Find out more about:

• Arts
• Bible
• Drama
• English
• Foreign Language
• Social Studies
• Math
• Music
• PE & Dance
• Science

Fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), Crystal Cathedral High School’s challenging academic and arts curricula position CCHS graduates as exceptional and desirable candidates for the most discerning American universities. Courses taught at CCHS meet or exceed criteria established by the University of California system. Most importantly, they are presented from the perspective of faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ. Graduates are, therefore, not only well-prepared in academic knowledge and artistic skill, but also have developed a foundation of personal and spiritual integrity from which to approach life’s challenges.

Intentional small class size assures that students receive personal attention as they explore their lessons, while Honors and Advanced Placement courses provide additional opportunities for students of exceptional interest and skill to enhance their academic interests. Regularly-scheduled student presentations in music, drama, and dance showcase student achievement in the arts. Periodic study tours assist CCHS students to develop a global awareness and sensitivity to others’ needs and viewpoints.

Arts

Dramatic History of Literature and Film
The students study the Crucible by Arthur Miller as a dramatic work that comments on society, and compare it to the Anti-Communist hearings of the McCarthy era. They examine scenes from other dramatic works that also comment on social standards. Students research the history of filmmaking from the silent film era to contemporary film works. They investigate innovations in editing, camera angles, different film genres, and acting techniques, and apply what they have learned through group and individual projects and assignments.

Acting Fundamentals 1 and 2
Students learn and practice the Stanislavski acting Method. They learn to investigate characters based on character descriptions and author intent. Students research different acting styles, from realism, theatre of the absurd, Elizabethan theatre, and musical theatre genres. They read and perform scenes from various plays and apply what they have learned about the different acting styles.

Improvisational and Comedic Acting
Students investigate different methods of comedic styles and improvisations. They develop public speaking skill, and performance skills with an emphasis on improvisation styles, pantomime, comedic timing, and speech communication.

Painting and Drawing
This course is an aesthetic exploration of two-dimensional art. Students will learn basic drawing skills such as line, shading, color, and perspective and will apply these skills to each assignment. This course will include art history lessons for the novice that will, also, be applied to specific projects. The students will participate in a wide range of drawing and painting mediums designed to build artistic and creative confidence. The projects created in this will serve as fine arts pieces.

Color Theory
Students will explore, in depth, the importance of composition, value and color using a variety of methods and media. This course will provide students with the verbal and visual knowledge necessary in evaluating and choosing color and design elements in their artwork.

Ceramics and Sculpting
This course is a technical and aesthetic exploration of 3-dimensional design through the mediums of clay, metal, glass, stone, wood, plastic, plaster, and fiber. The course will, also, include 2-dimensional basic drawing and layout skills. The students will participate in a wide range of drawing and painting mediums designed to build artistic and creative confidences. The projects created in this class will serve as fine art pieces.

Bible

Old Testament Studies
Old Testament Studies is an overview of the Old Testament of the Bible, as it provides the foundation for our human relationships with God. This course explores the rich details of the Old Testament through character studies and historical context, paying special attention to how it informs and guides our lifestyles today.

New Testament Studies
This course is a survey of the New Testament from Matthew to Revelation. It includes a general introduction to the study of the Bible and the use of common Bible study tools.

Reformed Doctrine
This course is an overview of Christianity’s major doctrines (Revelation and Scripture, God, Man, Christ, Salvation, and Last Things as understood by Reformed Theology). Emphasis will, also, be placed on contrasting Christian truth to major cult movements in America.

Chapel/Worship
This course is designed to prepare students who are interested in future church leadership, both in music and Christian public speaking. The course contains two main elements: the overall preparation of a chapel service both contemporary and traditional, and the academic study of the historical development of music and worship.

Christianity in Today’s World
The objective of this Bible class is to teach students to apply their Christian faith and Biblical knowledge in today’s world. This course will include discussion of Christian apologetics, comparing and contrasting popular world religions and world views with Christianity, and learning how to implement Christian discernment in a secular world. The course also surveys the media and assesses the many different world views which are portrayed.

Church History
Church History is a course which surveys the development of the Christian Church from its formation in the age of the Apostles, as described in the book of Acts and the letters of Paul to the church of the twenty-first century. The course will study the development of the church through history and aim to gain an awareness of the reasons why specific events occurred, how and why specific doctrines and traditions came to be emphasized, how denominations have arisen.

Drama Productions

Students are given the opportunity to audition and perform in two school productions, one dramatic work and one musical. Students learn different acting techniques per production. The High School also produces a student production each year entitled "Broadway our way". This is a student directed production entirely run and performed by our high school students.

Technical Theatre
Students are given the opportunity to take part in all of the backstage elements of our school productions. Students are a part of the technical theatre crew for stage lighting, sound, set design, costume design, and stage hands.

Set Design
Students work closely with the Set Designer for the school productions, who helps to expand on their previous knowledge of Art and Drama. The students create and design a set from start to finish. They study the scripts and implement their design for the productions.

Costume Design
Students work with the Costume Designer for the school productions. They are given the opportunity to help design and build costumes for a production. They also help to maintain costumes for the duration of the production.

English

English I – Literary Genres
Students enrolled in this introductory course continue the transition from passive learners into students actively involved in their English education. Students examine a variety of literary genres (or "types"), including short story, novel, poetry, essay, and drama – and develop skills in literary analysis. In addition to literature-based vocabulary enhancement, students review grammar principles and receive instruction in writing. The Five-Paragraph Essay technique is introduced. A formal, MLA-based research paper is a culminating activity.

English I Honors – Literary Genres Honors
Students enrolled in this course complete the same assignments as in the previous Literary Genre course, but will also challenge themselves beyond the basic requirements -- both in terms of workload and depth of response. Additional reading and writing assignments assure the student that he/she is making the most of his/her English education.

English II -- American Literature
Students enrolled in American Literature investigate significant American authors, themes, literary movements, and techniques from America’s Puritan past to the 21st Century. Students build upon the foundations begun in English I: Literary Genre, developing further competency in literary analysis and criticism. Essay writing techniques are further highlighted and expanded. Literature-based vocabulary instruction and Grammar review remain cornerstones of the course. A formal, MLA-based research paper is a culminating activity.

English II Honors --American Literature Honors
Students enrolled in this course complete the same assignments as in the previous American Literature course, but will also challenge themselves beyond the basic requirements -- both in terms of workload and depth of response. Additional reading and writing assignments assure the student that he/she is making the most of his/her English education.

English III -- British Literature
Students enrolled in British Literature investigate significant British authors from throughout the United Kingdom, as well as themes, literary movements, and techniques drawn from the misty past of “Beowulf” to the 21st Century. Students continue to build upon the foundations begun in previous English courses, developing further competency in literary analysis and criticism. Pre-college essay writing techniques, including variance from the Five-Paragraph Essay technique, are introduced and developed. Literature-based vocabulary instruction and Grammar review remain cornerstones of the course. A formal, MLA-based research paper is a culminating activity.

English IV -- World Literature
Students enrolled in World Literature investigate significant literary pieces and authors from around the globe, focusing on universal themes, cultural movements, and unique writing techniques. Personal connections to themes uncovered in classical literature, from both European and non-European regions alike, are encouraged – as well as developing a strong voice in which to express one’s opinions regarding the authors’ themes. Students continue to build upon the foundations begun in previous English courses, developing further competency in literary analysis and criticism. Students explore formal writing options, developing their own writing styles. A formal, MLA-based research paper is a culminating activity.

Advanced Placement: English Language and Composition
Students enrolled in Advanced Placement English analyze non-fiction writing in terms of content, effect, writing techniques, and the author’s personal style. Additionally, students develop and enhance their skills in the writing of formal essays. The course offers frequent AP-style testing, weekly pressure writing situations, and the opportunity to become adept at the process of reading, analyzing, organizing, and writing. This course follows Advanced Placement guidelines set forth by the College Board, and is invaluable for students desiring to push themselves academically in preparation for entrance into four-year universities.

Foreign Language

Spanish I
First year Spanish is an introductory course to the Spanish language. Emphasis is put on basic communication skills, such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. There is a very pronounced focus on pronunciation and vocabulary acquisition. The course introduces the students to the various countries and communities that make up the Spanish-speaking world and to their respective cultures.

Spanish II
Second year Spanish is a continuation of Spanish I with further development of communicative, reading, and writing skills. Emphasis is placed on strengthening written and oral communications skills with specific focus on sentence structure and the formation of basic sentences and paragraphs. Oral communication is encouraged and strengthened and vocabulary emphasis is continued while new verb tenses and grammatical structures are learned. The study of Spanish-speaking cultures continues and it is used to give context to the lessons.

Spanish III
Third year Spanish is a continued in depth study of Spanish vocabulary and grammatical structures in order to further communicative competency. Students will continue strengthening their written and oral communications skills and to expand their vocabulary while working more extensively with grammar, syntax, and verb tenses. Students complete writing assignments, read Spanish literature, and participate in discussions, literary reviews, and skits. The study of the various Spanish speaking communities continues and there is a written project and class presentation on a Spanish speaking country.

Spanish 4 – Advanced Placement Spanish
Spanish IV is an Advanced Placement course and as such follows the College Board course outline and description for such a class. It emphasizes the use of Spanish for active communication. It encompasses aural/oral skills, reading comprehension, grammar, and composition. The course seeks to help the student comprehend formal and informal spoken Spanish; acquire the necessary vocabulary and grasp of structure to allow the easy, accurate reading of newspaper and magazine articles, as well as of modern literature in Spanish; compose expository passages; and express ideas orally with accuracy and fluency. The course seeks to develop language skills that are useful in themselves and that can be applied to various activities and disciplines, rather than to the mastery of any specific-subject matter.

Spanish Language and Culture
This course is intended to provide and introductory study of Spanish and Spanish and Latj language, vocabulary, and grammatical structures. It is not intended to take the place of Spanish I at the high school level. However, I hope that taking the course will facilitate your subsequent studies of the Spanish language.

Social Studies

World Geography
Course Description: God has given us a beautiful and diverse world. It is our responsibility as Christians to study and protect it. It has become increasingly important as technology continues to connect us to all regions and nations of this world. Students study the world both in its similarities and differences. They examine the many cultures and nations that make up the world through examination of geographical features, cultures, and the integral connection between geography and history of mankind.

World History
History is the study of human interaction with the environment, and established social and political institutions. One of the most important concepts in world history is the ability to understand the patterns that have affected human interaction since the beginning of time. It is, also, important to acknowledge the continuity between historical events, the importance of understanding the context and history of each time period, and historical figures. Students learn about history based on these themes and concepts. This course covers Modern World History beginning with the Renaissance and Reformation.

United States History
This course covers United States History from its earliest days to the present. Students examine U.S. History through textbook reading, literature, primary and secondary sources, and classroom simulations. They study the themes and patterns of interaction that have dominated America’s past from these draw connections to out modern world. Through tracing our history, students understand the various influences on the creation and development of the United States as a nation and the importance of those influences today. They examine the continuity of historical events and the direct connection between events and the influences of the world surrounding them.

U. S. History Advanced Placement
This course is designed for students who are capable of learning at an accelerated rate in order to gain college credits for course work completed at CCHS by taking the advanced placement examination offered by the College Board in May. In preparation for this exam, students complete a course of study focused on the themes and patterns of interaction that have dominated America’s past from these draw connections to out modern world. Through tracing our history, students understand the various influences on the creation and development of the United States as a nation and the importance of those influences today. They examine the continuity of historical events and the direct connection between events and the influences of the world surrounding them.

Economics
Principles & Practices of Economics is a single semester course. This course is designed to provide the students with a solid foundation and understanding of how and why the economy influences each of them. Each student becomes familiar with the terms associated with the economic system and learns the basics of investing in the stock market. This course is an overview of economics, concentrating on the American economic system.

American Government
This is a study of Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of our Federal government and a study of our civil rights. Upon learning their Constitutional rights, students learn how to use information from court cases and other documents to coherently express their personal views through written and oral presentation. In addition, there will be a brief study of the State of California and specifically Orange County. Students learn how and why their vote matters to influence the local community around them.

Mathematics

Algebra I
This course is a formal development of the algebraic skills and tools necessary for students who will take a Geometry course and other advanced college preparatory courses. It includes solving equations and inequalities, simplifying and factoring polynomials, simplifying fractions, functions, and radicals.

Geometry
In Geometry, students study patterns of logical reasoning and graphical transformations, and then use these patterns and transformations to develop the theorems and relationships about sets of points and congruence. This course includes: numerical and formal proofs, angle measures, parallel lines, quadrilaterals and other polygons, right triangle trigonometry, circles, geometric solids, and Non-Euclidean geometries.

Algebra II
Graduation requirement for pre-college diploma Algebra II expands on the mathematical content of Algebra I. Content areas that are emphasized include: the solution of systems of quadratic equations, logarithmic and exponential functions, the binomial theorem, progression and series, the complex number system. Calculators are used throughout the course.

Advanced Math
Advance mathematics is a rich preparation for college courses in calculus, abstract algebra, and probability. The student should have a prior understanding of intermediate algebra and plane geometry. The course includes: an introduction into the analysis of the real number system, elementary vector operations, complex numbers, the concept of limits, and trigonometry.

AP Calculus AB
This course is designed for students to advance their understanding of mathematical functions and methods. Students use functions and their derivatives and integrals as well as data analysis to describe real life situations. This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement exam in May.

Statistics
This course is an introduction to Statistics. Students explore the concepts of data collection, probability, distributions, and other methods of analyzing data. Applications of data analysis are, also, explored so that students understand that decision making can be based on statistics.

Music Core Classes

Music Theory
This course is a review of music fundamentals (scales, keys, intervals, and triads), followed by complete understanding of diatonic and inverted chords, chord symbols, figured bass, harmonic function, cadences, embellishing tones, harmonization, and principles of four-part writing. Study also includes score analysis and brief composition projects

Music Appreciation
This course is a journey through the world of music; exploring both it’s theoretical and historical elements. The first part of the class consist the study of basic music elements including; sound, performing media, rhythm, music notation, melody, harmony, key, musical form and texture. The second part of the class explores the history of music; surveying music from the middle ages all the way through the contemporary era. Class sessions include fun interactive studies that will allow students to apply their knowledge in performance, critical thinking, and music analysis.

Physical Education & Dance

PE
This course is designed to help students increase their fitness levels, improve motor skills, learn about the benefits of healthy lifestyle centered around regular physical activity and a healthy diet. They come to understand the correlation between physical and mental exercise and improve their self-image and self-confidence through participation in skill development drills and patterned exercise programs. Team and individual sports are taught as a method of developing competitive physical skills with a concurrent stress on teamwork and good sportsmanship to mark their participation as a follower of their Creator.

Dance
This class is an introductory course in dance. It includes beginning level terminology and execution of basic skills in jazz, ballet, hip-hop, and modern dance. Students develop creative expression through choreography and performance. They also study historical contributions and the influence of culture on dance. Through the study of stage and screen productions, students develop an aesthetic valuing of dance. Discussion of career opportunities in dance is also included in this course. All students participate in performance presentation.

Science

Biology
Biology is the study of life and its creator. Biology introduces the scientific research method in studying the processes of life in cells, systems, and living organisms. Emphasis is made on man’s role and influence in the natural world as well. Laboratory exercises include various investigations of living systems as well as interactions between living organisms and nonliving things. Students learn about many forms of life within the context of man’s responsibility to understand and act as caretaker within God’s world.

Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of matter and its interactions in the physical world. This chemistry course explores the history and development of atoms, elements, and periodic table as a foundation for our knowledge of the molecular world. Emphasis is placed on knowledge of Periodic Table and chemical reactions.

Zoology
Zoology is the study of unity and diversity among animal life. Basic themes include continuity and origins of animal life, diversity of animal life, and activity within body systems. This course has a laboratory component which places strong emphasis on classification and comparative anatomy through dissection. Zoology is designed with the purpose of gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for the animal world. Another goal for this course is to deepen your wonder and awe of the animal world.

Physics
Physics is the scientific study of matter and energy and how they interact with each other. This energy can take the form of motion, light, electricity, radiation, gravity... just about anything. Physics deals with matter on scales ranging from sub-atomic particles to stars and even entire galaxies. Emphasis will be on gaining a basic understanding of physics principles, as well as problem solving with the use of mathematics. In the lab, students will demonstrate the ability to apply physics principles as well as learn basic physics laboratory techniques.

AP Biology
Biology is the in-depth study of the science of living things. Advanced Placement Biology uses the scientific research method in studying the processes of life in cells, systems, and living organisms. This course will build on previous knowledge and exposure to the living world… using knowledge of Biology, Zoology, and Chemistry as a starting off point to really understanding the mechanisms of the living creatures God created. This course is taught at a college level and uses a college text. Students receive an honors GPA point for taking this course and are strongly encouraged to take the College Board’s AP Biology test for college credit. Laboratory exercises include various investigations of living systems as well as interactions between living organisms and nonliving things.

Field Ecology I & II
Field Ecology applies the principles of ecology and biological sciences to explore the natural and physical elements of an on-location site. This course has a classroom element in which students are learn about the ecology of the Western United States, as well as ecological concepts to prepare for observation, testing, and study in the field. The course incorporates two week of field trip to various locations in the Western United States. Emphasis is on field work, observation, laboratory testing, and comparison of results from different elevations, topographical regions, and latitudes.