Academics

The following is a general list of course offerings. Course offerings are subject to change each semester/year. Students should check with counselors at the time of course scheduling for an updated list. A course may be cancelled if a minimum number of students have not requested the course or if an instructor is not available.

ACT Preparation

This is an enrichment class to teach techniques to enhance test-taking skills in preparation for ACT/SAT tests. The course includes an overview of test structure and test-taking strategies; review of English grammar, sentence structure, punctuation; review of vocabulary and context clues; review of Pre-Algebra, Algebra I and II, Geometry, and Trigonometry skills; and practice tests in each area.  Suggested for seniors and juniors who have taken the ACT at least one time.

Advanced Band

This is a performing group (audition required) for students who have achieved reasonable proficiency. This course includes theory, sight-reading, scales, and technique development. The students will be required to participate in many before and after school rehearsals and performances. Students must pay uniform and/or instrument rental fee.

Advanced Math

An intensive course in areas of advanced mathematics that include the study of algebraic systems, vectors, concept of functions, trigonometry, plane analytic geometry, complex numbers, use of logical inference, development of the axiom of completeness, study of sequence and series, and application of vector concepts in geometric proof.  Other supplemental activities, such as ACT preparation, are expected of the students.

Algebra I

A study of algebra that includes performing the four basic operations on directed numbers and developing the basic language skills needed for other areas of mathematics.  Prerequisite – Transitions to Math, or placement based on Leap scores.  Students sit for LEAP test. 

Algebra I – Honors

In addition to the Algebra I curriculum, Honors Algebra I requires the students to present at least two class presentations and participate in at least one competition. Other supplemental activities, such as ACT/SAT preparation, are expected of the students. Students sit for LEAP Test.

Algebra II

An extension of the language and equation solving skills developed in Algebra I, including the development of trigonometric skills. Other supplemental activities, such as ACT preparation, are expected of the students. Prerequisite – Algebra I. 

Algebra II – Honors

In addition to the Algebra II curriculum, Honors Algebra II requires the students to present at least two class presentations and participate in at least one competition. Other supplemental activities, such as ACT/SAT preparation, are expected of the students.

American History

American History is a general survey course concentrating on the years 1877 to the present. The aim of the course is to give students a sampling of the people, events, and ideas that have contributed to the growth of our nation. 

American History – Honors

The curriculum for the honors program follows along with the description for the regular course. In addition to the general survey of the regular course, students must satisfactorily complete specific assignments in order to receive honors credit. Students in honors classes are required to complete an in-depth historical investigation research paper, and  make oral presentations on a social studies topic. 

Art I

Art I is a course designed to heighten and expand a student’s creative ability. The course offers students the basics of design and introduces them to drawing, painting, printmaking, lettering, and three-dimensional projects.

Art II

Art II is a course designed for more in-depth exploration of area (i.e. painting, drawing, media) offered in Art I, plus figure drawing.

Art IB

Art IB is an art program that is developed through the International Baccalaureate Program. 

Beginning Band

This course is a first-year study of a band instrument. No previous playing experience is required. Instruments taught include flute, oboe, clarinet, baritone, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, bass, and drums.  Band members participate in concerts, parades and football games.

Biology

Study of living systems, including ecology, cell biology, energy pathways, and diversity among organisms, physiological processes, psycho biology, reproduction, processes of mutation and natural selection.  Students sit for LEAP Test.

Biology – Honors

In addition to the biology curriculum, honors biology requires students’ participation in specific laboratory investigations and one student-initiated, researched, performed and completed investigator project which leads to participation in the school and regional science competitions.  Students sit for LEAP Test.

Chemistry

This course will cover the topics of measurement, scientific notation, dimensional analysis, chemical nomenclature, chemical equations, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, atomic structure, quantum theory, gas laws, the periodic table, and introductory organic chemistry.  Other supplemental activities, such as ACT preparation, are expected of the students.

Chemistry – Honors

This course is designed for students who are superior in science and mathematics. The course will cover the topics listed above in a more in depth fashion. In addition, students will be required to complete an a science fair project involving an investigation designed by the student, which exhibits his/her mastery of the scientific method.  Other supplemental activities, such as ACT preparation, are expected of the students.

Civics

This course covers the local, state, and federal make-up of government. This area of study prepares students to become thoughtful participants in our multicultural society. The curriculum emphasizes the foundations of American citizenship, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, citizenship, legislative process, landmark Supreme Court cases, civil and criminal law, the free enterprise system, and international relations.  Students will sit for LEAP Test.

Civics – Honors

This course includes the study of federal, state, and local governments (legislative, executive, and judicial branches), election procedures, and analysis of current events. The curriculum emphasizes the foundations of American citizenship, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, citizenship, legislative process, landmark Supreme Court cases, civil and criminal law, the free enterprise system, and international relations. Students in honors classes are required to  write a research paper and make one oral presentation on an approved social studies topic. Students will sit for LEAP Test. 

Dual Enrollment Courses

Students can take a variety of Dual Enrollment courses on our campus. Those classes include: African American Studies, Psychology, English, Biology, and Pre Calculus. 

Digital Media I

Concepts of layout and design will be studied and explored. Students will use logical steps when integrating text and graphics to create brochures and other professional-looking documents. Effective communication techniques will be used when producing these documents. Students will identify, compare, and use various Photoshop skills and determine appropriateness to the task or audience. Student's also have the opportunity to earn an Industry Based Credential for Adobe Photoshop. 

Digital Media II

Concepts of layout and design will be studied and explored. Students will use logical steps when integrating text and graphics to create logos, brochures, and other professional-looking documents. Effective communication techniques will be used when producing these documents. Students will identify, compare, and use various Illustrator skills and determine appropriateness to the task or audience. Student's also have the opportunity to earn an Industry Based Credential for Adobe Illustrator. 

Digital Media Honors

Concepts of layout and design will be studied and explored. Students will use logical steps when integrating text and graphics to create newsletters, brochures, and other professional-looking documents. Effective communication techniques will be used when producing these documents. Students will identify, compare, and use various Photoshop and Illustrator skills and determine appropriateness to the task or audience. Student's also have the opportunity to earn an Industry Based Credential for Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator resulting in an Advanced credential known as a Visual Design Specialist.  

English I

Study skills, writing, proofreading and editing; oral composition, vocabulary, and types of literature; information resources; an introduction to the elements of specific literary genres (short story, non-fiction, poetry, mythology, drama, and the novel). Students will sit for LEAP Test. 

English I – Honors

In addition to the English I curriculum, honors English I requires thinking critically, reading entire literary works as contrasted to excerpts of literature, reading assigned literary works during the summer, writing weekly compositions and quarterly book reports, participating in fairs and other parish-endorsed competitions, and vocabulary study and ACT standardized test preparation. Students will sit for LEAP Test. 

English II

Study skills, writing, proofreading and editing, oral communication, vocabulary, information resources, and types of literature; a continued study of the elements of specific literary genres.  Students sit for the LEAP Test.

English II – Honors

In addition to the English II curriculum, honors English II requires thinking critically, reading entire literary works as contrasted to excerpts of literature, reading assigned literary works during the summer, writing weekly compositions and quarterly book reports, participating in parish-endorsed competitions, and vocabulary study and ACT standardized test preparation. Students sit for the LEAP Test.

English III

Writing, proofreading and editing, oral composition, vocabulary, and a study of American literature from its beginning to the present; the research paper. 

English III – Honors

In addition to the English III curriculum, honors English III requires thinking critically, reading entire literary works as contrasted to excerpts of literature, reading assigned literary works during the summer, writing weekly compositions, vocabulary study and ACT standardized test preparation.  Students will be exposed to lessons that build skills for the IB program in English and will be scheduled for AP English Language and Composition. 

English IV

Writing, proofreading and editing, oral composition, vocabulary, and a survey of British literature from its beginning to the present; the research paper. Students prepare for the ACT test.

English IV – IB

IB English IV is the first session of the IB English HL curriculum.  The course requires thinking critically, reading entire literary works as contrasted to excerpts of literature, reading assigned literary works during the summer, writing weekly compositions, oral presentations, in depth literary analysis and ACT standardized test preparation. Students are required to submit the IB Written Investigation to proceed to the next IB course.

Environmental Science

Study of the principles and processes of general ecology, including human ecology; an in-depth approach to examining the environment using physiochemical parameters, including resources and energy in the environment, and pollution and health of the environment. Students prepare for the ACT test.

Financial Math

This course provides a format for individual students to move from mathematical concepts to concrete applications in real life contexts and to learn to make mathematically sound decisions in their roles as consumers, employees, business persons, community leaders, and/or entrepreneurs. Course topics include, but are not limited to, insurance, banking, personal/financial planning, and analysis of financial management tools.  JumpStart Diploma course.

Fine Arts Survey

Fine Arts Survey is a survey course covering music, dance, art, and theater. This course is a hands-on introduction to the visual and performing arts. Students gain exposure to the arts and are expected to participate in each facet of the course. 

French I

French I is a beginning course with an emphasis on learning to speak and understand spoken French. Every day vocabulary and expressions are introduced. Grammar needed for basic communication is presented with an emphasis on asking and answering questions in French. A major feature of the course is the video cassette program which accompanies each lesson in the text. By the end of the year, students should be able to speak, understand, write and read French at a beginning level.  Students should have completed English I, before scheduling this course.

French I – Honors

This course includes everything in the description for French I above. In addition, students are required to do a nine weeks project. The nature of the project varies each nine weeks. Some examples of projects include oral presentations and written assignments about francophone culture, written and oral original skits, and story-writing in French.  Students may participate in the state foreign language competition.

French II

French II is a continuation of French I. While speaking and listening comprehension are still important and are developed in French II, longer and more varied reading selections and dialogs are presented. Writing takes more importance in French II as students begin to write about various topics at greater length in French. By the end of the year, students should be able to speak, understand, write and read French at an advanced beginner’s level.

French II – Honors

This course includes everything in the description for French II above. In addition, students are required to do a nine weeks project. The nature of the project varies each nine weeks. Some examples of projects include writing and/or presenting booklets, stories, games, original skits and brochures in French. Students may participate in the state foreign language competition.

French III – IB

This course concentrates on refinement of language and vocabulary studied in French I and French II. Students learn more specialized vocabulary, most verb tenses, and important grammar needed for effective communication. Students are able to understand lengthier spoken and written passages. Students also write dialogs, letters, essays, short stories, poems, and skits of a considerable length. Most of class time is spent using the language as a medium for talking and writing about various topics, such as French-speaking culture; short stories, poetry, literary excerpts, newspaper articles, music, art, history and culture. A project is required each nine weeks.

IB French Language B (French IV)

This is a continuation of the IB language program. French IV students continue to refine all language and vocabulary studied in levels I through III while learning more advanced grammar and vocabulary. Each unit of the course focuses on a time period of French culture, history, civilization, and literature. Students will participate in oral and written IB examination and may participate in state competition.

General Music

This course is a study of the basic fundamentals of music theory. It includes music history, music appreciation, sight-reading, ear training, and some singing.

Geometry

A study of Geometry.  Students sit for the LEAP Test. 

Geometry – Honors

In addition to the geometry curriculum, honors geometry requires the students to present at least two class presentations and participate in at least one competition. Other supplemental activities, such as ACT/SAT preparation, are expected of the students.  Students sit for the LEAP Test. 

Gifted Resource (non credit)

In order to comply with IEP requirements, all students identified as Gifted may attend Gifted Resource during their lunch time. Teachers for the Gifted Department are available for tutoring or to assist students who wish to explore a topic of their choice.

Health Education

A comprehensive health education course that focuses on the eleven components of health and how healthful or risk behavior in one component may affect other components. The course includes understanding the human body, mental health, family and social health, growth and development, nutrition, exercise and fitness, drugs, diseases and disorders, consumer and personal health, safety and first aid, CPR, and community and environmental health.

Intermediate Band

This is an instrument study course for students who have had at least one year’s experience playing an instrument, but lack proficiency for advanced band. This course requires many after school rehearsals and performances. Students must pay uniform and/or instrument rental fee.

JAG

The program supports students pursuing a Career Diploma through early experiences in foundational career skills and career awareness. Many elements of the JAG-LA Program that support Jump Start include curriculum, mentoring, and work-based learning.

Lodging and Management

Students with an interest in lodging management and operations develop specialized skills in the areas of human resources and supervision, marketing and public relations, sales, front-office functions, guest relations, communication, financial functions, food and beverage, housekeeping operations, security, and engineering.

Nutrition and Food

Students will learn the basic principles of nutrition, table setting, food preparation, use of equipment, and recipes. 1/2 credit paired with Advanced Food and Nutrition.

Physical Education I

A beginning course in physical education offering a variety of required activities including health education, team and individual sports

Physical Education II

A second year course in physical education offering a variety of required activities including health education, team and individual sports.

Physics

Physics is a study of motion and energy. First semester covers mechanics and the second semester covers types of energy. Should be taken by college bound students, especially those interested in science or science related career. Students will participate in instruction on ACT – Science preparation.

IB Physics I  Honors

The topics covered will be the same as the regular physics curriculum. This course will require more math applications than regular physics. It should be taken by college bound students who have been successful in other honor math and science courses. Especially for those students interested in science or science-related majors that require college physics such as Engineering.

Principles of Business

This class covers a variety of management concepts based on traditionally accepted management theory and represent practical tools that managers commonly use to meet organizational challenges and objectives. These concepts include team building, leadership, problem solving, management roles, and planning.

ProStart I

Students learn food service/culinary arts industry skills in the classroom and in food service operations in this first year of the two-year program. This is the beginning of four semesters of coursework in strategic business management, customer skill training, food preparation, and workforce readiness. In addition, students complete paid internships in a variety of industry settings. Upon completion of this course, students take the first of two parts of a national test for certification by the National Restaurant Association. Prerequisites: Foods and Nutrition; Advanced Foods and Nutrition

ProStart II

Students develop food service/culinary arts industry skills in the areas of strategic business management, customer skill training, food preparation, and workforce readiness. Paid internships continue through this second year of the two-year program and the second of the two-part national test is administered to eligible students. Upon completion of this course, students are eligible to receive a nationally recognized certification from the National Restaurant Association as a required credential for the JumpStart Diploma.

Psychology

This course is a basic introduction to psychology with emphasis on the development of personality, theories of personalities, growth and maturation, psychological disorders and treatments. The main goal is to develop in the student the ability to examine personal behavior and thinking more objectively, thus gaining greater self-knowledge which can be used to help the individual to reach his or her maximum potential. Some of the activities include learning how to interpret dreams, making and interpreting our own inkblot tests, sampling personality inventories, intelligence tests, and viewing many fascinating films and documentaries.  Students will be prepared for the CLEP – college test.

Publications/Yearbook

This course allows students to work collaboratively on creating a yearbook during the school year. 

Quest for Success

This course provides youth with opportunities to learn about, practice and apply, and reflect on academic, technical, and cross-sector competencies through a variety of individual assignments and peer learning activities that engage the community and area employers.

Spanish I

Spanish I is a beginning course which includes memorization of vocabulary words, learning and applying grammar rules, oral reading, repetition and responding. Other activities include written responses to audio and video tapes, translation and the study of Hispanic culture. Course evaluation includes homework, pop quizzes, cumulative tests and exams. Students should have successfully completed English I before scheduling foreign language.

Spanish I – Honors

This course includes everything in the description for Spanish 1 above, but additional work is required, such as a project due each nine weeks, reports, and memorization and presentation of dialogues. Students may participate in State Foreign Language Festival.

Spanish II

Spanish II is a continuation of Spanish I. This course approaches Spanish with a “whole language” method. Through the reading of age-appropriate literature, students learn vocabulary, grammar, writing and speaking. Stories and dialogues are read in class; translations of the same are generally assigned for homework. Story line is reviewed orally and in writing. Grammar structures and vocabulary are studied separately. Tests on literature include true/false items, short answer, translation and dictation. Tests on grammar include question and answer, fill in the blank, translation, and written answers to oral questions.

Spanish II – Honors

Spanish III IB

This course is a continuation of Spanish II. The course follows the same basic format as Spanish II, but the literature is a little more difficult. More verb tenses are included. Students are required to write original short stories. A project is due each nine weeks. Students may participate in State Foreign Language Festival.

Spanish Language B (IB Spanish IV)

Spanish IV is  continuation of Spanish III, but Spanish IV students have a more advanced text and work more independently. Spanish IV students continue to refine all grammatical constructions learned in Spanish I, II, and III while learning more advanced grammar and vocabulary. Each unit of the course focuses on a time period of Hispanic culture, history, civilization and literature. Students will participate in oral and written IB examinations.

Speech I

This is an introduction to verbal and non-verbal communication. The course includes a study of voice and body as tools of communication, an introduction to public speaking, an introduction to theater, parliamentary procedure, discussion, debate, and media. The course will focus on writing, considering the speech writer’s audience and use of words.  Students will present in written and oral forms.

World Geography

World Geography is a one-Carnegie unit course that fulfills one of three social studies units required for high school graduation. In this course, students develop a spatial understanding of the Earth’s surface and the processes that shape it, the connections between people and places, and the relationship between man and his environment.

World Geography – Honors

In addition to the requirements of the regular geography curriculum, students in honors classes may be required to do at least one book report each nine weeks, participate in competitive activities, write a research paper, complete a physical display, make one oral presentation on a social studies topic, and participate in the social studies fairs.

World History

While historical events are unique, they are often driven by similar and repeated forces. In telling the history of our world, this course pays special attention to specific and recurring themes such as cultural, science and technology, religious and ethical systems, interaction with the environment, empire building, etc. These themes are presented to show that from America, to Africa, to Asia, people are more alike than they realize. Throughout history humans have confronted similar obstacles, have struggled to achieve similar goals, and continually have striven to better themselves and the world around them.

World History – IB

World History is designed to enhance the ability of college bound students to perform effectively in advanced work. Students will follow the IB curriculum for History of the Americas.