LANGUAGE ARTS

English I
10 credits
Prerequisite:  none
This is the entry-level course for high school graduation.  Instruction includes extensive study of vocabulary and grammar, as well as reading comprehension, and writing.  Curriculum follows California State Standards.

English II
10 credits
Prerequisite:  successful completion of English I
This course fulfills high school graduation requirements and includes instruction in vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, literature study, and writing.  Course content follows California State Standards.

Workplace Communications
5 credits per module
Prerequisites:  completion of English I and II
This is a multimedia course designed to develop communication skills and attitudes that allow a person to succeed in the world of work.  The course fulfills graduation requirements for ACE.  Through a combination of self-directed instruction and case study, students analyze and practice the reading, writing, listening and speaking skills necessary to get and keep a job.  These modules cover the following topics:

MATHEMATICS

Math 76
10 credits
Prerequisite:  Student to be assessed and placed at level consistent with ability.
This course focuses on the very basic concepts of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, geometric formulas and percents. Concepts, procedures and vocabulary are introduced and continually practiced.

Math 87
10 credits
Prerequisite:  Student to be assessed and placed at level consistent with ability.
This text-based course is for students who are not yet ready to take Pre-Algebra.  It provides students with a beginning foundation of many of the skills and concepts addressed in the CAHSEE.  The interrelationship of fractions, decimal numbers and percents is reinforced throughout the text, as well as geometric concepts and probability.

Pre-Algebra  Text:  Algebra ½
10 credits
Prerequisite:  Student to be assessed and placed at level consistent with ability.
This is a text-based course, designed to prepare students for Algebra by reinforcing basic math skills (fractions, decimals, integers, area, perimeter, volume, percent, ratios, order of operations, basic Geometry, word problems and some concepts of Algebra). This course addresses most skills and concepts covered in the CAHSEE.

Pre-Algebra Lab
10 credits
Prerequisite:  Student to be assessed and placed at level consistent with ability.
This is a computer-based, computer-assisted course designed to prepare students for Algebra.  Arithmetic (whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents), basic probability, basic graphing, basic Algebra, basic Geometry, and number sense are the main topics.  Students who do not complete this course in one year may take this course again for credit.

Algebra I
10 credits
Prerequisite:  Student to be assessed and placed at level consistent with ability.
In order to be successful, students will need a solid understanding of operations in decimals, fractions, and integers before beginning this course.  Emphasis is on signed numbers, linear equations, graphing, rational equations, quadratic equations, and systems of linear equations in two variables.

IMP Algebra
10 credits
Prerequisite:  Student to be assessed and placed at level consistent with ability.
This course is a classroom-based course with an Interactive approach to the algebra graduation requirement.  Attendance is mandatory!

Algebra II
10 credits
Prerequisite:  A “C” or better in Algebra I
This course covers concepts such as quadratic equations and inequalities, trigonometric functions and right triangle geometry,  rectangular and polar coordinates, and vectors.

Business Mathematics   A&B
10 credits
This course emphasizes the real-world application of computational skills to solve business and consumer problems, while providing opportunity for review of basic decimal and fraction skills.

SCIENCE

General Science
10 credits
Prerequisites:  none
This is a one-year course designed to introduce students to Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics.

Life Science
10 credits
This course introduces students to the study of plants, animals, and the environment.   It is a project based course.  Visit the Links page for additional resources.

COMPUTERS

ROP Computer Graphics
5 credits, one semester
Prerequisite:  none
This course will enable students to use Microsoft Office software; prepare multi-media presentations; and build their own website.  The final project for students is the digital yearbook put out every year by the class.

Keyboarding
Variable credit based on achieving established goals
Prerequisite:  none
This course is a self-directed, computer tutorial to instruct and improve keyboarding skills.  It is designed for the beginner or computer user who wishes to improve speed and accuracy.  Progression and completion are individualized and include keyboard familiarity, and touch keyboarding.

ECONOMICS

Consumer Economics
5 credits
This is a class that covers  patterns in economic behavior to help predict the way consumers react under different economic conditions.  The course focuses on the role of scarcity and competition and the effect of economic influences on decision-making.

Economics
5 credits
Prerequisites:  Grade 12 or completion of U.S. History
The student may opt for this class instead of Consumer Economics.  This class covers the basic concepts involved in the American economic system, makes comparisons with other economic systems, and attempts to clarify the roles of the government, private sector, and the individual in “directing” our economy.

SOCIAL SCIENCES

World History
10 credits
Prerequisites:  Grade 10
This is a survey of the various cultures of the world, emphasizing 1700 to the present.  The course covers the development of mankind and its political, economic, social and cultural institutions.

U.S. History
10 credits
Prerequisites:  Grade 11 or completion of World History
Junior social studies will cover social, political, geographical, and economic concepts and events in U.S. history with an emphasis on the 20^th century.

Civics
5 credits
Prerequisites:  Grade 12 or completion of U.S. History
This is a required class that is designed to apply a student’s knowledge of history to current political, economic, and social events; and apply current political decisions to the democratic principles of this country.  Reading the newspaper on a daily basis is strongly advised.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Fitness Walking
1 credit for every 15 hours of class
This class will meet two to three times a week depending on weather.  Pass/Fail

Activities
1 credit for 15 verified hours
Prerequisites:  none
Credit may be earned in community recreational programs, organized exercise programs, and/or private lessons.  All sources must have instructor approval.

Health
5 credits
Prerequisites:  none
Student will gain a better understanding of nutrition; chemical abuse; sexual behavior; complexities of relationships; and public health and safety.

FINE ARTS

Music Appreciation
10 credits
Prerequisites:  none
This course fulfills the Fine Arts requirement and includes instruction in the appreciation of many different types of music including jazz, rock, and classical.

Community Performances
Variable credit
Prerequisites:  none
Students will be encouraged to participate in and/or evaluate community theater, museums, art shows, musical performances, and other opportunities upon approval of the instructor.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Work Experience
20 credits for 500 hours
Prerequisites: Age 16 years or older and successful completion of PEST
Work experience is a required class that combines paid employment with non-paid job shadowing and internship.  Students do self-directed job searches or may be placed by the job developer.  Once placed, the job developer works with the student and employer to ensure a positive work experience.

Pre-Employment Skills
5 credits
Prerequisites:  Grade 10 through 12
Students will develop work habits, attitudes, self-confidence, job skills, and a personal portfolio that can be used to locate, secure and retain employment in the community.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Community Service
5 credits for 75 hours
Prerequisites:  none
Students will develop a sense of ownership by volunteering within the community that they live. A mandatory 75 hours of work must be completed within a non-profit organization.  All work must be pre-approved by the student’s instructor.

ELECTIVES

Academy of Engineering Lab
variable credit
This is a project-based and inquiry-based learning lab using LEGO manipulatives.  The Lab will teach concepts of math, science, engineering, technology literacy and more.  Upon teacher approval, some units may be used as substitutes for part of the science requirement.

Psychology
10 credits available
Prerequisite:  none
This is an introductory course in the study of human behavior.  Included for study are such subjects as perception, cognition, learning theory, intelligence, human development, mental health, and mental illness.

Poetry
1 credit
Prerequisite:  none
Student works individually with instructor to compile a poetry book of original works.  Instruction in forms, presentation, and conventions of poetry is included.

Foods
10 credits
Prerequisite:  none
This is an introductory course in foods and nutrition.  Students will learn preparation techniques, safe handling practices, nutritional planning, and how to make wise consumer choices related to food.

Relationships and Family Living
10 credits
Prerequisite:  none
This course is intended to introduce students to factors affecting family and relationship dynamics.  Topics will include child development, psychological development, parenthood, and attitudes impacting the health of a relationship.

World Geography
11 credits
Prerequisite:  none
Throughout this course, students will utilize maps to identify geographic locales and study the effects of geographic features.  Understanding the five geographic themes – location, place, human/environment interaction, movement, and region – will be an important component of recognizing the way geographers view the world and how environment affects people and civilizations.

Consumer Automotive
10 credits
Prerequisite:  none
This is an introductory course in basic automotive maintenance and repair.  Students will learn to identify vehicles and develop an understanding of automotive systems.  The course will cover safe work practices and appropriate methods of disposing with waste products.  Skills required, tools needed, and careers available in the automotive industry will be covered.