7–8th Grades & 9–12th Grades
UPPER LEVEL ACADEMICS
2024-2025 CURRICULUM FOR UPPER LEVELS
(JR/SR HIGH)
As our students develop into young men and women, we parents slowly lose the reins of our control and allow them to make increasingly difficult and consequential decisions. For better or worse, these decisions are often directed by the attitude and bearing of the hearts.
This year’s history, literature, theology, and even science curricula focus on the unseen world of the student’s hearts. Addressing themes like sloth, frivolity, courage, unseen pride, civic responsibility, self-indulgence, sacrifice, greed, hubris, and how seemingly innocuous decisions can shape or destroy our destiny. *Note, There may be small changes to the following curricula.
MIDDLE LEVEL CURRICULUM
MATHEMATICS
PRE ALGEBRA
Many students say they dislike math. In reality, students don’t dislike math itself: they dislike not knowing how to do math. This Pre-Algebra course will focus on reinforcing mathematical skills while developing the vocabulary and basic skills of algebra. The course will cover operations with integers, expressions, basic and multi-step equations and inequalities, number theory, operations on rational numbers, percents, relations and functions, and will touch on statistics and probability, radicals, geometry, and polynomials. Our studies will include fun activities that remind us of the incredible design and order in our world, evident to us through study of mathematics.
TEXTBOOK/CURRICULUM— BJU PRESS PRE ALGEBBRA
Instructor—Elaine Bobo
SCIENCE
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
This course serves as a bridge between general science and more advanced courses in chemistry and physics. Using Conceptual Physical Science by Hewitt, Suchocki, and Hewitt, students will explore topics in chemistry, physics, earth sciences, and astronomy. The course emphasizes scientific literacy, hands-on learning, and the development of critical thinking skills involving science while reflecting on the order and design in God’s creation. Through weekly lessons, discussions, and hands-on activities, students will build a strong foundation for future study in science and appreciate the wonder of the physical world as God’s handiwork.
TEXTBOOK/CURRICULUM— Conceptual Physical Science by Hewitt, Suchocki, & Hewitt
Instructor—James Shoemake
HISTORY
ANCIENT/BIBLICAL HISTORY
In order to know why things are the way they are now, we need to look back on how things were before. Where did we come from? What events and characters in the ancient past have shaped the way we live today? In this course, we will take a look at the history of the ancient world, from the emergence of civilization in the Fertile Crescent to the Greeks and Romans, eventually focusing in on the journeys of the Israelites, the Chosen People, and how God’s plan for them has reshaped all of human history.
TEXTBOOK/CURRICULUM— There will be no required textbook for this class. Reading material and homework will be given to the student each week.
Instructor—Jared Mende
LITERATURE I
“Bastian gave a start when he realized what he had just read. Why, that was him! The description was right in every detail. The book trembled in his hands. This was going too far. How could there be something in a book that applied to this particular moment and only to him?” (From The Neverending Story book by Michael Ende).
Books shape our imagination, our worldview, and our reality. What we read—and how we read it—is tremendously important. Literature I will introduce students to great works of literature spanning centuries and will help students learn to think deeply about and analyze what they read. Students will learn how meter shapes the meaning of poetry, practice close reading, see history from unique perspectives, and, perhaps most importantly, gain practical tips for overcoming dragons. Ultimately, we hope that by feasting on great works throughout the year, students will crave books that challenge their minds, grow their moral imaginations, and increase their sense of wonder.
Required Books:
Poetry and Short Stories for the Logic Stage (Memoria Press)
The Goblin Market by Cristina Rosetti
The Hobbit
Anne of Green Gables
Horatius at the Bridge (Memoria Press 2nd edition)
Beowulf the Warrior (retold by Ian Serrailler)
Instructor—Elaine Bobo
LATIN I
Latin I pairs the study of grammar with Latin vocabulary and translation. The focus is on understanding the grammar of Latin and developing a strong vocabulary in order to truly understand the language. With this foundation, students can confidently move into translating more complicated Latin works. Latin I is suitable for students who have never studied Latin as well as those who have taken Latin, but struggle with grammar and translation. This course will not only develop strong Latin skills, but will also strengthen students’ English grammar skills.
Required textbooks:
Henle Latin i
Henle Latin Grammar I
Instructor—Elaine Bobo
COMPOSITION
Rooted in the ancient classical method of progymnasmata, this course will help students become confident writers and learn stylistic techniques that will elevate the quality of their writing. Students will read and write about topics such as such as Socrates, plate tectonics, and other interesting subjects while using the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) Structure and Style® program.
TEXTBOOK—IEW Investigations in Writing
Instructor—Elaine Bobo
COMBINED CLASSES
PHYISCAL EDUCATION
Experience the thrill of athletic variety in this dynamic PE course! Students rotate through different sports throughout the year, gaining exposure to fundamental skills, rules, and techniques for each activity. From volleyball and pickleball to flag football and soccer, every few weeks brings a new challenge and opportunity to discover hidden talents.
This hands-on course emphasizes teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth while building confidence across multiple athletic disciplines. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a complete beginner, you'll develop physical fitness, leadership skills, and lasting friendships through engaging team activities and friendly competition.
Instructor—Coach Hiram Samaniego
HISTORY
WORLD HISTORY
In order to know why things are the way they are now, we need to look back on how things were before. Where did we come from? What events and characters in the past have shaped the way we live today? In this course, we will take a look at the history of the entire world, from the emergence of civilizations in the Fertile Crescent, the Indus Valley, and the Yellow River, to the rise of the Greeks, Romans, ancient Chinese, and Mesoamericans, to the appearance of the Chosen People and the Messiah. The first semester will close with the story of Christ Jesus, whose death and resurrection changed history completely. The second semester will describe the history of the Church to the emergence of the modern world.
TEXTBOOK/CURRICULUM—In Their Words Notgrass History
Instructor—Jared Mende
LITERATURE
LITERATURE II
A good book can quite literally change someone’s life. In this course, we will guide students through some of the best novels, plays, epic poems, and biographies in history, discussing their themes together as a class.
Required books:
Crime and Punishment, by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen
The Scarlet Pimpernel, by Baroness Orczy
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, by William Shakespeare
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
The Aeneid, by Virgil
The Hiding Place, by Corrie Ten Boom
Instructor—Jared Mende
LOGIC I &II
Logic is the study of proper thinking and the basis of all classical education. In this secondary logic course, we will explore advanced subjects, such as epistemology, modal logic, polysyllogisms, truth tables, and more, building on our knowledge of basic principles learned in Logic I.
TEXTBOOK/CURRICULUM—There will be no required textbook for this class. Reading material and homework will be given to the student each week.
Fall 2025—Logic I
Spring 2026—Logic 2
Instructor—Jared Mende
LATIN II
Latin is the foundational language of Western civilization and was one of the three languages written over Jesus on the cross. Not only is the study of Latin extremely important for all classical students, but since it has such a different grammatical structure than English, learning it rewires the student’s brain so that they can think more logically and coherently in all situations. In this course, we will continue where we left off in Latin I.
Required textbooks:
Henle Latin Second Year
Henle Latin Grammar
Instructor—Jared Mende
CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH
This course teaches practical Spanish conversation skills while exploring the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. Students will develop strong pronunciation, cultural awareness, and listening comprehension through structured practice and cultural study.
Course Structure: Each week, students complete group homework assignments practicing specific conversations. Classes begin with students performing prepared dialogues, followed by new material and cultural lessons that cover traditions, history, and contemporary life across Spanish-speaking nations.
Learning Outcomes: By year's end, students will confidently engage in Spanish conversations, understand cultural contexts, and demonstrate proper pronunciation and accent. Most of the homework will be oral practice along with their assigned groups.
Christian Classical Approach: This course views language learning as a way to build understanding across cultures and appreciate God's gift of communication. Students develop both linguistic skills and the wisdom to communicate respectfully across cultural boundaries, as well as memorize The Lord's Prayer and various verses in Spanish.
TEXTBOOK—Provided by Instructor
Instructor—Cheryl Kolesar
CREATIVE WRITING
Instructor—Lucas Kolesar
UPPER LEVEL CURRICULUM
MATHEMATICS
ALGEBRA + FOUNDATIONS OF PRE-CALCULUS
This course provides a year-long study of foundational algebraic concepts and introduces students to the core topics of precalculus. Using Harold Jacobs’ Elementary Algebra as a primary text, students will master equation solving, graphing, exponents, and polynomials. The second semester transitions to more advanced topics such as functions, trigonometry, and an introduction to limits, establishing a strong base for future Calculus study. Throughout the course, students will reflect on how mathematics reveals God’s constancy, order, and beauty in creation. Emphasis will be placed on conceptual understanding, real-world application, and problem-solving skills essential for STEM readiness.
TEXTBOOK/CURRICULUM— Jacobs’ Elementary Algebra by Harold R. Jacobs
Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus by Stewart, Redlin, Watson
SUPPLEMENTAL— Khan Academy; Open Stax
SEMESTER—1 + 2
Instructor—James Shoemake
SCIENCE
CHEMISTRY
This high school chemistry course provides an engaging, God-centered exploration of the composition, structure, and properties of matter. Using Dr. Jay Wile’s Discovering Design with Chemistry, students will study atomic theory, bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, solutions, acids and bases, and more. Labs and demonstrations (when possible) will accompany instruction. Each lesson connects scientific content with biblical truths, revealing the consistency and beauty of God’s creation. Students will gain confidence in applying chemical concepts and preparing for future science coursework.
TEXTBOOK/CURRICULUM— Discovering Design with Chemistry by Dr. Jay Wile
Instructor—James Shoemake
PHYSICS
This course offers a foundational understanding of classical physics, exploring God’s created laws governing motion, force, energy, and matter. Using Dr. Jay Wile’s Exploring Creation with Physics, students will engage in the study of Newtonian mechanics, energy transformations, waves, electricity, and magnetism. Concepts are taught through discussion, demonstrations, problem-solving, and occasional labs. Weekly catechism reflections emphasize God’s design and the discoverable patterns within creation. This course is math-light but prepares students for further study in science and engineering.
TEXTBOOK/CURRICULUM—Exploring Creation with Physics by Dr. Jay Wile
Instructor—James Shoemake