StCroixSchools_MS_CourseOfferings

United States History 1
Students learn the history of the U.S. from the colonization of America through the Revolutionary War, the Constitution, and the Civil War. The curriculum emphasizes a multi-perspective look at history.

United States History 2
Students learn the history of the U.S. from the end of the Civil War to present-day America. The curriculum emphasizes a multi-perspective look at history.

World Cultures / Geography
Students learn the physical and political geography of the world. Students learn by connecting ancient civilization to present day cultures. The curriculum emphasizes a multi-perspective look at history and the impact of cultures on historical events.

SCIENCE

Physical Science
Students learn basic concepts, theories, and principles in chemistry and/or physics through reading, investigation, and analysis. Students solve problems creatively, think critically, and work cooperatively in teams while learning proper lab techniques.

Life Science
Students understand the natural world through debates, discussions, and hands-on activities. The use of hands-on projects is emphasized.

Earth & Space Science
This course exposes students to debates, discussions, hands-on activities, and projects to understand topics concerning Earth and space.

MATHEMATICS

Math 1
This course provides foundational support for the development of major mathematical, algebraic, and geometric concepts. Math 2
This course prepares students for Algebra I and reinforces fundamental math skills. Students learn to use variables in formulas, solve equations, and solve problems and interpret data. Prerequisite: None. Two semesters

Algebra I
Students explore mathematical concepts with an emphasis on variables, equations, and graphs of linear and quadratic functions. These skills are then applied to real-life situations.

Accelerated Geometry (High school level class)
This course develops deductive thinking and teaches fundamentals of plane and solid geometry. Geometric shapes, their properties and measurements are studied as well as right triangle trigonometry. Applications to everyday life are included where possible.

LANGUAGE ARTS

Language Arts 1
Students develop the ability to construct and convey meaning through writing, listening, spelling, editing, speaking, and reading. Students will learn a variety of reading genres and elements of Literature. They will explore different writing styles in a variety of essays and formal writing assignments. They will analyze the basics of English grammar through daily exercises and activities.

Language Arts 2
Students develop the ability to construct and convey meaning through writing, listening, spelling, editing, speaking, and reading. Students will review the basic grammar principles while exploring new grammar rules and tendencies. Students will explore different genres in Literature with a primary focus on poetry. Students will develop a wide range of writing strategies through essays and other formal writing techniques.

Language Arts 3
Students develop the ability to construct and convey meaning through writing, listening, spelling, editing, speaking, and reading. Students will review the basic grammar principles while exploring new grammar rules and tendencies. Students will explore different genres in Literature with a primary focus on poetry. A focus on writing and public speaking projects will be a key principle.

World Literature and Intermediate Grammar (High school level class)
Students delve into the elements of literature and their incorporation into a variety of genre from across the globe. Students learn ways to expand their sentences through the use of complex sentence structures and modifiers. Students will be expected to write essays and a term paper complete with in-text citations and a works cited page.

BIBLE KNOWLEDGE AND HISTORY

Bible Class 1 Old Testament – Creation through Return to the Promised Land
This course covers many of the major writings of Moses, starting with creation through the Exodus. The need for a Savior and the promise of one is the primary focus as we study God’s people from generation to generation.

Bible Class 2 Old Testament - People of God
Students take an in-depth look at the Old Testament with a focus on the people of God and their relationship with God. This course focuses on the judges, kings, and prophets of Israel who affected the message of the Gospel throughout history.

Bible Class 3 New Testament – The Promise is Fulfilled and Message Shared
This course reviews the birth of the Savior and follows the life of Christ as told in the Gospels. In this course, students will look at the Christ-like examples for their own lives. The book of Luke, as well as Acts, provide a framework for this course.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
This course provides physical activity involving team and individual sports. There will also be a focus on basic conditioning and lifelong sports. Girls and boys will participate separately for this class.

ART
Students will work with lines, shapes, forms, color, and texture, and evaluate how they are used in the world around them. They will explore using various methods and technology to create works of art to express themselves. They will study different artists by creating a variety of masterpieces using similar mediums, tools and techniques.

MUSIC
This course will combine choral singing, music theory, and music appreciation. Girls and boys will participate separately for this class.

WORLD LANGUAGES

Spanish 1A
Students will begin with the basics of learning how to learn a world language to completing the equivalent of half a year of high school Spanish. The majority of classroom instruction will be conducted in Spanish and much of the learning is hands-on and is accomplished during the class period itself.

Spanish 1B
This class is taught almost exclusively in the Spanish language with the majority of the learning happening during the class period itself. Upon successful completion of 1B and with the recommendation of the instructor, students have acquired a strong base for entry into a high school Spanish 2 classroom.

Spanish 2 (High school level class)
Students continue to master the skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking in Spanish. Emphasis is placed on applying grammar concepts and enhancing oral proficiency through pair and group activities, role-playing, audio and video exercises, songs, educational games, conversations and discussions. Students also explore the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world through a variety of projects.

Rosetta Stone
In this course, students will have the opportunity to explore a variety of languages and cultures through the Rosetta Stone online classroom. Following the first two weeks of exploration, each student will select the language he or she would like to study for the school year. Each student works at his or her own pace while a teacher monitors progress. Motivated students will not be "held back" by classroom constraints, as they can access their class from home and elsewhere. Parents are encouraged to learn with their child as they access the same software from work or home. Some languages available include:

Chinese (Mandarin)
English (ESL)
French
German
Spanish
Russian

HOMEROOM
Approximately once a week, students will focus on an area of life preparation in their homerooms. The purpose of the homeroom course is to assist students in acquiring basic life skills. Some of the topics for this include:

· Conflict resolution · Peer pressure · Etiquette and manners · Christian leadership · Christian decision-making · Christian dating

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Throughout the school year, students participate in experiential learning opportunities. These opportunities include two overnight trips, as well as local day trips. The goal of these activities is for students to see that learning takes place beyond the classroom walls.

BAND
This is an optional course. It provides individual weekly lessons during the school day and a weekly group band experience for $500 per year. Students do not have to take lessons from the school to participate in the group band experience.

LEARNING RESOURCE PROGRAM
The Learning Resource Program seeks to better meet the learning needs of students and their families who desire a Christian education at St. Croix. This formal program aids students with learning needs to experience success at school, as well as provide much needed support for their families and teachers. A Learning Resource Center is used with the program to conduct specialized study halls during the school day.

info@stcroixschools.org