Course Catalog

Departments

Biblical Wisdom I & II: Old Testament & New Testament Survey

(click here for video introduction)
This curricula guides teacher and student through a study of the Old Testament and then through the New Testament. Major themes and events are examined and a summary of each book is presented. Class discussions center on certain themes found in the Scriptures which speak to society today; marriage and family life, dating and relationships, conflict resolution, stewardship, the choosing of a vocation, gifts and talents, responsibility, moral choices, a devotional life, and much more.

Theology

Juniors study theology, a systematic exploration and study of our Christian faith. Theology teaches us about God, about ourselves, and about the relationship that exists between God and mankind. Students delve into the Christian faith, and learn to think both logically and biblically about their own faith and its impact on their walk with God.

Apologetics

The more one studies the Bible and observes mankind, the more the truth of God, found only in sacred Scripture, becomes apparent. Christianity is more than logical; it is brilliant. You see the wisdom of God in the unity and power of the Bible, in the accuracy of its pronouncements, in the reality of its claims, and in the depths of its insight as it plumbs the heart of mankind. Furthermore, as one studies history, evidence of the work and power of God in the affairs of our world abound. Only Christianity makes sense of this life. Truth and abundant life is found only in Jesus Christ. You have staked your soul’s eternal destiny on this fact. Are you ready to share this treasure with a lost world? The senior course in Apologetics helps equip you to do just that.

Biblical Lifestyles

(click here for video introduction)
This class provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills based on the Word of God, to function as responsible consumers and citizens in society.

Computer Applications

In general, today’s high school student is more comfortable with a computer than ever before, yet how they use the computer is of great importance not only for academics, but also for social interaction – and eventually their career and professional life. Our Computer Applications class seeks to change the focus of computing from a “toy to a tool”- focusing on the variety of skills students will need in order to become proficient at school and work, and with family and at home. Our tools will include both the Windows and Macintosh operating systems, Microsoft Office, Apple’s iWork and iLife suites and Google Docs and Gmail.

Driver’s Education

Driver’s Education is offered to eligible 10th graders. This course consists of classwork and behind-the-wheel training with emphasis placed on accident prevention. Discipline, driving skills, and related attitudes are discussed to promote safe and conscientious drivers in preparation for a Delaware driver’s license.

Summer Reading Institute

This course is designed to identify gaps in a student’s reading ability, formulate a corrective plan, and deliver specific instruction to remediate those gaps. Through a collaborative effort with the Wilmington University Reading Center, DCHS students will have the opportunity to receive one-on-one tutoring in literacy. Certified teachers preparing to become reading specialists provide individualized assessment and instruction geared to prepare students for success in their first year at DCHS. Eligibility for the program will be determined after results from a placement test administered during New Student Orientation. Diagnostic testing will be administered during the weeks of June 15th or June 23rd. Individualized instruction will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday during the weeks of July 13th, 20th, and 27th from 6:00-7:30 p.m.

9th Grade English

(click here for video introduction)
Through studying the literature and mythology of the ancient world, students learn foundational elements of literature, build vocabulary and reading comprehension skills, make connections between written works and the historical contexts in which they were written, and learn to evaluate what they read in the light of Scripture. Learning to critically evaluate what they read enables students to recognize lessons that can be learned from literature which can be applied to their own lives as they seek to do God’s will. Emphasis is placed on developing a solid foundation of writing and oral communication skills, which enable students to express what they are learning and edify the body of Christ.

10th Grade English

As they study the drama and legends of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, students gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of well-written literature. They continue to strengthen their vocabulary and reading comprehension skills and grow in their ability to critique what they read based on biblical truth. Increasing emphasis is placed not only on recognizing un-biblical thinking represented in literature but also on proposing biblical alternatives and defending those propositions orally and in writing.

11th Grade English

Students read a broad range of modern American and European literature and analyze the issues raised by that literature according to biblical principles. They explore the depth of western literature as well as its breadth by researching the contexts of several key works and the potential ramifications of practical problems raised in those works. Organizational and speaking skills are developed as students debate key questions raised in the works they read.

12th Grade English

(click here for video introduction)
Senior English is designed to be the culmination of the students’ literary education at Delmarva Christian High School. In this course, they use literature to examine the concept of utopia and their role in society. The culminating writing assignment, working toward the Senior Testimony Projects, is a spiritual autobiography in which the students reflect on how God has worked in their lives in the past and how they see themselves serving His kingdom in the future.

Senior Testimony Project

The Senior Testimony Project (STP) is the culminating experience of the student’s time at DCHS. It provides an opportunity for students to publicly exhibit their mastery of the academic, technical, and spiritual curriculum. It also allows students to reflect on the spiritual truths that have been made evident through the guidance and instruction of their parents, the school staff, and the community of believers. It provides a forum for students to articulate, both in oral and written form, the Christian worldview that has been nurtured and developed within. Finally, it allows students to declare their plans and intentions to pursue God’s calling for their lives.

The Senior Testimony Project consists of a 25-page APA formatted research/reflection paper, a tangible product/process, and an oral presentation/profession. The project creates artifacts, both written and spoken, that will trace where students have been both academically and spiritually, where they are now, and where they intend to be in the future. It documents the level of excellence achieved in the academic, technical, and biblical curricula and shows the integration of all these areas into a truly Christ-centered worldview.

Spanish

This course guides the student through the study of the Spanish language from basic present tense of both regular and irregular verbs up to the past tense of regular “AR” verbs. Students learn the basic fundamentals of Spanish grammar and gain a varied vocabulary bank to begin to communicate with one another in Spanish. Students are introduced to the differences and similarities of the Hispanic culture. a knowledge of why foreign language is vital in today’s world is obtained and a biblical integration of subject matter is explored. Students utilize what is learned in the Spanish class by serving the Hispanic local community. Spanish II, III, and IV builds off from previous year’s coursework with more intensified grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills being taught.

Health

The purpose of this class is to present the Bible as the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. This class explains the integration of the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of life.

Physical Education

The purpose of this class is to present the Bible as the foundation to care of our body, so we can serve God and others to the best of our ability through exercise and activities.

Summer Math Institute

This course is designed to identify gaps in a students math skills, formulate a corrective plan, and deliver instruction to remediate those gaps. Instruction will focus on basic arithmetic operation with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and integers. Eligibility for the program will be determined after results from a placement test administered during New Student Orientation. Diagnostic testing and instruction will take place Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during the weeks of August 3rd and 10th from 8:00-11:00 a.m.

Algebra I

Algebra I highlights real-world applications and integrates statistics, probability and geometry. The intricate order of the world, the precision of the angle of the earth’s tilt, and the fact that so much in our world is predictable are all a reflection of the character of God. Students are challenged to discover that the principles of Algebra are both a result of God’s creation and a reflection of His character.

Algebra II

Algebra II gives a thorough review of Algebra I. While broadening the student’s understanding of basic algebraic concepts, Algebra II helps them acquire important manipulative skills. Students explore God’s absolute mathematical laws and develop ways to use them for man’s benefit and God’s glory.

Geometry

Geometry helps students develop thinking and reasoning skills through the solving of practical problems using geometric abstract models and structures. The orderliness and design of God’s universe are explored by mastering concepts surrounding geometric shapes, angles, and proofs.

Precalculus

Precalculus begins with a review of Algebra I and II, focusing on solving equations graphically, numerically, and algebraically. The course then continues with an exploration of polynomial, power, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, followed by a discussion of matrices, systems of equations, and parametric equations.

Calculus

Calculus begins with a review of various algebraic topics, including linear, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions and their graphs. The course then continues through a discussion of limits and continuity, derivatives, integrals, and differential equations.

Strategic Financial Planning

The student will examine the general nature of financial management, the American financial system, taxes, insurance, and other major financial concepts. Specific attention is given to TVM (Time Value of Money); present value and capital budgeting, risk and asset evaluation; financial analysis and forecasting; financial decisions and market efficiency; and capital structure. Throughout the course, the student will search the scriptures and discover God’s view of money as a resource He expects them to understand and use properly according to his Will and Plan for their life to further His kingdom.

Anatomy & Physiology

This course is a study of the shape, structure, and function of the human body and its parts. It is a study that examines the basic anatomy and directional terminology, structure and function of body systems ans special senses, fundamental concepts and principles of body organization, histology, and hematology. This course provides students with an appreciation for the design, balance, and capability of God’s design of the human body.

Biology

This course offers a survey of the biological sciences. Particular attention is given to skills in observation and recording of data through the required laboratory journal and written assignments. Students develop their knowledge of God’s design of life, their role as stewards of that life, and the necessity of an intelligent Creator. Exposure to molecular biology enables further study of biotechnological issues. Students develop their testimony for Christ by summarizing their study through a final exercise requiring them to argue their position on the evolutionary theory and creationism.

Physical Science

The Physical Science course provides the foundation necessary to successfully understand God’s creation. This course covers the basic science concepts particularly significant to chemical and biological studies with concentration on the nature of matter and energy and their interaction. Students receive ample practice of the skills necessary for appropriate use of the scientific method. Upon completion of this course, students have an appreciation for the intricate nature of God’s creation and the necessity of the Divine Creator.

Chemistry

This introduction chemistry course is designed to ensure the student develops a fundamental, working knowledge of the chemical nature of God’s creation. Students continue to practice strong thinking skills, processing and communication skills as well as continuing to investigate quantitative and qualitative concepts. While practicing safe and accurate laboratory skills, formal laboratory report writing is required. Students are given the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge to real-life situations while appreciating the wisdom God allows us to obtain.

Physics

The Physics course is designed to develop students’ knowledge of how God’s creation works by investigating hands-on techniques as well as theoretical postulates. Topics covered in this course include vectors, angular momentum, electricity, basic nuclear physics, and relativity as well as abstract theories like the string theory and its role in physics and chemistry. These topics are all covered keeping in mind God’s perfected design and how all things on earth and space react to work together.

9th Grade – Ancient History: Beginning to 1500

(click here for a video introduction)
This course will take the student through a study of history from the dawn of civilization to the eve of the Renaissance (1350 AD). Course of study will include Creator; early civilizations; the people and events of the Bible; Ancient Egypt; Classical Greece; the Roman Empire; the early church; the history of the Roman Catholic Church; the Middle Ages; the Renaissance; the rise of Islam; the Crusades; and a broad overview of European, Asian, and African cultures. A knowledge of the history, culture, geography, government, and economics of ancient societies will be presented and serve as a foundation for future courses.

10th Grade – World History: 1500 to Present

This section of world history will tour the Renaissance to present day events. Topics of exploration will include the expansion of Islam; Church history; the Renaissance; the Reformation; the development of modern science; the Enlightenment; the age of exploration; the European revolutions; Imperialism; the development and transition of Asian and African countries; politics and developments in Latin America; the World Wars; the Cold War; the creation of the European Union; and the events of September 11th. World geography and cultures are part of this course, as well as the economics and governments of key nations. The content of this class lays the contextual foundation for American History.

11th Grade – America in the World: Colonization to Current Events

The final section of history is uniquely designed to meet a specific philosopical and practical approach to history. Chronologically, the past 400 years are explored and examined as student and teacher trace the influence of the past on our modern world. The course of study includes Colonial America, the American Revolution, the Age of Napoleon, the Industrial Revolution, the Civil War, the World Wars, the Cold War, the cultural revolution of the 60’s and 70’s, and the present day world. A strong emphasis is placed on the providence of God in American history and a critical examination of western culture today. American and European government and economics are included in this study. European and world history are included, but American history is the primary focus of this course.

Introduction to Psychology

This introductory course is designed to give the student an opportunity to study the historical and contemporary philosophies, theories, and research findings of social science and to analyze, critique, and respond to this information from a Christian worldview and Biblical perspective. The course also explores the different approaches of the Christian community to the field of psychology.

Biblical Perspectives on Current Events (BPCE)

This course will seek to follow current national and local political and economic events. All topics will be evaluated through the filter of ultimate Truth. Particular emphasis will be placed on events that impact Christian freedoms and beliefs. This will be a hybrid course conducted primarily online. The class will meet one day a week at DCHS to further discuss topics presented on the blog.

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are college-level courses offered in high school. Most colleges in the U.S. recognize AP exams in the admissions process as a sign of a student’s ability to succeed in rigorous curricula. They also award college credit or placement into a higher level college course so that college entrants can move directly into the courses that match their level of academic preparation for college.

AP courses and exams represent a national standard of teaching and learning. Just one AP course exposes a student to college-level work. Even if the exam is not taken or passed, the challenge of the course and the emphasis on cirtical thinking, study skills, and increased content knowledge prepares a student for college work.

AP Chemistry (Prerequisite: Chemistry)

This is an advanced placement course designed to prepare the student for the AP Chemistry exam. The course covers the equivalent of one full year of college level General Chemistry, comparable to a first year course at a college or university. The course is a rigorous math-based course, with a strong laboratory component. It is intended for students who have demonstrated a willingness to commit considerable time to studying and completing assignments outside of class, and who have successfully completed a prior course in chemistry during high school. The course develops the student’s ability to incorporate mathematical skills in solution of chemistry problems, both through the use of textbook problems and laboratory activities. Students should be proficient in algebra, and significant emphasis is placed on developing the student’s ability to solve problems using dimensional analysis. Students are expected to do extensive writing, and to keep a thorough and accurate laboratory notebook. Since passing the AP exam may qualify the student to by-pass a first year college chemistry course, AP Chemistry should not be considered college prep. Rather, this is a college class with college-level expectations for behavior, participation, and effort.

AP Calculus A/B

AP Calculs begins with a review of the basics of Calculus and continues with a deeper examination of the various topics, including limits and continuity, derivatives, integrals, differential equations, and slope fields. The course concentrates on application of the principles of calculus and culminates in the AP exam.

AP United States History

(click here for course syllabus)
AP United States History is designed to provide students with the analytical skills and enduring understandings necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in United States history. Students will analyze historical fact between the Pre-Columbian periods to post Cold War era with an emphasis on evaluating variations of interpretations. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses. Students should learn to assess historical materials-their relevance to a given interpretive problem, their reliability, and their importance-and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. Student’s workload will require large amounts of reading of both primary and secondary documents as well as writing.

AP English Literature and Composition (Prerequisite: English I and English II–Corequisite: English III)

(click here for video introduction)
Students closely read a broad range of American literature, including novels, short stories, plays, and poetry. They write analytically about the literature and explore the issues raised according to biblical principles. They explore the depth of American literature, as well as its breadth, by researching the contexts of several key works and the potential ramifications of practical problems raised in those works. Organizational and speaking skills are developed as students debate key questions raised in the works they read. AP English Literature and Composition is taught in a block schedule of dailty Monday through Friday 90-minute classes.

Art

Students learn the skills of leather tooling, relief wood carving, and clay sculpting, as well as calligraphy, sketching, painting, mat cutting, and various other artistic expressions. Finals consist of the student’s choice of media for an approved project.

Culinary Arts

This course teaches the student how to properly prepare food, cook, bake, and plate various foods. The use of numerous kitchen appliances are learned. Design and production of a DCHS cookbook, to include researching and collecting recipes, and a DCHS herb garden are also incorporated in the curriculum. Students use their cooking skills to prepare foods for those in need within the Georgetown community as well as any other person in need when possible.

Digital Design and Media

The Digital Design and Media course will focus on industry standard best practices in print, presentation and multimedia design – with a focus on modern technology and its use in creating visually stunning media for print, web and video. After successfully completing this course, a student will have developed a critical eye for effective design elements and will have mastered the basic techniques of Keynote, PowerPoint, iMovie and GarageBand, as well as essential photo-editing techniques.

Fitness Training

Fitness is the ability of the whole body to work together at its higher level. This class is designed to explore what the Bible says about nutrition, physical fitness, and spiritual fitness. Students utlimately develop their own nutritional and exercise program based on their needs and desires.

Industrial Arts

This class teaches students to safely build projects using many of the same tools found on any construction site today. It also allows them to learn construction practices including basic floor plan design, material take off practices and project cost analysis. Students will be challenged to use their new talents for projects around the school and to help others in the community through local mission work.

Internships

A DCHS Internship partnership will focus on the development of a mutually beneficial relationship with local business/ministries or a academic/technical area within the school. The school and business/ministries helps the student to prepare their career path academically, spiritually, and technically. The intern can be paid or non-paid depending on the relationship and conditions of the partnership. The intensity level and level of skill requirement will need to be considered in the agreement. Normally the internship is considered and extension of the academic, Bible and/or technical classroom.

Laboratory Assistant (Prerequisite: Instructor Approval)

Students who are accepted as laboratory assistants for a trimester have the opportunity to serve “behind the scenes” in the preparation of science experiments and demonstrations. A numerical grade is assigned on the basis of performance criteria established by the instructor. Students participating as laboratory assistants may not use this credit for graduation requirements in science.

Media Internship (Prerequisite: Computer II)

(click here for video introduction)
In this course students assist the school staff and students in audio and visual presentations. They are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all media equipment and scheduling its use.

Live Arts

The purpose of DCHS’s vocal/instrumental music education program is the glorification of our Lord through the gift of music. The discovery and discipline in developing music skills for young people in secondary learning is the core of this accelerated course. We encourage the exposure and appreciation of all Christian music genres and styles based on a historical timeline.

Software Engineering I (Prerequisite: Computer I or Computer Applications)

This course focuses on basic computer programming concepts using the Python programming environment. Topics covered include program design, flow charting, psuedocode, variables, loops, lists, dictionaries, functions, files, and exceptions. This course material is available online. Students can take the course during any period but must dedicate a period to the course.

Software Engineering II (Prerequisite: Software Engineering I)

This course is a continuation of Software Engineering I and will focus on advanced topics in computer programming. Topics covered include files, exceptions, software objects, object-oriented programming, graphical user interface development, creating computer graphics, sound, and animation. This course material is available online. Students can take the course during any period but must dedicate a period to the course.

Support Internship (Prerequisite: Computer I or Computer Applications)

This course allows students to experience computer support first hand. Students are involved in supporting the DCHS network as well as other organizations and individuals who have contracted with DCHS for technology support.

Systems Engineering (Prerequisite: Computer I or Computer Applications)

This course focuses on computer hardware and advanced computer networking using Network Plus certification courses. Topics covered include PC hardware, Linux Operating System, networking protocols, binary numbers, IP addressing, routing, and switching.

Yearbook

The DCHS Royal yearbook is produced electronically using Adobe InDesign software supplemented with Adobe PhotoShop for image manipulation. Students learn page layout and design, organizational concepts, financial principles, and page layout computer software.
*students requesting yearbook will need to see Mrs. Gum to complete an application

Academic Coaching is provided for each core academic subject during after-school hours to provide the extra help needed to ensure students maintain the high academic standards established at DCHS. When a student’s grade falls below 78 percent or when referred by the teacher or when requested by the student/parent, the student reports to the Academic Coach at the scheduled time and location. If Academic Coaching is teacher-directed, the sending teacher provides the Academic Coach with information about academic deficiencies that need to be addressed. The Coach provides feedback to the sending teacher as to work accomplished and progress made.

All DCHS students have the honor of representing the Lord to those around us by providing at least 100 hours of service to the local community throughout their four (4) years. Students must earn a minimum of 25 hours of community service each year they attend DCHS.