High School Course List

English 9 introduces students to high school level study of the language arts—reading, writing, listening, speaking, and media literacy. Common units of study include short stories, novels, media, research, poetry, and epic/drama (Romeo and Juliet; Homer’s Odyssey). Students compose in expository, narrative, persuasive, and analytical modes. Revision and editing skills are stressed. Students deliver speeches in a supportive setting.

GRADE LEVEL: 9
CATEGORY: Fulfills English 9 requirement
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: 1 Year

English 10 continues the study of the language arts—reading, writing, listening, speaking, and media literacy. Common units of study include short narratives, novels (e.g., Of Mice and Men, science fiction, etc.), memoir, research, poetry, and epic/drama (a Shakespearean play). Students compose 2-3 multi-draft papers in expository, narrative, persuasive, and/or analytical modes. Some tasks are delivered as speeches. Students work to review and master literary terms, structures, and patterns.

GRADE LEVEL: 10
CATEGORY: Fulfills English 10 requirement
PREREQUISITE: English 9
LENGTH: 1 Year

World Literature studies the literature, culture, and history of many of the world’s great civilizations. Students will examine the context in which the literature was produced to help enrich their understanding of cultures and how they are interconnected with other cultures through literature, theater, film, music, and the arts. Students compose in expository, narrative, persuasive, and analytical modes. Some tasks are delivered as speeches. Additional emphasis is placed on close reading and group discussion.

GRADE LEVEL: 11-12
CATEGORY: Fulfills English 11 or English 12 requirement
PREREQUISITE: English 9 and 10
LENGTH: 1 Year

US Literature explores the themes and movement of historical and contemporary American literature. common units of study include American novels (et The Great Gatsby), modern drama, poetry, and college and career preparation. Students compose in expository, narrative, persuasive, and analytical modes. Some tasks are delivered as speeches. Additional emphasis is placed on close reaching and group discussions.

GRADE LEVEL: 11-12
CATEGORY: Fulfills English 11 or English 12 requirement
PREREQUISITE: English 9 and English 10
LENGTH: 1 Year

Creative Writing is an intense writing course that explores several creative genres, including but not limited to short stories, poetry, and memoir. Some students may also choose to explore a choice genre (one-act play, rap, spoken word, etc.). Drafts are critiqued in a workshop setting. Revision of drafts is mandatory for success in this class. The course emphasizes tools for creative writing and literary elements (dialogue, imagery, poetic devices, and structural tools) rather than specific topics. Students will put together a final portfolio or will submit their pieces for possible publication.

GRADE LEVEL: 11-12
CATEGORY: Fulfills English 12 requirement for 1 trimester of Writing
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: 1 Trimester

(Kirkwood Community College Credit Course)

Composition II teaches precise and responsible use of research tools. Requires critical analysis of reading materials, audience and self when communicating content material. Develops ability to use effective and ethical arguments.

GRADE LEVEL: 12
CATEGORY: Fulfills English 12 for 1.5 Trimesters
PREREQUISITE: Composition I
LENGTH: 1 Semester

(Kirkwood Community College Credit Course)

Composition I develop expository writing with emphasis on organization, supporting details, style, vocabulary, and library research skills.

GRADE LEVEL: 12
CATEGORY: Fulfills English 12 for 1.5 Trimesters
PREREQUISITE: English 10
LENGTH: 1 Semester

Algebra 1 is the foundation for further study of mathematics. It is the first of three math courses that are required for admission to most four-year colleges (the other two being Geometry and Algebra 2). Students learn to reason symbolically and graphically. Writing, graphing, and solving linear and quadratic equations are key topics. This course emphasizes reading and problem solving for unknown quantities using visual as well as symbolic representations. This course will prepare students for the study of Geometry and Algebra 2.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Fulfills 1 year of Math requirement
PREREQUISITE: Pre-Algebra 8 or Introduction to Algebra
LENGTH: 1 Year

Geometry is the study of properties of figures in space. It includes right triangle trigonometry and the study of transformations. Inductive and deductive thinking skills are used in problem-solving situations, including applications to the real world. Proof writing is included, as students prove properties of geometric figures, including polygons and circles. This course will prepare students for the study of Algebra 2.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Fulfills 1 year of Math requirement
PREREQUISITE: Algebra 1 or Algebra 1A and Algebra 1B
LENGTH: 1 Year

Algebra 2 is a course that builds on concepts learned in Algebra 1 and Geometry. It develops advanced algebra skills in the study of polynomials, rational expressions, and other equations and inequalities.

Reading with comprehension is essential as students solve real-world problems. A scientific or graphing calculator is required for certain topics. This course will prepare students for Pre-Calculus.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Fulfills 1 year of Math requirement
PREREQUISITE: Algebra 1 and Geometry
LENGTH: 1 Year

Pre-Calculus is a course for students interested in the physical sciences, physics, engineering, mathematics, or other careers that require strong quantitative and mathematics skills.

Areas of study include analytic geometry, inequalities, polynomials, trigonometric functions and equations, vectors, complex numbers, logarithmic and exponential functions, sequences, and graphing. Reading with comprehension is essential as students acquire stronger problem-solving skills. A graphing calculator is required. This course will prepare students for Calculus.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Fulfills 1 year of Math requirement
PREREQUISITE: Algebra 2 or Algebra 2 Honors
LENGTH: 1 Year

AP Calculus AB is a rigorous, college-level course that includes all calculus topics designated by the AP Program of the College Board and it is equivalent to a first-semester college-level calculus course. Successful performance on the AP Calculus AB examination allows students to receive credit for college calculus. Areas of study include functions, differentiation, and its applications, and integration and its applications. Graphing calculators are required. This course will prepare students to take the AP Calculus AB examination in May.

Visit AP Central for additional information.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Fulfills 1 year of Math requirement
PREREQUISITE: Pre-Calculus with recommendation of instructor or Pre-Calculus honors.
LENGTH: 1 Year

AP Statistics is a rigorous, college-level course that includes all statistics topics designated by the AP Program of the College Board. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes identified by the College Board: exploring data, sampling and experimentation, anticipating patterns, and statistical inference. A graphing calculator is required. This course will prepare students to take the AP Statistics examination in May.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Fulfills 1 year of Math requirement
PREREQUISITE: Algebra 2
LENGTH: 1 Year

Earth and Space Science is designed to give students an opportunity to investigate science and its relationship to society and the natural world through laboratories and activities. Emphasis is on the connection of earth and space science concepts to everyday interests and concerns. Topics of study will include Earth’s Place in the Universe, Earth’s Systems, and Earth and Human Activities. Students will be asked to behave like scientists, to think, ask questions, investigate problems, and design their own experiments.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Fulfills Science requirement
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: 1 Year

Biology provides all students with experiences to foster an understanding of life processes at the molecular, cellular, organism, ecosystem, and global levels. Students explore and analyze the interconnected central themes in biology: science as a process of knowing, structure and function, change over time, and the interdependence of nature. The course incorporates laboratory inquiry, use of higher-order thinking skills, and investigation of current issues in technology and society.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Fulfills Science requirement
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: 1 Year

This chemistry course is based on the principles of chemistry and is designed for students who wish to pursue post-secondary education. It will include fundamental chemical concepts, broad coverage of mathematical relationships, stress laboratory inquiry and use of higher order thinking skills in the practical application of chemistry. Concepts will be developed through laboratory work, class discussions and activities, and homework. Tenth graders who took Biology as freshmen should take Honors Chemistry.

GRADE LEVEL: 11-12
CATEGORY: Fulfills Science requirement
PREREQUISITE: Algebra I
LENGTH: 1 Year

While based upon the principles of chemistry and physics, the course will stress laboratory inquiry, conceptual relationships and higher order thinking skills. These principles are developed through laboratory experiences, class discussions, and homework. Emphasis is on the connection of chemistry and physics concepts to everyday interests and concerns. This course, along with Earth and Space Science and Biology, will fulfill the 3 years of science required for graduation.

GRADE LEVEL: 11-12
CATEGORY: Fulfills Science requirement
PREREQUISITE: Earth and Space Science and Biology
LENGTH: 1 Year

This course seeks to build a strong conceptual understanding of physics. This is a base for all students to view nature more perceptively to see that surprisingly few relationships make up all its rules. Emphasis will be placed on the development of understanding through analysis of lab activities and in-class discussion. For students wishing further study in science, it provides a conceptual base and a springboard to a greater involvement in sciences, as students will develop problem solving, critical thinking, and data analysis skills that are relevant to a wide variety of subject areas.

GRADE LEVEL: 11-12
CATEGORY: Fulfills Science requirement
PREREQUISITE: Geometry
LENGTH: 1 Year

American Studies surveys the political, economic, social, and diplomatic development from the late 1800s to the present. The course examines the important issues, personalities, and events from the time-period and is designed so that students gain an understanding and appreciation of how the past and present are connected. Through a variety of learning opportunities, students will develop critical thinking skills that can be applied to past, present, and future events.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-10
CATEGORY: Fulfills U.S. History requirement
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: 1 Year

This course offers a survey of world history. We will examine major civilizations and events as they occurred in time. Within this chronological framework, we will present, discuss and evaluate several important content themes, and help develop basic analytical skills. This course will address the following content themes:

1. Patterns and impacts of interaction among major societies: trade war, diplomacy, and international organizations.
2. Relationship of change and continuity across the time periods of this course.
3. Impact of technology and demography on people and the environment.
4. Systems of social structure and gender roles within and among societies.
5. Cultural and intellectual developments and interactions within and among societies.
6. Changes in functions and structures of states and in attitudes toward states and political identities.

In Government I, students will examine the foundations and principles of the American political system’s federal republic and analyze the political structure, power, and processes established by the U.S. Constitution. Students will study the rights guaranteed to citizens in our democratic society and the protections extended to each citizen in the Bill of Rights.

Finally, students will examine their role in the democratic society through a study of the mass media, political parties, interest groups, and campaigns/elections.

GRADE LEVEL: 11-12
CATEGORY: Fulfills 1 trimester of U.S. Government requirement
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: 1 Trimester

In Government II, students will examine the structure, functions, and policies of American government at the national, state, and local levels. The class includes an analysis of the roles and responsibilities of each of the three branches of government in all levels of government, with an emphasis on the creation and implementation of fiscal policy. Finally, students will build personal financial literacy skills through the study of topics such as debt, marketing, consumer protection, and financial responsibility.

GRADE LEVEL: 11-12
CATEGORY: Fulfills 1 trimester of U.S. Government requirement
PREREQUISITE: U.S. Government I: Foundations and Principles recommended
LENGTH: 1 Trimester

Economics studies how individuals, businesses, and governments deal with scarce resources. Students also focus on the development of personal financial literacy through the real-world exploration of topics such as savings, credit, debt, insurance, wealth building, investing and risk management. Emphasis is placed on the basic concepts, principles, and reasoning skills related to economic choices so that students will become informed consumers, workers, and citizens.

GRADE LEVEL: 11-12
CATEGORY: Fulfills Economics requirement
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: 1 Trimester

Providing insight into the human dynamics of our diverse society, this is an engaging, one-semester course that delves into the fundamental concepts of sociology. This interactive course, designed for high school students, covers cultural diversity and conformity, basic structures of society, individuals and socialization, stages of human development as they relate to sociology, deviance from social norms, social stratification, racial and ethnic interactions, gender roles, family structure, the economic and political aspects of sociology, the sociology of public institutions, and collective human behavior, both historically and in modern times.

AP Government & Politics focuses on the fundamental principles, institutions, processes, and policies related to United States government and politics. Emphasized topics include the US Constitution, federalism, civil liberties & civil rights, linkage institutions, national policy-making institutions and the creation and implementation of public policy.

GRADE LEVEL: 11-12
CATEGORY: Fulfills US Government requirement.
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: 1 Year

Spanish I provides the foundation of language learning in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Language is taught through a variety of everyday situations and within a context of the culture of Spanish-speaking countries. Areas of study include: greetings and conversation, foods, numbers, dates, weather, seasons, family, home, school activities, friends, culture, everyday Spanish life, Spanish speaking countries, idiomatic phrases, pronunciation, and
grammatical structures.

Emphasis is placed on communication using appropriate grammar and vocabulary. Students participate in a variety of activities and do daily homework to develop an acceptable level of language proficiency. Students may elect Spanish II after this course.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Elective
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: 1 Year

Spanish II expands students’ knowledge of the Spanish language and their understanding of the culture. A variety of everyday situations also let the student practice these new skills. Areas of study include: conversational phrases, short stories, cultural studies, and a variety of grammatical structures. Spanish II builds on the language foundation begun in Spanish I. Emphasis on communication with necessary grammar and vocabulary continues.

Students may elect Spanish III after this course. Students must pass each trimester in order to continue to the next trimester or level of language study.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Elective
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Spanish I
LENGTH: 1 Year

Spanish III reviews previously learned skills, expands vocabulary and introduces more complex language. Includes a comprehensive review of material presented in Spanish I and II. Students improve their language proficiency and broaden their understanding of Hispanic cultures. Other specific areas of study include: art, and music, and how Hispanic cultures interact with our own. Legends, short stories, and various other materials are read. Much of the class is conducted in
Spanish.

Students may elect either Spanish IV or AP Spanish after this course. Students must have a passing grade at the end of each trimester in order to continue to the next trimester or level of language study.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Elective
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Spanish II
LENGTH: 1 Year

Spanish IV strengthens and increases communication skills in the areas of speaking, listening, writing, and cultural understanding. In this course, students: are exposed to selected Spanish literature, history, and culture; increase vocabulary and language skills via exposure to authentic sources; and learn to write and speak spontaneously on different topics, implementing previously learned grammatical concepts. The course is conducted primarily in Spanish and is preparatory for college placement. Students must have a passing grade at the end of each trimester in order to continue to the next trimester or level of language study. Students who are enrolled in this course are eligible to participate in a two-week trip to Spain in March. Students may elect to take Spanish V or AP Spanish after this course.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Elective
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Spanish III
LENGTH: 1 Year

AP Spanish IV is intended for highly motivated students who aim to improve their skills and/or continue Spanish in college. The goal is to increase language proficiency in all skills through extensive speaking, reading, writing and listening, with cultural study. The course is conducted completely in Spanish. Given that the class is preparatory for college placement and achievement tests, students receive practice for the AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam.

The curriculum is theme based and includes discussions about a wide variety of contemporary issues. Authentic listening and reading will be presented via Spanish television, newspaper articles, and magazines. Students who are enrolled in this course may elect to participate in a two-week trip to Spain in March.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Elective
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Spanish III Honors or prior approval of a Spanish III teacher
LENGTH: 1 Year

language learning in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, writing and culture. Emphasis is on communication using appropriate grammar and vocabulary. Language is taught through a variety of everyday situations and within the context of the culture of French-speaking countries. Areas of study include pronunciation, greetings and conversation, colors, numbers, dates, weather, seasons, vocabulary related to family, home, school, activities and friends, cultural items, geography, everyday French life, French songs, idiomatic phrases, grammar structures, the present tense of regular and irregular verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. Students participate in activities and do daily homework to develop language proficiency. Students must have a passing grade at the end of each trimester to continue to the next trimester or level of language study.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Elective
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: 1 Year

French II builds on the foundation begun in French I. Emphasis on communication with necessary grammar and vocabulary continues. The class expands the students’ knowledge of the French language and French culture. Grammar study is expanded to help the student learn to use the language. A variety of everyday situations allows the student to practice the language skills. Audio and video recordings and computer software are used to enrich the learning experience. Areas of study include pronunciation, vocabulary, cultural capsules, idiomatic phrases, regular and irregular verbs in the present, past and immediate future tenses, grammar structures including object pronouns, comparisons of adjectives and adverbs, uses of the infinitive, foods and cooking, geography, short stories and plays. Students must have a passing grade at the end of each trimester to continue to the next trimester or level of language study.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Elective
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of French I
LENGTH: 1 Year

French III reviews previously learned skills, expands vocabulary and introduces more complex language. Students improve their language proficiency and broaden their understanding of French cultures. Much of the class is conducted in French. French III continues the study of French and the communication skills begun in French I and II. Added emphasis is placed on application of reading, writing, and listening skills and a special emphasis on speaking skills in appropriate context for language practice. French III will include a review of grammatical structures previously learned and the study of reflexive verbs, relative pronouns, and the imperfect and future verb tenses as well as the conditional and subjective. In addition to the textbook, the course will include films, varied readings, as well as research projects using technology in the library and the computer lab. Students must have a passing grade at the end of each trimester to continue to the next trimester or level of language study.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Elective
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of French II
LENGTH: 1 Year

French IV strengthens and improves communication skills in the areas of speaking listening, writing and cultural understanding. The course is conducted primarily in French with a strong cultural component to the curriculum. This course is preparatory for college placement. Students may elect to take AP French after this course. French IV stresses the application of previously acquired language skills. This class is theme based. Grammar is reviewed in every theme. Themes include relationships, city life, government, media, family, immigration, racism. Students will also read two novels. Authentic materials are utilized to help build communication skills. Special emphasis is placed on speaking and preparation for traveling abroad. Students will work to prepare for college entrance/placement exams and travel to France for the optional spring break trip.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Elective
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of French III
LENGTH: 1 Year

This AP French course is intended for students who wish to both improve and maintain their French skills. This AP French curriculum rotates; it is theme based and includes a grammar review, continued development of speaking, listening, reading and writings skills using authentic literature, film and a variety of materials from the Francophone world. Students will participate in discussions about contemporary issues facing French/ francophone societies. Students will work to prepare for the AP exam, college entrance/placement exams and travel to France for the optional spring break trip.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Elective
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of French III and prior approval of a French teacher
LENGTH: 1 Year

This course focuses on our society and the role that finance plays in it. Budgeting, banking, insurance, and the many aspects of investing are covered in depth. This class will give you the foundation to make sound financial decisions.

GRADE LEVEL: 11-12
CATEGORY: Elective
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: 1 Trimester

Is it a dream of yours to open your own business someday? Spark your entrepreneurial spirit by learning all the different aspects included and skills required to become a small business owner. Hands on activities including units on self-exploration, market analysis, finance management and social/ ethical responsibilities are covered. Each student will create a business plan for a potential business they might start. Entrepreneurs from the corridor area serve as weekly speakers to enhance the curriculum. Three hours of University of Iowa Credit may be obtained through this course.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Elective
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: 1 Trimester

This course provides an introduction to the business world and an understanding of our economic environment. Units of study include business ethics, marketing, entrepreneurship, and the globalization of business. Students will also receive a comprehensive look at how different business structures operate within our economy.

Career Management is a semester-length high school course that assists students in their preparation for career selection. The course is designed to improve workforce skills needed in all careers including communication, leadership, teamwork, decision making, problem solving, goal setting and time management. Students complete activities that help identify personal interests, aptitudes, and learning styles. Students use results of self-assessments to determine careers that may prove personally satisfying.

(Edgenuity – 100% Asynchronous)

The goal of this semester-long high school course is to provide students with an overview of careers in architecture and construction in order to assist with informed career decisions. This dynamic, rapidly evolving career cluster is comprised of three pathways (fields): Design and Pre-Construction (Architecture and Engineering); Construction (Construction and Extraction); and Maintenance and Operations (Installation, Maintenance, and Repair).

The Architecture and Construction career cluster is defined as careers in building, designing, managing, maintaining, and planning the built environment. The built environment encompasses all zones of human activity—from natural conservation areas with minimal human intervention to highly dense areas with tall skyscrapers and intricate highway systems to suburban cul-de-sacs. The interrelated components that make up the built environment are as varied and unique as the professionals who help shape it.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Elective
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: 1 Trimester

(Edgenuity – 100% Asynchronous)
Intro to Coding covers a basic introduction to the principles of programming, including algorithms and logic. Students engage in hands-on programming tasks in the Python programming language as they write and test their own code using the approaches real programmers use in the field. Students will program with variables, functions, and arguments, and lists and loops, providing a solid foundation for more advanced study as well as practical skills they can use immediately.

GRADE LEVEL: 11‐12
CATEGORY: 
PREREQUISITE: Meets the Personal Finance Requirement
LENGTH: 1 Trimester

(Edgenuity – 100% Asynchronous)

This introductory computer science course covers five major topics including Computer Systems, Networks and Internet, Data and Analysis, Algorithms and Programming and the Impacts of Computing. Students will learn how to create technology-based solutions, like creating an algorithm to solve a real-world problem. They will also learn how to decompose (break- down) the steps needed to solve a problem into a precise sequence of instructions. This course would be a good starting point for students interested in taking higher level computer science courses or for just getting a general introduction to the computer science field.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Elective
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: 1 Year

This course provides an overview of the principles of human growth and development from conception through adolescence. Students will look at the physical, social, cognitive and emotional aspects of development. Development is studied in the context of family, gender, sex, culture, language, ability, socioeconomics, diversity and society.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Elective
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: 1 Trimester

Students will study the fundamentals of housing and explore a variety of careers in the housing field. They will create projects centered on bedroom remodeling, color, apartment design, and periods and a variety of housing styles from throughout history.

Students planning to move into college dorms or live independently in apartments can better prepare themselves for the future by learning about housing, budgeting, laundry, leases, credit, shopping, cooking, mending, sexuality, and personal responsibilities. This course is designed for students who want a chance to practice basic living skills before entering college or the work force.

GRADE LEVEL: 11-12
CATEGORY: Elective
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: 1 Trimester

Band is available for all students grades 9-12. During the beginning of the first trimester, these students will rehearse together as one marching band with the focus on basic marching band techniques and performing at home football and other marching events.

Students will then move on to a concert band during the second and third trimesters, or have the opportunity to audition for placement into one of the ability-based concert bands. These concert ensembles will focus on the analysis and performance of standard and advanced high school band music and preparation of several formal concerts. Students will also improve their skills through individual practice and lessons.

Choir is available on-site for grades 9-12 and all levels of experience. They all sing four concerts each year, with the focus of the class on producing a healthy choral tone; understanding music fundamentals; and singing fun, challenging choral music. Students will also improve their skills through individual practice and lessons. Some choirs require an audition for entry, and will focus on more advanced choral literature. All choir groups include:

• Bass Choir
• Treble Choir
• Advanced Treble Choir
• Advanced Mixed Choir
• Select Mixed Choir

There are three orchestras available, based on skill level. Students are required to participate in all scheduled performances, register for all three trimesters and improve their skills through individual practice and lessons.

Concert Orchestra focuses on developing basic orchestral techniques such as accurate pitch, use of dynamics and maintaining a pulse, while Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestra focus more on developing more advanced orchestral techniques, working with more demanding literature from a variety of composers. Students will prepare repertoire by a variety of composers and will improve their skills through individual practice and lessons.

This class is designed to help students develop a greater understanding of physical fitness with an emphasis on cardiovascular fitness, muscle toning and flexibility. Fitness concepts, nutrition education and exercising in the target heart zone are emphasized in this class. Lifestyle Fitness will utilize the cardio room/fitness center and its cardio equipment to enhance the workout experience. Students will become physically educated persons and understand that physical activity provides opportunities for enjoyment, challenges, self-expression, and social interaction as per the Physical Education National Standards.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Fulfills 1 trimester of PE requirement
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: 1 Trimester

This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills to make the critical health choices throughout their lives and enable them to establish lifelong healthy behaviors. Students will comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention; analyze the influence of family, peers, culture, media, technology, and other factors on health behaviors; demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communication skills to enhance health and avoid or reduce health risk; demonstrate the ability to use decision-making and goal -setting skills to enhance health; demonstrate the ability to practice health-enhancing behaviors and avoid or reduce health risks and demonstrate the ability to advocate for personal, family and community health.

Units of instruction include Mental, Social and Emotional health; Violence Prevention; Tobacco, Alcohol and Illegal Drugs including the misuse of Drugs; Personal Health and Wellness; Safety and Injury Prevention; Human Growth and Reproduction including Sexual Health

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Fulfills Health Requirement
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: 1 Trimester

Learn the techniques and art of photography. From shutter speed and apertures to understanding and applying the principles of design, this class will give students the tools to make great photographs. Students will learn the process of fine art, photography, photojournalism and how to take photos in a studio setting. Photoshop basics will be introduced for editing, as well as more creative options.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Elective
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: 1 Trimester

Black and White Drawing

A course designed to help students understand basic concepts of drawing and improve their powers of observation. Students will work with various black and white media utilizing a variety of sources and environments.

Color Drawing

An opportunity to expand on the basic skills and concepts of drawing through the addition of color. Students will develop their skills in color media using oil pastel, conte’ crayon, printmaking, colored pencil and other materials.

GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Elective
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: 1 Trimester

Students will use the computer and other technologies as an art tool to generate visual images. This course will give students an expanded view of the use of technology in the visual arts and how it can be used in the business world as well as the fine art world.

GRADE LEVEL: 10-12
CATEGORY: Elective
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH: 1 Trimester