PLEASE NOTE: Liahona has a four-year high school curriculum. We will be using our Year One curriculum. The following is a brief synopsis of each course:
Year One - Genre Studies / Liahona Grammar Vol. 1
Students study different types of literature, which have been historically important such as the difference between fiction and biography, essay and discourse, and narrative versus expository writing. Using Formalism, Comparative Literature, and other appropriate literary theories, students will consider how a text is written and how its form contributes to the overall meaning of the text. This study will help students discern and select uplifting and wholesome literature and better understand the scriptures. This will also prepare them for writing and reading in college.
History
American Government and Civics
The divine origin of our Constitution, the government it established, and the privileges it guarantees will be studied. Original source documents such as those from Wycliffe, Knox, and Huss of the Reformation to Jefferson, Washington, and Franklin of the American Revolution are analyzed. Comments from prophets and apostles regarding historical events and figures are included. Students discover how to be one of the "threads" that upholds the U.S. Constitution, as referred to by Joseph Smith.
Chemistry
This class covers the basic principles of Chemistry, such as atoms and atomic structure, how elements bond together, chemicals, the Periodic Table, and the development of organized problem-solving. This class also highlights how Divine Law and organization are discoverable by scientific inquiry. Classes will have regular experiments to recreate discoveries both simple and complex.
Math
Liahona uses an incremental math curriculum called Saxon Math. Within an incremental curriculum, topics are developed in small steps spread over time. One facet of a concept is taught and practiced before the next facet is introduced. Both facets are then practiced together until it is time for the third to be introduced. Instead of being organized into chapters that rapidly develop a topic and then move on to the next strand, Saxon Math is organized into a series of lessons that gradually develop concepts. This approach gives students the time to develop a deeper understanding of concepts and how to apply them. Through continual review, previously-presented concepts are practiced frequently and extensively throughout the year. Saxon’s cumulative daily practice strengthens students’ grasp of concepts and improves their long-term retention of concepts.
Liahona students are not placed in math classes based on their age, but according to concept mastery of the prior curriculum. Sometimes it is necessary for students to repeat a course in order to demonstrate an 80% or higher mastery level. Below is the Saxon math curriculum offered at the Academy and to Distance Education students where indicated.