English II: Journeys of Experience
  English II continues to build reading comprehension, critical thinking, and writing and study skills. Basic grammar and usage, vocabulary building,   and study skills continue to be addressed within the context of literature and creative/formal writing practice. Course questions ask students to look   both inward and outward as they read, examining their identities as readers and finding ways to connect to the reading. Past readings have focused   on the theme of coming of age, and have included such works as Into the Wild, The Catcher in the Rye, and Gabriel’s Story.

  English III: Connecting the Medieval & Renaissance to the Present Day: From King Arthur to Shakespeare and Beyond
  This course will provide a brief survey of selections from Medieval and Renaissance Europe. We will pay particular attention to selections from   Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, Thomas Malory's King Arthur and one of Shakespeare's dramas (either Romeo & Juliet, Othello, or   Hamlet). We will avoid some of the more "stuffy" interpretations and readings and focus more on the ways modern writers and films constantly   refer back to these great works of Western Literature through a combination of different short stories, novels, graphic novels and films. This course   is meant to develop and reinforce students’ abilities to think critically, demonstrate an understanding of organization and development in their writing   skills, and display familiarity with aspects of standard MLA documentation formatting style. Additionally, students will gain further practice in   identifying an author's tone, bias, attitude, and purpose in relation to the audience and synthesizing ideas from multiple perspectives from a variety of   different mediums, genres, and periods of literature.

  English IV: Connecting 19th Century American Literature and Spirit of America!
  This course will focus primarily on exploring the idea of what it means to be an American. We will look at a variety of different literary and historical   readings as well as a number of different films that help us better understand how our present understanding of the American individual developed in   large part from the 1800s and particularly from the efforts of the writers of that period. We will look at various treatments of the Civil War as well   as selections from writers such as Twain, Emerson, Thoreau, Whitman, and many of the emerging female writers of the period such as Margaret   Fuller and Louisa May Alcott, and others. This course is meant to develop and reinforce students’ abilities to think critically, demonstrate an   understanding of organization and development in their writing skills, and display familiarity with aspects of standard MLA documentation formatting   style. Additionally, students will gain further practice in identifying an author's tone, bias, attitude, and purpose in relation to the audience and   synthesizing ideas from multiple perspectives from a variety of different mediums, genres, and periods of literature.

  Journalism
  Students will study the fundamental principles of gathering, writing, reporting, and editing the news. Emphasis will be placed on accuracy, brevity,   clarity and reportorial responsibility. Students will also be introduced to basics of layout and design through desktop publishing.

  Geometry
  • Open to students who have successfully completed Algebra I
  Traditional Euclidean Geometry is covered in a standard sequence. Emphasis is placed on the deductive nature of this branch of mathematics and   on the use of algebra in solving a variety of geometric problems. Consistent use of the TI-84calculator, various manipulatives and computer   software are utilized to reinforce students’ understanding of the content.

  Trigonometry
  • Open to students who have successfully completed Geometry
  Trigonometry is designed to build on a student’s understanding of the concepts mastered in previous courses and supplement them with a more   involved examination of complex functions.

  Calculus
  • Open to students who have successfully completed Trigonometry
  This is a standard high school introductory course in Calculus. Students will develop and explore the concept of limit, and progress to the   development of the derivative. Derivatives of polynomial, trigonometric, and exponential functions and their applications to business, physical   science, and engineering will be studied, as well as the fundamental theorem of Calculus and an introduction to integral Calculus. Use of a graphing   calculator is an integral part of this course.

  Accounting
  This course covers the concepts and principles of accounting as they relate to financial statements of a single proprietorship. Financial statement   analysis   and an introduction to cost accounting are also investigated.

  Chemistry
  • Prerequisites: Biology, Algebra I
  •Includes Lab
  Students in this course study the properties of matter and observe the relationship between matter and energy through a variety of real world   applications. Students enrolling in this course should have strong abstract reasoning skills, as chemical concepts are the most intangible of any of the   sciences. Reasonable proficiency in Algebra is also required. Regular laboratory sessions and demonstrations teach analytical techniques, reinforce   lecture concepts, improve writing skills, and stress the importance of following directions. Students also refine research skills and present oral   reports.

  Physics
  • Prerequisites: Biology, Algebra I
  •Must be currently enrolled in a higher level mathematics class
  •Includes Lab
  This course will study motion, simple mechanics, forms of energy, heat, and the basics of electricity. We begin by studying the motion of objects on   earth and beyond. We then apply our learned knowledge of motion in the study of force, momentum, and universal gravitation. This provides the   foundation for understanding energy, heat, and more. This course stresses mastery of basic concepts in physics as well as the mathematical skills   needed to quantify, represent, and communicate these concepts. Regular laboratory sessions and demonstrations teach analytical techniques,   reinforce lecture concepts, improve writing skills, and stress the importance of following directions. Students also refine research skills and present   oral reports.

  Psychology
  A survey of the study of behavior and mental processes with emphasis on the scientific nature of contemporary psychological investigation. Topics   discussed included research methods, the biology of behavior, sensation and perception, stress and adjustment, learning, memory, cognition,   motivation, emotion, life-span development of behavior, personality, abnormal behavior and its therapies, social behavior and individual differences.

  Sociology
  This course is designed to investigate the principles of sociology, the individual in group, social institutions, social control, and the use of research   methods to examine social problems. The course provides practice to students in developing critical thinking, decision-making, and social studies   skills concerning human relationships.

  Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Includes Lab
  Human Anatomy and Physiology is a science course that investigates the structure and function of whole-body systems, including the mechanisms of   control and integration of various systems. While the primary focus will be regulation of human systems, animal models will be used to further   explore the topic. Students will be required to prepare oral and written presentations. Laboratory work will require dissections, where practical   exams will be part of the assessment standard.

  Astronomy
  This introductory course presents a comprehensive and balanced view of what is known about the heavens. The course gives a description of   astronomical phenomena using the laws of physics. The course treats many standard topics including planets, stars and galaxies to more esoteric   questions concerning the origin of the universe and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

  Botany
  Botany is the study of plants. In this course, students will focus on plant organs and tissues and how they function. Specific attention will be paid to   the structure and function of roots, stems and leaves. In addition, students will learn about plant growth, reproduction, environmental response and   diseases while becoming aware of the importance of plants in our daily lives. Various laboratory exercises will be utilized to accompany class   material, including some outdoor studies.

  Genetics
  Scientists have learned how to manipulate DNA, a molecule that contains the information to construct and operate all living organisms. Students   explore how DNA works and how scientists in turn can alter DNA for medical and agricultural applications. Topics include: RNA, DNA, and   protein synthesis, the "meaning" of the DNA sequence, gene regulation, DNA and RNA viruses, AIDS, current genetic engineering techniques,   cancer, and the genetics of   the immune system.

  World History
  This course examines the development of human societies from prehistory to the present. Students will explore the historic, economic, and cultural   contributions of ancient and classical civilizations, both Western and non-Western. Basic historical concepts such as conflict, change, and diversity   will be investigated. Emphasis is placed on identifying the significant individuals, events, and ideas that shaped the development of various cultures.   Historical concepts, political and economic systems, and cultural and historical differences are identified and examined. Emphasis is also placed on   refining student skills in historical investigation and research, oral and written communication, and analysis of data and sources.

  European History
  Students examine European history from the Ancient Period to the present and trace the developments in political and diplomatic history, intellectual   and cultural history, and social and economic history. Extensive reading and writing are required.

  American History
  This course is designed to give the student a basic familiarity with critical events, institutions and concepts in American history from colonial times to   the 21st century. This history course prepares students with the skills and knowledge that are fundamental to the advanced study of history. The   central tenet of the course is skill development. Students will learn critical reading, evidence-based essay writing and primary source analysis.

  Economics
  This is an elective course designed to introduce students to the basic principles of economic theory. Topics to be explored include supply, demand,   price determination, market structures, Gross Domestic Product, banking, monetary and fiscal policy. Economic theory will be applied to case   studies and market simulations to gain an appreciation of current economic events. Each student will be required to do a research project.

  Cultural Anthropology
  Social and cultural anthropology is the comparative study of culture and human societies. Through study of the general principles of social and   cultural life, we examine the characteristics of specific societies and cultures. Current anthropological methods incorporate local and global   perspectives and increasingly focus on urban as well as rural societies, with consideration of regional inequalities and all aspects of modern nation   states. Anthropology contributes to an understanding of such contemporary issues as war and conflict, the environment, poverty, and problems of   injustice, inequality, and human rights. This course explores the major topics of social and cultural anthropology, including kinship, gender, social   organization, linguistics, ritual and religion, race, and political organization. Students are introduced to various ethnographic methods and expected   to conduct fieldwork throughout the course. Anthropology challenges assumptions and biases, forcing students to reevaluate their views about   human nature, cultural traditions, and the way we interact with each other. As part of this course, students examine controversial topics such as   human sexuality, cultural taboos, and deviant behavior. It is important that students approach these subjects with an open yet academically critical   mind. A large portion of class time is spent in discussion and/or participatory projects/fieldwork. It is essential that students come to every class   prepared and ready to participate actively in the day’s activity.

  Law and Justice
  This is a course designed to provide the student with the understanding of the parameters of legal rights and obligations. The acquisition of   knowledge about law is approached as a means for expanding one's ability for responsible citizenship. Topics include law and the individual,   criminal, and civil law. Law games, a mock criminal investigation, and guest speakers enhance the curriculum.

  Mixed Media
  Students will use both traditional and non-traditional materials to develop unique works of art. Students will have the opportunity to create both   two-dimensional and three-dimensional works. Emphasis is placed upon developing technical skills, creative imagination, and comfort with   sophisticated compositions. Students will have the opportunity to explore works of sculpture, printmaking, collage, digital media, and other media.   Coursework will be informed by art history, master artists, and criticism. Students will be expected to maintain an artist’s journal.

  Musical Instrument
  Daily activities of the Individual Music Performance class revolve around preparation of solo or group performances and related musicological   research. Emphasis is placed on student-directed projects. Individual Music Performance students develop a wide variety of products—perhaps   including research papers, music videos, live performances, program notes, compositions, multiple-media performances, audio recordings, or   websites to showcase their learning. Individual Music Performance class intends to achieve a balance between feeding each student’s particular   interests while also encouraging musical exploration.

  Painting
  This course develops in the student the technical and expressive skills of painting using a range of materials, including: watercolors, pastels, acrylics,   and oil paints. Through the painting process and color theory, students will learn to render imagery from both life and imagination. A focus will be   placed upon helping students work with such elements as form, color, composition, texture, and space. Students will also learn about paper and   canvas preparation.

  Vocal Arts
  Vocal Arts is a non-auditioned choral ensemble that performs a variety of music from different styles and periods. Students will develop their vocal   abilities, sight singing, and sense of ensemble. Students will learn to critically analyze vocal performances and apply theory to their own   performances. Students will learn about music history as it applies to both western and non-western vocal performances. Students will be expected   to regularly perform publicly.

  Cinema Studies
  A survey of the international development of the motion picture to the present as a distinct form of artistic expression, through classic films, notable   artists, and key events; an investigation of the aesthetic, technological, economic, and social factors that contributed to the evolution of film; an   examination of the value systems reflected in and shaped by these works from diverse cultures.

  Graphic Design
  Graphic communications - in the form of flyers, brochures, signs, posters, logos, decals, T-shirts, web pages, and many other items, are produced   in huge numbers everyday. In Graphic Design, students will gain experience in the layout and design of a variety of these products using graphics   software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and other related publishing programs. Students will learn the criteria for a good layout,   including how to use the elements and principles of design when creating one. While using a variety of printing methods including, but not limited to,   computer based vinyl graphics, students will practice on related assignments and have the opportunity to create finished products of their own   designs. Emphasis will be placed on the design-process (problem solving), employing methods, strategies, and techniques that encourage creativity.   This course provides students   with a foundation in graphic design, advertising design and concepts, communication design basics, two-dimensional   design, color, and learning to think visually.

  Home Economics
  This course is an overview of basic skills. Different areas of focus are classroom study, laboratory experiences in all areas of Home Economics;   teaching students how to cook, simple food preparation techniques, recipe reading, and occupational food service. There is also an emphasis   placed on learning practicing job and work place skills. Students will also learn parts and safe use of a sewing machine. Students will sew a variety   of projects using sewing machines and hand sewing.

  First Aid and CPR
  This course provides the first aider with the knowledge and skills to carry out emergency first aid for life threatening injuries and illnesses, as well as   to provide first aid care for injuries and illnesses in the home or in the workplace.

  Physical Education
  This course is for students to stay physically active and continue developing their athletic skills. Students will participate in a program which offers a   variety of lifetime, team and conditioning activities. Emphasis is placed on active participation, skill development and knowledge competences in   selected activities. Students will also participate in periodic physical fitness testing during the school year.

  Foreign Language II
  • Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Latin, Spanish
  Students continue to build on the basic language skills acquired in Foreign Language I. Many concepts from prior study are reviewed to ensure a   solid foundation in the language. Furthermore, students begin to express more complex thoughts and ideas orally and in written form. In addition,   they continue the study of the history and cultures of the language’s region of origin. Units include the airport and the airplane, the train station and   the train, sports, summer and winter, the daily routine.

  Web Design/HTML
  This course is an introduction to the design, creation, and maintenance of web pages and websites. Students learn how to critically evaluate website   quality, learn how to create and maintain quality web pages, learn about web design standards and why they're important, and learn to create and   manipulate images. The course progresses from introductory work on web design to a culminating project in which students design and develop   websites for local community organizations.

  College Prep
  This course develops within the student the skills and strategies to be successful both in high school and college. Emphasis is placed upon the   student identifying individual and specific strategies that aid him/herin dealing with increased expectations and a more autonomous learning   environment. Students will develop skills in leadership and personal responsibility. They will gain greater self-awareness and learn to become good   self-advocates. Learning strategies that are more personalized and applicable to college will be developed. Greater emphasis will be placed on   preparing the student for the college setting. Students will continue to fine tune their leadership skills and learn to become more independent in their   educational process. Strategy instruction will be very personalized and focus on helping the student navigate the first year of college with success.   Students will undertake the college selection and application process in this course. Finally, students will develop solid meta-cognitive skills and use   these skills to be excellent self-advocates.

  Business Management
  A survey of the field of business management. Topics include human relations, technology in business, ethical behavior, the environment, global and   economic forces, organization, quality, products and services, functional management, and current issues and developments.