Rhetoric (High) School
The PCCA Rhetoric or high school years (9th-12th) are an exciting time in a young person’s life, and we are amazed to observe their growth. Central to this growth is the personal attention and encouragement the students receive from the college of faculty. In addition, our students contribute to this dynamic with their varied interests, gifts, and abilities.
The Rhetoric phase could be summarized by the word "expression," since students are taught to use the knowledge and skills they have learned in the earlier stages--Grammar and Logic. Students receive instruction and training that is designed to assist them in becoming effective communicators of the knowledge, beliefs, and perspectives they hold. The Rhetoric phase of the education model at Providence promotes healthy debates and discussions in every subject. Students are taught to defend their point-of-view, both in oral and written form.
Our course offerings are designed to promote the success of students by challenging each one to achieve. The faculty work with students and parents to help each student maximize his or her learning potential and to mature socially and spiritually. Our commitment to small class size allows teachers to know their students’ individual abilities and interests. The Christ-centered atmosphere of the classroom and supportive environment of the school allow students to focus on learning during these developmental years which will prepare them to succeed at the finest Universities and beyond.
Just as Quintilian's famous definition describes the perfect orator as a "good man skilled in speaking", Providence students are taught to be eloquent in their speech and to be respectful of the opinions of others.
The primary focus of the Providence English department during the Rhetoric years of education is for the classical student to actively engage the ideas of the past and present-evaluating the historical development, as well as challenging the philosophies and opinions. With Providence Academy being a classical school, English and History are intended to be parallel. Without the books written by Plato, Virgil, and Aristotle, we would not fully appreciate the culture and ideals that shape our country.
Students move beyond just reading of the great books, rather students are challenged to comprehend, analyze, and articulate through written and oral discussions to become a well-rounded student of classical education.
9th: Regular/Honors World Literature
10th: Regular/Honors American Literature
11th: Regular/Dual-Credit College Language and Composition I, II
12th: Regular/Dual-Credit College Literature I, II
In the High School at Providence, History continues as one of the key foundational departments. The term history derives from the Greek word historeo, which is translated “to visit”. Providence students visit history through a variety of ways, including the study of great books. While many traditional schools limit the study of history to a single textbook, the Providence approach to history is to allow the students to travel through time and see through the eyes of great historians and authors. Students during the Rhetoric stage of education at Providence will be exposed to history starting at creation, and travel along the path of ancient civilizations including Mesopotamia, then moving to the Dark Age of history, and Middle Ages. Students will also study the Renaissance, Age of Discovery, and the Elizabethan events. As students finish up their study of history at Providence, they will gain a new outlook on modern history. Providence students will gain the ability to see the importance of studying the past to understand the present and prepare for the future. Most of all, our students will understand how history is “God’s story”. It is a way to witness the sovereignty and providence of God at all times and in all events.
9th: Regular/Honors Ancient History
10th: Regular/Honors European History
11th: Regular/Honors U.S. History
12th: Government/Economics and AP U.S. Government and Politics
The Math Department at Providence is designed to allow students to reach their potential, as well as challenge students to excel and be prepared to succeed in college and beyond. As part of the UMS model, students have the opportunity to advance up or down in math courses at their own pace to ensure they master the subject. The math courses listed by grade in this section are the recommended pace.
9th: Geometry
10th: Algebra II
11th: Pre-AP Trigonometry & Pre-Calculus or Dual-Credit College Algebra
12th: Algebra III, AP Calculus AB or College Statistics
Knowledge of the physical and biological sciences is a cornerstone of a Providence Academy education. As a classical Christian academy, we seek to provide students with appropriate opportunities and maximum competency to meet each student’s ability level. As with most of the Upper School, the Science Department courses are taught with rigorous content depth. Additionally, students are offered the opportunity to participate in competitive science fair showings to further their study of the sciences. Students are required to complete three (3) credits of High School science. Students who are planning to attend a selective university are strongly encouraged to complete four (4) credits of High School science.
9th: Regular/Honors Biology
10th: Chemistry
11th: College Biology, AP Physics, AP Chemistry, or Environmental Science
12th: AP Physics, AP Chemistry, or Dual-Credit College Chemistry
The Foreign Languages Department is made up of both classical and modern languages, and is intended to be part of the overall academic program to prepare the students for acceptance into the finest universities throughout the US and abroad. The "Harkness Table" education method is utilized in all foreign language courses at Providence, and results in a dynamic and robust classroom experience for all of the students.
Latin Intro, I, II, (Pre-AP) III: As a distinctive of classical education, students are encouraged to study the time-tested language of scholars. Due to the college-preparatory style of education offered at Providence, students have the opportunity to receive high school credit for Latin prior to 9th grade.
Spanish I, II, III, College Spanish: The Spanish courses at Providence offer the study of grammar, vocabulary and conjugation of verbs. Students develop the skills that are foundational in reading and writing in Spanish. Memorization/recitation, beginning conversational skills and oral presentations are also included in the study of Spanish at Providence. As students advance in the study of Spanish, they will learn the history and literature of the Spanish culture. Since Providence is advanced in academics, students may begin receiving high school credit for Spanish prior to 9th grade.
In addition, Providence offers a robust variety of electives for students to choose from in order to complete their graduation and college requirements.