The Institute for Cultural Engagement

This course will equip you with foundational knowledge of the institutions and processes of American politics in historical and contemporary perspective. Students will explore the changing landscape of elections, political parties, and media in modern US politics, and the role of citizens —particularly Christian citizens—as agents of change in a democratic republic. The course will help students to develop and articulate informed opinions about the political world around them and to apply biblical principles such as justice, leadership, and authority to everyday discussions about law and politics. It is designed to foster students’ skills in three areas: critical thinking, respectful dialogue, and identifying real-world opportunities for Christian service and advocacy. 

AP Human Geography introduces high school students to college-level introductory human geography or cultural geography. The content is presented thematically rather than regionally and is organized around the discipline’s main subfields: economic geography, cultural geography, political geography, and urban geography. The approach is spatial and problem oriented. Case studies are drawn from all world regions, with an emphasis on understanding the world in which we live today. Historical information serves to enrich analysis of the impacts of phenomena such as globalization, colonialism, and human– environment relationships on places, regions, cultural landscapes, and patterns of interaction. Students will explore a wide range of topics such as population, culture, political organization of space, economic development, and urbanization. The goal for the course is for students to engage with these contemporary global issues through a Christian worldview by looking for ways to approach problems through a lens of service.

True Crime guides students through a true to life look into the United States Justice System. Through the examination of infamous crimes, students will piece together a broad scale view of the system’s triumphs and miscarriages of justice as well as the unique roles played by victims, offenders, law enforcement, and the judiciary within it. Students will grapple with the Biblical mandate to do justice and love mercy in the context of the criminal justice system.

Community Engagement presents a variety of social impact organizations and real experiences that will allow opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus, while being encouraged to listen to the Holy Spirit to speak to which gifts each student has been given. Students will focus on the ideas of advocacy, particularly in the applicable skills needed to serve under-represented and need-based populations in mostly non-profit and/or governmental agencies. Students will gain understanding of need by experience, as those experiences will lead to more effective action.

Political Thought I: Theory and Practice
This course introduces students to the key people, values, texts and ideas that have shaped American politics from the Founding to the present. We will explore eternal questions of political theory, including: Why do humans need government? What is the role of government? Who is the ideal ruler/leader? What are rights, and where do they come from? What does the Bible tell us about how Christians should participate in political life? What should the relationship between church and state look like? When, if ever, should Christians resist state authority? Through guided discussions and simulations, students will explore and debate individual rights and liberties, the common good, and natural law, and discuss how Christian values intersect with concepts like liberty, equality, justice, and authority in public and private life.

Political Thought II: International Relationships
This course will equip students with enhanced knowledge of international relations, political theory and global citizenship. Building off content from Foundations of Law & Advocacy and Political Thought I, this course introduces students to foundational political thought and its application to foreign affairs, combining classical political theory, modern global challenges and a Reformed Protestant Christian worldview. Students evaluate global events through Scripture, political philosophy and international relations frameworks.

This full-year AP course in Psychology introduces the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. This course provides instruction in the history of psychology, origins of psychology, research methods, biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, learning, cognition, motivation and emotion, developmental psychology, personality, testing and individual differences, abnormal psychology, treatment of psychological disorders, and social psychology.

This course introduces students to business, entrepreneurship, and leadership through real-world challenges and project-based learning. It combines foundational business concepts with essential career skills, including financial management, personal branding, and creative problem-solving. Students will explore entrepreneurial tools, learn the design thinking process, and develop essential durable skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Throughout the course, they'll apply their learning by working in teams on student run business at CPA. This course prepares students for future entrepreneurial pathways, personal growth, and professional success.

This Sports Business Management course provides an in-depth exploration of the business side of sports at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels. Students will research Division I athletic programs to analyze revenue streams, expenses, the impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) on athletes and departments, and the challenges of conference realignment and budget deficits for non-football teams. Additionally, students will study professional leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB, examining their economic success and the transformative effects of new TV and streaming deals with platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Through research and presentations, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how sports organizations operate and adapt in an evolving economic landscape.

The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Lab offers students an authentic, collaborative, entrepreneurship experience. Working in teams, students create and fully develop their own product or service guided by Lean Methodology. They identify and solve problems they care about, finding purpose in their learning. From concept to minimum viable product (MVP) to pitch, students are hypothesizing, testing, adapting, and learning to improve their business model. Students gain valuable skills for college and career readiness.

Marketing and Management is an entrepreneurship course in which students create and operate their own business. Students learn how to market their product or service by identifying target customers, building a brand, setting prices, and promoting their business through effective marketing channels. The course also focuses on distribution, sales opportunities, and managing expenses and revenue to support long-term business growth, preparing students with practical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset for future ventures.

This comprehensive course explores investment strategies and portfolio management, building on foundational concepts from financial markets and investment instruments. Students will learn the role of investing in the operation of financial markets, covering both fundamental and technical analysis. Topics include valuation, profitability, liquidity, solvency, efficiency, dividends, and the application of Warren Buffett’s value investing approach, along with technical analysis tools like charting and indicators. The course focuses on portfolio construction, risk management, and rebalancing, while examining various investment strategies such as long-term vs. short-term, active vs. passive, and growth vs. value investing. Students gain hands-on experience through real-world account analysis of the Lion Fund and its performance over the past year.

Theater I
“All the world’s a stage.”— William Shakespeare
Whether you’re brand new to the stage, or an experienced actor, this class introduces the basic elements of acting. Discover contemporary approaches to stage performance through physical preparation, scene breakdown, stage direction, and actor’s vocabulary. Explore characterization and role development through theatre games and exercises. Experience the power of storytelling as you work to bring characters to life!

Theater II
“Every action is an act of creation.” — Hamilton, the Musical
Join the ensemble that will create a production of a One-Act play, culminating in three performances in the Black Box Theater. Then, continue to learn and apply new acting skills through monologues and scenes. Outside rehearsals will be required with a projected production schedule available at auditions. There is an opening for one student to enter the class as a student stage manager with the permission of the instructor. 

Theater III
“The shortest distance between truth and a human being is a story.” — Anthony de Mello
Join the ensemble that will dive even deeper into acting and stagecraft to create a production of a One-Act play, culminating in three performances in the Black Box Theater. Then build on that work to expand your personal book of monologues and scenes. We will also explore elements of the creative process, such as the playwright’s intent, the director’s reach, and aspects of design. Outside rehearsals will be required with a projected production schedule available at auditions. There is an opening for one student to enter the class as a student stage manager with the permission of the instructor. 

Theater IV
“Actors are agents of change.” — Alan Rickman
The first semester of this audition based course is the Mainstage Play rehearsal process. Students will function as a company of actors and artists rehearsing a play to share with the community. This process will focus on practical application of performance skills in a mainstage production. Students will learn what it takes to rehearse and perform a full-scale, mainstage show. Then, students will compliment those skills with explorations in advanced acting in the second semester, investigating the connection between theatre and culture through scene study, playwriting and directing. Outside rehearsals for the mainstage production will be required with a projected production schedule available at auditions. There is an opening for one student to enter the class as a student stage manager with the permission of the instructor.

Concert Band (Intermediate Band)
Concert Band is designed to be a continuation of instrumental music training with the goal of creating independent and creative musicians. Students will develop skills in performing, analyzing, interpreting and creating instrumental music in multiple styles and genres. Out of school rehearsal time will be required.

Wind Ensemble (Advanced Band)
Wind Ensemble is designed to be a continuation of instrumental music training with the goal of creating independent and creative musicians. Students will develop skills in performing, analyzing, interpreting and creating within. Outside of school rehearsal time will be required.

Commercial Instrumental Ensemble (Advanced Band)
This audition based group is CPA’s premiere commercial instrumental ensemble. This class is for dedicated musicians looking to perform contemporary popular music, focusing on genres such as rock, pop, R&B, jazz, and other commercial styles. The class will emphasize live performance, collaboration, and industry- relevant skills. Out of school rehearsal time will be required.

Vocal Performance: Men’s Choir
“He who sings scares away his woes.” — Miguel de Cervantes
Men’s Choir is CPA’s upper and middle school men’s chorus. This ensemble explores intermediate concepts of choral singing, including age-appropriate vocal technique, navigating the male voice change, ear-training/sight-singing, music theory, and unison up to four part choral textures. Ensemble members will focus training on music fundamentals, healthy vocal production, and choral technique to create life-long musicians. Students will perform a variety of music in sacred genres, including hymns, psalm settings, & spirituals, as well as various popular styles. This ensemble performs at events throughout the school year, including Christmas Sweeps media projects, athletic events, All-School Chapels, Choral Performance Assessment, and Upper School Music Showcase. Men’s Choir is a co-curricular class that requires occasional out of school rehearsals & performances as part of the course assessment.

Vocal Performance: NOVO (Upper School Women’s Choir)
“The only thing better than singing is more singing.” — Ella Fitzgerald Novo is CPA’s upper school women’s choir. This ensemble explores intermediate concepts of choral singing, including vocal technique based in the bel canto tradition, ear-training/sight-singing, music theory, and musical expression. Ensemble members will focus training on healthy vocal production, choral balance & blend, and unison up through four-part choral textures with some emphasis on a cappella singing. Students will perform a variety of music in sacred genres, including hymns, psalm settings, & spirituals, as well as various popular styles. This ensemble performs frequently at events throughout the school year, including Christmas Sweeps media projects, athletic events, All-School Chapels, Choral Performance Assessment, and Upper School Music Showcase. This is a co-curricular class that requires occasional out of school rehearsals & performances as part of the course assessment.

Vocal Performance: VISION (Auditioned Upper School Mixed Choir)
“We don't just sing; we are the song.” — Louise Penny
Vision is an auditioned upper school SATB ensemble that serves as the premiere choir of the CPA choral program. Members must have a foundation in vocal technique, choral technique, ear-training/sight-singing, music theory, and musical expression. Rehearsals will focus on healthy vocal production, choral balance & blend, and singing in four to eight part choral textures with an emphasis on a cappella singing. Because Vision has a high volume of yearly choral performance, rehearsals are fast-paced and rigorous with high expectations for students to consistently engage the mind, body, and spirit. Students will perform a variety of sacred and popular styles, including traditional staples of the choral canon. Performance opportunities include Christmas Sweeps media projects, athletic events, Coffeehouse, CPA community events, All-School Chapels, Choral Performance Assessment, Upper School Music Showcase, and yearly choir tours. Vision is a co-curricular class that requires frequent out of school rehearsals & performances as part of the course assessment.

Dance Company Technique
“There are shortcuts to happiness, and dance is one of them.” — Vicki Baum
This audition based course allows Dance Company members to have the curricular opportunity to pursue growth in dance skill through technique, fundamentals, and cultural context. Students will train in various styles such as ballet, jazz, tap, musical theater, pom, and modern. This course serves as a fundamentals class that will then be built upon through choreography during their extracurricular classes. Students will participate in various performances throughout the year, including the spring showcase, that will all be part of their grade.

Introduction To Engineering
Engineering is fundamentally about design, so we will focus on the engineering design process. We will study basic principles of mechanics, because these are the foundational engineering principles. We will apply these basic engineering principles to solve problems. We will work individually and in groups and practice communicating our solutions orally and in writing. Finally, we will explore different engineering disciples and what engineers do.

Engineering I
We will build on the foundation established in Intro to Engineering using the engineering design process. We will test the mechanical concepts of stress and strain using mathematical, physical and computer models. We will also study the fundamentals of thermodynamics and explore the concept of mechanical advantage. We will work individually and in groups and practice communicating orally and in writing.

Engineering II
We will build on the foundation established in previous Engineering classes using the engineering design process. This semester we will have a transportation focus. We will explore aerodynamics, propulsion, materials, and energy efficiency. We will work individually and in groups and practice communicating orally and in writing.

Physics C: Mechanics AP
The course is calculus-based and will lead toward the Physics C AP Examination. It will cover Newtonian Mechanics in detail with mathematical rigor and is intended for students planning to specialize in thephysical sciences or engineering in college. To be eligible for the course, students must have successfully completed Calculus or Honors Physics. The course will involve a significant laboratory component which will involve the students preparing detailed written reports summarizing findings and conclusions.

Computer Science Essentials
This gateway course provides an introduction to the field of computer science and a survey of computing- related topics. Topics include the history of the discipline, programming, digital logic, computer architecture, operating systems, and software applications. Students will learn the fundamentals of computer programming via exposure to multiple languages.

Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity introduces the tools and concepts of cybersecurity and encourages students to create solutions that allow people to share computing resources while protecting privacy. Nationally, computational resources are vulnerable and frequently attacked; in Cybersecurity, students solve problems by understanding and closing these vulnerabilities. This course raises students’ knowledge of and commitment to ethical computing behavior. It also aims to develop students’ skills as consumers, friends, citizens, and employees who can effectively con- tribute to communities with a dependable cyber-infrastructure that moves and processes information safely.

Coding I
This course introduces fundamental programming concepts like variables, loops, and functions using Python, focusing on problem-solving through practical exercises like building simple games, manipulating data with lists and dictionaries, and reading/writing files, perfect for beginners with no prior experience. These courses teach basic syntax, control flow, and data structures, aiming to build confidence in writing small, useful programs and applying them to real-world tasks.

Computer Science Principles AP
If you’ve ever been curious about how the websites and apps you love are built, this introductory computer science course is for you. You don’t need a coding background to succeed, and your school will provide the computer. In AP Computer Science Principles, you’ll learn how computers and technology impact our daily lives by examining the apps we use, how our personal data is collected, and how technology can have positive and negative consequences.

Computer Science A AP
Do you want to cure cancer? Solve climate change? Or maybe build interactive art? AP Computer Science A explores how to use, build, and work with the technologies of tomorrow to help answer some of the biggest questions of today. In this course, you’ll design and implement computer programs using a subset of the Java programming language that can be used to develop algorithms, data structures, and solve problems.

Forensic Science
Forensic Science is the application of science (chemistry, physics, and biology) to the criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system. It includes the investigation of fingerprinting, fiber analysis, ballistics, arson, trace evidence analysis, poisons, drugs, blood spatters, and blood samples. Through lab and analysis of fictional crime scene scenarios, students learn about forensic tools, technical resources, forming and testing hypotheses, proper data collection, preservation of samples, and how to draw ethical and responsible conclusions.

Epidemiology
In 2023, "The Last of Us" became the most watched show on HBO/Max with an average of 30 million viewers per episode. The show takes place years after a mass fungal infection that transforms the human race into Zombie-like creatures, destroying society. This course will use case studies, differential diagnosis, and labs to demonstrate the techniques used to examine and treat infectious diseases of the past and future. Notable diseases that will be investigated are the bubonic plague, smallpox, Spanish flu, Ebola, Covid-19, etc. Together, we will investigate how these pathogens changed the landscape of medicine and the world at large; giving us tools to be able to predict potential future outbreaks.

Molecular Genetics Honors
Molecular Genetics is a lab centered course where students learn, practice, and perform various biotechnical techniques. Students investigate if fish, sold at various stores and restaurants, are truly the fish that are advertised, using PCR and gene sequencing techniques. Students “work” for a drug discovery lab where they will isolate proteins from bacteria and determine their potential use in the pharmaceutical world. Students create and analyze the potency of biofuel and solve a crime by analyzing DNA left behind at a crime scene using restriction enzyme digestion coupled with gel electrophoresis. The course culminates in an experiment that students create, execute, and present.

Anatomy & Physiology  Honors
Students will examine the structural and functional components of each of the main body systems. Case study analysis will be used to deepen student understanding with real-life examples. Students will be assessed over their knowledge by means of dissection, lab practicals, verbal assessments and written assessments.

Biology AP
From the College Board’s AP Biology Course Description: “The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. After showing themselves to be qualified on the AP exam, some students, as college freshmen, are permitted to undertake upper-level courses in biology or register for courses for which biology is a prerequisite.” Topics include molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, organisms and population, plant form and function, a detailed study of body systems, and ecology. Laboratory consists of eight lab activities as suggested by the AP Board. In addition to regular class time, one additional hour of lab time may be required per week. Test-taking strategies and a study of the AP exam itself are also a part of this course. There will be required reading and note-taking over the summer.

Research AP
AP Research is the second course in the AP Capstone experience. It allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000-5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense. 

Creative Publishing: Literary Magazine
Develop skills in photography, graphic design, and reporting while creating the nationally recognized and award-winning Literary Magazine (Spring) that will offer an approach to a wide variety of callings over a lifetime. Collaborate with your peers and be a leader as you create thematic concepts, gather creative submissions, and produce a magazine. Tell the story of the school through images and interviews, and capture the expression of art from the student body.

Journalism
Tell the story of the year as a photographer, graphic designer, editor, or reporter while creating the Lion’s Roar yearbook. You’ll build a portfolio while developing journalistic and leadership skills in this award-winning and world-class program, producing a yearbook that will be valued for decades. Learn from experts and students from all across the country as you attend and compete at national and state conventions, and become eligible for membership into Quill and Scroll national journalism honorary society. Collaboratively create the official history of what it was like and what it meant to be a student this year while learning a professional skill set that will serve you for life.

Media Foundations
Marvel Studios. ESPN. News Channel 2. This survey course introduces students to the fundamentals of media and digital storytelling. Using audio and video production equipment, students will write, direct, and produce various digital shorts, including a fictional short film, sports highlight reel, nonfiction news story interview, and a commercial and/or music video. Students will then edit and potentially publish their work using the Adobe Creative Suite. The course will also focus on the history and ethics of broadcast journalism, copyright law, and film. This course is open to all upper school students. No previous video experience is required.

Documentary Storytelling
Students in this course will have the opportunity to partner with and shadow a local career, topic, organization, or individual to deepen their knowledge of a specific area of study. Over the course of one semester, students will collaborate to write, film, and produce one feature documentary showcasing their real-world experiences. The goal is to make an impact on the world by publishing each documentary in a local or national context, to support the individual and/or organization featured. Examples include shadowing a professional athlete or sports team, musician, or charity. Students' final documentaries will reflect their perspective on all they have learned both as storytellers and as students during their time at Christ Presbyterian Academy. Students’ work will potentially be published on the CPA Media YouTube channel and social media account. After school production time is required; projected schedules are available from the instructor.

Sports Broadcasting
Sports Broadcasting is a project-based course focused on live event production and sports media storytelling. Students will learn how to write and deliver game-day scripts, manage video board content during basketball games, and create dynamic videos designed for sports audiences. The course builds technical skills, confidence, and an understanding of modern sports media production. The first semester provides students with an opportunity to learn advanced camera and video editing techniques. The second semester students will create content for basketball games and other spring sports to increase fan engagement.

Digital Media Publishing
Students in this course will have the opportunity to collaborate with Christ Presbyterian Academy's music program to produce a series of music videos for our annual Christmas Sweeps Week. Students will also partner with local professionals to design and produce a variety of digital advertisements and shorts to build and market a brand. Examples include local business commercials and or feature stories for nonprofit events. Some of the areas covered will be: copyright law, marketing, and publication. Students’ work will potentially be published on the CPA Media YouTube channel and social media account. After school production time is required; projected schedules are available from the instructor.

Television and Cinema
This course introduces students to the world of digital filmmaking. Collaborating as a production team, students will conceptualize, write, direct, film, edit, and produce a narrative film or television series. Students will visit a film studio to experience these skills firsthand. Using the Adobe Creative Suite, students will learn how to package and pitch projects, budget and schedule a screenplay, supervise production and post-production, and coordinate a distribution and submission strategy to state and national contests. The focus of this course is on the aesthetics of screen, episodic storytelling, audience expectations and participation, and discussion on media as an agent or a reflector of social and cultural change. Students’ work will potentially be published on the CPA Media YouTube channel and social media account. After school production time is required; projected schedules are available from the instructor.

Drawing and Painting
“Life is a great big canvas, throw all the paint you can at it!” — Danny Kaye
Find out how we are all called to create art and listen to our inner voice that says be free to let go. Mix salt with watercolor, draw the inside of your refrigerator and explore what it means to create art. We will study elements and principles of design through drawing, painting and other forms of mixed-media while learning about past and present artists. Students will increase their drawing and visual skills through sketchbook assignments. If you are interested in art making through the process of drawing and painting join us in this exciting exploration of art!

Ceramics and Sculpture
“You’re ready! Start making stuff.” — Austin Kleon
Get your hands dirty with clay: learn to construct ceramic vessels and other creative designs by using hand building techniques. Build a car out of recycled trash. Learn to assemble metal and wood sculptures. Dive deep into exploration of sculptural form and design. Students will engage in a series of projects in the elements and principles of design applicable to three-dimensional construction. Time will also be given to the study of past and contemporary artists as they inform each piece and process while students develop an understanding of art, discerning their voices, and pursuing decisions about personal work.

Advanced Drawing and Painting
“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” — Thomas Merton
This class is a higher-level art class that explores all types of two dimensional form and medium. Students engage in art making through various projects as well as creating visual journals, sketchbook prompts and exploration of techniques and ideas. Students will create many pieces based on personal and relevant ideas while exploring past and present artists. Students are highly encouraged to participate in outside exhibitions and competitions. Students will participate in the Upper School Visual Art Show.

Advanced Ceramics and Sculpture
This course is designed for students with prior experience in ceramics and sculpture who are ready to refine their skills and explore advanced techniques. Students will deepen their understanding of three-dimensional design, working with various materials such as clay, wire, plaster, and mixed media. The class will focus on developing personal artistic style and expression, encouraging students to conceptualize and execute more complex projects. Students will also explore historical and contemporary trends in ceramics and sculpture to inspire their work. Let your hands create what your heart and spirit are called to express. Students are highly encouraged to participate in outside exhibitions and competitions. Students will participate in the Upper School Visual Art Show.

Portfolio Development
“Art is not what you see. It is what you make others see.” — Edgar Degas
Students will continue to hone in on and fine tune their visual arts skills. Various mediums will be explored that push the boundaries on what the student can think or imagine. Students will pursue a body of work, composition of an artist's statement, and a portfolio as well as digital portfolio applicable for college submissions. Students are highly encouraged to participate in outside exhibitions and competitions. Students will participate in the Upper School Visual Art Show.

Studio Art AP
“To create one’s world in any of the arts takes courage.” — Georgia O'Keeffe
This college credit course solidifies the students' voice as the artist God called them to be. It is an intense exploration of art making, self-discovery, and honing in on their strengths as an artist. This class is for students serious about progressing their portfolio and receiving college credit. Students work in and out of class to culminate a portfolio consisting of 15 works of art along with writing exploration and artists' statements for submission to the College Board for AP credit. Students are highly encouraged to participate in outside exhibitions and competitions. Students will participate in the Upper School Visual Art Show.