Secondary

Fremont Christian School has been actively implementing Common Core State Standards (CCSS) ideals since 2010. Changes in text resources and, most importantly, professional development over the years since have focused on making this paradigm shift in order to prepare FCS students for success in higher education and careers of the future. Fremont Christian High School graduation requirements exceed the University of California admission requirements.

Mathematics    
FCS has adopted a math curriculum that focuses on depth rather than breadth, conceptual foundations, and most importantly, process and application of mathematical concepts. The CCSS for mathematical practice are reflected in the secondary math courses. Students are expected to explain their thinking, demonstrate their process, understand that there can be multiple paths to the same solution, and make real world applications. Mastery projects allow students the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of math concepts and processes. Three Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered in mathematics: Statistics, Calculus AB, and Calculus BC.

English 
English courses continue to reflect the CCSS English Language Arts (ELA) standards through the reading and analysis of key literature of various genres. Students further develop their literacy skills with a continued emphasis on vocabulary development and understanding the role of grammar in conveying the desired meaning. Teachers cultivate clear communication and critical thinking by providing opportunities for students to practice writing for different purposes and audiences. Frequent writing builds stamina, confidence, and skill while encouraging student to engage in thoughtful and meaningful discourse. Honors projects, an honors science-fiction/fantasy literature course, and an Advanced Placement English Language/Composition course also provide opportunities for students to challenge themselves and hone college-level reading and writing skills.

Social Studies & Science    
While California content standards and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) inform content, the CCSS ELA standards also play an integral part in the instruction of social studies and science. CCSS literacy standards are embedded in content instruction through Project GLAD (Guided Language Acquisition Design) instructional strategies. Science instruction takes place in well-equipped labs. Advanced Placement courses include: U.S. History, U.S. Government, Biology, and Physics.

Bible Department   
Bible courses are a required element of our academically rigorous secondary program and continue the concepts taught in elementary school, with a focus on worldview. Summit Ministries’ worldviews curriculum explicitly informs instruction in Bible courses for grades 6, 8, 11 & 12. Seventh-grade students focus on the Old Testament, ninth-grade on the Gospels, and tenth-grade on apologetics. Whatever the course, FCS affirms the metanarrative of Scripture: 1. God created all things good. At creation, all things were in harmony. 2. At the Fall (Genesis 3), the whole created order fell into disharmony due to the disobedience of man. 3. In the person of Jesus Christ, God began the process of redemption and renewal. 4. In the end, God will restore all things through his Son Jesus Christ.

Additional Courses    
Physical education, world languages (Spanish), and a wide variety of fine arts courses (choral music, instrumental music, visual art, and theater arts) round out the curriculum. Advanced Placement courses for electives include Art History, Studio Art 2-D Design, Studio Art Drawing, Spanish Language and Culture, and Computer Principles.

In addition to our core academic program, high school students engage in a two-week January Term (J-Term), seven days of elective courses culminating in an off-site three-day retreat. High school teachers, administrators, other staff, and sometimes parents create and implement high-interest mini-courses that reflect their extracurricular interests and passions. Courses in past J-Terms have included offerings such as photography, cooking, badminton, film, science fiction, and many more. We have found that in addition to offering diverse and engaging electives outside of the core curriculum, J-Term fosters closer relationships between students and between students and staff.