Spanish 2H is an accelerated course designed to challenge the student who, during his/her first year, has actively participated in class, mastered the grammar and vocabulary presented in level one and/or demonstrated the ability to advance more rapidly than the average college preparatory student. The teacher will aid students in acquiring the following skills: increased oral proficiency on a variety of topics, an expanded vocabulary, the ability to read selections appropriate to intermediate level students and increased ability to write essays. The course materials are designed to stimulate conversation and to perfect that skill, striving to imitate the native speaker’s pronunciation, accent, and rhythm, as the student’s abilities increase. Students will also become more informed about some of the contemporary problems and difficulties affecting Hispanic communities. Students will further develop their ability to express themselves in spoken and written Spanish.
*Class receives honors weighting in SI weighted GPA
Spanish 3H is an advanced language course designed for students identified during their first two years as those superior Spanish students, who wish to become fluent in Spanish and prepare themselves for Spanish 4 AP. Students will practice the major grammar structures previously studied, as well as more complex grammar concepts, including expanded uses of the subjunctive mood. Considerable emphasis will be given to enriching the students’ active vocabulary and increasing their ability to comprehend and express themselves in spoken and written Spanish. Students will be required to speak in Spanish in a variety of situations ranging from class discussion to oral presentations and situations. Students will be able to read with comprehension selected short stories and newspaper and magazine articles. They will also become more informed about some of the contemporary problems and difficulties affecting Hispanic communities. This class is conducted in Spanish, and students are expected to speak Spanish at all time.
*Class receives honors weighting in SI weighted GPA and UC/CSU GPA calculations
Algebra 1 is a traditional course in elementary algebra with an emphasis on solving problems. The course falls into four basic parts: 1) the four operations on real numbers and their use in the solution of simple equations and related problems; 2) polynomials, factoring, and fractions, leading to the solution of more complicated problems; 3) inequalities, functions and relations, and systems of open sentences; and 4) irrational numbers and quadratic functions and equations. A Texas Instruments TI-83 or TI-84 series graphing calculator is required.
The course follows the general goals and objectives of the regular Algebra 1 course. In addition, advanced topics of algebra are introduced: absolute value equations and inequalities, linear programming, polynomial functions and their graphs, analytic techniques to explore various curves, and an introduction to topics of geometry and trigonometry. Finally, students will be given challenging problems appropriate for an accelerated course. A Texas Instruments TI-83 or TI-84 series graphing calculator is required.
This course is offered to entering freshmen who have demonstrated mastery of Algebra 1 content. The course includes in-depth analysis of higher degree polynomials; analysis, interpretation and graphing of rational functions, including asymptotic behavior; an in-depth consideration of the conic sections, including transformations. Students who successfully complete Algebra 2 Honors typically enroll in Precalculus Honors after the completion of their Geometry course. A Texas Instruments TI-83 or TI-84 series graphing calculator is required.
*Class receives honors weighting in SI weighted GPA
Cura Personalis (translated from Latin as “Care for the Whole Person”) is a required one-semester course for freshmen focused on a multi-dimensional understanding of personal wellness. Students explore a variety of topics in the areas of mental health, social health, drug & alcohol awareness, sexual health, and physical fitness. Students are encouraged to explore their own personal values and beliefs while also learning new information and identifying resources that support each student’s aspirations to maximize their potential. Throughout the semester, students are instructed in mindfulness, including the establishment of a meditation practice. Cura Personalis is a Pass/Fail class that does not impact a student’s GPA.
Biology (Life Science) is the scientific study of life and living organisms. This course aims to develop students into scientifically literate citizens who have mastered the critical thinking skills that will allow them to make informed decisions in a world increasingly impacted by scientific discovery. This course also aims to develop in students an appreciation for the natural world and our role in its stewardship. Units of study in this course include evolutionary biology, genetics, heredity, cell structure and function, human reproduction, and ecology.
Introduction to Ethnic Studies challenges students to frame their individual identity, their family history, and their community history through the lenses of race, ethnicity, gender, nationality and culture. Students will examine case studies that identify problems and analyze causes of systemic inequality through historical and contemporary contexts. This course will also focus on developing reading, writing, notetaking and dialogue skills necessary to create and present well-organized arguments. The semester-ending project will focus on the history and the work of a social movement. By the end of this course, students should have an understanding of what it means to live responsibly and ethically as men and women with and for others.
(Physical or Life Science) Students perform one or more additional independent science or engineering research projects, beyond those completed in the first semester Science Research Project course, or perform a substantial extension of a project completed in the previous course. This is an independent study course, with flexible meeting times that will be arranged to fit the schedules of the students. This course is taken in addition to the science requirement for graduation. Enrollment in Advanced Science Research does not qualify a student for a study period during the regular academic day.
*Taken as an independent study with the guidance of science teacher
(Physical or Life Science) This course offers students the opportunity to develop and demonstrate the maturity and self-discipline required to perform independent scientific research. Students perform one or more independent science or engineering research projects, in laboratory or field settings, on topics of their own choice. The meeting times are flexible and will be arranged to fit the schedule of the student. Areas of study include any area of science or engineering, including: quantum physics, astronomy, robotics, electronics, biotechnology, geology, meteorology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, oceanography, marine biology, psychology, sociology, economics, political science, statistics, etc., as well as traditional areas of biology, chemistry, physics and engineering. Students will gain direct experience in research methodologies used by professional scientists and engineers in industry and academia. This course is taken in addition to the science requirement for graduation. Enrollment in Science Research does not qualify a student for a study period during the regular academic day.
*Taken as an independent study with the guidance of science teacher
