ENGL1020. English Composition (Full year, 2 credits) Northwest Nazarene University Concurrent Credit Program (3 university credits available)

Prerequisites: CCP students must be 12th graders with a cumulative B (3.0) gpa average

Course Description: For 12th graders who want to take honors English, this course is intended to develop in students college-level writing skills and to stimulate them to think critically, express themselves clearly, and develop an appreciation for the medium of language through a variety of writing and reading experiences. For the course to count for General Education requirements, a student must earn a grade of C- or better.

College Preparatory English (Full year, 2 credits)

Prerequisites: 11th grade English

Course Description: For 12th graders who want to take regular English, this course is intended to develop in students college-level writing skills and to stimulate them to think critically, express themselves clearly, and develop an appreciation for the medium of language through a variety of writing and reading experiences. Through reading, writing, re-writing, and discussion, class members will become more confident and competent communicators of formal, written English and better able to write for personal pleasure and professional pursuits.

AP English Language & Composition (Full year, 2 credits)

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of B- in 10th grade English or instructor recommendation

Course Description: For 11th graders who want to take honors English, this course combines studies in rhetoric and essay writing. Students will learn how the details of a text are shaped by an author’s audience and purpose. Students will learn the logical, emotional, and ethical strategies that comprise a text’s shape. By taking this course, students will become better readers and thinkers, better communicators who support their own views, and better at considering the perspectives of others. This course will prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Language and Composition exam at the end of the year. Students can earn college credit for passing this test.

American Literature (Full year, 2 credits)

Prerequisites: 10th grade English

Course description: For 11th graders who want to take regular English, this course is designed around the traits of an effective writer, reader, and oral communicator. This course provides a survey of American literature—its themes and techniques, and the craft of its authors—and a look into the social and philosophical underpinnings of the different literary movements. Writing for the course focuses on the persuasive essay, expository writing, and research paper, as well as on critical responses to literature. Oral communication involves both listening and speaking skills in a full class setting.

Innovations/Technical Reading & Writing (Full year, 2 credits)

Prerequisites: None

Course description: Required for 9th graders and students who transfer into TJCS without credit for speech, this is a combined speech, research, technical reading/writing, and study skills course. Students will learn the fundamentals of public speaking, including the invention of topics, planning, and delivery of narrative, informative, persuasive, and impromptu speeches. Students will get fully accustomed to the research process by gathering and organizing sources of information, evaluating their reliability, and communicating their findings in oral and written presentations. Students will develop skills to make them more autonomous and resourceful learners, thinkers, communicators, and users of technology. This course also helps students to complete their own innovative projects, independent research projects that students are required to complete each year at Thomas Jefferson.

Integrated English, World History and Geography I (full year, 5 credits Freshman, 4 credits Sophomores)

Prerequisites: Freshman or Sophomore standing

Course Description: What makes a good leader? What causes conflict? –We will look to history, literature, current events and our own lives to answer these questions. Be prepared to discuss, present, write, draw, evaluate, create and listen! Your involvement is essential as we journey to other countries, go back in time and look around at our world today. Topics explored: Renaissance, Early Greece and Rome, Russian Revolution, World Wars I and II, Colonialism, Africa, forms of government, current events. Genres of writing and literature: expository, drama, poetry, news, novel and short story.

Integrated English, World History and Geography II (full year 5 credits Freshman, 4 credits Sophomores)

- Offered alternating school years, even/odd -

Prerequisites: Freshman or Sophomore standing

Course Description: What is the connection between belief and action, fate and choice, perception and reality? We will explore these questions by looking at patterns in history, other cultures, literature and ourselves. Be prepared to discuss, present, write, draw, evaluate, create and listen! Particular topics explored: Medieval history and Arthurian literature, world religions, globalization, current events and related novels, plays and other works of literature. Students will practice many genres of writing.

Film Literature (Semester Course, 1 credit)

- Offered alternating school years, odd/even -

Prerequisites: None

Course Description: Students will evaluate film as literature. Discussions and written reports will center on symbolism, foreshadowing, characterization, theme and plot. Both classical literary films and modern films will be viewed and evaluated. In several cases, the novel the film is based on will be read and discussed first and then compared to the film. Films produced to promote social change will also be evaluated. This course requires both formal and personal writing on a regular basis.

Integrated* Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry (full year, 1 credit)

Prerequisite: None

Course Description: The topics we cover in this class include: Functions, Equations and Systems, Matrix Methods, Coordinate Methods, Nonlinear Functions and Equations, Trigonometric Methods. If time permits we will also include Regression and Correlation, Network Optimization, and/or Probability Distributions.

Integrated* Algebra II (full year, 1 credit)

Prerequisite: None

Course Description: The topics we cover in this class include: Functions, Equations and Systems, Matrix Methods, Coordinate Methods, Nonlinear Functions and Equations. If time permits we will also include Probability Distributions, Regression and Correlation.*Integrated mathematics includes student-centered investigations of important mathematics, in the context of realistic problems and applications, leading to a robust understanding of mathematical concepts, principles, and techniques and productive habits of mind.

Integrated Algebra I (Full year, 1 credit)

Prerequisites: none

Course Description: The topics studied in this course include variables and functions, algebraic expressions and recurrence relations, coordinate graphs, data tables and spreadsheets, equations and inequalities, distributions of data and their shapes, measures of center including mean and median, and their properties; measures of variability, linear functions, slope of a line, rate of change, modeling linear data patterns, solving linear equations and inequalities, equivalent linear expressions, exponential growth and decay functions, data modeling, growth and decay rates, half-life and doubling time, compound interest, and properties of exponents.

Integrated Algebra-Geometry (Full year, 1 credit)

Prerequisites: successful completion of Integrated Algebra I or equivalent course

Course Description: The topics studied in this course include the Triangle Inequality, congruence conditions for triangles, special quadrilaterals and their properties, Pythagorean Theorem, properties of polygons, tilings of the plane, properties of polyhedra, and the Platonic solids, quadratic functions and their graphs, applications to projectile motion and economic problems, expanding and factoring quadratic expressions, solving quadratic equations by the quadratic formula as well as calculator approximation, sample spaces, equally-likely outcomes, probability distributions, mutually exclusive (disjoint) events, Addition Rule, simulation, random digits, discrete and continuous random variables, Law of Large Numbers, and geometric probability.

Integrated Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry (Full year, 1 credit)

Prerequisites: successful completion of Integrated Algebra-Geometry or equivalent course

Course Description: The topics studied in this course include direct, inverse, as well as joint variation, power functions, linear equations in standard form, systems of two linear equations, constructing and interpreting matrices, operations with matrices, inverse matrices, properties of matrices, using matrices to solve systems of linear equations, representing two-dimensional figures and modeling situations with coordinates, including computer-generated graphics, coordinate geometry, matrix models of rigid transformations, size transformations, similarity transformations, formalization of function concept, factoring and expanding quadratic expressions, solving quadratic equations by factoring and the quadratic formula, common logarithms, solving exponential equations using base 10 logarithms, trigonometric functions of measures of angles in standard position in a coordinate plane and in a right triangle, Law of Sines and Law of Cosines.

Integrated Advanced Geometry (Full year, 1 credit)

Prerequisites: successful completion of Integrated Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry or equivalent course

Course Description: The topics studied in this course include inductive and deductive reasoning strategies, principles of logical reasoning, relation among angles formed by two intersecting lines or by two parallel lines and a transversal, rules for transforming algebraic expressions and equations, design of experiments, inequalities in one and two variables, number line graphs, interval notation, systems of linear inequalities, linear programming, similarity and congruence of triangles, centers of triangles, applications of similarity and congruence in real-world contexts, definition and properties of polynomials, operations on polynomials, completing the square, solving quadratic equations (including complex number solutions), vertex form of quadratic functions, definition and properties of rational functions, operations on rational expressions, properties of chords, tangent lines, and central and inscribed angles of circles, linear and angular velocity, radian measure of angles, circular functions as models of periodic change, inverses of functions, logarithmic functions and their relation to exponential functions, properties of logarithms, equation solving with logarithms, inverse trigonometric functions and their applications to solving trigonometric equations.

MATH2510. Calculus I (Full year, 2 credits)

Northwest Nazarene University Concurrent Credit Program (4 university credits available)

Prerequisites: CCP students must have passed the NNU math placement exam, passed MATH1400 Trigonometry, with a “C” or better, or teacher’s permission.

Course Description: This course is intended to develop in students conceptual development of calculus concepts. Concepts are developed graphically, numerically, algebraically, and verbally. Emphasis is placed on the inter relatedness among the four models. Technology, specifically a graphing calculator, is a necessary tool to enhance understanding. Concepts are developed by building on previous knowledge, utilizing paper and pencil methods, and expanding/applying ideas through technology and real life applications. This approach provides a solid foundation of understanding to prepare students for future study in mathematics. Topics include the study limits, derivatives, integration and applications of integrals, integration techniques, logarithmic, exponential, trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions.

Integrated English, World History I (full year, 4 credits Freshman, 4 credits Sophomores)

Instructor: Brad Eells

Prerequisites: Freshman or Sophomore standingCourse Description: What makes a good leader? What causes conflict? –We will look to history, literature, current events and our own lives to answer these questions. Be prepared to discuss, present, write, draw, evaluate, create and listen! Your involvement is essential as we journey to other countries, go back in time and look around at our world today. Topics explored: Renaissance, Early Greece and Rome, Russian Revolution, World Wars I and II, Colonialism, Africa, forms of government, current events. Genres of writing and literature: expository, drama, poetry, news, novel and short story.

Integrated English, US History I ( 4 credits Sophomores)

- Offered alternating school years, even/odd -

Instructor: Brad Eells

Prerequisites: Freshman or Sophomore standing

Course Description: What is the connection between belief and action, fate and choice, perception and reality? We will explore these questions by looking at patterns in history, other cultures, literature and ourselves. Be prepared to discuss, present, write, draw, evaluate, create and listen! Particular topics explored: Medieval history and Arthurian literature, world religions, globalization, current events and related novels, plays and other works of literature. Students will practice many genres of writing.

Physical Science- (Full Year, 2 credits)

This introductory high school physical science program integrates chemistry, physics, earth science, space science, and applied mathematics. The program emphasizes the connections between the subjects and cross disciplinary applications, and to help students think analytically.

Earth Science- (Full Year, Middle School Course)

Students will investigate the core of the Earth and explore far-away planets. Environmental science and other disciplinary connections help students integrate Earth Science with other studies to improve their critical thinking skills.

Biology- (Full Year, 2 credits)

Biology is the study of life. It includes an introduction to the scientific method, genetics, botany, zoology, ecology, taxonomy, evolution, chemistry and microbiology.

Earth-Space Science- (Half Year, 1 credits)

This course will integrate Earth Science, Astronomy, and Physics to develop a deeper understanding of the world around us. This class will also look into real world developments in these different fields of study.

Chemistry- (Full Year, 2 credits)

This course will provide a foundation for a basic Chemistry understanding of the world. This course will work to integrate mathematical application, real world applications, and quantitative analysis of chemical principles. This course is highly recommended for students who plan on attending college. This course will also include a laboratory component to help develop a deeper understanding of class material.

Physics- (Full Year, 2 credits)

This science course looks into the applications of motion, electronics, waves, thermodynamics, and mechanical applications. This course will integrate mathematical applications, laboratory applications, and problem solving abilities.

Zoology (Half Year, 1 credit)

Emphasizing the central role of evolution in generating diversity in animal life and the fascinating adaptations that enable animals to inhabit so many ecological niches. Covering several topics starting with an introduction to living animals, continuity and evolution of animal life, diversity of animal life, activity of life and animals and their environments.

CHEM 1200 and 1200L (Full year, 2 credits)

Northwest Nazarene University Concurrent Credit Program (4 university credits available)

Prerequisites: CCP students must be juniors or seniors with a cumulative B (3.0) gpa average, and B in Integrated Algebra/Geometry or equivalent or permission of the instructor.

Corequisite: Lab and lecture sections must be taken together for NNU credit.

Course Description: This course will provide grounding in major principles of general chemistry including atoms, nomenclature, molecular structure, bonding and stoichiometry. Mathematical reasoning and quantitative analysis of chemical principles will be employed. The course will include both lecture and lab components.

US History II (Full Year, 2 Credits)

Instructor: Megan Pierce

Prerequisites: Junior or Senior Standing

Course Description: An interdisciplinary and multicultural study of U.S. history from the Age of Exploration to the Present. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the ideals of our political system, its evolution from Greek thought through the Enlightenment to the formation of the US Constitution. Final emphasis will be placed on understanding our nation’s role in the trend toward globalization since WWII. The class will also be integrated with American Literature to not only provide more continuity in the curriculum, but to further enhance understanding of the historical moment. Course goals are based on the Idaho State Standards and the National Council for the Social Studies.

American Government (Full Year, 2 Credits)

Instructor: Brad Eells

Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing.

Course Description: This course is designed to examine the origins and evolution of the American political system from its Greek inspiration to the modern day, with emphasis on its European beginnings during the Enlightenment. We will read excerpts from Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Montesquieu, as well as a variety of the Founding Fathers. The course will analyze the different powers and functions of the three branches and how the relationship among the branches has changed over time. We will also investigate the different rights and responsibilities of citizenship and the different ways that people can participate in the political process. In the end, students will participate in an extended period of mock legislature in order to experience “first hand” the legislative process and the necessity of compromise and to further understand the functions and powers of the legislative branch. The course exceeds the Idaho State Standards for American Government and it also integrates standards from the National Council for the Social Studies.

Economics (Full Year, 2 Credits)

Instructor: Megan Pierce

Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing.

Course Description: This course is designed to examine the history and workings of the American free-enterprise system from its global beginnings during colonization to its global competition in the 21st century. We will be reading various chapters from The Worldly Philosophers, by Robert Heilbroner, as well as a wide selection of student-selected current events. The class includes an extended personal finance project that tries to simulate the “real world” that the students are about to face after high school. The project includes a section in which students get to participate in the Virtual Stock Exchange with $200,000 cash and $200,000 on the margin. This provides them with an opportunity to experience the stock exchange in real time with a significant amount of money. The project also examines things from basic banking, to insurance, to the costs of higher education, food costs, buying a car, housing, and, dare I say it, marriage and parenthood and more. The class exceeds the Idaho State Standards for Economics and it also integrates themes from the National Council for the Social Studies.

ART Course Descriptions – Tammy BreshearsART Course Descriptions – Tammy Breshears

Beginning Art / Sculpture – with History (One Semester, 1 Credit)

Course Description: The primary focus of this course is to introduce students to the basic concepts of sculpture, including the visual vocabulary used in creating and critiquing artwork. Students will explore the elements and principles of 3-D art while creating sculptures using various materials and methods (i.e. toothpicks, wire, plaster and clay.) One full quarter of the semester is devoted to ceramics in which students will mold, fire, and glaze their pieces. Students will learn to create their ceramic pieces using slab, coil, pinch, and form methods. In this course students will also research the historical and cultural aspects of sculpture, and create sculptures pertaining to these cultures and time periods.

Intermediate Art / Sculpture – with History (One Semester, One Credit)

Prerequisite: Beginning Art / Sculpture – with History

Course Description: This course provides students with the opportunity to further explore the concepts of sculpture as well as build upon the foundation they have already established. They will develop a deeper understanding of the elements and principles of art through continued research and examination of new and interesting ways to create 3-D art. Students will continue to create sculptures using various materials and methods. Intermediate students will learn to create a body of work that is related. Students will evaluate and critique their own, as well as their classmate’s and other artist’s work. Students will research various cultures and time periods in art history and create sculptures pertaining to these cultures and time periods.

Advanced Art / Sculpture – with History (One Semester, One Credit)

Prerequisites: Beginning and Intermediate Art / Sculpture – with History

Course Description: Advanced Sculpture is a course designed for the serious art student considering studying sculpture after high school, and advanced students who are interested in acquiring new skills and further developing their talents. Students are encouraged to pursue new venues in the field of sculpture and study in depth the areas of 3-D art that are of greatest interest to them. Advanced students will build related sculptures using the medium or media of their choice. They will incorporate a chosen culture into their works. At the end of the semester, they will put together an art display, which will include all of their related works. Students will further their knowledge in the history of sculpture through research and study, and by creating sculptures pertaining to these cultures and time periods.

Beginning Art / Drawing & Painting – with History (One Semester, One Credit)

Course Description: The primary focus of this course is to introduce students to the basic concepts of drawing and painting, including the visual vocabulary used in creating and critiquing artwork. Students will explore the elements and principles of art through drawing and painting. A variety of media and methods will be examined (i.e. charcoal, colored pencil, oil pastel, pen and ink, scratch art, acrylic paint, watercolor, and mixed media.) Students will be given instruction in design and painting tools, techniques, and colour theory. In this course students will also. research various cultures and time periods in art history and create drawings or paintings pertaining to these cultures and time periods.

Intermediate Art / Drawing & Painting – with History (One Semester, One Credit)

Prerequisite: Beginning Art / Drawing & Painting – with History

Course Description: This course provides students with the opportunity to further explore the concepts of drawing and painting as well as build upon the foundation they have already established. They will develop a deeper understanding of the elements and principles of art through continued research and examination of new and interesting trends in drawing and painting. Students will be encouraged to develop their own individual style in the drawings and paintings as they experiment with various media. Students will evaluate and critique their own, as well as their classmate’s and other artist’s work. Students will research various cultures and time periods in art history and create drawings or paintings pertaining to these cultures and time periods.

Advanced Art / Drawing & Painting – with History (One Semester, One Credit)

Prerequisites: Beginning and Intermediate Art / Drawing & Painting – with History

Course Description: Advanced Drawing and Painting is a course designed for the serious art student who is considering studying drawing and painting after high school, and advanced students who are interested in acquiring new skills and further developing their talents. Students are encouraged to pursue new venues in the field of drawing and painting and study in depth the areas of art and design that are of greatest interest to them. Advanced students will create a series of related artwork using the medium or media of their choice. They will incorporate a chosen culture into their works. At the end of the semester, they will put together an art display of all their related works. Students will further their knowledge in the history of drawing and painting through research and study, and by creating drawings or paintings pertaining to these cultures and time periods.

Spanish 1 (Full Year, 2 Credits)

Prerequisites: Sophomore or above.

Course Description: Spanish 1 will provide the student with a general introduction to the Spanish language: sound system, pronunciation, functional vocabulary related to everyday life, cultural information and basic grammatical structures. Emphasis will be on the acquisition of four skills: listening, speaking, reading and limited writing. There are two main objectives to the course. Foremost is to give the students the ability to carry on a simple conversation. The second is to provide the students with instruction that teaches a basic understanding of Spanish culture, vocabulary, and grammatical concepts.

Spanish 2 (Full Year, 2 Credits)

Prerequisites: Spanish 1 or instructor approval upon completion of placement test.

Course Description: Spanish 2 builds upon knowledge gained in Spanish 1.This course will also reinforce the skills learned in Spanish I: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Emphasis is on perfecting pronunciation, mastery of the basic grammatical structures, and increased communicative proficiency. Acquisition of functional vocabulary is expected. Students will be exposed to the past tenses, future, conditional and subjunctive mood. Students will be expected to apply them in their writing and speaking.

Spanish 3 (Full Year, 2 Credits)

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish 1 & 2, or instructor approval upon completion of placement test.

Course Description: This course builds upon knowledge gained in Spanish 1 & 2. The course is a continuation and recycling of knowledge acquired in Spanish 1 and Spanish 2, as well as an introduction to new vocabulary, structures and expressions. Students will be expected to expand their vocabulary range to include more sophisticated terms, use advanced language expressions, verb tenses and grammatical concepts such as the pluperfect and the subjunctive mood. Students will view Spanish language films and read selected Spanish literature.

Physical Education (One Semester, One Credit; Two Credits Required)

Prerequisite: none

Course Description: This independent course provides students with the opportunity to build, develop, and maintain healthy fitness levels through various activities offered at the Caldwell YMCA, or personally design and implement a fitness plan unique to his or her own lifestyle. In the former case, if needed, Thomas Jefferson Charter School will pay for up to two semesters of membership. Each membership session lasts three months; daily, one-way bus service from TJCS to the YMCA is provided. Among other things, students will enhance their flexibility, physical and mental health, cardiovascular endurance, and muscle strength, from activities ranging from jogging and weight-lifting to swimming and rock climbing, or other activities of choice. Two credits are required from all TJCS students, to be earned during their four years of high school, amounting to 120 total hours of physical activity. Students must register for the course at the beginning of each semester and complete and submit a log sheet detailing their hours and activities, as initialed by a non-family member adult.

Health (one semester, one credit)

Health is offered on IDLA. This semester-long high school course establishes patterns of behavior that help you achieve complete health. This is accomplished by having a balance of physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. Developing a healthy body and a healthy mind paves the way for active, productive, and successful lives. All course material are provided online.

College and Career Prep

College/Career Prep is a class specifically for seniors. It was created to help students navigate the transition from high school to post-secondary education, the workforce or military. Some of the activities include; applying for colleges, working on FAFSA, looking at financial aid options and scholarships, time management/organization and personal goal setting. Each student will be responsible for bringing in a guest speaker and will have the opportunity to listen to representatives from most Idaho colleges/universities.

Innovative Projects

Innovative projects are a unique part of our charter school where students have the opportunity to conduct personal studies of their own. As our students move from the elementary/middle school setting into the high school setting, one of our goals is to help our kids become more self directed learners.

An innovative project is a project which is designed by each student individually. We ask students to propose a topic in which they have a personal interest. What do you want to learn? How will you go about researching your topic? How will you present what you have learned? Students answer these questions in a proposal, and then carry out their plan. The culmination of the innovative projects is a night when all of the students share their project "Science Fair" style for all to see.

Community Service/Family Teamwork (1 credit per year, total 4 credits)

Thomas Jefferson requires students in grades 9-12 to complete 30 hours of community service and 30 hours of family team work each year to total one credit.

The goals are as stated:

• To provide a comprehensive program of community service that reflects responsible citizenship in a democratic society and an interdependent world.
• Students will apply their understanding of and their contributions to the world around them.
• Enable students to develop the following intellectual habits important in the work place: adapting to new situations and responding effectively to new information; solving problems; locating and evaluating information from a variety of sources; making flexible connection among various disciplines of thought; thinking logically and making informed judgments.
• Enable students to develop the following personal habits important in the work place: accepting responsibility for personal decisions and actions; honesty, courage, and integrity; a healthy lifestyle; empathy, courtesy, and respect for differences among people; self-confidence; concentration and perseverance; responsible time management; assuming a fair share of the work load; and working cooperatively with others to reach group consensus.

Community service is any volunteer work done for any community group or entity. Students may not be paid for this service.

Family Teamwork is any work done within the family.