Our Curriculum

Grades K-8

In grades K-6, Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy: A Challenge Foundation Academy offers a curriculum that integrates the Core Knowledge Sequence and the North Carolina Standard Course of Studies. Each year in the Core Knowledge Sequence, students gain a rigorous grounding in the language arts, history and geography, mathematics, science, music, and art. All K-8 classes have fully integrated the Core Knowledge Sequence and the North Carolina Standard Course of Studies.

 

High School

In high school, TJCA-CFA offers a demanding academic curriculum that exceeds the requirements of North Carolina's Future-Ready Core. The curriculum prepares students for admission to four-year colleges and universities.

Grade 9

In grade 9, students are required to take Honors English I, Honors World History, Honors Biology, Latin I, Mathematics (typically Algebra II), and Physical Education and Health. In addition, TJCA-CFA requires freshmen to take a Freshman Seminar that includes SAT prep, first aid/CPR, and music.

Grade 10

In grade 10, students are required to take Honors English II, Advanced Placement (AP) European History or Honors European History, Honors Chemistry or Physical Science, Latin II, Logic I and Geometry, Mathematics (typically Honors Pre-Calculus), and Fine Arts.

Grade 11

In grade 11, students are required to take Honors English III (with AP English Language and Composition optional), AP U.S. History or Honors U.S. History, a science course (typically AP Environmental Science or Honors Environmental Science), Logic II and Discrete Math. All juniors must take AP Environmental Science or Honors Environmental Science beginning in fall 2010. With only one daily hour-long study hall permitted, most students take one elective, with Mathematics (typically AP Calculus) strongly recommended.


Grade 12

In grade 12, students are required to take Honors English IV (with AP English Literature and Composition optional), Honors Civics and Economics (with AP U.S. government optional), and Honors Classical Rhetoric, which culminates in a senior rhetoric thesis. With only one daily hour-long study hall permitted, most students take two electives, with Mathematics and Science strongly recommended.

TJCA-CFA offers several electives, including:

  • AP Biology
  • AP Calculus AB
  • AP Calculus BC
  • AP Chemistry
  • AP English Language and Composition
  • AP English Literature and Composition
  • AP Environmental Science
  • AP European History
  • AP Statistics
  • AP Studio Art
  • AP U.S. Government
  • AP U.S. History
  • AP World History
  • Latin III
  • Great Books Seminar
  • Classical Greek
  • Advanced Functions and Modeling
  • Astronomy
  • Physical Education (Weight Training)
  • Advanced Art
  • Physics
  • Yearbook
  • Flute
  • Creative Writing
  • Architecture
  • Bagpipes
  • Computer Science
  • Orchestra, Ballet
  • Classical Guitar
  • Advanced Drama
  • Academic Team
  • Competive Debate
  • Culinary Arts
  • Spanish I, Spanish II, Spanish III


All Advanced Placement (AP) courses are college-level courses, and all students who take AP courses are required to take the AP exam. Information about these courses can be found at the College Board's Web site.