HONORS NINTH GRADE ENGLISH

Students will build on their knowledge of literature, grammar, and writing. Using various short stories, poems, and novels, the students will learn to analyze literature and improve critical thinking skills, as well as understand the historical connections of literature.  The students will also learn to recognize and explain various literacy and syntactic devices.  The students will review basic grammatical skills and expand on them as they develop more complex writing styles.  Students in this course should be prepared to meet the challenges of an advanced level of study.

Prerequisite:  Eighth grade English and teacher approval.

Graduation Credit: Required English

HONORS TENTH GRADE ENGLISH

Honors English at the tenth grade level covers all material in tenth grade English as well as rigorous study in vocabulary development and composition skills. The course also covers required novels as well as short stories, plays, and poems that will be studied for an understanding of literary devices, themes and the value of each work as literature. Students in this course should be prepared to meet the challenges of an advanced level of study.

Prerequisite: Ninth grade English and teacher approval.

Graduation Credit: Required English

HONORS ELEVENTH GRADE ENGLISH

Students study a wide range of American literature beginning with the works of the early settlers and continuing through the late twentieth century authors. The course provides students with an understanding of the cultural heritage of the United States and focuses on the ability to read and write critically about the themes and values that reflect this heritage. Students in this course should be prepared to meet the challenges of an advanced level of study.

Prerequisite: Tenth grade English.

Graduation Credit: Required English

Advanced Placement (AP) ELEVENTH GRADE ENGLISH

AP English 11 is a college level course in language and composition. Designed based on the College Board recommendations for the Advanced Placement Language and Composition Examination, the required readings for the course will focus on nonfiction with the addition of selected fiction works. Reading selections will give students the opportunity to identify and explain an author’s use of rhetoric. Students will also use graphics and visual images to relate to the text. Visual aids used will range from films, documentaries, editorial cartoons, and other images. Students will practice writing on a regular basis. Writing assignments will consist of several forms including narrative, expository, analytical, and argumentative essays. The opportunity to revise their writing will be available to students after both peer and instructor evaluations. Through this process, students will receive instructor feedback both before and after revisions. Students will also keep a daily journal on reading assignments and various topics assigned by the instructor. In addition, students will study college level research skills and the use of MLA style to produce research papers. Through doing this, students will learn to evaluate and use primary and secondary sources. Students in this course should be prepared to meet the challenges of an advanced level of study and are required to take the AP test.      

Prerequisite: Eleventh grade English and teacher approval.

Graduation Credit: Required English

HONORS TWELFTH GRADE ENGLISH

English at the twelfth grade level reviews and reinforces those skills in the eleventh grade English course. This course provides continued advancement in composition, vocabulary development, and improved language usage. The literature in this course focuses on British writers. Students study the development of the British literary styles, techniques, themes, and philosophies. Students will be expected to prepare both written and oral reports, and they will have required reading assignments as well. Students in this course should be prepared to meet the challenges of an advanced level of study.

Prerequisite: Eleventh grade English

Graduation Credit: Required English

Advanced Placement (AP) TWELFTH GRADE ENGLISH

AP English 12 is a college level course in literature and composition that conforms to the College Board recommendations for the Advanced Placement Literature and Composition Examination. This Advanced Placement Literature and Composition course is designed to teach twelfth graders beginning college writing through the fundamentals of rhetorical theory. Primarily, students will engage in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Literary studies include classical and contemporary works from Europe, Great Britain, and the United States. Through the close reading of selected texts, students should deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure to their readers. As they read, students should consider a work’s structure, style, and themes as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone.  Students in this course should be prepared to meet the challenges of an advanced level of study and are required to take the AP test.

Prerequisites: Eleventh grade English and teacher approval.

Graduation Credit: Required English

HONORS BIOLOGY

This course provides students with the conceptual framework, future knowledge and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with this changing field of study. Microbiology and forensics are studied. Laboratory experiences are an integral aspect of the instruction and are incorporated into class activities. Students in this course should be prepared to meet the challenges of an advanced level of study.

Prerequisites: None

Graduation Credit: Science

CHEMISTRY

This course will assist students in understanding the structure and composition of matter, the change of matter, and what causes the changes. This is done through observation, laboratory experimentation, and lecture activities. Students should be aware of chemically oriented occupations when completing the course.

Prerequisites: None

Graduation Credit: Science

ANATOMY

This course encompasses the study of the macroscopic, microscopic and physiological functions of the system of the human body. After an introduction to cell biology and cytology, students will explore the structure and function of the basic tissues and major organ systems of the body. Cat dissections, light microscopic examination of prepared sections, and physiological experiments will supplement lectures.

Prerequisites: None

Graduation Credit: Science

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

This course will provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.

Prerequisites: None

Graduation Credit: Science

PHYSICS

This course treats selected topics from the area of mechanics, kinetic theory and heat, waves and optics, electricity and magnetism and modern physics with the emphasis placed on the concept of energy and on the conservation laws of physics. Student should have a strong understanding of Algebra and Geometry before entering this course.

Prerequisites: successful completion of Algebra and Geometry

Graduation Credit: Science

ALGEBRA I

Algebra I (8^th grade) is designed to introduce applications of the real number system in problems involving equations, inequalities and geometric concepts. Exponents and factoring are covered in detail. Concepts related to functions and graphing techniques will be introduced.

Prerequisites- Pre-Algebra (7^th grade)

Graduation Credit: Required Math

GEOMETRY

This course is a study of geometric ideas involving points, space, congruence, similarity, proportionality, and measurement. It is an integrated study of one, two, and three-dimensional geometry.

Prerequisite: Algebra I

Graduation Credit: Required Math

ALGEBRA II with TRIGONOMETRY

Algebra II with Trigonometry is a course designed to extend students’ knowledge of Algebra I with additional algebraic and trigonometric content.  Mastery of the content standards for this course is necessary for student success in higher-level mathematics.

Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry, required

PRE-CALCULUS

Pre-Calculus provides an introduction to topics that will be expounded upon in Calculus. These topics include functions and their graphs, multivariate linear systems, exponential and logarithmic functions, matrices, and determinants. Students will also learn about trigonometric concepts and extend these concepts into real life situations.

Prerequisite: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry

Graduation Credit: Math

ALGEBRA III

This course provides content includes linear programming procedures, graphing and determining equations of conic sections, analyzing and solving problems involving polynomial functions, linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, trigonometric functions, and sequences and series.

Prerequisite: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Senior

Graduation Credit: Math

CALCULUS

This course is a study of the properties of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions; limits, the derivative and its applications; the techniques of integration and the definite integral and its applications.

Prerequisites: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus

Graduation Credit: Math, Advanced Diploma

DISCRETE MATHEMATICS

Discrete Mathematics is a branch of mathematics dealing with finite sets and calculations (rather than infinite processes such as taking limits and convergence or differentiation of continuous functions).  Its boundaries are not precise but its study includes parts of logic, computer science, statistics, and operations research.  Some important problems that may be regarded as part of discrete mathematics are finite sets (see set), algorithms, graph theory, formal language theory and some topics in abstract algebra.

Prerequisites: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus

Graduation Credit: Math, Advanced Diploma

ANCIENT CIVILIZATON (WORLD HISTORY) TO 1500 (8^TH Grade)

Ancient Civilization to 1500 is the study of the world from the prehistoric period through the Renaissance.  Emphasis is placed on understanding of culture and forces which have shaped history, including geography, art, architecture, politics, philosophy, religion, and technological innovations.  Students will analyze cause and effect relationships and to develop an understanding of how the past influences the present and the future.

Prerequisite: None

Graduation Credit: Required, History

HONORS MODERN CIVILIZATON (WORLD HISTORY) SINCE 1500

An interpretation of events of Modern World History from the Scientific Revolution to the present time will be explored. The main purpose of this course is to provide students with historical background that shaped the world as we know it. This will help the students to understand the struggles that people and nations have gone through to maintain the existence and place in the world.

Prerequisite: None

Graduation Credit: Required, History

HONORS UNITED STATES HISTORY

The history of the United States from the prehistoric age through the Reconstruction Era is covered in this class. The main purpose of this course is to provide students with the necessary background in American history so that they may apply it to their future studies and roles as American citizens

The history of the United States from the Reconstruction Era to the present day is covered in this class. The main purpose of this course is to provide students with the necessary background in American history so that they may apply it to their future studies and their roles as American Citizens.

Prerequisite: None

Graduation Credit: Required, History, Eleventh grade

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

This course involves the study of the principles which have shaped American government from the colonial period through the present.  Special emphasis is placed on a thorough study of the U.S. Constitution as the cornerstone of the United States.  The structure and function of the three branches of government, political parties, civil liberties, and court cases contribute to the students’ understanding of the complexity of democracy.   One Semester Course

Prerequisite: None

Graduation Credit: Required, History, Senior course

ECONOMICS

Economics is a general survey course of both microeconomic and macroeconomic theories associated with the operation of capitalistic economies. An in-depth look at the interaction of supply and demand includes the use of graphs, formulas, and problems.  Studies also include business, productivity, governmental involvement, monetary tools, and international trade.  One Semester Course

Prerequisite: None

Graduation Credit: Required, History, Senior course

SPANISH I

This is a proficiency based course that seeks to prepare students for meaningful communication in a foreign language.  The course focuses on the continued development of communicative competence in the target language and understanding of the cultures of the people who speak the language.  The objective of the course is to develop in students the ability to use language for real world purposes in culturally appropriate ways.

Prerequisites: None

Graduation Credit: Required, Foreign Language

SPANISH II

The second year of Spanish continues the examination of the structure of the language begun the previous year and focuses on the continued development of communicative competence in Spanish and understanding of the cultures of the people who speak the language. The objective of the course is to develop in students the ability to use language for real world purposes in culturally appropriate ways.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish I

Graduation Credit: Required, Advanced Diploma

 

SPEECH

In this course, students will learn about a variety of speaking styles, functions, and purposes. Using a variety of methods, the students will write and perform a number of speeches.

Prerequisites: Required, None

Graduation Credit: Fine Art

DRAMA

This course includes a study of acting, directing, and producing plays.  Students will participate in school productions. Students learn to use acting techniques, voice, body, and imagination to create characters.  Beginning direction and production techniques are explored.

Prerequisites: None

Graduation Credit: Fine Art

HEALTH

This semester course studies all the basic health areas such as the promotion of wellness, disease prevention, nutrition, healthy relationships, the negative impacts of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol, and diseases.

Prerequisites: None

Graduation Credit: Health, required

COMPUTER I

This course is an introduction to computers. Students are introduced to Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, and PowerPoint through practical, hands-on activities. The student will learn to use the computer for school, personal, and career projects.

Prerequisites: None

Graduation Credit: ½ credit, required

COMPUTER II and COMPUTER III (Media)

Computer II concentrates on computer programming using Visual Basic, which increases the student’s understanding of the computer’s operation and software development. Also, included in this course is a continuation from Computer I of Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Publisher and the Internet. Computer III Media will be a project based course using computer skills learned in Computer I and II and various media.  Students will focus on multimedia for production planning and design.

Prerequisites: Computer I

Graduation Credit: Computer II – required and Computer III – Elective

YEARBOOK

A yearbook is planned, funded, and designed during this one year course. Students learn to manage sales records, keep track of production schedules, determine design formats, write consistent copy and to layout pages using Adobe PageMaker.

Prerequisites: Sponsor Approval

Graduation Credit: Elective

ART I

Art I is an exploration of art mediums, techniques and art history.  This course is an introductory studio course and will emphasize on are fundamentals, creativity, personal expression and independence.  Art work will be created and critiqued during group sessions.

Prerequisites: None

Graduation Credit: Required

ART II

Art II is a studio class that builds on the foundations learned from Art I.  The course provides deeper exploration of mediums and techniques.  Art II prepares students for AP Studio Art.

Prerequisites: Art I

Graduation Credit: Elective

ART III/IV

Art is an advanced studio class.  Students will be expected to complete AP testing at the conclusion of the class.

Prerequisites: Art I and Art II, III

Graduation Credit: Elective

BIBLE

This course will be a Christian biblical study of the scriptures in the Old and New Testament.

Prerequisites: None

Graduation Credit: Elective

CREATIVE WRITING

Before actual writing, students are exposed to creative writing activities. Students also share their creations and offer advice to each other.

Prerequisites: None

Graduation Credit: Elective

LAW AND SOCIETY

Grades 11- 12

Law and Society’s (Street Law) approach to law-related education is to provide practical information and problem solving opportunities that develop in students the knowledge and skills necessary to for survival in our law saturated society. The curriculum includes case studies, small group exercises, visual analysis activities, mock trials, and discussions.

Graduation Credit: Elective

PSYCHOLOGY

Grades 11- 12

High school psychology is an elective course that aims to give students an understanding of human behavior. Psychology classes for high school students typically cover important aspects such as the history of psychology, research methods, classification and treatment of disorders, i.e.

Graduation Credit: Elective

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

GRADES 9-12

The focus for grades 9-12 is health-enhancing physical activity. Lifelong Individual Fitness Education (LIFE) capitalizes on high school students’ increased ability to accept responsibility for their own actions. LIFE reinforces what has been learned in earlier grades and teaches students how to construct a personal lifelong plan for physical activity. In this course, students will learn how to make physical activity a part of their lives beyond high school.

Prerequisites: None

Graduation Credit: 1 PE Credit required, others are elective

ATHLETICS

GRADES 9-12

Student-Athlete must be participating in a school sport.

Prerequisites: Coaches permission.

Graduation Credit: WILL FULFILL 1 PE Credit required, others are elective

OFFICE/LIBRARY/PE AIDES

Aides are assigned to the office, PE, or a teacher to help with miscellaneous work as needed. Placement into these assistantships is always based on approval, space available, and a student’s other scheduling needs. They are required to have parental permission to leave campus.

Prerequisites: Senior, Administration approval

Graduation Credit: none