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Our curriculum ensures graduates have been provided with the rigorous educational breadth and depth of content that colleges and universities expect them to meet or exceed.  Combined with our high standards in quality and quantity of courses, we have a 100% college acceptance rate.

Below are the courses available in each department.  Click on any course name to see a more detailed description.

 

English

This course is an introductory college-level literary analysis course. Students cultivate their understanding of literature through reading and analyzing texts as they explore concepts like character, setting , structure, perspective, figurative language, and literary analysis in the context of literary works.

They begin working on the Writing Process so that they are prepared for academic writing at the high school level, and they hone those skills over the course of the year, with a focus on expository writing.   Nonfiction and fiction literature selections are used to connect with students' current knowledge, to develop literary analysis skills, and to broaden students’ views of the human experience.  Sample texts include House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, Romeo & Juliet, and Untwine by Edwidge Danticat. Students also expand their vocabulary to make reading more efficient and enjoyable.  Nonfiction and fiction literature selections are used to connect with student’s current knowledge, to develop literary analysis skills, and to broaden students’ views of the human experience.

Students focus on the Five Steps of the Writing Process (Pre-Write, Draft, Revise, Edit, and Publish) as students write for varied purposes and audiences. Students also read, analyze, and write about a variety of literature, including short stories, novels, poems, and articles.

Students in 10th grade continue to demonstrate their understanding of the Writing Process by writing for varied purposes and audiences. Students read a wide variety of literature with increasingly complex language and themes.  Some of the texts used in this course include A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah, Night by Elie Wiesel, Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, Macbeth, and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Students also study vocabulary and integrate more varied writing techniques into their written work. In addition, they learn how to write a long-term, multi-step academic research paper.

Students study and engage in the same elemental writing process and literature as the English 11 course, but the complexity and expectations are set at a higher level.

English 12 is a culmination of all the work students have done in their English classes throughout high school. Students read a series of complex fiction and non-fiction texts that encourage them to consider complicated themes and questions.  Texts used in this course include To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, What the Eyes Don't See by Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, Hamlet, and The Color of Water by James McBridge.  Students also continue to demonstrate their understanding of the writing process through a series of personal and academic essays that they ultimately publish. 

Students study and engage in the same elemental writing process and literature as the English 12 course, but the complexity and expectations are set at a higher level.

Social Studies

This course explores ideas, theories and methods of the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. You will examine the concepts of psychology through reading and discussion and you will analyze data from psychological research studies.

Students in 9th grade study history from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, providing students a look into the culture and development of Europe. Scientific development, art, culture, government, and prominent leaders will be emphasized as students are challenged to make connections between the past and present.

Students in 10th grade survey the history of the United States from the European colonization of the Americas to Reconstruction (1600 - 1877).  Students utilize a variety of primary and secondary sources to analyze major themes in history, such as continuity and change, cause and effect, and the use of evidence to support positions.  

Students in 11th grade survey the history of the United States from Reconstruction to World War II (1877 - 1945). They continue to focus on themes in history (continuity and change, cause and effect, empathic understanding, and the use of evidence to support positions) using primary and secondary sources to evaluate the social, political, and economic impact of events in US history.

Students in 11th grade study and engage in the same elemental process and concepts as the United States History II course, but the complexity and expectations are set at a higher level.

In this semester elective course, students in grades 11 and 12 study the events leading up to and culminating in the massive attempt by Hitler’s Third Reich to eliminate the Jewish race and other “undesirable” groups as part of his plan for world domination.

This course alternates yearly with Psychology.

Students in grades 11 and 12 who choose to take this course learn, assess and compare the theories of mental processes and human behavior in order to better understand themselves and others.

This is a semester elective and alternates yearly with Holocaust Studies.

Students in 12th grade learn about the origins, purpose, goals, structure and operations of America’s democratic form of government.  Other topics include federalism, the system of party politics, the electoral system, and a comparison to other democratic and non-democratic forms of government.

In this grade 12 semester elective, students learn the basics of banking including savings, checking, credit cards, and taxes. They also learn the basics of financing including home loans, car loans, and student loans, as well as the basics of budgeting, professionalism, and banking.

Mathematics

A math course that uses real world situations along your knowledge of basic algebra to observe and make predictions about various situations. In this course, you will learn about designing studies, exploring different types of data, modeling data, calculating probabilities, making inferences, and justifying conclusions.

Students in 9th grade learn and apply the basic concepts of Algebra including integer operations, rules of exponents, solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities, operations with polynomials, greatest common factor, least common multiple, slope and intercept in graphing, factoring, solving systems of equations, performing operations with radicals, and solving quadratic equations.  Numerous opportunities are presented for application of concepts in problem solving.

In 10th grade, students cover the major topics of Euclidean Geometry, including congruency, similarity, symmetry, area, volume, circles, and parallel lines.  Students demonstrate their knowledge by problem-solving and construction of models.

Students in 11th grade develop mastery of skills studied in Algebra I, exploring them in greater depth. Additional topics include exponential and logarithmic functions, simplifications involving complex radicals, and complex numbers.

This course is also available to 9th graders who completed Algebra I in their 8th grade year.

This is a full-year course for seniors, with one semester focused on Statistics and one on Trigonometry.  Trigonometry deals with the relationships among the sides and angles of triangles.  Trigonometric functions are introduced through two different perspectives:  the unit circle and the right triangle.  The six trigonometric functions will be analyzed through equations, graphs and applications.  Throughout the course, students will continue to develop critical thinking and problem-solving techniques and strategies while completing problem-based projects.

 

In this course, students in 12th grade will extend topics introduced in Algebra II and learn to manipulate and apply more advanced functions and algorithms. This course is designed to cover topics ranging from polynomial, rational, and exponential functions to conic sections.  Trigonometry concepts such as Law of Sines and Cosines will also be introduced.  This course provides a mathematically sound foundation for students who intend to study Calculus. 

Science

Students in 9th grade study study living organisms, cells, cellular respiration, genetics, and diversity of life. This class is primarily conducted as a laboratory course, providing students with hands-on investigation of various topics, including labs on Water Properties, pH Discovery, Building Animal and Plant Cells, Cellular Respiration Modeling, and the Observation of Algal Cells.

 

This class is open to 11th and 12th grade students.  Students study matter and the changes that it undergoes in various contexts as evidenced by daily life. Topics include: chemical equilibrium, acids, bases, compounds, and the periodic table. Laboratory investigations and creations of models are emphasized to give students a hands-on investigation of various topics.

Students study matter and energy. The main topics include motion, energy, and force. Specific emphasis is given to how the principles of physics apply to technology, the environment, and daily life. 

Students in 12th grade take this semester elective to gain an understanding of the relationship between the natural world and human interactions. The course will be divided into four main units: air, land, water, and energy.

Students in 12th grade take this semester elective to learn about the human body’s major systems and organs in a variety of labs and classroom-based activities, including dissection.

 

Theology

In the Fall, students explore the nature of God as revealed in the Hebrew Scriptures through Moses and the Prophets, in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, and in man’s relationship with God. In the Spring, students begin an in-depth study of the person of Jesus Christ as revealed in the New Testament, especially the Gospels, and in the Tradition of the Catholic Church.

In the Fall, students continue their study of the person of Jesus Christ as revealed in the New Testament, especially the Gospels, and in the Tradition of the Catholic Church. In the Spring, students explore how their relationship with God is grounded in the Church and Sacraments, with the recognition that the Church is itself a sacrament.

In the Fall, students explore how God’s love for man, expressed through the life, teachings, and sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, is the measure of all moral actions and judgements. Students are confronted with the ideas of right & wrong and good & evil, and challenged to learn how to make good, conscious, moral decisions. In the Spring, students examine what it means to live as Jesus taught us — to live in a loving relationship with God and others. Among the themes examined, they study acceptance, inclusion, forgiveness, reconciliation, and friendship.

In the Fall, students study the summary teachings of the Church regarding the meaning of justice and what that means for the community of man.  In the Spring, students study, compare and contrast the religions of Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism and Islam.

World Language

Students in grade 9 are introduced to the Four Basic Language Skills, which are developed throughout the year. Students are required to participate orally every day in class, allowing students to improve pronunciation and increase aural comprehension through the use of authentic vocabulary and grammatical structures. The class is structured through a thematic approach, introducing ideas and concepts as applicable to everyday situations.

Tenth grade students continue to develop and refine the Four Basic Language Skills introduced in Spanish I. A major emphasis is placed on the continued development of vocabulary and grammatical structure. Students are also introduced to important elements of Spanish culture. The course is structured in thematic units that are rooted in context and used meaningfully.

Students in 11th grade strive to more easily and effectively communicate with people for whom Spanish is their primary language. Connections are made to the variety of cultures in which Spanish is spoken so that students gain an understanding of how Spanish is used in today’s world. Practice is highly encouraged. The course is organized by important, intriguing questions to which there may not be simple or quick answers. In essence, this course attempts to take students beyond talking about themselves and instead help students communicate in Spanish about ideas that affect them, society, and the world.

Students in 12th grade become fluent in writing and oral presentation, as well as becoming immersed in the Spanish and Hispanic cultures of the world.

Physical Education & Health

The Physical Education curriculum in grades 9-12 is designed to nurture the health and fitness of adolescents while developing life-long skills and the habits of a healthy lifestyle. Although competition is a natural element of the various games and skill-building exercises, students learn to embrace the ethics of sportsmanship and fair play.

Fine Arts

Apply musical skills to create and experience music as a musical ensemble. Students will convey musical interpretation with the use of dynamics and phrasing, while incorporating facial expression and movement for refined presentation. Students will understand how a musical composition is structured through listening and analysis. Students will participate in worship services.

This course explores the art and science of film production. Students will learn about the history of film, the basic principles of storytelling, and the techniques of cinematography, sound design, and editing. They will also be able to create their own short films, developing skills in scriptwriting, production planning.

Students will explore the use of 3D mediums, studying the work of Michelangelo, St. Gaudens, and other Masters of Sculpture. Students will work with plaster, wire, clay, and found objects to create meaningful 3D work.

In this performance-based course students develop a basic understanding of the mechanics and history of vocal and choral works through consistent practice and repertoire building. By the end of the semester, students will have the skills necessary to successfully read, write, and sing music as an ensemble.

Students will explore drama, including learning improv and warm-up excercises.  Students also recreate the delivery of a famous speech of their choice.  The course includes a survey study of basic stage techniques and present readings, recitations, and one-act plays.

Students explore different types of drawing and investigate the work of MC Escher, Rembrandt and other drawing masters.  Students also maintain a sketchpad, and learn how to present their work for critique and how to matte work for installation. 

Using the guitar as our guide, students will actively learn and explore the fundamentals of instrumental music, songwriting, and performance with a uniquely hands-on approach. In this course students will familiarize themselves with the mechanics and history of the instrument through consistent practice, repertoire building, and musical composition. By the end of the semester, students will have the skills necessary to successfully read, write, and perform music on the guitar at a basic level.

The popular music of the United States is uniquely diverse:  as a nation forged by immigrants, the arts originating from this region have always reflected the life and culture of its evolving people. In the midst of it all, a plethora of distinctive musical styles have emerged from Jazz and Blues to Hip Hop and Rock N’ Roll. In this course, students explore and discuss the rich history of American popular music, its early roots in deep musical and cultural traditions, and its profound impact on the world from the 1800s to the present day. 

In this class, students are introduced to the ‘elements of Art,’ and to a variety of 2D and 3D mediums. Students will keep a portfolio and a sketchpad of their work and will display work on Fine Arts Night.

Students will learn all about the origins of black and white photography, making their own ‘pinhole cameras’ and using  darkroom to create contact sheets and photograms. Students maintain a portfolio of their work and display it at Fine Arts Night.

This course will serve as an introduction to many styles of music across the globe (classical, folk, music theater, jazz, popular, etc.). By tracing the evolution of music in the western world, students will learn how to read, write, and more actively engage with music, and in doing so, develop a much deeper and meaningful appreciation for the art form. This is a non-performance class that explores music of various styles through listening experiences, investigations of composers and performers, and discussions, projects, and presentations on each style of music.

Using the piano as the guide, students will actively learn and explore the fundamentals of instrumental music, songwriting, and performance with a uniquely hands-on approach. In this course students develop a basic understanding of the mechanics and history of the instrument through consistent practice, repertoire building, and musical composition. By the end of the semester, students will have the skills necessary to successfully read, write, and perform music on the piano at an introductory level.

Students become familiar with working with a variety of clays and will also explore clay work by ancient societies and other cultures.  Students will create utilitarian vessels and imitate work done centuries ago by early artists.

In this performance-based course students develop a basic understanding of the mechanics and history of the ukulele through consistent practice, repertoire building, and musical composition. By the end of the semester, students will have the skills necessary to successfully read, write, and perform music on the ukulele at an introductory level.

 

Technology

This course introduces students to the rapidly growing fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Students will learn how these technologies work, including using neutral networks and algorithms. They will also explore the ethical and societal implications of artificial intelligence and machine learning and how these technologies can be used to solve real-world problems.

This course introduces students to the exciting world of robotics and programming. Students will learn to design, build, and program using sensors, motors, and microcontrollers. They will also explore the basics of coding in programming languages such as Python.

This course allows students in grades 9th, 10th, and 11th, to explore a brief history of technology, how tech is used in society, and necessary skills in keyboarding and Google Suite. Students will become Digital Citizens and explore emerging technologies. Professional communication skills and the impact of presentation skills are taught in this course as foundational knowledge to prepare students to be college and career-ready.

Students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grade study the methods, strategies, limitations, and technologies relating to data science. Students will learn how to construct models from scratch. This course introduces students to various techniques related to basic programming, visualizations, and simulations. The focus of this class is production (the actual creation of models) and data (the organization or structure of big data). Students will use a variety of design software to organize and simulate their data.

These two courses introduce students to various techniques related to web design, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript programming. Students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades will study the methods, strategies, and limitations of web pages, as well as website design, learning how to create a website, with attention to design elements. Students will use a variety of design software to organize and create web-based content. 

Students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades work cooperatively to design page layouts, write copy, and take pictures to create the published yearbook for the school. Students will gain skills in the following areas: sales, marketing, page design, publishing, copywriting, editing, and photography while producing a yearbook for school memories and events. There is an emphasis on technical skills, teamwork, and design principles.