High School Academic Lookbook

HIGH SCHOOL

ACADEMIC LOOKBOOK

YOUR ACADEMIC JOURNEY

STARTS HERE

Why Academics?

Academics at GAC begin with two convictions: God created a beautiful, complex world that is now also profoundly broken, and He created people in His image to work with Him to make his world better. Because God’s creation is worthy of careful study, our classrooms invite students to delight in and create beauty, wrestle with complexity, and engage the brokenness in themselves and the world with wisdom, hope, and love. Because each student bears God’s image uniquely, we personalize learning to help them discover and live out their role in God’s redemptive work.

CONTENT AREAS

BIBLE

Bible is at the heart of who we are. Our Bible curriculum is rooted in the belief that Scripture is God’s inspired Word and a primary means by which students come to know Him. By teaching students to read the Bible well and dwell in its unified story, we place them in the path of the Spirit’s transforming work. As they encounter the beauty of God revealed in Scripture, students are formed to see God, themselves, and the world more clearly.

ENGLISH

Our English courses help students fall in love with words, stories, and the power of great ideas. Our teachers team up to choose engaging books, spark meaningful discussions, and strengthen each student’s voice as a writer and speaker. By exploring literature through a biblical lens, students learn to think deeply, communicate effectively, and express themselves with confidence and clarity.

SOCIAL SCIENCE

Social Science helps students make sense of the world—past and present—through curiosity, reflection, and conversation. Teachers collaborate to create engaging courses that connect history, culture, and current issues in ways that encourage thoughtful discussion. Grounded in a biblical worldview, students learn to see the bigger picture and to approach global challenges with empathy, wisdom, and a sense of purpose.

WORLD LANGUAGE

The beauty of the world’s different languages and cultures reflect God’s creativity. Teachers partner to design immersive lessons that bring language learning to life and foster understanding across cultures. As students grow in skill and confidence, they also learn to see the world through new eyes—appreciating diversity and building meaningful connections wherever they go.

MATH

Our math courses equip students to explore God’s order in the world around us. Teachers collaborate to build lessons that connect solid skills with curiosity and problem-solving. As students grow in precision and confidence, they also learn to appreciate the logic woven into creation itself, learning critical skills for the future.

SCIENCE

Our science courses invite students to explore God’s world with wonder and curiosity. Teachers work together to design labs, experiments, and projects that make science hands-on and exciting. By approaching discovery through a biblical perspective, students learn that faith and science work hand in hand—each helping us understand more about God’s design and purpose in creation.

PERFORMING ARTS

The Performing Arts bring together creativity, discipline, and joy. Teachers work side by side to help students grow as musicians, actors, and dancers, giving them opportunities to perform and share their gifts. Each performance becomes more than a show—it’s an expression of worship and a celebration of the talents God has given them.

VISUAL ARTS

The visual arts encourage students to create boldly and think deeply. Teachers collaborate to build classes that blend skill-building with personal expression across a variety of art forms. Rooted in the belief that creativity reflects the Creator, students are inspired to produce art that tells stories of beauty, faith, and imagination.

REIMAGINE YOUR ACADEMIC STORY

At GAC, academic personalization reflects our belief that each student is uniquely created in God’s image and called to contribute in distinct ways. Through personalized academic experiences, students explore their interests, develop essential skills, and prepare to engage college, calling, and life with purpose.

Explore some of the possibilities in the following pages.

THE SCIENTIST

Did you know? More STEM opportunities include academic teams like Science Olympiad and Math Team, plus courses such as Robotics, Computer Science, and Forensics.

Students who are driven by curiosity and problem solving in the sciences and technology can dive deeply into these passions. With multiple AP courses in science and computer science courses, students will find a wealth of opportunities to foster analytical thinking, find and solve problems, and experiment with the complexity of God’s creation.

THE ENTREPRENEUR

Did you know?

Students can gain hands-on business experience by working in the Spartan Café, learning entrepreneurship, customer service, and operations in a real-world setting.

Students drawn to innovation, problem solving, and business can cultivate creativity, leadership, and strategic thinking. Discover courses like Financial Literacy, Leadership & Communication, Graphic Design, and the Business Innovation Lab, where students learn to identify needs, develop ideas, and bring them to life.

THE STORYTELLER

Students who love the power of words and of story can develop their writing, reading, communication, and storytelling skills. Through AP English courses, yearbook, creative writing, and video production, students learn to influence audiences by crafting compelling and redemptive narratives.

THE SOCIAL SCIENTIST

Students who are intrigued by human behavior and society can deepen their understanding by developing critical thinking, research, and analytic skills. Courses like AP Human Geography, AP World History, AP US History, and AP Psychology afford students opportunities for insight into why people and groups do what they do.

THE ARTIST

For students passionate about fine arts, visual expression, or design, courses in AP Studio Art, Drawing & Painting, Graphic Design, Ceramics, and Digital Photography cultivate skills for creative careers in visual arts and design.

Did you know? GAC students can take courses over the summer through Ethos School to provide even more flexibility during the

THE PERFORMER

THE ATHLETE

The athlete seeks to develop physical performance, wellness, and leadership skills. Courses in Performance Training and team athletics help student-athletes excel in sports and prepare for careers in coaching, sports medicine, or fitness leadership.

THE GLOBAL LINGUIST

Did you know? GAC’s international student community offers opportunities to host students or serve as an ambassador, building intercultural skills on campus.

For students with a passion for languages and cultures can pursue deep study while developing global awareness. Courses in Spanish, French, Chinese, American Sgin Language, German, Greek, Hebrew, and Latin—along with global learning excursions and missions—expand cultural understanding beyond the classroom.

THE MUSICIAN

The Musician may seek to develop musical skill, discipline, and creative expression through performance and theory. Students grow as instrumentalists in Band, Choir or Orchestra, deepen their understanding of composition and analysis in AP Music Theory, and apply their gifts through participation in worship band, building leadership and collaboration in a faith-centered setting.

THE THEOLOGIAN

For students pursuing leadership in faith, ministry, and spiritual formation. Courses in Advanced Bible, Greek, Hebrew, Student Ministry, Worship Practicum, and Leadership Seminar allow students to go deep in Bible study and ministry.

DESIGN YOUR ACADEMIC JOURNEY

You may be the Scientist, the Storyteller, or the Global Linguist, or a combination unique to you and your gifting. Work with our academic counseling team to personalize your academic journey at GAC!

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Each student and their family works directly with a counselor to thoughtfully personalize their academic journey in light of their gifts, interests, and sense of calling. Our weekly modified block schedule allows for frequent academic touchpoints in each course and weekly opportunities for extended engagement in labs experiences, discussion seminars, or presentations.

Faculty Office Hours & Peer Tutoring 7:30 – 8:20 a.m.

1st Period 8:25 – 9:15 a.m.

Office Hours & Peer Tutoring 7:30 – 8:20 a.m. 2nd Period 8:25 – 9:15 a.m.

– 12:20

– 12:20

11:25 – 11:45 a.m.

6th Period 1:45 – 2:30 p.m. 7th Period 2:35 – 3:20 p.m.

CURRICULUM

Period 1:45 – 2:30 p.m. 5th Period 2:35 – 3:20 p.m.

Students are normally enrolled in seven classes per semester. Advanced Placement (AP) courses and Dual Credit (DC) courses allow students to earn college credit during High School. Honors (H) courses allow students to go deeper in an academic area of gifting or interest.

2:25 – 3:20 p.m.

GAC HYBRID PROGRAM

GAC Hybrid is designed for students balancing rigorous academics with elite extracurricular commitments. GAC Hybrid encourages flexibility, time management, and independent learning, often combining advanced courses with performance, arts, or athletic training. GAC Hybrid students combine on-campus learning experiences and online learning through Ethos for maximum flexibility in their day.

SAMPLE DAILY ON-CAMPUS HYBRID SCHEDULE

Additional courses taken through Ethos School

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

US History

8:30 – 9:15

Honors English 11

9:20 – 10:05

Bible 11 10:10 – 10:55

Tidwell Commons 11:00 – 11:45

Chapel 11:50 – 12:20

Lunch 12:20 – 11:50

Honors English 11 8:30 – 9:15

Bible 11 9:20 – 10:05

Tidwell Commons 10:10 – 10:55

US History 11:00 – 11:45

Advancement 11:50 – 12:20

Lunch 12:20 – 11:50

Bible 11 8:30 – 9:55

Tidwell Commons 10:00 – 11:25 Chapel 11:35 – 12:15 Lunch 12:15 – 12:45

US History 8:30 – 9:55

Honors English 11 10:00 – 11:25 Break 11:25 – 11:45

Tidwell Commons 11:50 – 12:20 Lunch 12:25 – 12:55

Arrive at GAC

Check in at High School Office

US History 9:20 – 10:05

Honors English 11 10:10 – 10:55

Bible 11 11:00 – 11:45

Assembly 11:50 – 12:20

Lunch 12:00 – 12:50

PREPARING FOR WHAT’S NEXT

Students receive personalized college guidance that helps them discern not just where to pursue undergraduate education , but where they are best suited to grow, thrive, and serve. Through thoughtful college advising from seasoned counselors, students reflect on their gifts, interests, and goals as they prepare and apply for college with clarity, purpose, and confidence.

HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELING TEAM

Dr. Amanda Sale College Counseling Chair asale@gac.org

Kelly Irish College Counselor kirish@gac.org

Ayesha Nasmyth College Counselor anasmyth@gac.org

Kayla Oglesby Professional School Counselor koglesby@gac.org

Mitchell Baker Professional School Counselor mbaker@gac.org

Emily Long K-12 Registrar elong@gac.org