Curriculum

Download a copy of the 2010-2011 Curriculum Guide.

Download a copy of the 2010-2011 Summer Reading List.

Four Year Curriculum Overview

Twenty-six credits are required in order to graduate from Cor Jesu Academy. However, beginning with the Class of 2014, 26.5 credits are required (Health (0.5) and Personal Finance (0.5) are newly required courses). One half unit of credit is given for each semester-long course completed with a passing grade. A minimum of six credits per year are required with a maximum of seven credits allowed per year and a minimum of three credits per semester.

Required subjects / Total Credits

Theology / 4.0
English / 4.0
Mathematics / 3.0
Social Studies / 3.0
Science / 3.0
Foreign Language / 2.0  Fine Arts / 1.0
Physical Education / 1.0
Business Education / 0.5
Electives / 4.5

Total Required Credits Over Four Years:  26.0

Freshman Year

Courses / Credits

Algebra I or Geometry* / 1.0
Biology / 1.0
Foreign Language I or II* / 1.0   (French, Spanish or Latin)
Intro to Composition & Literature / 1.0
Intro to Computer Applications& / 0.5
Introduction to Fine Arts / 0.5   (Art, Drama, Music)
Physical Education I / 0.5
Theology I / 1.0
World History I / 0.5

* Freshmen must test out of Algebra I and/or Foreign Language I in order to be eligible to register for Geometry or Foreign Language II, respectively.

Required Course Credits for Freshman Year: 7.0 

Sophomore Year

Courses / Credits

Chemistry / 1.0
Foreign Language II / 1.0  (French, Spanish or Latin)
Geometry or Algebra II / 1.0
Theology II / 1.0
World History II / 1.0
World Literature / 1.0

PE II and one English elective are required courses that may be taken either sophomore or junior or senior year.

Required Course Credits for Sophomore Year: 6.0
Elective Course Credits: up to 1.0

Junior Year

Courses / Credits

Algebra II or Algebra II-Trig / 1.0
American Literature / 1.0
Physics I / 0.5
Science Elective / 0.5
Theology III / 1.0
U.S. History / 1.0
Alternate Option: American Studies* / 2.0

*Juniors enrolled in the American Studies course will receive one credit for American Literature AND one credit for U.S. History, totaling 2.0 credits.

Required Course Credits for Junior Year: 5.0
Elective Course Credits: up to 2.0

Senior Year

Courses / Credits

British Literature / ACC Intro to Lit / 0.5
Theology IV / 1.0

Required Course Credits for Senior Year: 1.5
Elective Course Credits: up to 5.5

AP, ACC & Honors Classes

Cor Jesu offers classes on the junior and senior levels that prepare students for the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) exams. The AP exams are standardized tests given across the nation each May. Based on test scores, many colleges and universities accept AP courses for credit or advanced placement. AP courses are offered in: English, Foreign Language, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art and Music.

Students who are enrolled in an ACC course may earn Advanced College Credit (ACC) through St. Louis University. The ACC courses available through Cor Jesu include: English, Foreign Language, Math, Science, Social Studies and Theology. All college-credit courses are integrated into our schedule and are taught by Cor Jesu faculty. Additional honors classes are offered in English, foreign languages, science, social studies and math.  Some honors courses may be taken beginning sophomore year.

Grading

Cor Jesu uses a weighted grading system. Each course is given a quality point (QP) rating of 4.8 for AP, ACC, and honors courses and a QP rating of 4.3 for college-preparatory courses.