Curriculum

 

Course Description:

Management is the process of deciding how best to use a business's resources to produce goods or services. This course is intended for students who are planning to pursue a business career and advanced program of study. Students will experience a rigorous student and learning experience using technology that integrates various academic disciplines to develop system thinking skills.

 

Course Description:

This course introduces students to 21st Century technology applications needed to be successful in society. Students will learn various Google applications as needed in a technology advancing society.  The course is designed for students to use proper keyboarding techniques while gaining knowledge in word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation applications with a focus on appropriate internet while incorporating strong communication and language skills needed in all careers. 

 

Course Description:

In Grade 7, students will continue to develop the ability to cite relevant evidence when interpreting or analyzing a text or supporting their points in speaking and writing. Students will also build academic vocabulary as they read more complex texts, including stories, plays, historical novels, poems, and informational books and articles. Throughout the year, students will focus on key ideas and details, craft and structure, and integration of knowledge and ideas. After reading the text closely, they will demonstrate their comprehension in oral and written responses to critical thinking questions. Although units are divided into specific skills, overall meaning and textual evidence to support that meaning are ongoing skills carried throughout each unit.

 

Course Description:

In Grade 8, students will read major works of fiction and nonfiction from all over the world and from different time periods. They will continue to learn how to understand what they read and evaluate an author's assumptions and claims. They will also conduct research that will require the analysis of resources and accurate interpretation of literary and informational text. Throughout the year, students will focus on key ideas and details, craft and structure, and integration of knowledge and ideas. After reading the text closely, they will demonstrate their comprehension in oral and written responses to critical thinking questions.

 

Course Description:

This course focuses first on developing and refining the skills necessary to write well for a variety of purposes and audiences. Non-fiction essays provide the focal point for developing good writing skills. The class also introduces freshmen to the characteristics of poetry, drama, nonfiction, the novel, and the short story. Students' writing experiences include journals, responses to literature, and narrative, expository, and persuasive essays.

 

Course Description:

American Literature offers students an in-depth study of American literature from post-Civil War to contemporary American literature. Students will examine a range of genres: novels, poetry, short stories, and plays. Texts have been selected on the basis of how they are “American” texts and how they address the notion and pursuit of the “American Dream”. Students’ writing experiences include journals, personal reaction papers, literary analyses, and persuasive papers.

 

Course Description:

The purpose of this introductory college level course is to help students learn to read analytically and write effectively. The course, which is organized according to the curricular requirements for AP English Language and Composition will require students to read a variety of nonfiction prose from various cultures and time periods in order to analyze the author's intent and effectiveness. They will then be asked to write their own pieces (narrative, expository, analytical and argumentative essays) through multiple drafts using the rhetorical techniques most suited for their purpose. Students will also learn to analyze graphics and visual images and how they relate to texts or act as their own texts. Students will analyze their own writing and speaking to determine its effectiveness within various contexts.

 

Course Description:

Students in this Advanced Placement Literature course will read extensively, think critically about what they have read, write well organized, coherent essays and be prepared to discuss ideas analytically. This course combines the senior British literature requirement with selected pieces of contemporary literature. The close reading of these texts is designed to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the power and beauty of language and to comply with the curricular requirements described in the A.P. English Course Description.

 

Course Description:

This course is designed to prepare students for the academic rigor of college courses. Students will strengthen their critical reading and writing skills that are required across the disciplines. Students will focus on the understanding of, reporting on, reacting to, and analyzing the ideas of others. Texts will serve as models and sources for students to refine their skills in exposition, interpretation, and argumentation. Students will read texts critically, write thesis-based essays, and use reflection as a bridge to academic self-improvement. Students will read a variety of fictional and nonfictional texts. They will write papers and present their findings through class seminars and formal presentations.

 

Course Description:  

Through both reading and writing, students study the craft and process of writing. In a workshop setting, students compose short stories, poetry, plays, and narrative essays as they create personal portfolios. As a culminating project, students will submit their completed portfolios which will reflect their growth as writers and thinkers.

 

Course Description:

In this workshop setting, students will study aspects of public speaking: the compositions of speeches, the rhetorical situation, and effective delivery techniques. They will be taught organizational strategies to apply when writing autobiographical, informational, instructional, and argumentative pieces. To provide the foundation for these speeches, students will research information using print and electronic sources. Students will read and analyze effective speeches in a multitude of genres. In addition, students will write, revise, and deliver many speeches while using mentor texts as a guide.

Course Description:

This program seeks to develop the skills of French in listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Emphasis is placed on oral language development, vocabulary building, text-based comprehension, survival language skills, and grammar.

 

Course Description:

Students will use the language in oral and written communication to express their opinions on everyday topics such as school and family life, foods, and clothing. Reading and listening activities will be designed and used to enable students to function in authentic situations. In addition, students will be introduced to the culture of France.

 

Course Description:

The development of oral comprehension with a focus on the four language skills-listening, speaking, reading, and writing-continues with a systematic review of Beginner French. Emphasis is then placed on the acquisition of new grammatical structures which are practiced in reading, writing, and speaking activities. Relating information in present, past, and future tense is also practiced. The cultural components continue to serve as themes in lessons.

 

Course Description:

Students expand grammar, vocabulary and listening comprehension with an emphasis on relating information, ideas, feelings and opinions. Writing practice reinforces skills and expression. Additional verb tenses are practiced. Cultural awareness continues to be integrated into lessons.

 

Course Description:

French Advanced provides the opportunity to extend the skills of French 3. Much time is devoted to writing with major emphasis on reading, listening, and speaking skills. Reading material stresses and encourages awareness of cultural and human values. Literary studies are attempted, when skills are far enough advanced to make a study rewarding. 

Course Description

This introductory course is designed to develop novice speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills while introducing students to the culture of the Spanish-speaking world. Emphasis is placed on mastering high-frequency grammar,  structures, and vocabulary required for everyday communication. 

 

Course Description:

This first year course is designed to develop novice speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills while introducing students to the cultural riches of the Spanish-speaking world. Emphasis is placed on mastering the fundamental grammar, structures, and vocabulary required for a variety of everyday communicative functions. 

 

Course Description:

Students will continue to work toward proficiency in all four language modalities – speaking, listening, reading and writing – in order to communicate effectively and with cultural understanding. Basic building blocks from our beginning course are practiced and reviewed and then expanded upon to include past and future tenses. The acquisition of new vocabulary is emphasized to advance communicative skills, while students continue to explore cultural aspects of the Spanish-speaking world. Students are expected to give oral presentations and write compositions.

 

Course Description:

Students will continue to develop and refine their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills and to explore the culture of the Spanish-speaking world. Conducted in Spanish, this course integrates language through a communicative approach. Students review and learn new forms of grammar and vocabulary which are applied to a variety of contexts. Structured communication gives way to more open-ended, student generated situations. 

 

Course Description: 

This fourth year course provides the opportunity for students to advance their interpretive, interpersonal, presentational and intercultural communication. Learners will be exposed to a variety of authentic materials such as music, news, tv shows, podcasts and literature. Through conversations, in-depth discussions and presentations, students address meaningful, real-world contexts to advance their speaking and listening skills. This course is conducted in Spanish.

 

Course Description:

The AP Spanish Language and Culture course is intended for students with proficient Spanish listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. The course is taught almost exclusively in the native language and is equivalent to a third-year university class with emphasis on conversation and composition. This course follows the core curriculum determined by the College Board. Students will receive intense practice in comprehending formal and informal spoken Spanish, composing expository passages, and expressing ideas orally with accuracy and fluency. Reading selections come from authentic Spanish literature and develop an expansive vocabulary. A major objective in this course is to prepare students for the rigorous Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture Examination in the spring of the school year.

 

HISTORY 

Course Description:

In this course students explore the interconnectedness of our world, examining geography, history, culture, economics, and government to foster global citizenship and critical thinking skills. Topics include the Tools of Geography, Citizenship & Civics, Inquiry, World Religions, Globalization, and Human-Environment interaction. 

 

Course Description:

In this course, students develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, research and analysis, self-direction, and communication, as we explore events in United States and World history. Students will examine the political, economic and social development of the mid-19th century to today's United States through the interpretation of primary and secondary sources, as well as utilizing technology effectively in order to learn and convey ideas. 

 

 

Course Description:

In World History, students will study a variety of cultural and historical developments that have impacted the world community beginning in the 1800s to the present day. Geographic areas of study will include: Western and Eastern Europe, Central and South America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. These regions will explore through critical analysis of primary resource materials and in collaborative discussions and debates. Through the creative utilization of technology, students will work independently and collaboratively to communicate historical thinking and complete performance assessments.

 

Course Description:

The study of United States History in the tenth grade is designed as a survey course framed to present academic content, concepts, and skills, and to foster the development of responsible citizens. The use of historical novels, primary source work, National History Day activities, as well as an emphasis on historical writing will ensure that students are propelled toward the development of higher-level thinking. This course will highlight root causes and interconnections of events throughout America's past. Historical analysis will underscore economic, social, and political dynamics of American history through the interaction of diverse groups, the creation of a national identity, the rise of social movements, and the growth of federal institutions. US History will provide a brief review of American history from 1492 to 1898, then focus on the significance of the 20th century. Major topics will include American Imperialism, the Progressive era, World War I, the 1920s, the Great Depression, World War II, foreign and domestic consequences of the Cold War, Civil Rights and other social movements, the turmoil of the 1960s, the political and economic fallout of the 1970s, the conservatism of the 1980s, and post-Cold War events that continue to shape our world today.

 

Course Description:  

Debate is the study of practical reasoning.  This class will develop skills in argument construction and analysis. Debate is the application of argumentative strategies in order to demonstrate differences in factual, evaluative, or policy positions. This class will develop debate skills while conducting multiple formal debates to explore these differences.  It is important that you recognize that every issue has multiple viewpoints and distinctive values.  You will be asked to adopt positions other than your own.  The final project will require you to present and defend an argument to the class.

 

Course Description:

AP Government & Politics is a one-year course that is content driven by the College Board, as students have the option of taking the Advanced Placement test in May. During the year, students will explore six units: 1. Constitutional Foundations 2. Political Theory and Beliefs 3. Parties, Interest Groups, and the Media 4. Government Institutions 5. Public Policy, and 6. Civil Rights and Liberties

 

Course Description:

AP United States History is a survey course covering American history from the pre-Columbian period to the present. The class is taught in accordance with the AP U.S. History curriculum framework and is designed to prepare students for the AP U.S. History national exam given in May of each academic year.

 

Course Description: 

AP Human Geography is an introductory college-level human geography course. Students cultivate their understanding of human geography through data and geographic analyses as they explore topics like patterns and spatial organization, human impacts and interactions with their environment, and spatial processes and societal changes.

 

Course Description:

In grade seven, students will further develop their understanding of rates and ratios, using tables, graphs, and equations to solve real-world problems involving proportional relationships. Students will also work on quickly and accurately solving multi-step problems involving positive and negative rational numbers. Additionally, students will expand their knowledge of geometry and apply the properties of operations to solve real world problems involving the measurement of multi-dimensional objects. Through exploration of this content, students will learn to apply problem-solving strategies and effectively communicate mathematical thinking.

 

Course Description:

In this course, students will take their understanding of unit rates and proportional relationships to a new level, connecting these concepts to points on a line and ultimately using them to solve linear equations that require them to apply algebraic reasoning as well as knowledge of the properties of operations. Students will also expand their understanding of numbers beyond rational numbers to include numbers that are irrational—meaning that they cannot be written as a simple fraction, such as the square root of 2 or √2. Through exploration of this content, students will learn to apply problem-solving strategies and effectively communicate mathematical thinking.

 

Course Description:

This course is a comprehensive Algebra 1 course. Topics include positive and negative numbers; dependent and independent variables in equations and formulas; fractions and fractional equations; special products and factoring; powers, roots and radicals; and solving and graphing equations, inequalities and systems of equations. It includes an introduction to quadratic equations, proportion and variation.

 

Course Description:

This course is designed to present a logical development, with emphasis on basic concepts and understanding of geometry. It deals with measurements and relationships of lines, angles, triangles, circles, polygons, solid figures, transformations and constructions with Euclidean tools. Although emphasis is placed on methods of proof, numerical problems are constantly used throughout the course.

 

Course Description:

This course is a study of functions and their applications. Topics covered will include operations with functions and their inverses, linear functions, systems of linear equations and inequalities. The course will focus on linear, quadratic, exponential, absolute value, polynomial, rational, and radical functions. This class will also cover basic statistics and probability, students will be able to interpret categorical and quantitative data, make inferences and justify conclusions, know and apply rules of probability, and use probability to make decisions. This class will prepare students for Pre-Calculus and other advanced courses.

 

Course Description:

Pre-calculus reviews and embeds all content previously learned throughout Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 as well as units on functions; polynomial and rational functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; trigonometric functions of real numbers; trigonometric functions of angles; and analytic trigonometry.

 

Course Description

Calculus (non-AP) is a high school mathematics course that introduces students to the fundamental concepts of calculus, including limits, derivatives, and integrals. The course focuses on understanding the basic principles of calculus and their applications to real-world problems, such as rates of change and area under curves. This course provides a more paced introduction to calculus than AP Calculus and does not focus on  preparation for the May AP exam.  

 

Course Description:

The course topics include coordinate systems, algebraic functions and graphs, limits, derivatives and antiderivatives. The second half of the course includes the definite integral and applications, transcendental functions and formal integration. Students enrolled will be prepared to take the AP exam.

 

Course Description:

The purpose of the Statistics course is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. The four main themes are: 1. Exploring Data: Observing patterns and departures from patterns, 2. Planning a Study: Deciding what and how to measure, 3. Anticipating Patterns: Producing models using probability theory and simulation, 4. Statistical Inference: Confirming models.

 

Course Description:

AP Statistics is an introductory college-level statistics course that introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students cultivate their understanding of statistics using technology, investigations, problem solving, and writing as they explore concepts like variation and distribution; patterns and uncertainty; and data-based predictions, decisions, and conclusions.

 

Course Description:

Topics include logic, sets, counting, permutations, combinations, basic probability, an introduction to statistics, matrices, and basic finance.  It may include symmetry, game theory, and graph theory.

 

Course Description:

In this course seventh grade students begin the year with Ecology and the Environment, understanding how living things interact with their environment, as well as how living things get and use energy. They will also focus on how humans impact the natural world. Ecology will be followed by Cells and Heredity, learning that living things are made of cells, how they get and use energy, how genetic information passes from parents to offspring, and how living things change over time. The last unit is Human Body Systems focusing on how living things maintain constant conditions inside their bodies, how the structures in living things are related to their functions and how living things grow, change and reproduce during their lifetimes.

 

Course Description:

In this course students will be able to identify and analyze that pure substances have characteristic physical and chemical properties and are made from a single type of atom or molecule. They will be able to provide molecular level accounts to explain states of matters and changes between states, that chemical reactions involve regrouping of atoms to form new substances, and that atoms rearrange during chemical reactions. Students are also able to apply an understanding of the design and the process of optimization in engineering to chemical reaction systems. 

 

Course Description:

Biology is a course that utilizes wet and simulated labs, slide shows, and diagrams, hands on projects and text to teach scientific skills to understand major biological concepts.  These concepts include the circle of life and its interdependence in nature, the unique characteristics of chemical compounds and macromolecules used by living systems, cells and the metabolic activity inside, the transfer and use of matter and energy in photosynthesis and non-photosynthetic organisms, genes and the effect on variation and offspring and complex body systems resulting from multicellular organisms.

 

Course Description:

In this course students will explore the concepts of a scientific model, chemical calculations, reactions and energy rates, atomic and molecular theories, and bonding. Emphasis is placed on quantitative chemistry and graphical analysis.

 

Course Description:

This course is intended for those who need a technical background in studies they pursue after graduation. The topics covered are generally the same as in the advanced placement physics course but at a less rigorous level. Students who plan to major in pre-med, nursing, biology, pre-law, etc. will be adequately prepared by this course. Students who plan to major in engineering, electronics, chemistry or physics should take advanced placement physics. Topics covered include mechanics, waves, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism.

 

Course Description:

 AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics like evolution, energetics, information storage and transfer, and system interactions.

 

Course Description:

In this course students cultivate their understanding of the interrelationships of the natural world through inquiry-based lab investigations and field work as they explore concepts like the four Big Ideas; energy transfer, interactions between earth systems, interactions between different species and the environment, and sustainability.

 

Course Description:

In this course students will develop understanding of key concepts that help make up Anatomy and Physiology. The performance expectations for high school Anatomy and Physiology blends the core ideas with scientific and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts to support students in developing usable knowledge that can be applied across the science disciplines. Students will be focusing on the following units on anatomical vocabulary, body region, homeostasis, nutrition, tissue types and the following systems: digestive, skeletal, muscular, and cardiovascular. Classes will be separated into lectures, projects, hands-on activities/labs, homework, worksheets and note-taking.

 

Course Description:

AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Students learn to investigate a problem or issue, analyze arguments, compare different perspectives, synthesize information from multiple sources, and work alone and in a group to communicate their ideas.

 

Course Description:

AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone™ experience, allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000–5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense.

 

Course Description:

Students will develop techniques and processes to communicate through a variety of media incorporating interdisciplinary and multi-cultural topics. Students will reflect and analyze their own artwork, peers' and famous artists' in order to make connections between visual arts, other disciplines and daily life.

 

Course Description:

Students will learn terminology, technical systems, and processes used by the graphic art industry. Sample activities will support those understandings. The main programs used will be Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. Students will be required to display an understanding of those programs along with creating a portfolio using digital photography and the internet.

 

Course Description:

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings. Students are exposed to the psychological facts and principles associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. Students also learn about the methods psychologists use in their science and practice, theories and disorders..Presentations, experiment design, review of research and written summaries are required. Discussion and participation are key elements of the course.

 

Course Description:

The mission of health & wellness education is to empower students to achieve their fullest potential for the betterment of self, family, and community by maintaining their highest level of health and wellness. The mission of Health & Wellness Education is to promote effective learning by providing knowledge, developing skills, and encouraging decision-making strategies that create positive attitudes and behaviors. The dynamic interaction and interdependence of physical, mental, emotional, and social health involve a person’s total being and is the essence of a “healthy” person. Comprehensive health and wellness education focuses on the concept of the whole person: The physical, mental, social and emotional dimensions of the individual. 

 

Course Description:

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need in order to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The curriculum addresses the prevention of unhealthy behaviors and the promotion of positive attitudes and behaviors through interactive activities that call upon consistent student engagement. The impact of both negative and positive attitudes, behavior, and choices on emotional and physical health is ongoing throughout the course. Community problems and concerns are also considered.

This course provides opportunity for students to build skills to make informed decisions on sexual health practices, demonstrate effective communication skills to avoid or deal with sexually risky situations and dating violence, and identifies physical, social and emotional risk factors of sexual intercourse, including contracting STDs and getting pregnant.

 

Course Description:

A preparation course for the Reading and Writing sections of the Scholastic Aptitude Test ("SAT").  Test strategies for the SAT, ACT and SAT subject tests will also be presented and practiced.  This course is provided for all 10-12th grade students.

 

Course Description:

Individualized student-centered plan that engages every student based on their unique interests and strengths, helping them to understand the relevance of education to achieve postsecondary educational and career goals.  It will provide the student support and assistance in setting goals for academic, career, social emotional, and physical development that meet rigorous high school and postsecondary expectations. This written plan and supporting activities, such as student portfolios, experiences outside the classroom, along with academic/personal records should be electronically portable following the student from school to school and district to district.