Sunnyside Christian High School
A Private High School that Engages Students Academically and Spiritually
Enabling students to maximize their God-given gifts and talents in a Christ-centered environment is the driving purpose of everything we do in the high school. Knowing each individual is gifted differently, we seek to achieve our goal by providing excellent opportunities in academics, arts, athletics, and co-curricular activities, all built upon a firm commitment to Jesus Christ.
Outside of the classroom, students participate in a variety of co-curricular activities. Student life at SCHS is full of bustling sports schedules, weekly club activities, and social events. From High School Retreat, homecoming, class trips, and fundraising events, there is never a dull moment at SCHS.
Our seniors average scores on the ACT of 25+ and the SAT of 1200+. Students have the option to attain dual credits with Central Washington University in math. Dedicated teachers are highly qualified and committed to providing enriched learning experiences in a Christ-centered environment.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS AND COLLEGE-PREP CURRICULUM
Academically, the high school offers a range of curricular offerings, challenging students to develop analytical abilities and problem-solving skills. Over fifty different courses are offered at SCS to meet the twenty-three credit graduation requirement. The diversity in courses offered allows students to receive a well-rounded education while meeting the academic needs of all students.
Bible 9 –
Bible 9 includes the study of unit topics and several books of the Bible. The course begins by using hermeneutics to examine the fundamentals of the Christian faith and then applying these precepts to daily living. Next, the instructor and students read/evaluate the book of Ecclesiastes and And the Angels Were Silent by Max Lucado. Additional unit topics include the Sermon on the Mount, Principles to Obedient Discipleship, Learning to Discern, and the life of Joseph.
History of the Christian Church –
This one-semester course reviews the history of the Christian church from the Great Commission to the church in the world today. Emphasis is given to the work of Paul and other early missionaries, persecution of the church by the Romans, the church in the Middle Ages, the Reformation and Counter-reformation, the work of early missionaries, and the church in the world.
World Religions –
This one-semester course is designed to acquaint students with different religions throughout the world. Emphasis is given to a critical analysis of various religions in the light of Scripture and in comparison/contrast to Christianity.
Biblical Perspectives (Bible 12) –
The one-semester course is designed to teach the students a comprehensive Biblical worldview through the curriculum of The Truth Project.
The students will also be enabled to consider basic issues in Christian living by examining the historical/geographical context of the Bible through the That the World May Know video series. Lessons pertaining to every area of Christian life are considered/discussed in the light of Biblical instruction. Other topics are generated by the class itself.
Pacific northwest History –
This is a state-required course. It examines the history of our state, its geography, climate, and people. through the text and outside materials
we study our state’s people and their work. We examine our state’s role in national and international affairs. Use of outside resources is extensive. Evaluation is based on quizzes and tests as well as outside class work.
World History –
This course is a study of the historical development of human cultures. It emphasizes knowledge of factual information as well as its application. It shows the cultural differences of the past and relates them to cultural differences of today. There is a strong emphasis on God’s providence throughout history. Requirements include critical thinking skills, writing skills and factual recall. Putting information together in written form is strongly emphasized. There is also a mix of geography skills including mapping and a review of previous geography studies.
U.S. History –
This 1 1/2 year course includes a review and survey of the colonial period through the Civil War. There is strong coverage of post Civil War
through World War I America. The final section of World War I to today is also given a thorough study. An area of strong emphasis is the historical background of American government. This includes the background to the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and its amendments. Close-Up, a governmental studies program in Washington D.C., is also available to students who want to study government more intensely. Significant time is also allotted to government and civics. The trip takes place during spring break of junior year.
Current World Problems –
This one-semester course surveys the major problems facing the world of today. The problems are dealt with from both our country’s point of view and from what the biblical, Christian response to these problems should be. Course topics vary from year to year.
Earth Science – required course
Earth Science is the study of God’s creation and man’s responsibility for being its caretaker. The course of study includes the following:
the structure of the earth, forces that tear down and build up the earth’s surface, the oceans, the position of planet Earth in the universe,
atmospheric science — weather and climate, and environmental issues such as acid rain and solid waste disposal. Earth science will help
the student to become better prepared to discuss issues and make informed, responsible decisions as caretakers of their planet.
Biology – required course
Biology is the study of the beauty of God’s revelation in creation as seen through the study of organisms. Man is studied as an imagebearer of God who has responsibility for and is caretaker of creation. The course of study includes the following: cell processes, genetics,
creation vs. evolution, five kingdoms of organisms, human biology, and ecology. In addition, biology will develop critical thinking skills in
biological matters, study technological advances, and apply these skills to everyday life.
Physical Science – elective
Physical Science is a practical study of the relationship between matter and energy that develops a deeper understanding of God’s created order. The topics studied include force and energy, the nature and interaction of matter, wave theories of light and sound, and energy resources.
This course is offered as an alternative to Chemistry and Physics for those students who will not pursue a college program that requires those
courses, but it satisfies the college entrance requirement for a lab science.
Chemistry – elective
Chemistry is the study of general chemical principles, laws, and patterns used in understanding the created world. It includes not only
these chemical facts, but also develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills in chemistry. Chemistry includes the study of how humans have used chemical knowledge and how they may develop this knowledge as a source of greater power to do good or evil indicating
the depth of their relationship to God. In addition, students will perform activities and watch demonstrations relating chemistry to everday
experiences.
Physics – elective
Prerequisite: Student must have completed or be enrolled in Algebra II. Physics is the study of matter and energy. It is the most basic and
fundamental science, for it encompasses the study of the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles. Physics
should be taken by college bound juniors and seniors who have an interest in understanding the world around us, or who are going into
science or math related college course work. This course focuses on a mixture of concepts, mathematical application and an understanding of the development of science in historical context. Topics covered include the laws of motion, conservation of momentum, conservation of energy, wave theory, sound, optics, light, and heat.
Human Anatomy and Physiology – elective
Prerequisite: Biology. In the study of Human Anatomy and Physiology, the student can
expect to learn about the structure and function of the body’s system in greater detail. This course includes: Anatomy–identifying and relating the individual parts of the body to the whole; Physiology–provide an understanding of the functions of the parts of the systems; Pathology–relates specific disorders to the abnormal functions of the whole organism. Numerous lab experiences provide understanding to
the structure and function of the human body.
Zoology – elective
Prerequisite: Earth Science and Biology. A study of interactions among different kinds of
organisms, between organisms and their physical environment, and the role man plays as the image bearer of God and consequently,
caretaker of the earth. Includes study of populations, food and energy flow in communities, development of ecosystems, earth’s resources, and critical environmental issues. Students will make decisions concerning the role of Christians in complex environmental problems.
Band –
Prerequisite: Previous instrumental background. This is also a performing organization that meets at a different time of day than choir so that students are able to take both music offerings. Students work on basic instrumental fundamentals and play from a variety of literature. Literature from the baroque, classical, romantic, and contemporary periods are covered. Grading is on a performance/practice contract.
Honors Choir –
Prerequisite: Jr. Choir (past or concurrent). Must be accepted by audition. Students must be dependable, responsible, and willing to work outside the classroom. Students work on a variety of literature as well as advanced vocal techniques.
Art and Advanced Art –
This one-semester course introduces students to painting, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture. Students also learn basic concepts of design
theory and art history. Advanced Art continues to build upon concepts learned in Art, with more emphasis on learning to develop individual style.
Drama –
Students will be instructed in Drama, learning about acting and directing as well as production and set design.
Photography –
Students will learn Digital Photography, studying technique, composition, and history while taking many photos of their own.
Spanish I –
This course is an introduction to the Spanish language. It concentrates on vocabulary acquisition and mastery of the present tense verb items. During the second semester simple past tense forms are introduced. Vocabulary focuses on everyday topics such as school and activities as well as topics of cultural importance to the Spanish-speaking world. This vocabulary is put to use during conversation classes in which students are required to speak only in Spanish. Communication skills are strongly stressed.
Spanish II –
Prerequisite: Spanish I. Second year Spanish builds on the foundation laid in Spanish I. After a brief review, more complex verb forms are introduced. Vocabulary during this year focuses on historical events, literary works, and items of cultural importance. Conversation skills continue to develop through the use of conversation classes.
Spanish III-
Prerequisite: Spanish II.
ENGLISH 9 LANGUAGE ART SKILLS –
The goal of this course is to thoroughly prepare students to meet the demands of high school work in the areas of writing, reading, note-taking/listening, and vocabulary study. The course includes the following:
- The reading and interpreting of two novels.
- A review of grammar, punctuation, listening skills, and note-taking.
- A writing unit focusing paragraph writing, five paragraph essays, and a research paper.
- A vocabulary unit.
ENGLISH 10 INTRODUCTION TO WORLD LITERATURE –
The goal of this class is to expose students to a variety of literary genres including the novel, drama, poetry, and the short story. Literature is
selected from a variety of time periods and cultures. Students continue to develop their writing skills through a novel theme essay, book report, and numerous shorter writing assignments. Students develop their vocabulary through a study of Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Students also learn the basics of preparing and delivering a presentation and deliver an informative speech and poetry presentation.
ENGLISH 11 AMERICAN LITERATURE –
This course is a survey of American Literature from the Pilgrims and Puritans to the present. The emphasis is on major authors, their historical and literary context, and on developing a Biblical response to the worldviews demonstrated. Students will continue to develop their writing skills through numerous book reports and response essays. Students will continue to develop their public speaking skills through giving presentations on poetry and a book list selection.
ENGLISH 12 ADVANCED COMPOSITION (1st Semester) –
This course provides students with principles and approaches for writing in academic settings and everyday life. Regular lessons on key points of grammar, punctuation, and style help students develop confidence and proficiency Students practice academic research and writing through a research paper and persuasive essay. They learn basic business writing including how to write e-mails, cover letters, and resumes. They learn to write essays for college admissions and scholarship applications. They also learn the basics of descriptive writing and write a descriptive essay and some poetry.
ENGLISH 12 SPEECH (2nd Semester) –
This course provides students with the principles and experience necessary to succeed in a variety of speaking situations. They learn how to
prepare and deliver speeches and learn how to improve their eye contact, vocal variety, posture, gestures, and body language. Students give
informative, persuasive, and demonstrative speeches. They also learn and practice interviewing skills and impromptu speaking. They also write and perform a reader’s theater and participate in a formal debate on a contemporary issue.
ALGEBRA I –
This course introduces students to the algebraic language of mathematics. The real number system will be explored, beginning with the whole numbers, preceding through integers and rational numbers, and concluding with irrational numbers. The spiral design of the problem sets allows for continuous reinforcement of ideas as new concepts are developed. Problem solving, mental math skills and solution of word problems is stressed.
PRE-ALGEBRA –
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation. This course teaches Algebra I concepts at a slower pace. Mathematics is reviewed while Algebra I
concepts are taught with an emphasis on problem solving, life applications, solving word problems.
GEOMETRY –
Prerequisite: Algebra I. Geometry is a blend of topics that includes reasoning with proofs, parallel and perpendicular lines, circles, triangle congruence and similarity, the study of convex polygons, surface area, and volume. Additional topics include trigonometry, probability, spatial reasoning, matrices and determinants.
BASIC GEOMETRY –
Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra or the recommendation of the Algebra teacher. This course focuses on the most basic of geometric principles.
ALGEBRA II –
Prerequisites: Algebra I, Geometry and the recommendation of the Geometry teacher. This course extends the concepts developed in Algebra I to include the complex number system. There will be an increased focus on making connections between functions and graphs, and the ability to use equations and formulas. Additional topics include trigonometry, combinatorics, and logarithms. All college bound students should take Algebra II.
PRE-CALCULUS –
Prerequisites: Geometry, Algebra I and II. This course is designed for students who have either a keen interest in mathematics or who plan to
pursue mathematics or a mathematics-related course of study in college. The course work relies heavily on concepts taught in Algebra II to introduce students to advanced concepts in analytic geometry, trigonometry, advanced functions, and calculus. Course topics include graphing functions, recognizing properties of graphs, doing operations on functions, trigonometric functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, sequences and series, polar and complex numbers, limits, derivatives, and integrals.
CONSUMER MATHEMATICS –
Prerequisites: Two years of high school mathematics. This course focuses on the application of general math to practical encounters. Included are units that cover math applications in budgeting, taxes, costs of transportation, health and fitness, smart renting, and starting a retirement plan. This coursework emphasizes reading tables and graphs to gather information, using formulas and looking for current information from reliable websites. A first semester is not a prerequisite to entering the second semester class.
BUSINESS
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT –
This class provides an opportunity for students to explore all the aspects of managing or running a business for themselves or someone else.
Students taking this class will be able to determine if a career in Business Management or Business Administration is what they are interested in. Areas that will be looked at or studied in depth include: Law related to businesses, Marketing and Marketing Strategies, Financial Analysis, Financing and Loans, Employee and Employer Relations, International Trade, Business Organizations, as well as other areas. During the class
students will develop a plan for business as a Sole Proprietorship.
INTRODUCTION TO ACCOUNTING –
Prerequisites: 3 semesters of high school math and junior class status. The student learns the basics of accounting systems. He practices posting, classifying, storing, and reporting. He becomes able to open a set of books and close them using the proper financial statements. He does balance sheets, depreciation schedules, and income statements. The usefulness of the computer in the field of data management is also explored.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
COMPUTER SCIENCE I –
In this class the student acquires an understanding of what a computer is and its capabilities. The introduction will include a historical overview of the rise of computing machines. The student uses the computer as a problem-solving tool using word-processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
COMPUTER SCIENCE II –
Students in this class continue to expand their knowledge of computers and their capabilities. They will range into many fields including web site construction.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
PHYSICAL EDUCATION 9 –
This course is designed to introduce the students to various recreational sports. The goal of this course is to have the students view themselves as instruments of God. Given the background of the sports, the students are introduced to the means by which they use their bodies as instruments in the area of recreation. Heavy emphasis is placed on general knowledge of the sport, rules, and skill development.
HEALTH –
This one-semester class satisfies the state requirement for health education. The focus of the class is two-fold — how the student can attain and maintain physical and emotional health in his world, and how the student can help the health and well-being of society.
ADVANCED PHYSICAL EDUCATION (May be repeated for credit)
Prerequisites: Physical Education 9. This course includes many recreational sports used during leisure time. Emphasis is placed on developing and maintaining personal physical fitness.
WEIGHT/SPEED TRAINING (May be repeated for credit)
The course is designed to develop and increase the quickness/speed/strength/agility of the participant. Emphasis is placed on weight training and speed training. The first semester is not a prerequisite to entering the second semester class.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION/ATHLETIC CREDIT (.5 credit per year, accumulating up to 1 credit)
If a student participates in two athletic sports in a school year, .5 credits will be given in the subject area of Physical Education for that year.
HOME AND FAMILY LIFE
SURVEY OF HOME AND FAMILY LIFE –
The primary goal of this survey class is to give each class member a better perspective on the skills and attitudes helpful for the kind of home
and family life that each of them desires. This also fosters appreciation for the homes and families they are now experiencing.
Life Skills: This one quarter class will emphasize basic home and car repair.
Cooking: This one quarter class will include basic cooking skills, nutrition and meal-planning.
Sewing: This one quarter class will include the basics of sewing skills and completion of sewing projects.
TOWARD CHRISTIAN ADULT LIVING (Required of all seniors.) –
This class examines the choices and weighs the decisions that adult Christians must make. It covers such topics as choosing a lifetime mate or choosing to remain single and adjusting to a lifestyle that is pleasing to God and that meets individual needs. Special attention is paid to dating, the wedding ceremony-its cost and meaning, adjusting to living together, adjusting to the coming of children, and to financial saving and planning. Students come to appreciate the planning and day-to-day effort that a successful Christian lifestyle demands.
INDUSTRIAL ARTS
DRAFTING I –
This course introduces the students to the fundamental principles of drafting and gives a means of creative expression. Students use the principal techniques of industrial graphics such as freehand sketching, orthographic projections, isometric drawings, dimensioning, instrument drawings, and an introduction to architectural drawing.
WOODWORKING I (may be repeated for credit) –
Prerequisite: Drafting I. Woodworking I introduces the student to hand and power tools and gives them the confidence needed to operate them safely and efficiently. Methods of cutting, shaping, joinery, and finishing wood are studied and practiced by making woodworking projects for themselves and as directed.
ADVANCED WOODSHOP –
Prerequisite: Woodworking I. Students will have the opportunity to sharpen existing skills in the wood project construction areas. The new shop facility provides greater space for large as well as small projects.
METALS AND FABRICATION –
The goal of this coarse is to build self confidence through experience in the areas of arc welding, cutting of metals, brazing, gas welding, mig
welding, equipment and shop safety. Students will use various pieces of equipment in the class to complete assigned projects or for projects of their own. Student projects will be encouraged where the knowledge base of the student is increased. These areas include planning, design, drawing of plans, purchasing of materials, structural material evaluation, mechanical and electrical repairs and construction.
MECHANICS –
Students will gain knowledge and experience in the mechanical systems of automobiles and farm machinery. These systems include engines, transmissions, drive trains, electrical, cooling oil and fuel. Students will apply what they have learned to examination and repair of machinery of all types. Preventive maintenance and its impact on the life of a machine will be emphasized.
AGRICULTURE
HORTICULTURE –
Students will explore and study many aspects of production and practical horticulture. Areas will include: Plant Science, Plant Propagation, Container Grown Plants, Plants in the Landscape, Floral Design, and other units pertaining to horticulture. As a class project students will design and create a landscape display to be installed at the Central Washington State Fair in Yakima. This will include gathering materials and putting it up at the fair in late September. Students will create floral designs during one part of the class; this includes making boutonnieres and corsages to give to someone special. They will construct terrariums in which plants will be grown and evaluated. Composting and recycling of natural materials will be looked at. We will tour a local greenhouse, nursery and floral business.
INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURE –
Students will have the opportunity to explore many areas of modern agriculture. They will be exposed to topics that may spark interest for career choices as well as personal enjoyment. They may want to become involved in the F.F.A., which will allow them to gain recognition for themselves and their school. Areas that will be included in the class include: career option, leadership development, natural resources, integrated pest management, plant sciences, crop production, ornamental use of plants, animal sciences, food science and technology, communications and management in agriscience, Washington state agriculture, United States agriculture, and world agriculture. This class introduces all areas that will be offered in depth in other agriculture electives during the following school years.
ELECTIVES
SAT PREP (1st Semester) –
This course provides students with an understanding of how the SAT works and gives them strategies for each section so that they can reach
their testing potential. Students learn the grammar rules tested by the SAT and strategies for the essay and the reading section. Students learn strategies for the math section under the direction of the math instructor. In addition, students develop their reading skills and vocabulary through weekly vocabulary lists and independent reading. Students are provided with an official SAT practice book and take and discuss numerous practice sections and tests.
YEARBOOK (May be repeated for credit)-
This course introduces students to the basic principles of graphic design, and photography. Students take pictures, design layouts, write captions and sell advertising to produce the school’s yearbook. Class meets periodically throughout the school year. Students work semiindependently throughout the year and attend a work session the week after graduation as they finalize production.
EXTRACURRICULAR CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
Developing servant-leaders is part of the mission of SCHS. Our high school students are actively involved in many different clubs and service organizations, which help develop responsibility, collaboration, and a heart to serve.