Curriculum

Although Rapid City Christian School is primarily a college preparatory school, a course of general education may be taken by students whose goals do not include a four-year college education. Twenty-four units of credit above the eighth grade, including one credit of Bible for every year at RCCS, as a minimum, is required for graduation. Seniors are required to take a minimum of five credits, of which four must be taken at RCCS. A candidate for graduation must have been in attendance at RCCS for at least two semesters, the second of which is the last semester of the graduating year.

Minimum Course Requirements for Graduation

Please refer to the current Parent/Student Handbook (available at the school office) for answers to topics not covered here.

High School Offerings

A partial list

Mathematics

Algebra I

Algebra I covers topics typically treated in a first-year algebra course. Specific topics include arithmetic and evaluation of expressions involving signed numbers, exponents and roots, properties or real numbers, absolute value, scientific notation, unit conversions, solutions of equations, the algebra of polynomials and rational expressions, word problems requiring algebra for the solution, graphical solution of simultaneous equations, Pythagorean theorem, algebraic proofs, functional notation and functions, solutions of quadratic equations by factoring, direct and inverse variation, computation of the perimeter and area of two-dimensional regions, computation of the surface and volume of a wide variety of geometric solids.

Grades: 8, 9; Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra; Fees: None

Geometry

Geometry covers topics such as points, lines, planes, parallel relationships, congruent triangles, quadrilaterals, trigonometry, circles, areas, volumes, polygons, and coordinate geometry. Inductive and deductive reasoning is used to write formal and informal proofs. The student observes and studies many applications to the real world. Cooperative learning is also incorporated into the traditional classroom teaching structure. The student must have a good working knowledge of Algebra I to be successful in the plane geometry class.

Grades: 9, 10; Prerequisite: Algebra I; Fees: None

Algebra II

Algebra II not only treats topics that are traditionally covered in second-year algebra but also covers a considerable amount of geometry. Specific algebra topics include the following: graphical solution of simultaneous equations, scientific notation, radicals, roots of quadratic equations including complex roots, properties of real numbers, inequalities and systems of inequalities, logarithms and antilogarithms, exponential equations, basic trigonometric functions, algebra of polynomials, vectors, polar and rectangular coordinate systems, and a wide spectrum of algebraic word problems. This course also includes the development of geometric concepts. Students completing Algebra II will have studied the equivalent of one semester of informal geometry. Applications to other subjects such as physics and chemistry are also covered. Set theory, probability and statistics, and other topics are also included.

Grades: 10, 11; Prerequisite: Algebra I; Fees: None

Advanced Mathematics

In Advanced Mathematics topics from algebra, geometry, trigonometry, discrete mathematics, and mathematical analysis are interwoven to form a fully integrated course. Specific topics covered include permutations and combinations, trigonometric identities, inverse trigonometric functions, conic sections, graphs of sinusoids, rectangular and polar representation of complex numbers, De Moivre’s theorem, matrices and determinants, the binomial theorem, and the rational roots theorem. A rigorous treatment of Euclidean geometry is also presented. World problems are developed throughout the problem sets and become progressively more elaborate. The graphing calculator is used to graph functions and perform date analysis.

Grades: 11, 12; Prerequisite: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry; Fees: None

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Music

Concert Band

This multi-grade class is a performing ensemble comprised of the standard concert band instrumentation. There are no prerequisites for this course, but success is unlikely unless a student has studied his instrument for at least one year before enrolling. All members are expected to participate in every scheduled band activity. A typical year includes daily rehearsals, four to eight pep band performances at athletic events, one contest appearance, and two formal school concerts. Students are required to practice at home regularly and keep a record of their practice sessions.

Grades: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12; Prerequisite: None; Fees: None

Concert Chorus

This multi-grade class is a performing group of mixed voices. There are no prerequisites for this course. First semester is open to all interested students; second semester is limited by audition to 40. All members are expected to participate in every rehearsal and concert. Students work to achieve two primary goals: (1) basic musical literacy and (2) excellence in the performance of choral music. Both are enveloped in a direct and intentional effort (1) to train young Christians to offer more acceptable worship to our Creator and (2) to give them a foundation for future musical leadership within the community of faith and the broader culture. Students are responsible for any tour expenses.

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12; Prerequisite: None; Fees: None

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Middle School Offerings

English

7th Grade English

Seventh Grade English is the first year of a two-year junior high curriculum designed to give students the foundation in English grammar, usage, mechanics, and vocabulary necessary for success in high school. Using Kinneavy and Warriner’s Elements of Writing: First Course along with supporting worksheets and other materials, this course presents an overview of the fundamentals of standard English. Woven into this course is an introduction to the concept of “world view” and how it affects both the “why” and the “how” of the study of English. Students read eight books chosen from the school reading list.

Grades: 7; Prerequisite: None; Fees: None

8th Grade English

Eighth Grade English is the second year of a two-year junior high curriculum designed to give students the foundation in English grammar, usage, mechanics, and vocabulary necessary for success in high school. Using Kinneavy and Warriner’s Elements of Writing: Second Course along with supporting worksheets and other materials, this course reviews and reinforces the fundamentals of standard English. Repeated in this course is instruction about the concept of “world view” and how it relates to the study of English. Students read eight books chosen from the school reading list.

Grades: 8; Prerequisite: None; Fees: None

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Music

Beginning Band

This course is for beginners on standard concert band instruments (plus electric bass). There are no prerequisites for this course. All students are expected to participate in every scheduled band activity. A typical year includes daily rehearsals and two formal school concerts. Students are required to practice at home regularly and keep a record of their practice sessions. Students usually must supply their own instruments.

Grades: 6, 7; Prerequisite: None; Fees: None

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