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High School
High School Course List and Curriculum

Please click here for a PDF available for download of the 2012-2013 High School Course List.

High School Curriculum & Information

 

Welcome to NorthPointe Christian High School.  We are privileged to have your attendance at our school.  We do our best to offer as many spiritual and educational opportunities as possible.  It is up to you to take advantage of these opportunities and to make the time you spend at NorthPointe Christian High School a worthwhile and fulfilling experience.  Seek the Lord’s wisdom in setting your goals and His help in working to attain them.  The faculty and administration are dedicated to assisting you in this regard.

 

OUR GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

 

  1. To provide a Christ-centered education where the Word of God is an integral part of the entire curriculum.
  2. To instill a moral code of behavior in the life of each student, based on God’s Word, that will guide them throughout their lives.
  3. To excel in academic standards with an educational program that will prepare students to reach their fullest potential for the glory of God.
  4. To train the whole child:
    1. Spiritually: to know Christ personally and to yield to His will in every area of life. (Phil 3:10)
    2. Mentally: to relate all truth to His truth, to discover and develop individual aptitudes, and to cultivate the power of critical thinking. (Prov.4:7)
    3. Socially: to instill a loyalty to Christ in all areas; to develop an understanding and active interest within the family unit.  To prepare children to live in the world and yet not be of the world.  To teach loyalty to God, home, and country. (Matt 7:12)
    4. Emotionally: to build a Christ-controlled personality, enabling the student to adjust to life’s situations in a God-honoring way.  To develop self-discipline. (II Tim. 1:7)
    5. Physically: to develop a respect for the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit, to teach intelligent care of the body, and encourage the yielding of the body as an instrument for God’s use. (I Cor. 6:19-20)

The courses briefly outlined in this booklet all see to develop the student in accordance with the above listed objectives.  We desire all areas of curriculum to be taught consistent with these objectives and the inerrant Word of God.  Each course taught at NorthPointe Christian High School has extensive, detailed objectives.  These are not listed in this booklet, but are available upon request. 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS


Graduation Requirements & Scheduling Information

Bible Department

Business and Computer Education Department

English Department

Fine Arts Department

Art Department

Foreign Language Department

Mathematics Department

Physical Education Department

Science Department

Social Studies Department

Independent Study

Kent Career/Technical Center

 

 

SCHEDULING INFORMATION

 

This webpage contains course descriptions for each class offered at NorthPointe Christian High School for the indicated school year.  It should be understood that if a sufficient number of students do not pre-register for a specific course, the course will not be offered for that particular year.  Students and parents will find the information listed in this booklet beneficial in selecting a course of study.

Each student should be familiar with requirements for graduation, as well as the course content, prior to registering for classes.  A great deal of time and effort is spent scheduling students and arranging classes.  Consequently, schedule changes (dropping, rearranging and adding courses) will be minimal.  Students and parents should be familiar with the student handbook for additional scheduling information.

 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

 

Candidates for a NorthPointe Christian High School diploma must have earned 24 credits in grades 9-12.  (Note: Transfer students will not be required to make up Bible courses for the years they did not attend NorthPointe.) A credit is dual to one year’s work for a class meeting 5 hours per week.  One-half credit is equal to a semester’s work for a class meeting 5 hours per week.

 

General                                                                Michigan Merit Curriculum                                College Preparatory

Bible                                4                                    *Bible                                 4                                  Bible                            4 

English                            4                                    English                              4                                  English                         4

Social St.                         3                                    Social St.                          3                                  Social Studies              3

Science                           2                                    Science                            3                                  Science                        3

Math                                3                                    Math                                 4                                  Math (Alg. I, II, Geo)    3

Physical Ed./Health         1                                    Physical Ed./Health         1                                  Physical Education       1

Electives                          7                                    Foreign Language           2                                  Foreign Language        2

Total                                24                                   Fine Arts                         1                                  Electives                       4

                                                                               Online                              .5                                Total                             24

                                                                               Electives                        1.5

                                                                               Total                               24

                                                                               *NorthPointe Requirement

 


 

FAILING A CLASS

Students failing required course(s) at the end of a semester may make up the course(s) through methods described by the counseling office and with the approval of the principal.  A course may be repeated the following year or semester and the previous failing grade replaced with the new grade earned.  Credit will not be given twice for the same course. 

 

DROPPING AND ADDING A CLASS

 

Students may drop and/or add a course through the designated time posted.  After that point they may not add and/or drop a course without special permission from the instructor and administrator; otherwise, dropping a course will result in a grade of F for the semester.  Any student initiated schedule change must be approved by a parent and counselor.

 

SECOND SEMESTER ADVANCEMENT

Students must pass the first semester of the following courses to continue the second semester unless faculty approval is granted: Foreign Language, Algebra I, II, Geometry/Trig., Pre-Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, A.P. Calculus.

 

HOW GRADES ARE COMPUTED

The semester grade is what determines whether a student passes or fails a course, as well as what is used in determining cumulative GPA. The first semester grade is the combination of the first and second quarter grades plus the final semester examination.  The final exam is weighted 5-15% in determining the semester average.  Likewise, the second semester is the combined third and fourth quarter grades plus final examination.

 

DUAL ENROLLMENT

 

The dual enrollment program is intended to give high school seniors and juniors an opportunity to get a controlled exposure to college life during their junior or senior year.  It is not designed to serve as an alternative to the courses offered by NPC High School nor to be used to allow students an early graduation.

Guidelines: Juniors and Seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.  All seniors must maintain five classes per semester during their senior year. 

Course Limitations: The postsecondary course must be academic and may not be in the subject matter of hobby craft or physical education.  The course must be a course not offered by NPCS, or if offered, is not available to the pupil due to a scheduling conflict.  The student will receive college credit only.

A more complete description of this program is available up on request.

 

CORRESPONDENCE COURSES / ONLINE COURSES

 

Credit for courses taken through correspondence at home, through the internet, or at school may be given.  Each situation will be evaluated individually, taking into consideration circumstances, motivation and quality of program.

 

 WORK RELEASE

**Seniors only. Please see the counseling department.

 

 

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BIBLE DEPARTMENT

 

Philosophy

The NorthPointe Christian Schools Bible curriculum has been structured to reinforce and unify our Christian philosophy of education. This philosophy is one in which all truth is related to the relation of God in scripture.

Departmental Goals

  1. To lead the student into an understanding of the Bible and of Christian doctrine and that their faith in Jesus Christ and confidence in the authority of the Word of God might be strengthened.
  1. To equip the student with the skills needed for continuous study of the Word throughout their lifetime and for communication of the Word to others.
  1. To develop within the student a sense of responsibility in soul winning and evangelism.
  1. To cultivate a biblical system of values.
  1. To instill in students the importance of the local church and a desire to be involved and active in a local church.


BI 9 Bible Doctrine 1 year, 1 credit   In this course on Bible Doctrine, students will actively uncover the God-breathed teachings of the Bible. Beginning with Biblical Theology, the course will help students dig into both the Old and New Testament books looking for themes. As theological categories develop, we will segue into Systematic Theology, encompassing the whole Bible. Finally, students will examine other world religions and pseudo-Christian cults.


BI 10 Principles of Interpretation 1 year, 1 credit   Principles of biblical interpretation will be studied so that students will gain an understanding of how to properly handle and ultimately grasp God’s Word.  It is the goal of this course that the student will appreciate scripture’s unified message and be able to assess his/her own life in relation to God and His Word.


BI 11 The World of Jesus and The Early Church 1 year, 1 credit   This class will introduce the student to the culture, history, archeology and literature of the world of Jesus.  In addition, we will study the birth of Christianity, the world of Paul, and the New Testament.  Finally, we will journey through early church history as far as we are able, focusing on the key historical events and ideas that shaped the church in its various expressions.


BI 12 Worldview and Ethics; 1 year, 1 credit   “A Worldview is a way of viewing or interpreting all of reality.  It is an interpretive framework through which or by which one makes sense of the data of life and the world.” –Norman Geisler and William Watkins.  

In the first semester of Senior Bible, the students will gain an understanding of various worldviews and their implications for life.  Since our worldviews form the basis of our values which in turn direct our actions, in the second semester, the ethical options of a Biblical Christian worldview will be explored and then applied to various issues. The goal of this course is that the students will learn to biblically discern, make Godly decisions, and disciple others. 

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BUSINESS AND COMPUTER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

The business and computer education department provides the student with the opportunity to develop skills for personal and vocational use. In all of the courses, the interweaving of academic, spiritual, and social principles is seen as students seek direction toward life-career goals.

 

BU-Acc1 – Accounting 1 semester, ½ credit (elective) Covering all the basic concepts in QuickBooks Pro, this class offers a step-by-step, hands-on, skills-based approach that guides students in better understanding the basics of Bookkeeping.  Class lessons are based on:

  • Behind the scenes sections uniquely teaching basic accounting principles.  Students learn setting up accounts, customer transactions, dealing with vendors, banking, payroll, physical inventory, sales taxes, and reports and graphs.
  • Integrative small business case studies in each lesson teaches students how QuickBooks can be practically applied to small businesses.

With real-world case studies, the class demonstrates the relevance of subject matter in practical situations. Multiple exercise levels, including concepts review, skill builders, assessments critical thinking exercises, help reinforce the subject matter and ensure a better understanding of the material.

 

BU-Comp1 – Computer 1, 1 semester, ½ credit (elective/satisfies online requirement) This is an exciting hands-on computer class.  This fast-paced class is geared for the serious high school student who has basic or average computer skills.  All lessons in class are hands-on using real world business scenarios; this is not a theory class, and at times students may be expected to take extensive notes.  The student will be graded for performing weekly class work, successfully passing tests and creating several projects.  All work can be completed during class time.  Students will learn basic and intermediate levels of Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher). With Microsoft certified tops, skills sets taught in class are targeted for entering college or the workforce. 

 

BU-Comp2 – Computer 2, 1 semester, ½ credit (elective/satisfies online requirement) This is also a hands-on computer class, designed for the student who has successfully passed the Computer 1 class. All lessons in class are hands-on using real world business scenarios; this is not a theory class, and at times students may be expected to take extensive notes.  The student will be graded for performing weekly class work, successfully passing tests and creating several projects.  All work can be completed during class time.  Students will learn intermediate and more advanced levels of Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher). With Microsoft certified tops, skills sets taught in class are targeted for entering college or the workforce. 

 

BU-PFin – Personal Finance, 1 semester, ½ credit (elective) This is a one semester class.  Students will learn biblical principles of handling money.  They will learn the importance of saving money, creating a budget, negotiating and searching for bargains, and investing for college and retirement.  Students will be made aware of the perils of debt and consumer marketing tactics, study compound and simple interest, and learn about the various types of insurance coverage.  Students will research a career that complements their personality style and occupational passions, set goals, and write a personal mission statement. 

 

Sports Management, 1 semester, .5 credit (offered to 11th & 12th graders) -The course itself is a course that incorporates basic principles of leadership, with a focus on the arena of sports management in ministry. Students will be actively involved with the school store, event management, and have a direct relationship with the Athletic Department.

 

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ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

The curriculum of the English Department of NorthPointe Christian High School is designed to follow a scope and sequent of student-learner objectives from grades 9-12.  In each of the strands of the course-literature, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and speech-the student is encouraged to build not just his body of information, but his skills of analysis and synthesis.  This is done through the grid of the Bible as the student evaluates the philosophies of the literature he reads.  In writing, speech, and vocabulary, the student is reminded of the Christian’s responsibility to use words with care because of the importance that God has placed on “The Word” as His two special revelations to mankind of Himself-the Bible and His Son.

 

EN 9 English 9 1 year, 1 credit (9th Grade) Required English 9 is an introduction of world literature through genre organization including short stories, poetry, nonfiction, the novel, and the drama Romeo and Juliet.  A review of grammar will coincide with a research paper.  The students will present various forms of writing, such as book reports and essays.

 

EN 10 English 10 1 year, 1 credit (10th Grade) Required English 10 continues the student’s exposure to literature through thematic units incorporating poetry, short stories, drama, and novels. The course also includes the study and application of speech communication skills as well as researching for a formal research paper.

 

EN 11 English 11 1 year, 1 credit (11 Grade) Required English 11 curriculum is designed as a chronological overview of American Literature that requires the student to write a variety of in-depth compositions in the expository mode. Biblical truth will be used to evaluate the theories, ideas, and worldviews which have inspired American writers.  Within the sequence of literature emphases, this is the first of the definitively nationalistic course overviews.  American literature provides the student with an exposure to the rationale and ideas that make Americans distinctly who they are within the world community.

 

EN 12 English 12 1 year, 1 credit (12 Grade) Required English 12 is the capstone course of the language arts program.  It is the culmination of grammar, composition, and literature in his/her day school experience.  It is the refining year of the student’s writing skills and focuses on expository.

 

EN YRBK Yearbook 1 year, 1 credit (11th-12th) (elective/satisfies online requirement) Application, Instructor’s Approval Students combine their talents to create the Agape yearbook, one of the most important records of a year’s activities.  The yearbook staff works closely together to raise money, research and write copy, take pictures, type and layout pages.  There are many deadlines to meet, but hard working students with a creative vision function as a team to record the year’s most memorable events.

 

EN 11 Honors English 11 1 year, 1 honors credit (11th) Elective to replace English.  The Honors English program will follow the regular course description of each grade level with greater intensity as well as supplement it with additional reading and writing assignments.  The supplemental novels, dramas, essays, and poetry will be selected by the teacher.

 

EN AP English Literature and Composition 1 year, 1 credit  Advanced Placement English in Literature and Composition engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature drawn primarily from British and World masterpieces.  Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers.  As they read, students will consider a work’s structure, style, and themes as well as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone.  Students will write both-in class, timed essays and polished out-of-class papers.

 

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MUSIC DEPARTMENT

 

The Music Department courses are to help the student develop an appreciation and a measure of skill in the area of music.  The student will be given opportunities to discover interests, talents, and potentialities in music.  The Music Department courses are to enrich the student by developing skills and interests which can become life-long sources of personal enjoyment and ministry to others.

MU BA Senior High Band 1 year, 1 credit (9th-12th) (elective) The senior high band is a class in instrumental music with the purpose of training the musician in ensemble technique and development of personal musical skills.  The class will explore various styles and types of instrumental literature.  Daily activities will include classroom instruction in technical aspects, but primarily in developing a good ensemble sound.  Students should practice at home to be prepared for daily classroom instruction.  The Band will perform multiple times throughout the year at concerts, pep band performances, and community events.

MU CH Senior High Choir 1 year, 1 credit (9th-12th) (elective) The senior high choir will strive to develop maturing voices through exercises and many styles of music.  Students will receive opportunities of service and performance.  They will also receive instruction and teaching in the area of proper voice technique.  One of the primary goals of the choir is to encourage each student to develop and use his abilities and talents for the Lord in his local church and other service areas.

MU OR Orchestra 1 year, 1 credit (9th-12th) (elective) The senior high string orchestra is a class in instrumental instruction.  It is our aim to build on what the student has learned previously in junior high orchestra.  Each student will play as much music as he/she is able to absorb well.  Exercises and music shall be selected that will advance individual progress and give the student as many experiences in styles and types of orchestral music as possible.  The orchestra will perform several times throughout the year, as well as two main concerts a year.

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ART DEPARTMENT

 

FA A1 Intro to Art  Fall semester ½ credit (9th-12th) (elective) This is a prerequisite course for all studio art classes. 

This course will assist any student in developing their creative thinking skills and grow in their appreciation of God as the ultimate source of creative expression.  Students will gain an awareness of compositional methods, including the elements and principles of art, for the sake of creating, critiquing and enjoying the fine and applied arts.  Students will explore these issues through pencil drawing, charcoal, watercolor, mixed media, sculpture, perspective drawing and collage.  Students will critically review works of art through Art Criticism. 

FA DP Drawing/Painting  Spring semester ½ credit (10th-12th) (elective) Prerequisite: Intro to Art.

In this course students will be learning the basic techniques of drawing and painting including the study of compositional design principles.  Still life, figure drawing and perspective drawing will be emphasized.  Although accuracy and skill is preeminent in this course, there will be a healthy balance of both technical and abstract work completed.  Pencil, charcoal, oil pastel, conte-crayon watercolor, acrylic and mixed media will be used. 

FA PM Printmaking  Fall semester ½ credit (10th-12th) (elective) Prerequisite: Intro to Art.

Students will study 2-Dimensional Design issues through thoughtful and planned printmaking designs.  Traditional techniques will include: wood and linoleum block relief carving, monoprints, and etching.  Contemporary techniques will include: silk screen and collagraph.

FA SC Sculpture & Ceramics  Fall semester ½ credit (10th-12th) (elective) Prerequisite: Intro to Art.

Students will experience 3-dimensional design issues through classroom exercises, the studying of historic and contemporary sculpture and hands-on construction.  Plaster, clay, mixed media, performance art, kinetic art and installation art will be explored. 

FA DE Design I Fall semester ½ credit (11th-12th) (elective) Prerequisite: Intro to Art.

Design I focuses on bringing the real world into the classroom.  Students will explore the trendy design fields of graphic design, fashion design and industrial design. Each unit will have “real life” design projects critiqued by leading designers in Grand Rapids.

FA DE Design II Spring semester ½ credit (11th-12th) (elective) Prerequisite: Intro to Art.

Design II focuses on bringing the classroom into the real world.  Students will create two major projects in architectural design and interior design.  Both projects will use current architectural computer programs including SKETCH UP and their architectural models will be critiqued at an architectural firm in Grand Rapids.  Interior Design will create a design floor plan for an actual space downtown.

FA AA Advanced Art 1 year, 1 credit (11th-12th) (elective) Prerequisite: Intro to Art and Drawing/Painting 1

Students ought to take other studio classes before this class.  This is for those who show artistic promise and/or a high interest in art appreciation and art history.  Students will develop a personal voice in their art making through working on concentrations and exploring various medium.  Students will be assigned at home and in class projects.  Mandatory fictional and non-fictional literature will be required; including Francis Schaeffer’s Art and the Bible, preparing students spiritually for living and studying in the secular art world.  This class is for self-motivated, independent and mature art students who are seeking to produce portfolio quality work or who are considering the field of Art History.

Graphic Design I, II , 1 semester each,  ½ credit each (11th-12th) (elective/satisfies online requirement) Intro to Art is strongly encouraged before taking Graphic Design

Current design computer programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Google Sketch-Up are used to produce “real-world” projects while learning the essentials of good design. This class has a strong design slant, as the integration of creative, well-balanced design must be applied even within a technologically based society. Students will have guest designers and illustrators involved in final critiques and may have the opportunity to visit graphic design and advertising firms.

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FOREIGN LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT

 

Because God originated languages, He has control over man’s ability to speak and understand other languages.  One major reason for learning a modern language is that such knowledge can contribute to a Christian’s usefulness in God’s service, particularly in the field of missions.  Knowing another language can be of great benefit in many careers such as business, medicine, literature, industry, journalism and education.  A third reason to study a foreign language is the enrichment and better understanding of our own English language that such study provides.

 

FL SPI Spanish I  1 year, 1 credit (9th-12th) An introductory course in which, in addition to learning the Spanish language, students are made aware of Spanish speaking countries and various aspects of their culture.  Correct pronunciation is learned and the student is expected to be able to both speak and understand relatively simple expressions and sentences in Spanish.  Topics presented include the following: phrases used in greeting, telling time, days of the week, the numbers to 1,000, the seasons, and weather expressions.  Points of grammar include: word order, present tense verb endings, the figure tense, possessive adjectives, noun and adjective agreement, and some stem-changing verbs.

 

FL SPII Spanish II  1 year, 1 credit (9th-12th) Prerequisite: Spanish I This course contains a review of all first year Spanish and adds more vocabulary and points of grammar.  Each chapter centers on a theme such as the classroom, shopping, and the community.  Students will seek to master the present tense as well as learn to communicate in the past tense.  There is a strong emphasis on understanding the spoken language, understanding the written language and speaking. 

 

FL SPIII Spanish III  1 year, 1 credit (10th-12th) Prerequisite: Spanish II This course contains a review of materials from Spanish 1 and 2, and it provides a more in depth study of vocabulary, grammar, and composition.  There is a strong emphasis on comprehension and conversation in the “target” language.  Students will seek to master the past tense and be introduced to commands, subjunctive and perfect tenses.  Finally, students will continue to study Spanish culture as well as our role as Christians in studying a second language and culture.  This class is taught predominately in Spanish.

 

FL SPIV Spanish IV 1 year, 1 credit (11-12th) Prerequisite: Spanish III This course contains a review of materials from Spanish 1-3, and it provides continued study of vocabulary, advanced grammar and composition.  Students are required to read a variety of Spanish articles and works as well as complete written activities in Spanish.  There is a continued emphasis on comprehension and conversation in the “target” language as well as culture studies.  Students will continue to explore their roles as Christians in our globalizing world.  This class is predominantly taught in Spanish.

 

FL FRI French I  1 year, 1 credit (9th-12th) An introductory course in which, in addition to learning the French language, students are made aware of French speaking countries and various aspects of their culture.  Correct pronunciation is learned and the student is expected to be able to both speak and understand relatively simple expressions and sentences in French.  Topics presented include the following: phrases used in greeting, telling time, days of the week, the numbers to 100, the seasons, weather expressions, as well as basic everyday conversation words and phrases.  Points of grammar include: word order, present tense verb endings, the future tense, possessive adjectives, noun and adjective agreement, and subject pronouns.

 

FL FRII French II  1 year, 1 credit (10th -12th) Prerequisite: French I This course contains a review of all first year French and adds more vocabulary and points of grammar.  Vocabulary words are centered on one theme per chapter, such as the classroom, types of stores, parts of the body, etc. New points of grammar include the following: a more thorough study of the present tense, past tense, demonstrative and relative pronouns, and both direct and indirect pronouns.  The student is expected to be able to use the vocabulary and grammar in conversation.

 

FL FRIII French III  1 year, 1 credit (11th -12th) Prerequisite: French I & II The third year of French will provide a more in-depth study of vocabulary, idioms, grammar and composition, while also continuing to emphasize and comprehension and conversation in the “target” language.  Students will continue to study French culture and Scripture (reading, translation, and memorization).  Independent projects will be emphasized as students will be encouraged to creatively and realistically apply what they have learned.  The class will predominantly be taught in French.  Cultural projects such as planning special days, field trips, etc., will be added opportunity at this third-year level.

 

FL FRIV French IV  1 year, 1 credit (12th) Prerequisite: French III French IV will provide opportunity for students to apply all grammar and vocabulary learned up to that point by requiring reading of French works and writing papers in response to the readings.  Students will also complete at least one large project.

 

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MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

 

Those students planning to study mathematics or a science related field of study should elect the entire mathematics curriculum, including pre-calculus and, potentially, AP Calculus in the 11th and 12th grades.  Higher level mathematics is the discipline within the overall curriculum which provides an emphasis in the development of numerical manipulation, rigorous demonstration and abstract thought.  God created mankind as rational beings.  He communicates with us in rational patterns and we are expected to develop our rational abilities so that we may know him better and correspondingly know and fulfill our obligations to him. 

The Michigan State School Code will require that all students successfully complete 4 years of high school math including Algebra I and II, Geometry.  Also, all students are required to successfully complete a math course in the senior year.

 

BU-PFin – Personal Finance, 1 semester, ½ credit (elective) This is a one semester class.  Students will learn biblical principles of handling money.  They will learn the importance of saving money, creating a budget, negotiating and searching for bargains, and investing for college and retirement.  Students will be made aware of the perils of debt and consumer marketing tactics, study compound and simple interest, and learn about the various types of insurance coverage.  Students will research a career that complements their personality style and occupational passions, set goals, and write a personal mission statement.

 

BU-Acc1 – Accounting 1  1 semester, ½ credit (elective) Covering all the basic concepts in QuickBooks Pro, this class offers a step-by-step, hands-on, skills-based approach that guides students in better understanding the basics of Bookkeeping.  Class lessons are based on:

  • Behind the scenes sections uniquely teaching basic accounting principles.  Students learn setting up accounts, customer transactions, dealing with vendors, banking, payroll, physical inventory, sales taxes, and reports and graphs.
  • Integrative small business case studies in each lesson teaches students how QuickBooks can be practically applied to small businesses.

 

With real-world case studies, the class demonstrates the relevance of subject matter in practical situations. Multiple exercise levels, including concepts review, skill builders, assessments critical thinking exercises, help reinforce the subject matter and ensure a better understanding of the material.

 

MA ALI Algebra I  1 year, 1 credit (9th-12th ) This course will enable the student to think abstractly, write and solve equations, set up and solve story problems, manipulate polynomials and relate equations to the Cartesian coordinate system.  Topics will include: using variables, signed numbers, inequalities, exponents, solving equations (including all operations and factoring), graphing linear equations, introduction to statistics, right triangle trigonometry, and systems of equations.

 

MA GEO Geometry 1 year, 1 credit (9th-12th) Prerequisite: C or better in Algebra 1.  This course will cover the basic terms and figures of geometry.  Particular emphasis is given to the development of an axiomatic system through rigorous demonstration, culminating in geometric proofs.  Other topics include mathematical relationships of special figures, constructions, probability, triangle trigonometry, and transformations.

 

MA ALII  Algebra II and Trigonometry; 1 year, 1 credit (10-12th) Prerequisite: C or better in Algebra I and successfully completing Geometry.  Algebra II is designed as an intense review of the topics covered in Algebra 1, with additional algebraic topics, and a comprehensive presentation of both triangle and circular trigonometry.  Additional topics will include functions and their graphs, powers, roots, statistics, logarithms, and complex numbers.  Students successfully completing Algebra II will be prepared for Pre-Calculus.

 

MA PC  Pre-Calculus; 1 year, 1 credit (10-12th) Prerequisite: Algebra I & II, Geometry, with a grade of C or better in Algebra II.  Pre-Calculus is a continuation of the concepts studied in Algebra 2. The course takes a more in-depth look at function families, trigonometry, and discrete mathematics and introduces matrices, vectors, and polar coordinates. The course culminates with a brief introduction to the ideas presented in a formal Calculus course. Students wishing to enroll in Pre-Calculus should be confident in the topics from Algebra 2.

 

MA CAL AP Calculus BC; 1 year, 1 credit (12th) Prerequisite: C or better in Pre-Calculus and/or permission of the instructor.  AP Calculus is a college level math course offered for exceptional students who are prepared for college level work while still in high school.  Students that take this course and pass the AP exam offered in the spring may receive credit (not merely a waiver) for taking up to two semesters of college calculus at most colleges and universities.  Students will study topics of calculus normally covered in two semesters of college calculus: sequences, series, limits and differential and integral calculus.  Students are not required to take the AP exam which is administered at the high school under the auspices of The College Board.  Because of the level of difficulty in the course, honor points will be assigned on the basis of a 5 point scale* for the purpose of computing GPA.

 

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

 

Believing the body to be the “temple of God” (I Cor. 3:16, 17), we feel that our program should provide a variety of situations that promote 1. Physical fitness; 2. An awareness of an individual’s God-given capabilities; 3. The sociology of doing physical activities with others; 4. An appreciation for all the activities offered.

Physical education is a goal-centered program that involves students in movement experiences that continue to develop the body and encourage creative, intellectual, and decisional growth.  The goals of physical education 9-12 are to maintain a personal health fitness program, expose students to leisure time activities, and to give opportunities to master skills and strategies, learn rules, practice team play, and experience a Christian focus on competition and cooperation.  Students will be given opportunities to improve and maintain a higher level of personal health and fitness as well as increase their knowledge and proficiency in individual and team sports.  The teacher will provide continued instruction and guidance that will achieve the goals of this physical education program.

All classes will meet for one semester, five days each week, for ½ credit.  One full credit of physical education health is required for graduation. Students are only allowed a maximum of two full credits (2 years) of physical education.

 

PE/Health 1 year, 1 credit (9th-12th) All students must take this class.  The course will include a variety of individual and team sports and activities throughout each semester.  Besides student will devote nearly half their time to learning what is good health i.e. physical, mental social and their aspects of the whole person.  Written tests will be given after each unit for all grades, with a final written exam at the end of each semester.

 

Students who wish to assist with a physical education class may do so under the following guidelines:

  1. Must have completed both semesters of required physical education as revealed on transcripts.
  2. Interest must be conveyed to the PE department for assistant possibilities prior to the time of scheduling.
  3. The final decision will be left up to the respective PE instructors.

 

PE WT Weight Lifting, 1 semester, ½ credit (9th-12th) Strength and conditioning has been set up to allow students the opportunity to workout and improve physically.  Student input will be taken and goals will be evaluated to determine what program each student should be on.  Speed enhancement, power lifting, general fitness as well as sport specific programs are some of the options.  Each student will have a program tailored to their fitness level and goals.  Regular evaluations of progress will be made.

 

PE WT2 Advance Strength & Conditional 1 semester, ½ credit Prerequisite: PE WT This class is a continuation of year one with an emphasis on precision development.  Student must state a physical goal and with the aid of the instructor develop and implement a plan for attainment.

 

All Physical Education classes at NorthPointe Christian High School will teach a variety of individual and team sports and activities throughout each semester. Written tests will be given after each unit for all grades with a final written exam at the end of each semester. Sports and activities for 9-12 grades may include, but are not limited to the following:
 

Individual & Team Fitness
Badminton Football Personalized Fitness Programs Paddleball
Soccer Aerobics Pickleball Floor Hockey
Weight Training Tennis Basketball Archery
Volleyball Golf Indoor Soccer Team Handball
Softball      


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SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

 

The science department is committed to the belief that the various disciplines of science should be taught with the realization that God has established certain natural and physical laws that govern our universe, and that it is He who has given order to all that we observe around us.  It is essential that students strive to better understand God and His perfect care and control, and to study his creation both physical and biologically.

SC ENV SCI 1 semester, .5 credit (9th-12th)  Environmental Science will provide the students with many hands on science activites that can relate to students lives such as: global warming, species endangerment, pollution, using resource wisely, etc.  It will offer the opportunity for graphing and data analysis.  This skill is extremely important for the ACT as most of the science question are not content based but are instead graph and data analsis.  

 

SC FND SCI 1 semester, .5 credit (9th-12th)  Foundations of Science will provide the students the knowledge of the proper way to work in a lab setting.  It will include biology, chemistry, and physics labs on a variety of topics.  The labs will be inuiry-based, teaching students to design their own labs. 

 

SC BI Biology 1 year, 1 credit (9th-12th) Biology will provide students with some basic facts, ideas, and principles about the God-created world and our relationship to it.  Various areas of study will include: the attributes of life, God and science, basic chemistry, biochemistry, cell structure and function, cellular energy (photosynthesis and cellular respiration) genetics and heredity, conservation and ecology, population ecology and human impacts on the environment, creation and evolution, homeostasis, and a comparison of structure and function of living things.

 

SC AN Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 year, 1 credit (11th-12th) Prerequisite; Biology 1

This course will involve a detailed look at human anatomy and physiology with the emphasis on organ systems and functions.  Areas of study will include an introduction to anatomical terminology basic chemistry, the structure and function of the cell, histology, and the major systems of the human body.  In this course, discussion will center on the structure of the parts of a particular system, the functions of the parts, and how the parts work together to allow the system to function properly.  Discussion will also include a section on pathology to illustrate to the students what occurs when part of the system does not function properly.

 

SC CH Chemistry 1 year, 1 credit (11th-12th) Prerequisite: Biology & Algebra 1

This course is a general chemistry course covering introductory theory of structure and reactions.  Areas of study will include: defining chemistry, matter and energy, the classification of matter, using measurements, problem solving, atomic structure, electron configurations, the periodic law, chemical bonding, naming chemical formulas, writing chemical formulas, balancing chemical equations, types of chemical reactions, stoichiometry, phases of matter, solutions acids and bases and basic organic chemistry.  Students will see how chemical principles and concepts are developed form experimental observation and data, and how these principles can be used to explain phenomena in daily life as well as in the lab.

 

SC PH Physics 1 year, 1 credit (12th) Prerequisite: Algebra II

Physics is a survey of the study of natural and physical phenomena.  Physics is offered for students to develop a more clear and precise understanding of the physical events constantly occurring around them.  Students will learn to read about changing technology with the discernment and will also be prepared for college level physics. Through lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and albs, students will be introduced to Newtonian Mechanics, momentum and energy, fluids, thermodynamics, vibrations and waves, sound and light and electromagnetism.

 

SC ChemComm 1 year, 1 credit (10th-12th) Prerequisite: Biology & Algebra 1

This course is a general chemistry course taken at a reduced pace.  Chemistry for the Community covers the same introductory theory of structure and reactions.

 

SC APCH APChemistry 1 year, 1 credit (12th) Prerequisite: Biology & Algebra 1

 

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SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT

 

The overall purpose of the social studies department is to study the uniqueness of God’s world within the framework of the individual subjects offered.  Strong emphasis is placed on man’s relationship to God, God’s world, and other men.  Areas covered include: where man came from, the development of eastern civilization, the development of the American nation, the structure of the family and the other American institutions, and our responsibility to, and role in, government.  In developing the subject matter of each of these areas of study, a concerted effort is made to compare the world’s explanation of the origin or development of these events and institutions with Biblical views and principles.  Thus, with a mingling of the past and present, in view of the Word of God, the social studies department aims to give each student a solid foundation in the history if institutions and a sound basis of making judgments in today’s world.

 

SS WH World History 1 year, 1 credit (9th-12th) World History surveys the thread of human history from the origin of man to modern times.  The major units of study include:  Ancient Egypt, the classical Greek and Roman periods, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and Reformation, the rise of National States, the age of Discovery and exploration and the French Revolution.  The application of Biblical principles to varied historical situations is all integrated into the course of study.

 

SS AM American History 1 year, 1 credit (11th-12th) Required of all sophomores and juniors.  This course deals with the history of America from the “reconstruction period” to the present.  Emphasis is placed on how past events have had significant impacts on present institutions and attitudes.  Current events are used daily to emphasize how history is being made every day and we need to be able to interpret these events.  The underlying principle behind this course is that to understand the present, we must understand where we have come from and then be able to assess where we are going.  Class activities will induce lectures, discussions, tests, quizzes, notes, book reports, films, worksheet exercises, and daily news items.

 

SS ECON Economics / SS GO Government 1 Semester, ½ credit, (11th Required to graduate. Economics is a social science that focuses on the choices people make.  This course will emphasize how the principles of economic reasoning are demonstrated all around us.  A general overview of both Micro and Macro Economics will be conducted with time spent on each of the following topics: Scarcity and Opportunity Cost, Supply, Demand and Price Determination, Price Controls, Elasticity and Price Discrimination, Market Structures and Competitions, A Proper Role for Government, Measuring the Economy, Inflation, Unemployment, Fiscal Policy, The Federal Reserve System, and International Trade.

 

SS GO Government / SS ECON Economics 1 Semester, ½ credit (11th) Required to Graduate.

American government is a semester course surveying the structure of our state and national governments. The course covers the roots of Christian government, the State legislature, the Office of Governor, State Courts, the U.S. Constitution, political parties and elections, Congress, the Presidency, and the bureaucracy.  Christian citizenship is encouraged by registering to vote, working in political campaigns, and through a study of Romans 13:1-7 and II Timothy 2:1-8. Class activities include a trip to the State legislature, a visit to Circuit Court, worksheets, lectures, reports, videos and DVD’s, special speakers, test, quizzes, and analyzing editorials.

 

SS CT Critical Thinking 1 Semester, ½ credit (10th -12th ) Prerequisite: Approval of Instructor

This course is designed to help students develop and utilize critical thinking skills.  Topics discussed are: formal logic, symbolic logic, fallacies and syllogisms. These skills will be applied in the analysis of newspaper articles, philosophies, movies, TV programs/commercials.

 

SS PS Psychology 1 Semester, ½ credit (11th-12th) This course is a study into the basics of the field of psychology; its facets, limits and scope.  There will be no consideration of the clinical or laboratory approvals.  The vocational possibilities and theoretical aspects will be treated in brief. Topics covered will include: a study of identity, emotional needs, defense mechanisms, neuroses, psychoses, etc.  In addition to the course textbook, a thorough discussion of Biblical self-esteem will be emphasized. 

 

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INDEPENDENT STUDY

 

Credit Varies (10th-12th) - Please see the Guidance Department

 

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KENT CAREER/TECHNICAL CENTER

 

 

The Kent Career/Technical Center will be offering courses in a great variety of vocational programs during the school year.  The aim of a vocational program is to prepare a student with job-entry skills in a vocational area.  Several additional programs have been initiated by the technical center geared for the college bound student.  Students are currently being enrolled on first come, first serve basis.

Tuition is free to all high school students, non-grads and high school graduate less than 20 years of age.  Students must be in the 11th grade or be 16 years of age by December 1 of the year of enrollment (except for World Class Manufacturing). Credit is granted by NorthPointe Christian High School.  For attending a session at the Center, students are eligible to receive three times as many credits as attending schools’ one hour class.  Transportation is the responsibility of the student.

All Technical Center courses are 2-1/4 hours in length and carry three credits per year.  The programs range from one to four semesters in length, and a student desiring to attend the Technical Center will take these programs during their junior and senior years.  It is mandatory that potential cosmetology students begin their program during their senior year due to state hour requirements for certification.