Electives

Department Overview

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Scientific Research

The Scientific Research Course is designed for students with an interest in careers in the biological sciences involving research. Through the process of developing, designing and conducting a science research project students learn valuable research skills. These skills include but are not limited to the reading of primary literature, problem solving, critical thinking and focused curiosity. Students practice science communication skills and are expected to communicate their research and results at the Synopsys Science and Technology Championship presented by the Santa Clara Valley Science and Engineering Fair Association. The BSL-1 laboratory course is designed for mammalian cell or model organism research questions. Discussion topics include analysis of claims, false claims, career opportunities, peer-review, model organisms, cell culture, biotechnology, and basic lab skills and research equipment. Interested students will need to fill out an application and meet with the instructor to discuss proposed research prior to acceptance into the class.

Additional Expectations: Students keep a laboratory notebook with regular entries, meet the deadlines for written checkpoints, topic talks, and research proposals. The course models a research community including participating in peer review of student projects. Self-motivation and a desire to complete research is a key component to student success in this course.

AP Psychology

AP Psychology at VCHS introduces the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes using a Christ-centered framework for integrated “soul care” grounded in the restoration and wholeness that God desires for all of His children. This discipline provides Christians with tangible tools to implement Biblical instructions such as “taking captive every thought,” (II Cor. 10:5) to “not conform to the patterns of this world,” (Rom. 12:1), and how to love ourselves and love others (Matt. 22:39). 

Students will learn about practical tools learned through psychology to live those truths out, along with the founding psychologists and foundational theories such as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatments of psychological disorders, and social psychology. Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods, including Biblical ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.

AP African American Studies

Applied English and Bible Fundamentals

Applied English and Bible Fundamentals course equips new VCHS International students with advanced academic English skills and knowledge of the Bible. The class is comprised of two components: academic English and Bible. The English component of the class helps students develop language skills through social communication, group discussions, and presentations. The Bible component of the class explores and identifies the overarching themes of the Bible and teaches students key events and characters in the Old and the New Testaments.

ASB Student Government

Designed for elected ASB President appointed Vice Presidents and appointed representatives, this course emphasizes the practical aspects of leadership, budget planning and implementation, and the coordination of activities for the student body while developing and emphasizing school culture.

Additional Expectations: Students are required to attend all ASB functions, including school dances and evening rallies. Students have frequent lunch time responsibilities, including ticket sales and organizing lunch time activities. Many evening events require additional time (setup the night before, arriving early and staying late for setup and cleanup, etc.).

Study Hall

This is a supervised time during which students may work on school assignments. Students are expected to be on task, and the supervising teacher checks student grades twice a month to monitor each student’s progress. This course may be chosen as an elective, but no credit is earned toward graduation.

Limit: One Study Hall per year

Counselor Aide

Teacher's Aide

The TA program offers juniors and seniors an opportunity to learn and enhance organizational and administrative skills in a classroom setting. Students provide teachers with needed support and practical assistance in various teaching areas. Typical duties for the TA include filing, bulletin board maintenance, classroom set-up and organization, and teacher-supervised assistance. Students requesting to be TAs should not only request this course but should complete the online form to indicate which teacher(s) they would like to assist.

Office Aide

Students may seek a position as an office aide, assisting in an on-campus office. This program offers juniors and seniors the opportunity to apply existing skills to an authentic office environment. Students who want to participate must have previous experience that demonstrates high levels of responsibility. Students need to possess self-starter qualities and an ability to observe which actions are needed and then fulfill them. Strict adherence to the guidelines set forth by the supervisor are mandatory to remain in these internship-level positions.

REACH Aide

The REACH program offers students the opportunity to work closely with their peers, who struggle academically, socially, and emotionally. Typical REACH Aide duties include sharing experiences, classroom set-up, and organization, and peer tutoring. Students will also be asked to build respectful and trusting relationships with peers and staff and impact REACH students in a positive manner. 

Peer Tutor

Open Period or Unscheduled

Most students have one open period in the morning, on either the student's A-day or B-day. An additional unscheduled morning or afternoon period is available only to seniors who opt to take a reduced academic load of six courses. VCHS does not recommend that seniors take an unscheduled period.

Intro to REACH

Intro to REACH is a hands-on class that provides students with the skills, resources, and support to help increase their self-esteem, academic achievement, classroom processes, and procedures, and develop healthy relationships with peers and teachers. The REACH staff is dedicated to supporting students holistically both in and out of the classroom. Skills taught include executive functioning, social and emotional learning, and strategies and discipline for academic success. The goal is to partner with students in their academic journey and to develop independent learners, who take ownership of their education.

REACH

REACH is a continuation of Intro to REACH and provides students another year to develop and grow holistically. The REACH staff focuses on strengthening students’ areas of need as well as helping to prepare students for college and career readiness. Students are encouraged to implement the strategies taught in REACH class in all different areas of their lives. The goal of this course is to increase their academic performance through accountability, decision-making, and a growth mindset.  

Extended REACH

Extended Reach (E.R.) is an after-school program for students, where they can work in a supportive environment and receive additional assistance from peers-tutors as needed. Students can complete homework, essays, projects, and study for exams. The Extended REACH supervisor is available for meeting individually with students to review grades, communicate with teachers, and create academic action plans. Extended REACH has a mandatory attendance requirement.