Prealgebra – focuses initially on numbers and their properties, especially integers, decimals, fractions and percentages. Students are then introduced to elementary set theory and move on to geometric figures and their properties. Finally, they study linear equations.

Earth, Life and Space Science I – topics include insects, astronomy, trees, rocks, mammals, plate tectonics, weather, plants, surface processes and birds. Observation and the development of a sense of wonder are stressed. Classification and data analysis are involved in each topic.

Literature and Composition I – focuses on grammar, with the goal of making the students better readers and, ultimately, better writers. The course begins with a study of the parts of speech, then teaches the construction of sentences and culminates in teaching how to write a coherent paragraph of at least five sentences. Throughout the year, the students read both literature and poetry. They learn how to discern and discuss plot, setting, imagery, character and other elements of literature. Reading list: Alfred Lansing, Shackleton’s Valiant Voyage; Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer; Richard Adams, Watership Down; Jack Schaefer, Shane; and British and American poetry.

Ancient History – studies early civilizations from the rise of the Sumerians around 3500 BC to the sack of Rome in 410 AD. Specifically, students learn about the civilizations of the Tigris-Euphrates River Valley, Egypt, the Near East, Greece and Rome and how they interacted. The course involves reading, lectures, note-taking, discussions, video and various hands-on activities.

Old Testament – studies the main characters and narrative accounts of the Old Testament. In particular, the focus is on God’s creation, his establishment of a covenant with his people, the history of Israel, prophecy and the messianic hope.

Latin I – a study of three of the groups (declensions) of nouns and adjectives and all verb groups (conjugations), including irregular verbs. Students are expected to master a substantial vocabulary, to understand elementary Latin grammar and to acquire a basic skill in translating from English to Latin as well as from Latin to English.

Music I – focuses on recorder playing, music theory and the history of the Baroque Era in music. The rudiments of note-reading, note values and rhythm, time signatures, major scales and key signatures are studied. By the end of the semester, students perform individually in a recorder recital and write several elementary melodies.

Art I – begins with a unit on calligraphy, emphasizing basic pencil techniques and the use of color in illuminated word designs. Students are then taught to draw, with an emphasis on proper proportions and shading. They finish the semester by studying and practicing portraiture.