Rhetoric Resources
This page is designed with Rhetoric students and families in mind. We hope you'll find useful information and links to assist you on your journey through the Rhetoric School at TCS.
Courses & Dual Enrollment
All Rhetoric School Courses at The Covenant School are designated as honors courses, and Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated on a 5.0 scale. The academic calendar contains four quarters of approximately nine weeks each. Students receive a final course grade that averages the four quarterly grades. The final course grade appears on the transcript. The Covenant School does not publicly rank students. Our graduating classes are small, our range of grades is narrow, and our college-preparatory program is rigorous.
Dual Enrollment Program
We want to position our students for success through the classes they take at TCS. For students who will pursue a college education, we believe offering a dual enrollment program will help students save time and money. This option allows us to develop courses that offer students the ability to earn credit for college. Our courses are set to high academic standards that will be looked upon favorably by colleges. We have partnered with Southeastern University and Colorado Christian University in the past and will continue to provide opportunities for college credit to our Rhetoric students.
Graduation Requirements
Our Graduation Requirements are designed to allow students more options in their schedules as they get closer to graduation from The Covenant School. Our vision is to empower students to take more ownership over their education and the classes they choose to take as they mature. To fulfill our graduation requirements, students must complete the service learning component of 25 volunteer hours per year (9th-12th grades) and a senior project during their 12th grade year.
Volunteer Service Hours: At The Covenant School, we emphasize finding life through selfless service, grounded in Jesus' teaching from Matthew 16:25. To foster a positive impact on the world, we have a volunteer service hour requirement for our high school students. Our goal is that these habits of service will help shape their character. When students graduate from The Covenant School, we hope they will be compassionate leaders, contributing joyfully to their communities. Starting the summer after eighth grade, students all high school students are required to complete 25 hours per year of volunteer community service, with at least half of these hours benefiting community organizations outside their personal affiliations. When submitting volunteer hours, the activities must be unpaid and focused on helping others. Students will be asked to submit a supervisor contact with each activity.
Not sure where to volunteer in the community? We have put together a list of potential volunteer organizations where TCS students have served in the past. If you have had a successful volunteer experience in the community that you would like to share with us, please email Mrs. Lin to share this information so she can add it to the document.
Senior Project: This capstone experience is a required graduation milestone at The Covenant School, where students undertake a 40-hour project reflecting personal interests and core school values such as being Jesus-centered, family-focused, relationally united, and classically minded. Students are encouraged to choose a project of their liking based on their passions and unique skill sets. Through the process, we hope students will gain a better understanding of how they are uniquely created and gifted to create a positive impact on the world. Students must plan, execute, document, and present their projects with mentor guidance, developing skills in discipline, leadership, and problem-solving while showcasing their unique gifts to impact their community and honor God. It’s never too early to begin thinking about what your Senior Project will be!
Student Drivers and Parking
To register a student driver at The Covenant School, please submit the TCS Student Driver Registration form. Student driving and parking are privileges that require strict adherence to campus rules for safety, including following speed limits, no cell phone use while driving, parking in designated areas with a permit, no loitering, and proper sign-in/out procedures with parental permission for late arrivals or early departures. Violations may lead to suspension or revocation of driving privileges. Students must complete the form and receive a parking permit from Mrs. Lin prior to driving on campus.
Career, Calling, and College Exploration
At The Covenant School, we believe every student is uniquely created with a God-given purpose. As you explore career paths and college options, we encourage you to seek guidance in discerning where your passions, talents, and faith intersect. Through prayer, mentorship, and practical resources, we aim to equip you to make thoughtful, faith-informed decisions that honor God and prepare you to serve others in whatever future He leads you toward. Your journey is more than a career or degree; it’s a calling to live out your faith boldly in the world.
Calling & Career Counseling with Kellie McLeod - Mrs. McLeod has much wisdom and experience working in higher education and helping students discover their giftings and God’s calling on their lives, and she is available to meet with students by appointment. Through these sessions, we hope you will gain tools and resources to begin to intentionally explore what God has called you to, to begin to gain a deeper sense of self-awareness about your natural strengths, abilities, and preferences, and begin to connect the "threads" so you can be prepared to take practical next steps after TCS. Please reach out to Mrs. McLeod directly to schedule an appointment.
NC College Connect is a North Carolina program that provides direct college admission to eligible public high school seniors, bypassing the traditional application process. Students with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or higher who meet specific course requirements are automatically admitted to select participating colleges and universities.
Our School Profile is updated annually and is linked under the “About” menu on our website for colleges.
Kelly McLeod
Career & Calling Counselor