Education is not a subject and does not deal in subjects. It is instead a transfer of a way of life.
— G.K. CHESTERTON

Upper School (Grades 9-12)

Your child’s education is one of the most important investments you will make. As they enter their teen years, students begin to reinforce and challenge the way they were taught to see the world. This means they will engage in ideas of how to approach their life as they enter adulthood. The background of their training, either from a Biblical or secular perspective, will generally guide the foundational truths that they will build in their thoughts, actions, and general habits that will guide them for the rest of their lives.

In each course, Hillcrest seeks to highlight the interdependence between the academic disciplines and their Bible class. It is common to hear Hillcrest students say their History class is like a Bible class, their Bible class is like an English course, and their English class is like a History class. Hillcrest integrates literature, history, language, art, mathematics, and science in a routine and seamless way in most classes. In these courses, students build muscles of logic and wisdom to be expressed through well-crafted rhetoric.

Is classical Christian education still relevant? Yes, more now than ever. Our world is accelerating as technological, cultural, and geopolitical forces reshape our daily lives. The subject matter and skills required in the market are evolving and changing rapidly. However, thinking, articulate people are always in demand. Those who are able to acquire new skills rapidly and independently are sought after regardless of the field. Classical Christian education has a proven track record of turning out these types of students.

Upper School Typical Course of Study

9th Grade

  • Rhetoric I

  • Principles of Biblical Interpretation

  • Modern History

  • Geometry

  • Intro to Physics

  • Health

  • Foreign Language/Latin

10th Grade

  • Rhetoric II

  • Philosophy  & Religion

  • U.S. History

  • Algebra II

  • Biology

  • Physical Education/Sports Participation*

  • Foreign Language/Elective

    * Sports participation per season is equivalent to .5 credits. 

11th Grade

  • Western Civilization

  • Pre-Calculus or College Algebra

  • Chemistry or Honors Chemistry

  • Foreign Language/Elective

  • Elective

12th Grade

  • American Literature or British Literature, or AP Language or AP Literature

  • U.S. Government & Economics

  • Apologetics

  • AP Calculus/College Algebra/ Personal Finance 

  • Elective

  • Elective

  • Elective

Electives

  • Computer Applications*

  • Personal Finance

  • Engineering Coding

  • Art Studio

  • Photography

  • Concert Band

  • Health

    Computer Apps is required for .5 credits to graduate.

  • Sociology

  • Aeronautics I, II

  • Engineering Design

  • Environmental Science

  • Ceramics

  • Marketing

  • Concert Choir

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