Below is a list of high school courses offered by PCS. Students attend class on Tuesday and Thursday with some classes also offered on Fridays. The remainder of the week, students and are home schooled. Please note that some courses are offered on a rotating schedule and may not be available each semester. The tuition for the PCS home education program is $3712.00/year/student and is not refundable. The program dates run from August to May each year.
English
ENGLISH 1 HONORS
Integrated educational experiences in the language arts strands of reading, writing, listening, viewing, speaking, language, and literature. Reading, writing, speaking, listening and viewing competencies are integrated throughout students' learning experiences. Benchmarks for the Florida Sunshine State Standards are repeated as needed in course sequences. Increases occur in the complexity of materials and tasks and in the students' independence in the application of skills and strategies. Learning tasks and materials accommodate the individual needs of students, “with rigorous expectations appropriate for Honors level students. Students will use reading strategies to construct meaning from informative, technical, and literacy texts; acquire an extensive vocabulary; use process writing strategies in many genres of writing; use speaking, listening, and view strategies in formal presentations; and understand and respond to a variety of literary forms.
ENGLISH 2 HONORS
This course is provides integrated educational experiences in the language arts strands of reading, writing, listening, viewing, speaking, language, and literature. Reading, writing, speaking, listening and viewing competencies are integrated throughout students' learning experiences. Benchmarks for the Florida Sunshine State Standards are repeated as needed in course sequences. As students progress from one course to the next, increases should occur in the complexity of materials and tasks and in the students' independence in the application of skills and strategies. Learning tasks and materials accommodate the individual needs of students, "with rigorous expectations appropriate for Honors level students" in all Honors 1-4 courses. Students who successfully complete this course will use independent reading strategies in all forms of reading material; acquire an extensive vocabulary; use process writing strategies for all forms of writing; use speaking, listening, and viewing strategies in formal discussions; understand and respond independently to a variety of literary forms; and understand and use language successfully to impact readers, writers, listeners, speakers, and viewers.
ENGLISH 3 HONORS
This course is to provide integrated educational experiences in the language arts strands of reading, writing, listening, viewing, speaking, language, and American literature. Reading, writing, speaking, listening and viewing competencies are integrated throughout students' learning experiences. Benchmarks for the Florida Sunshine State Standards are repeated as needed in course sequences. As students progress from one course to the next, increases should occur in the complexity of materials and tasks and in the students' independence in the application of skills and strategies. Learning tasks and materials accommodate the individual needs of students.
ENGLISH 4 HONORS
This course is to provide integrated educational experiences in the language arts strands of reading, writing, listening, viewing, speaking, language, and literature. Reading, writing, speaking, listening and viewing competencies are integrated throughout students’ learning experiences. Benchmarks for the Florida Sunshine State Standards are repeated as needed in course sequences. As students progress from one course to the next, increases should occur in the complexity of materials and tasks and in the students’ independence in the application of skills and strategies. Learning tasks and materials accommodate the individual needs of students “with rigorous expectations appropriate for Honors level students” in all Honors 1-4 courses. Students who successfully complete this course will use the reading process to construct meaning using technical, informative, and imaginative texts; use writing processes for various purposes with attention to style and format; use the research process and individual inquiry to locate, analyze, and evaluate information; use effective listening, speaking, and viewing strategies in informal and formal situations; understand the power of language as it impacts readers, writers, listeners, viewers, and speakers; understand and analyze literary texts; and respond critically and aesthetically to literature.
History - Social Studies
UNITED STATES HISTORY HONORS
An in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the chronological development of the American people, with a major focus on the post-Reconstruction period, by examining the political, economic, social, religious, military, scientific, and cultural events that have affected the nation. Appropriate concepts and skills will be developed in connection with the following content: review of U.S. History prior to 1880; geographic-history development in time-space; an analysis of the significant turning points and trends in the development of American culture and institutions; the impact of expansion on the United States; the origin and development of American documents, ideals, and characteristics; an understanding of the relationship between idealism and reality in the development of the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights; the use of interpretation in the changing role of the Constitution over the centuries; political, social, and economic conflicts and resolutions; an analysis of sectionalism as a force in American life over the centuries; comparison of the technological and urban transformations of our nation in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries; interpretations of the changes in lifestyles through the centuries; an analysis of the changes in foreign policy from regional to global; an evaluation of the cycles characteristic of American economic development through the centuries; and an analysis of contemporary domestic and foreign issues with projected scenarios through the 21st century.
ECONOMICS WITH FINANCIAL LITERACY HONORS
This course provides students the opportunity to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the way in which society organizes to utilize its limited resources to satisfy unlimited wants and the distinguishing characteristics of other types of economic systems with particular attention to the American mixed market system. The major emphasis for this course pertains to the study of the concepts and processes of the national and international economic systems. Appropriate concepts and skills will be developed in connection with the following content: use of economic reasoning and principles in reaching decisions in the market place. Necessary to that understanding are the role and impact of economic wants; productive resources; scarcity and choices; opportunity costs and trade-offs; economic incentives; specialization comparative advantage; division of labor; interdependence; how a market functions; the role of pricing and price determination; types of market failures; saving and investment; the role and function of currency, banking, and monetary policy; labor, supply and demand; the fundamental concepts relevant to the major economic systems; the global market and economy, major economic theories and economists; the role and influence of the government and fiscal policies; economic measurements, tools, and methodology; financial and investment markets; and the business cycle.
WORLD CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY
NOTE: The Florida Public School Course Code System now classifies this course as an Elective not a Social Studies.
This course assists the student in acquiring an understanding of the interrelationships between people and their environment. Appropriate concepts and skills will be developed in connection with an investigation into the relationship between physical geography, natural resources, and the economic, political, social, cultural, religious, and historical aspects of human activity.
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT HONORS
This course provides the opportunity to acquire a comprehensive understanding of American government and political behavior that is essential for effective citizenship and active involvement in a democratic American society. The content includes, but is not be limited to, the following: Interrelationship between American government and the American economic system; an evaluation of those documents which shape our political traditions, including but not limited to, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Federalist Papers; an analysis of the roles of the three branches of government at the local, state, and national levels; a comparative view of the changing nature of the roles of the three branches of government at the local, state, and national levels, Florida government; including the State Constitution, municipal and county government; a comparative view of the changing nature of political parties and interest groups in determining government policy; how rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democratic state have evolved and been interpreted; contemporary political issues; career opportunities available in government services; the importance of civic participation in the democratic political process; and the role of women and diverse cultural groups in the development of our political system.
WORLD HISTORY HONORS
This course provides the opportunity to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the past in terms of what has been interpreted about change or process as it is related to the development of humanity. This is done by analyzing the political, economic, social, religious, military, dynastic, scientific, and cultural events that have shaped and molded humanity. Implicit in this is an understanding of the historical method, the inquiry process, historical reasoning and interpretation, and the issues of external and internal validity. Appropriate concepts and skills will be developed in connection with the following content: geographic-historic development in time-space; comparative views of history; the origin and development of contrasting civilizations; an analysis of cultural universals, the role of religion and the impact of religious thoughts, the varieties of contrasting political theories and philosophies; the role of science and technology as a social catalyst; nationalism as a cohesive force in history; the diversity of economic thought and practices in the world; an analysis of the influence of the major figures and events; and interpretations concerning the historical development of our present world order.
Science
BIOLOGY 1 HONORS
This course provides exploratory experiences and laboratory and real-life applications in the biological sciences. Laboratory investigations, which include the use of scientific research, measurement, laboratory technologies, and safety procedures, are an integral part of this course. This course will include additional requirements to provide for a more in-depth or enriched study of the course requirements than Biology 1. The content includes, but is not be limited to, the following: The nature of science, matter, energy, and chemical processes of life, cells, biology, reproduction, and communication, genetics, principles, molecular basis, diversity, and biotechnologies, levels of organization, classification, and taxonomy, structure, function, and reproduction of plants, animals, and microorganisms, behavior of organisms, interdependence of organisms, humans, and the environment, biological selection, adaptations, and changes through time, agricultural, food, and medical technologies and careers.
EARTH SPACE SCIENCE HONORS
This course develops and applies concepts basic to the Earth, its materials, processes, history, and environment in space. The content includes, but is not be limited to, the following: The nature of science, the universe and the solar system, the developmental cycle of stars, the earth-moon system, space exploration, formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks and identification and classification of rocks and minerals, geological divisions of the earth, formation of land forms and basic mountain types, fundamentals of plate tectonics, formation of rivers and water systems, glaciers, hydrologic cycle, physical oceanography, meteorology, including development of hazardous weather, weather mapping, weather systems, frontal development, and satellite imagery, types of soils and erosion, renewable and nonrenewable energy resources. This course will include additional requirements to provide for a more in-depth or enriched study of the course requirements than Earth/Space Science.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE HONORS
An entry-level science course covering basic concepts found in chemistry and physics. An experimental-investigative course dealing with matter, energy, motion and force, including the study of mechanics, heat, sound, light, electricity, magnetism and atomic structure. The experiments and investigative activity are designed to induce and stimulate participation and involvement and teach laboratory techniques. Throughout the course, students will have opportunities to observe simulations, investigate ideas, and solve problems. The content includes, but is not be limited to, the following: Segment 1 Speed, Velocity and Acceleration, The Laws of Motion, Forces in Action, Energy, Work and Power, Energy Transfer, Introduction to waves, Mechanical waves, Electromagnetic waves, Reflection and Refraction, Electrical Charges, Electrical Current, Electrical Circuits, Magnetism, Relationship between Electricity and magnetism, Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources. Segment 2 Classifying Matter, States of Matter, Properties of Matter, Atomic Theory, Atomic Mass, Periodic Table of Elements, Chemical Bonding, Chemical Formulas, Hydrogen hydroxide, Solubility and Concentration, Acids and Bases, Chemical reactions, Classifying Chemical Reactions, Reaction Rates and Energy, Radioactivity, Nuclear Reactions, Better Living through Chemistry. This course will include additional requirements to provide for a more in-depth or enriched study of the course requirements than Physical Science.
CHEMISTRY HONORS
Chemistry is intended to expose students to the designs and patterns in the world that God has created. In preceding years, students should have developed an understanding for the macroscopic properties of substances and been introduced to the microstructure of substances. This chemistry course will expand upon that knowledge, further develop the microstructure of substances, and teach the symbolic and mathematical world of formulas, equations, and symbols. The major concepts covered are measurement, atomic structure, chemical formulas and bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gases, chemical equilibrium, and organic chemistry. Students at this level should show development in their ability and understanding of scientific inquiry. The units contain experiments and projects that seek to develop a deeper conceptual meaning for the student and actively engage the student. The continued exposure of science concepts and scientific inquiry will serve to improve the student’s skill and understanding. Chemistry should be preceded by an Algebra I course and preceded or accompanied by an Algebra II course Upon completion of the course, students should be able to do the following: • Calculate and convert units using scientific notation and significant figures. • Explain the differences between elements, compounds, and mixtures. • Use Avogadro’s number and the gas laws to calculate different variables in chemistry examples. • Explain and use the periodic table. • Recognize symbols for common elements. • Differentiate between the different types of bonds. • Predict how different elements will reacts. • Describe acid-base reactions and redox reactions. • Demonstrate an understanding of organic chemistry and carbon compounds. This course will include additional requirements to provide for a more in-depth or enriched study of the course requirements than Chemistry 1.
Math
ALGEBRA 1
This course is a full year, high school credit course that is intended for the student who has successfully mastered the core algebraic concepts covered in the prerequisite course, Pre-Algebra. Within the Algebra I course, the student will explore basic algebraic fundamentals such as evaluating, creating, solving and graphing linear, quadratic, and polynomial functions.
Upon successfully completing the course, the student should have mastered the following concepts: Solve single variable, absolute value, and linear systems of equations. Solve and graph single variable, absolute value, and linear inequalities. Evaluate, solve, and graph linear and quadratic functions as well as conceptualize the relationship between the independent and dependent variable of a function. Understand and know how to apply the distance, midpoint, and slope formulas as well as the Pythagorean theorem. Form an equation of a line using the slope-intercept, point-slope and standard forms of a line. Organize data in the form of a table or matrix; perform complex matrix operations such as multiplication, evaluating the determinant, and solving a system of linear equations using Cramer's Rule. Apply basic fundamental rules of exponents. Be able to construct a formula or equation necessary to solve algebraic word problems involving area, perimeter, and linear systems of equations, basic probability and statistical reasoning, distance, and compounding interest. Evaluate rational expressions and solve equations with rational expressions. Simplify and perform operations with radical expressions and polynomials.
ALGEBRA 1 HONORS
This course provides a rigorous and in-depth study of Algebra, emphasizing deductive reasoning skills, as a foundation for more advanced mathematics courses and to develop the skills needed to solve mathematical problems. Topics covered in Algebra 1 Honors shall include, but not be limited to: quantitative reasoning, laws of integral and rational exponents, contextualizing situations to create equations and inequalities, solving and the justification of solution of linear, simple exponential, quadratic, and simple radical equations & inequalities, working with arithmetic and geometric sequences, solving and the justification of solution of linear and quadratic systems of equations and inequalities, graphing linear, exponential, and quadratic two variable equations, understanding the concept of a function and then use that understanding to construct new functions (functions limited to: linear, quadratic, exponential, and radical functions), analyzing functions and their inherent properties, finding the inverse of linear and quadratic functions, creating linear and exponential models of real world data and then use the models to make predictions, simplifying and factoring polynomial expressions, proving polynomial identities, simplifying radical expressions, summarizing, representing, and interpreting data on single count or measurement data, and two categorical variables, using the mean and standard distribution to estimate population percentages.
GEOMETRY
A full year, high school math course for the student who has successfully completed the prerequisite course, Algebra 1. The course focuses on the skills and methods of linear, coordinate, and plane geometry. In it, students will gain solid experience with geometric calculations and coordinate plane graphing, methods of formal proof, and techniques of construction. By the end of the course, students will be expected to do the following: Understand defined terms, axioms, postulates, and theories. Apply rules of formal logic and construct proofs in two-column format. Know how to solve for angles given parallels, perpendiculars, and transversals. Demonstrate how to solve for sides and angles of triangles, quadrilaterals, and polygons. Understand trigonometric ratios and know how to use them to solve for unknown sides and angles in given triangles as well as application word problems. Be able to determine arcs, chords, and sectors of circles. Calculate perimeter, area, and volume of figures and solids. Graph lines and determine slopes, midpoints, and distances. Make geometric constructions on paper. Represent results of motion geometry (translation, rotation, reflection, dilation).
GEOMETRY HONORS
This course gives a rigorous in-depth study of geometry with emphasis on methods of proof and formal language of Topics shall include, but not be limited to: constructing and determining the validity of logical statements, construction of various abstract geometric objects, transforming geometric objects on the Euclidian and Descartes plane, proving theorems involving the intersection of parallel lines and segments, proving theorems involving triangles, quadrilaterals, & circles and their inherent properties and then use these properties to solve problems involving these figures, solving problems involving the use of the Pythagorean Theorem, and the Sine, Cosine, and Tangent ratios, proving the validity of the Law of Sines and then use it and the Law of Cosines to find unknown measures in triangles, proving theorems involving quadrilaterals and their inherent properties and then use these properties to solve problems involving quadrilaterals, deriving and applying formulas for finding perimeter, area, volume, & surface area, deriving the equations of the parabola, hyperbola, and ellipse.
ALGEBRA 2
Algebra 2 is a full-year, high school math course intended for the student who has successfully completed the prerequisite course Algebra 1. This course focuses on algebraic techniques and methods in order to develop student understanding of advanced number theory, concepts involving linear, quadratic and polynomial functions, and pre-calculus theories. This course also integrates geometric concepts and skills throughout the units, as well as introducing students to basic trigonometric identities and problem solving. By the end of the course, students will be expected to do the following: Understand set notation and the structure of mathematical systems. Know how to use functional notation and operations on functions. Simplify and solve algebraic fractions.
Perform operations on polynomials, including factoring, long division, and synthetic division. Solve algebraic word problems involving mixtures, money, integers, and work. Evaluate and solve radical expressions and equations. Solve systems of equations with graphing, substitution, and matrices. Graph and solve quadratic equations, including conic sections. Graph and solve exponential and logarithmic equations. Calculate permutations, combinations, and complex probabilities.
ALGEBRA 2 HONORS
This course continues in the study of the structure of algebra and geometry with emphasis on theory, proof and development of formulas in order to provide the foundation for applying these skills to Pre- Calculus, Statistics, and other mathematical and scientific fields. Topics shall include, but not be limited to: studying the following common functions: square root, exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, rational, cube root, piecewise defined, and trigonometric; being able to describe the key features and then sketch the graph of a function; intercepts; intervals where the function is increasing, decreasing, positive, or negative; relative maximums and minimums; symmetries; and end behavior; understanding the structure and properties of the complex number system; using arithmetic and geometric sequences & series to solve problems; understanding the concept of an inverse relation/function; performing various function transformations fluently; calculating and interpreting the rate of change of a function; understanding the structure of polynomial expressions in order to be able to fluently perform factorizations on polynomials; proving basic theorems about polynomials; being able to fluently solve polynomial equations over the complex number system; being able to contextualize a real world situation into a common function the best fits the data; fundamentally understanding the unit circle; using radian measure to solve problems; understanding the basic concepts of independent and conditional probability; understanding and evaluating random processes for a given set of statistical data (Non- inferential statistics); applying the general probabilistic multiplication rule; using permutations and combinations to solve problems.
MATH FOR COLLEGE READINESS
This course incorporates the Expressions and Equations, the Number System, Functions, Algebra, Geometry, Number and Quantity, Statistics and Probability, and the Common Core Standards for High School Modeling. The standards align with the Mathematics Postsecondary Readiness Competencies deemed necessary for entry-level college courses.
MATH FOR DATA AND FINANCIAL LITERACY
A full-year, high school credit course. In Mathematics for Data and Financial Literacy, instructional time will emphasize five areas: (1) extending knowledge of ratios, proportions and functions to data and financial contexts; (2) developing understanding of basic economic and accounting principles; (3) determining advantages and disadvantages of credit accounts and short- and long-term loans; (4) developing understanding of planning for the future through investments, insurance and retirement plans and (5) extending knowledge of data analysis to create and evaluate reports and to make predictions.
Health/Personal Fitness
LIFE MANAGEMENT SKILLS
In this one semester course, you will learn about managing your own wellness through personal choices, relationships, decision making, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercise.
PERSONAL FITNESS
Aimed at lifelong fitness, this course guides students in strategies and techniques to make continual improvements in all areas of wellness. Students, with the guidance of a training instructor, set personal goals in four areas of wellness: physical, emotional, social, and academic. Students will also train for and participate in a group event, such as a 5K run.
Bible
BIBLE 1
This is a one semester course that reveals the Bible as the true story of what God is doing to glorify Himself by redeeming His fallen creation. Students will explore Acts, the Epistles, and Revelation. The book of Acts covers Christ’s role in the redemptive storyline of the development of His church. The Epistles show students the truths that ground believers and allow them to live out the Great Commission until Christ returns—these truths are the doctrinal propositions and applicational imperatives of Christianity. Finally, the students will see the climactic fulfillment of His triumph over all things in Revelation. Designed to depart from the traditional lecture method of Bible classes, this course uses multiple teaching strategies and learning styles, all focused on clear daily objectives.
BIBLE 2
This is a one semester course that helps students take the next step in formulating a biblical worldview. Bible Doctrines explores doctrines in all the major doctrinal categories to help students apply principles of Bible study so they can learn how to formulate doctrinal positions according to biblical teaching and apply those positions to their own lives. Students' beliefs affect not only how they live in the world but also how they interact with their culture. With a strong foundation for a biblical worldview, students can go into the world confident in what they believe and why, so they can face unflinching all the snares of the Devil.
BIBLE 3
This is a one semester that opens with a God-centered account of the Creation, Fall, and Redemption of our world. It then applies this understanding to issues faced by contemporary teens. Moral decision-making, dating, choosing a college, developing relationships, studying the Bible, gender roles, politics, technology, depression, evangelism—the educational materials is relative to where teens are right now.
BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP
This is a full year course and is an examination of science, the arts, government, gender, and history using the lenses provided by the biblical storyline of Creation, Fall, Redemption to encourage students to make positive and distinctively Christian contributions in God’s world. A faith-centered approach focuses on developing a Christian worldview rather than critiquing false worldviews.
Foreign Language
SPANISH 1
The Spanish 1 curriculum includes Spanish and grammar vocabulary, facts and cultures of Spanish-speaking regions, memory verses, helpful charts and tables, writing assignments, and more! Students will perform frequent practice and review exercises to develop proficiency, practice critical thinking, establish good study habits, and retain important cultural information. This curriculum gives students the resources and confidence they need to share the Gospel to Spanish speakers around the world. The focus of this course is for students to learn and practice literacy, oral fluency, and proficiency in the Spanish language.
SPANISH 2
Spanish 2 continues engaging students in a functional approach to learning the Spanish language. Through exercises, reviews, oral application, writing labs, and more, students will learn new tenses and vocabulary, and they will develop the practical tools needed to increase their fluency in the Spanish language. This curriculum includes 12 units containing Bible memorization, advancing grammar concepts, vocabulary lists with illustrations, practice exercises, and dialogues.
Electives
SPEECH
Speech includes discussions of the communication process, audience analysis, and public speaking guidelines. A full-year course which involves topic choice, research, organization, and effective communication. Speaking projects include introductions, interviews, demonstration speeches, declamations, informative speeches, devotional speeches, and persuasive speeches.
CREATIVE WRITING
Students will write poems, short stories, news stories, comic strips, children's books, an autobiography and other types of writing that express creativity. In addition, students will practice writing college and scholarship essays. Students will also study writing samples from professional writers as well as student writers to guide student progress.
FINANCIAL PEACE
This course introduces students to basic financial habits such as setting financial goals, budgeting, understanding how taxes work, learning how credit works, making those big purchases like a car or home, and basic money management.
KEYBOARDING
This is a one semester course and focuses on the basics of keyboarding and Google apps to provide the foundation for excellent technique from which speed and accuracy flow.
CRITICAL THINKING
This course is designed to help students define and identify critical thinking and reasoning skills and develop those skills. Students will also learn to ask the right questions, critique an argument, and logically dissect an issues. They will also draft resumes, cover letters and other similar documents.
DRAMA
This course focuses on the exploration of theatre literature, performance, historical and cultural connections, and technical requirements. Improvisation, creative dramatics, and beginning scene work are used to introduce students to acting and character development.
ART
This course is a one semester elective where students will be introduced to skills and media that are utilized in the other art electives including: drawing, painting, ceramics, the elements and principles of design, color theory, the critical process, and keeping a sketchbook journal.
