Co-Corricular and Electives

Elementary Course Offerings:

The curriculum for K–5 covers English, reading, phonics, writing, spelling, math, science, social studies,

Spanish, music, physical education, art, Bible, and computer for grade 5.

Secondary Course Offerings:

The middle school/high school schedule runs on a five period morning with a mid-morning break between periods 2 and 3.

Lunch is held after period 5 and followed by three-period afternoon. The afternoons accommodate extended periods for electives.

Most of the core offerings are completed by lunchtime, leaving the afternoon available for such disciplines as music,

drama, Bible, art, technical education, physical education, computer, driver’s education and other electives.

Course selection and prerequisites, particularly in the areas of math and science, become more of an issue as students progress through the secondary grades, The following are course offerings throughout the middle school and high school. Placement is determined by student skill level.

1. Math

Everyday Math

Grades available: 6

Course description: Basic math concepts are reinforced through a program which involves lessons from the everyday world and builds on grades K–5 math curriculum.

General Math

Grades available: generally available in grades 7–8

Prerequisite: must have an understanding of basic math concepts

Course description: This course has a concentrated emphasis on basic math concepts leading to the development of logical problem solving skills.

Business/ Consumer Math

Grades available: generally available in grades 9–12

Prerequisite: must have an understanding of basic math concepts

Course description: Students learn valuable mathematical skills and concepts in real-life situations to help them become wise consumers. A six-month checking account simulation will teach students to successfully manage a checking account.

Accounting

Grades available: generally available in grades 9–12

Prerequisite: must have an understanding of basic math concepts

Course description: Students learn the accounting cycle and the importance of keeping accurate financial records. Students will also learn how information from the accounting cycle is used in a business’s financial and managerial decision making.

Pre-Algebra

Grades available: generally available in grades 7–12

Prerequisite: must have mastered basic math concepts with a particular emphasis on fractions.

Course description: Prepares students for Algebra I by introducing them to algebraic functions and reinforcing the math skills they will need for Algebra I.

Algebra I

Grades available: generally available in grades 8–12

Prerequisite: must have passed Pre-Algebra or be able to demonstrate the math skills necessary (particularly in fractions) to begin Algebra I

Course description: This course establishes a foundation for all higher math functions with a particular emphasis on equations and related functions.

Algebra II (every other year)

Grades available: generally available in grades 9–12; may function on an every-other-year basis in conjunction with Geometry.

Prerequisite: must have passed Algebra I

Course description: This course establishes a basis for Trigonometry while building on the base of Algebra I.

Geometry (every other year)

Grades available: generally available in grades 9–12; may function on an every-other-year basis in conjunction with Algebra II.

Prerequisite: must have passed Algebra I

Course description: This course establishes a basis for Trigonometry while developing skills for spatial reasoning.

Trigonometry

Grades available: generally available grades 10–12

Prerequisite: must have passed Algebra II and Geometry

Course description: This course prepares students for upper-level math functions, as algebra skills are developed to a new level.

Calculus

Grades available: generally available grades 11–12

Prerequisite: must have passed Algebra II, Geometry and Trigonometry

Course description: Calculus is the branch of mathematics that deals with change and with infinity. In particular, the student will learn functions, the derivative, the integral, and separable differential equations. The student will be able to work with functions and model problem situations with functions, differential equations, or integrals.

Finite Math

Grades available: generally available grades 11–12

Prerequisite: must have passed Algebra II, Geometry and Trigonometry

Course description: This class is an alternative to calculus and is a solid, applications-oriented course for students intending to work in business, management, economics, or the life or social sciences. The subject areas include linear functions, systems of linear equations and matrices, logic, sets and counting principles, probability, and statistics.

2. Science

General Science

Grades available: 6

Course description: This course lays the foundation for further science instruction in the coming years through a program that affirms God as Creator of all things.

Life Science

Grades available: 7

Prerequisite: must have passed 6^th grade General Science

Course description: The Bob Jones curriculum gives students an excellent basis for biology while teaching students a creation-based understanding of the natural world and preparing them to defend their faith against agnostic evolutionary world views.

Earth Science

Grades available: 8

Prerequisite: must have passed Life Science

Course description: The universe and its many components are presented through the lens of God’s creative work.

Physical Science

Grades available: 9

Prerequisite: must have passed Life and Earth Science

Course description: This course deals with the physical laws and properties of the universe through the lens of the Christian world view.

Environmental Science

Grades available: 10–12

Prerequisite: must have passed Life, Earth, and Physical Science

Course description: This course deals with the main themes of environmental science and ecology by studying ecosystems. It focuses on biomes and how humans can help to care for the earth.

Biology

Grades available: 10

Prerequisite: must have passed Life, Earth and Physical Science

Course description: This course examines the presence of biological and biochemical systems within our world with an eye to defending and affirming God’s creating presence throughout.

Chemistry

Grades available: 10–11

Prerequisite: must have passed Life, Earth and Physical Science

Course description: Chemical processes are explored through laboratory experiments. The textbook covers a full range of college preparatory concepts and prepares students to understand and defend their faith.

Physics

Grades available: 11–12

Prerequisite: must have passed Life, Earth, and Physical Science

Course description: Students will study advanced physical properties of science.

3. Language Arts

Literature and English in grades 6 and 7

During grades 6 and 7, students are given multiple periods a week of literature and multiple periods a week of English. This combination develops writing skills, reading, comprehension, basic grammar, and appreciation for literature. The organization and development of a research paper is a major task of these years.

Language Arts in grades 8 through 12

Students progress through the Glencoe series of language arts books, which progressively increase the intensity of exposure to literature from around the world while also developing the grammar and vocabulary skills needed for the Scholastic Aptitude Test. Projects such as persuasive essays, research papers, and book reviews are also a part of this curriculum. The Sadlier curriculum is used to integrate vocabulary through the curriculum in preparation for the Scholastic Aptitude Test.

4. Social Studies

Social Studies in grades 6 and 7

Students study the history and geography of the Western Hemisphere and the Eastern Hemisphere in the sixth and seventh grades. Research projects in these classes are often a part of the research paper project in Language Arts.

American History I (generally 8th grade)

This course covers early American History up to the Civil War period.

American History II (generally 9th grade)

This course covers later American History from the post-civil war period to the present day.

Civics (Grades 10 or 11)

Students interact with the principles of American democratic government through research, group study, debate, and other interactive techniques. This is offered every other year in conjunction with Economics/Sociology.

Economics / Sociology (Grades 10 or 11)

This course is an offering which exposes students to basic principles of economic design and theory for half of the year, followed by Sociology which exposes students to theories and principles of sociology for the other half of the year. Students are encouraged to develop a view of society which is truly Christian. Sociology though the Eyes of Faith by Tony Campolo is used as the central text. This is offered every other year in conjunction with Civics.

Christianity Over Time (generally grade 12)

Students are exposed to important events in Christian history as well as the history of other world religions. Writing, research, reflection, and discussion are methods of study.

Note: As scheduling permits, the possibility exists for students to double up on core curriculum offerings. Further information is available upon request, and administration approval must also be granted.

5. Bible

Sixth grade

For Bible instruction the Purposeful Design series from ACSI is used for grades K–6. Bible memorization is a key component to this curriculum.

Seventh and eighth grade

Students are taught from the Character Quest and Survival Quest texts from Lifeway Christian Publishers. Both of these materials address issues of adolescence from a Christian perspective while encouraging a deeper knowledge of God’s Word.

High School

Bible offerings in high school include the following:

Jesus Among Other Gods: This Ravi Zacharias text examines Christianity against other religious world views, and equips students to defend their faith in a pluralistic society.

Experiencing God: This Henry Blackaby text employs seven spiritual principles found in the Bible which helps students to experience faith in a practical and life changing manner.

Right Choices: This Josh McDowell study attunes students to the relevance of beliefs and absolute truth in the crucial decisions and life choices they are making.

Orthodoxy: This G.K. Chesterton classic work is used as a base text for evaluating the unique wonder of the Christian faith. Students are shown how every modern question and error further proves the textured simplicity of the Christian faith and the life-changing person of Christ.

Marriage & Family: This upper high school course examines the Scripture’s perspective on the principles which propagate healthy families.

Money Management: Practical skills such as balancing a checkbook and managing credit are placed in a Biblical caste which teaches students the immense power and responsibility of money management.

6. Spanish

Spanish instruction begins in the elementary grades, and is offered in the middle school several times a week. In the high school, Spanish I, II, and III are offered for students who are preparing for college.

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CO-CURRICULAR, ENRICHMENT AND ELECTIVE OFFERINGS

For Grades 6–12

1. Physical Education

Physical Education classes are held two times per week in grades 6–12.

2. Service Teams

Students in grades 6–9 are divided into groups that spend 4–5 afternoons per school year at various sites (area nursing homes, thrift shops, Christian camp, etc.) ministering to people through service projects.

Enrichment Elective Offerings (Grades 7 & 8)