Course Catalog

ENGLISH 9 (English 1): 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements) 
This course is a literature-based program that develops reading comprehension, grammar/vocabulary, written composition and critical-thinking skills. Students will learn how to use literary elements to analyze fiction, poetry, non-fiction and drama. Basic composition and research skills are stressed. 

HONORS ENGLISH 9 (English 1): 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements)
This course is a more intensive English 9 course with added emphasis on the study of literary topics. Geared toward the highly motivated student, the course includes a greater number of reading and writing projects highlighted by the necessity to construct more advanced essays. Added vocabulary and spelling assignments are required.

ENGLISH 10 (English 2): 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements)
This course further develops students’ ability to evaluate and identify literary devices in novels, short stories, poems, essays and plays. Additional emphasis is on increasing grammatical skills and expressing individual points of view. Composition is directed at the multi-level paragraph essay and various essay styles, such as narrative, evaluative and compare/contrast. 

HONORS ENGLISH 10 (English 2): 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements)
This course is appropriate for the more advanced student with a serious interest in English. Particular emphasis is placed upon the investigation of symbolism, alternative writing styles, and the development of the modern novel. In addition to the fundamental examples, special types of speeches are included. Students in this course can expect a significantly greater number of reading and writing assignments.

ENGLISH 11 (English 3): 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements)
This course concentrates on American literature, focusing on themes characteristic of American culture and American authors. Students are required to develop interpretive and analytical levels of comprehension. As well, students are expected to further enhance the multi-level paragraph composition with an emphasis on style and developing complex sentence structure for more effective communication.

 ENGLISH 12 (English 4): 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements)
This course prepares students for the college-level English 1A (composition) course by incorporating research techniques, critical analysis and advanced writing skills. Through a sophisticated study of world literature, students will identify and critique authors’ values and unique uses of literary devices in fiction, poetry, nonfiction and drama. Paragraph composition should reflect the students’ advanced use of grammar, critical interpretation and analysis, and stylistic maturity.

AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION: 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements)
Students will become skilled readers and analysts of prose written in various periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts. They will gain understanding of the interactions between writers' purposes, audience expectations, and subjects. Students will have the opportunity to acquire techniques, strategies, and skills necessary to pass the AP English examination in Language and Composition. **This class is delivered in weekly seminar classes on campus.

AP ENGLISH LITERATURE & COMPOSITION:  5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements)
This course demands rigorous thinking, extensive reading, and quality analytical writing. The goal of the course is two-fold: (1) students will analyze, comprehend, and appreciate works of recognized literary merit to prepare them for college study, and (2) students will have the opportunity to acquire techniques, strategies, and skills necessary to pass the AP English examination in Literature and Composition. **This class is delivered in weekly seminar classes on campus.

FRENCH and SPANISH A-G Courses
The California State University and the University of California systems' A-G requirements state that each student must have at least two years of a foreign language to graduate. Three years is recommended to be competitive for college eligibility. In addition, as communication becomes easier for people all over the world, learning more than one language becomes not only important, but also necessary. In order for our students to be prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century and be competitive in the global market, they must be able to read, write, and speak more than one language.

FRENCH 1: 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirement)
French 1 introduces students to the language, customs, history and culture of France and other French-speaking countries. Students will learn very basic reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in the present tense. The cultural portion of the course focuses on lifestyle, customs, and attitudes, as well as the geography and history of French-speaking countries.
**French 1 instruction is delivered in weekly support classes; class attendance is required.

FRENCH 2: 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirement)
This course continues students’ associations with the languages, customs, history, and culture of France and other French-speaking countries.  Students will build on their vocabulary and grammatical skills, as well as improve their ability to speak, write, and understand the French language.
**French 2 instruction is delivered in weekly support classes; class attendance is required.

FRENCH 3: 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirement)
French 3 further develops and refines the four language areas of reading, writing, speaking and culture.  A variety of materials are used to teach the art, music, literature, and history of foreign culture with greater emphasis on reading and writing skills.  Conversational skills are further refined by the use of the target language.
**French 3 instruction is delivered in weekly support classes; class attendance is required.

FRENCH 4: 5 Credits each semester
French 4 students further develop, refine, and review the four language skills and vocabulary in preparation for college language courses.  The target language is used extensively by the teacher and students in all level 4 classes.  Language is used in context along with reading literary selections and writing compositions.
**French 4 instruction is delivered in weekly support classes; class attendance is required.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT FRENCH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements) AP French Language and Culture is equivalent to an intermediate level college course in French. Students cultivate their understanding of French language and culture by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication in real-life situations as they explore concepts related to family and community, personal and public identity, beauty and aesthetics, science and technology, contemporary life, and global challenges. Pre-requisite: French 3 completion with grade C or higher.
**AP French instruction is delivered in weekly support classes; class attendance is required.

SPANISH 1: 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirement)
Spanish 1 is a comprehensive standards-based college preparatory course that balances grammar and communication. Students learn simple, basic vocabulary and grammar, including sentence formation, the present tense of regular and irregular verbs. Students become familiar with traditions and customs of the Hispanic culture. They will gain additional practice by using online technology designed to integrate reading, listening, writing, and conversational Spanish.
Prerequisite: none. Weekly support classes are available and highly recommended.

SPANISH 2: 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirement)
Spanish 2 includes a thorough review of the material learned in Spanish 1. The course is comprehensive, standards-based, and college preparatory. The course also combines learning the Spanish language with an appreciation for various aspects of Hispanic cultures around the world. Students will improve their fluency in speaking Spanish, while they learn how to conjugate irregular & reflexive verbs, possessive adjectives & pronouns, and will be able to use both the preterit and imperfect tenses while describing action in the past. They will gain additional practice by using online technology designed to integrate reading, listening, writing, and conversational Spanish.
Prerequisite: Spanish 1 passing grade C or better. Weekly support classes are available and highly recommended.

SPANISH 3: 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirement)
Students in Spanish 3 will continue to expand their oral and written skills in the target language by using authentic materials, audio and video texts, writing letters, short compositions and simple paragraphs, and participating in a variety of oral and auditory exercises. The three modes of communication (Interpretative, Interpersonal, and Presentational) defined in the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21^st Century are foundational to this course. 
Students also learn about cultural and historical figures, places and events, and symbols to broaden their cultural horizons. They will learn how to conjugate verbs in the future, conditional, present perfect and the subjunctive tenses. They will gain additional practice by using online technology designed to integrate reading, listening, writing, and conversational Spanish. Completing and presenting both group and independent projects are integral parts of the course.
Prerequisite: Spanish 2 passing grade C or better. Weekly support classes are available and highly recommended.

SPANISH 4: 5 Credits each semester
Spanish 4 students further develop, refine, and review the four language skills and vocabulary in preparation for college language courses.  The target language is used extensively by the teacher and students in all level 4 classes.  Language is used in context along with reading literary selections and writing compositions.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE: 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements)
AP Spanish Language is an intensive and rigorous course conducted in Spanish. Students are expected to use the target language consistently with the teacher and peers in class. This course requires discipline, commitment and dedication. Students in AP Spanish Language will demonstrate a high level of proficiency in understanding formal and informal conversations, lectures of different themes, oral presentations, newspapers, letters, informal e-mails, instructions, Internet articles and stories. They are able to express themselves orally by convincing, arguing, inquiring, and describing situations.  Students are able to address environmental, social and political issues affecting Spanish speaking countries, considering the linguistic and cultural differences. They will use online technology designed to integrate reading, listening, writing, and conversational Spanish.
*Prerequisite: Spanish 3 passing grade C or better.
**AP SPANISH instruction is delivered in weekly support classes; class attendance is required.

PRE-INTEGRATED MATH:  5 Credits each semester
Students solidify key concepts and skills needed to ensure success in Integrated Math I and beyond.  The first semester of this course focuses on numeracy skills and some basic algebraic and geometric skills that are absolutely vital to student success in high school math. It includes negative numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, exponents and square roots, solving linear equations with one variable, creating/interpreting/using data tables, converting measurements, calculating areas and perimeter/circumference of basic geometric shapes, and identifying different types of angles and angle pairs and finding unknown angle measures.  In the second semester, students further develop these skills, and also work on strengthening other skills in areas of need (identified by students, families, staff, or diagnostic testing), extend their learning to tackle more challenging problems, and preview some of the material that they will encounter in their IM1 class.

IM 1 - INTEGRATED MATH 1: 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements)
The fundamental purpose of the IM1 course is to formalize and extend students’ understanding of linear functions and their applications. The critical topics of study deepen and extend understanding of linear relationships by contrasting them with exponential phenomena and by applying linear models to data that shows a linear trend. IM 1 uses properties and theorems involving congruent figures to deepen and extend geometric knowledge gained in prior grade levels. IM 1 builds and strengthens students’ conceptual knowledge of functions, linear functions, equations, inequalities, sequences, basic exponential functions, systems of linear equations, systems of linear inequalities, one variable descriptive statistics, correlation and residuals, analyzing categorical data, mathematical modeling, and both coordinate and transformational geometries. 

IM 2 - INTEGRATED MATH 2:  5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements)
The IM 2 course focuses on quadratic expressions, equations, and functions and on comparing the characteristics of these to those of linear and exponential relationships from IM 1. The need for extending the set of rational numbers arises, and students are introduced to complex numbers. The study of similarity leads to an understanding of right-triangle trigonometry and connects to quadratics through Pythagorean relationships. Students will look more in depth at circles and the relationships between lines and angles within them as well as their algebraic representations. Links between probability and data are explored through conditional probability and counting methods and involve the use of probability and data in making and evaluating decisions.

IM 3 - INTEGRATED MATH 3: 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements)
In the IM 3 course, students expand their repertoire of functions and equations to include polynomial, rational, and radical functions. They explore the effects of transformations on graphs of diverse functions. They explore exponential and logarithmic functions and equations and learn how to find a function’s inverse. They also expand their study of right-triangle trigonometry to include general triangles and are introduced to the unit circle. They will graph all the above functions including trigonometric functions. IM 3 also revisits statistics and how to collect data, view results and judge which model is a good fit and how to use the results to make decisions.

MATH MODELING A and B: 5 Credits each semester  
This course serves both to explore applying the math learned in previous courses to real world situations and to serve as a bridge course between Integrated Math 1 and Integrated Math 2 by strengthening skills and concepts already learned in IM1 and previewing skills and concepts that students will be learning in IM2. Students will review solving linear equations and inequalities in one variable, graphing linear and equations and inequalities in two variables, graphing and solving systems of linear equations and inequalities in two variables, exponent rules and working with rational exponents, properties of triangles and quadrilaterals, congruent triangles and congruence transformations, and using percentages and exponential equations in financial contexts such as discounts and interest rates.  Students will also be previewing solving and graphing quadratic equations, polynomial functions, and formal geometric proofs to help them prepare for IM 2.

PRE-CALCULUS: 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements)
Prerequisite: Completion of Integrated Math 3 with a C or better. This course continues and expands with trigonometric concepts that include unit circle, radian measure, polar coordinate system, graphing and converting equations from polar to rectangular coordinate system and vice versa, graphing trigonometric equations with transformations, trigonometric form of complex numbers, De Moivre’s Theorem, operations with vectors (including unit vectors and projections), and applications of everything listed above. New topics that prepare students for calculus and linear algebra include operations with matrices (determinants, inverses, row operations), solving systems of linear equations using Gauss-Jordan Elimination, Remainder and Factor theorems, Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, graphing and writing equations of polynomial functions, limits of sequences and series, partial fractions decomposition, proofs by mathematical induction, and introduction to the concepts of limits, derivatives, and integrals (area under a curve approach).   

CONSUMER MATH – PERSONAL & HOUSEHOLD:  5 Credits each semester
This course meets graduation requirement in math. In this course, the student will learn that money is lost or gained depending upon the information a consumer has to help him or her make informed decisions. By the end of this course, the student will understand the history of money, define fixed costs and discretionary spending, understand the importance of savings, and recognize the dangers of debt. This course will ask the student to look at financial choices including spending patterns, purchasing motivations, and how to make difficult decisions. In the second semester, the student will differentiate between secured and unsecured debt, learn how to create a budget, examine a credit report, and discover the best way to increase income and decrease expenses. This course will provide the student with the skills to make good financial decisions.

BIOLOGY: 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements)
This is a lab science course which offers an in-depth look at the human body and its functions. Furthermore, students will study living organisms, including cellular and molecular biology, genetics, evolution, ecosystems and taxonomic organization. For student's that can attend the in-person onsite support lecture there will be a wide variety of hands-on activities including: interacting with invertebrates, care and feeding of classroom pets, conducting statistical analysis on collect wildlife data, and more. For those who are not able to join in-person we will have a variety of online videos and models to gain exposure to such topics and enhance your knowledge base on the Science of Life.

CHEMISTRY: 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements)
This lab science course will study the structure and behavior of matter. The course includes scientific measurement and calculation, kinetic theory, the states of matter, problem solving, atomic and molecular structure, chemical names and formulas, the periodic table and chemical properties, chemical bonding and reactions. The in-person onsite support lecture will include activities such as: Hands-on models, mixing and analyzing solutions, and a slime lab. For those who are not able to join us in-person we will have a variety of online videos and interactive labs to demonstrate the concepts that are covered in the lessons.

EARTH SCIENCE: 5 Credits each semester  
This course covers the composition and function of Earth and its relationship to the rest of the solar system and universe. Students will study the planet’s composition, surface processes, atmosphere and oceans, geologic time, resources, the environment, as well as the roles of the solar system, galaxy and universe. 

PHYSICS: 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements)
Students will learn physics concepts, including matter and energy, motion and force, speed, velocity, and acceleration in order to better understand how the universe behaves. A survey of the historical development of physics as a foundational branch of science will lead to recognition of the contributions of Newton, Einstein, Planck, and others. Students will apply physics concepts as they study gravity and acceleration, momentum, motion, and energy.

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT: 5 Credits (1 semester) (meets A-G requirements)
In this course, students will apply knowledge gained in previous years of study to pursue a deeper understanding of the institutions of American government. In addition, they will draw on their studies of American history and of other societies to compare different systems of government in the world today. An exploration of the American Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the principles underlying the system of checks and balances between the branches of government and the relationship between state and local government will be emphasized. Students will reflect on the responsibilities of citizenship and will be encouraged to participate in community activities. This course should be viewed as the culmination of the civic literacy strand that prepares students to be responsible citizens in a constitutional republic.
**Online Only

ECONOMICS: 5 Credits (1 semester) (meets A-G requirements)
This course is a study of how individuals and societies organize to meet their needs and wants. Students will take a serious look at microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics and consumer economics, and study specific topics like the business firm, money and financing, decision-making, supply and demand, GDP, business cycles and economic growth. In this course, students will deepen their understanding of the economic problems and institutions of the nation and the world and learn to make reasoned decisions on economic issues as citizens, workers, consumers, business owners and managers, and members of civic groups.
**Online Only

PSYCHOLOGY: 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements)
In this course, students examine the nature of Psychology and describe what psychologists do and how they differ from psychiatrists. They will learn the major subfields and applied specializations of psychology and its history. An overview of how Psychology developed and the role of key pioneers with the goal of advancing knowledge of the mind and behavior and using this knowledge to improve people’s lives.
**Online Only

UNITED STATES HISTORY: 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements)
In this course, students will examine major turning points in American history in the 20th century. Key concepts from 18th and 19th century history will be reviewed. During the year the following themes will be emphasized: the expanding role of the federal government and federal courts; the continuing tension between the individual and the state and between minority rights and majority power; the emergence of a modern corporate economy; the role of the federal government and Federal Reserve System in the economy; the impact of technology on American society and culture; change in the ethnic composition of American society; the movements toward equal rights for racial minorities and women; and the role of the United States as a major world power.

AP UNITED STATES HISTORY: 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements)
Woven into the chronology of this course are the key themes of American History. Issues of American identity, diversity, religion, and culture are examined. Economic transformations, the development of political institutions, and reform movements are evaluated. War, slavery, and demographic changes are assessed. Globalization and environmental issues are analyzed.
Prerequisite: A recommendation from the Advisory teacher is required for placement in this class.

WORLD HISTORY: 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements)
In this course, students examine major turning points in the shaping of the modern world, with emphasis on historical events from the late 18th century to the present. Students will examine the relationships that exist between current issues and their historical, geographic, political, economics, and cultural background. The course will cover the history of democratic principles and the role revolutions played in the development of Western political thought, the effect of the Industrial Revolution, the patterns of imperialism, the causes and course of World War I, the rise of totalitarian governments, the causes and consequences of World War II, the international developments post-World War II and the development of nationalism in the contemporary world. 

HONORS WORLD HISTORY:  5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements)
In addition to the topics and concepts taught in WORLD HISTORY, the purpose of this course is to enable students to understand their connections to the development of civilizations by examining the past to prepare for their future as participating members of a global community.

WORLD GEOGRAPHY: 5 Credits (1 semester)
Geography presents the planet as a navigable entity. Students will study the Earth and its relationship to the universe and acquire an understanding of natural and physical systems that have shaped and continue to shape planet Earth. The ability to use geographic tools and skills will be presented. Students will gain understanding of human systems and movement and political divisions of Earth. Relationships between the Earth’s physical environment, society and culture will be explored. Students will apply geography to interpret the past and present, and to plan for the future.
**Online Only

P.E. 1: 5 Credits each semester  
Students enter their daily fitness activities with corresponding times weekly in an online Physical Education form found in Pathways. Each week students are expected to log a variety of at least 2-3 different activities to develop cardiovascular strength and endurance, as well as muscular strength, endurance and flexibility. Students will develop their own fitness regimen in accordance with the course requirements - which are a minimum (logged in minutes) of five hours of fitness activity each 5-day week, four hours for a 4-day week (again, logged in minutes). In addition, there is a weekly online assignment of suggestions/graphics/videos, etc., to submit, that is found in SchoolsPLP.
(NOTE: For all 9th graders in the Spring there is a state-mandated Physical FitnessGram test (which takes less than an hour) that requires ninth graders to attend and participate in an on-site PE clinic, which will include pushups, curl ups, trunk lift, pacer laps, and a shoulder stretch flexibility test)

P.E. 2-4: 5 Credits each semester  
Students enter their daily fitness activities with corresponding times weekly in an online Physical Education form found in Pathways. Each week students are expected to log a variety of at least 2-3 different activities to develop cardiovascular strength and endurance, as well as muscular strength, endurance and flexibility. Students will develop their own fitness regimen in accordance with the course requirements - which are a minimum (logged in minutes) of five hours of fitness activity each 5-day week, four hours for a 4-day week (again, logged in minutes). In addition, there is a weekly online assignment of suggestions/graphics/videos, etc., to submit, that is found in SchoolsPLP.

HEALTH: 5 Credits (1 semester)
This course features a holistic approach to a lifetime of healthy, safe living. Students will study the cardiovascular system and nutrition, first aid and safety techniques, stress, and family life, including sex education. Further emphasis will be placed on the avoidance of tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
**Online Only

BEGINNING DRAWING & PAINTING: 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements)
Students are introduced to the basic processes and techniques used in making two-dimensional art. They learn and apply the elements of art (color, line, form, shape, space, texture, and value) in a variety of mediums such as pencil, charcoal, pastel, and acrylic paint. Students begin to develop the ability to recognize different stylistic characteristics of art of different cultures, time periods, and individual artists. Students learn the vocabulary of art critiquing and develop a beginning level of analyzing art. Class participation is essential and work outside of class time is required. Students must pass this class with a grade of C or better to promote to advanced art.
*Due to the nature of instruction in this course, weekly class attendance is required. Missing more than three classes may result in the student being dropped from the course.

BEGINNING ART: 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements)
Students are introduced to the basic processes and techniques used in making two-dimensional art. They learn about and apply the elements of art (color, line, form, shape, space, texture, and value) using pencil, colored pencils and crayon. Students will also become familiar with 2-3 famous artists and identify their signature style.
**Online Only

ADVANCED DRAWING & PAINTING:  5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements)
Along with the continued development of drawing and painting techniques learned in beginning art, students will add to their knowledge of the elements of art and learn about composition and principles of design. Students will work in a variety of mediums including pencil, charcoal, ink, pastels, acrylic paint, and watercolor. Students will build their art vocabulary to become better equipped to critique and analyze artwork from different cultures and time periods. Class participation is essential and work outside of class time is required.
*Due to the nature of instruction in this course, weekly class attendance is required. Missing more than three classes may result in the student being dropped from the course.

ART STUDIO 1 – SCULPTURE 1: 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements)
Students are introduced to the basic processes of creating 3-dimensional art. A variety of techniques will be learned as they are applied to different materials including wire, cardboard, plaster, air-dry clay, and papier mache. Students will make sculptures “in the round” and “low-bas reliefs”. Principles of design, such as space, balance, rhythm, and movement will be emphasized along with an introduction to the methods of critiquing sculpture.  Due to the nature of instruction in this course, in addition to the online assignments, weekly class attendance is required. Missing more than three classes may result in the student being dropped from the course.

ART STUDIO 2 – SCULPTURE 2: 5 Credits each semester (meets A-G requirements)
Students continue to develop 3-dimensional art-making skills that were introduced in Sculpture I. A variety of different materials including wire, cardboard, plaster, air-dry clay, and papier mache will be used. Students will make sculptures “in the round” and “low-bas reliefs”. They will also be introduced to the characteristics of traditional sculptural eras from Greek and Roman to Contemporary practices. Due to the nature of instruction in this course, in addition to the online assignments, weekly class attendance is required. Missing more than three classes may result in the student being dropped from the course.

EARLY ART HISTORY: 5 Credits (1 semester) (meets A-G requirements)
Early Art History takes a global look at art that has been created from the prehistoric era up to the end of the 19th century. Areas of study include Cave art, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Native American, African, Renaissance, Baroque, and Impressionism. Students learn to make comparisons, consider influences, and see the context and breadth of expression through the ages.

20th CENTURY ART HISTORY: 5 Credits (1 semester) (meets A-G requirements)
20th Century Art History explores modern art and contemporary art of the western world with subcategories such as cubism, surrealism, photography, abstract expressionism, pop art and more. Students will learn about the works of art, the artists who created them, and the times they lived in, helping students see the context of art in its time.

INTRODUCTION TO TYPING: 5 Credits (1 Semester)
This course focuses on the basic concepts and applications of word processing. Emphasis will be on proper keyboarding technique, with the main goal of increasing speed and accuracy in using a keyboard including numeric, keypad and alphabetic functions. Students are linked to a class on an online typing site which the instructor monitors, and upload screenshots to their Typing assignments in SchoolsPLP, as well as submit weekly assignments requiring content review to read, practice and be tested on.

Computer Science Discoveries (Code.org): 5 credits (1 Semester) Offered in the fall
Ever wondered how apps, games, and websites are made? In this course, you’ll explore the building blocks of computer science through fun, hands-on projects. You’ll try out coding, design your own simple apps, websites, and games. Work with data and see how technology shapes the world around us. No experience is needed - just bring your curiosity and creativity!

Foundations of Generative AI (Code.org): 5 credits (1 Semester) Offered in the spring
AI is everywhere - writing stories, creating art, even powering chatbots. In this course, you’ll discover how generative AI works and experiment with the tools shaping the future. You’ll create projects with text, images, and more while learning how to use AI responsibly and thoughtfully. No coding background required - just an interest in exploring where technology and creativity meet.

In the CTE Business & Finance Pathway

Learn the important aspects of business including: 

• The different ways businesses are organized and why.
• Legal considerations and how they affect businesses and their customers.
• How and why businesses market and advertise their products (benefits for future business owners, employees, AND consumers).
• The steps in developing a product or service and bringing it to market.
• Business from a global perspective.
• Prepares students for life after school as an employee or business owner.
• Learn soft skills for business and life - something current businesses are hungry for their employees to know.

Prepares students for further study in business after high school.
A valuable area of study to include on a resume.
Special recognition at graduation (CTE cord and recognition in the written graduation program).

Persons trained in fields such as business management, international trade, and various financial services specialties (e.g., accounting, banking, and investing) will find that their skills are highly marketable. Students master basic business principles and procedures before proceeding to the career path specializations. The specializations emphasize concepts of accounting and finance, including computer applications, taxes, investments, and asset management as well as pathways in international business and business management. Because almost every business and organization have a financial and management component, students will find that opportunities exist in many career paths in addition to those in business and finance.

INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS: 5 Credits (1 semester, meets A-G requirements)
Students explore business in global society, learning terminology, concepts, systems, strategies, and current issues. Topics include the business environment, ethics, entrepreneurship and global business, management, marketing, production, information systems, and financial elements.
**Online Only

PRINCIPLES OF MARKETING: 5 Credits (1 semester, meets A-G requirements)
Students explore factors influencing how marketing decisions are made, including the impact of marketing decisions on an organization and its customers. They gain a working knowledge of practical marketing and business vocabulary. They also evaluate how the actions of competitors influence marketing decisions in the global marketplace.
**Online Only

MANUFACTURING: PRODUCT DESIGN AND MFG.: 5 Credits (1 semester, meets A-G requirements
Think about the last time you visited your favorite store. Now picture the infinite number of products you saw. Have you ever wondered how those things made it to the shelves? Whether it’s video games, clothing, or sports equipment, the goods we purchase must go through a manufacturing process before they can be marketed and sold. In Introduction to Manufacturing: Product Design and Innovation, you will learn about different types of manufacturing systems as well as career opportunities, including engineers, technicians, and supervisors. As a culminating project, you will plan your own manufacturing process and create an entirely original product! If you thought manufacturing meant mundane assembly lines, this course will show you how exciting, creative, and practical this industry can be.
**Online Only

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS: GLOBAL COMMERCE IN THE 21^ST CENTURY 5 Credits (1 Semester, meets A-G requirements)
Imagine meeting with suppliers at an office in Europe while calling your salesroom that’s back in Asia. Imagine investing in foreign markets and visiting partners in exotic locales. With the evolution of current technology, our world is more connected than ever before, and the business community today is larger than ever. International Business: Global Commerce in the 21st Century will demonstrate just how you can gain the knowledge, skills, and appreciation to live and work in the global marketplace. You will begin to understand how both domestic and international businesses are affected by economic, social, cultural, political, and legal factors and what it takes to become a true manager of a global business in the 21st century.
**Online Only

CREATIVE WRITING: 5 Credits (1 semester) Offered in the fall.
Creative writing is a fun and useful way for students to express themselves through the written word. Students will explore poetry, short stories, flash fiction, lyrics, and journalism. The goal is to produce quality work that can be placed into a Choices Charter School literary journal.

SNAP, CRACKLE & POP CULTURE THROUGH THE DECADES: 1940S-NOW: 5 Credits (1 semester) Offered in the spring.
Take a journey through time as we explore how pop culture has shaped - and been shaped by - American society from the 1940s to today. This course examines music, film, television, fashion, slang, and major cultural trends across each decade, analyzing how historical events and shifting values influenced what people watched, listened to, wore, and talked about. From swing to streaming, Big Bands & Elvis to Beyoncé, and black-and-white TV to TikTok, students will critically engage with the icons, movements, and media that defined generations. Projects will include decade deep-dives, advertising/media analysis, and creative presentations.

DRIVER EDUCATION: 5 Credits (1 semester)
This textbook driving course covers the ground rules of road and vehicle safety, with an emphasis on capable and efficient driving. Students will learn the basics of driving a vehicle, interacting with traffic, driving in various environments and climate conditions, road rules, and driver responsibility. At the end of the course, students will be issued a certificate of completion of driver’s education. The student must take the certificate, which is valid for a maximum of 1 year, to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and pass the learner’s permit test in order to drive. They must also show proof of being enrolled in a state-approved driving school before taking the test to get their permit.
*Prerequisite: Students must be 14 years of age to take Driver’s Education.**Online only

CAREERS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE 1: 10 Credits (2 semesters, meets A-G requirements)
Have you ever wondered what steps take place as people as they move through the court system? The criminal justice system is a very complex field that requires dedicated people willing to pursue equal justice for all. Explore different career choices and how the juvenile justice system, the correctional system, and the trial process all work together to maintain social order.
**Online only

FORENSIC SCIENCE: 5 Credits, Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 (2 semesters, meets A-G requirements)
Students enrolled in Forensic Science will develop a better understanding of the reality of forensic science, which is often contradicted by the fictional forensic science portrayed in entertainment. Students begin by exploring the history and background of forensic science. They discover several forensic science disciplines, such as pathology, anthropology, toxicology, serology, entomology, and odontology. Students learn and use proper lab practices, which ensure the integrity of any collected organic and inorganic evidence. Students investigate chromatography, spectroscopy, and microscopy techniques. They also explore and survey the impact of DNA analysis and questioned document analysis on forensic science. This course teaches the proper handling of impression evidence, such as shoe print, foot, tire, lip print, firearm, and fingerprint impressions while students examine the analysis of trace evidence, including hair and glass. The course concludes with an exploration into the ways in which forensic science is interconnected with the legal system, as well as what the future holds for forensic science. It includes numerous hands-on labs, including measuring a hypothetical time of death, extracting their own DNA, and analyzing their own fingerprint impressions. Forensic Science is ideal for high school students who are interested in forensic science, biology, law, and/or criminalistics. Students must possess basic spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation software knowledge as a prerequisite. Completion of one full year of high school Biology is required in order to evaluate the numerous biological concepts present in this course. In addition, students must be mature, independent learners and comfortable learning new technology.

CRAFTS (Scrapbooking): 5 Credits (1 semester)
This class is designed to be a fun class that introduces students to memory preservation.  The class content encourages better and more frequent photo taking and photo safety as well as learning many techniques for photo layouts.  Some of the techniques covered are: stamping, matting, embossing, chalking, embellishments, and utilizing complimentary colors.
**Online only

INTRODUCTION TO CULINARY ARTS: 5 Credits (1 semester) Offered in the fall.
This introductory course will provide you with basic cooking and knife skills while preparing you for entry into the culinary world. Discover the history of food culture, food service, and global cuisines while learning about food science principles and preservation. Finally, prepare for your future by building the professional, communication, leadership, and teamwork skills that are crucial to a career in the culinary arts.
**Online only

COOKING SKILLS: 5 Credits (1 semester) Offered in the spring.
Students will delve into the making of cakes, cookies, pies, and other desserts.  They will also learn about cooking with dairy and eggs and prepping fruits and vegetables. Savvy shopping and meal planning built on nutrition principles, farm to table and global perspectives, and sustainability issues will be covered. Students will also explore catering as a career option and will consider what it takes to run a commercial kitchen.
**Online only

SEVEN HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE TEENS (You, Yourself & Others): 5 Credits (1 semester)
The purpose of this course is to teach students to make positive choices and provide the necessary life skills to become effective members of the community. Topics covered include self-analysis, time management, goal setting and interpersonal relationships.
**Online only

ENGLISH 6
Sixth grade students focus on active engagement with the text. They continue to apply their previously acquired knowledge and skills in a more sophisticated way. Students are required to analyze, identify, define, explain and critique rather than to merely understand, describe, use, know and distinguish.  Instruction continues in spelling, grammar, and writing conventions, with the goal of improved writing for a variety of purposes and in a variety of forms. 

ENGLISH 7
In English 7, students will make a distinctive transition from the English skills they have learned in earlier grades. Students will be expected to have mastered fluent reading of both narrative and expository text as well as have completed the transition from learning to read to reading to learn. The seventh-grade standards are more sophisticated than those for previous grades. Students are expected to identify and trace the development of an author’s argument, write persuasive essays and argue using well-articulated evidence, and analyze characterization. Curriculum can be modified to challenge advanced learners. 

ENGLISH 8
The English/language arts standards for eighth grade signify the readiness required of students preparing for the secondary content. They represent an important culmination of curriculum activities emphasized throughout grades four through eight. The curriculum in this course covers the approved California State standards and prepares students for annual state testing. Curriculum can be modified to challenge advanced learners. 

MATHEMATICS 6
In this course students will study the topics of Number Sense and Operations, Algebra and Functions, Geometry and Measurement, Data, Statistics and Probability and Mathematical Reasoning. Students will explore the mathematics and their application to the real world. 

MATHEMATICS 7
Students will develop skills and concepts in accordance with the California grade 7 math standards and will also strengthen skills and concepts from previous years.  Students will strengthen their numeracy skills by expanding their previous knowledge of negative numbers, fractions, and decimals to develop a strong understanding of operations with rational numbers. Students will also give particular focus to understanding and applying proportional relationships and using proportions to solve problems involving percentages.  The algebraic concepts that students will work on include working with algebraic expressions, identifying and using equivalent expressions, and solving and graphing linear equations.  The geometric concepts students will practice include solving problems involving area, surface area, and volume with 2D and 3D geometric shapes, scale drawings, and geometric constructions.  Students will use statistical methods to analyze and display data and to draw inferences about populations based on samples, calculate probabilities of simple and compound events, and examine statistical practices.

MATHEMATICS 8
Students will develop skills and concepts in accordance with the California grade 8 math standards and will also strengthen skills and concepts from previous years.  Students will strengthen their numeracy skills by expanding their previous knowledge of rational numbers (including negative numbers, fractions, and decimals) to apply to irrational numbers as well and will develop a deeper understanding of exponents by examining exponents rules and scientific notation.  The algebraic concepts that students will work on include solving and graphing linear equations, focusing on identifying and interpreting key features of a graph (such as the slope and intercepts of a line), understanding functions and their properties, and being able to fluently translate between data tables, equations, graphs, and descriptions for linear relationships.  Students will also learn to solve systems of linear equations through graphing, substitution, and elimination methods.  The geometric concepts students will practice include solving problems involving volume of 3D objects and using the Pythagorean Theorem to calculate side lengths in right triangles and to find the distance between points in the coordinate plane.  Students will use statistical methods to examine dependent and independent variables and use scatterplots to examine whether linear models can be applied to collected data.

SCIENCE 6 (Earth Science)
6^th Grade students follow a curriculum covering the areas of plate tectonics and Earth’s structures, the shaping of Earth’s surface, Earth’s waters, weather, energy in the Earth system, ecology, and resources.  The course is delivered on-line and includes projects and activities that explore and reinforce the covered topics. 

SCIENCE 7 (Life Science)
The course introduces students to the branch of science that deals with living organisms. Students will study cell biology, genetics, evolution, and the structures and functions found in living systems. A short study of Earth and life history is included to help students understand the evolution of life on earth. Physical principles in living systems are also examined to emphasize how these principles underlie biological structures and functions. 

SCIENCE 8 (Physical Science)
The course introduces students to the branch of science that deals with the non-living, physical world. Students will study motion, forces, and structure of matter, reactions, the periodic table, density and buoyancy. A short study of Earth in the solar system is included to help students understand the structure and composition of the universe. The chemistry of living systems is also examined to emphasize how these principles underlie the functioning of biological systems.  

SOCIAL STUDIES 6 (Ancient Civilizations)
In this course students learn about the people and events that ushered in the dawn of major Western and non-Western civilizations. Included are the early societies of the Near East and Africa, the ancient Hebrew civilization, Greece, Rome, and the classical civilizations of India and China. Emphasis is placed on the major contributions, achievements, and belief systems that have endured across the centuries to the present day. Included in the course is the special significance of geography to the development of the human story.

SOCIAL STUDIES 7 (World History)
In this course students examine the geographic, political, economic, religious and social structures found in various civilizations from the Middle Ages to Early Modern times. The rise of religions such as Islam, emergence of countries such as China, Africa and Japan and the development of civilizations found in Europe, Andrean areas and Meso-America will be explored. 

SOCIAL STUDIES 8 (U.S. History)
In this course, students will examine the major events preceding the founding of the nation, colonization and revolution. Students will relate the significance of these events to the development of American constitutional democracy and the founding of the American political system. The impact of territorial expansion and the development of regionalism will be studied. Students will analyze the multiple causes, key events and complex consequences of the Civil War with the lasting consequences of Reconstruction. The transformation of the American economy and the changing social and political conditions in the United States in response to the Industrial Revolution will be explored.

MIDDLE SCHOOL PE
Students enter their daily fitness activities with corresponding times weekly in an online Physical Education form found in Pathways. Each week students are expected to log a variety of at least 2-3 different activities to develop cardiovascular strength and endurance, as well as muscular strength, endurance and flexibility. Students will develop their own fitness regimen in accordance with the course requirements - which are a minimum (logged in minutes) of five hours of fitness activity each 5-day week, four hours for a 4-day week (again, logged in minutes). In addition, there is a weekly online assignment of suggestions/graphics/videos, etc., to submit, that is found in SchoolsPLP.
(NOTE: For all 7^th graders in the Spring there is a state-mandated Physical FitnessGram test (which takes less than an hour) that requires seventh graders to attend and participate in an on-site PE clinic, which will include pushups, curl ups, trunk lift, pacer laps, and a shoulder stretch flexibility test.)

Pre-requisite: none.

FRENCH 1 (Middle School – 8^th grade only)
French 1 introduces students to the language, customs, history and culture of France and other French-speaking countries. Students will learn very basic reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in the present tense. The cultural portion of the course focuses on lifestyle, customs, and attitudes, as well as the geography and history of French-speaking countries. This is a high school level course, but no high school credits will be awarded in the 8^th grade. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be eligible to continue to French 2 in 9^th grade or beyond.  Pre-requisite: none.
**French 1 instruction is delivered in weekly support classes; class attendance is required.

INTRODUCTION TO CULINARY ARTS: 1 semester (Middle School - 8th grade only) Offered in the fall.
This introductory course will provide you with basic cooking and knife skills while preparing you for entry into the culinary world. Discover the history of food culture, food service, and global cuisines while learning about food science principles and preservation. Finally, prepare for your future by building the professional, communication, leadership, and teamwork skills that are crucial to a career in the culinary arts. This course is an online-only high school level course; no high school credits will be awarded in the 8th grade.

COOKING SKILLS: 1 semester (Middle School - 8th grade only) Offered in the spring.
Students will delve into the making of cakes, cookies, pies, and other desserts. They will also learn about cooking with dairy and eggs and prepping fruits and vegetables. Savvy shopping and meal planning built on nutrition principles, farm to table and global perspectives, and sustainability issues will be covered. Students will also explore catering as a career option and will consider what it takes to run a commercial kitchen. This course is an online-only high school level course; no high school credits will be awarded in the 8^th grade.