Algebra 2 starts with a continuation of concepts studied in Algebra 1. Students will be involved in communicating information mathematically, solving problems from a real world context and justifying the solutions to problems. Furthermore, they will be challenged by new mathematical ideas that require function analysis, graphing skill, solving higher order equations, investigating complex number systems, and working with matrices, conic sections, logarithms, data analysis and probability. It is a course for students who wish to prepare for further mathematics such as Pre-Calculus or Statistics and who are planning to continue with mathematics in college.

 
AP Biology begins at the molecular level, then moves up to the cell, then the organism, and ends at the level of the ecosystem, thus giving the student an integrated overview of life and its processes. A minimum of one hour’s preparation per night is needed to succeed in this course. There is more experimental work than in regular Biology, and most of this will be done after school. Students are immersed in the subject, and will consequently gain knowledge and skills at a much higher rate than you would in a regular course. Additionally, by virtue of the workload, the course can be instrumental in preparing you for studying at university level. And last, Biology is fun!

 
This course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. For some students, this course enables them to undertake, in their first year, second-year work in the chemistry sequence at their institution or to register in courses in other fields where general chemistry is a prerequisite. For other students, the AP Chemistry course fulfills the laboratory science requirement and frees time for other courses. Students in AP Chemistry attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. The course contributes to the development of the students’ abilities to think clearly and to express their ideas, orally and in writing, with clarity and logic. Broad topic areas covered include looking at the structure and states of matter, chemical reactions and some descriptive chemistry. There is also a focus and emphasis on the laboratory experience.

 
 
This course is actually two separate classes, Advanced Placement Microeconomics and Advanced Placement Macroeconomics. At the end of the year students will be prepared to sit for two different AP exams and can earn credit for both.
In it’s essence, economics is a social science that looks at the production, distribution, and consumption of good and services. It can look at these things from the prospective of a society as a whole or examine the interactions of different societies;  this is the field of macroeconomics.  It also examines how individuals and/or businesses interact to make and sell good and services; this is the field of microeconomics. Much of the work done in economics deals with idealized situations, where we assume certain motivations (or what economists call incentives) will always hold true. Over the course of the year we will examine these incentives, and the behaviors they are thought to inspire, and then discuss where and when these relationships work and where they break down. 

 
 
As a college level course, AP English Literature and Composition involves a rigorous and challenging approach to English.  AP English Literature and Composition engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of literature through selected works of merit from the 16th Century to modern times.  By reading in this manner, students deepen their understanding of how writers use language to give a reader both meaning and pleasure.  Students will learn to approach a text critically, analyzing it for the author’s meaning(s), and evaluating it artistically and for its historical/social context.   By reading, students will explore  the development of literature throughout history in its various traditions, styles, and uses of language,  the universal themes of literature,  how literature reflects life, and  the historical, social, and cultural values of a work of literature at any given period. 

Writing is a fundamental and essential part of this AP course.  Writing assignments will focus on the critical analysis of literature that will include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays.  Instruction will include careful attention to developing and organizing ideas in clear, coherent, and persuasive language.  It will also include study of the elements of style.  By writing, students will develop the writing process, writing as a tool to express ideas clearly and confidently, effective and diverse vocabulary and syntax, different forms of writing (expository, analytic  argumentative, creative), and understand the  narrative devices used by writers to achieve their purpose.

 
 
This course is designed to provide a systematic development of the main principles of physics, emphasizing problem solving as well as continuing to develop a deep understanding of physics concepts. It is assumed that the student is familiar with algebra and trigonometry; calculus is seldom used, although some theoretical developments may use basic concepts of calculus. In most colleges, this is a one-year terminal course including a laboratory component and is not the usual preparation for more advanced physics and engineering courses; however, Physics does provide a foundation in physics for students in the life sciences, pre-medicine, and some applied sciences, as well as other fields not directly related to science.
In this course we will concentrate on problem solving, practical applications of physics, career opportunities related to what we are studying, current questions, and future trends. Labs will primarily entail open-ended problem solving which will require you to design experimental methods and analyze your results.

 
This is an accelerated studio-focused art class for students who want to refine their technical skills and clarify an artistic direction with intent. The year-long class will be a combination of prescribed and self-directed study based on the guidelines set forth by the National Advanced Placement College Board (AP). This course is for highly motivated students who are seriously interested in the study of art; the program demands significant commitment, students will need to work outside of class at least 5-10 hours a week.  Two types of portfolios may be submitted in separate years.

 
The goal of AP World History is to provide students with a solid foundation of skills to help them understand the forces that shape the world in which they live. This course is designed for the exceptionally studious high school student who wishes to earn college credit in high school through a rigorous academic program. Students will use documents and other primary sources, and recognize and discuss different interpretations and historical frameworks. Students will be encouraged to build empathy and understanding of the human condition, understanding historical and geographical context, and make comparisons across cultures. Students will develop skills of research, analysis, discussion, and writing about historical events and multiple perspectives and construct analytical and interpretive essays which address issues of change, continuity, and comparison.

 
This course examines the composition of various substances and the changes they can go through. It also demonstrates how chemistry touches our lives every day, almost everywhere—in medicine, the clothes we wear, the games we play, as well as the industries that make the things we use. The periodic table and simple compounds are covered, as well as the basics of Chemistry.
 

 
Open to musicians at all levels of wind instruments and percussion(drums), and to string instruments above beginner level. Students will be able to advance their skill level through playing in the ensemble, and will learn some music theory along the way. This is a performance-based class, there will be several opportunities provided to perform in public, and these will be required activities.

 
Creative Writing is a year-long course aimed at developing writing skills relevant to both poetry and fiction. Starting with poetry, it hones students’ abilities to create patterns in language, to use imagery, rhyme and rhythm, and to choose diction that evokes meaning.
The elements of short stories are explored and students learn to develop their own short stories, together with the skills involved in drafting and editing. In the final semester, students investigate the processes involved in writing a novel and produce the first 10,000 words of their own work.
The course also includes a component on ‘How to Publish’ and covers areas such as internet-publishing, self-publishing, magazine publications, literary agents and publishing houses.

Educational Dance Level 2 is designed to further develop students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in the choreographic process, the teaching and the performance of  Dance. Students learn the ‘Teacher’ dance to reinforce concepts from Level 1, and to experience different ideas. Students evaluate their work to demonstrate their progress and improvement. Students choreograph a dance alone or in pairs, depending on how many Level 2 students are in the class. Students are responsible for researching ideas, choosing their music accompaniment, structuring the dance, deciding upon a theme and/or style. Students are expected to explore more complex movements and use more challenging choreographic devices to develop the movement, and to portray their chosen theme and /or style. Students teach the class their dance, with limited teacher intervention. Students may perform in their own dance and will evaluate the process and product to demonstrate their deeper knowledge, understanding and skill. Students write a paper to detail their experience, illustrating their points with referral to their knowledge of the theory. 

 
Teaches the fundamentals of how to design and create 2D graphics and animation to meet a specific purpose. Students will learn to use software tools and the design processes necessary to produce products that can stand alone or be used in various end use applications like websites, newsletters, flyers, or logos. Students will also learn the basics of editing digital photographs.

 
English 10 is a communication arts class focusing on analyzing literature for themes, style, structure and characterization; the writing process; effective oral communication; as well as listening skills. Through close study of two novels, two plays (one by Shakespeare), various poems and short stories, and a unit focused on film, students will gain key skills that will enable them to successfully communicate their ideas and opinions in a variety of ways.

 
Grade 12 English is a year-long course aimed at exposing students to a wide variety of poetry, prose, and drama from Chaucer and Shakespeare to the present day works of British and American authors.  Throughout the course, students will engage in the close reading of literature and in written responses to these works, gaining knowledge of the world of literature and the world in general through the themes literature addresses.  Reading will develop the ability to analyze a written work for meaning and artistic quality, as well as study the craft of writing.  Writing assignments will develop the ability to offer critical analysis of literature that will include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays, writing styles that can be applied to other academic areas and to university studies.  Instruction will include careful attention to developing and organizing ideas in clear, coherent, and persuasive language.  It will also include study of the elements of style.  By the end of the course, students will be prepared for university study of literature and possess the necessary writing skills for academic success.

 
Environmental Science is a course designed to give students a basis for further study in this field, and to help instill a sense of environmental awareness beyond what they may already have. The class begins with basic ecology and familiarization with the biosphere, and proceeds to examine the ways in which we affect the ecosystems in which we live. Students are encouraged to develop and live out their own environmental ethic.

 
French 2 is a course that is centered around a fictitious apartment building. During the year, students will continue to develop their language skills through exploration of French-speaking cultures around the world and continue to develop their communication skills in the present, future, and two basic past tenses (passé composé and imparfait) through many interactive projects, films, music, and other communicative activities. 

 
This course is designed for students who have successfully completed Algebra 1. The course helps students develop logical thinking patterns, and also helps them become aware of the geometrical patterns in their environment. This is accomplished by working proofs and problems with the help of postulate, theorems, and axioms. The topics covered include: angles, polygons, circles, lines, points, arcs, triangles, and some basic trigonometry.

In this course the students will learn the basics of computer programming using the Python programming language. Basic programming concepts are covered including variables, data types, mathematical operations, input/output, iteration, conditional execution, functions, error handling, and object oriented programming. The course has a very large problem solving component and requires a very high level of precision and attention to detail.

 
 
Mandarin 1 is a high school class. If taken in Grade 7 or 8, this class does not count towards the foreign language requirements for graduation.
This is a course in standard Mandarin Chinese, the official language of the People’s Republic of China. It is designed for complete beginners who have no prior knowledge of Mandarin Chinese. The aim of the course is to provide students with a grasp of basic structures and the ability to carry out simple conversations in Chinese, as well as the knowledge required to recognize and read approximately four hundred basic Chinese characters.

 
 
 
This class is for the intermediate students to continue to develop their language skills and their study of Pinyin as well as Chinese characters. Other cultural activities include relevant cultural discussions, cooking, field trips, and watching many different films.
This course contains a very significant reading component – throughout the year, you will read two graded reader series (level one) (Chinese breeze: Cuo, Cuo, Cuo and Liang Ge Xiang Shang Tian De Hai Zi), a play, and different poems. All four language skills will be integrated into our cultural and reading studies and you will continue to improve in your comprehension and communication skills.
Throughout the course, students will engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions mostly in Chinese. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the practices and perspectives of the aspects of Chinese culture studied in class. Students will reinforce and further their knowledge of other disciplines through the Chinese language and its cultures. Students will demonstrate understanding of the nature of language through comparisons of the Chinese language and their own. Students will be able to use the Chinese language both within and beyond the school setting.
Textbook: Easy Steps to Chinese 3

 
 
The fundamentals of painting are taught through various media encounters, such as acrylic, watercolor, gouache, oil and batik painting. Students learn technical skills with an emphasis on studio production. This course is designed to develop higher-level thinking, through the use of historical reference and exploration of different modes of painting such as, realistic, abstract, and non-objective, students are encouraged to develop their own styles of painting. Emphasis is on individual expression, composition, and technique. Requirements include: (a) keeping a sketchbook of ideas, notes and vocabulary; (b) critiques; (c) an oral presentation, (d) projects; (e) final exam.
Student will work from still life, landscape, portraiture, the figure, and creativity-based subjects.
Those students who have completed Painting and wish to become further involved with advanced techniques and concepts may proceed to Studio Art. 

 
 
Team Sports is an elective with emphasis placed on refining fundamental skills, introducing game strategies and effectively utilizing available human resources. Challenge initiatives are used to reinforce collaboration skills with written and performance assessments used to determine mastery. Students have an in depth opportunity to learn basic skills and vocabulary about activities that will be played as they move through high school. Students are taught new skills as well as given the chance to increase some skills formerly taught in other classes through participating in activities such as basketball, soccer, volleyball. Students will also have the opportunity to learn and accomplish higher sport specific skills through a variety of team and large group activities.

 
Physical Science is a required full-year required course that explores introductory physics during the first semester, and introductory chemistry during the second semester. The main goal of this course is to continue to develop the student’s ability to do science. Students will learn many different science process skills, and will learn how to use their skills in studying and solving problems. The class will involve a great deal of inquiry-based lab work. The students will often work in teams using cooperative learning. During the first semester, the students will work on and finish the Technology Project and the Rube Goldberg Project. Many different resources will be explored in order to enhance their ability to do science. 

 
Students who choose Precalculus should have previously demonstrated a mastery of Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. It is important that students do their homework every day since much of this math course depends on understanding concepts taught in a previous lessons. The use of a graphing calculator is required for some sections in Precalculus. Students will be doing Functions and their Graphs, Polynomial and Rational Functions, Trigonometry, Sequences, Series, Probability, Analytic Geometry, and Limits in this course. 

 
This course aims to develop the kind of adults the world needs: thoughtful, responsible, reflective, articulate, and independent world citizens. The studies of this class will be varied and flexible, however there are several key components: students will reflect on their twelve years of education to produce meaningful comments on their learning; students will anticipate issues that may arise their first few years of university and prepare to meet the challenges of life in a new place; students will practice professional communications and interactions; and students will interact regularly with the guidance and career counselor to discuss a wide range of topics.

 
 
Spanish 2 is a high school class. If taken in Grade 7 or 8, this class does not count towards the foreign language requirements for graduation.
In Spanish 2, we will continue our study of Spanish by building upon, strengthening, and reinforcing the skills in the six core areas: listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary. We will continue to seek out an authentic and extensive understanding of the varied cultures and customs of the Spanish-speaking world. The second level course will continue to focus on the building of a strong foundation of the basic concepts inherent in the language, and will provide students with opportunities to deepen their practical understanding of the language through individual and group projects. Some topics of study in this course will include: stem-changing verbs, simple conditional verb tenses, simple future and past verb tenses, adjective agreement, and vocabulary acquisition.

 
The Spanish 4 course will continue to build upon, strengthen, and reinforce the students’ skills in the six core areas: listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary. Along with focusing on these core skill areas, a strong emphasis will be placed on fluency and pronunciation in Spanish. The majority of instructions and communications will be in Spanish and students will be strongly encouraged to communicate in the target language as much as possible. Through a wide range of projects and activities geared toward providing as authentic a cultural and linguistic experience as possible, the students will deepen their understanding of how the language works as a tool for communication Some topics of study in this course will include: compound tenses, discussing past and future events, the subjunctive tense, legends and folklore, means of communication, and the world we live in.

 
Statistics is a mathematical discipline that helps us use numbers to tell a story. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. By the end of this course students will be able to formulate a hypothesis; design an experiment, survey, or simulation; execute the design, collecting appropriate data; select the appropriate statistical techniques to analyze the data; and develop and evaluate inferences based on the data. In addition, the student will develop their skills to interpret and critique the day-to-day statistics that they encounter. Throughout the course students will be using resources on the web as well as computers and computer software. Students will be expected to master the appropriate technology needed to enhance understanding and to accomplish specific goals.

 
 
This course is open to students in Grades 11-12 and can be taken at the same time as Studio Art I.
Studio Art II is similar to Studio Art I, but focuses more on individual approaches in content as well as technical skills. Assignments are more challenging than Studio Art I. More emphasis is placed on individual expression than in Studio Art I. Studio Art cannot be repeated. 

 
This course will introduce the student to a basic understanding of principles of scenic design, lighting design, and other technical aspects of the theater. Technical Theater is also offered in the second semester to allow collaboration on the end of year theater production. The class will involve a brief introduction and lessons on the following Areas of Study: History of Stage Scenery; Types of Scenery; Script Analysis; Set Design; Lighting Design; Sound Design; Careers in Technical Theater.

 
Thai GL is a course for students who carry a Thai passport or have Thai nationality. It can also be taken by foreign students who have the ability to understand, speak, read, and write Thai. This course covers the areas of Thai social studies, culture, history, geography, literature, and language. In this class, students will have the opportunity to participate in activities both inside and outside the classroom, not only during school hours, but also on holidays, weekends, and after school. Students will learn from textbooks, from the community, from reputable people, from field trips, and so on. This method of learning will help students to learn tolerance, responsibility for themselves and others, leadership, and teamwork. The course will involve work in small groups within the class, and in larger groups with the other Thai GL classes. 

 
Teaches the fundamentals of how to use authoring tools, HTML tags, and styles to build websites/pages. Students will also learn to use color and good design principles to create websites/pages that effectively meet specific end use requirements.