Grades 9-12
Mathematics
All students taking original credit math will complete semester courses regardless of which secondary school they attend.
Algebra I : Instruction will focus on four critical areas: (1) deepen and extend understanding of linear and exponential relationships; (2) contrast linear and exponential relationships with each other and engage in methods for analyzing, solving, and using quadratic functions; (3) extend the laws of exponents to square and cube roots; (4) apply linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend.
Geometry is the second course in a five-year sequence of college preparatory mathematics courses that starts with Algebra I and continues through Calculus. Geometry aims to formalize and extend the geometry that students have learned in previous courses. It does this by focusing on establishing triangle congruence criteria using rigid motions and formal constructions, building a formal understanding of similarity based on dilations and proportional reasoning, developing the concepts of formal proof, exploring the properties of two and three dimensional objects, working within the rectangular coordinate system to verify geometric relationships, proving basic theorems about circles, and using the language of set theory to compute and interpret probabilities for compound events.
Algebra II is the third course in a five-year sequence of rigorous college preparatory mathematics courses that starts with Algebra I and continues through Calculus. Algebra II aims to apply and extend what students have learned in previous courses by focusing on finding connections between multiple representations of functions, transformations of different function families, finding zeros of polynomials and connecting them to graphs and equations of polynomials, modeling periodic phenomena with trigonometry, and understanding the role of randomness and the normal distribution in making statistical conclusions.
Pre-Calculus develops the concepts and properties of the periodic trigonometric functions and their inverses with a more advanced, in-depth analysis: circular functions, periodicity and the graphing of the sine function and its variants, radian and degree measurement of angles, polar and rectangular coordinate systems, trigonometric identities, the graphing of polar and parametric functions, the conic sections of hyperbola, ellipse and parabola, the Law of Sines and the Law of Cosines, the complex number system in rectangular and polar form and the graphical analysis of rational polynomial functions.
Non Departmental
Health and Family Living * (Semester) is an activity-based course aligned with the California State Framework. The student will learn how to make healthy personal choices related to the six components of overall health and wellness. The class will include injury prevention and first aid, human body systems and their functions, abstinence and building responsible relationships, pregnancy prevention, sexually transmitted infections, alcohol and drug education, and consumer and community health.
English
English is not offered as Original Credit during summer - Classes are for Grade and Credit Recovery Students Only
English 9 is a comprehensive English language arts program, which focuses on responding to literature through reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
English 10 is a world literature survey class that emphasizes the writing process and grammar through usage for lifetime communication skills. Students will focus on interpreting literature through essay writing and discussion.
English 11 surveys American literature from 1604 to the present. The course will focus on literary analysis through research, composition, and discussion. Students will write formal and informal essays, conduct research, and participate in oral language activities.
English 12 is a class to prepare college-bound seniors for the literacy demands of higher education. Students develop advanced proficiency in expository, analytical, and argumentative reading and writing. They are expected to increase their awareness of rhetorical strategies used by writers and apply those strategies to their own writing.
Social Sciences
World Hist Cult/Geo is designed to examine major turning points in the shaping of the modern world from the Enlightenment to Post World War II. Focus is made on democratic ideals, revolutions and the world wars as they shaped and fostered growing interdependence of peoples and cultures throughout the world.
US History is designed with a selective review of American history from the Founding of the Nation to 9/11. First semester studies the larger themes of US Founding; Civil War and Reconstruction; Immigration, Industrialization and Progressivism; US Imperialism; the 1920’s and the Great Depression. Second semester studies the larger themes of WWII; Cold War; Civil Rights Movement; Vietnam and Counterculture Movement; Modern Day Issues. Students focus on the social, political, 47 and economic effects of these issues as well the effects on disadvantaged social groups.
Economics * (Semester) is the study of how people choose to use resources. Using that as a starting point, students will explore the operations and institutions of economic systems, as well as studying basic economic concepts, government involvement through taxes, individual and corporate economic behavior, global economic concepts, and personal finance.
American Government * (Semester) is designed to explore the origins, development, structure, and functions of the U.S. Federal Government. Topics include the constitutional framework; federalism; the three branches of government, including the bureaucracy; civil rights and liberties; political participation and behavior; and policy formation. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts and participatory processes of the American political system. Basic concepts of state and local government and their relationships with the federal government are also examined.
Electives
Psychology * (Semester) is the scientific study of the way the human mind works and how it influences behavior. This one semester course acts as an introduction to the field of psychology, and will include the study of topics such as: identity and personality, human development, learning, motivation, emotions, altered states of consciousness. Students will have the opportunities to explore scientific perspectives on human behavior and learn about various careers associated with this field of study.
Sociology * (Semester is the study of human behavior and social structures. In this one semester course, we will examine social phenomena from an academic perspective looking for patterns of social interaction and how those interactions influence human behavior. Topics include, but are not limited to, race and ethnicity, religion, family, deviance and crime, and culture. Through a variety of methods, students will explore different sociological ideas from an educational perspective in order to develop their own social perspectives and critical thinking skills.
Spanish I (Grade/credit recovery only) is a college preparatory, introductory course to the Spanish language and Hispanic culture. The emphasis will be given to activities focusing on essential language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). The goal is to develop fluency and comprehension of the Spanish language. The student will gain an appreciation of Hispanic culture through readings, media, speakers, and geography. Formative skills in reading and writing will also be introduced.
Spanish II (Grade/credit recovery only) is a course designed for students continuing with their second academic year of college preparatory Spanish. Students will continue to develop all four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). The goal is to increase fluency and comprehension of the Spanish language. Students will be introduced to numerous, advanced grammatical concepts and vocabulary. Instruction will include insights into cultures and traditions of Spanish-speaking persons
Work Experience The primary goal of Work Experience Education is to provide students with employment competency through actual work experience. Students will take this elective Credit/No Credit class that is non A-G approved. Since the summer session only runs 3 weeks, a student must have their work permit and be employed at least 10 hours per week prior to beginning this course. Students will be expected to provide pay stubs verifying completed work hours, and check in with their teacher at least once per week (online) to learn valuable work force related skills that may include but not be limited to: interviewing, resume building, and customer service.
Summer Bridge Program (rising 9th graders in person by invitation) is designed to provide incoming 9th graders with an orientation to high school by reviewing some of the essential skills for success from an academic and organizational perspective. Students will be expected to enroll in the 6 week Summer Bridge ELA and Math classes that will cover two class periods of the day. Upon successful completion of the course, students will earn 5 elective credits. Students will also be able to take 1 enrichment class per 3 week session to round out their full 3 period day.