Secondary Courses

2 semesters

Students will study a book titled "Wise Up: A Study of the Book of Proverbs." Our textbook explores what it means to be wise, shows ways to apply wise saying from the book of Proverbs to students' lives, investigates several wise Bible characters, and gives students tools to self-reflect on how to become wise themselves. Each week, students will also be memorizing and reading scripture, as well as keeping a chapel journal. 

2 semesters

Students will be going through the Life of Christ curriculum which follows the life of Jesus Christ shown in the narrative gospels. It will demonstrate to students the character and teaching of the King of Kings and the character of His eternal subjects. In addition, there will be an emphasis on the Gospel and equipping students to recognize the true Gospel and to defend against a false Gospel. 

2 semesters

Students will start with the doctrine of Bibliology leading into hermeneutics first semester to cover the proper view of God’s word and how to study and accurately handle the Bible. Second semester will deal with the Trinity starting with Theology proper, then Christology, then Pneumatology. 

2 semesters

Students will start with the doctrine of Bibliology leading into hermeneutics first semester to cover the proper view of God’s word and how to study and accurately handle the Bible. Second semester will deal with the Trinity starting with Theology proper, then Christology, then Pneumatology. 

2 semesters

Students will start with the doctrine of Bibliology leading into hermeneutics first semester to cover the proper view of God’s word and how to study and accurately handle the Bible. Second semester will deal with the Trinity starting with Theology proper, then Christology, then Pneumatology.

2 semesters

Students will start with the doctrine of Bibliology leading into hermeneutics first semester to cover the proper view of God’s word and how to study and accurately handle the Bible. Second semester will deal with the Trinity starting with Theology proper, then Christology, then Pneumatology.

1 semester | Grades 9-12

Students will develop a well-rounded portfolio to use with college applications. The course will challenge students to come up with concepts and develop strong compositions independently with guidance from the teacher. Students will produce at least 10 pieces including a still life and self-portrait.

(By invitation only)

1 semester | Grades 9-12

Students will explore a variety of artists, art processes, and materials such as drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Emphasis is placed on understanding the Elements of Art and Principles of Design as a basis for composition. The class follows a scaffold approach to build skills as the student progresses through the course.

(Limited class size)

1 semester | Grades 7-12

Band is a performance-oriented class that teaches proper use of the instrument in playing individually and in an ensemble. Each class is a mixture of instruction and practical application. Lessons learned are practically applied in performance settings such as chapels, concerts, and festivals.

1 semester | Grades 7-12

Choir members will prepare concert music for performances scheduled for school, churches, and community service throughout the year. Some evening or weekend concerts will be scheduled for school visibility and recruitment, and most important of all, ministry opportunities. Training the singer to perform is emphasized, with priority given to voice production and breathing technique. Basic music theory is also emphasized.

Prerequisite: Audition

2 semesters | Grades 9-12

Yearbook students should gain a basic understanding of computer skills necessary to publish a yearbook. They will also learn writing skills, marketing, layout and design, and photography. Additionally, they will learn professional interviewing and news-writing skills. The end result is to be a quality public relations tool that represents Grace Academy and glorifies God. (Limited class size) 

Prerequisite: Recommendation from the English department and instructor approval. Can be taken for Occupational Education or Fine Arts credit.

Grade 10

2 semesters

This first year program advances beginning Spanish comprehension, speaking, reading and writing skills by utilizing a blend of grammatical instruction, cultural enrichment, and interaction. Activities will include conversational practice based on dialogues, memorization of Scripture, songs, games and collaborative, as well as independent, exercises and research. The instructor will utilize a combination of teaching methods, including the natural approach, the communicative approach, the audio-lingual method, and total physical response.

Textbook: Nuevos Amigos BJU Press

Grade 11

2 semesters

While the student continues his/her systematic study of the language, thematic units will provide the student with useful, everyday vocabulary, spring-board topics to conversation, and cultural, historical, and geographical notes about various countries of the Spanish-speaking world. Learning will occur through a variety of activities, including conversational practice based on unit dialogues, memorization of Scripture, songs, games and collaborative, as well as independent, exercises and research. The instructor will utilize a combination of teaching methods, including the natural approach, the communicative approach, the audio-lingual method, and total physical response.

Textbook: Spanish 2 Nuevos Amigos BJU Press

Grade 12

2 semesters

Spanish 3 students actively review grammatical concepts and read, analyze and discuss a variety of written texts in order to achieve intermediate- advanced proficiency levels in the four language domains. Students deepen their understanding of Hispanic traditions, customs and beliefs by first-hand observation and engagement within the local Hispanic community. Course objectives are based on the National Standards for Foreign Language Learning.

Textbook: Spanish 3  BJU Press

1 quarter

Students will progress through the course by growing in their knowledge of line, value, color and composition, while utilizing basic design principles in pencil, painting, and multimedia projects.

(Limited class size)

1 quarter

1 quarter

Junior High Home Economics will introduce the student to the skills needed to live independently. The student will learn grocery shopping, food handling and safety and how to read a recipe. In the kitchen, they will learn a variety of cooking techniques which they will use in preparing sweet and savory recipes. The students will also learn the care of clothing including sewing hems and buttons and doing laundry. The students will also be introduced to the use of sewing machines and will use them to complete a sewing project.

1 quarter

This class reinforces basic keyboarding skills. Students will be taught to touch type correctly using a variety of materials, including scripture passages and appropriate software to practice and improve skills. Regular weekly testing checks and corrects deficiencies. Students will improve their skills as they complete assignments. Keyboarding will enhance the students’ ability to quickly and professionally prepare future academic assignments.

1 quarter

This course will allow students to participate in various individual and team games/activities. Each class is a one-quarter elective. Students are required to purchase a PE uniform if enrolled in the class. Uniform purchasing information is available in the school office. Each student is given the opportunity to strengthen their bodies and improve their skills in a safe environment.

1 quarter

This course introduces basic computer survival skills in the Windows operating system (OS) and word processing. Students use the provided text and teacher instruction to correctly navigate the OS and learn basic word processing using Microsoft Word. The text leads the students through various exercises to teach fundamental concepts. Regular testing and graded assignments will check the students understanding of these concepts. Students will improve their skills as they complete assignments. This course will prepare the student to be able to use Word to complete reports and papers required in other subjects. 

1 quarter

The purpose of Study Hall is to provide time within the school day for students to complete homework and assignments, to review notes and materials, provide time for sustained reading and to study for quizzes and tests. Study Hall time is for the educational benefit of each student, and students are expected to be engaged in meaningful activity that supports learning and educational growth.

2 semesters

In this course students will continue to expand their knowledge of vocabulary, spelling, and grammar. They will learn to identify and analyze the various elements of literature (theme, setting, irony, etc.) and enhance their writing capabilities by practicing how to write thesis statements and essays in their proper format.

Textbooks: Writing and Grammar BJU Press; Exploring Themes in Literature BJU Press

2 semesters

In this course, students will expand their knowledge of vocabulary, spelling, and grammar. They will also enhance their writing capabilities by writing creative and nonfiction paragraphs, poetry, reports, and essays. Students will study major writing techniques across select poems, short stories, and novels while learning to appreciate these texts according to a biblical perspective. In addition, students will build on past skills to demonstrate a working knowledge and application of traditional English grammar.

Textbooks:  Writing and Grammar 8 BJU Press; Making Connections in Literature BJU Press; Vocabulary, Spelling, and Poetry II Abeka Publishing; The Hiding Place; Across Five Aprils 

2 semesters

In this course, students will study fundamental aspects of literature such as conflict, character, theme, point of view, structure, and tone through various texts. In addition, students will build on past skills to demonstrate a working knowledge and application of traditional English grammar. Students will apply the writing process to a book report, research project, and personal essay as they learn to write, speak, and study literature consistent with a Biblical worldview. In their study, they will consider the worldview expressed in literature as well as the purpose of both reading and communicating through writing from a Biblical worldview.

Textbooks:  Fundamentals of Literature BJU Press; Grammar & Composition III Abeka Publishing; Lord of the Flies; Animal Farm 

2 semesters

In this course, students will study short stories and poems alongside important aspects of literature such as imaginative comparison, syntax, allusion, and irony. In addition, students will build on past skills to demonstrate a working knowledge and application of traditional English grammar. Students will apply the writing process to a book report, research project and personal essay as they learn to write, speak, and study literature consistent with a Biblical worldview.

Textbooks: Elements of Literature BJU Press; Grammar & Composition IV Abeka Publishing; To Kill a Mockingbird; Romeo and Juliet; The Screwtape Letters

2 semesters

In this course, students will study major characteristics, works, and authors from the Early American, Puritan, Revolutionary, Romantic, Realistic, Modern, and Contemporary literary periods in American literature. Students will also build on past skills to write clear, coherent, well-developed essays of increasing complexity, including a literary analysis essay and a research paper. In addition, students will study grammar conventions to build effective language analysis skills.

Textbooks: American Literature, BJU Press; Handbook of Grammar & Composition, Abeka Publishing; The Great Gatsby

2 semesters

In this course, students will study major characteristics, works, and authors from the Middle Ages, English Renaissance, Enlightenment, Victorian, and Modern periods in British literature. While learning to appreciate these texts according to a biblical perspective, students will also develop college-level analysis skills. As students study literature, they will also develop their language skills in a study of traditional grammar and mechanics. In addition, students will build on their knowledge of the writing process to write clear, coherent, and well-developed essays. During the year they will write both a Literary Analysis Essay as well as a Research Paper.

Textbooks: British Literature BJU Press; Handbook of Grammar & Composition, Abeka Publishing; A Tale of Two Cities; Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

2 semesters

This course emphasizes a full range of topics needed for a successful study of algebra including variables, equations, and problem solving. Strong review and advancement is given in the following areas: order of operations, solving equations and inequalities, decimal numbers and exponents, basic geometry, factoring and multiples, fractions and ratios, percents, areas and volumes, integers and graphs, and analyzing data.

Textbook: Fundamentals of Math BJU Press

2 semesters

This course prepares the students for high school algebra and provides strong review and advancement in the following areas: order of operations, equations and inequalities, problem-solving, exponents, rounding and the decimal system, positive and negative numbers, all operations of fractions, solving equations and inequalities and graphing on the coordinate plane, geometry, ratio, proportion and percents, areas and volumes, square roots and right triangles, probability, statistics and polynomials.

Textbook: Pre-Algebra BJU Press 

2 semesters

This course covers traditional algebraic topics including working with real numbers, solving equations and problems, polynomials, factoring polynomials, algebraic fractions, functions, systems of linear equations, inequalities, rational and irrational numbers and quadratic functions.

Textbook: Algebra 1 BJU Press 

2 semesters

This class includes traditional geometry topics, including deductive reasoning, parallel lines and planes, congruent triangles, quadrilaterals, similar polygons, right triangles, circles and constructions. Students will learn how to reason in a logical manner via two-column proofs.

Textbook: Geometry BJU Press

2 semesters

This course covers traditional advanced algebra topics including linear equations and functions, products and factors of polynomials, rational expressions, irrational and complex numbers, quadratic equations and functions, variation and polynomial equations, analytic geometry, exponential and logarithmic functions, and triangle trigonometry.

Textbook: Algebra 2 BJU Press

2 semesters

This course covers traditional advanced math topics including linear and quadratic functions, polynomial functions, inequalities, functions, exponents and logarithms, analytic geometry, trigonometric functions, triangle trigonometry, trigonometric formulas, and polar coordinates.

Textbook: Pre-Calculus BJU Press

2 semesters

The Consumer Math class applies math skills to the management of money. This course prepares students to make wise financial decisions. Every lesson will help students develop critical thinking skills with an emphasis on biblical stewardship. Consumer Math class teaches budgeting skills for the student's wise stewardship of financial resources for the Lord's work, normal living expenses, savings, and other spending. It teaches about income related topics such as exemptions, payroll withholdings and deductions, filling out tax forms, as well as the management of expenses such as credit card charges, interest on loans and savings, personal banking, acquiring and maintaining housing, transportation, food, clothing, utilities, and insurance. The class covers investments and insurance, because prudent planning is essential.  This is a very practical class that will equip students with real-world money management skills for their coming financial independence.

Textbook: Consumer Math BJU Press

Grades 9-12

1 semester

 This course will meet current technology standards for integration and digital citizenship appropriate for students in grades 9-12. Students will also be prepared with study skills related to time management, note taking, reading, test taking, and organization. Throughout the course students will be using up-to-date technologies to apply and present their newly acquired study skills 

Grade 9

1 semester

This course provides an introduction into the use of various computer applications. Students use the provided text to complete exercises in key aspects of Excel, PowerPoint and other appropriate applications. The text leads the students through various exercises to teach fundamental concepts in order to be proficient of each one. Regular testing and graded assignments will check the students understanding of these concepts. Students will improve their skills as they complete assignments. This course provides the foundational skills required in today’s job market and higher education.

Grades 7-12

1 semester

Students assist facilities personnel through custodial tasks such as setting up for meetings and events, exterior and interior cleaning, and other skills related to campus operations.

Grades 7-12

1 semester

Students will assist students in locating, checking in, and checking out books. Other duties include cataloging, labeling, shelving, and covering books.   They will also have opportunities to share and read books to younger students.

Prerequisite: Approval by librarian.

Grades 7-12

1 semester

Students use their clerical, proactive and positive interpersonal skills with attention to detail while running errands and working in the school or church offices, teachers' lounge and supply room.

Prerequisite: Approval by office manager.

Grades 7-12

1 semester

Students assist teachers in classroom activities, photocopying, grading papers, artwork, etc.

Prerequisite: Teacher approval. Student aides for P.E. must have completed the 2.0 credits required in Physical Education for high school or be concurrently enrolled in Fit-for-Life.

Note: Before being allowed to enroll as a student aide, the registrar will evaluate the student’s progress toward graduation and in the event the student’s time could be better spent in a course that will move them toward graduation, the request to be a student aide will be denied.

Grades 9-12

1 semester

Directed Athletics is an independent course for students participating in a school or community sport where they can thereby receive 0.5 PE credits. Students participating in this course must enroll at the beginning of their sport season.

Grade 9

1 quarter

Fit for Life is a P.E. alternative that allows students to customize a fitness program that can be completed outside of school. Each FFL is the equivalent of one quarter (or .25 credits) and requires an additional $20 fee.

The student will have 18 weeks to complete each FFL.

Grade 9

1 semester

This course is based on the premise that total health means making healthy choices physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Students are challenged to pursue goals and to develop a lifestyle that will foster total health. Some class time is devoted to health journaling, fitness activities, and other related activities. Much of the semester is spent gaining information and taking part in discussions that analyze all areas of health from a Christian perspective.

Textbook: Health in Christian Perspective Abeka Publishing

This class is taught separately to boys and girls.

Grades 9-12

1 semester

This course includes individual activities as well as team competition. An emphasis is placed on skill and understanding the four components of health-related fitness. A PE uniform is required for participation in this class. Students have the option to take Fit For Life (individual, independent PE credits). Information regarding Fit For Life may be obtained in the school office.

3 semesters of PE are required during the four years of high school.

Grade 7

2 semesters

In general, science is a study of man’s observations of the world God created and man’s use of those observations to make decisions. Life Science, specifically, is observations and decisions about living things. Students will learn about the observations other people made of living things and will develop the skills necessary to make good observations on their own.

Textbook: Life Science BJU Press

Grade 8

2 semesters

This class is a Christian overview of all the major areas of earth science. We begin in outer space discussing the earth’s motion, stars, sun, and other planets and their shift to the earth’s atmosphere including weather prediction. The lithosphere is then studied including geology, minerals, fossils, mountains and earthquakes. Finally, we study the hydrosphere, oceans, glaciers, and ground water.

Textbook: Earth Science BJU Press 

Grade 9

2 semesters

This course is designed to allow students to examine various physical laws and principles of basic chemistry and physics. Basic laboratory experiences will be presented, allowing students to collect and interpret data. Areas studied are matter, atomic structure, chemical interaction, forces, motion, energy and the environment.

Textbook: Physical Science BJU Press

Grade 10

2 semesters

Biology is the study of living organisms, starting with the chemistry of life and ecology, looking at the interrelationships between living things and their environments. This course then covers cell structures and functions as well as genetics. Next, the course investigates the relationship between biblical worldview and science. The second half of the course focuses on the classification of living organisms with a look at each of the kingdoms of living things. This course is a combination of lecture and lab. 

Textbook: Biology BJU Press

Grade 11

2 semesters

Chemistry is the study of matter including its composition, properties and reactivity. This course covers the makeup of matter, measurements, the design of atoms, elements and the periodic table, and the formation of bonds along with molecular geometry and formulas. This course also covers chemical compounds, reactions and chemical equations, chemical calculations, gases and solutions. This course is a combination of lecture and lab.

Textbook: Chemistry BJU Press

College in the High School Credit Available

Grade 12

2 semesters

Through the study of physics, one can grow to understand the design, structure and workings of the physical universe. This course begins with a framework for the study of physics, including the proper biblical foundation and the principles for measurement and problem solving. The course covers classical mechanics, including kinematics, dynamics, circular motion, momentum and collisions, and periodic motion. This course concludes with a look at relativity, quantum mechanics and nuclear physics, as time allows. The development of a Christian worldview through the study of science is stressed. This course is a combination of lecture and lab.

Textbook: Physics BJU Press

College in the High School Credit Available 

Grade 7

2 semesters

This course studies world history from the Middle Ages to contemporary world history. Students will study an overview of people and events from a Christian perspective.

Textbook: World Studies BJU Press; World Studies Activities BJU Press

Grade 8

1 semester

The purpose of this class is to give students a better understanding and knowledge of the foundation of our great country. This course begins with a study United States history from early exploration to the creation of the Republic. The course continues with the study of the structure of our government and the Constitution. Students will receive an appreciation of current events and how history has had an impact on those events.

Textbook: American Republic BJU Press

Grade 8

1 semester

This course covers the economic, geographical, historical and political background of Washington State and the Pacific Northwest. Students will review the Constitution of the state of Washington. They will also study the historical importance of Pacific Northwest Native American tribes, early explorers and settlements, and the role that the missionary movement played in the settlement of the Pacific Northwest. The course also focuses on the rich abundance of natural resources in the Pacific Northwest, examining the economic importance of various industries.

Textbook: Our Northwest Heritage Sound Summit Books

Note: This is a junior high school course, which fulfills the high school graduation requirement.

Grades 9-10

1 semester

Students will understand and apply knowledge of government, law, politics, and the nation’s fundamental documents to make decisions about local, national, and international issues and to demonstrate thoughtful, participatory citizenship. The students will also learn the importance of integrating a biblical worldview into their understanding of their role as a responsible citizen.

Textbook: American Government BJU Press

Grades 10-12

2 semesters

This class is a chronological survey of American history from discovery to the present. An exploration of the structure of the American government and Constitution will also be studied.

Textbook: US History BJU Press

College in the High School Credit Available

Grades 9-11

2 semesters

This class is a chronological survey of world history from creation to the present day, the influence of God’s people on the world and the influence of the world on God’s people. Physical and political geography is also included through cartography. Focus is centered on Western, Christian heritage, while also surveying the contributions of Asian, African and Latin American cultures. This is complimented by an examination of how individuals have used their God-given talents in the fields of art, music, literature, and science.

Textbook: World History BJU Press

College in the High School Credit Available

Grades 11-12

2 semesters

Global Perspectives is a course which provides an overview of the biblical worldview and guides application of this worldview to multiple social institutions and disciplines. In the process, it introduces students to apologetic methods and guides them to discern and refute false worldviews. Particular attention is given to social institutions and disciplines so that students can contribute to rebuilding these disciplines from a biblical worldview.

Textbook: Biblical Worldview BJU Press