Academics
At the Christian School of York, we hold a dual accreditation by the Association of Christian Schools International and by the Middle States Association. This makes our campus and curriculum highly recognized by universities and colleges. Our day school programs include:
All our day programs feature high-quality teaching and a well-rounded curriculum that fulfill the Pennsylvania Learning Standards while accessing Biblical truth.
- EARLY EDUCATION: The CSY Preschool is located at Christian School of York’s central PA campus. Our large, bright classrooms and play yard create a safe, welcoming environment. This allows students to play, learn, and have fun. We promise to ensure the wellness of your child while providing a strong learning experience. All CSY Preschool classes are taught by PA certified teachers who will prepare your child for academic success.
- ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (LOWER SCHOOL): Christian School of York is one of the top private elementary schools in central PA. We understand the importance of a strong educational foundation. Our core subjects include language arts, science, social studies, math and the Word of God. This curriculum was designed to help your children’s cognitive and spiritual growth as they transition from our lower school into middle school.
- MIDDLE SCHOOL: Our middle school features the perfect combination of written and hands-on learning for all modalities. Middle-school students continue to study the core subjects as they expand their minds with art, health, music, computer science, Spanish and physical education. We’ll provide your children with a passion for learning and spiritual love that will prepare them for high school and beyond.
- HIGH SCHOOL (UPPER SCHOOL): Upper School students at Christian School of York are provided with a college preparatory academic program. This program offers your child the option of earning college credit while enriching their spiritual lives. Our comprehensive curriculum and passionate teachers give your child a head-start on college.
All our day programs feature high-quality teaching and a well-rounded curriculum that fulfill the Pennsylvania Learning Standards while accessing Biblical truth.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
UPPER SCHOOL - GRADES 9 -12
Arts/Humanities: Students need a minimum of 2 credits.
Art 1- Students will concentrate on drawing, painting, clay, three dimensional sculpture, printmaking, and crafts. Students must take Art 1 before taking Studio Art. This is a 1 credit course.
Studio Art- This is a more advanced elective course for a highly motivated artistic student. Areas of concentration are drawing, painting, sculpture, and crafts. Transfer students can take the course without having taken Art 1; pending submission of an art portfolio and administrator approval. This is a 1 credit course.
Ceramics and Sculpture- Students will learn how to design and develop ceramic art and study examples of sculpture. The class is open to any students in grades 9-12 and is a 1 credit Art elective.
Band- The high school band will perform hymns, traditional band repertoire, popular tunes, and marches. Band consists of lessons and large group rehearsals. This is a 1 credit course.
Chorus and Honors Choir - In chorus students learn about music theory and how to sing harmonies in four or more parts. Honors choir is the school’s top choral group and limited to a maximum of 16 students. Students must audition to join Honors Choir. This is a 1 credit course.
World Music History - The course will focus on periods of music from the Renaissance Era to the present. Students will discover the purpose of various instruments and how music has impacted society and everyday life. This is a 1 credit course.
American Music History - American Music History students will study the trends, styles, and genres that have made up American music. Moving through each decade from 1900 to the present day students will discover how music reflected everyday life. This is a 1 credit course.
Library Aide - Students will report to the library and assist the librarian in everyday tasks. This includes: office procedures, research methods and skills, and computer literacy. Students must be a sophomore, junior, or senior to participate in this program. This is a 1 credit course.
Apprenticeship Program - Students will be assigned to a teacher or local business. Students will develop interpersonal skills and become familiar with the tasks and roles of a specific craft. Students must be juniors or seniors to be in the Apprenticeship program. Parent consent is also required. This can be a 1 or 2 credit course.
Cooperative Program - This is for second semester seniors, in good academic standing and all credit requirements must have been achieved. Students will schedule a study hall during block 2 or 3. Using that time along with flex and lunch, students will report to a local business for internships or paid co-op work. Weekly reports must be submitted and students must have their own transportation and parent permission to participate in the program.
Art 1- Students will concentrate on drawing, painting, clay, three dimensional sculpture, printmaking, and crafts. Students must take Art 1 before taking Studio Art. This is a 1 credit course.
Studio Art- This is a more advanced elective course for a highly motivated artistic student. Areas of concentration are drawing, painting, sculpture, and crafts. Transfer students can take the course without having taken Art 1; pending submission of an art portfolio and administrator approval. This is a 1 credit course.
Ceramics and Sculpture- Students will learn how to design and develop ceramic art and study examples of sculpture. The class is open to any students in grades 9-12 and is a 1 credit Art elective.
Band- The high school band will perform hymns, traditional band repertoire, popular tunes, and marches. Band consists of lessons and large group rehearsals. This is a 1 credit course.
Chorus and Honors Choir - In chorus students learn about music theory and how to sing harmonies in four or more parts. Honors choir is the school’s top choral group and limited to a maximum of 16 students. Students must audition to join Honors Choir. This is a 1 credit course.
World Music History - The course will focus on periods of music from the Renaissance Era to the present. Students will discover the purpose of various instruments and how music has impacted society and everyday life. This is a 1 credit course.
American Music History - American Music History students will study the trends, styles, and genres that have made up American music. Moving through each decade from 1900 to the present day students will discover how music reflected everyday life. This is a 1 credit course.
Library Aide - Students will report to the library and assist the librarian in everyday tasks. This includes: office procedures, research methods and skills, and computer literacy. Students must be a sophomore, junior, or senior to participate in this program. This is a 1 credit course.
Apprenticeship Program - Students will be assigned to a teacher or local business. Students will develop interpersonal skills and become familiar with the tasks and roles of a specific craft. Students must be juniors or seniors to be in the Apprenticeship program. Parent consent is also required. This can be a 1 or 2 credit course.
Cooperative Program - This is for second semester seniors, in good academic standing and all credit requirements must have been achieved. Students will schedule a study hall during block 2 or 3. Using that time along with flex and lunch, students will report to a local business for internships or paid co-op work. Weekly reports must be submitted and students must have their own transportation and parent permission to participate in the program.
Bible: Students need a minimum of 4 credits.
Into to Bible - Introduction to Bible is for our International Students or transfer students to discover the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The first semester will focus on the Old Testament; while the second semester will explore the New Testament. The class meets for the entire year and is a 1 credit course.
Bible 9-12 - At each grade level an age appropriate Bible class is taught. Themes include: God’s Big Story, being good stewards of the Bible, how God speaks universally (General Revelation), and character of God. Students must take the courses sequentially and each class is a 1 credit course.
Health/PE: Students need a minimum of 1 credit.
Health and PE- This course alternates between health education and physical education. In health students will learn about nutrition, fitness, preventing injuries, disease prevention, and drugs and alcohol. In physical education students will learn about the benefits of exercise and how to play a variety of team sports. Participation in high school athletics also counts as physical education credit. Health and PE are each 0.5 credit courses.
Fitness Training- Students will need to take Health and PE prior to taking this course. In this class students will learn about specific forms of exercise training including: interval training, speed training, Olympic lifting, and anaerobic exercise. The class is a 1 credit course.
Language Arts: Students need a minimum of 4 credits.
Fundamentals of English - The class focuses on basic structures and vocabulary of English. Students learn strategies to advance their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. This class is intended for ESL students and students who need a reinforcement of English functions. This is a 1 credit course.
Introduction to Literature - This class is generally for freshmen students and is designed to produce thoughtful communicators, to promote critical thinking, and explore a variety of literature and worldviews. The focuses are poetry, short story, novel, research, vocabulary, grammar, and the writing process. This is a 1 credit course.
World Literature - This class is primarily for sophomores and provides a survey of world literature genres, aiming at upper level and college preparation. The focuses are poetry, short story, novel, research, vocabulary, grammar, and the writing process. This is a 1 credit course.
American Literature - Primarily for students in eleventh grade the course embraces the five classic parts of language arts curriculum: grammar, literature, writing, vocabulary, and speech. Students are taught to analyze American literature from a Christian worldview. The class is a 1 credit course.
British Literature - This senior level class helps students to appreciate the British literary canon as part of their cultural patrimony. Students will be expected to present speeches before their peers. Instruction on vocabulary focuses on the Greek and Latin roots of words that come from the British scholarly vocabulary. The class is a 1 credit course.
Holocaust Literature- This class will study the lessons of the Holocaust from a literary perspective. It will focus on the analysis of a variety of genres of Holocaust literature: poetry, short stories, fiction, primary source journals, and memoirs. The timeline of study will focus on literature written in the prewar years, the Holocaust, and the post war era. This class can be taken by 9-12th grade and honors credit will be offered for those who wish to add rigor to their studies.
Into to Bible - Introduction to Bible is for our International Students or transfer students to discover the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The first semester will focus on the Old Testament; while the second semester will explore the New Testament. The class meets for the entire year and is a 1 credit course.
Bible 9-12 - At each grade level an age appropriate Bible class is taught. Themes include: God’s Big Story, being good stewards of the Bible, how God speaks universally (General Revelation), and character of God. Students must take the courses sequentially and each class is a 1 credit course.
Health/PE: Students need a minimum of 1 credit.
Health and PE- This course alternates between health education and physical education. In health students will learn about nutrition, fitness, preventing injuries, disease prevention, and drugs and alcohol. In physical education students will learn about the benefits of exercise and how to play a variety of team sports. Participation in high school athletics also counts as physical education credit. Health and PE are each 0.5 credit courses.
Fitness Training- Students will need to take Health and PE prior to taking this course. In this class students will learn about specific forms of exercise training including: interval training, speed training, Olympic lifting, and anaerobic exercise. The class is a 1 credit course.
Language Arts: Students need a minimum of 4 credits.
Fundamentals of English - The class focuses on basic structures and vocabulary of English. Students learn strategies to advance their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. This class is intended for ESL students and students who need a reinforcement of English functions. This is a 1 credit course.
Introduction to Literature - This class is generally for freshmen students and is designed to produce thoughtful communicators, to promote critical thinking, and explore a variety of literature and worldviews. The focuses are poetry, short story, novel, research, vocabulary, grammar, and the writing process. This is a 1 credit course.
World Literature - This class is primarily for sophomores and provides a survey of world literature genres, aiming at upper level and college preparation. The focuses are poetry, short story, novel, research, vocabulary, grammar, and the writing process. This is a 1 credit course.
American Literature - Primarily for students in eleventh grade the course embraces the five classic parts of language arts curriculum: grammar, literature, writing, vocabulary, and speech. Students are taught to analyze American literature from a Christian worldview. The class is a 1 credit course.
British Literature - This senior level class helps students to appreciate the British literary canon as part of their cultural patrimony. Students will be expected to present speeches before their peers. Instruction on vocabulary focuses on the Greek and Latin roots of words that come from the British scholarly vocabulary. The class is a 1 credit course.
Holocaust Literature- This class will study the lessons of the Holocaust from a literary perspective. It will focus on the analysis of a variety of genres of Holocaust literature: poetry, short stories, fiction, primary source journals, and memoirs. The timeline of study will focus on literature written in the prewar years, the Holocaust, and the post war era. This class can be taken by 9-12th grade and honors credit will be offered for those who wish to add rigor to their studies.
Math: Students need a minimum of 3 credits.
Financial Literacy - Using the Dave Ramsey course designed for high school students, the class is designed to teach students about every day functioning and consumer skills. Basic math skills are needed to learn how to create budgets, balance a checkbook, determine interest, understand the loan process, and conduct financial planning. Additionally, students will learn how to write a cover letter and resume. All students can benefit from this course. The class is a 1 credit course.
Algebra I - This class presents the properties and uses of the real number system in carrying out of mathematical operations and solving equations and inequalities in one and two variables. The class is primarily for students in 8th or 9th grade. The class is a 1 credit course.
Geometry - Typically, this class is taken by freshmen or sophomores. Points, lines, planes, polygons, solids, circles, coordinate geometry, and constructions are studied. This class is a 1 credit course.
Algebra II - This course typically is comprised of sophomores or juniors. In this class students will learn about linear functions, polynomials, and how rational-irrational-and complex numbers are studied. This class is a 1 credit course.
Algebra III/Trigonometry - Often this course is for juniors or seniors. This is a pre-calculus course that ties together the study of Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry. This class should help prepare students for college calculus or statistics. The class is a 1 credit course.
Calculus - Typically this class is for seniors who have already taken Algebra III/Trigonometry and were able to maintain a B average or better in the class. The full range of secondary mathematics is utilized in the study of rates of change of functions and relations. This class is a high level college preparatory class. Calculus is a 1 credit class.
Financial Literacy - Using the Dave Ramsey course designed for high school students, the class is designed to teach students about every day functioning and consumer skills. Basic math skills are needed to learn how to create budgets, balance a checkbook, determine interest, understand the loan process, and conduct financial planning. Additionally, students will learn how to write a cover letter and resume. All students can benefit from this course. The class is a 1 credit course.
Algebra I - This class presents the properties and uses of the real number system in carrying out of mathematical operations and solving equations and inequalities in one and two variables. The class is primarily for students in 8th or 9th grade. The class is a 1 credit course.
Geometry - Typically, this class is taken by freshmen or sophomores. Points, lines, planes, polygons, solids, circles, coordinate geometry, and constructions are studied. This class is a 1 credit course.
Algebra II - This course typically is comprised of sophomores or juniors. In this class students will learn about linear functions, polynomials, and how rational-irrational-and complex numbers are studied. This class is a 1 credit course.
Algebra III/Trigonometry - Often this course is for juniors or seniors. This is a pre-calculus course that ties together the study of Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry. This class should help prepare students for college calculus or statistics. The class is a 1 credit course.
Calculus - Typically this class is for seniors who have already taken Algebra III/Trigonometry and were able to maintain a B average or better in the class. The full range of secondary mathematics is utilized in the study of rates of change of functions and relations. This class is a high level college preparatory class. Calculus is a 1 credit class.
Science: Students need a minimum of 3 credits.
Environmental Science- The course is designed to introduce students to the relationship between humans and their geologic environment. Students will learn about soil, water, bedrock, and geological processes, such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and floods. The class is a 1 credit class.
Biology - Biology is a focus on living things with an emphasis on keeping a journal, proper lab procedures, making observations and drawing conclusions. This is typically a 9th or 10th grade science course. The class is a 1 credit course.
Chemistry - To take Chemistry students first need to take Biology and Algebra I. The class focuses on the study of matter and energy. Students will learn and be engaged through discussion, lab reports, mathematical calculations, and a variety of other assessment activities. The class is typically taken by sophomores and juniors and is worth 1 credit.
Anatomy and Physiology (A&P)- Students must first take Biology and Chemistry. The class is an in-depth look at the human body and its functions. Students will be challenged to learn how the human body functions. The class is typically for juniors or seniors and is a 1 credit course.
Forensics - This class is for juniors or seniors who have taken Biology and Chemistry. Students will learn about various types of evidence collection and data, such as fingerprinting, hair and fiber samples, blood collection, and skeletal remains. Students will research famous cases and make presentations to their peers. The class is a 1 credit course.
Physics - To enroll in Physics students must first have taken Biology, Chemistry, Algebra I and II. Math skills are a crucial portion of this class, however the ability to describe physics principals are just as important. Topics covered include: scientific method, measurements, motion and momentum, forces, heat and energy, waves and sound, electricity, magnetism and light. The class is a 1 credit course. students who want to take physics should have completed or can concurrently take algebra II with a grade of a "B" or higher.
Environmental Science- The course is designed to introduce students to the relationship between humans and their geologic environment. Students will learn about soil, water, bedrock, and geological processes, such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and floods. The class is a 1 credit class.
Biology - Biology is a focus on living things with an emphasis on keeping a journal, proper lab procedures, making observations and drawing conclusions. This is typically a 9th or 10th grade science course. The class is a 1 credit course.
Chemistry - To take Chemistry students first need to take Biology and Algebra I. The class focuses on the study of matter and energy. Students will learn and be engaged through discussion, lab reports, mathematical calculations, and a variety of other assessment activities. The class is typically taken by sophomores and juniors and is worth 1 credit.
Anatomy and Physiology (A&P)- Students must first take Biology and Chemistry. The class is an in-depth look at the human body and its functions. Students will be challenged to learn how the human body functions. The class is typically for juniors or seniors and is a 1 credit course.
Forensics - This class is for juniors or seniors who have taken Biology and Chemistry. Students will learn about various types of evidence collection and data, such as fingerprinting, hair and fiber samples, blood collection, and skeletal remains. Students will research famous cases and make presentations to their peers. The class is a 1 credit course.
Physics - To enroll in Physics students must first have taken Biology, Chemistry, Algebra I and II. Math skills are a crucial portion of this class, however the ability to describe physics principals are just as important. Topics covered include: scientific method, measurements, motion and momentum, forces, heat and energy, waves and sound, electricity, magnetism and light. The class is a 1 credit course. students who want to take physics should have completed or can concurrently take algebra II with a grade of a "B" or higher.
Social Studies: Students need a minimum of 3 credits.
Introduction to US History - The course is a survey of the nation’s history, spanning from the Native Americans into the modern era. This course is designed for a variety of learners from our international students to students seeking credit recovery or transfer students in need of a US History credit. The class is a 1 credit course.
Economics - This serves as an introduction to the study of Economics. Students will learn about the history of Economics, basic economic theories, economic systems, markets systems, spending and purchasing factors, supply and demand curves and features, and the differences between micro and macro-economic principles.
US History- This class will begin with a brief review of the American experience from the Colonial Period to the Civil War. The majority of the course will focus on the Reconstruction period through the present. This is typically a ninth grade class. The class is a 1 credit course.
World History - The class is a survey course of the history of mankind from the Renaissance to World War II. There is a strong emphasis on the Western Civilization and the political and religious heritage which has come from the culture. The class is often taken the sophomore year and is a 1 credit course.
Government- Government is the study of American government and how it functions in dealing with domestic and foreign affairs. Units of study include the US Constitution and its amendments, political parties, public opinion, Federalism, the conflict between church and state, and a Christian’s responsibility to society. The class is often taken by sophomores or juniors and is a 1 credit class.
WWII/Holocaust - The course is a two part course with the first quarter focused on the time period of 1919-1946 and the events leading up to WWII. The second part of the course will review a history of Jewish life in Europe prior to WWII. Students will discuss the history of Anti-Semitism and trace the patterns of immigration as a result of nationalism. The class will study the human side of the Holocaust through the victims, bystanders, rescuers, and perpetrators. The class is usually taken in the junior or senior year and is a 1 credit course.
Holocaust Literature- This class will study the lessons of the Holocaust from a literary perspective. It will focus on the analysis of a variety of genres of Holocaust literature: poetry, short stories, fiction, primary source journals, and memoirs. The timeline of study will focus on literature written in the prewar years, the Holocaust, and the post war era. This class can be taken by 9-12th grade and honors credit will be offered for those who wish to add rigor to their studies.
Modern Era- The class, often taken by juniors or seniors, studies how Europe was able to transform itself so dramatically in the 20th Century and how that has impacted its modern conflicting ideology. The class is a 1 credit course.
Sociology - Sociology is the study of human interaction and is considered the sister subject to anthropology. Sociology looks at symbols, functions, and conflicts that exist in family, politics, the media, religion, race and ethnicity, education, and other institutions of social life. The class is open to students in 10th-12th grade and is a 1 credit course.
Introduction to US History - The course is a survey of the nation’s history, spanning from the Native Americans into the modern era. This course is designed for a variety of learners from our international students to students seeking credit recovery or transfer students in need of a US History credit. The class is a 1 credit course.
Economics - This serves as an introduction to the study of Economics. Students will learn about the history of Economics, basic economic theories, economic systems, markets systems, spending and purchasing factors, supply and demand curves and features, and the differences between micro and macro-economic principles.
US History- This class will begin with a brief review of the American experience from the Colonial Period to the Civil War. The majority of the course will focus on the Reconstruction period through the present. This is typically a ninth grade class. The class is a 1 credit course.
World History - The class is a survey course of the history of mankind from the Renaissance to World War II. There is a strong emphasis on the Western Civilization and the political and religious heritage which has come from the culture. The class is often taken the sophomore year and is a 1 credit course.
Government- Government is the study of American government and how it functions in dealing with domestic and foreign affairs. Units of study include the US Constitution and its amendments, political parties, public opinion, Federalism, the conflict between church and state, and a Christian’s responsibility to society. The class is often taken by sophomores or juniors and is a 1 credit class.
WWII/Holocaust - The course is a two part course with the first quarter focused on the time period of 1919-1946 and the events leading up to WWII. The second part of the course will review a history of Jewish life in Europe prior to WWII. Students will discuss the history of Anti-Semitism and trace the patterns of immigration as a result of nationalism. The class will study the human side of the Holocaust through the victims, bystanders, rescuers, and perpetrators. The class is usually taken in the junior or senior year and is a 1 credit course.
Holocaust Literature- This class will study the lessons of the Holocaust from a literary perspective. It will focus on the analysis of a variety of genres of Holocaust literature: poetry, short stories, fiction, primary source journals, and memoirs. The timeline of study will focus on literature written in the prewar years, the Holocaust, and the post war era. This class can be taken by 9-12th grade and honors credit will be offered for those who wish to add rigor to their studies.
Modern Era- The class, often taken by juniors or seniors, studies how Europe was able to transform itself so dramatically in the 20th Century and how that has impacted its modern conflicting ideology. The class is a 1 credit course.
Sociology - Sociology is the study of human interaction and is considered the sister subject to anthropology. Sociology looks at symbols, functions, and conflicts that exist in family, politics, the media, religion, race and ethnicity, education, and other institutions of social life. The class is open to students in 10th-12th grade and is a 1 credit course.
Technology: Students need a minimum of 0.5 credit.
Computer Application and Design- The course can be taken any time between 9th-12th grade. Students spend the first quarter learning computer applications such as Microsoft Office and how to create presentations. The second quarter focuses on graphic design and software competency. Students will be creating and designing original works. The course is a 1 credit class.
Yearbook - Yearbook emphasizes the development of communication in a variety of areas: thinking, reading, listening, journalistic writing, photojournalism, graphic layout/design, and desktop publishing skills. The class is for 10th-12th grade students and is a 1 credit course.
STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math are combined in this elective course. Students will be engaged in hands on activities and encouraged to explore the connections between these subjects and solve real world problems.
Computer Application and Design- The course can be taken any time between 9th-12th grade. Students spend the first quarter learning computer applications such as Microsoft Office and how to create presentations. The second quarter focuses on graphic design and software competency. Students will be creating and designing original works. The course is a 1 credit class.
Yearbook - Yearbook emphasizes the development of communication in a variety of areas: thinking, reading, listening, journalistic writing, photojournalism, graphic layout/design, and desktop publishing skills. The class is for 10th-12th grade students and is a 1 credit course.
STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math are combined in this elective course. Students will be engaged in hands on activities and encouraged to explore the connections between these subjects and solve real world problems.
World Language: Students need a minimum of 2 credits.
Spanish 1, II, III, IV- Students will master the basic phonics and pronunciation of the language. The teacher will integrate a balanced focus on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills throughout all phases of instruction. Each level builds on the learning and skills acquired in the previous course. Each class is a 1 credit course.
Dual Enrollment: Christian School of York, through Colorado Christian University, provides a number of dual enrollment opportunities for students in 10th-12th grade. Students pay an enrollment fee to CSY and CCU to enroll. Courses are offered in English and Social Studies. All dual enrollment and honors courses are weighted courses. Students should expect to go deeper into the course content and will be required to do additional writing and presenting than their peers in the traditional course. The specific courses offered for dual enrollment can vary from year to year.
On-line Enrollment: Christian School of York, through Ignitia, offers a wide range of on-line courses. These courses are taken during the school day, built into the student schedule, and taken under the supervision of a CSY staff person. These courses may be used for remediation or acceleration.
Flex Period Options: SAT Prep, Study Hall, Band-Music-Chorus-Praise Band, Eco Team, NHS, Student Senate
Spanish 1, II, III, IV- Students will master the basic phonics and pronunciation of the language. The teacher will integrate a balanced focus on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills throughout all phases of instruction. Each level builds on the learning and skills acquired in the previous course. Each class is a 1 credit course.
Dual Enrollment: Christian School of York, through Colorado Christian University, provides a number of dual enrollment opportunities for students in 10th-12th grade. Students pay an enrollment fee to CSY and CCU to enroll. Courses are offered in English and Social Studies. All dual enrollment and honors courses are weighted courses. Students should expect to go deeper into the course content and will be required to do additional writing and presenting than their peers in the traditional course. The specific courses offered for dual enrollment can vary from year to year.
On-line Enrollment: Christian School of York, through Ignitia, offers a wide range of on-line courses. These courses are taken during the school day, built into the student schedule, and taken under the supervision of a CSY staff person. These courses may be used for remediation or acceleration.
Flex Period Options: SAT Prep, Study Hall, Band-Music-Chorus-Praise Band, Eco Team, NHS, Student Senate
MIDDLE SCHOOL - GRADES 6 - 8
6th Science:
Our middle school has adopted an integrated science program in which 6th grade sets students up with basic understanding of all areas of science that will grow in depth in 7th and 8th grade, allowing students to experience physical, life, and Earth science each year of middle school. 6th graders start out with Earth science, learning the basics of Earth’s systems, surface, sun and moon relation, and natural resources. We then give an introduction to life science, specifically to cells, classification, genetics, and ecology. Finally, we end the year with physical science and an introduction to matter, atoms, electricity, and magnetism. The 6th grade science fair project is creating a to-scale scientific model.
7th Science:
Our middle school has adopted an integrated science program, allowing students to experience physical, life, and Earth science each year of middle school. We begin the 7th grade year with life science, focusing on cell functions and processes, anatomy of the human body, and a deeper understanding of ecology. Students then dig deeper into physical science, focusing on the periodic table, energy, motion, and forces. Finally, 7th grade ends the year with Earth science, focusing on a deeper look at Earth’s systems, plate tectonics, atmosphere, weather, and climate, and the solar system. The 7th grade science fair project is designing and conducting an experiment.
8th Science:
Our middle school has adopted an integrated science program, allowing students to experience physical, life, and Earth science each year of middle school. In 8th grade, students begin with a focus on Physical science, specifically motion, energy, machines, atoms and chemical bonds, reactions, and physical changes. Students then study Earth science and dig deeper into space and galaxies, rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, and earthquakes and volcanoes. 8th graders end the year focusing on life science, especially biomes, ecology, and human impact as well as a deeper study of genetics. The 8th grade science fair project has students develop an experiment demonstration to conduct and explain to the class.
6th Bible:
In 6th grade Bible, students use 6th grade level Positive Action for Christ curriculum. In this study, students look at major characters in the Bible, they review the works of Jesus, and they have an introduction to Acts and the letters of the New Testament, covering not only facts, but also personal application. CSY also integrates in a weekly Bible memory verse that has students not only memorize scripture, but discuss and memorize its meaning as well.
7th Bible:
In 7th grade Bible, students will use God-Man Positive Action for Christ curriculum. In this study, students study the life of Jesus in depth, from the Christmas story all the way to His ascension. Each lesson challenges students to think about their personal relationship with Jesus and personally apply the themes that He taught. 2020-2021 7th grade has already completed this study, so for this school year we will adjust and they will use Route 66 Positive Action for Christ to review the Old testament book by book, looking at major characters, themes, and the Bible as a complete narrative. CSY also integrates in a weekly Bible memory verse that has students not only memorize scripture, but discuss and memorize its meaning as well.
8th Bible:
In 8th grade Bible, students use Wise Up Positive Action for Christ curriculum. In this study, students look at some of the major themes throughout the book of Proverbs, such as wisdom, personal responsibility, and leadership, and discuss in depth how to truly make their faith their own. Students will also complete a study of missionaries and end with a personal reflection of what they have learned and what they believe their testimony is. CSY also integrates in a weekly Bible memory verse that has students not only memorize scripture, but discuss and memorize its meaning as well.
6th English:
Our sixth grade English course focuses largely on the skills of reading comprehension and understanding, and paragraph structure and formation. We also work on developing the upper-level thinking skills required to process information and relate to it in a deeper and more analytical way. Students’ major units include a collaborative literature circle unit, plot unit, expository writing unit, and a connection to history with a research unit and introduction to MLA. Through reading, discussion, journaling, creative writing, short essays, and a research paper, students will improve their writing and communication skills.
7th English:
In seventh grade English, students practice analyzing and interpreting various texts, and they practice developing and refining their writing to be more thoughtful, logical, focused, and cohesive. The students participate in discussions based on questions that require higher order thought (evaluation, analysis, synthesis, etc.) to solve. Students are given structure to create the questions that provoke higher order thinking. Our major units include literature circles, narrative journaling, expository writing, and a science focused research paper in MLA format. Through narrative, expository, persuasive, and research essays, students will improve their writing, editing, and proofreading skills; discussion, teaching, and reading will improve their understanding of literature.
8th English:
The eighth grade English students practice connecting to, evaluating, analyzing, and synthesizing information from text and discussion. Furthermore, the students learn to support their thoughts and opinions and present their well-developed ideas in a focused and organized manner so that their writing flows well from one topic to the next. The students hold discussions about higher order questions (evaluation, analysis, synthesis, connection, etc.) of their own creation. They learn to create their own higher level questions based on a model and graphic organizer. The students will study several major units including drama, literature circles, poetry, persuasive writing, response to literature, and a research paper with citations in MLA format. Through response to literature, a research essay, and persuasive writing students will refine their thoughts, strengthen their logic, and present their ideas clearly. In addition, through persuasive speaking, discussion, and debate the students will learn to take in information from various sources, process the information and form their own higher-level response.
6th Social Studies:
This year in 6th grade, we will study Ancient World History. We will start with reviewing world maps and general mapping tools to set the stage for all we will cover. From there, we will follow the textbook, “Heritage Studies 6” as roadmap for the year. We will explore different cultures in ancient history, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Persia, Greece and many more.
7th Social Studies:
This year in 7th grade, we will be exploring World History, starting with Creation and going through the 20th Century. This is a lot of ground to cover; we will explore things like the Rise of Islam, Revolutions in Europe, World Wars 1 and 2 and much more. We will start with reviewing world maps and general mapping tools to set the stage for all we will cover. From there, we will follow the textbook, “World Studies” as roadmap for the year. We will use projects, activities and discussion to learn how these cultures fit into our world.
8th Social Studies:
This year in 8th grade, we will be exploring United States History, starting with the discovery of the Americas and going through the United States Civil War. We will start with reviewing U.S. maps and general mapping tools to set the stage for all we will cover. From there, we will follow the textbook, “The American Republic” as roadmap for the year. We will use projects, activities and discussion to learn how these past U.S. events fit into our world.
6th Math:
In Math 6, CSY students will study the following broad topics:
- Ratios & Unit Rates
- Fractions, Decimals, & Percents
- Review of the Number System
- Integers & The Coordinate Plane
- Algebra Basics: Expressions & Equations
- Geometry
- Statistics & Probability
7th Math:
In Math 7, CSY students will study the following broad topics:
- Ratios & Proportional Reasoning
- Percents & Percent Applications
- Integers
- Rational Numbers
- Algebraic Expressions (Including Linear Expressions)
- Equations & Inequalities
- Geometric Figures
- Measure Figures
- Probability
- Statistics
8th Math: Pre-Algebra or Algebra I
Pre-Algebra
In Pre-Algebra, CSY students will study the following broad topics:
- Variables, Expressions, and Integers
- Solving Equations
- Multi-Step Equations & Inequalities
- Factors, Fractions, & Exponents
- Rational Numbers & Equations
- Ratio, Proportion, & Probability
- Percents
- Linear Functions
- Real Numbers & Right Triangles
- Measurement, Area, and Volume
- Data Analysis & Probability
- Angle Relationships & Transformations
Algebra 1
In Algebra 1, CSY students will study the following broad topics:
- Expressions, Equations, & Functions
- Properties of Real Numbers
- Solving Linear Equations
- Graphing Linear Equations & Functions
- Writing Linear Equations
- Solving & Graphing Linear Inequalities
- Systems of Equations & Inequalities
- Exponents & Exponential Functions
- Polynomials & Factoring
- Quadratic Equations & Functions
- Probability & Data Analysis