High School Courses
View All | Bible | English | Fine Arts | Foreign Language | Health & PE | Math | Science | Social Studies
Bible
One credit of Bible is required for each year the student is enrolled at CHS.
This course is a comprehensive overview of the major events, sequence, and people of the Old Testament. Students will study themes, purposes, and content of each book in the Old Testament. Lessons on the major characters in these books will be studied and will provide a framework of how the Old Testament fits into God's overall plan for humanity.
This course is divided into a study of the life of Christ during the first semester and a study of the books of Acts through Revelation during the second semester. The life and ministry of Jesus, the expansion of the Church, and the writings of the apostles are studied in depth. Students will also study themes, purposes, and content of each book. Lessons on the major characters in the New Testament will be studied and will provide a framework of how the New Testament fits into God's overall plan for humanity.
During the first semester, students study what Christians believe and why. An in-depth study of the various Christian denominations, world religions and cults is done to give each student a firm grasp of Christian theology and doctrine. During the second semester, students study and debate ethical situations that all Christians struggle with during their lives. Biblical support for each situation is analyzed.
This course is designed to assist students in identifying the practical components of a successful, personal Christian walk and encourage self-evaluation of their preparedness to make the journey ahead, living their life before an audience of One, God Himself. This course includes a broad selection of readings, in addition to the Scriptures, and a community service component which requires 20 hours of community service at an approved site from each student, with 10 reflective journals and a Philosophy of Service paper.
English
Each student is required to have 4 credits in English for graduation.
Freshman English is a combined study of grammar, literature, and vocabulary. Students explore different themes of literature as they read and study different Christian character traits, such as courage, humility, and love, while at the same time learn and apply many literary terms and devices. A study of grammar provides the students with a basis for forming a clear understanding of basic English grammar and for increasing their proficiency in the use of English. A study of vocabulary provides the students with knowledge and tools needed to increase and improve their vocabulary. All three of these areas help the students develop adequate writing skills. A research paper is required.
Sophomore English is a study of World Literature exploring the classics to contemporary works. Students examine the selections with emphasis on the makeup of literature. This survey will feature the short story, essay, novel, and poetry with concentration on the meaning and application of many literary terms and devices. An overview of grammar and an extension of vocabulary study enhance the students' variety of compositions. A research paper is required.
Junior English is a study of American literary tradition through the patterns of literature and the events of history. This exploration of American literature through the eyes of history will expose the unique nature of our nation. This genre-rooted and theme-based literature will include short stories, poetry, plays, novellas, essays, novels, and noteworthy nonfiction. This course will also emphasize vocabulary, grammar, and composition. Students will focus on the development of critical thinking as well as precision in writing. A research paper is required. An American author video project will also be required.
Senior English is a study of British literature. This survey is a journey through hundreds of years of literary endeavors from pre-Chaucerian England to the present day. Refining their analytical and critical thinking skills, students will explore an eclectic collection of English literature including short stories, novellas, plays, poetry, novels, and noteworthy nonfiction. Students apply understanding through discussion, through interpretive, analytical, and persuasive compositions; and through applicable projects. A research paper is required.
AP English Language and Composition is designed to teach students "to write effectively and confidently in their college courses across the curriculum and in their professional and personal lives." (The College Board, AP English Course Description, 2010) Because college writing is often based on research, this course also aims to teach analytical reading, critical thinking, and the art of synthesizing facts, quotes, and ideas as logical support for personal conclusions. In order to move students from simplistic, formulaic writing to rich, engaging, and complex composition, the course will also emphasize the effective use of vocabulary, sentence structure, transitions, tone, etc. Those who take the course are required to take the AP exam at the end of the year.
Advanced Placement Literature & Composition is designed to be a university-level course that introduces students to the intellectual stimulation and challenges of undergraduate study in English. The class concentrates on American and British texts from a variety of genres, including novels, short-stories, plays, and poetry. AP Literature & Composition emphasizes three areas: close reading, discussion skills, and written responses to literature. Students take more responsibility for the accelerated pace and are, in turn, encouraged to develop their ability to discuss, interpret, and analyze using personal interpretations backed up with accurate evidence in literature. Those who take the course are required to take the AP exam at the end of the year.
Fine Arts
This is a SATB chorus which performs standard choral literature, as well as show tunes and Christian selections. Students are challenged to improve their singing abilities in the areas of sight reading and music theory, expressive singing and projection, proper vocal production and control, simple choreography, and solo opportunities. Students have the opportunity to perform several times during the school year including Grandparents Day, Homecoming, Veterans Day Chapel, Christmas Concert, ACSI Choral Festival and community performances. Students can audition for participation in District Honors Chorus, All State Chorus, and the Christian School Chorale, which performs every two years at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
A studio course with emphasis placed on the development of art skills and knowledge of the elements and principles of art. Units of study may include drawing, painting, sculpture, pottery, printmaking, and art history.
The Concert Band strives to explore God's creative power through instrumental music. In this course the student will explore the many facets of instrumental music including but not limited to classical, jazz, and Christian music. The student will build upon his/her performing abilities through the study of his/her instrument, music theory, and by performing at concerts, athletic events, and community outreach events.
Prerequisites: Students must be proficient on a band instrument at a Grade II level or better.
The purpose of this year long course is to utilize the theatrical skills learned in drama classes by producing a one-act play. Students may take this course repeatedly because it changes emphasis each year; not only is the production itself different each year, but what the class does with the material changes as well. The class focuses on the one-act genre, script writing, directing, producing, and performing a one-act.
This yearbook course has been designed to provide students with the journalism skills and the ability to apply those skills to the actual production of the school yearbook and/or the school newspaper, Heritage Times. Units of study include teamwork, responsibility, brainstorming, content coverage, concept, production, reporting, writing, headlines, captions, editing, photography, typography, design, graphics, finances yearbook campaign, advertising and distritution.
Actual work results in the current volume of the school's yearbook as well as regular production of Heritage Times. The publications strive to maintain a tradition of excellence in which the school and the community can take pride.
Mastery of the goals and objectives fully verse staff members in all areas of publication production and students should be able to pursue journalism with a strong background either in their advanced studies or in a career.
The purpose of this course is to teach students the specialized vocabulary of technical theatre, to help students analyze and critique the design elements found in school and outside productions, to gain a practical approach to problem solving, leadership and working well under pressure and to expose students to the history of theatrical design and current trends in technical theater. The primary focus of this course is to directly involve students in the technical aspects of the Christian Heritage Fine Arts Department productions. The technical tasks of a crew include but are not limited to designing, building and painting sets for each scene in each act, as well as moving the sets between scenes and acts. The crew makes costumes for each actor and helps the actors change costumes between scenes and acts. The crew runs the lights so that the spotlights and backlights work in every scene, the house lights go off and come on at the right times, and adjustments are made to the variables in the sound system so that the entire auditorium can hear the actors when they should.
The purpose of this course is to provide a balanced theatre arts program. The course will emphasize artistic perception and creative expression. It will promote understanding of aesthetic valuing, historical and cultural awareness, and the interconnections of the arts and other disciplines. Students will be trained in the fundamental skills of the theatre arts, including improvisation techniques, body control, voice, diction, pantomime, learning of lines, creation of character, projection of ideas and emotions and preparation and acting of scenes from plays. This course touches on all aspects of theatre arts, but heavily emphasizes the basics of acting with productions ranging from one act plays to major productions. Productions are staged at Christian Heritage School. The Theatre Arts students perform at a competitive level within the Georgia High School Association.
Foreign Language
Each student is required to have 2 credits in the same foreign language for graduation.
The goal of the CHS Spanish program is language acquisition. Students learn through listening, conversation, storytelling, writing, music, art, video, reading, educational games, and Bible verse memorization. They create sentences, memorize new vocabulary, translate stories, and engage in dialogues in Spanish. To increase knowledge of the cultures and geographical features of Spanish-speaking countries, each student conducts research and presents a multi-media project to the class.
Vocabulary and grammar are reinforced and built upon in Spanish II. Students learn how to create more complex sentences in several verb tenses. Knowledge of Spanish vocabulary is increased through written work, games, skits, and listening activities. Students work on group and individual projects to learn more about the culture and history of Spanish-speaking countries.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish I
Students continue to acquire Spanish in Spanish III. Studies focus on increased grammatical awareness, listening, reading, writing, and conversation. Studies continue to include geography and culture. Students learn through listening, conversation, storytelling, writing, music, art, video, reading, educational games, and Bible verse memorization.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish II
Health & Physical Education
This is a required course designed to develop an understanding and appreciation for overall health and wellness (physical, mental, social, and spiritual). Areas of content include emotional wellness, nutrition, physical fitness, sexuality, general safety, and first aid. This course challenges students to apply learned knowledge and learn how to make godly thoughtful decisions about his/her health. Biblical perspective is shown in all areas with in-depth discussions designed to prepare students to take ownership of personal health choices. Male students and female students are taught separately for this course due to the sensitive nature of some topics that are covered.
This is a required course which introduces students to the basic rules and principles of fitness and lifelong sports activities as well as various team sports and the history of these sports. Rules, techniques, safety and history are part of overall instruction. Christian sportsmanship is emphasized in each area of instruction.
This is an elective course designed to provide students with the knowledge, techniques (safety) and understanding needed to develop strength, flexibility and endurance to enhance overall physical performance. Areas of instruction will include weight training, isometric and isotonic techniques, dynamic and static flexibility and appropriate nutrition. Male and female students will be taught separately.
Mathematics
Students must have 4 math credits in high school.
This basic Algebra course covers the following: solving equations and inequalities, linear equations and functions, systems of equations and inequalities, radicals and exponents, factoring polynomials and solving quadratics.
Basic plane geometry topics are covered in this course. Topics include deductive reasoning, geometry terminology, polygons, circles, transformations, logic and proofs, perimeter, area, volume, and trigonometry.
Algebra II begins with a basic review of topics from Algebra I and Geometry. Algebra II emphasizes problem solving with different types of equations and functions including: linear equalities and inequalities, quadratic and polynomial functions, matrices, radical and rational equations, conic sections, and complex numbers. Exponential and logarithmic equations and functions are also introduced.
Pre-requisites: Algebra I and Geometry
Algebra III is designed for students who have successfully completed Algebra II. This course will enhance the higher level thinking skills developed in Algebra II through a more in-depth study of those concepts and exploration of some pre-calculus concepts. Students in Algebra III will be challenged to increase their understanding of algebraic, graphical and numerical methods to analyze, translate and solve quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions. Modeling real world situations is an important part of this course. Sequences and series will be used to represent and analyze real world problems and mathematical situations. Algebra III will also include a study of trigonometric functions, right triangles, and oblique triangles.
Pre-requisites: Algebra II
This is the advanced junior math class; topics needed for Calculus are covered. Topics include functions, conic sections, vector, parametric and polar equations, logarithms, and advanced trigonometry. This advanced course requires at least one hour (more in some cases) of study time outside of class for every hour spent in class. Teacher recommendation is required.
Pre-requisites: Algebra II and teacher recommendation
The purpose of statistics is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Topics include interpreting graphical displays of distributions of univariate data (dotplot, stemplot, histogram), summarizing distributions of univariate data (mean, median, mode, range, interquartile range, standard deviation, quartiles, percentiles, standardized scores, boxplots), comparing distributions of univariate data, exploring bivariate data, exploring categorical data: frequency tables, methods of data collection, planning and collecting surveys, planning and conducting experiments, modeling using probability and simulations, probability as relative frequency, independent random variables, normal distributions, simulating sampling distribution, confidence intervals, and tests of significance.
Pre-requisites: Algebra II or Honors Algebra II
This is a college level course for advanced students in mathematics. Those who take the course are required to take the AP exam at the end of the year. College credit for the first semester calculus course at many universities is given for scores of 3, 4, and 5 on the exam. The topics covered include functions, graphs, limits, as well as derivatives and integrals of a single variable.
This is a college level course for the most able students in mathematics. Those who take the course are required to take the AP exam at the end of the year. College credit for the first year of calculus courses at many universities is given for scores of 3, 4, and 5 on the exam. (Subscores for Calculus AB can be derived from Calculus BC.) Calculus BC covers topics beyond that of Calculus AB such as parametric, polar, and vector functions, polynomial approximations and series.
Science
Each student is required to have 4 credits in science for graduation.
This course covers all sections of life studies including botany, human anatomy and physiology, natural history-evolution vs. creation, zoology, and cellular and molecular biology. Classes include discussion of principles and lab work. Students are encouraged to bring in current events and scientific discoveries for discussion to show practical use of knowledge learned in class. Students learn to be stewards of God's creation to give Him glory.
This lab course, required of tenth graders, is a prerequisite for and an introduction to the principles of chemistry and physics. Topics include, the Biblical foundation, the structure of matter, atoms, the basic elements and the periodic table, machines, heat, electricity and magnetism, sound, and light. Math skills (relating to scientific investigation), graphing, and test taking strategies are included.
Chemistry, a lab course, required of all 11th graders, involves a study of the composition, structure, and interactions of matter. Topics covered are the Biblical basis for science study, the mathematics of chemistry, properties of matter, atomic structure, the Periodic Table, bonding, nomenclature, balancing equations, and stoichiometry. The student is required to perform and write up labs and keep an organized notebook of his or her work.
Prerequisite: Physical Science
This lab course is a more in-depth study of chemistry. In addition to the standard topics listed above, it will include more advanced mathematical topics, nuclear chemistry, modern structural theories, and redox reactions. Teacher recommendation is required.
Prerequisite: Physical Science
This is a year long study of the human body, God's design and function. Each of the body's 11 systems will be covered. Highlighted will be the structure and function of the body's cells, tissues, chemistry, and organs and the interaction of the body's systems.
Prerequisite: Biology & Chemistry
This is an in-depth study of physical principles using formulas and equations to solve and prove various phenomena of motion. Subjects studied include states of matter, forces, velocity, motion, energy, gravity, heat, thermodynamics, waves-sound and light, optics, electromagnetism, current, ohms, electronics, quantum theory, relativity, and modern physics theories. Labs, projects, and written problems help students see practical real world use of lessons. Biblical worldview shows the precision and beauty of God's creation.
Prerequisite: Physical Science
