AP & College Credit

Course Description: The study of mathematics involves an exploration of the orderliness of God’s created universe and the orderliness of our own minds as created in God’s image. Algebra II furthers algebraic skills and develops understanding of radical, solving complex problems with Algebra. Concepts include solving linear, quadratic and higher order equations and inequalities, sequences, series and higher logarithms.

Course Description: Much of the history of the Western world developed in the context of a Christian world and life view. In the modern era, however, that perspective has been challenged by the humanism of the Renaissance, rationalism of the Enlightenment, and the scientism of the modern technological age. Thinking affects action, and it is no surprise that the history of the world has been shaped by the prevailing thought patterns of each age. Advanced Placement European History is a college-level course designed to enable students who take it to gain college credit through the Advanced Placement European History examination given by the College Board in May of each year. The course covers the history of Europe from about 1300 to the present, focusing on political and economic developments and their effects on societies and cultures both in Europe and elsewhere.

Course Description: This course is a comprehensive survey of American History from the age of European exploration to the present. The primary focus of the course is to trace America’s history by outlining its progression with regard to government/political structures and emphases, social issues, economic development, and foreign policy. An overarching goal of the course is to evaluate how the progression in these areas resulted in a distinct American culture and to offer a final statement that might serve as an answer to the question, “What does it mean to be an American?.”

Course Description: This course explores literature that relates to the American experience. This course corresponds with American History. As a complement to the American History course, students will read non-fiction and fiction texts written by American writers.The understandings of the historical and cultural backdrops for this literature will come from the study of history as well as discussions and activities in class. The outside-of-class reading will include American texts as well as those from other countries and cultures, providing students with a broader scope of literary experiences.

Course Description: This course primarily explores literature that relates to the European experience. This course corresponds with European history. As a compliment to the European history course, students will read non-fiction and fiction texts written by European writers. The understanding of the historical and cultural backdrops for this literature will come from the study of history as well as discussions and activities in class. In addition, for each historic era, the students will examine contributions in music and art with the goal of understanding the relationship between literature, fine arts, religion, politics, history and the sciences. Furthermore, each students’ analysis will be shaped by a biblical worldview.

Course Description: Honors Chemistry is designed for the student who enjoys the challenge of a strong mathematical approach to modern chemistry. This course is highly recommended for any student who desires a challenging background for careers in nursing, engineering, chemistry, biology, and a variety of other careers that require college chemistry. Topics include: organic and inorganic nomenclature, molecular theory, stoichiometry, oxidation-reduction reactions, solutions, equilibria, reaction kinetics, solubility products and other pertinent topics. Laboratory is an integral part of this course. During lab, students are expected to work safely, maintain their assigned equipment, and submit regular lab reports. Dual credit will be earned through Cairn University.

Course Description: The course involves the study of higher order polynomials, trigonometry and its applications as well as more detailed applications of logarithms, exponential functions, matrices, and sequences. It also provides an introduction to Calculus through the study of limits and derivatives. Students will make extensive use of graphic calculators.

Course Description: This is a college-level exploration of differential and integral calculus and their applications. Students who take this course are eligible to take the Advanced Placement examination which gives them the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school. All students in the class will be required to have graphing calculators. Grades are based on daily homework assignments, chapter quizzes, and tests.

Course Description: This lab intensive course prepares students for collegiate Biology and addresses four “big ideas:” 1) The extent to which evolution drives the diversity and unity of life,  2) Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce and to maintain dynamic homeostasis; 3) Living systems store, retrieve, transmit and respond to information essential to life processes, and 4) Biological systems interact and these systems

and their interactions possess complex properties. These “Big Ideas” are studied in the

context of understanding God’s “eternal power and divine nature” (Romans 1:20).

Course Description: All of life involves making decisions, and these decisions all have moral and spiritual dimensions. As such, we find guidelines for making these decisions in God’s Word. In this course, we begin with a brief overview of secular approaches to moral decision-making, and then cover a wide variety of contemporary moral issues within the framework of the Ten Commandments. Students will be encouraged to think for themselves in the light of biblical principles. Grades are based on weekly Scripture memory quizzes, tests, and a major research project which will include both a written paper and an oral defense.