2011 - 2012 Academic Year

High School

Course Handbook

2011 - 2012 Academic Year

2200 Williams Boulevard ~ Richland, WA 99354

(509)946-0602

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction......

General Information......

Grade Classifications......

Attendance......

Schedule Changes......

Grading Policy......

Graduation Requirements......

College Preparation......

Courses in Bible......

Courses in English......

Courses in Mathematics......

Courses in Health & Fitness......

Courses in Science......

Courses in Social Science......

Courses in Foreign Languages......

AP & Concurrent Credit (CC) Course Information...... 14

Introduction

LibertyChristianSchool is a nondenominational religious school incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in the State of Washington. The school has been in operation since 1980. As of the 2011-2012 school year, Liberty has an enrollment of over 400 students in kindergarten through high school representing approximately 50 area churches.

LibertyChristianSchool supports the Biblical position that parents are responsible to train their children in the ways of the Lord (Eph. 6:1-4, Pro. 22:6). Therefore, the school will assist parents in the teaching of truth and in training for character development. The Core Values of the school are:

• Valuing the Soul
• Valuing God’s Word
• Impacting the World
• Pursuing Excellence
• Instilling a Christian Worldview
• Modeling Christ
• Partnering With the Home
• Investing in One Another

The educational process at LibertyChristianSchool is based on a Christian Philosophy of Education that puts Biblical principles foremost in all actions and activities.

The board, administration, teachers, staff, and volunteers all desire and pray that the high school experience at Liberty Christian School will prepare students spiritually and academically for a lifetime of service to the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

General Information

This Course Handbook is designed to provide parents and students with the necessary information on grade levels, course offerings, and graduation requirements to make informed decisions on course and track selections for the entire high school career of the student. It is important to make these decisions before entering the 9th grade year so that appropriate courses and prerequisites can be taken in the proper sequence. It is understood that while the decisions made now will set a course for the student, it is also recognized that changes in the plan can be made if career interests or aptitude changes during the high school years.

It is also important that these decisions be made in consultation with all three parties: student, parent, and faculty. All three parties have information and vested interests that are integral to the decision-making process. Students have an innate sense of their desires and propensities. Parents have a perspective on the abilities and strengths of their children, adding a degree of focus to the discussion. Faculty members have an understanding of the curriculum and the academic aptitude of the student that will further enhance the evaluation process. A combined effort will ensure the development of the wisest plan of attack for each student.

Grade Classifications

All high school students are classified by grade level according to the total number of credits earned prior to the start of classes in the fall. Grade level classifications are determined using the following number of credits:

Classification
Grade Level / Credits
Freshman / 0.00 to 5.50
Sophomore / 6.00 to 11.50
Junior / 12.00 to 16.50
Senior / 17.00 or More

Students must register for the grade in which they are classified. In order to be considered a full-time student, a high school student must enroll in a minimum number of classes or credits each semester as follows (not including WIAA considerations):

Minimum Enrollment Each Semester
Grade Level / Classes / Credits
Freshman / 6 / 3.0
Sophomore / 6 / 3.0
Junior / 5 / 2.5
Senior / 4 / 2.0

There are exceptions to these minimum enrollment requirements (e.g. Running Start). They will be considered on a case by case basis.

Attendance

Regular school attendance is a prime ingredient for mastery of educational material. Classroom interactions between student and teacher can enrich and clarify knowledge of subject matter beyond the mere accumulation of factual data. Therefore, absences or tardiness may affect the grade a student receives in courses taught at LCS.

High school students who are absent (excused and unexcused) 15 or more times in a semester shall receive a failing grade and no credit for the class towards graduation. In the event of more than 15 absences, an appeal in writing may be submitted to the principal citing the extenuating circumstances that caused the absences. Upon review, the principal may grant credit for the class or classes. Regular school attendance is a WashingtonState requirement.

Schedule Changes

Schedule or class changes will be considered on an individual basis for the first ten school days of each semester. No changes will be considered after 10 school days unless a student is inappropriately placed in a course. Classes dropped during the first 10 school days of the semester will not be recorded on the transcript. Classes dropped after 10 school days but before 45 school days from the start of the semester will be recorded on the transcript and a withdrawal (W) grade will be assigned. Classes dropped 45 or more school days from the start of the semester will be recorded on the transcript and a failing grade will be assigned.

Grading Policy

The following conversion of grade percentages, letter grade, grade definition, and grade point average is as follows:

Percent Grade / Letter Grade / Definition / Honor Points (GPA)
99.50, or higher / A+ / 4.0
93.50-99.49 / A / Outstanding / 4.0
89.50-93.49 / A- / 3.7
86.50-89.49 / B+ / 3.3
83.50-86.49 / B / Above Average / 3.0
79.50-83.49 / B- / 2.7
76.50-79.49 / C+ / 2.3
73.50-76.49 / C / Average / 2.0
69.50-73.49 / C- / 1.7
66.50-69.49 / D+ / Below Average / 1.3
63.50-66.49 / D / 1.0
59.50-63.49 / D- / Lowest Passing / 1.0
00.00-59.49 / F / Not Passing / 0.0

Graduation Requirements

Students shall meet the following criteria in order to receive a High School Diploma from LibertyChristianSchool:

• Take classes and earn credits to meet the minimum 21-24 credits required by LCS (19 credits minimum Washington state)
• Take and pass a Bible class for each semester enrolled at LCS (1-4 credits)
• Maintain a full-time enrollment status their senior year (4+ courses)

The following is a chart comparing the minimum credits for high school graduation required by LCS along with Washington state requirements and suggestions for college preparation:

Graduation Requirement Comparison Chart

Subject / LCS / WA High School Diploma / WSU
Bible / 4.0 (0.5 for each semester attended) / 0.0 / 0.0
English / 4.0 (includes 1.0 of composition
and 1.0 of literature) / 3.0 / 4.0 (including 1.0 of composition and 1.0 of literature)
Math / 3.0 (includes 1.0 Algebra 1 and 1.0 Geometry) / 2.0 / 3.0 (including 1.0 Algebra 1, 1.0 Algebra 2, and 1.0 Geometry)
Science / 2.0 (includes 1.0 Physical Science and 1.0 another lab science) / 2.0 / 2.0 (at least 1.0 must be a lab science)
Social Studies / 3.0 (includes 0.5 WA History, 0.5 World Geography, 1.0 US History & Government, and 2.0 World History) / 2.5 (must include 0.5 WA History, 1.0 US History, and 1.0 World History) / 3.0 (including at least 1.0 of history)
Foreign Language / 2.0 of a single language / 0.0 / 2.0 of a single language
Arts / 1.0 (visual or performing) / 1.0 (visual or performing) / 1.0 (visual, performing, or fine)
Occupational / 1.0 / 1.0 / 0.0
PE/Health / 2.0 / 2.0 / 0.0
Electives / 2.0 / 5.5 / 0.0
TOTAL / 24.0 / 19.0 / 15.0

Washington State History taken in the 7th/8thgrade may be used to meet the high school graduation requirement.

Classes that fulfill the Arts requirements:

Art, Band, Drama, Choir, Worship Team, Photography, Home Economics and

Yearbook.

Classes that fulfill the Occupational Education Requirement:

Teacher’s Aide, Office Assistant, Yearbook, Photography, Computer Applications and Home Economics.

A CLASS CANNOT BE USED TO MEET MORE THAN ONE SUBJECT REQUIREMENT.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Committed and dedicated involvement in a few activities is usually better than a little involvement in numerous activities. Colleges know that students have limited time but like to see involvement in school activities. Students should keep a portfolio of extra-curricular involvement such as ASB, Key Club, community service, and athletics.

College Preparation

College entrance requirements differ depending on the institution and the field of study chosen. Students should start preparing for college/university as early as ninth grade. Parents/students should consult the College Planning Guide for Liberty Christian School students in the planning process. The following represent the recommended minimum course of study for college-bound students.

English: Four years of English study is required, at least one year must be in composition and one in literature. Courses in yearbook and drama do not meet this requirement.

Mathematics: Three years of mathematics are required at the levels of algebra, geometry and advanced algebra (Algebra 2).

Science: Three years of science with one full year of the basic principles of biology, chemistry, or physics completed with a laboratory experience.

Social Science: Five semesters of study are required in history or in any of the other social sciences, (for example: contemporary world problems, economics, geography, government, or political science.)

Foreign Language: Two years of study in a single foreign language.

Arts: One year of study is required in the fine, visual, or performing arts.

Occupational Elective: One year of study in the area of occupational study that includes computer applications and other topics.

Courses in Bible

Gospels and Acts: Meeting Jesus, His Gospel and His Witnesses 1.0 Credit

This course surveys the life and teaching of Jesus of Nazareth and the origin and growth of the early Church. The course begins by discussing the historical reliability of the Gospels and Acts. It then explores the historical, cultural, religious and theological contexts in which Jesus and his disciples lived. Students then refine biblical reading skills by analyzing the unique literary structure, purpose and theological contribution of each Gospel. After these orienting activities, the rest of the course engages in more detailed study Jesus and his church by working through the two-part historical narrative of Luke-Acts. Along the way, we draw out the implications of Jesus’ his ministry, teaching and passion for Christian life and spiritual formation. The course concludes by summing up the theological and ethical teaching of Jesus and reviewing how his life and mission were the climax to the saving mission of God.

This course will be taught primarily to students in grade 9-10.

Biblical Ethics 1.0 Credit

This course explores the Bible’s teaching about how to live rightly before God. The course begins by explaining the difference between biblical and philosophical approaches ethics, introduces students to the prevailing contemporary ethical systems in our world today, and explains the Bible’s starting point and strategies for moral instruction. The course moves on to examine some foundational principles in Biblical ethics as set forth in the Torah (the OT, esp. the Pentateuch). Building on this foundation, the course explores some central ethical instructions of the Bible.

This course will be taught primarily to students in grade 11-12.

Courses in English

Fundamentals of Literature and Composition 1.0 Credit

This freshman course addresses the analysis of conflict, character, theme, structure, point of view, and moral tone. A rich variety of short stories, poems, essays, and plays and a good balance of serious and humorous pieces from the greatest writers of America, England, and Europe are used to explore these fundamentals. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is read during the year. Grammar and writing skills are emphasized for approximately one semester. Vocabulary and spelling are also taught.

Elements of Literature and Composition 1.0 Credit

The first semester of this course covers a breadth of literary thoughts and conventions such as imaginative comparisons, sound and syntax, thought and time, allusion, symbol, irony, biography, and lyric poetry taught through high interest and thought provoking literature. Grammar and vocabulary are integrated throughout both semesters.

The second semester is devoted entirely to college composition. The three parts of the writing process (prewriting, drafting, and revising) are given much time and practice in this class. Four major categories of essays are explored with opportunities to write different kinds of essays that fit into each category. This semester of writing is invaluable training for college bound students.

American Literature and College Composition 1.0 Credit

This course focuses on literature written by American authors. It examines short story structure and style as well as an examination from a Christian perspective of the ideas the literature contains. American poetry and novels as well as an examination of the history and growth of American literature will be covered. The students write expository essays that deal with ideas and themes presented in the material. The integration of higher level grammar and vocabulary preparation for the SAT and ACT testing are practiced this year.

World Literature 1.0 Credit

Senior English consists of reading a variety of classical literature, review of grammar and vocabulary, and refining of writing skills. Works including Beowulf, The Canterbury Tales, and The Screwtape Letters will be read and analyzed. Other authors examined include Shakespeare, Hawthorne, as well as some classical poets including T.S. Elliot. Writing will focus on writing about literature and writing with research. The goal is to prepare students to be able to read and write at a level which will be expected in college.

CC English and Composition 1.0 Credit

This course is designed to develop college-level writing skills in students and to stimulate them to think critically, express themselves clearly, and develop an appreciation for the medium of language through a variety of writing and reading experiences. For the course to count for NNU General Requirements, a student must earn a grade of C or better.

Courses in Mathematics

There are two sequences of mathematics classes as shown in the following mathematics sequence table. Both provide the necessary course work to prepare for the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) that is normally taken at the end of the junior year.

Mathematics Sequences
Track 1 / Track 2
Freshman: Algebra 1 / Freshman: Geometry (Prereq: Alg. I in 8th grade)
Sophomore: Geometry / Sophomore: Algebra 2
Junior: Algebra 2 / Junior: Advanced Math
Senior: Advanced Math / Senior: AP Calculus

A minimum of three years of mathematics study is required to obtain a high school diploma from LCS. Many colleges have entrance requirements of three years of mathematics study in the areas of Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Courses offered in mathematics are the following:

Algebra ½ 1.0 Credit PREREQUISITE: None

This course covers all the topics normally covered in a pre-algebra course as well as additional topics from geometry and discrete mathematics. This course is primarily designed for students who intend to take Algebra 1 but need additional background and skill building. Students are introduced to the evaluation of algebraic expressions, simplification of algebraic expressions, and the solution of linear equations in one unknown; and geometric concepts such as area, perimeter, surface area, volume, and classification of geometric figures.

Algebra 1 1.0 Credit

PREREQUISITE: Algebra 1/2

This course covers the solution of equations in one unknown and solution of simultaneous equations, the algebra of polynomials and rational expressions, word problems requiring algebra for their solutions, solving systems of equations, and solutions of quadratic equations. In addition, geometry lessons include problems computing areas, volume and surface areas of regular and irregular geometric figures.

The purpose of consumer math is to teach students to be wise consumers of the products and services they purchase or the contracts they negotiate. During the course of the year, the students learn how to purchase a car including loans and leases. They learn about various types of salaries including commissions. Students are taught how to itemize a household budget. They work with various types of loans, insurance rates, unit pricing, and English and metric measurement. Students also learn about state and federal income taxes, banking including loans, credit cards and checking accounts, life insurance, and related benefits. The final unit prepares the students to set up a small business.

Algebra 2 1.0 Credit PREREQUISITE: B or higher in Algebra 1 or successful completion of Geometry

This course treats the topics traditionally covered in second-year algebra and a considerable amount of geometry and trigonometry. Students completing the course will have studied the equivalent of one semester of geometry. Applications to other subjects such as physics and chemistry as well as “real-world” problems are covered including ideal gas law, vector forces, chemical mixtures, set theory, probability, and statistics.

Geometry 1.0 Credit

PREREQUISITE: Algebra 1

This course is a study of proofs in geometric settings, applications relating to areas, perimeters, circumferences, and angle measures of various polygons and circles. Spatial topics such as prisms, pyramid, spheres, cylinders, and cones are also included.

Advanced Mathematics 1.0 Credit

PREREQUISITE: C or higher in Algebra 2

This course is a comprehensive treatment of pre-calculus subjects: trigonometric identities, conic sections, graphs of sinusoids, rectangular and polar representation of complex numbers, matrices, and the binomial theorem. The graphing calculator is studied and used to graph functions and perform data analysis. Conceptually-oriented problems that prepare students for college entrance exams (ACT and SAT) are also included.

AP Calculus 1.0 Credit

PREREQUISITE: B- or higher in Advanced Math

This course is equivalent to a year of college calculus. It covers all the topics normally covered in an Advanced Placement AB calculus program as well as many of the topics required for a BC level program. Topics include derivatives, integrals, and their application, differential equations, solids of revolution, analytical geometry, trigonometry, and numerous applications to physics, chemistry, engineering, and business. Students may receive college credit by taking either the AB Advanced Placement Exam (covers 2 college quarters) or the BC Advanced Placement exam (covers 3 college quarters). The exam is given in May.

Courses in Health & Fitness

Health and Fitness 0.5 Credit