Classical Christian Curriculum

A four-year journey through the liberal arts and sciences, rooted in Scripture and the Great Books tradition, preparing students for lives of wisdom, virtue, and service.


9th Grade

FOUNDATIONS — GRAMMAR OF KNOWLEDGE

THEOLOGY

Bible & Theology I: The Story of Scripture

This course introduces students to the unified storyline of the Bible— Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. Students survey major biblical books and themes, learn to read different genres of Scripture, and begin to articulate basic Christian doctrines.

HUMANITIES

Great Books I: Ancient World

Great Books I immerses students in the literature, history, and geography of the ancient world, from Mesopotamia and Egypt to Greece, Rome, and the early church. Students read selections from primary texts while tracing the rise and fall of ancient civilizations.

LANGUAGE ARTS

Writing & Rhetoric I: Foundations of Expression

This course establishes the grammar of good writing. Students strengthen their command of English mechanics, sentence structure, and paragraph organization through frequent short assignments.

CLASSICAL LANGUAGES

Logic & Latin I

Logic & Latin introduces students to clear thinking and classical language. Students learn argument structures, logical fallacies, Latin vocabulary, and basic grammar.

MATHEMATICS

Mathematics 9

Students are placed in Algebra I or Geometry depending on preparation. Courses emphasize logical reasoning, problem solving, and the order of God’s creation reflected in mathematics.

SCIENCE

Science 9: Introductory Physical/Earth Science

Students survey key concepts in physical and earth sciences including matter, energy, motion, weather, and earth systems while learning the scientific method.

LIFE SKILLS

Contemporary Issues & Life Skills I

Students learn essential habits for flourishing in high school and beyond including time management, organization, media habits, communication, and respectful interaction.

FINE ARTS

Fine Arts I

Fine Arts I provides foundational instruction in music and/or visual arts. Students practice basic skills, learn artistic language, and develop appreciation for beauty and craftsmanship.

10th Grade

DEEPENING — LOGIC OF UNDERSTANDING

THEOLOGY

Bible & Theology II: Doctrine & Discernment

Bible & Theology II surveys core Christian doctrines in a systematic way: Scripture, God, humanity, sin, Christ, salvation, the church, and last things. Students compare biblical teaching with alternative worldviews such as secularism and relativism. They write short position papers and evaluate ideas in light of Scripture.

HUMANITIES

Great Books II: Christendom & Reformation

Great Books II explores the world of medieval Christendom through the Reformation and early modern Europe. Students read selections from Augustine, Boethius, Dante, Aquinas, Luther, and Calvin while studying the broad contours of European history.

LANGUAGE ARTS

Writing & Rhetoric II: Analytical Essays

Building on ninth-grade skills, this course introduces students to multi-paragraph analytical essays. Students develop clear thesis statements, support arguments with textual evidence, and refine clarity, organization, and style.

CLASSICAL LANGUAGES

Logic & Latin II

Logic & Latin II deepens students' understanding of formal reasoning and classical language. In logic, students encounter more structured reasoning and learn to analyze arguments. In Latin, students expand their grasp of grammar and translation.

MATHEMATICS

Mathematics 10

Students continue mathematical progression in Geometry or Algebra II. Geometry focuses on proof and logical reasoning, while Algebra II extends algebraic skills to quadratic functions, systems of equations, and complex numbers.

SCIENCE

Biology

Biology introduces students to living organisms and ecosystems. Topics include cell biology, genetics, classification, ecology, and human body systems. The course emphasizes stewardship of creation and responsible engagement with bioethical questions.

LIFE SKILLS

Contemporary Issues & Life Skills II

Students examine identity, community, and life online from a Christian perspective. Topics include belonging, social pressure, online behavior, and current events while learning responsible digital citizenship.

FINE ARTS

Fine Arts II

Fine Arts II builds on foundational skills with greater attention to technique, history, and artistic intention. Students continue in music or visual art, participate in performances or exhibitions, and reflect on the role of the arts in Christian worship and culture.

11th Grade

RHETORIC — ART OF EXPRESSION

THEOLOGY

Bible & Theology III: Apologetics & Christian Worldview

This course equips students to defend and commend the Christian faith in a skeptical age. Topics include the existence of God, the reliability of Scripture, the uniqueness of Christ, and the problem of evil. Students engage contemporary objections to Christianity and learn to give a reason for the hope within them with gentleness and respect.

HUMANITIES

Great Books III: Early Modern to 19th Century

Great Books III traces the development of Western thought and culture from the post-Reformation era through the nineteenth century. Students read works such as Shakespeare, Milton, Swift, Austen, Dickens, and key American founding documents.

LANGUAGE ARTS

Writing & Rhetoric III: Argument & Style

In this advanced writing course students construct persuasive essays and research papers. They practice crafting clear theses, responding to counterarguments, and applying classical rhetorical concepts such as ethos, pathos, and logos.

CLASSICAL LANGUAGES

Rhetoric / Logic Seminar

The Rhetoric/Logic Seminar applies logical and rhetorical skills to classic and contemporary speeches, essays, and debates. Students analyze arguments and practice structured debates and panel discussions.

MATHEMATICS

Mathematics 11

Students advance in the mathematics track appropriate to their preparation. Options may include Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, or Statistics, emphasizing logical thinking, problem solving, and quantitative literacy.

SCIENCE

Chemistry or Physics

Students take a lab-based course in Chemistry or Physics. Chemistry explores atomic structure, bonding, reactions, and properties of matter. Physics examines motion, forces, energy, and waves while reflecting on the order of creation.

LIFE SKILLS

Contemporary Issues & Life Skills III

Eleventh graders engage deeply with contemporary issues and practical independence. Topics include technology ethics, consumerism, global challenges, personal finance, and preparation for life after graduation.

FINE ARTS

Fine Arts III

Fine Arts III offers continued growth in students’ chosen art form with increasing expectations for creativity and responsibility. Students participate in ensembles, performances, exhibitions, and may take on leadership roles.

12th Grade

CAPSTONE — WISDOM & INTEGRATION

THEOLOGY

Bible & Theology IV: Vocation, Church, and Culture

Bible & Theology IV helps seniors integrate their faith with all of life. Students explore biblical and historical perspectives on vocation, work, family, church, and citizenship. Readings from classic and modern Christian thinkers examine how believers engage culture, politics, and the arts.

HUMANITIES

Great Books IV: Modern Era — Suffering, Ideologies, and Hope

Great Books IV examines the modern and contemporary world through literature, history, and geography. Students read authors such as Dostoevsky, Solzhenitsyn, and Flannery O’Connor while studying major twentieth and twenty-first century developments including world wars, ideological conflicts, and globalization.

LANGUAGE ARTS

Writing & Rhetoric IV: Senior Thesis & Capstone

This capstone course leads students through the process of researching and writing a substantial senior thesis on a significant question in theology, ethics, culture, history, or literature. Students refine advanced research methods, academic writing style, and present their work in a formal defense.

CLASSICAL LANGUAGES

Rhetoric & Leadership Seminar

The Rhetoric & Leadership Seminar provides seniors opportunities to practice Christian leadership and advanced communication. Students lead discussions, teach short lessons or devotionals, and participate in debates and panel discussions on contemporary issues.

MATHEMATICS

Mathematics 12

Seniors complete their high school mathematics sequence according to their preparation and post-secondary plans. Courses may include Pre-Calculus, Calculus, or Statistics, emphasizing mathematical reasoning and analytical thinking.

SCIENCE

Advanced Science or Faith & Science Seminar

Students may take an advanced science course such as Physics II, Anatomy & Physiology, or Environmental Science, or participate in a Faith & Science seminar exploring the relationship between scientific inquiry and Christian belief.

LIFE SKILLS

Contemporary Issues & Life Skills IV

This senior-level course prepares students for the transition to adulthood. Topics include religious liberty, human dignity, emerging technologies, personal finance, civic engagement, and developing a personal rule of life.

FINE ARTS

Fine Arts IV (Capstone)

Fine Arts IV invites seniors to complete a capstone project in their chosen artistic discipline — such as a recital, portfolio, or major performance — demonstrating both technical skill and mature artistic judgment.