Biology

High School Biology 1 & 2 is a two-semester online course for homeschool students that covers the fundamentals of biology as well as introducing students to the evidence of intelligent design in biology. Space is limited, so register early! To make the course as flexible as possible, three options are offered:

  • Tier 1 — Online Course + Live Teacher: A full online course led by a qualified science teacher. Includes pre-recorded video lectures, graded assignments, virtual and hands-on labs, weekly interactive Zoom sessions. (Tuition: $700)
  • Tier 2 — Online Course + Drop-In Session: A self-directed online course to be completed at the student’s own pace. Includes pre-recorded video lectures, non-graded assignments, virtual and hands-on labs, and a weekly, optional Zoom drop-in session with a teacher for questions. (Tuition: $550)
  • Tier 3 — Online Course Only: A self-directed online course to be completed at the student’s own pace. Includes pre-recorded video lectures, non-graded assignments, and virtual and hands-on labs. No Zoom drop-in session. (Tuition: $350)
  • Dates: September 2, 2025 – May 29, 2026
  • Meeting Times: Tier 1 — T @ 10:00-11:00 am (PT) + optional drop-in session Th @ 10:00-11:00 am (PT); Tier 2 — optional drop-in session Th @ 11:30 am-12:30 pm (PT)
  • Textbook: OpenStax Concepts of Biology
  • Instructor: Summer Lile

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Credit

This course is best suited for homeschooling students as Discovery Institute Academy is not a credit-granting institution and does not offer courses for academic credit. As such, it is the parent/guardian rather than the instructor that is considered the final authority on student learning.

Course Details

This course will address the concepts of a traditional high school biology course, preparing students for a future high school AP biology course or college/university general biology course.  The course will tie in intelligent design (ID) concepts where applicable.

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Subjects Covered

In the first semester, students will learn students will learn about the process of science, biochemistry, cell theory, cellular respiration, and photosynthesis. In the second semester, students will learn about the cell cycle, DNA, evolution, genetics, anatomy, and ecology.

Academic Skills

At various points, students will develop the skills of scientific inquiry through posing questions, formulating hypotheses, designing and/or conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and communicating their findings. 

Methods and Media

Students will learn through a variety of mediums including readings, handouts, videos, virtual labs/simulations, wet labs/activities, projects, tests, quizzes, and assignments.

Course Syllabus

Download Syllabus

Registration and Tuition

Tuition is $350-$700 per academic year, depending on tier selected. Before July 31, we are offering a discount code for $50 off tuition. (Code: bio50). Registration and tuition are due before Monday, August 18, 2025. Space is limited, so register early!

Meet Your Instructor

Summer Lile taught high school biology, chemistry, and AP Biology for seven years. She has also taught science methods at the university level. She graduated from Cornerstone University with a BA in science education and is completing an MA in Science and Religion from Biola University. Summer is a certified secondary science teacher in the state of Michigan. Her passion for learning about the intersection of science and faith led her to the Discovery Institute’s annual Summer Seminar where she started her journey in intelligent design. 

Learn More about Summer

Summer’s love for teaching began in high school while counseling at a day camp for middle school students. During this experience, she learned the joy of exploring nature with students who are eager to learn and ask questions. After completing her bachelor’s degree at Cornerstone University, she taught biology and chemistry for seven years at Western Michigan Christian High School. Teaching at a Christian school allowed her to teach beyond the textbook and have discussions with her students about design in nature and ethical science dilemmas. From 2020 to 2021, the COVID shutdown required that she explore different teaching platforms to accommodate students who were in person and students learning online. This experience taught her the importance of regular contact with students and how to engage students in online discussions. 

In 2023, Summer attended the Discovery Institute’s annual Summer Seminar and learned about intelligent design firsthand from many of the senior fellows at the Discovery Institute. This opportunity inspired her to pursue a master’s degree in science and religion from Biola University and to join the teaching team at Discovery Institute Academy. When she is not teaching or studying, she enjoys beachcombing, fishing, beekeeping, and playing with her dog, Higgins.