Upper School

7th through 12th Grade

Three Days on Campus. Two Days Learning at Home. One Connected Community. Preparing to Flourish.

During the Logic and Rhetoric Stages, students learn to think critically, reason clearly, communicate persuasively, and engage deeply with ideas. Through Socratic discussion, formal logic, great books, written composition, debate, and rigorous academic study, students learn to evaluate arguments, ask thoughtful questions, defend what is true, and articulate their ideas with clarity and conviction.

Together, parents and teachers cultivate students who think wisely, communicate eloquently, pursue truth, recognize what is good and beautiful, and grow in Christian faith, wisdom, and virtueβ€”preparing them to lead and serve faithfully in their families, churches, and communities.

Upper School Curriculum

  • Bible & Apologics

    Bible & Apologetics

    Apologetics: Understanding the Culture

    Apologetics: Understanding the Faith

    Apologetics: Understanding the Times

  • Humanities & Literature

    Humanities

    English 9

    English 10

    AP English Language

    British Literature

    World History 1

    World History 2

    U.S. History

    Government/Economics

  • Mathematics

    Prealgebra

    Algebra I

    Geometry

    Algebra II

    Precalculus

    Consumer Math

    Personal Finance

  • Science

    General Science

    Physical Science

    Health/PE

    Biology

    Environmental Science

    Chemistry

  • Foreign Language

    Spanish I

    Spanish II

  • Logic & Rhetoric

    Logic I

    Logic II

    Speech and Debate

    Rhetoric/Senior Project

  • Music & Visual Arts

    Music Appreciation

    Fine Arts

Co-curriculars

  • Student Ambassadors

  • Boys Basketball

  • Cross Country

  • Swim Team

  • Musical Theater

  • Chorus

A Rich Tradition of Literature

Our literature program introduces students to great stories, beloved classics, poetry, mythology, fables, fairy tales, and historical fictionβ€”the best of the literary tradition. Through rich and memorable works, students build vocabulary, strengthen comprehension, cultivate imagination, and develop a lifelong love of reading.

Students encounter stories that inspire courage, virtue, wonder, and wisdom, including selections from classic collections such as James Baldwin’s Fifty Famous Stories Retold. Through narration and recitation, students learn to listen carefully, articulate their thoughts, remember what they have read, and engage deeply with beautiful language and enduring ideas.

  • Little Bear

  • The Story about Ping

  • Billy and Blaze

  • Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie

  • Brambly Hedge

Biblical Worldview

Faith is woven throughout the school day. Students learn to see God’s truth and goodness in every subjectβ€”from literature and history to mathematics and science.

  • Students begin the day together in community through prayer, Scripture, singing, announcements, and shared learning. These gatherings build school-wide unity, reinforce Christian virtues, and cultivate a sense of belonging and purpose.

  • Students memorize Scripture and learn songs and hymns that help them know God’s Word, treasure truth, and carry it with them throughout life. Through repetition and joyful singing, students build a lasting foundation of faith, language, and worship.

  • Students study the Bible as the foundation of Christian faith and life, tracing God’s redemptive story and growing in their understanding of Scripture, doctrine, and Christian character.

  • Students learn to view all areas of study through the truth of Scripture, recognizing God as the source of truth and exploring how faith shapes their understanding of the world, their relationships, and their responsibilities.

  • Students learn to pray with reverence and confidence, developing a daily habit of bringing their needs, gratitude, and praise before God. Through prayer, students grow in their relationship with God and learn to depend on Him in every area of life.

Student Life & Community

Students build friendships and discover their gifts through field trips, community events, chorus, theater, and athletics. Beginning in 2nd grade, students can participate in chorus and theater opportunities, while athletic opportunities include swim beginning in 4th grade and cross country and boys basketball beginning in 6th grade.

Students also enjoy daily recess on our large playground, outdoor lunch, basketball goals, and plenty of space to play, move, explore, and build friendships. These experiences help students develop confidence, teamwork, perseverance, and a strong sense of belonging within the COA community.