HIGH SCHOOL
High School classes require a greater level of commitment on the part of the student. Courses at this level involve not only learning new concepts but also being able to analyze them and place them within the larger context of a worldview. Students should expect more rigorous homework assignments, weekly exams and long-term projects. Preparation for related college-board exams is a by-product of some high school level classes. Classes require the purchase of textbooks and other related materials.
Algebra 2
TBD, plus 1-hour online session
Students will use the Saxon Algebra 2, curriculum to learn about: traditional second-year algebra topics; geometric functions like angles, perimeters and proportional segments; negative exponents; quadratic equations; logarithms and advanced factoring. In a typical day, the 2 hours of class time will encompass instruction of four lessons and application of principles through sample problems worked on the board. In addition to the in-person class, a second hour will be scheduled online for further instruction and homework help. Math-related current events may be assigned with students presenting their findings to the class. When appropriate, examples of algebra in action from science and engineering will be shared. Each week students will be assigned problems sets from the lessons. Quizzes and tests will be given periodically. Placement test required. Instructor: Rani Walter
Advanced Math, Part 1
TBD, plus 1-hour online session
Students will begin a journey into precalculus using Saxon Advanced Mathematics. This curriculum integrates topics from algebra, geometry, trigonometry, discrete mathematics, and word problem analysis among other topics. The depth and breadth of material make it necessary to teach this course over two academic years. By the end of Part 2, students will have completed geometry, trigonometry, and precalculus. In addition, PSAT and SAT math will be introduced and practiced. Class time encompasses instruction of lessons and application of principles through sample problems. In addition to the in-person class, a second hour will be scheduled online for further instruction and homework help. Each week students are assigned problems sets from the book. Periodically, closed-book quizzes will be completed at home. Text: Saxon Advanced Mathematics, 2rd Edition (revised). Prerequisite: Saxon Algebra 2 or placement test. Instructor: Rani Walter
Advanced Math, Part 2
Wednesdays, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm, plus 1-hour online session
This is a continuation of Saxon Advanced Mathematics. By the end of this class, students will have completed geometry, trigonometry, and precalculus. Class time encompasses instruction of lessons and application of principles through sample problems. In addition to the in-person class, a second hour will be scheduled online for further instruction and homework help. Examples of algebra in action from science and engineering will be shared. Each week students are assigned problems sets from the book. Periodically, closed-book quizzes will be completed at home. SAT math will be practiced. Text: Saxon Advanced Mathematics, 2rd Edition (revised). Prerequisite: Advanced Math Part 1 or placement test. Instructor: Terry-Ann Gilleland
Geometry
TBD, plus 1-hour online session
Students will use the Saxon Geometry text to explore topics in high school geometry. This is a stand-alone class for high school students filling a one-year geometry requirement. The course covers triangle congruence, postulates and theorems, surface area and volume, two-column proofs, vector addition, and slopes and equations of lines. In addition to the in-person class, a second hour will be scheduled online for further instruction and homework help. Prerequisite: Algebra 1 or placement test. Instructor: TBA
High School Writing (8th to 12th graders)
Tuesdays, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
This course is designed to foster a love of reading and writing using EIW. Students will learn different forms of writing. They will write expository essays, persuasive essays, and literary response essays. Students will also write research papers. They will explore creative writing along with reading good literature books that explore different styles of writing. Poetry, short stories, and famous documents will be included. Students will practice vocabulary words and grammar. This class will also explore journaling, analytical thinking, and discussion of the stories being read. Journaling will be used as a means to practice expressive writing and analysis of the literature. Classroom presentations will also be used to learn public speaking. Instructor: Leslie Rosa
Studio Art (8th to 12th graders)
Tuesdays, 12:45 pm - 3:15 pm
This class builds on students’ prior art knowledge from intermediate-level art classes. Students who have a solid foundation in drawing techniques will be encouraged to take those skills to a higher level by being urged to transform the familiar into the unfamiliar. Students will learn the principles and concepts of design, developing the student’s knowledge of composition in two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. These elements and principles of design are the building blocks of art that will not only improve the student’s artwork but also be used in all art careers. Students will learn the “why” and “how” of art techniques, which will enable them to develop the skills needed to become independent in creating their own artwork. We will examine different artists’ artworks, seeking to evaluate and recognize art techniques and concepts in action. Students will explore, experiment, and solve problems as they create their own original art works. (This art class does not repeat the previous year’s projects.)
Instructor: Patricia Storey
High School Biology (9th to 12th graders)
Wednesdays, 12:45 pm - 3:15 pm
Students will explore high school biology through reading and vocabulary, real-world relevance, scientific inquiry, and laboratory experiments. Topics include cells, microbiology, genetics, body systems, and ecology. Please note that labs in this class will include dissections. Text: SAVVAS Miller and Levine Biology.
Instructor: Craig Hoppe
High School History: Mercantilism in the 16th-19th centuries (8th to 12th graders)
Thursdays, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
In the Middle Ages, Europeans began buying vast amounts of spices, silks, and other goods from Asia. In the 1400s, however, it became harder to get those goods as the Silk Road became harder to travel. Merchants began looking for ocean routes to East Asia that bypassed the Middle East. Exploration led to the discovery of other lands and resources. Advances in navigation, science, and geography allowed four strong kingdoms - Portugal, Spain, France and England - to pursue new routes to Asia and around the world. Join us as we investigate the mercantilism of Europe and its impact on the world we know.
Instructor: Lindsei Lansky Luciano
Marine Science (8th to 12th graders)
Thursdays, 12:45 pm - 3:15 pm
The Learning Center is excited to offer this new science class! Topics include ocean ecosystems, marine populations, migrations, and biodiversity, food webs, tides, and waves. Students will be provided with a unique way to learn about marine science by tracking the paths of animals in the ocean. Students will interpret satellite Earth images, engage in lab activities, and analyze case studies of real-life problems. Text: SAVVAS Marine Science. Prerequisite: high school biology. Instructor: Craig Hoppe