High School

High School Academics

Students are instructed in all traditional subjects, Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic as well as God’s Design and our past, present, and future responsibility through Bible, History, and Science. A variety of enrichment classes, field trips, and hands-on learning activities provide a well-balanced school experience. High School students have the opportunity to participate in competitive athletics, fine art activities,and aviation classes and may be eligible for the National Honor Society.  Each year our first through eleventh grades take the IOWA standardized test. Eleventh graders prepare and take the ACT and SATs. Collectively, JCA students score significantly higher on standardized tests when compared to the performance of public schools across the country.

For over 35 years, JCA has taught a curriculum (predominately ABEKA) that is designed to teach the head and reach the heart of each student – providing affordable, quality Christian education for high school students in the Jacksonville, North Carolina area.

9th Grade Curriculum

English – This class provides foundational practice of proper grammar and develops the basic composition skills utilized in outlining, summarizing, researching, and writing a variety of expositions, letters, and essay answers. The spelling portion of this class gives lists of challenging words that emphasize the application of several spelling rules, the addition of specific suffixes, and the necessity of learning frequently misspelled words. To expand students’ vocabulary, words and definitions are taken from their literature books. The goals of poetry recitation and memorization are an enjoyment and appreciation of poetic beauty and excellence. Literature class reflects these eleven themes: truth and wisdom, courage, humility, justice, temperance, joy and peace, beauty, faith and hope, love, Christmas, and time and eternity. As the student becomes familiar with classics such as Wind in the Willows, Jane Eyre, Don Quixote, and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, he learns to appreciate a well-written presentation of a theme. This appreciation not only aids in increased enjoyment of literature but also provides the foundation needed to critically analyze it. This then can serve as a stimulus for corresponding creative essays.

Algebra I – Algebra is an extension of arithmetic, and the concepts and procedures of arithmetic are used as the foundation upon which the study of algebra is built. Algebra supplies the language and patterns of reasoning used in the sciences and other branches of knowledge. Algebraic axioms are used to form and solve equations. Algebra I uses mathematical ideas in solving problems ranging from everyday applications to applications in the physical and biological sciences.

World Geography – World Geography presents a physical-cultural study of the earth and mankind from a conservative, Christian perspective. Basic to this perspective is the conviction that God is the Creator of the earth and of man. By applying to the study of geography their knowledge of the Creation, the Flood, the beginning of nations at Babel, and God’s dealing with mankind throughout the ages; students can better understand the physical features of the earth as well as the cultures of its people. While most geography classes approach world geography from the globalist perspective, this class recognizes and discusses the national identities of individual countries. Building on what students have previously learned, this text presents a deeper, more thorough study of the religions, languages, customs, historic backgrounds, resources, and industries to expand the students’ knowledge of each continent, region, and country presented. This is a one semester class.

 Health – This class will enable students to gain a deeper knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. They will be encouraged to reach out to others and to live a happy, healthy life as they maintain a consistent walk with the Lord. They will learn how to maintain their physical health through good nutrition and fitness with an emphasis on cardio-respiratory and musculoskeletal health. A study of the nervous system in light of Biblical principles encourages students to maintain good mental and emotional health. Practical aspects of safety and first aid are included in the middle of the course. Students will also learn how the immune system works to prevent disease, how to avoid drug abuse, and how to pursue a right relationship with God and others.  This is a one semester class.

 Biology – This class deals with one of the most fascinating subjects known to man. Students begin with a combination of field and text work to take a closer look at plants. A detailed study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body will lead students to understand that they are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Students will look deeper into the micro-cosmos as they learn some of man’s latest discoveries about the most complicated structure in all of creation: the living cell. They will see the intricate detail that God has built into living things and His master plan for transmitting information within an organism and from one generation of organisms to the next. Students will also understand just how far man still has to go to gain a complete understanding of God’s living creation.

Keyboarding – This class is meant to be clear and concise without being software or hardware specific. This keyboarding course begins with the basics of learning the keyboard—all alphabet and figure keys. Document formatting skills for business letters with special features and other letter and memo styles, unbound reports, and documents with tables are then covered. The main goal of this class is to teach students a skill they will use for life.

Bible – Every year each grade will have a Bible class where they are taught the truths from God’s Word and be given lessons on how to apply those truths in today’s world.

Electives:

 Home Economics – The themes of hospitality and stewardship are woven throughout Scripture. Home Economics class presents a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn entertaining and hospitality habits that they can implement as they establish their own homes and families. This practical introductory course on cooking and entertaining covers topics such as nutrition, meal management, and etiquette. Basic sewing skills are also taught during this class.

Art – This class introduces the tools of the trade, gives innovative substitutes for art materials, and shows the basic techniques used in creating different forms of art. Students learn to paint still life, landscapes, floral compositions, architecture, portraits, and other subjects.  This class is a basic introduction to using multiple mediums to express each student’s creativity.

 Computer Applications – This class provides students with an overview of the elements of Microsoft Office. Students learn to type and format documents using Microsoft Word. They learn the basics of Microsoft Excel, including creating and formatting spreadsheets and developing graphs and charts from data. They experiment with Microsoft Publisher, creating newsletters, cards, and other design items. Additionally, the students learn to create and specialize presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint. Students will complete workbook assignments as well as special projects during the class.

 High School Chorus – The high school chorus learns songs and has several opportunities to perform during the second semester. Our chorus will sing during chapel, special church services, school functions, and during high school graduation.

10th Grade Curriculum

English – Tenth grade Grammar and Composition builds upon the grammar foundation established in previous years and introduces new concepts to further enhance the students’ knowledge of basic grammar. In addition, this text emphasizes explanative writing by having students write essays, an extended definition, a process paper, a literary theme, critical book reviews, and a research paper. Mastering the vocabulary and spelling words will greatly help students in their writing, speaking, and reading comprehension. Students memorize ten poems over the course of the year. This memory work will not only help students lay a foundation for future literature studies, but will also enrich their personal lives. In addition, students will learn how to solve analogy questions and how to analyze word meanings based on their prefixes, roots, and suffixes. In literature, students will learn about the makeup of literature by studying a variety of literary terms and devices such as imagery and figurative language. While the first part of World Literature offers a background to the study of world literature, the second part introduces works chronologically from the time of the ancient East to the Modern Age (twentieth century). Students will read classics which reflect the thinking of each time period, such as Divine Comedy, Moby Dick, Paradise Lost, Aesop’s Fables, and Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. Art appreciation is also an important part of the literature study in English 10. As the author uses words to paint visual images in our minds, the artist uses his brush to paint a story. World Literature includes paintings, sculptures, and architecture that reflect the themes of each unit.

 Algebra II – Algebra II presents a thorough review of elementary algebra and will help the student acquire important manipulative algebraic skills. Students will develop self-reliance and confidence in their accuracy by repeated insistence on the checking of algebraic solutions. The students’ understanding of the algebraic concepts will advance to prepare them for further study in mathematics.

 US History – The United States has attained a position of world stature that has previously been unknown in the history of mankind. Therefore, it is of paramount importance that students study the history of such a nation to learn why and how God has blessed it. This class presents United States history from a Christian perspective. As a result, the spiritual thread which has always run prominently through United States history is carefully interwoven throughout the class with the facts, dates, and places that make up history. A thorough coverage of key historical events, reinforced by pictures, maps, and biographical sketches, helps to make the past come alive. After affirming the roots of American history in Europe, we trace the progress of America through its stages of colonization, independence, and growth to its emergence as a world power in the twentieth century.

Spanish I – The four basic steps in learning any language are study, memorization, practice, and application. This course utilizes all four of these steps. This class is designed to enable the student to speak, understand, read, and write the basic Spanish he would need to know in most everyday situations.  The vocabulary portion of this class provides a first-year student with a logical, step-by-step introduction to the most common Spanish words and expressions. They apply this knowledge as they participate in conversations, read assigned material, sing songs, translate Bible stories orally, give oral reports, perform dramas, and write letters and reports.

Physical Science – In this class we build a foundation for future studies in chemistry, physics, and other fields. The Christian perspective of this class naturally rejects the unproven hypothesis of evolution, recognizing special creation as the only reasonable explanation for the universe’s origin. This position is presented throughout the class and highlighted in a chapter on origins, which provides evidence against evolution and for the reality of the Genesis Creation account. In the class we also recognize God’s command for man to have dominion over creation. Thus the purpose of science becomes the application of scientific knowledge for mankind’s benefit. From chemistry to physics, the goal is to learn how man might extend his “dominion” and make better use of creation. With man’s dominion over the earth comes a responsibility to tend, manage, and conserve resources. However, the ultimate purpose of creation must not be forgotten—the earth was made for man to inhabit, and its resources were made for man to use.

 Bible – Every year each grade will have a Bible class where they are taught the truths from God’s Word and be given lessons on how to apply those truths in today’s world.

Electives:

Home Economics – The themes of hospitality and stewardship are woven throughout Scripture. Home Economics class presents a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn entertaining and hospitality habits that they can implement as they establish their own homes and families. This practical introductory course on cooking and entertaining covers topics such as nutrition, meal management, and etiquette. Basic sewing skills are also taught during this class.

 Art – This class introduces the tools of the trade, gives innovative substitutes for art materials, and shows the basic techniques used in creating different forms of art. Students learn to paint still life, landscapes, floral compositions, architecture, portraits, and other subjects.  This class is a basic introduction to using multiple mediums to express each student’s creativity.

Computer Applications – This class provides students with an overview of the elements of Microsoft Office. Students learn to type and format documents using Microsoft Word. They learn the basics of Microsoft Excel, including creating and formatting spreadsheets and developing graphs and charts from data. They experiment with Microsoft Publisher, creating newsletters, cards, and other design items. Additionally, the students learn to create and specialize presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint. Students will complete workbook assignments as well as special projects during the class.

High School Chorus – The high school chorus learns songs and has several opportunities to perform during the second semester. Our chorus will sing during chapel, special church services, school functions, and during high school graduation.

11th Grade Curriculum

English – The abilities to express ideas creatively and to skillfully comprehend the written word are built upon the study elements which are included in English 11. We will build upon the grammar foundation established in previous years and introduce new concepts to further enhance the students’ knowledge of basic grammar. In addition, we will emphasizes writing through assignments in argumentative essay, narrative essay, exposition of a process, literary character analysis, critical book reviews, and a research paper. Several smaller writing assignments are also included throughout the text. Mastering the vocabulary and spelling words will greatly help students in their writing, speaking, and reading comprehension. Students will memorize nine poems throughout the year. The benefits of reciting and memorizing poetry are learning an appreciation of poetic excellence, enriching, their personal lives, and laying a foundation for future literature studies. Students will also further develop their ability to analyze words by studying prefixes, roots, and suffixes. American Literature presents a variety of selections that reflect the faith, doubts, longings, accomplishments, and emotions of the American people. Students will further develop their skills in analyzing literature as they study several genres and time periods of American literature. In addition, students will learn about significant American authors and their influential works while reading classics such as Moby Dick, Ben Hur, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, The Innocents Abroad, and The Song of Hiawatha. Since art appreciation is an important part of the literature study in English 11, American Literature includes paintings that reflect the themes and time periods of each unit.

Geometry – Plane Geometry teaches students how to use known facts to verify the truth of additional facts, to solve geometric problems, and to use deductive reasoning for drawing correct conclusions. Students learn to think naturally, logically, and systematically whenever they encounter a proof to write, a construction to make, or a problem to solve. They are then equipped throughout life to perform such tasks as determining which car is the better buy or identifying truth and flaws in politics.

 World History – World History and Cultures is taught from the Christian perspective. Basic to this perspective is the conviction that God is the Creator of the universe and the Controller of history. Because the focal point of history is the birth of Christ, we take the view that all history is either pointing toward the birth of Christ or looking back to it. Students study how God used events before the birth of Christ to prepare the world for His coming. Then, after His birth, they trace the impact of Christianity on the events of world history. The Christian perspective of this class helps students see the sovereign hand of God in history, as well as the consequences of man’s choices. The Providence of God has guided history for His glory. Yet each person is free to choose whether to obey God and be used by Him, or to disobey and suffer the consequences. Thus world history also illustrates the truth of Proverbs 14:34: “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”

Bible – Every year each grade will have a Bible class where they are taught the truths from God’s Word and be given lessons on how to apply those truths in today’s world.

 Spanish II – The Spanish II program is designed to improve the students’ ability to speak, understand, read, and write basic Spanish in most everyday situations, with a strong emphasis on witnessing for Christ. Other applications in this class include writing Bible stories, performing create-a-scenes and situation act-outs, storytelling, taking part in discussion and debate, anecdote and questions, and giving their testimony. At the beginning of this course we briefly review basic Spanish I grammar and then introduces new grammar. The goal of Spanish II is to enable the student to speak the language with a real working knowledge of it. Cultural readings of Spain and Latin America are featured. In the vocabulary portion of this class we briefly review the basic words and expressions learned in Spanish I, and then introduce new expressions and words.

 Life Management – The successful Christian life is a life under Biblical management. Life Management is an application of Biblical principles in practical areas of life. Each lesson provides a marvelous opportunity to apply God’s truth to everyday problems and situations. Great effort has been taken to include critical topics from a Scriptural point of view. This class can help each student obtain success by instructing him on how to apply the Word of God, life’s greatest certainty, to his own life.

Electives:

 Home Economics – The themes of hospitality and stewardship are woven throughout Scripture. Home Economics class presents a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn entertaining and hospitality habits that they can implement as they establish their own homes and families. This practical introductory course on cooking and entertaining covers topics such as nutrition, meal management, and etiquette. Basic sewing skills are also taught during this class.

 Art – This class introduces the tools of the trade, gives innovative substitutes for art materials, and shows the basic techniques used in creating different forms of art. Students learn to paint still life, landscapes, floral compositions, architecture, portraits, and other subjects.  This class is a basic introduction to using multiple mediums to express each student’s creativity.

 Computer Applications – This class provides students with an overview of the elements of Microsoft Office. Students learn to type and format documents using Microsoft Word. They learn the basics of Microsoft Excel, including creating and formatting spreadsheets and developing graphs and charts from data. They experiment with Microsoft Publisher, creating newsletters, cards, and other design items. Additionally, the students learn to create and specialize presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint. Students will complete workbook assignments as well as special projects during the class.

High School Chorus – The high school chorus learns songs and has several opportunities to perform during the second semester. Our chorus will sing during chapel, special church services, school functions, and during high school graduation.

Yearbook – This class is responsible for the production of our school yearbook. They will be in charge of everything taking pictures, writing articles, selling ads, and page layouts.

12th Grade Curriculum

English – English 12 is designed to incorporate a program of English literature, composition, grammar, vocabulary, and outside reading into a senior-level English class. The study of grammar is not stressed in the senior year as much as in earlier years because of the extensive background that students should have gained from previous study; however, grammar is still taught briefly each day. Knowing and using a selection of choice vocabulary words gives high school students an advantage, whether it is in a job interview, on a college entrance exam, or simply in meeting today’s expectations for expression and communication. Mastering vocabulary words will help students in their writing, speaking, and reading comprehension. Many of the words are taken from English Literature. Students will study the antonyms and synonyms included with the definitions and learn prefixes, root words, and suffixes, expanding their vocabulary even further. Students will also memorize ten poems throughout the year. The students will benefit from reciting and memorizing poetry. English Literature presents a chronological study of English literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the Modern Age (twentieth century). Classics such as Beowulf, The Importance of Being Earnest, Pride and Prejudice, Paradise Lost, Robinson Crusoe, David Copperfield, and The Canterbury Tales were chosen not only for their literary value but also for their character development. Students will learn about a variety of literary genres and will further analyze literature through in-depth studies of a tragedy, an allegory, and a novel. In order to help students visualize the works and time periods they are studying, English Literature contains a variety of illustrations and photographs of English people, places, and art.

 Math – Students will decide between Pre-Calculus or Consumer Math for their final math class

Pre-Calculus – The purpose of Pre-Calculus is to teach the student how to select and apply various techniques to solve mathematical problems in a skillful, systematic, and logical manner. Students will learn the underlying principles of trigonometry and interrelationships of lines and functions with graphical and analytical problem-solving techniques from a study in analytical geometry. The study culminates with an introduction to selected calculus topics.

Consumer Math – No student studying Consumer Mathematics is tempted to ask, why do I have to learn this? No other math course is as clearly related to knowledge and skills that are a must for every person. Percents, proportions, fractions, decimals, word problem skills, and many other concepts are fun to learn in the practical setting of buying a car, food, house, clothing, insurance, etc. Consumer tips are given frequently, but most importantly, biblical principles are highlighted throughout the text. The accompanying workbook gives students the practice they need to master arithmetic skills and completes the course.

 Bible – Every year each grade will have a Bible class where they are taught the truths from God’s Word and be given lessons on how to apply those truths in today’s world.

History – In the first semester our seniors take American Government and the second semester they will take Economics.

American Government – In this class we will seek to give students a clear understanding of the historical and philosophical elements that make the United States a unique nation. Only when students fully understand these foundational elements will they be able to love and appreciate our republic. This class traces the roots of our political institutions and examines the Constitution itself. Through a clear explanation of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government, students learn how a republic actually functions. Students will also study state and local government and be better able to understand their local systems, which will in turn develop a better understanding of and a greater appreciation for American philosophy and ideology. This is a one semester class.

Economics – The purpose of this class is to teach basic economic principles and to give students a clear understanding of free-enterprise capitalism, individual moral responsibility, and the biblical work ethic from a conservative Christian perspective. This course emphasizes God’s Word as the one standard for man’s thoughts and actions and encourages man’s dependence upon God rather than upon government. It stresses acceptance of moral responsibility and accountability to God and man. Finally, this course strengthens the link between economic freedom and the political and individual freedoms Americans enjoy.

Chemistry – Chemistry class explores the many branches of chemistry to discover the ingenious structure and orderly function of God’s creation. The Christian perspective of this class rejects evolution and recognizes special creation as the reasonable explanation for the origin and design of the universe. Although chemistry has been less permeated by evolutionary doctrine than biology or geology, one’s view of origins does affect how he approaches the science of chemistry and how he applies chemical principles to societal issues. We recognize God’s command for man to have dominion over the creation, and its goal is to teach how man might extend his “dominion” and make wiser use of the physical creation. In this class we present chemistry as a foundational science and include lessons on nuclear and organic chemistry. We seek not only to give students a solid basis in chemical principles but also to help students understand the practical application of these principles.

Speech – This class presents the art of everyday speech in a friendly, conversational style. Experience is the key to developing good speaking skills; students need practice speaking to one another in small groups and before larger audiences. An abundance of speaking exercises, group projects, and selections for interpretation throughout the text provides opportunities for practice and performance. Skills mastered include introductions, personal testimonies, group discussion, parliamentary procedure, and storytelling. We will also practice different types of speeches: informative, descriptive, and persuasive speeches. This is a one semester class.

Electives:

Home Economics – The themes of hospitality and stewardship are woven throughout Scripture. Home Economics class presents a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn entertaining and hospitality habits that they can implement as they establish their own homes and families. This practical introductory course on cooking and entertaining covers topics such as nutrition, meal management, and etiquette. Basic sewing skills are also taught during this class.

 Art – This class introduces the tools of the trade, gives innovative substitutes for art materials, and shows the basic techniques used in creating different forms of art. Students learn to paint still life, landscapes, floral compositions, architecture, portraits, and other subjects.  This class is a basic introduction to using multiple mediums to express each student’s creativity.

Computer Applications – This class provides students with an overview of the elements of Microsoft Office. Students learn to type and format documents using Microsoft Word. They learn the basics of Microsoft Excel, including creating and formatting spreadsheets and developing graphs and charts from data. They experiment with Microsoft Publisher, creating newsletters, cards, and other design items. Additionally, the students learn to create and specialize presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint. Students will complete workbook assignments as well as special projects during the class.

High School Chorus – The high school chorus learns songs and has several opportunities to perform during the second semester. Our chorus will sing during chapel, special church services, school functions, and during high school graduation.

 Yearbook – This class is responsible for the production of our school yearbook. They will be in charge of everything taking pictures, writing articles, selling ads, and page layouts.