Some courses may not be available every year.
*denotes required courses
All courses labeled with Roman numerals must be taken in numerical order; i.e., Spanish I must be taken before Spanish II.
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
English 1*
In this course, emphasis is placed upon grammar. Literature includes the reading of Christian and classic works. Compositions, spelling, vocabulary and speech are included. Students will be required to complete a book report. One year.
English 2*
Grammar is reviewed. World literature will be studied. Compositions, spelling, vocabulary, and speeches will also be included. Students will be required to complete a book report and term paper. One year.
English 3*
This systematic survey of American literature, authors, and literary movements is enriched by the presentation of speeches, reading, a study of vocabulary words, and composition, including essays and research paper techniques with an eye toward college papers that stress logic and rhetoric. Students will be required to complete a book report and research paper. One year.
English 4*
This course covers classics of English literature from Anglo-Saxon times to the present, the reading of Christian books, the presentation of speeches by the students, and a study of vocabulary in preparation for college. Students will be required to complete a book report and a research paper. One year.
AP English Literature and Composition
This course is designed to be a college-level course. It will provide students with the intellectual challenges and workload consistent with a typical undergraduate university English course. It is designed to teach beginning college writing through the fundamentals of rhetorical theory. Vital aspects of writing, including invention, proof, disposition, and style will be discussed almost daily. The writings in this course are varied, but include writing to understand, writing to explain and writing evaluate. All critical writing asks that the student evaluate the effectiveness of a literary piece.
AP English Language and Composition
This course is designed to engage students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes at a college English level. The course will provide students will opportunities to write about a variety of subjects and to demonstrate an awareness of audience and purpose. It is a composition course that will emphasize the expository, analytical, and argumentative writing that forms the basis of academic and professional communication as well reflective writing that fosters the development of writing in any context. One to two years.
College credit for English may be given depending on scores earned on the AP exam in May and on the college/university of future attendance.
Journalism
This course will acquaint students with the design, production, and organization of a high school yearbook. Each student will gain experience in planning, design, and layout of individual yearbook pages, the writing of yearbook copy, the business and promotion of an annual publication, and meeting journalistic deadlines. The preparation of a school newspaper will also be pursued. One year.
Speech
This course covers the communication process and the importance and variety of speech communications in modern age. Students will learn practical techniques for analyzing, evaluation and improving their own speaking and listening skills. In addition, they will learn to appreciate the social and ethical responsibilities of communicators, as they are introduced to the major modes of communication, including one-to-one discussions, public address, and the mass media of broadcasting. One year.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT
Spanish I
Listening comprehensive and speaking ability are the emphasis of this introductory course. Stress is placed on the structure and conjugation of verbs in two basic tenses. One year.
Spanish II
This is an intermediate course with a continuing emphasis on listening comprehension and speaking ability with an increased stress on reading and writing skills. The major structure components of the language are presented and drilled through oral and written practice. The different verb tenses are emphasized. Prerequisite: “C” or better in Spanish I. One year.
Spanish III
Reading and writing of the language is stressed in this course. Increased conversational ability is required from class discussions based upon the reading material. A general grammatical overview is given to review and to reinforce the previous two years of instruction. Prerequisite: “C” or better in Spanish II. One year.
American Sign Language I
This course offers an introduction to sign language with an emphasis on conversing in the language. One year.
American Sign Language II
This is an intermediate course with a continuing emphasis on conversing in the language.
Prerequisite: “C” or better in ASL I. One year.
CONSUMER AND FAMILY SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Life Management
This course helps the student gain self-understanding and plan for the future through the evaluation of family background, nutrition, grooming, clothing, relationships, marriage, and parenthood. A Biblical perspective is emphasized. One year.
MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
General Math
This course is intended to reinforce and review the basic mathematical principles and skills required for advanced high school mathematics. One year.
Consumer/Business Math
This course introduces the high school student to the American free-enterprise system. It considers the Scriptural views of working, tithing, saving, paying taxes, and budgeting time and money. Study time is allotted to buying a car, banking, investing, keeping records, purchasing foods and clothing, and purchasing a home. One year.
Pre-Algebra
Students will learn to use fractions, mixed numbers, and decimals in all operations. Concepts of area, percent, ratio, and order of operations are introduced. Basic algebra concepts are practiced thoroughly.
Algebra I
In this course the properties of number systems are introduced and applied to methods of solving linear equations, inequalities, systems of equations and quadratic equations. Exponents, polynomials and factoring are studied and applied to simplify equations and solve fractional equations. A good basic foundation is laid in preparation for entering Algebra 2. One year.
Algebra II
The purpose of this course is to strengthen the skills learned in Algebra 1. Advanced work is completed in factoring, fractions, exponents, radicals, complex numbers, linear and quadratic equations, the binomial theorem, and the theory of equations. Prerequisite: “C” or better in Algebra I or Geometry or the instructor’s approval. One year.
Geometry
The students will learn to develop their deductive and inductive reasoning abilities in Geometry. They will take facts using both postulates and axioms and develop sound proof for mathematical problems and their applications. Skills learned in Algebra I are applied in studying properties of various geometric figures. Trigonometry is introduced, as well as geometry and coordinate geometry. Prerequisite: “C” or better in Algebra I or the instructor’s approval. One year.
Trigonometry
This course studies the properties of triangles and trigonometric functions and their applications. Prerequisite: “C” or better in Algebra II or the instructor’s approval. One semester.
Pre-Calculus
This course is designed to prepare students for Calculus. After a quick review of basic algebraic principles, students will study functions and their graphs, linear functions, quadratic functions, polynomials functions, rational functions, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, and trigonometric functions. Students will gain a geometric feel for these functions and an understanding of their properties. Prerequisite: “C” or better in Trigonometry or Algebra II. One year.
ARTS DEPARTMENT
Basic Drawing
This course will concentrate on the fundamentals of drawing: line, value, space, texture, form and composition. Special emphasis will be placed upon still life, landscape, architecture, and art history. One year.
Praise Team
This course will focus on ways to minister to the Lord through music. The students will learn as part of a group how to lead others in worship.
Instrumental Foundations
Students will be introduced to a variety of instruments. Instruction will be given for the piano keyboard and other instruments as students show an interest and skill. One year.
Drama
Students receive training in speech and performance which is Christian in nature. The history of drama as a tool of the church will be reviewed. Students will perform in chapel and in various other ministry opportunities. Students may participate in Shakespeare competitions and speech meets. One year.
Dance
Students receive training in jazz, hip-hop, tap, ballet, and/or lyrical. All performances will be to the glory of God and will not emphasize the secular. One year.
AP Music Theory
This course is designed to be equal to an introductory college course introducing the first-year student to musicianship, theory, musical material and procedures. Class will integrate aspects of melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, form, musical analysis, elementary composition, history, and style. Musicianship skills such as dictation and other listening skills, sight-singing, and keyboard harmony are considered an important part of this theory course. Students ability to read and write musical notation are fundamental to the course (recommended that the student have already acquired basic performance skills in voice or instrument, but not necessary). One year.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION / ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
By state law, all students must participate in physical education for the equivalent of four high school semesters unless they have presented to the Athletic Director a medical excuse signed by a physician that states the period of time for the exclusion, the degree to which the student is to be excluded, and the reason.
Parents may request that a student be excluded from physical education for medical reasons for up to three (3) days by sending a note to the P.E. teacher. Students are required to wear proper dress (regulation shorts, t-shirts, athletic shoes and socks) during physical education class. Two years of physical education must be taken to meet graduation requirements. Participation and clothing requirement guidelines are sent home during the first week of school.
Physical Education, Health & Fitness
This class is designed to bring the student up to a competent and efficient level of physical skill. The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and students are encouraged to develop habits and attitudes leading to a lifetime of good health and fitness. Objectives of the course are to improve and increase strength, endurance, motor skills, health habits, and knowledge of sports (if elective is chosen, instruction in dance). One year.
Interschool Athletics
This extra-curricular program is designed for the student who enjoys a high level of competition and who has a high level of athletic ability. Participation is by tryout only. Several sports for both male and female students will be available. A G.P.A. of at least 2.0 is required.
Cheerleading
Cheerleading is an extra-curricular activity designed as a practice and instruction time for those who are selected for the cheerleading squad. Attendance and performance at all games is required. Participation in cheerleading is by tryout only. A G.P.A. of at least 2.0 is required.
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Physical Science
The purpose of this lab course is to introduce students to a beginning understanding of the physical world in which they live. Physical science offers an insight into the means by which scientific knowledge is acquired. The course emphasizes the structure of matter, the scientific method, and principles of physics and chemistry. Physical Science provides the necessary foundation for those students taking later courses in biology, chemistry and physics. Students may be required to complete a science project. One year.
Earth Science
This lab course includes the topics of astronomy, geology, oceanography, meteorology, climatology, and paleontology. Students may be required to complete a science project. One year.
Biology
This lab course deals with the origin, nature, and relationships of living organisms. Included is a basic introduction to the modern concepts of structure and function of the cell, genetics, survey of animal and plant kingdoms with emphasis on physiology and ecology, and human biology. Students may be required to complete a science project. One year.
Chemistry
This lab course provides an introduction to theory and application of chemical reactions. It emphasizes structure and bonding, kinetics, use of graphs, tables, chemicals, equilibrium and constants, energy, thermo chemistry, entropy, stoichiometry, and laboratory work. Students may be required to complete a science project. Prerequisites: “B” or better in Physical Science or Biology and “B” or better in Algebra I and current enrollment in Algebra II or higher. One year.
Physics
This lab course considers matter and energy and their interactions in the fields of mechanics, acoustics, optics, heat, electricity, magnetism, radiation, atomic structure, and nuclear phenomena. Students may be required to complete a science project. Prerequisites: “B” or better in Physical Science and “B” or better in Algebra and currently enrolled in Algebra II or higher, or the instructor’s approval. One year.
SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
Geography
This course begins with physical geography with an emphasis on God’s wisdom in creating the earth for man’s use. The focus turns to political, economic, and cultural geography, with a sense of God’s direction. One year.
World History*
This course is a study of the historical development of major world civilizations. Major emphasis is given to the development of Western Civilization. One year.
United States History*
This course is a comprehensive study of the United States from the time of early exploration to the present. Major emphasis is given to the fundamental principles upon which our country was founded including religious freedom as well as historical development. One year.
Government and Economics*
Students will learn how money is earned and wisely spent, as well as the effects of prices, wages, taxes, interest rates, and credit upon consumers. Students will also learn why free enterprise, property ownership, and profits are important in a competitive society. Christian values will be stressed. One semester each.
BIBLE DEPARTMENT
Bible is a required subject for graduation from Bethel Christian High School.
Bible 1, 2, 3, 4, alt.*
Since the Bible is the Word of God and the infallible rule of faith and practice for all of humanity, the study of the Bible is central to the mission and program of the Christian school. The Bible curriculum includes Old and New Testament surveys and direct studies in both the Old and New Testaments, not to attempt to prove denominational or sectarian point of view but to learn directly about God’s desired relationship between Himself and humanity through the Lord Jesus Christ. The purposes for these studies are to deepen the student’s personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, to learn God’s principles for daily life, and to allow Him to integrate all truth and knowledge through His truth.
BUSINESS DEPARTMENT
Computer
This course provides an introduction to computer literacy. Students learn basic computer functions, word processing, spreadsheets, and basic programming. Computer ethics are also discussed. One year.
STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Study Skills
Students will learn strategies and techniques for improving their skills in studying, listening, note taking, and test taking. Critical thinking skills will be emphasized and developed.
Aides
Teacher Aides are assigned to a specific teacher to help grade papers, prepare bulletin boards, etc. Prerequisite: Approval of teacher. A G.P.A. of at least 2.0 is required.
Study Hall
A quiet classroom situation designed for the student needing time through the day for individual study time. Study hall is allowed only upon parental request. There are no prerequisites and no credit given.