Typical Curriculum
In order to meet the requirements for graduation as well as the requirements for college, the best idea is to map out classes over four years. The general expected course load is five "core" majors plus a minor or two. In order to facilitate this process, the following are examples of curriculums at each grade level.
English | All students take English IX |
Math | Based on 8th grade; Geometry, Accelerated or Honors Geometry, Honors Algebra II |
History | World Religions in History |
Science | Biology |
Freshman STEAMinar | The STEAMinar explores interdisciplinary topics such as coding, computational thinking, statistical literacy, and biotechnology. |
Language | French, Spanish, Latin, or Chinese |
Optional 6th Major | Students may add a second language |
Minors and Electives | Students may choose to take Intro to Computer Science or Speech and Debate. In Arts courses, students start with the foundation class (e.g. Intro to Fine Art, Intro to Architecture, Intro to Furniture Design, Intro to Photography, or Intro to Ceramics). Minors also include several music electives and ensembles like Band, Orchestra, or Choir. |
English | All students take English X |
Math | Based on 9th grade: Algebra II, Accelerated or Honors Algebra II, Honors PreCalculus |
History | American History |
Science | Applied Chemistry, Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, |
Language | French, Spanish, Latin, or Chinese |
Optional 6th Major | Students may add a second language, a second History, a second Science such as Robotics, Introduction to Engineering, Energy Systems, Computer Science or an advanced Arts course |
Minors and Electives | Students may choose to take Intro to Computer Science or Speech and Debate. In Arts courses, students start with the foundation class (e.g. Intro to Fine Art, Intro to Architecture, Intro to Furniture Design, Intro to Photography, or Intro to Ceramics). Minors also include several music electives and ensembles like Band, Orchestra, or Choir. Students also take Health for one trimester as part of the PE requirement. |
English | Students may choose from a variety of electives for the first semesters, the second semester is the Junior Writing Seminar. |
Math | Based on 10th grade: Pre-Calculus, Accelerated or Honors PreCalculus, AP Calculus AB or BC, AP Statistics |
History | Students may choose from a variety of History, Religion or Philosophy classes, some of which are AP classes. |
Science | Students may choose from a variety of courses, including Physics, Honors Physics, Robotics, Introduction to Engineering, Environmental Science, Energy Systems, Genetics, Anatomy, Astronomy, Research Experience (REX), AP Chemistry, AP Bio, or AP Physics. |
Language | French, Spanish, Latin, or Chinese |
Optional 6th Major | Students may add a second language, a second History, a second Science, Computer Science or an advanced Arts course |
Minors and Electives | Students may choose to take Intro to Computer Science or Speech and Debate. In Arts courses, students start with the foundation class (e.g. Intro to Fine Art, Intro to Architecture, Intro to Furniture Design, Intro to Photography, or Intro to Ceramics). Minors also include several music electives and ensembles like Band, Orchestra, or Choir. |
English | Students may choose from a variety of electives for the first semester, the second semester is a reading intensive course and the Senior Seminar, "A Life that Works." |
Math | Based on 11th grade; PreCalculus, Calculus, AP Calculus AB or BC, AP Statistics, Advanced Topics in Math Research |
History | Students may choose from a variety of History, Religion or Philosophy classes, some of which are AP classes. |
Science | Students may choose from a variety of courses, including Physics, Honors Physics, Robotics, Introduction to Engineering, Environmental Science, Energy Systems, Genetics, Anatomy, Astronomy, Research Experience (REX), AP Chemistry, AP Bio, or AP Physics. |
Language | French, Spanish, Latin, or Chinese |
Optional 6th Major | Students may add a second language, a second History, a second Science, Computer Science or an advanced Arts course. There is also the Peer Leadership Program, a major encompassing leadership and guidance with 9th graders. By application and interview only. |
Minors and Electives | Students may choose to take Intro to Computer Science or Speech and Debate. In Arts courses, students start with the foundation class (e.g. Intro to Fine Art, Intro to Architecture, Intro to Furniture Design, Intro to Photography, or Intro to Ceramics). Minors also include several music electives and ensembles like Band, Orchestra, or Choir. |
Senior Project | For the final weeks of the spring semester, seniors are required to do a senior project, a wonderful opportunity to explore an academic or career interest. Students drop most classes at this time. However, graduation requirements may not be dropped, and AP classes continue until after the exam in mid-May. |