Latin I provides an academically rigorous introduction to the Latin language and Roman culture. Students build familiarity and fluency with Latin grammar and vocabulary mainly through frequent readings of increasing length. Reading, hearing, and understanding the language orally is featured. Students' appreciation of the Latin language as it influences modern English, as well as Roman culture as it relates to the world of the Bible, is developed and deepened. Students may also read in English and appreciate an age-appropriate telling of a full-length classical work such as the Iliad, the Odyssey, or the Aeneid.

(Full Year Course)(Seventh Grade)

In this course, students will both solidify and add to the foundation of the previous year with the ever-present goal of understanding authentic Latin. Instruction focuses on reading fluency, acquisition of vocabulary as it relates to grammar, problem-solving through translation, and building mental capacity for memorization. Students will also approach the literary and religious culture of the ancient world by reading and analyzing a full-length classical work in English, such as the Iliad, the Odyssey, or the Aeneid. Middle and Upper School Latin II classes may be combined depending on class enrollment, availability of faculty, and scheduling needs.

Prerequisite: Latin I. (Full Year Course)(Eighth Grade)

In the Media Production course, students will learn various skills associated with the creation of multiple forms of media. Instruction will include lessons with technologies such as video, sound equipment, lighting, computer editing, graphics, digital imaging, and more. Students will complete hands-on activities to obtain skills in production techniques and will even have the change to sign up to help manage on-campus events like plays and/or live events.

Recommended prerequisite skills:

• High aptitude for applying technology skills
• Journalism experience
• Highly organized
• Long-term planner and thinker
• Propensity for visual design
• Advanced communication skills
• Independent worker

This class may be taken more than once with permission from the instructor.

(Semester elective) (Pass/Fail)

English 5 is a course designed to prepare students to become analytical and critical thinkers as they study various genres of literature. An emphasis on literary elements, as well as oral and written expression, is incorporated into this course. An expansive class library is available to enrich and encourage students as they cultivate their tastes and an appreciation for the gift of reading. By the end of the year, students should have a solid foundation as readers, writers, and thinkers.

(Full Year Course)

The English 6 course facilitates the development of students’ skills in reading and fluency of expression through the study of excellent selections of literature. Students read and carefully examine a variety of novels, short stories, and poems. Vocabulary study is given high priority and is approached in the context of literature. Students are guided to use their own words, both oral and written, to express clearly what they have read and understood. Oral skills are taught and integrated throughout the course, from reading passages aloud to articulating literary concepts in class discussion. By the end of year, English 6 students will read well at an advanced pace, and be able to express themselves through discussion and writing.

(Full Year Course)

English 7 is a literature course focusing on the development of reading comprehension, vocabulary, and analysis of the text. Particular attention is given to developing the habit of critical thinking by delving deeper into the elements of fiction including character, setting, plot, and theme, and by giving students the opportunity to develop their own thoughts about the literature through intentional class discussions and their own writing. By the end of the year, through their introduction to great literature, students will gain a greater awareness of the community and world around them, developing empathy for those around them.

(Full Year Course)

Art 8 seeks to advance students in creating a variety of two and three-dimensional works. As in Art 7, the semester is broken into units that will build on conceptual skills while working in drawing, painting, sculpture, and design. Students will grow in their ability to use both style and medium in order to communicate their thoughts and ideas more effectively.

(Semester Elective) (Graded)

Create a picture! Sing a song! Become an actor! Play an instrument!

All fifth-grade students will have the opportunity to sample four areas of Fine Arts throughout the academic year. Each discipline will be taught for nine weeks by various Fine Arts faculty. At the end of each nine-week period, there will be a showcase of what they have learned in that quarter. Required for fifth graders.

(Full Year Course in four 9-week rotations) (Pass/Fail)

Band 6 is for sixth graders who are beginning or second year players. Beginning concepts such as posture, breathing, and tone will be the initial focus, and intonation and balance will become major components. The players transition from primarily focusing on their own playing ability to playing in the context of a group. 5-8 scales will be learned and memorized, including the chromatic scale. Music will be selected from the method book and on par with the NC graded list, level 1-2. The purpose of this class is to prepare students for entrance into Concert Band.

(Full Year Elective) (Graded)

The Beginning Guitar course is designed to introduce the novice player to the acoustical classical guitar. The student will learn basic music notation and apply that knowledge to the instrument. Concepts that will be covered include: how to tune the instrument, fingering charts, basic chords, tablature and traditional score writing, fingering styles, accompaniment versus melody and chordal progressions. Each student will need to provide his/her own acoustic six-string guitar (nylon string is preferable). This class will be small in number. Preference will be given to students who give the class a high priority, and, if necessary, to students concurrently signed up for one of the performing class ensembles: Concert Band, Wind Ensemble or Middle School Vocal Ensemble.

Pre-requisite: Seventh-eighth grade standing. (Semester Elective) (Pass/Fail)

In addition to fundamental acting skills and methodologies, students will develop scenes and monologues from classical playwrights. Emphasis will be focused on interpreting classical literature and materials that deal with period social issues and themes. The course will explore the genres of comedy and tragedy from authors including William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens and George Bernard Shaw. The course is structured to grow the performance skills of novice and veteran students alike. This performing arts class may be taken more than once.

(Semester Elective) (Graded)

In addition to fundamental acting skills and methodologies of storytelling and characterization, students will develop scenes and monologues from contemporary playwrights. Emphasis will be focused on interpreting modern literature and materials that deal with current social issues and themes. The course will explore the genres of comedy, tragedy, farce and suspense from authors including Arthur Miller, Neil Simon and Tom Stoppard. The course is structured to grow the performance skills of novice and veteran students alike. This performing arts class may be taken more than once.

(Semester Elective) (Graded)

Using the elements of art and principles of design as a framework, students will use a variety of media and techniques to achieve proficiency in selected technical skills and techniques in art. Understanding that students have basic knowledge in the use of traditional art media, the objective of this course will be to refine those skills. Students will benefit from the creative process of making art as well as the satisfaction of the finished product. Areas that students will explore are basic techniques within drawing, painting, and sculpture.

(Semester Elective) (Graded)

Students will gain experience through advanced units of study in drawing, painting, sculpture, and design. Each unit will involve completing one major art project. Small art exercises will also be completed in order to learn specific techniques. Each project will incorporate aspects of the elements of art (line, shape, form, color, value, texture, and space) and the principles of design (balance, rhythm, movement, proportion, contrast, repetition, emphasis, harmony, and unity). Art 7 will also include the study of art history as well as individual artists.

(Semester Elective) (Graded)

This course explores North and South America in addition to Europe. It serves as a foundational course for further study of geography and history at St. David’s School. Using map skills and the five themes of geography, students learn the location of countries and the effect that environment has on lifestyles and historical events. World Geography 5 equips students with map and geography skills, such as using latitude and longitude, map legends, and timelines.

(Full Year Course)

 

 

Bible Survey 7 at St. David's School is designed to give students an introduction to the Bible by providing them an overview of a variety of topics that include a history of the canon, introduction to biblical languages, and Ancient Near East geography and history. The primary aim of this course, however, is to introduce students to the content of the Bible. Students will read a variety of texts from the Old and New Testaments, as well as explore major themes, literary techniques and genres, characters, and theology that span the biblical canon.

(Full Year Course)

(Semester Elective) (Pass/Fail)

The Life and Times of Christ examines the historical and biblical evidence to reconcile the Christ of faith with the Jesus of history. Topics of study include the arguments for Christ’s existence, the historical context of Jesus’ world, and the various themes of the gospel accounts. The class will also introduce students to theological approaches and issues that historians and biblical scholars deal with from all over the world.

(Semester Elective) (Pass/Fail)

Eighth grade humanities unites traditional American literature and American history into a rich exploration of the American experience. The course is rooted in primary texts of literature, which serve as the entry point for a deep and careful investigation of the history and culture that inform our answers to fundamental questions: What does it mean to be an American? What constitutes good citizenship? What is the American dream? How has the tension between liberty and equality shaped the story of America? The course meets for two class periods each rotation and will be taught by 8^th grade English and History teachers in close collaboration.

(Full Year Course)

In Mathematics 5, students will focus on vocabulary, problem solving, reasoning, and review. Instruction will include a step-by-step approach to the development of math concepts and skills, as well as the use of cooperative learning, board work, teacher demonstrations, note-taking, and class recitation. Students will use the four fundamental operations of math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) with whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. Geometry, measurement, data, probability, number theory, and ratios will be reinforced and developed throughout the year. The concepts of variables, inverse operations, integers, percentages, and the coordinate plane will be introduced.

(Full Year Course)

Math 6/7 challenges students to apply previously learned knowledge in new ways as they apply the four fundamental operations of math with integers and rational numbers. Basic skills of geometry, ratios, graphs, charts, number theory, and problem solving are further developed. Algebraic concepts and terminology are introduced with the application of the order of operations, exponents, variables, inverse operations, ordered pairs, proportions, ratios, and percentages, as well as expressions and equations.

(Full Year Course)

Mathematics 7 challenges students to apply previously learned knowledge in new ways as they use the four fundamental operations of math with integers and rational numbers. Basic skills of geometry, ratios, graphs, charts, number theory, and problem solving are further developed. Algebraic concepts and terminology are introduced with the application of the order of operations, exponents, variables, inverse operations, ordered pairs, proportions, ratios, and percentages, as well as expressions and equations.

(Full Year Course)

Algebra is a means of mathematical representation and algebraic methods provide numerous problem-solving tools. The course is designed to move from the hands-on focus of Pre-Algebra into a greater emphasis on abstraction and conceptual understanding. This year we will explore the language of algebra in verbal, graphical and symbolic forms while modeling patterns and relationships with variables and functions. Linear relationships, systems of equations and inequalities, and polynomial operations including factoring are highlights of the course. Note: A Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus or TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required.

Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra (Full Year Course)

Understanding financial topics and navigating the proper role of money in our personal lives is crucial for managing a household and family or succeeding in business. The concept of wise and honest stewardship of resources is developed while students learn the skills of creating and maintaining personal and household budgets, understanding different types of bank accounts and investments, and cultivating the spirit of a generous giver.

(Semester elective) (Graded)

In this course, students will make connections between fundamental math concepts and ordinary life, putting their math skills to work for them. Students will work independently and in groups to discover ways to apply learned computational skills in various areas of life including, but not limited to, sports, business, entertainment and finance. With the help of guest speakers and field studies, students will hear and see first-hand the usefulness and relevance of mathematics in the context of their everyday lives.

(Semester elective) (Pass/Fail)

This 5th grade course is designed to continue the acquisition of basic Spanish language and the exploration of Spanish-speaking cultures begun in the Lower School. Through review, practice, and further development of their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, students build upon their knowledge and practice of basic Spanish language.

(Full Year Course)

Spanish 8, the second in a two-year introductory level sequence, builds upon Spanish 7. This course continues to introduce students to the Spanish language as well as the cultures and geographies of Spain and the Spanish-speaking world. Through a variety of differentiated learning activities, students continue to acquire basic vocabulary and beginning grammar with an emphasis on meaningful communication about everyday topics pertaining to themselves and others. As the year progresses, classroom instruction and interaction are increasingly conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisite: Spanish 7 (Full Year Course)

French 7, the first in a two-year introductory level sequence, is a course designed to build a solid foundation in the four foreign language skills of listening and speaking, reading, and writing as well as to introduce students to the rich cultural heritage of France and the French-speaking world. Through a variety of differentiated learning activities, students acquire basic vocabulary and beginning grammar with an emphasis on meaningful communication about themselves and others. As the year progresses, classroom instruction and interaction are increasingly conducted in French.

(Full Year Course)

French 8, the second in a two-year introductory level sequence, builds upon French 7. This course continues to introduce students to the French language as well as the cultures and geographies of France and the French-speaking world. Through a variety of differentiated learning activities, students continue to acquire basic vocabulary and beginning grammar with an emphasis on meaningful communication about everyday topics pertaining to themselves and others. As the year progresses, classroom instruction and interaction are increasingly conducted in French.

Prerequisite: French 7 (Full Year Course)

 

The transition from Lower to Middle School Physical Education will include new experiences such as dressing out for class, lockers, a larger facility, and interacting with a larger number of peers. A supportive environment will enable students to make this transition successfully, setting the stage for a positive Middle School experience. The P.E. program emphasizes learning, success, and enjoyment for all students, conceptual knowledge, appropriate challenges and cooperation. The focus shifts from the practice of fundamental movement, to applying these skills in the field or court of specific sport activities.

(Full Year Course)

The P.E. program emphasizes learning, success and enjoyment for all students, conceptual knowledge, appropriate challenges and cooperation. The focus shifts from the practice of fundamental movement, to applying these skills in the field or court of specific sport activities. Health education in sixth grade is based on developing skills in relation to age-appropriate health topics. By developing skills related to effectively accessing health resources, communicating, analyzing peer and media influences, goal setting, decision making, and health advocacy, students in class will be able to achieve and maintain optimal wellness. Some of the topics that will be covered are healthy eating habits, mental and emotional health, benefits of healthy relationships, and communication skills involving feelings and actions.

(Full Year Course)

Physical Education in seventh and eighth grade will be pursued in one of the following ways.

• Participation in Team/Lifetime Sports class
• A commitment to a year-round physical activity such as swimming, equestrian sports or Tae Kwon Do, with the prior written approval of the PE Department Chair and the Middle School Principal.
• Serving as manager for one or more extra-curricular school sports teams.
• Participation in one season per year of extra-curricular sports, or sports-sponsored physical activity:

Students engage in an exciting activities-based curriculum that introduces topics in the natural and physical sciences. Relationships between the disciplines being studied and real-life applications are stressed as students develop their laboratory skills. Students keep a science notebook and technology is integrated where appropriate.

(Full Year Course)

Physical science introduces students to the disciplines of chemistry and physics. The course is intended to foster an interest and appreciation for science, as well as prepare students for more rigorous science courses in the Upper School. Lab work and other hands-on activities constitute a large component of the class, and students will work routinely both alone and in groups to establish various scientific principles in chemistry and physics.

(Full Year Course)

Are you interested in fashion? Do the latest, cultural trends inspire you? Would you enjoy opportunities to explore your creative side and craft products of your own design? In our world today, some of the most important innovations have come about through the result of creative design thinking with a focus on both fashion and textiles. In this elective, students will have the opportunity to gain design experience and learn about the technical nature of textiles and the textile industry. During the course, students will work both individually and in teams to accomplish various projects that blend elements of design, fashion, textiles, and innovation. Projects will encourage empathetic awareness, and also incorporate the social and cultural impacts these elements bring to the world around us.

(Fall and Spring Semester Elective) (Pass/Fail)

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a designer of fashion, jewelry, or even millinery? What about creating your own textiles? Innovations in Fashion and Textile Design II will allow opportunities for students to use the basic skills in construction and design from Part I to work independently through the innovative challenges in Part II. Projects will involve: research, design, and construction while incorporating the use of familiar tools and equipment, as well as gaining new skills on others.

Pre-requisite: Innovations in Fashion and Textile Design I and permission of the instructor. (Spring Semester Elective) (Graded)

Latin I provides an academically rigorous introduction to the Latin language and Roman culture. Students build familiarity and fluency with Latin grammar and vocabulary mainly through frequent readings of increasing length. Reading, hearing, and understanding the language orally is featured. Students' appreciation of the Latin language as it influences modern English, as well as Roman culture as it relates to the world of the Bible, is developed and deepened. Students may also read in English and appreciate an age-appropriate telling of a full-length classical work such as the Iliad, the Odyssey, or the Aeneid.

(Full Year Course)

In this course, students will both solidify and add to the foundation of the previous year with the ever-present goal of understanding authentic Latin. Instruction focuses on reading fluency, acquisition of vocabulary as it relates to grammar, problem-solving through translation, and building mental capacity for memorization. Students will also approach the literary and religious culture of the ancient world by reading and analyzing a full-length classical work in English, such as the Iliad, the Odyssey, or the Aeneid. Middle and Upper School Latin II classes may be combined depending on class enrollment, availability of faculty, and scheduling needs.

Prerequisite: Latin I (Full Year Course)

In this course, students will continue to master the basics of Latin grammar by proceeding into the advanced stages of the Cambridge Latin Course. In conjunction with reading there will be careful composition in Latin, through which students will gain a thorough understanding of the structure and tendencies of the language. The reading of a full-length classical work in English, such as the Iliad, the Odyssey, or the Aeneid, will provide necessary cultural, religious, and literary backgrounds to the Latin read in class, and regular short writing assignments about this work will allow the student to begin to express an understanding of the classical world.

Prerequisite: Latin II (Full Year Course)

In this course, students will complete their study of Latin grammar in the Cambridge Latin Course and proceed to the translation of authentic Latin texts. Latin IV is designed to prepare students for success in AP^® Latin by introducing them to Vergil and Caesar, the two authors that make up the AP Latin syllabus. Throughout the year, students will gain familiarity with the styles and vocabularies of classical Latin authors and begin to analyze the texts as literature in context of the Roman world. Reading and analysis of a full-length classical work in English, such as the Iliad, the Odyssey, or the Aeneid will provide students with literary, cultural, and religious background necessary for an informed reading of the Latin authors, and increasingly rigorous writing assignments will begin to prepare students for the written portions of the AP^® curriculum.

Prerequisite: Latin III and permission of the Department of Classical Languages (Full Year Course)

This class is designed for those wishing to read excerpts from Caesar’s Gallic Wars and Vergil’s Aeneid and to take the AP Latin: Vergil and Caesar^® exam. We will read both authors in English, and selections from them in Latin as outlined in the AP Latin: Vergil and Caesar^® course description. We will familiarize ourselves with first-century BC context of the society in which the authors lived, and consider the themes including leadership, duty, self, and society. We will use AP style testing methods and emphases throughout the course. This class, in common with other AP courses, will require extensive independent preparation in addition to the coursework covered during class. Time spent in class, versus time spent in independent study, is more closely comparable to a college course than a traditional high school course.

Prerequisite: Latin III and/or IV Honors, and permission of the Department of Classical Languages (Full Year Course)

This course is equivalent to a college-level Latin Literature course, and is reserved for students who have completed AP Latin successfully and are interested in reading and analyzing extended portions of advanced Latin Literature. Authors may be selected, according to the interests of the students, from Cicero, Caesar, Livy, Plautus, Terence, Catullus, Horace, Vergil and Ovid, or other authors, at the discretion of the instructor. The course will focus on attaining a scholarly understanding of the works in question, as students will gain experience analyzing difficult passages and works orally and in essays.

Prerequisite: AP Latin and permission of the Department of Classical Languages (Full Year Course)

This course is reserved for students who have completed Latin VI and wish to further their range of proficiency in reading and analyzing extended portions of advanced Latin Literature. Authors may be selected, according to the interests of the students, from Cicero, Caesar, Livy, Plautus, Terence, Catullus, Horace, Vergil, and Ovid, or other authors, at the discretion of the instructor. The course will focus on attaining a scholarly understanding of the works in question, as student will gain experience analyzing difficult passages and works orally and in essays. Composition assignments in Latin will help students solidify their grasp of the language and encourage them to write in imitation of the works they are reading.

Prerequisite: Latin VI and permission of the Department Chair (Full Year Course)

Greek I begins a study of Attic Greek, the language of playwrights, historians, philosophers, and poets. It provides an excellent foundation for progress into the New Testament (written in a much-simplified form of Greek, koine) and on to the Homeric epics, the Iliad and Odyssey. We follow the path of a rural farmer’s family, based on Aristophanes comedy The Acharnians, and along the way encounter many famous myths, insights into perhaps the most intellectually productive culture of all time, and by the end are able to read extended portions of authentic Greek with facility. The reading of a full-length classical work in English, such as the Iliad, the Odyssey, or the Aeneid, will provide necessary cultural, religious, and literary backgrounds to the Greek world presented in class, and regular writing assignments about this work will allow the student to begin to express an understanding of the classical world.

(Full Year Course)

Greek II continues the journey through the Greek language. The textbook will gradually be supplemented by extended reading from intermediate-level texts, such as the New Testament and Xenophon. As the course progresses, a greater emphasis will be placed upon Greek literature. The reading of a full-length classical work in English, such as the Iliad, the Odyssey, or the Aeneid, will provide necessary cultural, religious, and literary backgrounds to the Greek world presented in class, and regular writing assignments about this work will allow the student to begin to express and understanding of the classical world.

Prerequisite: Greek I (Full Year Course)

Greek III will focus on completing the course of study begun in Athenaze, and then on introducing students to more challenging readings from authentic Greek texts. We will begin with passages from the New Testament and proceed from there to Greek authors, such as Lysias and Plato, whose texts offer us not only elegant examples of Attic style, but also insights into the life and culture of 5th and 4th-century Athens. In the second semester, students will become acquainted with Greek poetry through an introduction to Homer and the epic dialect. Throughout the course, we will have ample opportunity to solidify our grasp of Greek vocabulary, grammar and syntax. We will also have occasion to examine the Greek culture through reading so primary texts both in Greek and in translation.

Prerequisite: Greek II (Full Year Course)

Greek IV is an advanced literature course, in which students will read substantial portions of ancient Greek literature in prose and poetry. Authors may be selected, according to the interests of the students, from Plato, Xenophon, Herodotus, Homer, Euripides, and Sophocles or other authors, at the discretion of the instructor. The rigor and depth of analysis will be similar to that of AP Latin and will focus on interpreting the texts as literature and as a part of the intellectual fabric of the ancient world. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be prepared to succeed in a Greek literature course in college.

Prerequisite: Greek III and permission of the Department Chair (Full Year Course)

The course is a year-long introductory computer science survey course. Using resources from Code.org, students will explore many of the big, foundational ideas of computing to better understand how these concepts are transforming the world we live in. Using the Alice 3 software package from Carnegie Mellon University’s Alice Project, students will use 3D models and animations to explore object-oriented programming. We will also begin to explore the Java programming language. This course is designed to be a rigorous, engaging, and approachable course based on the AP Computer Science Principles course. Interested students will be able to sit for the AP Computer Science Principles exam.

This course introduces fundamental computer science topics such as problem solving, design strategies, organization of data in data structures, common algorithms for processing data, analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing. Using the Alice 3 software package from Carnegie Mellon University’s Alice Project, which uses 3D models and animations, and the Java programming language, the course emphasizes both object-oriented and imperative problem solving and design. Students will find the course engaging and challenging.

Storytelling may be the best way to transmit meaning from one human being to another. Since the beginning of time, stories have been used to transmit wisdom, values, and faith from one generation to the next. This class is a project based course in which students will explore how current and emerging technologies can and will be used as they begin to tell their stories. We will explore what is meant by “story” and use video, sound, computer editing and graphics, digital imaging, and more, in our explorations. This class may be taken as a semester or a full-year course.

(Semester Course)

English I is an introduction to literature and composition with an emphasis on interpretation, discussion, and the development of analytical skills. As students practice close, critical reading, they will continually expand their lexicon with key vocabulary words from core texts and will examine the role of worldview in both the formation and experience of literary works.

(Full Year Course)

English II is a challenging look into the literary canon. Students will build upon their skills of literary analysis and apply their ability to identify authorial intent, worldview, and themes to an increasingly wide array of texts across cultures and time periods. Students will explore foundational works such as Homer’s Odyssey, Beowulf, and the Book of Esther, which will inform our study of more contemporary texts. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of the Heroic Narrative through literature, as well as the different ways that literature throughout human history has articulated the problem of evil. English II also looks forward, as it marks the beginning of each student’s experience with Dante’s Divine Comedy, a course of study that will run through their senior year, as well as continuing the exploration of Shakespeare that is consistent throughout the English curriculum.

(Full Year Course)

English III is an American Literature course that exposes students to a rich body of canonical works. Students are challenged to think critically through philosophical perspectives as diverse as Transcendentalism, Realism, Puritanism and Existentialism. Engaging America’s literary tradition is an essential part of understanding American history. With this in mind, students read slave narratives alongside Cold War literature and, by appreciating the literature of the past, come to better understand their own culture and place in history. The course emphasizes writing, informed discussion, public speaking and literary analysis. Students are expected to express ideas with clarity, coherence, and precision, both orally and in writing. Students engage in the writing process in a wide variety of styles and genres, including analytical essays, the research paper, creative narrative, and journaling.

(Full Year Course)

AP Literature and Composition is a college level class devoted to one end: the reading, comprehension, and analysis of great literature. Each of these skills is invaluable to the student’s mature enjoyment of literature, lasting beyond the demands of college. First, comes the careful reading of the text. Next, follows the articulation of the substance of the work in the dialectic of classroom discussion and in written essays both in and out of the classroom setting. It is in the dialectic that students begin to work with each other to uncover and to possess what are to that moment unknown portrayals of truth, beauty, and goodness.

Students in AP Literature are given the opportunity to take the AP exam at the end of the year. If they choose to do so, they will have been well prepared by a conscientious participation in the objectives of the course.

Prerequisite: Recommendation from the department. (Full Year Course)

Students in AP Language and Composition are given the opportunity to take the AP exam at the end of the year. If they chose to do so, they will have been well prepared by a conscientious participation in the objectives of the course.

Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing; recommendation from the department. (Full Year Course)

The Upper School Chorale is a non-auditioned choral group that regularly performs in our school and community. Instruction in the class will focus on how to sing properly while using and understanding the printed score. Emphasis is placed on sight-reading, vocal blend, harmonization and exploration of various music genres. Singers in the group participate in North Carolina Honors Choir and the North Carolina Governors School in Choral Music. The group is held to high performance standards. It competes once a year at a chosen southeastern United States adjudication (Virginia, North Carolina, Florida), and periodically sings internationally in choir tours abroad (Italy-2012, Great Britain-2014, Bahamas-2015). This class is open to grades 9-12.

(Full Year or Semester Course)

Seniors in Chorale Honors will participate fully in the activities of the Upper School Chorale. They are recognized as honors students by virtue of their contribution to the vocal arts program at St. David’s since ninth grade. Juniors in honors are recognized by virtue of their contribution to the vocal arts program since seventh grade. Within the context of these rehearsals, instruction will emphasize the improvement of vocal, sight-reading, and listening and blending skills. Students will study music theory and music history in order to appreciate the music they are singing at a higher level. The Chorale is held to high performance standards as they sing throughout the year at various concerts and festivals. Honors students will be given additional assignments, responsibilities and opportunities for leadership, including possible membership in the Chamber Singers or Select Women's Ensemble.

Prerequisite: Seniors: participation in the choral program since 9^th Grade, Juniors: participation in the choral program since 7^th grade. Members of the Select Womens’ Ensemble (10^th-12^th grade). (Full Year Course)

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Chamber Singers (part of Chorale Honors)

Chamber Singers is an auditioned group of male and female singers in grades 10-12. Singers in this ensemble are also part of St. David's Chorale and, they receive honors credit for participating in both ensembles. Chamber Singers perform a variety of literature for school events that require a smaller ensemble. Thus, membership in the Chamber Singers requires additional assignments, responsibilities, and opportunities for leadership. Rehearsals are held during the midday flex period.

Prerequisite: Members of the Chamber Singers are also part of the St. David's Chorale. (Full Year Course)

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Select Women's Ensemble (part of Chorale Honors)

The Select Women's Ensemble is an auditioned, all female group of 9th-12 grade singers. Singers in this ensemble are also part of the St. David's Chorale and, they receive honors credit for participating in both ensembles. The singers in the Select Women's Ensemble will perform literature specifically for female voices and will be given additional assignments, responsibilities, and opportunities for leadership. Rehearsals are held during midday flex period.

Prerequisite: Members of the Select Women's Ensemble are also part of the St. David's Chorale. (Full Year Course)

This instrumental ensemble is designed for 9th-12th graders playing instruments in the woodwind, brass and percussion families. Students are held to high standards of ensemble playing, being challenged each day toward musical proficiency. In this course students focus on developing fully-matured tone quality, strong technical skills, superior phrasing and musicianship, as well as advanced music theory concepts. Regular individual playing tests and quizzes are given for evaluation. Students in the Wind Ensemble are featured during various concerts and school assemblies throughout the year. In addition, the Wind Ensemble embarks on an annual overnight trip to an adjudicated festival each spring.

Prerequisite: Three years of prior band experience or Director’s approval. (Full Year Course)

Wind Ensemble Honors is available to 11th -12th graders who have been in the band program continuously since the 7th grade, and for 12th graders who have been in the band program continuously since 9th grade. While participating in the Upper School Wind Ensemble, students are held to high standards of ensemble playing, being challenged each day toward musical proficiency. In this course students focus on developing fully mature tone quality, strong technical skills, superior phrasing and musicianship, as well as advanced music theory concepts. Regular individual playing tests and quizzes are given for evaluation. Students in the Wind Ensemble are featured during various concerts and school assemblies throughout the year. Honors students will be awarded honors credit and will be given additional responsibilities and opportunities for leadership. In addition, Wind Ensemble honors embarks on an annual overnight tip to an adjudicated festival each spring.

Juniors and Seniors: Continuous participation in Band program from 7th-11th grade, honors credit for 11th and 12th grade years.
Seniors: Continuous participation in the Wind Ensemble from 9th-12th grade, honors credit for 12th grade. (Full Year Course)

Foundations in Art is open to all students in the Upper School. This course introduces students to elements of two-dimensional and three-dimensional design and, it is a prerequisite for all other Upper School art classes. Visual awareness and sensitivity are expanded through study of the elements of art and principles of design used in famous works of art. Students are challenged to find visual solutions to problems by examining various media, techniques, and technology in creating designs, patterns, and form. Students gain a greater knowledge of color theory and design vocabulary.

(Semester Course)

In Drawing, students study value, proportion, composition, foreshortening, perspective and other related techniques through various drawing assignments. A variety of traditional drawing media, such as graphite, pen and ink, charcoal, and pastel are explored in creating original artwork. Students complete drawings using a variety of subject matter such as still life, self-portrait, and landscape. They will also be introduced to experimental projects that entice personal creativity.

Prerequisite: Foundations in Art. (Semester Course)

In this class, students apply the principles learned in Drawing to works of art with paint. Color theory is emphasized. Students learn to mix paints in order to create a diverse palette of hues and values. Different painting media and tools are used throughout the course as students learn different properties painting. Students paint original paintings of still life, landscape, and figure based on the elements of design and perceptions of natural light and space. They will also be introduced to experimental project that entice personal creativity.

Prerequisite: Foundations in Art; Drawing strongly recommended. (Semester Course)

This class offers students interested in exploring traditional as well as non-traditional methods of drawing, painting, and mixed media with an opportunity to create art through experimentation. Using the basic skills learned in Drawing and Painting, they will further develop their understanding of line, form, the abstract and the representational through class projects. Emphasis is given to problem solving and conceptual thinking. This class is for serious art students and is highly recommended for those interested in building a portfolio for AP Studio Art.

Prerequisite: Junior standing, Drawing or Painting, teacher recommendation. (Semester Course)

Graphic Design is an application within the field of art in which communication is the most important key to the success of an image. Students learn to create images that communicate using a fundamental knowledge of color, design, shape, and text. Computer software is used to manipulate images and text that engage the viewer and promote information. All work is completed with Adobe Photoshop. Some projects students will complete include logo design, album cover design, book cover art, and advertising.

Prerequisite: Foundations in Art. (Semester Course)

The AP Studio Art program is intended for highly motivated seniors interested in preparing a portfolio for the National AP Exam. Students can choose to pursue a two-dimensional design, three-dimensional design or drawing portfolio. The portfolio is comprised of 24 pieces of art. The class will be focused on developing and completing the concentration portion of the portfolio. Students are required to create 12 artworks for the concentration section during their senior year.

The 12 pieces required for the breadth section of the portfolio are to be completed prior to the student’s senior year. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors interested in AP Studio Art are encouraged to discover their art interest in order to take the visual art courses specific to the type of AP portfolio they would complete their senior year.

Prerequisite: Faculty approval and 10 to 12 completed works of art to be used for the general section of the 24-piece portfolio. (Full Year Course)

Color and Design I will focus on basic color theory principles, terminology, and applications, as well as trends and practices in today’s visual media marketplace. This class will extend and build on the concepts introduced in Foundations in Art. Students will develop skills in designing with color through projects that emphasize color mixing, color relationships, and the science of color perception. A variety of topics and media will be explored, including drawing, painting, and digital photography.

Prerequisite: Foundations in Art. (Semester Course)

In addition to fundamental acting skills and methodologies, students will develop scenes and monologues from classical playwrights. Emphasis will be focused on interpreting classical literature and materials that deal with period social issues and themes. The course will explore the genres of comedy and tragedy from authors including William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens and George Bernard Shaw. The course is structured to grow the performance skills of novice and veteran students alike. This performing arts class may be taken more than once.

(Semester Elective) (Graded)

In addition to fundamental acting skills and methodologies of storytelling and characterization, students will develop scenes and monologues from contemporary playwrights. Emphasis will be focused on interpreting modern literature and materials that deal with current social issues and themes. The course will explore the genres of comedy, tragedy, farce and suspense from authors including Arthur Miller, Neil Simon and Tom Stoppard. The course is structured to grow the performance skills of novice and veteran students alike. This performing arts class may be taken more than once.

(Semester Elective) (Graded)

This class covers the basic disciplines necessary to create the illusion of stage aggression. The class will focus primarily on unarmed/hand-to-hand, rapier, and quarterstaff. The emphasis is on development of technique as well as performance, with a focus on accuracy and safety. Students will achieve personal understanding and command of their bodies as they relate to theatrical physical conflict.

(Semester Course)

Bible and the Ancient World explores the integration of history, literature, and the Bible through the careful reading of ancient texts in conjunction with the ancient historical framework. The course follows the historical progression as expressed in the Hebrew Canon, beginning with the creation of the world, following the narrative of Israel as God's covenantal people, and culminating with the person and work of Jesus Christ as portrayed in the New Testament. Students interact with the literature, events, and conceptual milieu of the ancient world from the prehistoric era until the Roman Empire, which helps to inform the content and form of the Scripture. Considerable time is devoted to effective writing, the careful interpretation of primary sources, and the proper utilization of secondary sources.

(Full Year Course)

World History is two-part course dedicated to examining both Western and non-Western civilizations and cultures. Students will trace the political, economic, and religious developments that have shaped the modern world. In addition to addressing the arc of world history, students will also focus on smaller episodes in depth, as they cultivate a deeper study of history through persuasive writing and speaking, rooted in analysis of texts and other primary sources. World History is a core class for 10th grade students and is also open as semester electives to students who have not taken a World History course.

(Full Year or Semester Course)

Advanced Placement European History is equivalent to a college-level survey course in Western Civilization. Beginning with the Italian Renaissance, AP European History examines the history of modern Europe and will prepare students for the AP European History exam. The five main countries whose histories compose the large narrative of the course include Great Britain, France, Russia, Prussia (modern day Germany), and Spain. Students will gain an increased awareness of the nature of history and the historian’s role, the relationships of history to the other social sciences and the humanities, and the principal political, social, and economic themes in Europe from 1450 to the present. Students are also expected to complete research at the college level for their major research assignment. Through essay writing, reading primary sources, and class participation, students will learn to engage history with discrimination and refine their writing skills. This class, in common with other AP courses, will require extensive independent preparation in addition to the coursework covered during class. Time spent in class, versus time spent in independent study, is more closely comparable to a college course than a traditional high school course.

Prerequisites: Bible and the Ancient World, and departmental approval. (Full Year Course)

The course concludes with a project, collaboratively undertaken by two or three students, which compares and contrasts the cultural developments of art and architecture (and perhaps of music) which issue from one of the religions we have covered with the corresponding development in Christianity. Texts: to set the question: Chance or the Dance by Thomas Howard; primary sources: The Bhagavad Gita; Old Testament; The Buddhist Scriptures; Plato: Phaedo; Aristotle: De Anima; New Testament; The Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds; The Koran.

AP Seminar is offered to 11th and 12th grade students, by approval of the History Department Chair. (Full Year Course)

This course is a survey study of American history from 1607 to the present. In addition to learning the primary historical facts and understanding the major movements in the development of the United States, students will be expected to comprehend the philosophic concepts which have distinguished the nation from its founding to the present. The goal of the course is to give students a thorough understanding of the events, issues, ideas, and people that have shaped our nation.

Prerequisite: Bible and the Ancient World. (Full Year Course)

The AP Art History course is equivalent to a two-semester college survey course exploring the nature of art, art making, and responses to art. By investigating specific course content of 250 works of art characterized by diverse artistic traditions from prehistory to the present, students develop in-depth, holistic understanding of the history of art from a global perspective. Students become active participants in the global art world, engaging with its forms and content. They experience, research, discuss, read, and write about art, artists, art making, responses to, and interpretations of art.

Prerequisites: Sophomore, junior or senior standing, and departmental approval. (Full Year Course)

What is "moral reasoning?" Are morally complex questions to be decided by intuition, habit, custom, reason or some blend of these ways of knowing and ways of acting? How do moral and ethical reasoning inform a life of faith, and how does a life of faith shape moral and ethical reasoning?

The Senior Seminar at St. David's is designed to explore these questions. This exploration begins with a close consideration of how some of the most seminal thinkers in the history of western through have framed moral questions, understood ethical obligation, considered theories of fairness and justice, and constructed ways of organizing political life. In the first semester we will read Aristotle, Epicurus, St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, David Hume, John Stuart Mill, Jeremy Bentham, Immanuel Kant, John Rawls and Alasdair MacIntyre and examine how they have explored moral obligation, ethical conduct and political theory.

In the second semester, we will take up specific ethical problems, legal cases, and moral conundrums and apply to these questions the various arguments, views and approaches learned in the first semester. We will consider many of the most pressing controversial issues of our time and measure against them the arguments of Aristotle, Kant, Rawls and others. What can be said for or against capital punishment, surrogate motherhood, state run gambling games, affirmative action policies, extended the honors and office of marriage, abortion, medically assisted suicide, state sponsored torture, and genetic engineering?

To enliven our discussion, deepen the reach of our thoughts and to inspire our appropriate ambitions, we will also play host to a number if distinguished community leaders who will visit the seminar to discuss these issues with us as they arise in political life, academic study, journalism, the arts and business. Past guest speakers to the seminar have included: Governor Pat McCrory and Governor Beverly Purdue; US Senator Thom Tillis and US House of Representatives George Holding and David Price; Nobel Prize Laureate Oliver Smithies; UNC Chancellor Holden Thorp; NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson; CEO of North Hills John Kane; UNC Medical School Dean Dr. William Roper; UNC School of Journalism Dean Susan King; News & Observer Executive Editor John Drescher; WRAL news anchors David Crabtree and Kelsey Carlson; philanthropist, humanitarian and doctor of psychiatry, Dr. Assad Meymandi; and many others.

Required for Seniors. (Full Year Course)

This course uses the terminology, properties, and concepts specific to Algebra. Topics include but are not limited to polynomials, factoring, linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities, and linear and quadratic functions. Application problems encourage the development of critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Cooperative learning and technology are employed to introduce and reinforce concepts when applicable. Graphing calculators will be used where appropriate. Note: A TI-83 Plus or a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required.)

(Full Year Course)

Geometry moves from inductive to deductive reasoning to produce logical proofs. A basic understanding of undefined terms, properties, postulates, and theorems is developed and applied to two- and three-dimensional figures. Algebraic skills involving lines, graphs, equations, formulas, radicals, and trigonometry are reinforced. Hands-on explorations and activities enhance the visual and spatial nature of the course while connecting the intrinsic concepts of Euclidean Geometry. Technology is employed when applicable. Note: A TI-83 Plus or a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required.

Prerequisite: Algebra I (Full Year Course)

This course develops and explores in a greater depth many algebraic concepts that were presented in Algebra I, with an emphasis on solving equations, manipulating expressions, and graphing functions from the linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, radical, and exponential families. New topics introduced in the course include matrices, complex numbers, conic sections and logarithms. Graphing calculators will be used where appropriate. Note: A TI-83 Plus or a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required.

Prerequisite: Algebra I (Full Year Course)

The objective of this class is to teach students through in-depth study of mathematical modeling and applications of functions. The course will reinforce and expand on Algebra II skills and introduce concepts from pre-calculus and statistics. Topics will include data collection and analysis, probability, linear programming, and graphing and analysis of various types of functions such as polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric. Problem solving skills will be developed through the use of technology and classroom investigations and activities. Note: A TI-83 Plus or a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required for this course.

Prerequisite: Algebra II and Geometry. (Full Year Course)

Note: A TI-83 Plus or a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required for this course.

Prerequisite: Algebra II or AFM. (Full Year Course)

Pre-Calculus Honors is designed to cover all of the material presented in Pre-Calculus while probing deeper into the theoretical applications in preparation for AP math and science courses. Our most advanced math students will be challenged in this course to promote creative thinking in order to apply the concepts they have learned to solve multi-faceted problems. This course will also cover additional topics such as sequences, series, and mathematical induction. Note: A TI-83 Plus or a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required for this course.

Prerequisite: Algebra II Honors or Algebra II and departmental approval. (Full Year Course)

This course is designed to provide a strong foundation for rising juniors and seniors. Whether their next math experience will be a collegiate course or a St. David’s senior course in AP Calculus AB or AP Statistics, this course will be a valuable preparation. The focus will be on introducing the concepts and methods of calculus and statistics. Students will utilize skills developed earlier in their mathematics courses to address conceptual and applied topics including limits, first and second derivatives, tangent lines, concavity, and continuity. This course will also introduce statistics topics including observing and exploring data, normal distributions, sampling methods, bias, and experimental design. Technology is an integral part of the course. Note: A TI-83 Plus or a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required for this course.

Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus Honors or Pre-Calculus and department approval. (Full Year Course)

This is a semester course designed to provide a strong foundation for students in Statistics. Whether their next math experience will be a collegiate course, or a St. David’s senior course in AP Statistics, this course will be a valuable preparation. The course will introduce statistics topics including observing and exploring data, normal distributions, sampling methods, bias, and experimental design. Technology is an integral part of the course. Note: A TI-83 Plus or a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required for this course.

Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus Honors or Pre-Calculus and department approval. (Semester Course)

Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus Honors or Pre-Calculus and department approval. (Semester Course)

This course is designed to prepare students for the AP Calculus AB exam administered annually by the College Board for the purpose of obtaining college credit while still in secondary school. Topics emphasized are limits, derivatives, integrals, and the connections between them. Students will apply these skills in real-world problem-solving contexts. The course encourages independent thinking, and problem solving, logical reasoning and critical thinking skills will be emphasized through the use of cooperative learning and technology. The ability to verbally express mathematical reasoning is a major component of this course. A solid foundation in Pre-calculus, strong work ethic, and discipline should help the student succeed in the course and on the AP exam. The understanding and use of technology is essential in this course. This class, in common with other AP courses, will require extensive independent preparation in addition to the coursework covered during class. Time spent in class, versus time spent in independent study, is more closely comparable to a college course than a traditional high school course. Note: A TI-83 Plus or a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required for this course.

Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus Honors or Pre-Calculus and departmental approval. (Full Year Course)

This course is designed to prepare students for the AP Calculus BC exam administered annually by the College Board for the purpose of obtaining college credit while still in secondary school. Topics include a review of AP Calculus AB material, an in-depth study of the theoretical foundations of calculus, advanced techniques of integration, differential equations, introduction of vector analysis, polar coordinates, and infinite series. Written work and the ability to express mastery of a problem through words is a major component of this course. A solid foundation in AP Calculus AB, strong work ethic, and discipline should help the student succeed in the course and on the AP exam. The understanding and use of technology is essential in this course. This class, in common with other AP courses, will require extensive independent preparation in addition to the coursework covered during class. Time spent in class, versus time spent in independent study, is more closely comparable to a college course than a traditional high school course. Note: A TI-83 Plus or a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required for this course.

Prerequisite: AP Calculus AB and departmental approval. (Full Year Course)

This course is designed to prepare students for the AP Statistics exam, administered annually by the College Board, for the purpose of obtaining college credit while still in secondary school. The focus of the course is to develop the skills required to collect, collate, and analyze data. Emphasis is placed on a variety of applications, designs of experiments, techniques of data analysis, and conceptual understanding. Course topics include but are not limited to the nature of data, probability, estimates, hypothesis testing, inferences, correlation, regression, and variance. This course requires a “mathematical maturity” as well as interpretive and reasoning skills. Written work and the ability to express mastery of a problem through words is a major component of this course. Problem solving, logical reasoning and critical thinking skills will be emphasized through the use of cooperative learning and technology. A solid algebraic foundation, strong work ethic, and discipline should help the student succeed in the course and on the AP exam. The understanding and use of technology is essential in this course. This class, in common with other AP courses, will require extensive independent preparation in addition to the coursework covered during class. Time spent in class, versus time spent in independent study, is more closely comparable to a college course than a traditional high school course. Note: A TI-83 Plus or a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is required for this course.

Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus and departmental approval. (Full Year Course)

This course, the first in a three-year sequence, introduces students to the French language as well as to the cultures and geographies of France and the French-speaking world. Through a variety of differentiated learning activities, including engagement with authentic French audio-visual and print materials, students acquire basic vocabulary and beginning grammar with an emphasis on meaningful communication about everyday topics pertaining to themselves and others. As the year progresses, classroom instruction and interaction are increasingly conducted in French.

(Full Year Course)

This course, the second in a three-year sequence, builds on the introductory year of French by further equipping students with listening and speaking, reading and writing skills for language acquisition. Through the use of authentic French audio-visual and print materials, students learn to communicate meaningfully beyond the basic descriptive level, summarizing, and reminiscing. Alongside their French language acquisition, students continue to develop cultural literacy and sensitivity regarding the French-speaking world. Much of the classroom instruction and interaction is conducted in French.

Pre-requisite: French 7-8 or French I or permission of the department chair. (Full Year Course)

This course, the third in a three-year sequence, conducted almost exclusively in French, leads to more sophisticated communication in the language, including the expression of opinion and sentiment on a variety of topics. Students encounter authentic French audio-visual and print materials further enriching their cultural literacy and sensitivity as they also deepen and broaden their ability to express themselves meaningfully in the past, present, and future.

Prerequisite: French II or permission of the department chair. (Full Year Course)

This course, conducted entirely in French, seeks to prepare recommended students for the AP^® level by blending a comprehensive review of grammar and vocabulary with the further acquisition of French language proficiency and francophone cultural literacy. Through the extensive classroom use of a wide variety of authentic French audio-visual and print materials, students gain a level of listening and reading comprehension as well as oral and written fluency so as to express themselves meaningfully and confidently on a wide variety of topics. Students who successfully complete French IV Honors may be recommended for AP® French Language and Culture.

Pre-requisite: French III or permission of the department chair. (Full Year Course)

This course, offered only on demand and by recommendation, seeks to further prepare students for the AP® level. Conducted entirely in French, this course provides students the unique opportune its to review, remediate, and practice grammar and vocabulary while continuing to develop their cultural literacy of France and the francophone world. Through a focused review and practice of explicit grammar and vocabulary acquisition, students express themselves more correctly and authentically in both their written and spoken French. Students who successfully complete the French Composition and Conversation may be recommended for AP® French Language and Culture.

Pre-requisite: French IV Honors or permission of the department chair. (Full Year Course)

This course, the second in a three-year sequence, builds on the introductory year of Spanish by further equipping students with listening and speaking, reading and writing skills for language acquisition. Through the use of authentic Spanish audio-visual and print materials, students learn to communicate meaningfully beyond the basic descriptive level, summarizing, and reminiscing. Alongside their Spanish language acquisition students continue to develop cultural literacy and sensitivity regarding the Spanish-speaking world. Much of the classroom instruction and interaction are conducted in Spanish.

Pre-requisite: Spanish 7-8 or Spanish I or permission of the department chair. (Full Year Course)

This course, the third in a three-year sequence, conducted almost exclusively in Spanish, leads to more sophisticated communication in the language, including the expression of opinion and sentiment on a variety of topics. Students encounter authentic Spanish audio-visual and print materials further enriching their cultural literacy and sensitivity as they also deepen and broaden their ability to express themselves meaningfully in the past, present, and future.

Pre-requisite: Spanish II or permission of the department chair. (Full Year Course)

This course, conducted entirely in Spanish, seeks to prepare recommended students for the AP^® level by blending a comprehensive review of grammar and vocabulary with the further acquisition of Spanish language proficiency and Hispanic cultural literacy. Through the extensive use of a wide variety of authentic Spanish audio-visual and print materials, students gain a level of listening and reading comprehension as well as oral and written fluency so as to express themselves meaningfully and confidently on a wide variety of topics. Students who successfully complete Spanish IV Honors may be recommended for AP® Spanish Language and Culture.

Pre-requisite: Spanish III or permission from the department chair. (Full Year Course)

Health Class allows students to examine a variety of health and fitness related topics, while empowering them to make healthy, lifelong choices. Topics will include (But are not limited to) decision-making skills, nutrition, eating disorders, risk factors for disease, injury prevention, cardiovascular fitness, the dangers of tobacco, vaping, drugs and alcohol. Students will also be exposed to basic life support techniques and will be certified in CPR. Health class is offered as a 2-week summer session, as well as a semester course.

(Semester Course) (Summer Session option)

Beginning weight training will allow students to learn and apply weight training principles with an individualized approach. Students will learn to design and implement a program tailored to their own fitness needs while gaining a sense of physical and mental confidence through active class participation. The class will provide a daily workout routine that the students are expected to follow. The students will look and feel better throughout this class, which can serve as a condition for individual/team sports or body building/advanced weight training. Additional, a paper based on aspects of fitness, conditioning or nutrition will be assigned during the semester.

Prerequisite: Sophomore standing (Semester Course)

Biology is an all-inclusive survey course in life science. Topics covered will include the diversity of life, basic biochemistry, cell structure and division, genetics and ecology. Student understanding is reinforced through inquiry-based labs, a variety of hands-on investigations, dissection, and microscopy.

(Lab Science) (Full Year Course)

This course provides the student with a broad introduction to chemical principles and concepts. Some of the topics covered include chemical quantities and equations, the atom, the periodic table, rates of reactions, acid-base chemistry, and chemical structures. The course draws on basic algebra skills such as solving equations and using ratios. 

(Lab Science) (Full Year Course)

AP Chemistry is comparable to a first-year, two-semester college chemistry course, and the accompanying laboratory. Students spend the entire year studying a broad range of topics including atomic structure, mass relationships, gases, thermochemistry, chemical bonding, phases of matter, chemical kinetics and equilibrium, electrochemistry, and thermodynamics. Students must be proficient in math and problem solving, and have excellent organizational skills to successfully complete this course. This class, in common with other AP courses, will require extensive independent preparation in addition to the coursework covered during class. Time spent in class, versus time spent in independent study, is more closely comparable to a college course than a traditional high school course.

Prerequisite: Algebra II, Physics or Chemistry, and departmental recommendation. (Lab Science) (Full Year)

Physics is a course designed to give students more insight into the natural world. Relevant concepts are discussed in class and problem-solving techniques are developed for various topics. These topics include mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves, sound, and optics. In addition, an extended lab will be developed and carried out by students. The concepts discussed in class are supplemented with labs and demonstrations. Algebra II skills are pertinent to physics and are developed throughout this course.

Prerequisite: Algebra II concurrently (Lab Science) (Full Year Course)

The goal of AP Environmental Science is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the inter-relationships of the natural world. Topics covered will include geology, oceanography, biology, chemistry and geography. Students will identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made. Students will read a variety of texts describing environmental issues and write statements that reflect an understanding of the inter-relationships under investigation. Through this course, we will investigate problems through hands-on laboratory experiences or fieldwork at least one class period a week. This class, in common with other AP courses, will require extensive independent preparation in addition to the coursework covered during class. Time spent in class, versus time spent in independent study, is more closely comparable to a college course than a traditional high school course. This class is an elective, and does not fulfill a graduation requirement.

Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry, plus departmental recommendation. (Lab Science) (Full Year Course)

In this course, students will learn how to integrate principals of design and innovation with practical, hands-on skills. Students will work with different materials and equipment, including hand tools, power tools and 3D printers. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to build an innovation portfolio, which documents collaborative ideating, brainstorming and creation, and visit local companies to experience real-world applications.

Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior or senior standing. (Semester Class)

Engineering-Fall and Engineering Spring are all about building through doing. In these course, we will spend every class period building projects to accomplish a task. Projects will involve a blend of design, mechanics, electronics, and programming. No previous science or math courses are required, and no experience with any tool of skill is necessary. Both Engineering classes can be taken together or independently, and the fall class in not required prior to the spring class. Past projects include building a bridge, building a remote-controlled car, and building a medieval weapon.

(Semester Class)

Engineering-Fall and Engineering Spring are all about building through doing. In these course, we will spend every class period building projects to accomplish a task. Projects will involve a blend of design, mechanics, electronics, and programming. No previous science or math courses are required, and no experience with any tool of skill is necessary. Both Engineering classes can be taken together or independently, and the fall class in not required prior to the spring class. Past projects include building a bridge, building a remote-controlled car, and building a medieval weapon.

(Semester Class)

Anatomy & Physiology: Cells and Tissues introduces students to the field of Human Anatomy and Physiology. Students have an opportunity to explore the intricate and sophisticated relationship between structure and function in the human body. This course introduces students to the concepts of anatomical terminology, homeostasis, biochemistry, cytology and histology. They will also study the Integumentary and Skeletal systems. Students will explore anatomical and physiological disorders, medical diagnosis and treatment for the systems covered in this course. Laboratory activities reinforce concepts and principles presented in the course. This course can be taken together with Anatomy & Physiology: Systems or independently.

(Semester Class)

Anatomy & Physiology: Systems continues the study into the field of Human Anatomy and Physiology. The course will allow students an opportunity to survey the remarkable array of body systems that comprise the human body. This semester course covers the Muscular system, Nervous system, Endocrine system, Cardiovascular system/blood, Lymphatic/Immune system, Digestive system, Urinary system, and Reproductive systems. Laboratory activities reinforce concepts and principles presented in the course. This course can be taken together with Anatomy & Physiology: Systems or independently.

(Semester Course)

Students in this course will gain familiarity with structure, nomenclature, and characteristic reactions of each of the major organic functional groups. They will also learn the basic classes of biomolecules, and their roles in simple cellular processes such as gene expression, enzyme catalysis, glucose metabolism, and energy transfer through cellular respiration/oxidation phosphorylation. This course can be taken together with Biochemistry Honors or independently.

Pre-requisite: Chemistry (Semester Course)

Students in this course will gain familiarity with structure, nomenclature, and characteristic reactions of each of the major organic functional groups. They will also learn the ways that drugs (small organic molecules) affect biochemical processes, and how researcher use organic chemistry and biochemistry to help discover new medicines. This course can be taken together with Organic Chemistry Honors or independently.

Pre-requisite: Chemistry (Semester Course)