Educational Philosophy
At Seattle Lutheran, we promote the academic, personal and spiritual growth of all students. We offer a personal and supportive school atmosphere that challenges students to reach their full potential and meet strong academic standards. We encourage our students to develop their confidence, hope, integrity, and passion so they can follow Jesus’ example by loving and serving the world.
We believe that students learn best through experiences that happen within a compassionate, encouraging and loving community. Students at Seattle Lutheran enjoy small classes where they are known by their teachers and fellow classmates and are accepted as children of God. We also believe that the ideal teacher is one who functions as a coach, working alongside students to help them develop their God-given abilities.
Course List
The following is a listing of courses offered and required at Seattle Lutheran High School. Please note that many colleges and universities require three years of world language. Seattle Lutheran requires two year of a world language for graduation. Washington state now requires four years of math or Algebra-based science for graduation.
To register for an Advanced Placement course, please fill out the AP Course Approval form and return to the guidance counselor.
R = Required E = Elective
English: 4 years required
Honors Options:
*In all English classes, students have the option of completing honors coursework each semester by meeting once a month outside of the regular class to explore readings, discussions and assignments that are in addition to the regular coursework.
| Section | Course | Grade(s) | Semesters(s) | Required/Elective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eng. 9 | English 9 / Honors This class introduces students to poetry, prose, non-fiction, scripture and short-stories. Inspiration for lessons, units, texts, projects, assessment, and field experiences is drawn from the Bible and sacred texts, current literature, student interests, and teacher collaboration. Students work to master writing the argumentative essay, making a claim, and supporting it with examples and citations. In addition students are taught to analyze texts using literary elements such as tone and metaphor. Finally, students learn and practice using MLA format, which is used in high school and university English courses. | 9 | 2 | R |
| Eng. 10 | World Literature & Composition / Honors This course explores ancient world literature including such texts as The Odyssey and Hamlet. In addition to reading the original text, students will approach these writings using audio books, films and popular television shows. Students will also read short-stories and autobiographies, study vocabulary and work on writing resumes. | 10 | 2 | R |
| Eng. 11 | American Literature & Composition / Honors American Literature and Composition is designed to provide students with an evolving awareness, understanding and respect for literary contributions attributed to United States authors, poets and playwrights, as well as extend and enhance their skills in expository writing, grammar mechanics, reading comprehension and critical thinking. | 11 | 2 | R |
| Eng. 12 | British Literature & Composition / Honors British Literature is the required English course for Seniors. This chronological course will equip the student with an evolving awareness, understanding, and respect for the rich literary contributions attributed to British authors, poets, and playwrights, both past and present.Objectives for each student in this course include the growth of new perspective, appreciation for, and understanding of each of the writers and time periods we will be covering. Additionally, students will work to extend and enhance their skills in expository writing, grammar mechanics, reading comprehension, and critical thinking. Students will also use this course as a stepping stone to college level literature and writing courses. | 12 | 2 | R |
| AP Eng. 12 | AP English: Literature and Composition Approval form here AP English Literature and Composition is designed to teach critical analysis of literary works while offering students an opportunity to earn college credit through the AP College Board examination process. Students who enroll in AP Literature and Composition should expect rigorous and challenging coursework that nurtures advanced and independent thinking skills. One of the features of this course is the study of literary devices. Students will use them to analyze literary works and apply them to their writing assignments. | 12 | 2 | E |
Social Studies: 4 years required
| Section | Course | Grade(s) | Semester(s) | Required/Elective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Studies | Pacific Northwest Studies – If a student has not taken this in middle school they must take it online through APEX. | 7 – 12 | 1 | R |
| Social Studies | Ancient World History / Honors Freshman history is a World History course that focuses on how the past still impacts humans today. Students will use current events as a way to see the similarities and differences between today’s issues and those that affected previous generations. The online curriculum Facing History, Facing Ourselves will frame the activities. In addition, students will be introduced to answering document-based questions (DBQs), which is an important analysis skill, and will be used in later courses, particularly AP US History. | 9 | 2 | R |
| Social Studies | Modern World History / Honors World History 10 focuses primarily on the development of Western civilization from the Renaissance through World War II. This evolution did not happen in a vacuum however as much of what happened in the Western world had influences from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, as well as Latin America. As such the scope of this study truly is global in nature. Students will also look at the global impact of European expansion as a means to obtain raw materials and markets for goods. With a focus on critical analysis of primary and secondary sources, this course will seek to hear from multiple perspectives. | 10 | 2 | R |
| Social Studies | United States History In this course students encounter original documents, art, and other materials as they think critically about history, make connections with their past, and develop future aspirations. Topics in the class include the Civil War and Reconstruction, the rise of the Industrial Age through World War II, Vietnam and the Civil Rights Movement, into the late 1900s and early 2000s. | 11 | 2 | R |
| Social Studies | AP United States History Approval form here This is an introductory college level course in American history where students may earn college credit. We will look at how environmental, political, economic, and cultural changes have affected the development of this nation. Students will examine how America transformed from an isolationist, agrarian nation to a global superpower. They will study how various groups proactively engaged in democratic reforms in matters like slavery, women’s rights, and child labor. PREREQUISITE: Completion of summer work and permission of instructor. | 11 | 2 | R |
| Social Studies | Global Studies Global Studies is a year-long course taken during the senior year. The course covers such topics as environmental changes, globalization, immigration, human rights and media bias. United States politics and policies are studied and analyzed through a global lens. | 12 | 2 | R |
| Social Studies | AP Psychology Approval form here As an Advanced Placement course, AP Psychology will cover the equivalent of a General or Introductory Psychology course at the university level. This class is a survey course in which we will focus on major theories, current research and applications in the field of psychology. Various theories within the field will be examined and discussed. We will read various sources from print and the internet as we work to learn and think critically. Psychology explores the development of individuals from conception to death and attempts to understand the balance of nature and nurture on how each of us becomes a unique individual. PREREQUISITE: Completion of summer work and permission of instructor. | 11 or 12 | 2 | E |
| Social Studies | Civics Civics is a semester-long course taken during the senior year. Topics include the foundations of the American government, the constitution, politics and public policy, civil rights, voting rights, and current events. The role of the media, journalism and personal bias will also be explored. | 12 | 1 | R |
Math: 3 – 4 years required
Washington state requires four years of math or Algebra-based science for graduation.
| Section | Course | Grade(s) | Semester(s) | Required/Elective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Math | Algebra 1 Algebra 1 is the foundation for high school mathematics. Throughout the year students will focus on the topics (but not limited to) solving equations and inequalities, determining relationships between quantities, writing and graphing linear functions in various forms, modeling with linear functions, solving systems of equations, simplifying exponents, and multiplying and factoring polynomials. PREREQUISITE: Placement test or 70% or above in Pre-Algebra | 9-10 | 2 | R |
| Math | Geometry Geometry is a course which focuses on helping students build upon their ability to use logic and inductive and deductive reasoning skills. Students are taught how to develop conjectures about geometric relationships. Course topics include points, lines, planes, coordinate plane, one, two, and three-dimensional figures, Pythagorean Theorem, congruency, angle theorems, similar triangles, an introduction to trigonometry, vectors, quadrilaterals, quadratic equations, surface area and volume. Prerequisite: Algebra 1 completed with a minimum 70% grade | 9-10 | 2 | R |
| Math | Algebra 2 Algebra 2 builds upon the concepts learned in Algebra 1. Many topics will be reviewed and given increased complexity as students are introduced to more complex function types, such as cubic, quartic, root, and logarithmic functions. Students will utilize these functions to model real life situations and learn to use regression functions as a way of modeling predictive values. Graphing calculator techniques will be utilized to give students tools to confirm their ideas both graphically and numerically. Prerequisite: Geometry completed with a minimum 70% grade | 10-11 | 2 | R |
| Math | Advanced Algebra The primary goal of Advanced Algebra is to develop advance algebraic tools and mathematical reasoning that will help you participate fully in life beyond school. Lessons will be discovered mostly through investigations. Appropriate technology will be incorporated. Model real world situations using math. Focus on statistics and probability. No Trigonometry. PREREQUISITE: Algebra 2 | 10-11 | 2 | E |
| Math | Pre-Calculus Required summer workPre-Calculus connects many of the previous courses’ material while providing students the background for the concepts, problems, and techniques that appear in Calculus. Pre-Calculus involves functions, polynomials, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometry, vector, conics, and limits. Prerequisite: 80% or above in Algebra 2 | 11-12 | 2 | E |
| Math | AP Calculus AB Approval form here The primary goal of AP Calculus AB is to prepare students to take the AP examination at the end of the school year in order to potentially receive college credit. Calculus is the study of change and it allows students to see how all the math that they have learned so far is not actually differentiated by labels like Algebra and Geometry but is one unified system. In the course students will make connections with the tools and concepts they learned in their earlier math courses. Students will be taught the two fundamental concepts of Calculus, the derivative and the integral, and how they apply to real life functions that deal with irregular and changing values such as particle motion, fluid dynamics, and market values. | 11-12 | 2 | E |
Science: 2.5 – 3.5 years required
Washington state requires four years of math or Algebra-based science for graduation.
| Subject | Course | Grade(s) | Semester(s) | Required/Elective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Science | Physical Science 9 Physical Science is a year-long course designed to provide freshmen with the core knowledge and tools necessary to excel in all science-based learning environments. Students will explore the process of scientific inquiry and the epistemological utility of the scientific method. They will learn how to safely conduct experiments in a lab setting, and upon completion of the class, they will have gained a foundational understanding of the essential concepts of physics, chemistry, and Earth science. | 9 | 1 | R |
| Science | Biology / Biology Honors This course is designed to develop passion, knowledge and experience in Biology. The curriculum closely follows Next Generation Science Standards. Upon the completion of this course, students will understand concepts involved in the following units: Biology and the Scientific Method; Chemistry of Life; Cell Structures and Functions; Cell Transport; Plant Biology; Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration; The Cell Cycle; Genetics; The History of Life; and Kingdom Classification. | 10 | 2 | R |
| Science | Chemistry Students will study the basic laws of Chemistry and explore topics such as matter, the atomic model, the periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical nomenclature, the mole Stoichiometry, and chemical equations (balancing, writing, and evaluating.) The science of matter and how it interacts will be explored through lecture, demonstrations, readings, and laboratory work. This course is designed to develop passion, knowledge, and experience in Chemistry. | 11 or 12 | 2 | E |
| Science | Physics Physics is all about what is going on in the world and universe around us. This course is designed to utilize the skills learned in Algebra and Geometry to model the behavior and interactions of the matter in our universe. This course seeks to build upon our understanding of what we observe with our 5-senses and explain what is going on mathematically and scientifically behind the scenes. Students will learn about the major topics in physics, including motion (one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and circular), forces, energy, work, power, waves, gravity, and electricity. This is a lab based science where students will be able to ask questions and hypothesize what causes their observations. Prerequisites: Algebra 2 completed with a minimum 80% grade | 11 or 12 | 2 | E |
| Science | Environmental Science Throughout this course, students will focus on human interactions in the natural world. The primary focus will be split into two main categories – water & waste. Students will discuss and debate the best approach to sustainable development. There will be comparisons of human habits on local, national, and international scales. Students will develop knowledge of the interconnections and interdependency of ecological, social, and economic systems. Students will think positively and critically about the tangible things they can change today in order to prepare best for the future ahead. | 11 or 12 | 2 | E |
Physical Education & Health: Four semesters required
Participation in SLHS athletics may be used to meet the requirement after grade 9.
| Subject | Course | Grade(s) | Semester(s) | Required/Elective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PE | Health & Physical Education 9 Health is designed to empower freshmen with the power to make informed decisions about their well-being and meet their personal health goals. Students will investigate a wide range of subjects while working on the necessary research skills needed for identifying reliable information.Fitness The purpose of this course is to help freshmen and sophomore students establish a routine of physical exercise at least five days a week. Students will explore various forms of exercise and games, including basketball, soccer, badminton, and pickleball. In addition to learning the rules of the games, students will also practice skills needed in team sports, such as teamwork and sportsmanship. | 9 | 2 | R |
| PE | Personal Fitness The purpose of this course is to introduce students to basic concepts of personal exercise, proper practice techniques, and the development of personal fitness routines and strategies to stay fit for a lifetime. In addition to assessing their own health and fitness, students will choose the fitness categories that interest them, and set realistic goals for those categories. Affective, cognitive, and psychomotor skills learned in previous health and fitness courses will be reviewed, emphasized, and practiced. However, the primary goal of this course is to develop the individual motivation, knowledge, and technique to safely increase health and fitness for the rest of the students’ lives. | 10-12 | 1 | R/E |
| PE | Athletic Team Participation Participation in the athletics program, in particular, is an earned privilege that is open to any person who meets the established standards. | 10-12 | 1 | E |
World Languages: Two years (4 semesters) required for graduation
Students complete four semesters of ONE language. Some colleges and universities require three years of one language.
| Subject | Course | Grade(s) | Semester(s) | Required/Elective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Language | Spanish 1 – 4 Spanish I integrates the 5 C’s of language learning (Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities) to help the students achieve a basic level of proficiency. In Spanish II students begin to pursue proficiency in Spanish in this course. It represents a continued emphasis on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, but intensifies focus on the application of grammar fundamentals. Spanish III focuses on employing the tenses correctly, expanding vocabulary, and using various strategies for contextual comprehension. The course continues the same emphasis that Spanish I and II had: pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, useful phrases, but focuses especially on comprehension, that is, the ability to understand, read, write, listen, and speak in Spanish. In this fourth-year Spanish course, students build on the material covered in previous levels to gain confidence in all four skills areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. | 9 – 12 | 2 | R |
| World Language | American Sign Language 1-4 The overall design of all ASL classes is to promote interaction in ASL among students, both with the teacher and each other. The goal is to take students with little or no knowledge of ASL and Deaf Culture and provide them with the skills needed to communicate comfortably in a wide variety of situations in the Deaf community. Cultural information taught throughout the class allows students to interact with the Deaf community in a way that is respectful and aware. | 9 – 12 | 2 | R |
Arts (vISUAL & pERFORMING): 2 semesters required
| Subject | Course | Grade(s) | Semester(s) | Required/Elective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Arts | Art Foundation This beginning course is a study of elements of art including line, value, perspective, color and space. Students will explore line, value and perspective while using pencil as a medium. Watercolor and pastel will be used to learn color theory and color mixing. Composition and space will be explored using collage. | 9-10 | 1 | E |
| Fine Arts | Painting Prerequisite: Foundations This one-semester course focuses on the study of value, color, composition and acrylic painting techniques. Acrylic paint is used to learn brush techniques and color value and hue. Students will copy a master painting of their choice to help develop their own style. Original works done by students will include still lifes as well as creative works. | 10-11 | 1 | E |
| Fine Arts | Design Building on prior skills, this course emphasizes elements of design, including layout, graphics, balance, harmony, unity and composition. Students will use a variety of media such as marker, collage, cut paper, and block printing. | 10-12 | 1 | E |
| Fine Arts | Art Portfolio Students in this course will meet with the instructor to decide which art media they want to learn more about. The instructor will assign advanced projects in that medium. Multiple mediums may also be explored. Possible media include painting, drawing, ceramics, airbrush, collage, printing, and sculpture. | 10-12 | 1 | E |
| Fine Arts | AP Studio Art Approval form here This course is equivalent to a first-year college art class and follows a separate syllabus prescribed by the College Board. All students are expected to challenge themselves to develop mastery in their ideas, skills, and abilities in 2-D design. In building the portfolio, students experience a variety of concepts, techniques and approaches designed to help them demonstrate their abilities as well as their versatility with techniques, problem solving, and ideas. Students also develop a body of work for the Concentration section of the portfolio that investigates an idea of personal interest to them. In May, students will be required to submit 20 original pieces for portfolio evaluation. | 11 or 12 | 2 | E |
| Performing Arts | Drama In this introductory course, students will learn about and explore the exciting world of theater! Throughout the class, students will learn about the history of theater, and how it has influenced our modern understanding of this art. This study will include both the reading and watching of many plays that have impacted modern drama. Students will experiment with various methods and forms of acting, learning how to communicate using their voices and bodies. Finally, students will learn about the many elements of producing a play, including choosing or writing a script, auditioning actors and actresses, distributing publicity, choosing effective props, costumes, and staging. The class will conclude with an actual performance of a small production. | 9-12 | 2 | E |
Career and Technical Education: 2 semesters required
| Subject | Course | Grade(s) | Semester(s) | Required/Elective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OE | Life Skills The Life Skills course focuses directly on how to succeed in life after high school. Students will research and practice skills such as: Learning about your personality, what you value, and goal setting. Researching careers of interest to them. Practicing job search skills such as resumes, cover letters and interviewing. Personal finance including budgeting, banking, taxes, housing, transportation, food, saving and investing. | 12 | 1 | R |
| OE | Yearbook | all grades | 2 | E |
| OE | Teacher’s Aide | all grades | 1/4 credit per semester | E |
| OE | Woodshop The Woodshop course is designed to give students an appreciation for working with your hands to develop skills in a craft. Students will initially focus on types of wood and usage as well as safety practices. Hand tools will be used to create various projects and students will use various finishes to complete their projects. More advanced students will begin to learn how to use the power tools with special emphasis on safety and technique to complete advanced projects. | 10-12 | up to four semesters | E |
| OE | Computer Aided Design Computer Aided Design students will use Autodesk Fusion 360. Areas of focus will be learning what CAD is and what it is used for, creating sketch geometry, working with solids, editing models, creating assemblies and technical drawings, and sculpting. A 3-D printer is also available to use to print student creations. | all grades | up to four semesters | E |
Community Service: Required each year of attendance at SLHS
| Subject | Course | Grade | Hours | Required/Elective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service | 9th Community Service | grade 9 | 15 hours=1/4 credit | R |
| Service | 10th Community Service | grade 10 | 25 hours=1/4 credit | R |
| Service | 11th Community Service | grade 11 | 35 hours=1/4 credit | R |
| Senior Project | Senior Project | grade 12 | 60 hours=1/2 credit | R |
Religious Studies: Required each year of attendance at SLHS
| Subject | Course | Grade(s) | Semester(s) | Required/Elective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religious Studies | Old Testament The purpose of the course is to introduce and/or further develop the students’ understanding of main theological concepts and doctrines within Christianity. Students will begin to memorize, study, and reflect on 20 scripture verses, focused on major theological concepts. Further the course is designed to give a broad historical understanding of the Old Testament scriptures through a survey of the entire Old Testament. Overall, the course will enable students to understand and believe that the Old Testament scriptures are pointing to the author and source of salvation, Jesus Christ. | 9 | 1 | R |
| Religious Studies | New Testament The purpose of the course is to introduce and/or continue developing the students’ understanding of main theological concepts and doctrines within Christianity. Students will continue to memorize, study, and reflect on 20 scripture verses, focused on major theological concepts. The course is designed around the gospel of Luke, aiming to further the students’ understanding of Jesus Christ from a historical, doctrinal, and faith application perspective. Overall, the New Testament course will enable students to understand and believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the fulfillment of God’s promise for salvation to all peoples. | 10 | 1 | R |
| Religious Studies | World Religions The main purpose of this course is to introduce students to the basic components of developing and understanding their own worldview. This course includes the study of 10 major world religions. The purpose of introducing these worldviews and religions is so students will be able to accurately compare the Christian worldview with that of other major worldviews. Through understanding of multiple worldviews and religions, the student will be able to communicate their beliefs, worldview, and purpose in and about the world. | 11 | 1 | R |
| Religious Studies | Capstone Theology The purpose of the Capstone Theology course is to continue the development of students’ worldview into a more applicable understanding. The aim of the course is to enable students to accurately compare and communicate their personal worldview with the Christian worldview. The course will introduce philosophy, epistemology, critical thinking, and reasoning into their worldviews. Additionally, the course will include the study of the essential Christian doctrines, through the study of 20 scripture verses along with secondary source material from theologians. The purpose of Capstone Theology is to enable students to understand, to communicate, and defend their belief and faith. | 12 | 1 | R |
