Under Construction
High School Graduation Requirements
ALGEBRA I
Algebra 1 is designed to help students improve their problem solving
abilities and apply their algebra 1 skills to help solve real world
problems. Students are expected to look for and discover patterns.
Once patterns are discovered, students are expected to make
predictions using these patterns. This course is also designed to help
prepare students for Algebra II and Geometry.
ALGEBRA II
Algebra 2 course builds on Algebra 1 topics with extension of the study
of algebra beyond linear and quadratic functions. Topics include analysis
and modeling with a variety of complex functions such as quadratic,
exponential, polynomial, square root, cube root, and rational.
GEOMETRY
Geometry, along with Algebra 1 and Algebra 2, serves as the starting
point for further work in mathematics. The course covers concepts such
as deductive reasoning, transformations, isometry, congruence,
similarity, polygons and circles, area and volume, constructions, and
applications to plane and solid figures.
BIOLOGY
Biology focuses deeply on four core areas: ecological systems, evolution,
cellular systems, and genetics. Students make meaningful connections
among the structures, processes, and interactions that exist across
biological systems—from cells to ecological communities. Students
begin to understand and appreciate the extraordinary diversity of life as
well as the unity that exists across that life. This course focuses on the
complex and dynamic processes that are required to sustain
Earth’s biodiversity where students build an understanding and simulate
the intricate relationships of interdependence between living and
nonliving systems through real and virtual experiments.
HONORS PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Physical Science study is the fundamental nature and behavior of the
physical world. Students learn that this is the root of all other kinds of
science, because everything is ultimately made of matter and follows
physical laws. The major themes studied in this course are Earth’s Place
in the Universe, Geosystems, Force, Energy, and Waves. Students gain a
greater understanding of the fundamentals of physical science through
real and virtual experiments as they affect the lives of everyone in
modern society.
HONORS CHEMISTRY
The Chemistry study provides an opportunity to investigate integral part
chemistry plays in everyday life. Students investigate the matter and
change, atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, Chemical
reactions. These fundamental concepts of chemistry lead to
investigation labs.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND
HEALTH
Physical Education is designed to present students with lifelong health
trends including swimming, weight and strength training, general
exercise through walking, running, dancing, and playing various sports.
These are enjoyed in the environment of a state of the art gym and a
sports and health club which introduce students to a continuum of
physical care which extends beyond their school life. In addition the
health component addresses the most important challenges young
people face with interesting nonfiction articles that emphasize critical
thinking skills and offer students impactful and useful information on
what to do in high stake situations. Physical, social and emotional
wellness skills are provided.
WORLD LITERATURE
Ninth Grade English will continue to develop students’ skills in reading
strategies, writing and critical thinking at the high school level. World
Literature focuses on literature from different parts of the globe from
various eras. Using Pearson’s My Perspectives materials, students will
study multicultural views through the lens of and other genre.
Presentation and research skills will also be enhanced in this yearlong
study.
AMERICAN LITERATURE I
Tenth grade English will continue to develop students’ skills in reading,
writing and critical thinking at the high school level. American Literature
I focus on canonical literature from the early era of American history up
to the 20th Century. Using Pearson’s My Perspectives materials, students
will examine pivotal events in the evolutions of the United States during
this period through the critical lens of its most influential writers and
thinkers and continue to engage students in technology-integrated
projects that will enhance multimedia skills. Increased reading
comprehension skills, grammar and mechanics, as well as strengthened
writing skills are the desired results.
AMERICAN LITERATURE II
Eleventh grade English will continue to develop students’ skills in
reading, writing and critical thinking at the high school level. American
Literature II focuses on canonical literature from the modern and
contemporary periods in American history, from the turn of the
20th century to today. Using Pearson’s My Perspectives materials,
students will examine pivotal events in the evolutions of the United
States through the critical lens cast by some of its most influential
writers and thinkers. Students will also be required to respond to
readings by engaging in textual interpretation, literary analysis, and
journal writing and essays. They will also participate in technology integrated
projects that will enhance multimedia skills. Upon completion
of the course, students will have advanced their reading comprehension
skills as well as those of grammar and mechanics, as well as
strengthened the writing skills gained in ninth and tenth grades.
AFRICAN AMERICAN
LITERATURE
This course is designed to use the literature of African American writers
in all genres to help students learn of the writings influenced by the
history of the times. This will include but not be limited to literature that
provides an awareness of social injustices and societal ills within many of
the systemic organizations in the United States. The literature used
identifies complex problems within the systems, i.e., mass incarceration,
policing, education, health care and the Criminal Justice System.
Students will read excerpts from contemporary writers as well as those
from the past to gain varying perspective on these issues. At the same
time they will use comparative writing for several topics and wide
ranging social concepts while interpreting literary text within its
historical and social context. Through research and documentaries, they
will create visual and oral presentations on related topics and themes.
INTRO TO COMPUTER SCIENCE I
Intro to Computer Science uses the curriculum designed by the
Microsoft Corporation. Under Technology Education and Literacy in
Schools (TEALS), this computer science curriculum was developed by a
group of computer science enthusiast.
INTRODUCTION TO PYTHON
COMPUTER SCIENCE II
This course is an Introduction to the Python Programming Language.
The language allows the student to create solutions to many complex
problems. Currently, many reputable colleges use Python as an
introductory programming language.
The Python programming language is an interpreted programming
language that has built-in libraries that aid in creating interesting and
complex programs. Python also has features to support object oriented
design.
We have partnered with the Microsoft Corporation, through the TEALS
which has designed a curriculum that helps students become proficient
in the Python programming language. Problem based learning is the key
to students understanding and applying topics taught.
21ST CENTURY CAREERS
This course will help students view institutions of higher learning, i.e.,
Colleges, Universities, Trade Schools and the like to catch a glimpse of
their future as they research and present on schools and careers of their
choice. Dream professions are encouraged as students begin to
broaden their scope of possible fields of endeavor. In the exploration of
various new careers, they will learn the skills and education required,
and the projections for these careers in the future. Additionally, they will
learn to construct a resume, prepare for an interview, using the
terminology and vocabulary pertinent to each new career. A main
feature for this course is professionals speaking from their experiences
in varied areas to inspire students to follow their aspirations in the realm
of education and dream professions.
GLOBAL STUDIES
This course serves as an introduction to Early Civilizations. This course
covers the beginning of human society, the Fertile Crescent, Ancient
Egypt and Nubia. It is an introduction to Pre-History, Neolithic and
Paleolithic eras, Early Civilizations, Fertile Crescent Empires, The Legacy
of Mesopotamia, Mediterranean Civilizations, Judaism, Ancient India,
Ancient China, Ancient Greece and Early African Civilizations. These are
taught on an introductory basis as a comparative framework.
UNITED STATES HISTORY I
This course is an exploration into the birth and development of America.
There will be special focus on the geography, economy, government,
military, foreign affairs and the people who helped to shape the new
nation. The course will enable students to understand and be able to
experience their connection to the development of American culture
and society by examining the past to prepare for their future as
participating members of a global community. From Colonial America
and the events that led to the American Revolution and independence
from England, to the period of American Industrialization, students will
be asked to research, study and evaluate the concepts of Democracy.
UNITED STATES HISTORY II
This course is a continuation of US History I into the development of
Modern America. Students will analyze their connection to the
development of American culture and society by exploring the past to
prepare for their future as participating members of a global community.
Students will closely examine periods beginning with Reconstruction and
its changes in the South, to World War II, the Holocaust, and the
resulting social, political and economic ramifications it had on Jews in
the United States, and other nations. They will study the complex issues
connected to the Cold War and analyze economic and social factors that
contributed to segregation in the South. The causes and social benefits
of the Civil Rights Movement will be examined and evaluated in contrast
to the foundational concepts of democracy.
MUSIC: KEYBOARDS
Music is all around us, it is on our iPods, computers, radios, TV’s. It’s in
our conversations, in our places of worship, on the playground, in our
trees and on our streets. Students will explore the world of music
through the use of keyboards.
MUSIC: APPRECIATION
Students will learn about music and its relationship to society through
investigation of music from a variety of styles, genres, and historical
periods. Students will learn the differences and similarities of various
genres focusing on those most popular including, but not limited to,
Blues, Jazz, Classical, Country, Hip Hop, Rock, R & B, and Latin.
WORLD LANGUAGE I & II
(SPANISH)
Designed to introduce students to Spanish language and culture, Spanish
I courses emphasize basic grammar and syntax, simple vocabulary, and
the spoken accent so that students can read, write, speak, and
understand the language at a basic level within predictable areas of
need, using customary courtesies and conventions.
Spanish II courses build upon skills developed in Spanish I, extending
students’ ability to understand and express themselves in Spanish and
increasing their vocabulary. Typically, students learn how to engage in
discourse for informative or social purposes, write expressions or
passages that show understanding of sentence construction and the
rules of grammar, and comprehend the language when spoken slowly.
LEADERSHIP
This course of study will focus on the character qualities of the individual
person. The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader, the foundation text,
will help students learn and know that becoming a leader takes time.
They will learn over 4 years that the law of process says that leadership
develops daily, not in a day. Understanding leadership and actually doing
it are two different activities and students will be exposed to and
engaged in quality leadership activities. Participation in senior
community service project is required.
FINANCE AND
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Entrepreneurship courses acquaint students with the knowledge and
skills necessary to own and operate their own businesses. Topics from
several fields typically form the course content: economics, marketing
principles, human relations and psychology, business and labor law, legal
rights and responsibilities of ownership, business and financial planning,
finance and accounting, and communication. Several topics surveyed in
Business Management courses may also be included.
ART & ART APPRECIATION
Comprehensive Art courses provide students with the knowledge and
opportunity to explore an art form and to create individual works of art.
These courses may also provide a discussion and exploration of career
opportunities in the art world. Initial courses cover the language,
materials, and processes of a particular art form and the design elements
and principles supporting a work of art. As students advance and
become more adept, the instruction regarding the creative process
becomes more refined, and students are encouraged to develop their
own artistic styles. Art Appreciation includes Creative Art which will
focus on creation. This course may also include the study of major
artists, art movements, and styles.