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English Language Arts Grade 6 (year-long)
ELA 6 is a balanced literacy program in which students are challenged to improve in the areas of reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, speaking, and listening.
Pre-Requisites: None
Grade Level: 6
English Language Arts Grade 7 (year-long)
ELA 7 is a course focused on developing students’ reading, writing, and study skills. The curriculum will also emphasize analytical thinking and group work. During the year, students will participate in a variety of activities and thematic units to achieve this goal, and will also experiment with various forms of creative writing.
Pre-Requisites: English Language Arts Grade 6 or Equivalent
Grade Level: 7
English Language Arts Grade 8 (year-long)
ELA 8 is the study of English with a goal for high school and beyond. The course is guided by the Common Core State Standards, which outlines English study as reading, writing, speaking, and listening. While the students read English literature, they will be taught how to analyze and appreciate it. They will become familiar with literary terms and learn how to recognize and interpret the elements of short stories, novels, poetry, drama, and non-fiction. Students will respond to the literature through writing, speaking, and listening assignments, which will take the form of journals, quick-writes, essays, exams, projects, and speeches. These different responses will vary in length and depth: from basic summation to critical analysis. Student writing will include sentence sense and paragraph practice. Language study will cover the conventions of standard English, knowledge of language, and vocabulary acquisition and use.
Pre-Requisites: English Language Arts Grade 7 or Equivalent
Grade Level: 8
Math Grade 6 (year-long)
Math 6 introduces students to problem-based interactive learning. The students develop the ability to explore and solve real-world application problems through interaction with the teacher and other students. This course lays the foundation for every subsequent course in mathematics. The topics learned in Math 6 form the basis for future math courses such as pre-Algebra.
Pre-Requisites: None
Grade Level: 6
Math Grade 7 (year-long)
Math 7 introduces students to problem-based interactive learning. The students develop the ability to explore and solve real-world application problems through interaction with the teacher and other students. This course lays the foundation for every subsequent course in mathematics. The topics learned in Math 7 form the basis for future math courses such as pre-Algebra and Algebra 1.
Pre-Requisites: Grade 6 Math
Grade Level: 7
Math Grade 8, Pre-Algebra (year-long)
Pre-Algebra is to serve as a bridge between elementary mathematics and Algebra. This course will build a foundation of algebraic concepts through the use of Khan Academy. The course will offer various programs for online reinforcement that offer practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom.
Pre-Requisites: Grade 6 Math or Equivalent
Grade Level: 7-8
Ancient World History (year-long)
Ancient World History introduces students to ancient history from early humans to Ancient Egypt to Ancient Greece to the Middle Ages. The course is focused on skill-based learning targets that students need for analyzing, historical explanations, and other critical thinking.
Pre-Requisites: None
Grade Level: 6
Modern World History (year-long)
Modern World History introduces students to world history from the end of the Middle Ages, to explorations to the Americas, to World War I and II, and finally to modern day. The course is focused on skill- based learning targets that students’ needs for analyzing, explaining, and other critical thinking.
Pre-Requisites: Grade 6 Social Studies or Equivalent
Grade Level: 7
US History (year-long)
US History introduces students to US history from the beginning of western exploration to the Americas to the American colonies to the American Revolution to the Civil War and Reconstruction. The social studies content follows the American Education Reaches Out Social Studies standards. The course is focused on skill- based learning targets that students’ needs for analyzing, explaining, and other critical thinking.
Pre-Requisites: Grade 8 Social Studies or Equivalent
Grade Level: 8
Earth and Space Science (year-long)
The Earth and Space Science course focuses on in-depth phenomena central not only to the planet, solar system and the galaxy around us, but to life and physical sciences as well. Performance expectations blend the core ideas with scientific and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts to support students in developing useable knowledge to explain ideas across the science disciplines.
Pre-Requisites: None
Grade Level: 6
Life Science (year-long)
Life Science focuses on the study of ecosystems, heredity, biological evolution. The emphasis of the work will be placed on developing critical-thinking skills, research skills, and laboratory techniques. Independent study projects and inquiry-based learning experiences are integral parts of the course requirements. Units include the study of cells, bacteria, viruses, fungi, plants, animals, human body, and ecology.
Pre-Requisites: Earth and Space Science or Equivalent
Grade Level: 7
Physical Science (year-long)
Physical Science focuses specifically matter and its interactions, motion, energy and waves and their applications in technologies for information transfer. This course is a hands-on, discovery based and comprehensive year-long course introducing students to the physical world around us. Fundamental skills in Chemistry and Physics such as measuring, data collection and manipulation, observing, and application of the scientific method will be practiced throughout the course.
Pre-Requisites: Life Science or Equivalent
Grade Level: 8
Chinese I (1 semester)
This course will introduce Pinyin, basic Chinese vocabulary, and useful terms and phrases in typical everyday conversations. We will help students experience and adapt to the atmosphere of speaking with native Chinese speakers. Students will grasp Chinese phonetics, tones and rhythms, and about 320 common Chinese words. Students can say simple and more typically well-known Chinese phrases, such as those used in self-introductions, and will also be able to conduct most routine communicative tasks for personal needs in Chinese, such as making an appointment, making an acquaintance, paying a visit, dating, shopping, etc.
Pre-Requisites: None
Grade Level: 7-12
Chinese II (1 semester)
Students will continue to explore the communicative functions of the previous semester from Chinese I. This is particularly evident in the first five units. In Unit 6, a new topic is introduced about environmental protection. This parallel type content gives the students a more in-depth training in the communication skills targeted. The tasks focus on the communication skill required for daily life. As these tasks are extended both in depth and width, the students' vocabulary will be enlarged, and so will the ability to conduct daily communication. This will act as a bridge to their further Chinese study.
Pre-Requisites: Chinese I or instructor approval
Grade Level: 7-12
Chinese III (1 semester)
This course will concentrate on practicing of listening, speaking, reading, and writing to improve students’ Chinese fluency. Students will learn to scan for information, expand vocabulary, and strengthen their knowledge of grammatical structures. Students will take part in everyday conversations in Chinese about familiar topics. Students will use more complex sentence structures, grammar patterns, and will express their opinions using basic yet appropriate expressions and language norms in Chinese.
Pre-Requisites: Chinese II or instructor approval
Grade Level: 7-12
Chinese IV (1 semester)
Students in Chinese IV will learn more Chinese vocabulary, useful terms, grammar points and Chinese culture. Students should grasp about 500 new Chinese words. To cope with the general needs of conducting daily communication, the sentence's patterns and grammar concepts presented to students will be in an order that emphasizes functional usage. The language materials are arranged within situational topics.
Pre-Requisites: Chinese III or instructor approval
Grade Level: 7-12
Chinese V (1 semester)
Students in level 5 will practice listening, speaking, reading and writing to improve students’ Chinese fluency. Students will learn to scan for information, expand vocabulary, and strengthen grammatical structures and know more about Chinese culture. Students will read and comprehend the text and will actively utilize new words; the grammar aspect analyzes some comparatively complex sentence patterns to train the students to use more complex sentence structures and grammar patterns.
Pre-Requisites: Chinese IV or instructor approval
Grade Level: 7-12
Chinese VI (1 semester)
This course is designed for students who have a vocabulary of at least 1100 words and have completed the primary Chinese courses. The course will prepare the students to demonstrate their level of Chinese proficiency as high as being able to learn in a Chinese speaking college or university. Communicative modes of teaching are provided to help students with their Chinese language skills in interpersonal, interpretive and presentational ways.
Pre-Requisites: Chinese V or instructor approval
Grade Level: 7-12
HSK I (1 semester)
HSK I is a test-preparation course with an aim at mastery of all reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills necessary for success taking the HSK 1 exam. Students will learn new words, as well as grammar elements and phrases, and will also refine their speaking and listening skills. Finally, classes will compliment students’ daily Chinese class.
Pre-Requisites: Concurrent enrollment in Chinese III
Grade Level: 7-12
HSK II (1 semester)
HSK II is a test-preparation course with an aim at mastery of all reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills necessary for success taking the HSK 2 exam. Students will learn new words, grammar elements and phrases, and will also refine their speaking and listening skills. Finally, classes will compliment students’ daily Chinese class.
Pre-Requisites: HSK I or instructor approval
Grade Level: 7-12
HSK III (1 semester)
HSK III is a test-preparation course with an aim at mastery of all reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills necessary for success taking the HSK 3 exam. Students will learn new words, grammar elements and phrases, and will also refine their speaking and listening skills. Finally, classes will compliment students’ daily Chinese class.
Pre-Requisites: HSK II or instructor approval
Grade Level: 7-12
HSK IV (1 semester)
HSK IV is a test-preparation course with an aim at mastery of all reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills necessary for success taking the HSK 4 exam. Students will learn new words, as well as grammar elements and phrases, and will also refine their listening skills. Classes will compliment students’ daily Chinese class.
Pre-Requisites: HSK III or instructor approval
Grade Level: 7-12
HSK VI (1 semester)
HSK V is a test-preparation course with an aim at mastery of all reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills necessary for success taking the HSK 5 exam. Students will learn new words, grammar elements, and phrases, and will also refine their listening skills.
Pre-Requisites: HSK IV or instructor approval
Grade Level: 7-12
AP Chinese (year-long)
AP Chinese is a full-year course that covers the equivalent of a second year college Chinese course. It is an advanced Mandarin Chinese course aimed at equipping students both linguistically and culturally to communicate successfully in Chinese within and beyond the school setting. This course prepares students to demonstrate their level of Chinese proficiency across the three communicative modes (interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational) and the five goal areas (communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities) as outlined in the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century.
Pre-Requisites: HSK VI or instructor approval
Grade Level: 9-12
Spanish I (year-long)
The student is introduced to the Spanish language through basic vocabulary and grammar. Practice is given in all aspects of the language: listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
Pre-Requisites: None
Grade Level: 9-12
Spanish II (year-long)
Spanish II is a continued development of speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills. There is also a greater emphasis on vocabulary expansion and cultural topics.
Pre-Requisites: Spanish I or equivalent skill on placement exam
Grade Level: 9-12
Spanish III (year-long)
This course is a continued, intensive development of speaking, writing, listening and reading skills with a greater emphasis on increased development of grammatical and communicative skills in preparation for advancement into the higher levels.
Pre-Requisites: Spanish II or equivalent skill on placement exam
Grade Level: 10-12
Spanish IV (year-long)
This course prepares the student for intensive grammar study and further development of communicative skills. Authentic materials are used to introduce vocabulary and grammar such as videos, music, and graded Spanish texts.
Pre-Requisites: Spanish III or equivalent skill on placement exam
Grade Level: 11-12
AP Spanish Language and Culture (year-long)
AP Spanish Language and Culture is equivalent to an intermediate level college course in Spanish. Students cultivate their understanding of Spanish language and culture by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication in real-life situations as they explore concepts related to family and communities, personal and public identities, beauty and aesthetics, science and technology, contemporary life, and global challenges.
Pre-Requisites: Spanish VI and instructor approval
Grade Level: 11-12
General English 9 (year-long)
General English 9 builds upon the students' prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and mechanics of writing, and usually include the four aspects of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Usually, the various genres of literature are introduced and defined, with writing exercises often linked to reading selections.
Pre-Requisites: None
Grade Level: 9
Honors General English 9 (year-long)
This one-year course is a more rigorous version of the standard General English 9. It builds upon the students' prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and mechanics of writing, and usually include the four aspects of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Usually, the various genres of literature are introduced and defined, with writing exercises often linked to reading selections.
Pre-Requisites: Successful honors application
Grade Level: 9
General English 10 (year-long)
General English 10 offers a balanced focus on composition and literature. Typically, students learn about the alternate aims and audiences of written compositions by writing persuasive, critical, and creative multi-paragraph thematic essays and compositions. The study of literature encompasses various genres as students improve their reading rate and comprehension and develop the skills to determine authors' intent and theme and to recognize the techniques employed by the author to achieve the goal.
Pre-Requisites: none
Grade Level: 10
Honors General English 10 (year-long)
This one-year course is a more rigorous version of the standard General English 10. It offers a balanced focus on composition and literature. Typically, students learn about the alternate aims and audiences of written compositions by writing persuasive, critical, and creative multi-paragraph thematic essays and compositions. The study of literature encompasses various genres as students improve their reading rate and comprehension and develop the skills to determine authors' intent and theme and to recognize the techniques employed by the author to achieve the goal.
Pre-Requisites: Successful honors application
Grade Level: 10
American Literature (year-long)
American Literature covers the literature of the United States from the early beginnings of the country until the present. Historical forces impacting the literature, as well as the regional influences, are also examined. The development of critical thinking and vocabulary building, along with writing skills, are emphasized.
Pre-Requisites: None
Grade Level: 11-12
Creative Writing (1 semester)
Creative writing is focused on allowing students to display their creative and expressive writing skills. Exercises and assignments in each of the main literary genres—creative nonfiction, poetry, fiction, and drama—will help students discover their voice and tone while expanding vocabulary, building awareness of audience, and refining flow, context, meaning, and sentence variation. Creative writing will promote critical thinking and help students refine communication skills, which will aid students in writing more interesting essays, enhance their success in other classes, and set them apart in college applications as they continue on in the world of academia.
Pre-Requisites: None
Grade Level: 9-12
AP Literature and Composition (year-long)
This class is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition exam given at the end of the school year. For success in the course, students need advanced English skills as well as a major commitment of their time and effort. During the class, students engage in careful reading and critical analysis of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. Students are expected to actively engage in class discussions, write critical essays, and deliver oral presentations about the literary texts studied in class.
Pre-Requisites: Lexile score of 1100 and successful application
Grade Level: 11-12
World Literature (year-long)
World Literature is a year-long study of canonical literature spanning the globe. In this course, students will examine short stories, novels, plays, poetry, and nonfiction within a historical and cultural context. Students take part in group discussions and class seminars, write essays, and deliver speeches to demonstrate their growing understanding of the relationship between local concerns and universal questions, the manner in which geography and culture can influence form, and world views of literature itself. Class discussions also encourage students to express opinions and support individual ideas from their readings.
Pre-Requisites: None
Grade Level: 11-12
Speech (1 semester)
Speech is a course that is designed to improve public speaking skills in a variety of settings. For each speech, topic selection, audience analysis, research, outlining, speech writing, and speech delivery will be emphasized. By the end of this course students will have improved verbal and nonverbal communication skills, and will be able to successfully and confidently present speeches in a variety of real-world situations.
Pre-Requisites: None
Grade Level: 12
Geometry (year-long)
This one-year course is a logical development of the inductive and deductive systems of reasoning. Emphasis is on developing visualization abilities, analytical skills, and logical reasoning through activity-oriented methods of instruction.
Pre-Requisites: Algebra I or *grade of B or higher in Pre-Algebra
Grade Level: 9-10
Algebra I (year-long)
This first-year course is the study of patterns and structure within the real number system. Topics include working with equations, graphing, and problem-solving strategies. Students become adept at solving problems that require the integration of a variety of mathematical concepts.
Pre-Requisites: Pre-Algebra (or have equivalent math skills).
Grade Level: 9
Honors Algebra I (year-long)
This first-year algebra course is designed for the highly-qualified, motivated student who is committed to a challenging course of study during each year of high school. The development of algebraic strategies to enhance problem-solving skills and the study of structure within the real number system form the basis of this course.
Pre-Requisites: Pre-Algebra and successful honors application
Grade Level: 9
Algebra II (year-long)
This second-year course in algebra represents a mathematical progression from the concept of numbers as experienced in arithmetic to the notion of properties of numbers without regard to their value, a necessary tool for science applications. Formal abstraction will enable students to understand and analyze data in many occupational and academic fields.
Pre-Requisites: Geometry (or have equivalent math skills).
Grade Level: 11-12
Honors Algebra II (year-long)
This second-year algebra course is designed for students who desire a more rigorous course of study than in the standard Algebra II curriculum. Students will develop a more in-depth study of the concept of numbers from arithmetic to the notion of discrete mathematics. Formal abstraction will enable students to understand and analyze data in many occupational and academic fields. Emphasis is placed on proof of mathematical assertions assumed in other courses.
Pre-Requisites: Geometry and successful honors application
Grade Level: 11-12
Math Topics (year-long)
Math Topics builds upon Algebra II to provide mastery of math in daily life and for university coursework in non-math courses. Students will learn to interpret mathematical relationships, estimate values, and present data. This course will emphasize critical thinking and communication skills as students gain strong math acumen for academic and professional life.
Pre-Requisites: Algebra II
Grade Level: 10-12
Pre-calculus (year-long)
Pre-calculus is the in-depth study and application of advanced algebra, analytic geometry, and trigonometry; with emphasis on the use of technology, modeling, and problem-solving. The goals are to provide students with the critical-thinking skills and the mathematical know-how needed to succeed in college. As statistics is increasingly used in college course work, the work place, and everyday life this course includes an introduction to combinatorics and statistical analysis. The purpose of this course is to prepare students for Calculus.
Pre-Requisites: Algebra II with a C- or higher (or have equivalent math skills).
Grade Level: 11-12
Honors Pre-calculus (year-long)
The purpose of this course is to prepare students for a Calculus class. Students gain extended knowledge and experience working with functions, and also broaden their Trigonometry skills. The year starts with some review of Algebra II and ends with an introduction to Calculus.
Pre-Requisites: Algebra II with a C- or higher (or have equivalent math skills).
Grade Level: 11-12
Calculus (year-long)
Calculus is a study of trigonometry, advanced Algebra, elementary analysis, and plane, solid and analytic geometry designed to provide critical processing skills necessary for success in Calculus. The use of technology will be incorporated in the course. Emphasis will be placed on justification of answers through various forms of communication including writing.
Pre-Requisites: Completion of Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry and Pre-Calculus with a B- or higher
Grade Level: 12
AP Calculus AB (year-long)
AP Calculus AB is a year-long course that is comparable to calculus courses offered during the first semester at US colleges and universities. It is expected that students who take an AP course in calculus will seek college credit, college placement, or both, from institutions of higher learning. Students will master concepts of differentiation and integration, graphical analysis including limits, asymptotes, and continuity. This rigorous study ultimately seeks to prepare students for success on the May AP examination.
Pre-Requisites: Pre-calculus with a B- or higher and successful honors application
Grade Level: 12
AP Statistics (year-long)
This course is designed to cover the four main topics on the AP Statistics exam: exploratory data analysis, planning and conducting a study, probability, and statistical inference. Topics will include: categorical and quantitative data, proportions, one sample means, matched pairs means, regression analysis, z-test, t-test, chi square test, z-intervals and paired tests, amongst others. This course requires the use of a graphing calculator. Students will be to understand which statistical procedure to apply and how to interpret the results.
Pre-Requisites: Algebra II with a B- or higher and successful honors application
Grade Level: 12
American Government (Civics) (1 semester)
Students in American Government will examine the democratic foundations, structures, and institutions of American government at local, state, and national levels. Students will study the political processes to gain an understanding of the role of the individual in the decision-making process of American government. Students will also learn about the rights and responsibilities of the citizens of the United States. Students will investigate American government though a variety of methods.
Pre-Requisites: None
Grade Level: 9
Geography (1 semester long)
This course is designed to provide the student with a basic introduction to physical and human geography. Students will examine the role which geography plays in the world and how the interactions of humans with the environment affect the other. Students will explore the major world regions and examine the physical systems and human interactions within the regions. Students will use maps, globes, in‐depth case studies, and geographic systems and databases to help them answer geographic questions.
Pre-Requisites: None
Grade Level: 9
World History (year-long)
This one-year survey course will examine world history through the disciplines which comprise the humanities: the arts, philosophy, literature, history, political institutions, and religion. It explores the great ideas and actions of humankind which have shaped life. The emphasis is on European, Asian, African, Latin American, and Middle Eastern civilizations.
Pre-Requisites: Civics/American Government and/or Geography
Grade Level: 10
Honors World History (year-long)
This one-year course is an in-depth study of world history through the disciplines which comprise the humanities: the arts, architecture, philosophy, literature, theater, and music. It traces the evolution of political, social, religious, technological, and economic institutions from prehistoric to modern times. The emphasis is on European, Asian, African, Latin American, and the Middle Eastern civilizations. Students will be involved in historical research, analysis of primary source documents, and essay writing.
Pre-Requisites: Government Course and successful honors application
Grade Level: 10
AP World History (year-long)
This one-year course is an in-depth study of world history. The AP World History course is structured around the investigation of five course themes and 19 key concepts in six different chronological periods, from approximately 8000 B.C.E. to the present. The course themes include the Interaction between humans and the environment, the development and interaction of cultures, state building, expansion, and conflict, creation, expansion, and interaction of economic systems, and development and transformation of social structures
Pre-Requisites: Successful application
Grade Level: 10-12
US History (year-long)
US History will give students the opportunity to learn how the United States evolved to become what it is today. Students will study the origins of the country, the mistakes and successes in its development, and Americas potential role in the future. The goal is for students to learn from America’s trials and tribulations and use their newly acquired knowledge to make educated decisions in the future.
Pre-Requisites: Government course
Grade Level: 11
Honors US History (year-long)
US History will give students the opportunity to learn in depth, how the United States evolved to become what it is today. Students will study the origins of the country, the missteps and successes in its development, and Americas potential role in the future. The goal is for students to learn from America’s trials and tribulations and use their newly acquired knowledge to make educated decisions in the future.
Pre-Requisites: Government course and successful honors application
Grade Level: 11
AP US History (year-long)
AP U.S. History is an introductory college-level U.S. history course. Students cultivate their understanding of U.S. history from c. 1491 CE to the present through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments as they explore concepts like American and national identity; work, exchange, and technology; geography and the environment; migration and settlement; politics and power; America in the world; American and regional culture; and social structures.
Pre-Requisites: Government course and a successful application
Grade Level: 11-12
Economics (year-long)
This class is an introduction to economics. In this class, students will study the characteristics of macroeconomics and microeconomics. Economics class will be split into two sections. Section one will cover economic systems and the roles of government, consumers, and producers in these systems. Section 2 will cover money and banking, financial markets and international trade. Upon completing these two sections, students will be empowered to help correct societal problems.
Pre-Requisites: Algebra I and II
Grade Level: 12
AP Economics (year-long)
The purpose of the AP Economics course is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics. Course work in macroeconomics provides understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. Such a course places emphasis on the study of national income and price determination, and also develops student familiarity with economic performance measures, economic growth, and international economics. Through the study of microeconomics, students will understand the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the larger economic system. It places emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets, and includes the study of factor markets and of the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy.
Pre-Requisites: Algebra I and II and successful application
Grade Level: 12
AP Psychology (year-long)
The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Students will discover the biological, social, and learned reasons for behavior.
Pre-Requisites: Lexile score of 1100 and a successful application
Grade Level: 11-12
Biology (year-long)
Biology is the study of life. During this course, students will learn key concepts about biology and the diversity of life surrounding us. After this course, students will understand most topical subjects, such as: tumors, cloning, stem cells, etc. In addition, by learning the scientific method, students will acquire a different way of thinking.
Pre-Requisites: 9th grade Physical Science or *grade of C or higher in 8th grade Physical Science
Grade Level: 9-10
Honors Biology (year-long)
This one-year course is a rigorous presentation of introductory biological concepts designed for the serious, academically-oriented student. Emphasis is particularly placed on developing critical-thinking skills, research skills, and laboratory techniques. Independent study projects are an integral part of course requirements.
Pre-Requisites: Physical Science and successful honors application
Grade Level: 9-10
AP Biology (year-long)
Advanced Placement Biology is a year-long course designed to meet the overarching ideas of the AP Biology Curriculum Framework. This course is also designed to model a university-level freshman biology class. All students are required to take the AP Biology Test in the spring. This class will require students to do extensive college-level reading and to utilize critical thinking skills in a college preparatory, self-motivated environment. Students are expected to work with a high level of integrity and self-direction. Through laboratory activities, lectures, individual and group projects, students will cover a wide spectrum of concepts in biology.
Pre-Requisites: Biology or Honors Biology and successful application
Grade Level: 11-12
Chemistry (year-long)
Chemistry is the study of the principles of matter and the changes that matter undergoes. In the fall semester, students will develop scientific skills as they explore atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical formulas and compounds, and chemical reactions. In the second semester, students will study stoichiometry, gases and phase changes, solutions, kinetics and equilibrium, acids and bases, and organic chemistry.
Pre-Requisites: Biology and Algebra 1
Grade Level: 10-11
Honors Chemistry (year-long)
Chemistry is the study of the principles of matter and the changes that matter undergoes. In the fall semester, students will develop scientific skills as they explore atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical formulas and compounds, and chemical reactions. In the second semester, students will study stoichiometry, gases and phase changes, solutions, kinetics and equilibrium, acids and bases, and organic chemistry.
Pre-Requisites: Biology and Algebra I and successful honors application
Grade Level: 10-11
AP Chemistry (year-long)
Chemistry is the study of the principles of matter and the changes that matter undergoes. In the fall semester, students will develop scientific skills as they explore atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical formulas and compounds, and chemical reactions. In the second semester, students will study stoichiometry, gases and phase changes, solutions, kinetics and equilibrium, acids and bases, and organic chemistry.
Pre-Requisites: Biology and Algebra I and successful application
Grade Level: 10-11
Physics (year-long)
Physics is the study of the relationships between matter and energy. This year-long course is a broad survey of classical and modern physics. It is designed to enable students to appreciate the role of physics in today's society and technology. Emphasis is made on the fundamental laws of nature on which all science is based, with some examples of interest to biologists. Knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry essential.
Pre-Requisites: Geometry, Algebra I, Good knowledge of Trigonometry
Grade Level: 11 or 12
AP Physics (year-long)
Physics is the application of mathematics to real world situations in order to understand how the universe around us works. This is a college preparatory physics course that includes probability, statistics, the scientific method, motion, force, gravity, linear motion, circular motion, momentum, optics, electricity, energy, waves, and modern physics.
Pre-Requisites: Geometry, Algebra I, Good knowledge of Trigonometry and successful application
Grade Level: 11-12
Chinese I (1 semester)
This course will introduce Pinyin, basic Chinese vocabulary, and useful terms and phrases in typical everyday conversations. We will help students experience and adapt to the atmosphere of speaking with native Chinese speakers. Students will grasp Chinese phonetics, tones and rhythms, and about 320 common Chinese words. Students can say simple and more typically well-known Chinese phrases, such as those used in self-introductions, and will also be able to conduct most routine communicative tasks for personal needs in Chinese, such as making an appointment, making an acquaintance, paying a visit, dating, shopping, etc.
Pre-Requisites: None
Grade Level: 7-12
Chinese II (1 semester)
Students will continue to explore the communicative functions of the previous semester from Chinese I. This is particularly evident in the first five units. In Unit 6, a new topic is introduced about environmental protection. This parallel type content gives the students a more in-depth training in the communication skills targeted. The tasks focus on the communication skill required for daily life. As these tasks are extended both in depth and width, the students' vocabulary will be enlarged, and so will the ability to conduct daily communication. This will act as a bridge to their further Chinese study.
Pre-Requisites: Chinese I or instructor approval
Grade Level: 7-12
Chinese III (1 semester)
This course will concentrate on practicing of listening, speaking, reading, and writing to improve students’ Chinese fluency. Students will learn to scan for information, expand vocabulary, and strengthen their knowledge of grammatical structures. Students will take part in everyday conversations in Chinese about familiar topics. Students will use more complex sentence structures, grammar patterns, and will express their opinions using basic yet appropriate expressions and language norms in Chinese.
Pre-Requisites: Chinese II or instructor approval
Grade Level: 7-12
Chinese IV (1 semester)
Students in Chinese IV will learn more Chinese vocabulary, useful terms, grammar points and Chinese culture. Students should grasp about 500 new Chinese words. To cope with the general needs of conducting daily communication, the sentence's patterns and grammar concepts presented to students will be in an order that emphasizes functional usage. The language materials are arranged within situational topics.
Pre-Requisites: Chinese III or instructor approval
Grade Level: 7-12
Chinese V (1 semester)
Students in level 5 will practice listening, speaking, reading and writing to improve students’ Chinese fluency. Students will learn to scan for information, expand vocabulary, and strengthen grammatical structures and know more about Chinese culture. Students will read and comprehend the text and will actively utilize new words; the grammar aspect analyzes some comparatively complex sentence patterns to train the students to use more complex sentence structures and grammar patterns.
Pre-Requisites: Chinese IV or instructor approval
Grade Level: 7-12
Chinese VI (1 semester)
This course is designed for students who have a vocabulary of at least 1100 words and have completed the primary Chinese courses. The course will prepare the students to demonstrate their level of Chinese proficiency as high as being able to learn in a Chinese speaking college or university. Communicative modes of teaching are provided to help students with their Chinese language skills in interpersonal, interpretive and presentational ways.
Pre-Requisites: Chinese V or instructor approval
Grade Level: 7-12
HSK I (1 semester)
HSK I is a test-preparation course with an aim at mastery of all reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills necessary for success taking the HSK 1 exam. Students will learn new words, as well as grammar elements and phrases, and will also refine their speaking and listening skills. Finally, classes will compliment students’ daily Chinese class.
Pre-Requisites: Concurrent enrollment in Chinese III
Grade Level: 7-12
HSK II (1 semester)
HSK II is a test-preparation course with an aim at mastery of all reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills necessary for success taking the HSK 2 exam. Students will learn new words, grammar elements and phrases, and will also refine their speaking and listening skills. Finally, classes will compliment students’ daily Chinese class.
Pre-Requisites: HSK I or instructor approval
Grade Level: 7-12
HSK III (1 semester)
HSK III is a test-preparation course with an aim at mastery of all reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills necessary for success taking the HSK 3 exam. Students will learn new words, grammar elements and phrases, and will also refine their speaking and listening skills. Finally, classes will compliment students’ daily Chinese class.
Pre-Requisites: HSK II or instructor approval
Grade Level: 7-12
HSK IV (1 semester)
HSK IV is a test-preparation course with an aim at mastery of all reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills necessary for success taking the HSK 4 exam. Students will learn new words, as well as grammar elements and phrases, and will also refine their listening skills. Classes will compliment students’ daily Chinese class.
Pre-Requisites: HSK III or instructor approval
Grade Level: 7-12
HSK VI (1 semester)
HSK V is a test-preparation course with an aim at mastery of all reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills necessary for success taking the HSK 5 exam. Students will learn new words, grammar elements, and phrases, and will also refine their listening skills.
Pre-Requisites: HSK IV or instructor approval
Grade Level: 7-12
AP Chinese (year-long)
AP Chinese is a full-year course that covers the equivalent of a second year college Chinese course. It is an advanced Mandarin Chinese course aimed at equipping students both linguistically and culturally to communicate successfully in Chinese within and beyond the school setting. This course prepares students to demonstrate their level of Chinese proficiency across the three communicative modes (interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational) and the five goal areas (communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities) as outlined in the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century.
Pre-Requisites: HSK VI or instructor approval
Grade Level: 9-12
Spanish I (year-long)
The student is introduced to the Spanish language through basic vocabulary and grammar. Practice is given in all aspects of the language: listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
Pre-Requisites: None
Grade Level: 9-12
Spanish II (year-long)
Spanish II is a continued development of speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills. There is also a greater emphasis on vocabulary expansion and cultural topics.
Pre-Requisites: Spanish I or equivalent skill on placement exam
Grade Level: 9-12
Spanish III (year-long)
This course is a continued, intensive development of speaking, writing, listening and reading skills with a greater emphasis on increased development of grammatical and communicative skills in preparation for advancement into the higher levels.
Pre-Requisites: Spanish II or equivalent skill on placement exam
Grade Level: 10-12
Spanish IV (year-long)
This course prepares the student for intensive grammar study and further development of communicative skills. Authentic materials are used to introduce vocabulary and grammar such as videos, music, and graded Spanish texts.
Pre-Requisites: Spanish III or equivalent skill on placement exam
Grade Level: 11-12
AP Spanish Language and Culture (year-long)
AP Spanish Language and Culture is equivalent to an intermediate level college course in Spanish. Students cultivate their understanding of Spanish language and culture by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication in real-life situations as they explore concepts related to family and communities, personal and public identities, beauty and aesthetics, science and technology, contemporary life, and global challenges.
Pre-Requisites: Spanish VI and instructor approval
Grade Level: 11-12