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High School History & Geography Courses

High School World Geography

Suggested Age:

14-18

In the Creation Mandate in Genesis 1:28, God instructs Adam to "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion...over every living thing that moveth across the earth."  Geography has had a place in God's plan since creation.  In this course, students will learn not only about the physical features of the land, but also how people interact with the land and each other. Students will be given an overview on the field of geography as well as learn map reading skills while studying the various geographical regions around the globe. Class time will be highly participatory.  In addition to lectures and discussions, classes will include simulations, games, and opportunities for students to nurture critical thinking. Understanding geography is crucial to understanding the story of God's world.

U.S. History

Suggested Age:

14-18

The self-evident truth “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” is the basis for the extraordinary experiment known as the United States of America.  This U.S. History course invites high school students to explore the political, social, and cultural developments of the United States, from the time before European contact through the contemporary age. By analyzing key events and historical figures from a Christian worldview, students will gain insight into the influence of faith in America’s unique history.  The course will emphasize the study of primary source documents, as well as challenge students to hone critical thinking skills by looking at the moral and ethical questions that have arisen throughout American history.


Students will be expected to complete weekly homework, regular presentations, midterm and final examinations, and an oral history project.

High School American History

Suggested Age:

14-18

Note: This class can be taken on its own, but the student is encouraged to take this class alongside American Literature. The classes coordinate and will provide a fuller educational experience.


According to the American Historical Association, “Laymen and educators are generally agreed that knowledge of our own history is essential in the making of Americans.” The study of American History is essential in helping students to understand who we are and where we are at as a nation today.

American History is the story of a nation founded upon the ideals of freedom and opportunity. American History is the story of the fascinating heroes, the equally fascinating villains, and the
common men and women who built this nation. America is the story of a nation of immigrants who journeyed from faraway lands to make a better life for their families and who made a contribution which enriched this country. American History is full of magnanimous ideas and the
events which inspire us. American History remembers those who gave their lives to protect our freedoms and way of life. The promise of America is unique in the history of the world. America is a land of dreams, a land of privileges, a land of responsibilities, and a land of possibilities. America is “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” Yet American History is also about the deep struggles which are still with us today.

This course will be a survey of American History from pre-colonial days to the modern era. In order to make wise decisions about the future of America it is essential to know the past. To protect our freedoms means the youth of this country must be educated.

What does it mean to be an American? What shared experiences, values, and ideas define and shape who we are as individuals and as a nation? How did we get to where we are today? What is your place in the story of America? These questions will shape the American History course.

But . . . we are also Christians. To leave out the influence Christianity has had on this country would be to leave out that which helped to make America both great and good. Christian students must be taught history in order to take their place in shaping this country we call the United States of America.

High School World History (Notgrass)

Suggested Age:

14-18

C.S. Lewis aptly tells us that “History is a story written by the finger of God.” In this highly interactive high school level course, students will study the history of humanity from Creation through the twentieth century.  Students will thoroughly examine the origins and influence of Western Civilization as well as coverage of world history in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. With an emphasis on primary sources, students will explore the people, places, and events of all the major civilizations as well as focus on how our Creator has shaped history for His purposes. Students will be expected to complete weekly written homework assignments, regular presentations, and a project for each semester.

High School World History (Moore)

Suggested Age:

14-18

Many great reasons can be set forth as to why the study of history is important. The ancient Greek historian, Herodotus, stated that the purpose of history is "so that the actions of people will not fade with time." The great Roman orator, Cicero, stated that "To be ignorant of what happened before you were born is to remain always a child." History is the series of pivotal events, the fascinating and inspiring (at times horrifying) biographies of men and women, and the ideas that have brought us to where we are today. And yet history is more than this. Christian scholar and writer C.S. Lewis said, "History is a story written by the finger of God." History is His story, and therefore it is important that we know this story.


Saint Augustine provides a powerful framework for the study of history in his monumental work, The City of God. Two cities exist side by side; the city of man and the city of God. Each city has its own history and its own destiny. In this course, we will follow Augustine’s framework.


Psalm 20:8 describes world history in this way, "They have bowed down and fallen, But we have risen and stood upright." History is the rise and fall of great civilizations. History is also the rising and expansion of God’s work in this world. On a personal note, history is also a wonderful adventure to see how our individual stories fit in to His grand overarching story.


To this end, we will discover the great civilizations of the world from the beginning of time until today. We will learn about the extraordinary events and people that have shaped the world. We will explore the ideas that have brought us to where we are today. In one year this class will provide a framework and a foundation for understanding the world in which we live and the story that God is writing. This class is not designed to be the completion of the student’s study of history. This class is designed to be the beginning of a lifetime of discovery.

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