Secondary Course Descriptions
English and Literature
A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Proverbs 25:11
English Grammar A (full year course)
Shurley Grammar 8
The Shurley Method teaches the solid foundation of grammar in a new and exciting way. Students use rhythm and a set of specific questions to classify sentences orally, identify each sentence part as well as the overall sentence structure. They learn how all sentence parts fit together to make sense and express an idea. These skills are vital to be successful as a Latin student as well as any other language studied. Students also learn how to express their own ideas through formal and creative writing. Objectives: This course is designed to further develop the following skills in each student: reading comprehension, grammar, capitalization and punctuation, spelling, vocabulary, analytical and critical thinking, listening skills, as well as written and oral communication. Skills covered include the three-point expository paragraph; five paragraph expository essay in first person;personal narrative; letter of application; resume writing.
7th and 8th Grade Omnibus
Classical Composition covering the Progymnasmata - Chreia, Maxim, Refutation and Confirmation. story elements; personal narrative; persuasive writing; guided research report; independent research report; note taking; essay writing; poetry writing. Literature study includes in Year 1(2008-2009) Excerpts from Chosen by God - Sprool; Till We Have Faces - CS Lewis; The Magician's Nephew; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; The Horse and His Boy; Prince Caspian; The Voyage of the Dawn Treader; The Silver Chair; The Last Battle all by CS Lewis; Best Things in Life; Unaborted Socrates; Isaiah; Jeremiah; Minor Prophets; Galatians; Romans; James; The Eagle of the Ninth; The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis; and The Holiness of God.
English I Honors - 1.0 credit, required for graduation
Classical Composition covering the Progymnasmata -Refutation, Confirmation, Commonplace and Encomium. This course is designed to acquaint students with world literature in the context of history, to acquaint them with the key elements and genres of literature, and to develop critical thinking, writing, and speaking skills. Students will demonstrate their understanding through discussions, presentations, and essays. They will research many topics throughout the year and will produce a major research paper. Educational materials include The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer - Mark Twain; The Autobiography of Ben Franklin; excerpts from Gulliver's Travels - Jonathan Swift; excerpts from Foxe's Book of Martyrs; The Pit and the Pendulum - Edger Allen Poe; A Tale of Two Cities - Charles Dickens; Hamlet - Shakespeare; various poetry and short stories.
English II Honors - 1.0 credit, required for graduation
Classical Composition covering the Progymnasmata - Fables, Narrative, Chreia, Maxim, Refutation, Confirmation, Commonplace, Encomium, Vituperation and Comparison. This course uses literature to teach students about worldviews. Other topics taught include College Prep Writing; Newspaper Writing; Comparative essay; Scholarship Portfolio Creation; and Research Paper Writing. Literature includes but is not limited to: The Case for Faith - Lee Strobel; Mere Christianity - CS Lewis; The Case for Christ - Lee Strobel; Lord of the Flies - William Golding; excerpts from Leaves of Grass - Walt Whitman; Animal Farm and 1984 - George Orwell; Anthem - Ayn Rand; various poetry and short stories.
English III and IV Honors - 1.0 credit, required for graduation
Advanced Placement:
Students will have the opportunity to take the AP English Language & Composition exam and the AP English Literature & Composition at Cornerstone Academy in May for a fee of $80 per test. English III & IV is considered Advanced Placement for all students, but only those students who opt to take the test and pass it will receive college credit.
Year 1 (2009-2010)
Students read a range of genres of literature including short stories, poetry, plays, and novels from ancient to contemporary authors. Literature covered includes, but is not limited to, the Bible's Job, Spenser's Faerie Queene, Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Dickens 'Oliver Twist, Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, and Griffin's Black Like Me. Interpretation of these works includes a look at Scripture and the standards set forth in God's word. Focus in writing is on mastery of the five-paragraph essay form, including literary analysis; expository writing; descriptive writing; persuasive writing; narrative writing; the comparative essay; poetry; and the college research paper. Students write approximately 500 words weekly, including an in-class SAT practice essay every third week, plus a class weblog.
Year 2 (2010-2011)
Students focus on reading and discussing great literature, as well as grammar, writing and vocabulary. Literature covered includes Sophocles' Oedipus Rex; Shakespeare's Much Ado about Nothing; Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea; Shelley's Frankenstein; Bronte's Jane Eyre; Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 and various short stories and poetry. Interpretation of these works includes a look at Scripture and the standards set forth in God's word. Focus in writing is on mastery of the five-paragraph essay form, including literary analysis; expository writing; descriptive writing; persuasive writing; narrative writing; the comparative essay; poetry; and the college research paper. Students write approximately 500 words weekly, including an in-class SAT practice essay every third week, plus a class weblog.
History
God wants us to know history. A large part of the Bible is the recorded history of God’s people, and God expects us to learn from our study of the past. History records the progress of God’s plan for nations and individuals. From it we learn that God is sovereign; no man or nation can overrule Him; God is never taken by surprise; He controls the rise and fall of rulers; He has purpose in all He does and He will lead rulers when they look to Him for guidance.
7th and 8th Grade Omnibus
Omnibus is Latin for "all encompassing." Our purpose is to have students grow in their appreciation of the unity of all knowledge. In the past, many understood that the Bible is of chief importance. Acts 17:21 says "... in Him we live and move and have our being." Educators of the past were far less likely to divide disciplines into 50-minute time slots. This relatively modern phenomenon has proven quite destructive in getting students to think in a unified and comprehensive way, make connections to the Bible and judge everything in the light of Scripture. The Omnibus is our attempt to change that. The seek to foster students who recognize the extent to which culture and worldview that affected a fiction writer. Students would understand connections between, say, architecture and beliefs about God. All disciplines are related to each other and are under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Students will understand this world, past, present and future most effectively and thoroughly when it is studied as a unified whole. Students will read the following or parts thereof: Genesis, The Epic of Gilgamesh, Exodus, The Code of Hammerabi, 1st and 2nd Samuel, The Odyssey, Histories, Oresteia, Plutarch's Lives, Theban Trilogy, Last Days of Socrates, The Early History of Rome, Luke and Acts, Aeneid, Twelve Caesars, and Julius Caesar.
World History Honors - 1.0 credit, required for graduation
I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. Isaiah 46:9-11
This course is designed to give students an overview of world history from the perspective that God is in control of history and that biblical principles must be taken into account in the affairs of nations, as well as individuals. The students will study the history of major western civilizations in their philosophical, political, cultural, and geographical contexts. They will appreciate the importance of knowing the past in order to understand the present, the rich heritage with which we are blessed.
Worldviews - 1.0 credit, required for graduation
Worldviews is designed to help students clearly understand the tenets of the biblical Christian worldview, as well as key apologetic issues, and how they compare to the competing worldviews of Secular Humanism, Marxist-Leninism, Cosmic Humanism (New Age), Postmodernism and Islam. Texts include Thinking Like a Christian - David Noebel and Chuck Edwards; The Case for Christ - Stroebel; Seven Men Who Rule the World from the Grave; Sophie's World - Jostein Gaarder; Understanding the Times - David Noebel; The New Tolerance McDowell; The Humanist Manifesto I, II and 2000; The Communist Manifesto - Marx; other primary sources; Breakpoint - Colson (for current events); Citizen Magazine from Focus on the Family (for current events); Citizen Issue Alert from Focus on the Family (for current events); Imprimis - Hillsdale College Publication.
The students of the Worldviews class write letters to the editors of local newspapers and are frequently published. They seek to become involved and impact the community through various projects throughout the year. During the 2003-2004 school year when the Ten Commandments' removal in Alabama was occurring, the students purchased and placed 600 Ten Commandment yard signs. During the 2004-2005 school year the students encouraged voting by painting a message on the 34th Street wall and assisted the Military Support Group of Alachua County in collecting and sending needed items to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. During the 2005-2006 school year the Worldviews students worked with Operation Teddy Bear to deliver mountains of toys to children displaced by Hurricane Katrina and collected items which were sent to an orphanage in Haiti. The fall semester of 2006 the Worldviews Class Project was Operation Christmas Child - 598 boxes were donated as a result of their efforts. The spring semester the class raised money for an orphanage in Haiti (Heartline Ministries).They are now collecting money to aid the efforts of those who are working to prevent modern day slavery through The Amazing Change and International Justice Mission.
American History Honors – 1.0 credit, required for graduation
This course will use American history to construct a logical and rational framework for the student as a citizen of the United States. Students will be continually challenged to think through ideas and concepts and to verbally explain and defend their reasoning. The cultural, political, and economic climate of the US today will be explained in light of the influences of individuals and movements of the past. Stress will be given to the contrasts between the strengths of the US from its Christian faith and heritage versus the current assault by those who seek socialistic internationalism. The text is United States History for Christian Schools. Numerous source documents will be used including: The Magna Carta; The Mayflower Compact; Fundamental Orders of Connecticut; Federalist Paper #10-James Madison; The Declaration of Independence; The Constitution of the United States of America and Amendments; The Monroe Doctrine-James Monroe. Speeches will include; Washington's Farewell Address; Thomas Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address; Abraham Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address; Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation; Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address; Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address.
American Government Honors - 0.5 credit, required for graduation
This course will ground students with an understanding of the original intent of the Framers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. A thorough study of the structure of the federal government today and how it differs from the Framers’ intent will provide a clear understanding of the challenges for the student-citizen in this constitutional republic. The role of Christianity and the Christian culture in the proper functioning of our nation will be reviewed in depth through the use of biblical principles. The primary text for the course is Constitution of the United States and 27 Amendments, Common Sense by Thomas Paine, many of the Federalist Papers, and other original documents including the Magna Carta, English Bill of Rights of 1689, Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, Virginia Declaration of Rights, Declaration of Independence, Judicial Acts of 1789 and 1801.
Economics Honors – 0.5 credit, required for graduation
This course will equip students with a correlation between classical economics (labor, wealth, capital, supply and demand) and present-day monetary and fiscal policies. The resulting correlation will be circumscribed by man’s relationship to God and God’s provision for mankind. Common and recurring economic fallacies will be rigorously discussed. Together, the materials will supply students with a personal economic decision-making framework that is both biblically grounded and prudent. Text: Wealth of Nations-Adam Smith; Andrew Jackson’s Veto of the Bank Bill;. Copious materials will be drawn from current economic news and articles.
Old Testament Survey - 0.5 credit
This course is designed to provide the student with an introductory survey of the Old Testament, focusing especially on the history of Israel and the geographical and Ancient Near Eastern setting in which that history unfolds.
New Testament Survey - 0.5 credit
The Books of Luke and Acts serve as the basis of the course. The course is designed to acquaint the student with the travels and teaching of Jesus as set forth in Luke and the geography of Palestine in His day. Also, it follows the travels of the apostles with special emphasis given to the travels of Paul. The course extends from the birth of Christ to Paul?s Roman imprisonment.
Mathematics
But even the very hairs of your heads are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value that many sparrows. Luke 12:7
The Math Department has published a detailed curriculum guide and materials list.
In addition to the Math Department Guide, Cornerstone will offer AP Statistics as an elective in 2009-2010. Following is the description: Statistics are used everywhere from fast food businesses ordering hamburger patties to insurance companies setting rates to predicting a student’s future success by the results of a test. Students will become familiar with the vocabulary, method, and meaning in the statistics which exist in the world around them. This is an applied course in which students actively construct their own understanding of the methods, interpretation, communication, and application of statistics. Each unit is framed by enduring understandings and essential questions designed to allow students a deep understanding of the concepts at hand rather than memorization and emulation. Students will also complete several performance tasks throughout the year consisting of relevant, open-ended tasks requiring students to connect multiple statistical topics together. The TI-83+/84 OR 89 calculator and computers will be used to explore the world of data and the patterns which can be found by analyzing this information as well as statistical relationships. General topics of study include "exploring data," "planning and design of a study," anticipating patterns," and "statistical inference."
Logic - 1.0 credit, required for graduation
This course is designed to train students in their ability to think and reason clearly. The lessons cover logical statements, fallacies , syllogisms, and many other elements including topics in logic. This course is a thorough introduction and serves as both a self-contained course and a preparatory course for more advanced studies. Texts used: Introduction to Logic - Mars Hill; Using the book The Fallacy Detective, students learn to recognize poor reasoning. Examples include Red Herring Fallacy, Ad Homimem, Genetic Fallacy, Tu Quoque, Faulty Appeal to Authority, Appeal to the People, Straw Man, Assumptions, Circular Reasoning, Equivocation, Loaded Question, Part-to-whole, Whole-to-part, Either-Or, Statistical Fallacies, and propaganda techniques such as Appeal to Fear, Appeal to Pity, Bandwagon, Exigency, Repetition, Transfer, Snob Appeal, Appeal to Tradition or Hi-Tech
Science
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handiwork. Psalm 19:1
Nature is but a name for an effect whose cause is God. ---William Cowper, 1731-1800
Earth Science - 1.0 credit
This course consists of a study of space and the atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere of planet earth, with an emphasis on the myriad of finely tuned factors that make life possible on it. It includes introductory level astronomy, meteorology, geology and oceanography. Textbook study at home, and lecture, discussion, and hands-on activities in the classroom are used to teach the basics of each of these fields of study of the earth.
Life Science - 1.0 credit
This course consists of a study of the foundations of Life Science, life and cells, cell structure, activities of cells, cell division, genetics of organisms, genetic changes, biblical creationism, biological evolution, and concepts in microbiology and plant biology.
Physical Science Honors - 1.0 credit
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse - Romans 1:20
This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of chemistry and physics with an emphasis on the orderliness of matter and the predictability of its behavior. It includes the structure, classification, properties, and interactions of matter in the chemistry component. The physics component includes mechanics, thermal energy, electricity and magnetism, sound, and the electromagnetic spectrum. Textbook study at home, and lecture, discussion, and demonstrations are used to teach the concepts in class Turesday, Wednesday and Friday. Thursday class time is used for hands on laboratory activities which enable the students to apply the concepts, thus increasing comprehension and enjoyment of science.
Text - BJU Press Physical Science
Biology Honors with Lab - 1.0 credit
This course is an introduction to the field of Biology with an emphasis on the diversity and irreducible complexity of living creatures. The areas of study include cellular biology, genetics, taxonomy, microbiology, botany, zoology, and ecology. The course is taught using textbook study at home, and lecture and discussion in class on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Thursday laboratory sessions include microscope work and dissection of several invertebrates and vertebrates, including the frog. The course is taught from a Biblical viewpoint, with emphasis on the intelligent design features apparent throughout God's creation, as compared to the claims of Darwinian evolution. Several students who have completed this course with a 90% or higher have been able to earn up to six college credits in biology through taking the CLEP (College Level Examination Program) test through Santa Fe Community College.
Text - BJU Press Biology with Laboratory Exercises
Human Anatomy and Physiology Honors with Lab - 1.0 credit (prerequisite Biology)
This course is an introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the human body with emphasis on its irreducible complexity and responsibility of the individual for good stewardship. The structure and function of each organ system and how they coordinate with each other will be studied using textbook and workbook study at home, and classroom lecture and discussion on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Thursday laboratory sessions include microscope work in histology and dissection of sheep organs and fetal pigs. Students who earn 90% or better for their final grade will be eligible to take a college level final exam at Santa Fe Community College for three college credits.
The text used is Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology by Marieb along with Anatomy and Physiology Coloring Workbook - Marieb.
Chemistry Honors with Lab - 1.0 credit (prerequisite Biology and must have completed Algebra II or be taking it concurrently)
Chemistry is about understanding the atomic and molecular makeup of the astonishing world in which we live. Chemical reactions are easy to provoke and were studied hundreds of years earlier than nuclear reactions. A vast amount of our common everyday experience is dependent on chemistry, from cranking the car to keeping the pool from turning green. This course will help the student understand how all those everyday plastic or chemical objects work or were made. Students will make things, take things apart, and learn how to predict reactions. Chemistry will be related to the real environments of home, industry and working world at every turn -- human blood gases, acid base balance, pool pH chemistry, car batteries, automobile engines, dishwashers, cleaning products--everywhere in life chemistry is encountered. There will be a field trip to either an industrial or medical working chemistry lab. At completion students with an 80% or better will be eligible to take a final exam at Santa Fe Community College and earn three college credits. Text used - Introductory Chemistry by Tro
AP Physics with Lab - 1.0 credit (prerequisite, Algebra II)
Physics is about learning how God made the universe and how it works learning to see the finger of God in what He created. It opens your eyes to the immensity and complexity of the universe. Beginning with simple Newtonian principles, one can move on to fathom particle physics. Once Thermodynamics is grasped one can critique the Big Bang, and examine Relativity. An understanding of subatomic physics and radioactivity leads to understanding electromagnetic radiation and to understand light itself. By learning to measure radioactive particles one can understand, perhaps for the first time, exactly how a breeder reactor works. When we are finished a student will be able to take a toy ruler and a special 35mm slide and measure how many billionths of a meter make up one wavelength of light. In between all this a student you will begin to grasp why only an ignorant person would think this universe was not created. Physics is about learning just how great is our God. The class will include field trips to the following: the Human Patient Simulator, the Model Airplane Flying Field, the Graphite Reactor and possibly to SunNFun. There will be many hands-on labs.
Text - BJU Press Physics
"Would it not be strange if a universe without purpose accidentally created humans who are so obsessed with purpose?" -- Sir John Templeton
"It is hard to resist the impression that the present structure of the universe, apparently so sensitive to minor alterations in numbers, has been rather carefully thought out...The seemingly miraculous concurrence of these numerical values must remain the most compelling evidence for cosmic design." --Physicist Paul Davies
Robotics Team - 0.5 to 1.0 credit
The middle and senior high school robotics course is an introduction in the design, construction, and programming of small autonomous robots that serve a variety of tasks. The materials covered include:
Electrical measurements using digital multi-meters and oscilloscopes; electronic components such as resistors, LEDs, comparators, and transistors, DC and gear-head motors, solderless breadboard prototyping and fabricating component breadboards, Operating power tools such as Dremel rotary tool, soldering iron, drill press, bandsaw, and an assortment of hand tools, building many different robots using the LEGO Mindstorm Invention System 2.0, constructing from scratch simple robots that interact with their environment, opportunities to program robots in interactive C IV and LEGO Mindstorm Invention System 2.0. This class has very very openings and therefore has a selection process.
Foreign Languages and Rhetoric
Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. - I Corinthians 14:9-10
Foundations of Latin (Latin IA/ IB)
This introductory level Latin course is designed for students entering 7th and 8th grades. Completion of the IA/IB sequence takes two years and satisfies the credit requirement of Latin I.
Text - Ecce Romani I
Latin I - 1.0 credit, required for graduation
The primary goal of this course is for students to develop skill in comprehending written Latin and translating it properly into idiomatic English. The students will learn syntax, basic grammar, and vocabulary and will spend considerable time analyzing the inflectional patterns of the Latin language. They will be assigned written exercises both in class and for homework which will reinforce these patterns and aid in memorization. Students will be given regular practice reading Latin, translating into English, and composing Latin sentences. Oral drill and recitation will establish proper pronunciation. Discussions arising from assigned reading will focus primarily upon classical literature, mythology, and Graeco-Roman history.
Text - Ecce Romani I
Latin II - 1.0 credit, required for graduation (prerequisite Latin I or IB)
Students will continue their study of Latin in this intermediate level course. Attention will be directed to more complex grammatical constructions and translational nuance, as students are introduced to various Roman authors. Students will be assigned written exercises both in class and for homework which will reinforce concepts taught in class and aid in memorization. They will be given regular practice reading Latin, translating into English, and composing Latin sentences. Oral drill and recitation will establish proper pronunciation. Discussions arising from assigned reading will expand upon the students' knowledge classical literature, mythology, and Graeco-Roman history.
Text - Ecce Romani II
Latin III - 1.0 credit (prerequisite Latin II)
Description under construction.
Greek I - 1.0 Credit (prerequisite: 2 Years of Latin)
An introduction to basic elements of New Testament Greek. Students will learn basic principles of Greek syntax, grammar, the use of lexical, grammatical and syntactical tools, and vocabulary. The course includes translation of passages from the Greek New Testament. Discussions arising from assigned reading will focus primarily upon classical literature, mythology, and Graeco-Roman history.
Text - Basics of Biblical Greek - Bill Mounce
Spanish I - 1.0 credit (prerequisite Latin II)
This course is an introduction to the sound system and grammatical structure necessary to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Spanish. An appreciation of Spanish-speaking culture underlies the orientation of the course. Puntos de Partida (Chapters 1-7) is used as the primary text, along with the accompanying Lab manual. Classroom time emphasizes communication in the target language.
Spanish II - 1.0 credit (prerequisite Spanish I)
This course continues the development of skills learned in Spanish I. More complex grammar is presented as well as more extensive vocabulary. Puntos de Partida (Chapters 8-16) is used as the primary text, along with the accompanying Lab Manual from Spanish I. The target language is used almost exclusively in the classroom in order to promote a more communicative environment, and Hispanic culture is integrated into the language learning experience.
Rhetoric and Debate - 1.0 credit, required for graduation (prerequisite Worldviews)
This course is designed to allow students to organize and participate in a variety of forensic and debate activities through the Catholic Forensic League. Participation in tournaments is integral to the course. All students will learn the method and will participate in Lincoln-Douglas Debate whether at a tournament or in class, and each will prepare a speech event. Students will also prepare speeches for an event called Apologetics.
Physical Education and Health
General Fitness and Conditioning
The purpose of this course is to develop general fitness while promoting participation in a variety of sports. The value of proper stretching and conditioning is emphasized. Participation in the President's Physical Fitness Challenge is required.
Physical Fitness - Lifestyle Design - 0.5 credit, required for graduation
The purpose of this course is to a) acquire knowledge of physical fitness concepts; b) understand the influence of lifestyle on health and fitness, and c) begin to develop an optimal level of fitness. Participation in the President’s Physical Fitness Challenge is required.
Personal Fitness - 0.5 credit, required for graduation
The purpose of this course is to enable students to extend their knowledge of fitness concepts; design, implement, and evaluate a personal fitness program; and develop an individualized level of health-related fitness. Participation in the President’s Physical Fitness Challenge is required.
Life Management Skills and Finance - 0.5 credit, required for graduation
The purpose of this course is to develop and enhance critical life management skills necessary to make sound decisions and take positive actions for healthy and effective living. Students learn to understand finances from a biblical perspective using material by Dave Ramsey, Financial Peace for the Next Generation.
Electives
Art I - 1.0 credit
Art II - 1.0 credit
Computing for College and Careers - 1.0 credit (and 3.0 college credits)
This course is designed to allow the student to progress at his/her own pace in learning how to perform Microsoft Office XP skills with TOM training software Benchmarks will be in place for skill development so that progress will be measurable and must be attained. However, a student who applies him or herself to the use of the TOM training software will be able to prepare for the Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) certification test. TOM helps the student learn Office XP concepts and skills actively by delivering realistic practice through both guided and self-directed simulated instruction. TOM provides a practice environment to learn each new skill, and tracks the student’s progress to provide a comprehensive report on progress. At the completion of this course students will be prepared to take and assessment exam at Santa Fe Community College and may earn three college credits for CGS 1000 Introduction to College Computing.
Drama I and II - 0.5 credit each
These courses are designed to give students the opportunity to enjoy theater acting, but more importantly to present the art of theater as a ministry that can be used to share the Gospel, encourage and entertain believers, and bring honor and glory to God. The students will be required to audition for a part in the Fall production or have a designated job as a technician
Technical Theater I: Foundations of Technical Theater - 1.0 credit
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to technical theatre, the "behind the scenes" work that goes into a theatrical production. It is a year-long course covering a brief history of theater as it relates to technical aspects of drama production and the essential players behind the scenes. A job description of each position will be presented to each team member. This class also involves the study of set design and construction, lighting, audio, props, and costume design. It may include a field trip “behind-the-scenes” of a local amateur or professional production. Participation is required in the Tech Crew of the fall and/or spring production and/or other school-sponsored theatrical work.
Journalism - 1.0 credit
Students in grades 9-12 are encouraged to take Composition, the class that produces Cornerstone's student newspaper. The paper, named i.e.e. (Informing. Educating. Entertaining.) will produce seven newspapers by year's end, approximately two per quarter. Students produce the newspaper from budgeting to production, determining what stories will be covered, then conducting interviews, writing copy, editing, photographing, and laying out the paper via Pagemaker on the computer. The paper focuses on Cornerstone people, issues, and events that touch our lives. It's a great way to get to work as a team -- and a great way to get to know Cornerstone Academy!
SAT Prep - 0.5 credit (requirements: at least in 10th grade having completed or currently taking geometry)
This course is designed to strengthen the student's test-taking skills so as to enhance his/her scores on the Scholastic Assessment Test. Students will practice thinking strategies, become thoroughly familiar with the structure of standardized exams, and build verbal competence and mathematics reasoning. Each student can contact an instructor to receive personalized lessons and guidance as he/she pursues higher test score goals.
The objectives of the course are to:
- Assess strengths and weaknesses in testing skills and strategies to personalize instruction.
- Demonstrate the use of organizational skills by submitting weekly action plans.
- Differentiate among strategies necessary to successfully complete standardized tests.
- Become familiar with test, test directions, answer sheet and different type of questions by taking actual sample tests.
- Apply critical thinking skills.
- Apply problem solving techniques and strategies
- Apply fundamental mathematical principles to unfamiliar problems.
- Apply knowledge of successful study and reading strategies.
Web Design I - 1.0 credit (prerequisite Business Systems Technology)
This course will help you develop your own "style" as you learn web design via Netscape Composer. Learn how to optimize your email and work in a telecommuting atmosphere. This course builds upon the basic competencies learned in Business Systems Technology, and can be used for a Gold Seal credit. In addition to learning web design via Netscape Composer, this course will also provide a basic overview of the Internet, Intranet, and WWW. The content includes operating systems, basic HTML commands; navigation of the Internet, and Intranet, and Web.
Web Masters - 1.0 (prerequisites suggested but not required Business Systems Technology and Web Design I)
The purpose of this course is to enable students to plan, develop, and publish well-designed web sites that combine effective navigation with appropriate graphics, text, color, and sound. There is an emphasis on hand-coding because the knowledge of how to write a well-formed web site is essential to understand how to correct code written with HTML generation programs. The course will focus on how to write code to the HTML 4.01 Transitional, HTML 4.01 Strict, Cascading Style Sheets, and XHTML 1.0 standards as recommended by the World Wide Web Consortium (http://www.w3.org/). All web pages will conform to those standards. By learning these standards, students can become masters of the code and not dependent on HTML generation programs. During the course students will also learn how to troubleshoot code written by various HTML generation programs, how to write web pages that will be easily read by text-to-speech conversion programs, copyright issues, social issues, web site planning, and management.
Yearbook - 1.0 credit
This course is designed to give students the opportunity to create and produce Cornerstone's Yearbook using the latest technology, such as InDesign and Adobe Photoshop, and intensive training. Being a member of the yearbook staff requires dedicated commitment. While there will be many times when our work is enjoyable, meeting deadlines and producing a quality product must always be our primary goals. In order to avoid unnecessary conflicts concerning expectations and requirements, all staffers and their parents must read and sign a contract regarding their duties. Students serve as photographers, ad salesmen, editors, and produce a beautiful hardbound book that brings glory to God.
Enrichment Opportunities
Student Government; Leadership Training; Math Club; Latin Club; Essay Contests; Fall Festival - Thanksgiving Celebration; Christmas Program; Fall Theater Production; Spring Theater Production at the Living History Festival ; Quarterly School Assemblies - Character and Academic Awards given; End of the Year Awards and Graduation Program; Community Service Project; End-of-Year Trip; Iowa Basic Skills Test; PSAT Test; AP Exams; Spring Formal (Prom); Homecoming Spirit Week; Robotics Team; Physics Formula One Team; Chess Club; High School Political Science Club; Davidic Dance Team; Sports; Speech and Debate Team
Athletics
Founding Member of the Florida Christian Athletic League (FCAL)
FCAL provides a tournament at the end of each season of sport. An All Star game is also played. At the end of the school year the FCAL Banquet is a fitting end to a year of great play. All Conference and All Star players from every sport are recognized and trophies are awarded.
Affiliate member of the Florida High School Activities Association
Each season concludes with a Cornerstone Sport's Banquet to honor the players and coaches. All Conference and All Star players are recognized and other awards are given.
JV and Varsity Sports:
- Fall JV and Varsity Co-ed Soccer
- Girls’ JV and Varsity Volleyball
- Boys’ Varsity Basketball
- Girls’ Varsity Basketball
- Spring JV Soccer
- Boys Varsity Baseball
- Girls Varsity Softball