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Psychology I

Psychology I: Biopsychology, Personality, and Positive Psychology investigate the biological bases of behavior, sensation, perception, personality, and emotion. It explores how genetics, evolution, and the nervous and endocrine systems influence and impact a person's behavior. Students employ psychological research methods throughout the course, including ethical considerations, as they use scientific inquiry methods to evaluate claims and evidence and effectively communicate ideas.

• Available to students in grade(s): 11/12
• Prerequisite(s): Open registration
• Course length: Single-semester
• Term(s) offered: Semester one only
• Minimum Student Enrollment: 5

AP Environmental Science

• Available to students in grade(s): 11/12
• Course length: Full year
• Course-specific Prerequisite(s):
• Chemistry (10) earned grade - Requires a minimum grade of B+ OR
• Chemistry (15) earned grade - Requires a minimum grade of B
• AND:
• Biology (10) earned grade - Requires a minimum grade of A OR
• Biology (15) earned grade - Requires a minimum grade of B
• Note: Eleventh-grade students may concurrently enroll in Biology (15) with recommendation.

AP Environmental Science provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. The course helps students identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-induced. It enables them to learn how to assess the risks associated with these problems and evaluate alternative solutions for resolving and preventing them. Students cultivate their understanding of the interrelationships of the natural world through inquiry-based lab investigations and fieldwork as they explore the four Big Ideas: energy transfer, interactions between earth systems, interactions between different species and the environment, and sustainability.

AP Physics C: Mechanics

AP Physics C: Mechanics serves as a calculus-based, college-level introduction to the fundamental principles governing the physical world. This course is specifically designed for students intending to pursue careers in the physical sciences or engineering, focusing on a deep, mathematical understanding of motion and its causes. Throughout the curriculum, students explore essential topics including kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, power, systems of particles, linear momentum, circular motion, rotation, oscillations, and gravitation. The course emphasizes inquiry-based learning, requiring students to design and conduct laboratory investigations, analyze data with statistical precision, and use differential and integral calculus to model complex physical systems. By bridging the gap between theoretical physics and practical application, students develop the analytical skills needed to succeed in advanced STEM coursework at the university level.

• Available to students in grade(s): 11/12
• Course length: Full-year
• Prerequisite(s): Recommendation
• Course-specific Prerequisite(s):
• Calculus AB or BC. The course requires students to be comfortable with derivatives and quickly transition to basic integration, right at or very soon after the start of the course.

Chemistry (10)

Chemistry (10): Principles of Chemistry is a full-year course designed to immerse tenth-grade students in the fundamental laws governing the physical world through a lens of analytical reasoning and sophisticated problem-solving. By integrating mathematical analysis with intensive laboratory experimentation and the study of primary research literature, students explore the complexities of atomic theory, nomenclature, and the mechanics of chemical equations. The curriculum emphasizes the quantitative nature of science through stoichiometry and the behavior of matter across various states, including a deep dive into the Gas Laws. As a core component of the science graduation requirement, this course challenges learners to synthesize theoretical concepts with empirical data, building the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate and explain the chemical interactions that define our universe.

• Available to students in grade(s): 10
• Course length: Full-year
• Prerequisite(s): Recommendation

This course satisfies the Chemistry portion of the science graduation requirement.

Psychology II

Psychology II: Social Psychology, Development, and Cognition, Health Psychology introduces the principles and methods used to study how behavior changes as a function of experience. The course will explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with developmental psychology, knowledge organization, decision-making, and social psychology. Students employ psychological research methods throughout the course, including ethical considerations, as they use scientific inquiry methods to evaluate claims and evidence and effectively communicate ideas.

• Available to students in grade(s): 11/12
• Prerequisite(s): None
• Course length: Single-semester
• Term(s) offered: Semester two
• Minimum Student Enrollment: 5

Human Anatomy and Physiology II

Human Anatomy and Physiology II is an advanced, second-semester course for eleventh and twelfth-grade students that provides an in-depth exploration of the body’s command and life-support structures, including the nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, and lymphatic systems. Students investigate the complex mechanics of the respiratory, urinary, and reproductive systems while analyzing the physiological disruptions caused by common human diseases. The curriculum balances theoretical study with intensive laboratory work, utilizing advanced microscopy and detailed dissections to visualize internal structures and conducting physiological experiments to observe biological systems in action. By the conclusion of this sequence, learners gain a holistic understanding of human biology, mastering the critical thinking and laboratory skills essential for pursuing collegiate-level medical or scientific studies.

• Available to students in grade(s): 11/12
• Course length: Single semester
• Term(s) offered: Semester two
• Prerequisite(s): None
• Minimum Student Enrollment: 5

Physics (15)

Physics (15): A Quantitative Approach is a lab-oriented course designed for ninth-grade students with a strong aptitude for mathematics and analytical reasoning. Using energy as a central, unifying theme, the curriculum challenges students to apply fundamental physical principles to explain complex everyday phenomena through the lens of constant and accelerated motion, Newton’s laws, and projectile mechanics. Beyond classical mechanics, students dive into the dynamics of momentum, work, and the properties of both mechanical and electromagnetic waves. The course also features a critical exploration of electrostatics and simple circuits, providing a seamless transition into future chemistry studies. By leveraging graphing calculator technology for sophisticated data analysis and evidence-based modeling, students develop the quantitative fluency necessary to master high-level scientific inquiry while fulfilling their physics graduation requirement.

• Available to students in grade(s): 09
• Course length: Full-year
• Prerequisite(s): Recommendation

This course satisfies the Physics portion of the science graduation requirement.

Biology (10)

This comprehensive, full-year introductory course explores the fundamental processes of life by blending rigorous scientific inquiry with real-world application. Designed for eleventh- and twelfth-grade students, the curriculum fosters deep scientific literacy through investigations of biochemistry, infectious diseases, cellular structure, genetics, and ecology. Students actively engage with global scientific concerns by integrating physical and chemical concepts to solve complex problems through immersive case studies and collaborative group projects. By examining the mechanics of evolution, energetics, and reproduction, learners develop the essential process skills necessary to navigate and contribute to a rapidly changing biological landscape, ensuring a sophisticated understanding of the living world as they fulfill their graduation requirements.

• Available to students in grade(s): 11/12
• Course length: Full-year
• Prerequisite(s): Rcommendation

This course satisfies the Biology portion of the science graduation requirement.

AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based

• Available to students in grade(s): 10/11/12
• Course length: Full year
• Course-specific Prerequisite(s):
• Physics (15) earned grade - Requires a minimum grade of A-; students entering tenth-grade also need to have maintained an average of 95 throughout the year.
• AND:
• Algebra II (15) earned grade - Requires a minimum grade of A-; students entering tenth-grade also need to have maintained a grade average of 90 throughout the year.
• Note: Tenth-grade students must be concurrently enrolled in Chemistry (15).

The AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based is built around knowledge central to classical physics. Course content primarily draws from the following three areas: translational and rotational Newtonian mechanics, including motion, forces, energy, and momentum. A working knowledge of algebra and basic trigonometry is required, mainly for data analysis in the laboratory and solution strategies generally rely heavily on indispensable quantitative skills. Emphasis is placed on collaborative efforts and the development of problem-solving skills.

Human Anatomy and Physiology I

Human Anatomy and Physiology I is a rigorous, single-semester course designed for eleventh and twelfth-grade students seeking a deep understanding of the mechanics and maintenance of the human body. The curriculum begins with a foundation in anatomical terminology and homeostasis, then advances to a detailed investigation of cellular tissues and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and digestive systems. Through immersive laboratory experiences—including high-level microscopy, detailed dissections, and physiological modeling—students explore the delicate balance between health and disease processes. By integrating modern medical technology with classical anatomical study, learners develop a sophisticated perspective on how the body functions as an integrated system, providing an essential framework for those interested in health sciences, sports medicine, or biological research.

• Available to students in grade(s): 11/12
• Course length: Single semester
• Term(s) offered: Semester one
• Prerequisite(s): None
• Minimum Student Enrollment: 5

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism is a rigorous, calculus-based, college-level course tailored for students planning to specialize in the physical sciences or engineering. This course provides a deep dive into the foundational principles of electromagnetism, challenging students to explore complex topics such as electrostatics, conductors, capacitors, dielectrics, electric circuits, magnetic fields, and electromagnetic induction. Through a combination of intensive classroom study and inquiry-based laboratory work, students learn to apply differential and integral calculus to solve complex problems and investigate physical phenomena firsthand. The curriculum emphasizes the development of critical science practices, including creating representations of physical situations, conducting mathematical analyses, and designing experimental procedures to support scientific claims. To ensure success in this second-semester university-equivalent program, students must have either completed or be concurrently enrolled in calculus.

• Available to students in grade(s): 11/12
• Course length: Full-year
• Prerequisite(s): Recommendation
• Course-specific Prerequisite(s):
• Science course completion: Either AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based or AP Physics C: Mechanics
• Mathematics course completion: AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC.
• Note: This course requires more advanced application of calculus, including setting up integrals for continuous charge distributions and solving first-order differential equations. AP Calculus BC is the ideal math pairing, as the "BC" curriculum covers certain integration techniques and sequences that align well with the technical demands of electromagnetic field theory.

Chemistry (15)

Chemistry (15): Analytical Chemistry is an advanced, full-year laboratory course designed for tenth-grade students with a high aptitude for quantitative reasoning and a passion for scientific inquiry. The curriculum provides a sophisticated exploration of inorganic chemistry, challenging students to master complex concepts including atomic theory, thermochemistry, stoichiometry, and acid-base behavior. Beyond theoretical understanding, the course features an intensive laboratory component in which students act as primary investigators—developing original experimental protocols, monitoring real-time results, and performing high-level data analysis. By synthesizing the properties of matter with rigorous periodic law and chemical bonding theories, students cultivate the analytical precision required for college-level science while fulfilling the chemistry requirement for graduation.

• Available to students in grade(s): 10
• Course length: Full-year
• Prerequisite(s): Recommendation

This course satisfies the Chemistry portion of the science graduation requirement.

Physics (10)

Physics (10): A Conceptual Approach is a full-year introductory course that prioritizes a functional, intuitive understanding of the physical laws governing our universe through guided inquiry and collaborative investigation. Designed for ninth-grade students concurrently developing their algebraic skills, the curriculum emphasizes the construction of conceptual models rather than complex quantitative analysis. Students act as scientists by designing original experiments to explore kinematics, Newton’s laws, energy, and electromagnetism, using hands-on data collection to validate their theories. By focusing on the "how" and "why" of physical phenomena, this course empowers learners to communicate scientific ideas effectively, establishes a strong analytical framework for future scientific study, and fulfills the physics graduation requirement.

• Available to students in grade(s): 09
• Course length: Full-year
• Prerequisite(s): Recommendation

This course satisfies the Physics portion of the science graduation requirement.

Engineering: Research, Design, and Development

Engineering: Research, Design, and Development is a dynamic, single-semester introductory course that invites eleventh and twelfth-grade students to solve modern societal challenges through the lens of professional engineering. By rotating through core disciplines—including civil, chemical, electrical, biological, and mechanical engineering—students engage in a collaborative, project-based environment that prioritizes practical application over abstract theory. The curriculum is highly responsive to student interest, featuring immersive units that range from robotics and prosthetics to sustainable plastics and alternative fuels. Through a rigorous cycle of research, prototyping, and testing, learners develop the technical fluency and design-thinking skills necessary to innovate in an increasingly complex global landscape, all while working with cutting-edge tools and materials in a lab-centered setting.

• Available to students in grade(s): 11/12
• Course length: Single-semester
• Semester(s) offered: Semester one
• Prerequisite(s): None
• Minimum Student Enrollment: 5

AP Biology

AP Biology is a rigorous, introductory college-level course designed for eleventh and twelfth-grade students who seek to master the complex, interlocking systems of the living world. Through intensive inquiry-based investigations, students cultivate a sophisticated understanding of biology by exploring the four foundational pillars: evolution, energetics, information storage and transfer, and system interactions. The curriculum challenges learners to dive deep into biochemistry, cellular communication, hereditary genetics, and the intricate regulation of gene expression, all while performing high-level data analysis and experimental design. As a capstone experience that satisfies the biology graduation requirement, this course requires significant dedication—including summer enrichment—to prepare students for the analytical demands of the AP exam and future biological research.

• Available to students in grade(s): 11/12
• Course length: Full-year
• Prerequisite(s): Recommendation
• Course-specific Prerequisite(s):
• Biology (15) earned grade - Requires a minimum grade of B+
• Biology (10) earned grade - Requires a minimum grade of A with recommendation and summer enrichment work.
• Tenth-grade students: Chemistry (15) earned grade - Requires a minimum grade of A and recommendation

This course satisfies the Biology portion of the science graduation requirement.

AP Chemistry

AP Chemistry is a rigorous laboratory-based course designed to be equivalent to a general chemistry course at the college undergraduate level. The course focuses on states and structure of matter, chemical thermodynamics, physical behavior of gases, advanced stoichiometry, chemical kinetics, systems in chemical equilibrium, electrochemistry, and the extensive use of reaction prediction as an analytical tool. In this second chemistry course, students engage in the foundations of chemistry from a much deeper mathematical perspective. Completing the experiments recommended by the College Board is an integral part of this course. Laboratory work emphasizes increased competency in solving chemical calculations and problems.

• Available to students in grade(s): 11/12
• Course length: Full year
• Course-specific Prerequisite(s):
• Chemistry (15) earned grade - Requires a minimum grade of B+
• AND:
• Algebra II (10) earned grade - Requires a minimum grade of A OR
• Algebra II (15) earned grade - Requires a minimum grade of B+

Biology (15)

This full-year introductory course offers a sophisticated survey of the fundamental processes governing living organisms, specifically designed for eleventh and twelfth-grade students. By emphasizing high-level science process skills, the curriculum provides a dynamic context for exploring biochemistry, cellular structure and function, genetics, protein synthesis, and evolution. Students engage in rigorous inquiry through the cell cycle, reproduction, and the complexities of energetics—including cellular respiration and photosynthesis—culminating in an integrated study of ecology. As a potential capstone to a student's science sequence, the course challenges learners to synthesize physical, chemical, and biological concepts to address pressing global scientific concerns. Through extensive experimental design, data analysis, and the construction of evidence-based scientific explanations, students develop the literacy necessary to navigate a rapidly changing world while fulfilling their biology graduation requirement.

• Available to students in grade(s): 11/12
• Course length: Full-year
• Prerequisite(s): Recommendation

This course satisfies the Biology portion of the science graduation requirement.