Middle School Literature and Composition

The philosophy of the English department is to present the full curriculum of literature, vocabulary, and composition from a Christian worldview. Grammar is offered in the middle school classes of English 6 and English 7, and also the high school SAT English class.

Spelling is not included except in the correction of class work and compositions.

Middle School English

Middle School English 7 covers all aspects of English: grammar, composition, vocabulary, and literature.

The 7th grade level focuses on a mastery of grammar. All the major parts of speech are covered through the A Beka curriculum, including diagrams.

English 8 shifts the focus to literature and the fundamentals of composition with an introduction to the research paper. As with the high school classes, the Prentice Hall series is used in literature. Students who complete this class are well prepared for the high school level.

English 9 Literature and Composition (9th grade)

This course will focus on the fundamentals of writing utilizing a portfolio of academic and creative writing, including a research paper. Utilizing the Prentice Hall World Literature text, the literature will be an overview of major epics and writings, taught from a Christian world view.

High School Literature and Composition/Honors-CLEP Level (Grades 10-12)

The upper high school English classes are offered in a three year literature rotation format in which grades 10-12 are integrated in the same English class. Each class is taught from a Christian world view which encompasses a complete overview of literature with an emphasis on Christian authors where applicable. Upon completion of high school, students will have an advanced knowledge of British and American literature. In addition, advanced students have the opportunity to take the CLEP test for college credit at the completion of the class at IWU or other college campuses for potential dual credit (high school and college). A number of students have successfully taken these CLEP tests over the years.

English Composition encompasses all aspects of expository, business, and creative writing. The composition assignments are given in conjunction with the literature being studied. Students learn not only to write, but to correct their own work and to critique other student’s compositions in order to learn the writing process. An indexed portfolio organizes the student’s creative output over the course of his/her high school career. Each year students will always write a college essay, business letters, a research paper, and an oral presentation on the research paper topic. The research paper may be in MLA or APA style and varies in length according to the student’s grade level (10-20 pages).

The Reader’s Journal is the last integral part of the High School English curriculum at CEC. Each quarter the student will read at least one book that pertains to the literature being studied that year. Then at the end of the quarter the journal is checked and students share about their selection in class. This practice contributes to the student’s classical reading, improves SAT scores, and improves their writing skills by reading excellent literature.

CLEP

In the English classes, students have the option to take the CLEP test in American Literature, British Literature, and Analyzing Literature. Students are also able to use their portfolio of compositions to place out of freshman composition classes at some universities.

Senior Advanced Literature and Composition - Dual Credit

Following the high school English classes literature rotation format, this advanced composition class will focus on college level essay writing in preparation of the AP Language and Composition examination in May for dual college credit Students will still compose a senior research paper with oral presentation and develop a Senior portfolio to present to college English departments.

SAT English

In order to prepare for the SAT/ACT examinations, students learn vocabulary each week based on root Latin and Greek words. Utilizing the grammar section of the A Beka Grammar and Composition book, students will master the parts of speech. Students will also write several SAT essays and analyze how to improve their compositions. The class will cover each part of the SAT English section and take practice tests to prepare for the examination.

Math 7/6; Math 8/7; Algebra ½; Algebra I; Algebra II; Geometry; Pre-Calculus; Calculus

Math classes at CEC provide students with excellence in core curriculum and many choices for electives. The Saxon Math Curriculum is used in all core math classes. Saxon offers a time-tested spiral curriculum that builds incrementally, concept upon concept. Small classes, frequent evaluation, partnering with parents with lessons divided into daily assignments, and continuity of instruction throughout the curriculum, allow students to advance seamlessly through their entire school career, reinforcing not only math concepts as they are introduced but also applications of abstract ideas.

Placement Testing

Since success of each student is the ultimate goal, mandatory placement tests are offered for a nominal fee for all incoming students enabling the instructors to determine the best fit for each student as they enter CEC. These tests are offered during the spring and summer. See the ACADEMICS section of this website for the current test schedule.

SAT/ACT Math Preparation

CEC offers an ACT/SAT Prep class, which uses the Cambridge Educational Services materials and offers many chances to study and to take SAT and ACT practice tests. In addition, test-taking skills are reviewed.

Consumer Math

Addressing the need for practical financial information, CEC offers Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace for the Next Generation. Based on Ramsey’s principles for financial peace and independence, the course introduces high school students to the following concepts: savings, investing, retirement, debt, insurance, consumer buying habits, and real estate. Accompanied by a video series, students will review and practice day-to-day applications of these financial truths. In addition, the class participates in the Kentucky Council on Economic Education's Stock Market Game.

Science classes are all taught from the foundation of a Christian world view. Each class is structured from the truth of the Creation account in Genesis; however, the theory of evolution is explained in order for students to understand both sides of the controversy. At the advanced level, biology is treated as a college class with the material presented to enable students to take the AP examination in May.

All Science classes are include labs except for the Origins class which is a science elective. A lab is conducted in each class either bi-monthly or bi-quarterly. There is a science lab fee for each science class.

Science 6 and 7

Science 6 and 7 provide an introduction to earth science and life science for those without a knowledge of pre-algebra.

General Science, Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics

The General Science classes through Chemistry are taught exclusively from the Jay Wile Apologia curriculum.

Advanced Biology

This class is taught from a college level text which incorporates college style labs. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the AP Biology examination in May for college credit.

Origins

The Origins class is offered every other year. It is an advanced high school science elective class that compares and contrasts Creationism, Intelligent Design, and Evolution.

This will prepare the serious science student for the apologetic arguments he/she will face at the college level. There is no lab in this class.

The Social Sciences include the following: Ancient/Modern World History, American History, Geography, U.S. Government/Current Affairs. All the social science classes are taught from a Biblical worldview; therefore the Genesis account of creation with Adam and Eve is taught as the beginning of civilization. Time is measured in B.C. and A. D. recognizing the centrality of Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross as the most important event in history.

Middle School History: Part 1 (grades 6-7)

The Middle School History class is a survey of ancient world history that covers Creation to the Industrial Revolution. Utilizing a middle school Bob Jones curriculum, the class is taught from a Christian world view. Some of the activities involved in the class include the following: text readings, workbook, videos, tests, projects.

Middle School History: Part 2 (grades 7-8)

The advanced middle school history class is a survey of modern world history that covers the Industrial Revolution through 21st Century. Utilizing a middle school Bob Jones curriculum, the class is taught from a Christian perspective. Some of the activities in the class are as follows: text readings, workbook, videos, tests, projects.

Middle School American History (grades 7-8)

In upper middle school grades there is an class that gives a brief overview of American history. A narrative approach will include discussions of major historical themes/events, geography, current events, and collaborative projects.

World Geography (grades 8-10)

The World Geography class is a survey of world geography that covers all aspects of physical, political, and social geography. This class includes the following subtopics: topography, cartography, natural resources, culture, and current events. The text is from the A Beka curriculum. The class activities for geography are the following: text readings and questions, maps, videos, tests, current events, and a group project.

World Geography (grades 8-10) is both a middle school and high school class.

History / Honor-CLEP Level (Grades 9-12)

The high school history classes are offered in a four year rotation format in which grades 9-12 are integrated in the same history class. Each class is taught from a Christian world view which encompasses a complete overview of history with an emphasis on God’s work through Christian leaders and movements. Upon completion of high school, students will have an advanced knowledge of World History and American History. In addition, advanced students have the opportunity to take the CLEP test for college credit at the completion of the class at IWU or other college campus for potential dual credit (high school and college). A number of students have successfully taken these CLEP tests over the years.

Each year the high school history curriculum includes textual reading and questions, class notes and discussion, a weekly current events assignment, timelines, map work, unit group reports, and a unit test that encompasses objective questions as well as essays.

United States Government/Current Affair/Honors- CLEP Level (Grades 11-12)

The U.S. Government/Current Affairs class is taught alternate years during the national Presidential/ Congressional election cycle. Utilizing the classic Macgruder’s American Government text, half of the class is a lecture/discussion that enables an advanced student to take the U.S. Government CLEP for college credit. The other segment of the class will follow the election cycle in which students will write short papers on the major issues. There will be informal debates and analysis of the election results. In addition, students will read current WORLD Magazine articles assigned in class to be informed of the relevant political and cultural issues throughout the year. The U. S. Government class will include the following activities: mock elections, informal debates, role play of the U. S. Cabinet, Congress, and a mock trial.

At the conclusion of the class, students will have the option to take the CLEP American Government examination or the AP Government examination for dual college credit.