Class Descriptions
High School History and Social Studies
Israel, the Holocaust, and the Making of the Modern Middle East - This class will take two semesters to cover the story of Israel from ancient to modern times. Special focus will be given to the founding of the modern state in the first semester, and the Holocaust in the second. These semesters can be considered separate courses, worth ½ credit, as the subject matter is weighted equally between the two.
19th Century America: Compromise, Conflict and the Way West - The leaders of the founding generation were quickly passing from the scene as the 19th Century dawned in America. The keeping of the republic was now committed to the hands of succeeding generations. Waiting to be dealt with were unresolved fractures dating from the nation’s founding. The next 100 years proved to be a tale to be told of compromise, conflict, and restless waves of westward movement that not only molded and shaped the American character, but revealed the determined spirit of the American people.
American History - A full year (2 semester) required history survey course which explores God’s providential plan for America, from Christopher Columbus to the present time. Special emphasis will be given to the nation’s founding documents, the westward movement, the Civil War, the world wars, and the current standing of the U.S. in world events. 32 weeks, 1 credit
World History - A full year (2 semester) required history survey course providing a full overview of God’s dealings with mankind from creation to the modern age. All major civilizations will be touched on, with special emphasis given to biblical history, the Middle East, and Western Civilization. 32 weeks, 1 credit
Government - A one-half year (1 semester) required course which explores the foundations of the U.S. governmental system. Students can expect a thorough treatment of the founding documents, and the theory of checks and balances of divided branches of government as put forth in the U.S. Constitution. Course work will also provide introductions to the functions of state and local governments. All subject matter will be presented against the backdrop of our nation’s history and current political situation. 16 weeks, ½ credit
Economics - A one-half year (1 semester) required course which integrates solid biblical teachings on finances with an in-depth discussion of basic economics, and the benefits of the free enterprise system. 16 weeks, ½ credit
6th - 8th Grade History and Social Studies
America: God Shed His Grace on Thee - This class will be a full year (two semesters) exploration and study of the founders, the founding, and the first century following independence, ending with the Civil War and Reconstruction. We will take our time, travel back, dig deep, and make our visit long as we attempt to understand what it meant to be an American in the early days.
Texas History - Why is it that Texans, whether native-born or newly-arrived from other parts, seem to walk with a swagger and talk a big game? We come by it naturally, and for a good reason. It’s in our history! Let’s explore that history, from the time of the Spanish conquistadors to the NASA moonshots, from the Alamo to Appomattox, from General Sam to “W.” Our pride is rooted firmly in our years of existence as an independent republic, and our flag proudly waves next to and at the same height as Old Glory.
3rd - 5th Grade History and Social Studies
History Club - U.S.A.! - United States of America is celebrating 250 years of independence this year! What better way to celebrate than to learn about the awesome people and events that make up our nation’s story? Come join the club! But hold on to your hats and keep your powder dry! We will land where stormy waves of the sea crash upon rocky shores, pass through cathedral-like forests, cross broad rivers, traverse immense prairies and plains, climb rugged mountain peaks, endure the heat of the desert wastelands, and rest in green sheltered valleys. Leading us all the way will be the footprints of the brave men and women, pioneers and patriots all, who were willing to sacrifice all to make our country what it is today.
9th -12th Grade IEW
Advanced U.S. History-Based Writing Lessons - Students write about Jamestown, the California Gold Rush, and much more.
Following Narnia Volume 2: Aslan’s Country - Learn advanced writing skills while exploring the Enchanted land of Narnia through the Structure and Style writing method.
Bible-Based Writing Lessons - Students delve into Bible stories and themes as they learn to write with the Structure and Style writing method.
Structure and Style Level C - This curriculum leads students on a writing journey using the Structure and Style writing method.
6th -8th Grade IEW
U.S. History-Based Writing Lessons - Students travel back in time to early United States History! Students write about explorers, famous ships, and more while they learn to write with the Structure and Style method.
Structure and Style, Level B - This curriculum leads students on a writing journey using the Structure and Style writing method.
3rd -5th Grade IEW
Adventures in Writing - Students write about Roman hoplites, tornadoes, Leif Eriksson, and more.
Structure and Style Level A - This curriculum leads students on a writing journey using the Structure and Style writing method. Assignments include vocabulary words, grammar and literature suggestions.
Class Options Upon Request
Specialized classes listed below are designed to be used for elective credit class choices. In a public school setting, they would be used to satisfy the Social Studies requirements for the Arts and Humanities and the Multidisciplinary Studies endorsement tracks.
Note: Unless otherwise stated, specialized class offerings for the 2026-27 school year will be determined based on interest. Please email Gary with your top two choices for the specialized class options below.
The Great American Cowboy
16 weeks, 1/2 credit, two-hour class
Pilgrims, Puritans and the Foundations of American Government
16 weeks, 1/2 credit, two-hour class
The Spirit of the American Revolution
16 weeks, 1/2 credit, two-hour class
All Things Nature (6-8th grade)
Nature Detective (3-5th grade)
This class will be a 32-week course. This is a two-hour class.
Legacy: The Civil War and Reconstruction
32 weeks, 1 credit, two-hour class
World War II and the Holocaust
32 weeks, 1 credit, two-hour class
The Cold War and the Korean Conflict
16 weeks, 1/2 credit, two-hour class
The Cold War and the Vietnam Conflict
16 weeks, 1/2 credit, two-hour class