2025-2026 CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
TECH’s priority is to provide classes in Math, Science, Language Arts, and Social Sciences. All classes need 4 students to be offered. Please remember, teachers have until July 1st to decide on the textbook they will be using for the upcoming year.
SEQUENCE OF CLASSES
MATH
Pre-Algebra 7th – 8th Grade
Algebra 1 8th – 10th Grade
Geometry 9th – 12th Grade
Algebra II 9th – 12th Grade
Pre-Calculus 10th – 12th Grade
SCIENCE
General Science 7th – 8th Grade
Physical Science/Lab 8th – 9th Grade
Biology/Lab 9th – 10th Grade
Chemistry/Lab 10th – 11th Grade
Physics/Lab 11th – 12th Grade
Botany/Lab 11th – 12th Grade
LANGUAGE ARTS
Writing and Literature 1 7th – 8th Grade
Writing and Literature 2 8th – 9th Grade
Composition and Literature 9th – 10th Grade
American Literature 10th – 11th Grade
British Literature 11th – 12th Grade
SOCIAL SCIENCES
Geography 7th – 12th Grade
World History 8th – 12th Grade
American History 11th – 12th Grade
Finance 11th – 12th Grade
Government 11th – 12th Grade
ELECTIVES
UTT 11th – 12th Grade
ART ESSENTIALS 7th -8th Grade
DEBATE 10th-12th Grade
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
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MATH CLASSES
Important Math Information:
1. Noted prerequisites are met by receiving a passing grade from a TECH teacher or by passing a placement test.
2. A placement test may be required in addition to a passing grade.
3. Algebra 1 is the prerequisite for Geometry and Algebra 2.
4. Geometry is not a prerequisite for Algebra 2 or Advanced Math/Pre-Calculus.
5. Our math teachers choose their texts.
Pre-Algebra
Course Description: This class will focus on solidifying previously learned math skills while introducing students to pre-algebra concepts. Students will explore topics including integers, order of operations, algebraic expressions, one and two-step equations, proportions, percents, probability, geometry, and linear equations. We will utilize the computer program, Xtramath to strengthen students’ math fact accuracy and speed during the first semester.
If your student is new to Saxon, this is a spiral based math course. Concepts are introduced, repeated, and then reviewed throughout the year.
ALGEBRA 1
Course Description: Algebra I covers a wide variety of topics including rational numbers, solving equations, polynomials, factoring, functions and graphs, linear equations, solving systems of equations, and radical expressions. Homework is essential to learning mathematics and will require a minimum of 5 hours a week. This is a fast-paced course, so it is essential that incoming students be ready for Algebra I. It is essential that the students are sound in the basic math
GEOMETRY
Course Description: The Geometry course is a comprehensive look at the study of geometric concepts, including the basic elements of geometry, proofs, parallel and perpendicular lines, the coordinate plane, triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, circles, trigonometry, congruence and similarity, surface area, volume and transformations.
ALGEBRA 2
Course Description: This course will provide a comprehensive teaching of the fundamental aspects of problem-solving. It offers a substantial review of all topics in Algebra 1 and then moves on to cover these topics at an advanced level. Major topics include the solving and graphing of linear and quadratic equations, factoring, a variety of types of word problems, solving quadratic equations by completing the square, solving simultaneous equations with fractions and decimals, complex roots of quadratic equations, solving systems of nonlinear equations, graphing and solving a system of inequalities, exponential equations, and review of key probability, and statistics topics.
PRE-CALCULUS & TRIGONOMETRY
Course Description:
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SCIENCE CLASSES
Science Information
Science 7, Physical Science, and Physics are based on the Bob Jones University (BJU) curriculum. Biology and Chemistry are based on the Apologia curriculum written by Dr. Jay Wile. Students will conduct experiments, write up lab reports, answer review questions, and take chapters. Each class that has a lab, has an additional lab fee. Only Life Science meets on just Tuesdays. All others meet twice a week.
GENERAL SCIENCE (7/8)
Course Description: We will start off by looking at the history of science, spend some time with the scientific method, work through experiments, then move through some of the major areas of science. We will touch on Earth Science, Chemistry, Physics, Life Science, Biology, and Environmental Science. This will be a great time to explore the world God made and get a glimpse into how it works! We will have several hands- on experiments as we discover the principles behind science and we will learn how to record and report data. Utilizing the student notebook, students will learn how to identify important information in a textbook, learn to take notes, and learn how to write up lab reports as we complete labs.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Course Description:
BIOLOGY/LAB
Course Description: Discovering Design with Biology is a laboratory-based high school biology course that gives students an introduction to how living organisms are designed, how they interact with one another, and how they interact with their physical environment. Students are taught about how biologists classify organisms, the chemical process that makes life possible, the structures of DNA and RNA, and the designs of the different cells found in living organisms. Students also learn the means by which photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and cellular reproduction occur. Throughout the course, students see that life is the result of a design and that organisms have been given the ability to adapt to their surroundings. In addition, they learn various problems associated with the modern evolutionary synthesis. We use games and activities in addition to reading and labs to discover God’s amazing world.
CHEMISTRY
Course Description: This course is designed to be a first year high school chemistry course and gives the student a rigorous foundation in chemistry, in order to prepare him or her for a college level course. The course covers significant figures, units, classification, the mole concept, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, acids and bases, redox reactions, solutions, atomic structure, Lewis structures, molecular geometry, the gas laws, and equilibrium. Students who take and understand this course will be well prepared for a tough university chemistry course.
The course will consist of lectures, labs, homework, quizzes, lab reports, module tests and possible semester cumulative tests. According to Dr. Wile, author of the text, the student should expect to devote 45 minutes to an hour of every school day to the study of Chemistry. I suggest it is closer to 1-2 hours of daily work, depending on the topic of the module, so expect a minimum of approximately six hours of preparation each week.
PHYSICS/LAB
Course Description: This course is designed to be a more rigorous Physics course to prepare students with a solid foundation for a university level physics course in the future. Physics will include the study of forces, movement, mechanics, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism, and optics. If your student has taken Physical Science in earlier years, many of the same principles will be applied, but in greater depth. These principles will be expanded upon by an extensive amount of mathematics. Your student should have at least completed through Algebra 2 and would be greatly helped if they have already or are currently taking Pre-Calculus. This class will meet twice a week for lecture and lab. Your student will be required to purchase the textbook we will be using in class, along with the associated lab manual. I am currently researching which textbook and what edition we will use in the class, but that will be determined shortly so that you will have plenty of time to purchase and prepare.
Please note the estimated preparatory time. This class will push student’s critical thinking abilities and will be challenging. If you are given an exception to a prerequisite, please expect workload to be greater.
BOTANY
Course Description: This course provides students with the fundamentals of plant science with special emphasis on plant biology, including anatomy, plant physiology and plant taxonomy. It emphasizes microscopic and macroscopic examination of vascular plants. Also to provide the student with the fundamental principles of identification and culture of commonly grown indoor plants and outdoor trees/shrubs.Labs will include field trips, propagation, and germination experiments.
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LANGUAGE ARTS CLASSES
Language Arts Information
- The goal is to equip the students to be able to present their reasoned thoughts in a creative, but organized manner so they may communicate the truths God wants them to share in their best possible way.
- Each English course, excepting Grammar Labs, expects to work on the 5Â paragraph essay. Comp I will build up to it, future classes will begin with it, refine it in its different forms, and use it to work with different writing techniques and styles. With this in mind, the minimum grade is listed, but older students may take the classes as indicated. Classes, or equivalents, should be completed in order.
- Grammar is an important part of writing well. General grammar is reinforced in all writing courses; however, an in-depth program may need to be supplemented outside of TECH.
- Integrated into the Compositions and Literature classes are full-length book studies, covering a number of genres and exposing them to the classics.
- Some classes have pre-requisites.
WRITING AND LITERATURE I
Course Description: Geared for 7th-grade students. In Writing and Literature I students will review basic grammar, learn sentence composition, one to five paragraph structure, and writing organization skills. This course will give students the foundation for effective communication by organizing their work through the writing process, writing structure, and proper, creative word usage. Writing activities will reinforce the writing process for persuasive, expository, descriptive, narrative and research writing. Students will gain familiarity with the business letter format and the mechanics of dialogue and continue to learn techniques that will allow them to write with greater clarity and development. They will learn how to use the MLA format of writing, which will continue to be used throughout their education. Students will also read and discuss various types of literature, looking at each piece from a Biblical perspective.
WRITING AND LITERATURE 2
Course Description: In this writing and literature class, students will experience great stories with rich characters from a diverse selection of books. They will explore different writing methods, enhance their knowledge of grammar, and hopefully, have fun in the process. Our class time will include writing exercises, a short grammar lesson, and book discussions. Homework will include workbook pages, reading, and writing assignments. Additionally, there will be a project and a test after each book.
COMPOSITION AND LITERATURE
Course Description: This is a year-long course that fulfills 1 English credit. This course will teach students the importance of literature, how to properly annotate while reading, and how to take notes to better understand the text. We will cover the common elements of fiction, to include, but not limited to: style, context, setting, characters, conflict, plot (analysis and devices), theme, imagery, mood, tone, atmosphere, points of view, irony, similes, metaphors, allusions, personification, symbolism, and various other literary devices. Students will learn how to construct the various types of essays and a research paper. This class will work on sentence structure, paragraph structure, summaries, editing, and some oral presentations throughout the year by exploring the required readings, short stories, songs, and/or other written works.
AMERICAN LITERATURE
Course Description: This is a year-long course that fulfills 1 English credit. The primary goal of this course is to broaden and deepen the student’s knowledge of American literature by reading and discussing a variety of literary genres. Each work will be fully placed in its historical, philosophical, literary, and theological context. This course takes the student from colonial writings to modern fiction, and surveys both prose and poetry. The class is divided between lecture and discussion formats. The student should expect frequent, guided readings, journal entries, writing assignments and a poetic narration.
BRITISH LITERATURE
Course Description: This is a year-long course that fulfills 1 English credit. This course is designed for students in the 11th through 12th grades. Students will develop and practice critical thinking skills by analyzing both classic British literature and modern British literature, including themes, history, vocabulary, symbolism, and literary devices. We will cover a variety of novels and short stories. The writing focus will be on crafting and improving critical thinking communication through relatable writing exercises that include, but are not limited to, academic essays, articles, short stories, etc. Students will receive specific feedback on improving their writing skills throughout the year.
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SOCIAL SCIENCE CLASSES
GEOGRAPHY
Course Description: We will discover not only the maps and facts, but the people that make up the world, their customs, and what makes them unique. The student will have projects and presentations (both written and oral) on various regions of the world as well as 2 state presentations. We will also be sampling some different ethnic foods from around the globe.
WORLD HISTORY
This class is taught in a three-year cycle: Ancient, Middle Ages, and Modern. For the year 2025-2026, Modern (Year 3 of the 3-year cycle) will be offered. You may enroll without having had the class the previous year.
Modern History, French Revolution through the Persian Gulf (3 of a 3-year cycle)
Course Description: This course is the third year in the World History rotation, so we will begin with the French Revolution. During the first semester, we will discuss Napoleon, the Industrial Revolution, Crimean War, Impressionism, Franco Prussian War and Russian History. Before Thanksgiving, we will be making our own Faberge eggs. After Christmas break, we will start with the Titanic, move to WWI, Fascism and then to WWII. We will end the year with the Cold War, Berlin Airlift, Israel, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf. Depending on the time, we should get to 9/11.
AMERICAN HISTORY
Course description: This is a college prep, American History course for upper-level high school students. It follows a chronological study of the major events in the history of the United States, from the culture of the Native Americans to the early days of the Trump presidency. The class will cover historical events starting with the discovery and colonization of America, how our nation was founded, and how we have grown as a nation through both turmoil and triumph. The course helps students see the past through the corrective lens of a Biblical worldview. It leads students to evaluate people, events, and movements from Biblical teaching. The requirements will push the students to learn historical details and be able to respond and reflect on these events and situations through discussion, writing, projects, and quizzes or tests. Together we will reflect on God’s providence and blessing of the United States of America and learn from the past. American history, with its shining moments and dark stains, is a wonderful opportunity to see God’s providence and grace unfold.
FOUNDATIONS IN PERSONAL FINANCE
Course Description: Dave Ramsey’s Personal Finance Course meets all the State of Virginia standards for personal finance; this course provides sound financial principles that will guide your student into adulthood. This video course will teach students how to save money and build wealth, negotiate great deals, establish a budget that works, identify different types of investments, set financial goals, become an aware consumer, and learn the dangers of debt and the joy of giving. Students will have opportunities to apply what they are learning to their real lives. We will also utilize guest speakers for various specialized topics.
GOVERNMENT
Course Description: This is a one-semester high school course that provides 1/2 credit in government. Lessons establish the origins and founding principles of American government. We will study how the American government was carefully crafted upon enduring moral principles and time-tested foundations drawn from history. They will closely examine the Constitution and its Amendments as well as the role and operation of federal, state, and local government. Special emphasis is placed on the Biblical basis for government, citizen rights and responsibilities. Studies will include a thought-provoking look at public policies, civil rights, voting, laws and current events. This class will have special guests, current event articles and a project by which students follow a bill through the process and present their findings to the class. This class to be full of lively discussions and debate, so being prepared each week is a must!
UTT (Understanding the Times)
Course Description: This course will help students clearly understand the tenets of the Christian worldview, and how they compare with the tenets of the leading Western worldviews of our day: Islam, Secular Humanism, Marxism, New Spirituality, and Postmodernism. Some of the issues covered include abortion, apologetics, the arts, biotechnology, critical thinking, cults, euthanasia, leadership, radical feminism, the problem of evil, religious pluralism, scriptural reliability, steps to take to transform culture, thinking and speaking clearly, entertainment, technology, religious freedom and persecution and more.Reserved for our oldest students, this class is intended to initiate debate and discussion about what they believe. Students will be challenged to defend their beliefs and be able to communicate them to nonbelievers. THIS IS WHY WE HOMESCHOOL! We want to instill a Christian worldview in our children. This course is highly recommended for students as they prepare to move on to a college campus.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ART ESSENTIALS
Course Description: Students will explore and experience creative expression, critical evaluation, and a greater appreciation for the Visual arts. While learning about the elements and principles of design, students will develop their drawing, painting, sculpting, collage, and printing skills. Students will also learn to translate their two-dimensional skills into three-dimensional forms through the expiration of natural abstract, and synthetic sculptural forms using materials that may include, but are not limited to, clay, found objects, and mixed media. Students will develop perceptual, creative, technical, and problem-solving skills in a sculptural context. Students will utilize skills such as attention to detail, size, position, overlapping, visual pattern, and texture, as structural analyses of their completed art forms. During this course students will also learn about different contemporary artists that utilize a wide variety of mediums in their artwork. During this course, each individual project will correlate with a particular medium and a particular artist. Students will walk away from his class with several completed projects, as well as an expanded knowledge of contemporary artists and their artistry.
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