Course Index

Basic Mathematics

This course is designed to develop both the student’s understanding of our number system and their accuracy in computation. It reviews operations using whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents. This course introduces the student to integer and set operations, the Cartesian plane, and measures of central tendency.

Pre-Algebra

This class offers an introduction to basic algebra concepts, and algebraic operations. It is designed to provide a bridge for students as they progress from basic arithmetic to elementary algebra. This course gives the student more practice with the tools of algebra including variables, exponents, radicals, and functions.

Algebra 1

Designed as a first course in algebra, this class provides the student opportunities to build their algebraic skills and prepare for future mathematics courses. This course teaches algebraic concepts systematically, beginning with basic operations on integers and ending with applications of quadratic functions.

Algebra 2

Introduces the student to advanced algebraic topics such as radicals, logarithms, complex numbers, the use of matrices, and the principles of basic trigonometry. This course gives the student an opportunity to learn how to use technological tools such as the TI-84 graphing calculator.

Geometry

This class introduces students to the concepts of analytic geometry. It includes concepts of lines, planes, triangles, congruence, inequalities, parallel lines, similarity, areas and volumes. This course also introduces the student to logic and the use of deductive reasoning including two column proofs, flow proofs, and paragraph proofs.

Pre-Calculus

This course is designed to prepare students for a first course in calculus. It includes topics from trigonometry, introduces new concepts such as conic sections, polar coordinates, and sequences, while giving the student a more in depth study of topics from Algebra 2 such as relations, functions, complex numbers and logarithms.

English 7

This course is an in-depth study of grammar including parts of speech, mechanics for writers, sentence and paragraph composition, and the writing process. Literature basics including types of genres – short story, poetry, historical fiction, etc. as well as literary devices and terms are also discussed in detail in this course. Vocabulary is studied throughout the selected works.

English 8

Building upon the basic foundations of English 7, this class is also an in-depth study and review of grammar including parts of speech, mechanics for writers, sentence and paragraph composition, and the writing process. It includes additional development of the use of phrases and clauses. Literature basics including types of genres – short story, poetry, historical fiction, etc. as well as literary devices and terms are also discussed in detail in this course. Vocabulary is studied throughout the selected works.

English 9

Because the study of grammar is foundational to mastering the English language, this course is an intensive study of grammar, including parts of speech, sentences, spelling, vocabulary, and writing skills, enabling the student to write a well-constructed and grammatically correct composition. The course also includes a study of the elements of literature such as theme, character, conflict, structure, drama, and poetry.

English 10

In this course, the principles of English grammar and structure will be applied to improve writing skills and oral communication. Students will learn various modes of writing, including description, compare and contrast, analytical, and research. Vocabulary and spelling skills are also included in this course. A general scope of the fundamentals of literature is taught including units on the short story, poetry, drama, essay, and the novel.

English 11

This course reviews the principles of English grammar, seeking to improve the students’ writing skills and oral communication. Students will engage in extensive essay writing and a variety of writing genres. This course also examines American literature from a historical perspective as well as from a literary one. The study includes a variety of American authors and their works, including poetry, drama, essays, and the novel. The material covered represents the history of the United States from the discovery of the new land to the present day.

English 12

The emphasis of this course is on an advanced study of grammar, usage, and composition through the writing of several essays and a research paper. This course also includes a concentrated study of British writers and their works from the Middle Ages to the Modern Period. British literature is examined from a historical perspective as well as from a literary one and includes the study of a variety of genres, including essays, poetry, drama, and the novel.

Life Science

This class is a comprehensive survey of Life Science, intended to expose each student to the major areas of life science. Students will be expected to analyze, compare, contrast, and discuss in order to have a thorough understanding of the material.Some of the topics that will be introduced this year include: cell structure, genetics, and microbiology.

Earth Science

This class is a comprehensive survey of Earth and Space science, intended to expose each student to the natural world and the universe around us. Students will be expected to analyze, compare, contrast, and discuss in order to have a thorough understanding of the material.Students will know and be able to use principles of scientific investigation and be familiar with scientific terminology. Some of the topics that will be introduced this year include: astronomy, meteorology, geology, and oceanography.

Physical Science

This class provides a scaffold of basic information regarding matter and measurement, leading to the essential information in classical physics, work and energy, thermodynamics, magnetism, sound, and light. This course also provides the necessary foundation of knowledge and theory for subsequent science courses, including Chemistry and Physics.

Biology

This class is a comprehensive survey of Biology, intended to expose each student to the scope of biology. Students will be expected to analyze, compare, contrast, discuss, and apply in order to have a thorough understanding of the material. Some of the topics that will be introduced this year include: cellular biology, genetics, microbiology, botany, and zoology.

Chemistry

This class is designed to presents students with the foundational ideas of chemistry, including atomic structure, bonding, nomenclature, solutions, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, organic and biochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. In addition, students will perform supervised laboratory investigations and experiments in class.

Physics

This class is a comprehensive survey of Physics, intended to expose each student to the basics of mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and optics. Students will be expected to analyze, compare, contrast, discuss, and apply in order to have a thorough understanding of the material.

Honors Physics

Honors Physics is a course that covers the classical and modern physics areas in depth with a problem solving approach. The goal of this course is to explore conceptually and quantitatively the major topics of physics. Topics of study include: measurement, kinematics, dynamics, circular motion, energy, thermodynamics, light-optics, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. We will move faster and cover topics in more depth than regular physics.

World Studies

Our emphasis will be on cultures and how they developed in the context of historical events. Our text also includes a study in geography; we will be learning the location and importance of several key countries throughout the world. The purpose of this class is to provide each student with a general understanding of world history from 1100-the present. Our goal for this class is to recognize that history is the study of people just like us. These people had interests, goals, and desires for their lives that molded their society, just as we mold ours.

American History

This class is a comprehensive survey of United States history, intended to give each student a solid foundation of knowledge about the heritage of this country. The purpose of this class is to provide each student with a general understanding of US History from exploration to World War I. We will also evaluate historical narratives and original documents for accuracy and historical perspectives. We will strive to identify the consequences of past decisions, good and bad as well as to explore the causes and effects of major events and dates in each era of history.

Geography

This course is designed to survey countries around the world through a study of physical geography, climate, economics, and society. In addition to being able to recognize basic geographic information, each student will develop the following skills: interpret basic types of maps, use basic geographic terms and tools, compare and contrast different regions, show the relationship between physical geography and human activity, list special challenges to mission work in different regions, and explain the motivations behind modern conflicts.

World History

This class is a comprehensive survey of world history, intended to give each student a solid foundation of knowledge about the events of the past and how countries have grown and developed. The purpose of this class is to provide each student with a general understanding of world history from the beginning of civilizations to the present. We will also evaluate historical narratives and original documents for accuracy and historical perspectives.

United States History

This class is a comprehensive survey of the history of the United States, intended to give each student a solid foundation of knowledge about the events of the past and how our country has grown and developed. The purpose of this class is to provide each student with a general understanding of United States history from exploration to the present, with a strong focus on the 20th – 21st centuries. We will also evaluate historical narratives and original documents for accuracy and historical perspectives.

Government

Our emphasis will be on pursuing a deeper understanding of the institution of American government. We will compare systems of government in the world today and analyze the history and changing interpretations of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the current state of the three branches of government.

Economics

The goal is for the student to demonstrate an understanding of basic economic concepts. Students become familiar with the economic system of the United States and how it operates. They also explore the roles of various components of the American economic system. Students examine their roles as consumer, worker, investor and voting citizen. Topics of discussion include the Stock Market, comparative economic systems, and the impact of political and social decisions on the economy.

Advanced Placement Economics

This course is designed to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. Emphasis is on the study of national income and price determination, and also develops familiarity with economic performance measures, economic growth, and international economics. Students taking this course are working to prepare for the AP Macroeconomics Exam.

Advanced Placement United States Government

This one-semester college-level course is an introduction to the US government and political system. We study government institutions and political processes and examine policy choices. This class will involve textbook readings as well as analyzing primary source documents and secondary source essays. A critical component of the study of US government also will include the ability to research current events, debate them effectively, and form opinions regarding the current position of United States government. The goal of this course is to create a deep understand of US Government and Politics and to take and successfully pass the Advanced Placement Test.

Advanced Placement World History

AP World History is a two-semester course. This course is designed to be college-level taught to high school students. This class approaches history in a non-traditional way in that it looks at the common threads of humanity over time – trade, religion, politics, society, and technology – and it investigates how these things have changed and continue to change over time in different places.

Advanced Placement United States History

This is an in-depth look at the history of the United States through the four main strands of history: social, religious, economic, and political. This class will consist of a combination of teacher and student led instruction as well as a variety of outside sources: textbooks, primary sources, researched material, maps, political cartoons, etc. The goal of this course is to create a deep understand of US History and to take and successfully pass the Advanced Placement Test for U.S. History.

Spanish 1

This is a course for students with little or no knowledge of Spanish that aims to develop the four basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Topics discussed are related to school, home, family life, daily activities, sports, and other daily activities of teenage life. Students will be able to hold simple conversations and attain sufficient vocabulary to express themselves in the present tense, and be able to conjugate regular and irregular verbs.

Spanish 2

This course begins with a brief review of grammar and vocabulary of Spanish 1 and continues to develop the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students learn to communicate in everyday situations, such as in schools, restaurants, stores, hotels, doctor’s offices, banks, airports, and at sporting events. They will also learn key grammatical principles including reflexive verbs, direct and indirect object pronouns, and the preterit and imperfect tenses.

Spanish 3

The third year Spanish course continues to expand the students’ vocabulary and communication abilities. Lessons will develop grammar concepts, vocabulary, and oral communication. Several forms such as: the present, past, future, and conditional tenses will be reviewed and introduced throughout the year. Students will also narrate and discuss elements of Spanish culture and be able to comprehend what they have read.

Junior High Bible

The Junior High Bible class applies Biblical knowledge and truths as it applies to our daily living. Pupil participation is encouraged to ascertain the relevance, understanding, and application of each lesson. Student participation includes quizzes, question and answer, as well as Jeopardy style competition.

Grade 9 - Themes from the Old Testament I

This course is a general study of the Old Testament. Because of the length of the Old Testament writings, this class will not cover an expositional approach but rather will include the use of various Bible study methods. The primary aim is to expose students to a broad range of Old Testament information while growing in respect, love, and understanding of God who reveals Himself in its pages. We will trace the history of God’s people, learn of the Judges and be introduced to Israel’s kings. As we follow their trials and triumphs, we will emphasize how it relates to our own lives and points to Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of the Old Testament.

Grade 10 - Themes from the Old Testament II

This course is a continuation of the general study of the Old Testament. The primary aim is to expose students to writings that are not historical only but include literary devices common to Hebrew writings. We will study the poetic writings of the Old Testament and learn of the prophecies that point to Christ.

Grade 11 - Directions for Early Christians

This course will study the New Testament. Students will gain an understanding of the life and ministry of Paul the Apostle in Prison Epistles and Pastoral Epistles. Students will also study the general epistles, and gain an understanding of the formulation of the New Testament canon. The study will take place according to the order in which the epistles were written chronologically rather than the arrangement in Scripture. The aim of this class will be to cultivate an awareness of proper conduct and character as an action that that the student is to participate in.

Grade 12 - Patterns for Christian Living

This course is a general study of the New Testament. The thrust of this class centers on expressing loving God through a personal knowledge of Him. The class themes are broken into two categories 1) Loving God and 2) Loving others. The class will seek to prepare students in the areas of character development, biblical truths to believe, as well as understand the significance and meaning of the parables in Jesus’ ministry. The primary aim is to prepare students to enter a new world, equipped with the love of Christ. This class will cultivate an awareness of a worldview necessary to love God and to love others.

Introduction to Computers

This course focuses on the practical uses of personal computers and entails the history of the personal computers; the usage of various operating systems; the use of the internet for information and research; the production and manipulation of word processing, slide presentation, and spreadsheet documents; and an introduction to html.

Journalism

This class begins with an overview of the characteristics of journalism that connect members of a community. Interviewing skills and AP style writing are taught and implemented as students learn to write various types of articles including hard news, features, sports and columns. Students develop collaborative skills as they produce a number of school newspapers throughout the year.

Speech

This course is designed to give each student an understanding of how the voice is used as a tool to inform, demonstrate, and persuade. Each student will learn the importance of pitch, tone, gestures, enunciation, and written organization as they prepare a variety of extemporaneous speeches.

Drama

This course introduces the students to the basics of theatre and acting, including characterization, vocal projection, pacing and phrasing, blocking, set design, and costume design. Reading Lab This elective course targets reading growth in areas of vocabulary development and comprehension improvement. Practice of fundamental reading skills, finding main idea, identifying supporting details, and increasing rate is stressed daily. Attention is also given to reading in the content areas.

Math Lab

This course is designed for students who are struggling in their regular math class. The low student to teacher ratio allows individual instruction geared toward meeting the needs of each student. Students are given help with homework, extra practice to study for tests, and hands on activities to increase understanding of mathematical concepts.

Creative Writing

This course is designed to take high school students through the process of writing a structured novel over the course of the school year. The course focuses on storytelling and creativity, with a light emphasis on grammar and mechanics. Students will understand and apply basic elements that make stories meaningful, understand three-act story structure, and recognize and practice basic fictional modes.