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Graduation Requirements

COLLEGE PREPARATORY COURSE OF STUDY

Most of our students enroll with the understanding that they are entering a program of courses that will prepare them for college. The high school curriculum is distinctly college preparatory in design and includes honors level and Advanced Placement (AP) classes. We offer a strong core of classes supplemented with various electives to develop a well-rounded student. Course electives include foreign language, computer based classes, art, photography, music, speech, drama, choir, band, forensics, and honors anatomy. We strive to present a Christian worldview in all of our classes. Over 95% of our graduates pursue college degrees. The majority of our students would be eligible for a College Prep Course of Study or College Prep Course of Study with an Honors Option.

College Preparatory Course of Study: (22 credits + one Bible credit per year in Christian School)

4 credits Bible
4 credits English
4 credits Math Electives (Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, + an advanced math class)
4 credits Social Studies (Geography, World History, U. S. History, Government – ½, Economics – ½)
3 credits Science (Biology, Physical Science, Chemistry)
1 credit Another science is highly recommended to proceed to a four year college (Honors Anatomy, Forensics)
½ credit Health
½ credit PE
2 credits Foreign Lang. (Spanish I and Spanish II)
1 credit Honors Spanish III or Speech
1 credit Fine Arts Elective (must take two half credit approved classes)
1 credit Electives
ACT composite test score of 17
Must obtain 6 hours of Christian Service Hours per semester starting in the ninth grade

For admission to colleges within the NC university system, students must have at least one math course higher than Algebra II. In addition, the third unit of science must be a laboratory course. Having two units of the same foreign language is required. Another recommendation is that the last year of foreign language be taken in the senior year. It is recommended that students take a fourth year of science and a third year of foreign language.

Honors classes
In 9th-12th grade, honors classes are selected. For most honors classes, an A (B requires a teacher recommendation) in the previous College Prep class or an A or B (C requires a teacher recommendation) in the previous Honors class is required. Exceptions to the prerequisite minimums will be made only after permission has been granted by the student’s parents, the teacher of the course, and the administration. Honors courses receive one additional grade point value.

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GENERAL COURSE OF STUDY

We also minister to the needs of students with documented learning disabilities. Students who have learning disabilities generally have IQ scores that fall in the average to above average range. While these students have the potential to learn, they may struggle to reach their potential because of their learning disabilities. The types of learning disabilities that we have addressed are dyslexia, language impairments, and difficulties with reading mechanics and comprehension, math reasoning and calculation, written expression, oral expression, and central auditory processing. Other challenges include attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (AD/HD), high functioning autism, and Asperger’s syndrome. For an additional fee, we offer small group resource classes for students who need additional help to catch up to grade level or who would benefit from a small group environment with a teacher who specializes in students with learning disabilities. Tutorial Study Hall is also available if the student can keep up in the regular classroom but need the daily assistance offered there. Based on the courses that are successfully completed, these students would be eligible for either a General Course of Study or a College Prep Course of Study.

General Course of Study: (20 credits + one Bible credit per year in Christian School)

4 credits Bible
4 credits English
3 credits Math Electives (Algebra I is required)
4 credits Social Studies (Geography/World Issues, World History, U.S. History, Government – ½, Economics – ½)
3 credits Science (Biology, Physical Science, elective)
½ credit Health
½ credit PE
1 credit Fine Arts Elective (waived if in full time Tutorial Study Hall for 4 years)
4 credits Electives
ACT composite test score of 15
Must obtain 6 hours of Christian Service Hours per semester starting in the ninth grade

Tutorial Study Hall – The purpose of this study hall is to provide a structured learning environment where students receive remedial instruction in areas of academic weakness, help with organization of notes and materials, and extended time to take tests. The students learn strategies for good study techniques and time management skills. Tutorial study hall teachers serve as consultants for the general classroom teachers, parents, and the students. Tutorial Study Hall is divided by middle school and high school. It is typically available during the elective hour at the end of the day. This study hall is available only to students who have a documented learning disability. An additional fee is required for this service.

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OCCUPATIONAL COURSE OF STUDY

In addition, Friendship Christian School is unique in that we also accept students who have intellectual disabilities, autism, Down syndrome, etc… Students in grades up to eighth may spend part of their day in the regular classroom and part of their day in a resource class targeted to their specific learning needs. As these students approach ninth grade, they may enter the Focus Learning Center which concentrates on general academics and life skills. Careful planning and review of the students’ past academic performance and current cognitive and achievement levels will assist in making this decision. These students would be eligible to receive either an Occupational Course of Study or a Certificate of Achievement. The tuition for this program is separate from the regular school tuition.

Occupational Course of Study – The Occupational Course of Study covers the basics of the core subjects which specifically focus on post-school employment and independent living. Successful completion of this program will provide the student with a solid, basic education but will not meet the requirements for entrance to a four year college or university. Successful completion of this program, however, will allow for continued training in a technical or vocational program or a community college.

4 Credits Bible

4 Credits Occupational English

3 Credits Occupational Mathematics

2 Credits Life Skills Science

2 Credits Social Studies Government/US History and World History

1 Credit Health/Physical Education

4 Credits Occupational Preparation (Life skills and supervised job training in a variety of areas which may include teachers’ aides, food preparation, maintenance, grounds/landscape etc…)

2 Credits Electives (Computer, Home Economics, Music, Keyboarding, etc…)