General electives

ACT Prep

Grade: 11-12             Credit: 0.5 Elective        Length: Semester

Prerequisite: Successful completion of or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2

Course Description: The purpose of this course is to help students improve their ACT scores.  We will focus on both test-taking strategies and reinforcement of content.  Most weeks will be devoted to addressing an important topic from each of the four ACT test areas (English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science) followed by a cumulative assessment.  Students will take several full-length ACTs from previous years as a way to document their progress in improving their ACT scores. 

Yearbook Practicum 1

Grade: 10-12             Credit: 1.0 Elective        Length: Year

Prerequisite: Instructor approval

Course Description: The curriculum in this course is structured to develop in students the real life skills necessary to produce the Affton High School Yearbook. Students will be required to participate in all aspects of the production and to contribute to the publication, including book composition and advertising sales. Students will also learn, as a member of a staff, to accept responsibility for deadlines, to polish their writing skills in journalistic style, and to layout and design copy for mass publication using Adobe InDesign. Students may be required to participate in activities outside of class time to complete assignments. 

Yearbook Practicum 2 & 3

Grade: 11-12             Credit: 1.0 Elective        Length: Year

Prerequisite: Yearbook 1 and Instructor approval

Course Description: Students enrolled in these courses will serve as the editorial leaders of the Affton High School Yearbook. They will assist in supervising the business aspects of the publication, as well as, the writing and design of the publication using Adobe InDesign. Students may be required to participate in activities outside of class time to complete assignments. 

AP Seminar

Grade: 10-12             Credit: 1.0 Elective credit       Length: Year

Prerequisite: None, however future interest in AP courses is encouraged 

Course Description: In this course students will develop and strengthen their analytic and inquiry skills, exploring deeply topics and issues chosen by the students and/or teacher. Students will learn to consider an issue from multiple perspectives, evaluate the strength of an argument, and make logical fact-based decisions. Students read articles, research studies, and foundational and philosophical texts; listen to and view speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experience artistic and literary works to gain a rich appreciation and understanding of issues. During the course, students will complete a team project, an individual paper and presentation, and take a written end-of-course exam. 

AP Research (not offered 26-27)

Grade: 11-12             Credit: 1.0 Elective credit       Length: Year

Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP Seminar

Course Description: The second course of the AP Capstone experience allows students to design, plan, and conduct a yearlong research-based investigation on a topic of individual interest. Through this inquiry and investigation, students demonstrate the ability to apply scholarly understanding to real-world problems and issues. Students further the skills acquired in the AP Seminar course by understanding research methodology; employing ethical research practices; and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information to build, present, and defend an argument. 

MyPath

Grade: 12             Credit: 1.0 Elective     Length: Year

Prerequisite: Application required

Course Description: Prior to enrollment in the MyPath course, students will propose a personalized plan of study focused on post-secondary goals. After acceptance into the course, students will collaborate with a mentor-teacher to create a project management plan for the school year. Within this plan, the student will identify topics to be explored, curricular standards to be met, goals, learning activities, and a detailed timeline. Students will engage in presentations detailing their learning and progress to a panel audience each term. 

MyPath Application & Consent Agreements

Project Proposal & Project Management Plan

Cadet Teaching

Grade: 11-12             Credit: none       Length: Semester/Year

Prerequisite: Application required

Course Description: Cadet teachers participate in a variety of activities which acquaint them with the teaching process. In addition to helping the teacher with such activities as preparation of materials and arranging bulletin boards, the cadet will also assist with instructional activities like working as a tutor with students individually or in small groups. Since cadet teaching is a participation course, good attendance is a requirement. 

Library Aide

Grade: 11-12             Credit: none       Length: Semester/Year

Prerequisite: Counselor approval

Course Description: Students are expected to provide basic customer service in the library. That includes shelving books, checking books in & out, and helping out as needed. When not actively completing library aide responsibilities, it can be used as a study hall.

Study Hall

Grade: 9-12            Credit: none       Length: Semester/Year

Prerequisite: Counselor approval

Course Description: Study hall is a time for students to get school work done during school hours. Students can request a study hall through the counselor. Availability is based on credits and progress towards graduation. 

Pathways to Progress

Grade: 9-12             Credit: none       Length: Semester/Year

Prerequisite: Counselor recommendation

Course Description: A small sized study hall for students who need assistance with the transition to high school. The Pathways teacher can assist students with keeping track of missing assignments, organization, prioritizing workload, task initiation and completion and other areas of need. Students can also use this time to complete work, catch up on work or study. 

Senior Incentive

Grade: 12             Credit: none       Length: Semester/Year

Prerequisite: Application required

Course Description: Seniors have the opportunity to participate in the senior incentive option. This option allows seniors to take a reduced schedule by providing a late start or early dismissal at the end of the day.