Indoor Athletic Performance is intended to provide advanced training for students who intend to participate in interscholastic athletic teams at Valley Christian. This class equips athletes with the power, speed, and agility needed to excel in their sport through targeted weight training and dynamic movement workouts. Athletes build a strong physical foundation while developing the explosive abilities essential for high-level competition. First priority for this course is given to athletes with an expressed desire to participate on our school teams. If space is available, spots may be opened for athletes involved in sports outside of Valley Christian. Athletes are grouped into courses based on their sport. Indoor Sports Include: Basketball, Volleyball, and other team sports

This course allows students to learn and further develop baseball skills, utilizing the disciplines taught from our Lifetime Fitness course. This is accomplished through an increased understanding of baseball theory, philosophy, defensive and offensive techniques, defensive and offensive strategies, and team concepts. During the CIF season of the sport, the varsity boys baseball team will practice during this class period. All members of the team must either be enrolled in the class, or have an open period.

This course provides student-athletes with comprehensive training designed to maximize performance and long-term development. Instruction integrates two core components—strength and conditioning in the weight room and on-field movement training—to build well-rounded, game-ready athletes. Students progress through four targeted training phases: 1. In-Season Maintenance – Emphasis on recovery and technique refinement to stay healthy and effective throughout the season. 2. Strength Phase – Develop foundational full-body strength to support explosive movement and reduce injury risk. 3. Power Phase – Convert strength into dynamic, game-ready power through advanced lifting and plyometric work. 4. Fast-Twitch Phase – Enhance speed, agility, and reaction time for peak on-field performance. Together, these components ensure each student-athlete is continually challenged and supported in reaching their highest potential in football. Football Performance is designed for Varsity and JV Football Players.

This course allows students to learn and further develop basketball skills, utilizing the disciplines taught from our Lifetime Fitness course. This is accomplished through an increased understanding of basketball theory, philosophy, defensive and offensive techniques, defensive and offensive strategies, and team concepts. During the CIF season of the sport, the varsity girls basketball team will practice during this class period. All members of the team must either be enrolled in the class, or have an open period.

This course allows students to learn and further develop basketball skills, utilizing the disciplines taught from our Lifetime Fitness course. This is accomplished through an increased understanding of basketball theory, philosophy, defensive and offensive techniques, defensive and offensive strategies, and team concepts. During the CIF season of the sport, the varsity boys basketball team will practice during this class period. All members of the team must either be enrolled in the class, or have an open period.

Integrated Science is a comprehensive survey course designed to help students connect foundational science concepts with practical science skills. The curriculum introduces key topics in biology, chemistry, and physics, providing a broad understanding of scientific principles and concepts. The course emphasizes the development of problem-solving and technological skills that are essential for success in the 21st century. A significant portion of class time is dedicated to student-centered laboratory exercises and hands-on activities that directly relate to the lessons. Active participation in these laboratory exercises and activities is a key component, as the course places a strong focus on cultivating critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in real-world contexts.

Forensic Science is a college preparation elective science course for students interested in an in-depth exploration of investigative practices within the criminal justice system. This multidisciplinary course uses scientific principles, including chemistry, physics, biology, and earth science. Students will employ the scientific method to resolve simulated criminal investigations, allowing them to delve into the application of science and inquiry in the realm of criminal justice. This course introduces students to potential career pathways, and foster science skills, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, observation, data analysis, data collection, evaluating evidence, and the application of technology, in addition to imparting scientific skills and techniques. The course provides contents that describe specific types of evidence, evidence collection techniques, evidence analysis, and evidence evaluation. The course also explores topics such crime scene investigation, forensic analysis of evidence such as DNA, forensic anthropology, blood and blood spatter examination, and many more.

This survey course explores core concepts in biology, including ecology, biochemistry, basic chemistry, cell physiology and function, Mendelian genetics, protein synthesis, biotechnology, origins of life (creation and evolution), botany, and classification of organisms (bacteria through animals). Students will be introduced to basic lab procedures and safety as they participate in group activities and projects. Labs include a variety of topics such as enzyme investigations, DNA electrophoresis, plant growth experiments, and dissections. Dissection is a component of the second semester study of animal form and function. Students will learn terminology and techniques to help them explore and better understand their world.

Honors Biology is an intensive exploration of life science, delving into core concepts with greater depth and detail than the college prep Biology course. This rigorous and fast-paced class immerses students in a comprehensive study of Biology, focusing on in-depth understanding and practical applications. Throughout the course, students engage in a multifaceted approach to learning, combining lectures, readings, and interactive and experiential learning activities. From dissecting organisms to conducting diverse laboratory investigations, students actively apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations. Students will engage in their own research and will share some of this knowledge for projects and presentations to foster a deeper understanding of biological principles and their real-world significance. Success in Honors Biology requires self-motivation, strong reading comprehension, and advanced critical thinking skills. Regular quizzes and tests are designed to reinforce a deep and continuous understanding of the material, fostering long-term retention and mastery. This course provides an engaging and intellectually stimulating environment tailored for students with a passion for the life sciences. It prepares them for advanced studies and equips them with practical skills for future applications in the field of biology. Additional Expectations: Students should be self-motivated and have well-developed levels of reading comprehension and critical reading skills. Quizzing and testing are frequent. *Though internal honors credit is given, the UC does not calculate an honors grade point for this course. Other colleges may assign honors credit.

This course includes many of the topics covered in Honors Biology, but explores them in greater depth comparable to a college level course. Students will work to apply broad-level concepts to detailed biological principles. Added content includes special attention to plant systems and physiology, animal systems’ form and function, genetics, biotechnology, and ecology. The laboratory component includes numerous inquiry-based labs specifically related to content on the AP exam. Special attention is given to lab planning, design, and execution. General topics include chemistry, molecular biology, cells, genetics, biotechnology, viruses, plants, evolution, plant and animal response systems, animal and plant development, and ecology. Additional Expectations: Students must read and comprehend approximately one chapter of the textbook per class session that we meet. Extensive lab reports are required for most of the lab work completed. Testing is done by units and includes approximately 2-3 chapters.