Course Descriptions
Click on the course title to see the class syllabus.
Click on the course title to see the class syllabus.
Science Courses - Mr. Jim Mueller
Biology, High School
Wednesday, 1:15-3:15
An enjoyable, hands-on and thorough approach to biology. The class content will follow the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for Biology. We will be covering, genetics, biological molecules, DNA, ecosystems, cell biology, evolution and more. The class will be a combination of hands-on lab work as well as lecture.
Wednesday, 1:15-3:15
An enjoyable, hands-on and thorough approach to biology. The class content will follow the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for Biology. We will be covering, genetics, biological molecules, DNA, ecosystems, cell biology, evolution and more. The class will be a combination of hands-on lab work as well as lecture.
Physics, High School
Monday, 1:15-3:15
An enjoyable, hands-on and thorough approach to physics. The class content will follow the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for Physics. We will be covering mechanics, linear motion, energy, sound, and more during this year long course. The class will be a combination of hands-on lab work as well as lecture. Students are recommended to be fairly comfortable with math at a level of Algebra 1 or above.
Monday, 1:15-3:15
An enjoyable, hands-on and thorough approach to physics. The class content will follow the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for Physics. We will be covering mechanics, linear motion, energy, sound, and more during this year long course. The class will be a combination of hands-on lab work as well as lecture. Students are recommended to be fairly comfortable with math at a level of Algebra 1 or above.
Chemistry, High School
Friday, 1:15-3:15
An enjoyable, hands-on and thorough approach to basic chemistry. The class will be a combination of hands-on lab work as well as lecture. We will cover the periodic table, stoichiometry, energy in chemistry, acids and bases, redox reactions and much more. A good working knowledge of algebra 1 is recommended.
Friday, 1:15-3:15
An enjoyable, hands-on and thorough approach to basic chemistry. The class will be a combination of hands-on lab work as well as lecture. We will cover the periodic table, stoichiometry, energy in chemistry, acids and bases, redox reactions and much more. A good working knowledge of algebra 1 is recommended.
Earth Science, Middle School
Thursday 1:15-3:15
A hands-on and thorough approach to Earth science. Earth Science focuses on planet Earth and the energy transfers taking place within and without the earth system. During this course we will be covering the concepts of earthquakes, our place in space, weather, volcanoes, rocks, minerals and more.
This course is the second of three revolving, year-long science courses: Chemistry, Earth science, and Physics.
Thursday 1:15-3:15
A hands-on and thorough approach to Earth science. Earth Science focuses on planet Earth and the energy transfers taking place within and without the earth system. During this course we will be covering the concepts of earthquakes, our place in space, weather, volcanoes, rocks, minerals and more.
This course is the second of three revolving, year-long science courses: Chemistry, Earth science, and Physics.
Mathematics Courses- Mr. Thomas Hirschman
Pre-Algebra
Monday 8:30-10:30
The primary focus of Pre-Algebra is to prepare the student to get the most out of their future study of Algebra. The course might be more appropriately called “Algebra Readiness.” The class assumes the student has an understanding of the basic computation skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division); place values, meaning of fractions and decimals. Topics include: Order of Operations, Expressions, Properties, Perimeter and Area, and Percents.
Monday 8:30-10:30
The primary focus of Pre-Algebra is to prepare the student to get the most out of their future study of Algebra. The course might be more appropriately called “Algebra Readiness.” The class assumes the student has an understanding of the basic computation skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division); place values, meaning of fractions and decimals. Topics include: Order of Operations, Expressions, Properties, Perimeter and Area, and Percents.
Algebra I
Tuesday 8:30-10:30
This is the initial study of abstract ideas in mathematics using variables, equations and the set of Real Numbers. Topics include Solving Equations and Inequalities, Linear Graphs, Rules of Exponents.
Tuesday 8:30-10:30
This is the initial study of abstract ideas in mathematics using variables, equations and the set of Real Numbers. Topics include Solving Equations and Inequalities, Linear Graphs, Rules of Exponents.
Geometry
Wednesday 8:30-10:30
This course is the investigation of properties, relationships, and measurement of figures. In addition, emphasis is placed on constructing proofs.
Wednesday 8:30-10:30
This course is the investigation of properties, relationships, and measurement of figures. In addition, emphasis is placed on constructing proofs.
Algebra II/Trigonometry
Friday 8:30-10:30
This course is a continuation of Algebra 1. The chief focus of the course are the use of various functions and graphs and sophisticated ways of solving them. Topics include: Quadratic and Polynomial Functions, Exponential and Logarithmic Functions, Trigonometric Functions and Identities, Matrices.
Friday 8:30-10:30
This course is a continuation of Algebra 1. The chief focus of the course are the use of various functions and graphs and sophisticated ways of solving them. Topics include: Quadratic and Polynomial Functions, Exponential and Logarithmic Functions, Trigonometric Functions and Identities, Matrices.
English and History Courses - Mrs. Jen Mueller
Mrs. Mueller will be on sabbatical for the 2018-2019 academic year.
Mrs. Mueller will be on sabbatical for the 2018-2019 academic year.
Literature and Composition I (Formerly ELA-Foundations)
This course serves as an introduction to literature study, poetics, composition, and grammar. Through reading engaging short stories, novels, plays, and poetry, students will learn to identify common themes and literary devices, as well as develop in comprehension, vocabulary decoding, and critical thinking skills. Discussion and literature circles will aid students in connecting deeply with the works they read. The focus of the composition curriculum will be on the development of well-crafted descriptive, narrative, and expository pieces, including the skills of paraphrasing, summarizing, and basic outlining. Basic research skills will also be covered. In grammar we will learn and practice the four levels of grammar: parts of speech, parts of a sentence, phrases, and clauses.
L&C I is designed for students grades 6-8.
This course serves as an introduction to literature study, poetics, composition, and grammar. Through reading engaging short stories, novels, plays, and poetry, students will learn to identify common themes and literary devices, as well as develop in comprehension, vocabulary decoding, and critical thinking skills. Discussion and literature circles will aid students in connecting deeply with the works they read. The focus of the composition curriculum will be on the development of well-crafted descriptive, narrative, and expository pieces, including the skills of paraphrasing, summarizing, and basic outlining. Basic research skills will also be covered. In grammar we will learn and practice the four levels of grammar: parts of speech, parts of a sentence, phrases, and clauses.
L&C I is designed for students grades 6-8.
Literature and Composition II (Formerly ELA-1)
Through reading engaging works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, students will continue to develop an appreciation of literature. They will identify common themes and a broad range of literary devices, as well as develop comprehension, vocabulary decoding, and critical thinking skills. Lively discussion will aid students in exploring and connecting deeply with the works they read. In composition, we will review and build upon the skills students learned in Foundations; however, the focus will shift to expository writing across the curriculum. We will learn the basic elements of a formal essay, focusing on structure, organization, word choice, and meaningful content. We will also review the four levels of grammar (parts of speech, parts of a sentence, phrases, and clauses) and practice applying this knowledge to improve our compositions.
L&C II is designed for students grades 7-9. Students in grades 9-12 may take the class for HS credit.
Through reading engaging works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, students will continue to develop an appreciation of literature. They will identify common themes and a broad range of literary devices, as well as develop comprehension, vocabulary decoding, and critical thinking skills. Lively discussion will aid students in exploring and connecting deeply with the works they read. In composition, we will review and build upon the skills students learned in Foundations; however, the focus will shift to expository writing across the curriculum. We will learn the basic elements of a formal essay, focusing on structure, organization, word choice, and meaningful content. We will also review the four levels of grammar (parts of speech, parts of a sentence, phrases, and clauses) and practice applying this knowledge to improve our compositions.
L&C II is designed for students grades 7-9. Students in grades 9-12 may take the class for HS credit.
Literature and Composition III (Formerly ELA-2)
In this class students will develop more advanced skills in research, organization, and essay construction. The focus will be on writing about cause and effect, as well as more advanced instruction in literary criticism, science writing, descriptions, and paragraph construction. We will also review the four levels of grammar (parts of speech, parts of a sentence, phrases, and clauses) and practice applying this knowledge to improve our compositions.Through reading engaging works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, students will practice critical analysis of literary elements as well as develop in comprehension, vocabulary decoding, and critical thinking skills. Lively discussion and debate will aid students in analyzing and connecting deeply with the works they read.
L&C III is designed for students grades 8-10. Students in grades 9-12 may take the class for HS credit. It is recommended that students have a solid grasp of basic grammar and essay construction prior to enrolling.
In this class students will develop more advanced skills in research, organization, and essay construction. The focus will be on writing about cause and effect, as well as more advanced instruction in literary criticism, science writing, descriptions, and paragraph construction. We will also review the four levels of grammar (parts of speech, parts of a sentence, phrases, and clauses) and practice applying this knowledge to improve our compositions.Through reading engaging works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, students will practice critical analysis of literary elements as well as develop in comprehension, vocabulary decoding, and critical thinking skills. Lively discussion and debate will aid students in analyzing and connecting deeply with the works they read.
L&C III is designed for students grades 8-10. Students in grades 9-12 may take the class for HS credit. It is recommended that students have a solid grasp of basic grammar and essay construction prior to enrolling.
Honors Literature and Academic Writing I (Formerly ELA-3)
This class will integrate a thorough survey of literary genres (novels, short stories, poetry, drama), literary analysis, and composition. Through reading complex literary works, students will develop critical thinking skills, value evidence, and build academic language to engage in lively discussions. Students will be introduced to the basics of Rhetoric and the techniques of persuasive writing. Along with direct instruction over a variety of writing assignments aimed at developing style, students will continue to develop their advanced academic essay writing skills with trimester research papers for which they must use MLA formatting and standard proofreader's marks. All writing will be integrated with grammar and techniques of style.
This class is a challenging, high school-level course, designed for advanced 9th graders and up.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of L&C III OR at least two years completed study of expository writing, such as IEW, Writing With Skill, or Classical Composition. A solid grasp of grammar.
This class will integrate a thorough survey of literary genres (novels, short stories, poetry, drama), literary analysis, and composition. Through reading complex literary works, students will develop critical thinking skills, value evidence, and build academic language to engage in lively discussions. Students will be introduced to the basics of Rhetoric and the techniques of persuasive writing. Along with direct instruction over a variety of writing assignments aimed at developing style, students will continue to develop their advanced academic essay writing skills with trimester research papers for which they must use MLA formatting and standard proofreader's marks. All writing will be integrated with grammar and techniques of style.
This class is a challenging, high school-level course, designed for advanced 9th graders and up.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of L&C III OR at least two years completed study of expository writing, such as IEW, Writing With Skill, or Classical Composition. A solid grasp of grammar.
Honors Literature and Academic Writing II (Formerly ELA-4)
This class is an advanced Pre-AP class. Please enquire for more information.
This class is an advanced Pre-AP class. Please enquire for more information.
Ancient-Medieval History, Middle School
This course walks students through the exciting history of the earliest civilizations through the end of the Middle Ages. Through lively lecture, engaging discussions, examinations of primary source documents, art history, and map-work, students will come to know the major people, places and events that defined this broad expanse of our past.
This course is the first of three revolving, year-long history courses: Ancient-Medieval History, Renaissance-Modern History, and US History.
This course walks students through the exciting history of the earliest civilizations through the end of the Middle Ages. Through lively lecture, engaging discussions, examinations of primary source documents, art history, and map-work, students will come to know the major people, places and events that defined this broad expanse of our past.
This course is the first of three revolving, year-long history courses: Ancient-Medieval History, Renaissance-Modern History, and US History.
Renaissance-Early Modern History, Middle School
This course covers the exciting history of the Renaissance through the early 1900's. The aim of this course is to provide students with an integrated narrative of history as well as an understanding of the abstract periodization of historical events. Through lively lecture, engaging discussions, examinations of primary source documents, art history, and map-work, students will come to know the major people, places and events that defined the eras of our recent past.
This course is the second of three revolving, year-long history courses: Ancient-Medieval History, Renaissance-Modern History, and US History.
This course covers the exciting history of the Renaissance through the early 1900's. The aim of this course is to provide students with an integrated narrative of history as well as an understanding of the abstract periodization of historical events. Through lively lecture, engaging discussions, examinations of primary source documents, art history, and map-work, students will come to know the major people, places and events that defined the eras of our recent past.
This course is the second of three revolving, year-long history courses: Ancient-Medieval History, Renaissance-Modern History, and US History.
World History, High School
With a chronological narrative study of history under their belts, students are now ready to more deeply examine larger historical patterns of cause and effect over time. World History is an exciting survey course that gives students the opportunity to explore the recurring themes of human experience which have shaped history from earliest times to the present. The course will illuminate connections between our lives and those of our ancestors from civilizations around the world. Along with examining the historical roots of significant events, ideas, movements, and phenomena, students will uncover patterns of behavior, identify historical trends and themes, explore historical movements and concepts, and test theories. Historical thinking skills will be emphasized throughout. Students will be engaged through a variety of resources including primary source documents, maps, and assigned readings. Lively Socratic discussion and debate will be at the heart of the course, with lecture framing the topics of discussion.
With a chronological narrative study of history under their belts, students are now ready to more deeply examine larger historical patterns of cause and effect over time. World History is an exciting survey course that gives students the opportunity to explore the recurring themes of human experience which have shaped history from earliest times to the present. The course will illuminate connections between our lives and those of our ancestors from civilizations around the world. Along with examining the historical roots of significant events, ideas, movements, and phenomena, students will uncover patterns of behavior, identify historical trends and themes, explore historical movements and concepts, and test theories. Historical thinking skills will be emphasized throughout. Students will be engaged through a variety of resources including primary source documents, maps, and assigned readings. Lively Socratic discussion and debate will be at the heart of the course, with lecture framing the topics of discussion.