Our Virtus upper grades program, Classical WorldView, is comprised of high-school level classes. These classes are best suited for 9th through 12th graders, though classically trained 8th graders with prior Latin experience may apply. The following courses will be offered in the 2024/2025 academic year.
Latin I & Latin II
The frequent deductive reasoning required to learn and understand this highly inflected language serves to foster clear, logical thinking. In both Latin I and Latin II, students will practice forms, basic syntax, and vocabulary while working through simple readings and translations to help gain mastery of the language and graduate to reading unadapted texts.
Classical Composition (for 8th-10th graders)
The process of thinking through decisions, anticipating consequences, and arriving at an informed conclusion is vital in all communication, both oral and written. In Classical Composition, Students will practice the tools of thinking and writing well, through the reading of modern-classic literature and short stories and the writing of persuasive essays.
Classical Composition (for 10th-12th graders)
In this upper grades, multum non multa (much not many) literature and composition course, students will deep dive into four literary categories:: classic fiction, Christian fiction, Shakespeare, and poetry. They will discuss and analyze literature in a small group setting, learning to express their thoughts and opinions academically . These discussions may often include the impact of the author’s worldview on his/her writing and how that worldview compares to the Biblical worldview. Writing instruction, including grammar, format, style, and content, will form the basis for essay composition in which students will express their thoughts on paper. Students will earn 10 units of High School Language Arts credit at the end of the year.
Creation Science in the Physical World B
The purpose of this two-year long course is to give students a unique opportunity to spend time interpreting scientific knowledge and studying the physical and natural sciences of the created world from a Christian perspective, using purely classical methods.. This interdisciplinary approach combines history, science, writing, math, research skills, Biblical study, and often Latin, together with oral and visual presentations, allowing students to integrate skills as well as subjects. The depth and breadth of study is driven by each individual’s spirit of inquiry and willingness to seek answers to their questions. Students will earn 5 units of High School Physical Science credit after completion of Part A and an additional 5 units of High School Physical Science credit if they continue on to Part B in Year 2.
Civics/American Government (10th+)
This year-long course is one of four in a series of comprehensive history programs aimed at teaching history from a Biblical perspective. Dave Raymond’s American History course applies a Christian worldview to the characters, events, theology, literature, art, and religious beliefs of the nation. In this class, students will watch video lessons (at home), participate in discussions, answer weekly questions, read primary source texts and supplemental literature, and prepare and present both written and hands-on projects.
French I
This traditional French high school level course will give students a foundation in high frequency vocabulary, grammar concepts, basic reading and writing skills, and entry level immersion verbal fluency. Students will earn 10 units for Foreign Language credit at the conclusion of this class.
Biology 101
This notebooking approach to studying Biology through the days of Creation and a distinctly Biblical world view will provide a thorough grounding in Biology. Topics covered are: classification systems, plant life, aquatic creatures and the avian kingdom, land animals and man; followed by a final section on genetics that tackles tough issues such as genetic engineering, stem cell research, and cloning. Students can expect to view visually–rich, and biblically–sound teaching videos, read from and study the program Guidebook, as well as pre-selected resource and reference books on various Biology topics. Students will also study relevant Scriptures, take field trips, participate in oral examinations, and complete journaling assignments. At least 20 hours of lab work from classifications to dissections, including lab notes and drawings, is included in the course. Students completing this course will earn 10 units in High School Science with a Lab credit.