High School
High School Core Classes
English
World Literature
In World Literature students are asked to study at least seven different cultures from around the world and use this knowledge to analyze literature from these regions including poetry, short stories, and novels. Students will also continue to build writing skills through a series of lessons focusing on the 6 Writing Traits as well as classroom discussion, presentation, and critique.
American Literature
This class is designed to study and analyze significant texts of American literature. Students receive a solid background of these texts while building upon their literacy and critical thinking skills. Group and independent activities complement these texts as students hone their definitions of what makes American Literature unique. Students will be required to write complete essays, narratives, and research assignments.
British Literature
British Literature is designed to study and analyze literature from the British perspective. Students study many forms of British literature in conjunction with the history of the United Kingdom from the first Britons and invading Anglo-Saxons to the contemporary writer and playwright. Students will focus on analyzing literature from a cultural and historical significance, using class discussion and critical thinking skills to determine and asses a piece of literature’s influence on society. Writing skills will continue to be honed through analytic and opinion essays, creative narratives, and research assignments.
Research Methods
Research Methods is designed to familiarize and prepare the exiting senior on college level essay and research writing. In order to achieve this goal, seniors will be asked to learn the essentials of essay and research writing as well as how to research and verbally present a given topic. This class will focus on the argument, rhetoric, voice, and grammatical elements an essay or paper needs to satisfy college professors in the coming years after high school, as well as, the world outside of academia.
Advanced Placement Literature and Composition
Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition is a college level English course designed to expand students’ exposure to world literature and assimilating their readings into comprehensive academic writings. Students enter this class with a strong reading background that is further augmented throughout the year by reading classics across various genres. Our readings and the students’ background are then analyzed and synthesized into academic writings supporting student views and interpretations. Students successfully completing this class will have expanded their knowledge of the literary world, met the expectations of college writing, and prepared themselves for the rigors of college academics.
History
World A
We begin this class by exploring the history of the world from human origin up through the time of the Renaissance. We analyze the shift from hunter-gatherer to agricultural civilization. Ancient societies of the Fertile Crescent, Egypt, Persia, Eastern and Western Asia, Greece, Rome, Eastern and Western Europe, Africa, India, and the native populations of the Americas will be our focus. The religions and philosophies of these ancient people, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Confucianism will be studied in-depth. We take a global perspective and view significant events, empires,, and conflicts that have shaped the modern world we know and live in today.
World B
We will begin the class by examining the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment era and the seeds of change these important time periods planted. These seeds grow resulting in significant political and social change as seen in the Glorious Revolution in England, the American Revolution, the French Revolution and eventually the rise of Napoleon. We will then focus on the chain reaction of political events started by this era of change which rip through Europe and Central and South America. The class will then analyze the origins and consequences of the Industrial Revolution and its impact on the world, specifically the Imperialist ambitions of the Western Europe throughout Asia and Africa. Finally, we will explain the causes and consequences of the great military, social, political and economic events of the past century, including World War I, the Russian Revolution, the Great Depression, World War II, the Chinese Revolution and the Cold War.
U.S. History
The United States history course is designed to help students explore important themes and vital issues from the recent past such as race, identity, freedom, and globalization. The course examines the colonial period through contemporary times emphasizing the United States’ interaction with and effect on the world. Reading, note-taking, and essay writing are also taught throughout the year.
Pre-Advanced Placement History
This course is designed to provide students with the study and reasoning skills needed to be successful in an AP history course. Reading, note-taking, and essay-writing are emphasized. To facilitate this emphasis, the course moves at a much slower pace in regards to historical content than an AP course would. The last fifth of the AP World History curriculum, beginning with American and French revolutions, is covered.
Science
Environmental Science
Environmental Science is a course designed to introduce students to major ecological concepts and the environmental problems that affect the world in which we live. There is an urgent need for environmental education. This program provides one way in which students can become aware of the interactions of people and their environment. The curriculum focuses on concepts that are real-life issues. It promotes awareness and understanding of practical everyday problems that affect their lives. It also relates important environmental issues to the lives of the students and their families.
Chemistry
This intensive course deals with such challenging material as matter and energy, atomic structure and electron configuration, the periodic table, ionic compounds, covalent bonds and molecular forces, carbon and organic compounds, chemical equations, causes of change, gases and liquids, solutions, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, reaction rates, electro chemistry, and nuclear chemistry.
Biology
Biology is an introductory course that focuses on fundamental concepts in biology. We will cover the nature of science and biology, ecology, biochemistry, the cell, genetics, microbiology and evolution. We will explore the connections between biology and other disciplines as well as link our study to current events in the world and in biological sciences. In addition to the book we will analyze other scientific work, design projects, collect and interpret data. We will also do extensive writing and presentations throughout the course. Biology has many concepts, system and ideas to explore. It is an exciting time to be studying biology now, our understanding of molecular biology has never been better. Coupled with technology we are diving into a world where it is said that humans can almost “play God”. Exploring the possibilities of biology and trying to find how biology and society can move forward together is our future.
Advanced Placement Environmental Science
AP Environmental Science is an intensive inquiry into the workings of the planet and beings that live here. Ecology, geochemical biome investigations, cycling, pollution, mining, agriculture, energy and human population will be explored in preparation for the AP exam in May. It is suggested that students have a solid background in math, working with large numbers, a good foundation in ecology and either have taken chemistry or taking it concurrently. The class requires online activity, in class participation, and includes independent and guided inquiry, several labs and a requirement to be aware of news regarding environmental issues. The AP test is recommended but not required for course participants.
Mathematics
Consumer Math
This course will provide students with a review of basic mathematics: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, percents and algebraic equations. Students will then utilize mathematical operations to solve practical business applications. The topics include banking, percents with applications, cash and trade discounts, markups and markdowns, interest notes, annuities and sinking funds. Reading and analyzing financial statements, as well as credit arrangements through installment buying, credit cards and mortgages are addressed.
Geometry
Geometry involves the student as problem solver, one who can reason mathematically and who can communicate and make connections among various mathematical ideas, including the following: points, lines, planes and angles, parallel lines and planes, transformations and congruence, congruent triangles, similar polygons, right triangles, circles, areas of plane and solid figures, volume and surface area of solids, organizing proofs logically and using formulae to solve problems.
Algebra II
The major component of this course is advanced topics in algebra. The students continue the study of statistics including probability, distributions, and linear regression. The course integrates geometry, algebra, statistics, discrete mathematics, algebraic and transcendental functions, and problem solving with the use of graphing calculators.
Pre-Calculus
The course is designed to prepare students for a course in calculus. The course includes topics in the following areas: functions and their graphs; functions and their zeros; polynomial functions; rational functions and asymptotes; functions involving radicals; trigonometric functions and the right triangle; trigonometric functions and the unit circle; graphs of trigonometric functions; inverse trigonometric functions; solving trigonometric equations; trigonometric identities; law of sines; law of cosines; parametric equations; polar coordinates; certain topics in analytic geometry including parabolas, ellipses, and hyperbolas.
Advanced Placement Calculus
An AP course in calculus consists of a full high school academic year of work that is comparable to calculus courses in colleges and universities. It is expected that students who take an AP course in calculus will seek college credit. Broad concepts and widely applicable methods are emphasized. The focus of the course is neither manipulation nor memorization of an extensive taxonomy of functions, curves, theorems, or problem types. Thus, although facility with manipulation and computational competence are important outcomes, they are not the core of this course. Through the use of the unifying themes of derivatives, integrals, limits, approximation, and applications and modeling, the course becomes a cohesive whole rather than a collection of unrelated topics.
High School Elective Classes
Creative Writing
Students in Creative Writing produce writing in several genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. As they experiment with various writing styles, students learn proper writing conventions and techniques. Finished products will be shared and discussed in workshops throughout the course.
Handmade Art
This course includes many creative growth experiences while exploring various media, artists, and cultures. Students will three-dimensionally incorporate fundamentals of perception, creative and skillful production, knowledge of the cultural heritage, and a basis for making informed judgments.
Moral Philosophy
Moral philosophy is the study of how one should live. This Moral Philosophy course will cover main moral theories and present a wealth of ideas about various practical matters. Students will learn about different theories from philosophers such as Hume and Kant. Students will also learn how to debate about moral topics. A high degree of maturity is required for this course.
Japanese
Japanese is an introduction of the Japanese language and a comprehensive approach to developing the four basic language skills(listening, speaking, reading and writing) in order to cultivate overall Japanese-language ability.
Korean
Korean language is an introductory course for beginners.
Students will learn useful Korean grammar, vocabulary, and expressions.
Additionally, students will study the Korean alphabet and numbers.
The students will also analyze dialogues and examine the similarities and differences between Korean and western culture.
English Composition
Composition students work with academic texts as well as practical, everyday types of communication. Assignments include paragraphs, letters (casual and professional), essays, and even resumes. Toward the end of the course, a special emphasis is placed on giving presentations. This overall focus of this class is clear and effective communication, and the ultimate goal is that students gain confidence in their ability to express themselves.
Leadership
The purpose of the Leadership course is to develop student leadership skills so that students are motivated to provide leadership to others in their schools and communities. Students will develop skills in teamwork, communication, project management, coaching, leadership, and conflict management. This course includes opportunities for learning and practise in class as well as opportunities for application of leadership skills in the school and the community.
Mass Media and Journalism
This course is designed to introduce students to the world around them by exploring various forms and aspects of the mass media. The media we examine includes broadcast journalism, film, music, print journalism, the internet and new age media, and advertising and marketing. We will make connections to our personal experiences along the way. Classroom and online discussion will play a large role in our learning process. We will analyze the history, ethics, and future of the mass media. Numerous hands-on projects will be completed throughout the year, such as creative advertising campaigns, television and radio broadcasts, interviews, and print articles. The class encourages students to view the media with new perspectives, and to realize how prevalent and important media is in their lives.
Yearbook
Students will learn all aspects of creating the school yearbook: photographic techniques, (e.g., camera angles, closeups, lighting) page layout and design, interviewing, editing, and organizing. Throughout, students will work both independently and closely with each other within teams. Following the final submission, students will, towards the end of the course, be involved in creating an online school student magazine.
Advanced Chamber Music
In advanced chamber music, students will be able to express and show their musical talent through their
musical gifts through string and wind instruments. It is a special class for students who excel in the orchestra class. The advanced chamber music class will be flowing with the sounds of jazz, classical, and contemporary music. Students will be able to deeply know the different styles of music and learn musical self-independence through this class.
Orchestra
Students will describe tempo, dynamics, articulation, and rhythmic and melodic elements though movements. Students will also identify and describe AB, ABA theme and variations, and rondo forms using movement and symbols. Furthermore, students will be able to identify members of the string, brass, woodwind, and percussion families and instruments associated with those cultures. Students will demonstrate appropriate listening behavior for various types of performances.
Multimedia
This course is a continuation of MS Multimedia with more emphasis on Project-based learning. With access to full-time technology having exploded over recent years, students now have available a variety of tools to enable them to reach out beyond the text book and classroom and into the real world. They can now be presented with the challenges of more complex problems than ever before. They are not simply passive consumers of information and computer technology, but rather, as future leaders, creators, producers of such products. Students will publish research to inquiries and projects in a wide array of forms using various tools: software and presentation tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, emerging online tools), blogs, online forums; they will also learn imaging tools like Photoshop, and, time permitting, introductory website tools like HTML and CSS and Flash. A longer-term project involves participation in the school yearbook.
High School Creative Writing
Students in Creative Writing produce writing in several genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. As they experiment with various writing styles, students learn proper writing conventions and techniques. Finished products will be shared and discussed in workshops throughout the course.
World Religions
The World Religions course introduces students to the diversity of world religions as they examine the origins, beliefs and practices of the major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, etc.
For each religion students will explore:
- origins and history
- spiritual leaders and key personalities
- concept and presence of God
- beliefs and teachings
- rituals and rites of worship
High School Physical Education
The High School Physical Education course offers a variety of health and fitness activities. We will practice the strategies, mechanics and complex motor skills necessary to play sports at a high level of competency.