Apex/Gradpoint Courses with
High School Course Descriptions
1
Index
High School Core Course Descriptions
Gradpoint does not have honors or AP courses
Pages 2-21
Apex Elective Course Descriptions
Pages 17-22
Gradpoint Elective Course Descriptions
Apex students may take 1 course per semester for an extra charge
Pages 23-25
The Oaks Private School offers college-preparatory curriculum from two leading online vendors. Both have received
prestigious awards, are well received by colleges and universities across the U.S, and are recognized by AdvancED: Apex
Learning and Pearson’s Gradpoint. These two curricula provide the foundation of The Oaks Private School digital curriculum,
including core classes – Math, English, Science and History, and electives .


Gradpoint provides middle-school and high-school core and elective classes, with a wide selection of
electives. Gradpoint has open-enrollment and offers access to classes year-round.
Apex provides high-school core and elective classes, with choices of Honors, AP and Dual Enrollment courses. Apex
enrollment follows a traditional school calendar with classes starting in August or September and ending in May or
June, with a summer break.
The Oaks Private School augments Apex and Gradpoint with the following curricula:



Rosetta Stone provides a wide range of World Languages, including German, French, Russian, Japanese, Mandarin
Chinese and Arabic among others. We use Rosetta Stone to augment our Spanish and French offerings in Apex, and
as our World Language provider for Gradpoint students.
We offer Apologia Christian Science courses in place of Apex honor science courses.
We offer book-based and online Bible studies.
In order to better fit our curriculum to the faith basis of many of our families, we have made the following adjustments:



We have carefully revised reading selections in English to what we believe is age-appropriate for our students.
As a private school, we can make substitutions in individual lessons and assignments (AP courses excluded) in order to
accommodate the beliefs of our students and their families. This is done as requested on a case-by-case basis.
We allow and encourage students to answer according to their faith.
2
ENGLISH COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Students must have a minimum of 4 credits in English to Graduate.
Apex English 9
Reading and Writing Strategies (Credit: 1.00)
Rea ding Skills and Strategies is a course is designed to help the s truggling reader develop mastery i n the areas of reading c omprehension,
voca bulary building, s tudy s kills, a nd media literacy, which a re the courses primary content s trands. Using th ese strands, the course guides
the s tudent through the s kills necessary to be s uccessful i n the academic world and beyond. The reading comprehension strand focuses on
i ntroducing the student to the va ried purposes of reading (e.g., for entertainment, for i nformation, to complete a task, or to a nalyze). In the
voca bulary s trand, the s tudent learns specific strategies for understanding and remembering new vocabulary. In the study s kil ls s trand, the
s tudent learns effective s tudy a nd test-taking strategies. In the media l iteracy s trand, the s tudent l earns to recognize and evaluate
pers uasive techniques, purposes, design choices, a nd effects of media. The course encourages personal enjoyment in reading wi th 10
i nterviews featuring the book choices a nd reading ad ventures of s tudents a nd members of the community. Florida Writing for College
Success provides a n English curriculum focused on developing the mastery of s kills identified as critical to postsecondary re a diness i n
wri ti ng. This single s emester elective aligns to Florida's Postsecondary Readiness Competencies i n writing and targets students required to
compl ete additional instruction based on their performance on the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT). Course topic s i nclude
gra mma r and usage; essential writing skills; persuasive, informative and narrative writing; a nd research. Process guides and graphic
orga nizers helps reluctant wri ters internalize strategies a nd develop composition s kills. Select a ctivities ta rget text-handling s kills a nd
promote improved performance on commonly a ssessed a nalysis a nd response standards. Study s heets support engagement with direct
i ns truction and develop note-taking and study s kills.
English 10:
Critical Reading and Effective Writing (Credit: 1.00)
Cri ti ca l Reading and Effective Writing is a course that develops both academic and life skills. Concepts a re presented in creative a nd l ively
wa ys that reinforce l earning goals and engage students. Literary s elections i nclude s hort fiction a nd poetry from around the globe, modern
dra ma works, and a contemporary novel. Nonfiction selections feature historical correspondence, diaries, logs, a nd famous cou rtroom
a rguments. Li fe reading s kills ta rget forms, applications, a nd work -related communication. Grammar review a nd vocabulary development
a re i ncluded i n every unit. Summaries a nd a nnotations s upport fluency a nd comprehension of all reading material. Robust s caff olding in the
form of process guides and graphic organizers helps reluctant writers to i nternalize s trategies and develop composition skills. Select
a cti vi ties ta rget text-handling s kills a nd promote improved performance on commonly a ssessed l iterary a nalysis and response s tandards.
Study s heets support engagement with direct i nstruction and develop note-taking s kills. The writing program builds confidence i n young
wri ters by ta rgeting control of organization, effective s entences, and word choice.
English 11:
American Literature (Credit: 1.00)
Ameri can Literature is a literature and composition course offering o rganized a s a survey of American literature. It ca n stand alone as a
compl ete year of general s tudy i n English without a specific prerequisite, but i ts modular design allows flexibility i n how t he program is
us ed i n the classroom; teachers may use a single unit, lesson, or a ctivity to s upplement regular class content. The course builds l iterary and
communication s kills, including reading, writing, language a ppreciation and aesthetics, listening and speaking, vi ewing and r epresenting,
a nd research. Within these general topic areas, special emphasis is placed on wri ting expository, research, a nd creative compositions;
honi ng critical and analytic s kills through cl ose readings of literary, historical, expository, a nd functional documents; usi ng context
s tra tegies and an understanding of etymology to build voca bulary; a nd practicing communication s kills. Reading selections cover a va riety
of genres a nd voices in l iterature and expository prose. Students read a survey of American literature from colonial to conte mporary eras.
They l earn a nd practice workplace communication s kills i n special activities. Finally, s tudents practice gathering, evaluating, s ynthesizing,
pres enting, a nd documenting information i n a unit dedicated to writing research reports. Summaries a nd a nnotations support fl uency a nd
comprehension of all reading ma terial. Robust scaffolding in the form of process guides and graphic organizers helps reluctant writers to
i nternalize strategies and develop composition skills. Select activities target text-handling skills and promote i mproved performance on
commonly a ssessed literary a nalysis and response standards. Study s heets s upport engagement with direct i nstruction and devel op noteta ki ng and study s kills.
3
English 12:
British and World Literature (Credit: 1.00)
Bri ti sh a nd World Li terature is a streamlined survey of Bri tish l iterature that illustrates the origins of English -language l iterature a nd reflects
i ts reach beyond the British Isles. The course is standards-based. Ea ch a ctivity correlates to state standards in six core a reas: reading,
wri ti ng, language (appreciation and a esthetics), listening and speaking, vi ewing a nd representing (including media l iteracy), a nd research.
The course gi ves students meaningful practice i n fundamental literacy s kills while i ntroducing them to cl assics of Bri tish a nd world
l i terature. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to think a nd respond i ndependently, cri tically, a nd creatively to the s ubject
ma tter, whether i t's a work of literature, a piece of nonfiction writing, or a media work. The course emboldens s tudents to a pproach these
works both on their own terms a nd within a l arger context while providing them with the tools and encouragement they need in order to
do s o. Summaries a nd annotations support fluency a nd comprehension of all reading material. Robust scaffolding i n the form of process
gui des and graphic organizers helps reluctant writers to internalize s trategies and develop composition skills. Select a ctivi ties ta rget textha ndling s kills and promote improved performance on commonly a ssessed literary a nalysis and response standards. Study s heets support
enga gement with direct instruction a nd develop note-taking and study s kills.
English Elective: Media Literacy (Credit: 0.50)
Medi a Li teracy teaches students how to build the critical thinking, writing, a nd reading skills required i n a media -rich and increasingly
techno-centric world. In a world s aturated with media messages, digital environments, and social networking, concepts of l iteracy must
expa nd to include all forms of media. Today's students need to be a ble to read, comprehend, analyze, a nd respond to non-traditional
media with the same skill level they engage with tra ditional print sources. A ma jor topic i n Media Literacy i s non-traditional media reading
s ki lls, i ncluding how to a pproach, analyze, a nd respond to a dvertisements, blogs, websites, social media, news media, a nd wik is. Students
a l so engage in a va riety of writing activities in non-traditional media genres, s uch a s blogging and podcast scripting. Students consider their
own positions as consumers of media and explore wa ys to use non-traditional media to become more active a nd thoughtful citizens.
Students l earn how to ask cri tical questions about the i ntended audience and underlying purpose of media messages, a nd s tudy fa ctors
whi ch ca n contribute to bias a nd a ffect credibility.
English Elective
Creative Writing (Credit: 0.50)
Crea ti ve Wri ting is an English elective course that focuses on the exploration of s hort fiction a nd poetry, culminating i n a written portfolio
tha t i ncludes one revised s hort s tory a nd three to five polished poems. Students draft, revise, and polish fiction a nd poetry through wri ting
exerci ses, developing familiarity with literary terms a nd facility wi th the writing process as they s tudy elements of creative writing.
El ements of fiction writing explored i n this course include attention to s pecific detail, observation, character development, setting, plot,
a nd point of view. In the poetry units, students learn about the use of s ensory details and imagery, fi gurative language, and sound devices
i ncl uding rhyme, rhythm and alliteration. They a lso explore poetic forms ranging from found poems and slam poetry to tra ditional sonnets
a nd vi llanelles. In a ddition to a pplying l iterary cra ft elements in guided creative writing exercises, s tudents engage in cri tical reading
a cti vi ties designed to emphasize the writing cra ft of a diverse group of authors. Students study s hort s tories by a uthors suc h as Edgar Allan
Poe, l earning how to create believable characters and develop setting a nd plot. Li kewise, s tudents read poetry by ca nonical g reats s uch as
W. B. Yea ts and Emily Dickinson as well as contemporary wri ters s uch as Pablo Neruda, Sherman Alexie, a nd Al ice Notley. Studying the
wri ti ng technique of a ra nge of a uthors provi des s tudents with models a nd i nspiration as they develop their own voices and refine their
understanding of the literary cra ft. By ta king a Creative Writing course, s tudents find new approaches to reading and writing that can a ffect
them on a personal level, as the skills they ga in in each lesson directly benefit their own creative goals. Students who a re already actively
enga ged writers and readers learn a dditional tools and insight i nto the cra ft of wri ting to help them further hone their s kills and encourage
thei r creative as well as a cademic growth.
Honors: English 9:
Introduction to Literature and Composition (Credit: 1.00)
Introduction to Li terature and Composition covers literature study, reading, writing, and language. Students explore literatu re from a round
the worl d, i ncluding the following genres: s hort story, poetry, memoir, a utobiography, dra ma, and epic. They read examples of
i nformational writing, s uch as a l etter, Web site, magazine article, newspaper article, s peech, editorial, and movi e or book review. Along
the wa y, they a cquire a nd practice reading skills and strategies that a re directly a pplicable to these literary a nd informational reading
ma terials. In addition, students develop and practice writing and language s kills. They employ the writing process to create narrative,
expository, a nd persuasive compositions. They a lso learn to create and evaluate media presentations and oral presentations and to finetune their l istening skills.
Honors: English 10:
Critical Reading and Effective Writing (Credit: 1.00)
Cri ti ca l Reading and Effective Writing offers a balanced curriculum that develops both academic and life skills. Concepts a re presented in
crea ti ve a nd lively ways that reinforce l earning goals and engage students. Literary s elections i nclude s hort fi ction a nd poe try from around
the gl obe, Shakespearean and modern drama, a nd contemporary novels. Nonfiction selections feature historical correspondence, diaries,
l ogs, a nd famous courtroom arguments. Life reading skills ta rget forms, applications, and work -related communication. Throughout both
s emesters, students build active reading s trategies as they question, predict, clarify, a nd evaluate events a nd i deas presented i n text. The
wri ti ng program builds confidence i n young writers by ta rgeting control of organization, effective sentences, a nd word choice . Students
compose using the writing process. Grammar review and vocabulary development a re i ncluded in every unit.
4
Honors: English 11:
American Literature (Credit: 1.00)
Ameri can Literature is a general s tudies program in l iterature a nd composition, organized as a survey of American l iterature. It can stand
a l one as a complete year of general study i n English without a s pecific prerequisite, but its modular design a llows flexibili ty i n how the
progra m is used i n the classroom; teachers may use a single unit, lesson, or a ctivity to s upplement regular class content. American
Li tera ture expands upon a nd deepens understanding of literary a nd communication skills covered in Cri tical Reading and Effect ive Writing,
i ncl uding reading, writing, language appreciation and aesthetics, listening and speaking, viewing and representing, and research. Within
thes e general topic a reas, special emphasis i s placed on writing expository, research, and creative compositions; honing cri t ical a nd a nalytic
s ki lls through close readings of literary, historical, expository, a nd functional documents; using context s trategies and an understanding of
etymol ogy to build vocabulary; a nd practicing communication skills i n online discussions. Reading selections cover a va riety of genres and
voi ces i n literature and expository prose. Students read a s urvey of American literature from colonial to contemporary eras. They a re
encouraged to respond critically a nd personally to these works a nd to use them a s a context for thinking about the uniq ue a nd universal
a s pects of culture. They l earn and practice skills for workplace communication i n special a ctivi ties. Finally, students pract ice gathering,
eva l uating, synthesizing, presenting, and documenting i nformation i n a unit dedicated to writing research reports.
Honors: English 12:
British and World Literature (Credit: 1.00)
Bri ti sh a nd World Li terature offers a survey of Bri tish l iterature that illustrates the origins of English -language l iterature a nd reflects i ts
rea ch beyond the British Isles. The course is standards-based. Ea ch activi ty correlates to state standards in s ix core a reas: reading, writing,
l a nguage (appreciation and a esthetics), listening and speaking, vi ewing and representing (including media l iteracy), a nd rese arch. The
cours e gives students meaningful practice i n fundamental literacy s kills while i ntroducing them to classics of British and world lite rature.
Throughout the course, students are encouraged to think and respond independently, cri tically, a nd creatively to the subjec t matter,
whether i t's a work of literature, a piece of nonfiction writing, or a media work. The course emboldens students to a pproach these works both on their own terms a nd wi thin a l arger context - while providing them with the tools a nd encouragement they need i n order to do so.
Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment courses are designed by the college board and textbooks must be
purchased in addition to the online class work. Students must register and take the collegeboard AP exam to earn
AP credit. These courses are very difficult, and require college level performance by students.
Advanced Placement:
English Language and Composition
In AP* Engl ish La nguage a nd Composition, students learn to understand and analyze complex s tyles of writing by reading works from a
va ri ety of a uthors. They’ll explore the richness of language, i ncluding syntax, i mitation, word choice, and tone. They’ll als o learn about their
own composition s tyle and process, s tarting with exploration, planning, a nd writing, a nd continuing through editing, peer review, rewriting,
pol ishing, and applying what they l earn to a breadth of a cademic, personal, a nd professional contexts. The equivalent of an i ntroductory
col l ege-level survey cl ass, this course prepares s tudents for the AP exa m a nd for further study i n communications, creative wri ting,
journa lism, literature, a nd composition. This course has been authorized by the College Board to use the AP designation. *AP i s a registered
tra demark of the College Board. * Additional reading materials are required, a nd must be purchased by the student.
Advanced Placement:
English Literature & Composition
AP* Engl ish Li terature a nd Composition immerses students in novels, plays , poems, a nd s hort s tories from va rious pe riods. Students will
rea d a nd wri te daily, using a va riety of multimedia and interactive activities, interpretive writing assignments, a nd cl ass d iscussions to
a s sess and improve their skills and knowledge. The course places s pecial emphasis on reading com prehension, structural and cri tical
a na lysis of written works, l iterary vocabulary, a nd recognizing and understanding l iterary devices. The equivalent of an introductory
col l ege-level survey cl ass, this course prepares s tudents for the AP exa m a nd for further study i n creative writing, communications,
journa lism, literature, a nd composition. This course has been authorized by the College Board to use the AP designation. *AP i s a registered
tra demark of the College Board. * Additional reading materials are required, a nd must be purchased by the student.
5
MATH COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Students must earn 4 credits in math to graduate:
Colleges recommend: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, college readiness math or Pre-Calculus
Introductory Algebra (Credit: 1.00)
Thi s course is good for 8th gra de students, or 9th gra de students who are not fully prepared for the full Al gebra I course. I ntroductory
Al gebra provides a curriculum focused on beginning algebraic concepts that prepare students for success in Algebra I. Through a
"Di s covery-Confirmation-Practice" based exploration of basic algebraic concepts, s tudents are challenged to work toward a mastery of
computational s kills, to deepen their conceptual understanding of key i deas a nd solution strategies , a nd to extend their knowledge in a
va ri ety of problem-solving applications. Course topics i nclude i ntegers; the language of a lgebra; s olving equations wi th addition,
s ubtraction, multiplication, and division; fra ctions and decimals; measurement; exponents; solving equations with roots and powers; multis tep equations; a nd l inear equations. Within each Introductory Al gebra lesson, s tudents are s upplied with a s caffolded note -taking guide,
ca l led a "Study Sheet," as well a s a post-study "Checkup" activity, providing them the opportunity to hone their computational skills by
worki ng through a low-stakes, 10-question problem set before s tarting a formal assessment.
Core: Liberal Arts Math (Credit: 1.00)
Li beral Arts Ma th a ddresses the need for a math elective course which focuses on reinforcing, deepening, a nd extending a s tudent's
ma thematical understanding. Liberal Arts Ma th starts with a review of problem s olving s kills before moving on to a va riety of key a lgebraic,
geometric, a nd statistical concepts. Throughout the course, students hone their computational s kills a nd extend their knowledge through
probl em s olving a nd real-world a pplications. Course topics i nclude problem solving; real numbers a nd operations; functions and graphing;
s ys tems of linear equations; polynomials a nd fa ctoring; geometric concepts such as coordinate geometry a nd properties of geometric
s ha pes; and descriptive s tatistics. Students will have the opportunity to formulate a nd justify conclusions a s they extend a nd apply
concepts through printable exercises and "in-your-words" i nteractive a ctivi ties. *Students in Florida cannot take this course if they are
interested in Bright Futures Scholarships.
Mathematics of Personal Finance (Credit: 1.00)
Ma thematics of Personal Finance focuses on real-world financial literacy, personal finance, a nd business subjects. Students a pply what they
l earned i n Algebra I a nd Geometry to topics including personal income, taxes, checking a nd s avings a ccounts, credit, loans a nd payments,
ca r l easing and purchasing, home mortgages, s tocks, i nsurance, a nd retirement planning. They then extend their investigations using more
a dva nced mathematics, s uch as s ystems of equations when studying cost and profit issues and exponential functions when ca lcul ating
i nterest problems. To assist students for whom language presents a barri er to learning or who a re not reading a t grade l evel, Mathemat ics
of Pers onal Finance i ncludes a udio resources in both Spanish a nd English.
Pre-calculus (Credit: 1.00)
Pre-ca l culus is a course that combines reviews of algebra, geometry, a nd functions i nto a preparatory course for ca lculus. The course
focus es on the mastery of cri tical s kills a nd exposure to new skills necessary for success i n subsequent math courses. The fi rst semester
i ncl udes linear, quadratic, exponential, l ogarithmic, ra dical, polynomial, a nd ra tional functions; s ystems of equations; a nd conic s ections.
The s econd semester covers trigonometric ratios a nd functions; i nverse trigonometric functions; applications of tri gonomet ry, i ncluding
vectors a nd laws of cosine and sine; polar functions and notation; a nd arithmetic of complex numbers. Within each Pre -calculus l esson,
s tudents a re supplied with a post-study "Checkup" activity, providing them the opportunity to hone their co mputational skills by working
through a low-stakes problem s et before moving on to a formal assessment.
Probability and Statistics (Credit: 1.00)
Proba bility a nd Statistics provi des a curriculum focused on understanding key da ta a nalysis a nd probabilistic concepts, calculations, and
rel evance to real-world applications. Through a "Discovery-Confirmation-Practice"-based exploration of each concept, s tudents are
cha l lenged to work toward a mastery of computational skills, deepen their conceptual understandin g of key i deas and solution strategies,
6
a nd extend their knowledge in a va riety of problem-solving applications. This course covers topics s uch a s types of data; common methods
us ed to collect data; and the va rious representations of data, including histograms, bar graphs, box plots, a nd s catter-plots. Students l earn
to work wi th data by analyzing a nd employing methods of prediction, s pecifically i nvolvi ng samples a nd populations, distribut ions,
s ummary s tatistics, regression a nalysis, tra nsformations, s imulations, a nd i nference. Ideas involving probability i ncluding sample s pace,
empi rical a nd theoretical probability, expected va lue, a nd i ndependent and compound events are covered as students explore th e
rel a tionship between probability a nd data a nalysis. The connection between geometry a nd probability i s explored through basic geometric
proba bility.
Algebra I (Credit: 1.00)
Al gebra I is s pecifically aligned to College standard Algebra I Standards and Benchmarks. The Al gebra I curriculum focuses on the mastery of
cri ti cal s kills a nd the understanding of key algebraic concepts, preparing students to recognize and work with these concepts . Through a
"Di s covery-Confirmation-Practice" based exploration of algebraic concepts, s tudents a re challenged to work toward a mastery of
computational s kills, to deepen their conceptual understanding of key i deas a nd solution strategies, a nd to extend their knowledge in a
va ri ety of problem-solving applications. Course topics i nclude a review of the language of algebra, formulating equations from word
probl ems, a nd s olving basic equations from Introductory Al gebra; measurement; an introduction to functions a nd domain a nd ra nge;
probl em s olving with functions; graphing; l inear equations a nd s ystems of linear equations; polynomials a nd factoring; a nd data analysis
a nd probability. Algebra I features a mple opportunity for s tudents to hone their computational skills by working through prac tice problem
s ets before moving on to formal assessment.
Algebra II (Credit: 1.00)
Al gebra II i s specifically aligned to a ccreditation Algebra II Standards a nd Benchmarks. The Algebra II curriculum builds on the algebraic
concepts covered in Algebra I. Through a "Discovery-Confirmation-Practice" based exploration of i ntermediate algebra concepts, s tudents
a re cha llenged to work toward a mastery of computational s kills, to deepen their conceptual understanding of key i deas a nd s olution
s tra tegies, and to extend their knowledge i n a va riety of problem-solving a pplications. Course topics i nclude conic sections; functions,
rel a tions, and their graphs; quadratic functions; parent functions, domain a nd ra nge, i nverse functions, a nd function tra nsfo rmations; and
a dva nced polynomial functions. Students also cover topics relating to ra tional, radical, exponential, a nd l ogarithmic functions a nd
tra ns formations; sequences and series; a nd data analysis and probability. Al gebra II features ample opportunity for s tudents to hone their
computational s kills by working through practice problem s ets before moving on to formal assessment.
Geometry (Credit: 1.00)
Geometry i s s pecifically aligned to college s tandard Standards a nd Benchmarks. Geometry provides a curriculum focused on the mastery of
cri ti cal s kills a nd the understanding of key geometric concepts. Through a "Discovery-Confirmation-Practice" based exploration of
geometric concepts, students a re challenged to work toward a mastery of computational s kills, to deepen their conceptua l understanding
of key i deas and solution strategies, and to extend their knowledge i n a va riety of problem -solving a pplications. Course topics i nclude
rea s oning, proof, a nd the creation of a sound mathematical argument; points, l ines, and angles; triangles; quadrilaterals and other
pol ygons; ci rcles; coordinate geometry; a nd three-dimensional solids. The course concludes with a look a t special topics in geometry, s uch
a s constructions, s ymmetry, tessellations, fra ctals, and non -Euclidean geometry. Geometry features a mple opportunity for s tudents to
hone their computational skills by working through practice problem sets before moving on to formal a ssessment.
Florida Math for College Readiness (Credit: 1.00)
Florida M ath for College Readiness provides a fourth-year math curriculum focused on developing the mastery of skills identified as critical
to postsecondary readiness in math. This full-year course aligns to Florida's Postsecondary Readiness Competencies in mathematics and
targets students required to complete additional instruction based on their performance on the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test
(PERT). Course topics include solving equations with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; fractions and decimals; inequalities;
functions and sequences; systems of equations; polynomials; factoring quadratic equations; rational expressions; and data analysis.
Throughout the course, students are supplied with scaffolded note-taking guides, called "Study Sheets," as well as post-study "Checkup"
activities that provide them the opportunity to hone their computational skills by working through a low -stakes, 10-question problem set
before moving on to a formal assessment. Formative assessments help students to understand areas of weakness and imp rove performance,
while summative assessments chart progress and skill development. The content is specifically aligned to the Florida Postsecondary
Readiness Competencies.
Honors: Algebra I (Credit: 1.00)
Al gebra I is a comprehensive course that provides a n i n-depth exploration of key a lgebraic concepts. Through a "Discovery-ConfirmationPra cti ce" based exploration of algebraic concepts, s tudents a re challenged to work toward a mastery of computational s kills, to deepen
thei r conceptual understanding of key i deas and solution s trategies, and to extend their knowledge i n a variety of problem -solving
a pplications. Course topics i nclude an Introductory Al gebra review; measurement; an introduction to functions; problem solvin g with
functi ons; gra phing; l inear equations a nd s ystems of linear equations; polynomials a nd fa ctoring; a nd data analysis and probability. Within
ea ch Al gebra I l esson, students are s upplied with a post-study "Checkup" activity, provi ding them the opportunity to hone their
computational s kills i n a l ow-stakes, 10-question problem s et before moving on to a formal assessment. Additionally, many Al gebra I
l essons i nclude interactive -tool-based exercises and/or math explorations to further connect lesson concepts. The content i s based on the
Na ti onal Council of Teachers of Ma thematics (NCTM) s tandards and is aligned to s tate standards.
7
Honors: Algebra II (Credit: 1.00)
Al gebra II i s a comprehensive course that builds on the algebraic concepts covered i n Al gebra I a nd prepares s tudents for a dvanced-level
cours es. Through a "Discovery-Confirmation-Practice" based exploration of intermediate algebra concepts, students are challenged to work
towa rd a mastery of computational skills, to deepen their conceptual understanding of key i deas and solution s trategies, and to extend
thei r knowledge i n a variety of problem-solving a pplications. Course topics i nclude conic sections; functions, relations, a nd their gra phs;
qua dratic functions; inverse functions; a nd a dvanced polynomial functions. Students also cover topics relating to ra tional, radical,
exponential, and logarithmic functions; sequences a nd s eries; a nd data analysis and probability. Wi thin each Algebra II lesson, s tudents are
s upplied with a post-study "Checkup" activity, provi ding them the opportunity to hone their computational skills in a l ow-stakes, 10question problem set before moving on to a formal assessment. Additionally, many Al gebra II l essons i nclude interactive -tool-based
exerci ses and/or math explorations to further connect lesson concepts to a va riety of real-world contexts.
Honors: Geometry (Credit: 1.00)
Geometry i s a comprehensive course that provides a n in -depth exploration of geometric concepts. Through a "Discovery-ConfirmationPra cti ce" based exploration of geometric concepts, students are challenged to work toward a mastery of computational skills, to deepen their
conceptual understanding of key i deas and solution s trategies, and to extend their knowledge i n a va riety of problem -solving a pplications.
Cours e topics include reasoning, proof, a nd the creation of a sound mathematical a rgument; points, lines, a nd a ngles; tri angles;
qua drilaterals and other polygons; circles; coordinate geometry; a nd three-dimensional solids. The course concludes with a l ook at s pecial
topi cs i n geometry, s uch as constructions, symmetry, tessellations, fractals, and non-Euclidean geometry. Wi thin each Geometry l esson,
s tudents a re supplied with a post-study "Checkup" activity, providing them the opportunity to hone their computational skills i n a low-stakes,
10-question problem set before moving on to a formal assessment. Ma ny Geometry l essons include interactive -tool-based exercises and/or
ma th explorations to further connect l esson concepts to a va riety of real-world contexts.
Honors: Pre-calculus (Credit: 1.00)
Pre-ca l culus is a comprehensive course that weaves together previous s tudy of a lgebra, geometry, a nd functions into a preparatory course
for ca l culus. The course focuses on the mastery of cri tical skills and exposure to new skills necessary for s uccess in subsequent math
cours es. The first s emester includes linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, radical, polynomial, a nd ra tional functions ; s ystems of
equations; a nd conic sections. The s econd semester covers tri gonometric ra tios a nd functions; inverse tri gonometric functions; a pplications
of tri gonometry, i ncluding vectors and laws of cosine and sine; polar functions and notation; and arithmetic of complex numbe rs. Within
ea ch Pre-calculus lesson, students a re supplied with a post-study "Checkup" a ctivity, providing them the opportunity to hone their
computational s kills i n a l ow-stakes problem s et before movi ng on to a formal a ssessment. Additionally, connections are made throughout
the Pre-ca lculus course to calculus, art, history, a nd a va riety of other fields related to mathematics.
Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment courses are designed by the college board and textbooks must be purchased
in addition to the online class work. Students must register and take the collegeboard AP exam to earn AP credit.
These courses are very difficult, and require college level performance by students.
Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment:
Calculus AB
In AP* Ca l culus AB, s tudents l earn to understand change geometrically a nd visually (by s tudyi ng graphs of curves), analytical ly (by s tudying
a nd working with mathematical formulas), numerically (by s eeing patterns i n sets of numbers), a nd verbally. Instead of s imply getting the
ri ght a nswer, s tudents l earn to evaluate the soundness of proposed solutions and to apply mathematical reasoning to real-world models.
Ca l culus helps scientists, engineers, a nd financial analysts understand the complex relationships behind real-world phenomena. The
equivalent of a n i ntroductory col lege-level calculus course, AP Ca lculus AB prepares s tudents for the AP exa m and further studies i n
s ci ence, engineering, a nd ma thematics. This course has been a uthorized by the College Board to use the AP designation. *AP i s a registered
tra demark of the College Board. * Additional reading materials are required, a nd must be purchased by the student.
Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment:
Statistics
AP* Sta ti stics gives s tudents hands-on experience collecting, analyzing, graphing, a nd interpreting real-world data. They wi ll l earn to
effectively design a nd a nalyze research s tudies by reviewing and evaluating real research examples ta ken from daily l ife. The next time they
hea r the results from a nother poll or study, they will know whether the results a re valid. As the art of drawing conclusions from i mperfect
da ta and the science of real world uncertainties, s tatistics plays a n important role in many fi elds. The equivalent of a n int roductory col legel evel course, AP Sta tistics prepares s tudents for the AP exa m a nd for further s tudy in science, s ociology, medicine, engineering, political
s ci ence, geography, a nd business. This course has been a uthorized by the College Board to use the AP designation. *AP i s a registered
tra demark of the College Board. * Additional reading materials are required, a nd must be purchased by the student.
8
SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
All Students must earn 3 credits to graduate. Biology and Chemistry, with lab components are required for Diploma choice 1 and 2.
Science Foundations
Sci ence Foundations provides students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary for s ucce ss i n ri gorous
hi gh school s cience courses. Science Foundations is a two-semester course, with each semester containing 10 mi ni-units. Each mini-unit is
composed of three lessons. The first lesson focuses on key concepts found in earth s cience, physical science, a nd l ife s cienc e. The second
l esson reinforces reading a nd math skills students need to be successful with the content i ntroduced i n the first l esson. The third lesson
i ntroduces scientific inquiry a nd critical thinking skills that will help s tudents thrive in s cience as well as other discipl ines. Ca refully pa ced,
gui ded i nstruction is accompanied by engaging a nd a ccessible interactive practice. No l abs are required.
Biology (Credit: 1.00)
Bi ology s aligned to college standard standards i n methodology only. We encourage s tudents to s hare Christian beliefs and "creationism",
however; as a college preparatory course, we must explain theories expected to be known in college. Biology focuses on the mastery of
ba s ic biological concepts a nd models while building scientific i nquiry s kills a nd exploring the connections between livi ng th ings and their
envi ronment. The course begins with a n introduction to the nature of s cience and biology, i ncluding the major themes of structure a nd
functi on, matter and energy flow, s ystems, a nd i nterconnectedness of life. Students then a pply those themes to the structure a nd function
of the cell, cellular metabolism, a nd biogeochemical cycl es. Building on this foundation, students explore the connections a nd i nteractions
between livi ng things by s tudyi ng genetics, ecosystems and natural selection, a nd evolution. The course ends with an applied look a t
huma n biology. Sci entific i nquiry s kills are embedded in the direct instruction, wherein students learn to ask s cientific questions, form and
tes t hypotheses, a nd use l ogic a nd evidence to draw conclusions a bout the concepts. La b activities reinforce cri tical thinkin g, wri ting, a nd
communication s kills and help develop a deeper understanding of the nature of s cience. Labs and journals are required in this course.
Chemistry (Credit: 1.00)
Chemi stry offers a curriculum that emphasized s tudents' understanding of fundamental chemistry concepts while helping them a c quire
tool s to be conversant in a s ociety highly i nfluenced by s cience a nd technology. The course provides s tudents with opportunities to learn
a nd practice cri tical s cientific s kills within the context of releva nt scientific questions. Topics include the nature of science, the i mportance
of chemistry to s ociety, a tomic structure, bonding i n matter, chemical reactions, redox reactions, electrochemistry, phases o f matter,
equilibrium and kinetics, acids a nd bases, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, nuclear reactions, organic chemistry, a nd a lternative
energy. Sci entific i nquiry s kills are embedded in the direct instruction, wherein students learn to ask s cientific questions, form and test
hypotheses, a nd use logic a nd evidence to draw conclusions about concepts. Lab a ctivities reinforce critical thinking, writing, and
communication s kills and help s tudents develop a deeper understanding of the nature of s cience. Throughout this course, stude nts are
gi ven a n opportunity to understand how chemistry concepts a re applied in technology a nd engineering. Journal a nd Pra ctice activities
provi de a dditional opportunities for students to a pply concepts learned in the Studies and practice their writing skills. Labs and journals are
required in this course.
Earth Science (Credit: 1.00)
Ea rth Sci ence offers a focused curri culum that explores Earth's composition, structure, processes, and history; i ts atmosphere, freshwater,
a nd oceans; a nd its environment in s pace. Topics include an exploration of the major cycl es that affect every a spe ct of life, including
wea ther, climate, a ir movement, tectonics, volcanic eruptions, rocks, minerals, geologic history, Ea rth's environment, s ustainability, a nd
energy resources. Optional teacher-graded l abs encourage students to a pply the s cientific method. Mi nimal l abs are required.
Physical Science (Credit: 1.00)
Phys i cal Science offers a focused curriculum designed a round the understanding of cri tical physical s cience concepts, i ncludi ng the nature
a nd s tructure of matter, the characteristics of energy, a nd the mastery of cri tical scientific skills. Topics i nclude an i ntroduction to
ki nematics, i ncluding gra vity a nd two-dimensional motion; force; momentum; waves; electricity; a toms; the Periodic Ta ble of El ements;
mol ecular bonding; chemical reactivity; ga ses; a nd an i ntroduction to nuclear energy. Teacher-graded labs encourage students to apply the
s ci entific method. Mi nimal labs a re required.
9
Physics (Credit: 1.00)
Phys i cs offers a curriculum that emphasizes s tudents' understanding of fundamental physics concepts while helping them acquire tools to
be conversant i n a s ociety highly i nfluenced by s cience a nd technology. The course provides s tudents with opportunities to le arn a nd
pra cti ce cri tical s cientific skills within the context of relevant scientific questions. Topics i nclude the nature of science, math for physics,
energy, kinematics, force and motion, momentum, gravi tation, chemistry for physics, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, w aves,
nucl ear physics, quantum physics, and cosmology. Sci entific i nquiry s kills are embedded in the direct instruction, wherein students l earn to
a s k scientific questions, form a nd test hypotheses, and use l ogic and evi dence to draw conclusions a bout the concepts. La b activities
rei nforce cri tical thinking, writing, and communication skills and help students develop a deeper understanding of the nature of science.
Throughout this course, s tudents a re given an opportunity to understand how physics concepts a re applied in technology a nd engineering.
Journal a nd Practice a ctivities provide a dditional opportunities for students to apply concepts learned in Studies and practice t heir writing
s ki lls.
Honors Physical Science (Credi t: 1.00)
Phys i cal Science i s a thorough course that provides students with a n understanding of the nature and structure of matter, the
cha ra cteristics of energy, a nd the s ocietal i mplications of physical science concepts. Using the scientific method — observa tion, data
col l ection, a nalysis, hypothesis, and conclusion — s tudents a re encouraged to extend their knowledge through the development of
s ci entific explanations, hypotheses, and conclusions. Topics include a n introduction to kinematics, i ncluding gra vity a nd two -dimensional
moti on; force; momentum; waves; electricity; a toms; the Periodic Ta ble of El ements; molecular bonding; chemical reactivity; gases; and an
i ntroduction to nuclear energy. Mi nimal labs a re required.
Honors Biology (Credi t: 1.00)
Bi ology i s an in-depth course that furthers mastery of s cientific s kills, fosters a deep understanding of key concepts, a nd promotes the
a pplication of the scientific method to biological topics. The course begins with an introduction to the nature of s cience and biology,
i ncl uding the major themes of structure a nd function, matter an d energy flow, s ystems, a nd i nterconnectedness of life. Students then apply
thos e themes to the structure a nd function of the cell, cellular metabolism, and biogeochemical cycl es. Building on this foundation,
s tudents explore the connections and interactions between living things by s tudying genetics, ecosystems a nd natural s election, and
evol ution. The course ends with an applied l ook at human biology. La b activities reinforce critical thinking, writing, and co mmunication
s ki lls a nd help develop a deeper understanding of the nature of s cience. Biology s tudents a re frequently a sked to respond to s cientific
probl ems a nd issues vi a written assignments. Moreover, Exploration a ctivities challenge Honors students to deconstruct scient ific cl aims,
a na lyze scientific a rticles, a nd suggest follow-up experiments or topics for further research. Students will also be required to complete 18
virtual Biology labs.
Honors Chemistry (Credi t: 1.00)
Chemi stry offers a curriculum that emphasizes students’ understanding of fu ndamental chemistry concepts while helping them a cquire
tool s to be conversant in a s ociety highly i nfluenced by s cience a nd technology. The course provides s tudents with opportunit ies to learn
a nd practice cri tical s cientific s kills within the context of releva nt scientific questions. Topics include the nature of science, the i mportance
of chemistry to s ociety, a tomic structure, bonding i n matter, chemical reactions, redox reactions, electrochemistry, phases o f matter,
equilibrium and kinetics, acids a nd bases, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, nuclear reactions, organic chemistry, a nd a lternative
energy. Sci entific i nquiry s kills are embedded in the direct instruction, wherein students learn to ask s cientific questions, form and test
hypotheses, a nd use logic a nd evidence to draw conclusions about the concepts. Lab a ctivities reinforce critical thinking, writing, and
communication s kills and help s tudents develop a deeper understanding of the nature of s cience. Throughout this course, stude nts are
gi ven a n opportunity to understand how chemistry concepts a re applied in technology a nd engineering. Journal and Labs are required for
this course.
Honors Physics (Credi t: 1.00)
Phys i cs offers a curriculum that emphasizes s tudents' understanding of fundamental p hysics concepts while helping them acquire tools to
be conversant i n a s ociety highly i nfluenced by s cience a nd technology. The course provides s tudents with opportunities to le arn a nd
pra cti ce cri tical s cientific skills within the context of relevant scientific questions. Topics i nclude the nature of science, math for physics,
energy, kinematics, force and motion, momentum, gravi tation, chemistry for physics, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, w aves,
nucl ear physics, quantum physics, and cosmology. Sci entific i nquiry s kills are embedded in the direct instruction, wherein students l earn to
a s k scientific questions, form a nd test hypotheses, and use l ogic and evi dence to draw conclusions a bout the concepts. La b activities
rei nforce cri tical thinking, writing, and communication skills and help students develop a deeper understanding of the nature of science.
Throughout this course, s tudents a re given an opportunity to understand how physics concepts a re applied in technology a nd engineering.
Journal a nd Practice a ctivities provide a dditional opportunities to a pply concepts learned in the Studies and practice their writing skills .
Expl oration activities challenge students to deconstruct s cientific claims, a nalyze scientific a rticles, a nd suggest follow-up experiments or
topi cs for further research. La bs and Journals are required in this a dvanced course.
10
Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment courses are designed by the college board and textbooks must be purchased in
addition to the online class work. Students must register and take the collegeboard AP exam to earn AP credit. These
courses are very difficult, and require college level performance by students.
Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment Chemistry
AP* Chemi stry builds students’ understanding of the nature and reactivity of ma tter. After s tudyi ng the structure of atoms, m olecules, and
i ons, students move on to solve quantitative chemical problems a nd explore how molecular s tructu re relates to chemical and physical
properties. Students will examine the molecular composition of common substances a nd l earn to predictably tra nsform them through
chemi cal reactions. The equivalent of an introductory college-level chemistry course, AP Chemistry prepares students for the AP exam and
for further s tudy in science, health s ciences, or engineering. La bs are required i n this course. *AP i s a registered trademark of the College
Boa rd. * Additional reading materials a re required, and must be purchased by the s tudent.
Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment Chemistry (DL)
AP* Chemi stry (DL) builds s tudents’ understanding of the nature a nd reactivity of matter. After studying the structure of a toms, molecules,
a nd i ons, s tudents move on to solve quantitative chemical problems and explore how molecular s tructure relates to chemical a nd physical
properties. Students will examine the molecular composition of common substances a nd l earn to predictably tra nsform them through
chemi cal reactions. The equivalent of an introductory college-level chemistry course, AP Chemistry (DL) prepares students for the AP exam
a nd for further s tudy i n science, health s ciences, or engineering. This course includes “dry l ab” a ctivi ties and is i ntended for students in a
di s tance learning (DL) setting who do not have access to supervised laboratory fa cilities. *AP i s a registered trademark of the Coll ege Board.
* Addi tional reading materials are required, a nd must be purchased by the student.
Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment Biology
AP* Bi ology builds s tudents' understanding of biology on both the micro a nd macro s cales. After s tudyi ng cell biology, s tudents move on to
understand how evolution drives the diversity a nd unity of life. Students will examine how livi ng systems s tore, retrieve, transmit, and
res pond to i nformation and how organisms utilize free energy. The equivalent of a n introductory col lege-level biology course, AP Bi ology
prepa res s tudents for the AP exa m a nd for further study i n science, health s ciences, or engineering. The AP Bi ology course provides a
l earning experience focused on allowing s tudents to develop their cri tical thinking s kills a nd cognitive s trategies. Frequent no- a nd l ows ta kes assessments a llow s tudents to measure their comprehension a nd i mprove their performance as they progress through each activity.
Students regularly engage with primary s ources, allowing them to practice the cri tical reading a nd a nalysis skills that they will need in order
to pa s s the AP exam and succeed in a college biology course. Students perform hands-on labs that give them i nsight i nto the nature of
s ci ence and help them understand biological concepts, as well as how evidence can be obtained to s upport those concepts. Students a lso
compl ete several virtual l ab studies i n which they form hypotheses; collect, a nalyze, and manipulate data; a nd report their findings and
concl usions. During both vi rtual and traditional l ab investigations and research opportunities, students summarize their findings a nd
a na lyze others' findings in summaries, using s tatistical a nd mathematical ca lculations when appropriate. Summative tests are offered at the
end of each unit as well as a t the end of each semester, a nd contain objective a nd constructed response items. * Additional reading
ma terials a re required, and must be purchased by the s tudent.
As a Christian School, we allow students to take Honors Apologia Science on CD. Please contact
the office for more details. CD, student workbook and tests are supplied by TOPS.
11
Social Studies/History
Students are required to take a minimum of 3 credits to graduate: World History,
American History, Government and Economics.
World Geography and Cultures (Credit 1.00)
Worl d Geography offers a ti ghtly focused curriculum that enables s tudents to explore how geographic features, human relationships,
pol itical and social structures, economics, science a nd technology, a nd the a rts have developed and i nfluenced life i n countries a round the
worl d. Throughout the course students analyze geographic information such as maps, photographs, and demographic statistics. They a lso
des cribe a nd evaluate the i nfluence of globalization. Students a re given ri gorous instruction on how to read and create maps, charts, a nd
gra phs. To structure knowledge i n a manner that allows students to think as geographers, the course is organized around the geographic
themes of l ocation, place, religion, migration, a nd human envi ronment i nteraction. These themes a re addressed through the l enses of
phys i cal geography, cultural geography, political geography, globalization and economics. Students are s upported in a pplying their new
geogra phy s kills through a va riety of assignments such as Pra ctices, Journals, a nd Discussions as they examine i ssues near to home and
worl dwide. The multi-cultural studies section of the course emphasizes the perspectives of minority groups while allowing s tudents from all
ba ckgrounds to better understand and appreciate how ra ce, culture a nd ethnicity, a nd identity contribute to their experiences. Ma jor
topi cs i n the course i nclude i dentity, i mmigration, assimilation a nd distinctiveness, power and oppression, s truggles for ri ghts, regionalism,
cul ture and the media, and the formation of new cultures. Students reflect cri tically on their own experiences as well as those of others.
Interactive multimedia a ctivi ties include personal a nd historical accounts to which students can respond using methods of inq uiry from
hi s tory, s ociology, a nd psychology. Wri tten assignments and Journals provide opportunities for s tudents to practice and develop s kills for
thi nking and communicating about ra ce, culture, ethnicity, a nd identity.
World History (Credit: 1.00)
Worl d History offers a tightly focused curri culum that uses multiple perspectives to tra ce the development of ci vilizations a round the world
from prehistory to the present. The course covers major events i n world history, i ncluding the development and influence of h umangeogra phic relationships, political and social structures, economics, science and technology, a nd the arts. Students investigate the major
rel i gions a nd belief systems throughout history a nd l earn a bout the importance of tra de a nd cultural exchange. Other topics i nclude the
development of agriculture, the s pread of democracy, the ri se of nation-states, the industrial era, the spread of i mperialism, a nd the issues
a nd conflicts of the 20th century. Students learn to use primary historical documents as evidence as they learn about past events. World
Hi s tory i s designed as the second course in the s ocial s tudies sequence. Pri mary documents a re embedded in the i nstruction to encourage
s tudents to make frequent connections to evidence from the past. For a more in-depth world history course, we recommend World
History to the Renaissance and since the Renaissance, both full credit courses.
World History to the Renaissance (Credit: 1.00)
Worl d History to the Renaissance tra ces the development of ci vilizations a round the world from prehistory to the Renaissance. The course
covers ma jor themes i n world history, i ncluding the development a nd i nfluence of human -geographic relationships, political a nd s ocial
s tructures, economic systems, major religions and belief s ystems, science and technology, a nd the arts. Topics covered in this course
i ncl ude the birth of civilizations; the classical civilizations of India, China, Greece, and Rome; the rise of new empires su ch as the Byzantine;
a nd a n examination of ci vilizations i n Africa and North a nd South America. From there, s tudents journey to the Mi ddle Ages and into the
Renaissance. Pri mary s ource documents, which appear frequently, encourage students to make connections to evidence from the p ast.
Wri ti ng s kills a re honed through a spiraled s equence of short analytic pieces.
World History Since the Renaissance (Credit: 1.00)
Worl d History s ince the Renaissance covers the development of civilizations around the world from the Renaissance to the pres ent. The
cours e covers major themes in world history, i ncluding the development a nd influence of human-geographic relationships, political a nd
s oci al s tructures, economic systems, major religions a nd belief s ystems, the effects of science a nd technology, the vi tal rol e of the a rts, and
the i mportance of tra de and cultural exchange. Topics covered in this course i nclude the Reformation and its legacy, the Scientific
Revol ution, European exploration, the Enlightenment, political revolutions, the rise of nation-states, the industrial era, the spread of
i mperialism, a nd the issues a nd conflicts of the 20th a nd 21st centuries. Pri mary s ource documents, which a ppear frequently, encourage
s tudents to make connections to evidence from the past. Wri ting s kills a re honed through a s piraled sequence of short analyti c pieces.
12
U.S. History (Credit: 1.00)
Thi s course is aligned to the college standard standards i n methodology only. U.S. History tra ces the nation's history from t he pre-colonial
peri od to the present. Students learn about the Native American, European, and African people wh o l ived i n America before i t became the
Uni ted States. There is a s trong emphasis on the "founding fathers” documents, as s tudents examine the beliefs and philosophies that
i nformed the American Revolution and the subsequent formation of the government a nd political system. Students investigate the economic,
cul tural, a nd s ocial motives for the nations’ expansion, as well as the conflicting notions of liberty tha t eventually result ed in civil war. The
cours e describes the emergence of the United States as a n industrial nation and then focuses on its role in modern world affairs. Movi ng into
the 20th a nd 21st centuries, s tudents probe the economic a nd diplomatic interactions between the United States and other worl d players
whi le i nvestigating how the world wars, the Cold Wa r, and the information revolution affected the lives of ordinary Americans. Woven
through this chronological sequence is a strong focus on the changing conditions of women, Afri can Americans, and other minor ity groups.
The course emphasizes the development of historical analysis skills s uch a s comparing a nd contrasting, differentiating betwee n facts and
i nterpretations, considering multiple perspectives, and analyzing ca use-and-effect relationships. These skills are a pplied to text i nterpretation
a nd i n written assignments that guide l earners step -by-step through problem-solving a ctivities. For a more in-depth study,
TOPS recommends taking 2 full years, including US History to and after the Civil War.
U.S. History to the Civil War (Credit: 1.00)
Thi s course tra ces the nation's history from the pre-colonial period to the end of the American Ci vil War. It emphasizes the colonial period
a nd the creation of a new nation a nd examines the beliefs a nd philosophies that i nformed the American Revolution a nd the s ubsequent
forma tion of the government a nd political s ystem. Students fi rst explore the earliest points of contact between individuals f rom Europe,
Afri ca , a nd North America. They then probe the economic, cultural, a nd s ocial motives for the nation's expansion, as well as the conflicting
noti ons of l iberty that eventually resulted in the Civil Wa r. Woven throughout this narrative history i s a s trong focus on th e changing
condi tions of women, African Americans, a nd other minority groups. The ways i n which Americans lived, ate, dressed, a nd i nteracted a re
a l so highlighted. The course emphasizes the development of historical a nalysis s kills s uch as comparing a nd contrasting, diff erentiating
between facts a nd i nterpretations, considering multiple perspectives, and analyzing ca use-and-effect relationships. These skills are a pplied
to text i nterpretation and in written assignments that guide learners step-by-step through problem-solving activities. The content i s based
on s ta ndards from the National Council for History Education (1997), the National Center for History i n the Schools (1996), a nd the National
Counci l for Social Studies (1994) a nd i s aligned to state standards.
U.S. History Since the Civil War (Credit: 1.00)
Thi s course tra ces the nation's history from the end of the Ci vil War to the present. It describes the emergence of the United States a s an
i ndustrial nation, highlighting social policy a s well a s its role in modern world affairs. Students evaluate the a ttempts to bind the nation
together during Reconstruction while a lso exploring the growth of a n i ndustrial economy. Movi ng into the 20th a nd 21s t centuries,
s tudents probe the economic a nd diplomatic interactions between the United States and other world players whi le i nvestigating how the
worl d wars, the Cold War, and the "information revolution" a ffected the lives of ordinary Americans. Woven through this chronological
s equence is a strong focus on the changing conditions of women, African Americans, and other minority groups. The course emphasizes the
development of historical analysis skills such as comparing and contrasting, differentiating between facts a nd i nterpretations, considering
mul tiple perspectives, and analyzing cause-and-effect relationships. These skills a re applied to text interpretation a nd in wri tten
a s signments that guide learners step-by-step through problem-solving activities. The content i s based on standards from the National
Counci l for History Education (1997), the National Center for History i n the Schools (1996), a nd the Na tional Council for Social Studies
(1994) a nd i s aligned to s tate standards.
U.S. Government and Politics (Credit: .5)
U.S. Government and Politics offers a tightly focused curri culum that uses the perspective of poli tical i nstitutions to explore the history,
orga nization, and functions of the U.S. government. Beginning with basic theories of government, moving to the Declaration of
Independence, and continuing to the present day, the course explores the relationship b etween i ndividual Americans a nd the governing
bodi es. It covers the political culture of the country a nd gains i nsight i nto the challenges faced by presidents, congressional representatives,
a nd other political a ctivists. It also covers the roles of political parties, i nterest groups, the media, a nd the Supreme Court. U.S. Government
a nd Politics is designed to fall i n the fourth year of s ocial s tudies instruction. Students perfect their a nalyti c writing th rough a series of
a na lytic assignments and written lesson tests. Students read a nnotated primary documents and apply those documents to the course
content. This course encourages students to examine, and present their political views in a discussion atmosphere. Usually, this course
is reserved for 12th grade students.
U.S. and Global Economics (Credit: .5)
U.S. a nd Global Economics offers a tightly focused curriculum that provi des a n i ntroduction to key economic principles. The c ourse covers
fundamental properties of economics, including an examination o f markets from both historical and current perspectives; the basics of
s upply a nd demand; the theories of early economic philosophers s uch a s Adam Smith and David Ricardo; theories of value; the c oncept of
money a nd how it evolved; the role of banks, i nvestment houses, and the Federal Reserve; Keynesian economics; the productivity, wa ges,
i nvestment, a nd growth involved in capitalism; unemployment, inflations, and the national debt; a nd a survey of markets i n a r eas s uch a s
Chi na , Europe, a nd the Mi ddle East. U.S. a nd Global Economics i s designed to fall in the fourth year of s ocial s tudies instruction. They a pply
ba s ic mathematics to economic concepts. Students read s elections from a nnotated primary documents and apply those readings to the
cours e content. Usually, this course is reserved for 12th grade students.
13
Sociology (Credit: .5)
Soci ology examines why people think a nd behave as they do in relationships, groups, i nstitutions, and societies. Ma jor course topics include
i ndividual a nd group identity, s ocial s tructures and institutions, s ocial change, s ocial s tratification, social dynamics in recent and current
events, the effects of social change on i ndividuals, and the research methods used by s ocial s cientists. In online discussions and polls,
s tudents reflect critically on their own experiences a nd i deas, as well as on the i deas of sociologists. Interactive multimedia activities
i ncl ude personal and historical accounts to which students ca n respond, using methods of inquiry from sociology. Wri tten assignments
provi de opportunities to practice a nd develop s kills in thinking and communicating a bout human relationships, i ndividual a nd group
i dentity, a nd all other major course topics. The course content is based on the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) Expectations of
Excel l ence: Curri culum Standards for Social Studies.
Psychology (Credit: .5)
Ps ychol ogy provides a s olid overvi ew of the field's major domains: methods, biopsychology, cognitive and developmental psychology, a nd
va ri a tions in individual and group behavior. By focusing on significant s cientific research and on the questions that a re mos t i mportant to
ps ychologists, students see psychology a s an evolving science. Ea ch topic cl usters around challenge questions, such as "What is happiness?"
Students a nswer these questions before, during, and after they i nteract with direct i nstruction. The content is based on the American
Ps ychol ogical Association's National Standards for High School Ps ychology Curri cula. The teaching methods draw from the National Science
Tea chers Association (NSTA) teaching standards.
Honors: Geography/World Cultures (Credit: .5)
Geography a nd World Cultures is a robust, one-semester course that explores how geographic features, human relationships, political a nd
s oci al s tructures, economics, s cience and technology, and the a rts have developed and influenced life in countries around the world. Along
the wa y, s tudents are gi ven ri gorous i nstruction on how to read maps, charts, and graphs, and how to create them. At the intersection of
cul ture and geography, students l earn about a rt, science, i ndividuals a nd communities, a nd history a nd current events. Students discover
how a mountain in the distance ca n inspire a Sufi poet, how a ri ver blocking a passage occupies a ci vil engineer a nd a ship builder alike, and
how the s ound of a busy Ca iro street i nspires a musician. Human history i s all about cultures meeting — how they i nfluence a nd i nspire
ea ch other; what s ets one apart from the next; a nd how they ba ttle each other for l and, natural resources, religious dominance, and more.
Geography a nd World Cultures is designed as the first course i n the social s tudies sequence. It develops note-taking s kills, teaches analytic
wri ti ng, a nd i ntroduces students to the cl ose examination of primary documents. The multi-cultural studies s ection of the course
emphasizes the perspectives of minority groups while allowing students from all backgrounds to better understand a nd a ppreciate how
ra ce, cul ture a nd ethnicity, a nd identity contribute to their experiences. Ma jor topics i n the course i nclude identity, i mmigration,
a s similation a nd distinctiveness, power and oppression, s truggles for ri ghts, regionalism, culture a nd the media, a nd the formation of new
cul tures. Students reflect cri tically on their own experiences as well as those of others. Interactive multimedia a ctivi ties i nclude personal
a nd historical accounts to which students can respond using methods of inquiry from history, s ociology, a nd psychology. Wri tt en
a s signments a nd Journals provide opportunities for s tudents to practice a nd develop s kills for thinking a nd communicating a bout ra ce,
cul ture, ethnicity, and i dentity.
Honors: World History (Credit 1.00)
Worl d History i s a robust, writing-intensive course that uses multiple perspectives to trace the development of civilizations around the
worl d from prehistory to the present. Students are encouraged to use their knowledge of cri tical points in history to develop their points of
vi ew a nd apply what they ha ve l earned to the promotion of civic a ction i n a rapidly gl obalizing world. The course explores how humangeogra phic relationships, political and social structures, economics, science and technology, a nd the arts have developed a nd i nfluenced
l i fe i n these civilizations. Students i nvestigate the major religions and belief s ystems throughout history a nd learn about the i mportance of
tra de a nd cultural exchange. Other topics i nclude the development of agriculture, the spread of democracy, the rise of nation-states, the
i ndustrial era, the s pread of i mperialism, and the issues and conflicts of the 20th century. World History i s designed as the second course in
the s ocial s tudies sequence. Students continue to improve their a nalyti c writing and develop confidence by wri ting multiple short analytic
pi eces and longer essays, including document-based questions. Pri mary documents a re embedded i n the i nstruction to encourage students
to ma ke frequent connections to evidence from the past.
Honors: World History to Renaissance (Credit: 1.00)
Worl d History to the Renaissance tra ces the development of ci vilizations a round the world from prehistory to the Renaissance. The course
covers ma jor themes i n world history, i ncluding the development a nd i nfluence of human -geographic relationships, political a nd s ocial
s tructures, economic systems, major religions and belief s ystems, science and technology, a nd the arts. Topics covered in thi s course
i ncl ude the birth of civilizations; the classical civilizations of India, China, Gre ece, and Rome; the rise of new empires such as the Byzantine;
a nd a n examination of ci vilizations i n Africa and North a nd South America. From there, s tudents journey to the Mi ddle Ages and into the
Renaissance. Pri mary s ource documents, which appear frequently, encourage students to make connections to evidence from the past.
Students master historical research a nd wri ting techniques and develop confidence i n their analytic wri ting through a sequenc e of fivepa ra graph essays a nd a nalytic pieces, i ncluding document-based questions. Additionally, i n a series of web explorations, students use
ca refully s elected Internet resources to gather information for creative writing assignments. The content is based on s tandards from the
Na ti onal Council for History Education (1997), the Na tional Center for History i n the Schools (1996), a nd the National Council for Social
Studi es (1994) and is aligned to s tate standards.
14
Honors: World History after Renaissance (Credit: 1.00)
Worl d History s ince the Renaissance covers the development of civilizations around the world from the Renaissance to the present. The course
covers ma jor themes i n world history, i ncluding the development a nd i nfluence of human -geographic relationships, political a nd s ocial s tructures,
economic s ystems, major religions and belief sys tems, the effects of s cience and technology, the vi tal role of the a rts, a nd the importance of
tra de a nd cultural exchange. Topics covered in this course include the Reformation and its legacy, the Scientific Revolution, European exploration,
the Enl ightenment, political revolutions, the rise of nation-states, the industrial era, the s pread of imperialism, and the issues and conflicts of the
20th a nd 21s t centuries. Pri mary s ource documents, which a ppear frequ ently, encourage s tudents to make connections to evidence from the
pa s t A s ignificant focus of this course is s tudent writing. Students develop confidence in their a nalytic writing through a s equence of fi vepa ra graph essays a nd a nalytic pieces, i ncluding document-based questions. Additionally, i n a series of web explorations, students use the
Internet to gather i nformation for creative writing assignments.
Honors: U.S. History (Credit: 1.00)
U.S. Hi s tory tra ces the nation’s history from the pre-colonial period to the present. Students learn about the Native American, European, a nd
Afri ca n people who lived in America before it became the United States. They examine the beliefs and philosophies that informed the
Ameri can Revolution and the s ubsequent formation of the government and political system. Students investigate the economic, cultural, and
s oci al motives for the nation’s expansion, as well as the conflicting notions of liberty tha t eventually resulted in civil wa r. The course describes
the emergence of the United States as a n industrial nation and then focuses on its role in modern world affairs. Movi ng into the 20th a nd
21s t centuries, students probe the economic and diplomatic i nteractions between the United States and other world players whi le
i nvestigating how the world wars, the Cold War, a nd the “information revolution” affected the lives of ordinary Americans. Woven through
thi s chronological sequence i s a strong focus on the changing conditions of women, Afri can Americans, and other mi nority g roups. The course
emphasizes the development of historical analysis s kills s uch a s comparing a nd contrasting, differentiating between facts and interpretations,
cons idering multiple perspectives, and analyzing cause-and-effect relationships. These skills a re a pplied to text interpretation and in wri tten
a s signments that guide learners step-by-step through problem-solving activities. Students perfect their a bility to use logic a nd evidence to
crea te persuasive written a rguments in five -paragraph essays and document-based questions.
Honors: U.S. History to the Civil War (Credit: 1.00)
Thi s course tra ces the nation's history from the pre-colonial period to the end of the American Ci vil War. It emphasizes the colonial period
a nd the creation of a new nation a nd examines the beliefs a nd philosophies that i nformed the American Revolution a nd the s ubsequent
forma tion of the government a nd political s ystem. Students fi rst explore the earliest points of contact between individuals f rom Europe,
Afri ca , a nd North America. They then probe the economic, cultural, a nd s ocial motives for the nation's expansion, as well as the conflicting
noti ons of l iberty that eventually resulted in the Civil Wa r. Woven throughout this narrative history i s a s trong focus on th e changing
condi tions of women, African Americans, a nd other minority groups. The ways i n which Americans lived, ate, dressed, a nd i ntera cted a re
a l so highlighted. The course emphasizes the development of historical a nalysis s kills s uch as comparing a nd contrasting, d ifferentiating
between facts a nd i nterpretations, considering multiple perspectives, and analyzing ca use-and-effect relationships. These skills are a pplied
to text i nterpretation and in written assignments that guide learners step-by-step through problem-solving activities. Students perfect their
a bi lity to us e logic and evidence to create persuasive written arguments in fi ve-paragraph essays and in shorter exercises s uch a s
document-based questions and analytic discussions.
Honors: U.S. History since Civil War (Credit: 1.00)
Thi s course tra ces the nation's history from the end of the Ci vil War to the present. It describes the emergence of the Unite d States a s an
i ndustrial nation, highlighting social policy a s well a s its role in modern world affairs. Stu dents evaluate the a ttempts to bind the nation
together during Reconstruction while a lso exploring the growth of a n i ndustrial economy. Movi ng into the 20th a nd 21s t centuries,
s tudents probe the economic a nd diplomatic interactions between the United States and other world players while i nvestigating how the
worl d wars, the Cold War, and the "information revolution" a ffected the lives of ordinary Americans. Woven through this chronological
s equence is a strong focus on the changing conditions of women, African Americans, and other minority groups. The course emphasizes the
development of historical analysis skills such as comparing and contrasting, differentiating between facts a nd i nterpretations, considering
mul tiple perspectives, and analyzing cause-and-effect relationships. These skills a re applied to text interpretation a nd in wri tten
a s signments that guide learners step-by-step through problem-solving activities. Students perfect their a bility to use logic a nd evidence to
crea te persuasive written a rguments in five-paragraph essays and in shorter exercises s uch as document-based questions and analytic
di s cussions.
Honors: U.S. Government and Politics (Credit: .5)
U.S. Government and Politics is a vi gorous, writing-intensive course that uses the perspective of political institutions to explore the history,
orga nization, and functions of the U.S. government. Students a re encouraged to use their knowledge of the structures a nd proc esses of
governi ng to develop their own vi ews on current political issues and apply what they ha ve learned to the promotion of civic a ction.
Begi nning with basic theories of government, moving to the Declaration of Independence, a nd continuing to the present day, th e course
expl ores the relationship between i ndividual Americans a nd the governing bodies. It looks closely a t the political culture of the country and
ga i ns i nsight i nto the challenges fa ced by presidents, congressional representatives, and other political activists. It a lso covers the roles of
pol itical parties, interest groups, the media, and the Supreme Court. U.S. Government and Politics is designed to fall in the fourth year of
s oci al s tudies instruction. Students perfect their a nalyti c writing through a series of analytic assignments a nd wri tten less on tests. Students
perform frequent close readings of primary documents and apply those documents to the course content.
15
Honors: U.S. and Global Economics (Credit: .5)
U.S. a nd Global Economics is a wide-ranging course that provides a n i ntroduction to key economic principles. Students gain a n
understanding of choices they must make as producers, consumers, investors, and ta xpayers. Topics include a n examination of m arkets
from both historical and current perspectives; the basics of supply a nd demand; the theories of early economic philosophers such as Adam
Smi th a nd David Ricardo; theories of va lue; the concept of money a nd how i t evolved; the role of banks, investment houses, a nd the
Federal Reserve; Keynesian economics; the productivi ty, wages, i nvestment, a nd growth involved in capitalism; unemployment, inflations,
a nd the national debt; a nd a s urvey of ma rkets in areas such as China, Europe, and the Mi ddle East. U.S. a nd Global Economics is designed
to fa l l in the fourth year of social s tudies instru ction. Students perfect their analytic wri ting through a series of a nalytic assignments a nd
wri tten lesson tests. They a lso apply basic ma thematics to economic concepts.
Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment courses are designed by the college board and textbooks must be
purchased in addition to the online class work. Students must register and take the collegeboard AP exam to earn
AP credit. These courses are very difficult, and require college level performance by students.
* Addi tional reading materials are required, a nd must be purchased by the student.
Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment Macroeconomics
AP* Ma croeconomics students learn why a nd how the world economy ca n change from month to month, how to identify trends in our
economy a nd how to use those trends to develop performance measures and predictors of economic growth or decline. They’ll also
exa mine how i ndivi duals, i nstitutions, and i nfluences affect people, and how those factors ca n i mpact everyone’s l ife through employment
ra tes , government s pending, i nflation, ta xes, and production. The equivalent of a 100-level college-level cl ass, this course prepares students
for the AP exa m a nd for further s tudy i n business, political science a nd history. This course has been a uthorized by the Coll ege Board to use
the AP des ignation. *AP i s a registered trademark of the College Board.
Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment Microeconomics
AP* Mi croeconomics studies the behavior of indivi duals a nd businesses as they exchange goods a nd s ervices in the marketplace. Students
wi l l learn why the same product costs different amounts a t different s tores, i n different ci ties, a t different ti mes. They’ll also l earn to spot
pa tterns i n economic behavior and how to use those patterns to explain buyer a nd seller b ehavior under va rious conditions.
Mi croeconomics studies the economic way of thinking, understanding the nature and function of markets, the role of scarcity a nd
competition, the i nfluence of factors s uch as interest ra tes on business decisions, a nd the ro le of government i n promoting a healthy
economy. The equivalent of a 100-l evel college course, AP Mi croeconomics prepares students for the AP exam and for further s tudy i n
bus iness, history, a nd political s cience. This course has been a uthorized by the College Board to use the AP designation. *AP i s a registered
tra demark of the College Board.
Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment U.S. Government and Politics
AP* U.S. Government and Politics studies the operations and structure of the U.S. government and the behavior of the electorate and
pol iticians. Students will gain the a nalyti c perspective necessary to cri ti cally evaluate political data, hypotheses, concept s, opinions, a nd
processes. Along the way, they’ll l earn how to gather data about political behavior a nd develop their own theoretical analysis of American
pol itics. They’ll also build the skills they need to examine general propositions about government and politics, a nd to a nalyze the specific
rel a tionships between political, social, and economic i nstitutions. The equivalent of an introductory college-level course, AP U.S.
Government and Politics prepares s tudents for the AP exa m a nd for further s tudy i n political science, law, education, busines s, a nd history.
Thi s course has been authorized by the College Board to use the AP designation. *AP i s a registered tra demark of the College Board.
Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment Advanced Placement U.S. History
AP* U.S. Hi s tory a nalyzes and explores the economic, political, a nd social changes i n America since Col umbus. Students master historical
knowledge a nd cri tical analysis, build reading, writing, a nd communication s kills, and discover how historical events have co ntributed to
Ameri can culture. In the process, they’ll learn how decisions a nd events of the past continue to have profound effects on the world today
a nd how knowledge of the ca uses behind past events can i nfluence future decisions. By the end of the course, students will be ready to put
thei r factual knowledge to work by weighing evidence a nd i nterpreting problems presented by historians. The equivalent of an introductory
col l ege-level course, AP U.S. Hi story prepares students for the AP exam and for further s tudy i n history, political s cience, economic s,
s oci ology, a nd l aw. This course has been authorized by the College Board to use the AP designation.
Advanced Placement Adva nced Pl acement Psychology
AP* Ps ychol ogy provides an overview of current psychological research methods a nd theories. Students will explore the therapi es used by
professional counselors a nd cl inical psychologists and examine the reasons for normal human reactions: how people learn a nd think, the
process of human development and human aggression, a ltruism, i ntimacy, a nd self-reflection. They’ll study core psychological concepts,
s uch a s the brain and sense functions, a nd l earn to gauge human reactions, gather i nformation, a nd form meaningful syntheses. Al ong the
wa y, s tudents will a lso investigate relevant concepts like study s kills a nd i nformation retention. The equivale nt of a 100-level college survey
cours e, AP Ps ychology prepares s tudents for the AP exa m and for further studies i n psychology a nd life sciences.
16
Apex Electives
Two or three years of the same World Language recommended. All students must take health, physical education, college and car eer
prep I, and a performing or practical art credit. TOPS require all students to have two full credits in Religious studies, or ethics.
French I (Credit: 1.00)
French I teaches students to greet people, describe family a nd fri ends, talk about hobbies, a nd communicate a bout other topic s, such as
s ports, tra vel, a nd medicine. Each l esson presents vocabulary, gra mmar, a nd culture in context, followed by explanations and exercises.
Voca bulary i ncludes terms to describe school subjects, parts of the body, a nd people, as well as idiomatic phrases. Instructi on i n language
s tructure and grammar i ncludes the verb system, adjective agreement, formal and informal a ddress, reflexive verbs, and past tense.
Students also gain an understanding of the cultures of French -speaking countries a nd regions within and outside Europe, a s well as insight
i nto Fra ncophone culture and people.
French II (Credit: 1.00)
French II teaches students to communicate more confidently a bout themselves, as well as a bout topics beyond their own lives - both i n
forma l a nd i nformal a ddress. Each lesson presents vocabulary, grammar, a nd culture in context, followed by expla nations a nd exercises.
Voca bulary i ncludes terms in cooking, geography, a nd architecture. Instruction in l anguage s tructure and grammar i ncludes pre sent- a nd
pa s t-tense verb forms a nd uses, negation, a nd direct a nd indirect objects. Students deepen their k nowledge of French-speaking regions and
cul tures by l earning a bout history, l iterature, culture, and contemporary issues. The material in this course is presented at a moderate
pa ce. The content i s based on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign La nguages (ACTFL) standards.
Spanish I (Credit: 1.00)
Spa nish I teaches students to greet people, describe family a nd friends, talk about hobbies, and communicate a bout other topi cs, s uch as
home life, occupations, travel, and medicine. Each lesson presents vocabulary, gra mmar, a nd culture i n context, followed by explanations
a nd exercises. Vocabulary i ncludes terms to describe s chool s ubjects, parts of the body, a nd people, as well as i diomatic phrases.
Ins truction i n language structure a nd gra mmar i ncludes the structures and uses of present-tense verb forms, imperatives, adjective
a greement, i mpersonal constructions, formal and informal address, a nd reflexive verbs. Students explore words used in differe nt Spanishs peaking regions and learn a bout the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries and regions wi thin and outside Europe. The material i n this
cours e is presented a t a moderate pace.
Spanish II (Credit: 1.00)
Bui lding on Spanish I concepts, Spanish II s tudents l earn to communicate more confidently a bout themselves, as well as about topics
beyond their own lives - both in formal and informal situations. Ea ch lesson presents voca bulary, gra mmar, and culture i n context, followed
by expl anations and exercises. Students expand their voca bulary i n topics such as cooking, ecology, geography, a nd architecture.
Ins truction i n language structure a nd gra mmar i ncludes a review of present-tense verb forms, an introduction to the past tense, the
condi tional mood, imperatives, i mpersonal constructions, a nd reported s peech. Students deepen their knowledge of Spanish-speaking
regi ons and cultures by l earning about history, l iterature, culture, and contemporary i ssues.
Spanish III (Credit: 1.00)
In Spa nish III, s tudents build upon the skills a nd knowledge they a cquired i n Spanish I a nd II. The course presents new vocabulary a nd
gra mma tical concepts i n context while provi ding students with a mple opportunities to review and expand upon the ma terial they have
l earned previ ously. Students read and listen to a uthentic ma terials from newspapers, magazines, and television. The content is focused on
contemporary a nd relevant topics such as urbanization a nd population growth in Latin American countries, global health concer ns, jobs of
the future, a nd scientific a dvancements. Students review the formation a nd use of regular a nd irregular verbs i n the present a nd future
tens es, as well as the use of reflexive particles a nd i nfinitives. They a lso expand their understanding of noun and adjective agreement, the
compa rative a nd s uperlative degree of adjectives, a nd the placement and use of direct a nd i ndirect objects a nd pronouns. Students expand
thei r voca bulary through exposure to word roots a nd families, popular s lang, the correct use of words that a re often confused for one
a nother, and review of concepts such as proper placement of a ccents and stress. Presentation of new ma terials is always followed by
s everal interactive, online exercises, allowing students to master the material as they l earn it.
17
Honors French I Credit: 1.00)
Ba l anced between the thematic a nd communicative a pproaches to learning language, French I teaches s tudents to greet people, d escribe
fa mi ly and friends, talk a bout hobbies, a nd communicate about other topics, such as sports, travel, and medicine. Ea ch lesson presents
voca bulary, gra mmar, and culture i n context, followed by explanations a nd exercises. Vocabulary i ncludes terms to describe s c hool
s ubjects, parts of the body, a nd people, as well as idiomatic phrases. Instruction i n language s tructure and grammar i ncludes the verb
s ys tem, a djective a greement, formal a nd i nformal address, reflexive verbs, a nd past tense. Students also gain an understanding of the
cul tures of French-speaking countries a nd regions within a nd outside Europe, as well as i nsight i nto Francophone culture and people.
Honors: French II (Credit: 1.00)
Bui lding on French I concepts, French II students learn to communicate more confidently a bout themselves, as well as a bout to pics beyond
thei r own lives — both in formal and informal address. Balanced between the thematic and communicative a pproaches to learning
l a nguage, each lesson presents voca bulary, gra mmar, and culture i n context, followed by explanations a nd exercises. Vocabulary i ncludes
terms i n cooking, geography, a nd a rchitecture. Instruction i n language structure and grammar includes verb conjugations and uses i n the
pres ent tense, past tense, a nd i mperative and conditional moods, as well as direct a nd indirect objects and personal, possess ive, and
rel a tive pronouns. Students deepen their knowledge of French-speaking regions and cultures by l earning about history, l iterature, culture,
a nd contemporary i ssues. To further connect to French culture and people, s tudents a re encouraged to vi ew s upplementary ma terials on
the Web or to consult community resources or other media.
Honors: Spanish I (Credit: 1.00)
Spa nish I covers the five Cs of the ACTFL s tandard: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, a nd communities. The i nstruction is
ba l anced between the thematic a nd communicative a pproaches to l earning language. Spanish I students learn to greet people, describe
fa mi ly and friends, talk a bout hobbies, a nd communicate about other topics, such as ecology, tra vel, and medicine. Ea ch l esson presents
voca bulary, gra mmar, and culture i n context, followed by explanations a nd exercises. Vocabulary i ncludes terms to describe s chool
s ubjects, parts of the body, a nd people, as well as idiomatic phrases. Instruction i n language s tructure and grammar i ncludes the verb
s ys tem, a djective a greement, formal a nd i nformal address, reflexive verbs, a nd past tense. Students explore words used i n different
Spa nish-speaking regions, and they l earn a bout the cultures of Spanish -speaking countries and regions within and outside Europe. Web
expl orations give s tudents further i nsight into the culture a nd people of the Spanish -speaking world, i ncluding the United States. Spanish I
i s balanced between the thematic a nd communicative a pproaches to learning language.
Honors: Spanish II (Credit: 1.00)
Spa nish II covers the five Cs of the ACTFL s tandard: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, a nd communities. The i nstruction
i s balanced between the thematic a nd communicative a pproaches to learning language. Leveraging Spanish I concepts, Spanish II s tudents
l earn to communicate more confidently about themselves and their hopes and fears, as well as a bout topics beyond their own li ves — both
i n formal a nd i nformal situations. Each l esson presents vocabulary, gra mmar, a nd culture in context, followed by explanations and
exerci ses. Students expand their vocabulary i n cooking, geography, a nd architecture. Instruction in language structure and grammar
i ncl udes verb forms, tenses, moods a nd uses, impersonal constructions, and reported speech. Students deepen their knowledge of Spanishs peaking regions and cultures by l earning a bout history, l iterature, culture, a nd contemporary i ssues. Students a lso are enco uraged to
cons ult ma terials outside the course, s uch as Web links, community resources, o r other media, to better understand Spanish-speaking
cul ture and people. Spanish II is balanced between the thematic and communicative a pproaches to l earning language.
SAT Prep Course (Credi t: 0.50)
SAT Prepa ration: 12 week intensive CD and workbook. $100.00. We highly recommend collegeprepgenius.com. Pl ease check out their
website for more information on this great SAT course. When you purchase with them, help a nd s upport a re available.
College and Career Prep I (Credi t: 0.50)
Hi gh s chool s tudents have many questions about the college a pplication process, what i t takes to be a successful college s tudent, and how
to begi n thinking a bout their careers. In College and Ca reer Preparation I, s tudents obtain a deeper understanding of what i t means to be
rea dy for college. Students are i nformed a bout the importance of high school performance i n college a dmissions and how to prepa re for
col l ege testing. They know the types of s chools a nd degrees they may choose to pursue after high school and gain wide exposure to the
fi nancial resources a vailable that make college attainable. Ca reer readiness i s also a focus. Students connect the link betwe en interests,
col l ege majors, and future careers by a nalyzing ca reer clusters. Students come away from this course unders tanding how smart preparation
a nd s kill development i n high school can lead i nto expansive ca reer opportunities a fter they have completed their education a nd are ready
for the working world. Students who complete College a nd Ca reer Preparation I have the b asic s kills and foundation of knowledge to
progress into College and Ca reer Preparation II, the ca pstone course that provides hands -on information a bout the transition from high
s chool to college and career. Students a re required to write a 500 pa ge college entrance paper.
College and Career Prep II (Credit: 0.50)
Hi gh s chool s tudents have many questions about the college a pplication process, what i t takes to be a successful college s tudent, and how
to begi n thinking a bout their careers. College and Ca reer Preparation II builds on the lessons and skills in College and Ca reer Preparation I.
The course provides a step-by-step guide to choosing a college. It walks students through the process of filling out an a pplication, including
opportunities to practice, and takes an in-depth l ook at the va rious college-admission tests a nd assessments, as well financial aid options.
18
Col l ege and Ca reer Preparation II a lso instructs s tudents i n i nterviewing techniques a nd provides career guidance. Students explore
va l uable opportunities such as job shadowing and internships when preparing for a ca reer. Students who complete this course o btain a
deeper understanding of college a nd ca reer readiness through i nformative, interactive cri tical thinking a nd a nalysis a ctivi ties while
s ha rpening their ti me management, organization, a nd learning skills that they l earned i n College a nd Ca reer Preparation I. Co llege a nd
Ca reer Preparation II prepares students with the knowledge a nd s kills to be s uccessful i n college a nd beyond. Students are required to
wri te a 500 pa ge college entrance paper.
Art Appreciation (Credit: 0.50)
Art Appreciation is a s urvey of the history of Western vi sual arts, with a primary focus on painting. Students begin with an i ntroduction to
the ba sic principles of painting and learn how to cri tique and compare works of a rt. Students then explore prehistoric and ea rly Greek and
Roma n a rt before they move on to the Mi ddle Ages. Emphasis is placed on the Renaissance and the principles and masters that emerged in
Ita l y and northern Europe. Students continue their art tour with the United States during the 20th century, a time of great i nnovation as
a bs tract art took center s tage. While Western a rt is the courses primary focus, students will finish the course by s tudyi ng a rtistic tra ditions
from Afri ca , Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. Coverage of each artistic movement highlights historical context a nd introduces s tudents to
key a rti sts that represent a va riety of geographic locations. Throughout the course, s tudents a pply what they have learned about a rt
cri ti que to a nalyze and evaluate both i ndividual a rtists a nd i ndividual works of a rt. Art Appreciation is based on national s tandards
developed by the Consortium of National Arts Education Associations, a s well as key state s tandards. It encompasses a va riety of s kills to
ena ble students to cri tique, compare, a nd perhaps influence their own works of art.
Music Appreciation (Credit: 0.50)
Mus i c Appreciation is a s treamlined course that i ntroduces student to the history, theory, a nd genres of music, from the most primitive
s urvi vi ng examples, through the cl assical to the most contemporary i n the world at large. The course is offered i n a two-semester format:
The fi rst s emester covers primitive musical forms, classical music, and American ja zz. The second s emester presents the ri ch modern
tra di tions, i ncluding: gospel, folk, soul, blues, La tin rhythms, rock and roll, and hip -hop. The course explores the interface of music and
s oci al movements and examines how the emergent global society a nd the Internet is bringing musical forms together i n new ways from all
a round the world.
HONORS Christian-Based Health-TEXTBOOK COURSE (Credit: 0.50)
The Health course i s designed to encourage students to take an a ctive role i n personal health. Students will l earn about a va riety of health
topi cs i ncluding, health risks, types of i llnesses, functions of the major sys tems of the body, a nd health career options. Ob jectives from
el ective courses are not tested on national or state a chievement tests. As a result, there are no course and a daptive assessments
developed for our elective course titles. This course meets national standards yet gives students a Christian perspective, in cluding a s ection
on Abs tinence.
Skills for Health (Credit: 0.50) Apex course, modified to meet Christian standards
Ski lls for Health is a va luable, s kills-based health education course designed for general education in grades 9 through 12. Skills for Health
hel ps students develop knowledge, attitudes, a nd essential s kills i n a va riety of health-related subjects, i ncluding mental a nd emotional
hea lth; nutrition; physical a ctivi ty; s ubstance use and abuse; injury prevention and safety; a nd personal health, environment al
cons erva tion, a nd community health resources. Through use of a ccessible i nformation and real-life simulations, students apply the s even
hea lth s kills. These i nclude access to valid health i nformation; s elf-management; analysis of i nternal a nd external i nfluences; interpersonal
communication; decision-making; goal setting; a nd a dvocacy.
HOPE (Credit: 1.0)
Hea lth Opportunities through Physical Education (HOPE) combines i nstruction in health a nd physical education in a full -year, i ntegrated
cours e. It focuses on developing skills, habits a nd a ttitudes to maintain a healthy l ifestyle a nd a pplying l essons l earned to physical fitness.
Through active participation and real-world simulations, the course aims to demonstrate fi rsthand the va lue of conscientious lifestyle
ma nagement. HOPE lays a foundation for ma king healthy decisions by building seven s kills: a ccessing va lid health i nformation; a nalyzing
i nternal a nd external influences; self-management; i nterpersonal communication; decision -making; goal s etting; a nd advocacy. Students
a pply these s kills to a variety of topics throughout the course, i ncluding mental a nd s ocial health; physical a ctivity; nutrition; s ubstance
prevention; disease and disorders; i njury prevention and safety; a nd personal health. HOPE requires routine participation i n a dults upervised physical a ctivities.
Sociology (Credit: 0.50)
Soci ology examines why people think a nd behave as they do in relationships, groups, i nstitutions, and societies. Ma jor course topics include
i ndividual a nd group identity, s ocial s tructures and institutions, s ocial change, s ocial s tratification, social dynamics in recent and current
events, the effects of social change on i ndividuals, and the research methods used by s ocial s cientists. In online discussions and polls,
s tudents reflect critically on their own experiences a nd i deas, as well as on the i deas of sociologists. Interactive multimedia activities
i ncl ude personal and historical accounts to which students ca n respond, using methods of inquiry from sociology. Wri tten assignments
provi de opportunities to practice a nd develop s kills in thinking and communicating a bout human relationships, i ndividual a nd group
i dentity, a nd all other major course topics.
19
Psychology (Credit: 0.50)
Ps ychol ogy provides a s olid overvi ew of the fields major domains: methods, biopsychology, cognitive a nd developmental psychology, a nd
va ri a tions in individual and group behavior. By focusing on significant s cientific research and on the questions that a re mos t i mportant to
ps ychologists, students see psychology a s an evolving science. Ea ch topic cl usters around challenge questions, such as What is happiness?
Students a nswer these questions before, during, and after they i nteract with direct i nstruction. Students learn about all the domains the
Ameri can Psychological Association (APA) emphasizes: methods, biopsychology, cognitive and developmental psychology, a nd va riations in
i ndividual a nd group behavior.
Physical Education (Credit: 1.00)
Phys i cal Education combines the best of online instruction with actual student participation i n weekly ca rdiovascular, a erobic, a nd muscle
toni ng a ctivities. The course promotes a keen understanding of the value of physical fitness a nd aims to motivate s tudents to participate i n
phys i cal a ctivi ties throughout their l ives. Specific areas of s tudy i nclude: Ca rdiovascular exercise a nd ca re, safe exercising, building muscle
s trength a nd endurance, i njury prevention, fitness skills and FITT benchmarks, goal s etting, nutrition a nd diet (vi tamins and minerals, food
l a bels, evaluation product cl aims), and stress management. The course requires routine participation i n adult-supervised physical activities.
Successful completion of this course will require parent/legal guardian sign-off on student-selected physical activities and on weekly
pa rti cipation reports to verify the student is meeting his or her requirements a nd responsibilities. Phys ical Education is al igned to national
a nd s tate standards a nd the Presidential Council on Physical Fitness a nd Sports
Organized Team and Organized Sports
Any Orga ni zed sport or personal sport with coach, tra iner, etc… ca n count toward Physical Education. We l ist personalized s ports as a
s eparate entity on the tra nscript, i ncluding Tennis, Gold, Competitive Cycl ing, and Olympic Skating. Plea se contact the director for more
i nformation.
Lifestyle, Personal Fitness
Li fetime Fitness i s a lifelong pursuit. This course is designed to teach students basic concepts of lifetime physical fitness as well as give them
experience with self-designed exercise programs. This course will allow students to investigate public resources that are available for
understanding fitness and accessing a ctivities from walking and hiking to kayaking.
Business Applications (Credit: 0.50)
Bus iness Applications prepares students to succeed in the workplace. Students begin by establishing an a wareness of the roles essential to
a n orga nization's success, a nd then work to develop an understanding of professional communications and leadership skills. In doing so,
s tudents gain proficiency with word processing, email, and presentation management software. Thi s course allows students to explore
ca reers in business while l earning skills a pplicable to any professional setting. Through a series of hands -on activities, students will create,
a na lyze, and cri tique reports, l etters, project plans, presentations, and other professional communications. Regular engageme nt i n active
l earning ensures students can continually refine the skills necessary to prepare them for work. In a ddition, s tudents will evaluate the
qua lifications required for specific careers s o they ca n i dentify opportunities that are of interest to them. Bus i ness Applications is a n
i ntroductory l evel Ca reer a nd Technical Education course a pplicable to programs of study i n business, management, a nd a dministration;
i nformation technology; a nd other career cl usters. This course is aligned with s tate and national s tandards. Students who suc cessfully
compl ete the course ca n go on to obtain the Microsoft® Office Specialist: Mi crosoft® Office Word certification. * Required: Word
processing software and presentation management software.
Financial Literacy Credit: 0.50)
Fi nancial Literacy helps students recognize a nd develop vi tal skills that connect life a nd ca reer goals with personalized strategies and
mi l estone-based a ction plans. Students explore concepts a nd work toward a mastery of personal finance skills, deepening their
understanding of key i deas a nd extending their knowledge through a va riety of problem-solving applications. Course topics include ca reer
pl a nning; i ncome, ta xation, and budgeting; savi ngs a ccounts, checking accounts, a nd electronic banking; interest, i nvestments , and stocks;
ca s h, debit, credit, and credit scores; insurance; a nd consumer a dvice on how to buy, rent, or lease a ca r or house. These topics a re solidly
s upported by wri ting and discussion activities. Journal activities provide opportunities for s tudents to both a pply concepts on a personal
s ca le a nd a nalyze scenarios from a third-party perspective. Discussions help students network with one a nother by s haring personal
s tra tegies and goals and recognizing the diversity of life a nd ca reer plans within a group.
Liberal Arts Math Credit: 1.00)
Li beral Arts Ma th a ddresses the need for an elective course that focuses on reinforcing, deepening, a nd extending a s tudent's mathematical
understanding. Liberal Arts Ma th starts with a review of problem-solving skills before moving on to a va riety of key algebraic, geometric,
a nd s tatistical concepts. Throughout the course, students hone their computational s kills and extend their knowledge through problem
s ol ving and real-world a pplications. Course topics i nclude problem solving; real numbers and operations; functions and graphing; systems
of l i near equations; polynomials and factoring; geometric concepts such as coordinate geometry a nd properties of geometric s hapes; a nd
des criptive statistics.
20
Honors Nursing I (Credit: 0.50)
Introduction to Health Science provides the foundational knowledge and skills s tudents need for ca reers i n health care. Students begin by
expl oring the s ervices, structure, a nd professions of the health care s ystem. The remainder of the course focuses on day-to-day s kills a nd
expectations for health professionals, which i nclude promoting wellness, maintaining a safe environment, creating medical records, and
pra cti cing good communication, collaboration, and leadership. Using real-life s cenarios and application-driven a ctivities, s tudents l earn the
res ponsibilities a nd challenges of being health care professionals. In addition to building their understanding of technical concepts a nd
s ki lls, s tudents evaluate the qualifications required for s pecific ca reers and develop personal career plans to pursue work i n the health care
i ndustry. Introduction to Health Science is a n i ntroductory-level Ca reer and Technical Education course for programs of s tudy i n health
s ci ences. This course is a ligned with state a nd national standards.
Honors Nursing II (.5 credits)
Intermediate Health Science extends the foundations of the Introduction to Health Sci ence course a nd covers basic medical science,
termi nology, procedures, a nd regulations. This course will help guide students toward choosing a s pecific ca reer path i n heal th servi ces,
i ncl uding ca reer paths in emergency medicine, nutrition, and alternative medicine. Using real-life scenarios a nd a pplication-driven
a cti vi ties, s tudents will extend their knowledge of oral and written communication i n health science. Students will have a n o vervi ew of
phys i ology and medical measurements. Students will also s ynthesize l earning from the Introduction to Health Science course by engaging in
a na lysis of real-life scenarios and deepen their knowledge of va rious ca reer options. In a ddition, students wil l expand their understanding
of health and safety s ystems, how to address emergency situations, a nd deal with infection control issues.
HONORS Business Applications (.5 credits)
Business Applications prepares students to succeed in the workplace. Students begin by establishing an awareness of the roles essential to an
organization's success, and then work to develop an understanding of professional communications and leadership skills. In doing so,
students gain proficiency with word processing, email, and presentation management software. This course allows students to explore careers
in business while learning skills applicable to any professional setting. Through a series of hands-on activities, students will create, analyze,
and critique reports, letters, project plans, presentations, and other professional communications. Regular engagement in active learning
ensures students can continually refine the skills necessary to prepare them for work. In addition, students will evaluate the qualifications
required for specific careers so they can identify opportunities that are of interest to them. Business Applications is an introductory level
Career and Technical Education course applicable to programs of study in business, management, and administration; information
technology; and other career clusters. This course is aligned with state and national standards. Required Word processing software and
presentation management software.
HONORS Information Technology Applications (.5 credits)
Information Technology Applications prepares students to work i n the field of Information Technology. Students will be a ble to
demonstrate digital literacy through basic study of computer hardware, operating s ystems, networking, the Internet, web publishing,
s preadsheets and database s oftware. Through a s eries of hand-on activities, students will l earn what to expect in the fi eld of Information
Technology and begin exploring ca reer options i n the field. Information Technology Applications is an introductory l evel Ca reer a nd
Technical Education course applicable to programs of s tudy i n i nformation technology as well as other career cl usters. This c ourse is aligned
wi th s tate and national standards. Students who s uccessfully complete the course will be prepared to pursue the Mi crosoft® Office
Specialist certifications i n Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access, as well as IC3 certification.
Coming Soon!
21
Religious Studies Courses - 1 credits required to graduate, we highly recommend 2 credits
In grades 8th-12th, s tudents must take a minimum of two full personal Bible s tudy cl asses using Bob Wiener’s popular s eries: Bi ble Study
for a Fi rm Foundation, The Overcoming Life, Li fe of Excellence or a s tudy on Th e Song of Solomon. All Bible courses require workbooks and
es says.
1 CREDIT, Text: Bible Study for a Firm Foundation. Cus tomized, journal with course outline a nd essays provided by
Chri s tian Educators Pri vate Schools. In one workbook is contained a gre at course for disciples, new members and even
s eekers. Bible Studies for a Firm Foundation i s a ctually a set of 23 Bi ble studies that ca n be used by a group or i ndividuals.
Ba s ic Christian doctrines a re covered in depth with a t least four pages of questions and Scripture verses for each topic.
1 CREDIT, Text: The Overcoming Life. Cus tomized, journal with course outline a nd essays provided by Chri stian Educators
Pri va te Schools. 20 Bi ble studies divided into 4 s tages to being wholly l ed by the Spirit: brokenness, righteousness, practical
Chri s tian livi ng, and the work of the ministry. Ea ch section includes a brief commentary, cl arifying questions with a nswers
i ncl uded in the back of the book. Discover precious truths from God's Word which will h elp you to be a victorious
overcomer.
.5 CREDITS, Text: Study of Philippians. Cus tomized, journal with course outline and essays provided by Chri stian Educato rs
Pri va te Schools. Anyone seeking deeper faith, the peace of Christ or the courage to face hard times with Christian conviction
wi l l benefit by this study of how Paul overcame difficult circumstances by faith. Final Exam is a 500 personal essay.
.5 CREDITS, Text: Study of Book of James. Cus tomi zed, journal with course outline and essays provided by Chri stian
Educa tors Priva te Schools. Believers of all ages will benefit from this Bible study based on the book of James. Using three
ma i n headings: It is full of faith, It is full of love, It is full of hope, the Weiner’s have developed a n interactive 12-study
workbook, with a nswer s heets provi ded. Final Exam is a 500 personal essay.
1 CREDIT, Text: Study of THE Song of Solomon. Cus tomized, journal with course outline a nd essays provided by Christian
Educa tors Priva te Schools. Bob a nd Rose Weiner present a series of s tudies on the s ymbolism a nd i magery of the Song of
Sol omon, reflecting a position that the book portrays Christ and his l ove for his bride, the Church. This is an excellent s tudy
for mothers to complete with their daughters. (Adva nced s tudy)
22
GRADPOINT Elective Courses
Elective courses are for high school only. Student must take required electives prior to enrolling in these additional electi ves
(health, PE, Fine Arts, and Religious studies). Gra dpoint s tudents ta ke these electives without a ny a dditional charge.
Apex students may take ONE course per semester at a cost of $100 per course additional fee.
Social Problems I and II
The Social Problems course continues to examine timely s ocial issues a ffecting indivi duals a nd societies around the gl obe. Students l earn
a bout the overall structure of the social problem as well as how i t impacts their l ives. Each unit focuses on a particular social problem,
i ncl uding ra cial discrimination, drug abuse, the l oss of community, a nd urban s prawl, a nd discusses possible solutions at both indi vidual and
s tructural l evels. For each issue, s tudents examine the connections in the global arena i nvolving societies, governments and the individual.
Sociology II
Soci ology is the s tudy of people, social life and society. By developing a sociological imagination, s tudents will be able to examine how
s oci ety i tself shapes human a ction a nd beliefs a nd how i n turn these factors re-shape s ociety i tself! Fascinating online vi deos journeys will
not onl y i nform students, but motivate them to s till seek more knowledge on their own. Prerequisite – s ociology I
Veterinary Science
As a nimals play a n increasingly i mportant role in our l ives, scientists have sought to learn more a bout their health a nd well-being. Taking a
l ook at the pets that live in our homes, on our farms, and in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries, this course will examine some of the common
di s eases and treatments for domestic a nimals. Toxins, parasites, and infectious diseases impact not only the animals a round us, but a t
ti mes we humans as well! Through veterinary medicine and science, the prevention and treatment of diseases and health i ssues is studied
a nd a pplied. Prerequisite – Bi ology
World Religions
Throughout the ages, religions from around the world have shaped the political, s ocial, a nd cultural aspects of s ocieties. Th is course focuses
on the ma jor religions that have played a role in human history, i ncluding Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism,
Shi ntoism, a nd Ta osim. Students will trace the major developments i n these religions and explore their relationships with soc ial i nstitutions
a nd culture. The course will a lso discuss some of the similarities a nd differences among the major religions and examine the connections
a nd i nfluences they have. Prerequisite – Bible for a Firm Foundation textbook
Hospitality & Tourism
Wi th greater disposable income and more opportunities for business travel, people are traversing the globe in growing numbers. As a
res ult, hospitality a nd tourism i s one of the fastest growing i ndustries i n the world. This course will introduce students to the hospitality
a nd tourism industry, i ncluding hotel and restaurant management, cruise ships, spas, res orts, theme parks, a nd other areas. Student will
l earn about key hospitality i ssues, the development a nd ma nagement of tourist locations, event planning, marketing, a nd environmental
i s sues related to leisure a nd tra vel. The course a lso examines some current and future trends i n the field.
International Business
From geography to cul ture Global Business is a n exciting topic in the business community today. This course i s designed to he lp s tudents
develop the appreciation, knowledge, skills, and a bilities needed to live and work in a global marketplace. It ta kes a global vi ew on business,
i nvestigating why a nd how companies go i nternational a nd a re more interconnected. The course further provides s tudents a conc eptual
tool by which to understand how economic, social, cultural, political and legal factors influence both domestic and cross -border business.
Bus iness structures, global entrepreneurship, business management, marketing, a nd the challenges of managing international
orga nizations will all be explored in this course. Students will cultivate a mindfulness of how history, geography, l anguage, cultural s tudies,
res earch s kills, and continuing education a re important in both business activities and the 21st century.
23
Law & Order
Every s ociety has l aws that its citizens must follow. From traffic l aws to regulations on how the government operates, l aws help provi de
s oci ety with order a nd s tructure. Our lives a re guided a nd regulated by our society's l egal expectations. Consumer l aws help protect us
from fa ulty goods; cri minal laws help to protect society from i ndividuals who harm others; a nd family l aw handles the a rrange ments and
i s sues that arise in areas like divorce a nd child custody. This course focuses on the creation and application of l aws in va rious areas of
s oci ety. By understanding the workings of our court s ystem, as well as how l aws are a ctually ca rried out, we become more i nformed and
res ponsible ci tizens i n our communities and of our nation.
Philosophy
Thi s course will ta ke you on an exciting adventure that covers more than 2,500 yea rs of history! Al ong the way, you'll run i nto s ome very
s tra nge characters. For example, you'll read a bout a man who hung out on s treet corners, barefoot and dirty, pestering everyo ne he met
wi th questions. You'll l earn about a nother eccentric who climbed i nside a s tove to think a bout whether he existed. Despite their o dd
behavi or, these and other philosophers of the Western world a re among the most brilliant and influential thinkers of all ti me . As you learn
a bout these great thinkers, you'll come to see how a nd where many of the most fundamental i deas of Western Ci vilization origi nated.
You'l l also get a chance to ask yourself some of the same questions these great thinkers pondered. By the ti me you've cl osed the book on
thi s course, you will better understand yourself and the world around you from atoms to outer s pace and everything in between.
Prerequisite – s ociology I and psychology
Real World Parenting
Wha t i s the best way to ca re for children a nd teach them self-confidence and a sense of responsibility? Pa renting involves more than
ha vi ng a child and providing food and shelter. Learn what to prepare for, what to expect, and what vi tal steps parents ca n ta ke to create
the best environment for their children. Pa renting roles and responsibilities, nurturing and protective envi ronments for children, positive
pa renting s trategies, and effective communication in parent/child relationships a re some of the topics covered in this course .
Anthropology I
The a im of anthropology is to use a broad a pproach to gain a n understanding of our past, present a nd future, and in a ddition address the
probl ems humans face in biological, social a nd cultural life. This course will explore the evolution, s imilari ty a nd diversity of humankind
through ti me. It will look a t how we have evolved from a biologically a nd culturally weak species to one that has the ability to ca use
ca ta strophic change. Exci ting online video journeys to different areas of the a nthropological world are just one of the powerful learning
tool s utilized i n this course.
Anthropology II
Anthropology has helped us better understand cultures around the world a nd through different time period. This course continues the
s tudy of gl obal cultures and the ways that humans have made sense of their world. We will examine s ome of the ways that cultures have
understood and gave meaning to different stages of life a nd death. The course will also examine the creation of a rt within cu ltures and
exa mine how cultures evolve a nd change over ti me. Finally, we will apply the concepts a nd i nsights l earned from the study of anthropology
to s everal cultures found i n the world today. Prerequisite – Anthropology I
Archeology
George Santayana once s aid, those who cannot remember the past a re condemned to repeat it. The field of archeology helps us to better
understand the events a nd s ocieties of the past that have helped to shape our modern world. This course focuses on this techniques,
methods, a nd theories that guide the study of the past. Students will learn how archaeological research is conducted a nd i nterpreted, as
wel l as how a rtifacts are l ocated a nd preserved. Finally, s tudents will learn a bout the relationship of material items to cul ture a nd what we
ca n l earn about past societies from these items.
Criminology
In today's world, cri me a nd deviant behavior ra nk at or near the top of many people's concerns. In this course, we will study the field of
Cri mi nology - the study of cri me. We will l ook at possible explanations for crime from the standpoint of psychological, biological and
s oci ological perspectives, explore the categories and social consequences of crime, and investigate how the cri minal justice s ystem handles
not onl y cri minals, but also their misdeeds. Why do some i ndividuals commit cri mes why others do not? What aspects i n our cul ture and
s oci ety promote crime a nd deviance? Why a re different punishments given for the same crime? What factors from arrest to punis hment
hel p s hape the cri minal case process?
Digital Photography I
Ha ve you ever wondered how photographers ta ke s uch great pictures? Have you tri ed to ta ke photographs a nd wondered why they d idn't
s eem to ca pture that moment that you saw with your eyes? The Digital Photography I course focuses on th e basics of photography,
i ncl uding building a n understanding of a perture, shutter speed, lighting, and composition. Students will be i ntroduced to the history of
photography and basic ca mera functions. Students will use the basic techniques of composition a nd ca mera functions to build a portfolio of
i ma ges, ca pturing people, landscapes, cl ose-up, and a ction photographs.
24
Digital Photography II
In today's world, photographs are all around us, i ncluding i n advertisements, on websites, a nd hung on our walls as a rt. Ma ny of the images
tha t we s ee, have been created by professional photographers. In this course, we will examine va rious aspects of professional photography,
i ncl uding the ethics of the profession, a nd examine some of the areas that professional photographers may choose to s pecialize in, such as
wedding photography a nd product photography. We will a lso learn more a bout some of the most respected professional photographers in
hi s tory a nd we will learn how to cri tique photographs i n order to better understand what creates an eye catching photograph. Prerequisite
– Di gital Photography I
Forensic Science I
Fi ngerprints. Blood spatter. DNA a nalysis. The world of l aw enforcement i s increasingly making use of the techniques and knowledge from
the s ci ences to better understand the crimes that are committed and to catch those individuals responsible for the cri mes. Fore nsic science
a pplies scientific knowledge to the cri minal justice system. This course focuses on s ome of the techniques and practices used by forensic
s ci entists during a crime scene investigation (CSI). Starting with how cl ues and data are recorded a nd preserved, the student will follow
evi dence trails until the CSI goes to trial, examining how va rious elements of the crime scene are a nalyzed a nd processed.
Forensic Science II
Al though the crime scene represents the first step i n s olving cri mes through forensic s cience, the cri me l aboratory pl ays a cri tical role i n the
a na lysis of evidence. This course focuses on the analysis of evid ence and testing that takes place within this setting. We will examine s ome
of the basic s cientific principles and knowledge that guides forensic laboratory processes, s uch as those testing DNA, toxicology, a nd
ma terial analysis. Techniques such as microscopy, chromatography, odontology, entomology, mi neralogy, a nd s pectroscopy will be
exa mined. Prerequisite – Forensic Science II
Health Science
Wi l l we ever fi nd a cure for cancer? What treatments a re best for conditions like diabetes a nd asthma? How are i llnesses like meningitis,
tuberculosis, a nd the measles identified a nd diagnosed? Health sciences provi de the answers to questions such as these. In th is course,
s tudents will be introduced to the va rious disciplines within the health sciences, i ncluding toxicology, cl inical medicine, and biotechnology.
They wi ll explore the importance of diagnostics a nd research i n the i dentification and treatment of diseases. The course pres ents
i nformation and terminology for the health sciences a nd examines the contributions of different health s cience areas.
History of the Holocaust
Hol ocaust education requires a comprehensive s tudy of not only ti mes, dates, and places, but a lso the motivation and ideology that
a l lowed these events. In this course, s tudents will study the history of a nti-Semitism; the rise of the Nazi party; a nd the Holocaust, from i ts
begi nnings through liberation a nd the a ftermath of the tra gedy. The s tudy of the Holocaust is a multi -disciplinary one, integrating world
hi s tory, geography, American history, a nd ci vics. Through this i n-depth, s emester-long study of the Holocaust, high s chool s tudents will gain
a n understanding of the ra mifications of prejudice and indifference, the potential for government-supported terror, and they will get
gl i mpses of kindness a nd humanity i n the worst of times. Prerequisite – worl d history
Fashion and Interior Design
Do you ha ve a flair for fashion? Are you constantly redecorating your room? If s o, the design i ndustry might just be for you! In this course,
you'l l explore what i t is like to work in the i ndustry by exploring career possibilities a nd the background that you need to pursue the m. Get
rea dy to try your ha nd a t designing as you learn the basics of color and design then test your skills through hands -on projects. In a ddition,
you'l l develop the essential communication skills that build s uccess in a ny business. By the end of the course, you'll be wel l on your way to
developing the portfolio you need to get your s tylishly cl ad foot in the door of this exciting f ield.
Sports and Entertainment Marketing
Ever wi s hed you could play sports professionally? Have you dreamed of one day becoming a n agent for a celebrity entertainer? If you
a ns wered yes to either question, then believe i t or not, you've been fa ntasizing about entering the exciting world of sports and
entertainment marketing. Although this particular form of ma rketing bears some resemblance to tra ditional marketing, there a r e many
di fferences as well-including a lot more glitz a nd glamour! In this course, you'll have the opportunity to explore basic marketing principles
a nd delve deeper into the multi-billion dollar s ports and entertainment marketing i ndustry. You'll l earn about how professional athletes,
s ports teams, and well known entertainers a re marketed as commodities a nd how s ome of them become billionaires as a result. If you've
ever wondered a bout how things work behind the scenes of a major sporting event s uch as the Super Bowl or even entertained the idea of
pl a ying a role i n s uch a n event, then this course will i ntroduce you to the fundamentals of such a ca reer.
A TOPS Guidance Counselor will provide an Academic Projection to high school students according
to their choice of one of our three diploma options. We highly recommend ALL students earn a
college preparatory or honors diploma if they plan to attend college.
25