Old Testament:
The high school Bible curriculum is designed to help students have a better knowledge of the books of the Old Testament and the stories they contain.  We hope the examples of those who lived in these times will give examples and be instruction for today’s challenges.
Click here for 2009-10 Courses and Instructors.
 

Financial Planning:
An introductory course designed to enable students to develop an individual financial plan.  Topics include the responsible use of credit (including credit cards), savings and investments, taxes, real estate, employee benefits, and retirement planning.  (This class may be taken for dual credit.)
 

Computer Applications:
In Computer Applications, students develop advanced computer skills involving Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel and learn to create databases using Microsoft Access.

Computer Programming I and I(Honors):
Students experience a general introduction to computer programming. They are provided with an introductory to intermediate working knowledge of Visual Basic and the software development concepts and technologies upon which it is built. The course covers subjects in logics, software design, and structured programming.
Prerequisite:  Computer Applications

Computer Programming II (Honors):
For students who desire a second year of computer programming experience, this course offers an opportunity to develop their programming skills using Microsoft Visual Basic. 
Prerequisite:  Computer Programming I or IH

Multimedia Design:
Through this course, students will come to understand the concept of multimedia and will explore different types of multimedia presentations.  The course provides an introduction to HTML, the basics of Web page design, and a study of digital imaging with Adobe Photoshop Elements.  Students will develop advanced skills involving Microsoft PowerPoint.  Students will also create video presentations using Microsoft Photo Story and Microsoft Movie Maker.

Web Authoring:
Students in this course are responsible for updating the JCS web site on a daily basis.  Opportunities are provided for them to develop their skills in digital imaging and web design.
Prerequisites:  Multimedia Design and Teacher Approval
 

Life Skills:
This course is be  a practical course in life that will benefit students as they prepare for adulthood. This class will benefit students in the "real" world. Areas that this course would cover: Nutrition and fitness for life, Financial Management, Relationships and Parenting, and Random Life skills.

Drama I:
Drama/Theatre Appreciation is designed to give the student a general knowledge and appreciation of the theatre as an art form. It will include a study of the elements of play structure, types of drama, a theatre vocabulary, historical development, and the contributions to the theatrical experience of the actor, director, designers, play writes, and audience.
 

English I:
English I focuses heavily on continuing the mastery of grammar and structure of composition.  Students also survey various types of literature and make life-applications through vocabulary enrichment, creative writing, development of speaking and listening skills, and analyzing and using media/technology.
English II:
English II continues to focus on continuing the mastery of grammar and structure of composition. Students delve deeper into various types of literature and make life-applications through vocabulary enrichment, creative writing, development of speaking and listening skills, and analyzing and using media/technology.
English III:
A comprehensive study of American literature, along with vocabulary emphasis, is a part of the 11th grade English curriculum.  Also emphasized is creative writing, research techniques/writing, and literature-based writing, along with a review of grammar skills that will aid in taking standardized exams.
English III (Honors)
Honors English III is the same as regular English III, except that students taking this course will read more novels, write more essays, and publish more of their works in various public forums.
English IV:
A comprehensive study of British literature from the Old English and Medieval Periods through the modern and postmodern periods.  In composition, students will learn to write essays in different genres. Emphasis is on subject, audience, and purpose; in addition, paragraph organization, thesis statements,
topic sentences, and various genre requirements are stressed. The course also includes vocabulary and grammar emphasis, which will aid in taking the mandatory standardized exams.
English IV (Honors):
Honors English IV is the same as regular English IV, except that students taking this course will read more novels, write more essays, and publish more of their works in various public forums.  (This class may be taken for dual credit.)

Journalism:
In this course, students will gain experience in page layout and design, print production, photography, and copywriting.  Students will learn to use page layout and photo editing software.  These students will be responsible for producing the yearbook.  This is a graded full-credit course.
 

French I:
Knowing French can open doors for you in over 30 countries worldwide! French I focuses on culture and customs as well as emphasizing vocabulary and basic grammar. Students will participate in various activities to improve their ability to read, write, and speak in French. In addition, they will sample French cuisine and discuss cultural differences.

French II:
Practice, practice, practice. It is important in sports and essential to language learning. Students in this course will build on their grammatical skills and vocabulary from French I through frequent practice. At this level, students will develop basic conversation skills and increase their reading skills.

Spanish I:
¡Hola!   Spanish I is the first in a series of courses designed to lead you to communicating in Spanish.  You will be immersed in the language through listening, speaking, reading and writing.  People best acquire a second language much like they acquire their first—by hearing speech in context.  TPRS (Total Physical Response—Storytelling), the method that we use, introduces vocabulary along with gestures.  The vocabulary is then used in the context of situations and stories which you (the student) take part in creating.  Intuitively, through much repetition within these stories, you will learn basic vocabulary and the structure (grammar) of Spanish, with grammatical explanations after the fact.  In addition, you’ll sing, view videos and take part in several cultural events to give you a taste of life in Spanish-speaking countries.
Spanish II:
¿Quieres más?  Spanish II is a continuation of immersion in the Spanish language through listening, speaking, reading and writing.  The TPRS (Total Physical Response~Storytelling), method is used once again so that the language is presented and acquired in contest.  The stories include additional tenses and more complex grammatical structures as you continue your study of the language and gain fluency.  Of course, music and cultural activities are also an integral part of the course.
Spanish III (Honors):
We continue to employ the TPRS method as Spanish 3 students are expected to communicate with a higher quality of fluency and oral proficiency. Emphasis is placed on refining grammar, improving pronunciation, building a richer vocabulary, writing creatively, and examining in greater depth the everyday life of Spanish and Spanish-American peoples.
 

Algebra I:
This course uses problem situations, physical models, and appropriate technology to extend algebraic thinking and engage student reasoning. Problem solving situations will provide all students an environment, which promotes communication and fosters connections within mathematics, to other
disciplines and to the real technological world. The concepts emphasized in the course include functions, solving equations, slope as rates of change, and proportionality.
Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra

Geometry:
High school geometry covers a wide range of concepts including reasoning skills, logic, parallels and polygons, triangles, perimeter and area, shapes in space, surface area and volume, similar shapes, circles, trigonometry, and taxicabs and fractals. An inductive and deductive approach will be used to discover and aid in understanding the concepts and terminology of elementary geometry. Important formulas will be derived and applied to solve real world problems.

Algebra II :
This course involves a thorough study of the algebra and geometry of first and second degree equations, followed by an introduction of exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, and conic sections.
Prerequisite: Geometry College Prep or Geometry with Trigonometry

Algebra II H:
This course consists of an intense study of elementary functions and their properties. In addition, theory of equations, transformations, sequences, matrix algebra, circular functions, parametric equations, conic sections, and trigonometry are included. Intensive work with the graphing calculators are completed.
Prerequisite: Geometry with Trigonometry

Advanced Algebra & Trigonometry:
This course provides a general overview of mathematics and seeks to reinforce concepts learned in Algebra I, Geometry/Trig, and Algebra II.  Emphasis is placed on preparing students for the ACT math test and insuring readiness for college mathematics.
Prerequisite:  Algebra II CP or Algebra II with Trig

College Algebra:
The concept of function is central to this course.  Students will learn general information about functions and their graphs as well as specific information about many types of functions including linear, quadratic, higher-degree polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic.  Solutions to equations, inequalities, and applied problems will be obtained using both algebraic and graphic methods.  Extensive work with graphing calculators and computers is completed.  (This class may be taken for dual credit.)
Prerequisite: Algebra II CP, Algebra II with Trig, or Advanced Algebra & Trig

College Trigonometry:
This course is a study of trigonometric functions, solutions of triangles, trigonometric identities, solutions of trigonometric equations, inverse trigonometric functions, logarithms, study of functions by means of graphs, and problems in heights and distances.   Extensive work with graphing calculators and computers is completed.  (This class may be taken for dual credit.)
Prerequisite: Algebra II CP, Algebra II with Trig, or Advanced Algebra & Trig

Pre-Calculus (Honors):
This course includes a very intense study of trigonometry, sequences, probability, exponential functions, fundamental statistics, and an introduction to calculus. More extensive work involving graphing calculators is involved in this class.
Prerequisite: Algebra II with Trigonometry or Algebra III

Calculus (Honors):
The fundamentals of analytic geometry are blended with single variable differentiation and integration.
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus
 

Band:
The JCS Band Program is a Fine Art based program that seeks to develop the artistic and creative abilities of students while also promoting excellence, leadership, responsibility, and teamwork. There are three different age groups: Beginning (grade 6), Intermediate (grade 7), and Senior High (grades 8-12). Students must have two (2) years previous band experience to perform in the Senior High level.
 

Wellness:
Wellness is a combination of physical education activities and health topics.  Emphasis is placed on sport-specific skills and the knowledge of healthy lifetime choices.
 

Biology H:
Biology is a freshman level survey class in which students are introduced to the basic principles of cytology, biochemistry, genetics, taxonomy, ecology, botany, and anatomy and physiology. Emphasis is placed on the comparison of the various forms of living organisms and Man's obligation to maintain synergy within the ecosphere. The major difference between general and advanced biology is the pace at which information will be covered and the depth to which the information is covered.  Most materials used in these two classes are very similar but more detail will be required of students in advanced biology.  Biology will be required for graduation.
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra I or Administrative Approval

Biology:
Biology is a freshman level survey class in which students are introduced to the basic principles of cytology, biochemistry, genetics, taxonomy, ecology, botany, and anatomy and physiology. Emphasis is placed on the comparison of the various forms of living organisms and Man's obligation to maintain synergy within the ecosphere. Biology will be required for graduation.
Human Anatomy and Physiology:
This class will focus on the various anatomical and physiological characteristics of the human body. Emphasis is placed upon the various roles of each system and the cooperation among the systems to maintain homeostasis for the individual.
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry I

Ecology:
Students enrolling in ecology will be exposed to the many factors influencing the maintenance of balance within our ecosphere. Students will participate in several lab experiences to help them gain an understanding population dynamics and other ecological phenomena. Students will also be expected to compose research papers and give several technology based presentations. Students who have had ecology will be given preference when choosing team members for the various environmental competitions.
Prerequisite: Biology

Chemistry I:
In this introductory chemistry course, students will explore chemistry and learn how it influences our daily lives.  Lessons focus on the scientific method, theories and scientific laws; mater and change; scientific measurement, atomic struture and the periodic table; electrons in atoms; ionic, metallic and covalent bonding; chemical names and formulas; and chemical quantities. 

Chemistry I H:

The course's laboratory component is an integral portion of most lessons.

Chemistry II (Honors):
Students who have shown themselves to be exceptional chemistry students may opt to take  Chemistry II. This class is designed to parallel the subject matter required for a college level chemistry class.

Conceptual Physics:
Students enrolled in Conceptual Physics will be exposed to the basic concepts involved in the study of light, sound, waves,  and physics through hands-on lab experiments. This is a non-mathematics based course designed for upper classmen (11th-12th graders.)

Physics Honors:
Physics, an honor class, introduces students to the concepts of kinematics, dynamics of motion (which includes vector analysis, and one and two dimensional motion), universal law of gravitation, momentum, thermodynamics, electricity, and magnetism. Students utilize calculator based lab units (CBL's) to collect and analyze data. This course is intended to prepare students that will take physics at a university. 
Prerequisite: Algebra II
 

World History: 
In World History High School students study the history of civilization to the present day. There is an emphasis on the time period of the Renaissance to the present day.

U.S. History:
In U.S. History the students will be studying from Reconstruction to the present. The students will utilize different methods that historians use to interpret the past and its effect on the future.  (This class may be taken for dual credit.)

Government:
The Government course focuses on the foundations of the United States Government, the State Governments, and local Governments. It will be a study of the function and powers of Government at all levels.

Economics:
In Economics the student will learn the principles of how people, businesses, and governments use the resources they have. It is also a course that includes consumer responsibility

Psychology
 

Art I:
This course is built to accommodate the student who needs to fulfill their fine arts requirement toward graduation and to develop the interest of rising artists.  Units revolve around the elements of design.  Sketchbooks are used extensively to produce original work.

Art II: 
This course is built to advance the serious art student's ability to create and develop an original style and perception.  Units revolve around the principles of design.  Contracts are used the second semester to develop a sense of time management and personal style and interests.
Prerequisite:  85 or above average in Art I

Art III:
Art III is an advanced course for the serious art student.  Personal style and interest are developed through multi-media projects.  Contracts are used for the student to develop specific areas of technique.
Prerequisite:  90 or above average in Art II

Art IV (Honors):
This is an Advanced Honors course designed to develop a specific portfolio in one of 3 areas:  Drawing,
2-D Design, or 3-D Design. 
Prerequisite:  95 or above in Art II/Art III
 

Speech: