Curriculum

In this course, students focus on building basic skills in grammar by learning the parts of a sentence, different sentence structures and styles, the parts of speech, and how the parts of speech function in good writing. The students learn how to write in a variety of styles, including expository paragraphs about literature and creative pieces about their own lives; attention is placed on crafting thoughtful pieces with strong topic sentences with details to develop main ideas. Students read and analyze short stories, a play, novels in various genres, and poetry. They are challenged to make connections between different texts and their own lives, and texts and the world. The students learn to articulate their opinions in speech and in writing through class discussions, literature circles, and individual as well as group projects. Study of vocabulary helps them expand their knowledge of words and how to use them to good effect.

English I is the foundational course that develops the strong, integrated language skills that are vital for independent critical thought, effective written expression in varying forms, as well as the literal, inferential, and applicable comprehension of literature. This course is intended to develop students’ lifelong mastery of the English language across all academic subjects, and in all facets of life. Students will build grammar knowledge, refine their writing skills, expand their vocabulary, and analyze literary works from various genres, authors, and time periods.

English II continues to build upon the essential skills learned in English I. The course serves to prepare students for the next two years of Literature and Language. This course centers around the theme of “The Human Experience.” Students will confront the question of what it really means to be human through engaging with and analyzing literature. The course begins with looking at the hero’s journey through classic Greek mythology, The Hobbit, and Beowulf. Students will then focus on poetry, reading works which span from the medieval era to the modern day. The course finishes with the Shakespearean play, Macbeth. This course is designed to deepen students’ understanding of literature while enhancing students’ critical thinking, communication, analytical, and writing skills.

This is the first year of the full Language and Literature course. The course is centered around the theme of “otherness.” Students look at literature from other times, other places, or other cultures. Through this “otherness,” students will develop new lenses to look at literature and make connections to their own personal lives and the world around them. The development of students’ writing, reading, discussion, and presentation skills are continued from English II.

This course is a continuation of Language and Literature 1. The students make a close study of a range of written and other material, including novels, short stories, plays, poetry and other ‘non-literary’ works. They further develop their own skills as writers in both the creative and analytical genres, and as users of spoken English through class presentations, discussion etc. The students’ overarching theme which ties their studies together is that of ‘otherness’ – other times, other places, other cultures and the interplay of our own twenty-first century western world with other times and places which serve to inform our understanding of ourselves.

The Media Studies and Communications course emphasizes the skills needed to effectively understand, utilize and create media content. This course strongly encourages active participation, thoughtful discussion, and creativity. By the end of the course students will be equipped with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complex world of media, as well as the practical skills to create their own media content. Topics covered include media literacy, media history, analysis of media production and content, the social and cultural impact of media and digital citizenship. Students will produce a podcast, manage social media pages and create a website. Whether students aspire to work in media, journalism, public relations, or simply wish to be an informed and responsible media consumer, this course will provide the foundations needed to succeed in the media-saturated, increasingly digital 21st century.

This course is offered to students who have successfully completed French I, and is designed to further develop skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students will regularly communicate in French about present, past, and future events in their lives. French culture is presented through supportive technology, and authentic material whenever possible.

This course is offered to students who have successfully completed French II. The goals of this course are to build French vocabulary, develop confidence and accuracy in speaking, improve writing skills, and improve listening and reading comprehension. More complex grammatical structures are presented in a variety of formats. An appreciation for the French-speaking world is encouraged through the discussion of customs and cultural events.

This course is offered to students who have successfully completed French III. The goals of this course are to develop greater skills in reading, writing and speaking French, using concepts in a more sophisticated contextual setting. While reviewing and acquiring higher level grammar topics, increased emphasis will be placed on the study of current events and social norms of the French-speaking world. A greater appreciation for the French-speaking world is encouraged through deeper discussions of customs and cultural events.

This course will introduce, reinforce, review and build on listening, speaking, reading and writing skills of the target language and promote a cultural understanding of the Spanish speaking countries of South America. Students will be presented with material through a variety of learning modules and will have various opportunities and a variety of methods to show their understanding of the material provided. Students will be responsible for oral and written presentations individually and in groups. Topics studied will include but are notlimited to – rules, routines and vocabulary of the classroom, introducing and describing yourself to others, likes and dislikes, calendar math, using days of the week, dates, months, seasons and weather, present, past and future, present tense of regular -AR, -ER, and -IR verbs, reading and interpreting texts and family celebrations holidays and traditions.

This course will briefly review the basic concepts of Spanish 1 for proficiency and add to the cumulative knowledge of those topics. Use of the target language will be reinforced and practiced more regularly and withintensity to promote increased oral and written communication. More complex grammar topics will include but are not limited to – present tense of irregular verbs, past tense of regular and irregular verbs, future tense of verbs, reading, interpreting and partner discussion of chapter book(s), simple math through the 1,000s, culture and global importance of the target language with focus on the Spanish speaking countries of Central America.

This course is conducted completely in the target language with the purpose of increasing proficiency and creating an intense understanding of hispanic culture and its global importance. All topics from the previous two levels will be briefly reviewed for proficiency. More difficult grammar topics will be covered to include the following – future and conditional tense, subjunctive tense, science and nature in relation to animals and ecosystems, reading, analyzing and reviewing chapter book(s), students are expected to have previous knowledge of the culture of the South and Central American Spanish speaking countries. Ancient MesoAmerican Cultures will be explored.

This course will review the general topics and vocabulary of the previous three levels as well as all grammar forms for cumulative proficiency. Hispanic culture will be studied with focus on Mexico, Spain and all global Spanish speaking countries. Further topics will include,but are not limited to, Global comparisons and differences, Reading and analyzing chapter book(s) with discussion of personality and character change, Greater emphasis on written projects in the target language, Areas of cultural discussion will be focused on discussions of education, health, art, technology, transportation and science and nature.

This course provides a foundational introduction to the major themes, events, and civilizations that have shaped world history. Students will explore key historical periods, from the earliest human societies to the rise of major civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and beyond. This course also serves as the starting point for a deeper understanding of the purpose and skills of the historian. Through the examination of primary and secondary sources, students will develop historical thinking skills such as analyzing cause and effect, recognizing patterns of continuity and change, and understanding historical perspectives. Emphasis will be placed on critical reading, discussion, and research as students investigate how geography, culture, politics, economics, and technology have influenced societies over time. Engaging activities, group projects, and writing assignments will encourage students to think like historians, making connections between the past and the present. This course serves as a foundation for future historical studies, equipping students with the analytical and research skills necessary for success in high school history courses.

This U.S. History course offers an in-depth exploration of the significant events and transformations from pre-European contact through the end of the Vietnam War. Designed to engage high school students in a chronological study of the United States, the course examines the political, economic, social, and cultural developments that have shaped the nation. Through interactive lectures, primary source analysis, and critical discussions, students will develop a nuanced understanding of the complexities of historical events and their lasting impacts on contemporary society. The course encourages critical thinking, effective communication, and an appreciation for the diverse perspectives that constitute U.S. history.

Students will examine the various conflicts and wars the United States of America has been involved with, starting with those that took place before the formation of the United States and continuing through the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Spanish-American War, the various conflicts against the native peoples of the Americas, the First and Second World Wars, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, the First and Second Gulf War, Afghanistan, and the conflict in Ukraine. Classes will consist of reviews of the causes and course of each of the conflicts, viewing of movies relating to the conflicts, and short papers and projects about the conflict being studied.

Business Management introduces students to the main components of any business organization; human resources, marketing, production, and finance. The course will use case studies and businesses in the news to expose the students to situations and decision making in as close to real time as possible. The students will leave this course with an appreciation for what it takes to build a business, how to lead small groups, and what it takes to negotiate and work together.

Explore the artistic evolution from the Italian Renaissance to the modern/contemporary art world. We will be exploring the art that has shaped our understanding of various cultures and movements as we will study the political and sociocultural side of art. This class will contain engaging lessons on and off campus with trips to the wonderful museums in Boston, MA, with expectations of involvement in class participation and conversations about art. Come explore the history of the ever-changing art world and how it has forever molded and impacted the world/culture.

Students will learn the elements of common law crimes and defenses and constitutional issues surrounding search and seizure. The structure of law enforcement agencies and methods of policing will be studied, as well as the prison system and alternatives to prison such as probation and parole. An overview of the court system and trial process will culminate in students learning to write motions and conduct a mock criminal trial.

This course is designed for high school students seeking to deepen their understanding of global politics, economics, and human rights. It explores key concepts, theories, and issues in international relations, encouraging critical thinking and analytical skills through an honors level curriculum. The course includes an examination of international organizations, national foreign policies, and the global impacts of political decisions. This course is offered at the Honors level which includes additional research and written assignments within each unit studied.

This course is a survey course consisting of 1 trimester of basic chemistry, 1 trimester of basic physics and several weeks of space science. Students will be prepared to take a regular full year course in physics or chemistry. Topics will include matter, the periodic chart, ionic and covalent bonding, kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, the structure of the Solar system and basic planetary geology. The scientific method and data collection will be stressed. Techniques such as online and in person labs, lab reports, lectures, projects, and problem solving will all be used throughout the year.

This course introduces fundamental concepts of biological life sciences and is designed to meet the needs of all learners. Topics include chemistry of living things, cell biology, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Students will be engaged in class discussions, laboratory experiments, and other hands-on activities to help emphasize concepts. Students will identify, analyze and solve problems, and develop their inquiry skills to help them become better decision makers.

This is a first year course in the study of Chemistry. The course will stress a basic understanding of matter at the atomic level and will include using the scientific method to carry out a number of experiments. The course content includes the study of the identification of elements, chemical reactions, acids and bases, properties of matter, and the related mathematical concepts. A working knowledge of Algebra I and exposure to Algebra II are recommended. Students should have a working knowledge of percent, ratio, proportions, graphing, solving forunknowns in an algebraic equation and the ability to solve word problems. Laboratory work and demonstrations will be used to illustrate the learning objectives and to enhance the students’ understanding of them.

Advanced Chemistry builds upon the core foundation of essential notions in chemistry, including bonding theory, atomic structure and the periodic table discussed in Chemistry. The course continues with topics such as chemical kinetics, energetics and equilibria, and introductory organic chemistry. Advanced Chemistry facilitates a wide range of experimental work designed to train students in a variety of core chemistry laboratory skills as well as proper experimental design, data collection and processing.

Physics I is a math based Physics course designed to prepare the student for future study in Physics. The course will be a survey of the following general areas of Physics: kinematics, Newton’s Laws, work and energy, circular motion, and momentum. If there is time additional material such as waves, oscillations, optics and electricity and magnetism will be explored. The course will utilize in-person and online labs, that take advantage of state of the art equipment, for data collection and analysis. The scientific method will be stressed with appropriate lab reports on experiments. Students are expected to have a working knowledge of algebra 2, and a strong understanding of algebra 1. In addition, knowledge of basic geometry of circles and triangles, as well as right triangle trigonometry, is expected.

Advanced Physics is a second year physics course covering several major topics in physics. Students will study topics in Mechanics, Dynamics, Electricity and magnetism, Circuits, Vibrations and Waves, Sound, Thermodynamics and optics. The course will use an algebra based text, and consist of many different teaching approaches and assessments including, lab investigations, interactive demonstrations, lectures, videos, different problem solving techniques, and the practice of the scientific method. Considerable attention is given to understanding how laws and theories are developed, and employed, to help us understand phenomena. Strong understanding of algebra 2 is expected along with a basic understanding of trigonometry, and geometry. Mathematical skills such as derivations of new expressions, and manipulation of vectors, are developed throughout the course. A grade of B+ or better in Physics 1 is a prerequisite.

This course will feature one trimester of Forensic Science study, one trimester of Introduction to Engineering, and a final trimester of a project completed in one of the disciplines. Forensics is a laboratory-based trimester in which students will apply their prior knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics to the popular field of crime scene investigation. Students will use a structured and scientific approach to the investigation of crime of assault, abuse and neglect, domestic violence, accidental death, homicide, and the psychology of criminal behavior. Students will learn terminology and investigate procedures related to crime scene, questioning, interviewing, criminal behavior characteristics, truth detection, and scientific procedures used to solve crimes.

Using scientific methods, students will collect and analyze evidence through case studies and simulated crime scenes such as fingerprint analysis, ballistics, and blood spatter analysis. Students will learn the history, legal aspects, and career options for Forensic Science. The trimester of engineering will allow students to gain knowledge and develop skills in the application of science to a variety of fields including Newton’s Laws with applications, structural engineering, basic electronics and programming. Students will be engaged in hands-on classroom labs and activities that teach organizational skills, quantitative reasoning, and attention to detail. There will be 2 main projects including, designing, constructing, and testing, a balsa wood bridge, and then assembling, wiring, and programming a robotic car. Prerequisite: Should have completed Algebra 1 and be able to solve 3 variable equations.

Anatomy and Physiology covers the structures and functions of the different parts of the human body. This course will provide both lectures and laboratory activities that include the use of the scientific method, observation of tissue specimens via microscope, and dissection labs.

Eighth grade math introduces the students to the order of operations, one and two step equations and several geometry concepts including area, perimeter, circumference, and the pythagorean theorem. This course will contain some basic statistics including probability and measures of central tendency. By the end of this course the student will have a solid foundation to move into Algebra 1.

Algebra 1 begins with a study of real numbers and operations over real numbers. This course will then delve into solving, writing, and graphing linear functions using real world examples. A study of the properties of exponents and radicals will then be followed by a unit on quadratic functions and their applications.

This course will cover various Geometry topics and principles, including coordinate and spatial geometry, introductory trigonometry, angles, parallel lines, congruent and similar triangles, polygons and other figures, circles, the Pythagorean Theorem, etc. We will also focus on problems that serve to review our Algebra skills and continue to develop our critical thinking skills through various problem-solving and real-world situations.

Algebra 2 Honors is a comprehensive course which reviews the essential Algebra I principles while delving into the advanced concepts of Algebra II; additionally introducing students to trigonometric functions and identities. Within the study of algebraic functions, equations and inequalities, with an introduction to right triangle trigonometry, students explore and develop problem-solving skills using algebraic and trigonometric standards.

Algebra 2 focuses on a deeper exploration of algebraic principles and introduces more advanced algebraic topics. The purpose of this course is to build upon the foundation of Algebra I; to further develop students’ mathematical abilities and problem solving skills. This course covers linear and nonlinear equations, functions, polynomials, and more advanced algebraic concepts. Real-world application problems will be a priority throughout the year to develop and hone the critical thinking and analytical skills of each student.

Honors Pre-Calculus builds upon skills mastered in Algebra 2 and lays the foundation for the work that will be learned in Calculus. Topics covered will mirror the pre-calculus curriculum with more attention paid to trigonometric identities, sequences and series as well as the addition of conic sections if time. A strong emphasis will be placed on applying these skills to solving real-world problems.

Pre-Calculus builds upon skills mastered in Algebra 2 and lays the foundation for work that will be learned in Calculus. Topics covered include: solving, graphing and transforming graphs of rational, exponential, logarithmic, polynomial and trigonometric functions. We will focus on understanding how to apply these skills to solve real world problems.

Honors Calculus is available for students who have completed the Pre-Calculus or Honors Pre-Calculus course. This is a transition course to upper-level mathematics, engineering and computer science studies. This course will introduce the fundamental concepts of calculus: limiting behaviors, difference quotients and the derivative, Riemann sums, the definite integral, antiderivatives and indefinite integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. We will focus on becoming comfortable reading, writing and speaking the language of mathematics and applying the tools of calculus to solve a variety of real-life applications.

Statistics and Data Analytics is an introduction to univariate and bivariate data analysis methods. Descriptive statistics and data visualization methods will be employed to broaden the student’s statistical knowledge. An overview of sampling techniques for data collection, and introduction to statistical inference methods for decision making including linear regression, estimation procedures using confidence intervals and hypothesis testing will be explored. This is a hands-on course where the students will be collecting and generating their own data to graph and explore.

Financial Literacy will utilize the NGPF educational suite of materials as well as popular books, games, and financial education websites to introduce the students to budgeting, cash flow, and the importance of saving. There will be opportunities to learn about credit and credit scores, as well as the many different investment options that are available. Mock portfolios may be created for educational purposes, and for the fun of it!

Eighth grade students will have an opportunity through this course to begin to consider the world of the arts – visual arts, music, the stage, film, creative writing etc. They will come to understand the development of the world of the arts from a historical perspective, especially in the western world, learn about some of the great artists in a multitude of different fields, identify important genres, styles etc., and examine key achievements in each of them.

In this course, students will develop their art skills and general knowledge of art. They will accomplish this by studying the basics of art and design and then by applying what they have learned to assignment challenges. Studying and producing works of visual art is key to developing well rounded, and creative young adults. The arts encourage students to develop higher order thinking skills as they examine their own unique ideas and combine them with experiences from the world around them. By studying visual arts, students embark on a journey that not only develops basic skills, but one that recognizes aesthetic differences and promotes the life skills of creative thinking & problem solving. Developing visual artworks helps to promote a sense of identity, personal style, and reflection of one’s own art and historical artworks.

Painting will begin with a study of watercolor painting where students develop a greater understanding of the relationship between water and paint and how to apply correct techniques. These techniques include value scale, perspective drawing/painting, composition, negative and positive space, texture and movement. The second trimester will include an introduction to acrylic painting, drawing on the techniques from the watercolor course and expanding them for this medium. Art History, at an introductory level, will also be intertwined within each unit. Cross listed: I&S 353 Art History – Renaissance to Modern See description in Individuals and Societies 11, 12

This course is a guided study focusing on equipping students with essential skills that they will need for academic success, including executive function skills, knowledge and strategies to foster a lifelong love for learning. This course is designed to empower high school students with the tools they need to become confident problem-solvers, self-directed learners, and informed decision-makers. The students will meet in an Advisory 1 – 2 times per month to explore career and college readiness, and build/update their NCAA eligibility account.

This course is designed to empower students with the essential strategies and skills needed to succeed academically. Throughout this course, students will learn how to become organized, independent and effective learners which will in turn lead them to success.

This is a supervised study hall which allows students time to work on assignments during the school day in addition to the evening study hour.

This course provides students with essential research and writing skills that will serve as a foundation for success in high school and beyond. The research portion of the course teaches fundamental skills, including locating, analyzing, and using authoritative sources, understanding the research process, recognizing the function of research in academic work, and properly citing sources using appropriate formatting and attribution. Students will also explore copyright, research ethics, and the role of AI in research. These skills will be developed and reinforced through multiple research projects. The writing portion of the course focuses on developing strong academic writing skills. Students will learn how to construct clear and effective arguments, organize their ideas logically, refine their writing through revision and editing, and participate in the peer review process. By engaging in a variety of research and writing assignments students will build the analytical and communication skills necessary for success in high school and future academic pursuits.