Curriculum

GRADE 6

Redemption – God’s Design
This Bible course concentrates on preparing students for God’s perfect plan for mankind. This 'real life' course material helps students understand the concept of submitting to His plan, and why. Students are taught that the Bible accounts are fact and the Bible is used as the final authority in all guided discussions. Throughout this course, students are encouraged to apply Bible knowledge to their daily lives all while providing a systematic plan for the practice of daily Bible skills. The lessons in this course are supplemented with optional connections to other subjects including history, geography, math, science, English, writing, speech, drama, and music. 

Course length: 1 year
Material: New King James Bible, Bible concordance, Bible cross reference, Bible dictionary, Redemption – God’s Design (Bob Jones University Press)

GRADE 7

The Life of Christ from the Gospel of John
Seventh Grade Bible students examine the visible and personal Jesus, through the Gospel of John in order to encourage devotion and obedience to God. The essential question is, “"Who do you say Jesus is and how does He influence you?" The purpose of the class is to challenge students to demonstrate that believing in Jesus Christ changes their lives in amazing ways. The student finds life, real life, eternal life, a whole new kind of life that is satisfying and honoring to God. The content of the class includes background information on the life of Christ and focused analysis of each chapter of the Gospel of John. 

Course length: 1 year
Materials: NKJV Bible and The Life of Christ from the Gospel of John by Frank Hamrick (ISBN 10: 0971949123), Positive Action for Christ, 3rd Edition, 2010 (ISBN 13: 9780971949126)

GRADE 8

The Spirit-filled Life of the Believer from the Acts of the Apostles                                                                                               Eighth Grade Bible students learn principles of Spirit-filled living from the history of the early church as recorded in Acts in order to be on mission for and with God. The student is challenged to find practical daily ways to answer the essential question, "“How do I boldly live for Christ?”" The purpose of the class is to evaluate how Jesus continues his work in the life of believers, including the individual student. Acts presents the church at its finest –under attack, but unstoppable. The student will find courage in Christ, even as the Christian today is under attack, yet the Kingdom of God unstoppable.  

Course length: 1 year
Materials: NKJV Bible and To the Ends of the Earth An In-depth Study of the Book of Acts Student Workbook by Jay G. Borkett (ISBN 9781583311325), ACSI/Purposeful Design, 2003 (ISBN 1583311327)

6^TH GRADE ENGLISH

English for 6th grade is broken into four key components: literature, grammar, writing, and spelling. This year, students will develop skills that will help them express themselves more clearly and creatively. Pearson curriculum is used for Literature and reading and Prentice Hall Writing Coach for grammar and writing will take students through the writing process in a variety of different assignments and writing genres. Weekly spelling lists are focused on roots, prefixes, and suffixes using Bob Jones Press curriculum.

Course Length: 1 year
Textbooks: Pearson Literature, Prentice Hall Writing Coach, and Bob Jones Spelling 6

^7TH GRADE ENGLISH

This is a year-long English course that focuses on reading comprehension and analysis, essay writing, creative writing, spelling skills, vocabulary expansion, grammar usage, and public speaking. The course content reviews all basic skills while teaching new skills with a daily review. Literature units include Tuck Everlasting in addition to a variety of classic and contemporary short stories. The course includes an intensive ten-month writing unit which focuses on process writing through a variety of assignments, including timed writing, narrative, literature response, and persuasive writing. This course is intended to prepare students for success in the subject of English in 8th Grade.

Course Length: 1 year
Textbooks: Pearson Literature, Prentice Hall Writing Coach

^8TH GRADE ENGLISH

This is a year-long English course that focuses on reading comprehension and analysis, essay writing, creative writing, spelling skills, vocabulary expansion, grammar usage, and public speaking. The course content reviews basic skills previously taught and teaches new skills with an emphasis on the application of these skills. Literature units include The Hobbit in addition to a variety of classic and contemporary short stories. The course includes an intensive composition unit, taught over a ten-month period, which covers timed writing, multiple paragraph writing, preparation and presentation of speeches and discussions, exposure to a variety of literary forms and techniques, vocabulary development, and instruction in and application of language mechanics. This course is intended to prepare students for success in high school.

Course Length: 1 year
Textbooks: Pearson Literature, Prentice Hall Writing Coach

Math 6

Big Ideas Math 6 utilizes research-based strategies with a balanced approach to instruction that opens doors to abstract thought, reasoning, and inquiry. The foundation of the program is the Common Core Standards for Mathematical content and Standards for the Mathematical approach. Students will be introduced to 'Habits of Mind' that help them internalize concepts for a greater depth of understanding. These habits serve students well, not only in mathematics but across all curricula throughout their academic careers. The depth and rigor needed for career readiness and college level courses are being exposed to prepare students to meet the challenge of the new Common Core testing. Numerical expressions and factors, fractions and decimals, algebraic expressions and properties, areas of polygons, ratios and rates, integers and coordinates, equations and inequalities, surface area and volume, statistical measures, and data displays are all part of this mathematical approach.

Materials required: Textbook - Big Ideas Math: Modeling Real Life 6, Record and Practice Journal
Course Length: 1 year

pre-algebra

Pre-algebra is a comprehensive class that consists of daily lessons that are sequenced to develop a variety of skills and concepts for algebra while making sure the math foundation is concrete. The students build upon prior mathematical knowledge while preparing for Algebra. This course covers integer and real number operations, decimals and percents, exponents and irrational numbers, solving equations and inequalities, graphing, functions, measurements, geometry and data displays. Pre-algebra is a balance between basic skills, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving.

Textbook: Big Ideas Math: Modeling Real Life 7 Accelerated
Course Length: 1 year

applied math

Applied Math is the final course offered before Algebra 1. This course covers variables, equations, integer operations, solving equations and inequalities, fractions, factors, exponents, rational number operations, multi-step equations and inequalities, ratios, square roots, graphing, proportions, percent, real numbers, right triangles, measurement, area, and functions. This course emphasizes the foundation needed for Algebra 1.

Textbook: Big Ideas Math: Modeling Real Life 8
Course Length: 1 year

algebra 1

Algebra I is a logical and systematic extension of generalized arithmetic. Algebra I covers writing, solving, and graphing linear and quadratic equations, including systems of two linear equations in two unknowns. The student will also study monomial and polynomial expressions, inequalities, exponents, functions, rational expressions, ratios, and proportions. The average student spends from one-half to one hour on homework daily. 

Textbook: Big Ideas Algebra 1
Course Length: 1 year
Prerequisites: A comprehensive rubric is used to determine Junior High math placements

geometry

Geometry teaches deductive reasoning and organized thinking. Students study postulates, definitions, and theorems for use in formal proofs and algebraic problems. Students also study plane geometry, solid geometry, straight edge and compass constructions, parallel and perpendicular lines, congruent and similar triangles, properties of quadrilaterals and circles, transformations and volume and surface area of solids. The average student spends from one-half to one hour on homework daily.
 
Textbook: Big Ideas Geometry 
Course Length: 1 year

SCIENCE 6

Science for 6th grade is a passport to learn about the earth, creation, motion, human body, and God's continual plan for our lives. Pearson curriculum is used to develop skills such as conducting research, writing and making oral presentations in order to understand the physical world around us according to God's plan.

Grade: 6
Course Length: 1 year
Textbook: Pearson Elevate Science Course 1

LIFE SCIENCE

Life science is the study of living organisms. Over the course of the year, students will examine cell structure and function, DNA and genetics, plants and animals, and the human body. The theories of creationism and evolution are incorporated throughout the year. Both are presented, analyzed, and evaluated by examining the ideas, evidence, and validity of scientific beliefs and biblical truths. Students will also have the opportunity to perform a dissection.

Fee: There is a one-time $15 lab fee charged at the beginning of the year (subject to change).
Grade: 7
Course Length: 1 year
Textbook: Pearson Elevate Science Course 2

physical science

Over the course of the year, students will examine the properties and characteristics of matter, the elements of the Periodic Table on an atomic level, compounds, bonds, forces, and motion. Students will also explore topics relating to space, including the sun, the solar system, and the universe. The Scientific Method and theories of creationism and evolution are incorporated throughout the year. These theories will be presented, analyzed, and evaluated by examining the ideas, evidence, and validity of both scientific beliefs. 

Fee: There is a one-time $15 lab fee charged at the beginning of the year. (subject to change)
Grade: 8
Course Length: 1 year
Textbook: Pearson Elevate Science Course 3

ANCIENT HISTORY

History for 6th grade will take students on an in-depth tour of the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, Indus Valley, China, Greece, Rome, and the Byzantine Empire. Our goal is to increase historical knowledge while providing students with the means of making connections to both the past and the present, to see how it relates to the world around us through a Christian perspective.

Grade: 6
Course Length: 1 year                                                                       
Textbook: BJU Press Heritage Studies 6: Ancient Civilizations

WORLD HISTORY

This course is designed for students to learn how to be conformed to Christ's image by studying the story of people and their relationship with God. This story includes people and cultures from the Dark Ages to the present in all parts of the world. The course brings history, geography, and culture together in an introduction to world history.

Grade: 7
Course Length: 1 year          
Textbook: BJU Press World Studies

AMERICAN HISTORY

This course is a comprehensive survey of United States history, intended to give the junior high student a solid foundation of knowledge about the heritage of this country. Students will be able to see the hand of God in action in this American history course - it is ultimately intended to inspire them to conform to Christ's image in their own lives.

Grade: 8
Course Length: 1 year
Textbook: Pearson myWorld American History

ART

This is a semester-long course aimed at transitioning the student’s knowledge from the Elements of Art (line, value, shape, color, space, texture, and form) to a beginning understanding of the Principles of Art (emphasis, unity, pattern, rhythm, balance, movement, and contrast). The Principles of Art will be the foundation of high school art and this course gives the students a taste of some of the easier concepts in this area. Projects include a variety of media and change each semester so that students can take the art elective more than once. There will be limited homework, quizzes, and a test. 

Grades: 6 through 8
Course Length: 1 Semester

intro to computer

This Junior High computer class is designed to equip students with the computer skills they need to be effective in school and prepare them for their future. Programs and applications taught in this course include Microsoft Office, Google applications, typing, coding, digital citizenship, and email etiquette.  Please contact the computer teacher for specifics.

Grades: 6 through 8
Course Length: 1 semester

soar

SOAR is a semester-long course required for all 6th grade students. This course focuses on study skills, organization, and preparation for their future learning.

Grades: 6
Course Length: 1 semester

choir

This elective class is for 6th-8th grade students who enjoy singing. Choir will focus on healthy vocal production, both choral and solo singing skills. Emphasis is placed on daily participation and performances. If you are going into 8th grade and haven’t fulfilled your computer class requirement, you will have to take the class in the summer. Performances: Leading Worship in chapels, Christmas Carolers (December performances off campus), and other great experiences.

Grades: 6 through 8
Course Length: Full Year

drumline

This class is for our drummers/percussionists. We offer the following instruments: Snares, Tenors (Quads), Bass Drums, Cymbals and Auxiliary Percussion. We will focus on all aspects of drumming including technique, rudiments, reading, and writing. This ensemble will perform at all football games, Pep Rally’s, and Christmas and seasonal concerts throughout the year. No experience necessary. This class is offered in addition to other required electives and is only offered zero period only.

Grades: 6-12
Course Length: Full Year

Beginning band

This beginning band class is offered to 6th graders and provides an opportunity to play your concert band instruments(s) in an organized ensemble of musicians. Music theory and note reading will be enhanced through playing and performing various styles of music, written for beginning/intermediate band. No audition is necessary. 

Grade: 6
Course Length: Full Year

concert band

This intermediate band class provides an opportunity to play your instrument(s) in an organized ensemble of musicians. Music theory and note reading will be enhanced through playing and performing various styles of music written for intermediate band. 

Grades: 6 through 8
Course Length: Full Year

cultural exploration

Students will explore various cultures around the world, learning about language, food, customs, as well as what God is doing in those countries and cultures.

Grades: 6 through 8
Course Length: 1 Semester

conversational spanish

Students will be introduced to the Spanish language throughout this semester-long course.  These courses will lay a basic foundation in vocabulary and the major regular and irregular verbs. Students will be able to express likes and dislikes, learn introductions and greetings, implement the correct use of definite and indefinite articles for accurate sentence formation. 

Grades: 7-8
Course Length: 1 semester

high school level spanish I

This course introduces the students to basic vocabulary and fundamental sentence structure in the present and preterit tenses using the natural approach. Basic aural and reading comprehension is developed and students hold simple conversations and write short compositions about present and past actions. This high school level course is offered for advancement purposes only and will not count towards high school graduation credit or G.P.A.

Grades: 8
Course Length: 1 year 
Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or higher in English

magic of electrons

Through hands-on projects, students explore electricity, the behavior and parts of atoms, and sensing devices. They learn knowledge and skills in basic circuitry design, and examine the impact of electricity on the world around them.

Grades: 7 & 8
Course Length: 1 Semester

medical detectives

Students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they collect and analyze medical data to diagnose disease. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, measure and interpret vital signs, dissect a sheep brain, investigate disease outbreaks, and explore how a breakdown within the human body can lead to dysfunction.

Grades: 7 & 8
Course Length: 1 Semester