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The Development of responsible young men through quality education and leadership within a spiritually enriching environment is at the center of the Shepherd's Ranch Christian Academy's academic program.
It is a program designed for middle and high school age students who have fallen behind with their education and social development. Many of these students may be functioning well below their potential. Their poor academic performance may be due to a previous lack of motivation, negative school or home experiences, or other learning difficulties.
At Shepherd’s Ranch Christian Academy, beginning students are evaluated to determine appropriate class placement. This initial assessment includes a review of previous grades, test performances, classroom and school-wide behaviors, and overall individual strengths and weaknesses. An academic learning plan, which includes needed course work, is developed. Students then work under the guidance of well-qualified professionals whose training and specialty qualifies them for working with at-risk students.
Classes are small at Shepherd’s Ranch Christian Academy and learning is enhanced by a close individual relationship between students and teachers. These instructors, who also facilitate and tutor, have a dedicated enthusiasm for their students and the subjects they teach. They also participate with students outside class in a variety of non-academic activities.
The Shepherd's Ranch Christian Academy academic curriculum is designed to give students confidence in their ability to think and learn; to reason carefully; to communicate clearly and effectively; to inspire an enthusiasm for knowledge; to exhibit classroom and overall behavior in accordance with established rules and principles; to help develop a solid and Christian work ethic; and to encourage a commitment to continued education and training. Individualized and sequentially-constructed courses and electives are built on a realization that students, with multiple and varied intelligences, think and learn in different ways. Types of learning, with each incorporating the vital concepts of structure, self-motivation, discovery, critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and challenge include: hands- and minds-on computerized lessons; readings, note-taking, and writings; library and on-the ground research; attendance at specialized campus workshops and seminars; and off-campus trips that feature additional and effective opportunities to learn.
Courses are offered for grades 7-12 in all subjects generally required for a high school diploma—either from Shepherd Ranch Christian Academy or from other secondary schools. Most are also acceptable for the requirements of institutions beyond the 12th grade. Alpha Omega Publications’ Switched-On-Schoolhouse forms the basis of the computerized aspect of Shepherd Ranch’s program. A strong foundation is offered at each grade level in the subject areas that follow:
The curriculum for grades seven through twelve utilizes the King James Version and the New American Standard Bible and covers a variety of biblical materials to assist in the development of a Christian life-view and the integration of this view into academic studies and practical living. Six major themes can be found at all grade levels: Theology, Attributes of God, Biblical literature, Biblical geography, Christian growth, and Christian evidences. Credit: ½ unit each semester; 8 high school semesters are required for a high school diploma.
SEVENTH-GRADE BIBLE – Course subject matter includes worship, the Psalms, and extensive material exploring the life of Christ.
EIGHTH-GRADE BIBLE – This course deals with prayer, sin, salvation, Proverbs and detailed readings on the early Church and its leaders.
NINTH-GRADE BIBLE – Students are introduced to the New Testament, the Gospels, Epistles and the Acts, along with instruction on sharing Christ with friends.
TENTH-GRADE BIBLE – This course studies the Old Testament and includes Creation, Abraham, Joseph, Exodus, Judges, Samuel, the Captivity and the Restoration.
ELEVENTH-GRADE BIBLE – Here students explore Romans, the nation of Israel, Apologetics, friendship, dating and marriage, and the pursuit of happiness.
TWELFTH-GRADE BIBLE – This course provides a foundation for choosing a Christian Ministry and includes assignments based on the Epistles of James and John, on Biblical literature, on comparative religions, and on practical Christian living.
The curriculum for grades seven through twelve is presented in a reading-based format. The goal is to develop students’ understanding of and appreciation for God’s activity as seen in the record of man and his relationships.
Course contents include World and American Geography, World and American History, the History of Religion, Government and Citizenship, Economics, and Social Studies Skills such as map and research skills, and historical methodology. Credit: ½ unit each semester; Western Civilization, U.S. History, Government and Economics are required for a high school diploma.
SEVENTH-GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES – Course includes general introductions to the subject matter of the Social Sciences: History, Geography, Anthropology, Sociology, Economics and Political Science.
EIGHTH-GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES – Here middle school students study a basic level of U.S. History from the European backgrounds to the present day.
GEOGRAPHY – Usually taken by ninth-graders, this course includes physical, regional, human, cultural, political and economic Geography.
WESTERN CIVILIZATION – Usually taken by tenth-graders, this traditional course studies the history of the West from ancient times through Greece, Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and Reformation to the growth of European empires, revolutions, wars, and the various conflicts now found in the contemporary world.
UNITED STATES HISTORY – This advanced subject is usually taken in the Eleventh grade; it includes a more-thorough review of the American Republic, its revolution, Constitutional foundations, westward expansion, its troubling civil and international wars, along with the problems it faces in the contemporary world.
GOVERNMENT – For one semester, Twelfth-graders study the legislative, executive and judicial aspects of international and U.S. governments, including the political party system and the importance of Christian governing attitudes.
ECONOMICS – A one-semester twelfth-grade course that deals with business, free enterprise, the stock market, budgets, finance, banking and international issues.
Curriculum, grades seven through twelve, targets the sequential development and integration of communication skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Course contents of Reading cover vocabulary (etymology, connotation and denotation, varieties of English, and context clues), comprehension (which helps students develop the ability to effectively read the lines, read between the lines, and read beyond the lines), and literature studies (with instruction to better equip students for effective literature analysis, interpretation, and appreciation of literary devices, poetry, short stories, drama and British and American novels).
Course contents of Writing include spelling, penmanship, Grammar (sentence structure variety and basic diagramming, verb forms and types, phrases and clauses, usage, sentence reduction, and sentence expansion) and Composition (which includes five-paragraph compositions, essays, research papers, literary criticism, speech and creative writing). Course contents of Speaking and Listening cover conversational etiquette, note taking, interviewing, and preparing, delivering, and evaluating speeches. Courses also deal with such special topics as: visual media, the nature and history of the English language, the Bible as literature, book reports, and study and research skills. Credit: ½ unit each semester, 8 high school semesters are required for a high school diploma.
SEVENTH-GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS – Course subject matter includes using
nouns and pronouns correctly, verb tense, biographies, grammar and pronunciation.
EIGHTH-GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS – This course highlights communication, punctuation, the correct use of words, paragraph skills, and critical reading and listening.
NINTH-GRADE ENGLISH – Here students explore the use of language in literature, persuasion, visual aids, poetry, drama, the novel, and library use.
TENTH-GRADE ENGLISH – In addition to reinforcing the above usage concepts, this course deals with structure, language development, and the short story.
ELEVENTH-GRADE ENGLISH – This course introduces assignments that help students improve language usage and effectiveness. It also takes a more comprehensive look at research, nonfiction, the American drama, and the American novel.
TWELFTH-GRADE ENGLISH – The main focus here is on English literature and includes works from the Elizabethan, Romantic and Victorian eras; the course also features creative writing and a special section on language as God’s gift to man.
Mathematics is the shorthand that postulates, verifies and expresses scientific ideas. The curriculum, grades seven through twelve, is fully comprehensive and sequential and is designed to meet and exceed commonly accepted middle and high school standards. Each subject focuses on basic concepts, terminology, operations and clearly stated solutions to many different kinds of problems. The study of statistics is integrated throughout the mathemetics curriculum. Credit: ½ unit each semester; 6 high school semesters are required for a high school diploma.
SEVENTH-GRADE MATH – Course subject matter involves set and number systems, place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of fractions, Geometry basics, statistics and graphs, formulas, ratios and proportions.
EIGHTH-GRADE MATH – Here students review sets, place values, formulas, Geometry basics, statistics and graphs. They then explore rounding, percents, integers, variables, and probability. The final course unit is a complete preparation for Algebra.
ALGEBRA I – This standard ninth-grade Algebra I course studies inequalities and the solving of equations, problem analysis, binomials, polynomials, algebraic fractions, radical expressions, algebraic graphing, and quadratic equations.
GEOMETRY – This tenth-grade course incorporates the formal study of logic and proof, angles and parallels, congruent triangles and quadrilaterals, similar polygons, circles, area and volume, coordinate geometry and transformations.
ALGEBRA II – Usually taken in the eleventh grade, this course involves advanced algebraic concepts such as structure and function, sentences and problems, linear equations, quadratic relations, exponential functions and counting principles.
PRE-CALCULUS – This course begins with a study of exponential and logarithmic functions; it then introduces students to the concepts of trigonometry, limits, summation, curve slope, the law of sines and cosines, and polar coordinates.
Science constantly adapts to changes in our understanding of the world around us. The discovery of new information and insights leads to applications in technology that have transformed how we live and how we see ourselves. The curriculum, grades seven through twelve, deals with the development of observational skills and the study of the physical universe that God created. Credit: ½ unit each semester; 4 high school semesters are required for a high school diploma.
SEVENTH-GRADE SCIENCE – The focus is on general scientific definitions, measurement, atmospheric conditions including weather and climate, plus two units featuring basic astronomy and two units of human anatomy.
EIGHTH-GRADE SCIENCE – A general science course with units on science and society, the structure of matter, health and nutrition, energy, machines, balance in nature, photosynthesis, and the scientific use of technology.
NINTH-GRADE SCIENCE – A general high school level course that offers studies of our atomic world, volume, mass and density, physical and historical geology, oceanography, astronomy, body health, and the future of scientific research.
BIOLOGY – The traditional high school course where students explore taxonomy, the molecular basis of life, microbiology, cell division and reproduction, plants, human anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology, pollution and energy.
CHEMISTRY – The traditional high school course that deals with measurement and analysis, elements, compounds and mixtures, gases, conservation of mass, atoms, molecular structure, chemical reactions, equilibrium systems and carbon chemistry.
PHYSICS – The traditional twelfth-grade study of kinematics including speed, velocity and gravity, the dynamics of motion and momentum, work and energy, wave phenomena, static electricity, electric currents, magnetism, and nuclear physics.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
All students participate in coordinated non-contact activities that include cooperative recreational games and sports such as running, hiking, swimming, weight lifting, basketball, volleyball and softball. Students learn the basic principles of body training that is the product of a consistent exercise program. Courses focus on healthful Christian living topics such as disease prevention and awareness, basic anatomy and physiology, alcohol and drug abuse, and eating disorders. Students explore their limits, set goals and achieve personal bests. Friendly competition that emphasizes good Christian sportsmanship and is engaged in for the glory of God is continually encouraged. Credit: ½ unit each semester; 4 semesters are required for a high school diploma.
This daily supervised program is an integral part of the Shepherd's Ranch Christian curriculum and experience. Students learn about the concept of work and what it means to possess a strong Christian work ethic. They learn that the group dynamic involved leads not only to a respect for others, but also to meaningful self-assessment and good leadership skills. They also learn the value of being able to carefully follow instructions, to stay focused, and to finish any given task. The program involves campus and off-campus community activities, with work ranging from building and grounds maintenance and cleaning to specialized food service, landscaping and gardening projects. Credit: ½ unit each semester; 8 high school semesters are required for a high school diploma.
Artistic expression in a variety of forms is encouraged and valued at Shepherd’s Ranch Christian Academy. Visual and performing arts offer students creative tools to explore nature, investigate culture, define self, glorify God, and celebrate the Christian life-view. Studies include music appreciation, choir, piano and guitar. Credit: ½ unit each semester.
(The scope and sequence of the various courses is to be determined)
Shepherd’s Ranch Christian also offers a number of Switched-On Schoolhouse full-course electives including American Literature, British Literature, Consumer Math, College Planner, Health, Home Economics, Spanish I and II, Secondary French, the Constitution, and a series of individual state histories. Other electives can include course work from the Math, Science, Social Science, Physical Education, and Visual and Performing Arts departments. Credit: ½ unit each semester; 4 high school semesters are required for a high school diploma.
This program involves carefully planned and supervised summer backpacking trips in a local wilderness area. Prior to the trips, students prepare for safe and conscious wilderness travel by practicing basic outdoor skills including navigation by map, compass and satellite, personal and group safety and first aid. Experienced guides help students plan and navigate their route, observe the ethics of minimum impact camping, and identify flora and fauna. Group dynamics encourage service to others, self-assessment, and leadership skills. Reading and writing assignments encourage self-reflection and a connection to the natural environment that is God’s creation. Credit: ½ unit.
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