Course Textbooks and Descriptions


Kindergarten

    Art: Art Connections. SRA-McGraw-Hill, 2001.
    Bible: Kindergarten Bible Curriculum. A Beka Book, 2000.
    Computer: School of Technology; University of Richmond & Boston University, Atlantic School Press, 2007
    History: The Mailbox Magazine. The Education Center, 2001.
    Mathematics: Teachers Helper. Mailbox Magazine.
    Penmanship: Zaner Bloser Handwriting Workbook.
    Phonics: Learning Beginning Sounds. Milkien Pub., 1985
    Science: The Mailbox Magazine.

     

    Elementary

    1st Grade

    Art: Art Connections. SRA-McGraw-Hill, 2001.
    Bible: Bible 1. ACSI, 1996.
    Computer: School of Technology; University of Richmond & Boston University, Atlantic School Press, 2007
    Language: Language 1. A Beka Book, 1995.
    Mathematics:

    Arithmetic 1. A Beka Book, 1993.

    Arithmetic 1, Speed Drill and Tests. A Beka Book, 1993.

    Penmanship: Handwriting, Grade 1. Zaner Bloser.
    Phonics: Letters and Sounds. A Beka Book, 1995.
    Reading: Basal Readers. A Beka Book, 1987.
    Science/Health: Discovering God's World. A Beka Book, 1987.
    Spelling: Spelling 1. ACSI, 1994.
    Social Studies: My America. A Beka Book , 1989.

 

2nd Grade

 

Art: Art Connections. SRA-McGraw-Hill, 2001.
Bible: New Testament Take Home Bible Stories. Carson-Dellosa Pub., 2003.
Computer: School of Technology; University of Richmond & Boston University, Atlantic School Press, 2007
Reading:

All Kinds of Animals. A Beka Book, 1987.

Ox Cart Man. Hall, Donald.

Sarah Morton's Day. Waters, Kate.

Amelia Bedelia. Parish, Peggy.

Tornado. Byars, Betsy.

The Courage of Sarah Noble. Dalgliesh, Alice.

Why Mosquitos Buss in People's Ears. Ardeman, Verna.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible No Good Very Bad Day. Viorst, Judith.

Black Beauty. Sewel, Anna. Little House in the Big Woods. Wilder, Laura Ingalls

Science/Health:: Discovering God's World. A Beka Book, 1987.
Spelling: Spelling 1. ACSI, 1994.

 

3rd Grade

 

Art: Art Connections. SRA-McGraw-Hill, 2001.
Bible: Bible, Grade 3. ACSI, 2006.
Computer: School of Technology; University of Richmond & Boston University, Atlantic School Press, 2007.
History:

Our American Heritage. A Beka Book, 1997.

Our American Heritage, Student Test Booklet. A Beka Book, 1997.

Map Skills. A Beka Book, 1997.

Language:

Language 3. A Beka Book, 2006.

Math: Mathematics Plus. Harcourt Brace & Co., 1995.
Reading:

A World of Literature. CSI, 1995.

Pilgrim Boy. A Beka Book, 1987.

The Secret in the Maple Tree. A Beka Book, 1987.

Science: Science 3. ACSI, 1994.
Spelling: Spelling, Grade 3. ACSI, 2006. 

 

4th Grade

 

Math: Math, MacMillan/McGraw Hill
Reading: A World of Literature, CSI (1995)
Language Arts/Grammar: God's Gift of Language, A Beka (1998)
Spelling: Purposeful Design, ASCI (2008)
Penmanship: Handwriting, Zaner-Bloser (2003)
Science: Science, CSI (1999)
History: History of Our United States, A Beka (1998)
Bible: Christ and His Word, ACSI (1995)
Maryland Studies: My State Notebook, A Beka (1997)
Maryland Studies: Our Maryland, Gibbs Smith (1996)

 

5th Grade

 

Art: Art Connections. SRA-McGraw-Hill, 2001
Bible: Bible, Grade 5. ACSI, 1995
Computer: School of Technology; University of Richmond & Boston University, Atlantic School Press, 2007.
History:

Heritage Studies 5. BJU Press, 1998.

Heritage Studies 5 Test Booklet. BJU Press, 1998.

Penmanship:

Handwriting, Practice Masters. Zaner-Bloser, 1999.

Math:

Mathematics. McGraw-Hill, 2002.

Mathematics Daily Homework. McGraw-Hill, 2002.

Reading:

A World of Literature. CSI, 1995

A Dangerous Game. BJU Press, 1986.

Treasure in the Yukon. BJU Press, 1986.

Llamas on the Loose. BJU Press, 1988.

Courage of Darkness. BJU Press, 1987.

Abandoned. BJU Press, 1989.

Science: Science. CSI, 1994.
Spelling: Spelling, Grade 5. ACSI, 1999.

 

Middle School

6th Grade

 

ART:

Students will learn to use their creative side of their brain in many different projects using a variety of art materials and exploring and building on skills in techniques in paint, drawing and sculpture. Students will draw in a design or abstract format and realistic. They will learn to draw the portrait, figure and cartooning. Students will learn about color with acrylic and watercolor paint and with pastel, colored pencil and marker. Sculpture will be explored with model magic, clay, wire, paper mache and soap carving. A preview to art history will be introduce when we look at certain artists' techniques as they apply to the art materials used.

BIBLE: The House of Israel. CSI, 1998.
COMPUTER:

School of Technology; University of Richmond & Boston University, Atlantic School Press, 2007.

Keyboarding for Windows, 4th Edition. Glencoe, McGraw-Hill, 1997.

GEOGRAPHY: This course focuses on learning about the world and its people.  Students will learn about the physical geography of the world and improve their map skills.  They will also learn about the different cultures around the world using the textbook, research, and other resources.
LANGUAGE ARTS:

This course is made up of 4 basic elements: vocabulary, grammar, reading, and writing.  Our main focus is on learning the basics with an emphasis on reading, grammar skills, and the writing process. 

GENERAL MATH: This course studies problem solving, order of operations, solving expressions, solving equations, graphing data, decimals, number patterns, fractions, ratio, proportion, percent, geometry patterns, area, and volume
GENERAL SCIENCE: This course studies earthquakes, volcanoes, weathering, erosion, natural resources, atoms, molecules, electricity, magnetism, motion, machines, nervous system, and immune system;

 

7th Grade

 

ART:

Students will learn to use their creative side of their brain in many different projects using a variety of art materials and exploring and building on skills in techniques in paint, drawing and sculpture. Students will draw in a design or abstract format and realistic. They will learn to draw the portrait, figure and cartooning. Students will learn about color with acrylic and watercolor paint and with pastel, colored pencil and marker. Sculpture will be explored with model magic, clay, wire, paper mache and soap carving. A preview to art history will be introduce when we look at certain artists' techniques as they apply to the art materials used.

BIBLE: The Day of the Lord. CSI, 1998.
LANGUAGE ARTS:

This course is made up of 4 basic elements: vocabulary, grammar, reading, and writing.  Our main focus is on learning how to apply the basics with an emphasis on grammar skills and creative writing.  Special projects include a mystery unit and a children’s book writing project.

GENERAL MATH:

This course studies problem solving, applying decimals, analyzing data, number patterns, fractions, percent, using integers, exploring equations and functions, applying fractions, using proportional reasoning, investigating patterns, and exploring area.

PRE-ALGEBRA:

This course studies rational numbers and equations, proportions and similarity, linear and nonlinear functions, two- and three-dimensional space, and data sets.

LIFE SCIENCE:

This course studies life and science, classifying living things, life and cells, cell structure, activities of cells, cell division, genetics of organisms, genetic changes, biblical creationism, biological evolution, little-seen kingdoms, plant kingdom, and animal kingdom.

UNITED STATES HISTORY:

This course focuses on the history of America from the very beginning through the Civil Rights era. Students will learn how and on what principles our country was founded, how our government works, and how we developed into the nation he have today.

 

8th Grade

 

ART:

Students will learn to use their creative side of their brain in many different projects using a variety of art materials and exploring and building on skills in techniques in paint, drawing and sculpture. Students will draw in a design or abstract format and realistic. They will learn to draw the portrait, figure and cartooning. Students will learn about color with acrylic and watercolor paint and with pastel, colored pencil and marker. Sculpture will be explored with model magic, clay, wire, paper mache and soap carving. A preview to art history will be introduce when we look at certain artists' techniques as they apply to the art materials used.

BIBLE: A Light to the Gentiles. CSI, 1998.
COMPUTER:

School of Technology; University of Richmond & Boston University, Atlantic School Press, 2007.

Keyboarding for Windows, 4th Edition. Glencoe, McGraw-Hill, 1997.

LANGUAGE ARTS:

This course is made up of 4 basic elements: vocabulary, grammar, reading, and writing.  Our main focus is on mastering the basics with an emphasis on literature and writing.  Special projects include a poetry unit and a historical fiction novel.

PRE-ALGEBRA: This course studies rational numbers and equations, proportions and similarity, linear and nonlinear functions, two- and three-dimensional space, and data sets.
SPACE & EARTH SCIENCE:

This course studies natural sciences and the Christian, earth’s motions, glory of the stars, sun, planets, asteroids, comets, meteors, moon, space exploration, introduction to meteorology, atmospheric water, movement in the atmosphere, and weather prediction.

WORLD HISTORY:

This course focuses on the history of civilization. We begin with God's creation of the world and end with World War II. Students will learn about the civilizations that have gone before and how they influenced the modern world.

 

High School - Course Descriptions

Biblical Studies

INTRODUCTION TO BIBLE STUDY AND BIBILCAL SURVEY:

An introduction of how to study the Bible. Students will do a thorough study of one New Testament book. They will gain an understanding of how the Bible came to us and how to use various Bible Study tools. The second aspect of the course will be a Biblical survey to develop a basic familiarity with each book of the Bible. No Prerequisites.

INTRODUCTION TO THEOLOGY: Students will be challenged to think about what they believe and why. The main focus will be on God (Theology), Jesus (Christology), and the Holy Spirit (Pneumatology). No Prerequisites.
CHRISTIAN ETHICS:

Discuss how to apply what we believe to real life situations. The course will begin by looking at the basics of the Christian. From there, the focus will be on how to make ethical decisions based on a Biblical standard. No Prerequisites, but geared toward older high school students.

APOLOGETICS AND WORLD RELIGIONS:

Aimed at preparing students to have an answer for the hope that lies within them (1 Peter 3:15). They will learn how to answer the tough questions that people ask about faith, learn how to defend what they believe, and gain an understanding of other religions in order to be more effective in relating the gospel to people of other faiths. Prerequisite: Junior or senior status required

 

English and Literature

THE WRITING PROCESS I:

This course outlines the writing process from thesis statements, to outlining, to editing, and finally to the works cited page. Much emphasis will be given to the problem of plagiarism and identifying problems when using sources. Students will regularly write and rewrite papers as well as edit each other's work in order to identify, in a positive way, problems and discrepancies in their own writing

THE NOVEL:

We will follow the evolution of the Novel from its beginnings in England through the 20th century. Writing assignments are based on literary analysis and require textual support in defence of thesis statements. Students should expect regular, intensive reading assignments and are expected to take notes while reading.

MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE LITERATURE:

An in-depth voyage through great works of literature from the Middle Ages through the end of the Renaissance, this class will encounter intermediate to advanced Christian and secular literature from writers such as Bede, Chaucer, Dante, Shakespeare, and Machiavelli

AP ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSTITION:

An advanced and rigorous course at a level equivalent to freshman college work, this course will expose students to college level texts and literary interpretations of great works in order to prepare students to take the AP English Literature and Composition exam in the spring. The works used in this course are highly challenging and require extensive study time outside of class. Students who score well on the AP exam may earn college credit. The AP exam must be taken at the end of the year, and students agree to this and to incur the additional cost by signing up. Prerequisite: Senior status required.

THE WRITING PROCESS II:

Formulated from community college curriculum, this course is designed to work with students who struggle with the basics of writing. The steps of the writing process and attention to structure, theme, format, and citations will be covered. Senior status recommended.

 

Foreign Language

SPANISH 1:

An immersion into the vocabulary, structure and grammar of Spanish, as well as an over view of Latin and South American culture Suitable for all high school students. No prerequisites.

SPANISH 2:

An extensive study of Spanish in the present, past and future tenses. Includes readings on Latin and South American societies and traditions. Suitable for all high school students. Prerequisite: Spanish 1.

SPANISH 3:

Spanish immersion: focuses on conversation, reading and writing skills. Takes a deeper look into the intricacies of Spanish language and culture through a variety of methods. Suitable for older high school students. Prerequisite: 80% in Spanish 2.

 

History

U.S. HISTORY I:

A survey course of the history of the United States from European exploration through the Civil War. The course focuses particular attention on the early political, cultural, and industrial development of the nation.

U.S. HISTORY II:

A survey course of the history of the United States from the Reconstruction period to modern times. The course focuses on the growth and development of the U.S. as a modern nation and as an emerging factor in world affairs.

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT:

An exploration of the Constitution and the three branches of government as well as the political culture of the United States. This course utilizes and advanced level text and is appropriate for juniors and seniors.

AP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT:

This is an advanced course designed to equal college level coursework. The class will cover major themes in the theory and practice of United States government, with particular attention paid to the impact of Constitutional law, public policy, and federalism. Students who score well on the AP exam may earn college credit. The AP exam must be taken at the end of the year, and students agree to this and to incur the additional cost by signing up. Prerequisite: Junior status required

WORLD HISTORY:

Beginning with the earliest civilizations and tracing the development of city-states, empires, and nation states. The course covers civilization through the Age of Exploration. This course is appropriate for juniors and seniors

 

Mathematics

ALGEBRA I:

This course is a traditional Algebra I course. It studies equations, inequalities, relations, functions, rational numbers, systems of equations, and factoring

FORMAL GEOMETRY:

This course is a traditional geometry course. It studies geometric figures, proofs, parallel lines, triangles, quadrilaterals, similarity, right triangles and trigonometry, circles, and polygons. Prerequisite is Algebra I.

INFORMAL GEOMETRY:

This course studies geometric figures, parallel lines, triangles, quadrilaterals, similarity, right triangles and trigonometry, and polygons. Prerequisite is Algebra I or Fundamentals of Algebra.

ALGEBRA II:

This course is a tradition Algebra II course. It studies equations, inequalities, linear relations and functions, systems of equations, matrices, polynomial and radical expressions, quadratic functions, conic sections, rational expressions, trigonometry, and discrete mathematics and probability. Prerequisite: Algebra I.

PRE-CALCULUS:

This course is a traditional pre-calculus course. It studies linear relations and functions, systems of equations and inequalities, graphs, polynomial and rational functions, trigonometric functions, graphs, inverses, identities and equations, vectors and parametric equations, sequences and series, limits, derivatives, and integrals. Prerequisite: Geometry and Algebra II.

AP CALCULUS AB:

Limits, derivatives, indefinite integrals, and definite integrals are studied graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally to explore patterns created by God and to give students the tools for success on the AP Calculus AB exam given in May. Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus. The AP exam must be taken at the end of the year, and students agree to this and to incur the additional cost by signing up.

CONSUMER MATH:

This course offers students the opportunity to apply math to real world situations such as balancing a check book, income and payroll deductions, credit cards, comparing prices at the store and other basic personal finance skills.

 

Sciences

BIOLOGY I:

This course studies microscopes, cells, genetics and the 6 Kingdoms. Labs emphasize biology concepts that include dissections. There are reports and projects given.

BIOLOGY II:

This course studies biochemistry, vertebrates, and human anatomy. Labs emphasize biology concepts that include dissections. There are reports and projects given.

PHYSICS:

The course studies pattern of order created by God as seen in motion, forces, momentum, work, energy, and culminates in a study of bridges. Labs and projects emphasize application of physics concepts, vocabulary, and math. Algebra 2 and introductory Trig are used in problem solving. Prerequisite: Algebra II or be concurrently enrolled.

CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS:

The course studies patterns of order created by God as seen in motion, forces, momentum, work, energy, and culminate in a study of bridges. Labs and projects emphasize application of physics concepts, vocabulary, and math. This class meets with the Physics class but receives compensation on tests and on some homework with multi-step math problems. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior status required.

CHEMISTRY:

The periodic table, elements, bonding, compounds, reactions, stoichiometry, solutions, and hydrocarbons highlight God's design at the atomic and molecular level. Labs, demonstrations, and projects apply concepts of chemistry. Prerequisite: Algebra II or be concurrently enrolled.

 

Other Course Offerings

AP ART HISTORY:

Art history covers movements from ancient to modern. Principles and elements are examined, and the impact of art on our understanding of culture is explored. This is not a "hands on" course: no creative projects will be done. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior status required. Meeting with course instructor prior to registering for class. The AP exam must be taken at the end of the year, and students agree to this and to incur the additional cost by signing up.

MUSICAL ARTS:

This course is an overview of the arts as they apply to music. It includes units in singing, drama, and instrumental experimentation.

PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP:

This course will seek to awaken, equip, and connect emerging leaders of character and innovation. The class will equip students with knowledge and experience, as well as challenge them to apply biblical principles in forming their own approaches to leadership. The class will explore popular theories and models but will focus on the practical applications that students can directly apply as they lead in their school, church, and community. Prerequisite: Senior status required.

WEB DESIGN:

Provides students with a basic knowledge and understanding necessary to design, build, and maintain a website. Students will be introduced to the design process as it pertains to the World Wide Web. Concepts of marketing, visual aesthetics, and information technology will be explored in order to complete assignments and projects. Students will be introduced to manual web site development through the use of HTML, basic JavaScript and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS).

COMPUTER PROGRAMMING:

Provides students with a foundational knowledge of the syntax and implementation of computer programming languages. Through discussion, reading and hands-on projects students develop a basic understanding of the programming process. Students work with objects and events, executable applications, and problem solving procedures. Languages introduced include Visual Basic, C++, HTML, and JavaScript.

SCULPTURE:

The emphasis is on primarily 3-D art. Students worked with a variety of materials to construct different types of sculptures. Materials manipulated by students were: Model Magic, clay, Sculpey, paper mache, foam core, cardboard, Popsicle sticks, wire, paper and soap. They learned techniques such as: carving, wire working, constructing with cardboard and foam core, modelling and joining with clay, Model Magic.

PAINTING:

Basic colour techniques are learned in a variety of art media (materials) such as: water colour paint, acrylic paint, pastel, markers and collared pencil. Techniques such as opaque, transparency, bleeding, blending is taught to give students a wide range of vocabulary in which to express themselves.

DRAWING:

The main focus is on the skill of drawing mostly in pencil using observational skills, imagination and understanding how proportion is used to make sense of the human body, how perspective can help us to understand real space and students demonstrate and practice using value from dark to light to create a feeling of space (depth), Students study and demonstrate competence in variety of line, shape, value, texture, contrast, balance, emphasis and overall unity.

PSYCHOLOGY:

Includes material on historical and contemporary approaches to psychology, development from birth to death, the workings of mind and body, learning and cognitive processes, personality and individuality, adjustment and breakdown and social psychology.

DRAMA AND THE PERFORMING ARTS:

Beginning with stage acting, students learn a variety of techniques used in the drama field; from warm ups to games, pantomime to modern play performances. Students also delve into drama as it pertains to technical aspects of the stage, script writing, and screen acting.

CHRISTIANITY IN FILM:

Students learn to recognize Christian symbols from modern movies. Through discussion and essays, students evaluate the effectiveness and validity of Christian messages from both Hollywood and independent Christian movie producers.