of classical literature, original sources, historical leaders, and real-world application of what you learn.

These courses are designed to be rigorous and rewarding, so come ready to work hard, set goals, and apply your knowledge in meaningful ways. If you are new to Thomas Jefferson Education or LEMI projects and are not sure which class is the best fit, the Principal Mentor is available to help guide you.

Scholar Projects typically run for the full academic year and are designed for students ages 12–18.

Shakespeare Conquest

This is the first Practice Scholar Project in the LEMI continuum. Each Practice Scholar Project is designed to motivate scholars to embrace the hard work of learning through inspiring mentors, positive peer culture, and meaningful challenge. Scholars are supported by outward motivations—such as competitions, rewards, and public milestones—while working toward a culminating experience that brings the project to life. Together, these elements encourage perseverance, ownership, and the development of determination needed to engage deeply with demanding work.

Key of Liberty

Real freedom doesn’t come from doing whatever we want. It comes from living by true principles—and understanding why laws exist in the first place. In this class, you will discover how history, leadership, and your own life are deeply connected, and why your voice, your choices, and your character matter right now.

Together, we will explore the remarkable story of the American Revolution and the years that followed, studying bold and courageous leaders—both famous and lesser-known—who helped shape our nation. You will become familiar with the Constitution, memorize powerful passages from the Declaration of Independence and scripture, and examine the Keys to Liberty: Knowledge, Moral People, and Principles of Freedom.

Sword of Freedom

Sword of Freedom is a deep dive into the people and events of the Civil War era, with a focus on what freedom really means. You will read powerful texts, write opinion and research papers, and create projects that help you understand the choices and sacrifices people made during this time.

The semester ends with a capstone research project on historical heroes of your choice. Along the way, you will take part in simulations, discussions, and hands-on activities. If you commit to weekly participation and complete the work, you will have the opportunity to earn a Civil War–era replica sword as a symbol of your effort and perseverance.

Hero Project

This second-semester course is designed to connect our current Artist Generation with the Hero Generation of World War II. By studying the lives of the men and women who helped win the war, you will discover the qualities that define true heroism. As you explore what was required of a Hero Generation, you will be challenged to reflect on your own character—and inspired to emulate the courage, sacrifice, and leadership of those you study.

Biology + Nature Studies

Explore the living world with wonder and purpose as you build habits of careful observation and thoughtful reflection. You will deepen your understanding of natural patterns and principles while beginning to discover your own sense of mission. This course is designed for Practice Scholars, with an optional Apprentice Scholar track for those ready to go above and beyond.

Astronomy + Chemistry

Explore the universe with wonder and purpose as you look upward—and inward—through the study of stars and elements. In this course, you will dive into astronomy and chemistry to better understand light, matter, and your own unique purpose. Through hands-on experiments and inspiring stories, you will build strong habits of observation and reflection while discovering how to become a light for others. This course is designed for Apprentice Scholars.

Classical Acting

In the first semester, you will develop strong communication and collaboration skills while expanding your comfort zone and emotional intelligence through vocal and physical movement and expression. You will also participate in a youth council that plans and leads activities and service events for the youth and children of the commonwealth.

In the second semester, you will put these skills into action by leading the creation of a play or musical performed during the semester. Students will take on real production roles—including directors, set builders, producers, musicians, editors, actors, and stage managers—working together to bring the production to life.

Quest 1 & 2

Dive into the lives and hearts of great statesmen and leaders such as Martin Luther, Patrick Henry, Abraham Lincoln, Gandhi, and others. Through reading powerful biographies and original texts, and through writing thoughtful papers and reflections, you will examine what shaped these leaders and the principles they lived by. Along the way, you will develop greater vision, mission, abilities, skills, and knowledge—preparing you to advance into the self-directed scholar phase.

Quest 3

This Apprentice Scholar course invites you to explore major worldviews and the key ideas that have shaped our modern world. Through this study, you will examine your own beliefs and begin building a strong foundation for life by understanding principles of self-governance. You will also study influential Supreme Court cases to gain a deeper understanding of the United States judicial system.

Most class time will be spent in thoughtful colloquiums and book discussions, where you will practice listening well, thinking critically, and engaging respectfully with different perspectives. The goal is to understand the world and its systems more deeply—while learning how to build bridges, communicate clearly, and navigate differences with wisdom and confidence.

Rise and Thrive

This course combines LEMI’s Edison Project and Georgics to develop leadership and entrepreneurship through three main goals: community stewardship, strong communication and leadership skills, and skill-building with real-world business experience.

You will plan and lead community activities, practice leadership through presentations and simulations, learn from professionals, and participate in hands-on experiences. In the first semester, you will focus on building skills; in the second, you will create and execute a business plan for an entrepreneurship project.

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