Curriculum

The A Beka Curriculum serves as the core curriculum taught in all elementary grades. The reading program uses phonics with comprehension. The core curriculum is supplemented with selected material from other publishing companies to meet the needs of GCS. Various computer software programs are also used to enhance the curriculum

High School Course Descriptions

Careers are designed for students to research different career paths. Students will research requirements for a particular career path and its pay scales.

Tutoring & Teacher's Aid:
Semester: ½ Credit (May be taken more than once)
Grade Level: 10-12
Pre-requisite: 2.5 GPA; 90% attendance record to date and no major disciplinary action. The class will meet for a training session at the beginning of the semester. Students will be placed with a supervisory teacher at the middle or elementary school. Grades will be based on attendance, evaluations by the tutor coordinator and supervising teachers, and a variety of written assignments. Seniors:
1 or more Credits
Grade Level: 12
A senior may enroll in class (es) at a local college if it fits in his/her schedule.

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ENGLISH OFFERINGS

7/8 Spelling/Vocabulary/Keyboarding:
Grade Level 7/8
This class will meet three days a week and alternate the other two with the computer lab keyboarding class. It will continue to work on spelling and increasing vocabulary.

7/8 Grammar & Composition:
Grade Level 7/8
Students develop their writing skills that apply their knowledge of grammar to the writing of many different types of compositions. The sections dealing with various types of compositions are flexible in sequence. They may be used as needed throughout the year.

7/8 Literature/Study Skills:
Grade Level 7/8
Students will read and study different types of literature written by well-known authors with emphasis on character. Many selections are about family life, great men and women, young people who have accepted a challenges, and legendary heroes. Students are given an opportunity to make personal applications through questions. Students will also be given the tools to develop their study skills to become the best student possible.

English I / II:
1 Credit
Grade Level: 9-10
Grammar and Composition III and IV is an excellent handbook for writers, covering grammar, usage and mechanics thoroughly and emphasizes the application of those elements to the writing process. Themes in Literature will seek to build good character qualities in students while increasing their enjoyment of good literature. Each unit is based on a theme, such as courage, faith, joy, justice, and humility. World Literature: a beautifully illustrated literature anthology begins with a collection of prose and poetry from classics and concludes with a brief study of excerpts from major ancient and modern works presented in historical sequence, enabling students to think through the history of ideas in Christian perspective.

English III/IV:
1 credit
Grade level 11 / 12
Students will refine writing and grammar. They will also study American literature to gain a greater historical and cultural understanding of America.

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MATH OFFERINGS

7/6 Math:
Grade Level 6-8
This is made up of five instructional components: Daily warm-up (fact practice mental math, and problem solving), Daily lesson, Daily practice, Daily problem set, and cumulative tests. Investigations, which are activity-based variations of Daily Lessons, are distributed through out the text. Math 7/6 provides students with a solid foundation for skill and concepts needed for success in Math 8/7. The interrelationship for fractions, decimals, and percents are reinforced throughout the text, and geometric concepts are continually practiced. Daily mental math and problem solving exercises further strengthen student skills.

8/7 Math:
Grade Level 6-8
This is made up of five instructional components: Daily Warm-Up (Fact practice, mental math, and problem solving), Daily lesson, Daily Practice, Daily problem set, and cumulative tests. Investigations, which are activity-based variations of Daily lessons, are distributed through out the text. Math 8/7 provides students with a solid foundation for skills and concepts needed for success in analytical and quantitative courses. The interrelationship for fractions, decimals, and percents are reinforced throughout the text, and geometric concepts are continually practiced. Daily mental math and problem solving exercises further strengthen student skills.

Algebra 1/2:
1 Credit
Grade Level 7-9
Algebra ½ is made up of five instructional components: Introduction of the New Increment, Examples with complete solutions, and practice of the Increment, Daily Problem Set, and Cumulative Tests. Algebra ½ covers all topics normally taught in pre-algebra as well as additional topics from geometry and discrete mathematics. Topics would include: fractions and their arithmetic operations, decimals and their arithmetic operations, volume surface area, data representation, ratios, percents, proportions, symmetry Pythagorean Theorem, and more.

Algebra I:
1 Credit
Grade Level 8-10
Algebra I is made up of five instructional components: Introduction of the New Increment, examples of complete solutions, practice of the increment, and the daily problem set. It covers topics such as arithmetic and evaluation of expressions involving signed number, exponents and roots, properties of real numbers, absolute values, scientific notation, unit conversions, graphs, algebraic proofs, Pythagorean Theorem, statistics and probability.

Geometry:
1 Credit
Grade Level 9-12

Algebra II:
1 Credit
Grade Level 10-12
Algebra II is made up of five instructional components: Introduction of the New Increment, examples of complete solutions, practice of the increment, and the daily problem set. Topics include: graphical solutions of simultaneous equations, radicals, conic sections roots of quadratic equations, factoring, logarithms and antilogarithms, vectors, gas law set theory, and probability.

Pre-Calculus:
1 Credit
Grade Level 11-12

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SOCIAL STUDIES OFFERINGS

Government: (required for graduation)
1 Credit
Grade Level 11-12
American Government opens with an inspiring look at the blessings we enjoy and the symbols we hold dear as American citizens. It is a fascinating study of the constitution, the government it established, and the rights and privileges it guarantees the American people.

World History:
1 Credit
Grade Level 9-12
This class builds a solid foundation of ancient history, tracing man's history back to the Garden of Eden. It gives a fine presentation of Asian, African, and Greco-Roman cultures. The students will be brought to the very doorstep of current history and vividly depicts world events in light of God's master plan.

U.S. History: (required for graduation)
1 Credit
Grade Level 9-12
A complete, chronological coverage of events and personalities that have shaped America and places a special emphasis on America's Christian past. This positive, patriotic approach to American history brings to life events and personalities that have shaped America and places a special emphasis on America's Christian past. U.S. and Missouri Constitution tests must be successfully passed for graduation.

7/8 History:
Grade Level 7/8
History of the World leads students on a journey through time from creation to the late twentieth century. The Christian perspective is the thread that connects the past to the present in this fascinating narrative of world history, teaching students to recognize the hand of God in human events.

Land I Love presents the history of America from the 1490s to the 1990s with special emphasis on the personalities and events that shaped the American character. Through the story of America's rise to greatness, students will learn to recognize the hand of God in history and to appreciate the influence of Christianity in government, economics, and society.

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SCIENCE & HEALTH OFFERINGS

7/8 Health:
Grade Level 7-8
- A Healthier You will help students understand the normal changes, which take place in the body during the adolescent years. There will be an in-depth study of each of the body's systems. Students will learn to maintain physical fitness and make healthful, responsible decisions, knowing that the choices they make during their teenage years will have long-term effects on their health.

Grade Level: 7-8
-Let's Be Healthy discusses physical fitness, nutrition, and first aid. Among current topics discussed are a high-energy diet, obesity, bulimia, anorexia nervosa, and the widespread AIDS epidemic. Students will learn to recognize symptoms requiring emergency aid and are taught when to get trained medical help.

Health in Christian Perspective: (required for graduation)
½ Credit
Grade Level 11-12
Written from a thoroughly Christian perspective, this interesting, practical text addresses the health care issues that concern young adults today. Health care that most directly involves them. Therefore as students read about nutrition, growth and development, they learn about the digestive and endocrine systems. This section on fitness includes the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Other topics include safety, first aid, drug abuse, and interpersonal relationships.

Science: Order & Reality:
Grade Level 7-8
Students are introduced to the scientific method and encouraged to apply it throughout this Christian general science text. They are given a fascinating study of soil science, plants, the human body, principles of physical science, atmospheric science, the weather, classification, microscopy, Creation, and insects.

Science: Matter & Motion in God's Universe:
Grade Level 7-8
This is written in the perspective of the founders of modern science: the belief that God is the Creator of the universe and the Originator of its order, reason, and reality, and that science is one way for man to control and master the physical world for the benefit of mankind. Students begin their study with a section on astronomy, in which they learn how the heavens proclaim the glory of God. Several chapters introduce and reinforce the basic principles of matter and motion and lay the foundation for high school physics. Science versus the false philosophy of evolution is carefully presented to give students a clear understanding of God's truth. Chapters on magnetism and electricity complete the text.

Science of the Physical Creation:
1 Credit
Grade Level 9-12
Science of the Physical Creation studies the atmosphere, weather, oceanography, earthquakes, volcanoes, rocks, and fossils. The geology includes a good refutation of the "principle of uniformity" and other ideas of evolutionary philosophers. Basic concepts of chemistry are presented in a simple and yet accurate manner and physics concepts are applied to lasers, computers, and electronic devices.

Biology:
1 Credit
Grade Level 9-12
God's Living Creation: Truly non-evolutionary in philosophy, spirit, and sequence of study. It begins with the familiar, tangible things of nature. It ties abstract concepts to concrete examples. It reflects the latest advances in man's understanding of living things without neglecting a foundation in the basics. This course includes lab work.

Chemistry:
1 Credit
Grade Level 10-12
This text ensures mastery of the basic principles of chemistry and makes those principles understandable and interesting to the students. Increased emphasis on the basics of chemistry gives students a firm foundation on which to build more advanced knowledge. Practical applications are given throughout, highlighting the importance of chemistry in everyday life. Environmental issues such as ozone depletion, global warming and nuclear power are presented from a balanced, conservative perspective. This is a Lab course.

Physics: (not offered 07-08)
1 Credit
Grade Level 11/12 or teacher permission
Physics: The foundational science; through detailed explanations with a touch of humor, penetrate the most perplexing questions. Wherever possible, the principles of physics are illustrated by everyday experience and practical devices. The student is shown how many kinds of technology -=- from the camera to the car - actually function. Numerous illustrative problems are solved in detail. This class will be doing lab work.

Anatomy/Physiology:
1 Credit
Grade Level 11/12
Anatomy & Physiology dives into extreme detail in studying the characteristics of the body. It explains exactly what makes up the body and how each microscopic part of the human body has a function and a reason. Then, the purpose of the diverse components of the body are discussed in order to understand the importance of each and how every one works together in a specific fashion in order to produce the form created by God. This course includes lab work.

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BIBLE OFFERINGS

Bible:
Grade Level 7-8
To the Ends of the Earth: The Birth and Early Expansion of the Church helps students witness the birth and expansion of the early Christian church. Along the journey, their minds will be stretched and their values challenged. They will learn much about the truth of Scripture and how they can apply it to impact their world.

The Life of Christ is a comprehensive study of the life of Christ that is both engaging and effective in teaching young people about Jesus. Students investigate Jesus' life. The student textbook walks students through a chronology of the events concerning Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

Daring Deliverers leads students to a better understanding of Israel's history through the lives of godly characters in the times of Judges. This course shows the victorious results of living a life committed to God. Students study the twelve military leaders of Israel as well as Ruth, Eli, and Samuel.

These curriculums rotate every other year.

Grade Levels 9-12
There will be a new curriculum offered for 9-10 grades for 07-08. 11-12 may have a new curriculum also.

Let God Be God is the study of the character and attributes of God. This course allows teens to wrestle with questions they frequently ask in a framework that draws the answers from Scripture. The course is designed on the premise that the more we come to know God through a careful study of His Word, the greater will be our challenge to maintain a right relationship with Him. (9)

Mastering Bible Study Skills will equip students to study the Bible for themselves. It is designed to build enthusiasm for Bible study, with the teacher as the main encourager. It introduces the three main steps of inductive Bible study: observation, interpretation, and application. (10)

Managing Your Life Under God helps students successfully in the contemporary world. It deals with relationships, safety, drugs, sex, job success, responsibilities, preparation for marriage, and such important issues as abortion and evolution. (11-12)

Understanding the Times addresses one of the most critical spiritual struggles, the battle for the hearts and minds of our young people. As widely diverse worldviews continue to flourish in our culture, Christian young people need to develop a "Christian mind" so that they think biblically about all areas of life and are equipped "to give a reason for the hope that is in them". (11-12)

Life-Shaping Decisions: Applying God's Word to Career Planning is designed specifically to hit head-on the crucial issues facing high school students today. This course explores what it really means to make solid career choices based on biblical principles. (11-12)

Additional Bible Classes may be added, but are not listed at this time.

Note - you will be assigned to the class on your grade level that is being offered for the current semester

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BUSINESS / COMPUTER OFFERINGS

Computer I: (required for graduation)
½ Credit
Grade Level 10-12
This course includes learning keyboarding while integrating Microsoft Word to do business letters, research papers, résumés, and tables along with other professional documents.

Computer II (lab): (required for graduation)
½ Credit
Grade Level 10-12
Prerequisite: Completion of Computer I or permission of the instructor. This is a continuation Microsoft Word, and will include Power Point and Excel.

Job Hunting Skills:
Semester½ Credit
Grade Level 11-12
This is a requirement for graduating seniors. The course will provide techniques for job hunting, creating a resume, and interviewing for jobs.

Introduction to Business:
½ Credit
Grade Levels 10-12
Several subjects will be provided in this "reality" course, such as Personal Finance, Personal Taxes, Automobile/Personal Loans, Personal Budget Management, and The 'Good' and 'Dangers' of Credit Cards.

Accounting:
1 credit
Grade Levels 11-12
Accounting plays a vital role in the day-to-day activities of every business. In this class, students will learn about assets, liabilities, and owner's equity and how they are used in the accounting cycle. Students will also learn how to set up and keep books for a sole proprietorship, a merchandising corporation, and handle payroll. Mini-practice sets help the student apply all the steps in an office simulation.

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FOREIGN LANGUAGE OFFERINGS

Spanish I: (required for graduation)
1 Credit
Grade Levels 9-12
This course is designed to give students the skill to speak, understand, read, and write basic Spanish in most everyday situations with a strong emphasis on witnessing for Christ

Spanish II: (required for graduation)
1 Credit
Grade Levels 9-12
This course builds upon the foundations of Spanish I.

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ELECTIVES

Journalism:
½ or 1 Credit (can be taken more than one semester)
Grade Level 9-12
Publication of school newspaper and yearbook.

Foods:
½ Credit
Grade Level 9-12 (This class will be limited to the first 10 enrolled.)
Food Preparation helps students learn about nutrition, kitchen management, cooking and serving. They will practice their skills with a variety of projects, culminating in a formal dinner.

PE: (required for graduation)
1 Credit
Grade Level 9-12 / 7-8

Child Development:
½ Credit
Grade Level 10-12
This course is designed to give students the opportunity to learn about the pregnancy, prenatal care, and the physical development of a baby from conception to birth.

Music/Ministry:
½ or 1 Credit
Grade Level 9-12
This class will focus on preparation for our weekly chapels. Students will rehearse for the worship team and prepare for presenting chapels for the elementary.

Speech: (required for graduation)
½ Credit
Grade Level 11-12
This course will introduce public speaking, from platform presence to persuasion. This course features special chapters on topic choice, research, organization, and communication in the workplace.

Drama:
½ Credit
Grade Level 10-12
This course will introduce students to the basic techniques of drama. It will focus on exposing students to everything that is involved in producing a play.

Computer Programming:
½ Credit
Grade Level 11-12
This course is designed to introduce students to programming logic and design, using the Visual Basic.NET environment. Students will learn the programming language to enhance general problem solving skills and develop solutions in the form of usable computer applications.

Event Planners/Study Skills:
½ or 1 credit
Grade Level 11-12
Event planners must apply for this course and be chosen to participate in this class. They would work closely with student council and teachers. They would help direct and plan activities. They would make phone calls, run errands, make and hang signs, deliver messages, and make announcements.

Study skills will prepare students for college. The textbook will teach students how to manage their time, increase their memory, how to think, take notes and test at the college level. It will also teach students how to use resources effectively, how to communicate and how to use the skills God has given them to be successful in college and life.

Please read the Parent/Student Handbook.