Graduation Requirements
Every student must take a minimum of six credits each year.
Graduating Class of 2011 |
Graduating Class of 2012 |
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Total Credits required for Graduation |
COMPUTER 1 (Document Preparation)
Grade 9 (required)
1 credit
Students in Computer I review the keyboard and prepare documents such as letters, memos, tables, and manuscripts using MLA form. They also develop proficiency with Microsoft Word and Power Point and are introduced to Microsoft Excel.
COMPUTER 2 (Computer Applications)
Grade 10 (elective)
1 credit
This course presents advanced instruction in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel and an introduction to Publisher. Included in the course are the production of forms, spreadsheets, slide shows, reports using MLA style, outlines, and other correspondence.
COMPUTER 3 (Advanced Computer Applications/ Design)
Grade 11 or 12 (elective)
1 credit
This course presents advanced instruction in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and Publisher. Also included in the course is instruction in Microsoft Access and Adobe Photoshop Elements.
PERSONAL FINANCE
Grades 11 – 12 (elective '10/'11 and '11/'12) (required '12/'13 and following)
1 credit
During the first semester students study the principles of debits and credits in business transactions and their application to the financial records of a business or individual. This includes journalizing transactions, posting to ledgers, and preparing financial statements for individuals and proprietorships. A business simulation practice set is completed for a proprietorship. During the second semester, the curriculum covers personal finance through an engaging and age-appropriate video series taught by Dave Ramsey. The curriculum is designed to provide students with sound financial principles that will guide them into adulthood.
ENGLISH I/ HONORS ENGLISH I
Grade 9 (required)
1 credit
All mainstream ninth-grade students are enrolled in this English course. Students read a variety of works with an emphasis on multi-genre, multi-cultural literary understanding. Emphasis is placed on developing essential literacy skills and effective expression in speaking and in writing. Students develop writing skills in a variety of modes. Comprehension both in listening and reading are emphasized. Vocabulary, critical thinking and grammar instruction support these processes.
ENGLISH II/ HONORS ENGLISH II
Grade 10 (required)
1 credit
Students continue to build communication skills, particularly in writing, through their work in this continuation of the college preparatory freshman course. Literacy selections represent a broad range of challenging texts. English II is a course designed to continue the study, review, and maintenance of basic literacy skills in reading and composition. Vocabulary and grammar instruction are based upon individual weaknesses evidenced through writing and discussion. Extensive emphasis is devoted to the ongoing study of the writing process.
ENGLISH III/ HONORS ENGLISH III
Grade 11 (required)
American Literature
1 credit
English III is a survey of American literature beginning with the Puritans and extending to contemporary authors. Students strengthen literacy skills by analyzing text, writing essays and a research paper, and reading novels on their own. Emphasis is placed on grammar and vocabulary, but the core of the class centers around literature, comprehension, and writing.
ENGLISH IV
Grade 12 (required)
1 credit
All students must enroll in twelfth grade English. There is no concentrated study of grammar rules because all twelfth grade students are expected to know this information and be able to apply it to their oral and written skills. All twelfth grade students are required to write a research paper using the MLA format. Students must also know how to effectively construct essays, both in class essays and out of class essays; use vocabulary words exemplary of high school students; explicate poems and other literary readings; and take class notes. The literature concentration is British literature, including the history of the various literary time periods in conjunction with the literature.
LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION - (ADVANCED PLACEMENT)
Grade 12
1 credit
Students who are proficient in reading comprehension, grammar, literary terms, and writing skills are eligible to be enrolled in AP English (Literature and Composition). Students and their parents must sign a contract which states the rules and regulations of this class. All students who remain in the class for the school year must pay the testing fee and take the national exam, and students who receive a score of 3, 4, or 5 may be eligible to receive college credit in freshman English depending upon the policy of the college or university in which they enroll. Students who enroll in Literature and Composition must understand that this class is taught on a college level. Students read and explicate a sampling of literature from around the world. Students must be able to apply their refined writing and thinking skills to the literary works which they have been assigned.
ART I
Grades 9-12 (one fine art credit required)
1 credit
Students review all the concepts of color and color psychology and advertising with emphasis on commercial art. The text book is The Visual Experience, which is published by the same company as Exploring Visual Design. Work in one book leads naturally to the work in the other. Students explore emotion in art, look at more artists and their lives,cover art criticism and description of art according to a universal formula of describing artwork, interpreting the work and valuing the work. The students draw, paint, use pen and ink, clay, printmaking, and mixed media.
ART II
Grades 10-12 (elective)
1 credit
Art 2 students work on the portfolio for submission to art colleges or colleges that offer art as a major. Students receive help to develop a balanced portfolio and decide the career area in which they are most interested. The students spend time drawing the figure and portraits. They use color as never before and they develop a body of work with which to leave school.
ART III
Grades 11-12 (elective)
1 credit
Students express an interest in a certain media and also work on portfolio work. I encourage them to round out their experiences and to read and know about some additional art history. This is a wonderful opportunity to just paint, draw, sculpt or work in their area of interest to develop the highest level of skill possible during the high school years!
BAND I, BAND II, BAND III, BAND IV
Grades 9-12 (one fine art credit required)
1 credit
Music education is a primary means by which an educational institution can transmit to students the cultural heritage of society. The general objectives are the following:
· To make participation in instrumental music available to all students.
· To develop musical experiences that enhances students’ overall educational experience.
· To provide a suitable background in music instruction for those students who elect to continue the study of music after graduation.
· To develop a life-long appreciation for music and continuation of musical activities.
· To develop performing organizations that are a source of pride for the individual, the school, and the community.
CHORUS I, CHORUS II, CHORUS III
Grade 9-12 (one fine art credit required)
1 credit
Vocal music is a course that seeks to give students in grades 9-12 experience in the study and performance of a diverse repertoire of vocal/choral music. The course includes instruction in proper vocal technique, musicianship skills, and the cultural and historical context of choral literature. The course encourages self-expression through performance and creation of music.
DRAMA I, DRAMA II
Grades 9-12 (one fine art credit required)
1 credit
In drama, students learn about the history and continuous development of theatre beginning with the early Egyptians and ending with contemporary American theatre. Students are also introduced to acting techniques such as pantomiming, improvising, and light and sound editing. All students are expected to perform small skits for the class periodically.
Jazz Band
Grades 9-12 (elective)
1 credit
This course focuses on the evolution of Jazz music in America from the early 1900s until the present day. The class is primarily a performance class where students play representative pieces from the different eras of Jazz. This class focuses heavily on playing while simultaneously teaching the history of the genre.
Music Appreciation
Grade 9-12 (elective)
1 credit
This course focuses on gaining an appreciation of the music of the world. One semester focuses on the music of Cuba and Brazil while the other focuses more on the music of America and how it compares to the rest of the world. Subjects discussed about will include jazz, swing, rock, pop, rap, folk, classical, funk, and world music.
Percussion
Grade 9-12 (elective)
1 credit
This course focuses on techniques used in the band setting by all percussionists. It has a technique aspect, as well as a performance aspect. This includes preparing concerts and performances separate from the rest of the band.
SPANISH I
Grade 10 (required)
1 credit
Spanish I emphasizes grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Written and oral translation of Spanish is stressed. The acquisition of some conversational skills is expected. Study of the cultures of Spanish speaking countries is included.
SPANISH II/ HONORS SPANISH II
Grade 11 (required)
1 credit
Pre-requisite: Spanish I
Spanish II emphasizes the continued study of Spanish grammar and usage with special emphasis on written and oral translation and conversational skills.
ACT PREP
Grade 11 & 12 (elective)
1 credit
SPEECH
Grade 10 (elective)
½ credit
Speech provides students with an opportunity to gain the skills needed in public speaking, while also developing self confidence. Students develop an understanding of communication principles and public speaking strategies.
JOURNALISM
Grade 10 (elective)
½ credit
Journalism provides students with the fundamental principles of gathering, writing, editing, and reporting the news. Students are also introduced to the basics of the different fields of journalism.
YEARBOOK I, YEARBOOK II, YEARBOOK III
Grade 10,11 & 12 (elective)
1 credit
ALGEBRA I
Grade 9 (required) / Grade 8 (Advanced)
1 credit
Students continue to build upon the foundation of math skills previously learned to expand the students’ ability in math. Problem solving skills and abstract thinking skills are emphasized to help the students master any problems they may encounter. Algebra 1 is the building block for the remaining high school math classes and college math classes. Basic math operations are reviewed using more complicated problems to help the students and the teacher identify any weaknesses the students may have with these operations. A high emphasis is placed on the students' ability to solve for an unknown number and on the students' ability to apply rules and properties to a given problem.
ALGEBRA II / ALGEBRA II HONORS
Grade 10 - 11 (required)
1 credit
Algebra 2 covers the study of systems of linear and quadratic equations, exponents, radicals, complex numbers, conic sections, polynomial functions and functional relationships. Real-world problems are included along with applications to other subjects such as physics and chemistry.
CALCULUS/CALCULUS HONORS
Grade 12
1 credit
Students continue to build upon the foundation of skills learned in Algebra I, Algebra II, pre-calculus, and geometry to further develop their math skills. A high emphasis is placed on learning how to incorporate math skills and concepts learned from previous math courses to solve a problem that has real life application. Calculus prepares the student for what he/she will encounter in a college math course.
PRE- CALCULUS / PRE- CALCULUS HONORS
Grade 11 & 12
1 credit
Pre-Calculus is also called Algebra III or advanced mathematics. This course fully integrates topics from algebra, geometry, trigonometry, discrete mathematics, and mathematical analysis. Students solve challenging problems such as rate problems and work problems involving abstract quantities. Conceptually oriented problems that help prepare students for college entrance exams (such as the ACT and SAT) are included.
CALCULUS (Advanced Placement)
Grade 12
1 credit
AP Calculus’ primary concern is with developing the students’ understanding of the concept of calculus and providing experience with its methods and applications. The course emphasizes a multi-representational approach to calculus, with concepts, results, and problems being expressed graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. The connection among these representations also is important.
GEOMETRY/ HONORS GEOMETRY
Grade 9 & 10
1 credit (required)
Geometry deals with the study of the measurement, properties, and relations of points, lines, angles, shapes, solids, and surfaces. The students learn how to use formulas, postulates, theorems, congruent figures, and similar figures to solve real world problems and situations.
LIFETIME WELLNESS
Grade 9 (required)
1 credit
The content of this course includes seven standards: disease prevention and control, nutrition, substance use and abuse, mental/emotional/social health, sexuality and family life, safety and first aid and personal fitness. Each content area is addressed in a classroom and/or physical activity setting. Personal fitness and nutrition are emphasized and integrated throughout the course. Students are provided opportunities to explore how content areas are interrelated. Students acquire knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being throughout their lifetime. Students also participate in the "Alive at 25" program.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Grade 10 (required)
½ credit
A physically educated student will demonstrate competency in motor skills and movement patterns to perform a variety of physical activities.
ANATOMY/PHYSIOLOGY
Grades 11 & 12
1 credit
This course is an elective for eleventh and twelfth grade students who have passed Biology I and Chemistry I. Students learn the structure and function of each body structure and view interrelationships between the body systems.
BIOLOGY I/ BIOLOGY I HONORS/ BIOLOGY II
Grades 9-10 (required)
1 credit
Biology is required for graduation. Students who are proficient readers and have been recommended by their 7th and 8th grade teachers are permitted to take biology in the ninth grade. Students who need greater development of study skills and basic science knowledge take this course as tenth graders. The areas of emphasis are biochemistry, cell structure and function energy transfer in living organisms, genetics, taxonomy and evolution. Scientific process and inquiry are stressed through classroom and laboratory activities. This course satisfies one of the requirements of laboratory science credits necessary for graduation.
BIOLOGY II
Grades 10-11
1 credit
BIOLOGY (ADVANCED PLACEMENT)
Grades 11 - 12
1 credit
This course is an elective for eleventh and twelfth grade students who have passed Biology I and Chemistry I with high standings in their class. Emphasis is placed on biochemistry, cell mechanics, heredity, evolution, organism diversity, and ecology. Science as a process is stressed through lecture and laboratory experience. Possible college credit may be achieved with a score of three, four, or five on the required standardized Advanced Placement Exam. Students must pay the testing fee to take the national exam.
CHEMISTRY/ CHEMISTRY HONORS
Grades 10 - 12 (required)
1 credit
This course is required as a lab science for all tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students who have established proficiency in Algebra I, Biology I, and/or physical science. Emphasis is placed on atomic theory and periodic law to explain and predict chemical, physical, and nuclear properties and changes of matter. Analyzing and interpreting data through laboratory skills is a prime focus for this course.
PHYSICS
Grades 11 - 12
1 credit
This course is an elective for any eleventh or twelfth grade student who has established proficiency in chemistry, algebra, and preferably geometry. Physics is strongly recommended for any student who plans to pursue a major in science or the medical field in college. The course focuses on the effects that matter and energy have on each other. Emphasis is placed on vector and mathematical analysis of motion (mechanics), optics, thermodynamics, and electrostatics. Physics is designed to give the student a better understanding of the natural world.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Grade 9 (required) / Grade 8 (Advanced)
1 credit
Physical science is an elective course available to ninth grade students which satisfies one of the graduation requirements in the area of laboratory science. Emphasis is place on the basic principles of chemistry and physics. The specific areas of emphasis are kinetic theory of matter, composition of matter, energy transfer, laws of conservation of mass and energy, periodic table, chemical reactions, laws of motion, force, acceleration, and simple machines. Laboratory activities reinforce understanding of scientific processes and methods.
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
Grade 11 (required)
1/2 credit
This course examines the development of government, its process and procedures, with emphasis on American government. Students learn the role of our government in context with the Constitutional principles that are the foundation of our nation. The goal of this course is to instill in students the appreciation for our democracy and the importance of their participation in it.
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES
Grade 12
½ credit
The most current news events and issues of the day are presented in this course. Students are encouraged to discuss and present news items from around the world that help shape their daily lives.
ECONOMICS
Grade 11 (required)
1/2 credit
This course examines the world of economics as a social science, emphasizing the interrelationship of political, social, and cognitive factors. Students also learn about personal financial responsibility and its importance to their future goals as adults.
MODERN HISTORY
Grade 12
½ credit
Students focus on the world wide chronological events and significant persons from the Great Depression era to today. The six social studies standards of essential content knowledge and four process skills are integrated for instructional purposes. Students utilize different learning methods to research, discuss, debate and formulate opinions to modern historical events as it relates not only to America’s developing history but also the world’s unfolding events.
PSYCHOLOGY
Grade 11 & 12
½ credit
Students study the development of the individual and the personality. The six social studies standards of essential content knowledge and four process skills are integrated for instructional purposes.
SOCIOLOGY
Grade 11 & 12
½ credit
Students study dynamics and models of individual and group relationships. The six social studies standards of essential content knowledge and four process skills are integrated for instructional purposes.
U.S. HISTORY
Grade 12
1 credit
In United States history, students study the history of the United States Reconstruction to the present. The six social studies standards of essential content knowledge and four process skills are integrated for instructional purposes. Students utilize different methods that historians use to interpret the past, including points of view and historical context.
U.S. HISTORY (ADVANCED PLACEMENT)
Grade 12
1 credit
The AP program in United States history is designed to provide students with the analytical skills and enduring understandings necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in United States history. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses. Students learn to assess historical materials—their relevance to a given interpretive problem, their reliability, and their importance—and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. An AP United States History course develops the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in an essay format.
WORLD GEOGRAPHY
Grade 9 -12
1 credit
Geography is a course that is designed to make students aware of the physical, political, cultural, and human environments around them. This course introduces the student to the great diversity that exists on our planet and the interdependence of all cultures of our world on one another as we move toward a true global community. Students also develop their understanding of how physical location has helped form our modern world.
WORLD HISTORY
Grade 9-12
1 credit
In world history, students study the history of humankind with a more concentrated focus from the Renaissance to present day. The six social studies standards of essential content knowledge and four process skills are integrated for instructional purposes. Students utilize different methods that historians use to interpret the past, including points of view and historical context.