Curriculum

Bible 6 is a one-year study of the entire Bible, providing sixth graders an overall view of God’s Word in order to prepare them to understand Scripture and Biblical principles as a whole. They will learn the historical arc of the Old and New Testaments, the covenantal system between God and fallen man, the organizational function of systematic theology (doctrine), as well as specific texts, which allow students to see the true continuity of the Bible. 

Language Arts 6 students encounter authors’ perspectives as they read literature from across time periods and cultures; listen to the perspectives of their peers through conversations and collaborative activities; and formulate and defend their opinions as they develop their own perspectives within a Biblical worldview. In each unit of study, students read classic and contemporary fiction and nonfiction texts, explore the stories of the Bible, and view/listen to media selections, all to answer a unit-driven essential question. Writing instruction, conventions, and vocabulary all take place in the context of the literature selections for each unit.
 

Math 6
Math 6 students are provided an age-appropriate introduction to key algebraic topics and establish a solid foundation in fundamental middle grades’ topics such as decimals, fractions, ratios, proportions, percentages and tools of geometry. The curriculum provides a balance of computational skills, problem-solving applications and conceptual understanding. Through this course, we demonstrate the character of God and His principles that order the universe.

Advanced Math 6
Advanced Math 6 students continue to strengthen proficiency in all operations with decimals, fractions and integers. They will develop an understanding of rates, ratios, percentage applications and exponents. Students will solve equations and inequalities and graph in the coordinate plane. Students study congruent and similar figures and transformations. They use formulas to find area, surface area and volume of prisms, cylinders and irregular figures. The curriculum provides a balance of computational skills, problem-solving applications and conceptual understanding. Through this course, we demonstrate the character of God and His principles that order the universe.
 

Physical Science introduces scientific inquiry, measurement, basic chemistry, waves, electricity, magnetism, force and motion. Physical Science lessons include designing experiments, practicing metric measurement, studying atoms, understanding the periodic table, building electrical circuits, and experimenting with force and motion. Students are engaged in the learning process through group work and the use of science notebooks, which encourage interactive instruction. Critical thinking and hands-on activities enhance content learning. Biblically-centered instruction recognizes God as the creator of all things.

Ancient Civilizations explores the people, events, ideas, innovations, civics, politics and culture of major western and eastern civilizations. The curriculum will begin with creation and the people of the Fertile Crescent, continuing through Egypt, India, Africa, Greece, Rome in the East and the Mayans, Incas, and Aztecs of the West. The students' learning will include a basic introduction to the Five Themes of Geography and how those themes affect the development of civilizations. Through the curriculum, students visit and explore ancient sites and museums with the aid of technology. Biblical integration emphasizes history as God’s story. Instruction is enhanced as students participate in activities such as creating an exhibit of King Tut’s Tomb and participating in Middle Ages Day.

World Languages introduces students to the unique qualities of three language options: French, Latin and Spanish.  In addition to vocabulary and basic oral skills, students will experience the cultural and traditional aspects of each language.  This class serves as the foundation for levels 1A and 1B of the same language. The expectation is that students will commit to this language choice for all three years of middle school.

French 6 
Students are introduced to the French language and the culture of the French-speaking world with a conversational approach.  The learning objectives include the development of listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Culture studies are integrated throughout the course and focus on French culture in North America.

Latin 6 
Students are introduced to the language, history, and culture of the ancient Romans. Reading, writing, and grammar will be the core part of the course, supplemented with hands-on projects.

Spanish 6 
Spanish 6 focuses on mastery of the basics of the language. The learning objectives include the development of listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Culture is integrated throughout the course to develop a better understanding of the Spanish-speaking world.
 

Life Fitness helps to develop a student’s awareness of their own goals. Students will learn to appreciate fitness through a variety of physical activities including several traditional team sports. Focus areas will be knowledge of game rules, skill development, and an emphasis on maximizing activity time. An emphasis is placed on improving personal fitness through cardiovascular exercise, flexibility, and strength training that will occur during each class. Semester fitness testing will provide a tool for measurement of improvement in these areas. Traditional team sports and games will be employed as a means of developing enjoyable options for lifetime physical fitness. The health portion of the class will introduce goals for lifetime nutrition, exercise and making healthy life choices in regards to nutrition and exercise. All lessons and topics will be integrated with Biblical truth as the key to spiritual and overall health.

Yearlong, audition only, fulfills fine arts requirement
ACT 2 provides focused and rigorous acting and stage training for theatre students as they prepare drama pieces for presentation in Alkire and at outside events including competition in the North Carolina Theatre Conference (NCTC) and the Christians in Theatre Arts Festival (CITA). This team serves the school and the community and must commit to the class and team for the entire year. Please note that attendance at outside rehearsals, festivals, and competitions is required for students enrolled in this course. A successful audition is required to complete the registration process for this course. All students who plan to audition for ACT 2 should rank this course as their top fine arts choice on the scheduling survey.
 

Semester, fulfills fine arts requirement
Grade 6 art builds on skills and concepts learned in lower school by developing a deeper understanding of the elements and principles of design, building technical skills in a variety of mediums, and developing their understanding of the artistic process. Students also learn about art history and appreciation while exploring drawing, painting, printmaking, and clay.  

Yearlong, fulfills fine arts requirement 
Grade 6 beginning band is the entry point for any middle school student interested in learning to play a wind, brass, or percussion instrument. Students may choose to begin on one of four instruments: flute, clarinet, trumpet, or trombone. Instruction will focus on the fundamentals of caring for and playing a band instrument and reading basic music notation. Color instruments such as saxophone, bass clarinet, baritone, tuba, and percussion will be added in the seventh and eighth grade years after students have developed strong fundamental knowledge of both tone production and music literacy skills. Concert attendance is required for all students enrolled in this course. Students interested in flute or clarinet will register for the WOODWIND section of the class. Students interested in trumpet or trombone will register for the BRASS section. Students enrolled in this class must provide their own instrument, case and accessories.

Click here to learn more about choosing an instrument.

Yearlong, fulfills fine arts requirement
Choir 6 is designed to instill a love of singing in an ensemble. Students will learn fundamental singing techniques, music reading skills, and part-singing - skills that are all necessary to the foundation for developing musicianship. Please note that concert attendance is required for students enrolled in this course.

Click here to learn more about choir.

Yearlong, fulfills fine arts requirement
Grade 6 beginning orchestra is the entry point for any middle school student interested in learning to play a string instrument. Students may choose to begin on one of four instruments: violin, viola, cello, or bass. Instruction will focus on the fundamentals of caring for and playing a string instrument and reading basic music notation. Concert attendance is required for all students enrolled in this course. Students interested in violin or viola will register for the HIGH STRINGS section of the class.  Students choosing to start on either cello or bass will register for the LOW STRINGS section. Students enrolled in this class must provide their own instrument, case, and accessories.

Click here to learn more about choosing an instrument.

Semester, fulfills fine arts requirement
Theatre 6 is a hands-on course, designed to teach students the basics of theatre arts through acting exploration, theatre appreciation, and theatre history. Students will become familiar with the three foundational tools of the actor: the voice, the body, and the creative mind. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to identify components of the stage environment and the five aspects of theatrical design, will practice proper theatre etiquette, will understand and execute rehearsal room protocol, will be able to utilize strong physical and vocal technique, will be able to analyze dramatic text skillfully, and will be able to work effectively with a scene partner as well as individually to give a truthful performance onstage.

Semester
Sixth grade students in this intro to engineering class will learn the design process through the basic concepts of coding, 3D printing, digital media and other areas of innovation. Using the LAUNCH Maker Model of design thinking, Genius Hour provides student choice by allowing them to work on passion projects that spur creativity. Students will use these skills to research, design, build, and problem solve while creating projects of their choosing. 

Semester
This course encourages students to see their CCS issued iPad as a gateway to the world of digital learning and application in all of their classes and everyday life. Through project based learning using Apple applications such as Keynote, Pages, iMovie, Garageband and Camera, students will develop the design and creation skills necessary to navigate the digital world with ease.

Semester
Public Speaking fosters the ability to communicate confidently and effectively to a group.  Students will present a variety of in-class presentations that explore informative speech, persuasive speech, improvisational speech, expressive reading, famous speeches from history, and the skills of debate. Students will also learn best practices for incorporating technology as a tool when speaking in front of a group.

Semester
This class is an introduction into the VEX VRC program. It is where students will be introduced to the engineering and programming process through the VEX robotics curriculum. We will explore basic robotics concepts through hands-on building and challenges.

Yearlong (Not graded; automatically scheduled along with world language)
Study skills for grade 6 will alternate days with the World Language choice unless the student wants to participate in additional elective classes. *Any sixth grade student who would like to opt out of study skills to take an additional elective may do so if it works within their schedule.

Bible 7 provides students with an overview of the Old Testament by seeking to answer the question, “Where does Jesus show up in the Old Testament?” Students will learn how the people, events, and stories of the Old Testament prepare us for the coming of Christ. Upon completion of this course, students will have the ability to understand how the Old Testament points us to Christ and why it matters to them today.

Language Arts 7 students encounter authors’ perspectives as they read literature from across time periods and cultures; listen to the perspectives of their peers through conversations and collaborative activities and formulate and defend their opinions as they develop their own perspectives within a Biblical worldview. In each unit of study, students read classic and contemporary fiction and nonfiction texts, explore the stories of the Bible, and view/listen to media selections, all to answer a unit-driven essential question. Writing instruction, conventions, and vocabulary all take place in the context of the literature selections for each unit.  

Math 7
Math 7 students continue to strengthen proficiency in all operations with decimals, fractions and integers. They will develop an understanding of rates, ratios and percent applications. Students will solve equations, inequalities and graphs in the coordinate plane. They study the characteristics of angles and side lengths in triangles. Students are introduced to the relationships between diameter, radius, circumference and area. They will use formulas to find the circumference and area of circles. Students use formulas to find area, surface area and volume of prisms, cylinders and irregular figures. Students will determine the probability of simple and compound events. The curriculum provides a balance of computational skills, problem solving applications and conceptual understanding. Through this course, we demonstrate the character of God and His principles that order the universe.

Pre-Algebra
Pre-Algebra students are introduced to algebraic topics including integers, operations with decimals and fractions, solving equations and inequalities. They will work with square roots, cube roots and exponents. Students develop an understanding of linear functions, graphing and analyzing functions that model linear relationships. They will study congruent and similar figures and transformations. Students are introduced to angle relationships created by parallel lines and a transversal. They will develop an understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem. Students continue to reinforce and apply problem solving strategies in a variety of problems. Through this course, we demonstrate the character of God and His principles that order the universe.

Algebra 1 
Algebra 1 students review pre-algebra concepts and are introduced to the following algebraic topics:  operations with integers, functions and their graphs, solving linear, quadratic, rational, radical and exponential functions; graphing linear equations; solving inequalities; solving systems of linear equations; factoring quadratic and polynomial expressions. Problem solving strategies are incorporated into the course. Through this course, we demonstrate the character of God and His principles that order the universe.

Life Science is the overall study of living organisms from the cell to the human body. The study of microscopes and cells leads to units on plants, the classification of living things, protists, human biology, genetics and animal ecosystems. In addition to identifying, observing, and collecting organisms, students perform dissections to study the structure and function of certain animals and organ systems. Critical thinking and hands-on activities enhance the content of learning. Biblically-centered instruction recognizes God as the Creator of all living things.

Modern World Civilizations gives students the opportunity to build upon their knowledge, skills, and understanding of ancient civilizations covered in the sixth grade. Students will begin to study the Renaissance Era (1400’s) through contemporary times to develop an understanding of the impact of growing global interactions. The focus will remain on the Five Themes of Geography to understand the development of modern societies and regions. Using a biblical lens, the course will guide students through patterns of change and continuity, placing an emphasis on conflict and cooperation, economic development, population shifts, political thought and cultural values, and the impact on the environment over time. Regions and modern societies all over the world will be studied including Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. 

French 1A 
French 1A focuses on the development of listening to and speaking the language and begins the integration of reading and writing. Students use basic language to communicate with their peers and teacher about familiar topics. Grammar structures are interwoven with cultural information focusing on the Francophonie outside of France and North America.  As they understand contextual directions, commands, keywords and phrases, students are able to make inferences from the materials they hear or read.  

Latin 1A
Latin 1A focuses on the acquisition of fundamental grammar, syntax and vocabulary so that students will be able to read and translate simple passages in an ancient language. Students will also build vocabulary and Latin roots, thus enhancing their knowledge of English and writing skills. Biblical integration, mythology, Roman culture and history will also be a part of their study.

Spanish 1A
Spanish 1A focuses on the development of listening to and speaking the language and begins the integration of reading and writing. Students use basic language to communicate with their peers and teacher about familiar topics. As they understand contextual directions, commands, keywords and phrases, students are able to make inferences from the materials they hear or read. Grammatical structures and culture are interwoven throughout the units.

This course provides students with the opportunity to learn through a developmentally-appropriate comprehensive physical education program. Students will be assessed and challenged to improve upon their personal fitness profile in areas of aerobic fitness, flexibility, and muscular strength. Additional emphasis will be placed on self-responsibility, positive social interaction, and group dynamics. Traditional sports and games will play a role in fitness improvement and social interaction, as well as an enjoyable aerobic exercise option. Grade 7 health is a comprehensive course including spiritual health, physical health, and mental/emotional health. The course will cover healthy life choices in the area of nutrition, exercise, and stress management. All lessons and topics will be integrated with Biblical truth as the key to spiritual and overall health.

Yearlong, audition only, fulfills fine arts requirement
ACT 2 provides focused and rigorous acting and stage training for theatre students as they prepare drama pieces for presentation in chapels and at outside events including competition in the North Carolina Theatre Conference (NCTC) and the Christians in Theatre Arts Festival (CITA). This team serves the school and the community and must commit to the class and team for the entire year. Please note that attendance at outside rehearsals, festivals, and competitions is required for students enrolled in this course. A successful audition is required to complete the registration process for this course. Once the registration window closes, you will be contacted with audition information. 
 

Semester, fulfills fine arts requirement
This hands-on course is designed for the beginning or intermediate actor who would like to develop their acting skills. Over the course of a semester, students will experience improvisation, theatre games, pantomime, script reading, monologues, partner scenes, group scenes. There are no performances outside of sharing in class for this course. 

Yearlong, fulfills fine arts requirement
Art 7 is open to students who have successfully completed Art 6. Students in Art 7 are introduced to an increasing variety of art materials and methods. Emphasis is on developing original solutions to visual challenges. Students will gain a greater understanding of composition and aesthetic quality through drawing, painting, printmaking and other media. Various creative and technical skills will be practiced and developed. Students will study the role that culture and art history play in producing art and will utilize this knowledge in their own art projects. 

Yearlong, fulfills fine arts requirement
Grade 7 band is open to any student who has successfully completed Band 6. Emphasis is on developing performance technique, musicianship and music literacy skills as students prepare for the challenge and rigor of Band 8. Color instruments such as saxophone, bass clarinet, baritone, tuba and percussion will be added over the course of this class as students show readiness. Students in this class perform grade appropriate music for concerts, chapels and special events throughout the year, such as the Southern Christmas Show and the Carowinds Festival of Music. Concert attendance is required for all students enrolled in this course.

Yearlong, fulfills fine arts requirement
Grade 7 and 8 choir is open to all students who like to sing. Emphasis is on developing vocal performance technique, musicianship and music literacy skills as students prepare for the challenge and rigor of upper school choir. Students in this class perform grade appropriate music for concerts, chapels and special events throughout the year, such as the Southern Christmas Show and the Carowinds Festival of Music. Please note that concert attendance is required for all students enrolled in this course. Please note that concert attendance is required for all students enrolled in this course.

Semester, fulfills fine arts requirement
Creative Media is the place where fine arts and technology meet. Students explore digital art, photography, video production and music production using their CCS iPad. Through project based learning using Apple applications such as Procreate, Camera, iMovie and Garageband, students will build fundamental design and technical skills in the world of digital art.
*This course may only be taken once during 7th and 8th grade. 

Semester, fulfills fine arts requirement
Using Apple’s Garageband music production app, students in this course work in a virtual recording studio where they can imagine, rehearse and bring to life their own beats and chord progressions in a variety of styles. Using loops and virtual instruments, students journey through the recording, editing and mixing process. This course is an important building block for further study in the digital arts in upper school.
*This course may only be taken once during 7th or 8th grade. 

Semester, fulfills fine arts requirement
In this course students will stretch the definition of what can be created. Students will explore new and sometimes unusual materials to invent new ways of making art. Traditional art materials will also be used in innovative combinations. We will utilize drawing, painting, sculpting or “invented techniques” to allow students to explore, discover, develop and create their unique creative expressions. 

Semester, fulfills fine arts requirement
This course for beginners is designed for the student who wants to develop their love and appreciation of music by building basic guitar skills including single note playing, strumming patterns, chords, and reading standard music notation. Guitar students will learn full arrangements of songs across all genres, including folk, pop, traditional, and worship music. Students enrolled in this course must provide their own guitar, case, tuner and picks.
*This course may only be taken once during 7th and 8th grade. 

Yearlong, application only, fulfills fine arts requirement
MidKnight Knews is the student-led news program for the Charlotte Christian middle school. During the year, students will create full-length episodes that will air once a month and mini-news episodes that will air weekly. This fast-paced class needs students of all interests in the areas of production that include actors, directors, editors, camera crews and writers. An application will be required for this course. 

Yearlong, fulfills fine arts requirement
Grade 7 orchestra is open to any student who has successfully completed Orchestra 6. Emphasis is on developing performance technique and music literacy skills as students prepare for the challenge and rigor of Orchestra 8. Students in this class perform grade appropriate music for concerts, chapels and special events throughout the year, including the Southern Christmas Show and the Carowinds Festival of Music. Please note that concert attendance is required for all students enrolled in this course.

Semester, fulfills fine arts requirement
This course for beginners is designed for the student who wants to develop their love and appreciation of music by building basic ukulele skills including single note playing, strumming patterns, chords, and reading standard music notation. Ukulele students will learn full arrangements of songs across all genres, including folk, pop, traditional, and worship music. Students enrolled in this course must provide their own ukulele and case. 
*This course may only be taken once during 7th and 8th grade

Semester
The applications of design, 3D printing, and coding are as limitless as a student’s imagination. Students will learn how to design and modify a product using the software Tinkercad and Fusion360, while also learning how to configure that design for 3D printing a prototype. Using Apple’s Swift coding application, students will learn how to write simple code and create their own apps for use on the iPad. 
*This course may only be taken once during 7th and 8th grade.

Semester
Engineering features a project-based curriculum designed to challenge and engage students’ natural curiosity and imagination. Students begin by focusing on their understanding of the engineering design process which includes defining problems, developing solutions, and optimizing design solutions. The knowledge that students gain and the skills they build will foster higher-order thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and innovation, as well as deepen their understanding of how engineering influences the world around them. 
*This course may only be taken once during 7th and 8th grade.

Semester
Advanced Engineering is open to any student who has successfully completed Engineering. Students will continue exploring the design process as they investigate a need in the community, develop a solution and produce a product. 
*This course may only be taken once during 7th and 8th grade.

Semester
Fingerprints. Blood spatter. DNA analysis. The world of law enforcement is increasingly making use of the techniques and knowledge from the sciences to better understand the crimes that are committed and to catch those individuals responsible for the crimes. Forensic science applies scientific knowledge to the criminal justice system. This course focuses on some of the techniques and practices used by forensic scientists during a crime scene investigation (CSI). Starting with how clues and data are recorded and preserved, students will follow evidence trails until the investigation goes to trial, examining how various elements of the crime scene are analyzed and processed. 
*This course may only be taken once during 7th and 8th grade.

Semester
Junior Achievement, a nationally employed program since 1919, combines “work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills, and uses experiential learning to inspire kids to dream big and reach their potential.” Students will learn and apply problem solving to real world issues in collaborative groups and be able to communicate through presentations and written work. 
*This course may only be taken once during 7th and 8th grade. 

Yearlong
RoboKnights is the middle school robotics competition team. Students will be introduced to the engineering and programming process through the VEX robotics curriculum. RoboKnights is a hands-on course in which students build a working robot in order to compete during the spring semester in the nationally-recognized VEX robotics competitions.

Semester
This course is a place where students develop self-confidence as they learn to construct and perform a variety of speeches in public communication settings. Students will consider topics and issues through a biblical lens as they prepare for in-class debates, public forums and seminars. Learning proper technique for research, structure, style and delivery technique, students develop the ability to think critically and listen effectively in a meaningful way.
*This course may only be taken once during 7th and 8th grade. 

Semester
The Faith and Sports elective will focus on the role of sports in our culture and the ability of sports to be a powerful avenue for the Gospel. Students will learn the history of sport and competition while considering how sports/athletes can impact the culture for Christ. Students will explore “Sports As Worship” and “Sports As A Platform.” Students will consider their unique giftings and how those can be used, in the context of sport, to serve others and move the Gospel forward. 
*This course may only be taken once during 7th and 8th grade. 

Semester (Not graded; maximum one per semester)
This class is for students who are self-motivated and have demonstrated the ability to work independently on their homework in a quiet environment. Students will be expected to work on school work or read independently for the entire class period.

Bible 8 is designed to give the students an in-depth view of the life, teachings, and ministry of Jesus Christ as uniquely presented through the eyes of the Gospel writers. During this course, students will be exposed to each phase of Jesus’ life on earth as well as His pre-existence in the Trinity with God the Father and the Holy Spirit. The main emphasis will be on His public ministry, trial, death, burial, and resurrection. By completing this course, students will have a thorough understanding of the Good News of the Gospels and will also possess the ability to express that Good News to a lost and dying world. 

Language Arts 8 students encounter authors’ perspectives as they read literature from across time periods and cultures; listen to the perspectives of their peers through conversations and collaborative activities; and formulate and defend their opinions as they develop their own perspectives within a biblical worldview. In each unit of study, students read classic and contemporary fiction and nonfiction texts, explore the stories of the Bible, and view/listen to media selections, all to answer a unit-driven essential question. Writing instruction, conventions, and vocabulary all take place in the context of the literature selections for each unit.

Pre-Algebra
Pre-Algebra students are introduced to algebraic topics including integers, operations with decimals and fractions, solving equations and inequalities. They will work with square roots, cube roots and exponents. Students develop an understanding of linear functions, graphing, and analyzing functions that model linear relationships. They will study congruent and similar figures and transformations. Students are introduced to angle relationships created by parallel lines and a transversal. They will develop an understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem. Students continue to reinforce and apply problem solving strategies in a variety of problems. Through this course, we demonstrate the character of God and His principles that order the universe.

Algebra I
Algebra I students review pre-algebra concepts and are introduced to the following algebraic topics: operations with integers, functions and their graphs, solving linear, quadratic, rational, radical and exponential functions; graphing linear equations; solving inequalities; solving systems of linear equations; factoring quadratic and polynomial expressions. Problem solving strategies are incorporated into the course. Through this course, we demonstrate the character of God and His principles that order the universe.
 
Geometry
Geometry students are introduced to the deductive reasoning process in the classical Euclidean tradition. The course includes a study of lines, angles, triangles, circles, polygons, solid figures, and how they are related. Concepts are analyzed from the perspective of coordinate geometry, proofs, congruence, similarity, area, volume and transformations. Through this course, we demonstrate the character of God and His principles that order the universe.

Earth Science investigates and provides students with an appreciation for the enormity and beauty of God’s creation from the heavens to the Earth. This class focuses on the composition of the Earth and the functions of its systems. Major topics include the nature of science and inquiry, Earth’s structure, Earth’s oceans, weather and climate, and the solar system, stars, and galaxies. Students will explore in depth the sun, moon, and Earth relationship, plate tectonics, and the creationist view of Earth’s history. Emphasis is on scientific inquiry, engaging hands-on activities, scientific literacy, problem solving, technology, and real world application.

American Civilization begins with the early Native Americans and continues through present-day current events. The focus is on God’s sovereignty in events and circumstances of history. Units of study include North Carolina history, European Exploration, the Colonial Period, Revolutionary War, the Constitution, Westward Expansion, The Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, Immigration, WWI, the Great Depression, WWII, and the Cold War Era. Utilizing technology, this course emphasizes reading comprehension, note-taking, and interest in current events. The course culminates with a week-long educational trip to Washington, D.C. in May.

French 1B 
French 1B builds on the lessons of French 1A. From consistent reinforcement of oral skills and performance of the most basic functions of the language, students progress to develop basic reading and writing skills. Students increase their knowledge of French culture, products, practices, and perspectives and expand their ability to communicate with teachers and peers. 
    
Latin 1B 
Latin 1B builds on the lessons of Latin 1A. This course introduces students to the language of ancient Rome with an emphasis on Roman culture, vocabulary, etymology and basic Latin grammar.  Students learn how to decline nouns and conjugate verbs, as well as translate simple Latin sentences.

Spanish 1B 
Spanish 1B builds on the lessons of Spanish 1A. From consistent reinforcement of oral skills and performance of the most basic functions of the language, students progress to develop basic reading and writing skills. Students increase their knowledge of Spanish culture, products, practices, and perspectives, and expand their ability to communicate with teachers and peers.  

This course builds on previous health and physical education courses with a goal of creating lifetime health and fitness habits. Fitness assessments will play a key role in determining student improvement and success in this course. Regular aerobic exercise, flexibility training, and muscular strength training will be integral parts of improving a student's personal fitness profile. Sociological concepts such as self-responsibility, positive social interaction, and group dynamics will also be emphasized. Traditional sports and games will be a part of providing students with enjoyable options for aerobic exercise. Health topics will include nutrition, physical activity, and healthy life choices. All lessons and topics will be integrated with Biblical truth as the key to spiritual and overall health.

This full-year course involves the study of geography, world religions, and other major developments that have been crucial to the course of human history. This course begins with early civilizations and traces the history of those civilizations through to the mid 1300-1400s. Students will develop historical thinking skills as they identify key figures, pivotal events and major movements that have shaped the world into what it is today.

World History Honors differs from World History in the intensity and depth of study. Students will analyze primary sources, evaluate document-based questions through historical research, and complete more writing assignments, demonstrating mastery of both historical facts and writing skills. A major goal of Honors World History is preparing students for AP World History in their sophomore year.