English 1- Freshman English is a comprehensive course that covers a variety of composition and literature including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. The students will study a variety of writing styles, the writing process and a variety of writing techniques. Throughout the year the students will be learning spelling, vocabulary, and reviewing basic language skills such as grammar and mechanics.
Cultural Geography- This Social Studies course offers a very broad yet detailed look at the cultures and geography of our world. Taught from a Christian perspective, this course will assist students in learning about the earth and their place in it. They will learn skills such as map/key reading, information on climate, topography, and demographics while learning about the diverse cultures and locations of our world.
Health- Health is a required course for all students for graduation. This course teaches the fundamentals of health from a Christian perspective. The topics covered include anatomy, hygiene, health, and fitness among others.
Bible: This course is taught by Rev. William Ellington and will focus on may aspects of Biblical study and spiritual growth. Bible is offered at a level 1 and level 2. Two full credits are required for graduation.
Spanish/Latin/French: Every student is required to take at least two years of a foreign language at GLCA, with the exception of foreign exchange students or students who have already earned language credits. Our Spanish and French curriculum is taught through Ignitia. This allows the students to work independently and at their own pace as they learn a second language. We also offer Latin through the Latin Grammar for Christian Schools program.
Physical Education- Physical Education is required for all GLCA students. This course is used to encourage healthy lifestyle and activities. The students will learn the value of teamwork, the rules of a variety of sports/games, and will learn valuable health and nutrition information that can help them maintain a healthy lifestyle. Students generally take a half credit each year.
Music Appreciation- Music is part of the required Fine Art credit at GLCA. This all encompassing class will provide students with a well rounded musical education.
Algebra 1- This is the required Math course for students at GLCA. It most often occurs during the 9th grade year. It is usually a year long course, but we make exceptions for students on an accelerated college prep plan. Algebra 1 encompasses all of the necessary skills and information to prepare students for college- prep level mathematics. Topics include lessons such as linear equations and functions, polynomials, quadratic equations, and data analysis. The material is taught through Ignitia.
Physical Science- This course is intended to prepare students for advanced high school science. The students will cover a variety of topics from a Christian perspective. This includes a wide range of material, which covers topics from mechanics to matter to the periodic table. The course is divided between classroom and laboratory work. This course will also introduce students to the basics of Chemistry and Physics to prepare them for future college prep level science courses.
English 2- Sophomore English is designed to be a direct follow up to our Freshman English course. They will move to a more difficult level of literature and composition. The students will build on the skills learned in 9th grade to improve their writing skills. Throughout the year, the students will be learning spelling, vocabulary, and will review basic language skills such as grammar and mechanics.
Modern American History- This Social Studies class reviews and expands upon the American History studied in earlier grades at GLCA. It covers topics from the beginning of the 20th century through current events.
American Government (Civics)- This Social Studies class is required at GLCA. It covers all aspects of the government. Topics include Foundations, Constitution, Politics, and the Branches of Government. This class is taught from a Christian perspective to provide our students with a well rounded view of government. The US and IL Constitution tests will be given with this course.
Art Appreciation- This is a course offered toward our required Fine Art credit for all GLCA students. This class provides students with an appreciation of the visual arts from creative, historical, and cultural perspectives. This class provides a well rounded art education and is enjoyable for artists and non-artists alike.
Geometry This is the required Math course for all GLCA students. It is usually taught for a whole year during 10th grade, but exceptions can be made for students on an accelerated path or who have not yet completed Algebra I. This course offers a thorough college prep level study of Geometry. It also encompasses basic Trigonometry. It is taught through Ignitia.
Biology- Our biology class is a required course at GLCA. Students will explore a wide range of topics from a Christian perspective. Topics include cells, genetics, plants, organisms, and animals. The course also covers basic Human Anatomy. The class consists of classroom work and laboratory work.
English 3- Junior English is a comprehensive course that builds off of the previous English curriculum. The students will focus on grammar, the writing process, and literature.
English 4- A comprehensive course that builds off of previous English curriculum. The students focus on grammar, the writing process and literature.
American Literature- This course focuses on American Literature from the 1600s to the present. The Scarlet Letter and The Great Gatsby are also used in addition to the BJU Press textbook. Students are expected to complete detailed portfolios on the novels read.
World History- World History Student Text (3rd ed.) guides the student through the story of history from the dawn of civilization to the present world. Students are encouraged to explore the past and delve in to the twists and turns of world history through relevant activities and class discussions. The text emphasizes how a Christian worldview affects the study of history, illustrating the crucial nature of viewing history through the lens of the Bible. World History provides an essential survey key to future study.
Economics: Our economics curriculum examines the fundamental concepts of micro-, macro-, and international economics in a clear, organized manner.
Composition: This course will help students increase and develop their writing skills. They will focus on many types of writing styles such as scientific writing, research papers, and essays. Students also learn MLA and APA reference formatting to assist them in their future writing in college.
Public Speaking: This course teaches students the fundamentals of effective public speaking. Students will learn and demonstrate a variety of public speaking styles and formats.
Alegebra 2-Algebra 2 is taken after Geometry. All GLCA students are expected to take it for graduation. The course is taught through Ignitia.
Chemistry-Chemistry focuses on both theoretical chemistry and descriptive chemistry, with an emphasis on theory. Students study atomic theory, kinetics, thermodynamics, and stoichiometric relationships. They observe, classify, measure, hypothesize, organize, calculate, formulate models, interpret data, test hypotheses, and predict results on their own. Students develop laboratory skills by using basic equipment in non-threatening, safe, experimental procedures requiring minimal on-site facilities. The course includes demonstration and student-performed laboratory experiences.
Pre-Calculus- Pre-calculus is an elective math class taken after Algebra II. It is taught through Ignitia.
Physics-Physics is an elective Science that can be taken after Biology 1 and Chemistry 1. It is taught through Ignitia.
IL History- Students can choose to take IL History as an elective course. It is taught through Ignitia.
British Literature- British Literature explores the rich history of British writing from Old English through modern times. It is taught through Ignitia.
Calculus- Students problem solving skills are challenged with this advanced math class for college bound students. It is taught on Ignitia.
Business and Computer Information Systems- We offer a variety of elective classes such as Office Applications and Essentials of Business. These classes are offered through Ignitia.
College Planner- This elective through Ignitia helps students manage the complex business of choosing post-secondary options.
Digital Arts- This Fine Art elective encourages the development of digital skills. It introduces students to the effective use of digital cameras and manipulation of images. It is taught through Ignitia.
Consumer Math- This Ignitia math course is offered to students who do not want to move on to courses such as Pre-Calculus for a fourth year math. It is a practical course that provides lessons on managing money through planning and critical thinking.