Courses & Curriculum

Recognizing the unique design of each student, the Diploma of Distinction program at Valor Christian Academy serves as an opportunity for high school students with a particular interest in Fine Arts, Communications, or STEM to pursue further study, research and experience in their area of interest.

Those successfully completing the entire process graduate with distinction in their area of study. These diploma distinctions provide a venue for students to build upon and/or demonstrate an area of interest as they personalize their Valor Upper School experience.

Over the course of four semesters beginning junior year, students complete Diploma requirements that are aligned with the Valor Core Values in addition to their school work.  Requirements include things such as: 

• Interviews
• Internships
• Community Service 
• Participation in conferences 
• Participation in school events 
• Participation in competitions 
• Participation in exhibitions
• Creating new habits

ALGEBRA 1

CODE: 27.06210

CREDIT: 1 H.S. math

PRE-REQ; Pre-Algebra

Algebra 1 develops a foundational understanding of algebra concepts by giving the students opportunities to see structure in mathematical expressions.  The course introduces basic algebraic skills in a logical order, including key topics such as polynomials, rational expressions, equations and functions while building a solid foundation for higher level math courses

 

CODE: 27.06220

CREDIT: 1 H.S. math

PRE-REQ: Algebra I

Geometry introduces geometric reasoning as a method for problem solving by presenting students with a study of planes, theorems and geometric constructions.  Students further develop the skill of defending or proving mathematical models while tackling geometry. 

 

ALGEBRA II

CODE: 27.06230

CREDIT: 1 H.S. math

PRE-REQ: Algebra I, Geometry

Algebra 2 takes an advanced look at radical, exponential, rational, logarithmic, and trigonometric equalities and function—expanding the concepts learned for graphing and solving linear and quadratic equations, conic sections, probability, statistics, and analytic geometry. The TI-83 Plus graphing calculator is used throughout the year to develop concepts and expand understanding.

 

PRECALCULUS

CODE: 27.0670

CREDIT: 1 H.S. math

PRE-REQ: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II

Precalculus is a continuation of advanced algebra, including trigonometry, polynomials (functions and inverses), equations, and complex numbers, in a course designed to prepare students for calculus. Topics include conic sections, polar 3 graphs, matrices, and statistics. The course concludes with an introduction to calculus through sequences, limits, and derivatives. The TI-83 Plus graphing calculator is used to build concepts and expand understanding of the material. Features on approximation methods are also interspersed.

 

Advanced Mathematical Decision Making

CODE: 27.079

CREDIT: 1 H.S. math 

PRE-REQ: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II 

*Curriculum provided by VCA

Advanced Mathematical Decision Making focuses on actively engaging the students in the development of mathematical understanding by using manipulatives and a variety of representations, working independently and cooperatively to solve problems, estimating and computing efficiently, and conducting investigations and recording findings. There is a shift towards applying mathematical concepts and skills in the context of authentic problems and for the student to understand concepts rather than merely follow a sequence of procedures.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE 

CODE: 40.0110

CREDIT: 1 H.S. science

PRE-REQ: General Science Recommended Grades: 8^th/9^th

This course is designed to be the last science course the student takes before high school biology. Topics covered include scientific basics such as atoms and molecules and the metric system. Students also study the air and weather, the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere, and water. In this text Apologia science also introduces elementary physics concepts, such as Newton’s law, the physics of motion, and even a fascinating section on introductory astrophysics.

 

BIOLOGY

CODE: 26.0120

CREDIT: 1 H.S. science

PRE-REQ: Life Science, Physical Science, Algebra I

This course is a college-prep biology course that provides a detailed introduction to the methods and concepts of general biology. Heavily emphasizing the vocabulary of biology, it provides the student with a strong background in the scientific method, the five-kingdom classification scheme, microscopy, biochemistry, cellular biology, molecular and Mendelian genetics, dissection and ecosystems. It also provides a complete survey of the five kingdoms in creation. Many students are able to pass CLEP biology test with this course behind them. Every topic that the students learn about points to God as the Creator of all things in a time frame of 6 days.

 

CHEMISTRY

CODE: 40.0510

CREDIT: 1 H.S. science

PRE-REQ: Biology, Algebra II

This rigorous high school course will cover basic principles of chemistry such as atomic and molecular structure, energy, heat and temperature, acid/base chemistry, chemistry of solutions, thermodynamics, nomenclature, kinetic theory, chemical equilibrium, and oxidation/reduction reactions.

 

CODE: 26.0730

CREDIT: 1 H.S. science

PRE-REQ: Biology, Chemistry

This is an advanced biology course that studies the human body in detail. In this course, students will study the anatomy and the physiology of the human body's eleven organ systems.

SPANISH I

CODE: 60.0710

CREDIT: 1 H.S. foreign language

PRE-REQ: None

A beginning language-learning curriculum that assumes no prior knowledge of Spanish, Level 1 builds a foundation of fundamental vocabulary and essential language structures to help students gain the confidence they need to master basic conversational skills in Spanish. This Spanish program helps prepare students for skilled, multilingual communication and cultural understanding—a necessity in our ever-expanding global society! Text and technology are seamlessly integrated to enhance learning, motivate students, and promote life-long language learning.

 

SPANISH II

CODE: 60.0720

CREDIT: 1 H.S. foreign language

PRE-REQ: Spanish I

For intermediate-level language learners, Level 2 will help your students build on the vocabulary and basic sentence structures learned in level 1. They'll learn to talk about situations in their environment such as giving and getting directions, using transportation, telling time, dining out and enjoying basic social interactions. This Spanish program helps prepare students for skilled, multilingual communication and cultural understanding—a necessity in our ever-expanding global society! Text and technology are seamlessly integrated to enhance learning, motivate students, and promote life-long language learning.

 

SPANISH III

CODE: 60.0730

CREDIT: 1 H.S. foreign language

PRE-REQ: Spanish I

For intermediate-level language learners, Level 3 will help your students build on the vocabulary and basic sentence structures learned in levels 1 & 2. This Spanish program helps prepare students for skilled, multilingual communication and cultural understanding—a necessity in our ever-expanding global society! Text and technology are seamlessly integrated to enhance learning, motivate students, and promote life-long language learning.

9th Grade Literature & Composition:

 2 H.S. credits

COURSE: 9th Grade Literature

CODE 23.061

CREDIT: 1 H.S. Language Arts

 

COURSE Advanced Composition

CODE: 23.064

CREDIT: 1 H.S. Language Arts Elective

 

9th Grade Literature:

Introduces the major forms of fiction and nonfiction: short story, folktale, poetry, drama, essay, biography, autobiography, and novel. Emphasis is upon evaluation of these forms through application of the elements of literature (e.g. plot, characterization, etc.). Develops composition, through an integrated language arts approach in response to literary analysis. 

 

Advanced Composition:

Provides review and further exploration of the writing process, including planning, drafting, and revising. Emphasizes research skills and essay composition and includes expository, persuasive, narrative, and descriptive writing. Covers application of advanced grammar and usage skills.

World History Humanities: 

2 H.S. credits

 

COURSE: World History

CODE 45.0830

CREDIT: 1 H.S. Social Studies

 

COURSE: World Literature

CODE: 23.0630

CREDIT: 1 H.S. Language Arts

 

*Please be sure to purchase literature books using the ISBN in order to for the entire class to have the same edition.

 

World History: 

Students explore world history through reading, journaling, class discussion, comprehension questions, unit quizzes, and other hands-on learning activities such as map work.

 

Literature and Composition:

Through a Biblical worldview, students enjoy and analyze literature written during or about historical periods being studied such as Epic of Gilgamesh, Macbeth, Pilgrim's Progress, Heart of Darkness, The Scarlett Pimpernel, and more. Students also read selections from a compilation of original documents, poetry, stories, literature excerpts, and hymns from world history.  

 

Instruction on how to write a research paper with detailed, step-by-step instructions will be covered. Students also develop a wide range of composition skills with topics from literature and history. The Bluebook of Grammar and Punctuation and The Institute for Excellence in Writing materials are used as guides for essays and other writing forms, including research papers.

 

U.S. History Humanities:

2  H.S. credits

COURSE: U.S. History

CODE 45.081

CREDIT: 1 H.S. Social Studies

 

COURSE: American Literature

CODE: 23.051

CREDIT: 1 H.S. Language Arts

 

The US Humanities course practices contextual learning as History, Literature, Government and God’s Truth intertwine to study the development of the United States of America.  Examining American history with a Christian worldview as undergirded by God’s word, students will be better equipped to assess, engage, and appreciate the culture in which they live.  The US Humanities course traces the growth and progress of America from the early explorers to the present age with an emphasis on the principles and practice of a democratic republic and the political ideas behind American history.  With a thorough study of the Constitution, other original documents, period-based literature and key people, the themes of US history and the competing ideas that shape our nation will be analyzed. 

 

Students will participate in classroom discussions, dialectic probes, presentations, projects and formal papers of varying length and focus to cover the following times and events:  Settlement & Colonization; the Great Awakening, the Revolutionary & Constitutional Age, Federalism and the New Republic, Slavery & the War Between the States, Reconstruction, WWI, the Great Depression, WWII and the Modern Era.  The course promotes critical thinking skills while encouraging responsible citizenship and an appreciation of our privileges as citizens of the USA. Students will also review grammar and composition skills to continue improving their writing and practice for ACT/SAT essay tests. 

 

Senior Thesis, Literature & Current Issues:

2 H.S. credits

 

COURSE: Senior Thesis and Literature

CODE: 23.034

CREDIT: 1 H.S. Language Arts

 

COURSE: Current Issues

CODE: 45.0120    

CREDIT: 1 H.S. Social Studies Elective

 

This exciting course offers opportunities to improve reading, writing, speaking/listening, and critical thinking skills through the study of contemporary literary selections. Emphasizes the continuing development of control in expository writing (thesis support), as well as precision in personal narrative, descriptive, and persuasive writing. Students will refine research skills through the senior thesis project as well as integrate grammar, mechanics, and usage into the writing process.

 

The course also investigates and integrates current Christian issues such as social justice, euthanasia, cloning, human trafficking, evolution and social media.   Students analyze influences that are related to these issues as well as examine how decisions are made concerning those issues.  Course integrates and reinforces social studies skills.

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS II

CODE: 7.4412

CREDIT: ½ CTAE

Revisit everything you need to know about computers to successfully navigate the world of technology. Students will integrate the basics of word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software into their core subject matter as they create a master level presentation to accompany their Senior Thesis project.

 

ECONOMICS

CODE: 45.061

CREDIT: ½ H.S. Economics

Economics surveys Biblical teachings on money and finance, provides an overview of the economic history of the United States, gives a clear explanation of terms and concepts used in economics, discusses economic issues confronting us today, and puts our participation in the national and world economies on a personal level.

 

GOVERNMENT

CODE: 45.057

COURSE: Government

CREDIT: ½  H.S. Government elective

Students will explore the government of the United States from its beginning to the present with special emphasis on the Biblical pattern for government and on the U.S. Constitution. They will learn about the operations of federal, state, and local government, and about issues facing our nation today. Students will become better equipped to understand, pray for, and be involved in our country’s government.

 

HEALTH

CODE: 17.011

CREDIT: ½  H.S. Health

Health discusses the various body systems, social relationships, nutrition, exercise, safety, understanding diseases, personal hygiene, environmental and health issues, handling stress, awareness regarding alcohol, drug, and tobacco use/abuse. This integral approach helps students better understand their bodies and determine the steps needed to attain and maintain good health.  Students will be required to complete the State of Georgia online Drug and Alcohol Awareness (eADAP) component which is a requirement for obtaining a driver’s license. 

 

L.I.F.E. Prep: Leadership 9

CODE:  70.011 Mentorship I

CREDIT: ½ Elective

Course description in development.

 

L.I.F.E. Prep: Leadership 10

CODE:  70.012 Mentorship II

CREDIT: 1 Elective

Course description in development.

 

L.I.F.E. Prep: Leadership 11

CODE:  70.013 Mentorship II

CREDIT: 1 Elective

Course description in development.

 

L.I.F.E. Prep: Leadership 12

CODE: 20.4141 Life Skills & Careers

CREDIT: 1 Elective

Course description in development.

 

PERSONAL FINANCE

CODE: 45.067

CREDIT: ½ H.S. Economics Elective

Eighty-nine percent of teens want to learn how to make their money grow. Yet, for decades, very few schools have provided any type of money-management instruction. That's why we have chosen Dave Ramsey’s Foundations in Personal Finance for our state-required economics credit. This life-applicable curriculum was developed and designed by educators to fulfill each of the Georgia state high school standards and benchmarks for the required ½ economics credit as well as the national standards suggested by the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy. It is specifically designed to provide students with sound financial principles that will guide them into adulthood.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

CODE: 36.051

CREDIT: ½  H.S. Physical Education: Fitness and Conditioning

This course is designed to give students the opportunity to learn fitness concepts and conditioning techniques used for obtaining optimal physical fitness. Students will learn the basic fundamentals of strength training, aerobic training, and overall fitness training and conditioning. Course includes both lecture and activity sessions.