Bible
Bible 7
2 semesters
In the seventh grade, there are two texts. First semester students will be using a text entitled “Wise Up.” The class will examine how to better deal with some of the problems and situations that touch Christian children, such as making good friends, how to treat parents, and responsibility at home. A variety of activities teach these concepts in creative ways. Second semester the class will study the awesome attributes of God, using the book “Let God Be God.” Students will look at God as love, merciful, just, eternal, immutable, sinless, bountiful, omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, and sovereign. These are just some of the many characteristics that make God so wonderful.
Bible 8
2 semesters
The eighth grade students will study the course material titled “The Life of Christ.” This study gives an overview of the four gospels and major messages from the life and ministry of Jesus. As a result of this study, students will have a greater understanding of Jesus the Savior and will learn to draw near to Him. Scripture memory and chapel assignments are an integral part of this class.
Bible 9
2 semesters
Students will be introduced to the principles of Bible interpretation. They will be able to properly interpret the Bible for personal study and proper understanding of Bible doctrine. In addition, the students will complete an overview of the content of the Bible and develop a plan of study for their own use. Bible memory and chapel assignments are an integral part of this class.
Bible 10
2 semesters
Students will develop their understanding of the basic doctrines of Scripture: the doctrines of God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, man, sin and the end times. This study has one purpose: to encourage students to get to know their God. This practical study paves the way for a genuine loving relationship with the God of Scripture. Weekly Bible memory and chapel assignments are an important part of this class.
Bible 11
2 semesters
The overall objective of this course is to determine the fundamental biblical principles regarding the mission of the church and its role in missions. A careful study of the book of Acts is core to this class. Specifically, this means each person studying the course would understand that God is a missionary God and develop a basic understanding of biblical keys to the establishment and expansion of the first century church. They would learn how to apply these keys to the 21st century global church, determine a biblical definition for “missionary” and “missionary work,” and develop convictions on the role of the local church in missions today. Weekly Bible memory and chapel assignments are a key part of this class.
Bible 12
2 semesters
Students will examine the process of sanctification to better understand how Christians are transformed. Based on Jim Berg’s book, Changed Into His Image, the students will be challenged to examine their lives and measure them with the Bible. Memorization of Scripture passages that relate to the study are a regular part of this class. Weekly chapel assignments are also included.
COMPUTER
Keyboarding
Grade 7
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 testing checks and corrects deficiencies. Keyboarding will enhance the students’ ability to quickly and professionally prepare future academic assignments. This is a required junior high course.
Introduction to Word Processing
Grade 8
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. This course will prepare the student to be able to use Word to complete reports and papers required in other subjects. This is a required junior high course.
Computer Applications
Grade 9
1 semester
This course provides advanced training in word processing, complete coverage of spreadsheet use, introductions into presentation graphics, and databases. Students use the provided text to complete exercises in all aspects of Word and Excel. PowerPoint and Access are introduced but not fully developed. Students will improve their keyboarding skills as they complete assignments. This course provides the foundational skills required in today’s job market and higher education.
This is an elective high school course that counts for .5 Occupational Ed. credits.
FINE ARTS
The Fine Arts courses listed are all electives. Other courses that will satisfy the Fine Arts requirement are under the following departments: Language Arts (Yearbook and Literature) and Occupational Education (Home Economics).
Junior High Art
Students explore a variety of media including acrylic painting, collage, printmaking, watercolor, pen and ink, and pencil.
Art
Students explore a variety of media including calligraphy, pencil, and water color.
Band
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. Class times may change with the schedule but a year commitment is required.
Beginning Guitar
Grades 7-8
1 quarter
Beginning Guitar for grade levels 7-8, for students with 0-1 year experience. Your own instrument must be provided. This is not a repeating class, first year students only.
Choir
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.
Junior High Drama
Grades 7-8
1 quarter
In this course students produce a stage play. Students’ responsibilities in class differ with their duties with respect to the play, whether actors or technicians. Class size is limited to 15 students.
Introduction to Acting
Grades 9-12
This course introduces students to terms, strategies, and techniques related to theater. Basic acting skills will be developed. Play Production is a recommended prerequisite.
Acting II
Grades 9-12
Acting II equips students with basic method acting skills. The course is intended for students who have already participated in a play as an actor or have taken an Introduction to Acting class. Basic stage technique will be reviewed, but most of the class will focus on developing acting skills and working with various styles of plays.
Play Production
Grades 9-12
In this course students produce a stage play. Students’ responsibilities include acting, stage craft, and technical jobs.
Technical Drama
Grades 9-12
Technical Drama teaches the behind-the-scenes elements to producing a stage play. Students learn the basics of set design and construction, lighting, make-up and more.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Spanish I
Grade 10
2 semesters
This class teaches students the basics of the Spanish language as it is spoken in Latin America. At the completion of the first year of study, students should be able to meet basic survival needs and courtesy requirements such as greeting and taking leave, asking and answering simple questions, and providing simple personal information such as name and age. Student should also be able to perform certain functions with the language, such as ordering a meal, making purchases, following directions, and discussing family, church, school, and sports. The use of the present tense is a major focus in Spanish I. However, other tenses are introduced toward the end of the year.
Spanish II
Grade 11
2 semesters
The course helps students achieve an intermediate level of proficiency in their second year of Spanish language study. In addition to reviewing and mastering the foundational material covered in Spanish I, Spanish II students should be able to perform practical functions in Spanish, as it is spoken in Latin America. Students will learn grammar as a means to improve communication. Everyday contexts include the airport, bank, car shop, doctor’s office, hotel, restaurant, and store. Speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills become more advanced in Spanish II as students become increasingly proficient with as many as eleven Spanish verb tenses.
This course is offered for concurrent credit for an additional fee per semester.
LANGUAGE ARTS
English 7
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.
English 8
2 semesters
This course is a continuation, in greater depth, of 7th grade English.
English 9
2 semesters
Students study parts of speech and other aspects of grammar while learning to develop the essay and other forms of writing. They also learn to analyze styles of poetry and then to write it. While reading two Shakespearean plays, students learn about Elizabethan drama, staging, costuming, and contemporary special effects. Students also read two classic novels and learn to analyze form and content.
English 10
2 semesters
First semester covers the techniques of writing and giving speeches. Second semester focuses on honing grammar skills and on higher critical thinking and writing research papers, in addition to essays, short papers, and poetry. Students read one Shakespearean play and two or three classic novels.
English 11
2 semesters
This course deals with the development of the students’ writing and grammar skills. Students read three Shakespearean plays and a survey of American literature, including authors and poets from Byrd and Jonathan Edwards to modern writers such as EE Cummings. Students learn to develop their ideas through writing two short research papers, various essays, and poetry.
English 12
2 semesters
Students read two or more Shakespearean plays and a survey of British Literature, including early writings Beowulf and Bede to contemporary writings from T.S. Eliot and Auden. Students write two research papers and various essays and poetry in anticipation of preparing for college.
This course is offered for concurrent credit for an additional fee per semester.
MATHEMATICS
Math 7
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.
Pre-Algebra
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.
Algebra I
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.
Geometry
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.
Algebra II
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.
Pre-Calculus
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.
Calculus
2 semesters
This course covers an introduction to calculus and analytical geometry. The students will be introduced during the year to all materials in a regular 1 semester college course. Review of key principles from Pre-Calculus will be included as needed. Students completing this class should be able to challenge the first semester of college calculus or more.
May be taken as an AP course for an additional fee per semester.
Consumer Math
Grades 10-12
2 semesters
Students will use basic math skills to calculate interest rates, cash and trade discounts, and income profit and loss. This is a life-application math course covering topics such as capital budgeting credit, investments, taxes, banking, insurance and other business-related
OCCUPATIONAL ED.
he occupational education courses listed are all electives. Other courses that will satisfy the occupational education requirement are in the following departments: Computers (Computer Applications) and Mathematics (Business Math)
Food and Nutrition
Grades 9-12
1 semester
This course is a study in nutrition, healthy food options, cost comparison grocery shopping and basic food and meal preparation skills. The students will be guided through making informed choices now and in the future, related to their overall health and well-being, while still ‘living within their means.’ The final project is a balanced meal prepared by the student, at home, for their own family.
Library Aide
Grades 7-12
Students will assist elementary 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.
Office Aide
Grades 7-12
Students use their clerical and interpersonal skills while working in the Academy or church offices.
Outdoor Skills
Grades 9-12
1 semester
This class will focus on a number of outdoor skills including personal fitness, first aid, map and compass, biblical environmental studies, outdoor cooking, hiking and/or backpacking, outdoor tools, knot tying, etc. Practical field trips will be taken near the school to practice what the class has learned. There will be one overnight camping trip.
Practical Life Skills
Grades 9-12
1 semester
This course will help students assess and set goals for the future, learn about personal finance, legal matters, job application forms and contracts, including automotive purchasing skills and learning about automotive and personal insurance.
Student Aide
Grades 7-12
1 semester
Students assist teachers in classroom activities, photocopying, grading papers, artwork, etc. Student aides for P.E. must have completed the 2.0 credits required in Physical Education for high school.
Yearbook
Grades 9-12
Fall semester only
Students should gain a basic understanding of computer graphics programs, layout and design, writing skills, marketing, and photography. They will also be involved in interviews and advertisement sales. The end result is to be a quality public relations tool that represents GraceAcademy and glorifies God.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Health
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 fitness activities; the rest of the class time is spent gaining information and taking part in discussions that analyze all areas of health from a Christian perspective.
This class is taught separately to boys and girls.
Physical Education
Grades 7-12
This course includes individual and team sports with an emphasis placed upon skill and cardiovascular development. PE is required in 7th & 8th grades. 3 semesters are required during the four years of high school.
Fit For Life
Grades 9-12
Fit for Life is a P.E. alternative that allows students to customize a fitness program that can be completed outside of school. This program requires an additional $20 fee per .25 credits.
SCIENCE
Life Science
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.
Earth Science
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.
Physical Science
Grades 9-10
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.
Biology
Grades 9-10
2 semesters
Biology is the study of living organisms, starting with the chemistry of life and the cell theory and progressing to genetics (the study of heredity), plants and animals and their relationship to their environment. This course is a combination of lecture and lab. During the fourth quarter, students study human anatomy.
May be taken as an AP course through Sevenstar for an additional fee per semester.
Chemistry
Grades 11-12
2 semesters
Chemistry is organized around a central theme of the properties of matter and a consequence of its structure. The course begins with measurements and mathematical techniques, and moves into basic classification, formulas, and compounds. Mass and energy relationships are dealt with, as well as atomic theory and the molecular concepts. This course takes the students from the familiar to the unknown and enables the student to foster an understanding and the ability to predict consequences.
May be taken as an AP course through Sevenstar for an additional fee per semester.
Physics
Grades 11-12
2 semesters
Physics is essential for students interested in science and technological fields, including health sciences, engineering, architecture, marine science, and electronics. Physics is the science of matter and energy and transformations of energy. The subject is developed in two ways: (1) Theoretical analysis of observed phenomena, in qualitative terms, from a philosophical and historical viewpoint and (2) quantitative analysis of data provided or collected in lab sessions. Problem-solving abilities and logical analysis are stressed.
May be taken as an AP course through Sevenstar for an additional fee per semester.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Junior High World Studies
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.
Junior High U.S. History
Grade 8
2 semesters
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 of the structure of our government and the Constitution. This course then studies United States history from the causes of the Civil War to present day. Students will receive an appreciation of current events and how history has had an impact on those events and how those events have an impact on recent history. Throughout the year, students will receive an overview of the Colonial and Revolutionary periods.
Civics
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.
Washington State History
Grades 8-10
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.
U.S. History
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.
World History
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. The focus is centered on Western, Christian heritage, while also surveying the contributions of Asian, African and Latin American cultures. This is complemented by an examination of how individuals have used their God-given talents in the fields of art, music, literature, and science.
Global Perpectives
Grades 11-12
1 semester
Students develop an awareness of the importance of viewing current world problems from God’s perspective. They acquire a background of information about some of today’s problems and how to develop the habits and skills necessary for intelligent participation in this contemporary world, including their responsibility before God to effect change in their world.
