Courses and Curriculum

Curriculum Summary

Download 2009 - 2010 Curriculum Summary Chart

Foreign Language

Many high schools require foreign language for graduation, and many colleges and universities look for this on high school transcripts. Star Academics classes fulfill this academic requirement and help students learn the language well enough for practical use.

Parent Expectations: Memorization is a vital part of any foreign language program. Please make sure students are drilled in vocabulary, have completed the assigned course work and are familiar with any audio/visual resources.

Courses Offered

Listed by grade level.*

American Sign Language 1 (9)

Learn to communicate without saying a word…a basic introduction to the language of the deaf. Students learn finger spelling, vocabulary, and learn to see “words” as pictures. Textbook incorporates deaf culture with practical use of this beautiful language. Occasional outings acquaint them with deaf culture.

Latin 1 (9)

“Can I really get a better grade in English by learning Latin?” The relationship of Latin to English is presented throughout the course. This first-year foreign language study of Latin includes: reading, writing, and translation. Through Latin studies, students become better prepared to study the Romance languages such as French and Spanish.

Spanish 1 (9)

¡Holá! ¿Cómo está usted? Learn to speak intelligently with our Spanish speaking neighbors! Students will learn to speak, understand, read, and write basic Spanish, with an emphasis on everyday dialogue. This course provides a strong foundation for success in Spanish 2.

American Sign Language 2 (10)

Silence please! Now that we have your attention, students continue to develop vocabulary and fluency in communicating with the deaf. They will begin and/or build upon their interpreting skills through “voice to sign” and “sign to voice” practice. Textbook incorporates deaf culture with practical use of this beautiful language. Course includes periodic outings.
Prerequisite: American Sign Language 1.

Latin 2 (10)

Calling all classically minded students! Have we got the language for you! This second-year course includes intermediate reading, writing, and translation. Selected readings include recognizable English selections, Bible verses, and readings related to ancient Rome.
Prerequisite: Latin 1.

Spanish 2 (10)

What comes next after you have learned to say ¡Holá! ¿Qué tal? Now that you have covered the basics, expand your ability to understand and converse in daily spoken Spanish. Students enjoy a multimedia approach as they explore the customs and cultures of the Spanish speaking world.
Prerequisite: Spanish 1 and internet access.

Latin 3 (11)

Do you need a little more discipline in your life? The discipline of Latin gives a strong foundation for the study of many respected professions such as Christian ministry, law, medicine, linguistics, or history. This third-year study of Latin provides advanced reading, writing, and translation activities. Reading selections center on Bible verses, English selections, and ancient Roman history.
Prerequisite: Latin 2.

Spanish 3 (11)

As we continue to gain confidence in daily spoken Spanish, it’s so easy to say, “Have a nice day!” ~ “¡Que tenga un buen día!” Continuing to use the Destinos Tele-course materials, this concentrated course increases vocabulary, writing, and speaking skills through the exploration of the customs and cultures of the Spanish speaking world.
Prerequisite: Spanish 2.

Latin 4 (12)

Continuing down the Latin road with discipline, determination, and dedication, let us press on in the acquisition of this classical language. This fourth-year study of Latin provides advanced reading, writing, and translation activities. Reading selections center on Bible verses, English selections, and ancient Roman history.
Prerequisite: Latin 3.

Spanish 4 (12)

Before we say ¡Adios! Join us for one last “espisodio.” Through the continuing use of the Destinos Tele-course materials, fluency in vocabulary, writing, and speaking skills increases as students investigate the customs and cultures of the Spanish speaking world.
Prerequisite: Spanish 3.

* The course levels listed in parentheses are guidelines. We realize that homeschoolers often cross grade-level "boundaries" for many subjects; therefore students are welcome to enroll in any class that suits their level of achievement. Please remember that our courses are college preparation level, and students will be expected to maintain these high standards. Please see the site class overviews for class days and times.