High School Courses - Portland Christian Schools

“Every class I have taken has incorporated the truth of the Word of God in some way. The Bible is not only discussed in Bible class, but it shapes the worldview of science, history, and so much more. Everything about PCS is about sharing Christ and wanting the lives of students to grow in the plan that God has for them.”

— Student from the Class of 2019

Course Offerings

A well-rounded education must be built upon the solid foundation of a core curriculum. All PCS high school students study English, Math, Science, Social Studies/History, and of course, Bible. In addition to the core classes that are necessary to succeed in college or career, the curriculum includes Honor* and Advanced Placement courses and a wide selection of elective options to provide students with academics that are both challenging and supportive of their future plans.

College Credit

Students have the option to earn concurrent college credit at partner colleges for courses taken at PCS. There is no need to give up high school sports, arts, and social life to attend class on a college campus. Portland Christian’s concurrent credit agreement with George Fox University and Advanced Placement course offerings allow students to continue enjoying the high school experience while earning college credit.

Our High School Academic Catalog gives details about our comprehensive curriculum and elective options.

Various levels of art, choir, and band classes are offered every semester. For more information about the Visual Arts, Music (Choir and Band), and Yearbook curriculum please visit the Arts page. High school students can take specialty art classes as well as participate in extracurricular musical and drama productions. PCS students have won multiple art awards and have been accepted to top Art colleges such as The Savannah College of Art and Design, New York University, School of Visual Arts of New York, ArtCenter College of Design, and Otis College of Arts and Design.

One of PCS’ core values is the teaching of the Bible so that every graduating student will have:

In-depth Bible study that culminates in church history, apologetics, and doctrine
Studied the Bible several times through multiple entry points
Understand the salvation story
See Christ in every book of the Bible

The English Department classes intentionally:

Teaches students incrementally, the skills, mechanics, format, and analyses of writing various types of research papers
Requires the senior thesis – a research paper and an oral presentation
Includes creative writing
Has the standard reading curriculum content, that includes British and American Literature, integrated with a Biblical worldview
Expands studies in language classes which include Latin and Spanish
Enhances learning with varied techniques, including such aspects as Socratic Seminar, use of technology, oral presentation, vocabulary study, critical thinking and debate

Mathematics is an entity that always exists in the mind of God; it is a universal expression of His creative and sustaining Word of power. Students learn and assess:

Vocational, scientific, and applied aspects of mathematics – obeying God’s command to subdue and replenish the earth and to take dominion over it (Gen. 1:28)
Theoretical, abstract, and structural aspects of mathematics – discovering that beauty, order, infinitude and power mathematics exhibits are reflections of God’s “power and Godhead” (Rom. 1:20)

In addition:

Students are assessed often, both formatively and summatively to ensure progress and learning to meet standards
All students meet the minimum requirement of Algebra 2 for graduation according to Oregon and PCHS standards
Math levels offered through college Calculus
Technology is integrated into all math courses with both students and teachers using this tool to enhance learning

The Science Department accepts the Bible as the inerrant Word of God. Students are taught that true science is the study and investigation of the universe God created. There is no separation of Bible and science. “Integration” is inherent in all that we work through in our courses.

In life sciences, students are provided with skills necessary to understand:

The theory of biogenesis (all life comes from similar pre-existing life) is taught to each student, illustrating that God’s intelligent design can clearly be seen in each living thing He has created
God has given them the responsibility for properly managing and maintaining His creation
“Man” is a special creation, created in God’s image, making us not only responsible for managing God’s creation but also making us responsible for our actions to God, the Creator

In physical sciences, the study of God’s creativity and consistency in the natural world consists of two primary areas:

Chemistry, dealing with principles concerning the properties, composition and structure of matter and the changes it undergoes
Physics, studying fundamental principles and laws that govern the behavior of matter and energy in the universe

The Social Studies department is committed to:

Building students’ skills in reading critically,
Assessing the writer’s tone, intention, and purpose
Preparing students for AP US History and AP US Government classes in their 11th and 12th grade years
Engaging upper grade classes to discuss whether decisions made in the past align with God’s word

Through the required Health and Anatomy class and variety of PE activities, students:

Develop a basic understanding of systems in the human body
Make healthy decisions contributing to one’s ability to live out God’s call for life
Learn building blocks in a variety of PE activities to improve conditioning and athletic ability
Gain muscular coordination, agility, cardiovascular endurance, and mental alertness
Appreciate personal hygiene

*National Honor Society and Math Honor Society members must complete a minimum of 20 hours community service each year
*All high school students are required to complete a minimum of 10 hours of community service each year