Students at JCA are required to complete 24 credits in order to earn a high school diploma. Students have the opportunity to take a more advanced track to earn an honors' diploma. Each semester of each class equals one-half credit. JCA seeks to foster, within our students, the importance of devotion to God.
In addition to the academic requirements for graduation, each student in high school must attend a daily chapel service. To demonstrate individual responsibility to others, all 7th through 12th grade students are required to complete 5-15 'Service Hours'. This requirement may be met by working with the church, school, or community projects or programs, or by assisting individuals (other than family members) who have demonstrated needs. Each student must document the completion of these hours in order to be promoted at the end of the year.
- Bible — High school Bible classes are encouraged to use their strong Biblical foundation to start applying their faith. Bible class topics include "Existence of God", "The Case for Christ", "Worldviews", and "Leadership and Christian Finances".
- Math — Saxon math is used in each classroom to provide a firm math foundation. Saxon builds upon prior learning and encourages students to practice all math skills daily. High school math classes include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra Connections, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus.
- Science — High school science classes include Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physics. Students are taught science from a Christian perspective. We believe strongly in educating our students about theories they will hear that do not assimilate with the Christian faith. It is our desire that, as JCA students enter college, they will be prepared to defend their Christian faith.
- Social Studies — Pearson curriculum is used in high school social studies classes. High school studies include World History (1500A.D.-present), American History I, American History II, Government and Economics.
- English — Glencoe Grammar and Composition Handbook and Glencoe Literature are used in the English classes. High school English classes involve spelling, vocabulary, grammar and literature.
Honors Courses
Honors classes are available to high school students who have achieved a final average of 87.5% or greater in the subject the prior year. Honors courses earn an additional 0.5 point bonus to the students' GPA.
Students enrolled in honors courses must receive a passing grade to continue taking honors courses in that subject area.
Dual Enrollment
JCA is in partnership with Freed-Hardeman University to offer Dual Enrollment classes to upperclassmen with a minimum ACT score of 22 or a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students who are dual enrolled must have the permission of the school administration. Dual enrollment classes meet on the JCA campus with the oversight of a master's level or higher instructor and are offered virtually through distance learning.
When a student is dual enrolled in a college course, they receive both high school and college credit for the course as long as they continue to meet dual enrollment standards. Dual enrollment students must pass their college classes with a C, or they are no longer allowed to dual enroll. Students at JCA who are interested in dual enrollment must meet with the Principal to see if they are qualified for dual enrollment classes and if the classes will be of benefit to them. Dual enrollment requests are processed on an individual basis. While dual enrollment is a benefit to many students, it is not always the best fit for every student, so great care should be taken when looking at dual enrollment as an educational option.