Upper School students have the opportunity to explore courses beyond their core curriculum. Whether you are interested in photography, horticulture, or computer science, there are classes ready for you.
| PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNICATION |
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| Principles of Leadership and Communication is a one-semester elective course that helps students develop practical leadership and communication skills. Students examine leadership styles, public speaking, active listening, conflict resolution, decision-making, trust-building, and collaboration. Through real-world examples, discussion, presentations, team projects, and collaborative inquiry, students strengthen their ability to communicate with confidence, work effectively with others, solve problems, and lead with purpose, responsibility, and integrity. |
| AP BUSINESS WITH PERSONAL FINANCE |
| AP Business with Personal Finance is an introductory, college-level business and personal finance course. Students explore the business disciplines of entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, accounting, and management through real-world business application, case studies, and project-based learning. In addition, students learn and apply all the National Standards for Personal Financial Education created by the Council for Economic Education and the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy. Students are required to take the AP exam in May. |
| PERSONAL FINANCE |
| Personal Finance is a one-semester elective course that helps students develop the knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial decisions. Students examine budgeting, saving, banking, credit, investing, taxes, insurance, financial planning, debt, fraud prevention, and long-term financial security. Through real-world scenarios, case studies, simulations, projects, discussion, writing, and collaborative inquiry, students strengthen their ability to evaluate financial choices, manage resources, set personal goals, analyze risk, and solve practical financial problems. Students also consider how the study of personal finance can help them grow in wisdom, responsibility, stewardship, and confidence as they prepare for future financial independence. |
| GLOBAL BUSINESS CONNECTIONS AND WORLD EVENTS |
| Global Business Connections and World Events is a one-semester elective course that examines the relationship between international business, global markets, and major world events. Students explore trade, exchange rates, comparative advantage, GDP, global supply chains, diplomacy, alliances, political leadership, and international organizations. Through current events, case studies, discussion, simulations, projects, and collaborative inquiry, students strengthen their ability to analyze global issues, compare political and economic systems, and explain how world events shape business decisions. Students also consider how global awareness can help them grow in wisdom, ethical responsibility, and thoughtful engagement with an interconnected world. |
| ENTREPRENEURSHIP |
| Entrepreneurship is a one-semester elective course that introduces students to identifying opportunities, developing business ideas, and creating viable ventures. Students examine market research, financial planning, innovation, business strategy, and effective communication through case studies, projects, presentations, and collaborative inquiry. Students strengthen their ability to solve problems, evaluate ideas, build business plans, and pitch concepts with clarity and confidence while growing in creativity, resilience, responsibility, and thoughtful leadership. |
| LAW |
| Law is a one-semester elective course that introduces students to the foundations of the legal system and the role of law in society. Students examine the structure of government, the role of courts, and key principles of criminal, civil, and constitutional law. Through case studies, legal research, discussion, debate, mock trials, and collaborative inquiry, students strengthen their ability to analyze legal issues, evaluate evidence, interpret arguments, and consider questions of justice, rights, ethics, and civic responsibility. |
| PRINCIPALS OF LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNICATION |
| Develop essential leadership and communication skills in this engaging semester-long course. Learn how to inspire and motivate others, build trust, and foster collaboration in group settings. Explore the fundamentals of public speaking, active listening, conflict resolution, and decision-making. Analyze real-world examples of effective leadership and apply these concepts through interactive activities and team projects. Gain insight into different leadership styles and how to adapt them to various situations. Whether leading a team or contributing as a member, this course will prepare you to communicate with confidence and lead with purpose. |
| WEIGHT TRAINING |
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This class teaches weight training techniques that facilitate the total development of the student (physically, mentally, and socially). This course aids the development of a positive self-concept through successful learning experiences and physical growth. |
| Science of Well-Being |
| This semester-long elective is loosely inspired by Yale University's Science of Happiness course. The purpose of the course is to help students cultivate lifelong habits that promote emotional well-being, resilience, and healthy responses to life's challenges. Throughout the semester, students will regularly engage in evidence-based practices such as deep breathing, reflective journaling, meditation, yoga, and creative expression. These experiences are designed to foster self-awareness, strengthen coping skills, and support students in developing a balanced and healthy approach to everyday life. |
| JOURNALISM |
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This semester course is designed to teach students the various types of journalistic writing styles. Incorporated in each class are examinations of journalistic ethics, layout, libel, trends, and responsibilities. Students will also have an opportunity to work with the Liberty Bell, Mount Pisgah’s school newspaper. |
| YEARBOOK |
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This class will focus on the planning, creation, selling, financing, and distribution of Mount Pisgah's yearbook. The finished product will be completely student-generated. The fundamentals of yearbook journalism include coverage of the year’s events, ethics, writing story copy, writing captions, creating sidebars, and photojournalism. Yearbook design includes creating aesthetically pleasing layouts using enhancing graphics and effectively using color. Integral to yearbook journalism is developing and carrying out a theme, both verbally and visually, that suits the School. Work outside of normal classroom hours may be necessary for this class. |
| AP ART HISTORY |
| The AP Art History course welcomes students into the global art world to engage with its forms and content as they research, discuss, read, and write about art, artists, art making, and responses to and interpretations of art. By investigating specific course content of 250 works of art characterized by diverse artistic traditions from prehistory to the present, the students develop in-depth, holistic understanding of the history of art from a global perspective. Students learn and apply skills of visual, contextual, and comparative analysis to engage with a variety of art forms, developing understanding of individual works and interconnections across history. Students are required to take the AP exam in May. |
| AP EUROPEAN HISTORY (OFFERED PERIODICALLY) |
| AP European History is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college or university survey of modern European history. Students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes from approximately 1450 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change over time. The course also provides seven themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: interaction of Europe and the world, economic and commercial development, cultural and intellectual development, states and other institutions of power, social organization and development, national and European identity, and technological and scientific innovations. Students are required to take the AP exam in May. |
| AP PSYCHOLOGY |
| AP Psychology is equivalent to an introductory college-level psychology course. The AP Psychology course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with major units of study, including biological bases of behavior, cognition, development, learning, social psychology, personality, and mental and physical health. Throughout the course, students apply psychological concepts and employ psychological research methods and data interpretation to evaluate claims, consider evidence, and effectively communicate ideas. Students are required to take the AP exam in May. |
| PSYCHOLOGY |
| Psychology is a one-semester elective course that introduces students to the study of human thought, behavior, development, relationships, personality, learning, mental health, and emotional well-being. Students examine major psychological theories and concepts while considering how biological, cognitive, social, and environmental factors influence human behavior. Through nonfiction readings, research, case studies, discussion, simulations, writing, creative thinking, and collaborative inquiry, students strengthen their ability to analyze behavior, evaluate evidence, apply psychological concepts, and better understand themselves and others. Students also consider how the study of psychology can help them grow in wisdom, empathy, responsibility, and thoughtful engagement with the people and communities around them. |
| Media Studies: Podcasting & Broadcasting |
| The Media Studies: Podcasting & Broadcasting course introduces students to the dynamic world of audio and visual media production. This hands-on, project-based course equips students with the technical, creative, and ethical skills required to produce compelling podcasts and broadcasts. Through the exploration of storytelling, scriptwriting, interviewing, technical production, and on-air performance, students will develop proficiency in all aspects of media production. Students will engage in collaborative projects, including the production of a multi-episode podcast series and a live broadcast. Emphasizing Christian values, students will reflect on how media can be a tool for truth, integrity, and positive influence. They will examine the role of media in shaping worldviews, learn to identify bias and misinformation, and explore how biblical principles such as honesty (Proverbs 12:22) and being "salt and light" (Matthew 5:13-16) apply to media production. |
| Adulting 101 |
| Adulting 101 is a semester-long elective course, available to 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade students, designed to equip students with essential tools for adulthood through hands-on, experiential learning. Focusing on practical skills, students take on real-life tasks, learn to manage responsibilities, and explore what it takes to thrive in the world beyond school. Through interactive projects, guest speakers, and field trips students will learn to prepare for job interviews, build effective relationships, and manage personal responsibilities. With a focus on practical know-how and hands-on projects, this class brings a fun, engaging approach to adulting essentials — empowering students to feel prepared and excited for their life after high school. |
| WORSHIP BAND |
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| Worship Band is a fine arts elective in which students grow as musicians and as worship leaders. Students build their skills in vocals and instruments such as guitar, bass, keys, and drums while learning to rehearse and perform together as an ensemble. Grounded in Scripture, the course explores the purpose of worship and what it means to lead others with humility and excellence. Throughout the year, students lead worship at school events, growing in confidence, musicianship, teamwork, and their walk with the Lord. |
| ADVANCED DIGITAL IMAGING |
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| This advanced-level digital course will introduce students to the principles of design and explores basic graphic design techniques. Students will learn layout design and typography manipulation, as well as be introduced to Microsoft Publisher and Adobe Photoshop. Students will need a computer that can run Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Publisher, and Adobe Photoshop. Prerequisite: Introduction to Digital Imaging. |
| ADVANCED STUDIO ART |
| Advanced Studio Art is an advanced-level drawing course with an emphasis on developing a greater understanding of art and the application of design principles in a variety of media. Studio experiences include drawing, painting, and mixed media projects. This course reinforces drawing and critical analysis skills for responding to master drawings of different historical styles and periods. Students will examine solutions to drawing problems through student drawings and those of other artists. Students will demonstrate their ability to respond, analyze, and interpret their artwork and the work of others through discussions, critiques, and artist statements. Creative problem-solving will be explored through art production and the study of master artists along with the continued development of personal artistic voice. (Prerequisite: Intro to Studio Art & Intermediate Studio Art) |
| AP ART & DESIGN |
| The AP Art and Design course is a year-long course designed to prepare and guide students through the art-making process of creating an AP Art and Design Portfolio. The framework presents an inquiry-based approach to learning about and making art and design. Students are expected to conduct an in-depth, sustained investigation of materials, processes, and ideas. The framework focuses on concepts and skills emphasized within college art and design foundations courses with the same intent: to help students become inquisitive, thoughtful artists and designers able to articulate information about their work. AP Art and Design students develop and apply skills of inquiry and investigation, practice, experimentation, revision, communication, and reflection. Students are required to take the AP Art & Design examination in May. (Prerequisite: Intro to Studio Art through Studio Art Portfolio), Year-Long Course - Required Summer Work |
| DIGITAL ART PORTFOLIO |
| This upper-level course is for students who wish to develop their digital art portfolios. Students will develop works for their portfolios using prompts to generate ideas. They are encouraged to take their work to the next level using digital media while applying their knowledge of the Principles of Design to each work. Students will utilize multiple software programs to aid their artistic development and will work independently to conduct research, develop sketches, and generate ideas for artwork using visual journaling to express their ideas. Students will need a computer able to run Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Publisher, and Adobe Photoshop. Prerequisite: Introduction to Digital Imaging and Advanced Digital Imaging. |
| DIGITAL DESIGN FUSION: 3D ANIMATION AND ENGINEERING INNOVATIONS |
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In this course, students will focus on 3D design elements through animation (illusion of movement in visual environments) and engineering. Students will mix multiple media types to explore advanced animation and create solutions to problems that are identified by students. After generating prototypes using software, students will use 3D printers to test ideas. They will also use programmable robots and stop-motion photography in this course. This course develops creativity, problem-solving, learning from failure, perseverance, and learning from feedback. |
| INDEPENDENT STUDIO ART PORTFOLIO |
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This semester-long class is intended for students who have completed Art I - IV and are interested in further developing their art portfolio. Students will work with the instructor to develop personally meaningful artworks that synthesize materials, processes, and ideas. They will research artists to inspire their concepts and compositional development. Exploration of media and continued development of skills and techniques will be emphasized. Independent study students develop and apply skills of inquiry and investigation, practice, experimentation, revision, communication, and reflection. This course is intended to develop a college portfolio and serves as a pre- AP Art and Design course. (Prerequisite: Intro to Studio Art, Intermediate, Advanced Studio Art, and Studio Art Portfolio) |
| INTERMEDIATE STUDIO ART |
| Intermediate Studio Art is a semester-long intermediate drawing course designed to enhance basic drawing skills and techniques and provides further exploration of drawing media. Students will apply design principles to their work in a variety of media. Studio experiences include drawing, mixed media, and printmaking projects. Students will demonstrate their ability to respond, analyze, and interpret their artwork and the work of others through discussion, critiques, and self-reflection. Students develop creative problem-solving through art production and the development of a personal artistic voice. (Prerequisite: Intro to Studio Art) |
| INTRODUCTION TO STUDIO ART |
| Intro to Studio Art is a semester-long introductory-level course exploring foundational skills & creative thinking using various media and techniques including drawing, painting, mixed media, and sculptural techniques. This course introduces students to the language of art and while developing their skills, techniques, and creative problem-solving. Students will demonstrate their ability to analyze and interpret their artwork and the work of others through critique and self-reflection. This course provides a basic understanding and appreciation for the visual arts. |
| STUDIO ART PORTFOLIO |
| Studio Art Portfolio is an advanced-level drawing and painting course that explores painting techniques and offers opportunities to apply the techniques in a variety of media. The course will examine solutions to painting problems through the study of color theory and composition. Students will demonstrate their ability to respond to, analyze, and interpret their artwork and the work of others through discussion, critiques, and artist statements. Students will resolve complex painting problems and continue their development of concepts and personal styles. (Prerequisite: Intro to Studio Art, Intermediate, and Advanced Studio Art) |
| INTRO TO THEATRE ARTS |
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| Students will gain a general knowledge of all aspects of theatre arts and discover ways that performance reflects and influences everyday life. Students will investigate and engage with solo performance, storytelling, monologue, and two-person scenes, as well as improv, stage combat, and theatre history. |
| ADVANCED THEATRE ARTS |
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This course will give students the tools and skills required to create original dramatic work and theatrical performances from nothing. Students will investigate and engage with physical theatre, improvisation, text analysis, dramaturgy, stage design, and traditional character development. Additionally, students will learn voice and acting techniques, improvisation, character analysis, mask-making, and monologues, as well as theatre vocabulary, and theatre history. This course may be taken multiple times. |
| BAND |
| Upper School Band is a large ensemble that focuses on bringing the foundations of musical skills and knowledge together into comprehensive music education. Over four years, this class will go through a comprehensive study of music history, group performance, music theory, and composition. Students will work as an ensemble to make music together with a variety of instruments and perform 3-4 times a year. This course requires some nighttime performances. Recommended Year-Long Course |
| ORCHESTRA |
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Students in the MPCS String Orchestra will expand their knowledge of the foundations of playing string instruments as they achieve a high level of mastery in reading, notating, and interpreting music. Over four years, this class will go through a comprehensive study of music history, group performance, music theory, and composition. This course requires some nighttime performances. Recommended Year-Long Course |
| VOCAL ARTS |
| Vocal Arts Ensemble is a music elective designed to develop students' confidence, musicianship, teamwork, and ensemble skills through singing. Students receive proper vocal instruction, learn healthy singing techniques, perform choral ensemble literature, and build foundational skills in reading sheet music and basic music theory. The class meets four times per week. |
| INTRODUCTION TO GUITAR |
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In Intro to Guitar, students will learn basic techniques of playing the guitar and music theory. Beginning with simple songs, students will play solo and in groups and may learn songs of their own choosing. This class is designed to provide students with a way to experience music with or without prior musical knowledge. |
| INTRODUCTION TO PIANO |
| In Intro to Piano, students will learn basic techniques of playing the piano and music theory. This class is designed to provide students with a way to experience music with or without prior musical knowledge. |
| AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES |
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| AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory college-level computing course that introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. Students learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students also explain how computing innovations and computing systems—including the internet—work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical. Students are required to take the AP exam in May. |
| sports medicine |
| This course provides a general overview of athletic training, sports medicine, and its history. It includes introductory information about the athletic trainer's scope of practice: injury prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, emergency injury management, and administrative functions. This course is intended to help students gain an understanding of sports medicine, various associated disciplines, and the role they play in the physically active community. Students will learn basic information about the profession of athletic training and the roles and responsibilities of the athletic trainer as a healthcare provider. |
| horticulture |
| Horticulture is a branch of plant agriculture that covers the cultivation and maintenance of plants for food, medicine, and/or ornamental use. Throughout this course, students will review beneficial plant varieties and their stages of development; explore various horticulture techniques and best practices; and discover diverse uses of garden variety plants. “Learning by Doing” is a principal part of this class. Participants will have ample opportunities for hands-on learning experiences to develop newly acquired knowledge and skills. Students should come away from this course understanding the basics of food production and agricultural stewardship. |
| Digital Design Fusion: 3D Animation and Engineering Innovations, Animation Unit |
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Animation is an illusion of movement in visual environments. Technology provides every person with the ability to create animations that are used in entertainment, presentations, social media campaigns, videos, and mobile experiences. Students learn animation basics through traditional cel animation and stop-motion photography. In 3D animation, students learn about its rapid advancement and influence throughout multiple industries. Using stop-motion animation and a programmable robot, budding animators mix multiple mediums to create their own choreographed dance moves. Engineering Unit: Using a variety of brainstorming techniques, students will identify a problem, empathize with someone affected by the problem, then prototype a solution. These solutions will be created using simple 3D-design software. Once the ideas are generated, students will use 3D printers to rapidly prototype and test their ideas. Creativity, problem-solving, failure, and feedback are all part of this project. |