Academics
Curriculum Overview
Our Commitment to Excellence
EXPLORE YOUR WAY
At Golden State Academy, we believe every student’s educational journey should be flexible, personalized, and purpose-driven. Through our “Explore Your Way” approach, students have the opportunity to discover courses, electives, and learning pathways that align with their interests, strengths, and future goals. Whether pursuing academics, athletics, the arts, technology, leadership, or career exploration, students are encouraged to learn in ways that inspire curiosity, creativity, and growth. Our supportive online environment empowers students to explore new passions while building confidence, independence, and a lifelong love for learning.
YOUR FAITH JOURNEY
At Golden State Academy, we believe faith is not just something students learn about — it is something they live and grow in every day. Through our “Your Faith Journey” program, students are encouraged to develop character, gratitude, leadership, and a deeper personal relationship with God through meaningful reflection and spiritual growth opportunities. Our weekly Devotional Workbook Program provides age-appropriate Scripture readings, guided reflections, prayer prompts, character challenges, and faith-centered discussions that help students apply Biblical values to everyday life. Combined with facilitator mentorship, chapel experiences, and family partnership, our faith integration model supports the whole student academically, spiritually, socially, and personally.
ELEMENTARY COURSES
Elementary Curriculum
Elementary Language Arts
Our Elementary Language Arts program helps students build strong reading, writing, speaking, and communication skills through engaging and age-appropriate learning experiences. Students develop confidence in phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and creative writing.
Elementary Math
Our Elementary Math program helps students develop strong foundational math skills through interactive, engaging, and age-appropriate lessons. Students build confidence in number sense, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Elementary Science
Our Elementary Science program encourages students to explore the world around them through curiosity, discovery, and hands-on learning experiences. Students build foundational knowledge in life science, earth science, physical science, and scientific thinking.
Elementary Social Studies
Our Elementary Social Studies program helps students understand communities, history, geography, culture, and citizenship through engaging and interactive lessons. Students learn about the world around them while developing an appreciation for diverse people and places.
MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSES
Middle School Core Courses
Middle School Language Arts
- English 6
- English 7
- English 8
Middle School Math
- Math 6
- Math 7
- Math 8
Foundational concepts in number operations, ratios and rates, expressions and equations.
Middle School Science
- Science 6: Life Science
- Science 7: Earth & Space Science
- Science 8: Physical Science
Middle School Social Studies
- Social Studies 6: Ancient World History
- Social Studies 7: World Culture & Geography
- Social Studies 8: U.S. History
Middle School Electives
In today’s digital age, being a good citizen isn’t just about the real world—it’s just as important online! This course equips students with the essential skills to navigate the internet safely, respectfully, and responsibly.
Environmental Science is a phenomenon-driven course that introduces students to Earth’s systems, and interactions between living and nonliving things.
Introduction to Art empowers middle school students to explore their creativity, develop artistic skills, and appreciate artistic traditions.
Introduction to Public Speaking & Communication introduces students to the fundamentals of communication and speech, equipping them with the skills needed to express themselves effectively in a wide range of situations.
This engaging course equips students with essential academic skills to build confidence, resilience, and self-management habits that support lifelong learning.
Time4Math Facts is a supplemental courses to help students in their addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division skills.
Golden State Academy partners with several youth programs for our students physical education needs and requirements.
- NFL Flag
- Jr. NBA
- MLS Go
- NHL Street
Time4Languages, powered by Rosetta Stone, offers foreign language courses for students!
- Spanish
- Russian
- French
- Hebrew
- and more!
HIGH SCHOOL COURSES
High School Core Courses
9th Grade: English I A
10th Grade: English II
11th Grade: English III
12th Grade: English IV
9th Grade: Algebra I
10th Grade: Geometry
11th Grade: Pre-Calculus
12th Grade: Trigonometry
9th Grade: Biology
10th Grade: Chemistry
11th Grade: Physics
9th Grade: U.S. History
10th Grade: U.S. Government
11th Grade: World History
High School Electives
Drawing I is an introductory studio course with an emphasis on creating from observation. In this course, students will develop visual literacy skills, explore drawing techniques, and analyze and interpret visual evidence and context in artworks.
Economics is an introductory level course that introduces students to the basic concepts of economics, microeconomics, and macroeconomics. Students will cultivate their understanding of the two branches of economics.
This course introduces students’ to financial literacy topics in order to ensure they are prepared to make sound financial decisions, now and in the future.
In this course students will learn life skills that directly impact mental, physical, and social health. Topics such as the dimensions of health/wellness, nutrition, physical activity, disease prevention, and safe relationships will be covered.
Introduction to Computer Science is a beginner course for early high school students to get a solid foundational understanding of the impacts of computing, computing systems, data and analysis, algorithms and programming, and networks and the internet.
Introduction to Engineering is an introductory level course that provides an overview on basic concepts and skills an engineer needs to be successful in their career. Students explore the different fields of engineering as well as what a path in engineering may look like.
In this course students will use free, online resources to make beats, write melodies, record vocals, and mix multitrack recordings. In addition, students will make music reflecting the aesthetics of different eras of Hip-Hop.
Photography I is an introductory course exploring photography as a form of creating art! Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of photography, by exploring historical and contemporary techniques and tools.
Time4Math Facts is a supplemental courses to help students in their addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division skills.
Senior Seminar is a beneficial course for all students as they prepare for adulthood and independent living after high school. Students will be introduced to and asked to think critically about several areas of independent living.
Physical Education is a full year course designed to encourage an understanding and appreciation of movement and an active lifestyle by creating a fun physical education experience.
Time4Languages, powered by Rosetta Stone, offers foreign language courses for students!
- Spanish
- Russian
- French
- Hebrew
- and more!
Graduation Requirements
Golden State Academy offers two types of diplomas:
- An Academic Diploma requiring a minimum of 22 credits
- An Honors Diploma requiring a minimum of 24 credits
Credits earned at another traditional public, private, or homeschool program can be transferred to Golden State Academy. Transfer approval is subject to evaluation by an GSA advisor. If a student enrolls at GSA during their senior year, at least six credits must be earned at GSA in order to receive a diploma.
BIBICAL INTEGRATION & DEVOTIONALS
The Golden State Academy Weekly Devotional Workbooks are designed to help students grow spiritually, personally, emotionally, and academically through weekly reflection, Scripture engagement, character development, gratitude, and faith-centered goal setting.
These devotionals are intended to:
- Encourage personal reflection
- Build consistent spiritual habits
- Reinforce school character themes
- Support student wellness and growth
- Strengthen faith-centered culture
- Encourage gratitude and leadership
These devotionals are not intended to function as heavy academic assignments. Instead, they are designed to create meaningful opportunities for reflection, encouragement, and faith integration.
Devotionals are separated into 3 tiers based on spiritual growth and development:
- Elementary
- Middle School
- High School