MIDDLE SCHOOL ENGLISH CURRICULUM
6th Grade: The 6th grade English program is designed to bridge students from the self-contained elementary classroom to the world of middle school. Students continue using a literature textbook, but begin thinking more critically about reading selections. Focus is on a combination of content and analysis. Students begin learning literary terms and applying those to literary selections. Grammar skills learned in elementary school are reinforced through daily practice exercises. Writing skills are honed and improved through the practice of free writing and several formal writing assignments. Students are taught both essay and short research paper formats. Students begin building their vocabulary through the study of Greek and Latin roots to improve not only working vocabulary but word attack skills.
7th Grade: The 7th grade English program is designed to improve and expand vocabulary, critical and analytical thinking skills, creative and analytical writing skills, and grammar and mechanics usage. Students are exposed to a variety of forms of literature (short story, non-fiction, realistic fiction, mystery, and drama) through a combination of textbooks and novels, and learn literary analysis skills and literary terms. Grammar skills learned in elementary school are reinforced through daily practice exercises and are reinforced in all writing exercises. Writing skills are honed and improved through the practice of free writing and formal writing assignments throughout the year, including analytical essays, creative writing assignments, and a formal term paper. Students are taught to edit their own work and are encouraged through class exercises to do so. Vocabulary is expanded with biweekly lessons based on an understanding of Greek and Latin roots to improve not only working vocabulary but word attack skills.
8th Grade: The 8th grade English program is designed to move students from the middle school classroom to the analytical analysis of literature necessary at the high school level. Students reinforce critical and analytical thinking skills, creative and analytical writing skills, and grammar and mechanics usage. Students are exposed to a variety of forms of literature (realistic fiction, historic fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and science fiction) through a combination of textbooks and novels, and learn literary analysis skills and literary terms. Grammar skills learned in elementary school are reinforced through daily practice exercises and are reinforced in all writing exercises. Writing skills are honed and improved through the practice of daily free writing and formal writing assignments throughout the year, including analytical essays and a formal term paper. Students are taught to edit their own work and are encouraged through class exercises to do so. Vocabulary is expanded with biweekly lessons based on an understanding of Greek and Latin roots to improve not only working vocabulary but word attack skills.
MIDDLE SCHOOL HISTORY CURRICULUM
6th grade World Geography: In World Geography, students will learn about the world around them through political, physical, cultural, and historical geography. Our goal will be to help students have a better understanding of their place in the world. Students will be challenged to locate various locations around the regions of the world. They will relate cultural and social developments to historical events that have taken place in many different regions.
7th Grade Cultural Geography: Students examine the development and contemporary interaction of world cultures. Students will draw on prior knowledge of world geography while studying the interactions between people and the environments in which they live. The course will activate learning through class participation and research projects. Projects, travel journals, homework, quizzes, tests, and class discussions will serve as means of evaluation.
8th grade Georgia History: In this course, students will learn about the events that helped to shape Georgia into the state it is now. We will begin our study with a geographical look at the state followed by state history and finally an exploration of the government of Georgia today through a study of state civics. The major goal of this class is to give students an understanding of the people, places, and events which helped shape the state we live in now.
MIDDLE SCHOOL MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM
6th or 7th Grade Intro to Pre-Algebra: This course focuses on the repetition of general mathematic concepts such as fractions, decimals, problem solving, word problems, ratios, and rate problems while introducing pre-algebraic concepts. Concepts of geometry, such as volume and surface area of prisms, pyramids, and cylinders, symmetry, and scale are introduced. Statistical concepts include predicting probability, experimental versus theoretical probability, and random samples.
6th, 7th, or 8th Grades Pre-Algebra
Prerequisite: Completion of Intro to Pre-Algebra (or its equivalent) or teacher recommendation required for students in Grade 6
Pre-algebra builds upon general mathematic concepts, emphasizing algebraic concepts and skills including proportions, one and two-step equations, and multiple term equations Geometric concepts that are introduced include, congruency, scale factor, coordinate plane, translations, dilation, rotation, reflections, and construction of segments, angles, bisectors, and parallel lines. Concepts of probability and statistics that are introduced and built upon include data collection, as well as graphing and analysis of data using measure of tendency.
7th or 8th Grade Algebra I
Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra, Grade of A or B
Algebra I is intended for students who have demonstrated a proficiency in Pre-Algebra. This course will cover all topics explored in Algebra I B, and the additional topics of radical numbers, Pythagorean Theorem, distance formula, and quadratic equations.
MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE CURRICULUM
6th Grade Earth Science: Students will be introduced to the broad study of Planet Earth, with an overview of the history and structure of Earth, geology, oceanography, meteorology and astronomy. Environmental influences of nature and man are also addressed; which are aimed towards the development of stewardship for the planet.
7th Grade Life Science: Life science will serve as an introduction to the biological world. This course will include the classification of living things, life cycles and physiological and anatomical studies. It will also explore the interrelationships of organisms with their environment and the interdependencies of all living things. Students will examine a variety of specimen, prepare visual presentations of common diseases, and explore endangered species, intro to botany and various arthropods through various lab activities.
8th Grade Physical Science: This course is designed to set the foundation for physics, while implementing some elements of chemistry. Students will be introduced to topics such as forces and motion, Newton’s Laws, mechanics, light, sound, electricity and magnetism, and heat. Elements of chemistry include atomic theory, bonding and chemical reactions. This course is lab-oriented, where lab activities reinforce classroom activities.
MIDDLE SCHOOL SPANISH CURRICULUM
6th and 7th Grade Spanish A/B: Spanish A & Spanish B are designed to provide students with an elementary knowledge of the Spanish culture and language with an emphasis on the development of all four language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students are expected to learn to use Spanish for communication in real, meaningful situations. Each chapter in the student textbook focuses on a cultural theme such as friendship, school, sports and leisure activities, food, family, clothing, leisure and vacation time, home, health, community, movies and T.V. shows, restaurants, and the environment to introduce material. Classroom time will be devoted almost entirely to practicing the skills of understanding and interacting in Spanish.
UPPER SCHOOL ENGLISH CURRICULUM
9th Grade Ancient World Literature
The course will involve an introduction to the first three civilizations (Semitic, Mesopotamian, and Egyptian) and, by the close of the course, analyze how they interact with one another. The theme of Ancient World Literature is “the epic and its relationship between literature and history.” Students will focus on societies, religion, and culture and how each are reflected in epic literature. Also, students will shift from archetypal characterization in this course to Modern World Literature (Grade 10) which will focus on the human as an individual.
The purpose of this course is to provide students with a well-rounded literary experience while fostering a deeper understanding of diverse literature. Also, students are highly concentrated on grammar and writing skills which will serve as a necessary stepping stone for upcoming English courses. In addition to mechanics, students will be introduced to and implement proper citation documentation (Modern Language Association) in preparation for future courses.
Through frequent, short writing assignments, students will analyze literature including novels, plays, and an extensive focus on epic poetry. Annotation will be executed on all reading assignments to promote active reading and further comprehension. Furthermore, vocabulary skills will be developed through weekly activities and quizzes.
10th Grade Modern World Literature
This course will focus on modern literature that addresses individualized humanity. As students read assorted works from the Early Modern Times (15th-18th centuries) and Modern Times (18th century to today), from Dante’s Divine Comedy to Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis, we will ask the following questions: What is the definition of a hero? How has it changed from the literature that was studied last year? Is fate predetermined or are we masters of our own destiny? As students begin to differentiate archetypes from individuals, they will also attempt to discern the implications of historical context in these modern works. Students will articulate their findings in a variety of ways; class discussion, writing assignments, applicable projects, oral presentations, tests, and quizzes will all serve as tools for student evaluation. As students grow in their writing abilities, they will be expected to rise to greater challenges. In turn, this course will move students from a primary focus on grammar and mechanics to a focus on content and style.
11th Grade American Literature
This course concentrates on American literature from the birth of this country up to contemporary published works. Students will study various genres of literature from numerous points in our country’s history, which will provide them with an understanding of what shaped the society that we live in today. In addition, class discussion, critical writing assignments, applicable projects, oral presentations, tests, and quizzes will be conducted to ensure their understanding of these valuable works. Students will be challenged to make connections between their culture and society and that of previous literary periods.
An increased focus on writing is present in this course. Not only will students hone these skills by expressing themselves through multiple genres, but they will also develop higher order thinking skills through analytical and evaluative essays. Literary criticism is introduced in this course as well, and through expository and analytical writing assignments students will develop an understanding of the underlying meanings and implications of literature in everyday life.
12th Grade British Literature
This course concentrates on British literature from the early Anglo-Saxon Period (440-1066) through the Modern Age (1857 – 1950). Each literary period will be studied in great detail and accompanied by class discussion, critical writing assignments, applicable projects, oral presentations, tests, and quizzes. Daily lesson plans and writing assignments will focus on literary criticism, historical context, and author studies in order to delve deeper into the literature. Moreover, students will consistently be challenged by assignments that demand higher order thinking skills and demonstration.
12th Grade AP English Literature and Composition
Teacher recommendation required
This is a highly challenging and intensive literature course, specified to prepare students for college level literature classes, while possibly earning the student college credits. The AP English Literature and Composition course is a challenging, yet rewarding, opportunity for students to experience literature at the college level. By the nature of its title alone, one can assume that reading and writing will be in abundant supply, for both instructor and student. Students will gain fresh new perspectives on canonical literature while writing valuable and meaningful essays. The class will concentrate on the critical analysis of several novels, plays, short stories, and poetry in order to foster a deep and meaningful understanding of multi-genre literature. Students will also respond to most readings using critical writings: essays, compare/contrast, and analytical writings. Students will also be expected to place high value on their work for this course, and will be encouraged to take risks with content and writing.
All writing for this course will be evaluated by following the requirements of college-level prose and will be subject to peer and instructor review. In addition, several “writer’s workshops” will be conducted in order to facilitate a community of writers with valuable input and constructive criticism for their peers.
During the course of the year, students will be keeping a reader’s response journal, in which they will make academic connections to the canonical texts of their choice (must be approved by instructor). Each week, students will submit these journals the instructor. By the year’s end, this reader’s response assignment will result in a community of well-read students, who are highly prepared for the AP English Literature and Composition test.
12th Grade AP Language and Composition
Teacher recommendation required
The AP English Language and Composition course emphasizes nonfiction writing, critical reading, rhetorical analysis, argument, and synthesis. Students will be working with a range of quality nonfiction texts that will help them to develop their appreciation of rhetorical strategies and elements of argument. Students will study and analyze various genres of prose writing, namely autobiography, biography, critical reviews, political works, persuasion, and expository pieces from several anthologies provided at the year’s commencement.
The guiding concept of the AP Language and Composition course is a focus on style. Students will learn to recognize an author’s style through his/her tone, diction, organization, syntax, and sentence structure. This, in turn, will help to develop each student’s own unique style. As students initiate this development of style, they will employ the writing techniques discussed and implemented in everyday lessons. Moreover, students will have ample opportunity to influence their readers through their own writing, regardless of mode and aim.
UPPER SCHOOL HISTORY CURRICULUM
9th Grade Ancient Civilization
This course is designed to cover the time period prehistory and the appearance of Homo sapiens to the beginnings of the Renaissance. The course will spend equal time on each of the world’s major early civilizations throughout the world. This course will be reading and writing intensive and is patterned after a college style history course with a full research paper due at the end of the course.
10th Grade Modern Civilization
This course is designed to cover the time period from the Early Middle Ages to the Cold War era. The course will focus primarily on the events in European history but will also cover Asian, African, and North and South American historical events as necessary. The course will provide a historical context for today’s society while also addressing the social and cultural history of Europe. This course will be reading and writing intensive and is patterned after a college style history course with a full research paper due at the end of the course.
11th Grade United States History
This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of the history of the United States beginning with exploration of the New World and progressing toward current topics in today’s world. The focus of the course is to teach students to look at historical events critically while understanding the context in which they occurred. This course will also provide an opportunity to learn about the multicultural society that is America today and the importance that diversity has played in the history of the United States.
11th Grade AP United States History
Teacher recommendation required
This course is designed to give students an in-depth understanding of the history of the United States. The course will cover the time from early Native Americans to the topics of the early 2000’s. The course will teach students to look critically at the events of our past and find the historical reasons for the current events of today. This course will be reading and writing intensive and is patterned after a college style history course with a full research paper due at the end of the course. Students earning a minimum of a 3 on the AP exam will also earn college credit.
12th Grade Economics
This course is a requirement for graduation.
This one semester course is designed to cover the basic economic systems used throughout the world. The course will cover both macro-economic topics and micro-economic topics as well. The course will compare and contrast capitalism, socialism, and communism as economics systems and delve into the development and use of the capitalist system as it is used in the United States.
12th Grade United States Government
This course is a requirement for graduation.
This one semester course is designed to introduce the system of government used in the United States today. The course will cover the development of democracy from its earliest forms and trace it to its use today. The course will also cover alternative systems of government that are used throughout the world and compare them to democracy. This course is a requirement for graduation.
11th – 12th Grades Art History
Art History is an exploration of the visual communication process. The course is taught as art history, art appreciation and as art studio experience all rolled into one. Our hope is that this course will engender in each student a life-long love of learning about art and will give the student an opportunity to share in the artistic experience. The Beginnings of Western Art through Contemporary Art as well as Non-Western Art are studied through lectures, slide presentations, videos, and discussion. Students have the opportunity in this class to develop their ability to articulate their impressions, thoughts, and understanding of art to others while discovering artists, art movements and trends through project-based learning.
Cultural Influences Of The Bible
This course is a survey course of the Bible so that students will have a solid foundation in the Biblical text to enable their understanding of the Bible’s influence on literature, art, music, and history. The approach of this class is academic, not devotional. It will strive to expose students to a variety of religious views, but not impose, discourage, or encourage any particular view. The study will seek to inform students of various beliefs, not seek to conform students to particular beliefs.
With a particular focus of this class on art, music, and history, students will travel to Italy (Florence and Rome) in June of 2009.
The fundamental guideline of this class is “respect.” The text for this class is The Bible (any translation) and a supplemental text The Bible and Its Influence by Cullen Schippe and Chuck Stetson, editors.
UPPER SCHOOL MATH CURRICULUM
8th – 9th Grades Honors Geometry
Prerequisite: Algebra I, Grade of A or B
Teacher recommendation required. Students may take Honors Geometry and Algebra II simultaneously with teacher permission.
This class will cover all aspects of regular geometry, but will place more emphasis on the principles of logic, the formalizing of proofs, and on the theory of geometry. The problems in this class will involve a higher degree of difficulty. The course will extend Euclidean geometry to include coordinate geometry, vectors, symmetry, and transformation. In addition, basic trigonometric concepts will be introduced. Students will use manipulatives, projects, cooperative learning, and technology-based equipment.
9th – 10th Grades Geometry
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Students may take Geometry and Algebra II simultaneously with teacher permission.
In Geometry students will explore geometric relationships with a wide variety of tools, including compasses, computers, and graphing calculators. Instead of simply memorizing rules and definitions, students perform constructions, measure figures, observe patterns, discuss their findings, write their own definitions, and formulate their own geometric conjectures. Deductive and inductive reasoning as well as investigative strategies in drawing conclusions are stressed. Properties and relationships of geometric objects include the study of: (1) points, lines, angles and planes; (2) polygons, with a special focus on quadrilaterals, triangles, right triangles; (3) circles; and (4) polyhedra and other solids. An understanding of proof and logic is developed. In addition, use of graphing calculators and computer drawing programs is encouraged.
9th – 11th Grades Algebra II
Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry
Students may take Geometry and Algebra II simultaneously with teacher permission.
This course expands on the topics of Algebra I and provides further development of the concept of a function. Students will be challenged by new concepts that require graphing skill, function analysis, solving higher order equations, investigating complex number systems, and working with matrices, conic sections, and logarithms. A graphing calculator will be required for this course.
9th – 10th Grades Honors Algebra II
Prerequisite: Algebra I A and Geometry Honors, Grade of A in both courses
Teacher recommendation required.
This course encompasses the same material as Algebra II, but with more emphasis on theory and a higher degree of difficulty in problem solving, as well as independent study. This course also includes additional topics such as progressions, series, and probability.
11th -12th Grades Advanced Mathematics
Prerequisite: Geometry and Algebra II
This course keeps students engaged as they tackle challenging topics in mathematics. This course provides a balanced mix of data-analysis and pure-algebra techniques, all in a hands-on investigative approach. Topics covered include an extension of Algebra II as well as an introduction to trigonometry and selections from discrete mathematics. Technology and real-world applications will be emphasized. This course is intended for students who do not plan on pursuing a career in a mathematical, scientific, or technical field. In turn, it is recommended for students who have completed Algebra II, but are not yet ready to progress to Pre-Calculus.
11th – 12th Grades Applied Statistics
Prerequisite: Algebra II, Geometry
The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop and apply knowledge of statistics and probability to design experiments, collect and analyze data, and reach appropriate inferences and conclusions. The content will include the following: collecting, organizing, and analyzing data, measures of central tendency and variability, regression analysis, including correlation and analysis of residuals, analysis of experimental design, probability, including permutations and combinations, randomness and sampling, binomial and normal distributions, hypothesis testing, including use of confidence intervals, data transformation (scaling/rescaling data sets), and the use of graphing calculator and spreadsheets.
10th -12th Grades Pre-Calculus
Prerequisite: Geometry and Algebra II, Grade of A or B;
Algebra II Honors, Grade of A, B, or C
Pre-calculus studies the elementary functions - their common properties, their individual attributes, and many of their real-life applications. The elementary functions studied in this course include the algebraic and transcendental functions. Complex numbers, analytic geometry and conic sections will also be included. Applications and problem solving are emphasized with the aid of graphing calculators. This course seeks to prepare the student for either Honors Calculus or Advanced Placement Calculus AB course.
10th – 12th Grades Honors Pre-Calculus
Prerequisite: Geometry, Algebra II Honors with Grades of A or B
Teacher recommendation required.
This class will cover all aspects of regular pre-calculus, but with a higher degree of difficulty in problem solving. Vector, polar coordinates, and parametric functions will also be introduced. In addition, students will begin learning the basics of differentiation. This course seeks to prepare the student for the Advanced Placement Calculus AB or BC courses.
11th -12th Grades Honors Calculus
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus
This course emphasizes the understanding of Calculus concepts, concentrating on the relationships between their symbolic, graphic, and real world representations. Topics are similar to those of AP Calculus AB, but students do not delve as deeply into the underlying theory. Students will gain a working knowledge of Calculus that will allow them to progress either to an Advanced Placement course, or make the transition to college Calculus.
11th – 12th Grades Advanced Placement Calculus AB
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus with Grades of A or B+; Completion of Physics highly recommended.
Teacher Recommendation Required.
This course meets the needs of students preparing for advanced study in college mathematics, science, or engineering. The content of this course in terms of differential and integral Calculus is comparable to a college level Calculus course. The topics range from limits and continuity through derivatives and their applications to integrals and their applications. The course emphasizes a multi-representational approach to Calculus with concepts, results, and problems being expressed graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. The use of graphing calculators is an integral part of the course, allowing the student to explore a variety of approaches to a problem. This course will prepare students for the Advanced Placement Calculus AB exam given in May.
11th – 12th Grades Advanced Placement Calculus BC
Prerequisite: Honors Pre-Calculus with Grades of A or B+; Completion of Physics highly recommended.
Teacher Recommendation Required.
This course will cover all topics presented in AP Calculus AB, but will concentrate on the more theoretical concepts. Additional topics include parametric, polar and vector functions, velocity and acceleration vectors, Euler’s Method, L’Hopital’s Rule, Integration by Parts, Partial fractions, polynomial approximations, and series. Students successfully completing the Advanced Placement exam in May typically will qualify for two semester’s college credit.
UPPER SCHOOL SCIENCE CURRICULUM
9th Grade Biology
Required for Graduation
Co- or prerequisite: Algebra I
Biology is an overview of the world around us. It begins with the “Chemistry of Life” at the molecular level and how these components integrate into and affect the cellular level. From there, DNA is studied as it relates to genetics, reproduction, and development. Viruses, bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals are each studied in the role they play interacting with the environment. Writing and creativity are important components of the class. Laboratory activities are used frequently to provide a “hands-on” approach to learning. Some of these include: demonstration of the scientific method with M&M’s, lab tests for carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and enzyme activity, the use of an egg to illustrate osmosis, 3-D and Jell-O models of the cell, burning nuts to determine energy content of foods, constructing karyotypes, DNA models, a genetics study using Drosophila melanogaster (the fruit fly), blood typing, using bacteria to make cheese, a microscopic study of living and preserved Protista and Fungi, a student-designed model of a park with trees, shrubs, and flowers, dissection of various specimen including the earthworm, grasshopper, crayfish, starfish (sea star), bull frog, fetal pig, and pregnant shark. A more in-depth study of marine biology is pursued on a 2-day field trip to the University of Georgia’s Marine Education Center and Aquarium at Skidaway Island off the coast of Savannah.
10th Grade Chemistry
Required for Graduation
Co- or prerequisite: Algebra I
This course is a comprehensive overview of the major themes and concepts within Chemistry. The goal of this course is to actively engage students with the concepts they are learning. Basic topics that are involved include atomic structure, the Periodic Table, bonding, chemical reactions, gases, and acids and bases. Lab activities are a primary component of the course to reinforce topics studied. Overall, the students should gain a basic concept of the different themes of Chemistry in order to prepare them for the world around them.
10th Grade Honors Chemistry
Co- or prerequisite: Algebra II and teacher approval
This is a college-prep course that combines science, mathematics, and reasoning with classroom and laboratory skills. The approach used is to focus on concepts. Memorization will often be necessary, but concepts and problem-solving skills, with an eye for detail, are the main direction. Chemistry, possibly more than any other science, builds on itself. Development of fundamental skills is crucial. While there are labs throughout the year that are relevant to the material studied at the time, the last five to six weeks of the course are spent in the lab with “Qualitative Analysis”. Here students will work individually on determining known ions and “unknowns” in solutions. Success in the course requires a solid math background, positive attitude, good self-discipline, and a good work-ethic.
10th – 12th Grades Environmental Science
Co- or prerequisite: Biology
This course is designed to give students an understanding of how the environment affects each person and how they live. It will also teach students that science is one of the main predetermining factors that cause our surroundings to be the way they are. Some of the areas to be focused on are: the place Earth has in this universe, the history and structure of the earth, the cycles of nature, how organisms adapt to their environment, ecosystems and biomes, the changes in human population, Earth's resources and energy needs, and strategies for preserving the Earth for future generations. The course will touch on many learning styles such as: visual, oral, research, lecture, and presentation.
11th – 12th Grades Human Anatomy and Physiology
Co- or prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry
Students will integrate anatomy and physiology course material to develop an understanding of the human body and how it works, as well as an understanding of contemporary disease and issues. The course begins with an overview of the body; it the focuses on each of the various levels of organization – from the molecular level to the cellular level to tissues and the various systems. Students will perform various lab exercises, including microscope work and dissection of the cat as the systems are studied. At the end of the year, the students travel to our local hospital where a physician reviews both normal and pathological organs. For their final exam, the students “contract” a life-threatening disease that they research as an individual project and present to the class.
11th – 12th Grades Science of Forensics
Co- or prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry
The goal of this class is to engage students in the processes of science, to heighten their sense of awareness of the world around them, to aid their understanding of the application of science to their everyday life, and to provide a foundation for continuing education of well-informed citizens. It is a very hands-on, lab-oriented class. Resources include the text Criminalistics by Richard Saferstein and its accompanying lab manual, WARD’s Forensic Science Experiments on File, DVD materials from: Forensic Science Professor Dr. Marilyn Miller; Discovery School; and “Forensic Science – Dealing With Evidence.” This class will also use some Biotechnology techniques involving electrophoresis, and the LaGrange Police Department will serve as a resource. The students will present their own projects where they have researched criminal cases. They will also use Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “Readings of Sherlock Holmes” to observe deductive reasoning.
11th – 12th Grades College Prep Physics
Prerequisite: Completion of, or currently taking, Pre-Calculus.
College Prep Physics aims to develop an understanding and appreciation of fundamental physics concepts as they apply to everyday life. The course covers the classical physics areas such as mechanics, heat, waves, sound, light, optics, electricity, magnetism, quantum mechanics and nuclear physics. Students will use various math skills, including Algebra, Geometry , and Trigonometry, to manipulate physical concepts and formalize these concepts in the language of mathematics. Instructional approaches include demonstrations, lectures, experiments, web-quests, student projects and in-class discussions, and problems-solving.
12th Grade Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry
Co- or prerequisite: Honors Chemistry and teacher approval
AP Chemistry is for 12th grade students who excelled in first year chemistry, are motivated, and have a strong, determined work ethic. AP Chemistry offers a rigorous and challenging course that covers the principles typical of first-year college chemistry courses. This is a vast body of knowledge and requires a great deal of work on the part of the students. The course prepares the students for the AP Chemistry exam to be taken in May; but regardless of the numerical score, the students will be prepared for college chemistry. Tests are primarily in the format of the AP exam itself and are often questions from old AP exams. The level of difficulty is high and the time required is longer than that of a class period. Thus, they are take-home exams. Students are expected to comply with an inherent moral and ethical code of honesty to not discuss the test with other students. After the test is graded and returned, students are allowed to correct their exams. As these corrected tests are re-graded, the students may receive additional test credit. Lab participation and understanding is an important aspect of AP Chemistry, with lab questions part of the AP exam. Labs are integrated into the curriculum and may involve computer software and probes. Lab write-ups in the lab notebook require effort and perseverance and should be completed as if they might be presented to a college chemistry professor for evaluation of the student’s AP experience.
Engineering Research, Design, and Project Management
This is a course that allows students to experience the engineering design process first-hand. A central goal of the course is to build technological literacy and critical reasoning skills that will lead to success in any subsequent science course for every student. Students develop a practical understanding of how we are influenced by science and technology and how our choices as workers, consumers, and citizens influence future technological development. This project-based curriculum developed by the Museum of Science, Boston, exposes students to how engineers work and think, explores the basis of physical science, and provides a strong foundation in physics.
UPPER SCHOOL SPANISH CURRICULUM
8th – 9th Grade Spanish I
Spanish I s an introductory course to Spanish and Latino culture. This class focuses on vocabulary and basic forms of communication. This course also includes an introduction to the Latino culture and the similarities and differences with other cultures, specifically American. This class gives students the opportunity to have a good beginning because the material is elemental and increases its difficulty to the point students may begin to perform as a native Spanish speaker between 2 and 5 years old.
9th Grade Spanish II
Spanish II s a continuation course from Spanish I. This course focuses on the development of level high grammar and all its implications with higher levels of oral communication, writing and listening. The material challenges students with increasing difficulty but also keeps the essential knowledge creating a balance between what the students are learning and what they learned in the past. The cultural knowledge of students is also increased because of the activities of that the program includes. At the end of this level students may perform as a native speaker between 4 and 7 years old.
10th – 11th Grade Spanish III
Spanish III is a supplementation to the previous two levels (Spanish I and II). This level increases and mixes all the knowledge and abilities that students developed to this point. This course focuses on integrating knowledge and increasing student knowledge by presenting at the highest levels of grammar, syntaxes, and semantics. Students in this level compare their culture with Latino culture at a deeper level and comprehend many aspects of the Latino culture by analysis. Students who finish this level may perform as native speaker between 5 and 10 years old or higher.
11th– 12th Grades Spanish IV
Spanish IV is a cumulative course that integrates all the other levels with some variants. This course requires the highest levels of grammar, syntaxes, and semantics. Activities are made so the student can reflect on and participates using all the knowledge and abilities developed in the past. This class also includes cultural aspects of daily situations in the Latino culture as dancing, cooking, etc. It includes more translation that the other classes to create a bridge between both cultures and speed their ability to comprehend and manipulate the knowledge by instant translations, and speeches that include transformation and manipulation of the language in a creative way.
UPPER SCHOOL LATIN CURRICULUM
10th-12th Grades Latin I
Latin is approached as an historical, written language and a tool for developing a logical mind and English language proficiency. Strong emphasis is placed on grammatical structure, basic forms, vocabulary, and word roots, English derivatives, phrases, mythology, history, and a general cultural background. Evaluation is based on daily homework, regular tests and quizzes, and two research projects. Students may choose to participate in the National Latin Exam and Junior Classical League.
11th-12th Grades Latin II
Prerequisite: Latin I
Latin II reviews and strengthens the basic material introduced in Latin I and prepares the student to read unmodified Latin texts. Beginning in the second semester selections from the works of Julius Caesar are read for historical, political, and cultural content as well as for grammatical training. The study of mythology, word roots, vocabulary, and art continues from Latin I. As in Latin I, evaluation is based on daily homework, regular tests and quizzes, and two research projects. Students may choose to participate in the National Latin Exam and Junior Classical League.
11th-12th Grades Latin III/IV
Prerequisite: Latin II and teacher recommendation
This course covers half of the Advanced Placement curriculum for Latin Literature, Catullus and Cicero, in alternating years. Students are given an extensive mythological, historical, and artistic background related to the poetry of Catullus and the orations of Cicero. The course also includes advanced grammatical, vocabulary, and derivative study. Evaluation is based on daily translation work and contributions to class discussion, translation notebooks, research projects, and regular tests and quizzes. Students may choose to participate in the National Latin Exam and Junior Classical League