BIBLE

New Testament Survey
Students will gain a broad understanding of the New Testament, touching on each of its 27 books.  Students will explore the specific themes of each book. This will include the Gospels that present the life and works of Jesus Christ, the book of Acts that tells the story of the early church and proclaims the saving work of Christ, the Epistles that explain the importance of Christ’s work and how to live it out, and the book of Revelation that foretells the future work of Christ into eternity and heaven. Students will be encouraged to study God’s Word in order to connect with God through Jesus Christ and find eternal life.

Let God Be God
This course is a study of the nature and characteristics of God. It is designed on the premise that the more we know and understand God through a careful study of His Word, the greater will be our personal challenge to maintain a right relationship with Him. Let God Be God allows students to wrestle with questions they frequently ask in a framework that draws the answers from Scripture.

Old Testament Survey
In this course students will gain a broad understanding of the Old Testament spending time in each of the 39 books of the Old Testament.  Students will learn of God’s overarching gracious plan of redemption that unfolds through the Old Testament leading up to Christ in the New Testament. The ups and downs of Israel’s history will be traced as they repeatedly turn away from God, fall into sin and experience the painful consequences. Israel also finds God continually forgiving, gracious, and patient as his plan of redemption continues despite Israel’s unfaithfulness.

Living Missionally (Missio Dei)
The term “Missio Dei” means literally “the mission of God.” This course provides opportunities for students to explore and engage in God’s mission as the foundation for the story of the Bible, as the lens through which we all relate to others cross-culturally, as the centerpiece of history, and as the driving force for living “missionally” in whatever context we find ourselves. The course invites students to enter into a deeper understanding of God through joining Him on the adventure of a lifetime.

Apologetics – Timeless Truths
What is truth? Where can truth be found? Is the Bible reliable and relevant for today? This course answers these important questions by directing students in a thoughtful presentation of the authenticity, reliability, and authority of the Bible. Acts 17:11 reports that the Bereans “received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Students can apply this same principle when they encounter claims made in the secular environment today.

Called to Believe
Firmly rooted in Scripture, this book directs the reader back to the Bible. It emphasizes the interrelatedness of all Christian teachings, with its central teaching being the doctrine of justification by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It also includes the text of the three ecumenical creeds accompanied by a brief introduction to their historical background.  It offers an overview of the major doctrines of Christianity. This book is ideal as an introductory text for students who seek to expand their knowledge of God’s revelation and its application in human lives

Understanding the Times
Understanding the Times, explores the impact of worldview on our lives and culture. A Worldview is the set of assumptions about life, God, and humanity that affects every part of how a person thinks and lives, though often unrecognized. Students will explore what it means to have a Biblical Worldview and how it explains the world in a very consistent and logical way. The course will compare and contrast 5 other major worldviews with a Biblical Worldview including Islam, Secular Humanism, New Age, Marxism and the prevalent worldview in our culture today, Postmodernism. Students will learn to examine, critique and communicate about these various worldviews.

MATH

Pre-Algebra
Pre-Algebra eases the transition from arithmetic to algebra. Algebraic expressions and linear equations are applied throughout a thorough review of operations on integers, fractions, decimals, percents, and radicals. Students explore relations and functions using equations, tables, and graphs. Chapters on statistics and geometry extend foundational concepts in preparation for high school courses.  Students taking this course will not receive credit towards their high school diploma, but will be prepared to enter high school level math.

Algebra I
Algebra I develops an understanding of algebra by justifying methods and by explaining how to solve problems. Concepts discussed include graphing, solving systems of equations, operations with polynomials and radicals, factoring polynomials, solving rational equations, and graphing quadratic functions.

Geometry
Geometry helps develop thinking processes that are essential for future math courses and for everyday life. The geometry program by BJU Press is traditional in nature, requiring students to prove theorems and calculate with formulas. Each lesson reinforces geometry concepts and helps develop critical thinking skills.

Algebra II
Algebra 2 focuses on developing reasoning skills through the discussions of advanced algebra concepts such as quadratic equations, polynomials, complex numbers, logarithms and trigonometry. Students will learn to solve algebraic functions and graph them.

Pre-Calculus (College Algebra/Trigonometry)  
Recognizing that Pre-Calculus could be a capstone course for many students, this course also include quantitative literacy topics such as probability, statistics, and the mathematics of finance. The goal is to provide students with the good critical-thinking skills needed to succeed in any endeavor.  For those students continuing on in a Calculus course, this Pre-Calculus textbook concludes with a chapter that prepares students for the two central themes of Calculus: instantaneous rate of change and continuous accumulation.

Calculus
Calculus is an introductory course to college level Calculus.  Students will develop an understanding of limits, derivatives and integrals.

ENGLISH

Themes in Literature/Composition
This course develops the compositional skills of developing ideas, structure for papers, and addressing various audiences.  Composition will focus on developing the students’ ability to apply knowledge of grammar to their own writing, learning to evaluate and edit their writing so that they can communicate clearly and concisely. Students will examine famous works of literature to develop analytical and evaluative skills, including the examination of Biblical themes and ideas in the texts.

World Literature/Composition
This course focuses on various perspectives of human ideas and themes ranging from love, deceit, compassion and individualism versus community, and contrasts them with events and ideas presented in the Bible.  Students will practice a range of compositions (narrative, descriptive, comparative, and persuasive essays) to prepare for the college level of writing, including a research paper. We will analyze critical perspectives associated with life after high school and attempt to answer questions regarding aforementioned themes and ideas.

American Literature/Composition
This course will focus on human action and reaction to different problems and situations that are presented in one’s life.  We will analyze many types of characters through literature to understand more clearly the human function and response to the sin nature of man and the redemption that can follow with grace and humility.  Various types of writing techniques will be practiced by students to express rationalization for human action and reaction (narrative, descriptive, comparative, and persuasive essays).

British Literature
This course surveys British literature and follows the development of philosophies and ideas that have shaped culture and society.  Students will learn to evaluate the works from a Christian perspective through analysis and comparison to biblical principles.

SCIENCE
All science classes taught at Firm Foundation Christian School from grades 9-12 regularly use the science lab, partake in a curriculum that stresses problem solving, higher level thinking skills, individual and group work.  Information is presented from a Christian perspective and strives to explore God’s logical and organized design plan.

Physical Science
Using the Bob Jones text, students study the science of the physical creation.  This includes meteorology, oceanography, plus introductions to chemistry, geology, and physics.  Held in the Firm Foundation science laboratory, students employ the scientific method to carry out experiments that make the text alive.  Engaging investigations apply the text in a hands-on format to reach many learning styles.  Science in ninth grade strives to reach young people for the Lord and support the students as they learn and train in the Christian way of life.

Biology
Biology is a rigorous, fast, paced course that teaches in-depth botany, human anatomy, genetics, cellular structure, fungus, ecology, zoology, plus etymology.  This class uses Bob Jones’ Biology text that presents biology from a Christian perspective.  It includes multiple dissections, projects, labs and research projects.  Biology class is held in the science laboratory.

Chemistry
The chemistry text from Bob Jones is written from a Christian perspective.  This course seeks to not only give students a solid foundation in chemical principles, but also seeks to help students understand the practical application of these principles.  The students will learn properties of matter, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, chemical bonding, and gain an understanding of all the elements on the periodic chart.  The students will enjoy a hands-on lab performing experiments that will help further their knowledge in chemistry.

An Introduction to Physics
Physics is a challenging and exciting course of study taught from a Christian perspective.  Physics stretches the students’ understanding of matter and energy.  Employing extensive hands-on laboratory experiences, the students will investigate the areas of mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, optics, acoustics, and modern physics.

HEALTH
Students will learn how to be better stewards of the life and body God blessed them with.  God’s Word says that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.  This course will explore the many dimensions of health:  physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, relational, etc.  Students will learn about the benefits of physical activity and good nutrition, and the detriments of substance abuse and unhealthy, ungodly relationships.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Washington State History/American Government
Washington State History:  Students will chart an in-depth survey of the state.  Topics include the history, geography, Christian missions, economics, constitution, and government of Washington State.  Emphasis will be on contemporary issues and problems that face citizens of Washington.
American Government:  The course looks at the blessings we enjoy and the symbols we hold dear as American citizens. Topics include the study of the Constitution, the government it established, and the rights and privileges it guarantees the American people.

World History/World Geography
In this course, students will explore God’s story of humanity from the dawn of creation up to the present.  Students will examine the consequences of our ideas and beliefs, exploring different worldviews.  This course explores the rise of civilizations in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, with emphasis on the rise of Western Civilization.  Students will also acquire an understanding of the relationship between physical geography, natural resources, and the political, cultural, religious, and historic aspects of human activity.

United States History
Students will survey US History from early exploration and colonization, through the Revolution and Civil War, up to the present.  Students will make an honest inquiry into America’s roots, exploring the rich heritage of liberty and Christian influence, to the dark veins of slavery and exploitation.  Students will hopefully complete the course with a deep gratitude and a humble honesty towards America’s past, present, and future. 

Contemporary World Issues
Students will take an in-depth survey of 20^th century world history, focusing specifically on key issues currently facing humanity.  This course intends to give students a solid historical, geographical, and ideological background for understanding these current events in light of biblical Truth.

WORLD LANGUAGE

Spanish I
Students will be able to communicate their basic feelings, needs, and desires in most every day contexts. Students will learn through listening, conversation, Bible verse recitation, pronunciation, word formation, and grammar.

Spanish II
Students will review techniques learned in Spanish I, with emphasis placed on excellent pronunciation and reasonable grammatical accuracy. Students will reach the point where they can begin to freely converse in the language on their own. Spanish II provides additional time for application and enrichment activities. Students will apply what they’ve learned through Bible story translations, cultural readings, written reports, and communication skills. Students will participate in enrichment activities including Spanish songs and choruses, power point presentations, Spanish books and/or magazines, games, meals, and guest speakers.