Academics
Curriculum Overview
Learning is Leading
List of 9 items.
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HC Graduation Requirements
Course Credit English 4 Math *4 /3 or 4* Science *4 /3 or 4* Social Science 3 World Language 2 Fine Arts 1 Electives 5/6 Bible 4 PE/Athletics 1** Total 28
*Students must earn 1 credit in math & science each year of 9th - 11th grade, regardless of credits earned in middle school. Seniors may choose to take only 3 years of math or 3 years of science but must take the 4th year of math or science. To be BEST prepared for colleges with selective admission, students should take 4 years of math and science and the most rigorous courses appropriate for their ability. Students who take Geometry in 9th grade must take Algebra 2 in 10th grade and Pre-Calculus in 11th grade. Juniors take an elective science if they do not take Physics. Seniors may choose their math and science courses; students must earn a minimum of 1 credit in social science during 9th, 11th, and 12th grade.
** ½ PE credit per semester is awarded for an HC sport, band, drill team, cheerleading, conditioning, or documented off-campus activity. Eighty (80) clock hours of off-campus PE must be documented via an Off-Campus PE Form to receive credit. -
Bible Department
The Houston Christian Bible Department strives to teach students how to interpret and apply the Bible through various hands-on, dynamic, interactive, and scholarly approaches. Through four required courses, one each year, students are introduced to the Old and New Testaments and principles of Christian leadership. Students also take a Christian perspectives class that explores a variety of logical, philosophical, and theological perspectives, comparing each to a biblical Christian worldview.Houston Christian requires these classes to allow students the opportunity to discover their own unique God-given callings. We also highly encourage students to serve in the multitude of volunteer and leadership roles on campus to further their spiritual development. Our alumni regularly serve overseas in short and long-term mission work and vocational ministry where they spread the love of God to people from all walks of life all around the world.
Courses:- Introduction to Christian Leadership
- Old Testament Studies
- New Testament Studies
- Christian Worldview
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Fine Arts Department
Houston Christian’s visual and performing arts department’s curriculum and instruction are designed to support the school’s mission of high academic standards in an environment that promotes the development of moral character, the enrichment of spiritual life, and the perpetuation of growth in Christian ideals. Students in all visual and performing arts courses are expected to perform and produce with excellence, passion, focus, and continuous improvement. Every visual and performing arts discipline intends to reflect the beauty and intricacy of creation and enrich the expression of response to the Creator.
Courses:- Chorale
- Band
- Orchestra
- Drill Team
- Video Tech
- Art 3-D & Ceramics
- Art Photography & Digital Media
- Drawing & Painting
- Integrated Media Productions
- Studio Art AP
- Video Technology
- Yearbook & Journalism
- Dance & Intermediate Dance Repertory (DOXA)
- Drama & Advanced Drumline
- Guitar Ensemble Guitar/Theory
- History of Jazz, Pop, and Rock Jazz Band
- Music for Worship
- Music Theory
- Piano & Advanced String Methods
- Technical Theatre
- Theatre Production
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English Department
As the largest academic department on campus, members of our English faculty foster a deep love of literature, culture, and art in order to elevate student creativity, critical thinking skills, and a deeper engagement with the written word.
Houston Christian offers a wide variety of courses, which support and challenge every level of student. Our English faculty boasts more than 180 years of teaching experience and includes Houston Christian alumni among its number. Faculty to student ratios are intentionally kept low to facilitate personalized attention to fully develop students’ written communication skills and provide rich feedback on student work.
Students are required to take an English class each year, with Pre-Advanced Placement courses available during the freshmen and sophomore years, and Advanced Placement available for juniors and seniors. Students must meet certain requirements to be accepted into AP courses.
We also encourage students to compete in national and state events such as Scholastic Art & Writing, This I Believe, and Letters About Literature, further strengthening their skills as they grow into effective communicators.
Courses:- English 1
- English 1 Honors
- English 2
- English 2 Honors
- English 3
- English 3 AP: Language and Composition
- English 4: Society, Comedy, Tragedy
- English 4: Ancient and Modern Heros
- English 4 AP: Literature and Composition
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Math Department
In Houston Christian’s Math Department, students of all levels find the support needed to refine and strengthen their mathematical abilities. Our six highly-qualified instructors use a variety of teaching methods, including problem-based learning and flipped classrooms, while integrating technology through dynamic geometric software and calculators when appropriate. These highly effective, research-based teaching methods stimulate learning through class discussion and student inquiry, producing an average Advanced Placement exam passing rate of 90 percent in both Calculus and Statistics, with multiple students earning perfect Math SAT scores in recent years.Houston Christian students graduate equipped to face the rigor of collegiate math, some progressing on to master or doctoral programs at the most prestigious schools in the country.
Students also have the opportunity to test their skills outside the classroom by participating in the qualifying exams for the International Mathematics Olympiad and multiple university math competitions throughout the year. Students are encouraged to participate in the school’s math club.
Math Department's Mission Statement: Uniting the faith, talents, and resources of its instructors, the mission of the HC Mathematics Department is to provide a personalized, active learning experience for all its students in preparation for the rigors of university-level mathematics. We are committed to acting on current research in mathematics education and ongoing professional development. The appropriate use of trending technologies, standards-based assessment and the integration of statistics into core courses are hallmarks of an HC Mathematics Education.
Courses:- Algebra 1
- Algebra 1 Honors
- Geometry
- Geomtry Honors
- Algebra 2
- Algebra 2 Honors
- Pre-Calculus
- Pre-Calculus Honors
- Finite Math & Statistics
- Calculus Business
- Calculus AB/AP
- Calculus BC/AP
- Calculus 3
- Statistics AP
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Science Department
In the Houston Christian Science Department, students explore God’s creation through scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and academic research. Our faculty continuously strives to challenge students through independent learning and instructional techniques, such as flipped classrooms, Socratic discussion, inquiry-based experimentation, and peer review. These methods empower students to apply knowledge to real-world situations and prepare them for the advanced independent learning of higher education.Our Science Department takes pride in the number of alumni now serving in hospitals, veterinary clinics, and research labs around the country.
Houston Christian is constantly expanding its state-of-the-art facilities and using cutting-edge technology both in and out of the classroom. Biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and robotics are also available to students. Houston Christian is exploring plans to add an Innovation Lab in the near future to support the growth of engineering courses and our award-winning robotics team.
Courses:- Biology 1
- Biology 1 Honors
- Biology AP
- Chemistry
- Chemistry Honors
- Chemistry AP
- Geology, Meteorology, and Oceanography
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Physics
- Physics Honors
- Physics C: Mechanics AP
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Social Sciences Department
Houston Christian High School empowers students to promote positive change in their communities. The Houston Christian Social Sciences Department takes pride in challenging our students to become servant leaders, civic minded citizens, and lifelong learners.The Social Sciences Department provides students with several opportunities for extracurricular involvement and community service including Model United Nations Club, Diversity Club, National Honor Society, and Student Council.
Through an array of courses covering global issues, American and world history, US government, economics, and psychology, students gain critical knowledge of the social sciences, all within the context of a spiritual worldview. Teachers in the Social Sciences Department craft engaging lessons which incorporate research-based strategies such as Socratic seminar, debate, evaluation, and role play. The faculty also emphasizes writing, close reading, and performance-based assessment.
Courses:- World History
- World History and Geography Honors
- World History AP
- US History
- US History AP
- Government and Economics
- Government/Politics AP and Non-AP Economics
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World Languages Department
The study of foreign languages at Houston Christian High School is motivated by the recognition that God is the source of all true knowledge and that in His goodness, He has granted us the means to communicate with Him and with others around the world.Technology is used where appropriate to enhance the learning experience and to connect students directly with the cultures they are studying. In addition, students progress in their critical thinking and analysis skills through classroom discussions and assignments that focus on the literature and cultures associated with the language they are studying. Leadership lessons are also integrated into the curriculum throughout the year. The foreign language department seeks to acquaint students with the richness of cultures and languages different from their own and to equip them to communicate in a foreign language in a culturally appropriate way. This involves the development of linguistic skills in the areas of aural comprehension, reading, writing, and oral expression.
Courses:- Spanish 1 , 2, 2 Honors, 3, 3 Honors, 4: Conversations and Culture, and 4 AP
- Latin 1, 2, 3 Honors, 4 Honors
- Mandarin 1, 2, 3, 5: Conversations and Culture
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Electives
- Accounting
- Computer Science
- Distinguished Scholars Program
- Engineering in Robotics
- Entrepreneurship
- Fine Arts: Band
- Fine Arts: Chamber Singers
- Fine Arts: Chorale
- Fine Arts: Dance & Intermediate
- Fine Arts: Dance Repertory (DOXA)
- Fine Arts: Drama & Advanced
- Fine Arts: Drumline
- Fine Arts: Guitar Ensemble
- Fine Arts: Guitar/Theory
- Fine Arts: History of Jazz, Pop, and Rock
- Fine Arts: Jazz Band
- Fine Arts: Music for Worship
- Fine Arts: Music Theory
- Fine Arts: Orchestra
- Fine Arts: Piano & Advanced
- Fine Arts: String Methods
- Fine Arts: Technical Theatre
- Fine Arts: Theatre Production
- Global Affairs
- History & Film
- Innovation for Social Impact
- Leadership
- Personal Finance
- Psychology
- Speech & Debate
- The Cold War and Vietnam Conflict
- Visual Arts: Art 3-D & Ceramics
- Visual Arts: Art Photography & Digital Media
- Visual Arts: Drawing & Painting
- Visual Arts: Integrated Media Productions
- Visual Arts: Studio Art AP
- Visual Arts: Video Technology
- Visual Arts: Yearbook & Journalism
