ENGLISH
7th and 8th GRADE ENGLISH
Grade(s): 7 & 8
The 7th and 8th Grade English courses will be separated into two independent courses, with differing book selections. The purpose of both courses is for the student, through the reading and discussion of great stories and poems, to become a more proficient and analytical reader. The reading list will consist of literary works that are excellent in both their literary form and their moral values at a level that is appropriate and challenging for each grade level.
LITERATURE STUDIES
Open to grades 9-12
The goal of this course is to improve the student’s ability to understand and appreciate literature. As we read and analyze classic works of poetry and prose, we’ll focus on comprehension, writing skills, and vocabulary. Our vocabulary studies will be based on Greek and Latin roots. The course will feature class discussion, quizzes, tests, essays, poetry memorization, and lots of reading.
HISTORICAL LITERARY ANALYSIS
Grade(s): Intended for Grade 10
Open to grades 9-12
The Historical Literary Analysis class, we will cover essays, short stories, novels, plays, and poetry. The focus is on great works of literature that address interesting historical-political topics. Some authors that will be read in this class include Rudyard Kipling, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, C. S. Lewis, and G. K. Chesterton. The course will include classroom discussions, tests, and writing assignments.
CLASSICAL LITERATURE
Grade(s): Intended for Grade 11
Open to grades 10-12
This course begins with a quick survey of Greek mythology and continues through works by Homer, Sophocles, Virgil, and St. Augustine. The emphasis will be on close reading of the texts, class discussion, and analytical writing. Through these studies, students will gain a greater understanding of the foundations of Western literature and culture. The course will include quizzes, tests, and essays.
ADVANCED LITERATURE
Grade(s): Intended for Grade 12
Open to grades 10-12
In the Advanced Literature class, we will cover short stories, novels, plays, and poetry. The focus is on great works of hagiographical literature. Some authors that will be read in this class include Mark Twain, Sigrid Undset, T. S. Eliot, and Evelyn Waugh. The course will include classroom discussions, tests, and writing assignments. In addition to this, students will have the opportunity to learn how to write their own short stories.
GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY STUDIES
Grade(s): Intended for Grades 7-9
Open to grades 7-12
In this class, we’ll study English grammar, usage, mechanics, and vocabulary. We’ll cover the parts of speech, sentence structure, punctuation, capitalization, common errors in writing, etc. Our vocabulary studies will focus on the Greek and Latin roots commonly found in English words. These studies will deepen the student’s understanding of the English language and strengthen his or her ability to speak, write, and think with clarity. The class will include written exercises, quizzes, and tests.
This class is a supplemental course, it is not considered an English credit.
HISTORY
7th GRADE AMERICAN HISTORY
Grade(s): Intended for Grade 7
Open to grades 7-8
This course will use the Catholic history book, The History of the United States, by Seton Press, to cover American History from the discovery of America to the Civil War. The course will include the study of firsthand sources and include interactive project-based studies, to enrich the lessons. Students will be expected to cover a chapter every two weeks and will be asked to prepare reports and presentations as part of their studies.
Students who complete this course will continue on to the second half of American history from the Civil War through modern day in their 8th grade studies.
8th GRADE ANCIENT HISTORY
Grade(s): Intended for Grade 8
Open to grades 7-8
This course will begin with a review of the Old Testament and the Hebrew people. We will then study Greek and Roman mythology, which formed the worldview of the ancient West, and which has served as a touchstone for Western literature. We will then proceed through a detailed and extended history of Greece and Rome. Finally, we will close the course with an overview of Early Christianity and a final reflection on the formation of the Christian West.
WORLD GEOGRAPHY AND CULTURE
Grade(s): Intended for Grade 9
Open to grades 9-12
This course provides the students with an engaging and dynamic journey across our beautiful planet. Students will learn the political and geographical history of each continent, along with major landmarks, topography and architecture. In addition, students will dive into the culture and religion of the various regions of each part of our beautiful world.
AMERICAN HISTORY
Grade(s): Intended for Grade 10
Open to grades 9-12
This course will explore the history of America from the earliest explorers to the modern era. Students will draw their knowledge from the study of primary documents, speeches and journalistic media, in addition to selected core readings. Throughout this course, students will improve their ability to answer complex questions and formulate their own detailed arguments based on historical data. The course will also focus on important contributions and developments of Catholicism in American culture and notable Catholic Americans.
WORLD HISTORY (Prehistory to fall of the Roman Empire)
Grade(s): Intended for Grade 11
Open to grades 10-12
Using primary and secondary sources, alongside narrative nonfiction and fiction, students will actively engage in understanding historical events. Our interactive curriculum includes dramatic interpretations of the "Epic of Gilgamesh", hands-on projects like chicken mummification, and crafting Sanskrit tablets to bring ancient cultures to life. This course offers a dynamic and immersive approach to discovering how ancient events and cultures shape our modern world.
GOVERNMENT
Grade(s): Intended for Grade 12
Open to grades 11-12
This course will demonstrate to your student, the Christian foundation that our American Government was founded upon. Students will study the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and other original documents, to demonstrate the original intent the founding fathers had for the framework of our government. All three branches of the government will be studied along with the role each American citizen has in governing our nation. To further enrich their studies, students will explore the profiles of great Americans, including American Catholic Saints. This course will demonstrate to your student through its studies how the United States’ government allows her citizens the “unalienable rights” of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
ECONOMICS (1ST SEMESTER)
Grade(s): Intended for Grade 11
Open to grades 10-12
This course focuses on the concepts of free enterprise capitalism, introducing students to free markets with emphasis on work, wealth, and stewardship. Students will gain an understanding of the difference between market and command economies, including the roles of individual consumers, producers, and the government.
THEOLOGY
MIDDLE SCHOOL RELIGION
Grade(s): Intended for Grades 7-8
Open to grades 7-8
Our middle school religion course is a preparation course for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Students will study the doctors of the church, Works of Mercy, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, in addition to other important pillars of the Catholic Faith. This two-year course will use the curriculum Faith and Life, in conjunction with the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the study of influential Saints, to build a strong foundation and understanding of the Catholic Faith prior to their Confirmation.
For students who attend Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church, this course will meet the requirements of preparation for Confirmation. Students who attend other parishes will need to contact their Director of Religious Education to determine if any additional requirements will need to be met. SJBS will provide any information requested.
CHURCH HISTORY
Grade(s): Intended for Grade 9
Open to grades 8-12
This course will give an overview of the life of the Catholic Church throughout history. It will touch on the development of doctrine, the Church's life in art and in the liturgy, and some of the great saints of each historical era.
MASS AND THE SACRAMENTS
Grade(s): Intended for Grade 10
Open to grades 9-12
In this class, students will learn about the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. We’ll study the nature, origins, and significance of these channels of supernatural grace, and will pay special attention to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
CATHOLIC DOCTRINE: FAITH AND MORALS
Grade(s): Intended for Grade 11
Open to grades 10-12
The purpose of this class is to lay a solid foundation of knowledge of the Catholic Faith and of what our conduct must be if we are to grow in holiness. We will cover the intellect and the will, the Blessed Trinity, creation, angels, original sin, our redemption through Christ, the mystery of suffering, the Blessed Virgin Mary, actual and sanctifying grace, heaven, hell, purgatory, the sources of Faith, our duties toward God, ourselves, and our neighbors, the elements of a moral act, conscience, temptation, virtue, etc. The class will feature quizzes, tests, short writing assignments, and plenty of discussion.
SPIRITUAL CLASSICS (2 Credit Course)
Grade(s): Intended for Grade 12
Open to grades 11-12
In this course we will delve into the great works of the spiritual masters, many of them declared Doctors of the Church. Through their writings we will learn about and explore different types of prayer and how to practice it, the scriptural history and deep meaning of the Eucharist, the stages of the spiritual life, contemplation and mysticism, the importance of spiritual friendships, building a foundation for a moral life, etc. We will read the poetry of St John of the Cross, the timeless advice from St Teresa of Avila, explore the Little Way of St Therese of Lisieux, the sage wisdom for the laity from St Francis de Sales, the miraculous conversion of St Augustine, the lessons of moral theology from St Alphonsus de Liguori and so many more! This course explores more advanced theological concepts of the Catholic Faith. Students will examine how to build a foundation for a moral life through the writings of the greatest saints in the Church. Due to the heavy focus on literature and writing, this course may count towards both a theology credit and literature credit.
MATHEMATICS
PRE-ALGEBRA
This course in intended to prepare students for higher levels of mathermatics. Students will be introduced to and further explore negative numbers, order of operations and solving for the unknowns, among other topics. Students will become fluent in understand calculations with negative numbers, working with exponents, place value, evaluating radicals and identifying the least common multiple and greatest common factor. In addition, the course will further explore common mathematical principals including the use of the Pythagorean Theorem, computing surface are and volume, converting temperature between Celsius and Fahrenheit and adding an multiplying polynomials, among other topics.
ALGEBRA I
In this course students will gain a greater understanding of graphing, simultaneous equations, exponents, polynomials, unit multipliers and more. This course will have a strong emphasis on graphing and describing linear equations and inequalities, solving systems of equations, expanding the students understanding of exponents and solving basic quadratic equations. In addition, this course will further provide a deeper knowledge of the properties of arithmetic functions to algebra, working with polynomials, converting between base 10 and other bases and graphing conic sections, among other topics.
GEOMETRY
This Geometry course has three main areas of emphasis: the vocabulary of geometry, practical applications of geometry, and traditional geometry, including proofs. Topics include lines, angles, area, perimeter, volume, Pythagorean theorem, axioms and postulates, congruency, and similarity. An introduction to trigonometric functions is also included.
ALGEBRA II
The Algebra II course will expand further on concepts learned in Algebra 1 as well as cover such topics as advanced factoring, imaginary and complex numbers, the binomial theorem, the quadratic formula and motion problems. Graphing conic sections and solving systems of equations will be included as well as the introduction of vectors. There will be daily assignments and unit tests.
PRECALCULUS
Following the Math-U-See curriculum, this year-long course will cover
the Mathematics concepts that will help prepare students for the
Calculus course and beyond. Major Topics include understanding the
unit circle and trigonometric ratios, their reciprocals, and inverses;
working with trigonometric expressions and identities; graphing and
analyzing trigonometric functions; working with arithmetic and
geometric sequences and series; understanding polar coordinates,
radian measure, and vectors; understanding and working with
exponential and logarithmic functions (including Eulerʼs number and
natural logarithms); continuing with absolute value and radical
equations and inequalities; and providing an introduction to limits and
continuity.
CONSUMER MATH
Students apply basic mathematical principles to the economic choices of individuals and families. Students study topics like budgets, savings accounts, debt management, and taxes. They also examine specific decisions in case studies such as purchasing, food, clothing, entertainment as well as making investments, and paying taxes. Students will apply the lessons learned through weekly math exercises, word problems, and practical examples.
SCIENCE
LIFE SCIENCE (7th Grade)
Grade(s): Intended for Grade 7
Open to grades 7-8
This full-year middle school course focuses on introducing students to the building blocks of life, the diversity of life from bacteria to animals, and how organisms interact with each other and their environment. The course includes an overview of scientific principles and procedures and leads students toward a clearer understanding of cells and heredity, the five kingdoms, human body systems, and ecology. As students refine and expand their understanding of life science, they will apply their knowledge in investigations that require them to ask questions and explore the world around them. Throughout the course, students will also solve problems, reason abstractly, and learn to think critically.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE (8th Grade)
Grade(s): Intended for Grade 8
Open to grade 8
Prerequisite: must have completed Pre-Algebra
The 8th grade physical science course is intended to prepare your students for the rigor of high school level college preparatory science courses. In this course, students will explore an entire year of chemistry, physics, earth science, and scientific research. Students will work through 15 different modules, with a laboratory write-up and test following each module, through bi-weekly laboratory experiments. In addition, students will learn and be expected to document the scientific method while completing their lab exercises. At the conclusion of this course, students should have a firm knowledge of the building blocks of chemistry, physics and earth science in addition to the ability to plan, execute, and document a scientific experiment. The class will move quickly with the introduction of a new module every two weeks. Students can expect to have roughly 3-4 hours of homework per a week.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Grade(s): Intended for Grade 9
Open to grades 9-12
Explore computer science through fun, hands-on projects and creative problem-solving! This introductory course serves as a foundation for learning the concepts and challenges of computer science and its impacts on society from a Catholic perspective. Students will learn how to design, develop, and evaluate computer programs using algorithms and the JavaScript and Python programming languages. Students will learn core CS concepts with engaging activities and have opportunities to design and build games, animations, and websites. Topics will include: Data, Web Design, Physical Computing, App Design, Games and Animations, Art and Design, Programming. This course is open to 9th - 12th grades and requires a laptop computer.
BIOLOGY WITH LAB
Grade(s): Intended for Grade 9
Open to grades 9-12
Prerequisite: must have completed Pre-Algebra
Church teaching and the wonder of God’s Creation are emphasized in this high school Biology with Lab course. The engaging and unique pedagogy begins with Botany, capturing the students’ interest with an in-depth study of the familiar and ending with the awe-inspiring wonder of the last unit, Cytology. Dissections and microscope work will be completed throughout the year, along with other hands-on activities to increase understanding and aid retention of the material.
The A Beka Biology materials are used in this course. It is written from a literalist Protestant point of view. A section written from a Protestant view of the Reformation is omitted (and/or corrected). Evolution/Creation is taught according to Church teaching, and the students read Humani Generis, the encyclical on evolution. This beautifully written, pro-life book gives credit to our Creator throughout. In the Human Anatomy & Physiology unit, students are reminded that we are made in God’s image, and that we are different from other creatures by virtue of our immortal souls. This textbook lays the groundwork for the students to understand the teachings of Humani Vitae when they encounter it later in their lives.
There is one section of Biology. It meets on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
CHEMISTRY WITH LAB
Grade(s): Intended for Grade 10
Open to grades 9-12
Prerequisite: must have completed Algebra 1
Hands-on learning is emphasized in this high school Chemistry with Lab course. All typical high school-level Chemistry topics will be presented, and many typical labs will be completed.
There is one section of Chemistry. It meets on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
PHYSICS
Grade(s): Intended for Grade 11-12
Open to grades 10-12
Prerequisite: must have completed Algebra 2
This year-long course, designed to teach students about the workings of the physical world and how to explain, describe, and predict the same, using mathematics. We’ll cover kinematics, force, momentum, energy, gravitation, periodic motion, electricity, basic circuitry, magnetism, and electromagnetic interaction. As time permits, we may also discuss additional topics in wave mechanics, optics, sound, material science, and modern physics. This course will include occasional laboratory experiments, graded largely in terms of clarity of communication in lab reports.
NUTRITIONAL SCIENCE
Grade(s): Intended for Grade 11-12
Open to grades 9-12
Nutritional science examines the impact of nutrition and food on health and disease throughout the lifespan. This is the science behind how food powers our bodies, prevents disease, and brings communities together. Course topics include nutritional biology and metabolism, food science and safety, disease, and nutrition assessment. This course aims to provide an in-depth understanding of how nutrition and exercise impact health and will equip students with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their diet and lifestyle. This interactive class can help students develop healthy habits that they can carry into adulthood.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
LATIN 1
Open to grades 7-12
Latin I introduces students to the foundations of the Latin language with an emphasis on vocabulary development and core grammatical structures. Students will build a working Latin vocabulary through consistent practice and application, enabling them to recognize and interpret common words and phrases. The course focuses on mastering the six indicative active tenses (present, imperfect, future, perfect, pluperfect, and future perfect) within the first two verb conjugations, helping students understand how verbs function across time.
In addition, students will study all five noun declensions, learning to identify case, number, and gender, and to translate noun forms accurately. Instruction also includes first and second declension adjectives, with attention to agreement and proper usage. Through reading, writing, and translation exercises, students will develop analytical skills and gain insight into the structure of language, laying a strong foundation for further Latin study.
SPANISH 1
Open to grades 7-12
Spanish I is an introductory course into both the language and culture of Spanish speaking countries. The course presents a comprehensive introduction to Spanish vocabulary and parts of speech. The vocabulary for Spanish 1 is focused on everyday life activities, numbers, months, and terms related to school and home, as well as common phrases. In addition, the class will discuss the culture and geography of Spanish speaking countries around the world. Lastly, students will study specific dialogue and proactive everyday conversations. At the conclusion of the course, the students will have an ability to master asking and answering basic questions and identify and respond to simple statements in Spanish.
SPANISH 2
Open to grades 7-12
Spanish 2 is a transitional course from basic Spanish skills learned in Spanish 1, working towards conversational fluency. Students will work independently and in small groups to build on the knowledge, vocabulary and grammar learned in Spanish 1. The course will introduce new concepts, such as forms of the past tenses, present participles, prepositions, pronouns, compound tenses, and adverbs, all within the context of everyday situations. At the conclusion of the course, the student will have a greater understanding of the Spanish language, including grammatical structure, comprehension, and improved reading and writing proficiency.
ADVANCED SPANISH
Open to grades 7-12
Advanced Spanish is an immersion course for students who have completed a minimum of two years of Spanish instruction. In this course, students will continue to work towards fluency in both spoken and written language. The course is taught fully in Spanish, and the students are expected to participate using their knowledge of the Spanish language. Students will improve their knowledge and proficiency through practice and application of the Spanish language in both individual and group activities, projects and written reports.
ELECTIVES
Saint John Bosco school is proud to offer a variety of electives in social sciences, business development, STEM and the visual and performing arts. Additional information can be found in the Course Catalog.