High School Programs

In this course, students read and analyze both literary and informational texts, including autobiographies, personal memoirs, newspaper and magazine articles, and poetry. Students understand explicit and inferred meaning and identify support for them. They also learn how figurative language impacts the text. In addition, students learn about basics in grammar, usage, and punctuation. They also learn vocabulary words, and Greek and Latin affixes, and roots. In addition, they learn the elements of writing so that they can plan, write, revise, and edit their own personal memoir and literary analysis. Through the lessons provided in this course, they master techniques that will help them achieve a deeper appreciation of literary and informational texts.

Suggested grade level: 9
Prerequisites: None

In this course, students read and analyze both literary and informational texts. These texts take many different forms, including biographies, short stories, newspaper and magazine articles, poetry, and influential historical documents. The course’s reading selections demonstrate ways to understand explicit and inferred meaning through textual evidence; theme, central ideas, and details that support them; and structural elements and their influence on style, among other ideas and concepts. Throughout this course, you will read the novel Anthem by Ayn Rand. They will also examine informational texts to better understanding of historical moments throughout the history of the United States, including presidential speeches and a famous letter written by Martin Luther King Jr. during his imprisonment in a Birmingham jail at the height of the civil rights movement. As they read the selections in this course, students practice ways to recognize textual evidence, identify themes and central ideas, make inferences, and identify figurative and connotative language in a variety of texts. In addition, students review information on context clues and word nuances, and learn about spelling conventions, style manuals, phrases clauses, parallel structure, semicolons, and colons. Students also learn the definitions, parts of speech, and etymology of various vocabulary words you will see throughout the reading selections. In addition, they learn the elements of writing so that you can plan, write, revise, and edit informational essay and argument essays.

Suggested grade level: 9
Prerequisites: English 9A

Students strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the different styles and types of writing. Emphasis is placed on the specific and separate trait qualities of the 6-Traits of Writing: functional, expository, expressive, persuasive, and research. At the same time, they learn how to relate to and utilize the written word in their own lives.

Suggested grade level: 10
Prerequisites: English 9B

English 10B: World Literature broadens students’ reading experience with exposure to literature from around the world. Students evaluate diverse reading selections such as epics, persuasive narrations, cause/effect essays, plays, and poetry using a wide variety of literary elements. Students are encouraged to connect and relate to the various authors and gain deeper appreciation and understanding of other cultures through the contexts of the passages. In addition, students are guided through an active reading process that increases their ability to make inferences as well as to comprehend and analyze a variety of materials. Students are expected to respond to assigned reading materials in a variety of activities and are graded on their ability to review, summarize, analyze, and connect to the materials appropriately. Additionally, students practice important reading strategies such as determining the meanings of unfamiliar words. They produce an independent vocabulary assignment as evidence of their familiarity with these strategies. Students are also expected to create original materials in an effort to grasp the complexity of the genres studied.

Suggested grade level: 10
Prerequisites: English 10A

In this course, you will read and analyze informational and argumentative texts across a number of genres and from a number of sources, including government publications and websites, magazine articles, legal proceedings, and video presentations. Through the presentation of topics as varied as zombie insects, Mars exploration, and the need for sleep, the course demonstrates ways to understand central ideas, organizational structures, and techniques of composition. You will examine argumentative writing in seminal US documents, such as the work of John Adams and speeches by 20th-century US presidents. You will also learn how to interpret consumer documents such as government publications and financial information. These examples will help you to evaluate use of language, determine meanings, make inferences, grasp central ideas, evaluate bias, and draw conclusions. The course also will instruct you in speaking and writing formally, and in using rhetorical devices to persuade audiences. As you read the selections in this course, you will practice ways to analyze evidence, recognize symbolism, examine word choice, and identify figurative language in informational writing. You will also review basics in spelling, grammar and usage, and punctuation. Writing activities will give you tips and techniques as you research and organize expository and argumentative compositions. Through the lessons provided in this course, you will master techniques that help you achieve a deeper appreciation of informational and argumentative texts.

Suggested grade level: 11
Prerequisites: English 10B

English 11B is a survey of American literature from before the Declaration of Independence to the present. Here students gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of American culture through examination of the literature of each major era. Emphasis is placed on the works of major American authors and literary movements. Vocabulary, oral communication, formal communications, and research skills are also included.

Suggested grade level: 11
Prerequisites: English 10A

Advanced Composition and Rhetoric is the first semester of the 12th grade English Language Arts course. This course covers the art and craft of rhetoric—persuasion and argument—using informational and nonliterary texts, with a special emphasis on the understanding of reasoning and logic. These texts include documents and speeches that have been integral to the development of legal and social policy in the United States.

The course builds in depth and complexity from beginning to end, starting with instruction on central ideas and word choice. In this course, students will learn the everyday tools of persuasion, including ethos, pathos, and logos. These serve as the foundation for understanding more complex topics, such as the elements of argument and the chain of legal reasoning used in court cases and historical documents.

Note: This course is also available for Dual Enrollment Credit; please speak to a Guidance Counselor

Suggested grade level: 12
Prerequisites: English 11B

Exploration of British Literature covers in-depth literary analysis—comprehension and evaluation—using a wide variety of narrative texts from British literature. Texts cover eras from the Middle Ages through modern times.

Students will acquire the necessary skills for gaining a deeper understanding of literature and literary analysis. The course builds in depth and complexity, starting with instruction on explicit and implicit meanings, use of figurative language and literary devices, and development of central ideas and themes. Students integrate ideas from multiple texts to compare and contrast the treatment of narrative and structural elements. These skills serve as the foundation for understanding the ways in which literature and language evolve, and appreciating authors and styles from many eras of British literature. The course includes two writing projects: a fictional narrative in the style of Gothic Romanticism and a literary analysis comparing or contrasting two texts from different eras of British literature. In these projects, students write in both short and extended forms. Emphasis is placed on the writing process, from note-taking and outline-making to revising and editing for content and style. Students take a final writing assessment as well as a Final Exam. In addition, students build their vocabulary and language skills with guided instruction and exercises, and engage with their classmates in discussions as part of each lesson.

Note: This course is also available for Dual Enrollment Credit; please speak to a Guidance Counselor

Suggested grade level: 12
Prerequisites: English 12A

Physical Science (1 of 2) examines science as a whole and leads to how methods and tools provide scientists meaningful results. Topics include: chemistry to interpret chemical names; formulas, equations, and models to discover the types and properties of reactions and nuclear reactions and their uses; historical perspectives, and the social impacts.

Suggested grade levels: 9-12
Prerequisites: None

Physical Science (2 of 2) explores physics, introduces topics in engineering, and the ways scientists think, communicate, and do their jobs. The topics of motion and force, including the motion of fluids and Newton’s law, build a foundation to explore thermodynamics, energy, work, machines, waves, electricity, and magnetism.

Suggested grade level: 9-12
Prerequisites: None

Biology A is one of two courses that explore life on Earth. This first course focuses on life at the cellular level. Students begin by reviewing the scientific process so they understand how science works to investigate questions and present findings. Then, it’s full speed ahead into cells! After a study of cells’ chemical makeup and size, students examine cell structures and how they function together. From there, students progress to how materials are transported in and out of cells as well as how cells obtain and use energy to carry out important life functions. One such function is cell division, which students examine in depth and use to segue into a study of genetics. As students learn about DNA and RNA, they come to understand how traits are inherited and how the study of inheritance is applied today. The historical perspectives and societal impact of topics in biology are incorporated into all lessons of the course. This course uses a multimedia format that includes text, videos, animations, interactive activities, labs, and group discussions. In self-check activities and quizzes, students practice what they learn and correct misconceptions or uncertainties before taking assessments. Students complete a unit exam and deliver a unit project in each unit. The projects typically consist of several lab activities that give students hands-on experience with course topics. Teacher feedback is provided throughout the course.

Suggested grade level: 10
Prerequisites: None

Biology B is a continuation of the basic course in biology, Biology A. The major concepts covered are population dynamics and evolution. Students explore population dynamics through the study of mutualism, predation, parasitism, and competition. The theory of evolution is presented, along with the many evidences and details that make evolution the backbone of modern biology.

Suggested grade level: 10
Prerequisites: Biology A

Environmental Science courses examine the mutual relationships between organisms and their environment. In studying the interrelationships among plants, animals, and humans, these courses usually cover the following subjects: photosynthesis, recycling and regeneration, ecosystems, population and growth studies, pollution, and conservation of natural resources.

Suggested grade level: 9
Prerequisites: Biology B

Environmental Science courses examine the mutual relationships between organisms and their environment. In studying the interrelationships among plants, animals, and humans, these courses usually cover the following subjects: photosynthesis, recycling and regeneration, ecosystems, population and growth studies, pollution, and conservation of natural resources.

Suggested grade level: 9
Prerequisites: Environmental Science A

Chemistry A covers the basic principles and properties of matter. Students discover how chemistry has evolved, learn about chemical lab equipment, techniques, and safety, and explore the proper way to make measurements to reduce error and uncertainty. Students also explore atomic structure, periodic laws, types of bonding, chemical reactions, and stoichiometry. This course uses a multimedia format that includes text, videos, animations, interactive activities, labs, and group discussions. In self-check activities and quizzes, students practice what they learn and correct misconceptions or uncertainties before taking assessments. Students complete a unit exam and deliver a unit project in each unit.

Suggested grade level: 11 & 12
Prerequisites: Biology B, Algebra 2B

Chemistry B focuses on the energy involved in chemistry and the uses for several types of chemical reactions. Students begin by refreshing and deepening their understanding of the basics of matter and their relation to energy. Next, students explore the properties of solutions, including acids, bases, and their reactions. Then, students dive into thermodynamics, electrochemistry, organic chemistry, and finally nuclear chemistry. In this course, students develop a solid understanding of several universal scientific principles and learn to manipulate the applications of chemistry in real-world settings. This course uses a multimedia format that includes text, videos, animations, interactive activities, and group discussions. In self-check activities and quizzes, students practice what they learn and correct misconceptions or uncertainties before taking assessments. Students complete a unit exam and deliver a unit project in each unit.

Suggested grade level: 11 & 12
Prerequisites: Chemistry A, Algebra 2B

This course is a survey of the major themes of physical science including atomic theory, dynamics, energetics, thermodynamics, electricity, quantum mechanics, and particle physics. Interactive demonstrations and virtual labs allow the student to visualize and explore the laws and theories of physics. Scientific history, methods of exploration, and philosophy are also presented.

Suggested grade level: 11 & 12
Prerequisites: Algebra 2B

This course is a survey of the major themes of physical science including atomic theory, dynamics, energetics, thermodynamics, electricity, quantum mechanics, and particle physics. Interactive demonstrations and virtual labs allow the student to visualize and explore the laws and theories of physics. Scientific history, methods of exploration, and philosophy are also presented.

Suggested grade level: 11 & 12
Prerequisites: Physics A

The Career Planning course guides students through the essential elements of the career planning process and the development of a defined career plan. Students will consider the many factors that impact career success and satisfaction. Using a process of investigation, research, and self-discovery, students will acquire the understandings critical to the career planning process. Upon completion of the course, students will have created a practical and comprehensive college or career transition portfolio that reflects their skills and abilities, as well as their interests, values, and goals.

Suggested grade levels: 9-12
Prerequisites: None

The Driver’s Education course is offered in partnership with www.driversed.com. The course is designed for students aged 15 ½ – 18. This CA DMV-approved course is designed to teach students the concepts and laws related to driving a vehicle. Emphasis will be placed on the responsibilities of driving, the rules of the road, traffic procedures, safe driving concepts and practices, legal obligations, and the physical and mental factors (including alcohol, drugs, and distracted driving) affecting a driver’s capability. This course is the instructional portion only and does not include the behind-the-wheel course.

Suggested grade levels: 9-12
Prerequisites: None

The Early Childhood Education course is designed to provide an overview of the expectations and roles of the early childhood educator. The course provides details about childhood development, health, nutrition, and guidance strategies to help students understand the exciting and unique opportunities that a career in early childhood education can offer. The course is intended to prepare students for challenges they may face, but to emphasize the rewards of being able to influence the life of a young child. The ability to offer support to children as they learn, and grow is a point that is highlighted throughout each lesson.

Suggested grade levels: 9-12
Prerequisites: None

The Introduction to Ethnic Studies explores how race, ethnicity, and cultural diversity have shaped America. Students evaluate historical events from diverse perspectives, analyze the role of race in U.S. immigration, study ethnic groups’ interactions with social institutions, and understand the impact of history on contemporary issues. The course encourages empathy and appreciation for all people of color’s experiences and recognizes remarkable achievements by diverse Americans.

Suggested grade level: 9-12
Prerequisites: None

This course is a Career Readiness course developed to provide engaging and relevant information by equipping students with the skills they need for employment. The curriculum offers an integrated approach to exploring careers and associated skill requirements. The course includes the skills, abilities, and learning dispositions that are required for success in 21st century society and workplaces. The curriculum comprises five modules: communication, career readiness, employability skills, leadership, and financial literacy.

Suggested grade level: 9-12
Prerequisites: None

Sociology examines the basics of sociology, which is the study of society including individuals, human groups, and organizations. The course is divided into four main areas: the sociological perspective, social structures, inequality in society, and social institutions and change. Students will examine controversies around social change, inequality, gender, and race. The course revolves around an overview of the field with projects that offer the student a chance to explore from a sociologist’s perspective.

Suggested grade levels: 9-12
Prerequisites: None

Computer Applications explores online networks and software. Topics include word processing software, organizing data, selecting the correct digital tools, analysis of data, visual representation of data, and troubleshooting software and operating systems. Additional topics include safe digital citizenship, data security, intellectual property, file management, and intellectual property rights.

Suggested grade level: 9-12
Prerequisites: None

Psychology courses introduce students to the study of individual human behavior. Course content typically includes (but is not limited to) an overview of the field of psychology, topics in human growth and development, personality and behavior, and abnormal psychology.

Suggested grade level: 10-12
Prerequisites: None

Psychology courses introduce students to the study of individual human behavior. Course content typically includes (but is not limited to) an overview of the field of psychology, topics in human growth and development, personality and behavior, and abnormal psychology.

Suggested grade level: 10-12
Prerequisites: None

World Geography courses provide students with an overview of world geography, but may vary widely in the topics they cover. Topics typically include the physical environment; the political landscape; the relationship between people and the land; economic production and development; and the movement of people, goods, and ideas.

Suggested grade level: 9-12
Prerequisites: None

World Geography courses provide students with an overview of world geography, but may vary widely in the topics they cover. Topics typically include the physical environment; the political landscape; the relationship between people and the land; economic production and development; and the movement of people, goods, and ideas.

Suggested grade level: 9-12
Prerequisites: None

This course provides an overview of how behavior affects health. The broad range of topics include nutrition and physical activity; growth, development; injury and safety prevention; alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; mental, emotional, and social health; and personal and community health. Students will explore how the choices they make about their bodies affect both their present and future. They will also be given the tools to make informed decisions to better their health.

NOTE: Required for Graduation.

Suggested grade level: 9-12
Prerequisites: None

This course teaches students about the importance of physical activity and personal fitness, aspects of sport and recreation, and healthy eating habits. Throughout the course, students are expected to evaluate their own fitness, design an exercise plan, and track their results.

Suggested grade level: 9-12
Prerequisites: None

This course teaches students about the importance of physical activity and personal fitness, aspects of sport and recreation, and healthy eating habits. Throughout the course, students are expected to evaluate their own fitness, design an exercise plan, and track their results.

Suggested grade level: 9-12
Prerequisites: None

This course teaches students about the importance of physical activity and personal fitness, aspects of sport and recreation, and healthy eating habits. Throughout the course students are expected to evaluate their own fitness, design an exercise plan, and track their results.

NOTE: Required for Graduation

Suggested grade level: 9-12
Prerequisites: None

In this course, you’ll explore key concepts that will lead to improved fitness, wellness, and overall health. You’ll learn about the human body, including topics like anatomy, physiology, and nutrition. You’ll also explore practical applications for these topics, including metabolism manipulation, correct exercise form, and effective programming that’s tailored to fit your goals. Throughout the course, you’ll also have access to discussion boards, where you can talk about what you’ve learned and trade tips on exercise programming with your peers. This all leads to a lifetime of health and wellness.

NOTE: Required for Graduation

Suggested grade level: 9-12
Prerequisites: None