Social Studies Courses

Ancient Cultures: Required Core Course for 1.0 Credit

This course focuses on time, people, and places during the rise of civilization, fostering a comprehensive awareness of how civilization began. Students will explore the beginnings of our new governance system and practice the democratic process.

8th Grade US History: Required Core Course for 1.0 Credit

This course is designed to emphasize historic events from the age of exploration to reconstruction and the western movement. Topics covered will include the age of exploration, colonization, revolutionary war, national period, constitutional issues, civil war, reconstruction, and the western movement.

World Geography/Ancient World Civilization: Required Core Course for 1.0 Credit

This course is designed to introduce students to the world of geographic study. All people, places, significant events, cultures, and environments have locations. Students will demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the geographic (spatial) perspective, and apply geographic tools and techniques to the five themes of geography. Additionally, students will demonstrate how human activities affect the earth through population patterns, diverse cultures, cooperation and conflict, and economical resources.

World History: Required Core Course for 1.0 Credit

This course allows students to understand and appreciate the history of the diverse peoples and cultures of the world. This course is broad and integrative, and will examine and analyze the commonalities and differences of human experiences in at least six spheres of human activity: social, scientific/technological, economic, religious/philosophical, geographic, and political. May be taken as advanced placement (AP).

US History: Required Core Course for 1.0 Credit

This course studies the history of the United States, viewing that history through basic geographic, economical, social, political and historical developments in the United States following reconstruction and the western movement. Particular emphasis is placed on the Constitution, the American system of government, and legal/citizenship education. Students will identify ways to solve problems, make decisions, and participate as responsible citizens of the United States, while developing basic tools of historical interpretation, research and analysis. May be taken as advanced placement (AP).

US Government: Required Core Course for 0.5 Credit

This course will provide students with a general understanding of the governmental, political and legal systems of the United States. Varied instructional activities inside and outside the classroom will enable students to learn about law and the legal system of the nation.

Economics: Required Core Course for 0.5 Credits

This course focuses on the study of economic problems and the methods by which societies solve them. Students will explore characteristics of the market economy of the United States and its function in the world; they will also develop an understanding of methods for applying economic principles to their own lives and personal finance decision making.

Psychology: Elective Course for 0.5 or 1.0 Credit

This course introduces the study of human behavior. It emphasizes the manner in which the individual can apply various psychological theories and concepts to better understand self, personal motives, and relationship with other people.

Sociology: Elective Course for 0.5 or 1.0 Credit

This course introduces the student to the principles of sociology. Students will study society, one's role in it, issues and problems, social change, and social movements. It includes a study of basic institutions including the family, with an emphasis on political and social organizations.

Anthropology: Elective Course for 0.5 Credits

This course focuses on the four sub-disciplines of anthropology: physical, cultural, archeological, and linguistic. A geographical and historical sampling of human institutions and ways of life will help students develop a greater understanding of the role of culture in human behavior.

Science Courses

7th Grade Integrated Science: Required Core Course

This course focuses on the theme of "structure." Students will note examples of structure in the world around them by learning concepts and principles of science that illustrate this principle. They will recognize that all substances are made of smaller component parts that work together to become larger, dynamic systems.

8th Grade Integrated Science: Core Course

This course focuses on the theme of "change." Students will learn that there is observable evidence illustrating earth's dynamic systems and the gradual changes in the earth's system over time. Students will study the earth, space, motion, and energy. They will learn that those principles are involved in the operation of many systems and are fundamentals of scientific understanding.

Earth Science: Elective Course for 1.0 Credit

This course focuses on the theme of earth systems. Students will learn that there is observable evidence which illustrates Earth's many dynamic systems and the gradual changes in those systems over time. This evidence will be shown by combining the study of earth, space, physical and life sciences.

9th Grade Physical Science: Required Core Course for 1.0 Credit

This course focuses on three main topics: matter, motion and energy. Students will gain an understanding of the basic laws that govern matter, motion, and energy. They will learn that these principles are involved in the operation of many systems and are fundamental to scientific understanding.

Biology: Required Core Course for 1.0 Credit

This course focuses on an understanding of physical life, teaching the background and tools necessary to observe and understand living organisms and systems. It is a functional study of science, rather than a structural study.

Environmental Science: Elective Course for 1.0 Credit

In this course students will learn that there is observable evidence which illustrates Earth's dynamic environmental systems, the gradual change in these systems over time, and how these systems interact. The course further emphasizes the relationship between the human population and the ecological systems of the earth.

Chemistry: Elective Course for 1.0 Credit

This course focuses on the chemical nature of both organic and inorganic materials. It illustrates the structure, properties and the basic function of these materials. May be offered as advanced placement (AP).

Physics: Elective Course for 1.0 Credit

This course focuses on several aspects of energy, its transfer through systems and objects; the motion of particles, both microscopic and macroscopic; energy mechanisms and Newtonian physics; matter and quantum physics; projectiles, reflection and refraction. May be offered as advanced placement (AP).

Anatomy and Physiology: Elective Course for 1.0 Credit

This course focuses on the biological processes of the human body, and how the processes of other organisms relate to the human body. Human anatomical structures, themselves, are learned as a means of understanding how human physiology functions. May be offered as advanced placement (AP).

Mathematics Courses

7th Grade Math: Required Core Course

This course focuses on applying math to life. Students learn logical reasoning strategies, the multiple representations numbers have, number system and theory, computation and estimation, functional relationships and patterns, probability, and measurement within the context of real life.

Pre-Algebra: Required Core Course for 1.0 Credit

This course focuses on developing skills in problem solving, number systems and theory, computation and estimation, patterns and functions, and statistics and probability. Additionally, the course introduces algebraic concepts to build a strong foundation for the subsequent formal study of algebra. Such informal explorations include physical models, numerical representations, and graphing models, rather teaching algebraic representation in isolation.

Algebra I: Required Core Course for 1.0 Credit

Students explore a mathematical model for the real number system involving the study of straight lines and numerical relationships. The properties of the real number system are used to solve linear equations and inequalities. Simple operations with polynomials are introduced and the laws of exponents are studied.

Geometry: Required Core Course for 1.0 Credit

The major postulates and theorems of Euclidean geometry form the basis of this course. Logical structures are investigated. Geometric constructions and coordinate geometry are studied and non-Euclidean geometries are introduced. Students should be able to investigate these geometry concepts using technology as well as pencil and paper. Trigonometry concepts are applied to appropriate geometry concepts.

Algebra II: Elective Core Course for 1.0 Credit

This course in algebra is an extension of the elementary algebraic concept involving a study of the quadric relations and their graphs. Systems of equations are solved, logarithmic functions are briefly studied, real number exponents and complex numbers are investigated, and proficiency with the algebra of polynomials and rational functions is developed. Trigonometry, probability, statistics, and discrete mathematics topics are topics for discussion and application.

Consumer Math: Elective Course for 1.0 Credit

This course prepares students to understand the values, needs wants, goals, and resources that enable people to make wise decisions based mathematical concepts. Financial resources management, including consumer rights and responsibilities, are discussed. This course also provides the student with a basic understanding of essential mathematical concepts, as well as background of business information that will relate directly to the consumer world.

Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus: Elective Course for 1.0 Credit

This course is an extension of intermediate algebra and geometry. The major emphasis is with algebraic functions, theory of equations, and inequalities. Trigonometry topics are completed along with the continued development of the binomial expansion, probability, statistics, analytic geometry, and discrete mathematics. The students should gain a sense of the structure of mathematics as the fundamental concepts of calculus are developed.

English Courses

7th Grade English: Required Core Course

This course provides intensive formal instruction in reading comprehension strategies as well as comprehensive instruction in the writing process. It also fosters the development of listening and speaking skills in formal situations and introduces limited formal speech.

8th Grade English: Required Core Course

This course continues to focus on reading comprehension and the writing process as well as listening and speaking skills in both informal and formal situations. Added from the seventh grade curriculum is a unit on drama and American folktales.

9th Grade English: Required Core Course for 1.0 Credit

In this course, thought reading comprehension skills remain an important focus, a more intensive emphasis is placed on the writing process and, in particular, the important skills of informational and persuasive writing. The course continues to support the development if listening and speaking skills in informal situations, and introduces informational and persuasive formal speech. Grammar is also an emphasis. Literature in this course covers epic and ancient Greek poems, a study a Jewish heritage and culture, Greek mythology, a short stories unit, a Shakespeare unit, a poetry unit, and the call of the wild and Great Expectations.

10th Grade English: Required Core Course for 1.0 Credit

This course continues to focus on the expository and persuasive writing processes. Grammar as well as listening and speaking skills in informal and formal speech are also vital to this course. Literature read in this course include works such as Lord of the Flies, Cyrano de Bergerac, The Joy Luck Club, The Great Gatsby, Macbeth, and a short stories unit.

11th Grade English (American Literature): Required Core Course 1.0 Credit

This course teaches grammar and writing skills within the context of real life and business. Students begin to learn how to apply the skills they have learned to life and the world of business. There is a strong SAT preparatory emphasis in the course. The literature read in this class focuses on specific time periods and the impact the literature had on people and society. The class starts with Native American Poetry and ends with modern day American writers such as Amy Tan and J.K. Rowling.

12th Grade English (British Literature): Required Core Course 1.0 Credit

This course continues to emphasize the transition into the world of life, college, and business. Grammar and writing are still vital, but are taught specific to the needs of real life. SAT preparation is continued during the first semester of this course. The literature read in this class spans from the Anglo-Saxon period through the Elizabethan Age, the seventeenth and eighteenth century, the Victorian age and into modern era. The course looks at the different mediums of communication as well as the different avenues by which people choose to express themselves.

Creative Writing: Required Course for 0.5 Credit

This course is designed for students who plan to pursue collegiate study in English and who are interested in an academic elective. Intense instruction in writing skills and editing is offered.

Elective Educational Technology Courses

Computer Technology: Required Course for 0.5 Credit

In this course, students develop advanced applied word processing skills. Improved productivity through efficient, timesaving document production techniques is stressed. An integral part of this course is continued instructions and practice in formatting and editing and the creation of business documents through the use of functions such as merge. Graphics are also introduced. Additionally, the course provides students with an introduction to the internet. Students will demonstrate a basic knowledge of the internet and its tools through the use of e-mail, search engines and browsers. HTML and web publishing software will be used to create, format, illustrate, design, edit, and publish web pages. Emphasis will be placed on the application of the internet in business.

Keyboarding: Elective Course for 0.5 Credit

This course emphasizes the development of speed and accuracy for personal and business use. Skills for preparing reports, business letter, complex tables, and business forms will be developed. Business communication composition will be integrated throughout the course. A short business simulation for skill application and reinforcement will conclude the course.

Elective Applied Technology Education Courses

Career Exploration/ Internship: Elective Course for 0.5 Credit

This course consists of structured career development and guidance activities designed to foster the basic job skills and self-awareness needed to successfully match an individual's potential and interests with today's work environment. Topics include work success, critical thinking, quality control, applied math, safety, workplace economics, and computer literacy.

Adult Roles & Responsibility: Elective Course for 0.5 Credit

This course prepares students to understand the nature, function, and significance of the interpersonal relationships of individuals and families. Topics discussed include: family living, parenting, household and money management, decision-making skills, communication skills, self-awareness, crisis management, and the individual's roles and responsibilities within the family and community. Emphasis is placed on basic cooking, cleaning, shopping, sewing, and budgeting skills.

SAT Preparations and Transition to college: Elective Course for 0.5 Credit

This course helps students prepare for the transition to college. It helps prepare them to take the SAT by teaching them test-taking skills such as effective review of directions and strategies for approaching each sub-section. Additionally, the course walks the students through the steps of deciding which colleges to apply to, requesting and completing applications, writing the college essay, applying for financial aid and scholarship, visiting colleges, choosing the right college, and transitioning to college life.

Healthy Lifestyle Courses

Physical Education: Required Course for 1.0 Credit

This course helps students adopt a personal lifestyle that will achieve physical fitness. Specifically, students will identify and understand all of the components of fitness, such as cardio-vascular fitness, strength, flexibility, endurance, weight control, nutrition, and stress management.

Dance/Aerobics: Required Course for 1.0 Credit

This course provides experience in dance technique and the development of such things as physical strength, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, coordination and total fitness. Students expand their dance vocabulary and skills, and develop their creative abilities through improvisation, choreography, and performance.

Health Education: Required Course for 0.5 Credit

This course focuses on establishing patterns of behavior that will assist a person in achieving complete health. Complete health is accomplished by having a balance of physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In class students have the opportunity to acquire knowledge, incorporate process and life skills, and develop positive attitudes about life. Development of healthy body and a healthy mind are emphasized.

Healthy Lifestyle: Required Course for 0.5 Credit

This course is designed to help students make good choices and lead healthy and happy lives even when faced with unhealthy societal pressures. Topics of study include: alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, tobacco, infections and sexually transmitted diseases, managing stress, mental health, personal health, and relationship - friendship, intimacy, and parenting.

Fine Arts Courses

Foundation of Art: Required Course for 1.0 Credit

This course emphasizes drawing, color, and design concepts. Students engage in activities that foster an applied understanding of basic vocabulary, aesthetics, higher-level thinking, divergent production, and art criticism.

Foundation of Art II: Required Course for 1.0 Credit

This course builds on the concepts learned in foundations I and gives the student more advanced practice in specific mediums of art. Students also begin to develop or refine their art portfolios.

Introduction to Dance: Required Course for 0.5 Credit

This beginning level dance course builds knowledge and skill in the following areas: technique, improvisation, choreography, artistic expression, performance, history, culture, life skills, and connections to other curricular areas. This course teaches dance as a universal language; an expressive and vibrant art with the capacity to unify the physical, mental, social, emotional, aesthetic, and spiritual.

Foreign Language Courses

All languages are offered through Brigham Young University independent study under the supervision of one of our classroom instructors.