High School Curriculum
Our Academic Approach
Phoenix Christian’s high school program maximizes academic opportunities while helping students explore their God given gifts. Our rigorous college preparatory curriculum challenges students intellectually while grounding them in a biblical worldview. With multiple pathways-AP courses, dual enrollment, and academic concentrations-every student can pursue excellence in their areas of passion and calling.
High School Curriculum Info
Freshman year establishes the foundation for high school success. Students adapt to increased academic expectations, develop strong study habits, and begin exploring potential areas of interest. The curriculum provides both structure and opportunity as students transition from middle school.
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Bible – Old Testament Survey
A comprehensive survey of the 39 books of the Old Testament including authorship, dates, themes, purposes, and their importance to present-day Christians. First semester covers the Pentateuch and the covenants with Adam, Abraham, and Moses. Second semester examines the United & Divided Kingdoms, Wisdom Literature, and the Prophets.
English
English 9: Targets growth in grammar, reading, writing, listening, and speaking through fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Focus on narrative, informative/explanatory, and argumentative writing.
Pre-AP English 9: Provides an overview of the Christian worldview, positioning students to compare and contrast worldviews in literature. Develops reading comprehension, interpretive skills, and essay writing. (Requires A/B average in 8th grade)
Mathematics
Algebra 1: Covers tools of algebra, solving equations, graphs and functions, linear equations, systems of equations, exponents, polynomials and factoring, quadratic equations, radical expressions, and data analysis.
Geometry / Honors Geometry: For students who completed Algebra 1 in 8th grade. Covers geometric concepts, applications, beginning trigonometry, and geometric proofs. (Honors requires B or higher in Algebra 1, 61%+ MAPS, teacher approval)
Science
Integrated Science: An experiential approach combining math, chemistry, biology, physics, and earth science. Balances scientific concepts with hands-on labs and case studies.
Biology: College preparatory introduction to life science from a biblical worldview. Covers microscopy, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, and dissection. (Requires 80% or higher in 8th grade Science)
World Languages (Begin 2-year requirement)
Spanish 1: Introduces spoken and written Spanish. Daily oral drills using common verbs, grammatical rules, conversations, and readings at beginning level.
Sign Language 1: Basic vocabulary and grammar of American Sign Language. Students learn to exchange basic information while exploring deaf culture and community.
Electives (2 slots)
Students select from Fine Arts and General Electives. See the elective sections below or the Course Description Book for complete offerings.
Sophomore year builds on the freshman foundation with increasing academic rigor. Students begin exploring potential college and career paths while deepening their knowledge in core subjects. World History provides global perspective, while Chemistry introduces more advanced scientific concepts.
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Bible
New Testament Survey: A comprehensive survey of the 27 books of the New Testament including authorship, dates, themes, and purposes. Provides an overview of the Inter-Testamental Period and detailed attention to the Gospel of Luke, Paul’s letter to the Romans, and the letter to the Hebrews.
English
English 10: Reinforces and develops skills from first-year English at a higher level. Study of literary terminology, vocabulary building, and grammar through fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, and novels.
Pre-AP English 10: Continues exploring the Christian worldview through literature, building on reading comprehension and interpretive skills. Deeper instruction in transforming discussions into written conclusions. (Requires A/B average in English 9 or Pre-AP English 9)
Mathematics
Geometry / Honors Geometry: Concepts and applications of geometry, beginning trigonometry, and geometric proofs. Honors track provides accelerated, rigorous study.
Algebra 2 / Honors Algebra 2: For students who completed Geometry. College-preparatory course reinforcing and expanding Algebra 1 concepts. The Honors version is fast-paced preparation for AP-level mathematics.
Science
Chemistry: College preparatory course covering measurements and units, energy, heat and temperature, atoms, molecules, chemical reactions, and stoichiometry from a biblical worldview. (Requires Biology and Algebra 1 with 80% or higher)
Social Studies
World History and Geography: Explores peoples, events, and movements in world history from a Christian perspective. Focus on belief systems, trade systems, political and ideological revolutions, imperialism, and World Wars.
AP World History: Survey of world history from 1200 AD to present. Aligned with College Board standards. Dual enrollment eligible.
World Languages (Complete 2-year requirement)
Spanish 2 / Sign Language 2: Continuation of first-year study. Spanish 2 covers past, imperfect, future, and imperative tenses. (Requires 73% or higher in Level 1)
Electives (1 slot)
Students select from Fine Arts and General Electives. See the elective sections below or the Course Description Book for complete offerings.
Junior year is academically intensive and pivotal for college preparation. Students take on leadership roles, pursue AP courses and dual enrollment opportunities, and begin the college planning process in earnest. U.S. History and American Literature connect students to their national heritage.
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Bible
Introduction to Systematic Theology: A specialized study of major biblical themes, including the essence of Scripture, the nature of humanity, sin and the fall, angels and demons, and the work of the church. Addresses the nature of the triune God. Students craft a personalized statement of faith.
English**
American Literature: Study of nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and drama from the colonial period to present. Designed to expand capabilities and prepare students for college.
British Literature: British and European literature from its beginnings to present, plus world literature selections. Research project and SAT-based vocabulary study required.
AP Language & Composition / AP Literature: Advanced tracks available. Rhetorical review, critical thinking, and analytical writing. Dual enrollment eligible.
Mathematics
Students continue their math sequence based on previous coursework:
Standard Track: Algebra 2 or Honors Algebra 2
Advanced Track: Honors PreCalculus* or AP Calculus AB/BC*
* Dual enrollment eligible
Science
Students complete their third science credit and may take additional science electives:
Physics: “Concepts before calculations” approach covering classical mechanics to modern physics.
Honors Anatomy & Physiology: College preparatory study of human body systems from a biblical worldview. Dual enrollment eligible.
Forensic Science: Application of chemistry, physics, and biology through criminal investigation. (Juniors and Seniors only)
Social Studies**
United States History / AP U.S. History: Themes, events, and figures from precolonial period (1492) through present day. AP version aligned with College Board standards. Dual enrollment eligible.
Government & Economics / AP U.S. Government: Themes, theories, and governmental systems within U.S. government with current events focus. AP version aligned with College Board standards. Dual enrollment eligible.
World Languages (Optional continuation)
Spanish 3 Honors / Sign Language 3: Comprehensive understanding of language elements and culture. (Requires 73% or higher in Level 2)
Electives (2 slots)
Students select from Fine Arts and General Electives. See the elective sections below or the Course Description Book for complete offerings
**Junior/Senior Course Rotation: English and Social Studies courses operate on a two-year rotation. All juniors and seniors take the same course each year, alternating annually between the courses listed. Please contact the guidance office for the current year’s schedule.
Senior year brings the high school journey to a meaningful conclusion. Students complete capstone courses, finalize college applications, and prepare for life beyond graduation. Practical Christian Living equips students to integrate faith with real-world challenges, while British Literature and Government complete the core sequence.
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Bible
Practical Christian Living: Interacts with tangible issues Christians face in the world. Fall semester focuses on biblical interpretation and the gospel’s transformation of individuals, families, churches, and communities. Spring semester analyzes biblical responses to contemporary moral issues.
English**
American Literature: Study of nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and drama from the colonial period to present. Designed to expand capabilities and prepare students for college.
British Literature: British and European literature from its beginnings to present, plus world literature selections. Research project and SAT-based vocabulary study required.
AP Language & Composition / AP Literature: Advanced tracks available. Rhetorical review, critical thinking, and analytical writing. Dual enrollment eligible.
Mathematics
Students complete their fourth math credit based on previous coursework:
Standard Track: College Algebra* or Financial Math
Advanced Track: AP Calculus AB/BC* or AP Statistics*
* Dual enrollment eligible
Science (if needed)
Students who have completed their 3-credit requirement may take additional science electives: Physics, Honors Anatomy & Physiology*, or Forensic Science.
Social Studies**
United States History / AP U.S. History: Themes, events, and figures from precolonial period (1492) through present day. AP version aligned with College Board standards. Dual enrollment eligible.
Government & Economics / AP U.S. Government: Themes, theories, and governmental systems within U.S. government with current events focus. AP version aligned with College Board standards. Dual enrollment eligible.
World Languages (Optional)
AP Spanish: Equivalent to intermediate college Spanish. Interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication in real-life situations.
Electives (3 slots)
Students select from Fine Arts and General Electives. See the elective sections below or the Course Description Book for complete offerings.
**Junior/Senior Course Rotation: English and Social Studies courses operate on a two-year rotation. All juniors and seniors take the same course each year, alternating annually between the courses listed. Please contact the guidance office for the current year’s schedule.
AP & Honors Program
Advanced courses weighted on 5.0 GPA scale. Requirements: 80%+ in prerequisite course, 61st percentile+ on MAPS, and teacher approval. Students must maintain B- or better to remain enrolled.
Dual Enrollment
Partnership with Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) and Colorado Christian University (CCU) allows students to earn college credit. Eligible courses: AP Calculus, AP Statistics, AP Pre-Calculus, College Algebra, Honors Anatomy, AP U.S. History, AP World History, AP Government, AP Literature, AP Language & Composition, Psychology, Public Speaking, Debate.
Academic Concentrations
Students may earn a Concentration designation by completing 5 of 6 elective credits in one area:
- Humanities: History, English, Languages, Psychology
- STEM: Advanced Math, Science, Engineering
- Spiritual & Leadership Formation: Chapel Team, Student Government, Ministry
- Fine Arts: Visual Arts, Music, Theatre
Graduating with Honors
Requirements: Cumulative GPA of 3.25+, completion of 2 AP or Honors courses, and completion of Senior Capstone Project.
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Course |
Description |
|---|---|
| Ceramics 1 | Explore hand building techniques including slab, coil, and pinch methods. Create functional and decorative sculptural objects with bisque firing, painting, and glazing. |
| Ceramics 2 | Build upon Ceramics 1 skills with continued hand building and introduction to wheel throwing. Explore advanced glazing techniques. |
| Concert Choir | Improve musical skills, sight-reading, vocal technique, and stage presentation through various genres of choral music. |
| Creative Art | Foundational drawing, painting, and mixed-media techniques. Develop craftsmanship and personal style through creative projects. |
| Draw 1 & 2 | Foundation in drawing fundamentals. Realistic and abstract expression in pencil, charcoal, pastel, and ink. |
| Intro to Art | Multimedia introduction to elements and principles of design. Prerequisite for advanced art courses. |
| Intro to Guitar | All skill levels welcome. Posture, note reading, chord study, finger-picking, improvisation, and performance. |
| Introduction to Strings | Experience string instruments as a reflection of God’s creativity. Develop technique, character, and teamwork through sacred and secular pieces. |
| Mixed Media Photography & Printmaking | Combine photography with printmaking and mixed-media techniques including photo weaving and hand-altered images. |
| Paint 1 & 2 | Painting techniques in still-life, portrait, landscape, and abstract using acrylics, watercolors, and oils. |
| Photography | Fundamentals of digital photography: camera operation, composition, lighting, and photo editing. |
| Piano Studio | Meets students at their skill level. Fundamentals, technique, and repertoire culminating in semester recitals. |
| Symphonic Band | Performance-based group performing at football games, festivals, and concerts. Challenging repertoire. |
| Theatre Production | Comprehensive theatre arts: history, producing, performing, technique, directing. Supports Fall play and Spring musical. |
| Yearbook | Develop and create the school yearbook. Skills in photography, layout, writing, and deadline management. |
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Course |
Description |
|---|---|
| Algebra 1 Lab | Targeted reteaching, remediation, and individualized support for students in Algebra 1. Does not count toward math credit requirement. |
| Chapel Team | Discipleship opportunity exploring spiritual intimacy and interpersonal influence through ministerial service. |
| Child Development | In-depth study of child development from prenatal through age 5 with biblical perspective. Juniors/Seniors. |
| Creative Writing | Explore imagination through short stories, poetry, and personal narratives. Emphasis on creativity and storytelling techniques. |
| Culinary Arts I & II | Hands-on food preparation, kitchen safety, and cooking techniques. Learn knife skills, measurement, and meal planning. |
| Debate* | Principles of argumentation, persuasion, logic, and debate in individual, partnered, and group contexts. |
| Engineering Essentials | Project Lead The Way curriculum exploring engineering careers through real-world problems. Includes VEX Robotics and competition participation. |
| Film Studies | Study narrative communication across multiple mediums. Explore classical story principles and cinematic communication. Create original stories. |
| Geometry Lab | Targeted reteaching, remediation, and individualized support for students in Geometry. Does not count toward math credit requirement. |
| PE & Health | Various sports units with health education focus on healthy lifestyle integration. |
| Psychology* | Overview of psychological principles, methods, and theories from a Christian worldview. Juniors/Seniors. |
| Public Speaking* | Techniques of formal public speaking including listening skills, speech preparation, research, and delivery. |
| Student Government | Servant leadership in building godly community. Spiritual and practical leadership development. Must be elected. |
| Study Hall | Structured time for coursework and academic organization. No tutoring available. No credit awarded. |
| Teacher Assistant | Assist teachers with classroom tasks and materials. Emphasizes professionalism and responsibility. No credit awarded. |
| Weight Training | Strength development with proper technique. Workout plans aligned with individual and sport-specific goals. |
| Worship Team | Lead worship music for chapel services. Must have heart for pursuing the Lord and independently learn music. Audition required. |
* Dual Enrollment Eligible
27 Credits
- Bible (4 credits)
- English (4 credits)
- Mathematics (4 credits)
- Science (3 credits)
- Social Studies (3 credits)
- World Languages (2 credits)
- Fine Arts (1 credit)
- Electives (6 credits)
For complete course descriptions, prerequisites, and requirements, please refer to the Course Description Book available on the Parent Resource Page.