Course Descriptions
Fall/Spring Courses Offered:
English A (9/10)
This lower-level high school course focuses on developing skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, and critical thinking using a variety of activities designed to meet each individual learner’s needs. In this course, we will cover a variety of world literature and informational texts including drama, short stories, poems, non-fiction, and novels, usually with a strong female protagonist who overcomes life’s various challenges, and/or themes that pertain to our particular student population. Writing compositions and improving analytical skills through inference and discussion are integral parts of this course, as well as grammar and vocabulary development. Students will learn about various research strategies and compile arguments into a well-organized research paper. By the end of this course, students will demonstrate proficiency in the Six Traits of Writing, reading comprehension skills, and vocabulary usage.
English A/B
This course is designed to help our students of any grade who are struggling through more basic concepts of English and need specific accommodations. It includes our ESL students and our students with IEPs and learning issues. It contains a modified version of the language arts curriculum in which we cover much of the same material, but at a slower pace and break down some of the more advanced concepts for our varied types of learners. Through completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in reading comprehension skills, vocabulary skills, writing and organizational skills.
English B (11/12)
This course upper-level high school Language Arts course focuses on mastering skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, and critical thinking using a variety of activities designed to meet each individual learner’s needs. In this course, we will cover a variety of American and British literature including drama, short stories, poems, non-fiction, and novels, with a focus on the social, cultural, and artistic merits of the time period. Reading assignments in this course are measured based on College and Career Readiness standards of text complexity.. Students work on projects and papers independently but are expected to participate in class discussion and group work. Vocabulary, usage, and critical listening and thinking skills are integral parts of this course, with an emphasis on ACT and SAT preparation. Students will review and practice several types of writing, as well as the editing and revising processes that accompany each type. Through completion of this course, students will master the knowledge and skills needed in order to pursue secondary education.
Secondary Mathematics I
Students in Secondary Mathematics I will deepen and extend understanding of linear relationships, in part by contrasting them with exponential phenomena, and in part by applying linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend. Students will use properties and theorems involving congruent figures to deepen and extend understanding of geometric knowledge. Algebraic and geometric ideas are tied together. Students will experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations. By the end of this course, students will be able to apply these principles and show mastery through exams and assignments.
Secondary Mathematics II
Students in Secondary Mathematics II will focus on quadratic expressions, equations, and functions, extend the set of rational numbers to the set of complex numbers, link probability and data through conditional probability and counting methods, study similarity and right triangle trigonometry, and study circles with their quadratic algebraic representations. Students’ mastery will be shown by applying these skills throughout the term through tests and homework assignments.
Secondary Mathematics III
Students in Secondary Mathematics III will focus on pulling together and applying the accumulation of learning that they have from their previous courses. They will apply methods from probability and statistics, expand their repertoire of functions to include polynomial, rational, and radical functions, they will expand their study of right triangle trigonometry and will bring together all of their experience with functions and geometry to create models and solve contextual problems. Students will show mastery of this subject be applying these topics.
Pre-Calculus
The main goal of Pre-Calculus for students to gain a deep understanding of the fundamental concepts and relationships of functions. Students will expand their knowledge of quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions to include power, polynomial, rational, piece-wise, and trigonometric functions. Students will investigate and explore mathematical ideas, develop multiple strategies for analyzing complex situations, and use graphing calculators and mathematical software to build understanding, make connections between representations, and provide support in solving problems. Students will analyze various representations of functions, sequences, and series. Students will analyze bivariate data and data distributions. By the end of the course, students will apply these mathematical skills and make meaningful connections to life’s experiences. Pre-Calculus is highly recommended preparation for students who plan to continue their formal education beyond high school.
Calculus
Students in Calculus will review Limits and Continuity. They will learn the rules of differentiation and apply it towards rate of change, tangent lines, position, velocity and acceleration. Applications of differentiation will be explored and lead towards approximating with the tangent line. Students will learn the rules of integration and apply them towards finding the volumes of solids with known cross sections, discs and washers. Students will learn to analyze, differentiate and integrate: exponential functions, logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions and their inverses. By the end of this course, students will be able to apply these principles.
Geography
Beginning with physical earth and weather systems, this course will survey the basic principles that govern the formation and existing conditions of our planet. We focus on the variety of world weather patterns and the resulting habitats and then move on to energy consumption and the issue of climate change. By the end of this course students will demonstrate proficiency in reading maps and interpreting the world in spatial terms, reading comprehension tying specific evidence to broader concepts and fundamental principles of earth sciences.
World History
This course explores the history of human civilization around the world. Beginning with ancient settlement and agriculture in the Middle East, China, India and the Americas, this class will survey the vast topic of how and why humans developed complex cultures, experience population growth and empire growth. The course will touch on great historical figures, but focus on the concepts and forces at work that drove our history forward rather than on individual achievement. By the end of this course students will have an understanding of how ancient and classical civilizations have influenced modern society, how different cultures have influenced each other over time and how revolutions and social change has reshaped the world.
United States History
This course explores the history of the American experience, beginning with Native American settlement and cultures and covering colonization through the civil rights movement. This class will use primary and secondary sources to examine the historical perspective of people living in different periods of American history and use this to apply the skills of critical thinking and concept synthesis. By the end of this course students will understand the role geography plays in shaping US History, how events relate to each other and connect history through a continuum and how the present is shaped by the past.
US Government
This course explores the formation of the US structure of government from the early colonial period through the Articles of Confederation and the reasons for and framing of the Constitution. We examine the political process, including periods of corruption and continuing problems balancing the will of the people and protecting unpopular voices. This course also surveys the major branches of government and the roles they play in creation, interpretation and execution of the laws and how this applies to the lives of American citizens.
Biology
Biology is a year-long course that focuses on the study of living things. The course is divided into four main units: ecology, evolution, cells, and genetics. There will be several labs required for this course and may include a dissection. By the end of the ecology unit students will be able to describe the interactions of organisms with each other and with their environment, give examples of various biomes and discuss various conservation applications. By the end of the unit on evolution students will be able to explain the way the species change over time and touch on the history behind the theory of evolution. They will be able to discuss evolution as a unifying theme in biology. By the end of the cells unit students will be able to label the parts of a cell and describe the role of each organelle. They will be able to describe the cycle of a cell and the flow of energy through photosynthesis and cellular respiration. By the end of the genetics unit students will be able to describe how organisms pass traits on to offspring, types of inheritance, and abnormalities. They will be able to construct Punnett squares and genetic probabilities.
Chemistry
Chemistry is a year-long course that focuses on the composition and behavior of matter. By the end of the first semester students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics and properties of atoms and molecules, chemical bonding and reactions, including writing chemical formulas and balancing equations. By the end of the second semester will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the behavior of matter, including stoichiometric problem solving, gas laws concepts and applications, energy, redox reactions, etc. There will be several hands-on labs required during this course. Students will be working with chemicals under close supervision, but will need to demonstrate appropriate safety techniques.
Physics
Physics is a year-long course that focuses on the nature of matter, its motion, and energy. This course helps students develop an understanding of the overall concepts of physics. Students will need to have a solid foundation in Algebra and Geometry before taking this course. Although, the course focuses more on the concepts of physics than it does the mathematics, the student will need to be able to solve basic physics problems. By the end of the first semester students will be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of motion, Newton’s laws, energy, and gravity. By the end of the second semester students well demonstrate a sound knowledge of matter, thermodynamics, sound and light, and electricity. There will be a several required labs each semester for this course.
Human Anatomy and Physiology
This is a semester long, senior-level course that will cover the various systems of the human body. The course will emphasize naming the different parts of the body’s systems as well as knowing how the systems function. By the end of the course students will be able to identify the parts of at least 6 different organ system. Students will be able to describe the physiology of these organ systems as well as several disorders of each organ system. This course will include several dissection labs, including various organs and an organism. Students must be able identify various anatomical parts of a preserved heart, brain, and eye.
Zoology
This is a semester long course that will study the various groups that fall under the Kingdom Animalia, beginning with Sponges and Cnidaria and ending with Mammals. By the end of the semester, students will demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of each of the Phlya and several classes, in the Animal Kingdom. Students will be able to identify various animals and place them in the correct classification category using a dichotomous key. There will be some lab work associated with this class, including dissections and interacting with various organisms.
Study Strategies
This course is designed to assist students with learning disabilities and other needs that may affect their academics. Students focus on note taking, organizational skills, listening skills, goal setting, and numerous other helpful study topics in Study Strategies. Each student has their own personalized goals in the class and has short term objectives to help them meet their goals. Each student in Study Strategies gets their own detailed progress report monthly which is sent to the Director of Education, therapists, and parents.
This class is specifically designed for students with executive functioning, processing, or other learning disabilities. Most of the students who take this class have an IEP or a 504 when they enroll in our school, but other students may simply need guidance for the topics listed below:
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Time Management
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Skimming and Scanning Materials
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Reading Comprehension Strategies
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Mathematical Support and Manipulatives
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Memory Skills
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Test-Taking Strategies
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Listening Skills
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Note-Taking from Lecture
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The Writing Process
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Using SQ3R (survey, question, read, recite, and review) with a Textbook
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Utilizing Available Resources
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Study Habits
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Goal-writing
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Organizational Skills
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Preventing Procrastination
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Reading Comprehension
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Lessening Anxiety
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Addressing individual learning needs
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Tips for Staying on Task
By the end of this course, students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in the items listed above and will be better and more aware in their future courses.
Fitness for Life
This course focuses on personal development in health-related fitness with emphasis on improving cardiovascular health, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility. Students will participate in a variety of activities that support a lifetime of health and wellness including resistance training, aerobic and anaerobic programs, yoga, dance, field activities, and team sports. Each term, students make fitness goals that promote personal improvement and growth. By the end of the course, students will be able to use a broad range of fitness knowledge to ensure a lifetime of health and nutrition.
Art Foundations I & II
Art Foundations is an introductory class for freshman and sophomores. This class will provide the student with a basic introduction to drawing and 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional design. Students will learn basic vocabulary, be exposed to various media, color theory, and drawing from observation. Art movements and artists from history will be integrated throughout the course, and students will demonstrate a basic knowledge of these events through tests and individual student projects. This course covers art basics such as criticism, studio techniques, elements and principles, aesthetics, and history from the beginning of the 20th century to the present.
Potential Summer Courses Offered:
Advanced Reading
In this accelerated course, students work toward mastery of improving linguistic and critical thinking skills through a variety of texts including novels, poetry, memoirs, and informational texts. Students will participate in reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities to foster critical thinking skills such as interpretation, inference, and analysis. This course also focuses on vocabulary development, skimming-and-scanning, prediction, and increasing speed while maintaining comprehension levels. The goal of this advanced reading course is to improve students’ language skills, motivation, critical thinking skills, and reading behavior in order to regain a love of reading, and be able to succeed in the higher-level educational requirements of reading and comprehension.
Psychology
This course introduces students to core psychological concepts of behavior and why an individual thinks, feels, and reacts to certain stimuli. Psychology is the systematic study of individual human behavior and experience. The purpose of this course is to introduce the basic content, terminology, methodology, and application of various fields of psychology. Due to our student population, this course emphasizes developmental stages in childhood and adolescence, how the brain works, psychological testing and psychological disorders. Students will be able to apply major theories and stages of development to their own lives as well as those around them. They will also summarize the major causes, symptoms, treatment, and prognoses of various psychological disorders, and explain and differentiate between the various forms of psychotherapy.
Financial Literacy
The HSFPP is designed to reinforce the sensible money management habits learned at home while also introducing sound basic personal finance skills that are relevant to the lives of pre-teens, teens, and young adults.
As a result of taking part in the program, students build confidence, apply practical skills, and exhibit sensible behaviors related to money management. The specific skills they learn about and practice are featured in six topical modules:
1. Money Management: Control Your Cash Flow
3. Earning Power: More Than a Paycheck
4. Investing: Money Working for You
5. Financial Services: Care for Your Cash
6. Insurance: Protect What You Have
By the end of this course, students will be able to apply these principles.
History through Film
History through film is a quarter credit course we teach over summer that explores history through the perspective of cinema. It is usually counted as a US history credit, as the focus of the films is primarily geared toward the American experience through many different time periods, including Colonization and WWII. The class incorporates outside primary and secondary sources to expand on the films shown, critically analyze their historical accuracy and to give a broader historical perspective on the subjects of what we cover. The course also includes historical subjects around the world including the role of Gandhi in shaping modern India and the period of Apartheid in South Africa, so if necessary can be used to fill a World history credit.
Plant Biology
Plant Biology is a semester-long course that is taught in the summer. We cover a wide range of topics including plant anatomy and physiology, growth and nutrition, pollination methods, evolution of plants, and plant diversity. Students will be taught what types of plants grow best under various environmental conditions, including what plants can be successfully grown in their home towns. This course includes participation in planning, growing, and maintaining a garden from planting the seeds to harvesting the fruits and vegetables.
Drawing
Students will use drawing to express themselves. Drawing is the basic language that an artist uses in order to create any work of art. This classes uses drawing to create any work of art, whether it be painting or making jewelry. This class teaches students how to accurately see and record objects as seen from real life. Basic value and shading techniques are taught through a variety of media such as graphite and pastels.
Painting
This is an introductory, elective course that covers basic painting techniques with various mediums and types of paints and canvases. There is an emphasis on classic and contemporary application of oil and other media. Topics include the use of composition, color, texture, form and value through still life, landscape, portrait, figure and old masters reproduction.
Math Recovery
Students work with a math teacher in a small classroom setting to recover missing quarters of math credits. The classes are small enough to provide individual attention to each student, regardless of the subject. Students are able to recover credit for Math I, Math II, Math III, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus. The students work on the same material taught during the regular school year.
Science Recovery
Science Recovery is designed to help students make up missing science credits, specifically Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. Students will be doing independent work, coupled with guided lessons and instructions from the teacher. The course will be specifically tailored to the needs of each student and can be adjusted to earn up to a semester of science credit.
College and Career Readiness
Executive Functioning
Health
**We consider proficiency in a course to be determined by a passing grade in the course (60% = D-). Our grades and evaluation processes are determined by the State of Utah core standards and objectives. We also evaluate the performance of the student via our entrance and exit IOWA exams.