The Rhetoric Stage
The Culmination of Classical Learning
In classical education, the Rhetoric stage is where students learn to communicate truth with clarity, wisdom, and conviction. After building strong foundations in the Grammar stage and learning to reason carefully in the Logic stage, Rhetoric School students are prepared to synthesize ideas, defend truth, lead discussions, write persuasively, speak confidently, and engage the world with discernment.
At Horizon Prep, high school students are not merely preparing for graduation. They are being formed for a life of opportunity and service. Through rigorous coursework, Harkness discussion, AP and Honors opportunities, biblical worldview formation, leadership development, discipleship, service, and capstone experiences, students grow into young adults prepared for college and life.
Rhetoric School is where knowledge becomes wisdom, reasoning becomes conviction, and conviction finds its voice.
Key Distinctives
Classical Rhetoric & Persuasive Communication
Students learn to speak, write, present, debate, and defend ideas with clarity and purpose. Formal rhetoric study culminates in major capstone work during junior and senior year.
Harkness Discussion
Students engage literature, history, theology, worldview, and ideas through collaborative discussion. The Harkness method trains students to listen carefully, speak respectfully, reason deeply, and participate thoughtfully.
Biblical Worldview Formation
Bible and discipleship are required all four years. Students move from the Life of Christ to Church History, Christian Doctrine, and Biblical Christian Worldview and Apologetics.
Senior Thesis & The God Project
Students complete and present a Senior Thesis and The God Project, drawing together years of rhetoric, biblical worldview, research, writing, and oral defense.
College-Preparatory Academics
Rhetoric School offers a strong college-preparatory course sequence, including Honors, AP, UC-approved courses, advanced math, lab sciences, foreign language, visual and performing arts, and electives.
Leadership, Service & Calling
Students grow through Student Life, leadership opportunities, community service, Bread and Bible, chapel, clubs, and experiences designed to help them discover gifts and prepare for faithful service.
Curriculum Overview
Rhetoric School curriculum is designed to prepare students for college while forming them for wisdom, leadership, and service. Students complete a robust sequence of English, history, Bible and discipleship, math, science, foreign language, visual and performing arts, physical education, electives, and Student Life.
Horizon Prep’s academic program meets University of California entrance requirements and generally meets or exceeds the expectations of other colleges and universities. Students are encouraged to pursue a course of study that reflects both college readiness and their God-given gifts, interests, and future direction.
-
Students study ancient, classical, European, American, and modern literature while developing writing, speaking, listening, analysis, annotation, research, and rhetorical skills. Students grow through essays, presentations, debates, discussions, and AP English opportunities.
-
Students study World History, European and Early U.S. History, Modern U.S. History, Microeconomics, U.S. Government, Macroeconomics, and AP options. Courses emphasize primary sources, cultural context, moral philosophy, current events, and Harkness discussion.
-
Bible and discipleship are required all four years. Students study the Life of Christ, Church History, Christian Doctrine, and Biblical Christian Worldview and Apologetics while participating in Bread and Bible, chapel, Student Life, and discipleship rhythms.
-
Students progress through math pathways that may include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II/Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Honors Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Differential Equations, Business Statistics, AP Statistics, Finance Mathematics, Advanced Topics in Math, and Computer Science.
-
Students complete lab sciences and may pursue advanced options in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Astronomy, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Computer Science, and Aeronautic Engineering. Courses emphasize inquiry, laboratory skill, scientific reasoning, data analysis, and wonder at God’s creation.
-
Students complete foreign language study through the third year requirement, with Spanish options through advanced levels and AP Spanish. Language study strengthens communication, cultural understanding, grammar, writing, speaking, and presentation skills.
-
Students pursue visual and performing arts through options such as Art, AP Studio Art, Ceramics, Computer Graphics and Design, Drama and Performing Arts, and Vocal Ensemble. These courses develop creativity, critique, technical skill, public performance, and artistic voice.
-
Student Life is required all four years and intentionally builds leadership, rhetoric, calling, and capstone readiness: Leadership in 9th grade, Rhetoric I in 10th, Rhetoric II in 11th, and Senior Thesis in 12th.
Curriculum Tracking
How Learning Builds from Ninth through Twelfth Grade
Rhetoric School is intentionally sequenced. Each year builds toward greater academic rigor, spiritual maturity, leadership, communication, and readiness for college and life.
This progression helps families see how students move from high school foundations in 9th grade toward capstone presentation, worldview defense, and college readiness in 12th grade.
Grade
Humanities & Communication
Math & Science
Bible, Worldview & Rhetoric
Student Life & Formation
9th Grade
Students begin Rhetoric School with English 9 or Honors English 9 and World History. The humanities sequence connects ancient and classical literature with world history, helping students build context, annotation skills, oral presentation, debate, essay writing, and Harkness discussion habits.
Students typically continue through Geometry or an appropriate math pathway while taking Physics or Honors Physics. The emphasis is on building high school-level habits, mathematical confidence, laboratory skills, scientific reasoning, and readiness for advanced coursework.
Bible focuses on the Life of Christ, while daily Scripture reading and reflection through Bread and Bible begins as a four-year rhythm. Student Life 9 introduces Leadership, helping students understand biblical leadership and begin applying it within the Rhetoric School community.
Ninth grade is a transition year into high school responsibility. Students grow in leadership, academic ownership, physical education and health, clubs, chapel, Bread and Bible, service expectations, and participation in the broader life of the school.
10th Grade
Students take English 10 or Honors English 10 alongside European History and Early U.S. History. Literature and history are intentionally connected as students study works such as Beowulf, Dante, Chaucer, Shakespeare, early American documents, and revolutionary thought while strengthening research, analysis, and discussion.
Students take English 10 or Honors English 10 alongside European History and Early U.S. History. Literature and history are intentionally connected as students study works such as Beowulf, Dante, Chaucer, Shakespeare, early American documents, and revolutionary thought while strengthening research, analysis, and discussion.
Bible focuses on Church History, helping students understand the story of God’s people across time. Student Life 10 begins formal Rhetoric I, introducing students to eloquent speech, persuasive argument, and a Christian approach to memorable and effective expression.
Tenth grade builds academic depth and rhetorical confidence. Students continue Bread and Bible, chapel, clubs, visual and performing arts, foreign language, service, and the habits needed for more advanced leadership and communication.
11th Grade
Tenth grade builds academic depth and rhetorical confidence. Students continue Bread and Bible, chapel, clubs, visual and performing arts, foreign language, service, and the habits needed for more advanced leadership and communication.
Students typically progress into Pre-Calculus or Honors Pre-Calculus while taking Biology or Advanced Biology. Students may also begin advanced science or elective pathways depending on interest. The emphasis is on readiness for AP, college-level expectations, and future academic direction.
Bible focuses on Christian Doctrine, helping students understand the Christian faith as a coherent worldview. Student Life 11 continues Rhetoric II, with increased opportunities for formal speech. In the second semester, juniors begin defining and orally defending the topic and thesis that will become their Senior Thesis.
Eleventh grade is a year of sharpening direction. Students begin connecting rhetoric, doctrine, college readiness, internship interests, vocational exploration, service, leadership, and future planning.
12th Grade
Students take English 12 or AP English, along with U.S. Government and Macroeconomics or AP options. Seniors continue advanced literary analysis, writing, presentations, civic understanding, economics, worldview engagement, and college-level discussion.
Students may pursue AP Calculus, AP Statistics, Business Statistics, Differential Equations, advanced science, engineering, AP Physics, AP Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, Astronomy, Computer Science, or other interest-based pathways. Senior year allows students to pursue greater depth aligned with college and career interests.
Bible focuses on Biblical Christian Worldview and Apologetics. Students study major ideas and truth claims through Scripture and theological reflection. Student Life 12 is devoted to the Senior Thesis, drawing from rhetoric study, The God Project, Bible 12, and other coursework in preparation for public presentation.
Bible focuses on Biblical Christian Worldview and Apologetics. Students study major ideas and truth claims through Scripture and theological reflection. Student Life 12 is devoted to the Senior Thesis, drawing from rhetoric study, The God Project, Bible 12, and other coursework in preparation for public presentation.
Signature Capstones
Senior Thesis & The God Project
Two of the most important academic and spiritual distinctives of Horizon Prep’s Rhetoric School are the Senior Thesis and The God Project. These capstone experiences require students to bring together research, writing, rhetoric, biblical worldview, personal conviction, and public presentation.
Students do not simply complete assignments. They learn to ask meaningful questions, engage important ideas, develop a thoughtful position, and communicate with clarity and courage.
Senior Thesis
The Senior Thesis is the culmination of formal rhetoric study and upper school academic formation. During senior year, students conduct research, meet with thesis advisors, prepare a formal thesis, and present publicly in the final quarter of the school year.
The Senior Thesis draws from students’ work in Rhetoric I and II, Biblical Christian Worldview and Apologetics, The God Project, and other coursework that has shaped their thinking. It is a defining opportunity for students to demonstrate maturity, intellectual ownership, persuasive communication, and readiness for the next stage of life.
Senior Thesis Forms Students To:
Research deeply
Think critically
Write persuasively
Speak clearly
Defend ideas thoughtfully
Engage important questions with wisdom and conviction
The God Project
The God Project is a four-year capstone of biblical reflection and worldview formation. It is carefully connected to the 12th grade Biblical Christian Worldview and Apologetics course and helps students consider ultimate questions about God, truth, identity, meaning, and calling.
Through The God Project, students are challenged to move beyond borrowed answers and articulate a thoughtful, personal, biblically grounded understanding of faith and worldview.
The God Project Helps Students:
Reflect deeply on God, truth, and calling
Integrate Bible, theology, worldview, and personal formation
Engage competing ideas with discernment
Articulate faith with clarity and humility
Prepare to enter college with conviction rather than confusion
Junior & Senior Trip
The Rhetoric School upperclassmen experience includes a distinctive Junior/Senior trip designed to expand students’ vision, deepen their faith, and connect classroom learning to the wider world.
This capstone trip alternates between two formative experiences: a mission and service trip, and a study and formation trip.
Mission & Service Trip
Students engage in meaningful service and ministry, learning to live out their faith with humility, compassion, and courage. This experience helps students see beyond themselves and practice what it means to serve as salt and light in the world.
Through mission and service, students are challenged to connect faith with action, leadership with humility, and conviction with compassion.
Study & Formation Trip
Students travel through historically significant sites connected to Christian history, theology, culture, and ideas — such as a Reformation-focused study tour. These trips help students connect their studies in history, theology, literature, and worldview to real places, people, and movements that shaped the world.
A study trip allows students to experience the richness of Christian history, see the consequences of ideas, and understand how courage, conviction, and truth have shaped generations.
Why It Matters
Together, these alternating trips serve as a capstone experience for Rhetoric School: forming students who are not only prepared for college, but equipped to engage the world with wisdom, humility, conviction, and purpose.
College Preparation & Academic Outcomes
Prepared for College. Formed for Life.
Horizon Prep’s Rhetoric School provides a strong college-preparatory academic program with Honors, AP, UC-approved courses, advanced math and science pathways, foreign language, visual and performing arts, and meaningful electives.
Students are guided to pursue appropriate academic challenge while developing the habits, maturity, communication skills, and worldview necessary for long-term success.
College preparation at Horizon Prep is not reduced to applications and acceptances. It is the result of years of formation: rigorous academics, persuasive writing, public speaking, Harkness discussion, leadership, service, biblical worldview, and the maturity to step into the next season with confidence.
WASC and ACSI accredited
UC-approved courses
Honors and AP opportunities
Advanced math pathways through AP Calculus, AP Statistics, Differential Equations, and advanced problem solving
Lab science sequence with advanced options in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, Anatomy and Physiology, Computer Science, and Engineering
Four years of Bible and discipleship
Senior Thesis and The God Project graduation requirements
Community service expectations
Horizon Prep students are prepared for a wide range of college opportunities through a rigorous academic program, intentional guidance, and a formation-focused high school experience.
Button: View College Acceptances
Optional supporting line: Explore recent college acceptances and see how Horizon Prep students are prepared for what comes next.
Arts, Athletics & Electives
Rhetoric School students are encouraged to discover and develop their God-given gifts through visual and performing arts, athletics, electives, leadership, service, and clubs.
Students may pursue opportunities in art, ceramics, graphic design, drama, vocal ensemble, student government, athletics, strength and conditioning, technology, computer science, engineering, and other areas of interest.
These opportunities help students grow not only as scholars, but as whole people with gifts to cultivate and offer in service to God and others.
Arts & Creative Expression
Students may pursue opportunities in visual and performing arts, including art, ceramics, computer graphics and design, drama and performing arts, vocal ensemble, and other creative pathways. These courses help students develop technical skill, artistic voice, critique, collaboration, confidence, and public presentation.
Electives & Leadership Opportunities
Students can explore interests through electives, student government, leadership roles, clubs, technology, computer science, engineering, strength and conditioning, and other areas of student life. These opportunities help students discover gifts, develop initiative, and practice meaningful responsibility.
Athletics & Competitive Growth
Athletics give students the opportunity to grow in discipline, teamwork, resilience, leadership, and competitive excellence. Horizon Prep student-athletes are challenged to develop strength of character as well as skill, learning to compete with purpose and represent their school with integrity.
Athletics are an important part of student life at Horizon Prep, giving students opportunities to compete, lead, grow, and build community beyond the classroom.
Come See Rhetoric School in Action
The best way to understand Horizon Prep’s Rhetoric School is to experience it firsthand. We invite your family to visit campus, meet our team, and see how students are challenged academically, formed spiritually, and prepared to lead with wisdom and conviction.
