One of Shiloh’s main goals is making sure every student’s academic experience is a success. To help achieve this goal, we feel it is important to inform our student about the courses offered, the minimum credits required for graduation, home school class participation, grade placement and off campus class information.

We encourage students and parents alike to speak with the Shiloh registrar with any question they may have!

Course Descriptions

Bible Courses

New Testament Survey (9th) – This is a course designed to take the student through a survey of the New Testament. In this overview of the NT, students will learn about the Intertestamental Period, the life of Christ including His birth, His life, and His death and resurrection, the Early Church, the Missionary Journeys of Paul, the General Epistles and conclude with the Book of Revelation. (1 unit)

Mastering Bible Study Skills (10th) – The students follow a course of learning to study the Bible for themselves called “Mastering Bible Study Skills”. By learning to observe, paraphrase, and apply passages of Scripture, the student is enabled to have a lifetime tool of personal Bible understanding. The class includes projects and memory verses to aid in the development of this skill. Other topics may also be included. (1 unit)

Basic Theology (11th) - The basics of theology are covered in the 11th grade. A study of the nature of God and Jesus are followed by a survey of the major teachings of Scripture on the Bible itself, angels, man and salvation. An introduction to the characteristics of cults concludes the year. (1 unit)

Understanding the Times (12th) - Understanding the Times is a Christian world-view video curriculum based on the concept that believers need to be aware of competing worldviews not based on Jesus Christ. Topics addressed include Creation vs. Evolution; the New Age Movement; Christian View of Courtship & Marriage; Biblical Ethics: Abortion, Homosexuality, Drugs; Christian Leadership Principles; and more. Young people are challenged to live a life which pleases God and draws others to Him. (1 unit)

Physical Education Classes

Physical Education and Personal Fitness – This required course is designed to teach the knowledge and skills necessary for the student to become and stay fit for life. This is attained through participation and skill attainment in various sports as well as fitness testing and homework assignments. Other values gained include the ability to cooperate with others in a Christian atmosphere, confidence in their physical abilities and the ability to put the knowledge and strategies gained to use. Proper gym clothes are required. For grades “6-9”, showers are required after class.  This will be monitored. Non-marking tennis shoes are required exclusively for gym use. (1 unit)

Fine Art Courses

Art I – "All beauty is God's beauty" is the theme of this class, which helps students see the glory of God in the world around them. Through drawing, painting (watercolor, acrylic and oil), sculpting, printmaking, textiles and ceramics, as well as by studying Art History, students learn the elements and principles of good design. (1 unit)

Vocal Music – The course study for the 6th grade is general music and they will participate in a small group festival. In grades 7 and 8 the students participate in choir and a small group music festival. High school students participate in choir, small and large singing groups. Carefully selected music will be sung to the glory and honor of God.

Band – This course includes the study of instrumental music through group study and performance. Those with sufficient skill can play in band.

Language Arts Courses

English 9 – This course is geared to building a foundation in English. A review of traditional grammar rules and techniques will be reinforced with students’ writings. Students write a variety of informative pieces, essays, fiction, poetry, and a research paper. The survey of world literature in this course is arranged by form (short story, poetry, essay, and novel) and by literary element (character, plot, theme, setting, and tone). Vocabulary will be reinforced with weekly lessons and literature read. (1 unit)

English 10 – This course explores a variety of themes and genres of world literature presented by comparing two or more selections in the literature anthology. Vocabulary, grammar and writing will be integrated throughout the reading of the literature. Other writings will focus on autobiography, creative, and research. Grammar and usage will be reviewed and strengthened in daily activities and the writing process. Vocabulary lessons will be covered weekly. (1 unit)

English 11 – This course is a study of American literature chronologically divided into the different literary movements, which include various genres such as the novel, short story, poetry, and drama. Along with the literature-based writing such as essays and literary analysis, the student will use the writing workshop approach to compile a portfolio of writing each quarter, including an I-Search paper the second quarter. Vocabulary will be strengthened with weekly lessons. (1 unit)

English 12 – This course will cover a variety of British literature and authors from the first written works to the Modern Period. In addition to analysis and interpretation of the readings, the students will write in response to the literature. Writing skills will be strengthened with a variety of papers composed using the writing process and workshop approach. Vocabulary lessons will be covered weekly. (1 unit)

Speech – This course is required for juniors or seniors. The course includes learning about the communication process, interpersonal communications, and proper procedures of public speaking and parliamentary procedure. Students will give and evaluate a variety of speeches during the course.  (1/2 unit)

Essential Language Skills – High School students enrolled in the Discovery program have the option of taking this course for one-half credit per semester. A grade is based upon effort, amount accomplished, and an average of the grade received in the other classes.

Foreign Language Courses

Spanish I – This course focuses on developing proficiency in the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will be encouraged to use what they have learned by exchanging information with each other in Spanish. Students will also learn about the culture and everyday life of Spanish-speaking people. (1 unit)

Spanish II – Students of Spanish II will be expanding their vocabulary, speaking in the immediate and specific past, and learning skills that will improve their conversational capabilities. The students will work in small groups to improve oral communication and there will be more of an emphasis on writing about past experiences and showing evidence of comprehension of written and spoken information. Students will continue to learn about the culture and everyday life of Spanish-speaking people. Students will acquire the knowledge necessary to travel or to live in a Spanish-speaking country. (1 unit)

Math Courses

Basic Algebra (grades 9-12) – Building on the foundations of eighth grade math, this course is similar to Algebra I but will be used as a starter course for some before entering Algebra I. (1 unit)

Algebra I (grades 9-12) – Building on the foundation of eighth grade math, this course reviews operations on signed numbers, then branches into powers, polynomials, factoring, graphing in a coordinate system, and work with radicals. (1 unit)

Algebra II (grades 11-12) – (Pre-requisite: Algebra I) Building on Algebra I, this course contains graphing, systems of equations using slopes and intercepts, working with polynomials and radicals, quadratic equations, conic sections, and rational polynomial expressions. (1 unit)

Geometry (grades 10-12) – (Pre-requisite: Algebra I) Plane geometry covers angle and triangle congruencies, parallel lines, ratios and proportions, polygons, circles and spheres, area and volume, and formal proofs. (1 unit)

Pre-Calculus (grades 11-12) – (Prerequisite: Algebra II) This college prep course focuses on a more in-depth study of graphs, polynomial and rational operations, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric expressions, and vectors. Graphing calculators will be used extensively. (1 unit)

Advanced Pre-Calculus (grades 11-12) – (Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus) A continuation of pre-calculus concepts, this college prep course covers the topics of analytic geometry, systems of equations, sequences, binomial theorem, set theory, proof by induction, and a preview of limit, derivative, and integral concepts. Advanced pre-calc is an excellent course for those seriously considering fields in mathematics, science, or engineering. (1 unit)

Statistics (grades 10, 11, 12) – (Prerequisite: Algebra I) As a glimpse into the field of statistics, this course will introduce basic statistical concepts such as organizing data, averages and variation, correlation and regression, normal distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing, and limited probability theory. (1 unit)

Calculus (grade 12 – recommended to be taken at college level) – (Prerequisite: Pre-calculus) This course is designed for students whose primary interests are in mathematics, engineering, physics, business or the life sciences. (1 unit)

Science Courses

Physical Science (grade 9) – A basic course in physical science. This course develops a philosophy of science based on a Biblical viewpoint. Measurements, properties, and classification of matter are considered and then the modern atomic structure of matter is developed through a study of basic principles of chemistry. Subsequently, the actions produced by energy transformation are investigated through the study of motion, fluids, heat, sound, electricity and magnetism. (1 unit)

Biology (grade 10) – This basic study of life process. Concepts studied include cellular biology, genetics; taxonomy, microbiology, botany, zoology, and human anatomy. Laboratory activities reinforce and motivate learning. Throughout the course Christian positions on eugenics, drugs, abortion, diseases, miracles, evolution, euthanasia, ecology, and genetic engineering will be discussed. (1 unit)

Anatomy & Physiology (grades 11 or 12) – This will be an honors course using a college level textbook/workbook. This college preparatory course introduces students pursing careers or interests in the allied health fields to the structure and function of the human body. Anatomical terminology, names of major body areas with overviews of functions required for life; as well as bio-chemistry and cytology with tissue, organ and system transitioning is foundational. Each organ system is approached from simple to increasingly complex levels of understanding. Incorporated within the course will be an accompanied workbook/coloring book to enhance concepts and facts memorization with association recall and skills. (1 unit)

Ecology (grades 11 or 12) – A foundational science course in which the relationships of the biological world are integrated into the physical world. Ecosystems, developments as well as current environmental issues will be discussed. Other related topics introduced such as global warming, pollution, synthetic fuel, as well as management of the environment. (1 unit)

Chemistry (grade 11 or 12) – (Prerequisite: Physical science, Algebra I, junior standing)   A college preparatory course in which students will develop organized problem solving skills while learning the foundational ideas behind atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, nomenclature, kinetic theory, solutions, equilibrium, thermodynamics, acid-base chemistry, electrochemistry, organic and biochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. The marvels of creation will be continually stressed throughout the course.  (1 unit)

Advanced Biology (grade 11 or 12) – (Prerequisite: Successful completion of biology with a grade of “B” (87) or better) This one semester course is a rigorous examination of the biological systems at the molecular and cell levels. Microbiological techniques will be used to learn physical cell traits through the study of bacteria. Bacteria morphology will be examined and the metabolic activities of various bacteria will be used to learn identification techniques for various classes of bacteria. The pathogenic effects of bacteria will be considered and current medical defenses will be studied. Cellular activities such as membrane transport, cell cycle regulation, coupled reactions, fermentation, cellular respiration, and photosynthesis will be examined and researched.

The course will conclude with a study of heredity and include investigation of eukaryotic chromosomes, inheritance patterns, RNA and DNA structure and function as well as gene regulation, mutations, viral structure and replication, and nucleic acid technology. This is a rigorous and fast paced course. Students will be presented with various research projects that will require pre-lab preparation and properly formatted reports. (1 unit)

Advanced Chemistry (grade 11 or 12) – (Prerequisite: Successful completion of chemistry with a grade of “B” (87) or better and successful completion of algebra II with a grade of “B” (87) or better) This one semester course builds on the regular chemistry course and introduces the student to a rigorous experience of the theoretical aspects of chemistry. The course is also rich in quality laboratory exercises that will require the student to obtain, organize, and analyze data and report results in a proper format.  The course will begin with a concentrated review of atomic theory, bonding concepts, molecular architecture, and kinetic theory of gases and liquids. The remainder of the course will focus on the study of chemical reactions to include acid-base reactions, precipitation reactions, oxidation-reduction reactions, and electrochemistry. Stoichiometric techniques will be used to do various quantitative analyses procedures as the concepts of equilibrium, reaction kinetics, and thermodynamics are studied.

This course will provide the student with an experience similar to a strong college freshman general chemistry course with the addition of quantitative chemistry theory and procedures. (1 unit)

Physics - (Prerequisites: Algebra II – may be concurrent and senior standing) This college preparatory course introduces the student to the laws that govern the relationships between matter and energy. Concepts studied include force, movement, mechanics; energy, heat; optics, electricity and magnetism. A logical problem-solving approach will be developed and maintained throughout the course and students will often use derivatives to solve appropriate problems. (1 unit)

Social Studies Courses

Modern World History – From the rise of modern western civilization in the Middle Ages through Renaissance and Reformation, the ages of exploration and the Enlightenment, scientific and industrial revolutions, romanticism, nationalism, imperialism, the world wars, communism, rise of the Third World and especially South and East Asia, ending with contemporary issues. (1 unit)

World Geography – Students will gain a broad overview of the world we live in, its physical features, its human societies and their cultures and economics. Geography provides a basic foundation for all further historical and social studies. To bring Christ to the nations we need to know Christ and we need to know the nations. (1 unit)

American History – This course reviews the creation and growth of America from its foundation in the European explorations and empires, through independence, expansion, industrialization, internal problems, and rise to world power. (1 unit)

American Government – This course explores the nature of political or governmental authority and the manner of its exercise. Attention is also given to institutions and operations of law. (1 unit)

Sociology – This course is a study of social behavior and human groups. It focuses on the influence of social relationships, attitudes, behavior, and how societies are established and change. (1 unit)

Economics – This course is a survey of the basic concepts of economics, the economics of the nation, business operations, the financial market, government economics, and household economics. (1 unit)

Introduction to Psychology – This course will look at human intelligence, feelings, attitudes and behavior in relationship to being “created in the image of God.” An introduction to understanding who we are in relationship to our physical and social environments as well as increasing our understanding of what it means to be created in the image of God. (1 unit)

Business/Technology/Career Courses

Accounting – This course teaches the basic accounting principles with practical applications devised through manual and automated drills, problems and simulations. (1 unit)

Introduction to Computer – This course is designed to introduce computer concepts and methods of processing information. Application exercises involve word processing, spreadsheet and database. (1 unit)

Personal Finance – This course is designed to teach students the significance of their roles as consumers. Topics covered include employment and income, money management, credit, consumer rights and responsibilities, and purchasing goods and services. (1 unit)

Career Development– This course is designed to provide students with the ability to make career choices through the understanding of information, self-evaluation, career awareness, decision-making skills, personal economics, communication and job exploration. On-site experiences with workers in various career fields will be emphasized. (1 unit) (grade 12 by interview with instructor only.)

Minimum Credits for Graduation

Bible	4
English	4
Science	3
Math	3
Social Studies	3
Phy. Ed.	1
Computer	1
Speech	0.50
Electives	6.50
Minimum Total	26

These requirements apply to incoming ninth graders. Transfer students may be granted some adjustments in their requirements.

*Four credits strongly recommended for college-preparatory students.

Home School Student Class Participation

Home school students in grades 9-12 will be permitted to take one class each semester on a first-come, first-serve basis provided the class has not been filled with full-time students. Home school students who can demonstrate an acceptable skill level will be permitted to participate in band.

Grade Placement

Entrance tests may be required at the discretion of the administration. The administration determines the grade placement of all students.

Off Campus Classes

Students wishing to take classes off campus may be allowed to do so only under very unusual circumstances with approval by the Administration.