Course Description

COURSE OFFERINGS

Core subjects are taught each year, but elective subjects are taught in years when the demand is sufficient to warrant offering the subject.

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS I (Keyboarding, Word)

  • Length: Semester-5 credits
  • Prerequisite: None
  • Grades: 9-12 (Required)

Keyboarding is taught during the first quarter of the freshman year. During second quarter, students will learn the use and application of Microsoft Word (word processor). 1 Semester. Required.

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS II (Excel, PowerPoint)

  • Length: Semester-5 credits
  • Prerequisite: Computer Applications I or equivalent
  • Grades: 9-12 (Required)

This class is taught in the second semester of the freshmen year. Students will learn the use and applications of Microsoft Excel (spreadsheet) and PowerPoint (presentations). Basic Internet operation as it relates to educational and business activities will also be covered. When time allows, MS Access (Database) and MS Publisher (desktop publishing) are covered. 1 semester. Required.

BASIC WEB DESIGN

  • Length: Year—10 credits
  • Prerequisite: Computer Applications I & II or equivalent
  • Grades: 9-12 (Elective)

Students will learn how to build and maintain a basic website. Students will become proficient in the use of Macromedia Studio (Fireworks, Flash, & Dreamweaver).

COMPUTER HARDWARE & NETWORKING

  • Length: 1st Semester—5 credits
  • Prerequisite: Computer Applications I & II or equivalent
  • Grades: 10-12 (Elective)

In this class, students will learn how to build and maintain a basic website. Students will become proficient in the use of Macromedia Studio (Fireworks, Flash, & Dreamweaver). 2 semesters. Can count as Computer or Practical Art requirement.

 

ENGLISH

ENGLISH – Freshman

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • Prerequisite: None
  • Grades: 9 (Required)

A study of grammar and American and English writers of poetry, non-fiction and the short story. This course will also enable the student to use written and spoken English through the study of expository and creative composition.

ENGLISH – Sophomore

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • Prerequisite: 9th Grade English
  • Grades: 10 (Required)

This course provides a thorough English grammar review balanced with a comprehensive introduction to literature. Written projects encourage the application of grammatical principles to both literary criticism and self-awareness.

ENGLISH – Junior

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • Prerequisite: 10th Grade English
  • Grades: 11 (Required)

English III is a survey of American literature within a historical context. Selections from multiple genres highlight Colonial through Modern to Contemporary eras. Emphasis is given to developing critical thinking skills as students write formal and informal essays, conduct research, and discuss questions based on the selections.

ENGLISH – Senior

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • Prerequisite: 11th Grade English
  • Grades: 12 (Required)

English IV is a chronological survey of English literature that highlights major British authors in a variety of genres including short stories, novels, poetry, drama, biography, essays, and journals/letters/diaries. Students respond to literature through class discussions, cooperative learning group presentations, essay writing, projects, and a formal research paper written in MLA style, a student profile, and a resume.

ENGLISH – Advanced Placement

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • NOTE: Fulfills Senior Year English Requirement
  • Grades: 12

Prerequisite: 11th Grade English, B or better in previous English courses, Minimum of a 12th grade reading level, Instructor’s approval

This course is designed for the advanced high school student with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and is prepared for a college level. Critical thinking and writing skills are emphasized, as well as participation in classroom discussion. Students opting for this course to fulfill the English requirement are expected to cover a greater volume of material and will be encouraged to write the Advanced Placement: English Language and Composition examination in the spring (fee charged by ETS). Many colleges and universities give academic credit based on these test results.

FINE ART

BAND

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • Prerequisite: Instrumental Experience
  • Grades: 9-12 (Elective)

Students will gain an appreciation and a general knowledge of music through the challenge of playing an instrument. Students will learn the fundamentals of music and will be given the opportunity for performance. Students are advised to have their own instrument although some may be available from the school

HANDBELLS

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • Prerequisite: None
  • Grades: 9-12 (Elective)

This class is designed to teach students an appreciation for music through performance on the hand bells. Students will learn performance practices, technical aspects of hand bells, and music terminology through the study of music.

CONCERT CHOIR

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • Prerequisite: Audition
  • Grades: 9-12 (Elective)

Students will discover the world of music through hands-on experience in a choral ensemble. Musical terminology, rhythmic figures, and reading skills will be learned to further enhance this experience. The concert choir is a performing group and students are required to participate in all activities and performances.

CHORALE

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • Prerequisite: Present Member of Concert Choir & Audition
  • Grades: 9-12 (Elective)

This course is open to choir members. Sight-reading, basic vocal production, and singing are stressed in preparing for performances. This group is selected by audition. All performances and traveling are obligatory once accepted into the course. This is a yearlong class with no option to drop after the sixth week.

PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS

  • Length: Semester -2 credits
  • Prerequisite: None
  • Grades: 9-12 (Elective)
  • Instrument Lessons
  • Voice Lessons
  • Organ and Piano Keyboard Lessons

A one-on-one lesson with the instructor for the beginner, intermediate, or advanced musician. Instruction includes an emphasis on technique, sight-reading, and repertoire. Students may request one of two credit options for private music lessons: 1) no credit. 2) 2 credits. The student must attend 15 lessons and must practice showing improvement.

MUSIC APPRECIATION

  • Length: Year – 10 credits
  • Prerequisite: None
  • Grades: 9-12 (Elective)

This course covers everything from basic music theory (note value, musical notation) to general music history and musical styles and the evolution of music. The topics of discussion and study will cover from the classic composers, like Beethoven and Mozart as well as current artists like U2 and Abeyance.

This course will expand your musical horizons and your appreciation of music. It is an non-performing, fine arts elective class.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

SPANISH I

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • Prerequisite: None
  • Grades: 9-12 (Elective)

Students will discover the world of the Spanish through classroom learning and hands-on work. The functions, grammar, vocabulary of the language, as well as the culture of the Spanish will be learned to further enhance the experience. This course is an elective that fulfills the requirement of the college-preparatory diploma.

SPANISH II

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • Prerequisite: Spanish I
  • Grades: 10-12 (Elective)

Students will continue to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills as they increase their knowledge of the Spanish language. Students will be given a thorough orientation and introduction to the fundamental differences between English and Spanish pronunciation, grammatical usage, and culture. The emphasis is on speaking, vocabulary building, and active classroom participation to practice the conversational patterns in Spanish.

FRENCH 1

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • Prerequisite: None
  • Grades: 9-12 (Elective)

Students will discover the world of the French through classroom learning, classroom conversations, and hands-on work. The functions, grammar, vocabulary of the language, as well as the culture of the French will be learned to further enhance the experience. This course is an elective that fulfills the requirement of the college-preparatory diploma.

FRENCH II

  • Length: Year – 10 credits
  • Prerequisite: French I
  • Grades: 10-12 (Elective)

Students will continue to develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills as they increase their knowledge of the French language. Students will be given a thorough orientation and introduction to the fundamental differences between English and French pronunciation, grammatical usage, and culture. The emphasis is on speaking, vocabulary building, and active classroom participation to practice the conversational patterns in French.

HEALTH

HEALTH

  • Length: Semester-5 credits
  • Prerequisite: None
  • Grades: 9-12 (Required)

A comprehensive course of health instruction emphasizing biblical principles, structure and function of the human body, nutrition, personal health, mental and emotional health, family and social health, diseases and disorders, drugs, safety and first aid, consumer health, environmental health, and health careers. Required of all students for graduation.

MATHEMATICS

PRE-ALGEBRA

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • Prerequisite: Placement by testing

Notes: Offered as Needed. This course is an introduction to the fundamental skills of algebra. The student will be encouraged to learn math skills for use in “real world” situations. Students will gain an understanding of the applications of math through daily discussion and homework. Topics to be covered include integer operations, algebraic expressions, solving equations, fractions and decimals, ratios and proportions, linear functions, percents, spatial thinking, area and volume, and an introduction to trigonometry, and probability.

ALGEBRA I

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • Prerequisite: Placement by testing or consent of instructor

This course is a study of problem solving using abstract methods. Topics to be covered include integer operations, algebraic expression, solving equations and inequalities, solving systems of equations and inequalities, probability and statistics, quadratic functions, exponential functions, radicals, right triangles, rational expressions and functions, and polynomials. A large (4-inch) three-ring binder with filler paper (no spiral bound notebooks), pencil, straight edge, graph paper and scientific calculator are necessary for this class.

GEOMETRY

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • Prerequisite: Algebra I
  • Grades: 10 -12

This course is based on Euclidean concepts of geometry. Topics to be covered include deductive and inductive reasoning, geometric figures, transformations, area and volume, congruent polygons, parallel lines, quadrilaterals, similarity, trigonometry, and circles. A large (4-inch) three-ring binder with filler paper (no spiral bound notebooks), pencil, protractor, compass, graph paper and scientific calculator are necessary for this class.

ALGEBRA II

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • Prerequisite: Algebra I
  • Grades: 11-12 (Elective)

This course completes the study of algebraic methods. Topics to be covered include linear functions, linear and nonlinear systems, combinations and permutations, quadratic functions, exponential functions, rational functions, trigonometry, polynomial functions, sequences and series, and advanced probability, and statistics. A large (4-inch) three-ring binder with filler paper (no spiral bound notebooks), pencil straight edge, graph paper and TI-83 graphing calculator are necessary for this class.

ADVANCED MATH (HONORS)

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • Prerequisite: Algebra II
  • Grades: 12 (Elective)

This honors course prepares the student for high school or college level calculus. Topics covered include linear functions, polynomial functions, exponential functions, advanced trigonometry, analytical geometry, polar coordinates, series and sequences, systems of equations and inequalities, counting and probability, mathematical inductions, limits, derivatives, and integrals. A large (4-inch) three-ring binder with filler paper (no spiral bound notebooks), pencil, and TI-83 graphing calculator are necessary for this course.

CALCULUS (HONORS)

  • Prerequisite: Advanced Math
  • Length: Year – 10 credits
  • Grades: 12 (Elective)

This is an honors course that will cover the basic concepts of calculus.

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

PHYSICAL EDUCATION – Freshman

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • Prerequisite: None
  • Grades: 9-10 (Required)

The yearlong course will include instruction and practice in a variety of skill areas including classes in cardiovascular, muscular fitness, and major team sports. The student will learn the rules of the major team sports and how to officiate the games. Students will be encouraged to develop tolerance for others, proper health principles, and a positive attitude.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION – Sophomore

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • Prerequisite: None
  • Grades: 9-10 (Required)

The yearlong course will include instruction and practice in a variety of skill areas including classes in cardiovascular and muscular fitness, recreational and major team sports. Students will be encouraged to develop tolerance for others, proper health principles, and a positive attitude.

PERSONAL FITNESS

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • Prerequisite: None
  • Grades: 11-12 (Elective)

This elective course emphasizes the development of the physical body with activities and instruction on improving cardiovascular and muscular fitness.

LIFETIME SPORTS

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • Prerequisite: None
  • Grades: 11-12 (Elective)

This course includes instruction and practice in a variety of individual skills including classes in racquetball, tennis, and golf.

ACROSPORT GYMNASTICS

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • Prerequisite: Audition
  • Grades: 9-12 (Elective)

Learning and exploring tumbling, stunting, large team acrobatics, and traditional acrobatics. Members of the class will be an integral part of an exhibition performance team. This is a yearlong, elective class with no option to drop after the sixth week. Prerequisite: entrance by audition.

RELIGION

RELIGION – Freshman

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • Prerequisite: None
  • Grades: 9 (Required)

The focus of this year’s study is in assisting students to gain an understanding of themselves by interpreting God’s revelation of Himself to man, gaining an awareness of God’s plan for family happiness, developing an even stronger admiration for Jesus, and developing a better personal relationship with Him

RELIGION – Sophomore

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • Prerequisite: None
  • Grades: 10 (Required)

A study of the action-filled story of God’s called out people from the Exodus to these last days. The connecting theme for all four units is that God blesses His people so that they can become a blessing to others. Students are also provided opportunity to determine the practical application of Biblical principles to their lives through the development of personal standards for music, leisure time, dress and relationships.

RELIGION – Junior

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • Prerequisite: None
  • Grades: 11 (Required)

A study of the books of Daniel, Revelation, and prophecies, what they meant in Bible times, and how they apply to us today will be stressed during the course of the year. Jesus will be the central focus of all our study and how He brings hope to a hopeless people. Time will also be spent on studying our own Seventh-day Adventist beliefs.

RELIGION – Senior

  • Length: Year-10 credits
  • Prerequisite: None
  • Grades: 12 (Required)

Topics of study include Biblical principles basic to personal development and to success in one’s relationships in the home, the church, and the community. The student has opportunity to develop an understanding of how to experience rewarding and meaningful relationships through abundant living physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually as a Seventh-day Adventist Christian. Also presented are principles to assist in the selection of a career.

SCIENCE

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

  • Length: Year - 10 credits
  • Prerequisite: None
  • Grades: 9-10 (Required)

This freshmen-level science course introduces the student to the basic principles of chemistry and physics. The student will be actively involved in activities such as interactive demonstrations, laboratories, and projects.

BIOLOGY

  • Length: Year - 10 credits
  • Prerequisite: Suggested Completion of Physical Science
  • Grades: 10-12 (Required)

A general laboratory course emphasizing the biological sciences, with particular importance placed on laboratory experimentation and scientific inquiry. The course is designed to present the basic concepts of biology through lecture, readings, and experimentation. Student should gain a strong foundation in cell structure and function, molecular biology, genetics, ecological principles, vertebrate anatomy and physiology, and plant structure.

CHEMISTRY

  • Length: Year - 10 credits
  • Prerequisite: Biology & Current Enrollment/Completion of Algebra II
  • Grades: 11-12 (Elective)

This course provides the college-bound, high school student with a general first-year chemistry course. Students are highly encouraged to take the chemistry entrance exam to determine their current science knowledge. This can often be helpful in assisting students in choosing to enroll in regular or Honors Chemistry.

The content of this course will include the following: matter and energy, atomic structure, quantum theory, bonding, periodic table, mathematics of chemistry, equilibrium, acids and bases, applications of chemical properties, nuclear chemistry, and laboratory activities as well as enriched objectives.

Both formal (written) lab reports and informal (worksheet) lab reports will be utilized to emphasize the quantitative applications learned in class. Daily grade assignments (homework, quizzes, etc.) will be weighted as 40% of the total final grade. Major grade assignments (tests, labs reports, projects, etc.) will be weighted as 60% of the total final grade.

HONORS CHEMISTRY

  • Length: Year – 10 credits
  • Prerequisite: Biology & Current Enrollment/Completion of Algebra II
  • Grades: 11-12 (Elective)

Honors chemistry provides the highly motivated, college-bound student with a rigorous first-year chemistry course. Students who elect to take this course will also have a strong background in which to take AP chemistry as a second-year course. Acceptance into Honors chemistry requires successful (70% or above) completion of the Honors chemistry entrance examination given during registration week and the first week of school. Completion of the Honors chemistry course will make the transition to AP chemistry less difficult and improve test scores on the AP examination.

The content of this course will include the following: matter and energy, atomic structure, quantum theory, bonding, periodic table, mathematics of chemistry, kinetics and equilibrium, acids and bases, redox and electrochemistry, organic chemistry, applications of chemical properties, nuclear chemistry, and laboratory activities as well as enriched objectives.

Students will complete laboratory activities that emphasize the quantitative applications learned in class. Laboratory sessions will generally always require a formal lab experiment report. Both daily grade assignments (quizzes, homework, etc.) and major grade assignments (tests, lab reports, projects, etc.) will require more depth than regular chemistry. Daily grade assignments will be weighted as 30% of the total final grade. Major grade assignments will be weighted as 70% of the total final grade.

AP CHEMISTRY

  • Length: Year – 10 credits
  • Prerequisite: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry & Algebra II
  • Grades: 12 (Elective)

This course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year (both 1st and 2nd semesters). For some students, this course enables them to undertake, as freshmen, second-year work in the chemistry sequence (organic chemistry or higher) at their institution or to register for courses in other fields where general chemistry is a prerequisite. This class fulfills the laboratory science requirement.

AP chemistry students will attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. The course contributes to the development of the students' abilities to think clearly and to express their ideas, orally and in writing, with clarity and logic. The college course in general chemistry differs qualitatively from the usual first secondary school course in chemistry with respect to the kind of textbook used, the topics covered, the emphasis on chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of principles, and the kind of laboratory work done by students. This is an advanced placement course designed to prepare the student for the AP chemistry exam. Students will be required to do extensive writing, keeping a thorough and accurate laboratory notebook. Since AP chemistry is a college class, college level behavior, participation, and effort are expected.

Quantitative differences appear in the number of topics treated, the time spent on the course by students, and the nature and the variety of experiments done in the laboratory.

To develop the requisite intellectual and laboratory skills, AP chemistry students need adequate classroom and laboratory time. Students will consequently be required to attend not only Monday & Wednesday class sessions that begin at 7:45 AM, but also an 80-minute session one evening a week (to be determined). In addition, students will probably need to spend at least five hours a week studying outside of class.

An AP chemistry entrance exam is required to be taken during registration week (or the first week of school) by all students wishing to enroll in AP chemistry for the upcoming year. In preparation for this exam, students can access the summer AP chemistry assignment (which must be completed by the middle of the first week of school) at http://teacherweb.com/az/ThunderbirdAdventistAcademy/KellyDiller.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (HONORS)

  • Length: Year - 10 credits
  • Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry
  • Grades: 11-12 (Elective)

This honors course is a thorough, comprehensive systematic study of the human body with heavy emphasis on anatomical concepts. This course will assist the pre-college student in preparing for the college-level Human Anatomy & Physiology. The student will learn how the different parts or systems of the body are interrelated and interdependent and the construction of the human body shows the presence of an ultimate Creator. During the course the student will be learning communication skills through individual, small group and large group learning activities. The student is required to have a three-ring binder that will act as a portfolio for the course. The student will use note-taking skills, personal Internet research, and will continue to develop communication skills through a variety of writing assignments, such as case studies, journals, and research writing.

The following topics will be studied: basic anatomical terms and mapping of the human body, a review of cellular structures and functions, a review of the four basis tissues of the human body, a survey of the 11 body systems with emphasis on organ structure related to the function. A preserved cat and other preserved animal organs will be dissected during the year.

PHYSICS

  • Length: Year - 10 credits
  • Prerequisite: Algebra 2
  • Grades: 12 (Elective)

This upper-level, college-preparatory course provides the student an opportunity to gain a fundamental and comprehensive knowledge of the physical world. The class will include the following topics: definition of physics, with an emphasis on classical physical principles, the mathematics of physics, mechanics and laws of motion, states of matter, waves and light, electricity, and modern physics.

SOCIAL SCIENCE

WORLD HISTORY

  • Length: Year - 10 credits
  • Prerequisite: None
  • Grades: 10 (Required)

This course will provide a survey of the origins and development of civilization from the earliest of times to the present. Emphasis is also place on the relationship of the Bible and secular history.

U.S. HISTORY

  • Length: Year - 10 credits
  • Prerequisite: World History
  • Grades: 11 (Required)

This course will provide a survey of American History beginning with the exploration of the New World and ending with the present. Emphasis is place on the development of democracy, domestic and foreign policy issues, and God’s purpose for our nation.

U.S. GOVERNMENT

  • Length: Semester- 5 credits
  • Prerequisite: US History
  • Grades: 12 (Required)

This course focuses on studying the organization and function of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal government. There will be emphasis on civil rights, church/state issues, the Arizona government, and the importance of citizen responsibilities.

ECONOMICS

  • Length: Semester- 5 credits
  • Prerequisite: US History
  • Grades: 12 (Required)

This course will provide a historical approach to the features and functions of economics and the American economic system. The program develops an awareness of economic principles, theories, presenting ideas simply, and developing them logically. The current material encourages the student to recognize and interpret economics happening in our society.

PRACTICAL ARTS/ TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

SKILLS FOR LIVING

  • Length: Year - 5 credits
  • Prerequisite: None
  • Grades: 9 (Required)

This one-semester course provides the student an opportunity to learn personal life skills that allow them to discover a better understanding of themselves, how to be the best prepared for high school and college, the importance of communication in relationships, understanding the challenges facing today’s families through a study of personal finance concepts, and the world of work and career planning.

PHOTOGRAPHY I

  • Length: Year - 10 credits
  • Prerequisite: None
  • Grades: 9-12 (Practical or Fine Art Elective)

This course allows the student to learn how to use a camera, process film, and print black and white photographs. Aesthetics are considered in composition exercises and will serve as a topic in viewing films and in class discussions. Safe darkroom practices are taught and opportunities to exhibit work are presented.

Required items for class: apron, 35-mm camera (with manual capabilities), a $65 lab fee, composition book, poster board, and 3-ring notebook binder (2” to 3”).

PHOTOGRAPHY II

  • Length: Year – 10 credits
  • Prerequisite: Photography I
  • Grades: 10-12 (Practical or Fine Art Elective)

Students will learn how to visualize images before they are photographed, which includes composition, lighting, form, and subject matter. Several theme projects are assigned throughout the year to develop the student’s ability to enhance their photographic skills. At the end of the year, students will produce a portfolio of their work and opportunities to exhibit work are presented.

Required items for class: apron, 35-mm camera (with manual capabilities), a $65 lab fee, composition book, poster board, and 3-ring notebook binder (2” to 3”).

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

  • Length: Year – 10 credits
  • Prerequisite: Photography I
  • Grades: 10-12 (Practical or Fine Art Elective)

The class will give an overview of digital photography and image editing software. Among the topics covered will be digital camera features, digital capture, manipulation, managing your digital images and output. For the processing and enhancement of digital photographs, students will learn the basics of Photoshop. Opportunities to exhibit word are presented.

Required items for class: a digital camera with adjustable exposure and focus (ability to capture in “camera RAW” preferred), a flash drive, a $65 lab fee, composition book and binder.

PHOTOGRAPHY IV

  • Length: Year – 10 credits
  • Grades: 11-12 (Practical or Fine Art Elective)

This course is designed to teach students how to develop a professional portfolio. Each student assembles a portfolio of images appropriate to their professional, educational, or personal goals. Topics include portfolio design, presentation, and self-promotion. Opportunities to exhibit work are presented.

Required items for class: digital/film camera, flash drive, a $65 lab fee, a composition book and a binder.

SCHOOL NEWSPAPER PRODUCTION

  • Length: Year - 10 credits
  • Grades: 9-12 (Practical Art Elective)

This course presents the principles of journalism through the actual experience of producing the school newspaper, the Cactus Clarion. Each student will take an active part in reporting, writing, editing, designing, and preparing appealing layouts. This is a yearlong class with no option to drop after the sixth week. Prerequisite: Permission of newspaper sponsor.

YEARBOOK PRODUCTION

  • Length: Year - 10 credits
  • Grades: 9-12 (Practical or Fine Art Elective)

This course presents the principles of journalism through the actual experience of producing the school yearbook, The Thunderbird. Each student will take an active part in reporting, writing, editing, designing, and preparing layouts, as well as taking and preparing appealing photos. This is a yearlong class with no option to drop after the sixth week. Prerequisite: Permission of yearbook sponsor.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Length: Varies – 5 credits maximum

The work experience acquaints the student with the world of work, the importance of positive attitudes, good work habits, the value and dignity of labor, interpersonal relationships, and the skills that will help meet the practical duties of life. Upon graduation all work experience is listed on the transcript; however, only 5 semester periods are applied for graduation credit.

FLIGHT TRAINING

The flight-training program is available through independent flight schools at Scottsdale Airpark and is designed to offer the opportunity for students to obtain a private pilot’s license while in attendance at Thunderbird Adventist Academy. Written parental permission is required prior to participation in the flight program. Flight training may begin before age 16; however, the student must be 17 before obtaining the private pilot’s license. To remain in the flight program, the student must maintain grades of C or better (with no Fs) in attendance, scholarship and citizenship.

GROUNDSCHOOL

Length: Varies – 2 credits

Ground instruction is given to prepare the student for the FAA Private Pilot examination. Topics include federal aviation regulations, navigation, meteorology, aircraft systems, and performance.

SOLO FLIGHT

Length: Varies – 1 credit

Flight and ground school instruction to prepare the student to fly the airplane on his own and to understand the environment in which it operates.

FAA EXAMINATION

Length: Varies – 3 credits

This course of flight and ground instruction is to prepare the student for the FAA written examination.

FAA PILOT

Length: Varies – 5 credits

This examination, which is administered by a certified FAA testing administrator, comes after ground school and 45 -60 hours of flight instruction. Prerequisite: FAA Exam