Curriculum Detail

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Elective

  • Academic Coaching

    Maranatha's new Academic Coaching Program is designed to provide personalized support to students in developing their executive functioning skills and building confidence in the classroom. In this program, students work closely with a dedicated coach in a small class setting to set goals, create action plans, and implement effective learning strategies. This foundation helps students prioritize tasks, manage time efficiently, and stay organized.
     
    Investing in our students' executive functioning skills benefits their academic success and equips them with essential life skills. Students will develop a growth mindset, resilience, and lifelong learning habits vital for success in today's fast-paced world. Research shows that academic coaching enhances high school students' academic performance. A study in the Journal of Educational Psychology highlighted significant improvements in students' time management, study habits, and overall achievement through academic coaching.

    COST: This program is provided for an additional fee of $2,000 per year, or $1,000 for Semester One only. 

    CLASS SIZE is limited to 10 students, and enrollment is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Advanced Speech and Debate

    Students will pursue excellence in a particular type of speech and/or debate of their choice from the list of speeches and debates offerred for competition, which were introduced at the beginning level. All students are required to participate in a minumum of one speech or debate tournament per semester, excluding the ice breaker and Rotary speech tournament. Varsity students are required to judge on e novice speech or debate tournament per year.

    Prerequisite: Beginning speech (or equivalent) and 25 merit points with the National Forensic League.

  • AP Computer Science A

    This course is intended to serve both as an introductory course for computer science majors and as a course for people who will major in other disciplines and want to be informed citizens in today's technology society. The goals of the course are comparable to those in the introductory course for computer science majors offered in many college and university computer science departments. This course focuses on problem solving and computing skills written in the java programming language. In this course, students will learn to design, implement, and analyze solutions to problems, use and implement commonly used algorithms, use standard data structures, write solutions fluently in an object-oriented paradigm, and write, run, test, and ebug solutions in the Java programming language. Students are required to take the AP Computer Science Exam.
    Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Intro to Computer Science Priniciples with a grade of B or above. Students should be comfortable with functions and the concepts found in the use of function notation, such as f(x) = x + 2 and f(x) = g (h (x) ) .

  • AP Computer Science Principles

    AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory college-level computing course that introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. Students learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students also explain how computing innovations and computing systems — including the internet — work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical. The course culminates in an AP exam that tests the students’ knowledge. A part of the exam is a culminating project encompassing the scope of the curriculum.

    Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and Introduction to Computer Science Principles with a grade of B or above.

  • AP Computer Science: Computing Mastery

    Positioned in the TILE Lab, this course offers a profound exploration of problem-solving and computing using the Java programming language. Students design, implement, and evaluate solutions, incorporating commonly used algorithms and standard data structures. They engage in an object-oriented paradigm, mastering Java’s intricacies. The course prepares them for the AP Computer Science Exam, emphasizing fluent solution development, testing, and debugging.

    Prerequisite: Introduction to Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science Principles, or teacher discretion.

  • AP Research

    AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, allows students
    to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest.
    Students design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000–5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense.

    Prerequisite: A score of 3 or higher on the AP Seminar exam

  • AP Seminar

    AP Seminar engages students in interdisciplinary conversations that exploe the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues. Students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and literary and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in research-based written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.

    Prerequisites: A "B" or better in their most recent English course and a teacher recommendation.

  • CADE-1 Engineering Essentials

    Hosted in the TILE Lab, CADE 1 invites students in grades 9-12 to delve into the intricate world of engineering. They
    explore the fundamental work of engineers and their pivotal role in designing and developing real-world problem
    solutions. The course blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in laser cutting, 3D printing, and GIS.
    Collaborative projects, combined with individual tasks, offer students a holistic understanding of the engineering domain.
    Students not only comprehend the theoretical aspects but also gain insights into practical challenges. By the course’s end,
    students qualify for esteemed technical certifications in 3D Printing.

    Prerequisite: None

  • CADE-2 Introduction to Engineering Design

    Conducted in the TILE Lab, CADE 2 propels students’ engineering competencies to advanced levels. They’re introduced to
    the engineering profession, understanding a common approach to solving engineering problems through a well-defined
    engineering design process. Activities transition from structured to open-ended, demanding students to hone their
    planning, documentation, and communication skills. The course underlines the interdisciplinary nature of engineering,
    emphasizing sustainable and innovative solutions. Those mastering the content can attain technical certifications in
    Advanced 3D Modeling.

    Prerequisite: CADE 1 or submission of relevant past work samples for review.

  • CADE-3 Engineering Research & Development

    The TILE Lab serves as the epicenter for CADE 3, a capstone course in Maranatha’s Engineering Program. This pinnacle
    of learning immerses senior students in the vast expanse of engineering design, ensuring their technological innovations
    resonate with Christ-centered values. Students collaboratively design and develop unique solutions to judiciously chosen
    open-ended problems. The course not only enhances their technological proficiency but also instills values, ethics, and
    leadership qualities. It prepares them for their anticipated Senior Capstone/Thesis Project, a culmination of their learning
    journey.

    Prerequisite: Completion of 1-2 years of technology coursework or a demonstrated independent research interest in the
    subjects

  • Intern

    The Internship Program provides students with the opportunity to work closely with a member of the faculty or staff
    at MHS. Students take on responsibilities, and cultivate their abilities and interests while working alongside an adult,
    building their resume and learning valuable skills in the process. This class offers elective credits, but no letter grade.
    To secure an internship: Students approach faculty/staff directly and request an internship position, the teacher approves
    the request and then the internship is added to the schedule for the year.
    An internship makes an excellent addition to a college or job application. Whether the student is interested in advancing
    their math skills, helping with marketing, or working at sporting events, there is most likely an internship for every interest. 

  • Intro to Computer Science Principles

    Housed in the TILE Lab, this foundational course unravels the core tenets of computer science. Students embark on a
    journey through human-computer interaction, problem-solving, web design, computer programming, data modeling,
    and robotics. Emphasizing computational thinking and collaboration, it provides a diverse exposure to computational
    concepts, fundamentals, and tools. Students transition from visual, block-based programming to text-based languages like
    Python. They design apps, develop websites, and grasp intricate computer operations. Collaborative projects, addressing
    real-world topics, ensure students are well-prepped for advanced courses.

    Prerequisite: None

  • Learning Lab

    The Learning Lab class focuses on supplemental educational support in core subject areas, study skills, and organizational techniques to ensure academic progress for each student. The Learning Lab class supports the students in the following ways:
    • Provides a small class environment with students in the same grade level;
    • Teaches students growth mindset, self-advocacy, and study strategies to succeed;
    • Helps students manage and monitor grades and assignments;
    • Provides ongoing communication with parents with detailed academic concerns and strategies; and
    • Provides the opportunity to retest or take tests with extended time as recommended. Students in the Watch and Consult program work independently without the Learning Lab support class.

    Students in the Watch and Consult program may meet with the Counseling Department or Learning Assistance Director to discuss academic progress, successful learning strategies, and implementation of their accommodations. Maranatha provides for all reasonable accommodations recommended by the testing psychologist, but cannot provide for any modifications (change in course curriculum or objectives).

    Learning Assistance students will examine the issue of where their identity stems. Many Biblical characters have struggled with hardships to overcome and found their identity in their Creator instead of in their abilities or struggles, including Moses, Gideon, Jesse (David’s father), and Paul. We are excited to examine portions of Scripture and challenge our thinking and belief systems. We are confident that God has a plan for each student that will use his/her gifts and talents. 

  • Speech and Debate

    The beginning course introduces students to basic public speaking skills necessary in an academic or professional
    setting. Additionally, this course introduces different forms of argumentation and effective rhetorical strategies for debate.
    Students will learn how to organize, research, and deliver strong verbal arguments on a variety of global and moral issues.
    In the advanced course, students will pursue excellence in a particular type of speech and/or debate of their choice from
    the list of speeches and debates offered for competition, which were introduced at the beginning level. All students are
    required to participate in a minimum of one speech or debate tournament per semester, excluding the ice breaker and
    Rotary speech tournament. Varsity students are required to judge one novice (beginning) speech or debate tournament
    per year.

    Prerequisite for Advanced Speech: Beginning speech (or equivalent) and 25 merit points with the National Speech &
    Debate Association

  • Student Leadership


    This course focuses on what leadership is and how it applies on a school campus. One day a week is dedicated to the study of different aspects of spiritual and practical leadership. Topics covered include management skills (using Robert’s
    Rules of Order), presentation skills, proposal writing, activity planning, and other practical life skills. Students are assigned to committees that plan activities such as Homecoming, Junior/Senior prom, Bible studies, course trips, and school
    dances. Students set goals and objectives and then work as a team throughout the year to achieve them.

    Prerequisite: Students have to apply and be interviewed by the instructor. Note: All lead positions are only opened to Seniors. Class Officers are voted in by their peers.

  • Student Leadership (H)

    This course is designed to introduce students to foundational perspectives, challenges, and critiques in the study of leadership. Throughout this course, students will engage with a number of important theories and consider ways to connect theory and practice through reflections and skill development. This course will help hone students’ conceptual, analytical, and leadership skills through application of course concepts to various case studies as well as personal leadership opportunities.

    All students taking this course will be expected to complete reflection papers, case analysis presentations, in-class assignments, and a final paper on personal leadership philosophy. Honors-level students will also be expected to engage further with the course as research-practitioners. Specifically, Honors level students will participate in several labs that require them to apply research to contemporary leadership issues, and demonstrate the ability to share defensible research-based solutions to various dilemmas and crises in leadership.

  • User Exp (UX) & User Inter (UI)

    UX/UI is a digital course exploring the fields of User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design, culminating in the
    design of a minimum viable product (MVP) of multiple screen designs for their own app. This course will explore the
    historical and rapidly changing trends in the field of User Experience and Interface design, and explore design projects
    for the web and smartphones/tablets, develop problem-solving skills, enhance their artistic perception, and employ
    critical thinking and self-reflection throughout their process. Students will learn the design of smartphone/tablet app
    design through the artistic use of color theory, texture, typography, and other design principles (shape, uniformity,
    repetition, contrast, space, alignment, proximity). During the first semester the focus will be on UX. Students will employ
    a user centered lean methodology as the basis for research and design, learning how to conduct user and stakeholder
    research and interviews, conduct competitive analysis, develop personas and scenarios, analyze analytics, conduct
    usability testing, and build user flows and maps for a basic app design. In addition to the User Experience research,
    students will build on their design skills by applying them in the world of interface design. They will learn information
    architecture principles, as well mobile-centric design practices including common interface modules, uses and flows.

    Prerequisite: Intro to Digital Photography and Graphic Design, Advanced Graphic Design, or Instructor approval.

  • Video Game Design

    This course teaches students the concepts of computer programming, with an emphasis on game design and development. In the first semester, students will learn how to program and design several different types of games using Java. In the second semester, students will learn the fundamentals of level design, model creation, C++ coding, and 3D rendering using an industry standard 3D gaming engine. The course requires students to design and program several different games, as well as learn the process of level design in a 3D game world. Integrated into the course are technical writing assignments, workplace communication, mathematics in programming, and technology.

    Prerequisites: Intro to Computer Science

  • Yearbook

    The major task of this course is capturing the unfolding events of the school year and presenting them in published form. This course requires students to attend school events to capture images and stories that describe the event. Tasks include interviewing classmates, article composition, layout design, editing, and photography work. With the use of Adobe digital imaging software, this course produces the yearbook published and purchased by each student at the end of the school year. 

    Prerequisite: Photography with a grade of C or above. Admission by application and department approval.

  • Yearbook 1

    The major task of this course is capturing the unfolding events of the school year and presenting them in published form. This course requires students to attend school events to capture images and stories that describe the event. Tasks include interviewing coursemates, article composition, layout design, editing, and photography work. With the use of Adobe digital imaging software, this course produces the yearbook published and purchased by each student at the end of the school year.

  • Yearbook 2

    In Yearbook 2, second-year yearbook staff focus on developing their leadership skills as they guide and mentor a group of 2 or 3 new team members in photography, design, and writing. These returning students will play a pivotal role in transferring their knowledge to newcomers as they contribute in more substantial ways to the creation of a professional level publication. This course emphasizes planning, collaboration, and intentionality throughout the production year, providing a unique opportunity for students to take on leadership roles and actively participate in crafting a memorable yearbook for the school community.

    Prerequisite: Yearbook 1, Photography 1 with department approval, or Graphic Design 1 with department approval

  • Yearbook 3 Honors

    Yearbook 3 marks the pinnacle of the yearbook experience, as returning students progress from contributors (Yearbook 1) to mentors (Yearbook 2) to ultimately becoming editors of the yearbook (Yearbook 3). In this course, editors are entrusted with the vital responsibility of ensuring the success and growth of both new and returning staff members, while also guiding and approving all content included in the yearbook. This course demonstrates a student’s capacity not only to perform the foundational tasks of Yearbook 1 and leadership responsibilities of Yearbook 2 but also to curate content and make executive decisions regarding publication. Students will gain the skills to lead teams responsible for various yearbook processes, including photography, writing, design, and project management.

    Prerequisite: Yearbook 2.

Faculty