Curriculum

English I: Foundations of Literature Surveys literary classics, both ancient and modern, and provides a basis for students to understand and analyze great literature. Beginning with Classical literature and concluding with American literature, students read their way through essential works while reviewing their grammar skills and building a strong foundation in writing. A number of online applications aid the students to sharpen their writing and reading skills during the year. Students are also given the opportunity to collaborate with classmates in textual interpretation and criticism.

English II: British Literature As a vital component of preparation for those who may take AP English as a junior or senior, students will read and analyze works including Beowulf, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Canterbury Tales, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Gulliver’s Travels (excerpt), Paradise Lost (excerpt), Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Pygmalion, and 1984, among others. Students also will spend time reading and analyzing selected short stories and poetry. Work will continue on an online vocabulary program, along with writing skills (MLA style, etc.) and the editing process. Students will complete either a thesis (H) or research (CP) paper as a requirement.

English III: American Literature Along with a continuation of work on MLA style and the utilization of an online vocabulary program, students will read and analyze works including Tortilla Flat, The Grapes of Wrath, The Old Man and the Sea, The Great Gatsby, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, The Scarlet Letter, Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, The Road, and Uncle Tom’s Cabin, among others. Time also will be spent analyzing selected short stories and poetry. We will continue our work on grammar, mechanics, and use of the editing process. Students also will complete a well-documented research paper.

English IV: World Literature Students will develop a better understanding of literature and cultures from throughout the world, with books including The Alchemist, The Kite Runner, I Am Malala, A Long Way Gone, Half of a Yellow Sun, Chronicle of a Death Foretold, Death with Interruptions, selected excerpts from Don Quixote, All Quiet on the Western Front, and Man’s Search for Meaning, among others. In addition to analyzing each book, students also will compare works. The vocabulary program will continue, as will work on proficiency in MLA style. Time also will be spent analyzing selected short stories and poetry. A featured component of the class will be the senior thesis paper, which students will assemble throughout the school year and present during the spring.

Electives Based on Student Demand

AP English Language and Composition An introductory college-level literary analysis course. Students cultivate their understanding of writing and rhetorical arguments through reading, analyzing, and writing texts as they explore topics like rhetorical situation, claims and evidence, reasoning and organization, and style.

AP English Literature and Composition An introductory college-level literary analysis course. Students cultivate their understanding of literature through reading and analyzing texts as they explore concepts like character, setting, structure, perspective, figurative language, and literary analysis in the context of literary works.

Creative Writing While English 9-12 focuses on the essay and other forms of formal writing, Creative Writing focuses on writing as a form of art and form of expression. Students will be introduced to a variety of genres while exploring and engaging in fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. The essential elements of the craft will be dissected and practiced and students will have the opportunity to produce works in each genre. Sharing work and peer review will be emphasized as well.

Yearbook The primary focus of this class will be production of the JPII yearbook. This is a hands-on class, led by student editors with editing, oversight, and instruction from the teacher. Students will be expected to help organize, design, and do the layouts for the book. Advanced computer skills are beneficial, but not a prerequisite. All students will learn basic photography; those who wish to do so will develop more technical skills. Additionally, using those skills students will assist with the school newspaper, The Paw Print, and with the school’s online presence. They will learn the history of the free press in addition to the basics of objective reporting, writing, editing, and design. Teamwork and flexibility will be keys to producing the final product.

21st Century Skills Designed to increase a student’s knowledge and skills to prepare them for life after high school. The course emphasizes goal setting, decision making, résumé building, communication and interview training, financial planning, healthy living, nutrition, and automotive maintenance. 

Internship Seniors may qualify for internships with local businesses to gain experience in the field of their future interest while applying the learning from their coursework into a meaningful and relevant on-the-job experience. The program allows them to connect with the local community in a way not possible within the closed school classroom. Previous students have worked in an ad agency, hospital, law office, radio station, retirement community, school and with a contractor,  orthodontist, and physical therapist.   

Introduction to Business & Entrepreneurship Examines entrepreneurship and the components of starting and operating a small business. Also focuses on the role of the entrepreneur in our economy and our community. Through the text, student worksheets, case studies, articles, and other business sources, students will be exposed to the major aspects of business management and entrepreneurship. Additional topics will include business communication, business ownership, business plans, financial reports, economic concepts, marketing, human resources management, and information technology.

Marketing & Communications Students will learn principles of marketing through real-life examples and learn what it takes to plan and launch a product in today’s market. Business-to-business marketing, service marketing, branding, social media marketing, and marketing ethics are all covered. Students will learn about marketing plans and strategies businesses use to market their products. 

Public Speaking Provides instruction and experience in preparation and delivery of speeches within a public setting and group discussion. Emphasis is placed on research, preparation, delivery, and evaluation of informative, persuasive, and special occasion public speaking. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare and deliver well-organized speeches and participate in group discussion with appropriate audiovisual support.

NOTE: Students can earn credit for physical education through participation in a junior varsity or varsity sport. 

Health Education Promotes the skills for living a healthy life. In health education, students gain the knowledge to make decisions to promote their health and skills to utilize health-enhancing behaviors. Content includes information regarding both mental and physical health, as well as the challenges that young adults may face regarding their own health and the health of others. Other areas of focus will include relationships, peer pressure, risky behaviors, disease prevention, and overall wellness.

Electives Based on Student Demand

Advanced Physical Education Students will learn the knowledge and skills to participate in various team and individual sports safely, competently, and with personal satisfaction. The focus on lifelong fitness activities, team sports, and personal health will allow students to make a lifetime of fitness which will lead to a healthier and happier life. 

Weight Training The emphasis in this course is on muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, and safety. Students will perform a variety of power lifts including, squat, deadlift, bench press, and power clean. There will also be a variety of other workouts and activities done throughout the semester that will contribute to the development of an intense repertoire of various exercises. Weight room safety, warm-up/cool-down procedures, lifting technique and safety for all lifts, major muscle identification, and individual goal setting are all important components in this course as well.

Math I Allows students to formalize and extend the mathematics that are learned in previous grades. The course allows for a deeper understanding of linear relationships by allowing students to compare them to exponential and quadratic situations. Students are also given the ability to apply linear models to data in order to find a trend and make predictions based on that data. The class also covers extensions of geometric concepts that students have learned previously, allowing them to explore more complex situations and deepen their understanding of geometric relationships which guides the students towards more formal arguments about these principals/relationships. 

Math II Continues a progression of the standards established in Math I which include concepts of algebra, geometry, functions, number and operations, statistics, and modeling throughout the course. In addition to the above standards, Math II includes polynomials, congruence and similarity of figures, trigonometry with triangles, modeling with geometry, probability, making inferences, and justifying conclusions.

Math III Progresses from the standards learned in Math I and Math II. In addition to these standards, Math III extends to include algebraic concepts such as the complex number system, inverse functions, trigonometric functions, and the unit circle. Math III also includes the geometric concepts of conics and circles.

Math IV Continues the study of algebra, functions, trigonometry, and statistical concepts previously experienced in Math I, II, and III. The primary focus of this course is on functions and statistical thinking. The course is designed to be a capstone to introductory statistical concepts. Additionally, the course intentionally integrates concepts from algebra and functions to demonstrate the close relationship between algebraic reasoning as applied to the characteristics and behaviors of more complex functions. Students will be prepared for college-level algebra and statistics or as a bridge to prepare students for Pre-Calculus or other advanced math courses.

Pre-Calculus Builds upon the study of algebra, functions, and trigonometry experienced in previous high school mathematics courses. This course will build on students’ algebraic skills and understanding of functions to delve into real-world phenomena and deepen their understanding of the functions in the course. Students will be prepared for Calculus, AP Calculus, and any entry-level college course.

Electives Based on Student Demand

AP Calculus (AB) Follows topics outlined by the College Board and is designed to prepare students for the Calculus AB Advanced Placement Examination. Students will study differential and integral calculus, two of the most powerful tools in mathematics. Students are challenged to strengthen and build on their mathematical skills and to pursue diverse problem situations with clarity, conviction, and enthusiasm.

AP Statistics Prepares students for future studies in statistics and follows topics outlined by the College Board that are designed to prepare students for the Statistics Advanced Placement Examination. The course will explore key terms, categorical and quantitative variables, populations, samples, various representations of data, frequency, independent and dependent variables, contingency, standard deviation, normal distribution, outliers, percentiles, scatterplots, correlations, gathering data, randomness, probability, combinations, permutations, binomial probabilities, confidence intervals, and inference.

Students take a semester of Theatre I as a prerequisite for all other performing arts classes.

Advanced Scene Study In this semester-long course, students will take a deep dive into script analysis from the actor’s point of view. Topics of discussion will include monologues, character development, objectives, environment, accents, and others. The goal of this course is to make the student a more confident and accomplished actor on stage. This course will be about 50% acting on stage and 50% project-based.

Chorus Students learn music theory, sight singing, and basic music competencies. This is a performance-based ensemble that will perform a concert twice a year (required). No audition required and no experience necessary!

Improv Students will become familiar with and master the basic principles behind improv. No scripts, no lines to memorize, and everything is (seemingly) made up on the spot. Through games and specifically focused exercises, students will hone their skills in this comedic form of theater. The semester will culminate in a “Whose Line Is It Anyway” improv night at the end of the semester. Students will spend almost 100% of class time on stage acting.

Instrumental Music Mostly set up as an independent study. Students use class time to practice and perfect their individual instruments with guidance from the instructor. Students will also learn music theory and sight-reading skills. This is a performance-based class.

Conceptual Physics In this study of energy, student learning will focus on concepts and lab inquiry. The mathematics in conceptual physics is limited to basic algebra that most ninth graders fully understand. Physics is the foundation for all other sciences and helps build a foundation for chemistry and biology.

Chemistry An inquiry-based course that examines matter and the changes it undergoes from the basics of atomic structure to a deeper understanding of the matter-energy relationships associated with a wide range of physical and chemical changes.

Biology Students will use their knowledge of physics and chemistry to explore life. In the first semester, we study life at the microscopic level, focusing on cell structure and functions. In the second semester, we focus on macroscopic biology, learning about genetics, evolution, biological diversity, and ecology. Student learning will focus on concepts and demonstrating scientific analysis while exploring with microscopes and other scientific equipment.

Electives Based on Student Demand

Anatomy & Physiology Introduces students to the marvelous design of the human body. Students will experience an overview of human structures and functions with an emphasis on terminology, disease research, and comfort with standard anatomical models. By the end of the course, students will have the background knowledge and tools to be successful in a college-level anatomy and physiology course. 

AP Biology A college-level follow-up course to the required biology course. Students will dig deeper into the biological topics introduced in the lower biology course and be introduced to more complicated ideas and terminology. There will be a large emphasis on laboratory exploration, research, and reading scientific literature.

AP Chemistry An introductory college-level chemistry course. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based lab investigations as they explore the four Big Ideas: scale, proportion, and quantity; structure and properties of substances; transformations; and energy.

AP Physics 1 An advanced-level laboratory course for accelerated science/math students in which 9th grade physics topics will be covered in more depth as well as additional topics including momentum, circular/rotational motion, and mechanical waves. This is an algebra-based course that requires a strong comprehension of mathematical relationships but does not require calculus.

Environmental Science Students engage with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships within the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography.

Introduction to STEM Course description TBA

World History Aims at surveying the major cultural movements, periods, and personalities that have contributed to the development of Western civilization, enhancing student appreciation of non-Western culture, and developing such skills as time/date concepts, geographical awareness, and historical method.

Civics and Economics A concentration on the democratic principles upon which the United States is founded. The meaning of citizenship in terms of the rights and responsibilities of the people of the U.S. is stressed. Areas examined include the adoption of the Constitution, the three branches of government, local and state governments, the art of politics, and current events. The economics portion aims at introducing the fundamental principles and theories of economics. Basic issues of scarcity, supply and demand, market, the role of government, employment, inflation, and money and banking are examined.

U.S. History Covers colonial America through the present day through text reading, essay writing, and in-class debate and discussion. Students are taught history while “doing” history. Emphasizes reading, discussion, critical thinking, and research. This course fulfills the American history requirement and is offered at both the honors and college prep levels.

Electives Based on Student Demand

AP Human Geography Students cultivate their understanding of human geography through data and geographic analyses as they explore topics like patterns and spatial organization, human impacts and interactions with their environment, and spatial processes and societal changes.

AP Microeconomics Students cultivate their understanding of the principles that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers by using principles and models to describe economic situations and predict and explain outcomes with graphs, charts, and data as they explore concepts like scarcity and markets; costs, benefits, and marginal analysis; production choices and behavior; and market inefficiency and public policy.

AP Psychology Course explores the science of psychology beginning with an analytical exploration of how the brain functions. The course follows the suggested AP Psychology curriculum and utilizes essay, stimulus-based multiple choice questions as well as DBQ and both short and long essay format questions. Students will complete 2 required projects for successful completion of the course, one project for each semester.

AP U.S. Government and Politics Provides an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. Students will become familiar with various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. politics. Extensive time is spent on civil liberties and civil rights through the examination of significant Supreme Court decisions. Students are required to complete a Civic Engagement Project which is ongoing throughout the school year. 

AP U.S. History Covers colonial America through the present day through text reading, essay writing, and in-class debate and discussion. Students are taught history while “doing” history. A significant part of course instruction includes document-based questions where students interact heavily with primary history sources. Students are required to complete a U.S. history-based project for successful completion of this course. This course fulfills the American history requirement.

AP World History Students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes from 1200 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change. The course provides six themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation.

History of Pop Culture Takes students through a journey of significant pop culture events over the last 75 years. The class will cover topics such as television (sitcoms, drama, reality TV), movies (silent films, talkies, CGI), music (jazz, rock ’n roll, pop, rap), art, and the Internet, etc. The focus will be on the development of each of these areas and how they relate to the overall development and evolution of our society. This is a student-led course with weekly group assignments related to a teacher-selected topic. Students create a variety of deliverables throughout the course, such as presentations, infographics, podcasts, visuals, and drawings.

History of Sports Examines both major and minor sports in American history. Focus is on both amateur, professional, and Olympic-style sports examining the history, popularity, and growth of team and individual sports. Sports medicine, costs, and participation are explored as well to give students a broad overview of sports. This is a student-led course with weekly group assignments related to a teacher-selected topic. Students create a variety of deliverables throughout the course, such as presentations, infographics, podcasts, visuals, and drawings. 

Political Theory Explores the foundations of modern governmental thought and traces them through to modern times. Students will begin with the classical philosophies of western civilizations and follow their evolution over the centuries. An emphasis will be placed on democracy, republicanism, authoritarianism, progressivism, reform movements, populism, socialism, Marxism, and revolution among others. Students will use a variety of methods to shape their own beliefs and hopefully become politically aware and politically active citizens.

Students in all classes engage in the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church celebrated perfectly in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. In addition to attending weekly Mass, students will read and reflect daily on the Gospel and classes may also consider the Sunday Gospel message in class. The lives of the Saints, including the life of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, will take a prominent role in our discussions on living as disciples of Jesus Christ. Of particular importance will be the life and work of St. John Paul II, our patron saint, and his teaching on Theology of the Body. Emphasis will be placed on the virtues and students will be engaged at all levels in higher order thinking and inquiry in the Socratic vein. In order to accomplish this important work, prayer will be at the center of our classroom experience.

Theology 9 The first half of this course introduces and deepens a student’s understanding and experience of Sacred Scripture as God’s divine revelation to His people. Through the study of Sacred Scripture, students encounter the living Word of God, Jesus Christ. Students receive basic knowledge of how to read Scripture, become familiar with the typological method of reading the Bible, and recognize the major sections of the Bible and books included in each Testament with attention given to the Gospels (in particular the parables of Jesus). Students discover the importance of Sacred Scripture in the life of the Church, beginning to understand that what is proclaimed in Sacred Scripture is lived in the Liturgy of the Church.

The second half of the course focuses on the revelation of God’s saving plan in history through Jesus Christ, his Son. Students discover that for all eternity God has planned for human beings to share in eternal happiness with Him which is brought about through the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ: The Paschal Mystery. Students explore the goodness of Creation, God’s original plan of holiness and justice for humanity, our fall from grace because of sin, God’s covenantal promises to His people, and man’s redemption fulfilled in Jesus Christ through the Paschal Mystery and manifested in the Catholic Church. With an introduction to John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, students will also discover the dignity of the human person created in the image and likeness of God.

Theology 10 Students discover and understand that Jesus Christ is present and encountered in a real way in The Sacraments of the Church, especially the Eucharist. Through the study of Sacred Scripture with particular attention given to the Creation account, the account of the Fall, and redemption of humanity through the Paschal Mystery, students explore the human need for receiving grace through the sacraments. With a deeper understanding of the physical and spiritual reality of the human person, students discover the language of signs communicated in Sacred Scripture, revealed in the Sacred Liturgy, and come to understand that the redemption won by Jesus Christ for humanity is mediated through the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. Students examine each of the sacraments in detail as the way to fully and intimately encounter God’s grace; therefore, rooting the student in the sacramental life of the Church, especially the Eucharist. Students also continue study of John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, deepening their understanding of the dignity of the human person created in the image and likeness of God.

Theology 11 An introduction to the Blessed Trinity in and through the fullness of God’s revelation of Himself: Jesus Christ. Students study the Incarnation, the union of Christ’s two natures, Jesus as the exemplar of humanity, as well as the unique role of Mary, the mother of God. Through lecture, discussion, interior reflection on God’s Word, and the experience of prayer and liturgy, students will have the opportunity to “encounter” Christ in a real and tangible way. They will have a chance to discern what true faith is and how it can propel them to be a disciple in the Church. The course also considers John Paul II’s Theology of the Body as students discover their true identity in Christ and the dignity He restores to all humanity.

Theology 12 Students are formally introduced to the moral teaching of the Catholic Church with the goal of inviting them to live a moral life in Christ. Being that God calls every person to a vocation in life, students will be engaged in listening for their unique vocation. All are called to live a life of holiness in imitation of Christ, and each of us is called to a permanent state in life by which we are to live out our call to holiness in service to others: marriage, ordained priesthood, or consecrated religious life. Students learn the body of doctrine collectively known as Catholic Social Teaching, which proposes principles for integrating the truth of the Catholic faith into society in pursuit of justice, peace, and the common good. Students are involved in applying all of the Church’s teaching and their prior learning to current moral issues both personal and global. Study of John Paul II’s Theology of the Body concludes with students’ application of theological principles to current issues surrounding human sexuality and coexistence.

Students take a semester of Art I as a prerequisite for all other visual arts classes.

Art I A focused introduction to the elements of visual art (line, shape, space, form, color, value, texture) and a general introduction to the tools, media, and processes that are designed to build the basic foundation and skills for creating, discussing, and appreciating art. Students are exposed to a variety of studio experiences in drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, ceramics, digital arts, and sculpture as well as artists of the past and present and the history of art.

Advanced Art Highly informed artistic “independent study” in which students concentrate on an area of interest and expertise. Students will be expected to engage with their own art-making processes and create, speak about, and write about portfolio-quality work. Students will be encouraged to apply to visual arts shows and competitions throughout the course.

Advanced Drawing Designed for students who are interested in furthering their development in drawing, this course includes the preparation of a strong portfolio of student artwork. Students will be expected to display an advanced level of art-making skills, motivation, and techniques as well as a strong foundation in art vocabulary and knowledge. Projects will often be student-directed with a focus on technical quality and personal style as well as an ability to work independently through challenges. Students will experience more advanced applications of drawing in preparation for either advanced art courses or a portfolio review for admittance to a college program or craft school. Projects will also interweave the four disciplines of art-making, art criticism, art history, and aesthetics as well as the National Visual Arts Standards with a focus on problem-solving and decision-making.

Advanced Painting Designed for students who are interested in furthering their development in painting, this course includes the preparation of a strong portfolio of student artwork. Students will be expected to display an advanced level of art-making skills, motivation, and techniques as well as a strong foundation in art vocabulary and knowledge. Art projects will often be student-directed with a focus on technical quality and personal style as well as an ability to work independently through challenges. Students will experience more advanced applications of painting in preparation for either advanced art courses or a portfolio review for admittance to a college program or craft school. Projects will also interweave the four disciplines of art-making, art criticism, art history, and aesthetics as well as the National Visual Arts Standards with a focus on problem-solving and decision-making.

Digital Photography Course description TBA

Drawing & Mixed Media Designed to build upon the basic foundation and skills developed in Art I, students will experience more advanced exploration in the understanding of visual arts language as well as applications of drawing and mixed media through studio work in a more challenging environment that serves to support student’s individual interests and concepts. Students will be expected to develop a personal responsibility for art ideas and creation while researching other artists, works of art, artistic styles, and art history to inform their practice.

Pottery Allows students to learn the principles involved in working with clay. Students will start with handbuilding and then progress to wheel throwing. Students will follow the process from forming clay to the finished product and also a chance to learn different firing and glazing techniques.

Sculpting & Welding This course is designed to introduce students to basic fabrication skills with a focus on creative thinking, problem solving, and excellent craftsmanship.  Students will learn to use a variety of tools, and execute creative plans to completion.  This class instructs students on how to work with safety equipment and procedures, as well as encourages them to create unique, high-quality objects and art pieces.

Woodworking I Designed to introduce the student to basic carpentry skills. Students will learn to use a variety of tools, design basic projects, and execute that plan to completion. This class is primarily for those who want to learn these skills in a safe but challenging environment.

Woodworking II Designed to build on the skills learned in Woodworking I. Basic cabinetry, advanced design, and more intensity make this class a good preparation for those who will one day own a house and be open to fixing some of the simple problems which inevitably arise. Students will have a lot of influence over where we focus our attention so they learn the skills they need to learn.

American Sign Language (ASL) I Introduces students to the language and culture of Deaf people in the United States. The course will focus on specific language and cultural behaviors, the Deaf community, as well as introduce students to the grammar of ASL. Both expressive and receptive skills of students will be the focus of the course, with a major emphasis placed on receptive skills. Students will learn aspects of communication, culture, connections, comparisons, and communities. Students will participate extensively in interactive classroom activities using the “Voices Off” Policy to ensure ASL immersion. According to ACTFL standards, students will reach Novice Mid level. Students will be able to recognize the letters of the alphabet, numbers 1-100, and discuss at an introductory level topics such as school and activities, family, personal information, describing people, personalities/characteristics, directions/locations, and food. 

American Sign Language (ASL) II Continues the teaching of ASL I, moving from signing concrete concepts to abstract concepts. Additional vocabulary, grammar, and culture are covered to build on the core knowledge of the language and topics learned. Both expressive and receptive skills of students will be the focus of the course, with an equal emphasis. Students will continue to relate the aspects of communication, culture, connections, comparisons, and communities throughout the course. Students will participate extensively in interactive classroom activities using the “Voices Off” Policy to ensure ASL immersion. According to ACTFL standards, most students will achieve a level of Novice High.

American Sign Language (ASL) III Honors A continuation of the introductory and intermediate ASL courses. Students deepen and strengthen their receptive, expressive, and extemporaneous conversational ASL skills while developing greater cross-cultural sensitivity and competence through varied class and community activities and interactions. Students will build a deeper understanding of the history, community, current trends, needs, etc. According to ACTFL standards, most students will end with an Intermediate Low or Intermediate Mid level of proficiency.

Spanish I Offers the opportunity to get acquainted with the Spanish language working on the beginner’s level of proficiency in the three areas of communication: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. Students will practice pronunciation and will work to acquire mastery of the basic structure and syntax of the language. According to ACTFL standards, Spanish I students will reach a Novice Mid sublevel. Readers are able to recognize the letters or symbols of an alphabetic or syllabic writing system language. They can identify a number of highly contextualized words and phrases including cognates and borrowed words. While studying basic grammar structures, the students will also learn about the culture of both Spain and Latin America.

Spanish II Offers students the opportunity to achieve an advanced beginner’s level of proficiency in the basic skills of understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish. This is achieved through interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational activities. It also provides further glimpses into the culture of the Spanish-speaking world. According to ACTFL standards, most Spanish II students reach a proficiency of Novice High where readers can understand fully (and with relative ease) key words and cognates as well as formulaic phrases across a range of highly-contextualized texts. Readers at the Novice High sublevel are typically able to derive meaning from short, non-complex texts that convey basic information for which there is contextual or extra linguistic support.

Spanish III Honors For students who have demonstrated an excellent command of the language in Spanish I and Spanish II. Spanish III Honors provides an accelerated study of grammar, composition, reading, speaking, and vocabulary via interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational activities. Aligning with ACTFL standards, most Spanish III students will reach Intermediate Mid proficiency. At the Intermediate Mid sublevel, readers are able to understand short, non-complex texts that convey basic information and deal with basic personal and social topics to which the reader brings personal interest or knowledge, although some misunderstandings may occur. Readers at this level may get some meaning from short connected texts featuring description and narration, dealing with familiar topics. Students who take this class and maintain at least a B+ (90%) average will have the opportunity to continue in the honors track and may potentially reach an AP Spanish course by their senior year.

Spanish IV Honors Prepares students for the Advanced Placement Spanish course by emphasizing higher-level syntax, grammar, and vocabulary of the Spanish language. This course is designed to achieve this by studying advanced grammar, extensive reading comprehension and writing exercises, and further development of the accuracy of oral communication in Spanish. Aligning with ACTFL standards, most Spanish III students will reach Intermediate High proficiency. At the Intermediate High sublevel, readers are able to understand fully and with ease short, non-complex texts that convey basic information and deal with personal and social topics to which the reader brings personal interest or knowledge. These readers are also able to understand some connected texts featuring description and narration although there will be occasional gaps in understanding due to a limited knowledge of the vocabulary, structures, and writing conventions of the language.

Electives Based on Student Demand

AP Spanish Language and Culture A rigorous course taught exclusively in Spanish that requires students to improve their proficiency across the three modes of communication. The course focuses on the integration of authentic resources including online print, audio, and audiovisual resources, as well as traditional print resources that include literature, essays, and magazine and newspaper articles with the goal of providing a rich, diverse, learning experience. Students communicate using rich, advanced vocabulary and linguistic structures as they build proficiency in all modes of communication (interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational) toward the ACTFL Pre-Advanced level.