High School Class Schedule 2022-2023

A registration link will be released on April 20th for current FFCA families
& on May 18th for new FFCA families.
Course fees are paid directly to the instructor.  A $50 facility fee is paid per student per semester to FFCA.
No refunds will be given after the second week of class.


Course Descriptions


​Advanced Orchestra
Instructor:  Beverly Wolterbeek
Credits: 5 credits per semester /  2 semester course
Fee: $175/semester
Contact: bjbwolterbeek@yahoo.com

Required text: Fiddler’s Philharmonic Book 1
Class location: Grace Fellowship Church - 1551 E. Huntington Dr., Duarte,  CA  91010

Calling all musicians! This award-winning ensemble performs a wide variety of musical styles in both concerts and a festival competition. The advanced orchestra is for violin, viola, cello, or string bass players who have had 2 or more years of instruction on their instrument. Musicians MUST HAVE INSTRUCTOR APPROVAL before joining. Students will learn musical concepts and skills through performance, with the goal of transforming the class from a collection of musicians into a cohesive musical ensemble. Focus will be on musical expression, intonation, and rhythmic accuracy. Music will be chosen from a variety of genres. Participation in concerts and performance activities is required for this class. Students will need to bring their instrument, music stand, pencil, and music to each rehearsal.

Algebra
Instructor: Theresa Almendras
Credits: 5 credits per semester / 2 semester course
Fee:  $300/semester
Contact: togowear@aol.com
*Class minimum is 8 students.  If the minimum is not reached the class may be cancelled.

Grades: 7-12
Prerequisite: Strong foundation in basic mathematical operations and successful completion of Pre-algebra. 

This course covers the essential principles of algebra.  The following are some of the major topics we will be examining: linear equations and inequalities, functions and graphing, introduction to polynomials and quadratics, rational expressions and radicals.
​
Textbooks:
  • Saxon Algebra 1 Student Text Third Edition Isbn# 9781565771345
  • Saxon Algebra 1 Solutions Manual Third Edition Isbn# 9781565771376
  • Saxon Algebra 1 Test Forms Isbn# 9781565771390
  • Saxon Algebra 1 Homeschool Packet Isbn# 9781565771383
The following resource is optional, but highly recommended:
  • Saxon Teacher Lesson and Test CD's Isbn# 9781602773653
(This cd-rom set includes videos in which an instructor works out all of the practice problems found in the textbook.  This resource is extremely helpful, especially if a student is new to Saxon.)

Art I
Instructor:  Young Hwang
Credits: 5 credits per semester /  2 semester course
Fee: Non-charter $250/semester + $125 supply fee paid once
          Charter $300/semester + $150 supply fee paid once
          [ONLY Sky Mountain charter]
Contact: indigofx28@sbcglobal.net
*Preferred minimum number of students: 5

Art imitates your life surroundings, and presents life as how God created it. Students will be able to observe and apply what they have seen on paper from the gesture of the subject to building the foundations of the drawing using different types of mediums such as china markers, pastels and acrylics. Through live demonstrations of art technique and guidance, students will learn the structure and foundation necessary to complete any artwork they approach. Students will be engaged to analyze and record their still life using the developed techniques to refine the details of the artwork. Intermediate techniques will be gradually introduced as the fundamental skills are mastered.

Art II
Instructor:  Young Hwang
Credits: 5 credits per semester /  2 semester course
Fee: Non-charter $250/semester + $125 supply fee paid once
          Charter $300/semester + $150 supply fee paid once
          [ONLY Sky Mountain charter accepted]
Contact: indigofx28@sbcglobal.net
*Preferred minimum number of students: 5
Prerequisite:
* Art Drawing and Painting or Equivalent based on evaluation
* iPad with Procreate app

In this 2nd course students will be able to observe and apply painting still life on paper from the gesture of the subject to the sense of emotion within the acrylic painting. Through live demonstrations of art technique and guidance, students will learn the structure of visual design, perspective drawing, acrylic still life and digital painting.  Basic animation skills are also introduced.  Students will be engaged to make digital art in the way that they use real paint or ink. They are encouraged to look for an interesting, taut composition with a gestural flow and color harmonics, thus bringing intrigue and intimacy to the composition. 

Chemistry (and Food!)
Instructor:  Josephine Riggs
Credits: 5 credits per semester /  2 semester course
Fee: $325/semester (includes lab fee)
Contact: josephine@firmfoundationchristianacademy.com
*Preferred minimum number of students: 6

Textbook:  Glencoe Chemistry: Matter and Change (2002)
*I supplement heavily from updated outside resources so the textbook is secondary to the resources I provide.
Gmail account:  Students are required to have a gmail account to utilize Google Classroom.
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra I

This course in Chemistry will provide a comprehensive series of topics covering all facets of chemistry.  Laboratory exercises will reveal how food is chemistry!
The class begins with measuring and calculating before moving on to matter and atomic structure.  Concepts then progress to elements and the periodic table, chemical bonds, and chemical reactions.  States of matter is followed by solutions, chemical thermodynamics, chemical kinetics and equilibrium.  Acids, bases and salts are covered along with oxidation-reduction reactions.  The class concludes with organic chemistry and biochemistry.
  • Most class sessions will consist of approximately one hour of lecture followed by one hour of lab experiments or topic-related activity.
  • Quizzes are given weekly and there is one midterm and one final exam each semester.
  • No new students will be accepted after the second week of class.

Church History
Instructor: Chris Saenz
Credits: 5 credits per semester / 2 semester course
Fee: $250/semester
Textbook:  TBD

The History through the Church class will examine the development of Christ's universal church from the Apostles to the 21st century. Through understanding the events that make up the history of The Church, students will see how God has worked through individuals, groups, and even nations to bring holiness, grace, and salvation to the world throughout the last two millennia. Students will also understand the ideas and principles that shape their church tradition and the Christian disciplines we practice.
 
Major sections of Church history include:
  • Roots of Christianity
  • Church and Empire
  • European Conversion
  • Crusades
  • Protestant Reformation
  • Enlightenment
  • Missions
  • Global Church
This course will include quizzes and essays to assess understanding and will require in-class participation from each student.

Geometry
Instructor:  Theresa Almendras
Credits: 5 credits per semester / 2 semester course
Fee: $300/semester
Contact: togowear@aol.com
*Class minimum is 8 students.  If the minimum is not reached the class may be cancelled.

Grades: 9-12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 and Algebra 2

Geometry is the mathematical study of two-and three-dimensional shapes and objects. Some specific topics covered in this course include: geometric terms, the coordinate plane, lines and angles, triangles, polygons, perimeter and area, ratio and proportion, parts of circles, chords, secants, tangents, prisms, right circular cylinders, pyramids, cones, spheres, slope, and equations of lines. The course will also cover numerous advanced algebra concepts. 

Required Textbooks:
  • Saxon Advanced Mathematics Student Text 2nd Edition Isbn# 9781565770393 
  • Saxon Advanced Mathematics 2nd Edition Homeschool Packet Isbn# 9781565771598
  • Saxon Advanced Mathematics 2nd Edition Test Forms Isbn# 9781565771604
  • Saxon Advanced Mathematics Solutions Manual 2nd Edition Isbn# 9781565770423.
The following resource is optional, but highly recommended:
  • Saxon Teacher Lesson and Test CD's Isbn# 9781602773660
(This cd-rom set includes videos in which an instructor works out all of the practice problems found in the textbook.  This resource is extremely helpful, especially if a student is new to Saxon.)

Please note: The course will only cover the first half of the Saxon Advanced Mathematics textbook.  The second half of the textbook is considered Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry. 

Government and Economics
Instructor:  Lisa Wong
Credits: 5 credits per semester /  2 semester course
Fee: $300/semester
Contact: wong_esq@hotmail.com
*11th and 12th grade only
*Class minimum is 8 students.  If the minimum is not reached the class may be cancelled.

Government (Fall semester):
Textbook: American Government in Christian Perspective, Third Edition (Abeka)
How do Christian citizens participate in government? We will study the Constitution, the balance of power between three branches and the protections afforded each citizen. We will discuss a citizen's rights and responsibilities and apply our studies to current events. This class also covers California state and local government, including similarities and notable differences as compared to the federal government structure. Students will be assigned weekly reading in the text and over the course of the semester, will be assigned short papers as well as a multi-part project on the Constitution.

Economics (Spring semester):
Textbook: Work and Prosperity in Christian Perspective, Third Edition (Abeka)
Why do Apple and Tesla get to charge so much? Why do an increasing number of Americans embrace socialist ideals?  Economics class covers a balance of micro and macro-economics, including supply and demand, supplier and consumer behavior, major economic systems, the factors of production, GDP, economic policies concerning international trade, the business cycle, and current events related to economics. Students will be assigned weekly reading in the text and over the semester, will complete a multi-part comprehensive personal budget project.

Home Economics
Instructor:  Evonne Quiroz
Credit:  5 credits per semester / 2 semesters
Fee: $200/semester (includes supply fee)
Contact:  vonz5891@gmail.com

Home economics isn't just a thing of the past!  Cooking, budgeting and home care are just as important today as ever.  With fun hands-on activities and projects, students will gain fundamental life skills and grow in their independence.  Topics include:
Nutrition
Budgeting
Basic car maintenance
Home care
Banking
First aid
And much more!

Introduction to Literature
Instructors:  Jennifer Villaseñor and Claire Rodriguez
Credits: 5 credits per semester /  2 semester course
Fee: $300/semester
          - Includes reading materials and Tuesday evening office hours via Zoom
          - Please contact the instructor regarding a sibling discount if you have more than one child taking our class.
Contact: jenfvillasenor@gmail.com
Grades 8-12

REQUIRED TEXT :  Novels and short stories will be made available for the class by the teachers. These materials are included in the cost of the class. We will do our best to offer digital materials. There will be times when we will ask the students to print out what they will need for class in order to keep the cost of printing to a minimum.
Fall:  To Kill A Mockingbird / Spring:  Jane Eyre or The Scarlet Pimpernel  or And Then There Were None or Frankenstein 
(Titles subject to change)

Introduction to Literature and Composition will introduce students to various forms of literature and literary devices, as well as prepare students for the upper-division courses they will encounter by exposing students to various genres of writing and writing process.  This is appropriate for any grade level and will certainly help the student who needs to build a stronger foundation in writing, analyzing literature, and making meaningful connections to the text. 

The ultimate goals of this class are to:
  • expose students to classic and modern literature
  • learn how to meaningfully annotate a text, a skill that can be utilized across all subjects by defining and recognizing literary and rhetorical devices in a written work
  • learn to think critically and logically,  expressing those thoughts in writing and oral communication 
  • experience how the analysis of great works of literature generate insightful ideas about the self and culture.
  • become proficient in the writing process to produce multiple well-crafted  essays, that emphasize various writing structures using rhetorical and grammatical devices and utilizes MLA format
  • become proficient in basic grammar and rules of punctuation
  • recognize the influence of the Judeo-Christian worldview in literature and culture

Movies as Literature and Composition
Instructors:  Jennifer Villaseñor and Claire Rodriguez
Credits: 5 credits per semester /  2 semester course
Fee: $275/semester
          - Includes reading materials and Tuesday evening office hours via Zoom
          - Please contact the instructor regarding a sibling discount if you have more than one child taking our class.
Contact: jenfvillasenor@gmail.com
Grades 8-12
*Class minimum is 7 students
Prerequisite: Introduction to Literature or teacher approval

REQUIRED MATERIALS:  It is important to note that the movies will also have to be attained by the student/family so that the assignments can be completed. Though we will watch the movie in class as a group, students will be assigned questions and reflections about some parts of the movie and will need access to it to review and comment. As great as our memories may be, it will be almost impossible for the student to be able to adequately complete the assignments without having their own copy of the movie.  Most movies are available on Amazon Prime (some for a rental fee), Netflix, and other streaming platforms. Often, the movies will be available through the library as well.

Movies as Literature is an elective class (but may also count as a high school English class) where students will analyze movies using literary theories in a similar way as they would analyze literature. This class is based on the Movies As Literature by Mrs. Kathryn L. Stout & Mr. Richard B. Stout, as well as the 7SistersHomeschool.com curricula. 
We will explore how literary devices and cinematic devices tell a story. When appropriate, we will also read the novel or short story that the movie is based on and compare the author’s presentation versus the director’s adaptation.  The student is invited to make thoughtful connections between themselves and movies/literature while building on a variety of writing and analysis skills.

Physical Science
Instructor:  Josephine Riggs
Credits:  5 credits per semester /  2 semesters
Fee:  $325/semester (includes lab fees)
Contact: josephine@firmfoundationchristianacademy.com
*Preferred minimum number of students: 6

Textbook:  ABeka Science: Matter and Energy (First Edition)
Student Lab Manual ABeka Science: Matter and Energy (First Edition)
Gmail account:  Students are required to have a Gmail account to utilize Google Classroom.
Prerequisite: Completion or concurrent enrollment in Pre-Algebra

This general physical science course explores the foundational principles of physical science. Using the text and lab activities, students cover the following:
  • mathematical measurements
  • states of matter
  • energy
  • heat
  • foundations of chemistry
  • applied chemistry
  • motion and forces
  • waves and sound
  • light and color
  • electrostatics
  • magnetism
  • electricity
Most class sessions will consist of approximately one hour of lecture followed by one hour of lab experiments or topic-related activity.
Quizzes are given weekly and there is one midterm and one final exam each semester.
No new students will be accepted after the second week of class.

Spanish I
Instructor:  Irma Salcido
Credits: 5 credits per semester /  2 semester course
Fee: Non-charter $300/semester
          Charter $350/semester
          [Charters accepted: Sky Mountain, Sage Oak, Blue Ridge Academy, Excel Academy, Granite Mountain, Home School 
           Coaches]
Contact: irmaqsalcido@gmail.com
*Class minimum is 5 students.  If the minimum is not reached the class may be cancelled.
Required text and workbook: (I try to order used materials from sources like Amazon, ecampus, etc.) 
  • Texas ¡Así se dice!  Text Level 1  ISBN 10  0-07-670693-1 
  • ¡Así se dice! Workbook  and Audio Activities Spanish 1 ISBN 978-0-07-666849-6  (This resource is not available with audio activities, it is fine like that)
  • Notebook Spanish-English Dictionary.  (Optional)

Grammar and Vocabulary Building 
We will cover proper usage of verbs in the present and preterit tenses. Present progressive,  immediate future formats. We will cover basic sentence structure, weekly vocabulary  building, and the use of formulas to promote familiar speaking.  The students will interact  and use learned material in class.  
Will learn: Articles, gender of nouns.  Regular, irregular, and stem changing verbs  conjugations in the present of indicative.  Defective verbs like gustar, interesar, etc. Correct  usage of ser, estar, saber, conocer. Subject pronouns, direct and indirect object pronouns.  The preterit  of regular and irregular verbs. Reflexive verbs and pronouns, and the  imperative (command form).  
Conversation, Pronunciation, and Oral Presentations 
We will practice material being taught in one-on-one conversations, cultural readings, oral  presentations, and cultural projects, a song or two, and poems. 
Reading, Writing, and Listening — Comprehension Skills 
Work will include daily reading assignments to check pronunciation, listening and  comprehension skills. Writing assignments to check correct grammar, vocabulary usage  and sentence structure. 
Culture 
The students will begin an exciting and valuable experience.  Learning a new language will  open up a culture other than their own as well as different ways of living, thinking, and  functioning. Will get acquainted with famous people, songs, and topics of  student life in  Hispanic countries. Will also learn details of the student’s chosen country in a cultural  project report. 


Spanish II
Instructor:  Irma Salcido
Credits: 5 credits per semester /  2 semester course
Fee: Non-charter $300/semester
          Charter $350/semester
         [Charters accepted: Sky Mountain, Sage Oak, Blue Ridge Academy, Excel Academy, Granite Mountain, Home School 
           Coaches]
Contact: irmaqsalcido@gmail.com
*Class minimum is 5 students.  If the minimum is not reached the class may be cancelled.
Prerequisite:  Spanish I or knowledge of Spanish I material

Required text and workbook:
• ¡Así se dice!  Text Spanish 2  ISBN 9780021412648 
• ¡Así se dice!  Workbook and Audio Activities Spanish 2 ISBN 978-0-07-666866-3 This workbook comes without the CD audio activities. That is fine. 
• Notebook Spanish-English Dictionary.  (Optional)

Grammar and Vocabulary Building  
We will review verbs learned in Spanish I, will continue with irregular, stem changing, and  reflexive verbs.  The present indicative, imperfect, preterit, future, present perfect,  conditional and subjunctive, as well as vocabulary enrichment.   
Conversation, Pronunciation, and Oral Presentations. 
We will spend time on conversations, oral presentations, cultural projects and common  cultural expressions. Will learn a song or two, poems and cultural readings. Conversations  of topical contemporary issues. 
Reading, Writing, and Listening 
Will learn and practice with daily reading assignments to check pronunciation, listening  and comprehension skills.  Writing assignments to check correct grammar and sentence  structure. Will get acquainted with Hispanic art and artists, songs/music, famous  influential people, classical literature, etc. 
Culture 
Students will learn about Latin American/Hispanic culture, food, folkloric music, and  customs as they are introduced to these many aspects of the Spanish-speaking world, and  famous people of influence in the Hispanic culture.

Speech and The Bible
Instructor:  Marilyn Burke
Credits: 5 credits per semester /  2 semester course
Fee: $250/semester
Contact: marilyn.burke04@gmail.com / (626) 208-7751
Minimum age for students is 14 years old
*Class minimum is 7 students - maximum is 11 students
Texts and required materials:
  • 1 1/2" three ring binder with five dividers
  • Student's personal Bible - KJV, NKJV or ESV preferred but other versions are acceptable
  • Weekly handouts will create the class text

Course emphasis:  This class is designed to teach oral communication skills in the area of public speaking.
The emphasis of the class is freedom to speak respectfully, boldly, confidently, and knowledgeably in public situations and the Bible and its truths as the central theme of thought in order to free the mind of hindrances that keep one from having confidence.  An overview of the Bible will be given to ignite the student's desire to seek truth from the Scripture and to actually enjoy doing so.  A clear step-by-step plan will be given for planning, writing, and delivering speeches.  17 speech ethics, along with 12 different types of speeches will be taught.  Brief Bible lectures will be given each week for a general overview of each book of the Bible, with constant application of the thought, "Why is it written for me as a teenager?"

Projected learning outcome:  Students will show
  • Poise and confidence to speak in a public setting with a knowledge of absolute truth and the ability to express it
  • The ability to put together an educated speech and deliver it
  • A general knowledge of what is in the Bible and God's intended purpose for giving it to us, why any of us should be interested in it, and why it is personally applicable and desirable to read.

Assignments:
Weekly assignments to develop, write and practice speeches.  Projected time for this would be at least 1-1.5 hours of study four days per week.  For the Bible portion of the class, there will be three reading assignments, one page of questions, and or or two memory verses [er week.  The complete memorization of Romans chapter 8 will be required by the end of the year.  Occasional tests and discussions will enhance learning.

United States History
Instructor: Christina Medina
Credits: 5 credits per semester / 2 semester course
Fee:  $300/semester
*Preferred minimum number of students: 6
Text:  BJU Press United States History Student Text (5th Edition)

This course is designed to study the History of the United States of America.  Students will learn about key individuals and the significant events that shaped American History.  Reading and discussions will include the Colonization of North America, the American Revolution, Western expansion, the Civil War, WWI and WWII to present day.  Students will be encouraged to examine the impact and analyze the cause and effects of such historical events. 

Quizzes, tests, projects and a short research paper assignment will be given each semester.

World Literature
Instructors: Jennifer Villaseñor and Claire Rodriguez
Credits: 5 credits per semester /  2 semester course
Fee: $300/semester
           -Includes reading materials and Tuesday evening office hours via Zoom
          - Please contact the instructor regarding a sibling discount if you have more than one child taking our class.
Contact: jenfvillasenor@gmail.com
*Grades 10-12
REQUIRED TEXT
Novels and short stories will be made available for the class by the teachers. These materials are included in the cost of the class. We will do our best to offer digital materials. There will be times when we will ask the students to print out what they will need for class in order to keep the cost of printing to a minimum.

This World Literature class will offer an overview of many authors who wrote in their cultural contexts. The student is invited to make thoughtful connections between themselves and literature while building on a variety of writing and analysis skills. We will engage with works from all around the world with a Christian worldview. This is a working list of authors we will explore throughout the year:
Homer                                              Alexandre Dumas                                  Amy Tan
Miguel Cervantes                      Jules Verne                                                Leo Tolstoy
C.S. Lewis                                        Pearl S. Buck                                             Paolo Coelho
Victor Frankl                                 Brothers Grimm                                     Victor Hugo
Anne Frank                                     Jhumpa Lahiri                                          Paolo Horta

The ultimate goals of this class are to:
  • understand how world events, culture, and religion shapes literature 
  • experience how analysis of great works of literature generates insightful ideas about the self and culture.
  • recognize the influence of the Judeo-Christain worldview in literature and culture
  • learn to think and engage more critically and logically in writing and oral communication
  • continue in advancement towards more mature, refined analytical writing
  • become better acquainted with high-quality online and offline research
  • be exposed to different types of writing formats, including MLA, APA, Chicago, etc...