DESCRIPTION OF COURSES
Unless otherwise indicated, credit refers to two semesters of a course.
Classes must have a minimum of 10 students to be offered.
ENGLISH
Composition 101/102 1 Credit
Advanced writing courses offered as dual credit with SAU. Only seniors with the following may take the course:
• “B” English average in English courses and 3.0 cum. G.P.A
• ACT English score of 23
• ACT Reading score of 23 OR a TCAP Writing test score of at least 5
• AN EXTRA FEE IS REQUIRED FOR DUAL ENROLLMENT. See “Scholarships” for more information. Six hours of college credit is
possible.
English I 1 Credit
This freshman course includes a study of English grammar, mechanics, spelling, and vocabulary. Students develop skill in writing short
compositions and study literary works of various types. A library unit is included in the course.
English II 1 Credit
Sophomore English builds on the skills learned in English I. Students review English grammar and mechanics, practice their writing skills and study selected literary works.
English III 1 Credit
This course is designed to enhance students’ communication skills, and focuses on the expansion and development of English language skills through the study of grammar, vocabulary, various composition techniques, and American literature. The communication and critical thinking skills necessary for functioning effectively in a diverse society are emphasized.
English IV 1 Credit
This course, the culmination of Collegedale Academy’s English curriculum, covers several literary genres, ACT preparation, MLA research
paper format, and writing quality essays of varying styles and length in preparation for college writing. The student will develop skills necessary to produce written texts that can be read and interpreted by various audiences.
Journalism .5 Credit
This is a lab class in which students will develop journalistic writing skills as well as hands on experience with putting together the school
newspaper, The Echolier.
Yearbook .5 Credit
In this class, student develop skills in writing, computer layout, and photography as they plan and produce the school yearbook, the Valley Echo. This class is an elective only. It is neither a Fine Art nor Vocational Credit.
FINE ARTS
The Fine Arts requirement may be met by taking 1 unit of fine arts in any combination of the following courses offered:
Art Appreciation .5 Credit
Project based class that focuses on a broad variety of art styles, technique, media and artists. Extra fee applies for supplies.
Chamber Orchestra .5 Credit
An ensemble for the mezzo to advanced string player. Works studied will cover a broad range of time periods of both sacred and secular
styles. This group performs and tours regularly. Admission is by audition only. A uniform is required.
Concert Band .5 Credit
This is an organization for those who enjoy playing band music and have had training on a band instrument. Admission is by audition only. A uniform is required. This group performs and tours regularly.
Drawing/Painting .5 Credit
This class explores drawing and painting from realism to non-objective works. Technique, perspective and color theory are addressed in this class. Extra fee applies for supplies.
Jazz Band .5 Credit
An organization designed for those who enjoy jazz music and are competent instrumentalists. Admission is by audition only. A uniform is
required. This group performs and tours regularly. This course meets after school hours.
Chorale .5 Credit
A choir open to all students. All new students joining the CA choral program will be assigned to this choir. This choir will have limited concert performances. A uniform is required.
LaVie .5 Credit
Open to qualified female singers. Audition required. This choir will have a number of concert performances during the school year. A uniform is required.
Listening to Music 1 Credit
Listening to Music is a study in music appreciation. As the name implies, students will learn to listen to all kinds of music with the mind, not merely to react to familiar sounds. All kinds of music from the middle ages to the present day will be studied. Extra fee for field trips is $75.00. This is a dual credit class through SAU. Only seniors are eligible for dual credit. A grade of C or better must be earned first semester for dual enrollment consideration and a 3.0 G.P.A. AN EXTRA FEE IS REQUIRED FOR DUAL ENROLLMENT. See “Scholarships” for more information. Three hours of college credit is possible.
Opus .5 Credit
This is a small, mixed chamber choir open to qualified juniors and seniors who have spent at least one year in either Chorale or LaVie or are transferring seniors with choral experience. Membership is by rigorous audition only; juniors and seniors are not automatically entitled to Opus membership. Opus will participate in an off-campus tour each year. Occasionally, Opus will combine with the other choirs to form the Symphonic Choir. Students auditioning for Opus should realize that Opus is a time-intensive class.
Private Lessons .5 Credit
These lessons offer individual instruction for various instruments. These are arranged with qualified teachers in the area and must be
coordinated with Collegedale Academy for credit. Lessons cannot be scheduled during chapel times.
Sculpture .5 Credit
Techniques and styles of art in a 3 dimensional form are studied. Students will create pieces utilizing a variety of media and styles focusing on assembled, casted, modeled, subtractive and additive techniques. Extra fee applies for supplies.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
French I 1 Credit
Development of the basic skills of understanding, speaking, reading, and writing of French, with emphasis on French culture. Due to limited class offerings, the following three prerequisites will apply:
• Minimum G.P.A of 2.5
• No D/F semester grades during the previous semester grading period
• Juniors will take precedence over sophomores
Any exceptions must be approved (following the petition process) by the Ad Council.
French II 1 Credit
Continued emphasis on the development of understanding, speaking, reading, and writing of French with attention given to the culture,
customs, and practices of French-speaking people of different countries.
Spanish I 1 Credit
This course teaches the development of the basic skills of understanding, speaking, reading, and writing of Spanish, with emphasis on
Hispanic culture.
Spanish II 1 Credit
Continued emphasis on the development of understanding, speaking, reading, and writing of Spanish with attention given to the culture,
customs and practices of Spanish-speaking people of different countries.
MATHEMATICS
The Class of 2013 must take the ACT during the junior year for the mathematics sequence.
Mathematics sequence:
Standard Diploma: (The Technical math courses are not recommended to those intending to take Pre-Cal)
Algebra I #30012 recommended
Geometry #30022 recommended
Algebra II #30042 recommended (not for Pre-Cal)
Class of 2013+ must have four years of mathematics to graduate.
College Prep./University Path:
Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra II
Class of 2013+ must have four years of mathematics to graduate.
CA Scholars Diploma:
Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra II
Pre-Calculus (college credits available by challenge exams, extra fees will apply)
Algebra I 1 Credit
A basic course designed to develop algebraic concepts through examples. Topics covered are simple and linear equations, systems of
equations, polynomials, square roots, quadratic equations, rational expressions, and right-triangle trigonometry. Prerequisite: Acceptable
performance on the Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test. Poor performance may result in adjusted placement in Technical Algebra I.
Placement Exam for Algebra I: The placement test is given in the late spring at local elementary schools. Home schooled students or those who move into the area should arrange a test date with the guidance counselor. If a re-take is desired, one date only will be arranged for all requests. The re-take fee is id="mce_marker"0.00. If parents refuse placement in the recommended course despite all indicators, a contract must be signed before a student will be rescheduled for Algebra I.
Algebra II 1 Credit
Sets of numbers, open sentences in one variable, systems of linear open sentences, polynomials and factoring, rational numbers, relations and functions, irrational numbers and quadratic equations, quadratic relations and systems, exponential functions and logarithms, trigonometric functions and complex numbers, determinants, matrices, and series. Prerequisite: completion of Algebra I and Geometry with “C” grades or better. Those who took Technical Geometry should take Technical Algebra II.
Advanced Algebra II and Trigonometry 1 Credit
Advanced Algebra II/TRIGONOMETRY: This is an extension of the study of the number system that began in Algebra II. Emphasis
is placed on function notation and on understanding the use of algebraic structure and techniques. Exponential and logarithmic
functions, complex numbers, determinants, and trigonometry are considered integral parts of this course content. Real world
problems to motivate and apply theory are integrated into all areas in an effort to illustrate meaningful application of Algebra to both
career and consumer concerns. Prerequisite: completion of Algebra II and Geometry.
Calculus 1 Credit
Calculus is an advanced mathematics course that uses meaningful problems and appropriate technology to develop concepts and applications related to continuity and discontinuity of functions and differentiation, and integration. Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus. College credit available by AP exam. Exam fee is extra.
Geometry 1 Credit
Careful attention is given to logical development of deductive thinking, patterns, theorems, constructions, circle relationships, and solids. Some coverage of proofs, trigonometry, and similarity is also included. Prerequisite: A “C” grade or above in Algebra I.
Pre-Calculus 1 Credit
A math course designed to cover the same topics as a college Pre-Calculus course. Prerequisites: A “B” average in Algebra I and II and
Geometry. College credit is available by challenge exam. Exam fee is extra.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION, WELLNESS, AND SAFETY
Every freshman at Collegedale Academy is required to take Wellness. Students are required to take P.E. classes for 4 of 8 semesters at C.A. All P.E. students are required to dress out for class. The PE dress code includes:
• Athletic shoes
• CA Athletic pants/shorts
• CA T-shirts
Absences/illnesses in P.E.—students requiring an individualized program in P.E. classes due to medical issues will be required to take the
P.E. department’s form to their physician for proper referral. The physician will then indicate appropriate P.E. activities for the situation. Full medical excuse will need Ad Council approval. The department will also follow the 15% rule for all absences. Please see “Attendance” for more information.
Acro Force 1 Credit
The Acro Force team is a select group of gymnasts chosen to represent the school in performances. Students will be selected on the basis of skill, character, G.P.A., and work ethic. Attendance is extremely important in this course as team and large group routines are stressed above individual routines. Continuous participation is open to the coach’s discretion. A uniform is required.
Cardio/Strength Training 1 Credit
A course designed to help students develop fundamental skill and knowledge in fitness. Proper cardio-conditioning and strength training
techniques will be taught. Different cardio and strength assessments will be used to determine students’ work out program.
Lifetime Activities 1 Credit
A course designed to help students develop fundamental skills and knowledge in activities they can continue for a lifetime. Activities may
include cardio training, strength training, aerobics, hiking, trail running, fitness walking, adventure/teambuilding activities, tennis, badminton, golf, Frisbee golf, ping pong. Proper safety equipment will be required.
Team Sports 1 Credit
A course to instruct and aid students in physical fitness with an emphasis on skills, rules, and social play on selected team sports. Basic
strength and cardio-conditioning for the selected sports will be included. Students may repeat once for credit.
Wellness .5 Credit
A theory course covering physiology, nutrition, mental health, fundamentals of personal and community health and safety education. Health knowledge and practices peculiar to Seventh-day Adventists will specifically be covered. This class is taught in conjunction with a semester of Life Skills.
PRACTICAL ARTS/TECHNOLOGY
Advanced Woods and Cabinetry 1 Credit
This course will build furniture type projects. The first semester the students will build structures as directed by the instructor. The second semester the students will select projects and build their projects under the direction of the instructor. This class is limited to juniors and seniors.
Beginning Woods 1 Credit
This class will construct projects common to the building trades. Students will complete several storage buildings on campus. Each semester students may build a modular project for assembly on a client’s property.
Computer Applications 1 Credit
This course will include how to use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Publisher. It will also cover Internet literacy including Internet ethics, evaluating web sources, e-mail, and social implications.
Digital Lifestyle 1 Credit
This class will cover aspects of media including photography, video, and audio production. Students will learn to work in both PC and Mac
platforms.
Life Skills .5 Credit
In this class, students will explore the world of work and home management. Life Skills will cover study skills, cooking, sewing, relationships, and family values. Students will take one semester of Wellness and one semester of Life Skills.
Multimedia Designs (MMD) 1 Credit
This course is designed to teach basic video editing skills. Students will learn to plan, shoot, capture, and edit digital video. An introduction will be provided regarding video formats, cameras and other tools for production as well as developing strategies for successful video making using non-professional talent. Tips and tricks for post production will examine video editing and special effects software with an emphasis on demystifying this powerful communications medium. The major projects for this class will be the production of the Acorn year end video as well as a yearbook DVD. Students will also learn how to generate income with an online auction service. Here students will have to list, track, and ship items that are sold. The funds generated by the sales will be used to purchase equipment and supplies for this class.
Survey of Business 1 Credit
Students will learn about a variety of business careers. Learning experiences will include guest speakers, career interviews, online research of business careers, online career interest surveys, videos, career-related podcasts, book reports about a specific job, salary spreadsheets on specific business careers they might enjoy, summarizing recent news articles, and job shadowing. They will also go through the accounting cycle for a sole proprietorship and the resulting financial statements.
RELIGION
Religion I 1 Credit
The first semester of this course uses the textbook, In the Beginning God, in a study of creation, salvation, and the history and use of the Bible. The second semester of this course uses the textbook, God’s Gift—Our Choice, in a study of the life of Christ. The course’s purpose is to help students know Jesus personally.
Religion II 1 Credit
A course designed to help students understand God’s working with His people throughout history. The focus will be to have students come to know the loving, redeeming God of Scripture. The last unit of study deals with the early advent movement to now, including the life and work of Ellen White.
Religion III 1 Credit
This course is an intensive study of major Bible doctrines. The fundamental beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church are emphasized.
Religion IV 1 Credit
A course designed to help students develop a personal appreciation for God’s Word, especially through the study of the Book of Romans, and to probe some of life’s most important issues-careers, stewardship, relationships/marriage, the study of other belief systems, and developing a Christian philosophy of life.
SCIENCE
Science Sequence: starting with the Class of 2013
Standard Diploma (3 credits): Physical Science, Biology, plus one of the following: Chemistry or Physics
College Prep./University Diploma: Choose sequence A or B (3 credits):
A: Physical Science, Biology, plus one of the following: Chemistry or Physics
B: Biology, Chemistry or Physics, and one other lab science
C.A. Scholars Diploma (4 credits): Biology, Chemistry, Physics, plus one of the following; Earth Science (dual enrollment), A & P, or
Environmental Science
Biology I 1 Credit
The science of biology is the study of life, and correctly understood, using the Bible as our foundation, the science of biology consistently
reveals the Creator of Life. This required course builds a solid foundation in the life sciences through the study of ecology, classification,
zoology, botany, genetics, microbiology, and cytology. Regular laboratory investigations reinforce textual materials.
Chemistry 1 Credit
An interesting course involving the student in the study of chemical laws and theories using approved laboratory techniques. Topics
investigated are atomic structure, periodic table, bonding, states of matter, chemical equilibrium, oxidation-reduction, nuclear and organic chemistry. Prerequisite: A “C” grade or above in Algebra I or permission of instructor.
Earth Science 1 Credit
This course is a descriptive study of our planet’s diverse meteorological, geological, seismological, and global climatological events. Extra
fees apply for dual enrollment. Three hours of college credit is possible. Students must be seniors and have a cumulative 3.0 G.P.A.
See “Scholarships” for more information.
Environmental Science 1 Credit
The purpose of this course is to provide a basic understanding of God’s creation from an ecological and environmental perspective. Emphasis is given to the study of our local fauna and flora; spiritual lessons in nature; environmental problems; and outdoor living skills. This elective course requires students to become active participants in field trips and projects outside of the regularly scheduled class period. Additional charges for these trips may exceed id="mce_marker"00 per student. Strenuous outdoor activity and camping required. Prerequisites: students must have successfully completed Biology and Chemistry or Physical Science.
Human Anatomy and Physiology (A & P) 1 Credit
This elective course gives a solid introduction to the essentials of A&P and is highly recommended for students interested in the health
sciences. All major body systems are studied and reinforced by laboratory investigations. Periodic field trips to local hospitals and
presentations by medical specialists round out this practical science course. Prerequisites: Prospective students must have achieved a “B”
grade or above in Biology and successfully completed Chemistry or Physical Science.
Physics 1 Credit
A “phun” course involving the student in the study of natural laws using qualitative and quantitative investigations in the laboratory. Topicscovered are Newton’s laws of motion, conservation of momentum and energy, wave properties, light, static electricity, series and parallelcircuits, magnetic fields and radioactivity. Prerequisites: A “B” grade or above in Algebra I and Geometry or Algebra I and Algebra II, orpermission of instructor.
Physical Science 1 Credit
This course with labs is an introduction to some of the principles of energy and motion, the nature of matter, the interaction of matter, light and sound and electricity. This course is not for the Honors Diploma.
SOCIAL STUDIES
American Government .5 Credit
A first-semester course designed to give students a comprehensive view of the American governmental system in action. Emphasis is given to an understanding of the foundations of American government, political parties and elections, the functions of the three branches of government, and comparative political systems. State and local government systems will also be covered. This is a senior-level class. Prerequisite: U.S. History.
Economics .5 Credit
A second-semester course designed to acquaint students with knowledge of basic economic principles with emphasis on factors affecting
production, distribution, money and banking, business cycles, inflation, and other topics of economic importance. Other economic systems than capitalism are also briefly surveyed. This is a senior-level class. Prerequisite: American Government.
Great Books .5 Credit
This is a unique course, offered by the History and English Departments, to accommodate honors students. The class, open to honor diploma candidates, will meet monthly to discuss classical and contemporary pieces of literature and historical works. It is required for honors diploma students and is designed to instill mental habits of a self-reliant thinker, reader, and learner. This course meets all year and must be completed for any credit. Drop date: no later than October 25.
United States History 1 Credit
A course designed to acquaint students with the heritage of our country from the days of discovery to the present time. Students joining the class second semester should be familiar with American history through Reconstruction Era.
World History 1 Credit
A course designed to give students up-to-date introductions to various significant cultural regions of the world. Emphasis is given to the
people—how they are affected by history and geography, their political and economic standards, their education, arts, language and religion.