Bible 9-Old Testament Survey

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9
Textbook: Classroom Bibles are provided. Students are also welcome to use their own Bibles

This course will give a broad overview of the Old Testament as the foundation of our faith. Students will be equipped with a basic historical layout of the Bible by exploring its major events, characters, themes, and theological concepts. The redemptive historical thread of the Bible from Genesis to Jesus will be exposed, providing the opportunity for students to see and experience God's sovereign plan and grace to us all.

Bible 10-New Testament Survey

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 10
Textbook: Classroom Bibles are provided. Students are also welcome to use their own Bibles

This course is designed to help students understand the continuation of the Old Testament story of our Gracious God who loves His creation. We will survey nine New Testament books, including two Gospel accounts, the book of Acts, and a selection of epistles from different New Testament authors. The class will cover the historical context, structure, styles, key themes, and events of the New Testament.

Bible 11-Theology, Apologetics, and World Religions

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 11
 

This course will help students learn how to love God completely and their neighbors compassionately. There will be many opportunities for students to learn how to see themselves as God sees them according to a Biblical framework. We will encounter various stories of famous atheists and their disagreements with the Christian faith tradition. Upon analysis students will understand the importance of learning the arguments for the Christian faith. The goal of this course is to find our stories in the grand story of God as we see it climaxed in the person of Jesus Christ.  We will define religion and compare and contrast Christianity to Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Mormonism based on their views of God, sin, salvation, Jesus, and the afterlife. Their scriptures, symbols, and historical and cultural backgrounds will  be explored via a group research project for the course of the semester. The goal of this class is to learn the great joy in loving our religious neighbors well. 

Bible 12-Christian Leadership, Senior Project (semester 1)

Bible 12-Biblical Leadership Principles (semester 2)

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 12

SEMESTER 1: This course will examine the biblical theology of servant leadership, beginning with God’s mandate to exercise dominion as bearers of his image and culminating with an understanding of Jesus as the exact representation of God’s image. Students will discuss the common ways in which their practice of leadership will be realized by following the pattern set by Jesus, while also exploring the unique ways in which God has designed each of them to lead in different ways. Students will have the opportunity for practical application of these lessons through their Senior Leadership Project, which will be formulated and proposed during this first semester and then implemented during the second semester.

SEMESTER 2: This course is designed for students to learn and develop leadership skills and a servant mentality. This course explores key biblical principles and teachings that can guide and inspire effective leadership. Participants will dive into Old and New Testament scriptures to extract timeless wisdom applicable to contemporary leadership challenges. This second-semester course will support the Senior Leadership Project.

English 9 

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9
Textbooks and Units: Anthem by Ann Rand, Choice Reading & Argumentative Essay, Animal Farm by George Orwell, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Lord of the Flies by William Golding, Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Elective
 

English 9 is a survey course that studies the power of language, various political and social structures, and humanity's capacity for evil and good. We will use many lenses to examine critical texts and works of literature; lenses of self, faith, culture, time, place and perspective. Our goal as readers and writers is to ask questions of the text, to make sense of the author's craft by questioning their purposes in writing, and the ways in which they succeed in portraying complex characters and situations, learning to analyze and mimic various styles of persuasion and rhetoric. Freshman writing practices argumentative, creative, imaginative, and analytical styles as well as an emphasis in MLA citations and usage. Overall, freshman are challenged to question the intention and delivery of speakers, narrators, and writers, their motives, and the narratives that influence and control the power of language.

English 9 Honors 

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9
Textbooks and Units: Anthem by Ann Rand, Choice Reading & Argumentative Essay, Animal Farm by George Orwell, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Maus by Art Spiegelman, Lord of the Flies by William Golding, Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

English 9 is a survey course that studies the power of language, various political and social structures, and humanity's capacity for evil and good. We will use many lenses to examine critical texts and works of literature; lenses of self, faith, culture, time, place and perspective. Our goal as readers and writers is to ask questions of the text, to make sense of the author's craft by questioning their purposes in writing, and the ways in which they succeed in portraying complex characters and situations, learning to analyze and mimic various styles of persuasion and rhetoric. Freshman writing practices argumentative, creative, imaginative, and analytical styles as well as an emphasis in MLA citations and usage. English honors is challenged with more in-class discussion, reflection, reading, and writing. Overall, freshman are challenged to question the intention and delivery of speakers, narrators, and writers, their motives, and the narratives that influence and control the power of language.

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 10
Novels: The Crucible by Arthur Miller, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, Othello by William Shakespeare, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Students read a variety of American Literature to develop analytical and critical thinking skills. Writing assignments emphasize organization in a variety of writing styles, while practical grammar study aims at improving and maturing sentence construction and active voice. There will be multiple opportunities for presentations and speeches. Weekly classwork and quizzes will continue through the year. Students are required to continue to demonstrate a high capacity for independent learning, critical thinking, and skills mastery. Students are encouraged to take personal responsibility for their growth in this course. The overarching questions of the course are: What does it mean to be American? Christian? Human? And how do these identities intersect or conflict?

Foundations of Algebra

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10
 

Foundations of Algebra is the entry point of the mathematics pathway, designed to solidify essential mathematical skills and introduce foundational algebraic concepts. This course focuses on number sense, operations with integers and rational numbers, ratios and proportions, basic equations and inequalities, introductory functions, and problem-solving strategies. 

Students will develop critical thinking through pattern recognition, real-world applications, and collaborative learning. A unique feature of this course is the integration of advanced high school math students as peer tutors, providing personalized support and fostering a dynamic learning environment. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the confidence and skills needed to thrive in Algebra I, setting the stage for higher-level mathematical reasoning. 
 

Algebra 1

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10

Algebra I builds upon the foundational skills from the previous course, introducing students to more complex algebraic concepts and relationships. Key topics include variables and expressions, linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, functions, systems of equations, and data analysis. 

Students will engage in problem-solving activities that emphasize reasoning, pattern recognition, and the development of mathematical models to represent real-world situations. Through inquiry-based learning, they will not only learn how to manipulate algebraic expressions but also why these methods work, fostering a deeper conceptual understanding. This course lays the groundwork for success in Geometry by enhancing students' ability to think critically, make conjectures, and justify their reasoning.

Geometry

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
 

Geometry builds on the logical reasoning and algebraic foundations developed in Algebra I, shifting the focus to spatial relationships, properties of shapes, and formal proof. Students will explore points, lines, planes, angles, triangles, polygons, circles, and three-dimensional figures through hands-on investigations and real-world applications. 

Emphasis is placed on developing conjecturing skills, constructing logical arguments, and understanding the reasoning behind geometric principles. Students will engage with inductive and deductive reasoning, learning how to make and test conjectures, create formal proofs, and apply geometric concepts to problem-solving scenarios. This course strengthens analytical thinking and prepares students for advanced mathematical applications in both academic and everyday contexts. 
 

Algebra 2 

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
 

Algebra 2: This course will continue the exploration to visualize, express, interpret, solve, transform and describe various mathematical functions and their inverses. Functions include:  absolute value, linear, piece-wise, quadratic, exponential, trigonometric, logarithmic and square root functions, along with their graphs, applications, and multiple representations. 

Algebra 2 Honors 

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 with a grade of B+ or higher
 

Algebra 2 Honors is an accelerated, in-depth exploration of advanced algebraic concepts designed for students seeking a strong foundation for higher-level mathematics. This course challenges students to analyze, visualize, and transform a wide variety of mathematical functions and their inverses. Students will engage with: 

●      Linear, absolute value, piecewise, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and square root functions
●      Multiple representations of functions through graphs, tables, and algebraic expressions 
●      Real-world applications that foster mathematical modeling and critical thinking 

Students will investigate patterns, make conjectures, and formalize their understanding through problem-solving and collaborative learning. The course emphasizes flexibility in thinking—encouraging students to approach problems from different perspectives, reason abstractly, and construct strong mathematical arguments. 
 

AP Pre-Calculus

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra 2
Optional Fees: $300 for 4 semester hours of college credit

By definition: In American mathematics education, pre-calculus, an advanced form of secondary school algebra, is a foundational mathematical discipline. Pre-calculus is actually two separate courses: Algebra and Trigonometry. Pre-calculus prepares students for calculus the same way as pre-algebra prepares students for Algebra I. While pre-algebra teaches students many different fundamental algebra topics, pre-calculus does not involve calculus, but explores topics that will be applied in calculus. This course involves an in-depth study of trigonometry and advanced algebra, through graphing, polar and complex number systems, circular and inverse functions and applications. There is an additional fee paid to GFU for the credit.

AP Statistics

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra 2
Optional Fees: $300 for 4 semester hours of college credit
 

AP Statistics is a rigorous, college-level course designed for students who want to develop strong data analysis and critical thinking skills. As an alternative to AP Pre-Calculus, this course prepares students for college and careers in fields where data literacy is essential, such as business, social sciences, health sciences, and political science. Students will explore: 

●      Data collection methods: Sampling, surveys, experimental design 
●      Organizing and analyzing data: Descriptive statistics, graphical displays, and measures of central tendency 
●      Probability and statistical inference: Understanding randomness, probability distributions, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing 
●      Real-world applications: Interpreting data from studies, polls, and experiments 

Through hands-on activities, students will collect, analyze, and interpret data, learning to be discerning consumers of statistical information in media, politics, and everyday life. The course emphasizes inquiry, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving, making it an excellent choice for students interested in data science, economics, psychology, and beyond.  Students may earn college credit through GFU with an additional fee.

AP Calculus AB

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus
Optional Fees: $300 for 4 semester hours of college credit

By definition: Calculus (Latin, calculus, a small stone used for counting) is a branch in mathematics focused on limits, functions, derivatives, integrals, and infinite series. This subject constitutes a major part of modern mathematics education. It has two major branches, differential calculus, and integral calculus, which are related by the fundamental theorem of calculus. Calculus is the study of change, in the same way that geometry is the study of shape and algebra is the study of operations and their application to solving equations. A course in calculus is a gateway to other, more advanced courses in mathematics devoted to the study of functions and limits, broadly called mathematical analysis. Calculus has widespread applications in science, economics, and engineering and can solve many problems for which algebra alone is insufficient. There is an additional fee paid to GFU for the credit.

AP Calculus BC 

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: AP Calculus AB
Optional Fees: $300 for 4 semester hours of college credit

This course will provide students with an opportunity to continue their mathematical journey, while simultaneously serving as student tutors for those at the beginning of their high school mathematical journey. Academically, students will continue their AP Calculus program by completing the BC portion of the AP program. Focusing on topics such as parametric, polar and vector functions, and series. The second half of the year, students will expressly engage in the foundations of a typical college's introductory to statistics course. Topics to be explored will include sampling, surveys, experimental design, organizing data, distributions, probability and inference. This course will be eligible for dual credit enrollment for both Calculus 2 and Intro to Stats. 

Choir “Westside voices”

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Fees: $85 Performing Arts activity fee - assessed once for unlimited PA courses each year 
May receive credit for multiple years
 

Westside Voices is the non-auditioned, mixed-gender introductory choir class for anyone interested in singing. Participation in choir demands a one-year commitment. Students in this class develop skills in vocal production, breath management, sight-reading, and music theory, as well as singing some of the world's greatest choral literature. Students chosen for our select ensemble groups, Soli Deo Gloria and Bella Voce, join with our Westside Voices class to form our Concert Choir which competes in District and State events. The Concert Choir also enjoys two retreats per year for the purposes of building unity and preparing for the State Championships. All retreats, concerts, and festivals have a mandatory attendance rule.
 

Treble Choir “Bella Voce”

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Enrollment by audition/teacher addition
Fees: $85 Performing Arts activity fee - assessed once for unlimited PA courses each year 
May receive credit for multiple years

Bella Voce Treble Choir is a Soprano/Alto ensemble consisting of 10-15 singers. This is considered one of Westside's two varsity small vocal ensembles. Students in this ensemble exhibit intermediate to advanced choral skills and will work together to achieve intermediate to higher levels of repertoire. All students will learn to sing with proper vocal technique for sopranos and altos. Students will also learn music theory, ear training, and sight-reading. Participation in this ensemble demands a one-year commitment. Bella Voce participates in all Concert Choir activities as well as their additional concerts. During the Christmas season, Bella Voce will perform some concerts around the Portland Metro area. Auditions for this ensemble are held each spring for the coming year. Auditions will include exercises in group singing, solo singing and sight-reading. Since several concerts are scheduled for this group outside of school time, the student must realize the commitment level must be very high to participate in this group. All retreats, concerts, and festivals have a mandatory attendance rule.
 

Soli Deo Gloria

Strength Training
 

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Fees: $20 uniform fee
 

This course is designed for students to learn the basic fundamentals and techniques of strength training. Students will also learn how to use various cardiovascular machines, free weights, and Hammer Strength machines. This course will include information on proper strength training techniques, principles of strength training, nutrition as it relates to strength training, cardiovascular training, proper stretching and warm-up techniques, and overall weight room safety and etiquette. Ultimately, this course is designed for the student who is more interested in, and more serious about, learning and improving their application and knowledge of strength training, and for off-season athletes that wish to keep up their development and endurance while not in season. Students in this course will spend much of their in-class time in focused workouts designed to help them reach their strength goals.

Chemistry

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Fees: $30 Lab Fee
Textbook: Buthelezi, T. (2013). Chemistry: Matter and change. Glencoe/McGraw-Hill. 
(not required)

This laboratory class will undertake a study of matter and the changes it undergoes. Students will investigate properties of atomic particles to understand how macroscopic phenomena relates to sub-microscopic arrangements. Topics covered include atomic theory, atomic structure, periodic table arrangement and trends, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws, solutions, acids and bases, thermochemistry and reaction rates. General algebra skills are necessary and students are required to have a scientific calculator.

AP Chemistry

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 11, 12
Fees: $30 Lab Fee 
Prerequisite: Chemisrty
Optional Fees: $300 for 4 semester hours of college credit
Textbook: Zumdahl, S. S., Zumdahl, S. A., DeCoste, D. J., & Adams, G. M. (2018). Chemistry. Cengage Learning.
 

As recommended by the College Board, AP Chemistry typically follows second-year algebra and high school chemistry. It prepares students to take the AP Chemistry test in the spring and begins where first-year chemistry leaves off. It involves a more detailed investigation into topics such as atomic theory and structure, acids and bases, chemical bonding and stoichiometry. Other topics covered include oxidation and reduction reactions, kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamics. AP Chemistry laboratories are equivalent to those of typical college courses. It is a challenging college level course designed for students wishing to study health sciences, medicine, engineering and other science disciplines in college.  

Biology

Credit: 1.0
Grades:  9, 10
Fees: $30 Lab Fee
Textbook: Nowicki, S. (2017). Biology. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. (not required)

This course uses activities and labs to provide students with an introduction to the study of living things. Topics include cell biology, the molecular basis of heredity, interdependence and classification of organisms, organization in living systems and evolution. Emphasis is placed on hands-on exploration, application, and practice with the scientific method.  

AP Biology

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology 
Fees: $30 Lab Fee
Optional Fees: $300 for 4 semester hours of college credit 
Textbook: Nowicki, S. (2017). Biology. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. (not required)Optional 

This course is designed to be equivalent to two semesters of a college introductory level biology course.  The pace and information covered in this course are much more rigorous than freshman biology.  The class adheres to the standards instituted by the College Board for all AP courses and covers all of the topics in the AP Biology Course Description, which include biochemistry, cell structure and function, metabolism, genetics, molecular basis of inheritance, DNA technology, evolution, microbiology, classification, plants, animals, animal physiology, and ecology.  This is a laboratory class in which students are expected to collect data and be able to use it to solve biological problems.

There is an additional fee paid to George Fox University for college credit.

World History

Textbook:  World History and Geography.  McGraw Hill.  2018 by Jackson J.Spielvogel, PhD
Other texts used: The Good Earth, Things Fall Apart, Between Shades of Grey

This course begins with the study of Ancient Greece and Rome, traces the rise and fall of great empires, and connects events in different regions during various ages.  The focus during second semester moves towards Western civilizations, which most college-bound students will be required to study.  A variety of established teaching techniques are used to engage students in the process of reading, writing and discussing history.  There is also an emphasis on writing skills and geography.

Textbook: Stearns, Peter N., et al.  World Civilizations: The Global Experience Pearson 2011
Other texts used: Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World, The Good Earth, Things Fall Apart, Between Shades of Grey

The purpose of this course is to study the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped the world from c. 1200 CE to the present. You’ll analyze texts, visual sources, and other historical evidence and write essays expressing historical arguments.

There is an additional fee paid to GFU for college credit.

This course is a chronological history of the United States, from pre-European Native American societies through the era of the Cold War. The goal is to understand the causes and effects of events in our nation's past and to help the student become culturally literate while developing critical thinking and evaluating skills. Students study political, economic, and social history. Resources include the textbook, selected readings, and primary source packets. Throughout the year there are several individual and group research projects, as well as visual and writing assignments each unit.  

This college-level survey course follows a lecture and discussion format which will emphasize cause/effect, continuity, and perspectives in history.  This course is a chronological history of the United States, from pre-European Native American societies through the era of the Cold War, while emphasizing learning the skills necessary for college-level research, writing, and analysis. There are 9 units in AP History that are tested using specific testing styles, including document-based multiple choice questions, short answers, and both free written and document-based timed essays.  We utilize many primary sources as well as selected sections from award-winning history books to supplement the Making America (Cenage, 2019). We also read excerpts from the following books:  Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick, 1776 by David McCullough, Red Badge of Courage, and Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand.    There is an additional fee paid to GFU for college credit.

The first semester begins with a study of the U.S. Constitution.  After studying the US Constitution in the first week, we will focus on each branch of the federal government: legislative, executive and judiciary.  We finish the semester with a study of state and local government. Students do a team debate. 

The second semester is Economics. The primary textbook for this course is Junior Achievement’s JA Economics (2019). The text defines terms and explains concepts.  A workbook applies those concepts which cover:  supply, demand, market clearing price, free enterprise, productivity, competition, international trade and financing.

Government and Economics Honors

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 12
Prerequisite: US History
Optional Fees: $225 for 3 semester hours of college credit per semester

The first semester begins with a study of the U.S. Constitution.  After studying the US Constitution in the first week, we will focus on each branch of the federal government:  legislative, executive and judiciary.  We finish the semester with a study of state and local government. Students do a team debate. They also read 3 chapters in Legislating Morality and all of Great Souls and Winners Never Cheat.

The second semester is Economics. The primary textbook for this course is Junior Achievement’s JA Economics (2019). The text defines terms and explains concepts.  The teacher applies those concepts which cover:  supply, demand, market clearing price, free enterprise, productivity, competition, international trade and financing. Graphing supply and demand graphs is emphasized.  The student is also required to read The Next Millionaire Next Door and Economics in One Lesson.  A major project is a couple's budget with choosing a career, figuring federal and state income taxes, FICA, insurance for car(s), life and health:  also rent, furniture, student loan payments, Roth IRAs for retirement, a contingency fund.

AP European History

Textbook:  McKay, John P., Clare Haru Crowston, Merry E. Wiesner-Hanks, and Joe Perry.  A History of Western Society.  11th ed. Boston Deford/St. Martin’s, 2013
Other tests used: All Quiet on the Western Front, NightAP European history is centered around the following six themes:

Students are an integral part of the learning process through discussions, group projects and paired work. Some of these include a Reformation round table, speed dating, creating a flat absolute monarch, and designing a cereal box for the Italian and German Unification period.  Don’t know what these are?  Become a part of European history and discover the European world from the Renaissance to the present day.

There is an additional fee paid to GFU for college credit.

In this course we will expose students to the basics of sound personal finance, giving them the necessary skills to wisely and shrewdly manage their own fiscal resources both now and in the future. General business practices will also be studied and applied throughout. 

This is a basic business course designed to acquaint students with the activities associated with a business. Students will gather a basic understanding of general business, economics, entrepreneurship, business communications, business ethics, the government’s role in business, marketing, and business finance. Overall, the course gives students a broad exposure to business operations and a solid background for additional business courses.  

Introduction to Art

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Elective Prerequisite: N/A
Optional Fees: $85 Art Activity Fee

Introduction to Art is the entry-level art class focusing on art fundamentals, art materials and their techniques, art history, and the elements and principles of design. Students will gain experience creating two-dimensional and three-dimensional art, developing skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, collage, and mixed media. Students will learn to create, critique, evaluate, analyze and appreciate works of art throughout the course in their historical and contemporary cultural contexts.

Advanced Art (2D)

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Elective Prerequisite: Introduction to Art
Optional Fees: $85 Art Activity Fee

AP Studio Art 

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 11, 12 
Elective Prerequisite: 2 years of high school art
Optional Fees: $85 Art Activity Fee

AP Studio Art: This is the most advanced course offered at Westside requiring at least two years of high school art or teacher consent. This course focuses on preparing and guiding students as they produce between 10-15 artworks that satisfy the requirements of the Selected Works & Sustained Investigation sections of the AP Portfolio. AP is not based on a written exam; instead, students submit portfolios for evaluation by the AP College Board in May. Students will concentrate on either two-dimensional OR three-dimensional design and be challenged to expand their skills with use of new media, combining media, and problem-solving approaches to design. Students should expect to work outside of class time regularly in order to meet deadlines. 

Repeating the AP Studio Art class the following year is allowed; a second portfolio would be created and submitted (Available AP Portfolios: 2D Art & Design, Drawing, and 3D Art & Design). 
 

Digital Design

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Elective Prerequisite: Intro to Art highly recommended
Optional Fees: $85 Art Activity Fee

With a focus on Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, this course will use the Adobe Creative Apps collection of professional-class, industry leading digital design tools to explore the basic principles of digital design in the 21st century. Students will develop a wide variety of digital design skills while implementing aspects of the elements and principles of art. The end result will be acquiring skills and practical experience in real-life design applications, potentially unlocking the doors to success in the world of digital design.

ADVANCED DIGITAL DESIGN

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Elective Prerequisite: Digital Design, Intro to Art or comparable
Optional Fees: $85 Art Activity Fee

The Advanced Digital Design course will offer students an intensive exploration of design principles, theory, and techniques using the powerful tools available in the Adobe Creative Suite. Expanding upon the tools and concepts learned in Digital Design, the course will include history of design and typography, theory, psychology of color and symbol, and current trends in the industry. Students will apply this knowledge to creating varied projects similar to what they would encounter in industry. Projects will include magazine layouts, brochure and infographic design, logo and branding, package design with 3D mockups, and more. In today's digital age, proficiency in graphic design software is essential for a wide range of creative and professional endeavors, and this course aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this field.

Throughout the course, students will dive deep into the various applications within the Adobe Creative Suite, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. They will learn advanced design techniques, integrated workflows, and best practices to create visually stunning and professionally polished digital designs. At the end of the course, they will have a digital portfolio ready for submission to a college design program, or to use in free-lance work.

Digital Photography

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Equipment Requirements: A personal DSLR camera, flash drive, memory card
Elective Prerequisite: Intro to Art (or comparable)  

Digital Photography offers students an immersive introduction and exploration into the history, aesthetics, science, theory, and practice of digital photography. This course provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to capture, edit, and present compelling photographic images. Students will learn how a camera functions, the relationship between ISO, shutter speed, and aperture, how to compose images, lighting techniques, image editing and post-processing, and ethics related to creating and presenting images. Additionally, students will learn to use their digital phone as a camera as well as how best to organize the workflow necessary to handle digital images through Adobe Lightroom as an organizational tool, and the industry standard, Adobe Photoshop for finish editing.

Yearbook 

Credit: 1.0 (May receive credit multiple years)
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Elective Prerequisite: Enrollment by application

Yearbook is a course for students who want to gain a conceptual as well as an experiential understanding of the process and completion of a yearbook. This course focuses on the instruction, creation, and practice in putting together a creative and unique yearbook publication that represents the Westside Christian High School community. Students must have available time outside the school day. Application required.

French 1 presents an introduction to the French language and the countries and cultures of the people who speak it. Over the course of the year, we will learn how to engage in the target language at a novice-mid level about several topics, including school, family, friends, and pastimes. We will also take a look at the lives of the French-speaking people around the world, even bringing several of their cultural experiences into our classroom.

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11
 

Spanish 1 is an introduction to the language, countries, and cultures of the people who speak it.  Over the course of the year, we will develop our ability to listen, speak, read, and write at a Novice-Mid level about several topics, including the basics of greetings, alphabet, colors, food, family, school and pastimes.  We will also learn the countries and capitals of Spanish-speaking countries.

Spanish 2

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Spanish 1

Spanish 2 builds on the introduction to the language, countries, and cultures of the people who speak it that was started in Spanish 1.  Over the course of the year, we will further develop our ability to listen, speak, read, and write at a Novice-high level about several topics, including daily life/routines, relationships, and food.  We will develop our ability to use the 16 high-frequency verbs.  We will learn about the countries and lives of some of the Spanish-speaking people around the world.

Spanish 3

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Spanish 2
 

Spanish 3 draws on the skills learned in Spanish 1 and 2 as well as deepens them and begins to apply them to more communicative tasks.  In Spanish 3 an increasing emphasis is given to students’ ability to communicate through speaking and listening.  Students will listen, speak, read and write using expanded vocabulary and a variety of tenses, including past, present, and present perfect. 

Credit: 1.0
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Enrollment by application *May receive credit for multiple years 
Elective

Academic coaching is designed to provide assistance with the skills, habits, and attitudes necessary for success in all Westside Christian High School courses. Students must have a documented learning disability to enroll in this class. The primary aim of this class is for students to develop a strong sense of self-accountability and self-advocacy. While there will be opportunities for students to complete homework assignments in class (only when we have completed the day’s task), this course is not a study hall. A number of pertinent topics will be discussed, including motivation, goal-setting, time-management, organization, learning styles, listening, reading, note-taking, writing, and test-taking strategies. Some of these will be addressed in a class-wide context and others will be addressed on a one-on-one basis, depending on the unique needs of individual students. Weekly one-on-one Family Portal check-ups are designed to keep the student fully aware of and moving forward in their academic performance. Students with a GPA above 3.0 are not eligible to take this class.

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