Curriculum & Courses

In fifth grade, students build on their knowledge of United States history and geography by examining the indigenous history of North America, motivations behind and consequences of European global expansion, indigenous and European interactions, the establishment of colonies in North America, the lives of enslaved people and the development of a system of slavery, the Revolutionary War, and the formation of and continued immigration to the U.S.. Students grapple with questions related to historical significance by examining a variety of primary sources through the lens of a variety of historical groups.

In 6th grade, students build their knowledge of world history, from the Neolithic Revolution through the Middle Ages. Students explore the lives, struggles, and accomplishments of people living in these time periods. Additionally, students study how social, economic, and political structures developed, as well as the establishment and spread of ideas that helped transform the world.

In 7th grade, students continue to build upon their knowledge of world history by picking up where they left off at the end of the 6th grade social studies core course. Students focus on Medieval and Early Modern times through the Renaissance and Enlightenment.

In 8th grade, students expand on their content knowledge from 5th grade history as they continue in their study of U.S. history, from the peopling of North America through the Reconstruction Era. They analyze primary and secondary sources, and build upon previously acquired historical thinking skills to better understand historical chronology, causality, events and processes, bias, and learn how to apply their analytical skills to an examination of the past.

In this course, students will study plate tectonics and earthquakes, as well as other forces that shape the surface of the Earth. They will discover underlying causes of earthquakes, thermal heat, and other aspects of energy present in the Earth system. This course also previews ecology, and imparts basic techniques for scientific research and investigation. At the completion of this course, students will be prepared to complete the 7th grade Life Science class.

In this course, students will study cell biology, genetics, evolution, earth sciences, structure and function in living systems, and physical sciences. Students will further their understanding of the scientific process and the role of a scientist. Students will improve their technical reading skills. This course prepares students for high school biology.

In this course, students will study motion, forces, and the basic structure of matter. Students will also study elements and the periodic table; atoms and bonding; chemical reactions; acids, bases, and solutions; carbon, chemistry; the Earth, Moon, and Sun; and space and the solar system. Students will continue to build upon their technical reading skills. This course prepares students for a high school physics course.

In 5th grade ELA, students utilize their prior knowledge of the relationships between words, along with the etymology of such words, to continue to build on their vocabulary. They develop in their ability to use historical and literary context clues to discern the meaning of new vocabulary words. Students examine how various texts are structured, organized, and the purpose behind them in order to identify and work with the essential ideas, arguments, and perspectives presented in their readings. They learn how to clarify certain concepts and work on drawing connections between texts. They develop their writing by really honing in on each step of the writing process in order to produce clear and focused essays.

Students continue building on their word recognition, reading analysis, and writing skills in the 6th grade ELA course. They increasingly expand their lexicon and learn how to identify various meanings (implied and explicit) in a variety of texts they read. They learn how to analyze texts using evidence to support their claims and develop their writing skills by engaging in persuasive, expository, narrative, and descriptive writing.

Students in 7th grade ELA examine writing techniques authors use to influence the reader and accomplish their purpose, such as cause and effect, figures of speech, sounds, point of view, and irony. They analyze the use of complex elements of plot, such as conflict, resolution, and cause and effect relationships. They identify and describe how personal experiences, values, and perspectives shaped by factors like age, gender, race, and class influence texts. Students make connections between their own lives and the characters, events, motives, and causes of conflict in texts. They understand and apply the steps to clear, logical writing including pre-writing, drafting, and revising. Additionally, 7th grade ELA students use language and perspectives of literary criticism to evaluate literary works, identify the basic rules of grammar, build vocabulary, continue to work on using context clues to find the meanings of words they do not know, and gain an understanding of the MLA writing and citation style.

8th grade ELA students use knowledge gained from their 7th grade ELA course in order to further their abilities in analyzing texts, drawing connections between readings, forming coherent thesis statements, and writing effectively by practicing the different steps in the essay writing process. Students are introduced to more complex language, analyzing idioms, analogies, metaphors, and similes in order to understand literal and figurative styles of writing. They apply their knowledge of text structure and purpose to identify and elaborate on essential ideas, arguments, and perspectives. They draw on their knowledge of history and the social sciences in order to read, evaluate, and compare various works of literature. Additionally, students develop their understanding of audience and purpose in their own writing and continue to learn how to clearly express themselves in both speech and writing.

The primary objective of this course is to prepare students for 6th grade math. Students in 5th grade math will use operations and algebraic thinking in order to write and interpret numerical expressions, including those with parentheses and brackets. Students express numbers less than 50 in terms of prime factorization, generate ordered pairs of numbers, and plot the coordinate pairs on a plane. They study numbers in base 10 by recognizing and explaining the relative values of digit places in multi-digit numbers, practice moving the decimal place when multiplying and dividing by powers of ten, and work with decimals in the hundredths and thousandths. Students expand on their knowledge of fractions in 5th grade by adding and subtracting fractions in expressions and word problems, interpreting fractions as expressions of division using visual models and scaling, and solve real-world problems involving multiplication of fractions and mixed numbers. Measurement and data will be used by students to convert between standard measures in a given measurement system and apply these conversions to multi-step problem solving. Students will represent and interpret data presented as line plots with fractional unit measures, as well as compare different measures represented by line plots. They will understand concepts of volume and relate volume to multiplication and division. Students also use geometry skills to graph points on a number plane to solve mathematical and real-world problems.

The primary objective of this course is to prepare students for 7th grade math or pre-algebra. Students study ratios and proportional relationships by gaining an understanding of the concept of ratios and using ratio reasoning to solve problems. Students tackle the number system in greater depth by applying and extending multiplication and division to expressions and equations involving multiple fractions. Students compute multi-digit numbers and find common factors and multiples. They extend their understanding of numbers to the system of rational numbers. In terms of expressions and equations, students apply an understanding of arithmetic to algebraic expressions, and solve one-variable equations and inequalities. Students represent and analyze quantitative relationships between dependent and independent variables. They apply their knowledge of geometry to solve mathematical and real-world problems involving area, surface area, and volume. In 6th grade math, students also use statistical analysis to explore probability. They develop an understanding of statistical variability, as well as summarize and describe distributions.

In this course, students develop sound mathematical skills and study habits by showing all their work and continuing to build a strong foundation for success in subsequent math courses. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to solve for variables in equations and inequalities; work with decimals, fractions, and exponents; use ratios, proportions, and percents to solve problems; graph linear functions; solve for area and volume; and analyze data.
In accordance with California state standards, course topics are linked to three critical areas: (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; (2) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; and (3) analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.

In this course, students will learn the foundational algebraic concepts that will help to formalize and extend their mathematical skills acquired in the middle grades. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to perform basic operations with integers and rational numbers; solve equations, inequalities and word problems; perform operations with monomials and polynomials; factor polynomials; simplify rational expressions; graph linear equations and determine slope; identify x- and y-intercepts; and solve systems of linear, radical, and quadratic equations.

In accordance with California state standards, four critical areas of learning are highlighted in Algebra I: (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; and (4) apply linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend.

In this course, students explore more complex geometric situations and deepen their explanations of geometric relationships and transformations by presenting and listening to formal mathematical arguments. The focus in geometry centers around an in-depth analysis of plane, solid, and coordinate geometry as they relate to both abstract mathematical concepts as well as real-world problems. Students also study logic and proofs, parallel lines and polygons, perimeter and area analysis, volume and surface area analysis, similarity and congruence, trigonometry, and analytic geometry. The emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking skills as students relate those to logical reasoning and argument. Students will be required to use different technological tools and manipulatives to discover and explain much of the course content.

Spanish 1A is the first in a two-part series designed to initially expose middle school students to Spanish and kickstart their language study. Students learn how to use the Spanish alphabet, subject pronouns, the infinitive and conjugated forms of verbs, ir/regular verbs, in/definite articles, noun-adjective agreement, verb tenses, possessive adjectives, comparatives, stem-changing verbs, and direct object pronouns. Additionally, students are introduced to vocabulary like greetings, introductions, numbers, dates, days of the week, classroom objects, food, time, descriptions, expressions, family, clothing, shopping, places, and events.

Spanish 1B is the second in a two-part series designed for middle school students to gain a basic command of the Spanish language prior to high school. Students first review and practice what they learned in Spanish 1A before delving into new material. They study a variety of new grammar concepts, such as ordinal numbers, more irregular verbs, and the preterite tense, as they learn about Spanish-speaking cultures in Latin America. New vocabulary centers around household items, chores, planning a party, sports, a review of numbers, parts of the body, talking about when events occur, sending emails, making phone calls, and places of interest.

French 1A is the first in a two-part series designed to initially expose middle school students to French and kickstart their language study. Students learn to use basic grammar, such as verb conjugations and definite articles, as well as vocabulary used in different contexts, like at restaurants, in order to express themselves. They develop their knowledge of the French language through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Additionally, students gain an understanding and appreciation of the geography, history, and culture of various French-speaking regions.

French 1B is the second in a two-part series designed for middle school students to gain a basic command of the French language prior to high school. Students first review and practice what they learned in French 1A before delving into new material. They study a variety of new grammar concepts, such as possessive adjectives, adjective agreement, more nasal sounds, indefinite articles, glides, more vowel sounds, and the perfect tense. New vocabulary centers around various real-life situations, including family and identifying people; describing and characterizing people; asking for, giving, and refusing permission; chores; and items at the market, to name a few.

In French I, students learn how to greet people, describe family and friends, talk about hobbies, and communicate about other topics, such as sports, travel, and medicine. Vocabulary includes terms to describe school subjects, parts of the body, and people, as well as idiomatic phrases. Instruction in language structure and grammar includes the verb system, adjective agreement, formal and informal address, reflexive verbs, and past tense. Students also gain an understanding of the cultures of French-speaking countries and regions within and outside Europe, as well as insight into Francophone culture and people.

In French II, students learn how to communicate more confidently about themselves, as well as about topics beyond their own lives - both in formal and informal address. Vocabulary includes terms in cooking, geography, and architecture. Instruction in language structure and grammar includes present- and past-tense verb forms and uses, negation, and direct and indirect objects. Students deepen their knowledge of French-speaking regions and cultures by learning about history, literature, culture, and contemporary issues.

French 3 is an intermediate course that builds upon the skills acquired in French 1 and 2. The class is designed to improve conversational French and focuses on the four key areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Throughout the course, students deepen their knowledge of culture in French-speaking countries and expand their command of grammar. They learn how to express themselves fully in the French language, becoming familiar with the conditional, present perfect, past perfect, subjunctive, and other tenses.

In French IV, advanced language learners continue to build upon their skills to gain an even greater command of French. Students learn more about French-speaking regions and cultures around the world as they incorporate new vocabulary and grammar concepts into their study. Students learn how to use and recognize various tenses in readings, listening activities, writing, and conversation, such as the past and present perfect, as well as the imperfect. Additional grammar concepts include the comparative, superlative, interrogative adverbs, pronominal verbs, the subjunctive, the conditional, indirect discourse, and present and past participles.

Equivalent to an intermediate college-level French course, AP French Language and Culture offers students a chance to practice and perfect their speaking, listening, writing, and conversational skills in scenarios students would encounter in real-life. Topics include families in different societies, the influence of language and culture on identity, influences of beauty and art, how science and technology affect our lives, factors that influence the quality of life, and environmental, political, and societal challenges.

In Spanish I, students learn how to greet people, describe family and friends, talk about hobbies, and communicate about other topics, such as home life, occupations, travel, and medicine. Vocabulary includes terms to describe school subjects, parts of the body, and people, as well as idiomatic phrases. Instruction in language structure and grammar includes the structures and uses of present-tense verb forms, imperatives, adjective agreement, impersonal constructions, formal and informal address, and reflexive verbs. Students explore words used in different Spanish-speaking regions, and learn about the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries and regions within and outside of Europe.

Building on Spanish I concepts, Spanish II students learn to communicate more confidently about themselves, as well as about topics beyond their own lives - both in formal and informal situations. Students expand their vocabulary in topics such as cooking, ecology, geography, and architecture. Instruction in language structure and grammar includes a review of present-tense verb forms, an introduction to the past tense, the conditional mood, imperatives, impersonal constructions, and reported speech. Students deepen their knowledge of Spanish-speaking regions and cultures by learning about history, literature, culture, and contemporary issues.

In Spanish III, students improve their command of Spanish by exploring contemporary and relevant topics such as urbanization and population growth in Latin American countries, global health concerns, jobs of the future, and scientific advancements. Students review the formation and use of regular and irregular verbs in the present and future tenses, as well as the use of reflexive particles and infinitives. They also expand their understanding of verb tenses by learning the subjunctive, noun and adjective agreement, the comparative and superlative degree of adjectives, and the placement and use of direct and indirect objects and pronouns. Students build upon their existent lexicon through exposure to word roots and families, popular slang, the correct use of words that are often confused for one another, and review of concepts such as proper placement of accents and stress.

In Spanish IV, students develop a strong command of the Spanish language through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They develop an understanding and appreciation of the geography, history, and culture of various Spanish-speaking regions. Students build upon existing and learn new vocabulary. They read various pieces, including a novel, and analyze what they read in writing, class discussions, projects, and presentations. Embedded within each lesson are grammar components like the past perfect and imperfect subjunctive.

Equivalent to a college-level literature survey course, typically equivalent to a third- or fourth-semester college course. Students learn about various Spanish-speaking cultures around the globe and use their knowledge of Spanish to interact with, respond to, and analyze real-life materials (print media, books, films, and music). Topics include families in different societies, the influence of language and culture on identity, influences of beauty and art, how science and technology affect our lives, factors that impact the quality of life, and environmental, political, and societal challenges.

Equivalent to a college-level literature survey course, AP Spanish Literature and Culture is typically taken during a student's third or fourth semester in college. Students read and analyze short stories, novels, plays, essays, and poetry produced by writers in Spain, Latin America, and the United States. Topics include la época medieval, el siglo XVI, el siglo XVII, la literatura romántica, realista y naturalista, La Generación del 98 y el Modernismo, teatro y poesía del siglo XX, El Boom latinoamericano, and escritores contemporáneos de los Estados Unidos y España.

Course Description coming soon

Course Description coming soon

Course Description coming soon

Biology is a laboratory science course that covers the study of living things. Students study and gain a deeper understanding of ecology, cellular biology, genetics, biotechnology, evolution, bacteria, viruses, plants, animals, and human organ systems. Students will investigate biological concepts through experiments in laboratories using scientific methods and laboratory skills, and use critical thinking and a variety of data analysis skills to interpret the data and draw conclusions. Students will examine current biological issues, learn the connections between biology and other scientific disciplines, and apply knowledge of biology to engage in the actions that protect, sustain, or enhance the natural environment.

Biology Honors is a laboratory-based course in which students gain hands-on experience developing and honing multiple scientific skills through investigations and inquiry activities. Additionally, students will develop an understanding of the greater biology ideas of diversity and interdependency of all organisms, the structure and function of human systems, human inheritance and change, and the effects of humans in ecological systems. Topics will include: basic biological chemistry, ecology and ecosystem interactions, energy dynamics, heredity, biological evolution, cell biology as well as human anatomy and physiology. Students will work to strengthen critical thinking and problem solving skills through research of relevant biology topics and current events. Students will frequently complete lab reports and abstracts to verify and communicate investigation processes and outcomes.

In this course, students will develop a strong foundation in general chemistry by examining matter and the changes it undergoes. Experiments and activities are used to introduce concepts that include the structure of atoms and chemical compounds, the relationships among the elements on the periodic table, chemical and physical transformations, and the measurement and calculations of chemical quantities. Students who complete this course will be able to demonstrate knowledge of properties, forms, changes, and interactions of physical and chemical systems.

Honors Chemistry is an in-depth examination of the natural and physical world, offering a fast-paced, rigorous curriculum that challenges students to apply chemistry knowledge to predict chemical phenomena, design experiments, and provide solutions to complex problems. Students will integrate technology, mathematics, and chemical literacy into a wide range of chemistry topics that include, but are not limited to: periodicity, atomic structure, chemical bonding, gases, solutions, thermodynamics, acids and bases, equilibrium, kinetics, electrochemistry, organic chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. The Next Generation Science Standards for chemistry are followed and provide inquiry-based curriculum for the course. Additionally, students will begin to build a strong foundation of scientific inquiry through extensive, hands-on laboratory experience that requires students to write clear, concise, summative reflections outlining both quantitative and qualitative evidence gathered as a means to support or reject scientific claims.

Students in the Physics course develop a solid grounding in scientific methods and
scientific inquiry, acquiring factual knowledge of physical phenomena to understand many of the technological developments and challenges in today’s world. Students will conceptually understand the properties of matter, force, motion, and energy. Students will also learn the skill of problem-solving in these areas. Students will develop an awareness of how physics relates to their everyday lives.

The purpose of the Physics Honors course is to provide students with a challenging curriculum that fulfills the California Content Standards for physics, integrates the Next Generation Science Standards, and prepares the students for college-level physics. Students are provided a thorough treatment of major physics principles such as measurement, kinematics, forces, momentum, energy, electricity, magnetism, and waves. Students will use inquiry and practice scientific laboratory techniques to complete this rigorous course. Students will maintain a lab notebook throughout the course, write lab reports, and present their findings in class on a regular basis.

In Environmental Science, students will engage in empirical investigations of their natural and artificial surroundings in order to critically evaluate claims made about the environment. At the completion of the course, students will be able to appreciate patterns and cycles in nature, understand how disruption of one piece can have deleterious effects on the larger system, and identify the impact of humans on our environment. Students will also understand methods for evaluating biodiversity, relate the loss of biodiversity to human activity, distinguish between renewable and non-renewable resources, analyze the impact of attitudes and policies regarding different resources, understand the different sources and consequences of air, water, and ground pollution, and practice measuring concentrations of pollutants. Additionally, students will analyze current and historical events from the perspective of environmental science, and use scientific vocabulary in discussion and analysis of environmental issues.

The equivalent of an introductory college-level biology course, AP Biology builds students' understanding of biology on both the micro and macro scales. After studying cell biology, students move on to understand how evolution drives the diversity and unity of life. Students examine how living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information, and how organisms utilize free energy.

The equivalent of an introductory college-level chemistry course, AP Chemistry builds students' understanding of the nature and reactivity of matter. After studying chemical reactions and electrochemistry, students move on to understand how the chemical and physical properties of materials can be explained by the structure and arrangements of the molecules and the forces between those molecules. Students examine the laws of thermodynamics, molecular collisions, and the reorganization of matter in order to understand how changes in matter take place. Students also explore chemical equilibria, including acid-base equilibria.

AP Environmental Science, the equivalent of an introductory college-level science course, provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. The course draws upon various disciplines, including geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography in order to explore a variety of environmental topics. Students study natural systems on Earth; biogeochemical cycles; the nature of matter and energy; the flow of matter and energy through living systems; populations; communities; ecosystems; ecological pyramids; renewable and nonrenewable resources; land use; biodiversity; pollution; conservation; sustainability; and human impacts on the environment.

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based introductory physics first-semester college course. Students study a variety of topics, including kinematics, dynamics, circular motion, gravitation, energy, momentum, simple harmonic motion, torque, rotational motion, electric charge, electric force, direct current circuits, and mechanical waves and sounds.

AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based introductory physics second-semester college course. Students study a variety of topics, including the pressure and forces of fluids, thermodynamics, electric force, electric circuits, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, geometric optics, and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics.

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism is a calculus-based course equivalent to an introductory college semester-long physics course. Topics include electrostatics, conductors, capacitors, dielectrics, electric circuits, magnetic fields, and electromagnetism.

AP Physics C: Mechanics is a calculus-based course equivalent to an introductory college semester-long physics course. Students explore topics such as kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, the principle of conservation, linear momentum, rotation, oscillations, and gravitation.

In Introduction to Digital Photography, students learn about the mechanics of taking photographs, becoming acquainted with the camera’s capabilities, as well as the settings used to produce the desired shots. Throughout the course, students reflect on the artistic and editorial value of the work of other photographers, develop their own expressive creativity by taking and digitally manipulating their images, and learn how to present their work in the digital age.

In Music of the 20th Century, students examine the historical significance of popular music in the United States from the late nineteenth century to the present. While musical training is not required in order to enroll in the course, students will think about how to analyze musical sound as “texts” (historical material). Throughout the course, students focus on a variety of contexts: the cultural, social, political, and economic dimensions of genres ranging from Tin Pan Alley to blues, jazz, rhythm and blues, country, folk, soul, rock, disco, hip-hop, and contemporary pop music. Additionally, students explore popular music as an art form, a business, an activity of identity-making, a phenomenon encompassing both conflict and consensus, and a key area in the life of Americans.

In Economics, students are introduced to key economic principles, applying basic mathematics to concepts they study throughout the one-semester course. Topics include the fundamental properties of economics, including an examination of markets from both historical and current perspectives; the basics of supply and demand; the theories of early economic philosophers such as Adam Smith and David Ricardo; theories of value; the concept of money and how it evolved; the role of banks, investment houses, and the Federal Reserve; Keynesian economics; the productivity, wages, investment, and growth involved in capitalism; unemployment, inflations, and the national debt; and a survey of the global economy.

In Economic Honors, students not only learn how to identify and understand economic concepts and trends, but are required to provide their own in-depth critical analyses, effectively learning how to think like an economist.

Course Description coming soon

In Psychology, students are introduced to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatments of psychological disorders, and social psychology. Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations as they use the scientific method, evaluate claims, consider evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.

Course Description coming soon

In AP Macroeconomics, the equivalent of a 100-level college-level class, students learn why and how the world economy can change from month to month, how to identify trends in our economy, and how to use those trends to develop performance measures and predictors of economic growth or decline. Throughout the course, students will also examine how individuals, institutions, and influences affect people, and how those factors can impact everyone's life through employment rates, government spending, inflation, taxes, and production.

In AP Microeconomics, the equivalent of a 100-level college-level class, students study the behavior of individuals and businesses as they exchange goods and services in the marketplace. They explore why the same product costs different amounts at different stores, in different cities, at different times. Additionally, students learn to spot patterns in economic behavior and how to use those patterns to explain buyer and seller behavior under various conditions. Throughout the course, students develop an economic way of thinking while simultaneously working to understand the nature and function of markets, the role of scarcity and competition, the influence of factors such as interest rates on business decisions, and the role of government in promoting a healthy economy.

In AP Psychology, an introductory college-level overview of current psychological research methods and theories, students explore the therapies used by professional counselors and clinical psychologists. They examine the reasons for normal human reactions: how people learn and think, the process of human development and human aggression, altruism, intimacy, and self-reflection. Students also study core psychological concepts, such as the brain and sense functions, and learn to gauge human reactions, gather information, and form meaningful syntheses.