Academic Excellence

Faith Lutheran is accredited by AdvancED and through National Lutheran Schools Accreditation. We have earned the distinction of "Exemplary School Status" through the National Lutheran Schools Accreditation. Faith is operated as an exempt school under the provision of NRS 394.211 and as such is exempt from the provisions of the Private Elementary and Secondary Authorization Act. Faith Lutheran offers a demanding curriculum designed to prepare students for success at the college level. Honors level courses challenge students who wish to pursue the most demanding academic load. In high school, Advanced Placement courses offer students the opportunity to earn college credit or have introductory courses waived at the university level. In recent years, 98% of our high school graduates enrolled in college and alum can be found at the nation’s finest colleges and universities.

Explore Our Curriculum

Science

The Faith Lutheran Science Department provides a challenging curriculum that serves as a foundation of knowledge and skills to equip young people to become scientifically literate citizens as well to enter exciting and demanding STEM majors and careers (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Sixth through eighth graders in the middle school are engaged in scientific concepts and hands-on experiments in Life Science, Earth Science, and Physical Science while ninth and tenth graders enroll in Biology then Chemistry. The science department taps into the natural curiosity of the middle school student and provides opportunities for the high school student to pursue his or her scientific interests. The enthusiasm and expertise of the science faculty at Faith Lutheran shine through in the classroom as the majority of Faith Lutheran graduates complete four or more science credits. In eleventh and twelfth grades, students are able to choose from thirteen different electives through Advanced Placement (AP) level in biology, chemistry, and physics. Field trips are a fundamental component of science in sixth grade and the upper level electives to gain "real world" experiences and to reinforce concepts learned in the classroom. Specialized resources are incorporated into the teaching environment - Vernier data acquisition systems, thermocyclers, a Gel Doc EZ imaging system, and an iMark microplate reader. Each year, over 20% of Faith Lutheran graduates pursue a major in a STEM field.
 
Students particularly passionate about science, approximately 15% of each class, become a part of Faith Lutheran's elite STEM Academy where they complete six or more science and four or more math courses through AP level. These students have the opportunities to compete in a collaborative environment through one of our specialized STEM courses as well as conduct research and internships in their field of interest.

Faith requires the completion of three credits of science for graduation. All freshmen take biology and sophomores take a chemistry course.  We strongly recommend four credits of science for any student who plans on attending college.
 
School Statement on the Issues of Evolution and the Age of the Universe
We believe that it is Christ who saves, not one's position on these issues. Believing that our students are best prepared by equipping them with an informed view of the different perspectives, we present and discuss the positions of Young and Old Earth Creationism and Theistic and Atheistic Evolution. We believe that God is the Creator and that He has revealed Himself to us through God-breathed Scripture and God-made Nature.

  • Anatomy & Physiology

    This course focuses on the study of the human body and its structure and function. It includes microscopic and gross anatomy of the body, a survey of multiple body systems, and homeostatic mechanisms of the body. Other topics may include aspects of pathology, nutrition, and other human body related concepts. Students go on a required field trip to the Bodies’ Exhibit near the beginning of the second semester. Prerequisite: 75% in Chemistry I or 80% in Chemistry. Lab science. (Grades 11-12)

  • Anatomy & Physiology - Honors

    This course is designed to examine the same topics as Anatomy and Physiology while providing added challenge and preparation for health science degrees. Students should anticipate greater depth and breadth in Anatomy topics. Priority enrollment for this course is based upon previous science grades. Students go on a required field trip to the Bodies’ Exhibit near the beginning of the second semester. Students may choose to receive college credit for this course through Concordia University-Nebraska. Prerequisite: 85% in Chemistry – Honors or 90% in Chemistry I. Lab science. (Grades 10-12)

  • AP Biology

    AP Biology is designed for second year biology students to prepare them for the advanced placement exam, which all students who enroll in this class must take. The first semester focuses on molecules, cells, heredity and evolution. The second semester explores organisms, populations, and ecology. Throughout the year an emphasis is placed on the major themes of biology and investigative lab work. AP Biology is double-blocked in order to cover the scope of the curriculum; students will receive two credits for this course. Students need to be sure to enroll for both the class and the lab. Students may choose to receive college credit for this course through Concordia University-Nebraska. Prerequisites: 85% in Chemistry - Honors or 90% in Chemistry I. Lab science. (Grades 11-12)

  • AP Biology Lab

    AP Biology is double-blocked in order to cover the scope of the curriculum; students will receive two credits for this course. Students need to be sure to enroll for both the class and the lab.  Prerequisites: 85% or better in Chemistry I - Honors or 90% in Chemistry I.  Lab science.   (Grades 11-12)

  • AP Chemistry

    AP Chemistry is designed for second year chemistry students to prepare them for the advanced placement exam, which all students who enroll in this class must take. Students who successfully complete this course will have completed the equivalent of a two-semester college level course. It will review and explore in greater depth the topics covered in Chemistry I. It will introduce new material such as: reaction kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and organic chemistry. AP Chemistry is double-blocked in order to cover the scope of the curriculum. Students will receive one credit for this course and one credit for the lab class. Students must enroll in both the class and the lab. Students may choose to receive college credit for this course through Concordia University-Nebraska. Prerequisites: 85% in Chemistry I - Honors or 92% in Chemistry I. Lab science. (Grades 11-12)

  • AP Chemistry Lab

    AP Chemistry is double-blocked in order to cover the scope of the curriculum. This lab class is the second credit of this two credit course.  In this class, students will learn new lab skills and techniques that will be encountered in a college level lab. Students need to make sure to enroll for both the class and the lab. Prerequisites: 85% in Chemistry I - Honors or 92% or better in Chemistry I.  Lab science.   (Grades 11-12)

  • AP Environmental Science

    AP Environmental Science is designed to prepare students for the advanced placement exam, which all students who enroll in this class must take. This course provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems (both natural and human-made), to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Students may choose to receive college credit for this course through Concordia University-Nebraska. Prerequisite: Biology, 85% in Chemistry I - Honors or 90% or better in Chemistry I. Lab Science. (Grades 11-12)

  • AP Physics 1

    AP Physics 1 is designed to prepare first year physics students for the advanced placement exam, which all students who enroll in this class must take. This course is equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power and fluid statics and dynamics. Prerequisites: 85% in Algebra II - Honors or 90% in Algebra II or Physics - Honors. 10th grade students must also enroll in Chemistry. Lab science. (Grades 10-12)

  • AP Physics 2

    AP Physics 2 is designed to prepare second year physics students for the advanced placement exam, which all students who enroll in this class must take. This course is equivalent to a second-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers topics such as thermodynamics with kinetic theory; PV diagrams and probability; electrostatics; electrical circuits with capacitors; magnetic fields; electromagnetism; sound; physical and geometric optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. Students may choose to receive college credit for this course through Concordia University-Nebraska. Prerequisites: AP Physics 1 or 87% in Physics - Honors. Lab science. (Grades 11-12)

  • Architecture - Honors

    This course consists of a survey of architecture including historical examples and theoretical, social, technical, and environmental forces that shape the profession. This course will cover the principles and elements of design, pencil and ink sketching techniques, hand-rendering techniques, the concept, construction, and impact of buildings, and sustainable design concepts. Students work second semester towards their submission for the AIA Design Competition. This course can fulfill the collaborative experience requirement for the STEM Academy. Prerequisite: Computer Aided Drafting and a 3.5 cumulative GPA. (Grades 11-12)

  • Biology

    This course investigates the earth’s life forms and the ecosystems that sustain and support them. Subjects include: characteristics of life; cell structure, function, and replication; zoology, microbiology, genetics, plants, and animal systems. Great emphasis will be placed on laboratory investigation. Lab science. (Grade 9)

  • Biology - Honors

    This course is designed to examine the same topics as Biology while providing added challenge and preparation for advanced science classes.  Students should anticipate greater depth and breadth in the areas of photosynthesis, cellular respiration, molecular genetics, microbiology, animal systems, and ecology.  Students will learn more advanced graphing and lab analysis skills. Prerequisite: 85% in Pre-STEM Physical Science (Advanced 8th Grade Science) or 90% in Physical Science (8th Grade Science). Lab science. (Grade 9)

  • Botany

    This inquiry-based class is designed to introduce students to the plant kingdom through problem-solving and the scientific method. The concepts of plant nutrition, anatomy and physiology are applied to germination, hydroponics, biochemistry, and environmental science. The commercial aspects of greenhouse management are addressed through scheduling, logistics, maximizing production, and engineering solutions to real-world situations in our state of the art greenhouse. This course can fulfill the collaborative experience requirement for the STEM Academy. Prerequisite: Biology. (Grades 10-12)

  • Boundary Waters Ecology

    History, Geology, and Ecology of Northern Minnesota Great Iron range and Boundary Water Wilderness Area. This is a Summer Course and is offered on alternating years.

  • Chemistry I

    This course is designed to provide students with a foundation in chemistry and its computations for advanced science electives. The curriculum of this course includes: foundational skills for chemistry, matter and its changes, chemical bonding, chemical formulas and equations, stoichiometry, gas laws, solutions, acids and bases, and thermochemistry. Students will learn chemistry lab skills in keeping lab notebooks, writing and graphing in formal lab reports, and using common lab equipment. Prerequisites: 75% in Biology and Algebra I. Lab science. (Grades 10-11)

  • Chemistry I - Honors

    This course is designed to examine the same topics as Chemistry I while providing added challenge and preparation for AP Chemistry.  Students should anticipate greater depth and breadth in the areas of quantum theory, chemical bonding, reaction writing, stoichiometry, solutions, and lab analysis of compounds.  Students will learn more advanced graphing and lab analysis skills. Prerequisite:  85% or better in 9th grade Honors Math and Biology – Honors or 90% or better in 9th grade Math and Biology. Lab science.  (Grades 10-11)

  • Ecology

    This course provides students with an understanding of the fundamental processes that influence the distribution and abundance of organisms, the interactions among organisms, and the role of organisms in the flux of energy and the cycling of matter. Because humans affect virtually all ecological systems, this course highlights human interactions with the environment as a context for understanding larger ecological principles. Lab science. (Grades 11-12)

  • Engineering I - Honors

    In this course, students will explore the world of robotics, one of the fastest growing technologies in our society. Students will gain skills and knowledge in mechanics, structure assembly, software programming, sensor electronics, motors, and gear ratios. Work in this class will develop skills related to Faith Lutheran’s participation in a nationally recognized robotics competition in March. Upon completion of the robotics competition, students will explore topics ranging from rocketry to ballistics to civil engineering. Priority enrollment is given to STEM students. Prerequisite: 87% in Algebra II - Honors and Chemistry I - Honors or 90% in Algebra II and Chemistry I. May be taken for Science or Computer Science credit. (Grades 11-12)
     

  • Engineering II - Honors

    In this STEM course, students will continue to explore the world of robotics, one of the fastest growing technologies in our society. Students will display mastery of mechanics, structure assembly, software programming, sensor electronics, motors, and gear ratios. Work in this class will develop skills related to Faith Lutheran’s participation in a nationally recognized competition in March. This course can fill the collaborative experience requirement for the STEM Academy. Prerequisite: 90% in Engineering I - Honors. May be taken for Science or Computer Science credit (Grade 12)

  • Marine & Desert Biology

    Students in this course study the biology of the desert and ocean biomes. Emphasis is placed on organismal adaptations to the harsh conditions found in these two areas. The spring semester will culminate in a marine biology trip. Students will be required to pay for field trip expenses. Lab science. (Grades 11-12)

  • Molecular Genetics - Honors

    This STEM course is an extension of advanced Biology courses, aimed to teach Genetics and Molecular Biology in greater depth. This course will engage top biology students in lab-based collaborative work with state-of-the-art equipment and techniques. Students develop skills leading to their required participation a higher-level bioengineering competition. Research topics include DNA structure and modification, PCR and its applications, proteins and protein gels, cloning and DNA sequencing, RNA interference, and gene editing. This course can fill the collaborative experience requirement for the STEM Academy. Prerequisites: 85% in AP Chemistry or AP Biology. Students taking this course concurrently with AP Biology need a 90% in Biology and Chemistry I. Lab Science. (Grades 11-12)

  • Physics - Honors

    This course explores the fundamental physical laws that govern God’s creation. Students will learn mathematical and conceptual explanations for how matter and energy behave. Topics include motion, forces, vectors, gravity, momentum, energy, waves, sound, light, mirrors, lenses, fluids, electricity, and magnetism. Students may choose to receive college credit for this course through Concordia University-Nebraska. Prerequisite: Passed Geometry. Lab Science. (Grades 11-12)

  • STEM Research - Honors

    This STEM course introduces students to the process of conducting scientific research. It provides an open-ended research environment where students are guided through the investigative process of determining a problem of their interest, experimenting, analyzing, and presenting their findings competitively at the Southern Nevada Science and Engineering Fair. Competing in the fair is a requirement and it is usually the first week of March. This course can fulfill the collaborative experience requirement for the STEM Academy and requires an application and interview process. Prerequisite: 90% in Chemistry I – Honors or 95% or better in Chemistry I. (Grades 11-12)

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Faith Lutheran Middle School & High School
2015 South Hualapai
Las Vegas, NV 89117

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