GRADE LEVEL CLASSIFICATION 

Students will be classified according to grade level by the following criteria:

GRADE LEVEL CLASSIFICATION 

Students will be classified according to grade level by the following criteria:

 

Classification:	Freshman	Sophomore	Junior	Senior
Credits:	0-5.75	6- 11.75	12 - 17.75	18 - +

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS/ELECTIVES 

 

 

*PREREQUISITES FOR CLASSES

Students must have met the following prerequisites, or be recommended by a teacher, before they can sign up for these classes:

      * Algebra II – Algebra I with at least a C-

      * Pre-Calc – Algebra I & II; at least a C- in Algebra II

      * Trig/Discrete Math – Algebra I, II, Advanced Math I; at least a C- in Pre-Calc

      * Geometry – Algebra I with at least a C-

      * Chemistry – Physical Science with a C-, 2 years of math with at least Algebra I recommended

      *Physics – Physical Science with a C-, Alg II with C-

Students entering elective classes will have a five-day trial period from the beginning of the class in which to drop out without reason; however, they should normally enroll in another class.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 

ENGLISH

English I:  English I for freshmen includes teaching grammar usage and mechanics with an emphasis on application to writing skills.  Library skills for research are included to facilitate research for writing.  Spelling is taught through the use of the four basic spelling rules and seven keys to good spelling.  Vocabulary is taught to improve skills in writing, reading, and speaking.  A variety of literature, organized by themes, is included in the course to build appreciation for good literature. 

English II:  English II for sophomores includes teaching grammar usage and mechanics with an emphasis on application to writing skills.  Library skills for research are reinforced to facilitate research for writing.  Spelling and vocabulary are included to promote good skills in writing, reading and speaking.  World literature is taught to introduce famous authors and teach literary devices such as character development, plot, theme, setting, and imagery, and to teach an appreciation for good literature.

English III:  English III for juniors includes reinforcing grammar usage and mechanics to improve writing skills.  The study of vocabulary includes syllabication, pronunciation, parts of speech, synonyms, and antonyms.  It also includes the study of prefixes, suffixes, and word roots.  Spelling is included to continue promoting good skills in writing and reading.  American literature is taught to introduce American authors and various genres: short stories, drama, poetry, essays, and novels.

English IV:  English IV includes the study of English literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the 20^th century.  Macbeth and Pilgrim's Progress are read in their entirety.  Students build vocabulary through drills and study of prefixes, suffixes, and roots.  Advanced grammar exercises continue to help the student understand syntax of sentences in order to improve their creative, technical, and persuasive writing assignments.

Speech:  The speech course includes teaching the basic skills necessary to speak to others, in small groups or in front of audiences.  The course includes choosing a topic, researching a topic, outlining, and using good vocal qualities and good body language.  The student will learn to give different kinds of speeches including informative, persuasive, and demonstrative.  Other activities include debate, parliamentary procedure, and performing literature.

MATHEMATICS

Consumer Math:  Consumer Math is designed for the student who is interested in everything from the ways in which one earns money to how to invest that money for their future. In keeping with Biblical principles, the student will learn about banking, savings, loans, mortgages, and insurance as well as learn to calculate interest, payments, and earnings. The student will be challenged to be a good steward of their resources as they create a budget and experience some of the "budget busters" and "budget blessings" of everyday life.

Pre-Algebra:  Pre-Algebra helps students to ease into algebraic concepts while brushing up on foundational mathematic skills. Each unit includes a sketch of a Biblical character and explains how math was used in the Bible at the time. The students are challenged to use scripture as they discover and prove mathematical concepts from a Biblical perspective, not just a scientific perspective.

Algebra I:  Algebra I provides a formal development of the algebraic skills and concepts necessary for students who will take other advanced courses.  In particular, the instructional program in this course provides for the use of algebraic skills in a wide range of problem-solving situations.  The concept of function is emphasized throughout the course.  Topics include: 1) operations with real numbers, 2) linear equations and inequalities, 3) relations and functions, 4) polynomials, 5) algebraic fractions, and 6) nonlinear equations.

Algebra II:  This two-semester mathematics course includes the study of operations, linear equations, linear relations, quadratic equations, and polynomial functions in the first semester.  Topics of the second semester are systems of equations and inequalities, radicals, complex numbers, rational expressions and equations, right triangle trigonometry, inverse functions, and permutations and combinations.

Discrete Math:  This one-semester mathematics course involves vectors, determinants, and their applications, finite and infinite sequences and series, and matrix operations and applications.  Other topics include combinatorics, probabilities and their applications, and descriptive and inferential statistics.

Geometry:  This class is a comprehensive study of Euclidean geometry.  Emphasis is placed on logic, plane geometry, solid geometry, and transformations.  Applications and constructions are discovered with the use of hands-on activities and Geometry Sketchpad software.

Pre-Calculus:  This two-semester mathematics course involves the study of linear and quadratic functions, polynomial functions and equations, and inequalities in one or two variables in the fall semester.  Topics of the spring semester include properties, graphs, inverses, and applications of functions, exponents, and logarithms, and analytic geometry.

Trigonometry:  This one-semester mathematics course includes trigonometric functions, trigonometric equations and applications, and triangle trigonometry.  Other topics are trigonometric addition formulas, polar coordinates, and complex numbers.

SCIENCE

Anatomy:  This advanced biology class will cover the anatomy and physiology of the 11 organ systems of the human body.  Each system's tasks, along with its interaction and integration with other systems, will make up the concentration of the course.  The information will be supplemented by viewing slides, testing blood, and using a coloring book to define systems within the body.  Students must have completed a one year biology course and a one year chemistry course.

Biology:  This two-semester lab science course involves the study of botany, human anatomy and physiology, zoology, and cellular and molecular biology at sophomore level.  A leaf project is required for the fall semester.  Dissections of organs and various animals occur in the spring semester.

Chemistry:  This two-semester lab science course involves the study of matter, stoichiometry, chemical thermodynamics, atomic structure, and the periodic table in the first semester.  Topics of the second semester include chemical bonding, intermolecular forces, selected nonmetals, metals, and semimetals, solutions, colloids, chemical kinetics, acids, bases, and salts, nuclear chemistry and organic chemistry.  This course is taught at a junior/senior level.

Physical Science:  This two-semester lab science course involves the study of meteorology, oceanography, chemistry, geology, and physics at a freshman level.  The scientific method will be applied in labs in each of these areas of science.

Physics:  This two-semester lab science course involves the study of the states of matter, mechanics, thermodynamics, wave phenomena, light, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics at a junior/senior level.  Numerous labs and demonstrations will be performed in these areas of physics with the use of modern technology in many cases.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Economics:  Economics provides a study of microeconomic and macroeconomic principles.  Some themes covered include the problem of scarcity, subjective valuation, general market principles, the role of government in exchange, international trade, and international monetary system. Examination is also given to contemporary themes in economics such as poor relief, environmental issues, and price control schemes.

United States History:  United States History provides for a survey of the people and events associated with the United States from 17^th century colonial establishment through the Post World War II era.  Themes include social, political, and military developments that have shaped American society.

United States Government:  United States Government provides for a study of the Constitution of the United States.  Topics include a historical background of the American governmental system, survey of the articles of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and other amendments, state and local government, and a brief survey of political issues in contemporary culture.

World Geography:  World Geography provides for a study of the world's topography, cultures, climate, resources, and history.  Areas of concentration include the United States, Latin America, and Europe.  Map study covers every continent except Antarctica.

World History:  World History provides a survey covering from ancient Sumeria through the twentieth century world.  Topics include: the rise of ancient civilizations; ancient Greek and roman developments; political, religious, and social developments in the Middle Ages; the rise of nations; the Renaissance and Protestant Reformation; social, political and technological developments in the modern era; the effects of Christian revivals; and the world wars.  Emphasis is on developments in western civilization.

MODERN OR CLASSICAL LANGUAGE

Spanish I:  Spanish I introduces the student to the fundamental elements of basic Spanish sentence structure and vocabulary.  Conjugations of regular and irregular verbs in the present tense are studied throughout the course.  Speaking and listening practice is observed daily to begin to master pronunciation of language.  Writing activities reinforce vocabulary and sentence structure.  Study of the culture of the Spanish speaking population relates the language to the people.

Spanish II:  Spanish II continues to promote additional vocabulary and more complex sentence structure.  Imperative, preterite, imperfect, and future tense verb conjugations are studied.  Expanded and specialized vocabulary is practiced.  Higher level writing and speaking/listening activities improve student's command of the language.  Cultural studies focus on the history/culture of Spanish speaking countries.  

FINE ARTS

Band:  This course provides training for students to improve their instrumental technique and develop their interpretive skills as an instrumental musician through the playing and performance of a variety of instrumental styles of band literature in an ensemble setting.

Choir:  This course provides training for students to improve their vocal technique, choral part –singing and interpretive skills as a choral musician through the practice and performance of a variety of styles of choral literature in a choir setting.

Drama:  Through this drama course, the students will learn the elements of Oral Interpretation.  They will also learn basic acting skills and stage directions.  The course will include learning voice control and body movements to effect emotion and action in plays.  They will produce various skits, one-act plays and a three-act play.

Music History:  This semester course presents a summary of the chronological development of Western music from ancient times to the Romantic era through the study of famous composers and their music.

Music Theory:  This semester course provides training in basic musical skills including concepts of pitch, rhythm and time signatures, scales and key signature, intervals, triad, chord and their inversions and basic progressions.  The training the student receives will be in both written and aural form.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Computer I:  Applications: Excel, Access, FrontPage and Publisher

Computer applications and programming are the focus of the class.  By using the applications, the students will see the interactivity between the programs.  FrontPage allows the students to understand website design along with the basics of programming languages by using the HTML language.

Computer II:  Applications: Video Editing, GIS/GPS Arc View, Advanced Access and EXCEL

The application of this yearlong class is to go beyond the simple procedures of EXCEL and Access and get an in-depth look at what these applications can do.  Students will gain an understanding of different peripherals that can be used to produce quality output that can be used in today's technological society.  Pinnacle software and ArcView 3.3 are used to create videos and land maps.

Keyboarding:  Basic keyboarding skill is taught as well as number pad skills and word processing applications.  Students will use these skills to efficiently type documents.  The number pad is stressed to encourage proficiency in using the 10 key system for data entry. 

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY

Exploring Technology (Electronics & Robotics):  This course introduces students to electronic devices and the system components assembled to make them work. Students will learn to use electronic test equipment, basic electricity and electronic circuitry, digital electronics, basic PC repair, and robotics technology. Instructional approach will include creative problem solving activities that address real problems and opportunities.

Automotive Systems and Repair:  The Automotive Technology course includes classroom, "hands-on" experiences in the diagnosis, maintenance and repair of the automobile. These experiences entail the understanding of auto engines, power train systems, auto chassis and suspension components, and automotive electricity. Activities involve shop safety, use of cars and service publications, a general knowledge of theory of engines, brakes, drive line, ignition and electrical systems in the automobile.

Welding:  This course explores electric arc oxyacetylene welding processes. Students will practice welding skills and produce welded joinery commonly used in industry. Students will estimate material costs, practice layout techniques, and perform cutting and grinding operations. Each student will assemble a project that will demonstrate their mastery of skills learned.

Building Trades:  Individuals apply technical knowledge and skills in the maintenance and repair of residential and commercial buildings. Instruction includes the basics of carpentry, millwork, plumbing, painting, electricity, tile setting, hardware usage, heating, ventilation, waterproofing, roofing, and record keeping. Students have "hands-on" training in a variety of skills. From creating rough drawings to applying blueprints to installing the finished carpentry work, the course reinforces classroom theory with construction projects. Course will cover units in carpentry, plumbing, and electricity. Theses areas include the following: installation and repair of structural units, care and use of hand and power tools, principles of blueprint reading, and residential wiring.

Farm & Home Electricity:  This course teaches students the skills and knowledge to safely work with electrical equipment in a home or on a farm. Class time is divided between electrical theory lessons and "hands-on" applications. Special emphasis is on electrical/electronic motor controls and programmable logic controllers. Students will learn the basics of residential, commercial and industrial wiring and control wiring.

Drafting & CAD:  This course prepares students to use technical knowledge and skills to plan, prepare and interpret mechanical/architectural drawings. Provides the essential foundations of drafting and engineering principles emphasized through "hands-on" activities that help students develop skills and knowledge required of entry level employees and for the continuation of education within architecture/engineering fields. Among the skills attained are the sketching and drawing of mechanical devices, machinery, buildings and structures. The course will use AUTOCAD software during the second semester.  $70 LAB FEE REQUIRED for an AUTOCAD reference book with 6 month software license that students may keep.

CAD II:  The class will focus on using AutoCAD 2006 to prepare architectural drawings using common architectural drafting conventions. Class will cover Foundation Plans, Drawing Elevations, Sections and Details, Creating Schedules, Drawing Framing Plans and Roof Plans, and Drawing Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC Plans. Cost for this two semester class will be $120 to cover a 1 year AutoCAD license and reference book which the student may keep.

Woodworking:  This course deals with the basic study of woods and woodworking equipment. Areas of study include material selection, planning procedures, safety, hand tools, wood joints, woodworking, power equipment and finishing methods. Assigned projects will be used to introduce the student to basic tools, equipment and operations.  LAB FEE & SAFETY GLASSES & HEARING PROTECTION REQUIRED. Extra cost will be incurred beyond the lab fee depending on the type of projects done.

OTHER ELECTIVES

Accounting I:  Accounting I covers the complete accounting cycle for a sole proprietorship, a partnership and corporation. The students are guided through a manual process and then a computerized system. They learn journalizing, posting, and reconciling data, along with preparing financial statements.

Journalism:  Journalism covers the full scope of producing school printing media. They learn the process of writing, photography and layout of a newspaper. They learn to interview, take notes, and research to form the basis for news articles. The student also learns the basic of yearbook composition. This includes gathering information, writing copy and photography. Students in the class produce both the school newspaper and the yearbook.

BIBLE

Bible I:  This course is a survey of the Old Testament. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the Old Testament. It is the intention that the student will gain an understanding of the over-all flow of the Old Testament and become acquainted with the content of each book.

Bible II:  This course is a survey of the New Testament. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the New Testament. It is the intention that the student will gain an understanding of the over-all flow of the New Testament and become acquainted with the content of each book.

Bible III:  This course is a survey of world views. The student will study the major world views (Secular Humanism, Marxism, Cosmic Humanism, Postmodernism and Islam) to gain an understanding of how these worldviews differ from biblical Christianity. The purpose of this course is to solidify the student's faith and enable him to both defend his faith and be a more effective witness.

Bible IV:  Students in Bible IV study basic Christian doctrine. The areas of study include: the Bible, the nature and existence of God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, sin, salvation, angels, Satan, demons, the church and biblical prophesy. Time is also spent during the senior year helping the student develop a biblical purpose for life.