K-12 Course
English Courses
Course Title: English Foundations I
Length: 1 year
Description:
English Foundations I supports adolescent literacy development at the critical stage between decoding and making meaning from text. Through intensive reading and writing skills instruction, deep practice sets, consistent formative feedback, graduated reading levels, and helpful strategy tips, the course leads students to improved comprehension and text handling.
Course Title: English Foundations II
Length: 1 year
Description:
English Foundations II offers a year of skill building and strategy development in reading and writing. Semester one is a reading program designed to help struggling readers develop mastery in the areas of reading comprehension, vocabulary building, study skills, and media literacy. Semester two is a writing program which builds confidence in composition fundamentals by focusing on the areas of composing, grammar, style, and media literacy. Both semesters are structured around ten mini-units which offer interactive instruction and guided practice in each of the four learning strands. Students read for a variety of purposes and write for a variety of audiences. The workshops stress high interest, engaging use of technology, relevant topics, and robustly scaffolded practice. Students learn to use different types of graphic organizers as they develop and internalize reading and writing process strategies. They build confidence as they develop skills and experience success on numerous low stakes assessments that encourage growth and reinforce learning.
Course Title: English 6
Length: 1 year
Description:
English 6 delivers instruction, practice, and review designed to build students' communication and reading comprehension skills. Reading comprehension lessons strengthen students' critical analysis skills as they study how nonfiction and literature can be used to share ideas. Writing lessons combine free-response exercises with drafting strategies and examples to help students communicate clearly and credibly in narrative, argumentative, and explanatory styles. To develop skills specific to public discourse, speaking and listening lessons guide students as they evaluate clips and readings from speeches and discussions. In language lessons, students build foundational grammar skills they need to articulate their ideas and understand challenging words. The two-semester course is arranged in themed units, each with three to six lessons. Each lesson includes a variety of activities such as direct instruction, application of skills, performance tasks, and formative and summative assessments. Students engage with the subject matter in an interactive, feedback-rich environment as they progress through standards-aligned content and demonstrate their learning through computer- and teacher-scored assignments.
Course Title: English 7
Length: 1 year
Description:
English 7 delivers instruction, practice, and review designed to build students' communication and reading comprehension skills. Reading comprehension lessons strengthen students' critical analysis skills as they study how nonfiction and literature can be used to share ideas. Writing lessons combine free-response exercises with drafting strategies and examples to help students communicate clearly and credibly in narrative, argumentative, and explanatory styles. To develop skills specific to public discourse, speaking and listening lessons guide students as they evaluate clips and readings from speeches and discussions. In language lessons, students build foundational grammar skills they need to articulate their ideas and understand challenging words. The two-semester course is arranged in themed units, each with three to six lessons. Each lesson includes a variety of activities such as direct instruction, application of skills, performance tasks, and formative and summative assessments. Students engage with the subject matter in an interactive, feedback-rich environment as they progress through standards-aligned content and demonstrate their learning through computer- and teacher-scored assignments.
Course Title: English 8
Length: 1 year
Description:
English 8 delivers instruction, practice, and review designed to build students' communication and reading comprehension skills. Reading comprehension lessons strengthen students' critical analysis skills as they study how nonfiction and literature can be used to share ideas. Writing lessons combine free-response exercises with drafting strategies and examples to help students communicate clearly and credibly in narrative, argumentative, and explanatory styles. To develop skills specific to public discourse, speaking and listening lessons guide students as they evaluate clips and readings from speeches and discussions. In language lessons, students build foundational grammar skills they need to articulate their ideas and understand challenging words. The two-semester course is arranged in themed units, each with three to six lessons. Each lesson includes a variety of activities such as direct instruction, application of skills, performance tasks, and formative and summative assessments. Students engage with the subject matter in an interactive, feedback-rich environment as they progress through standards-aligned content and demonstrate their learning through computer- and teacher-scored assignments.
Course Title: English 10
Length: 1 year
Description:
The focus of the English 10 course is the writing process. Three writing applications guide the curriculum: persuasive, expository, and narrative writing. Each lesson culminates in a written assignment that
Course Title: English 11
Length: 1 year
Description:
In the English 11 course, students examine the belief systems, events, and literature that have shaped the United States. They begin by studying the language of independence and the system of government developed by Thomas Jefferson and other enlightened thinkers. Next, they explore how the Romantics and Transcendentalists emphasized the power and responsibility of the individual in both supporting and questioning the government. Students consider whether the American Dream is still achievable and examine the Modernists’ disillusionment with the idea that America is a “land of opportunity.” Reading the words of Frederick Douglass and the text of the Civil Rights Act, students look carefully at the experience of African Americans and their struggle to achieve equal rights. Students explore how individuals cope with the influence of war and cultural tensions while trying to build and secure their own personal identity. Finally, students examine how technology is affecting our contemporary experience of freedom: Will we eventually change our beliefs about what it means to be an independent human being? In this course, students analyze a wide range of literature, both fiction and nonfiction. They build writing skills by composing analytical essays, persuasive essays, personal narratives, and research papers. In order to develop speaking and listening skills, students participate in discussions and give speeches. Overall, students gain an understanding of the way American literature represents the array of voices contributing to our multicultural identity.
Course Title: English 12
Length: 1 year
Description:
The English 12 course asks students to closely analyze British literature and world literature and consider how we humans define and interact with the unknown, the monstrous, and the heroic. In the epic poems The Odyssey, Beowulf, and The Inferno; in Shakespeare’s Tempest; in the satire of Swift; and in the rhetoric of World War II, students examine how the ideas of “heroic” and “monstrous” have been defined across cultures and time periods and how the treatment of the “other” can make monsters or heroes of us all. Reading Frankenstein and works from those who experienced the imperialism of the British Empire, students explore the notion of inner monstrosity and consider how the dominant culture can be seen as monstrous in its ostensibly heroic goal of enlightening the world. Throughout this course, students analyze a wide range of literature, both fiction and nonfiction. They build writing skills by composing analytical essays, persuasive essays, personal narratives, and research papers. In order to develop speaking and listening skills, students participate in discussions and give speeches. Overall, students gain an understanding of the way Apex Learning Course Descriptions 2 of 35 British and world literature represent the array of voices that contribute to our global identity
Course Title: Media Literacy
Length: 1 semester
Description:
Media Literacy teaches students how to build the critical thinking, writing, and reading skills required in a media-rich and increasingly techno-centric world. In a world saturated with media messages, digital environments, and social networking, concepts of literacy must expand to include all forms of media. Today's students need to be able to read, comprehend, analyze, and respond to non-traditional media with the same skill level they engage with traditional print sources. A major topic in Media Literacy is non-traditional media reading skills, including how to approach, analyze, and respond to advertisements, blogs, websites, social media, news media, and wikis. Students also engage in a variety of writing activities in non-traditional media genres, such as blogging and podcast scripting. Students consider their own positions as consumers of media and explore ways to use non-traditional media to become more active and thoughtful citizens. Students learn how to ask critical questions about the intended audience and underlying purpose of media messages, and study factors which can contribute to bias and affect credibility.
Course Title: Writing Skills & Strategies
Length: 1 semester
Description:
Writing Skills and Strategies develops key language arts skills necessary for high school graduation and success on high-stakes exams through a semester of interactive instruction and guided practice in composition fundamentals. The course is divided into ten mini-units of study. The first two are designed to build early success and confidence, orienting students to the writing process and to sentence and paragraph essentials through a series of low-stress, high-interest hook activities. In subsequent units, students review, practice, compose and submit one piece of writing. Four key learning strands are integrated throughout: composition practice, grammar skill building, diction and style awareness, and media and technology exploration. Guided studies emphasize the structure of essential forms of writing encountered in school, in life, and in the workplace. Practice in these forms is scaffolded to accommodate learners at different skill levels.
Course Title: AP English Language & Composition
Length: 1 year
Description:
In AP English Language and Composition, students investigate rhetoric and its impact on culture through analysis of notable fiction and nonfiction texts, from pamphlets to speeches to personal essays. The equivalent of an introductory college-level survey class, this course prepares students for the AP exam and for further study in communications, creative writing, journalism, literature, and composition. Students explore a variety of textual forms, styles, and genres. By examining all texts through a rhetorical lens, students become skilled readers and analytical thinkers. Focusing specifically on language, purpose, and audience gives them a broad view of the effect of text and its cultural role. Students write expository and narrative texts to hone the effectiveness of their own use of language, and they develop varied, informed arguments through research. Throughout the course, students are evaluated with assessments specifically designed to prepare them for the content, form, and depth of the AP Exam. This course has been authorized by the College Board® to use the AP designation.
Course Title: Algebra I
Length: 1 year
Description:
Algebra I builds students' command of linear, quadratic, and exponential relationships. Students learn through discovery and application, developing the skills they need to break down complex challenges and demonstrate their knowledge in new situations. Course topics include problem-solving with basic equations and formulas; an introduction to functions and problem solving; linear equations and systems of linear equations, exponents and exponential functions, sequences and functions, descriptive statistics, polynomials and factoring, quadratic equations and functions, and function transformations and inverses.
Course Title: Geometry
Length: 1 year
Description:
Geometry builds upon students' command of geometric relationships and formulating mathematical arguments. Students learn through discovery and application, developing the skills they need to break down complex challenges and demonstrate their knowledge in new situations. Course topics include reasoning, proof, and the creation of sound mathematical arguments; points, lines, and angles; triangles and trigonometry; quadrilaterals and other polygons; circles; congruence, similarity, transformations, and constructions; coordinate geometry; three-dimensional solids; and applications of probability.
Course Title: Math Foundations II
Length: 1 year
Description:
Math Foundations II is designed to expedite student progress in acquiring 6th- to 8th-grade skills. The course is appropriate for use as remediation at the high school level or as middle school curriculum. The program simultaneously builds the computational skills and conceptual understanding needed to undertake high school-level math courses with confidence. The course's carefully paced, guided instruction is accompanied by interactive practice that is engaging and accessible. Formative assessments help students to understand areas of weakness and improve performance, while summative assessments chart progress and skill development. Early in the course, students develop general strategies for honing their problem-solving skills. Subsequent units provide a problem-solving strand that asks students to practice applying specific math skills to a variety of real-world contexts.
Course Title: Math 7
Length: 1 year
Description:
Math 7 delivers instruction, practice, and review designed to develop computational fluency, deepen conceptual understanding, and apply mathematical practices. Throughout the course, students gain a deep understanding of proportions and their use in solving problems. They extend their fluency with operations on rational numbers and translate among different forms of rational numbers. Algebra topics include simplifying and rewriting algebraic expressions and solving more complex equations and inequalities. Students also sketch geometric figures and explore scale drawings, investigate circle properties and angle relationships, and deepen their understanding of area, volume, and surface area. They see how statistics uses sample data to make predictions about populations and compare data from different data sets. Students gain a fundamental understanding of probability and explore different ways to find or estimate probabilities. The two-semester course is arranged in themed units, each with three to five lessons. Each lesson includes a variety of activities such as direct instruction, application of skills, performance tasks, and formative and summative assessments. Students engage with the subject matter in an interactive, feedback-rich environment as they progress through standards-aligned content and demonstrate their learning through computer- and teacher-scored assignments. By constantly honing the ability to apply their knowledge in abstract and real-world scenarios, students build the depth of knowledge and higher-order skills required to demonstrate their mastery when put to the test.
Math Courses
Course Title: Math 8
Length: 1 year
Description:
Math 8 delivers instruction, practice, and review designed to develop computational fluency, deepen conceptual understanding, and apply mathematical practices. In this course, students focus on understanding functions — what they are, how to represent them in different ways, and how to write them to model mathematical and real-world situations. In particular, students investigate linear functions by learning about slope and slope-intercept form. Students' understanding of linear functions is extended to statistics, where they make scatter plots and use linear functions to model data. They solve linear equations and equations involving roots, and explore systems of linear equations. Additional topics include exponents, powers of ten, scientific notation, and irrational numbers. Students learn about transformations, and extend that understanding to an investigation of congruence and similarity. Other geometric concepts explored include the Pythagorean theorem, angle relationships, and volumes of cylinders, cones, and spheres. The two-semester course is arranged in themed units, each with three to five lessons. Each lesson includes a variety of activities such as direct instruction, application of skills, performance tasks, and formative and summative assessments. Students engage with the subject matter in an interactive, feedback-rich environment as they progress through standards-aligned content and demonstrate their learning through computer- and teacher-scored assignments. By constantly honing the ability to apply their knowledge in abstract and real-world scenarios, students build the depth of knowledge and higher-order skills required to demonstrate their mastery when put to the test.
Course Title: Intermediate Algebra
Length: 1 year
Description:
Intermediate Algebra provides a curriculum focused on foundational concepts that prepare students for success in Algebra I. Through a "Discovery-Confirmation-Practice"-based exploration of basic concepts, students are challenged to work toward a mastery of computational skills, to deepen their understanding of key ideas and solution strategies, and to extend their knowledge through a variety of problem-solving applications. Course topics include integers; the language of algebra; solving equations with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; fractions and decimals; measurement; exponents; solving equations with roots and powers; multi-step equations; and linear equations.
Course Title: Math I
Length: 1 year
Description:
Mathematics I builds students' command of geometric knowledge and linear and exponential relationships. Students learn through discovery and application, developing the skills they need to break down complex challenges and demonstrate their knowledge in new situations. Course topics include relationships between quantities; linear and exponential relationships; reasoning with equations; descriptive statistics; congruence, proof, and constructions; and connecting algebra and geometry through coordinates.
Course Title: Math III
Length: 1 year
Description:
Mathematics III incorporates advanced functions, trigonometry, and probability and statistics as students synthesize their prior knowledge and solve increasingly challenging problems. Students learn through discovery and application, developing the skills they need to break down complex challenges and demonstrate their knowledge in new situations. Course topics include formulating inferences and conclusions from data; polynomial, rational, and radical relationships; trigonometry of general triangles and trigonometric functions; and mathematical modeling.
Course Title: Probability & Statistics
Length: 1 semester
Description:
Probability and Statistics provides a curriculum focused on understanding key data analysis and probabilistic concepts, calculations, and relevance to real-world applications. Through a "Discovery-Confirmation-Practice"-based exploration of each concept, students are challenged to work toward a mastery of computational skills, deepen their understanding of key ideas and solution strategies, and extend their knowledge through a variety of problem-solving applications. Course topics include types of data; common methods used to collect data; and the various representations of data, including histograms, bar graphs, box plots, and scatter plots. Students learn to work with data by analyzing and employing methods of prediction, specifically involving samples and populations, distributions, summary statistics, regression analysis, transformations, simulations, and inference. Ideas involving probability—including sample space, empirical and theoretical probability, expected value, and independent and compound events—are covered as students explore the relationship between probability and data analysis. The basic connection between geometry and probability is also explored.
Course Title: Algebra I-B
Length: 1 year
Description:
Algebra I-A and I-B provide an expanded, two-year course sequence designed for students who are not prepared for the academic challenges of the traditional one-year Algebra I curriculum. Algebra I-B course topics include a review of introductory algebra, measurement, graphing data, linear equations, systems of linear equations, polynomials; factoring of polynomials, factoring of quadratic functions, rational expressions, and radical expressions
Course Title: Mathematics of Personal Finance
Length: 1 year
Description:
Mathematics of Personal Finance focuses on real-world financial literacy, personal finance, and business subjects. Students apply what they learned in Algebra I and Geometry to topics including personal income, taxes, checking and savings accounts, credit, loans and payments, car leasing and purchasing, home mortgages, stocks, insurance, and retirement planning. Students then extend their investigations using more advanced mathematics, such as systems of equations (when studying cost and profit issues) and exponential functions (when calculating interest problems).
Course Title: Liberal Arts Mathematics 1
Length: 1 year
Description:
Liberal Arts Mathematics 1 addresses the need for an elective course that focuses on reinforcing, deepening, and extending a student's mathematical understanding. Liberal Arts Mathematics 1 starts with a review of problem-solving skills before moving on to a variety of key algebraic, geometric, and statistical concepts. Throughout the course, students hone their computational skills and extend their knowledge through problem solving and real-world applications. Course topics include problem solving; real numbers and operations, functions and graphing, systems of linear equations, polynomials and factoring, geometric concepts such as coordinate geometry and properties of geometric shapes, and descriptive statistics.
Course Title: Liberal Arts Mathematics 2
Length: 1 year
Description:
Liberal Arts Mathematics 2 addresses the need for a course that meets graduation requirements and focuses on reinforcing, deepening, and extending a student's mathematical understanding. Liberal Arts Mathematics 2 starts with a review of algebraic concepts before moving on to a variety of key algebraic, geometric, statistical and probability concepts. Throughout the course, students hone their computational skills and extend their knowledge through problem solving and real-world applications. Course topics include analysis of quadratic, polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions; arithmetic and geometric sequences; trigonometry and trigonometric functions; coordinate geometry and proofs; statistical analysis; experimental design; and applications of probability.
Course Title: AP Statistics
Length: 1 year
Description:
AP Statistics gives students hands-on experience collecting, analyzing, graphing, and interpreting real-world data. They will learn to effectively design and analyze research studies by reviewing and evaluating real research examples taken from daily life. The next time they hear the results of a poll or study, they will know whether the results are valid. As the art of drawing conclusions from imperfect data and the science of real-world uncertainties, statistics plays an important role in many fields. The equivalent of an introductory college-level course, AP Statistics prepares students for the AP exam and for further study in science, sociology, medicine, engineering, political science, geography, and business. This course has been authorized by the College Board to use the AP designation.
Course Title: Science Foundations
Length: 1 year
Description:
Science Foundations provides students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary for success in rigorous high school science courses. The course is appropriate for use as remediation at the high school level or as a bridge to high school. Science Foundations is a two-semester course, with each semester containing 10 mini-units. Each mini-unit is composed of three lessons. The first lesson focuses on key concepts found in Earth science, physical science, and life science. The second lesson reinforces reading and math skills students need to be successful with the content introduced in the first lesson. The third lesson introduces scientific inquiry and critical thinking skills that will help students thrive in science as well as other disciplines. Carefully paced, guided instruction is accompanied by engaging and accessible interactive practice.
Course Title: Science 7
Length: 1 year
Description:
Middle School Grade 7 Science delivers instruction, practice, and review to help students develop scientific literacy, deepen conceptual understanding, and apply scientific practices. Students explore concepts such as the structures and properties of matter; chemical reactions; the flow of energy through systems, including Earth's living and nonliving systems; and the history of Earth. The two-semester course is arranged in themed units, each with two to three lessons. In each unit, activities make complex ideas accessible to students as they discover the nature of science through focused content, interactive mini-investigations, multi-modal representations, and personalized feedback. Each lesson includes a variety of activities such as direct instruction, application of skills, performance tasks, and formative and summative assessments. Students engage with the subject matter in an interactive, feedback rich environment as they progress through standards-aligned content and demonstrate their learning through computer- and teachers cored assignments
Course Title: MS Physical Science
Length: 1 year
Description:
Middle School Physical Science delivers instruction, practice, and
review to help students develop scientific literacy, deepen
conceptual understanding, and apply scientific practices. Students
explore concepts including the interactions of matter; motion and
stability; waves and their technological applications; and energy.
The two-semester course is arranged in themed units, each with two
to three lessons. In each unit, activities make complex ideas
accessible to students as they discover the nature of science
through focused content, interactive mini-investigations, multimodal
representations, and personalized feedback. Each lesson includes a
variety of activities such as direct instruction, application of skills,
performance tasks, and formative and summative assessments.
Students engage with the subject matter in an interactive, feedback rich environment as they progress through standards-aligned content
and demonstrate their learning through computer- and teacher scored assignments.
Course Title: MS Life Science
Length: 1 year
Description:
Middle School Life Science delivers instruction, practice, and review to help students develop scientific literacy, deepen conceptual understanding, and apply scientific practices. Students explore concepts including the relationship between structure and function, the flow of energy and matter through living systems, heredity, and the diversity of life. The two-semester course is arranged in themed units, each with two to three lessons. In each unit, activities make complex ideas accessible to students as they discover the nature of science through focused content, interactive mini-investigations, multi-modal representations, and personalized feedback. Each lesson includes a variety of activities such as direct instruction, application of skills, performance tasks, and formative and summative assessments. Students engage with the subject matter in an interactive, feedback rich environment as they progress through standards-aligned content and demonstrate their learning through computer- and teachers cored assignments.
Course Title: MS Earth & Space Science
Length: 1 year
Description:
Middle School Earth and Space Science delivers instruction, practice, and review to help students develop scientific literacy, deepen conceptual understanding, and apply scientific practices. Students explore concepts including Earth's systems, engineering design, the nature of the universe, and the interaction between humans and the environment. The two-semester course is arranged in themed units, each with two to three lessons. In each unit, activities make complex ideas accessible to students as they discover the nature of science through focused content, interactive mini-investigations, multi-modal representations, and personalized feedback. Each lesson includes a variety of activities such as direct instruction, application of skills, performance tasks, and formative and summative assessments. Students engage with the subject matter in an interactive, feedback rich environment as they progress through standards-aligned content and demonstrate their learning through computer- and teacher scored assignments.
Course Title: Physical Science
Length: 1 year
Description:
Physical Science offers a focused curriculum designed around the understanding of critical physical science concepts, including the nature and structure of matter, the characteristics of energy, and the mastery of critical scientific skills. Course topics include an introduction to kinematics, including gravity and two-dimensional motion, force; momentum, waves, electricity, atoms, the periodic table of elements, molecular bonding, chemical reactivity, gases, and an introduction to nuclear energy. Teacher scored labs encourage students to apply the scientific method.
Course Title: Biology
Length: 1 year
Description:
Biology focuses on the mastery of basic biological concepts and models while building scientific inquiry skills and exploring the connections between living things and their environment. The course begins with an introduction to the nature of science and biology, including the major themes of structure and function, matter and energy flow, systems, and the interconnectedness of life. Students then apply those themes to the structure and function of the cell, cellular metabolism, and biogeochemical cycles. Building on this foundation, students explore the connections and interactions between living things by studying genetics, ecosystems and natural selection, and evolution. The course ends with an applied look at human biology.
Course Title: Physics
Length: 1 year
Description:
Physics offers a curriculum that emphasizes students' understanding of fundamental physics concepts while helping them acquire tools to be conversant in a society highly influenced by science and technology. The course provides students with opportunities to learn and practice critical scientific skills within the context of relevant scientific questions. Topics include the nature of science, math for physics, energy, kinematics, force and motion, momentum, gravitation, chemistry for physics, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, waves, nuclear physics, quantum physics, and cosmology.
Course Title: AP Environmental Science
Length: 1 year
Description:
AP* Environmental Science provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. The course draws upon various disciplines, including geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography in order to explore a variety of environmental topics. Topics explored include natural systems on Earth; biogeochemical cycles; the nature of matter and energy; the flow of matter and energy through living systems; populations; communities; ecosystems; ecological pyramids; renewable and nonrenewable resources, land use, biodiversity, pollution, conservation, sustainability, and human impacts on the environment. The equivalent of an introductory college-level science course, AP Environmental Science prepares students for the AP exam and for further study in science, health sciences, or engineering. The AP Environmental Science course provides a learning experience focused on allowing students to develop their critical thinking skills and cognitive strategies. Scientific inquiry skills are embedded in the direct instruction, wherein students learn to ask scientific questions, deconstruct claims, form and test hypotheses, and use logic and evidence to draw conclusions about the concepts. Frequent no- and low-stakes assessments allow students to measure their comprehension and improve their performance as they progress through each activity. This course has been authorized by the College Board® to use the AP designation.
Course Title: AP Chemistry
Length: 1 year
Description:
AP Chemistry builds students' understanding of the nature and reactivity of matter. After studying chemical reactions and electrochemistry, students move on to understand how the chemical and physical properties of materials can be explained by the structure and arrangements of the molecules and the forces between those molecules. Students will examine the laws of thermodynamics, molecular collisions, and the reorganization of matter in order to understand how changes in matter take place. Finally, students will explore chemical equilibria, including acid-base equilibria. The equivalent of an introductory college-level chemistry course, AP Chemistry prepares students for the AP exam and for further study in science, health sciences, or engineering. This course has been authorized by the College Board® to use the AP designation.
Course Title: MS World History
Length: 1 year
Description:
Middle School World History delivers instruction, practice, and review designed to build middle school students' knowledge of world history, from the Neolithic Revolution through the Middle Ages. By constantly honing their ability to analyze history, students build the depth of knowledge and higher-order thinking skills required to demonstrate their mastery when put to the test. The two-semester course is arranged in themed units, each with three to five lessons. In each unit, activities make complex ideas about world history accessible through focused content, guided analysis, multi-modal representations, and personalized feedback. Each lesson includes a variety of activities such as direct instruction, application of skills, performance tasks, and formative and summative assessments. Students engage with the subject matter in an interactive, feedback-rich environment as they progress through standards-aligned content and demonstrate their learning through computer- and teacher-scored assignments.
Course Title: MS Civics
Length: 1 year
Description:
Middle School Civics delivers instruction, practice, and review designed to build middle school students' understanding of the political and governmental systems of the United States and the roles played by citizens. By honing their ability to analyze civic life, political practices, and government structures, students build the depth of knowledge and higher order thinking skills required to demonstrate their mastery when put to the test. The two-semester course is arranged in themed units, each with three to five lessons. In each unit, activities make complex ideas about civics accessible through focused content, guided analysis, multi-modal representations, and personalized feedback. Each lesson includes a variety of activities such as direct instruction, application of skills, performance tasks, and formative and summative assessments. as they progress through standards-aligned content and demonstrate their learning through computer- and teacher-scored assignments.
Course Title: Geography & World Cultures
Length: 1 semester
Description:
Geography and World Cultures offers a tightly focused and scaffolded curriculum that enables students to explore how geographic features, human relationships, political and social structures, economics, science and technology, and the arts have developed and influenced life in countries around the world. Along the way, students are given rigorous instruction on how to read maps, charts, and graphs, and how to create them. Geography and World Cultures is designed as the first course in the social studies sequence. It develops note-taking skills, teaches the basic elements of analytic writing, and introduces students to the close examination of primary documents.
Course Title: World History to the Renaissance
Length: 1 year
Description:
World History to the Renaissance traces the development of civilizations around the world from prehistory to the Renaissance. The course covers major themes in world history, including the development and influence of human-geographic relationships, political and social structures, economic systems, major religions and belief systems, science and technology, and the arts. Topics covered in this course include the birth of civilizations; the classical civilizations of India, China, Greece, and Rome; the rise of new empires such as the Byzantine; and an examination of civilizations in Africa and North and South America. From there, students journey to the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance.
Course Title: Modern World History from 1450
Length: 1 year
Description:
In Modern World History from 1450, students study the major turning points that shaped the modern world including the expansion of Islamic and Asian empires, transoceanic exploration, the Atlantic slave trade, the Enlightenment, industrialization, imperialism, nationalism, political revolutions, the world wars, the Cold War, decolonization, and globalization. By presenting content from multiple perspectives and through diverse primary and secondary source materials, this course not only provides students with a solid foundation in the history of the modern era, but it also prepares students to be active and informed citizens of the world.
Course Title: Modern World History from 1600
Length: 1 year
Description:
In Modern World History from 1600, students study the major turning points that shaped the modern world including the Enlightenment, industrialization, imperialism, nationalism, political revolutions, the world wars, the Cold War, decolonization, and globalization. By presenting content from multiple perspectives and through diverse primary and secondary source materials, this course provides students with a solid foundation in the history of the modern era and prepares students to be active and informed citizens of the world.
Course Title: U.S. History to the Civil War
Length: 1 semester
Description:
This course traces the nation's history from the pre-colonial period to the end of the American Civil War. It emphasizes the colonial period and the creation of a new nation and examines the beliefs and philosophies that informed the American Revolution and the subsequent formation of the government and political system. Students first explore the earliest points of contact between individuals from Europe, Africa, and North America. They then probe the economic, cultural, and social motives for the nation's expansion, as well as the conflicting notions of liberty that eventually resulted in the Civil War. Woven throughout this narrative history is a strong focus on the changing conditions of women, African Americans, and other minority groups. The ways in which Americans lived, ate, dressed, and interacted are also highlighted.
Course Title: U.S. Government & Politics
Length: 1 semester
Description:
In U.S. Government and Politics, students examine the history, principles, and function of the political system established by the U.S. Constitution. Starting with a basic introduction to the role of government in society and the philosophies at the heart of American democracy, this course provides students with the knowledge needed to be informed and empowered participants in the U.S. political system. Through critical reading activities, feedback-rich instruction, and application-oriented assignments, students develop their capacity to conduct research, analyze sources, make arguments, and take informed action. In written assignments, students address critical questions about U.S. politics and the role of individual Americans in the politics and political organizations. In discussion activities, students respond to political opinions, take a position, and defend their own claims. Formative and summative assessments provide students—and teachers—with ample opportunities to check in, review, and evaluate students’ progress in the course.
Course Title: U.S. & Global Economics
Length: 1 semester
Description:
U.S. and Global Economics offers a tightly focused curriculum that provides an introduction to key economic principles. The course covers fundamental properties of economics, including an examination of markets from both historical and current perspectives; the basics of supply and demand; the theories of early economic philosophers such as Adam Smith and David Ricardo; theories of value; the concept of money and how it evolved; the role of banks, investment houses, and the Federal Reserve; Keynesian economics; the productivity, wages, investment, and growth involved in capitalism; unemployment, inflations, and the national debt; and a survey of markets in areas such as China, Europe, and the Middle East. U.S. and Global Economics is designed to fall in the fourth year of social studies instruction. Students perfect their analytic writing through a scaffolded series of analytic assignments and written lesson tests. They also apply basic mathematics to economic concepts. Students read selections from annotated primary documents and apply those readings to the course content.
Course Title: AP U.S. History
Length: 1 year
Description:
In AP U.S. History, students investigate the development of American economics, politics, and culture through historical analysis grounded in primary sources, research, and writing. The equivalent of an introductory college-level course, AP U.S. History prepares students for the AP exam and for further study in history, political science, economics, sociology, and law. Through the examination of historical themes and the application of historical thinking skills, students learn to connect specific people, places, events, and ideas to the larger trends of U.S. history. Critical reading activities, feedback-rich instruction, and application-oriented assignments hone students' ability to reason chronologically, to interpret historical sources, and to construct well-supported historical arguments. Students write throughout the course, responding to primary and secondary sources through journal entries, essays, and visual presentations of historical content. In discussion activities, students respond to the positions of others while staking and defending claims of their own. Robust scaffolding, rigorous instruction, relevant material, and regular opportunities for active learning ensure that students can achieve mastery of the skills necessary to excel on the AP exam. This course has been authorized by the College Board® to use the AP designation.
Course Title: AP Macroeconomics
Length: 1 semester
Description:
AP Macroeconomics students learn why and how the world economy
can change from month to month, how to identify trends in our
economy, and how to use those trends to develop performance
measures and predictors of economic growth or decline. They'll also
examine how individuals, institutions, and influences affect people,
and how those factors can impact everyone's life through employment
rates, government spending, inflation, taxes, and production. The equivalent of a 100-level college-level class, this course prepares
students for the AP exam and for further study in business, political
science and history.
This course has been authorized by the College Board® to use the
AP designation.
Course Title: AP Microeconomics
Length: 1 semester
Description:
AP Microeconomics studies the behavior of individuals and businesses as they exchange goods and services in the marketplace. Students will learn why the same product costs different amounts at different stores, in different cities, at different times. They'll also learn to spot patterns in economic behavior and how to use those patterns to explain buyer and seller behavior under various conditions. Microeconomics studies the economic way of thinking, understanding the nature and function of markets, the role of scarcity and competition, the influence of factors such as interest rates on business decisions, and the role of government in promoting a healthy economy. The equivalent of a 100-level college course, AP Microeconomics prepares students for the AP exam and for further study in business, history, and political science. This course has been authorized by the College Board® to use the AP designation.
Course Title: Sociology
Length: 1 semester
Description:
Sociology examines why people think and behave as they do in relationships, groups, institutions, and societies. Major course topics include individual and group identity, social structures and institutions, social change, social stratification, social dynamics in recent and current events, the effects of social change on individuals, and the research methods used by social scientists. In online discussions and polls, students reflect critically on their own experiences and ideas, as well as on the ideas of sociologists. Interactive multimedia activities include personal and historical accounts to which students can respond, using methods of inquiry from sociology. Written assignments provide opportunities to practice and develop skills in thinking and communicating about human relationships, individual and group identity, and all other major course topics.
Course Title: French II
Length: 1 year
Description:
French II teaches students to communicate more confidently about themselves, as well as about topics beyond their own lives - both in formal and informal address. Each lesson presents vocabulary, grammar, and culture in context, followed by explanations and exercises. Vocabulary includes terms in cooking, geography, and architecture. Instruction in language structure and grammar includes present- and past-tense verb forms and uses, negation, and direct and indirect objects. Students deepen their knowledge of French- speaking regions and cultures by learning about history, literature, culture, and contemporary issues.
Course Title: Spanish I
Length: 1 year
Description:
Spanish I teaches students to greet people, describe family and friends, talk about hobbies, and communicate about other topics, such as home life, occupations, travel, and medicine. Each lesson presents vocabulary, grammar, and culture in context, followed by explanations and exercises. Vocabulary includes terms to describe school subjects, parts of the body, and people, as well as idiomatic phrases. Instruction in language structure and grammar includes the structures and uses of present-tense verb forms, imperatives, adjective agreement, impersonal constructions, formal and informal address, and reflexive verbs. Students explore words used in different Spanish- speaking regions and learn about the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries and regions within and outside Europe.
Course Title: Spanish III
Length: 1 year
Description:
In Spanish III, students build upon the skills and knowledge they acquired in Spanish I and II. The course presents new vocabulary and grammatical concepts in context while providing students with ample opportunities to review and expand upon the material they have learned previously. Students read and listen to authentic materials from newspapers, magazines, and television. The content is focused on contemporary and relevant topics such as urbanization and population growth in Latin American countries, global health concerns, jobs of the future, and scientific advancements. The materials engage students as they improve their command of Spanish. Students review the formation and use of regular and irregular verbs in the present and future tenses, as well as the use of reflexive particles and infinitives. They also expand their understanding of noun and adjective agreement, the comparative and superlative degree of adjectives, and the placement and use of direct and indirect objects and pronouns. Students expand their vocabulary through exposure to word roots and families, popular slang, the correct use of words that are often confused for one another, and review of concepts such as proper placement of accents and stress.
Course Title: German II
Length: 1 year
Description:
Students continue their study of German by further expanding their knowledge of key vocabulary topics and grammar concepts. Students not only begin to comprehend listening and reading passages more fully, but they also start to express themselves more meaningfully in both speaking and writing. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, and interactive activities and practices which reinforce vocabulary and grammar. There is a strong emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts presented in each unit. Students should expect to be actively engaged in their own language learning, understand common vocabulary terms and phrases, use a wide range of grammar patterns in their speaking and writing, participate in conversations and respond appropriately to conversational prompts, analyze and compare cultural practices, products, and perspectives of various German-speaking countries, and take frequent assessments where their language progression can be monitored. By semester 2, the course is conducted almost entirely in German.
Course Title: Latin I
Length: 1 year
Description:
Since mastering a classical language presents different challenges from learning a spoken world language, students learn Latin through ancient, time-honored, classical language approaches which include repetition, parsing, written composition, and listening exercises. These techniques, combined with a modern multimedia approach to learning grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, provide students with a strong foundation for learning Latin. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading comprehension activities, writing activities, multimedia culture, history, and mythology presentations, and interactive activities and practices which reinforce vocabulary and grammar. There is a strong emphasis on engaging with authentic classical Latin through weekly encounters with ancient passages from such prestigious authors as Virgil, Ovid, and Lucretius. The curriculum concurs with the Cambridge school of Latin; therefore, students will learn ancient high classical styles of pronunciation and grammar in lieu of generally less sophisticated medieval styles, making it possible for students to comprehend the most Latin from the widest range of time periods. Students should expect to be actively engaged in their own language learning, become familiar with common vocabulary terms and phrases, comprehend a wide range of grammar patterns, understand and analyze the cultural and historical contexts of the ancient sources they study, and take frequent assessments where their language progression can be monitored.
Course Title: Mandarin Chinese I
Length: 1 year
Description:
Students begin their introduction to Chinese by focusing on the four key areas of foreign language study: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course represents an ideal blend of language learning pedagogy and online learning. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, and interactive activities and practices which reinforce vocabulary and grammar. There is a strong emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts presented in each unit. Both Chinese characters and pinyin are presented together throughout the course and specific character practices are introduced after the first quarter. Students should expect to be actively engaged in their own language learning, become familiar with common vocabulary terms and phrases, comprehend a wide range of grammar patterns, participate in simple conversations and respond appropriately to basic conversational prompts, analyze and compare cultural practices, products, and perspectives of various Chinese-speaking regions, and take frequent assessments where their language progression can be monitored.
Course Title: Mandarin Chinese II
Length: 1 year
Description:
Students continue their study of Chinese by further expanding their knowledge of key vocabulary topics and grammar concepts. Students not only begin to comprehend listening and reading passages more fully, but they also start to express themselves more meaningfully in both speaking and writing. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, and interactive activities and practices which reinforce vocabulary and grammar. There is a strong emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts presented in each unit. Character recognition and practice are a key focus of the course and students are expected to learn several characters each unit. However, pinyin is still presented with characters throughout the course to aid in listening and reading comprehension. Students should expect to be actively engaged in their own language learning, understand common vocabulary terms and phrases, use a wide range of grammar patterns in their speaking and writing, participate in conversations and respond appropriately to conversational prompts, analyze and compare cultural practices, products, and perspectives of various Chinese-speaking regions, and take frequent assessments where their language progression can be monitored.
Course Title: AP Spanish Language & Culture
Length: 1 year
Description:
AP Spanish Language students practice perfecting their Spanish speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. They study vocabulary, grammar, and cultural aspects of the language, and then apply what they learn in extensive written and spoken exercises. The course addresses the broad themes of Global Challenges, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life, Personal and Public Identities, Families and Communities, and Beauty and Aesthetics. By the end of the course, students will have an expansive vocabulary, a solid, working knowledge of all verb forms and tenses, strong command of other language structures, and an ability to use language in many different contexts and for varied purposes. The equivalent of a college-level language course, AP Spanish Language prepares students for the AP exam and for further study of Spanish language, culture, or literature. This course has been authorized by the College Board® to use the AP designation.
Course Title: MS Spanish II
Length: 1 year
Description:
Students continue their study of the Spanish language by progressing to the next level of middle school Spanish with instruction equivalent to that found in the second semester of high school Spanish I. Students focus on listening, speaking, reading and writing. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, and interactive activities and practices to reinforce vocabulary and grammar. There is a strong emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts presented in each unit. Students will be actively engaged in their own language learning, become familiar with common vocabulary terms and phrases, comprehend a wide range of grammar patterns, participate in simple conversations and analyze and compare cultural practices and perspectives of various Spanish speaking countries. Students will also take frequent assessments where their language progression can be monitored.
Social Science Courses
Course Title: MS French 2
Length: 1 year
Description:
Students progress to the next level of middle school French with instruction equivalent to that found in the second semester of high school French I. Students will focus on listening, speaking, reading and writing. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations and task-based activities to reinforce vocabulary and grammar. There is a strong emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts presented in each unit. Students will be actively engaged in their own learning, become familiar with common vocabulary terms and phrases, comprehend a wide range of grammar patterns, participate in simple conversations, compare cultural practices and perspectives of various French-speaking countries and take frequent assessments to monitor progress.
Course Title: MS Mandarin Chinese II
Length: 1 year
Description:
Students progress to this next level of middle school Chinese with instruction equivalent to that found in the second semester of high school Chinese I. With a focus on listening, speaking, reading and writing, each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations and task based activities to reinforce vocabulary and grammar. There is a strong emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts presented in each unit. Both Chinese characters and pinyin are presented together throughout the course, and specific character practices are introduced after the first quarter. Students will gain familiarity with common vocabulary terms and phrases, comprehend a wider range of grammar patterns, participate in simple conversations, analyze and compare cultural practices and perspectives of various Chinese-speaking countries and take frequent assessments.
Course Title: MS German II
Length: 1 year
Description:
Students continue their German studies by progressing to the next level of middle school German with instruction equivalent to that found in the second semester of High School German I. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations and task-based activities to reinforce vocabulary and grammar. There is an emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts presented in each unit. Throughout the course, students will become familiar with common vocabulary terms and phrases, comprehend a wide range of grammar patterns, participate in simple conversations and respond appropriately to basic conversational prompts, analyze and compare cultural practices and perspectives of various German-speaking countries and take frequent assessments.
Course Title: MS Latin I
Length: 1 year
Description:
Latin 1 allows students to learn an ancient, "dead" language in a modern, lively manner with instruction equivalent to that found in the first semester of high school Latin I. Students learn the fundamental building blocks of world-language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, numerous interactive activities reinforcing vocabulary and grammar, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, and cultural presentations covering significant aspects of Roman culture, and assessments.
Course Title: MS Latin II
Length: 1 year
Description:
Students continue their Latin studies by progressing to the next level of middle school Latin with instruction equivalent to that found in the second semester of high school Latin I. Children continue building the fundamentals: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept; numerous interactive games reinforcing vocabulary and grammar; reading and listening comprehension activities; speaking and writing activities; cultural presentations covering significant aspects of Roman culture; and assessments.
Course Title: American Sign Language 1b: Learn to Sign
Length: 1 year
Description:
The predominant sign language of Deaf communities in the United States, American Sign Language is a complex and robust language. American Sign Language 1b: Learn to Sign will introduce you to more of this language and its grammatical structures. You will expand your vocabulary by exploring interesting topics like Deaf education and Deaf arts and culture.
Course Title: American Sign Language 2b: Advancing Communication Skills
Length: 1 year
Description:
Building upon the prior prerequisite course, students will increase their proficiency by learning about sequencing, transitions, role-shifts, and future tenses. Students will learn how to tell a story and ask questions, benefiting with greater exposure to deaf culture. Speed, conversations, signing skills, and cultural awareness are characteristic of this course.
Course Title: College & Career Preparation I
Length: 1 semester
Description:
High school students have many questions about the college application process, what it takes to be a successful college student, and how to begin thinking about their careers. In College and Career Preparation I, students obtain a deeper understanding of what it means to be ready for college. Students are informed about the importance of high school performance in college admissions and how to prepare for college testing. They know the types of schools and degrees they may choose to pursue after high school and gain wide exposure to the financial resources available that make college attainable. Career readiness is also a focus. Students connect the link between interests, college majors, and future careers by analyzing career clusters. Students come away from this course understanding how smart preparation and skill development in high school can lead into expansive career opportunities after they have completed their education and are ready for the working world.
Course Title: Physical Education
Length: 1 semester
Description:
Physical Education combines the best of online instruction with actual student participation in weekly cardiovascular, aerobic, and muscle toning activities. The course promotes a keen understanding of the value of physical fitness and aims to motivate students to participate in physical activities throughout their lives. Specific areas of study include: cardiovascular exercise and care, safe exercising, building muscle strength and endurance, injury prevention, fitness skills and FITT benchmarks, goal setting, nutrition and diet (vitamins and minerals, food labels, evaluation product claims), and stress management. The course requires routine participation in adult-supervised physical activities. Successful completion of this course will require parent/legal guardian sign-off on student-selected physical activities and on weekly participation reports to verify the student is meeting his or her requirements and responsibilities.
Course Title: Health
Length: 1 semester
Description:
Health is a valuable, skills-based health education course designed for general education in grades 9 through 12. Health helps students develop knowledge, attitudes, and essential skills in a variety of health-related subjects, including mental and emotional health, social health, nutrition, physical fitness, substance use and abuse, disease prevention and treatment, and injury prevention and safety. Through use of accessible information, realistic interactivities, and project-based learning, students apply the skills they need to stay healthy. These skills include identifying and accessing valid health information, practicing self-management, identifying internal and external influences, communicating effectively, making healthy decisions, setting goals, and advocating. Students who complete Health build the skills they need to protect, enhance, and promote their own health and the health of others.
Course Title: Health Opportunities through Physical Education (HOPE)
Length: 1 semester
Description:
Health Opportunities through Physical Education (HOPE) combines instruction in health and physical education in a full-year, integrated course. It focuses on developing skills, habits and attitudes to maintain a healthy lifestyle and applying lessons learned to physical fitness. Through active participation and real-world simulations, the course aims to demonstrate firsthand the value of conscientious lifestyle management. HOPE lays a foundation for making healthy decisions by building seven skills: accessing valid health information, analyzing internal and external influences, self-management, interpersonal communication, decision-making, goal setting, and advocacy. Students apply these skills to a variety of topics throughout the course, including mental and emotional health, social health, nutrition, physical fitness, substance use and abuse, disease prevention and treatment, and injury prevention and safety. Successful completion of this course will require parent/legal guardian sign-off on student-selected physical activities on weekly participation reports to verify the student is meeting his or her requirements and responsibilities.
Course Title: Art Appreciation
Length: 1 semester
Description:
Art Appreciation is a survey of the history of Western visual arts, with a primary focus on painting. Students begin with an introduction to the basic principles of painting and learn how to critique and compare works of art. Students then explore prehistoric and early Greek and Roman art before they move on to the Middle Ages. Emphasis is placed on the Renaissance and the principles and masters that emerged in Italy and northern Europe. Students continue their art tour with the United States during the 20th century, a time of great innovation as abstract art took center stage. While Western art is the course's primary focus, students will finish the course by studying artistic traditions from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. Coverage of each artistic movement highlights historical context and introduces students to key artists that represent a variety of geographic locations. Throughout the course, students apply what they have learned about art critique to analyze and evaluate both individual artists and individual works of art.
Course Title: Music Appreciation
Length: 1 year
Description:
Music Appreciation introduces students to the history, theory, and genres of music, from the most primitive surviving examples, through the classical to the most contemporary in the world at large. The course is offered in a two-semester format. The first semester covers primitive musical forms and classical music. The second semester presents the rich modern traditions, including American jazz, gospel, folk, soul, blues, Latin rhythms, rock and roll, and hip-hop. The course explores the interface of music and social movements and examines how the emergent global society and the Internet bring musical forms together in new ways from all around the world.
Course Title: Ethnic Studies
Length: 1 semester
Description:
Multicultural Studies is a one-semester elective history and sociology course that examines the United States as a multicultural nation. The course emphasizes the perspectives of minority groups while allowing students from all backgrounds to better understand and appreciate how race, culture and ethnicity, and identity contribute to their experiences. Major topics in the course include identity, immigration, assimilation and distinctiveness, power and oppression, struggles for rights, regionalism, culture and the media, and the formation of new cultures. In online discussions and polls, students reflect critically on their own experiences as well as those of others. Interactive multimedia activities include personal and historical accounts to which students can respond using methods of inquiry from history, sociology, and psychology. Written assignments and journals provide opportunities for students to practice and develop skills for thinking and communicating about race, culture, ethnicity, and identity.
Course Title: Music Appreciation: The Enjoyment of Listening
Length: 1 year
Description:
Music Appreciation: The Enjoyment of Listening not only will provide a historical perspective on music from the Middle Ages to the 21st century, but it will also teach you the essentials of how to listen and really hear (with a knowledgeable ear) the different music that’s all around you. Learning how to truly appreciate sound and melody is the best way to ensure a continued love of this delightful art form.
Course Title: Personal & Family Finance
Length: 1 year
Description:
Personal and Family Finance will begin the conversation around how to spend and save your money wisely, investing in safe opportunities and the days ahead. Learning key financial concepts around taxes, credit, and money management will provide both understanding and confidence as you begin to navigate your own route to future security. Discover how education, career choices, and financial planning can lead you in the right direction to making your life simpler, steadier, and more enjoyable.
Course Title: Life Skills: Navigating Adulthood
Length: 1 year
Description:
This course will encourage you to learn more about yourself and help you to prepare for the future. You will explore goal setting, decision making, and surviving college and career. You will also discover how to become a valuable contributing member of society. Now is the time to take action. It’s your life, make it count!
Course Title: Creating Writing: Unleashing the Core of your Imagination
Length: 1 year
Description:
Through creative writing, we can come to better understand ourselves and our world. This course can provide you with a solid grounding in the writing process, from finding inspiration to building a basic story. Then, when you are ready to go beyond the basics, learn more complicated literary techniques to create strange hybrid forms of poetry and prose. By the end of this course, you can better discover your creative thoughts and turn those ideas into fully realized pieces of creative writing.
Course Title: Journalism 1a: Introduction
Length: 1 year
Description:
Channel this curiosity into developing strong writing, critical thinking, and research skills to perform interviews and write influential pieces, such as articles and blog posts. Learn about the evolution of journalism and its ethics, bias, and career directions to forge your path in this field.
Course Title: Journalism 1b: Investigating the Truth
Length: 1 year
Description:
Building on the prior prerequisite course, go beyond the world of print and discover how journalism can lead to exciting careers that will put you right in the action. Learn how to cover important events while honing your research and observational skills. Discover how journalism can shape your future and others.
Course Title: Public Speaking 1a: Introduction
Length: 1 year
Description:
Learn techniques from famous speakers throughout history while learning what it takes to make a great speech. Develop skills that will serve you well throughout your career and personal life.
Course Title: Public Speaking 1b: Finding Your Voice
Length: 1 year
Description:
Building on the prior prerequisite course, bring your speeches to life by learning about body language, vocal, and other techniques. Learn about logic and reason while gaining the confidence to help create and deliver great presentations and speeches. You will also critically examine your speeches and presentations and those of others to improve upon your presentation.
Course Title: The Lord of the Rings: An Exploration of the Films & Their Literary Influences
Length: 1 year
Description:
Hobbits, Orcs, wizards, dashing knights, and powerful elves are all part of the magic created in J.R.R. Tolkien’s famously epic tale, The Lord of the Rings. For years, the vivid characters within this beloved story could exist only in the “reader minds”until it was adapted into a movie that allowed fans to finally see, through the eyes of Hollywood magic and brilliant technology, the manifestation of these characters on screen. What does it take to transport these well-known images like Gollum and the Shire from dusty pages to the giant screen? In The Lord of the Rings: An Exploration of the Films & Its Literary Influences, you will see first-hand how classic literature can become modern film and bring the fantasy alive for a whole new generation of believers.
Course Title: Nutrition & Fitness
Length: 1 year
Description:
Positive decisions around diet and food preparation are key to this process, and you will find the essential skills needed to pursue a healthy, informed lifestyle in Nutrition and Wellness. Making sure you know how to locate, buy, and prepare fresh delicious food will make you, and your body, feel amazing. Impressing your friends and family as you nourish them with your knowledge? That feels even better!
Course Title: Archaeology: Detectives of the Past
Length: 1 year
Description:
This fascinating course, Archaeology: Detectives of the Past, explores the various techniques, methods, and theories of this field and illustrates how archaeologists conduct their studies. What is it like to uncover precious artifacts? How are they located and preserved? Find the answer to these questions and more as you learn how ancient discoveries can unlock the secrets of a long and colorful past
Course Title: Astronomy 1b: Exploring the Universe
Length: 1 year
Description:
Building upon the prior prerequisite course, this course presents a variety of subjects that allow the student to become more familiar with the universe. Students will explore the solar system, the sun, comets, asteroids, and meteors as well as become familiar with the concepts of space travel and settlements. Students will also examine the life cycle of stars and the properties of planets.
Course Title: Biotechnology 1b: Unlocking Nature’s Secret
Length: 1 year
Description:
Building on the prior prerequisite course, expand your knowledge in the field of biotechnology. Explore the discovery of antibiotics and the concerns of antibiotic resistance while also examining the agricultural, pharmaceutical, ad genetic applications of biotechnology. Finally, learn about the future of biotechnology to understand the depth and breadth of this field.
Course Title: Criminology: Inside the Criminal Mind
Length: 1 year
Description:
In Criminology: Inside the Criminal Mind, you will be given the rare opportunity to climb inside the mind of a criminal and examine the ideas and motivations at work. The mental state of a criminal can be affected by many different aspects of life-psychological, biological, sociological-all of which have differing perspectives and influences. You will investigate not only how these variables affect the criminal mind but also how the criminal justice system remains committed to upholding the law through diligence and an uncompromising process.
Course Title: Forensic Science 2: More Secrets of the Dead
Length: 1 year
Description:
In Forensic Science II: More Secrets of the Dead, you’ll learn even more about the powerful science of forensics and how it has changed the face of crime and justice in our world. You will learn some basic scientific principles used in the lab, such as toxicology, material analysis, microscopy, and forensic anthropology and find out how scientists use everything from insects to bones to help them solve crimes. Discover how advanced techniques and methodical processes can lead to catching even the craftiest criminal. The best way to battle crime these days is not with a weapon, but with science.
Course Title: Marine Science: Secrets of the Blue
Length: 1 year
Description:
It is truly a new frontier of discovery, and in Marine Science, you will begin to understand a great deal more about the aquatic cycles, structures, and processes that generate and sustain life in the sea. Through the use of scientific inquiry, research, measurement, and problem solving, you will conduct various scientific procedures that will lead to an increased level of knowledge about Marine Science. You will also have the opportunity to use technology and laboratory instruments in an academic setting. By recognizing the inherent ethics and safety procedures necessary in advanced experiments, you will become progressively more confident in your abilities as a capable marine scientist.
Course Title: Renewable Technologies
Length: 1 year
Description:
Energy is life. So, how do we address the world’s growing concerns about energy sources? Where will it come from in the future? How can energy be something sustainable, renewable, and accessible? Introduction to Renewable Technologies begins to uncover the development of new energy technologies and explores how recent approaches to generating, storing, and creating this precious resource have evolved. By gaining a larger understanding of this challenge, we, as thoughtful people, can implement real change and unlock the solution needed for a safer, cleaner, and more enduring world.
Course Title: Veterinary Science: The Care of Animals
Length: 1 year
Description:
Veterinary Science: The Care of Animals will show you how to care for domestic, farm, and wild animals and diagnose their common diseases and ailments. Learn how different veterinary treatments are used and developed to improve the lives of animals and, as a result, the lives of those people who treasure them. If you have always been drawn to the world of our furry, scaly, and feathered friends, this may be just the course for you!
Course Title: African American History
Length: 1 year
Description:
LThis African American History course answers that question by tracing the accomplishments and obstacles of African Americans beginning with the slave trade on up to the modern Civil Rights movement. What was it like during slavery, or after emancipation, or during the years of discrimination under Jim Crow? Who were some of the main figures who have shaped African American history? In this course, you’ll learn about the political, economic, social, religious, and cultural factors that have influenced African American life, come face to face with individuals who changed the course of history, and explore how the African American story still influences current events today.
Course Title: PAnthropology 1: Uncovering Human Mysteries
Length: 1 year
Description:
In Anthropology 1: Uncovering Human Mysteries you will trace the history of homo sapiens and explore our evolutionary trail. This course offers an anthropologic lens to observe our movement from cave dweller to modern human. It sheds light on how we forged our way and developed all of the things that make us human, such as our cultures, languages, and religions. We, as humans in the 21st century, are highly intelligent, innovative people with astounding technological ability – how did we get this way?
Course Title: Anthropology 2: More Human Mysteries Uncovered
Length: 1 year
Description:
Anthropology II: More Human Mysteries Uncovered provides a fascinating look at this puzzle of culture. Many of our ancient cultures and languages were shaped by the geographical locations of our ancestors, and in this course, you will begin to visualize new ideas about how ancient cultures flourished through examining their views on life, death, art, and survival. In looking back and learning about cultures through the ages, we are better equipped to understand the world around us today.
Course Title: Great Minds in Science: Ideas for a New Generation
Length: 1 year
Description:
Today, scientists, explorers, and writers are working to answer such questions by using extensive inquiry to find innovative solutions. Similar to such famous minds from history as Edison, Einstein, Curie, and Newton, the scientists of today are finding ways to revolutionize our lives and the world. Great Minds in Science: Ideas for a New Generation takes an in-depth look at the extraordinary work of these individuals and demonstrates how their ideas may very well shape the world of tomorrow.
Course Title: History of the Holocaust
Length: 1 year
Description:
History of the Holocaust will take you through the harrowing details of anti-Semitism, the power of the Nazi party, the persecution of European Jews and other groups, and the tremendous aftermath for everyone involved in World War II. You’ll explore the causes of the Holocaust, the experiences of Jews and other individuals during this time, and what has been done to combat genocide since WWII. “For the dead and the living, we must bear witness.”
Course Title: Human Geography: Our Global Identity
Length: 1 year
Description:
In Human Geography: Our Global Identity, you will explore the diverse ways that different people have physically influenced the world around them and how they, in turn, are changed by their surroundings. Discover how beliefs and ideas spread through time, shaping and changing the cultures they encounter. In this course, you’ll gain tremendous insight into human geography and begin to better understand the important relationship between humans and their environments.
Course Title: Personal Psychology I: The Road to Self-Discovery
Length: 1 year
Description:
Psychology can give you the answers! In Personal Psychology I: The Road to Self-Discovery, you will trace the development of personality and behavior from infancy through adulthood. You will come to learn more about perception and consciousness and better understand the role of sensation. Are you ready to explore the world of human behavior? Come explore all that psychology can offer to help you to truly understand the human experience.
Course Title: Social Problems I: A World in Crisis
Length: 1 year
Description:
Social Problems I: A World in Crisis will explore some of the biggest challenges facing our world today and prepare you to tackle them head-on. You’ll learn what led to these social problems, what effects they have on our lives and societies, and what possible solutions exist for solving them. Whether you want to save the world from the next pandemic or better understand the effects of the media on society, this course will help you develop a plan of action!
Course Title: Philosophy
Length: 1 year
Description:
Introduction to Philosophy: The Big Picture asks some of the same questions these great thinkers pondered, so by the time you’ve “closed the book” on this course, you will better understand yourself and the world around you – from atoms to outer space and everything in between.
Course Title: Peer Counseling
Length: 1 year
Description:
This course offers ways for you to explore this valuable skill and better understand how it can make a difference in the lives of others. Helping people achieve their personal goals is one of life’s most rewarding experiences, and Peer Counseling will show you the way to provide support, encouragement, and resource information. Learn how to observe others as a Peer Counselor as you carefully listen and offer constructive, empathic communication while enhancing your own communication skills.
Course Title: Sociology 1: The Study of Human Relationships
Length: 1 year
Description:
Sociology I: The Study of Human Relationships seeks to answer these questions and many more as it explores culture, group behavior, and societal institutions and how they affect human behavior. You’ll learn how social beliefs form and how this shapes our lives. How does this happen?
Course Title: Sociology 2: Your Social Life
Length: 1 year
Description:
Sociology II: Your Social Life takes a powerful look at how social institutions like families, religion, government, and education shape our world and how collective behavior and social movements can create change. Although the reality of the battles isn’t always pretty, gaining a clearer picture of the different sides can help you better understand how our lives are shaped by entertainment, social institutions, and social change.
Course Title: Introduction to Women’s Studies: A Personal Journey Through Film
Length: 1 year
Description:
Maybe you grew up watching movies with female characters like Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, or Ariel. Maybe you’ve wondered why there are stereotypes about women being bad drivers or ignorant about sports. Maybe you want to know about feminism and the women’s movement. The Introduction to Women’s Studies: A Personal Journey Through Film can help you answer these questions. Though it focuses on the experience of women, it’s appropriate for anyone who wants to learn to critically examine films while learning about the history of the women’s movement and how gender, race, and social class influence us. Women have earned their right to stand up and be recognized as equal partners and reap the benefits of their hard work. As the anonymous quote goes, “History is Herstory too.”
Course Title: Visual/Commercial Art
Length: 2 year
Description:
Digital Photography 1a: Introduction Digital Photography 1b: Creating Images with Impact Digital Media Fundamentals 1a: Introduction Digital Media Fundamentals 1b
or
Digital Photography 1a: Introduction Digital Photography 1b: Creating Images with Impact Digital Photography 2a: Introduction Digital Photography 2: Discovering Your Creative Potential
Course Title: Business Management
Length: 2 year
Description:
* Business Information Management 1a, * Introduction Business Information Management 1b: Data Essentials Entrepreneurship 1a: Introduction (Summer 2020 release), Entrepreneurship 1b (Late fall 2020 release)
Or
Business Information Management 1a: Introduction Business Information Management 1b: Data Essentials Excel: Office Fundamentals Series Access: Office Fundamentals Series
Or
Business Information Management 1a: Introduction Business Information Management 1b: Data Essentials Word: Office Fundamentals Series PowerPoint: Office Fundamentals Series
Course Title: Child Development
Length: 2 year
Description:
Personal Psychology 1: Road to Self-Discovery Real World Parenting: Improving Family Life Early Childhood Education 1a: Introduction Early Childhood Education 1b: Developing Early Learners
Course Title: Biotechnology
Length: 1.5 year
Description:
* Health Science 1: The Whole Individual Biotechnology 1a: Introduction Biotechnology 1b: Unlocking Nature’s Secrets
Course Title: Mental & Public Health
Length: 2 year
Description:
Health Science Foundations 1a: Introduction Health Science Foundations 1b: Professional Responsibilities Health Science: Public Health Health Science 2: Patient Care and Medical Services
Course Title: Information Support & Services
Length: 2 year
Description:
* Principles of Information Technology 1a: Introduction Principles of Information Technology 1b: Working with Computers Cybersecurity 1a: Introduction Cybersecurity 1b: Defense Against Threats
Or
Principles of Information Technology 1a: Introduction Excel: Office Essentials Word: Office Essentials PowerPoint: Office Essentials
Course Title: Networking
Length: 2 year
Description:
Networking 1a: Introduction (Summer 2020 release) Networking 1b (Late fall 2020 release) Advanced Networking 1a (Spring 2021 release) Advanced Networking 1b (Late fall 2021 release)
Course Title: Systems Programming
Length: 2 year
Description:
* Introduction to Programming 1a, * Introduction to Programming 1b
Programming 2a (Late fall 2020 release), Programming 2b (Spring 2021 release)
Course Title: Web and Social Media Programming
Length: 2 year
Description:
Digital Media Fundamentals 1a: Introduction Digital Media Fundamentals 1b Digital Media Web Design 2a (Summer 2020 release) Digital Media Design 2b *Late fall 2020 release
Course Title: Games & Simulations
Length: 2 year
Description:
Foundations of Game Design 1a: Introduction Foundations of Game Design 1b Game Design 2a (Late fall 2020 release) Game Design 2b (Spring 2021 release)
Course Title: Marketing
Length: 2 year
Description:
Marketing Foundations 1a: introduction Marketing Foundations 1b: Building Your Business Marketing 2a: Introduction Marketing 2b: Business & Trade (Spring 2020 release)
Course Title: Entrepreneurship
Length: 2 year
Description:
Marketing Foundations 1a: introduction Marketing Foundations 1b: Building Your Business Entrepreneurship 1a: Introduction (Summer 2020 release) Entrepreneurship 1b: Starting Your Business (Late fall 2020 release)
Course Title: Food Service & Hospitality
Length: 2 year
Description:
* Hospitality & Tourism 1a: Introduction Hospitality & Tourism 1b: Travelling the Globe Culinary Arts 1a: Introduction Culinary Arts 1b: Finding Your Palate *Mid-summer 2020 release
Course Title: Patient Care
Length: 2 year
Description:
* Health Science Foundations 1a: Introduction * Health Science Foundations 1b: Professional Responsibilities Nursing Assistant 1a: Introduction (Late spring 2020 release) Nursing Assistant 1b (Late fall 2020 release)
Or
* Health Science Foundations 1a: Introduction * Health Science Foundations 1b: Professional Responsibilities Emergency Medical Responder 1a: Introduction (Summer 2020 release) Emergency Medical Responder 1b (Late fall 2020 release)
Or
Health Science Foundations 1a: Introduction Health Science Foundations 1b: Professional Responsibilities Allied Health Assistant 1a: Introduction Allied Health 1b
Course Title: Cosmetology
Length: 2 year
Description:
Cosmetology 1: Cutting Edge Styles Cosmetology 2: The Business of Skin and Nail Care Cosmetology 3a: Hair Skills Cosmetology 3b: Advancing Hair Skills
Course Title: International Business
Length: 2 year
Description:
Principles of Business, Marketing, Finance 1a: Introduction Business Information Management 1a: Introduction Business Information Management 1b: Data Essentials International Business: Global Commerce in the 21 st Century
Course Title: Game Design
Length: 2 year
Description:
* Foundations of Game Design 1a: Introduction, *Foundations of Game Design 1b: Storytelling, Mechanics, Production Game Design 2a (Summer 2020 release), Game Design 2b (Late fall 2020 release)
Course Title: Animation
Length: 2 year
Description:
Animation 1a: Introduction (Late fall 2020 release), Animation 1b (Spring 2021 release), 3D Modeling 1a: Introduction (Late fall 2020 release), 3D Modeling 1b (Spring 2021 release)
Course Title: World Religions: Exploring Diversity
Length: 1 year
Description:
World Religions: Exploring Diversity will explore the various characteristics of faith and introduce the fundamentals of the major religions, including Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Shintoism, and Taoism. You’ll trace how these powerful faiths have influenced cultures over thousands of years and helped to shape the face of humanity. After this course, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how religion continues to affect the larger world.
Course Title: Sociology 2: Your Social Life
Length: 1 year
Description:
Sociology II: Your Social Life takes a powerful look at how social institutions like families, religion, government, and education shape our world and how collective behavior and social movements can create change. Although the reality of the battles isn’t always pretty, gaining a clearer picture of the different sides can help you better understand how our lives are shaped by entertainment, social institutions, and social change.
Course Title: Social Problems 2: Crisis, Conflicts, & Challenges
Length: 1 year
Description:
In Social Problems II: Crisis, Conflict, and Challenges, you’ll explore more of the challenges we face and learn what we can do to reduce the effects of these conflicts and problems. From drug abuse to terrorists to the changing nature of communities in our digital world, we can better face and solve these problems when we have a deeper understanding of their causes and influences on our lives.
Course Title: Forensic Science 1: Secret of the Dead
Length: 1 year
Description:
This course offers you the chance to dive into the riveting job of crime scene analysis. Learn the techniques and practices applied during a crime scene investigation and how clues and data are recorded and preserved. You will better understand how forensic science applies technology to make discoveries and bring criminals to justice as you follow the entire forensic process – from pursuing the evidence trail to taking the findings to trial. By careful examination of the crime scene elements, even the most heinous crimes can be solved.
Course Title: Biotechnology 1a: Introduction
Length: 1 year
Description:
Discover how biotechnology has changed the world around us from food to genetics. Build on historical applications with modern discoveries. Understand how regulations and ethics govern the course of biotechnology and learn of its importance to the field of medicine. Increase your understanding of this cutting-edge field!
Course Title: Astronomy 1 a: Introduction
Length: 1 year
Description:
This course will introduce students to the study of astronomy, including its history and development, basic scientific laws of motion and gravity, the concepts of modern astronomy, and the methods used by astronomers to learn more about the universe. Additional topics include the origin of the universe, the Milky Way, and other galaxies and stars.
Course Title: Health 1: Life Management Skills
Length: 1 year
Description:
In Health 1: Life Management Skills, you will learn how to promote better health by decreasing stress and finding a fuller vision of your life. Explore different lifestyle choices that can influence your overall health, from positively interacting with others, to choosing quality health care, to making sensible dietary choices. You will have the opportunity to build your own plan for improvement and learn how to create the type of environment that will ensure your overall health, happiness, and well-being.
Course Title: Personal Fitness
Length: 1 year
Description:
Personal Fitness you will learn about body functions, safety, diet, goals, and strategies for longevity. Human beings, in both body and mind, are complex and highly sensitive organisms that need the right attention to physically excel and feel great. Being fit is about living life to the fullest and making the most of what you have yourself! Explore the world of healthy living and see how real fitness can be achieved through intention, effort, and just the right amount of knowledge.
Course Title: Reading & Writing for Purpose
Length: 1 year
Description:
This course introduces useful, real-world information by having students learn to read legal, insurance, employment, and vehicle related documents. Furthermore, students will explore media bias, trends in journalism, word structures, and research strategies. To entrench real-world applications, students will learn how to critically read, identify good sources of information, and create an outline, making this course an asset to building life and study skills
Course Title: Mythology & Folklore: Legendary Tales
Length: 1 year
Description:
Mythology and folklore have provided a way for these colorful stories to spring to life for thousands of years. Mythology and Folklore: Legendary Tales will illustrate how these famous anecdotes have helped humans make sense of the world. Beginning with an overview of mythology and different types of folklore, you will journey with age-old heroes as they slay dragons, outwit gods, defy fate, fight endless battles, and outwit clever monsters with strength and courage. You’ll explore the universality and social significance of myths and folklore and see how these powerful tales continue to shape society even today.
Course Title: Gothic Literature
Length: 1 year
Description:
Gothic Literature: Monster Stories focuses on the major themes found in Gothic literature and demonstrates the techniques writers use to produce a thrilling psychological experience for the reader. The themes of terror versus horror, the power of the supernatural, and the struggle between good and evil are just a few of the classic Gothic subjects explored in this course. Are you brave enough to go beyond the fear and find an appreciation for the dark beauty of Gothic stories?
Course Title: Creative Writing: Literary Techniques
Length: 1 year
Description:
Through creative writing, we can come to better understand ourselves and our world. This course can provide you with a solid grounding in the writing process, from finding inspiration to building a basic story. Then, when you are ready to go beyond the basics, learn more complicated literary techniques to create strange hybrid forms of poetry and prose. By the end of this course, you can better discover your creative thoughts and turn those ideas into fully realized pieces of creative writing.
Course Title: Real World Parenting
Length: 1 year
Description:
In Real-World Parenting, you’ll learn that being a parent is much more than simply feeding, bathing, and protecting a child. Creating a positive environment, nurturing, fostering education, and serving as a role model are all critical aspects as well. You’ll learn how to be a positive force in the development of your future children as well as others around you.
Course Title: Learning in a Digital World: Digital Citizenship
Length: 1 year
Description:
In Learning in a Digital World you will get the tools to navigate this exciting and always changing world. Learn about real-world issues and how to solve real-world problems through interactive and hands-on assignments. Discover what it means to be a responsible digital citizen, expand your digital literacy, and become a successful online student. Consider the best ways to find, create, and share information, learn to maximize information and communication technologies, and explore digital content creation, from emails and blogs to social media, videos, and podcasts.
Course Title: Arts in World Cultures
Length: 1 year
Description:
In Art in World Cultures, you’ll learn about some of the greatest artists in the world while creating your own art, both on paper and digitally. This course explores basic principles and elements of art and teaches you how to critique different art works art. And along the way, you will get to discover some traditional art forms from various regions of the world including the Americas, Africa, and Oceania.
Course Title: College & Career Preparation II
Length: 1 semester
Description:
College and Career Preparation II builds on the lessons and skills in College and Career Preparation I. The course provides a step-by-step guide to choosing a college. It walks students through the process of filling out an application, including opportunities to practice, and takes an in-depth look at the various college-admission tests and assessments, as well financial aid options. College and Career Preparation II also instructs students in interviewing techniques and provides career guidance. Students explore valuable opportunities such as job shadowing and internships when preparing for a career.
Course Title: Creative Writing
Length: 1 semester
Description:
Creative Writing is an English elective course that focuses on the exploration of short fiction and poetry, culminating in a written portfolio that includes one revised short story and three to five polished poems. Students draft, revise, and polish fiction and poetry through writing exercises, developing familiarity with literary terms and facility with the writing process as they study elements of creative writing. Elements of fiction writing explored in this course include attention to specific detail, observation, character development, setting, plot, and point of view. In the poetry units, students learn about the use of sensory details and imagery, figurative language, and sound devices including rhyme, rhythm and alliteration. They also explore poetic forms ranging from found poems and slam poetry to traditional sonnets and villanelles. In addition to applying literary craft elements in guided creative writing exercises, students engage in critical reading activities designed to emphasize the writing craft of a diverse group of authors. Students study short stories by authors such as Bharati Mukherjee and Edgar Allan Poe, learning how to create believable characters and develop setting and plot. Likewise, students read poetry by canonical greats such as W. B. Yeats and Emily Dickinson as well as contemporary writers such as Pablo Neruda, Sherman Alexie, and Alice Notley. Studying the writing technique of a range of authors provides students with models and inspiration as they develop their own voices and refine their understanding of the literary craft.
Course Title: American Sign Language 2a: Communicating
Length: 1 year
Description:
Building upon the prior prerequisite course, emphasis in this course is placed upon comprehension and signing. Learners will also continue to establish their communication skills and foster their understanding of deaf culture. In addition to learning classifiers, glossing, and mouth morphemes, students will explore vocabulary for descriptions, directions, shopping, making purchases, and dealing with emergencies.
Course Title: American Sign Language 1a: Introduction
Length: 1 year
Description:
American Sign Language 1a: Introduction will introduce you to vocabulary and simple sentences, so that you can start communicating right away. Importantly, you will explore Deaf culture – social beliefs, traditions, history, values and communities influenced by deafness.
Course Title: MS German I
Length: 1 year
Description:
This middle school German course is filled with fun, interactive language activities with instruction equivalent to that found in the first semester of high school German I. Students begin their introduction to German by focusing on the four key areas of language study: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations and task-based activities to reinforce vocabulary and grammar. There is an emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts presented in each unit. Students will become familiar with common vocabulary terms and phrases, comprehend a wide range of grammar patterns, participate in simple conversations and respond appropriately to basic conversational prompts, analyze and compare cultural practices, and perspectives of various German-speaking countries and take frequent assessments to monitor their language progression. The course is suitable for other ages, depending on background and experience.
Course Title: MS Mandarin Chinese I
Length: 1 year
Description:
This Chinese course for middle school students is filled with engaging language activities with instruction equivalent to that found in the first semester of high school Chinese I. Students focus on the four key areas of language study: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations and task-based activities to reinforce vocabulary and grammar. Both Chinese characters and pinyin are presented together throughout the course, and specific character practices are introduced after the first quarter. Students will become familiar with common vocabulary terms and phrases, comprehend a wide range of grammar patterns, participate in simple conversations and respond appropriately to basic conversational prompts, analyze and compare cultural practices and perspectives of various Chinese-speaking countries and take frequent assessments to monitor language progression. The course is suitable for other ages, depending on background and experience.
Course Title: MS French I
Length: 1 year
Description:
This French course for middle school students is filled with interactive
language activities with instruction that is equivalent to that found in
the first semester of high school French I. Students begin their
introduction to French by focusing on the four key areas of language
study: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The course represents
an ideal blend of language learning pedagogy and online learning.
Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept,
reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing
activities, multimedia cultural presentations and task-based activities
to reinforce vocabulary and grammar. There is a strong emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language
concepts presented in each unit. Students will be actively engaged in
their own language learning, become familiar with common
vocabulary terms and phrases, comprehend a wide range of
grammar patterns, participate in simple conversations and respond
appropriately to basic conversational prompts, analyze and compare
cultural practices, products, and perspectives of various French speaking countries and take frequent assessments where their
language progression can be monitored. The course is suitable for
other ages, depending on background and experience.
Course Title: MS Spanish I
Length: 1 year
Description:
This middle school Spanish course is filled with interactive language activities with instruction equivalent to that found in the first semester of high school Spanish I. Students begin their introduction to Spanish by focusing on the four key areas of language study: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, and interactive activities and practices to reinforce new vocabulary and grammar. There is a strong emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts presented in each unit. Students will become familiar with common vocabulary terms and phrases, comprehend a wide range of grammar patterns, participate in simple conversations, analyze and compare cultural practices of various Spanish-speaking countries and take frequent assessments to monitor their language progression. The course is suitable for other ages, depending on background and experience
Course Title: Latin II
Length: 1 year
Description:
Students continue with their study of Latin through ancient, time honored, classical language approaches which include repetition, parsing, written composition, and listening exercises. These techniques, combined with a modern multimedia approach to learning grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, prepare students for a deeper study of Latin. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading comprehension activities, writing activities, multimedia culture, history, and mythology presentations, and interactive activities and practices which reinforce vocabulary and grammar. The emphasis is on reading Latin through engaging with myths from the ancient world which are presented in Latin. The curriculum concurs with the Cambridge school of Latin; therefore, students will learn ancient high classical styles of pronunciation and grammar in lieu of generally less sophisticated medieval styles, making it possible for students to comprehend the most Latin from the widest range of time periods. Students should expect to be actively engaged in their own language learning, understand and use common vocabulary terms and phrases, comprehend a wide range of grammar patterns, understand and analyze the cultural and historical contexts of the ancient sources they study, and take frequent assessments where their language progression can be monitored.
Course Title: French II
Length: 1 year
Description:
French II teaches students to communicate more confidently about themselves, as well as about topics beyond their own lives - both in formal and informal address. Each lesson presents vocabulary, grammar, and culture in context, followed by explanations and exercises. Vocabulary includes terms in cooking, geography, and architecture. Instruction in language structure and grammar includes present- and past-tense verb forms and uses, negation, and direct and indirect objects. Students deepen their knowledge of French- speaking regions and cultures by learning about history, literature, culture, and contemporary issues.
Course Title: German I
Length: 1 year
Description:
Students begin their introduction to German by focusing on the four key areas of foreign language study: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course represents an ideal blend of language learning pedagogy and online learning. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, and interactive activities and practices which reinforce vocabulary and grammar. There is a strong emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts presented in each unit. Students should expect to be actively engaged in their own language learning, become familiar with common vocabulary terms and phrases, comprehend a wide range of grammar patterns, participate in simple conversations and respond appropriately to basic conversational prompts, analyze and compare cultural practices, products, and perspectives of various German speaking countries, and take frequent assessments where their language progression can be monitored.
Course Title: Spanish II
Length: 1 year
Description:
Building on Spanish I concepts, Spanish II students learn to communicate more confidently about themselves, as well as about topics beyond their own lives--both in formal and informal situations. Each lesson presents vocabulary, grammar, and culture in context, followed by explanations and exercises. Students expand their vocabulary in topics such as cooking, ecology, geography, and architecture. Instruction in language structure and grammar includes a review of present-tense verb forms, an introduction to the past tense, the conditional mood, imperatives, impersonal constructions, and reported speech. Students deepen their knowledge of Spanish- speaking regions and cultures by learning about history, literature, culture, and contemporary issues
Course Title: French I
Length: 1 year
Description:
French I teaches students to greet people, describe family and friends, talk about hobbies, and communicate about other topics, such as sports, travel, and medicine. Each lesson presents vocabulary, grammar, and culture in context, followed by explanations and exercises. Vocabulary includes terms to describe school subjects, parts of the body, and people, as well as idiomatic phrases. Instruction in language structure and grammar includes the verb system, adjective agreement, formal and informal address, reflexive verbs, and past tense. Students also gain an understanding of the cultures of French-speaking countries and regions within and outside Europe, as well as insight into Francophone culture and people.
Course Title: Multicultural Studies
Length: 1 semester
Description:
Multicultural Studies is a one-semester elective history and sociology course that examines the United States as a multicultural nation. The course emphasizes the perspectives of minority groups while allowing students from all backgrounds to better understand and appreciate how race, culture and ethnicity, and identity contribute to their experiences. Major topics in the course include identity, immigration, assimilation and distinctiveness, power and oppression, struggles for rights, regionalism, culture and the media, and the formation of new cultures. In online discussions and polls, students reflect critically on their own experiences as well as those of others. Interactive multimedia activities include personal and historical accounts to which students can respond using methods of inquiry from history, sociology, and psychology. Written assignments and journals provide opportunities for students to practice and develop skills for thinking and communicating about race, culture, ethnicity, and identity.
Course Title: U.S. History since the Civil War
Length: 1 year
Description:
This course traces the nation's history from the end of the Civil War to the present. It describes the emergence of the United States as an industrial nation, highlighting social policy as well as its role in modern world affairs. Students evaluate the attempts to bind the nation together during Reconstruction while also exploring the growth of an industrial economy. Moving into the 20th and 21st centuries, students probe the economic and diplomatic interactions between the United States and other world players while investigating how the world wars, the Cold War, and the "information revolution" affected the lives of ordinary Americans. Woven through this chronological sequence is a strong focus on the changing conditions of women, African Americans, and other minority groups.
Course Title: U.S. History
Length: 1 year
Description:
U.S. History traces the nation's history from the pre-colonial period to the present. Students learn about the Native American, European, and African people who lived in America before it became the United States. They examine the beliefs and philosophies that informed the American Revolution and the subsequent formation of the government and political system. Students investigate the economic, cultural, and social motives for the nation's expansion, as well as the conflicting notions of liberty that eventually resulted in civil war. The course describes the emergence of the United States as an industrial nation and then focuses on its role in modern world affairs. Moving into the 20th and 21st centuries, students probe the economic and diplomatic interactions between the United States and other world players while investigating how the world wars, the Cold War, and the “information revolution” affected the lives of ordinary Americans. Woven through this chronological sequence is a strong focus on the changing conditions of women, African Americans, and other minority groups.
Course Title: World History
Length: 1 year
Description:
In World History, students learn to see the world today as a product of a process that began thousands of years ago when humans became a speaking, travelling, and trading species. Through historical analysis grounded in primary sources, case studies, and research, students investigate the continuity and change of human culture, governments, economic systems, and social structures. Students build and practice historical thinking skills, learning to connect specific people, places, events and ideas to the larger trends of world history. In critical reading activities, feedback-rich instruction, and application-oriented assignments, students develop their capacity to reason chronologically, interpret and synthesize sources, identify connections between ideas, and develop well-supported historical arguments. Students write throughout the course, responding to primary sources and historical narratives through journal entries, essays and visual presentations of social studies content. In discussion activities, students respond to the position of others while staking and defending their own claim. The course's rigorous instruction is supported with relevant materials and active learning opportunities to ensure students at all levels can master the key historical thinking skills.
Course Title: MS Contemporary World
Length: 1 year
Description:
Middle School Contemporary World delivers instruction, practice, and review designed to build middle school students' knowledge of contemporary world geography, cultures, civics, and economics. By honing their ability to analyze the physical, social, and political forces that shape our world, students build the depth of knowledge and higher-order thinking skills required to demonstrate their mastery when put to the test. The two-semester course is arranged in themed units, each with three to six lessons. In each unit, activities make complex ideas about the modern world accessible through focused content, guided analysis, multi-modal representations, and personalized feedback. Each lesson includes a variety of activities such as direct instruction, application of skills, performance tasks, and formative and summative assessments. Students engage with the subject matter in an interactive, feedback-rich environment as they progress through standards-aligned content and demonstrate their learning through computer- and teacher-scored assignments
Course Title: MS U.S. History
Length: 1 year
Description:
Middle School U.S. History delivers instruction, practice, and review designed to build middle school students' knowledge of U.S. history, from the people of North America through the era of Reconstruction. Students engage with the subject matter in an interactive, feedback rich environment as they progress through standards-aligned content. By constantly honing their ability to analyze history, students build the depth of knowledge and higher-order thinking skills required to demonstrate their mastery when put to the test. The two-semester course is arranged in themed units, each with three to five lessons. In each unit, activities make complex ideas about U.S. history accessible through focused content, guided analysis, multimodal representations, and personalized feedback. Each lesson includes a variety of activities such as direct instruction, application of skills, performance tasks, and formative and summative assessments. Students engage with the subject matter in an interactive, feedback-rich environment as they progress through standards-aligned content and demonstrate their learning through computer- and teacher-scored assignments.
Course Title: AP Psychology
Length: 1 year
Description:
Middle School Life Science delivers instruction, practice, and review to help students develop scientific literacy, deepen cAP Psychology provides an overview of current psychological research methods and theories. Students will explore the therapies used by professional counselors and clinical psychologists and examine the reasons for normal human reactions: how people learn and think, the process of human development and human aggression, altruism, intimacy, and self-reflection. They will study core psychological concepts, such as the brain and sense functions, and learn to gauge human reactions, gather information, and form meaningful syntheses. Along the way, students will also investigate relevant concepts like study skills and information retention. The equivalent of an introductory college-level survey course, AP Psychology prepares students for the AP exam and for further studies in psychology or life sciences. This course has been authorized by the College Board® to use the AP designation.
Course Title: AP Biology
Length: 1 year
Description:
AP Biology builds students' understanding of biology on both the micro and macro scales. After studying cell biology, students move on to understand how evolution drives the diversity and unity of life. Students will examine how living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information and how organisms utilize free energy. The equivalent of an introductory college-level biology course, AP Biology prepares students for the AP exam and for further study in science, health sciences, or engineering. This course has been authorized by the College Board® to use the AP designation.
Course Title: Psychology
Length: 1 semester
Description:
Psychology provides a solid overview of the field's major domains: methods, biopsychology, cognitive and developmental psychology, and variations in individual and group behavior. By focusing on significant scientific research and on the questions that are most important to psychologists, students see psychology as an evolving science. Each topic clusters around challenge questions, such as “What is happiness?”. Students answer these questions before, during, and after they interact with direct instruction.
Course Title: Chemistry
Length: 1 year
Description:
Chemistry offers a curriculum that emphasizes students' understanding of fundamental chemistry concepts while helping them acquire tools to be conversant in a society highly influenced by science and technology. The course provides students with opportunities to learn and practice critical scientific skills within the context of relevant scientific questions. Topics include the nature of science; the importance of chemistry to society, atomic structure, bonding in matter, chemical reactions, redox reactions, electrochemistry, phases of matter, equilibrium and kinetics, acids and bases, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, nuclear reactions, organic chemistry, and alternative energy.
Course Title: Environmental Science
Length: 1 year
Description:
Environmental Science explores the biological, physical, and sociological principles related to the environment in which organisms live on Earth, the biosphere. Course topics include natural systems on Earth, biogeochemical cycles, the nature of matter and energy, the flow of matter and energy through living systems, populations, communities, ecosystems, ecological pyramids, renewable and nonrenewable natural resources, land use, biodiversity, pollution, conservation, sustainability, and human impacts on the environment. Case studies of current environmental challenges introduce each content lesson and acquaint students with real-life environmental issues, debates, and solutions. Lab activities reinforce critical thinking, writing, and communication skills and help students develop a deeper understanding of the nature of science. Virtual Lab activities enable students to engage in investigations that require long periods of observation at remote locations and to explore simulations that enable environmental scientists to test predictions.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ELECTIVES
Course Title: MS 2D Studio Art
Length: 1 years
Description:
Course Title: MS Career Explorations 1
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Course Title: MS Career Explorations 2
Length:
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Course Title: MS Coding 1a
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Course Title: MS Digital Art & Design
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Course Title: MS Fitness
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Course Title: MS Game Design 1b
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Course Title: MS Photography
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Course Title: MS Learning in a Digital World: Digital Citizenship
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Course Title: MS Game Design 1a
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Course Title: MS Exploring Music
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Course Title: MS Coding 1b
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Course Title: MS Journalism
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Course Title: Earth Science
Length: 1 year
Description:
Earth Science offers a focused curriculum that explores Earth's composition, structure, processes, and history; its atmosphere, freshwater, and oceans; and its environment in space. Course topics include an exploration of the major cycles that affect every aspect of life, including weather, climate, air movement, tectonics, volcanic eruptions, rocks, minerals, geologic history, Earth's environment, sustainability, and energy resources. Optional teacher- scored labs encourage students to apply the scientific method.
CTE Pathways
Course Title: Agriscience
Length: 2 years
Description:
* Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (Part 1) Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (Part 2) Agriscience 1 Agriscience 2: Sustaining Human Life
Course Title: Science 8
Length: 1 year
Description:
Middle School Grade 8 Science delivers instruction, practice, and review to help students develop scientific literacy, deepen conceptual understanding, and apply scientific practices. Students explore concepts such as waves and electromagnetic radiation, energy and forces on Earth and in space, genetics and natural selection, and engineering design. The two-semester course is arranged in themed units, each with two to three lessons. In each unit, activities make complex ideas accessible to students as they discover the nature of science through focused content, interactive mini-investigations, multi-modal representations, and personalized feedback. Each lesson includes a variety of activities such as direct instruction, application of skills, performance tasks, and formative and summative assessments. Students engage with the subject matter in an interactive, feedback rich environment as they progress through standards-aligned content and demonstrate their learning through computer- and teachers cored assignments.
Course Title: Science 6
Length: 1 year
Description:
Middle School Grade 6 Science delivers instruction, practice, and review to help students develop scientific literacy, deepen conceptual understanding, and apply scientific practices. Students explore concepts such as the flow of energy and matter through both living and nonliving systems, including Earth's systems; Earth's weather and climate; the interaction between humans and the environment; the relationship between structure and function; and growth, development, and reproduction in organisms. The two-semester course is arranged in themed units, each with two to three lessons. In each unit, activities make complex ideas accessible to students as they discover the nature of science through focused content, interactive mini-investigations, multi-modal representations, and personalized feedback. Each lesson includes a variety of activities such as direct instruction, application of skills, performance tasks, and formative and summative assessments. Students engage with the subject matter in an interactive, feedback rich environment as they progress through standards-aligned content and demonstrate their learning through computer- and teacher scored assignments.
Course Title: Bridge Math
Length: 1 year
Description:
Bridge Math is a fourth-year math course focused on reinforcing core concepts from Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II. Bridge Math is intended for students who need to review concepts before continuing their studies. It starts with a review of algebraic concepts before moving on to a variety of key algebraic, geometric, statistical, and probability concepts. Course topics include rational and irrational numbers, systems of linear equations, quadratic functions, exponential functions, triangles, coordinate geometry, solid geometry, conditional probability, independence, data analysis, scatterplots, and linear and non-linear models of data. Throughout the course, students hone their computational skills and extend their knowledge through problem solving and real-world applications. Within each Bridge Math lesson, students are supplied with scaffolded note-taking study guides and are given ample opportunity to practice computations in low-stakes Checkup activities before moving on to formal assessment. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to formulate and justify conclusions as they extend and apply concepts through printable exercises and "in-your own-words" interactive activities.
Course Title: AP Calculus AB
Length: 1 year
Description:
In AP Calculus AB, students learn to understand change geometrically and visually (by studying graphs of curves), analytically (by studying and working with mathematical formulas), numerically (by seeing patterns in sets of numbers), and verbally. Instead of simply getting the right answer, students learn to evaluate the soundness of proposed solutions and to apply mathematical reasoning to real-world models. Calculus helps scientists, engineers, and financial analysts understand the complex relationships behind real-world phenomena. The equivalent of an introductory college-level calculus course, AP Calculus AB prepares students for the AP exam and further studies in science, engineering, and mathematics. This course has been authorized by the College Board® to use the AP designation.
Course Title: Financial Literacy
Length: 1 semester
Description:
Financial Literacy helps students recognize and develop vital skills that connect life and career goals with personalized strategies and milestone-based action plans. Students explore concepts and work toward a mastery of personal finance skills, deepening their understanding of key ideas and extending their knowledge through a variety of problem-solving applications. Course topics include career planning; income, taxation, and budgeting; savings accounts, checking accounts, and electronic banking; interest, investments, and stocks; cash, debit, credit, and credit scores; insurance; and consumer advice on how to buy, rent, or lease a car or house.
Course Title: Algebra I-A
Length: 1 year
Description:
Algebra I-A and I-B provide an expanded, two-year course sequence designed for students who are not prepared for the academic challenges of the traditional one-year Algebra I curriculum. Focusing on review of pre-algebra skills and introductory algebra content, Algebra I-A allows students to deepen their understanding of real numbers in their various forms and then extend their knowledge to linear equations in one and two variables.
Course Title: Precalculus
Length: 1 year
Description:
Precalculus is a course that combines reviews of algebra, geometry, and functions into a preparatory course for calculus. The course focuses on the mastery of critical skills and exposure to new skills necessary for success in subsequent math courses. The first semester includes linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, radical, polynomial, and rational functions; systems of equations; and conic sections. The second semester covers trigonometric ratios and functions; inverse trigonometric functions; applications of trigonometry, including vectors and laws of cosine and sine; polar functions and notation; and arithmetic of complex numbers.
Course Title: Math II
Length: 1 year
Description:
Mathematics II extends students' geometric knowledge and introduces them to quadratic expressions, equations, and functions, exploring the relationship between these and their linear and exponential counterparts. Students learn through discovery and application, developing the skills they need to break down complex challenges and demonstrate their knowledge in new situations. Course topics include extending the number system, quadratic functions and modeling, expressions and equations, applications of probability, similarity, right-triangle trigonometry and proof; and circles with and without coordinates.
Course Title: Math 6
Length: 1 year
Description:
Math 6 delivers instruction, practice, and review designed to develop computational fluency, deepen conceptual understanding, and apply mathematical practices. Course topics include ratios and rates, fraction and decimal operations, and signed numbers. Students continue to build their algebra skills by plotting points in all four quadrants of the coordinate plane and solving equations and inequalities. Geometry topics include area, surface area, and volume, and statistical work features measures of center and variability, box plots, dot plots, and histograms. The two-semester course is arranged in themed units, each with three to five lessons. Each lesson includes a variety of activities such as direct instruction, application of skills, performance tasks, and formative and summative assessments. Students engage with the subject matter in an interactive, feedback-rich environment as they progress through standards-aligned content and demonstrate their learning through computer- and teacher-scored assignments. By constantly honing the ability to apply their knowledge in abstract and real-world scenarios, students build the depth of knowledge and higher-order skills required to demonstrate their mastery when put to the test.
Science Courses
Course Title: Math Foundations I
Length: 1 year
Description:
Math Foundations I empowers students to progress at their optimum pace through over 80 semester hours of interactive instruction and assessment spanning 3rd- to 5th-grade math skills. Carefully paced, guided instruction is accompanied by interactive practice that is engaging and accessible. Formative assessments help students to understand areas of weakness and improve performance, while summative assessments chart progress and skill development. Early in the course, students develop general strategies for honing their problem-solving skills. Subsequent units provide a problem-solving strand that asks students to practice applying specific math skills to a variety of real-world contexts.
Course Title: Algebra II
Length: 1 year
Description:
Algebra II introduces students to advanced functions, with a focus on developing a strong conceptual grasp of the expressions that define them. Students learn through discovery and application, developing the skills they need to break down complex challenges and demonstrate their knowledge in new situations. Course topics include quadratic equations; polynomial functions, rational expressions and equations, radical expressions and equations, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric identities and functions, modeling with functions, probability and inferential statistics, probability distributions, and sample distributions and confidence intervals.
Elective Courses
Course Title: AP English Literature & Composition
Length: 1 year
Description:
AP English Literature and Composition immerses students in novels, plays, poems, and short stories from various periods. Students will read and write daily, using a variety of multimedia and interactive activities, interpretive writing assignments, and class discussions to assess and improve their skills and knowledge. The course places special emphasis on reading comprehension, structural and critical analysis of written works, literary vocabulary, and recognizing and understanding literary devices. The equivalent of an introductory college-level survey class, this course prepares students for the AP exam and for further study in creative writing, communications, journalism, literature, and composition. This course has been authorized by the College Board® to use the AP designation.
Course Title: Reading Skills & Strategies
Length: 1 semester
Description:
Reading Skills and Strategies is a course designed to help the struggling reader develop mastery in the areas of reading comprehension, vocabulary building, study skills, and media literacy, which are the course's primary content strands. Using these strands, the course guides the student through the skills necessary to be successful in the academic world and beyond. The reading comprehension strand focuses on introducing the student to the varied purposes of reading (e.g., for entertainment, for information, to complete a task, or to analyze). In the vocabulary strand, the student learns specific strategies for understanding and remembering new vocabulary. In the study skills strand, the student learns effective study and test-taking strategies. In the media literacy strand, the student learns to recognize and evaluate persuasive techniques, purposes, design choices, and effects of media. The course encourages personal enjoyment in reading with 10 interviews featuring the book choices and reading adventures of students and members of the community.
World Languages Courses
Course Title: Creative Writing
Length: 1 semester
Description:
Creative Writing is an English elective course that focuses on the exploration of short fiction and poetry, culminating in a written portfolio that includes one revised short story and three to five polished poems. Students draft, revise, and polish fiction and poetry through writing exercises, developing familiarity with literary terms and facility with the writing process as they study elements of creative writing. Elements of fiction writing explored in this course include attention to specific detail, observation, character development, setting, plot, and point of view. In the poetry units, students learn about the use of sensory details and imagery, figurative language, and sound devices including rhyme, rhythm and alliteration. They also explore poetic forms ranging from found poems and slam poetry to traditional sonnets and villanelles. In addition to applying literary craft elements in guided creative writing exercises, students engage in critical reading activities designed to emphasize the writing craft of a diverse group of authors. Students study short stories by authors such as Bharati Mukherjee and Edgar Allan Poe, learning how to create believable characters and develop setting and plot. Likewise, students read poetry by canonical greats such as W. B. Yeats and Emily Dickinson as well as contemporary writers such as Pablo Neruda, Sherman Alexie, and Alice Notley. Studying the writing technique of a range of authors provides students with models and inspiration as they develop their own voices and refine their understanding of the literary craft.
Course Title: English 9
Length: 1 year
Description:
The English 9 course is an overview of exemplar selections of literature in fiction and nonfiction genres. Students read short stories, poems, a full-length novel, and a full-length Shakespeare play, analyzing the use of elements of literature in developing character, plot, and theme. For example, in selected stories, students compare the effect of setting on tone and character development. Likewise, in the poetry unit, students analyze how artists and writers draw from and interpret source material. Each unit includes informational texts inviting students to consider the historical, social, and literary context of the main texts they study. For example, in the first semester, a Nikolai Gogol story that is offered as an exemplar of magical realism is accompanied by instruction on that genre. Together, the lesson content and reading prompt students to demonstrate their understanding of magical realism by analyzing its qualities in a literary text. Throughout the course, students respond to others' claims and support their own claims in essays, discussions, and presentations, consistently using thorough textual evidence. The range of texts includes canonical authors such as William Shakespeare, Franz Kafka, and Elie Wiesel, as well as writers from diverse backgrounds, such as Alice Walker, Li-Young Lee, and Robert Lake-Thom (Medicine Grizzlybear).
Course Title: Public Safety
Length: 2 year
Description:
* Principles of Public Service: To Serve & Protect, * Careers in Criminal Justice Forensic Science: Science of Crime National Security
Course Title: Emergency Response
Length: 2 year
Description:
* Principles of Public Service: To Serve & Protect Emergency Medical Responder 1a: Introduction *Summer 2020 release Emergency Medical Responder 1b (Late fall 2020 release) Internship & Employability (Summer 2020 release)
Grade Level:
Kindergarten
Language Arts A&B:
This Kindergarten Language Arts course will teach students to identify and write all letters, produce letter sounds and also frequently used phonograms. Students will also master weekly sight words and reading and comprehension strategies to grow as readers. All Common Core K LA standards are met in this course.
Science A&B:
Semester A
In Kindergarten Science, students in this course will use their senses to explore their world. Students experience nature walks, gardening, and imitative games by exploring varying concepts.
Semester B
Students in this course will continue using their senses to explore their world. Students experience nature walks, gardening, and imitative games by exploring varying concepts.
Social Studies A&B:
Semester A
This course introduces students to their place in the community and the responsibilities of being a member of society. Great figures of U.S. history such as Pocahontas, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln are a focus of learning in this semester.
Students will also learn about everyday heroes, the responsibilities of pet ownership, the importance of rules, table manners, and eating well.
A skill that students will practice throughout the semester is retelling stories. Students may do this by recording audio, retelling the stories orally, or writing their observations. They will learn how to use details and basics of narratives.
Projects will help students think about what pets need and defining emotions.
Semester B
In the second semester students are introduced to map reading skills. They will be taught to read maps of the U.S. and the world. From learning about location to how water is represented to floor plans, students are introduced to map skills that will last a lifetime.
Students will also learn about symbols of the U.S. such as the American flag and the eagle. From there students learn about holidays with a particular focus on Thanksgiving.
Another focus is on currency. They will be introduced to what money is, how money can be spent, the power of buying locally, and the difference between wants and needs.
Projects will include a piece on distinguishing facts from fiction, buying locally, and focusing on the differences between needs and wants.
Math A&B:
Semester A
During the first semester students will learn foundational math facts. They will learn to count to 12, how to compare sizes, ordinal numbers putting items in order, what a number line is and its uses, basic measurements such as inches and feet, and how to tell time on digital and analog clocks.
Students will have many opportunities to practice these new concepts by interacting with online confirmation exercises and filling out worksheets off line.
A special emphasis this semester is for students to have fun with numbers, finding success with concepts such as bigger and smaller and being comfortable in an online environment.
Semester B
Students learn to count to twenty. They work with comparing objects using the terms tall, longer, and shorter as well as comparing two objects using the terms lighter and heavier. They will continue their exploration of basic geometric shapes such as cones and spheres. The will work with the concept of first, middle, and last.
Arranging and sorting receive special emphasis this semester. Students will also work on writing numbers with 3, 4, and 5 given special attention. Students will learn the concepts of left and right. Coins are also a focus as students will count pennies, nickels and dimes. Finally, the number 7 is studied using the colors of the rainbow.
Projects include making paper fingers and thumbs and creating designs with them. They will also make the numbers 1-10 out of dough.
Grade Level:
1st Grade
Language Arts A&B:
This First Grade Language Arts course will teach students to identify and write all letters, produce letter sounds and also frequently used phonograms. Students will also master weekly sight words and reading and comprehension strategies to grow as readers. All Common Core 1 LA standards are met in this course.
Science A&B:
Semester A
In First Grade Science, students in this course will complete projects that are designed to allow for exploration and discovery. Students observe their surroundings and through observations of the natural world conduct inquiries into topics related to their healthy development.
Semester B
Students in this course will complete projects that are designed to allow for exploration and discovery. Students observe their surroundings and through observations of the natural world conduct inquiries into topics related to their healthy development.
Social Studies A&B:
Semester A
In this semester, students begin to explore basic fundamentals of social studies including map skills, cardinal directions, and will begin to examine maps of the U.S. and the globe. Students will also be introduced to important figures from American history such as Pocahontas, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Clara Barton.
A skill that students will practice throughout the semester is retelling stories. Students may do this by recording audio, retelling the stories orally, or writing their observations. They will learn how to use details and basics of narratives.
Students will also make maps of their homes, neighborhoods, as well as a personal timeline.
Semester B
The second semester has a focus on introductory economics. They will study bartering, goods and services, jobs in the community, and how the marketplace works.
Another focus is on positive character traits such as honesty, what the aspects of personal responsibility are, and how to help and respect others.
Historic figures such as Clara Barton and characters from fiction and folklore are used as models for teaching positive traits.
Students will continue practicing there five finger retelling skill with assignments on Martin Alonso (a sailor with Columbus) and George Washington.
Projects will help students think about thoughtful words, showing respect, and being honest. Learners will write, draw, and perform in these projects.
Math A&B:
Semester A
During the first semester students will build fluency with basic math facts. They will learn to count to 100, basic addition and subtraction facts, and how to add double-digit numbers. Students will be introduced to such new concepts as word problems, Venn diagrams, and basic geometric concepts.
There is an emphasis on learning practical skills such as reading thermometers, looking at maps, and understanding the value of coins.
Students will have multiple opportunities to practice new skills and knowledge through using integrated online practice problems.
Semester B
During the second semester students will begin counting by twos, fives, and tens. They will learn both vertical addition and subtraction. Students are introduced to multiplication and division and the signs used in those operations. They will also study even and odd numbers.
Students continue their exploration of geometric shapes through drawing and apply what they learn about shapes by sorting various figures in Venn diagrams. They will also use a balance beam to understand the concept of weight – lighter versus heavier.
As in semester A, students will have multiple opportunities to practice new skills and knowledge through using integrated online practice problems.
Grade Level:
2nd Grade
Language Arts A&B:
The 2nd Grade Language Arts course will teach students to spell and write vocabulary, read more fluently, apply grammar concepts, and participate in handwriting and writing activities through thematic units. Students will also continue to master weekly sight words and reading and comprehension strategies to grow as readers. All Common Core 2 LA standards are met in this course.
Science A&B:
Semester A
Second Grade Science introduces students to the process of observation and how important it is to the study of science. Learners will identify their five senses and why they are critical to observation. Students will use these observation skills throughout the course as they examine many different types of animals and their environments. Students begin by observing ants in their own environments and continue onto learning the different types of birds. Students will come to understand plant and animal rhythms and will perform small experiments with plants. Stories will be used to teach the students about nature and interactions that humans have with nature. They will continue to learn about animals and their characteristics habitats, and needs. Students will learn through video, audio stories, hands-on participation and observation with nature. The teachers will conduct live assessments for the topics that had been covered throughout the week’s lessons. Grade 2 Science provides students with the opportunity to expand their minds and see for themselves the way that animals and nature are a part of their everyday lives.
Semester B
Semester B of Second Grade Science begins with the students learning the characteristics of the Weaverbird and Swiftlet bird. Learners will come to understand the different groupings of animals including those with vertebrates, invertebrates and warm and cold blooded animals, carnivores, herbivores and omnivores. Learners will be asked to recall the five senses that they discussed at the beginning of the course and compare them to the senses of animals. They will also learn how animals communicate and the relationship between animals and humans. The course ends with the students taking a closer look at the characteristics of reptiles, insects, birds of prey, and fish. At the close of the course students will have a deeper understanding and appreciation of animals and their habitats.
Social Studies A&B:
Semester A
In second grade, students in this course will begin to explore the basic fundamentals of social studies including culture, geography, and economics. Students will explore the Ancient Cultures of China, Africa, and the Celts. Students will explore these cultures through ancient folk tales and fables. Learners will create a photo book that describes the significant events in their own life. They will also examine the importance of geography and direction. Students will learn how to locate boundaries while using a world map. Students will identify the places that were discussed in the previous lessons including Africa, China, and the British Isles. They will develop a rudimentary understanding of map symbols as they locate continents, the equator, and oceans. Students will also learn to identify on a road map where they live, rivers, mountain ranges and lakes nearby their homes. Learners will follow a step-by-step approach for successfully completing each lesson, which includes storytelling, repetition, projects, arts and crafts, and videos.
Semester B
The second semester begins by introducing learners to economics and the role that money plays in every civilization. They will take a closer look at the economy of the Celtic people. Students learn the difference between natural, human, and capital resources. Learners will begin to understand the exchange of money for goods and services. They will gain a basic understanding of what scarcity is and why it is good that we do not always get everything that we want. Students will understand these concepts by drawing upon their understanding of the desires/wishes in their own lives. Students will also learn about desirable human qualities through the use of fables such as “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.” Learners will look at individuals who have made a difference in the greater community. Students will learn about Rosa Parks and Susan B. Anthony through short stories. The end of the course asks learners to examine the diversity of the community they live in. They will be asked to recognize the different types of people around them. Students should gain an appreciation for the differences around them and how having respect for others and being honest will contribute to society as a whole. Learners will follow a step-by-step approach for successfully completing each lesson, which includes storytelling, repetition, projects, arts and crafts, and videos.
Math A&B:
Semester A
During the first semester students will build fluency with basic math facts and add and subtract within 100 to solve word problems using strategic methods. Students will also manipulate numbers to 1000 using knowledge of hundreds, tens, and ones. Lastly, students with demonstrate arrays with repeated addition.
Semester B
During the second semester students will use place value to add and subtract within 1000. They will use place value to estimate and solve word problems to demonstrate skills. Students will measure and compare length and represent it on a number line. They will work with money and time to compare value. Students will collect data and represented on graphs to discuss it. Lastly, they will recognize common 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional shapes by specific characteristics.
Grade Level:
3rd Grade
Language Arts A&B:
This Third Grade Language Arts course will teach students to reading comprehension skill and strategies to help them become stronger readers. Students will also master weekly spelling and vocabulary words and grammar concepts that will help them become stronger writers. All Common Core Third Grade LA standards are met in this course.
Science A&B:
Semester A
Third grade science introduces students to experimentation as they journey through the earth and its many miracles. They will begin by learning about the earth, the sun and the moon. By participating in simple experiments students will explore the water cycle, gravity, the weather and it’s patterns, various types of terrain, and the role of plants in the production of oxygen and their importance to human survival. Learners will expand their knowledge through video, pictures, short readings, projects, and hands on experiments. Learners will understand that experiments require the use of instruments, observation, recording, and drawing evidence based conclusions. Grade 3 science provides students with the opportunity to expand their minds and see for themselves the way that science is a part of their everyday lives.
Semester B
Semester B of third grade science begins with the students writing a poem about the seasonal cycles. The learners continue with root formation, the interdependence of plants and humans, biomes of land and sea, extreme weather, rocks, vertebrates and invertebrates, as well as extinction. All of these lessons are taught using video, projects, and experimentation. Semester B asks learners to look a bit deeper into things they encounter such as the ocean and weather.
Social Studies A&B:
Semester A
In third grade, social studies students will begin to explore the basic fundamentals of social studies including geography, civics, and economics. Learners will begin by looking at the beginning of civilization and examining the ancient Hebrew civilization, the Phoenicians, and the Kush tribe of ancient Africa. They will then move on to examining the Native American tribes of the Cherokee, Sioux, and Hopi. Students will also look at the first explorers of the Americas and learn about the beginning of the United States. In the first semester students will learn important geographical factors in the ancient civilizations, Native American tribes and in the developing United States. Students will increase their skills by creating maps and looking at the landscapes. They will take a close look at their own personal heritage by mapping their ancestry. Learners will follow a step-by-step approach for successfully completing each lesson, which includes storytelling, repetition, projects, arts and crafts, and videos.
Semester B
The second semester begins with introducing learners to economics and the role that money plays in every civilization. Students learn the difference between natural, human, and capital resources. They also examine the production of goods, trade, specialization, and interdependence, and come to understand the importance that each individual plays in a society’s economy. Learners are introduced to Civics by discussing the governmental structure of the Ancient Hebrews and Phoenicians. The purpose and importance of laws and how they are enacted as well as the establishment of government are shown through stories of the Ancient Phoenicians and Native Americans. The course ends by discussing the purpose and nature of government as it relates to the United States.
Math A&B:
Semester A
During the first semester, students will build flexibility with numbers as they master addition and subtraction facts as well as multiplication and division facts. Students will understand relationships between addition and subtraction, multiplication and addition and multiplication and division as they learn to borrow, carry, and regroup in order to find sums and differences of two whole numbers up to 10,000. Students will also comprehend the place value of base ten numbers up to 1,000,000 in order to find patterns and make estimations. Lastly, they will implement a 4-step approach to solving problems and express numbers differently including translating them into Roman Numerals or expressing them as ordinal numbers.
Semester B
During the second semester, students will explore concepts of measurement including linear measurement, weight, volume, temperature, and time. They will also recognize, compare, and convert fractions. Students will write amounts of money and make change using as few coins as possible. Lastly, students will examine lines, polygons, and solid figures as they are introduced to basic concepts of geometry.
Grade Level:
4th Grade
Language Arts A&B:
Semester A
The 4th grade Language Arts curriculum integrates reading, writing, speaking, listening, and the study of vocabulary and grammar in a way that engages today’s learners and supports them in building a broad and diverse set of literacy skills. Students study classic literature as well as more contemporary forms, including media and multimedia products. Writing assignments in semester A focus on narrative and persuasive modes and emphasize the use of reasoning and details to support opinions. Each writing assignment spans several lessons and guides students through a writing process that begins with prewriting and ends by emphasizing one or more aspects of conventions of standard written English. Students also learn how to participate in collaborative discussion and peer review sessions. In each lesson, engaging and relevant models and step-by-step instruction guide students toward mastery and appreciation of 21st century communication in all its forms and functions.
Semester B
Like semester A, semester B provides an integrated curriculum. Whereas the first semester focuses on skills needed to read fiction and other literary prose, semester B teaches specific skills for reading poetry, drama, informational text. In the second semester of the course, students learn how informational text differs from literary text and how different forms of information text differ from each other. Writing assignments emphasize expository writing and guide students through research projects. Near the end of the semester, students learn how to present information orally and using multimedia.
Science A&B:
Semester A
Grade 4 Science includes the three main domains of science which are physical, life, and earth and space science. Learners will use various kinds of experimenting, including field studies, systematic observations, models, and controlled experiences. The course begins with the explanation of the scientific method which the students continue to use and build upon throughout the course. The big picture of the earth is examined as students review the life on planet earth, salt and fresh water, and fast and slow changes that occur on the planet. Students go beyond planet earth, though, as they study galaxies, the solar system and other planets. Students examine the ways that forces and motion can be measured and the concept that a single kind of matter can exist as a solid, liquid or gas. Grade 4 science uses many modes of instruction including video presentations, enrichment activities, and hands-on experimentation.
Semester B
Semester B of Grade 4 Science focuses on the relationship between heat, light, sound, and electrical energy and the way they can be transferred between each other. Learners distinguish between natural objects and objects made by humans as they examine technology and the role it plays in science. Students also look at life cycles of animals, plants, and humans and how they interact with each other. The course ends by looking at the ways that humans interact with the environment. Students will use research skills, watch videos, and get their hands dirty as they complete projects that require them to dig through dirt and trash in order to learn broader lessons that have to do with helping the environment.
Social Studies A&B:
Semester A
In grade 4 Social Studies learners will use their understanding of social studies skills to explore their local states and communities. They will begin the course by learning the topography of their particular area. Students will do this by creating a detailed landscape model. This project will be hands-on and require students to do research of their communities. Learners will also research local animals and gain an understanding of local Native American ground in their part of the country. This course walks students through the research and report writing steps that will be vital to their continuation of social studies. They will continue to focus on their individual states as they do projects based on local geography, state capitols, as well as nearby natural wonders and landforms. The semester concludes with an introduction to Colonial history. The course uses video, enrichment activities, and project-based learning to enhance the student’s social studies skills.
Semester B
Semester B of grade 4 Social Studies picks up where semester A left off by looking further into frontier life of the early American settlers. Students examine the difficulties that early settlers faced when reaching America. They apply knowledge of historical thinking, chronology, turning points, individuals, and themes of local and Unites States history in order to understand how history has shaped the present and will shape the future. They will continue the focus of local history by doing research projects on settlers from their particular states and on how their state became a part of the Union. The transition from the pony express to the transcontinental railroad is a major theme that shows how quickly the United States developed. Students end by creating a time capsule that demonstrates what was important to early settlers from their particular states.
Math A&B:
Semester A
Grade 4 math uses a varied amount of instructional material to reinforce and teach new math skills to the 4th grade learners. Instruction includes creative videos, mathematical storytelling, practical math applications and repetition to reinforce skills throughout the course. Three areas are focused on and students will finish the course with a strong knowledge in these content areas. The first is developing an understanding and fluency with multi-digit multiplication, and developing the understanding of dividing to find quotients involving multi-digit dividends. The second is developing an understanding of fraction equivalence, addition and subtraction of fractions with like denominators, and multiplication of fractions with whole numbers. The third will be addressed in semester B.
Semester B
Semester B of grade 4 math has learners continuing to work with fractions. They will learn to multiply fractions and convert them to decimals. Students will also begin to learn to equivalent measurements of length, weight, mass, and capacity. They will also learn helpful skills in understanding time, distance, and money. Students will develop an understanding that geometric figures can be analyzed and classified based on their properties, such as having parallel sides, perpendicular sides, particular angle measures, and symmetry. Lessons on rectangles, line plots, angles, figure drawing, polygons, and symmetry will be taught. Semester B continues to use varied forms of instruction that allow students to learn these skills in a practical manner.
Grade Level:
5th Grade
Language Arts A&B:
Semester A
The 5th grade Language Arts curriculum integrates reading, writing, speaking, listening, and the study of vocabulary and grammar in a way that engages today’s learners and supports them in building a broad and diverse set of literacy skills. Students study classic literature as well as more contemporary forms, including media and multimedia products. Writing assignments in semester A focus on narrative and persuasive modes and emphasize the use of reasoning and details to support opinions. Each writing assignment spans several lessons and guides students through a writing process that begins with prewriting and ends by emphasizing one or more aspects of conventions of standard written English. Students also learn how to participate in collaborative discussion and peer review sessions. In each lesson, engaging and relevant models and step-by-step instruction guide students toward mastery and appreciation of 21st century communication in all its forms and functions.
Semester B
Like semester A, semester B provides an integrated curriculum. Whereas the first semester focuses on skills needed to literary text, semester B focuses on skills for reading and analyzing informational text. In the second semester of the course, students learn how informational text differs from literary text and how different forms of information text differ from each other. Writing assignments emphasize expository writing and guide students through research projects. Near the end of the semester, students learn how to present information orally and using multimedia.
Science A&B:
Semester A
Grade 5 Science continues to build on the science skills that have been obtained in years previous. There will be an emphasis on earth and space science, life science, and physical science. Students will begin the course by focusing on earth and space science by looking at the solar system and planets. Students will come to an understanding of the concept of the earth as a sphere and the earth’s place in the solar system. The course continues with a focus on physical science and the different tools that can measure force, time, and distance. They will also grow in their understanding of how light and sound travel and interact with each other as well as the different types of energy. The semester concludes with a look into life science and the ways that organisms are interconnected. Instruction will include real life application, hands-on projects and assessments, and video and short research projects.
Semester B
Semester B puts great emphasis on life science and begins by focusing on the many ecosystems of the earth and the way that all parts of ecosystems depend on each other. Students will learn the different types of ecosystems that exist. They will learn that ecosystems change and how the changes affect their ability to support their populations. Learners will examine plants; that they have different structures and how those structures allow them to respond to different needs. Students will also grow in their understanding of the importance of good nutrition to all living organisms. The course concludes with a look into the scientific process and the importance of investigations and conclusions in the study of science. Instruction will include real life application, hands-on projects and assessments, and video and short research projects.
Social Studies A&B:
Semester A
Grade 5 Social Studies combines the study of United States History through the Civil War with a geographical exploration of the Unites States and what it has to offer. Students will use their understanding of social studies skills and concepts as they study the development of the United States. The first semester begins with early settlements of North America and allows learners to take an in-depth look into what life was like for colonists and Native Americans. Students will come to understand the causes of the Revolutionary War and the people that played a significant role in it. The semester ends with students examining the new nation and what life was like for European immigrants and those on the frontier. Students will learn through the use of video, journaling, and varied types of creative instruction.
Semester B
Semester B begins with an exploration of the west and what life was like for those looking to find gold. Learners will then look at slavery and what lead to the Civil War. The course then takes a departure from American history and takes a more in-depth look into cultures, people, and the geography of the United States from past to present. Learners will have the opportunity to explore the country region by region and come to appreciate all that it has to offer. Students will conclude the course by planning and describing a trip they would like to take to a particular place within the 50 United States. Students will take a hands-on approach as they get to know the geography, climate and culture of their country. Video, creative projects involving technology, journaling, and varied assessments will be used throughout the course.
Math A&B:
Semester A
Students will learn math topics outlined in this course drawing from a variety of sources, including hands-on activities, interactive lessons, and practical math applications. Students will focus on several critical areas including but not limited to developing fluency with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of fractions. They will also learn to extend division to 2-digit divisors, integrate decimal fractions into the place value system, and increase an understanding of operations with decimals to hundredths. They will develop a fluency with whole numbers and decimal operations. The semester begins with operations and expressions, moves into decimals and money, and ends with more work on fractions. Learners will gain valuable skills as they carry out activities that model real life situations like grocery shopping throughout the semester.
Semester B
Semester B begins with students continuing to work with fractions. The first lesson focuses on ratios and challenges students to solve word problems using fractions and ratios in practical life situations. Learners continue to strengthen their math skills by studying mixed and fraction products, and fraction application, models, and division. The third critical area that students will focus on in Grade 5 Math is volume. Students will receive lessons in measurement of length, weight, and volume. They will end the course with a focus on geometry. Varied types of instruction are used to enhance their learning, including video and real life applications, activities, and creative projects.
Course Title: Art Level 1
Length: 1 semester
Course Description:
The importance of fine arts is a benefit, not just to the older student and population, but is a necessary area of development for the young student who will benefit with it in all areas of education. Art provides an opportunity for children to develop the use of their senses directly and encourages the student to further develop what they already know as a source of knowledge and creativity. It is important for the student to make a connection between the verbal and visual; logic and emotions; imagination and reality. Art offers the student an opportunity to express feelings and emotions in their drawings and with color. The fine art program promotes self-esteem and self-awareness as it enhances personal fulfillment. Children have a wonderful imagination that, if encouraged, will be needed though out their life. This program provides an opportunity for self-discipline through instruction and cooperation while providing the student with an opportunity for self-expression by using imaginative thinking for creative solutions. Again, this is a necessity in lifetime experiences. The student will see the artistic expressions and inventions from cultures around the world that are part of the history of mankind and development. Modern media provides many opportunities to the student. However, the student has the benefit to experience it more closely in art classes. Repetition, important for young children, is evident in these lessons. Repetition is provided at different age levels while using various tools and mediums. Home, family and friends, pets, and toys are the young student’s world. The student will begin with their personal world as they think they know it, and discover so much more about it. These lessons provide a deeper awareness of the world immediately around them, and eventually their journey will grow from there. Each student is an individual with unique ideas and talents. Our goal is to provide each student an opportunity for personal growth for themselves and the world in which we live.
Course Title: Art Level 2
Length: 1 semester
Course Description:
fThe importance of fine arts is a benefit, not just to the older student and population, but is a necessary area of development for the young student who will benefit with it in all areas of education. Art provides an opportunity for children to develop the use of their senses directly and encourages the student to further develop what they already know as a source of knowledge and creativity.
It is important for the student to make a connection between the verbal and visual; logic and emotions; imagination and reality. Art offers the student an opportunity to express feelings and emotions in their drawings and with color. The fine art program promotes self-esteem and self-awareness as it enhances personal fulfillment. Children have a wonderful imagination that, if encouraged, will be needed though out their life. This program provides an opportunity for self-discipline through instruction and cooperation while providing the student with an opportunity for self-expression by using imaginative thinking for creative solutions. Again, this is a necessity in lifetime experiences.
The student will see the artistic expressions and inventions from cultures around the world that are part of the history of mankind and development. Modern media provides many opportunities to the student. However, the student has the benefit to experience it more closely in art classes.
Repetition, important for young children, is evident in these lessons. Repetition is provided at different age levels while using various tools and mediums.
Home, family and friends, pets, and toys are the young student’s world. The student will begin with their personal world as they think they know it, and discover so much more about it. These lessons provide a deeper awareness of the world immediately around them, and eventually their journey will grow from there.
Each student is an individual with unique ideas and talents. Our goal is to provide each student an opportunity for personal growth for themselves and the world in which we live.
Course Title: Art Level 4
Length: 1 semester
Course Description:
The Art program provides an opportunity for children to develop the use of their senses directly and encourages the student to further develop their personal source of knowledge and creativity. Art offers the student the opportunity to experience a connection between the verbal and visual; logic and emotions; imagination and reality. The student is guided and encouraged to express feelings and emotions in their drawings and with color while promoting self-esteem and self-awareness in personal fulfillment. The imagination in children is encouraged in art. However, it will assist them in their other studies as well. This program provides an opportunity for self-discipline through instruction and cooperation while providing the student with an opportunity for self-expression by using imaginative thinking for creative solutions. The student is introduced to some of the artistic expressions and techniques from cultures around the world. Modern technology provides opportunities for the student to observe this history. The art student will use some of these elements themselves in their own artwork. Repetition, important for children, is provided at different age levels while using various tools and mediums. Home, family, traditions, friends, pets, and toys are the young student’s world. The student will explore what they know of their world. These lessons provide a deeper awareness of the world immediately around them where their journey is just beginning. As an individual each student is gifted with unique talents and ideas. Our goal is to provide each student an opportunity for personal growth for themselves and the world in which they live.
Course Title: Grade 1 Arts & Crafts
Length: 1 year
Course Description:
Semester A
This course provides a foundation for children’s’ inherent artistic imagination and creativity by sharing the basics of art and making art. Students are introduced to primary colors, the color wheel, shapes such as lines and circles, and concepts such as symmetry.
Young artists will also explore a variety of media such as pastels, watercolors, crayons , tempera, and pencil drawing.
A particular emphasis on this course is on creating works of art. In this semester students will work create a watercolor tree, use a printing block, produce weather painting, and produce a watercolor painting.
Semester B
Emphasis in the second semester students will be placed on applying what the students have learned to make more detailed works of art.
In this semester students will be creating colorful calendars, stenciling, fashioning intricate flower drawings, revisiting symmetrical objects, and mixing colors.
This course will provide students with opportunities to experience many different forms of arts and to express their imagination while learning valuable skills. Each student is an individual with unique ideas and talents. Our goal is to provide each student an opportunity for personal growth for themselves and the world in which we live.
Course Title: Grade 2 Arts & Crafts
Length: 1 year
Course Description:
Semester A
Art provides an opportunity for children to develop the use of their senses directly and encourages the student to further develop what they already know as a source of knowledge and creativity. Art offers the student an opportunity to express feelings and emotions in their drawings and with color. Arts and Crafts promote self-esteem and self-awareness as it enhances personal fulfillment. Children have a wonderful imagination that, if encouraged, will be needed though out their life. This course provides an opportunity for self-discipline through instruction and cooperation while providing the student with an opportunity for self-expression by using imaginative thinking for creative solutions. Learners will begin the course by creating a color wheel and understanding the difference between primary, secondary, and complimentary colors. Learners will use watercolors to create a value chart and begin to understand symmetry in art. At the end of the semester students will work with clay and create a Memorial Clay.
Semester B
In semester B of Arts and Crafts, students will continue to explore their creativity while also learning ways that art can be functional and add to objects and materials that we use on an everyday basis. Students will begin the semester by creating a 12 month calendar. The students will focus on new month each week. They will also be able to pick a different clay project each week from The Book of Nature Crafts and/or Clay Fun. Once students have completed the calendar project they will begin to work on form drawing and make a seasonal chart using objects familiar with each of the four seasons. The course concludes with students working with wet crayons and wet paper. This course will provide students with opportunities to experience many different forms of arts and to express their imagination while learning valuable skills. Each student is an individual with unique ideas and talents. Our goal is to provide each student an opportunity for personal growth for themselves and the world in which we live.
Course Title: Music - Recorder - Level 1
Length: 1 semester
Course Description:
This course combines music and performing arts. Students will experience and learn new songs and perform them using their bodies. In addition, the student will begin learning how to play the recorder.
Course Title: Health K-1 A & B
Length: 1 year
Course Description:
Elementary Health K-1 helps young learners establish a basic understanding of the aspects of health. Students focus on the various aspects of their health and how they can make healthy choices. Topics of study include personal safety, healthy behaviors, nutrition, communication, disease prevention, basic anatomy and physiology, and values of cooperation and teamwork.
Course Title: Health 4-5 A & B
Length: 1 year
Course Description:
Elementary Health 4-5 helps young learners establish a basic understanding of the aspects of health. Students focus on the various aspects of their health and how they can make healthy choices. Topics of study include personal safety, reducing illness, avoiding bullying, nutrition, healthy friendships, emergency situations, and the human body. Fourth grade will study the functioning systems of the body. Fifth grade will be covering the reproductive system, puberty and STDs.
Course Title: 2-3 P.E. A & B
Length: 1 year
Course Description:
Elementary PE 2-3 helps young learners establish a basic understanding of health and fitness. Students focus on health-related fitness and learn how to become more fit and healthy. Topics of study include warm-up and cool down, water safety, goal setting, nutrition, muscle strength and flexibility. In addition, students learn age-appropriate motor, non-locomotor, and manipulative skills. Students are required to participate in regular physical activity.
Course Title: 3rd-8th: Keyboarding
Length: 1 semester
Course Description:
The keyboarding course is appropriate for elementary and middle school students. The curriculum introduces new keys by rows where students first learn the middle row, then the top row and the bottom row of the keyboard. The content is designed with a strong focus on sight and high frequency words. This course assumes no keyboarding experience and will guide them through the keyboard.
Course Title: 3rd-8th: Scratch Coding
Length: 1 semester
Course Description:
Scratch is a program developed by MIT teaching students the basics on how computers think! This program will introduce students to real coding programs and allow them to drag and drop coding blocks creating a fully functional program. The simple user interface and tutorials allow students to quickly create and run their code to see its results! This course assumes no prior computer coding knowledge and includes self-graded multiple-choice tests and quizzes.
Course Title: 4-5 P.E. A & B
Length: 1 year
Elementary PE 4-5 helps young learners establish a basic understanding of health and fitness. Students focus on health-related fitness and learn how to become more fit and healthy. Topics of study include warm-up and cool down, water safety, goal setting, nutrition, muscle strength and flexibility. In addition, students learn age-appropriate motor, non-locomotor, and manipulative skills. Students are required to participate in regular physical activity.
Course Title: K-1 P.E. A & B
Length: 1 year
Course Description:
Elementary PE K-1 helps young learners establish a basic understanding of health and fitness. Students focus on health-related fitness and learn how to become more fit and healthy. Topics of study include exercise safety, making healthy choices, nutrition, the benefits, components, and principles of fitness, basic anatomy and physiology, and values of cooperation and teamwork. In addition, students learn age-appropriate motor, non-locomotor, and manipulative skills. Students are required to participate in regular physical activity.
Course Title: Health 2-3 A & B
Length: 1 year
Course Description:
Elementary Health 2-3 helps young learners establish a basic understanding of the aspects of health. Students focus on the various aspects of their health and how they can make healthy choices. Topics of study include personal safety, healthy behaviors, nutrition, disease prevention, conflict resolution, basic anatomy and physiology, and the values of respect and cooperation.
Course Title: Kindergarten Arts & Crafts
Length: 1 year
Course Description:
Semester A
This course provides a foundation for children’s inherent artistic imagination and creativity by sharing the basics of art and making art. Students are introduced to lines, circles, recognizing and using shapes, creating a collage and concepts such as symmetry.
Young artists will also explore a variety of media such as pastels, watercolors, crayons, tempera, and pencil drawing.
A particular emphasis on this course is on creating works of art. In this semester students will work with clay, draw with pastels, make fingerprint flowers, draw barns and animals using shapes and recognizing lines using the student’s name.
Semester B
Emphasis in the second semester students will be placed on applying what the students have learned to make more detailed works of art.
Among the projects this semester students will be creating a bird feeder, make pig puppets, craft paper flowers, make potpourri, craft a heart collage, construct a wind chime, and press flowers.
Course Title: Art Level 3
Length: 1 semester
Course Description:
The Art program provides an opportunity for children to develop the use of their senses directly and encourages the student to further develop their personal source of knowledge and creativity. Art offers the student the opportunity to experience a connection between the verbal and visual; logic and emotions; imagination and reality. The student is guided and encouraged to express feelings and emotions in their drawings and with color while promoting self-esteem and self-awareness in personal fulfillment. The imagination in children is encouraged in art. However, it will assist them in their other studies as well. This program provides an opportunity for self-discipline through instruction and cooperation while providing the student with an opportunity for self-expression by using imaginative thinking for creative solutions. The student is introduced to some of the artistic expressions and techniques from cultures around the world. Modern technology provides opportunities for the student to observe this history. The art student will use some of these elements themselves in their own artwork. Repetition, important for children, is provided at different age levels while using various tools and mediums. Home, family, traditions, friends, pets, and toys are the young student’s world. The student will explore what they know of their world. These lessons provide a deeper awareness of the world immediately around them where their journey is just beginning. As an individual each student is gifted with unique talents and ideas. Our goal is to provide each student an opportunity for personal growth for themselves and the world in which they live.
Elementary Core Course Descriptions
Course Title: Legal Practices
Length: 2 year
Description:
Careers in Criminal Justice (Part A) Careers in Criminal Justice (Part B) Law & Order: Introduction to Legal Services Internship & Employability