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COURSE CATALOG

jr high course descriptions

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DepartmentGrade LevelCourse TitleCourse DescriptionTextbookPre-RequisitesNotes
Bible7th7th Grade BibleThe year begins with an in-depth look at the life of Jesus by examining the four Gospels. We will work chronologically in the order of Jesus’ life. The goal of instruction in the first semester is to thoroughly instruct the students in the life of Jesus. We will examine His teachings and miracles to supplement this. In the 2nd semester, we will study Jesus’ journey to the cross and conclude with His death and resurrection. In addition to this, we will focus on what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus and why the Bible applies to us today. We will do so by looking at contemporary topics through the lens of the Bible. We will also have memory verse quizzes weekly based on the New Testament text covered throughout the course. It is the goal of this class to deepen our understanding of who Jesus is, to grow in our relationship with Him, and to develop a solid Biblical worldview.Bible
Bible8th8th Grade BibleThe Life of the Early Church is a one year, two semester course in which we will read, discuss, and apply the major themes of the Acts, the Epistles, & Revelation. Students will be expected to read on their own portions of the Bible, follow along with lectures, discuss reading comprehension questions from their textbook, complete supplemental handouts, and fully participate in all class projects. All of these expectations are designed to aid the student in beginning to comprehend the grand narrative of God’s plan for redemption.Bible
Electives7th & 8thAspireThe CJHS ASPIRE Program is designed to provide academic support as well as provide students with individualized study skills instruction and includes the added benefit of the ASPIRE teacher acting as a teacher-student-parent liaison. This program provides the student with a teacher-assisted study hall period as well as additional access to the ASPIRE teacher throughout the day. If the student has accommodations that would take them outside of class for testing, the ASPIRE teacher is available throughout the day for those circumstances. The ASPIRE program is an academic support system taken for a credit/no credit grade. There is a $3,000 fee for ASPIRE classes.
Electives7th & 8thJH YearbookThis course is designed to produce a beautiful yearbook, a physical memory of the school year that students will cherish for a lifetime. Students will study magazine journalism, layout, and design techniques, writing and editing copy, and creating eye-catching headlines and pictures. We will learn to gather and analyze information, interview students, and take quality photos. Students must meet deadlines so the yearbook can be completed on time. Most of the yearbook will be completed in class, but occasionally students may need to work outside of class timePrerequisites: Students must have a positive attitude, work diligently and earn and maintain a B or higher in their English class. Enrollment is subject to an application and interview process the prior spring.
Electives7th & 8thJH Beginning Concert Band 1-year courseThis course is designed for the beginning/intermediate instrumentalist. It includes basic musical foundations and a well-rounded band experience. This is a performing group.Prerequisite: The student must play an instrument or take lessons in the summer. Level placement in Beginning/Advanced Band based on teacher recommendation.Class Fee $280.00
Electives7th & 8thJH Advanced Concert Band1-year courseThis course is designed for the intermediate/advanced instrumentalist. It includes more advanced theory, well-rounded band experience while expanding expertise on the individual instrument and exposure to Multiple styles of music. This is a performing group.Prerequisite: The student must play an instrument or take lessons in the summer. Level placement in Beginning/Advanced Band based on teacher recommendation.Class Fee $280.00
Electives7th & 8thJH Choir - 1 year courseJH Choir is a performance-oriented class designed to provide the singer basic training in music theory, vocal production, and performance proficiency through concert experiences. Class Fee $100.00
Electives8th8th Grade Spanish - 1 year courseStudents will develop skills in the four aspects of language: Listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing on a beginner level. Students will do group work, partner work and individual work to develop their Spanish skills as thematic vocabulary and grammar concepts are taught. The Present and Preterit Tenses are the focus of the grammar units whereas a variety of vocabulary is presented. The Hispanic culture and civilizations are also taught through selected readings, videos, and discussions.Descubre I (Vista Higher Learning)Student must have earned an 85% in Advanced English or a 93+% in Regular English in the previous semester to qualify for this class. Must maintain a 70+% at semester to remain in the class.
Electives7th & 8thJH Drama - This is a 1 year courseJH Drama is a year-long class which is designed to give an introduction to acting and performance techniques, and allow students to decide if they would like to pursue Drama in High School. Student will perform a single one-act play per semester and will learn basic theater vocabulary and acting styles while focusing on creative movement, voice control, and character development.
Electives8th8th grade Digital Video - 1 year courseThe students will use their own creative ideas to create several short films. In addition, the instructor will assign individual video projects, as well as group projects, so that the students can better understand how to make successful short films. In this course, the students will complete at least three individual projects during each semester.
Electives7th & 8thJH LeadershipStudents will explore and experience a variety of leadership training experiences and will participate in the organization and production of the Junior High activities and events. The goal is to promote strong Christian leaders who can not only make a difference in the school today, but can make a difference in the world for Christ.Enrollment is based on application, interview and election the prior spring. Requires a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Electives7th7th Grade Rotation - Habits of SuccessThis is a special 7th grade course designed to cover basic study and organizational skills. Class goals are to maximize students' learning process by: generating critical thinking skills, increasing time and material management skills, learning about goal setting skils and enhancing listening and speaking skills.
English7thEnglish 7This course parallels the time period covered in the British and U.S. from mid-eighteenth century and focuses on the “Quest” theme. One’s purpose and identity is evaluated through the works. Eight parts of speech, Schaffer’s 5-paragraph structure, the writing process (outline, pre-draft, edit, and publish) with MLA formatting, figurative language, vocabulary (context words) and spelling are included in this course. Novels include Call of the Wild and The Hobbit.
English8thEnglish 8 and English 8 AdvancedThe time period in U.S. history covered in this English class is from Reconstruction to present day and focuses on the “Warfare” theme. The eight parts of speech, Schaffer’s 5-paragraph essay, the writing process (outline, pre-draft, writing, editing, and publishing), figurative language, and emphasis on vocabulary and spelling are all part of this course. Novels include "The Giver", Boy in the Striped Pajamas" and Gifted Hands for advanced.To be enrolled in Advanced English 8 a student must earn a 90% in regular English 7, have MAP Reading test scores for placement <226, and teacher recommendation for writing competency. To remain in the class at semester, student must have at least an 88% average.
MathMultipleIntegrated Pre-AlgebraThis course is an introduction to pre-algebra. The course begins as a review of basic mathematic fundamentals and operations. The course uses the pre-algebra curriculum but is designed to expose students to the general concepts of pre-algebra but spend the bulk of time reinforcing foundational concepts to ready them for pre-algebra the following year.Larson Pre-Algebra, Holt McDougal, 2012MAP test scores for placement <219
MathMultiplePre-AlgebraTo provide pre-algebra basics as a foundation for Algebra I. Students continue to review and develop the basic math skills introduced in elementary grades, while learning the language and methods of algebra and some geometry basics as well. Students should advance to Algebra 1 the next year.Larson Pre-Algebra, Holt McDougal 2012MAP test scores for placement, 220-223
Math7thAdvanced Pre-AlgebraThis course content and purpose are the same as regular Pre-Algebra, but the students are expected to have mastered the basic math skills introduced in elementary grades, and apply those skills to the study of the language and methods of algebra. Additional enrichment opportunities are available to students in Advanced Pre-Algebra 7.Glencoe, Pre-Algebra, 2008MAP test scores for placement, 224-228
MathMultipleAlgebra 1This course will include the language and tools of algebra, solving and analyzing linear equations, functions and patterns, solving systems of linear equations and inequalities, polynomials, factoring, quadratic and exponential functions, radical expressions, triangles and equations, and statistics and probability. Upon successful completion of this class, the student will move onto Geometry or Honors Geometry.Algebra 1, 2015 PearsonMAP test scores for placement 226-244
Physical Education7th & 8thJH Boys and Girls Physical EducationThe physical education program provides instruction aimed at developing all physical fitness characteristics and fundamental skills, while teaching genuine Christian character and sportsmanship.
Science7thScience 7-Life ScienceScience 7, Life Science, is a yearlong course, which encompasses the nature of science, ecology, plants, animal life, and human biology. Students will be taught problem solving techniques, experimental protocols, and biblical truths related to these subject areas. Students will be taught science concepts, science skills, technical writing (lab reports), and biblical truths related to these subject areas. Students are taught to discern between facts and assumptions as they explore the branches of Life Science. The material in this course will be introduced through multiple learning modalities, which include note-taking, hands-on activities, labs, and earth science related projects.Science Explorer: Life Science. Boston, MA: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2009.; Supplemental Materials from the Institute for Creation Research, Creation and Earth Science Museum
Science8thScience 8Science 8, Earth Science, is a yearlong, rigorous course, which encompasses the earth science fields of geology, oceanography, meteorology, astronomy, and origins. Students will be taught science concepts, science skills, technical writing (lab reports), and biblical truths related to these subject areas.Students are taught to discern between facts and assumptions as they explore the branches of Earth Science. The material in this course will be introduced through multiple learning modalities, which include note-taking, hands-on activities, labs, and earth science related projects.Iscience Life. Columbus, OH: McGraw–Hill Education, 2017. Print.
Soc Sci7thUS History 7-1492 to ReconstructionThis course focuses on early American history through the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. Events are taught chronologically and include, but are not limited to, early exploration and colonization, the American Revolution, The Mexican-American War, Manifest Destiny, the Civil War and Reconstruction, closing of the frontier, and beginnings of industrialization. Special emphases include civics and California history.Davidson, James West., ed., The American Nation. Prentice Hall: New Jersey, 2000
Soc Sci8thUS History 8 Reconstruction to PresentThis course focuses on Reconstruction Era to modern day US History. Events are taught chronologically and include, but are not limited to: Reconstruction of the New South, Opening the West, The Industrial Age, The Progressive Era, Rise to Power, World War I, The Great Depression, World War II, The Cold War Era, The Civil Rights Era, The Vietnam War Era, Watergate, Reagan Presidence, and New Challenges Ahead. Specific empases include "The Progressive era" and "America: A Superpower" as students have the opportunity to conduct a research paper on either. In addition, students will have the opportunity to participate in the Historical Studies East Coast Tour.Davidson, James West., ed., The American Nation. Prentice Hall: New Jersey, 2000

LIPSYNC 2025

Lipsync will be streamed on the evening of Friday, September 26.
Start time is based on a variety of factors.

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY MINIMUMS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

GradeTOEFL JrTOEFLiTEPDuolingo
6700NA3NA
7750NA3NA
8800503.380-85
985050-603.385-90
10NA60-703.590-95
11NA70+3.895+

research links & INformation

Web Research Links:

Grolier Online (includes Encyclopedia Americana)
User ID: christianhs
Password: patriot

EBSCO Host Research Databases – Full-text Periodical and Reference Articles Online
User ID: christianhs
Password: patriot2019!

SIRS Knowledge Source – Periodical articles online
User ID: CA3906
Password: PATRIOT

San Diego County Library Website
Enter library card number; enter last four digits or phone number for PIN or, for newer users, make your own PIN.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

SCHOOL-WIDE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

We expect our students to be:

Influential Christians who:

  • Accept the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior.
  • Apply Biblical principles as the foundation for moral and spiritual living.
  • Develop and maintain an informed Biblical worldview that shapes their lifestyle choices.
  • Demonstrate God’s love through acts of service and sharing the gospel.

Investigative Learners who:

  • Master a body of knowledge, vocabulary, and skills.
  • Understand, analyze, and order relationships among facts.
  • Assess their needs and apply appropriate strategies to learn concepts and skills.
  • Actively use the tools of learning throughout their lifetime.

Perceptive Thinkers who:

  • Identify, analyze, discriminate, prioritize, and apply information.
  • Have the ability to solve problems by thinking independently and logically.
  • Make responsible and well-reasoned decisions.
  • Actively seek and apply absolute truths.

Effective Communicators who:

  • Demonstrate the ability to accurately understand, interpret, and exchange information.
  • Communicate with eloquence, creativity, and persuasion in writing and in speech.
  • Develop and utilize artistic expression.
  • Proclaim and defend the gospel with wisdom, wit, and respect.

Quality Producers who:

  • Demonstrate a growing knowledge of curriculum.
  • Develop their God-given talents and abilities.
  • Display standards of excellence in all pursuits.
  • Work well with others toward a common goal.

Responsible Citizens who:

  • Respect and submit to authority.
  • Actively protect and promote freedom and democracy.
  • Enjoy God’s creation and live as good stewards within it.
  • Recognize and contribute to meeting the needs of others.    

School Governance

Christian Unified Schools of San Diego (CUSSD) is an outreach of and sponsored by Shadow Mountain Community Church (SMCC). The thirteen-member governing board of directors is composed of SMCC members who have been elected by its membership at the annual meeting. The school is a separate 501(c) 3 organization, which is supported and protected by the overarching policies of SMCC.

CORE VALUES

TEACHING STUDENTS TO ATTAIN THEIR FULL POTENTIAL IN GOD

Christian Education from the Word of God, subject to God’s sovereign and providential purpose, brings students to their full stature in Christ. Genesis 1:1, 26-28; Isaiah 54:13-17; Revelation 4:11

TEACHING STUDENTS SELF-GOVERNMENT UNDER GOD

Christian Education internalizes and applies Biblical principles for the government of home, school, and nation thereby framing the proper response of students to God. Romans 3:23; John 3:16; John 16:13 

TEACHING STUDENTS TO COMMIT THEMSELVES FULLY TO GOD

Christian Education challenges students spiritually, morally, socially, physically, and academically to consider how they govern themselves, their habits of work and scholarship, their insight and knowledge of God’s providence, and their character development in light of each student’s commitment of faith in Christ. Mark 12:30, 33 

TEACHING STUDENTS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS, FACULTY, AND THE LOCAL CHURCH

Christian Education is a cooperative effort between parents, faculty, and the local church to develop the spiritual, environmental, and intellectual culture necessary for sound learning. Parents authorize both school and church to inspire, cultivate, consecrate, and instruct their children. By necessity, every teacher who teaches from a Biblical philosophy of schooling must exemplify the excellent teaching gifts and qualities of character and scholarship worthy of a wholehearted commitment to Christ. All teachers must represent the spirit and discipline of their calling and embody the very goals they teach their students. Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Galatians 6:6; James 3:1. 

TEACHING STUDENTS TO THINK, LEARN, AND LIVE AS EFFECTIVE CHRISTIAN PEOPLE

Christian Education enlightens the understanding, corrects the temperament, forms the habits and manners, and prepares students for useful service. From a Christian worldview of presuppositions consistent with absolute Biblical truth, students learn to discern right action and thinking from which they then exercise a proper role in their families, the Body of Christ, and as citizens of the United States of America. Romans 12:1-2; I Timothy 4:15.

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY

GENERAL PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

Because we believe God’s Word is the primary source of truth and meaning, Christian Unified Schools of San Diego (CUSSD) seeks to operate based on Biblical principles. From God’s Word, perspective from the past, context for the present, and direction for the future is established.

Christian Unified Schools of San Diego believes that Jesus Christ is the Truth (John 14:6) and in Him as revealed in God’s Word, lives can be sanctified (John 17:17) and set apart to glorify God (I Corinthians 6:20). In accordance with the Articles of Faith and Practice, CUSSD seeks to integrate faith with life and learning from a Biblical point of view by providing a coherent academic foundation within a consistent method of thinking, which includes the concepts that all people are:

  • Made in the image of God – physical and spiritual beings: creative, independent, thinking, and capable of having a relationship with God and others
  • Fallen and sinful
  • Redeemable – saved by Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection 
  • Valuable – unique, having purpose and free will, able to pursue interests and love
  • Flesh and blood – who possess physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and social strengths and weaknesses

Our goal is to train students in the arts and sciences and to nurture them in the faith of Christ so that they are challenged to think well and live well and do both for the glory of God and in service to others. The Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Expected School-wide Learning Objectives reflect this philosophy.

ADMINISTRATION PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

The administration is responsible for upholding the philosophy and foundational statements, provide a carefully developed curriculum, professionally support and serve the teachers, and work to ensure a God-honoring school where like-minded parents can expect their student to receive a quality Christian college preparatory, liberal arts education.

TEACHER PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

The teachers are instruments of God in the redeeming and shaping process. As detailed in the Staff Code of Ethics, they model Christian behavior and strive to instill knowledge and the tools of learning in the student. The teachers are vital to the establishment of the spiritual and professional quality of the school. They are to be called by God to teach, train, discipline, and serve. They are to have a clear Christian testimony, be growing in their Christian faith, and be life-long learners. They are to model, integrate, and include a Biblical worldview and Great Commission perspective in lessons, activities, and assessments. They are to be professionally prepared and appropriately qualified.

They are charged to:

  • Support the school’s philosophy, foundational statements, and school-wide policies
  • Maintain professional conduct
  • Possess and utilize effective classroom management skills
  • Use developmentally appropriate, sufficiently challenging instructional strategies
  • Be well-prepared for class
  • Communicate clearly and effectively
  • Assess learning accurately
  • Reflect and improve continually
  • Demonstrate God’s character instructionally and relationally

CURRICULUM PHILOSOPHY STATEMENTS

General Curricular Statement:

The curriculum is designed to produce rational, reasoning, and responsible Christian citizens with a Biblical worldview as the foundations for thinking, doing, and being. With knowledge that God is the Giver of all Wisdom, Christian Unified Schools of San Diego seeks to:

  • Incorporate a Biblical worldview into each unit, grade, class, and program in a purposeful, intentional, and pro-active manner
  • Instill the Tools of Learning incrementally by building on concepts one step at a time in ascending order
  • Articulate, integrate, and align the content into the various disciplines and within each level
  • Provide a balance of quality academic, arts, athletic, leadership, and service opportunities
  • Meet educational needs so that the students will:
    • Have firm convictions based on a foundation of Biblical truth, sound thinking, and practical purpose
    • Be prepared to further their education
    • Become skilled, life-long, self-directed learners who have a body of knowledge and skills
    • Be able to develop facts into logical arguments to solve problems
    • Be able to convey their critical thinking ability clearly, eloquently, and persuasively
    • Live well in two kingdoms simultaneously
    • Contribute to and influence the culture in which they live as salt and light
    • Lead with integrity
    • Serve with love

The Curriculum is rigorously developed, thoroughly documented, well-executed, and Biblically integrated. It is structured to provide interrelated disciplines. It incorporates the general philosophy, school-wide learning results, measurable objectives, instructional strategies, adequate resources, and appropriate assessments throughout. It is driven by policies and procedures. It includes a Biblical worldview and a Great Commission perspective.

The Methodology uses researched, best practices to incorporate knowledge with application through differentiated instruction aligned to cognitive development. It provides a dynamic, rich, creative learning environment. It incorporates high-yield instructional strategies, technology, and activities to promote wisdom and understanding, essential skills and content knowledge, and critical and higher level thinking ability.

The Goal is to provide for the educational needs of individual students while motivating them to attain to the best of their God-given ability within the framework of character development. We seek to prepare students to live life from a Biblical worldview with strong moral and spiritual values. We hope to see students who continue learning, leading, and serving with integrity and purpose. We desire that students glorify God by loving God and others with their whole hearts, minds, and souls.

PARENTAL PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

The parents and the church are the institutions charged with the education of children. Therefore, the parents are ultimately responsible for the physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, and social development of their child. The parents, by entrusting their students to the school, understand and support the philosophy, foundational statements, and school-wide policies. They strive to reinforce the school’s values as ascribed in the Parental Agreement. They participate in activities, and they provide for the success of their student.

STUDENT PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

The students are uniquely created in the image of God and in need of discipleship to use their talents to full potential as they grow in grace, knowledge, and wisdom of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (II Peter 3:18). Students are to be prepared, principled, and creative life-long learners and well-educated, purposeful, Godly leaders and servants. They are to submit to the authority structure set in place by God not only while students but also as adults. They are to abide by the school-wide standards as outlined in the Student Agreement and handbook and strive to attain the Expected School-Wide Learning Results by becoming:

Influential Christians who:

  • Accept the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior.
  • Apply Biblical principles as the foundation for moral and spiritual living.
  • Develop and maintain an informed Biblical worldview that shapes their lifestyle choices.
  • Demonstrate God’s love through acts of service and sharing the gospel.

Investigative Learners who:

  • Master a body of knowledge, vocabulary, and skills.
  • Understand, analyze, and order relationships among facts.
  • Assess their needs and apply appropriate strategies to learn concepts and skills.
  • Actively use the tools of learning throughout their lifetime.

Perceptive Thinkers who:

  • Identify, analyze, discriminate, prioritize, and apply information.
  • Have the ability to solve problems by thinking independently and logically.
  • Make responsible and well-reasoned decisions.
  • Actively seek and apply absolute truths.

Effective Communicators who:

  • Demonstrate the ability to accurately understand, interpret, and exchange information.
  • Communicate with eloquence, creativity, and persuasion in writing and in speech.
  • Develop and utilize artistic expression.
  • Proclaim and defend the gospel with wisdom, wit, and respect.

Quality Producers who:

  • Demonstrate a growing knowledge of curriculum.
  • Develop their God-given talents and abilities.
  • Display standards of excellence in all pursuits.
  • Work well with others toward a common goal.

Responsible Citizens who:

  • Respect and submit to authority.
  • Actively protect and promote freedom and democracy.
  • Enjoy God’s creation and live as good stewards within it.
  • Recognize and contribute to meeting the needs of others.

STATEMENT OF FAITH

  • The Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The Bible itself, as the inspired, inerrant, plenary, and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe.  For purposes of CUSSD’s faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, Shadow Mountain Community Church is CUSSD’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.
  • We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His vicarious and atoning death through the shedding of His blood, His bodily resurrection on the third day, His ascension to the right hand of the Father, His personal, pre-millennial return to rapture His Church before the Tribulation, and His glorious appearing to set up His Millennial Kingdom.   
  • We believe that salvation is by grace alone through faith, apart from works, by the merit of the shed blood of Christ, and that the born-again believer is eternally secure in Christ.
  • We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
  • We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
  • We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • We believe in the individual priesthood of the believer.
  • We believe life begins at conception.
  • We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning— the uniting of one biological man and one biological woman in a single, exclusive union as delineated in Scripture (Gen. 2:18-25.) We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a biological man and a biological woman who are married to each other (1 Cor. 6:18; 7:2-5; Heb. 13:4.) We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.
  • We believe that the Scripture dictates standards of sexual behavior. The unique roles of the male and female are clearly defined in Scripture. Any promiscuity, homosexuality, gender identity issues, or other deviations from Biblical principles is a sin that is offensive to God (Matt. 5:18-19; I Cor. 6: 9-10, 19-20; Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Thess. 4:3-8).