Curriculum
TKA Course Catalog
The King's Academy Course Catalog is designed to assist students and parents in selecting courses for the following school year. All courses offered at The King's Academy are included in this catalog. However, the school reserves the right to modify all courses and to withdraw courses for which too few students register.
College preparatory courses meeting the University of California eligibility requirements are noted by an asterisk (*). Students who meet the UC admissions requirements will also meet requirements for many other universities.
Academic Departments
- Bible
- Computer Science & Engineering
- English
- Mathematics
- Physical Education
- Science
- Social Studies
- Visual & Performing Arts
- World Languages
Bible
Department Lead: Rob Starke
Requirement: Every Year (Grades 6, 7, 9, 11 and 12 all year; Grades 8 and 10 one semester only)
Objectives: Review the Bible Class Objectives per grade.
Courses Offered: Read full 2021-2022 course descriptions.
Bible Courses: Curriculum Overview
Bible Department Philosophy
The Bible Department strives to instruct their students as to how the Bible addresses and explains truthfully all areas of life. Our goal is for the student to know, embrace, and implement the Biblical precepts and principles on a personal level in their relationships, life choices, and goals. Our goal is for the student to know, embrace, and implement the Biblical precepts and principles on a personal level in their relationships, life choices, and goals.
Course and Instructor
- Bible 6: Mastering Bible Study Skills: Vinnie Negrette
- Bible 7: Old Testament Survey: Brenda Rosé
- Bible 7: Old Testament Survey: Anthony Argueta
- Bible 8: The Life of Christ and His Church: Stacey Middleton
- Bible 9 (Sem): The Gospel of John: Matthew Berry
- Bible 9 (Sem): The Gospel of John: Joe Maemone
- Bible 10 (Sem): New Testament Letters: Stephen Petiti
- Bible 11: Basics of Bible Doctrine: Chris Hill
- Bible 11: Basics of Bible Doctrine: Kyong Ha (Alex) Park
- Bible 12: Comparative Religions (Sem): Rick Hardy
- Bible 12: Apologetics: Defending Your Faith (Sem): Rick Hardy
- Bible 12: Contemporary Issues in Christianity (Sem): Rob Starke
- Bible 12: Contemporary Issues in Christianity (Sem): Rick Hardy
Computer Science & Engineering
Computer Science & Engineering Department Lead: Philip Wang
Requirement: One Semester
Courses Offered: Read full 2021-2022 course descriptions.
Computer Science & Engineering: Curriculum Overview
TKA's Technology Vision: “Creating Digital Citizens Connected to Him”
Co-curricular Program: TKA Robotics Teams
Computer Science & Engineering Department Philosophy
The vision of the computer science and engineering department at The King's Academy is to give students the necessary skills to function effectively in a society that is centered on information, computers and technological developments; and to prepare students to be morally and ethically responsible in their use of information and technology. These skills include the ability to communicate and solve problems using the computer, adapt to emerging technologies, and to be independent and life long learners. Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 that "'Everything is permissible'--but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible'--but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others." Students will be able to make informed decisions about the role of technology in their lives keeping the principles of these verses in mind.
Course and Instructor
- Computer Aided Design: David Howe
- Intro to Computer Science 1: Philip Wang
- Intro to Computer Science 2: Philip Wang
- AP Computer Science Principles: Philip Wang
- AP Computer Science A: Annette Lane
- Robotics Engineering & Programming - JH (Sem): Annette Lane
- PLTW Intro to Engineering Design: Annette Lane
Jr. High Robotics Class
TKA Robotics Teams
TKA MidKnight Robotics teams compete with other FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) teams in the Bay Area. TKA has two teams - MidKnight Madness #7854 and MidKnight Mayhem #15385. For more information about the TKA program, contact the team coaches via email: robotics@tka.org.
The TKA robotics team members contribute a variety of skills and no prior experience is required. We train new members on CAD, 3D printing, hardware prototyping, and software with Android Studio to program in Java. We also have an on-campus machine shop to design and manufacture parts. The team is run like a small business, with marketing, fundraising, team management, and presentation skills needed as well.
For detailed information, view our Robotics webpage.
English
Department Leads: Liz Danielski (high school) and Sarah Zaldana (junior high), Co-Leads
Requirement: Every Year
Courses Offered: Read full 2021-2022 course descriptions.
English Courses
English Department Philosophy
The ultimate goal of the English department is to inspire a love of literature and writing in students as they struggle with ideas that are fundamental to their human condition. Students have a responsibility to master reading, writing, speaking, and listening, not only to glorify God but also to communicate clearly in relationship with others. Students will learn how to discern truth in literature by being attentive to the various techniques and strategies authors use to evoke emotional and intellectual responses from readers. All literature will be evaluated according to the moral and ethical principles set forth in the Bible, and the worldview of the various authors will be compared with a biblical worldview.
Course and Instructor
- English 6: Rachel Hirota
- English 7: Larah de Bussy
- English 7: Cristine Vo
- English 8: Sarah Zaldana
- English 9: Stephanie Wetzel
- English 9 Honors: Liz Danielski
- English 10: Joshua Stricker
- English 10 Honors: Joshua Stricker
- English 10 Honors: Victoria Su
- English 11: Lisa Park
- English 12: Liz Danielski
- AP English Language & Composition: Alice Wu
- AP English Literature & Composition: Victoria Su
- AP English Literature & Composition: Alice Wu
- AP English Literature & Composition: Lisa Park
- Public Speaking and Debate (Sem): Stephanie Tien
- Junior High Debate: Stephanie Tien
- Speaking with Confidence: Abigail DeGraaf
- Writing Exploration: Kirsten Tasker
Mathematics
Department Leads: Steve Weiss and Michael Wilton
Requirement: 3 years
Courses Offered: Read full 2021-2022 course descriptions.
Mathematics Courses: Curriculum Overview
Math Department Philosophy
It is impossible for us to understand creation without God's gift of mathematics, for we would not have the means of measuring His world. Mathematics is a tool to help men rule over the earth under God. All callings in life demand planning, calculating, and evaluating in order to carry out God-given responsibilities. Mathematics plays an important role, whether it be in business, medicine, engineering, art, science, etc. Each student should thus master this wonderful gift to advance Christ's kingdom on earth.
The study of mathematics provides a useful platform for character formation. It provides opportunities to help students learn honesty, dedication, diligence, orderliness, obedience, discernment, carefulness, discipline, creativity, logic, patience (longsuffering), and persistence. The study of mathematics also provides opportunities for students to consider the nature of truth, the concept of the infinite and the use of reason in problem solving and decision making.
Course and Instructor
- Math 6: Stephanie Tien
- General Math 6: Brian Robinson
- Pre-Algebra 6: Anne Ling
- General Math: Brian Robinson
- Pre-Algebra: Stephanie Tien
- Pre-Algebra: Anne Ling
- Algebra 1: Jasmine Doan
- Algebra 1: Taryn Durbin
- Geometry: Anne Ling
- Geometry: Michael Wilton
- Geometry Honors: Michael Wilton
- Algebra 2: Taryn Durbin
- Algebra 2 Honors: Fred Iacoletti
- Pre-Calculus: Fred Iacoletti
- Pre-Calculus Honors: Steve Weiss
- Calculus: Laura Tompkins
- AP Calculus AB: Steve Weiss
- AP Calculus BC: Rick Palm
- Personal & Business Financial Math: Brian Robinson
- Statistics: Rick Palm
- AP Statistics: Rick Palm
Physical Education
Department Lead: Drew Petiti
Requirement: Two Years. Read about options for P.E. waiver.
Courses Offered: Read full 2021-2022 course descriptions.
P.E. Department Philosophy
Through sports and physical education, students will learn to exhibit Christ-like character specifically by showing grace, being humble, learning to work as a team, being self-disciplined and learning how to lead. In addition, students are taught to use their bodies to glorify God and to treat them as vessels of His Holy Spirit.
Course and Instructor
- PE 6 Boys: Scott Efting
- PE 6 Girls: Jill Lipert
- PE Boys - JH: Scott Efting
- PE Boys - JH: Drew Petiti
- PE Girls - JH: Jill Lipert
- PE Girls - JH: Alison Schoch
- PE Boys - HS: Drew Petiti
- PE Girls - HS: Alison Schoch
- PE Color Guard: Ryan Bortz
- Strength & Conditioning: Drew Petiti
- Strength & Conditioning: Alison Schoch
Science
Department Leads: Jason Rosé and James Terrell
Requirement: Three Years
Courses Offered: Read full 2021-2022 course descriptions.
Science Courses: Curriculum Overview
Science Department Philosophy
The Science Department is guided by the general principle that God created and sustains everything, and that the orderliness of the universe is a reflection of His character (Hebrews 1:2-3). We believe that the purpose of science as a discipline is to understand creation as a whole, which means encouraging students to look at the big picture and the underlying principles which are consistently seen in the world.
Each subject taught in this department is geared to focus on the specifics of that subject area and how they reveal the creativity and complexity of the Creator. As part of a Christian's call to be stewards of God's creation (Genesis 1:26) we will also strive to educate students on the applications and ethical implications of scientific knowledge. We believe that while scientific investigation is a means for uncovering truth, the fluid nature of the scientific process means that the state of our knowledge will be constantly changing and that we will always fall short of the complete understanding of reality that God has to offer us (Job 38: 1-7,18).
Course and Instructor
- Science 6 - Earth Science: Jason Peevyhouse
- Science 7 - Life Science: Maddie Kingsolver
- Science 7 - Life Science: Elisa Ting
- Science 8 - Physical Science: Calico Jan
- Biology: James Terrell
- Biology: Miyoung Park
- Biology Honors: James Terrell
- AP Biology: Scott Smithson
- Physical Science: Elisa Ting
- Environmental Science: Scott Smithson
- AP Environmental Science: Scott Smithson
- Chemistry: Angi Deng
- Chemistry Honors: Jason Rosé
- AP Chemistry: Jason Rosé
- Physics: Nick Nitescu
- AP Physics 1: Nick Nitescu
- Anatomy & Physiology: Miyoung Park
- Pestilence & Civilization (Sem): Jason Rosé
Social Studies
Department Lead: Christiana Kim
Requirement: Four Years
Courses Offered: Read full 2020-2021 course descriptions.
Social Studies Courses: Curriculum Overview
Social Studies Department Philosophy
The mission of The King's Academy history department is to influence students in their knowledge, values and perspective of the world through an engaging environment. Our students will gain an understanding of the origins and interactions of mankind throughout history. They will learn to appreciate the diversity of culture and tradition. Our students will explore how the choices made in the past affect the present and the future. Most importantly students will evaluate the actions and belief systems of society in comparison with God's word. We will equip our students with the tools to build a biblical world view and a realistic and wise understanding of history.
Course and Instructor
- Ancient World History 6: Leanne Lopes
- Geography & Medieval World History 7: Chris Schoppet-Panzarini
- US History 8: Edward Lanning
- Ancient World History 9: Spencer Murray
- Ancient World History 9 Honors: Christiana Kim
- Ancient World History 9 Honors: Spencer Murray
- Modern World History 10: Stewart Joslyn
- AP Modern World History: Christiana Kim
- US History 11: Ben Vidovich
- US History 11: Dayna Rychen
- AP US History: Jon Shieh
- Government: Ben Vidovich
- Government: Jon Shieh
- AP Government & Politics: Jon Shieh
- Economics: Ben Vidovich
- Economics Honors: Jon Shieh
- Intro to Psychology: Kyong Ha (Alex) Park
- AP Psychology: Kyong Ha (Alex) Park
Visual & Performing Arts
Department Lead: Stacey Reed
Requirement: One Year
Courses Offered: Read full 2021-2022 course descriptions.
VPA Courses: Curriculum Overview
P.E. Waiver: Read about available P.E. waiver for some students taking Performing Arts.
VPA Department Philosophy
The VPA Department seeks to glorify God as we foster an environment where students can discover and develop their God-given talents to the fullest. We share these talents not for our own glory but as a spiritual act of worship of our Creator. (Romans 12:1; Colossians 3:17; 1 Cor. 10:31).
Course and Instructor
- Discovering Art - JH (Sem): Mark Anderson
- Discovering Art - HS: Mark Anderson
- Advanced Art: Mark Anderson
- Independent Art Portfolio: Mark Anderson
- Ceramics (Sem): Mark Anderson
- Intro to Digital Painting JH: Chris Seguritan
- Comp 3D Modeling with ZBrush: Chris Seguritan
- Digital Design & Animation: Chris Seguritan
- Digital Photography: Chrissy Mata
- Dance 6 (Sem): Ali Schoch
- Beginning Dance Fundamentals: Stacey Reed
- Intermediate Dance - JH: Stacey Reed
- Advanced Dance: Stacey Reed
- Dance Workshop: Stacey Reed
- Theatre 6 (Sem): Abigail DeGraaf
- Theatre 1: Abigail DeGraaf
- Theatre 2: Abigail DeGraaf
- Theatre 3: Abigail DeGraaf
- Band 6 (Year - Blue Band): Ryan Bortz
- Band 7 (Gold Band): Ryan Bortz
- Knights Brigade/Wind: Ryan Bortz
- Knights Brigade/Percussion: Ryan Bortz
- Jazz Band (Z period): Ryan Bortz
- String Orchestra: Ryan Bortz
- Concert Choir - High School:
- Knightshine:
World Languages
Department Lead: Juanita Donnelly
Requirement: Two Years
Courses Offered: Read full 2020-2021 course descriptions.
World Language Courses: Curriculum Overview
World Language Department Philosophy
God created man and woman in His own image, and gave them the gift of communication through spoken words. At the beginning they used the same language throughout the whole world, but since they rebelled against God and built the tower of Babel, God confused them. In order to glorify God through communication with people from other cultures, the students must be taught to read, write and speak other languages, to be better equipped to spread the Gospel to our community, and to all the corners of the world, to reveal the truth that is founded only in Jesus Christ.
Special Honors and Competitions
TKA recognizes outstanding scholarship in the study of languages: TKA's French Honor Society chapter is Société Honoraire de Français and TKA's Spanish Honor Society chapter is Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica. Read more information about TKA's Honor Societies. French students may also participate in Le Grand Concourse, an annual competition sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French. TKA also offers the Global Seal of Biliteracy, an international credential that conveys proficiency with language skills in two or more languages for our students.
Course and Instructor
American Sign Language 1 (P1 - Online BYU): Kirsten Tasker
American Sign Language 2 (P1 - Online BYU): Kirsten Tasker
French 1: Rachel Denis
French 2: Rachel Denis
French 3: Rachel Denis
AP French Language and Culture: Kirsten Tasker
Mandarin 1: Marie Chin
Mandarin 2: Wei-Li Huang
Mandarin 3: Wei-Li Huang
AP Chinese Language and Culture: Wei-Li Huang
Spanish 1: Juanita Donnelly
Spanish 1: Renan Pineda
Spanish 2: Renan Pineda
Spanish 2 Honors: Matthew Tompkins
Spanish 3: Maria Beth Kadle
Spanish 3 Honors : Maria Beth Kadle
Spanish 4: Matthew Tompkins
AP Spanish Language and Culture: Matthew Tompkins