The Sophomore Student

10th Grade Student's Main Lesson Book Illustration: Physiology

From the turmoil of Grade 9, the Sophomore begins to discover a certain balance or midpoint in the violent collision of opposites. Physiologically, one may observe in boys a steadier gait as their legs grow to catch up with their oversized feet; and in girls a greater measure of poise and self-assurance. Mentally the sophomores may begin to seek a certain order in the confusion, a midpoint to opposition.

The curriculum responds to this search with subjects that incorporate balance: in chemistry, the study of acids and bases; in physics, the principles of mechanics; in earth sciences, the self-regulating processes of weather patterns; in astronomy, the balance of centripetal and centrifugal forces; in embryology, the interaction of masculine and feminine influences.

Through the study of balance in natural and human phenomena, students can begin to find their own fulcrums. In so doing, they are called to exercise powers of comparison, weighing in the balance contrary phenomena to determine their value and significance—and also their origin.

Students may discover that in this balancing of opposites, new forms can arise—whether in clouds and tides, planets and solar systems, or male and female sexuality. This discovery may in turn prompt the desire to explore the origins of things, to find the source of their forms in the beginnings of the universe or in the history of human language. In other words, the study of ancient times can now begin at a deeper level.

Sophomore Curriculum


Bible as Literature, Poetry, Speech, Research Writing, Short Story, and American Novel.


Sequence and Series, Trigonometry, Exponents and Logarithms, and Periodic Functions.

Social Studies

Ancient History, Constitution, Civil War, and Geography.


Physiology, Acids and Bases, Computer Science, and Mechanics.

Additional Subjects

Artistry: The interplay of light and shadow in drawing, drama, water color, mural painting, weaving, dyeing, textiles, clay modeling, gardening, metal work.

Music: Vocal and instrumental music continues.

Language: Spanish and Russian.

Physical Education: Gymnastics and a variety of games; interscholastic sports and extracurricular activities after school hours.