Classes

Sierra Academics

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Classes

Academic Goals:

Mastery of the basics so that students learn to love them and so that many college courses will be primarily a review.

**The ‘Levels’ referred to below, indicat approximate grade status, however, MASTERY is the goal and new students will generally start at the beginning, regauardless of their grade-level.

**However, if the student can demonstrate a command of the material, they can move on to the next level.

Math: Level 1 Math language and formula’s, Algebra I and
Geometry A

Level 2 Algebra II, Geometry B

Level 3 Advanced Math I & Trigonometry

                                                Level 4            Advanced Math II & Calculus

                                         Texts: Saxon, College Trigonometry and Calculus by McGraw-Hill
                                         Support from DIVE CD Rom, Standard Deviants, Puzzle solving,

Mental Math.

History: Our goal is for students to be able to sit down and discuss (off the
top of their heads) human history from the time Abraham left Ur with

his father, up until the latest history-making events occurring today!

Texts: Mr. Sween’s (Including the Bible) There are no texts available covering this entire span of time (in sufficient detail), so we will take the best from the best.

Support from CD’s and DVD’s, videos, games (History channel-type videos) and field trips.

Science: Advanced Biology, Chemistry I, Chemistry II, Physics I

and Physics II, Anatomy & Physiology.

Level 1: Advanced Biology

(Zoology/Phylogeny/Ecosystems/Cycles)

Level 2: Chemistry I or Anatomy & Physiology

Level 3: Physics I, Biology, Chemistry

Level 4: Physics II, Chemistry II (Optional)

–With support from CD’s and DVD’s, videos (Discovery/Learning Channel,) and field trips.

Texts: Glencoe, Saxon. We will take the best from the best.

                Language: Teach students to express themselves accurately and
                                                passionately.

                                          Students will read some of the great works in literature as well
                                            as biogaphies of key historical figures.

                                          Vocabulary development is stressed at all levels as is writing.

                               Level 1: Critical reading and written expression.

                               Level 2: Read and study some of the great works in literature.

                                               -Written reviews of famous works and why students agree,
                                                  or disagreee with the author's point of view.

                                               -Preparation for the AP Language and Composition exam.

                               Level 3: Writing and Grammar: Literature vs. Reporting

                                               -Comparison of selected Christian and secular works.

                               Level 4: Writing for impact and mastery of voice.

                                               -Fiction vs. non-fiction, scientific essays & reports.

                                               -Preparation for the AP Literature exam.

                                    Texts: Anthologies, novels, biographies etc.

                Physical Education: Students are required to provide documentation
                                    (letter from home) verifying the student's physical activity.

                   Participation in team sports and/or some other organized activity is encouraged.

          Bible: There is no "Bible" class per se, because we believe it is more beneficial
                  to students to have the biblical truth and application firmly woven into the fabric
                  of each of our classes.