The Curriculum at Liberty Prep
Language Arts
In our kindergarten, first and second-grade classes, students use the complete BJU Press Language Arts program. This program builds and strengthens a phonemic foundation that gives children the tools they need to successfully grow in their reading ability. The BJU Press curriculum covers writing, spelling, reading, and phonics while integrating Biblical truths throughout every lesson. Students in kindergarten and first grade will master their printing skills, while students in second grade will be introduced to cursive handwriting as they continue to use their printing penmanship. Along with the BJU Press Language Arts curriculum, students in first and second grade also use the Shurley English Grammar Program to begin building a strong foundation in both grammar and writing.
Math
In kindergarten through fifth grade, students use the McGraw Hill curriculum called Reveal Math. The Reveal Math curriculum is based on Common Core Standards. At Liberty Preparatory Christian Academy, our textbooks provide the framework for our curriculum but our teachers do not teach to the Common Core standards. All of our textbooks are used as a tool to help us meet the NAUMS (National Association of University Model Schools) standards that our school follows. The Reveal Math curriculum provides students with an abundance of strategies to solve math problems that they will see in both the classroom and real-life situations. The curriculum provides hands-on activities, differentiated learning centers, online learning activities, and much more. Each year, skills from previous years are strengthened as new skills build off of, and spiral from, concepts that students have been exposed to before.
Science
Kindergarten: At the kindergarten level, teacher-developed thematic science units are used to cover the topics of weather, rocks and soil, and living and non-living things. Each unit includes hands-on learning in the form of experiments and projects. Music, movement, and Biblical principles are integrated into all units.
First Grade: Beginning in first grade, students begin to use the Apologia Science Curriculum. At the first grade level, students study the flying creatures that God created on the fifth day. First-grade students use the Apologia textbook: Exploring Creation with Zoology 1, along with teacher-developed units and resources.
Second Grade: At the second-grade level, students study the swimming creatures that God created on the fifth day. Second-grade students use the Apologia textbook: Exploring Creation with Zoology 2, along with teacher-developed units and resources.
History
In kindergarten through sixth grade, students use the Core Knowledge History & Geography curriculum that is published by Pearson Publishers. This curriculum begins building a strong foundation in both world history and geography at the kindergarten level. As students progress through the elementary years, the Core Knowledge History & Geography curriculum builds and spirals with each consecutive year. Each year students are introduced to new topics, in addition to building on previous years’ studies in a deeper way. Along with the Core Knowledge History & Geography curriculum, teachers are provided with the Jesus Storybook Curriculum. This curriculum is provided to teachers in order to equip them with materials to successfully integrate bible history and truths into each unit of study.
Language Arts
At Liberty Preparatory Christian Academy, we believe that by taking the very best components from a variety of different curriculums we can create a strong Language Arts program that both strengthens and challenges students’ academic abilities in a positive way. In our third through fifth-grade classes, students use a combination of teacher-directed novel studies, the Shurley English Grammar Curriculum, and the Wordly Wise Vocabulary Program. At the third grade level, teachers continue to build on the phonemic foundation that was built in grades K-2. Throughout the course of the year, students will read several novels and chapter books to strengthen their reading and comprehension skills. As students move into fourth and fifth grade, they continue to build in reading fluency and comprehension by working through more challenging novel studies. Students in grades three through five continue to use the Shurley English Grammar Curriculum to build a strong foundation in grammatical concepts. Third-grade students develop their writing skills through the use of the Shurley English writing concepts, along with an introduction to the Institute for Excellence in Writing Program (IEW). As students move into fourth and fifth grade, they will use the Institute for Excellence in Writing Program (IEW) more extensively. This writing program is used in grades three through twelve and provides students with the tools needed to become confident writers. In third grade, students begin using the Wordly Wise Vocabulary Program. Wordly Wise is used in grades three through twelve. In addition to each of these fundamental language arts skills, third-grade students continue to work on mastering their cursive handwriting by using the BJU Press Handwriting Program.
Math
In kindergarten through fifth grade, students use the McGraw Hill curriculum called Reveal Math. The Reveal Math curriculum is based on Common Core Standards. At Liberty Preparatory Christian Academy, our textbooks provide the framework for our curriculum but our teachers do not teach to the Common Core standards. All of our textbooks are used as a tool to help us meet the NAUMS (National Association of University Model Schools) standards that our school follows. The Reveal Math curriculum provides students with an abundance of strategies to solve math problems that they will see in both the classroom and real-life situations. The curriculum provides hands-on activities, differentiated learning centers, online learning activities, and much more. Each year, skills from previous years are strengthened as new skills build off of, and spiral from, concepts that students have been exposed to before.
Science
Third Grade: At the third-grade level, students are introduced to the study of plants – their structure, propagation, classification, and more. Third-grade students use the Apologia textbook: Exploring Creation with Botany, along with teacher-developed units and resources.
Fourth Grade: At the fourth-grade level, students study the land animals that God created on the sixth day. Fourth-grade students use the Apologia textbook: Exploring Creation with Zoology 3, along with teacher-developed units and resources.
Fifth Grade: At the fifth-grade level, students are introduced to the exciting world of outer space. Students will have all of their questions about planets, stars, and outer space answered in a biblically-based, scientifically sound way. Fifth-grade students use the Apologia textbook: Exploring Creation with Astronomy, along with teacher-developed units and resources.
History
In kindergarten through sixth grade, students use the Core Knowledge History & Geography curriculum that is published by Pearson Publishers. This curriculum begins building a strong foundation in both world history and geography at the kindergarten level. As the students progress through the elementary years, the Core Knowledge History & Geography curriculum builds and spirals with each consecutive year. Each year students are introduced to new topics, in addition to building on previous years’ studies in a deeper way. Along with the Core Knowledge History & Geography curriculum, teachers are provided with the Jesus Storybook Curriculum. This curriculum is provided to teachers in order to equip them with materials to successfully integrate bible history and truths into each unit of study.
Language Arts
At Liberty Preparatory Christian Academy, we believe that by taking the very best components from a variety of different curriculums we can create a strong Language Arts program that both strengthens and challenges students’ academic abilities in a positive way. In our sixth through eighth-grade classes, students use a combination of the Mirrors & Windows Literature Program, Fix-It Grammar (IEW), the Institute for Excellence in Writing Program (IEW), and the Wordly Wise Vocabulary Program. The Mirror & Windows Literature Program is used in conjunction with teacher-developed novel studies. Students use this literature program to dig deeper into literature concepts as they participate in a variety of different novel studies and activities. Students’ reading comprehension and fluency are developed as they participate in an abundance of reading activities and connect what they are reading to literary concepts. The Fix-It Grammar (IEW) Program is used in sixth through eighth grade to continue to build on the strong grammatical foundation that was created in first through fifth grade with the Shurley English Grammar Curriculum. This program gives students continued practice with grammar concepts and assists in developing the students writing abilities. The IEW program is used to assist in developing our middle school students into excellent writers. Students continue to use the Wordly Wise Vocabulary Program to develop a strong vocabulary to use in both oral and written expression.
Math
Sixth Grade: In sixth grade, students use the textbook: Math Course 1 that is published by McGraw Hill. Math Course 1 builds on the student’s understanding of numbers, their operations, and their algebraic representations. Students are also introduced to integers, functions, and probability. Lessons include skill practice, problem-solving, and more complex multi-step problems.
Seventh Grade: Seventh-grade students use the textbook: Math Course 2 that is published by McGraw Hill. Students in this course will master skills in the areas of adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions and decimals. In addition, students will calculate perimeter, area, surface area, and volume as well as evaluate and create charts and graphs using mean, median, mode, and range.
Eighth Grade: In eighth grade, students will begin preparing for Algebra by taking a Pre-Algebra course. In this course, students will prepare for algebra and further math studies by using the basic principles of algebra to analyze and represent proportional and non-proportional relationships as well as use probability to describe data and make predictions. The textbook used for this course is Pre-Algebra that is published by Holt McDougal Larson. This textbook is a Common Core textbook. At Liberty Preparatory Christian Academy, our textbooks provide the framework for our curriculum but our teachers do not teach to the Common Core standards. All of our textbooks are used as a tool to help us meet the NAUMS (National Association of University-Model Schools) standards that our school follows.
Science
Sixth Grade: In sixth grade, students will study Life Science. This class uses the Life Science textbook that is published by Christian Schools International. Throughout this class, emphasis on the Bible is integrated into the following unit studies: Foundations of Life Science, Heredity and the Origin of Life, Concepts in Microbiology and Plant Biology, Concepts in Animal Kingdom, Nature of the Environment and Functions of the Human Body.
Seventh Grade: In seventh grade, students will study Earth Science. This course increases students’ scientific knowledge of God’s handiwork through the study of the physical universe. This class uses the Earth Science textbook that is published by Christian Schools International. This textbook affirms the young Earth creationist view of the Earth’s history and disproves the evolutionary views pervading the scientific community and our culture.
Eighth Grade: In eighth grade, students will study Physical Science. Physical Science offers students an engaging and thorough introduction to the world of physics and chemistry. This class uses the Physical Science textbook that is published by Christian Schools International. This class provides the basic foundation necessary for the future study of biology, chemistry, and physics.
History
Sixth Grade: In kindergarten through sixth grade, students use the Core Knowledge History & Geography curriculum that is published by Pearson Publishers. This curriculum begins building a strong foundation in both world history and geography at the kindergarten level. As the students progress through the elementary and early middle school years, the Core Knowledge History & Geography curriculum builds and spirals with each consecutive year. Each year students are introduced to new topics, in addition to building on previous years’ studies in a deeper way. Biblical truths and history is integrated into each unit of study in order to create a strong foundation in both World and Bible history.
Seventh Grade: Seventh-grade students use the textbook published by Bob Jones University Press titled: World Studies. This course is a survey of World History from the creation of the world to present-day events. Study is centered on important people, places, events, discoveries, and ideas that have shaped our world into what it is today. Students will master skills in geography, historical thinking, and utilizing primary sources.
Eighth Grade: Eighth-grade students use the textbook published by Bob Jones University Press titled: American Republic. This course offers a survey of United States History, from the experiences of the earliest people who came to our country all the way through to the events that are taking place in our country today. Study will be centered on important people, places, events, discoveries, and ideas that have shaped our nation into what it is today. Students will master skills in geography, historical thinking, and utilizing primary sources.
Language Arts
Ninth Grade: In the ninth grade, students will focus on reading a variety of literary genres such as drama, short stories, poetry, and nonfiction. Focus will be on reading for analysis. Students will demonstrate mastery of these concepts through clear written expression. Vocabulary and grammar will be expanded as students apply these writing mechanics throughout their oral and written language study.
Tenth Grade: In the tenth grade, students will focus on reading a variety of literary genres such as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama and folk literature. Grammar and style, vocabulary and spelling, reading strategies and skills, writing and research are all interwoven throughout the course. Students will develop and strengthen their writing skills through reflections, in-depth writing assignments and real world application. Vocabulary and grammar will be expanded as students apply these writing mechanics throughout their oral and written language study.
Eleventh Grade: In the eleventh grade, students will focus on reading and studying a number of American Literature texts. As they study these texts and connect with the reading they will expand in their writing and grammar through written and oral expression. Vocabulary and grammar will be expanded as students apply these writing mechanics throughout their oral and written language study.
Twelfth Grade: In twelfth grade, students will focus on reading and studying British Literature. As they study these texts and connect with the reading they will expand in their writing and grammar through written and oral expression. Vocabulary and grammar will be expanded as students apply these writing mechanics throughout their oral and written language study.
Math
Algebra 1 (Grades 8, 9)
The content of Algebra 1 is organized around families of functions, with special emphasis on linear and quadratic functions. As students learn about each family of functions, they will learn to represent them in multiple ways; as verbal descriptions, equations, tables and graphs. They will also learn to model real world situations using functions in order to solve problems arising from those situations.
Prerequisite: Math 8 or department approval
Geometry (Grades 9, 10)
In this course, students will study geometry concepts through lessons and activities that are designed to emphasize conceptual understanding, focus on critical thinking and reasoning, and to model mathematics for solving problems that they will encounter in everyday life. The concepts that will be covered in this course will include shape studies, parallel and perpendicular lines, area and surface area, volume, trigonometry and more. Each of our offered math courses includes excellent online resources that feature items such as online tutors, math games, practice quizzes, and math videos.
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Algebra 2 (Grades 10, 11)
In Algebra II, students will study the algebra concepts of linear equations, functions, inequalities, absolute values, quadratic functions, polynomials, powers, roots and radicals, exponential and logarithmic functions, rational equations, data analysis and probability. Each concept will be taught through lessons and activities that are designed to emphasize conceptual understanding; focus on critical thinking and reasoning, and to model mathematics for solving problems that they will encounter in everyday life. Each of our offered math courses includes excellent online resources that feature items such as online tutors, math games, practice quizzes, math videos, and more.
Prerequisite: Geometry
Pre-Calculus Honors (Grades 11, 12)
This course is designed for students who have an interest in pursuing further math study at the college level and beyond. Topics include functions, series, sequences, matrices, complex numbers, conic sections, polar and parametric equations, linear regression, vectors, applications of trigonometry, and an introduction to Calculus. This course is designed to prepare students for Calculus resulting in the focus being on problem solving using mathematical models to represent real world situations. Technology will be incorporated throughout the curriculum.
Prerequisite: Algebra 2
Calculus (AP Course) (Grade 12)
In this course, students will study Calculus in such a way that is in accordance with the AP standards established by the College Board. Students will study the branch of mathematics that deals with rates of change in continuous and varying quantities. The class will include exercises in the graphical, numerical, analytical and verbal representation of functions; derivative rates of change and the use of derivatives to solve a variety of problems; and derivative and definite integrals as expressed in both parts of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Students will communicate mathematical solutions both orally and with the written word; use technology to help solve problems, interpret results, and verify conclusions; and determine the reasonableness of solutions. At the conclusion of this course, students will be prepared to take the Calculus AP Exam.
Prerequisite: Pre-calculus
Discrete Math for Computer Science (Grades 11, 12)
Discrete Mathematics is the language of Computer Science. In order to work in many fields including data science, machine learning, and software engineering, students need to be fluent in this language. Discrete mathematics is mathematics that deals with discrete objects. Discrete objects are those which are separated from (not connected to/distinct from) each other. Integers (aka whole numbers), rational numbers (ones that can be expressed as the quotient of two integers), automobiles, houses, people etc. are all discrete objects. Real numbers which include irrational as well as rational numbers are not discrete. In this course students will work with objects such as integers, propositions, sets, relations and functions, which are all discrete. Students will study concepts associated with these objects, their properties, and relationships among them.
Prerequisite: Algebra II
Science
Ninth Grade: In ninth grade, students take Environmental Science. This course surveys key topic areas including the application of the scientific process to environmental analysis; ecology; energy flow; ecological structures; earth systems; and atmospheric, land, and water science. Students will explore actual case studies, learning that political and private decisions about the environment and the use of resources require an accurate application of scientific processes, including proper data collection and responsible conclusions.
Tenth Grade: Tenth-grade students use the Biology textbook published by Bob Jones University Press to help them clearly see God’s power and glory in creation as they study cellular biology, genetics, taxonomy, microbiology, botany, zoology and human anatomy. Each topic is covered in such a way that students are pointed back to Scripture as the ultimate authority. Students are encouraged to develop a biblical perspective about scientific topics as well as learn how to defend their Christian beliefs within the world of science.
Eleventh Grade: In eleventh grade, students use the Chemistry textbook published by Pearson Publishers to dig into chemical concepts using practical issues and applications to illustrate the principles of chemistry. Students develop a strong foundation in chemistry and are able to point back to God and His amazing works throughout the course of the class.
Twelfth Grade: In twelfth grade, students have the option to take Physics or Anatomy and Physiology. In Anatomy and Physiology, students study the human body and begin to delve into the truth that we truly are examples of God’s finest handiwork. Students study the body as a whole as well as the unique functions and purposes of individual body parts. They examine the structure and relationship between body parts and have the opportunity to work in a hands-on fashion to develop a clearer understanding of the marvellous workings of the human body. In Physics, students study the fundamental ideas concerning matter and energy through the laboratory study of mechanics, wave motion, heat, light, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics.
History
Ninth Grade: Ninth grades students will take World History I. World History I recounts the story of mankind from creation to the Protestant Reformation. Students examine ancient civilizations through the Greeks to the Roman Empire. Then they survey India, Asia, and Africa on their way to the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the Reformation, upon which modern history is founded. They are challenged to discover the forces, issues, people, and movements that have shaped our modern world. God’s providence and Bible integration are given prominence as the students are taught to view the world through a Christian lens. In World History I, students will study Creation through the Protestant Reformation. Geography skills and concepts are integrated throughout the course.
Tenth Grade: In tenth grade, students take World History II. In this class, students recount the story of mankind, from creation to the present. Students examine ancient civilizations through the Greeks to the Roman Empire. Students are challenged to discover the forces, issues, people and movements that have shaped our modern world. God’s providence and Bible integration are given prominence as the students are taught to view the world through a Christian lens. Geography skills and concepts are integrated throughout the course.
Eleventh Grade: In the tenth grade, students will use the Bob Jones University Press textbook titled United States History. This textbook is presented in an engaging narrative style that seeks to bring United States history to life. United States History recounts the story of our nation’s history from its discovery and colonization up to the present day. Special attention is given to God’s providence and America’s Christian heritage.
Twelfth Grade: In twelfth grade, students spend the first semester of the year, exploring the ins and outs of American Government. The Bob Jones University Press textbook titled American Government is used to prepare students for responsible citizenship with an ongoing discussion of the principles and mechanics of a constitutional republic. During the second semester of the year, students focus on learning the key principles of economics. The Bob Jones University Press textbook titled Economics is used to introduce and explore key principles of economics, from household purchases to the stock market. Students also study important issues related to national economic systems and policies.