G - College Preparatory Elective
AP Computer Science Principles
Grade Level: 10-12
G - College Preparatory Elective
Students work in teams to develop computational thinking and solve problems. The course does not aim to teach mastery of a single programming language but aims instead to develop computational thinking, to generate excitement about the field of computing, and to introduce computational tools that foster creativity. The course also aims to build students’ awareness of the tremendous demand for computer specialists and for professionals in the field who have computational skills. The course also aims to engage students to consider issues raised by the present and future societal impact of computing.
AP Psychology
Grade Level: 11-12
G - College Preparatory Elective
Advanced Placement Psychology is designed to introduce students to the scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings. Students will be exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. This is an intensive course that is designed to be the equivalent of a college level introductory course in Psychology.
Creative Writing
Grade Level: 11-12 (10*)
G - College Preparatory Elective
“People are dying every day for lack of what poetry can offer.” (Robert Haas, Poet Laureate) In this course, students discover and develop their own personal writers’ voice through journal writing, intuitive exercises, and creative writing assignments. Student writers learn the craft by studying famous poems and stories and by following the writing process, including editing and revising. Students should love writing enough to work enthusiastically to become better writers. *10th grade may enroll with teacher approval.
Geometric Constructions and Computer Graphics
Grade Level: 10-12
G - College Preparatory Elective
This course integrates geometry, art, and technology. Students begin with paper and pencil geometric constructions and extend these concepts on computers using “Geometer’s Sketchpad” software to create graphics. This is a course for any interested students, including college-bound students, who are interested in a deeper exploration of geometry; students who struggled in algebra and would like a more experiential approach to geometry before continuing the college-prep sequence; and students who need additional math credits for graduation. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Math 1.
Health
Grade Level: 9
G - College Preparatory Elective
The students taking this required course will gain a firm understanding of a variety of health topics pertaining to good overall student health and well-being, as well as learn health related terminology and functions of body systems. Topics include behavioral health, safety and violence, nutrition/exercise/weight management, disease, drugs, and family life.
Introduction to Leadership
Grade Level 9-12
G - College Preparatory Elective
This class will focus on the development and use of public speaking, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, project-based learning and being reflective to grow as an individual and leader. Students will expand and improve their public speaking skills by presenting 6 speeches during the course, 2 impromptu, 2 expository, and 2 persuasive. Students will learn how to internalize the 7 Habits and work to develop the "private victory" and the "public victory". Students will learn how to develop, write and carry out a school-wide project while working with their peers to be successful. Students will learn how to think reflectively and how to facilitate a debrief with the class using a variety of tools.
Introduction to Philosophy
Grade Level: 11-12
G - College Preparatory Elective
This is an elective course intended to introduce students to the most fundamental, fascinating, and controversial philosophical issues and questions that have faced humankind throughout history. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking, logical analysis and argumentation, effective problem solving, public speaking and debate, and the building of self-esteem. Students are expected to engage in conversation supported by reasons and clear explanations. Students will read a wide variety of literature, analyze a variety of films and lyrics, and grapple, both orally and in writing, with numerous critical thinking questions. Ultimately, the course is designed to help students discover, reflect upon, and clearly formulate their personal beliefs and convictions – and to defend them logically in preparation for successful university study and/or wise career decision-making in order to become good citizens.
Introduction to Programming
Grade Level: 10-12
G - College Preparatory Elective
This course curriculum is an introduction to computer programming. You will learn to design and create web pages and websites using HTML and CSS, and learn object oriented programming with Javascript. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Math 1.
Journalism – Beginning
Grade Level: 11-12
G - College Preparatory Elective
Students learn basic journalistic writing and editing skills, review English grammar and composition skills, and learn layout and graphic techniques, such as digital photography and electronic layout.
Journalism – Advanced
Grade Level: 12
G - College Preparatory Elective
Students produce and edit the school newspaper, write a variety of expository and argumentative papers, and read significant literature. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Journalism - Beginning
Leadership
Grade Level 9-12
G - College Preparatory Elective
Apply leadership skills to practical settings, group interaction and committee work. This class is designed to teach leadership skills and governmental structure which ultimately enhances school pride, spirit, and culture as well as the student’s individual knowledge of a working government. The class will focus on standards designed by the California Association of Directors of Activities and Common Core State Standards, including public speaking, written communication, service learning, presentation skills, community service, governmental hierarchy, procedures and elections, personal and social development, goal setting, group dynamics, business marketing, finance accounting, advertising, business law and research while positively impacting the entire student body. This is a required course for all elected associated student body officers, appointed council associates and all elected class officers. This leadership course will require students to attend mandatory events before the start of the school year, after school and on weekends. Prior approval of the Activities Director is required.
One Goal (Year 1)
Grade 11
G - College Preparatory Elective
Students will develop the skills that will help them increase their GPA and college entrance exam scores, which in turn increases acceptance rates into more selective post-secondary schools. Students will also identify seven best-fit colleges and begin to develop the non-cognitive skills and mindsets needed to graduate from college. Students in One Goal understand and put into practice One Goal’s Leadership Principles: Ambition, Resourcefulness, Resilience, Professionalism, and Integrity.
One Goal (Year 2)
Grade 12
G - College Preparatory Elective
Students must have completed Year 1 One Goal in order to enroll in Year 2 One Goal. Students will apply to at least seven best-fit colleges. Continue to strengthen and put into practice non cognitive skills and One Goal Leadership Principles and enroll in a best-fit college.
Psychology / Sociology
Grade Level: 11-12
G - College Preparatory Elective
This course provides a survey of two interrelated social sciences—psychology and sociology. The first semester of this course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Students will be introduced to basic psychological terms and theories. The second semester focuses on the scientific study of human social behavior, with an emphasis on social groups and institutions. Within each unit, students will be able to investigate the connections between psychology/sociology and their personal lives. There is a high expectation for attendance and participation.
Women’s Studies
Grade Level: 11-12
G - College Preparatory Elective
Women constitute 51% of the world’s population, yet in the high school curriculum there isn’t much time devoted to women’s issues and perspectives. This course enhances existing curriculum by introducing the subject of women into serious academic inquiry. We will examine international women’s issues, American women’s history, educational issues, feminism, women working, and all of the “ugly stuff” (abuse, objectification, slavery, etc.). This is a rigorous course, which requires a lot of reading and writing, but is mostly discussion based.