Comparative Religion I

This course will introduce students to the key components of religious belief and practices. Students will analyze and evaluate the theology, lifestyle, and origins of the major world religions of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and Buddhism. Christianity will be the primary area of study in light of its local and global impact. The course will challenge students to think critically, reflect meaningfully, and engage in interfaith dialogue.

Psychology: Christianity and the Mind

This course is designed for students to understand psychology as a science from a Christian worldview perspective. In addition to understanding what psychology is, students will learn more about what the Christian Bible says about the Mind, body, and soul and their relationship to psychology. Students will leave with a clear understanding of who they are according to the Bible and a Christian perspective on psychology.

Archaeology: Society, Language, and Culture

In this course, we will learn anthropology through the lens of the history and methods of archaeology while exploring the world of the Bible and how archaeology illuminates Scripture. A study of cultures, customs, languages, and rituals that throw light on the statements in God’s Word.

Comparative Religion II

In Comparative Religion II, students will explore and critically analyze the core tenets, theological frameworks, and ritual practices of Christianity in relation to major global religions, including Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism. The course aims to deepen students’ understanding of Christian theology by juxtaposing it with the beliefs, values, and religious structures of these diverse faith traditions. Through comparative analysis, students will enhance their ability to engage thoughtfully with interfaith dialogues and gain a deepened understanding of the uniqueness of Christianity among other religions.

English I

English I will introduce students to a variety of works in various written mediums, focusing mainly upon novels, short fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and cultural mythos. These written works will span a diverse group of authors, with writers of different racial descent and temporal location. As students encounter these texts they will practice, develop, and hone their reading skills via study, interpretation, questioning, annotation, understanding of literary and historical context, and proficiency in recognizing literary elements. Students will also practice their verbal communication skills to provide necessary skills for life in high school and beyond. All this will be done with the chief goal in mind of knowing Christ Jesus, whether for the first time or through a continuation of discipleship for the desires of their heart and mind to know Jesus further.

English II

This course places great emphasis on the continued development and study of grammar, reading, writing, speaking, and critical thought. Drawing from all genres, students study a wide variety of selections of literature from across the globe with diverse racial, cultural, social and gender representation. Literary interpretation and critique are studied in light of the history of human thought from a Christian worldview.

English III

This year-long course functions as an introduction to both the American literary tradition as well as the skill classically known as rhetoric. In this course, we will read novels and excerpts from key American writers. Doing so will open up the riches of the American literary tradition to students. There is a special emphasis on how their experiences of America relate to and inform our own. Students should feel as if the authors we read this year “give them words” with which they can explain and describe their own lives, both its hardships and its joys. Furthermore, this course will deepen the student’s skills in argumentation through an in-depth exploration into rhetoric.  Rhetoric is first and foremost the skill of listening. After listening, one can constructively formulate his or her own thoughts and respond. Students will engage with the different facets of rhetoric, such as rhetorical situations, types of claims, types of evidence, diction, and style.

Honors English III

In this standard-level, 11th-grade English course students will be guided in thinking through and expressing their thoughts on one overarching question: What does it look like to live our lives deliberately? To work through this question students will be reading novels, plays, short stories, and poems from the tradition of American literature such as The Scarlet Letter, The Great Gatsby, and Fahrenheit 451. They will also be gaining knowledge of and practicing introductory skills of public communication (rhetoric) and composing their own papers and speeches. Lastly, as it is with any typical English course, students can expect to continue developing skills in reading comprehension, literary analysis, grammar, and writing.

English IV

English IV will cover literature from the Middle Ages to the present: Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and Arthurian legends to twentieth-century works such as Richard Wright’s Native Son and Kafka’s Metamorphosis.  Units are arranged chronologically, so that students may see how earlier works influence later works and how forms and ideas have evolved.  Students consider prominent themes for each period: for instance the tension between reason and emotion in seventeenth-century literature, and the questions of the relationship between art and nature in the literature of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

AP Literature & Composition

AP Literature and Composition is the highest level English course one can take at a highschool level, causing it to be simultaneously rigorous and prolific. The emphasis for this course is excellence in literary analysis and the subsequent composition upon said analysis: The adequate reader can comprehend an advanced text, but the exceptional reader can interpret what it means, communicate their thoughts, and connect them, in significance, to everyday life. The workload in this course is designed to replicate, and hopefully replace, a college literature class. Subsequently, students should be prepared for a significant amount of reading and homework. This year, AP Literature and Composition will embark on a journey learning how to appreciate, study, and communicate the necessary contributions of great literature: classic fiction, poetry, and theater. The ultimate goal of this course is to pass the AP Test, presented by the College Board, of which a passing grade grants you the ability to transfer this course into college. Analysis, synthesis, interpretation, evaluation, and appreciation are all skills we will work on and hone over the next two semesters. May this class create and leave pleasant memories of your final high school year.

AP Language & Composition

An Advanced Placement (AP) course in rhetorical analysis in which students will learn to read nonfiction texts critically and create their own rhetorical pieces (written and oral). The course will focus on four key areas of study: rhetorical situation, claims and evidence, reasoning and organization, and style. This is a College Board course offered by Chicago Hope Academy and is a standardized substitute for English 101 (or 101 equivalent) at the college level. This means that credits for this course can be transferred to fulfill an English 101 (or equivalent) requirement in college, assuming students receive and adequate score on the AP exam.

Creative Writing

Creative Writing is a year-long elective course intended to help students improve at crafting and structuring their own original written work. Students will read and engage with literature spanning a variety of genres and formats, write daily, and offer constructive feedback on each other’s work. There will be a particular focus on fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry, in addition to a student’s selected long project. These practices will equip students with the analytical and creative skills needed to excel in a post-secondary educational setting, or any context that requires thoughtful writing, editing, or textual engagement. Perhaps most importantly, through the new perspectives granted in this course, it is hoped students will learn to view creation and their Creator with eyes that seek beauty and redemption.

Pre-Algebra

Pre-Algebra emphasizes the fundamentals of Algebra – introducing students to variables, algebraic expressions, equations, inequalities, and functions, in addition to broader mathematical concepts such as similarity, area and volume. Through learning to write, solve, and graph using these concepts, students will develop the skills and cultivate the mindset they need to thrive in future mathematics and science courses as well as daily life.

Algebra I

Algebra I introduces students to the fundamental concepts of algebra, laying the groundwork for future mathematics studies. The curriculum covers topics such as solving linear equations and inequalities, graphing linear functions, working with polynomials, and factoring. Students learn to manipulate algebraic expressions and apply these skills to solve real-world problems, enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The course emphasizes understanding the underlying principles of algebra, enabling students to develop a solid mathematical foundation and prepare them for other courses in STEM and beyond.

Geometry

Geometry is a year-long course that covers a range of geometric concepts, including points, lines, planes, angles, triangles, polygons, circles, and more. It also involves the development of logical reasoning and spatial visualization skills, and may include applications from algebra. Students may be asked to “think visually” and apply their knowledge to real-world problems.

Algebra II

This course is a highly integrated study of the symbolism of algebra, solving equations, simplifying expressions, and functions. Students will develop skills in manipulating linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric expressions and equations.

Pre-Calculus

Pre-Calculus is a year-long course that builds on foundational concepts learned in Algebra, guiding students towards an understanding of functions and how to represent them graphically and numerically. This course aims to prepare students for the study of Calculus and any future mathematical studies they may desire to pursue.

On Level/Honors Biology

The goal of this course is designed to teach students how to use the scientific method and reasoning skills to explore the world God created. It will serve as an introduction to science and laboratory work. As all things are designed and created by God, we glorify him in our study of his creatures and environment. In this course, it is essential that you achieve understanding of material, actively engage with it, and investigate with curiosity when given the opportunity.

Chemistry Concepts

Chemistry Concepts is an introductory, year-long course focused on basic understanding and application of chemistry. The course is designed for students who need the main concepts of chemistry at a pace that determines successful acquisition. Chemistry Concepts teaches students about the structure, composition, and changes of matter while focusing on the topics of atomic structure, chemical reactions, solutions, gases, and lab techniques.

On Level/Honors Chemistry

This chemistry course is designed to provide students opportunities to develop and use important chemistry concepts and skills in order to understand the chemistry behind some issues and problems in the community.  Each unit in this course introduces a chemistry-related concern in the community.  Students will complete exercises and perform appropriate laboratory investigations or internet researches.  These activities encourage them to apply their chemistry knowledge and skills to a particular issue or problem.  Topics include water, its properties, contaminants and purification, the periodic table, properties and uses of elements, mole concept, chemical equations, stoichiometry, petroleum and its builder molecules, gas laws, acids & bases, atomic models and nuclear interactions.

On Level/Honors Environmental Science

This course aims to furnish students with fundamental knowledge in environmental science, encompassing a comprehensive understanding of environmental processes, concepts, prevalent issues, and prospective solutions. Equipped with this knowledge, students will acquire the capability to apply these principles to real-world scenarios. In addition to traditional classroom instruction, students will actively engage in practical experiments. Moreover, students will be tasked with augmenting their learning through the exploration of relevant literature, including one designated novel per semester, and active participation in class discussions. By laying this groundwork, students will cultivate a profound comprehension of Earth’s processes, challenges, and potential remedies, thereby fostering a heightened sense of responsibility as stewards of the environment.

Anatomy and Physiology

This course provides students with a foundational understanding of human anatomy and physiology, exploring the complex interactions of body systems and their roles in maintaining health and homeostasis. Through a blend of theoretical instruction and hands-on laboratory work, students will gain insights into the structure and function of the human body, addressing key systems such as the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems, among others. By integrating classroom knowledge with real-world applications and active participation, this course aims to deepen students’ comprehension of the human body, its systems, and its functions. This foundational knowledge will prepare students for advanced studies in health sciences, medicine, and related fields, while fostering a greater appreciation of the intricacies of human biology.

On Level/Honors Physics

This course aims to furnish students with fundamental insights into physics, encompassing mechanics, properties of matter, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism. Through captivating narrative visuals, presentations, and an extensive array of concept-development questions and exercises, students will have the opportunity to deepen their comprehension of these subjects. Subsequently, by means of hands-on laboratory experimentation, critical analysis, and problem-solving, students can understand and apply these pivotal concepts. The overarching objective of this course is to instill enthusiasm by elucidating physics through pertinent examples and activities that resonate with real-world contexts.

World History

World History is a year-long course that seeks to outline and study the history of the world from prehistoric eras through modern day. Students are taught to research, study, analyze, and interpret primary and secondary historical texts that provide a general overview of the history of mankind across the globe, including all continental cultural, social, political, and economic developments.

World Geography

Geography teaches the fundamentals of physical geography along with researching and identifying the major issues facing the world today. The course will focus on making connections between American politics and world affairs, mapping, media, current events, geography, the environment, culture, language & conflict. In this class, you will learn to see God’s creation with new eyes. You will get a bird’s eye view of the world around you along with gaining valuable information on the current state of world affairs. This class will better prepare you to understand global issues and solve the world’s toughest problems.

Honors/AP World History

Honors/AP World History is a more advanced, accelerated course that studies in great breadth and depth the history of mankind from 1200 AD to the present day. Students will engage in research and analysis of primary and secondary sources as they delve deep into the history of the world. This course will prepare all students to take the AP World History examination. Students electing not to take the Advanced Placement exam are granted Honors credit.

On Level/Honors U.S. History

The History of the United States is a series of true stories as experienced by real people. It includes stories of courage and freedom alongside stories of malice and destruction. Students will learn to navigate these complex stories and use primary and secondary sources to tell the story of the United States. This course is designed to facilitate an awareness of U.S. history and to develop key historical thinking skills. The overarching theme of the course is “The Meaning of Freedom.” We will be constantly asking the question: “What is the meaning of freedom in the United States?” through examining the political and social conditions that make freedom possible. We will also dive deeply into discussions about the boundaries of freedom, and ways in which it has been expanded or limited in our 244+ history.

Honors students will complete independent projects throughout the length of the course to earn Honors credit.

AP U.S. History

The History of the United States is a series of true stories as experienced by real people. It includes stories of courage and freedom alongside stories of malice and destruction. Students will learn to navigate these complex stories and use primary and secondary sources to tell the story of the United States. This course is designed to facilitate an awareness of U.S. history in accordance with the guidelines of the College Board, developing key historical thinking skills as we go. This course will focus on using evidence-based reasoning to construct arguments in response to key historical questions. At the end of the year, all students will sit for the AP US History Exam, which may count towards college credit.

Civics

Civics is a one-semester course that teaches the history and concepts of citizenship and government, with focuses on civic life, politics, and the development of the United States. This course provides information on the connections between American politics and world affairs, law and power, the American constitution and the rights of its citizens, and the American political system and other political systems throughout the world.

AP U.S. Government:

AP U.S. Government and Politics provides a college-level, nonpartisan introduction to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students will study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behaviors. They will also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments. In addition, they will complete a political science research or applied civics project.

Spanish I

Students begin their introduction to Spanish by focusing on the four key areas of foreign language study: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course represents an ideal blend of language learning pedagogy and online learning. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, and interactive activities and practices which reinforce vocabulary and grammar. There is a strong emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts presented in each unit. Students should expect to be actively engaged in their own language learning, become familiar with common vocabulary terms and phrases, comprehend a wide range of grammar patterns, participate in simple conversations and respond appropriately to basic conversational prompts, analyze and compare cultural practices, products, and perspectives of various Spanish- speaking countries, and take frequent assessments where their language progression can be monitored. The course has been carefully aligned to national standards as set forth by ACTFL (the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages).

Spanish II

Students continue their study of Spanish by further expanding their knowledge of key vocabulary topics and grammar concepts. Students not only begin to comprehend listening and reading passages more fully, but they also start to express themselves more meaningfully in both speaking and writing. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, and interactive activities and practices which reinforce vocabulary and grammar. There is a strong emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts presented in each unit. Students should expect to be actively engaged in their own language learning, understand common vocabulary terms and phrases, use a wide range of grammar patterns in their speaking and writing, participate in conversations and respond appropriately to conversational prompts, analyze and compare cultural practices, products, and perspectives of various Spanish-speaking countries, and take frequent assessments where their language progression can be monitored. By semester 2, the course is conducted almost entirely in Spanish. The course has been carefully aligned to national standards as set forth by ACTFL (the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages).

Greek I

Greek II

In this course we study Koine Greek in order to become proficient in the reading of ancient Greek literature. This literature includes scriptures, such as the Greek Old Testament (Septuagint) and New Testament; mythology, such as Argonautica by Apollonius of Rhodes; philosophy, such as Meditations by Marcus Aurelius; and patristics, such as Dialogue with Trypho by Justin Martyr. The primary text for our learning of grammar and translation will be The Gospel According to Mark.

French I

French I is a year-long course designed to teach the beginnings of French language acquisition emphasizing the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing at an introductory level. Although the main focus of the class is French language communication, there is also an exploration of Francophone cultures for historical and social relevance. The course reinforces the continual practice of the correct usage of basic vocabulary and French language structures while instilling an appreciation for the rich history and diversity of the language.