Upper School is for students in 10th-12th grade. The Veritas Omnibus upper–school curriculum is taught on a three–year cycle that builds on what students learned in middle school; we will use Omnibus V for the 2026–2027 school year for both home and class work.
This class is a combination of theology, literature, and history along with extensive writing. Students will read and discuss the great books of Western civilization as well as Scripture. They will learn to think like Christians and to express their thoughts clearly in both written and oral formats. Through reading and discussing these books as well as various writing projects students will learn to love what is true, good, and beautiful, to think like Christians, and become more like Jesus.
Class work will consist of discussion of the books, turning in reports, and regular in-class presentations. Parents can expand on this by assigning more work from the Omnibus V textbook if they desire. You should plan to purchase the following for your student. You do not need teacher materials as your tutor will be providing instruction to your student. You may be able to find used materials:
- You may optionally purchase any edition of the Omnibus V student textbook or e-book. This is not required for the class but you can use it to guide at–home discussion or to assign additional work at home.
- For the fall semester, we will be discussing the following required reading:
- The Bible
- City of God by Augustine, Marcus Dods Translation or Penguin Classics preferred
- Henry V by William Shakespeare
- Canterbury Tales (Boys only. Girls will read something else.)
- The Two Lives of Charlemagne, Einhard and Notker the Stammerer, Penguin Classics preferred
- The Inferno by Dante, Musa translation preferred
- For the spring semester, we will be discussing the following required reading:
- The Bible
- Purgatory by Dante, Musa translation preferred
- Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare
- The Heidelberg Catechism, online version is fine
- Paradise by Dante, Musa translation preferred
- Selections from Martin Luther by Dillenberger (Young men only. Ladies will read something else.)
- Selections from Calvin’s Institutes (Online version is fine, but Battles is great. Young men only. Ladies will read something else.)
- George Hebert’s Poetry. The version doesn’t matter. But make sure it is ALL his poetry.
- The Fairie Queene by Edmund Spenser (Fierce Wars and Faithful Loves is the version we will use.)
- The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis
Note on Translations: Many of these older books can be found online for free. However, it is recommended that the students purchase a solid, modern translation. It makes reading more enjoyable. If a translation is not recommended, then Penguin Classics is usually a good choice.
Science: Marine biology
Students will be taught the basics of marine biology in a way that glorifies the Lord. Class time will be devoted to labs, with some additional time for instructor lectures. Required books and materials:
- Exploring Creation with Marine Biology, 2nd Edition by Seligson
- Notebook for note-taking
- Colored pencils for lab drawings
Elective: Biblical Greek
Students will learn the basics of Biblical Greek and begin reading the New Testament in the original language.
Books Required: J. Gresham Machen’s New Testament Greek for Beginners (any version).
Choir
Students will learn to sing in parts, read music, and use their voice to glorify the Lord.