Private High School in Knoxville

English 9 - Focuses on the building of grammar knowledge, enhancement of skills, and the broadening of the spoken and written vocabulary. Includes a survey of themes in literature that provides a selection of notable works through which students learn to discern the characteristics of quality literature and to interpret works from a biblical worldview.

English 10 - Emphasizes the strengthening of grammar knowledge, enhancement of composition skills, and the broadening of the spoken and written vocabulary. Includes a survey of world literature that provides a selection of notable works from multiple eras and cultures through which students learn to discern the characteristics of quality literature and to interpret works from a biblical worldview.

English 11 - Prioritizes the strengthening of composition skills to reach collegiate level, the review of essential grammar knowledge, and the broadening of the spoken and written vocabulary. Includes a survey of American literature that provides a selection of notable works through which students learn to discern the characteristics of quality literature and to interpret works from a biblical worldview.

English 12 - Completes the transition to collegiate-level composition, Includes a survey of English literature that provides a selection of notable works through which students learn to correlate literature with its contemporary culture and historical events, discern the characteristics of quality literature, and interpret works from a biblical worldview.

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World History & Geography - Explores key themes—justice, power, community, the environment, and world religions —while studying major civilizations. Covers pivotal events like the Renaissance, Reformation, revolutions, world wars, and modern global shifts, while examining how geography, politics, and economics have shaped the human story. Students will see how human history reflects God’s kingdom.

United States History - Highlights the major events of US history from the pre-Columbian period to the present through the corrective lens of a biblical worldview, giving special attention to the rise and growth of secularism. Leads students to propose solutions to social problems; make informed decisions about local, state, and national issues; and evaluate people, events, and movements from a biblical worldview.

Economics - Introduces and explores key principles of economics from household purchases to the stock market, including important economic principles and practical information about budgeting, banking, debt, credit and interest. Students will also learn about issues related to national economic systems and policies.

Government - Presents American government from a biblical perspective, encouraging students to value our heritage. Develops students’ critical-thinking skills and demonstrates how knowledge of history and government are crucial for making decisions about issues on the local, state, and national levels. Students will study the foundations of our country, the Constitution, the three branches of government, and political parties and politics.

Algebra I - Features a number of algebraic concepts including rational numbers, linear functions, and polynomials. Skill Checks are included for to develop formative assessment, and exercises are scaled by degree of difficulty.

Geometry - Presents the view that God’s design is the foundation of reasoning, modeling, and ethics in geometry. Students will learn how to create solutions to real-world problems by designing and using geometric models. They will learn how to solve proofs, complete geometric math problems, and learn how geometry affects our world.

Algebra II - Explores advanced topics like polynomial, rational, and radical functions, systems of equations, trigonometric identities, and probability. Students also study linear programming, quadratic modeling, and data analysis.

Precalculus - Focuses on the study of functions—polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric—along with their graphs, applications, and algebraic properties. Prepares students for calculus by covering complex numbers, vectors, matrices, parametric equations, and limiting behavior.

Physical Science - Moves from matter and what it is made of to how matter interacts in chemical reactions, nuclear changes, solutions, and acids and bases.Students learn about how matter and energy move and why they move and study the many forms of energy and how energy moves throughout the world to understand the world that God created.

Biology - Covers all critical topics thoroughly with consistent reviews throughout. Ethics emphasis will help students connect worldview issues with scientific practices, developing students’ understanding of complex and controversial issues in biology from a biblical perspective.

Chemistry - Moves from of the definition of matter to how matter interacts in chemical reactions, solutions, acids and bases, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and nuclear changes. Helps students understand the macroscopic effects of chemical changes that they can see, but also the unseen microscopic changes that are the actual chemistry. Students will learn an appreciation of the modeling nature of chemistry.

Computer Applications - Builds students’ digital literacy, productivity, and professional communication skills. Using an iCEV-aligned approach, students will gain hands-on experience with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications while also developing foundational skills in email etiquette, business writing, coding fundamentals, and responsible technology use.

Spanish I - Grammar is integrated within the context of reading fluency. Innovative exercises provide translation practice and build instinctive skills that prepare students for reading and comprehending the Spanish language.

Spanish II - Builds upon foundational language skills by developing greater proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Spanish. Expands vocabulary, strengthens grammatical understanding, and engages in conversational practice. Encourages students to use language as a tool for communicating the gospel.

Speech - Develops oral communication skills by select dramatic or humorous material that (1) reflects a biblical worldview, (2) does not contradict the gospel, and (3) meets the criteria listed in Philippians 4:8 of the thoughts a Christian ought to entertain. Includes public performances that entertain audiences in a Christ-honoring, edifying manner.

Debate - Introduces students to the fundamentals of debate with a primary emphasis on policy debate. Develops skills in research, argument construction, evidence evaluation, and effective public speaking while learning formal debate structure and procedures. Emphasizes critical thinking, logical reasoning, and respectful engagement with opposing viewpoints. Through practice debates and guided instruction, students gain confidence in presenting and defending ideas clearly and persuasively.

Choir - Prioritizes part singing by learning music in four to eight part harmony. Emphasizes proper technique as the voice is continued to be developed. Students will learn to sight read music and strengthen ensemble through participation in multiple presentations and competition in district, statewide, and national competition.

Band - Teaches students to play their chosen instrument with proper technique in rest, attention, and playing positions. Develops the ability to read and perform notes independently while playing as part of a band, including identifying standard notation symbols for pitch, rhythm, dynamics, and tempo.

Health - Explores the well-being of the whole person—physical, mental and emotional, spiritual, and social—through the lens of a biblical worldview. Students learn that each individual is uniquely created in God’s image, equipped with distinct abilities and strengths designed to glorify Him. The course emphasizes stewardship of the body and mind, healthy relationships, and spiritual growth as integral components of honoring God in daily life.

Physical Education - Develops a attitude of proper stewardship of the body through building motor skills, physical fitness, and healthy habits. Through age-appropriate games, activities, and challenges students will develop coordination, strength, and teamwork skills while learning and understanding the rules and terminology for individual and team sports.

Cosmetology - Provides students with an exploration of careers within the beauty industry. Students will gain real life experience in a student salon while building job-preparedness skills such as professional image, time management, and effective communication. (Girls only)

Auto-Diesel - Provides students with valuable hands-on experience working on vehicles in a real-world setting. Students actively disassemble and examine engines to understand how they function. Equips students with practical skills and teaches them how to diagnose and repair mechanical problems. (Boys only)

ACT Prep - Designed to help high school students improve their scores on the ACT college entrance exam by teaching test-taking strategies, reviewing key content (English, Math, Reading, Science), and practicing with timed, realistic exams.

Personal Finance - Exposes students to essential money management skills, focusing on budgeting, saving, investing, debt management, and financial planning. Covers practical topics like taxes, credit scores, insurance, and retirement planning to help individuals achieve long-term financial security and make informed daily financial decisions.

Bible¹ - 4 units

English - 4 units

Mathematics - 4 units

• Algebra I
• Algebra II
• Geometry
• Math elective (beyond Algebra I)

History - 3 units

• Economics - ½ unit
• Government - ½ unit
• United States History - 1 unit
• World History & Geography - 1 unit

Science - 3 units

• Biology
• Physical Science
• Chemistry or Physics

Foreign Language² - 2 units

Fine Arts - 1 unit

Wellness - 1 unit

Personal Finance - ½ unit

Physical Education - ½ unit

Electives - 3 units

Total units required for graduation:  26 units

¹ One year of Bible is required for each year enrolled at Temple Academy.

² Both Foreign Language units must be earned in the same language.

Grade Points: numeric value assigned to a letter grade (e.g., A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0)
Credit: numeric value assigned for successful completion of a course

• Upper School courses — A course that meets 5 days a week for 50-minute class periods—one half credit (0.5) is earned for each semester; a course that meets 2 or 3 days a week for 50-minute class periods (e.g., Bible) earns one quarter credit (0.25) each semester.
• Dual Credit courses —Typically 1 high school credit is earned for each 3-credit college course taken for dual credit.

Grade Point Average: a student’s total grade points divided by his total credits. Temple Academy uses the Tennessee Uniform Grading Policy GPA. The scale awards an additional half grade point for honors classes and an additional 1 grade point for dual credit courses. Dual credit classes, as college classes, do not earn either A+ or D+ grades.

Letter Grade	College Prep	Honors	Dual Credit
A+	4.9	5.4
A	4.5	5.0	5.5
A-	4.1	4.6	5.1
B+	3.8	4.3	4.8
B	3.45	3.95	4.45
B-	3.1	3.6	4.1
C+	2.8	3.3	3.8
C	2.45	2.95	3.45
C-	2.1	2.6	3.1
D+	1.8	2.3
D	1.45	1.95	2.45
D-	1.1	1.6	2.1
F	0	0	0

When transferring to a public high school, letter grades will be converted to the numeric scale. All grades within a particular letter (e.g. B+, B, B-) are assigned the same number.

Semester Grading

• Each semester grade is final, and they are not averaged at year-end.
• If a student does not pass the 1st semester of a class, he can still take the 2nd semester unless it’s one of the following classes:
  • Physical Science, Chemistry, Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Precalculus.
  • If the course is required, the student repeats the first semester the following year (or during an approved summer session if the course is offered).

The Academy will accept dual enrollment credits that fulfill the state of Tennessee’s requirements for high school graduation. 

• Students must complete the Academy schedule of courses established for the upper school to be considered for graduation.
• Students may not take dual credit courses during the summer to fulfill credits in courses that would otherwise be taken during a semester at the Academy.
• The Academy may utilize dual enrollment courses through the Early Advantage program at Crown College to fulfill credit requirements for graduation.
• Only seniors may enroll for dual credit courses offered through Crown College.
• Any dual credit courses that the Academy requires through Crown College are included in the student’s tuition.
• Any other dual credit course must be approved by the administration before a student enrolls.