Curriculum

High School Curriculum

High School Diploma Types

• COLLEGE PREP
• GENERAL DIPLOMA

English Language Arts/Literature

OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE
Integrates composition, grammar and literature in a variety of genres. It covers the writing process: planning drafting, revising, editing and proofing. The development of vocabulary, speaking, listening, and researching skills will be included.

WORLD LITERATURE
Concentrates on the reading and analysis of literature from many cultures past and present. Students will take part in an in-depth examination of a variety of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry including religious texts from different world cultures which will be examined in a literary context. This course will promote proficiency through a variety of writing styles. It will stress organization and development of written thought, as well as activities designed to enhance speaking and listening skills, grammar, mechanics and usage, vocabulary, and research skills and activities.

AMERICAN LITERATURE
The course will survey American works and authors and will provide writing experiences particularly exposition, literary analysis and a formal research paper. Grammar, vocabulary development, listening, speaking, and research will also be included.

BRITISH LITERATURE
Survey course of British works and authors from the Anglo-Saxon through the Contemporary age. Students writing will include types of persuasive writing and an emphasis on analysis of literature. Structure and style will vary from informal to formal writing and will include study of the steps included in a research paper and a formal research paper. Literary terms, vocabulary study, composition techniques, and speaking and listening activities will be included.

Mathematics

ALGEBRA 1
The course represents a discrete study of algebra with correlated statistics applications. It includes polynomial and rational expressions, basic functions and their graphs, simple equations, quadratic, linear and exponential functions.

This course can be taken over 2 years as ALGEBRA 1A and ALGEBRA 1B

ALGEBRA 2
In this course students will analyze polynomial functions of higher degree, solve a variety of equations and inequalities, use a system of equation and linear programming to represent and solve problems, design and conduct experimental and observational studies, and radicals and rational exponents.

GEOMETRY
The course represents a discrete study of geometry with correlated statistics applications, including transformations, similarity, congruence, fundamentals of proof, right triangle trigonometry, properties of circles, algebraic connections with geometry, and probability

This course can be taken over 2 years as GEOMETRY A and GEOMETRY B

PRE-CALCULUS
Students will study the Unit Circle, writing and graphing trigonometric functions, solving trigonometric equations and identities, inverse trigonometric functions, applications of trigonometry to general triangles, conic sections, basic vector operations, the probability of compound events, and using expected values to solve problems and to make informed decisions.

APPLIED MATHEMATICS
Applied Mathematics for any grade level is below Pre-Algebra and is below grade level.  It can be any grade level of math on which the student is working but is numbered by whichever grade the student is actually in.

Science

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Designed as an integrated and global approach to science and technology, this course focuses on the links between living things, their surroundings, and the total environment of the planet.  The scientific principles and related technology will assist the student in understanding the relationships between local, national, and global environmental issues.  The intent of the course is to help individuals become informed, get involved, and care for themselves and the environment.

BIOLOGY
In this course, students will learn and understand biological functions and systems on the cellular, genetic, evolutionary, systematic, and ecological levels.  Students will also be able to implement applications of biological processes to everyday situations.  This course meets the graduation requirement of one unit of Biology.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE
The Physical Science curriculum is designed to continue student investigations of the physical sciences and to provide students with the necessary skills to have a richer knowledge base in physical science. This curriculum includes the more abstract concepts such as the conceptualization of the structure of atoms, motion and forces, and the conservation of energy and matter, the action/reaction principle, and wave behavior.

EARTH SCIENCE
Students will learn about the solid Earth, its waters, and the air.  It includes geologic, hydrologic, and atmospheric processes  

CHEMISTRY
This course includes a study of the structure, properties and functions of matter, and is the foundation for a variety of fields of study, as well as the basis for much of modern day industry and economics.  Because of the abstract nature of atoms and molecules, there is a strong conceptual component in its study, including both qualitative and quantitative laboratory work and mathematical analysis.

PHYSICS
This course includes a detailed study of energy and its relation to matter, beginning with mechanics (the study of motion), and extending to nuclear, sound, and electromagnetic energies.  Electromagnetic energies include optics and electricity and magnetism.  Vector mathematics and algebraic analysis are used extensively.

Social Studies

WORLD HISTORY
A survey of people and nations of both Western and non-Western civilizations. This course explores the political, cultural, and economic heritage of civilization from the time of recorded history through the Industrial Revolution (5000 B.C.-1800’s) and from the rise of nationalism to contemporary times (1800’s-present).

UNITED STATES HISTORY
A survey of the development of the U.S. from discovery to the present. The intent of this course is to increase knowledge, awareness, and appreciation of America’s social, political and economic evolvement during the formative years.

GOVERNMENT
This course is a study of the local, state, and federal governmental functions. Citizenship rights and responsibilities are emphasized. Focus areas include development of our political systems, federalism, civil liberties, political parties, political theory and comparative government. Also, the functions of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of government will be studied.

ECONOMICS
This course is a study of fundamental concepts and essential elements of the market economic system in a problem/issues orientation. Focus areas include opportunity costs and scarcity, supply/demand analysis, competitive markets, macroeconomics measurement, business cycles, inflation, unemployment, monetary and fiscal policies, and international trade.

Health & Physical Education

HEALTH
This course provides a direct and factual approach to health education that is practical, personal, and positive. Health topics include safety, drug education, nutrition, personal health, growth and development building self-esteem and relationship skills.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
This course is designed to help students understand why exercise and fitness are important in developing a healthy and active lifestyle. The course is designed to support the development of a higher state of wellness and understanding of fitness strategies.

Electives

BIBLE
Nondenominational study of books, characters, principles, and history.

BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Students will learn how to start and run a business and will operate a coffee and bagel shop.  They will learn everything from customer servic e to finances.

GARDENING
Students will learn when, where and how to plant, grow, and harvest fruits, herbs, and vegetables.

READING ENRICHMENT
Moby Max® is an effective online reading program that improves reading abilities. It permits students with diverse skills and unique needs to read with control and precision.