Grades 8-12

English -1 Credit-

Writing: Students in this course will be taught writing using the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) Medieval Based History-Based Writing Lessons. In this class students will be taught how to construct a piece of writing, how to create an outline, and how to use an outline as a platform for both paragraph and essay writing. They will also be taught how to dress-up their writing through the use of strong verbs, “ly” adverbs, adjectives and prepositions. In addition, students will learn how to decorate their writing with similes, metaphors, alliteration and other literary elements. For students who have had ample experience with IEW, story writing and theme variation will be highly encouraged.

Literature: In literature, students will read a number of novels. Literature guides will be used to assure comprehension of the text and build vocabulary relating to the reading selections. Enrichment activities will add a level of creativity and hands on learning to our literature units. Literature selections may include Robin Hood, The Hobbit, The Shakespeare Stealer, and The Dangerous Journey.

Honors English -1 Credit-

Writing: Students in this course will use the Institute for Excellence in Writing: Style and Structure for Students Level C. Within this course students will expand their knowledge of outlining, retelling narratives, summarizing references, story telling, research writing, critiques and responses to literature. They will be taught how to better organize their writing, make clear transitions within their paragraphs, and how to write introductions that generate interest. Students will practice these skills as they respond to writing prompts and practice writing a number of informational, persuasive, and descriptive paragraphs and essays. They will also engage in a unit on poetry and be instructed on the use of simile, metaphor, foreshadowing, rhyme, and meter. Additionally, students will have to write a research paper.

Literature: Students will read several pieces of literature in this class. Some of the literature selections will include Till We Have Faces, Macbeth, Murder on the Orient Express, King Arthur, and Fahrenheit 451. Students will engage in conversations, writing prompts, comprehension activities, and projects relating to these books. They will also have to choose three more selections to read independently and complete a book report.

Math

Students will be placed in the appropriate math classes following a placement test.

Algebra 1 -1 Credit-

In Algebra 1 students will begin with a review of algebraic concepts, mathematical properties, variables and order of operations. New content will include learning how to graph lines and inequalities, working with the slope-intercept formula, solving simultaneous equations and exponents. Polynomials will be introduced and students will learn to add, subtract, multiply and factor them. This course is a prerequisite for geometry.

Geometry -1 Credit-

Using the Math-u-See Geometry program, students in the class will reinforce their knowledge of concepts relating to measurement, angles, shapes, and lines. They will also learn about using protractors and compasses to construct angles and bisectors. They will focus on learning the vocabulary of geometry, how to calculate angles, how to calculate volume and surface area, how to use the pythagorean theorem as well as properties of geometric proofs. Additionally, students will work with algebraic expressions, complete geometric transformations on a Cartesian Plane, and work toward growing in their understanding of trigonomic functions.

Algebra 2 -1 Credit-

In this Algebra II course students build on their knowledge of algebra to simplify more complex expressions, apply the distance and midpoint formulas and solve simultaneous equations with 3 variables. They will be introduced and learn to work with conic sections, and imaginary and complex numbers This course in Algebra II can help students round out their high school transcripts or prepare them for instruction in pre-calculus.

History -1 Credit-

In this course students will follow the timeline of “The History of the World” by Susan Wise Bauer as they learn about medieval history. Using assigned readings, video presentations, lectures, and projects students will interact with the origins of cultures and societies of the past. They will discover wars that brought about expansion as well as times of peace and prosperity. Together classes will consider the development of ideas, people of influence, inventors, artists, writers, reformers and explorers as they interact with history as it unfolded in the past and helped to shape the present.

Advanced Physical Science - 1 Credit-

“This physical science course uses a hands-on approach allowing students to explore the foundational principles of physical science. Using the text and lab activities, students study forces, machines, motion, energy, electricity, magnetism, sound, light, density and buoyancy. Students will also study general chemistry concepts including the structure of matter, the periodic table, chemical bonds and reactions, mixtures and compounds and the chemistry of food and living systems. In addition, students will learn the fundamental physics concepts of the earth and solar system, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics. Throughout this course, students discover the relationship between science and daily life. The students will gain a solid understanding of the scientific method and learn to write thorough and accurate lab write-ups.”

(Exploration Education)

Bible - 1 Credit-

Students in all grades will study the same books of the Bible each year. We will utilize a variety of resources to teach the Bible. For the spine of our Biblical studies we will utilize the time line published by Veritas Press. In each grade students will complete age appropriate activities that will help them to gain a greater understanding of the stories, themes, and covenant promises found throughout both the Old and New Testament. Beginning with Chronicles, students will review the “sacred story,” then move onto Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther before exploring wisdom literature followed by the major and minor prophets.

Measuring Noah's Ark

Leadership Initiative (Elective) -.5 Credit-

Students in grades 8-12 will take part in a program called “Leadership Initiative”. In addition to class time each month this group of students will participate in a community service project. The goal of this time is for students to be provided with the opportunity to serve their community, establish the importance of teamwork, hone effective communication skills, develop a sense of compassion for those around them, and have the opportunity to clearly reflect on their experiences. Credit hours for this class can be added to the “arts and humanities” credits.

Course Descriptions

Grades 8-12

Please note: