Secondary School

The fundamental emphasis of the secondary curriculum is on Bible, language arts, mathematics, social studies and science. Elective and optional courses may include computer science, art, drama, choral music, print media, physical education, wood shop, photography, pottery, Chinese calligraphy, yearbook, practical living, and foreign languages. Detailed information about secondary courses is included in course description booklets available in the guidance office.

Bible

All students are enrolled in a Bible class every semester. Courses include study in Old and New Testament literature, culture, history, and biblical ethics applied to contemporary issues. All courses are taught on an academic basis and receive academic credit.

Language Arts

All students take English courses in the reading of literature and writing, with focus on clarity of thought and appropriate use of grammar, spelling, and vocabulary.  Language Arts attempts to refine writing across the curriculum and touches on a wide variety of literary genre and media.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

SYIS incorporates ESL learning into a comprehensive approach for students whose first language is not English. The courses use interactive and communicative activities, while still focusing on skill building, to prepare students for academic content.  Students are assessed and placed according to language proficiency and teacher evaluation.

Fine Art

Fine arts courses are offered in music and art, including such subjects as choir, photography, pottery, watercolors, alternative media, drama/reader's theater, and Chinese painting.

Foreign Language

All students are expected to study a foreign language during each semester enrolled at SYIS.  All students in grades six through eight are required to study the Chinese language, except where ESL classes are deemed more necessary.  In high school, students may elect to study a different foreign language (subject to course availability) once they have completed two years of Chinese language study.   

Mathematics

Math courses include General Math (grade six), Pre-Algebra (grade seven), Algebra I (grade eight), Geometry (grade nine), Algebra II (grade ten), Pre-Calculus (grade eleven), and Calculus or Statistics (grade twelve).

Physical Education/Health

All students in grades six through eight are required to take physical education. All high school students will complete a health class and take a compulsory Sport class, with P.E. classes also being offered as electives.  Physical education courses focus on fitness, health, and physical conditioning of the individual student.

Science

Middle school students will take a combination of life science, earth science, and physical science courses. The core curriculum in the high school is comprised of biology, chemistry, and physics.  

Social Studies

The middle school social studies curriculum includes integrated history, geography, and politics.  High school students study world geography, world history, comparitive politics, and economics. 

Yearbook

Each year the yearbook staff produces a record of the activities and events which occurred during the school year.