Bridge Academy

Psalm 32:8

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Early American History 

Description: This course serves students in both 5th and 6th grade. Learning about our great nation’s history is an important part of your child’s education. Using the text America the Beautiful: Part 1, your student will learn about Native Americans, Explorers, the American Revolution, Westward expansion, and eventually the Civil War. Each unit includes lessons about these major historical events, as well as the important people and places in which they lived and worked. Each week, students will be reading the text and working on assignments at home. Class time will include activities, discussion, and games that will enrich the text and make learning history fun! This stand alone course compliments the Modern American History, which also serves students in grades 5th and 6th. 

Required Text:

  • America the Beautiful: Part 1, by Charlene Notgrass (older edition) 
  • Maps of America the Beautiful, by Bethany Poore
  • America the Beautiful - Lesson Review, by Mary Evelyn McCurdy


Copy/Supply Fee: $20 (check written to the coordinating instructor, Emily Kirtlan or Krystal Sadler, due at Orientation or at the first class attended)


Tuition fee: $360 ($36.00/month for 10 months August-May or $41/month if prorated or on a 9-month payment plan)

Emily Kirtlan

B.S. in History


Emily is a graduate of Liberty University where she received her undergraduate degree in History. The best word to describe Emily is kind. Her heart is one of service and thoughtfulness and it shows in all she does. Austin, the man writing this bio about Emily, is also her best friend, man of her dreams and dashing husband since 2016. Her passions in life are reading, baking, and her puppies. She has decided to apply her degree to pursuing her desire to serve the homeschool community. As a former homeschool student herself, Emily is passionate about home education and knows what it takes to be successful on this unique journey. She believes that education is a powerful tool and wants to help students cultivate a love for learning. She is excited to serve the families of Bridge Academy! 

Classes: 5th-6th Early American History, 5th-6th Modern American History, Renaissance & Reformation, Global History: WWI & WWII, Civics through Critical Thinking, High School American History, and Medieval British Literature: Literary Lessons through Lord of the Rings
Contact: etkirtlan@gmail.com

Krystal Sadler 
B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Elementary Education 
Masters in Teaching

Krystal was born and raised in Southern California before moving to Richmond, Virginia. She attended Lee University for three years before transferring to VCU where she graduated with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Teaching. She has the privilege of doing life with her husband, Josh, and their three beautiful girls: McKayla Grace, Shayne Elizabeth, and Caydence Hope. She is also very active within her church as a Worship Leader and the Women’s Ministry Director. After teaching in both Henrico County and Chesterfield County for six years, she felt the Lord calling her to homeschool her girls in 2016 and she has never looked back! Bridge Academy has been such a blessing to her family in their homeschooling journey, and she is honored to play a small role in serving other homeschool families in return.

Courses Offered: Science 1, Science 3, Science 4, History 6, Science 6, Early Childhood Education, World History I, World History II, Algebra II and Precalculus
Contact: kasadler84@gmail.com