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 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 form each student, with 10 reflective journals and a Philosophy of Service paper.
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 and world religions and cults are done to give each student a firm grasp of Christian theology and doctrine. During the second semester, students study and debate ethical situations that Christians must struggle with during their lives. Biblical support for each situation is analyzed.
English
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 in the second semester.
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 in the second semester.
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 in the first semester. An American author video project is required in the second semester.
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 in the first semester.
Fine Arts
This is a SATB chorus which performs standard choral literature, as well as show tunes and gospel 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, Veterans Day Chapel, Christmas PTSF Meeting, ACSI Choral Festival, Heritage Cafe, 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.
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.
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.
This high school drama class is designed to refine the communication skills of Christian young people for the Lord's service. It balances academic materials such as terms and concepts with performance projects. The elements of storytelling, interpretation of poetry, reader's theatre, and acting are covered in this course. The long term goals are to help the students develop communication skills, self-discipline, team work, and leadership.
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. Future concentrations might include a one-act competition.
This introductory photojournalism and graphic design course offers students total involvement in the production of a school yearbook. Activities include advertising, layout planning, photography, copy writing, and proofing.
Foreign Language
Students in the first year of high school Spanish build upon the grammar and vocabulary taught in the elementary grades. 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.
Each student is required to have 2 credits in the same foreign language for graduation.
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
Each student is required to have 2 credits in the same foreign language for graduation.
Health & Physical Education
This is a broad scope course on physical, mental, social, and spiritual health. 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. The students are required to keep a notebook throughout the course and present it to their parents at the end to show the commitments they have made to the principles taught. Biblical perspective is shown in all areas, and in-depth discussions lead students to take ownership of good health principles in all aspects of life. 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 various team sports as well as the history of these sports.
Mathematics
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.
Students must have 4 math credits in high school.
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 quadratic exponential and logarithmic equations and functions. Other topics covered in this course will be the conic sections, matrices, sequences, and series.
Pre-requisites: Algebra I and Geometry
Students must have 4 math credits in high school.
This is the advanced sophomore math class; standard Algebra II concepts are covered. Topics include: linear equalities and inequalities, functions (linear, quadratic, exponential, and polynomials), matrices, solving polynomials, quadratics, radical, conic sections, and complex numbers. 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.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I in eighth grade.
Students must have 4 math credits in high school.
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.
Students must have 4 math credits in high school.
Standard 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. This advanced course requires at least one hour (more in some cases) of study time outside of class for every hour spent in class.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I in eighth grade.
Students must have 4 math credits in high school.
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.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of advanced math class is in 9th and 10th grades.
Students must have 4 math credits in high school.
This course covers a variety of topics with the goal of having students come away with a better understanding of advanced mathematics beyond. Upon completing the course, students should have more confidence in their math skills and be prepared for their college math courses. Topics include statistics, functions, trigonometry, logarithms, and probability.
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.
Prerequisites: Algebra II or Honors Algebra II.
Students must have 4 math credits in high school.
Science
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.
The chemistry course is a college-prep level course. It deals with the composition, structure, and interactions of matter. Topics covered will be the mathematics of chemistry, properties of matter, atomic structure, the Periodic Table, bonding compounds, balancing equations, and stoichiometry. Students are required to perform and write up labs, and to keep an organized notebook of their work.
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 lab course, required of tenth graders, is a prerequisite for and an introduction to the principles of chemistry and physics; topics include the structure of matter, atoms, the basic elements of the periodic table, machines, heat, electricity and magnetism, sound, and light. Math skills (relating to scientific investigation), graphing and test taking strategies will also be included.
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
