Core Subject Areas

Language Arts

• Includes aspects of language use: reading, vocabulary, writing, speaking, and listening which are typically linked to various types of informational text and literature. Prepares student to improve OAKS reading and writing proficiency (a graduation requirement).

• Offers a balanced focus on composition and literature with writing for a purpose and audience using persuasive, expository, and creative forms of composition and exploring different types of literature.  Students improve their reading rate and comprehension of both informational text and literature and develop skills to determine the author’s intent, theme, and techniques to deliver his or her message. Prepares student to improve OAKS reading and writing proficiency (a graduation requirement).

• This course continues to develop students’ writing skills with an emphasis on style (clear and logical writing patterns, word choice and usage, rhythm, and voice) and begin to learn the techniques of writing research papers. Students continue to read works of literature and literary conventions and stylistic devices receive greater emphasis than in previous courses.

• This course blends composition, literature, and speech into a cohesive whole as students write critical, argumentative, and comparative analyses of selected short fiction and one or more major research papers.

• This course cultivates a form of artistic expression, draws on the imagination to convey meaning through the use of imagery, narrative, and drama. This is in contrast to analytic or pragmatic forms of writing. This genre includes poetry, fiction (novels, short stories), scripts, screenplays and creative non-fiction.

Math

• Integrated Math I is a year long mathematics course which reinforces and builds upon mathematical skills taught in previous classes with additional advanced computation, including an emphasis on algebraic concepts. Students study algebraic expressions, factoring, using the distance formula and are introduced to geometry concepts. In this course students develop and expand problem solving skills, creatively and analytically, in order to solve word problems.

• Integrated Math II is a year long mathematics course which is designed to emphasize the study of the properties and applications of common geometric figures in tow and three dimensions. It includes the study of transformations and right triangle trigonometry. Inductive and deductive thinking skills are used in problem solving situations, and applications to the real world are stressed.

• Integrated Math III is a year long mathematics course which is designed to build on algebraic and geometric concepts. It develops advanced algebra skills such as systems of equations, advanced polynomials, imagery and complex numbers, quadratics and concepts and includes the study of trigonometric functions. The concept of this course are important for students’ success on both the ACT and college mathematics entrance exams. Pre-requisite of Integrated Math II or equivalent course.

• Consumer Math is a year long mathematics course which is helping thousands of math teachers answer the age-old question, “When am I going to use math in real life?” with confidence. Consumer Math engages students with real-world financial applications while maintaining deep mathematical rigor. Each of the course’s 10 units blends one core personal finance topic with one relevant math concept (e.g. Investing and Exponential Functions).

Science

• STEAM is an approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. Students will take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process while learning about science.

• This course provides students with a basic understanding of living things. Topics covered may include ecology and environmental problems such as overpopulation and pollution as well as cells, types of organisms, evolutionary behavior, and inheritance.

Social Studies

• US History will explore the foundation and development of the United States from pre-colonial times through the Civil War and Reconstruction. Students will examine key events, figures, and documents that shaped the nation, fostering an understanding of historical themes, civil responsibility, and the impact of the past on contemporary society.

• Government will provide students with an understanding of political systems, civic responsibility, and the U.S. Constitution. Students will explore the structures and functions of governments, develop critical thinking skills about political issues, and learn to engage actively and responsibly as informed citizens.

• This introduction to economics course focuses on the definition of economics and the application of economic analysis within the student’s own life, business applications, product and labor markets, monetary and fiscal policy, and trade.  Current issues and research will be used to illustrate fundamental concepts and an option for lifelong economic literacy and research

• World History will explore key global events, cultures, and civilizations from ancient times to the Renaissance. Students will analyze the development of societies, the impact of cultural exchanges, and the evolution of political systems while fostering a global perspective and understanding of historical connections that shape the modern world.

• Oregon History is designed to give students an overarching view of the state that they live in and increase their understanding of how the state’s history has impacted the decisions and environment of the state today.

• World Geography will cover Earth's physical and cultural landscapes, examining landforms, climate, ecosystems, and global population trends. Students will learn map skills, study different world regions, and explore how geography affects culture, economy, and human interactions on a global scale.

• Yearbook & Newspaper aims to inform students about campus events. It will serve as a check on school administration, uncover stories that outside media might miss, encourage students and faculty to come together and create something meaningful, foster school involvement, encourage social interaction, and capture history.

• Psychology will focus on identifying basic psychological principles and applying them to real-world situations. Students will critically evaluate the claims and assumptions of various schools of thought within the discipline of psychology and conduct psychological research to draw conclusions supported by evidence.