Curriculum & Course Descriptions

Our kindergarten curriculum includes religion, reading, handwriting, phonics, math and science along with supplemental work in art and music. While our kindergarten program is designed for children around the age of five, some parents will begin at four-and-a-half years and take more time to cover the concepts as needed.

Religion: The parent will introduce this subject using Chats with God’s Little Ones, a catechism text adapted for short informal discussions with the child. It includes related art projects and semester evaluation tests. A second text, Leading the Little Ones to Mary, will also help explain the Faith. Biblical stories will be introduced through the New Catholic Picture Bible, and the Pray the Rosary booklet may be used to foster a deeper devotion to the rosary.

Mathematics: The student will learn number identification, shape identification, calendar work, counting money, telling time as well as basic addition and subtraction. Books used are Spectrum Math K and Lepanto Math Kindergarten Workbook.

Phonics & Reading: Using Spectrum Phonics K and the Little Angel A series in tandem, the parent will begin introducing phonics and reading to their student simultaneously. The Little Angel Reader A and its accompanying workbook will serve as the focal point of the program with teacher guidance found in the Little Angel A Teachers’ Manual. The Seatwork Book and My ABC Book will complement lessons.

Handwriting: The student will begin writing practice with manuscript using the workbook, Writing Capital and Small Letters. In the fourth quarter, he will transition to easy cursive exercises in Catholic Writing Skills K so that he will be prepared to follow the rest of our cursive handwriting program through middle school. While some parents may be hesitant to begin cursive at such a young age, most children should possess the fine motor skills required for cursive handwriting by the end of the kindergarten year. The handwriting method used is similar in style to the Zaner-Bloser method.

Science: Science at this level should introduce the very basic concepts, both to help the student learn to enjoy the subject and to see traces of the Creator reflected in creation. Accordingly, the Science & Living in God’s World K workbook presents simple facts about human beings, weather, seasons, seeds, animals, and recreational environments.

Art: The student’s art class will consist of five coloring books as well as art assignments from Chats with God’s Little Ones, which support the ideas discussed in the religion lessons. The coloring books are Catholic 1-2-3 Coloring Book, Angels Coloring Book, Catholic ABC Coloring Book, Jesus Our Savior Book 1 Coloring Book and Our Mother Mary Coloring Book. Parents may reduce the amount of coloring assigned if they feel the student is becoming overwhelmed.

Music: In an effort to preserve the tradition of singing patriotic, folk and Catholic hymns and songs, the student will be encouraged to learn the lyrics and tunes of several pieces by listening to the Songs for God and Country CD while following along in the accompanying songbook.

This year’s studies will further the skills and concepts developed in kindergarten. The grade 1 program is meant for children who have successfully completed kindergarten and have a good grasp of phonics and basic reading skills.

Religion: Grade 1 will introduce Living My Religion, a traditional catechism series based on the Baltimore Catechism. Lepanto Press has faithfully republished this series without any changes to the original 1940s edition. Living in God’s Love is the first text in the series and ensures that the student has a clear and age-appropriate grasp of the Faith. In addition to assisting the parent’s lessons, the accompanying Syllabus and Teacher’s Manual contains additional stories to illustrate the Faith. The Living in God’s Love workbook contains exercises corresponding to the stories in the Syllabus and Teacher’s Manual. Eight readers support the lessons learned: My Life with God, God Loves Us All, Miracles of Jesus, Good Saint Joseph and Miniature Stories of Saints (set of four).

Mathematics: The year will begin with a review of the math basics covered in kindergarten followed by advances in addition and subtraction with the goal of bringing the student to work with double digits and story problems. Workbooks include Lepanto Math Level 1 Workbook and Drill Test & Review Pages 1. The parent will use Lepanto Math Level 1 Answer Key.

Grammar: Lepanto Grammar 1 & 2 introduce basic grammar and writing skills, including parts of speech, punctuation, capitalization and sentence development. The teacher’s manual reinforces the workbook exercises and contains additional oral exercises.

Phonics & Reading: The student will continue his study of phonics while developing reading and vocabulary. In Little Angel Readers B & C, the student will learn letter-sound relationships systematically. Stories with phonetically controlled vocabulary follow word drills. Little Angel B & C Workbooks and Spectrum Phonics 1 reinforce lessons from the readers with exercises in phonics, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Progress Tests in the Little Angel B & C Teacher’s Manuals assess mastery of skills after each review. The student will practice his reading using classic, early level readers: Little Bear, Little Bear’s Visit, Mouse Soup and Frog and Toad All Year.

Spelling: Grade 1 will introduce spelling using Traditional Catholic Speller 1. The student will learn nearly 300 new words, a portion of which are drawn from his catechism lessons.

Handwriting: After reviewing the basic strokes and lowercase letters from kindergarten, the student will continue practicing capital letters and full words throughout the year. The handwriting method used is similar in style to the Zaner-Bloser method.

Science: This year’s workbook, Science & Living in God’s World 1, presents the fascinating story of creation and God’s care for it. Additionally the student will find Seaside & Wayside Book 1 an interesting study of various sea creatures, written in the form of an easy-to-understand story.

History: A coloring workbook, America My Country, presents simple facts about the United States’ flag and founders, Native Americans, Pilgrims, pioneers and other basics of the country’s early history.

Art: The student’s art class will consist of five coloring books, which support the various subjects discussed in religion: Choirs of Angels Coloring Book, Jesus Our Savior Book 2 Coloring Book, 24 Catholic Songs for Children Coloring Book, Ten Commandments Coloring Book and Stations of the Cross Coloring Book.

Music: The music program will continue the same format as in kindergarten, using the Songs for God and Country CD and accompanying songbook.

This year’s studies will refine and build upon the concepts learned in kindergarten and grade 1. Emphasis will be placed on teaching the student to be able and willing to apply Traditional Catholic ideals to his academic endeavors and everyday life.

Religion: The student will continue using the Living My Religion series with Living in God’s Law. He will become more familiar with the Bible and Our Lady through use of the New Catholic Picture Bible and Leading the Little Ones to Mary. Since this is often the age for the reception of First Holy Communion, the student will also especially study the St. Joseph First Communion Catechism in the 2nd semester. Three Fr. Lovasik readers, I Believe in God, Seven Sacraments and Ten Commandments, emphasize the lessons learned in the First Communion preparation.

Mathematics: This year will add new skills to the student’s math concepts, including 3-digit addition and subtraction, simple multiplication and division, time, measurements, word problems and much more. The student will work in Lepanto Math 2 Workbook and Review & Worksheets Grade 2.

Phonics & Reading: As in previous years, phonics will be the basis for word skills in reading. The student will continue to improve proficiency with the various phonemes while developing his vocabulary. Using Little Angel Reader D, the student will practice decoding words containing the more difficult phonemes. Stories with phonetically controlled vocabulary follow each word drill. Little Angel D Workbook and Spectrum Phonics 2 reinforce lessons with exercises in phonics, vocabulary and reading comprehension. Progress tests in Little Angel D Teacher’s Manual will assess the student’s mastery of skills. The student will practice and develop his reading skills with several Fr. Lovasik readers: The Angels, Mary My Mother, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, St. Peter the Apostle and Stations of the Cross, as well as Art-Lit Reader, Primer & Book One.

Grammar & Spelling: The student will use God Gave Me the Gift of Language 2 to solidify basic grammar concepts, such as complete sentences, capitalization, punctuation, suffixes and prefixes, syllabification, alphabetization and much more. In Traditional Catholic Speller 2, he will learn to spell 680 new words, including Catholic terms.

Handwriting: The student will continue to practice his penmanship in Catholic Writing Skills 2, using a slightly reduced size as he works toward a legible and more mature handwriting style. The handwriting method used is similar in style to the Zaner-Bloser method.

Science: This year’s course will cover the plant world, insects, rocks and soil, the sun and various means of transportation, using the textbook Science and Living in God’s World 2. Additionally, the student will broaden his knowledge of animals by reading Animal Life.

Geography: By completing the exercises in Maps, Charts & Graphs C, the student will be introduced to basic map-reading and social studies concepts. This unique series blends reading and writing skills with social studies and map-reading instruction. Additionally, he will cover United States geography and learn facts about the different states in the United States Coloring Book.

Art: The student’s art lessons will consist of four coloring books: Come to Mass Coloring Book, Eucharistic Adoration Coloring Book, Let’s Follow Jesus Coloring Book and Our Lady of La Salette Coloring Book.

Music: The music program will continue the same format as in kindergarten, using the Songs for God and Country CD and accompanying songbook.

The student will complete the process of solidifying the primary skills learned in school thus far. The curriculum will continue to prepare the student for deeper concepts and topics which will be introduced in later school years.

Religion: The student will continue with Living in God’s Grace, which aims to lead him to appreciate God’s grace so that he will always strive to cooperate with it. The student will also read selections from the Picture Book of Saints and Parables of Jesus.

Mathematics: Lepanto Math Level 3 will cover new addition and subtraction facts, meanings of numbers to 10,000, Roman numerals, subtracting two digit numbers with borrowing, multiplication and division using numbers through eight, and many story problems.

Reading: By the end of grade 3 the student will have mastered phonics rules. He will be encouraged to read more independently. The student will further develop his reading skills with Just Stories, The Children’s Garden, St. Francis of Assisi, Promises of the Sacred Heart, Our Lady of Fatima, St. Paul the Apostle, St. Frances Cabrini and Child of Many Wonders. The coloring books Saints of the Eucharist, More Saints of the Eucharist and Mother of God Coloring Book are also assigned. The student will be tested for reading comprehension throughout each story.

Grammar & Spelling: Using God Gave Me the Gift of Language 3, the student will study and practice further grammar concepts including the rules for sentences, capitalization, punctuation, number, synonyms, antonyms, letter writing, dictionary use and parts of speech. Spelling and related exercises will be assigned each week in Traditional Catholic Speller 3.

Handwriting: The student will practice penmanship with Catholic Writing Skills 3, which is designed to be used in tandem with the speller. The handwriting method used is similar in style to the Zaner-Bloser method.

History: In How Our Nation Began, the student will encounter a basic survey of the discovery and settling of the New World, followed by the colonies’ growth into a new nation. The How Our Nation Began Workbook supplements the textbook with exercises, map work and review pages.

Science: Science & Living in God’s World 3 will cover topics such as home utilities, helping with the garden, establishing an aquarium, experimenting with electricity, studying the moon, learning how objects work and visiting a state park. The student’s quiz booklet will help reinforce concepts covered in the textbook. He will also learn some basics of marine life from Seaside and Wayside, Book 3.

Music: The music program will continue the same format as in kindergarten, using the Songs for God and Country CD and accompanying songbook.

This year the student will no longer simply memorize information but be guided to understand ideas more deeply. He will apply knowledge and work on fine-tuning his study habits.

Religion: In Living for God, the student will continue his religious education and deeper study on aspects of the faith. As an accompaniment, Sunday Morning Storyland will give the student stories to complement the Gospel for each Sunday of the liturgical year. Additionally, the study of the Bible will continue with the New Catholic Picture Bible, and My Creed Coloring Book will be for fun religious-based activities.

Mathematics: This year the student will use Saxon 5/4. The student will have regular reviews of previously studied concepts and learn new math concepts incrementally. Some concepts include basic number concepts, estimation, functions, two and three digit computations, geometry, and even basic algebra.

Reading: It is a truth universally acknowledged that avid readers make the best students and the most articulate writers. The student is encouraged to read as many books as possible, including those of a religious nature. This year the student will continue with Art-Lit Reader Book 2 and read four chapter books: Bring Me An Ax (St. Boniface), Dawn Brings Glory (Fr. Miguel Pro), Little Therese and St. Thomas Aquinas.

Grammar & Spelling: In the Lepanto Grammar 4 textbook, the student will learn beginning-level creative writing skills and conduct oral exercises along with a thorough study of grammar concepts. The student will also use Lepanto Grammar 4 Workbook, which provides further practice on his grammar concepts. The student will also learn hundreds of new words in Traditional Catholic Speller 4 with words and activities assigned each week.

Handwriting: Following the Zaner-Bloser style, the student will continue to practice his penmanship by taking spelling tests and copying quotations from famous authors in Catholic Writing Skills 4.

History: In Before Our Nation Began, the student will cover history from ancient and Biblical times to the founding of the Church, the Middle Ages and Crusades and ending with the Jamestown settlement. In addition to the textbook, the student will have exercises in the accompanying Before Our Nation Began Workbook.

Science: Science and Living in God’s World 4 continues with a more in-depth look at the earth, living creatures, our bodies and natural resources. A workbook of quizzes helps impress the information upon the student’s memory.

This year the student will continue to build upon skills requiring deeper and more thoughtful responses rather than merely repeating information. The reading curriculum is also greatly expanded as a love of literature is one of the foundations of our program.

Religion: Living Through God’s Gifts provides a more in-depth study of the sacraments and prayer. By studying The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the student will have a thorough understanding of the greatest prayer: the Holy Mass. With the entire focus on the Traditional Latin Mass, he will learn the prayers and the best method of assisting at Mass as well as details about the altar and priest’s vestments. The Picture Book of Saints will supplement his knowledge of saints’ lives and church history.

Mathematics: This year the student will use Saxon 6/5. The student will have regular reviews of previously studied concepts and learn new math concepts incrementally. The content ranges from basic combinations to working with whole numbers, decimals, and fractions and includes word problems, measurement, scale, graph reading, along with an introduction to algebraic equations.

Reading: The student will read The Winged Watchman, The Good Master, Children of Fatima, Blood Red Crescent, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and The Blue Gonfalon. The Reading Workbook 5 contains a variety of exercises and activities to aid in reading comprehension while guiding the student into writing thoughtful answers and book reports.

Grammar & Spelling: Lepanto Grammar 5 offers a more structured approach to composition and creative writing skills as well as grammar concepts. The grammar section instructs the student in different parts of speech as well as sentences and punctuation, which is supported by the accompanying Lepanto Grammar 5 Workbook. With Traditional Catholic Speller 5 the student will learn to spell and define hundreds of words, which includes a focus on religious vocabulary.

Handwriting: The student will continue to perfect his penmanship by taking spelling tests and copying quotations in Catholic Writing Skills 5. These skills should be put into daily use throughout the student’s written work.

History: In American History, the student will study the Catholic perspective on the founding of America. The time period covers the discovery and exploration of America, its colonization, independence, growth, division and reunification, to its emergence as a world power in the 20th century. The accompanying American History Test Booklet will solidify the student’s understanding of the material.

Science: Science in the Scientific Revolution covers a range of topics, including astronomy, human anatomy, medicine, botany, zoology, electricity, fossils, microbiology, and laws of motion. The student will be tested on the material in the accompanying Helps and Hints book.

This year’s studies will round out the concepts learned in the middle grades, completing mastery of fundamental skills while directing the student to apply them to every subject area.

Religion: Living in God’s Church begins with a study of Christ’s public life and His founding of the Church, the Communion of Saints, the Sacraments and the Precepts of the Church. Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints and Heaven’s Treasures will be assigned to build the habit of daily spiritual reading.

Arithmetic: The student will advance to Saxon 7/6 and practice concepts such as fractions, decimals, percent, ratios, perimeter, circumference, area, volume, exponents, scientific notation and signed numbers. The student will continually practice problem-solving techniques through word problems and reinforce concepts taught in previous lessons.

Reading: The student will read The Little Duke, St. Louis de Montfort, The Boy Knight of Reims, Madeleine Takes Command, Where Valor Lies and Art-Lit Reader, Book Three. The Reading Workbook 6 contains a variety of exercises and activities to aid in reading comprehension while guiding the student into writing thoughtful answers and book reports.

Grammar & Spelling: Lepanto Grammar 6 and the accompanying workbook will build upon the Grade 5 grammar studies. In Traditional Catholic Speller 6, the student will learn to spell hundreds of new words, including Catholic terms, with their meanings.

Science: Science in the Age of Reason covers a range of topics including astronomy, chemistry, geology, human physiology and weather. The text also discusses the scientists who were behind these groundbreaking fields. The student will be tested on the material in the accompanying Helps and Hints book.

History: Our Old World Background begins with early civilizations, travels through the Greek and Roman Empires to the years of early exploration, and ends with the Protestant Reformation. The student will learn the church history of these times as well as notable historical figures. A test book on the course material will be used in conjunction with the text.

Handwriting: As the student will have mastered his penmanship by this point, Catholic Writing Skills 6 finishes the course in cursive handwriting.

This year’s studies will further encourage the student to develop good study habits as the course content becomes more complex. The studies will also begin preparing the student to enter high school as a productive and virtuous youth, willing and able to apply Traditional Catholic ideals to his daily life.

Religion: In Living for Triumph the student will learn about the many graces that come to him as a member of the Mystical Body of Christ with a particular focus on the Trinity, the Holy Ghost and His activity within the Church. There will also be a more thorough study of Bible History along with daily readings from the New Testament.

Arithmetic: In Saxon 8/7, in addition to reviewing basic mathematical concepts, the student will study fractions, decimals, percentages and ratios. He will delve more deeply into perimeter, circumference, area and volume, and he will solidify his understanding of exponents, scientific notation and signed numbers. The student will continually practice problem-solving techniques through word problems.

Grammar & Spelling: Lepanto Grammar 7 covers composition, public speaking, writing, telephone courtesy, drama and good reading habits. The grammar section, supported by the accompanying workbook, deepens grammatical knowledge. In addition, the student will learn to diagram sentences. In Traditional Catholic Speller 7, the student will learn to spell hundreds of new words, including Catholic terms, with their meanings.

Literature: The student will read Adam of the Road, The Reb and the Redcoats, Stories of Don Bosco, Flame of White and The Gauntlet. These wonderful works of historical fiction give the student a taste of life in different periods of history from the Middle Ages to modern times. Stories of Don Bosco and Flame of White are biographical works that supplement the student’s knowledge of the lives of the saints.

History: A New Nation begins with the founding of the European colonies in the New World, continues with the Revolutionary War, the Catholic Church’s role in the early United States and ends after the Civil War. The student will also enjoy reading Across Five Aprils, a bittersweet historical novel about one family’s trials during the Civil War.

Science: Science in the Industrial Age explores the discoveries made from the early 1800s to the early 1900s. The text also covers many topics such as fossils, chemistry, electricity, anatomy, genetics and light. The student will be tested on the material in the accompanying Helps and Hints book.

This year’s studies will encourage the student to apply principles, concepts and ideals more widely than before. The student will be prepared in earnest to enter high school by honing his study and analytical habits and meeting the challenges of more rigorous academics.

Religion: Grade 8 religion concludes the Living My Religion series. In Living for Holiness, the student will study more deeply the first three Commandments and the Communion of Saints as well as focus on the sacraments of Holy Orders and Matrimony, illustrating to the student how to live out Catholic ideals in his life. The student will also be assigned readings from the spiritual classic My Imitation of Christ.

Arithmetic: This year the student will use Saxon Algebra ½ . The text is designed to render second nature the use of fractions, mixed numbers, and decimals. The concepts of area, percent, ratio and order of operations are discussed at a much more in-depth level than in any previous year. The beginning concepts of algebra are practiced thoroughly as well.

Grammar & Spelling: Lepanto Grammar 8 covers complex grammatical concepts in much more detail. The accompanying workbook will reinforce the learned concepts. In Traditional Catholic Speller 8, the student will learn to spell hundreds of new words, including Catholic terms, with their meanings.

Literature: This year the student will read Outlaws of Ravenhurst, Johnny Tremain, Kidnapped, A Christmas Carol, Men of Iron and A Tale of the Wars of the Roses. These historical novels highlight how the protagonists, whether they are children or adults, grow in virtue and character.

History: The Old World & America introduces the student to world history and instills a thorough understanding of the Catholic roots of Western Civilization. Beginning with the Fall of Adam and Eve, the course covers ancient times up to the exploration and colonization of the New World. Christ and the saints are presented as real historical figures, bringing alive the Church’s direct impact on society and culture.

Science: Capping the middle school science program is Science & Living in God’s World 8 and its accompanying quiz booklet. The text covers many topics that will be developed in high school science including the animal kingdom, human physiology, anatomy, energy in its many forms and machines and the work they do.

Now that the student is in high school, he will focus on fulfilling graduation requirements and work towards the goal of being a young Catholic adult in today’s world. Most students do not realize the important role high school studies will play in their future, regardless of their vocation or career path. As such, it is important to impress upon the student the necessity of fulfilling his duty of state as a student, striving to put forth his very best effort always.

Theology: The student will begin his study of theology with volume one of the Our Quest for Happiness series, Our Goal & Our Guides. This first volume accents faith and the divine love that led God the Father to create us and promise a Redeemer after our fall. The book also highlights the means the Church gives us to reach heaven, including a thorough study of the liturgy and the liturgical year.

Mathematics: Saxon Algebra I text covers evaluation of expressions involving signed numbers, exponents and roots, properties of real numbers, absolute value and equations. Integrated into the text are extensive geometric concepts as well. The student will be tested weekly from the Test Booklet in order to gauge his progress.

Grammar: Using Correct Writing and the reference manual Writing Handbook, the grade 9 grammar and composition course teaches a thorough understanding of all necessary grammatical rules and concepts. Grammar exercises also include identifying parts of speech, sentence diagramming, as well as reviewing punctuation and capitalization rules to benefit the high school writer. Regular creative writing practice is also required to hone the student’s language arts and expression skills.

Literature: This year the student will be introduced to analyzing literature by identifying and commenting upon the literary elements of character, setting, plot and theme. The student will read Fabiola by Cardinal Wiseman, which brings to life the saints and Christian persecutions in Rome. In The Lances of Lynwood by Charlotte Yonge the student follows the story of a young knight and the challenges he encounters while practicing virtue and developing his character. Come Rack! Come Rope! by Robert Hugh Benson presents the Protestant Reformation and the dangers inherent in the valiant Catholic resistance under Elizabeth I. The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy deals with the horrors of the French Revolution as well as the nobility of the English in helping French aristocrats escape death. Weekly assignments for all of these books involve comprehension and thought questions, culminating in a book report at the end of each quarter.

History: The student continues his exploration of world history in The Story of the Church text. The text covers from the time of the Apostles, the foundations of the early Church, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Luther’s revolt and ending with World War II. Accompanying the text is a workbook which helps review the concepts and facts covered in the course.

Science: Grade 9 science covers Discovering Design with Earth Science by Dr. Jay L. Wile, who follows a very creation-centered approach to science. Written specifically for self-directed students, this text follows a user-friendly yet challenging approach to earth science topics, including soil, rocks and minerals, the lithosphere, seismic activity, fossils, interpreting the geological record, hydrosphere, atmosphere and weather and solar system. The text includes several experiments per module, using common household items. The student is tested at the end of each module using the Discovering Design with Earth Science test booklet.

This year’s studies will continue to expand the scope of knowledge for the student. The student’s writing should begin to take on a more mature quality with a focus on analysis in all subjects. He will also begin implementing ways in which to discover God’s plan for him in his personal life.

Theology: This year the student moves to the second book of the Our Quest for Happiness series. In Through Christ Our Lord the student will study the Gospels, the life of Christ and the different doctrines pertaining to His life. Further, the course will delve into the Mass and the Eucharist with an overview of ethics as well as an examination of the third and fourth Commandments.

Mathematics: Saxon Algebra II covers graphical solutions to simultaneous equations, scientific notation, radicals, roots of quadratic equations, properties of real numbers, inequalities and systems of inequalities, logarithms and antilogarithms, exponential equations, basic trigonometric functions, algebra of polynomials, vectors, polar and rectangular coordinate systems. As with Algebra I, the student will be tested weekly from the Test Booklet in order to gauge his progress.

Grammar: From captivating introductions to compelling descriptions and convincing conclusions, The Elegant Essay guides the student through the entire essay-writing process. With explanations and practice exercises, it is an excellent extension and refinement of his writing skills that lays the foundation for the remaining high school grammar courses. The Easy Grammar Ultimate Series workbook completes the student’s final review of high school grammar in simple daily exercises.

Literature: Grade 10 literature offers several selections of historical fiction from different eras of American history. The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane is an American classic, which presents a terrifyingly realistic portrait of combat in the Civil War. Billy Budd by Herman Melville is a novella about a merchant sailor serving on a British ship and the trials he undergoes with his master-at-arms. Written by Gene Stratton-Porter, Keeper of the Bees is the story of a World War II veteran suffering from shell shock who begins working with a beekeeper in California and ultimately finds health and peace. In Owen Wister’s The Virginian, the titular character overcomes many trials and exhibits heroism and friendship, set in the backdrop of the Wild West. While not a work of fiction, the student will read Saints of the American Wilderness to complement his studies in history of the North American martyrs.

History: This survey of American history centers on Christ and the Americas by Anne Carroll. The student will learn about the Catholic roots of our country, meet great Catholics of North and South America, and learn how the Church has fared in the Western Hemisphere. While learning of the foundations of Catholicism in the Americas, the student will cover the various dynamics which entered into the establishment and growth of nations in the New World.

Science: Dr. Jay L. Wile’s Exploring Creation with Biology follows a creation-centered approach to botany and zoology. Written specifically for the self-directed student, this text follows a user-friendly yet challenging approach to various topics including taxonomy, cellular composition, along with a study of different plant and animal species. The text explains from a Christian perspective the difference between macroevolution and microevolution, showing why Darwinian macroevolution is not possible. The text includes several labs per module using common household items; parents have the option of purchasing a microscope and dissection kit to complete more advanced labs. The student is tested at the end of each module using the Exploring Creation with Biology Solutions and Tests booklet.

In this year’s studies, the student will continue toward fulfilling graduation requirements with a focus on courses that will equip him with knowledge and subject matter to help him advance through adult life, be it college, career, or to whichever vocation he is called.

Theology: This year the student will continue with the third book of the Our Quest for Happiness series, The Ark and the Dove. The course reveals the charity of the Holy Ghost as the student reflects upon the Third Person of the Trinity as well as the nature, origin, structure and history of the Church. The sacrament of Penance and the fifth, sixth, and ninth Commandments are also discussed.

Mathematics: Saxon Advanced Math I covers advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, discrete mathematics and mathematical analysis. A rigorous treatment of Euclidean geometry is included. Transfer students may be on a different math track, in which case they may need a lower level of math study this year. The student will be tested bi-weekly from the Test Booklet in order to gauge his progress.

Grammar: In preparation for college and adult life, the student will complete public speaking through the Basic Speech Experiences textbook. The course hones the student’s abilities in verbal presentation, which will enable him to defend the Faith when the opportunities arise. It also prepares him to compete for jobs and interact with new acquaintances, both professional and social. Paired with the course is a book on political communication, Slightly to the Right, which prepares the student for controversial discussions. 

Literature: Grade 11 literature series focuses on a selection of modern classics and complements the student’s study of modern history. Animal Farm by George Orwell is an analogy of Communism. The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis is a satirical series of letters between devils discussing how to tempt a young man striving to resist modern attitudes. The student will read Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles, a classic Sherlock Holmes story, which offers some levity in contrast with the other books in this course. Holding the Stirrup by Elisabeth von Guttenberg chronicles a Bavarian noblewoman’s life through the World Wars and beyond. Lord of the World by Robert Hugh Benson is an apocalyptic tale.

History: Modern history surveys the rise of Communism between East and West during the 20th century. This course imparts to the student important information about what modern forces have threatened human and God-given freedoms. 1917: Red Banners White Mantle by Warren H. Carroll introduces the student to the early rise of Communism at the beginning of World War I and ties in Our Lady’s message at Fatima. Pope Pius XI’s important encyclical On Atheistic Communism gives the Catholic Church’s position on Communism and guidance on combating it. The Naked Communist by W. Cleon Skousen gives a history of Communism, its founders and tactics and its ability to infiltrate countries in recent years. The student will also study firsthand accounts of people directly affected by Communism: a former Communist in School of Darkness and a Catholic priest in He Leadeth Me.

Science: In Dr. Jay L. Wile’s Discovering Design with Chemistry, the student is introduced to general concepts of measurements and units, as well as reviews of energy, heat and temperature. The text also covers atomic and molecular structure, matter classification and changes, stoichiometry and numerous other topics. Labs are user-friendly, requiring only basic household materials or readily available items. The text is written in such a way that the student will be well prepared for college-level sciences. The student is tested at the end of each module using the Discovering Design with Chemistry test booklet.

This year’s studies complete the student’s high school education as well as graduation requirements. Upon the completion of this year the student should be well equipped to apply Catholic principles in all areas of life and prepared to enter college, a career, or his vocation.

Theology: The student concludes the Our Quest for Happiness series with Toward the Eternal Commencement. The textbook discusses the Four Last Things, the sacraments of Extreme Unction, Holy Orders, and Matrimony, Catholic social principles, and the Apocalypse. Additionally, a detailed study of the Blessed Mother is presented as a perfect model for Catholic life. The text helps the student discover his vocation in life and prepares him to defend his faith in his adult life.

Mathematics: Saxon Advanced Math II is optional for most students but especially encouraged for those who intend to pursue a math- or science-oriented career. Topics include parabolas, binomial expansions, trigonometric identities, logarithms, equations of the hyperbola and ellipse, convergent geometric series, matrix addition and multiplications, inverse matrices and the use of the graphing calculator. The student will be tested bi-weekly from the Test Booklet in order to gauge his progress.

Grammar: The student will learn the proper method of formal written assignments in the Research Paper. The text teaches a step-by-step process of writing term papers in MLA style, including topic selection, discovering and vetting sources, writing a draft, as well as proper technical presentation. The Christian’s Guide to Character and Success is a Catholic handbook that will guide the student in his adult life on various topics, including how to use criticism prudently, how to discipline the imagination, and how to tell the difference between pleasure and happiness.

Literature: British Classics I covers four stand-out classic novels that focus on moral dilemmas and their resolution. In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, class and social relationships are critiqued by the protagonists who overcome their biases and grow in virtue. Set during the French Revolution, A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens is a story that exemplifies the verse, “Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice also focuses on justice and mercy. Loss and Gain by John Henry Newman is about a young student’s gradual conversion to Roman Catholicism while suffering from religious discrimination at Oxford. Our course uses the Ignatius Press Critical Editions series to offer a Catholic perspective on these works.

Civics: Since patriotism is a virtue, it is important for the student to understand the proper role of government and his relationship to human authority through the perspective of Catholic social principles. The student will study these topics in The Measuring Tape by Frank Denke, which focuses on the US form of government. Catholic social principles will be further developed in Catholic Action for Christ the King, Christian Citizenship, and Michael Davies’ The Reign of Christ the King.

Science: Review Text in Health offers the student a basic overview of health science, including anatomy and physiology. The student will thoroughly study nutrition in Teenagers and Nutrition by Dr. Anthony Cichoke and basic First Aid information in the First Aid Participant’s Manual.

Philosophy: This course will be a philosophical introduction to Apologetics and is intended for an advanced high school senior. It may be substituted for Theology IV. The Apologetics textbook and accompanying study guide cover five logical proofs for God’s existence, the nature of religion, Christ our Redeemer and the marks and attributes of the Church. The author Msgr. Paul Glenn presents these topics following a traditional Thomistic method and rigorous, Aristotelian logic. Take Off Your Shoes is the accompanying study guide to aid the student. Please note that this course does not cover the Catholic defense of current cultural and social issues.

Consumer Math: This course is ideal for the student who wants to learn practical math skills applicable to everyday living or who is not college bound. Consumer Math is illustrated throughout with graphs, charts, relevant exercises and solutions. Topics covered include earning money, managing a household, buying and maintaining a car, budgeting your money, banking, investing and paying taxes.

Geometry: Saxon Geometry is ideal for the student who wishes to take a dedicated geometry course. Presented in the familiar Saxon approach of incremental development and continual review, topics are continually kept fresh in the student’s mind. Course topics include triangle congruence, postulates and theorems, surface area and volume, two-column proofs, vector addition, slopes and equations of lines. The student will be tested weekly from the Testing Book in order to gauge his progress.

Advanced Literature: This course consists of a thorough, full-year study on two works by William Shakespeare: Henry V and Macbeth. This course is recommended for the student who is an advanced reader and writer and is in grade 11 or 12.

Ancient Literature: Designed to familiarize the student with classical Western mythology, the course covers the great epics of Virgil and Homer in D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths. The accompanying student guide gives exercises to aid in memorizing and understanding the stories. Two Shakespeare plays, Julius Caesar and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, are included and which are set in mythological or historical eras. This course is recommended for any high school level.

British Classics II: This course introduces the student to thought-provoking classics that highlight virtue in the face of adversity. The titles include Silas Marner by George Eliot, Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott, and Initiation by Robert Hugh Benson. This course is recommended for students in grades 11 or 12.

Catholic Heroes Literature: This course uses historical fiction and nonfiction to introduce the student to poignant characters and events throughout the history of Catholicism. Titles include El Cid (Spain, 1050), St. Fernando III (Spain, 1250), Angels in Iron (Malta, 1565), The Lion and the Crescent (Lepanto, 1571), Swords Around the Cross (Ireland, 1600), Edmund Campion: A Life (England, 1581), For Altar and Throne (France, 1793), A Heart for Europe (WWI, 1916), and A Twice-Crowned Knight (1900-1941). This course is recommended for the mature student in grade 11 or 12 and who is also an advanced reader and writer.

Epic Literature: This course introduces the student to three classic epics of Western literature written in varying literary styles. The student will study Seamus Heaney’s translation of Beowulf, the epic poem in which the hero encounters monsters and overcomes them for the sake of following the path of heroic virtue until death. The Ballad of the White Horse is an epic poem by G.K. Chesterton about the Saxon king Alfred the Great, a hero of both England and the Church. In Mark Musa’s translation of the Divine Comedy, The Portable Dante, the student will follow Dante on his journey through the afterlife, encountering philosophy, theology, history, as well as a timeless story of the soul’s struggle for salvation and reconciliation with God. This course is recommended for the student who is an advanced reader and writer and is in grade 11 or 12.

Tolkien: In this course, the student will read and study J.R.R. Tolkien’s most popular works, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The Tolkien Study Guide will aid the student in his literary analyses. This course is recommended for any high school level.

Physics: Exploring Creation with Physics by Dr. Jay L. Wile is an ideal preparation for a university-level physics course, designed for the student who has completed algebra and has a familiarity with basic trigonometry. It provides a detailed introduction to the methods and concepts of general physics, heavily emphasizing vector analysis, a strong background in one-dimensional and two-dimensional motion, Newton’s laws and their application, gravity, work and energy, momentum, periodic motion, waves, optics, electrostatics, electrodynamics, electrical circuits and magnetism. The student is tested at the end of each module using the Exploring Creation with Physics Solutions and Tests booklet.

Introductory Latin: From the Latina Christiana textbook preface: “This course is designed for parents, students, and teachers who have no background in Latin or foreign languages. It can be used as a self-instruction course for older students or as a teacher-directed course for elementary students in both home and Christian schools.” Materials used include the Teacher’s Manual, an in-depth manual and answer key, and the Student Workbook. Instructional DVDs, pronunciation CDs, and flashcards are also available.

Latin I, II & III: The Henle Latin course is for the advanced high school student or the student who has successfully completed Latina Christiana. Latin I uses Henle First Year Latin and covers the basics of Latin, including all the declensions and conjugations, ending after the subjunctive is introduced. Progress Tests are completed bi-weekly to gauge the student’s progress. The Latin Grammar book will be referenced in the textbook for additional information.

Latin II continues with Henle First Year Latin and picks up where Latin I ended. Topics covered include a deeper study of the moods, other parts of speech, and ending with irregular verbs. The student is also introduced to Church Latin in the Church Latin Vocabulary Booklet. Progress Tests are completed bi-weekly to gauge the student’s progress. Lastly, the Latin Grammar book will be referenced in the textbook for additional information.

Latin III uses Henle Second Year Latin and moves into an in-depth study of topics covered in Latin I and II along with translations of Caesar. Progress Tests are completed bi-weekly to gauge the student’s progress. The Latin Grammar book will be referenced in the textbook for additional information.