Economic decisions affect us every day of our lives. Understanding economics means thinking about how scarcity requires us to make choices and evaluate one option against others. In this course, students will recognize examples of economics in their daily lives. Students will examine how the economic choices of larger groups, like businesses and governments, affect students and others. As students progress through the course, they will recognize that the costs and benefits of choices connect individuals and groups around the world. The purpose of this course is to help students become a more conscientious consumer who understands the flow of an economy between individuals, businesses, governments, and the rest of the world.
Responsible citizenship, including civil and political participation, is essential to maintain a representative government that truly represents the people of the United States. In this course, students learn about the structure of government and how it shares power at the local, state, and federal levels. This course also explores the founding principles that inspired the Constitution and Bill of Rights, preserving the freedoms that students experience daily. Students will examine the processes of each branch of government, the election process, and how citizens can impact public policy. The media, interest groups, and influential citizens provide examples of how the government can be affected by informed and active participants. Students will examine the U.S. Court system, and become a part of the process by participating in the judicial decision- making process. They will also discover ways the United States interacts with countries around the world, through domestic policy, foreign policy, and human rights policy.
The United States began as an experiment in freedom and democracy. Since its establishment, the country and its people have endured social, political, and economic revolutions. In this course, students will investigate the people, events, and ideas that have shaped the United States from the end of the Civil War through today. Students are asked to analyze and evaluate decisions made by political, business, and military leaders. Emphasis is placed on connections between events of the past and present. This course also gives students the opportunity to conduct research and apply their learning to current, real-world problems. (Recommended for 10th or 11th grade).
Immerse yourself in the rise and fall of ancient empires, the beauty and contributions of other cultures, and the sequential progression of humanity across the globe. Students in Segment 1 will explore the interaction between the Eastern and Western Roman Empires, the Islamic and Ottoman Empires, the Middle Ages across Europe and Japan, the early civilizations of the Americas and Africa, ending with the Renaissance and Reformation in Europe. In Segment 2, students explore scientific and philosophical progress during the Enlightenment, the following political revolutions, and the Industrial Revolution into the twentieth century. By applying themes like nationalism, expansion, and colonialism, students will learn to think like historians and transform into informed citizens of the world.
Delve deeply into Earth’s bodies of water and study geologic structures and how they impact the oceans. Investigate characteristics of various populations of aquatic life, patterns of distribution, and ongoing changes occurring in our ecosystem. In the marine science course, students explore the watery depths of our own planet in order to understand just how vital the ocean is to our existence. Throughout the course, students meet marine animals and learn about their interactions with each other and their environment. Students tour the evolving seafloor, where they encounter trenches, volcanoes, and ridges. Finally, students study the impacts of chemical processes on our blue planet and how they affect the water, the atmosphere, and our climate.
In Anatomy and Physiology, students investigate the structure and function of the human body and how it works. They will acquire the knowledge necessary to understand what the body is doing and how they can help the body cope with many different situations. Topics covered include the basic anatomical terminology, organization of the body, biochemical composition, and major body systems, along with the impact of diseases on certain systems.
The high school chemistry course is a study of the foundations of chemistry, building on the concepts and scientific thinking laid in middle school science. Students use scientific inquiry and higher-order problem solving as they explore the composition, properties, and changes of matter and their applications through interactive simulations, engineering solutions, and virtual and hands-on experiences. Chemistry includes a study of atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding stoichiometry, states of matter and kinetic theory, solutions, acids, bases, and equilibrium, as well as simple chemical and nuclear reactions. The course includes laboratory experiments designed to reinforce course content. Through phenomenon- based learning, students will be able to demonstrate a vast understanding of the importance of chemistry in the world, enabling them to apply these principles to their everyday lives and our global society.
The Biology course guides students through the world they live in by posing questions and seeking answers through scientific inquiry. Discovery takes place through observation and data collection. This course encourages curiosity and provides opportunities for students to work on lab activities. Engaging in the study of biological science broadens the picture of the world around us.
In Precalculus, students will perform an in-depth study of functions (polynomial, rational, radical, piecewise, exponential, and logarithmic), conic sections (circles, ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas), sequences and series, vectors, and trigonometry. A graphing calculator is recommended.
Prerequisite: Algebra II.
In Algebra II, students will explore polynomials, quadratic equations, linear and exponential functions, sequences and series, probability and statistics, and trigonometry with a focus on application to every-day life. A graphing calculator is recommended.
Prerequisite: Geometry.
Throughout this course, students examine spatial relationships, reasoning, connections, and problem solving. Students will use problem- solving and real-world applications to gain the knowledge of geometric concepts and their practical uses. Students will work through a variety of topics, including transformations, coordinate geometry, trigonometry, volume, and surface area.
Students will expand on the concepts that they learned in Pre-Algebra and expand into linear and exponential functions, systems of equations and inequalities, statistics, polynomial operations, factoring and graphing polynomials, and quadratic functions. This is all done within a framework of real-world applications.
In English 12, students explore history’s impact on modern texts. By focusing on elements like universal theme, author’s purpose and perspective, and historic influence, students are able to see literary works as a whole and understand the deeper experiences that surround these texts. Core texts include Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes and an assortment of speeches, poems and historical texts. With a strong focus on writing, speaking, and presenting, students engage with their audience and explore elements of English that are highly applicable to both college and the workforce.
This course introduces students to the powerful relationship between history and literature, as they consider not only the impact of persuasive techniques on key moments of history, but also how interpretations of literature are shaped by their historical context. Using persuasive and literary techniques, students will also craft their own narrative, persuasive, and argumentative essays.
In English 10, students learn how the human experience–real life–is the foundation of the best literature. Through reading short stories, fables, plays, and even analyzing film, students encounter and analyze the concepts of happiness, human rights, fear, and ethical dilemmas. Students examine literature through close readings and analysis of literary techniques. To improve writing, lessons focus on strategies for using textual evidence in writing, methods of argumentation such as Toulmin, and the application of writing and revision strategies. Additionally, students study new vocabulary, refine the grammar and mechanics of their writing, and create engaging projects. Authors include Hawthorne, Maupassant, Steinbeck, Zora Neale Hurston, Poe, and Shakespeare.
Take an epic journey to refine your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. You will dive into literary and informational texts to discover the tools authors use to achieve their purpose and voyage through classic and contemporary works to reach new limits of comprehension. As a student in this course, be prepared to grow both your creative and analytical skills.