Grades 9 - 12
FAQ English Mathematics Science History/Geography
Bible/Worldview Logic/Rhetoric Languages Electives
FAQ
How do I enroll for high school courses?
While many of our students enter our high school program directly from our own early grades curriculum, many more come to Tree of Life for the first time in high school. To properly place them and to understand more fully their strengths and weaknesses, we ask that students send us a completed Family Profile Questionnaire, a Math placement test (if required), a recent writing sample, and any other documentation that may be helpful in recommending courses. Final selection of courses is made following a telephone conference before the beginning of each school year.
Do you offer a diploma and/or other documentation?
Yes. Students receive written documentation for every course completed through our school and, upon successful completion of the required credits, are granted a Tree of Life diploma. To qualify for a diploma it is recommended that students complete 28 courses with a minimum from each of the following categories: four courses from the English group; three from each of the Math, History, Science and Language, Bible/Worldview and Logic/Rhetoric groups; two from the Electives group; plus four of any other courses. This arrangement allows for a broad based educational experience that remains true to the classical approach.
What have your past students done upon graduation?
Because our enrollees extend nation wide, we have students who have explored almost every possible avenue after their secondary home education experience. They have entered university, college, apprenticeship programs, the workplace, or continued their education at home using other distance education courses. The vast majority of these students say that their Tree of Life diploma was certainly beneficial in helping them gain entrance to post-secondary education, but we still recommend that parents and students keep a well developed portfolio that documents anything that can be considered part of the educational process. This should include extra-curricular activities, work experience, volunteer service, certificates, letters of recommendation, standardised test scores, etc. It is also a good idea to open lines of communication with potential schools or work places two years prior to graduation in order to ascertain the best way for you to meet their requirements for entry without sacrificing your home school experience.
Can I enroll in individual courses?
Yes, many of our students are actually part-time enrollees. They find that some of our courses compliment their present course load very well. Others seek feedback in particular areas from a third party source to make sure students are on the right track.
Do you give credit for coursework or other experiences done apart from Tree of Life School?
Yes, credits completed from other institutions may be transferable and, quite often, other activities in which students are involved can be documented and counted for credit. Please provide us with evidence of course completion and a basic outline as to the nature of the content as well as the signature of the supervising educator.
How is the monitoring done?
Courses are evaluated in a number of ways. Normally students will write tests under the supervision of a parent or other adult and send these to us along with any other written work. This is usually done via the mail service but might be accomplished through e-mail or fax. This work is then evaluated by our staff and returned complete with numerical marks and comments where applicable.
What about your Great Ideas studies?
In 2003 we launched our Study of the Great Ideas through the Great Books. This is an intensive look at the ideas of God, Man, Truth, Lies, Good, Evil, Beauty, and Ethics offered over four years. Of special note here is that each level of the Great Ideas counts toward three Tree of Life credits (English, Bible, History). We suggest that students still take a Math, Science, Logic, and Language course each year for a comprehensive educational experience. For more information go here.
How do I make payment?
Payment can be made by cheque, money order, or credit card. (Visa and Mastercard). We require that all materials be paid prior to shipping but tuition costs can be spread over three payments. Make sure you ask to have a payment plan.
English I
This course covers aspects of writing technique with an emphasis on personal writing. Three novels form the literature study: Robinson Crusoe, Call of the Wild and The Yearling. This course is suggested for ninth grade.
Required Material: Wordsmith Craftsman, The Yearling, Call of the Wild, and Robinson Crusoe
English II
Composing a variety of essays is the writing focus of this course. A major study in World Literature introduces the student to a wide range of genres.
Required Material: Wordsmith Craftsman, Abeka World Literature
English III
A choice can be made whether to study Canadian Literature or three Shakespearean Plays. In addition novel studies include Out of the Silent Planet, Wuthering Heights, and Rasselas. This course is suggested for eleventh grade.
Required Material: The Oxford Anthology of Canadian Literature or Brightest Heaven of Invention Novels: Out of the Silent Planet , Rasselas, Wuthering Heights
English IV
A year long literature study is the focus of this course. Students will dedicate much of their time to a study of English Literature. Novels for this course include Ivanhoe, Great Expectations, and Jane Eyre, This course is suggested for twelfth grade.
Required Material: Jane Eyre, Great Expectations, Ivanhoe, Abeka Anthology of English Literature
Algebra I
This course takes an incremental approach to the teaching of Algebra. Concepts are introduced in smaller parts making them easier to understand and there is adequate practice leading to mastery. Problem solving is a key concept as is the continued study of geometry. This course is suggested for ninth grade.
Required Material: Saxon Algebra 1, (Solutions Manual and DIVE CD optional)
Algebra II
The study of algebra is expanded in this course. Students will continue to practice material from the previous grade. Emphasis is given to the study of linear equations, quadratic equations, and systems of non-linear equations. Area and volume, similar triangles, and right angled trigonometry are also studied. Groundwork is laid for study in advanced math and calculus.
Required Material: Saxon Algebra II, (Solutions Manual and DIVE CD optional)
Advanced Math
Practice in fundamental skills learned in the previous two courses continues. Logarithms and exponentials are studied consistently with an emphasis on the algebra of logarithms. Focus is on all phases of trigonometry including equations, identities, and equations and graphs of sinusoids. Other topics include matrices, determinants, arithmetic series, geometric series, conic sections, roots of higher order polynomial equations and functions. Geometry continues and problem solving is of an advanced nature. This course is suggested for eleventh grade.
Required Material: Saxon Advanced Mathematics, (Solutions Manual and DIVE CD optional)
Calculus
This course covers concepts pertaining to Calculus with Trigonometry and Analytical Geometry. Successful completion of this course will more than prepare the student for any standardised calculus test. This course is suggested for twelfth grade.
Required Material: Saxon Calculus, (Solutions Manual and DIVE CD optional)
Geometry
This course can be taken anytime through the high school years after completion of Algebra I. All key aspects of high school geometry are covered including polygons, solids, theorems, transformations, co-ordinate geometry, and deductive reasoning . The text presents the information in an easy to understand format with plenty of practice.
Required Material: Harold Jacobs Geometry and Teacher's Manual
Mathematics: A Human Endeavour
This course can best be described as a study in application of mathematical concepts. Topics dealt with in the text include thinking mathematically, number sequences, functions, logarithms, symmetry, curves, counting, chance, statistics and topology. The purpose of the course is to broaden a student's view of what mathematics is and to ultimately answer the question, "What good is it?". Any student who has completed a pre-algebra study like Saxon Algebra 1/2 and is desiring to make sense of the study of mathematics can benefit from this course.
Required Material: Mathematics: A Human Endeavor Text and Teacher's Manual
Consumer Math
The emphasis in this course is on practical math skills needed in "everyday" life. Students will cover such topics as basic arithmetic operations, earning and deductions, savings, personal finance, income tax, buying merchandise, sales, you and your automobile, presenting date, and measurement. This course is suggested for those who are not necessarily university bound.
Required Material: Mathematics for Everyday Life
Physical Science
This course is presented in sixteen modules. Each module is designed to help the student to understand the world around him and the universe that acts as home for our earth. A series of tests and enjoyable experiments will be used for evaluative purposes.
Required Material: Exploring Creation with Physical Science, (Lab Kit, Companion CD-Rom optional)
Biology
This is a one year course designed to prepare any student for post-secondary biology. The author has written the text with the home schooler in mind and has added plenty of practical helps and experiments to enhance the basic objectives. Presented in sixteen modules the course covers topics relating to all major areas (plants, animals, fungi, cells, genetics, and evolution). Written from a Christian perspective, students will grow in knowledge and understanding as they work through this course.
Required Material: Exploring Creation with Biology, (Dissection Kit, Microscope Slide Kit, Microscope, Companion CD-Rom optional)
Advanced Biology
Combined with Exploring Creation With Biology, this course gives the student the equivalent of a university biology course. It covers both the anatomy and the physiology of the human body's 11 organ systems in detail. Students need to have completed one year each of high school biology and chemistry before taking this advanced biology course.
Required Material: Human Body: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made (Slide Set, Dissection Specimens, Companion CD-Rom, The Anatomy Coloring Book optional)
Chemistry
All of the key topics expected in a top notch high school chemistry course are covered in this sixteen module course. Study helps and experiments aid the student in understanding difficult concepts. The author confidently states that anyone who completes this course satisfactorily will be very well prepared for higher level study in university.
Required Material: Exploring Creation with Chemistry, (Lab Kit, Companion CD-Rom optional)
Advanced Chemistry
This course is designed to be the second high school chemistry course that a student takes. In order to take this course, then, the student must have already had one year of high school chemistry. This course "fills in the gaps" giving the student the equivalent of the first year of college chemistry. The course covers detailed descriptions of stoichiometry, atomic and molecular orbitals, intermolecular forces, solutions, equilibria, acids and bases, redox reactions, nuclear and organic chemistry.
Required Material: Advanced Chemistry in Creation, (Lab Kit, Companion CD-Rom optional)
Physics
Modeled after the biology and chemistry, the physics course takes the student through all of the important concepts needed for success in future study. Experiments are done using commonly available items found in and around most homes. Study guides make sure students are properly prepared for unit tests. This course is recommended for students who have had some advanced math.
Required Material: Exploring Creation with Physics, (Lab Kit, Companion CD-Rom optional)
Advanced Physics
In order to take this course, a student must have already completed a high school physics course, preferably Exploring Creation With Physics. When added to that first-year course, this course "fills the gaps" and gives the student the equivalent of one year of university-level physics. You may have heard this kind of course called an "Advanced Placement" or "AP" course. In addition to a first-year physics course, the student must have also completed a trigonometry course in order to take Advanced Physics in Creation. The course provides detailed descriptions of kinematics, dynamics, rotational motion, gravity, oscillations, waves, optics, thermal physics, electrical forces, electrical potential, DC circuits, magnetic forces, atomic physics, and nuclear physics. The student is also given an introduction to the fascinating topics of special relativity and general relativity.
Required Material: Advanced Physics in Creation, (Lab Kit, Companion CD-Rom optional)
Human Anatomy & Genetics
This course is for those who have an interest in learning more about the systems of the body and, in particular genetics. The Anatomy portion is based on the colouring of systems and structures approach popular in many medical, dentistry, and therapy departments and has been proven to increase retention of the knowledge necessary in these occupations. The genetics component of the course deals with reproduction, heredity, cloning and mutations. It includes many interesting case studies and projects. This course is recommended for students who have an interest in biology, but may not be university bound.
Required Material: Human Anatomy Coloring Book, My Name is GENE Student Book, Fun With GENE Teacher Book, Fun With GENE Worktext
Church History
This is an introductory course in the development of the church from the resurrection of Christ to the end of the 19th century. Evaluation will be through a series of essays and assignments. This course is suggested for any grade.
Required Material: Sketches from Church History
World History I
The first of two studies in world history offered, this course begins with creation and ends with the Reformation. The emphasis is on the relevance of the Bible to the interpretation of history. Tests and a variety of projects are used for evaluation. This course is suggested for any grade.
Required Material: Streams of Civilization Vol. 1
World History II
The second of two world history studies, this course begins with exploration and discovery by the European nations and ends with major events of the late 20th century. Evaluation methods are similar to World History I. This course is suggested for any grade.
Required Material: Streams of Civilization Vol. 2
World Geography
World Geography consists of a survey of the earth and its resources, the use of these resources by humans, and the cultural features of people in the various regions and countries of the world. Final grade will be based on a series of tests and four major projects. This course is suggested for any grade.
Required Material: Geography for Christian Schools
Canadian History
This is a research based course exploring major themes and influences in Canadian history. The text does not so much give the student obvious answers, but acts as a source of compiled primary material to help gather a variety of viewpoints. This information, in conjunction with the student's own research using readily available secondary sources and interviews, is used to write a series of essays touching on these major themes. This course is suggested for grade 11 or 12.
Required Material: A Short History of Canada
British History
This course is modeled after our Canadian history course. The student will use a variety of sources to trace the events surrounding such themes as: the effect of Christianity on early Britain, the development of law, war, geography, imperialism and recent decline. It is recommended that students be in grades eleven or twelve before they take this course.
Required Material: History of England and Canada
Old Testament Survey
As the name of this course implies, this is a complete survey of all the books of the Old Testament. Opportunities to gather factual information as well as time to reflect and apply what is learned make this a fundamental subject for all students. Evaluation is based on series of tests and reading. This course is suggested for ninth grade.
Required Material: The Kingdom of God and Answer Key for text
New Testament Survey
This course focuses on the Ministry of Christ and follows a similar methodology to that of the Old Testament Survey. Upon completion of the Old and New Testament Surveys, students will have studied and read through the Bible in two years. This course is suggested for tenth grade.
Required Material: The Ministry of Christ and Answer Key for text
Christian Worldview
A pre-requisite to Modern Issues, this course takes an extensive look at the history and development of Western thought from Classical to Hebrew to Christian. It then traces the many attempts by man to forge his own destiny with in-depth analysis of key figures who have shaped much of human thinking in our century. It concludes by challenging and helping students to articulate and live consistently within a Christian worldview. Evaluation is based on several written essays and a final exam. This course is suggested for 11th or 12th grade.
Required Material: Seven Men Who Rule the World From the Grave, How Should We Then Live , Building a Christian Worldview
Modern Issues
The purpose of this course is to further extend the student's thinking in the development of a Biblical mindset and lifestyle, begun in the Christian Worldview course, and to help apply this learning to the modern issues he/she encounters daily. Particular attention is paid to the post-modern world and how Christians need to become pro-active in their culture.
Required Material: Postmodern Times
Critical Thinking
This is a course in informal logic. It offers strategies to the student to help become a better problem solver. Although some aspects of formal logic are explored, the main focus is to think critically, formulate logical arguments, and recognise weaknesses in other arguments. This course is suggested for ninth grade.
Required Material: Critical Thinking Book 1 and Teacher's Manual
Traditional Logic
This is a course on traditional formal logic. Unlike a course on Critical Thinking, with its emphasis on informal logic, this course trains the mind specifically to respect truth. This is crucial to the development of a Christian Worldview. This course is suggested for 9th or 10th grade.
Required Material: Traditional Logic
Advanced Formal Logic
This course is designed as a continuation of Traditional Logic. It deals with the important topic of defining terms, yet focuses on the translation and analysis of propositions as they appear in arguments, with the primary concern of determining the validity of those arguments. Logic I is a pre-requisite to this course.
Required Material: Advanced Formal Logic
Argumentative Writing and Speech
This is a full year course focused on writing argumentative essays and presenting various types of speeches; such as, informative, emotional appeal, and persuasive discourse. This course is suggested for eleventh or twelfth grade.
Required Material: Rulebook for Arguments
Classical Rhetoric: Traditional Principles of Speaking and Writing
his new program is a guided tour through the greatest single book on communication ever written: Aristotle's Rhetoric. With questions that will help the student unlock every important aspect of the book, along with fill-in-the-blank charts and analysis of great speeches, your student will gain a competent knowledge of the basic classical principles of speech and writing.
Required Material: Classical Rhetoric Text, Answer Key, The Rhetoric & Poetics of Aristotle, How to Read a Book
French I
The French courses are designed to give students a comprehensive review and thorough introductory understanding of the elements of the French language and the highlights of the French culture. Students will focus on grammar, vocabulary, and information on France and its people. Emphasis is on written French, but there are adequate opportunities for oral communication if desired.
Required Material: French First Year and Teacher's key
French 2
Required material: French Two Years and Teacher's key
French 3
Required Material: French Three Years and Teacher's key
Latin
Our Latin program is designed to take students with little prior exposure to the language and move them toward competency in this neglected, yet important discipline. Students begin with a study of Latin grammar, followed by more in depth discussion of noun declensions, verb conjugations, vocabulary, translation work, and cultural studies of Rome.
Latin 1
Required Material: Latin Grammar 1 student book and Teacher's book
Latin 2
Required Material: Latin Grammar II student book and Teacher's book
Latin 3
Required Material: Jenny's First Year Latin (Part 1)
Latin 4
Required Material: Jenny's First Year Latin (part 2)
Greek
The student begins by learning the Greek alphabet and the Greek phonetic system using The Greek Alphabetarion. He will then move to Homeschool Greek which will, through a programmed" style of learning, enable him to gain a working knowledge of Greek nouns, pronouns, adjectives, prepositions and some knowledge of the Greek verb system. The student will complete this course over 2 years and will be given credit for 2 language courses.
Required Material: The Greek Alphabeterion ,Pronunciation Tape , Homeschool Greek
Sign Language
A course that introduces students to the skills necessary to carry on a basic conversation with anyone who has knowledge of signing. The text and accompanying video work together to reinforce essential concepts. Many students find this an interesting and fun course. A major part of the evaluation is presenting a speech using signing. This course is suggested for any grade.
Required Material: Sign Language for Everyone (Book) ,Sign Language for Everyone (Video) , (Sign Language Dictionary optional)
NOTE: Rosetta Stone Language courses are also an option for Tree of Life language credits. Proof of successful completion of any of the Rosetta Stone Language courses must be provided for credit to be granted.
Art Appreciation
This course will lead the student into the discovery of art, artists, and the necessary skills to view and understand this form of expression. The chief concern is with the study of painting as an art form. Through research, the study of art prints and postcards, and the compilation of a binder, students will acquire a basic knowledge of this topic. This course is suggested for any grade.
Required Material: The Annotated Mona Lisa and other materials including art prints
Music Appreciation
The history of classical music is studied chronologically using the text, selected CD's and a variety of activities. The course will give students a good overview of the most beautiful of music. This course is suggested for any grade.
Required Material: The Gift of Music, Discover Classical Music CD’s
Career and Work Co-op
Formerly two separate courses (Career Study and Work Experience), students are now required to research and present collected data related to ten career options. They must also formulate a work experience plan for one area of interest, keep a regular log of the duties, skills, and details related to their plan, and submit a final report analysing the success of their original goals. In addition to the previously stated requirements, a minimum of 150 hours of work experience is needed to fulfill course requirements. This course should prove valuable to those students in grade 11 or 12 who wish to explore a variety of career options as they make ready for post-secondary planning.
Required Material: Necessary material is provided with course outline.
Advanced Reading Skills
This course will help the student to move beyond elementary reading and offers excellent instructions and tips in systematic skimming, inspection reading, and speed reading. If you read a wide variety of books and find yourself unsure if you've truly mined all the author has to offer, How to Read A Book will be of benefit to you. Evaluation will be based on a series of tests drawn from material in the text and outside sources.
Required Material: How to Read a Book
