221607 WORLD HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY II

Grade 9

This course surveys the historical achievements of humanity from 1500 CE to the present. Students investigate modern history in a thematic approach. Through the themes of Identity, Innovation, Empires and Trade, Revolution, Conflict, and Connections, students are introduced to VDOE standards of World History. These topics include the Renaissance, Reformation, Age of Exploration, Enlightenment, French and Industrial Revolutions, as well as significant 20th century events such as World Wars I and II and the Cold War. Throughout the year students are assessed on the MYP standards that are skill based in nature.

244007 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

Grade 10

This course studies the structure and function of the U.S. national, state, and local governments with an emphasis on citizenship and decision-making. Topics of study include: theory and structure of the federal government, civil rights & civil liberties, the political process, American political culture, and institutions of government, such as the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

244555 AP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT & POLITICS

Grade 10

Recommended: A semester/final grade of “B(4)” or better in World History and Geography II

This rigorous, college-equivalent course fulfills the U.S. Government requirement for graduation and prepares students for the AP Exam in Government. Units cover the foundations of American democracy, political socialization and ideology, political participation, government institutions, and civil rights and liberties. Students will be expected to develop collegiate-level reading and writing skills during the course. Students enrolled in this course are required to take the national AP Government Examination administered each May by the College Board, which may earn them early college and/or university credit.

236008 UNITED STATES HISTORY

Grade 11

The Virginia and United States History (VA/US History) course builds on foundational knowledge to provide a comprehensive view of the nation's development from early exploration to the present. It covers the evolution of American political, geographic, economic, and social institutions, focusing on significant people, movements, and events. Units of study include: The Colonial Period, Independence, Nation Building, the Civil War, Reconstruction, Industrial Expansion, Colonialism, Nationalism, World War I, World War II, the Cold War, and Civil Rights. Students are required to earn one verified credit in Social Studies. The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) allows for a Locally Awarded Verified Credit (LAVC) path as an alternative to the Standards of Learning exam in order to achieve a verified credit for graduation. This LAVC process involves multiple performance assessments created by the VDOE which are taken in class and scored by local teachers. Successful completion of verified credit is determined based on the student's overall class performance as well as scores on performance assessments. Any student needing a verified credit can earn one by successfully completing the state-provided assessment as well as the rest of the course material. However, all students enrolled in the course, regardless of whether they need a verified credit, will be required to complete the state-provided assessments. 

236056 IB HISTORY OF THE AMERICAS HL

Grade 11

(Recommended: A grade of “B” or better in AP United States Government & Politics)

In 11th grade IB History of the Americas, students acquire and develop an understanding of historical knowledge of three in-depth topics of the 19th and 20th century Americas. This course is also designed to promote an appreciation and understanding of history as a discipline, including the nature and diversity of its sources, methods, and interpretations. During the school year, students are required to complete the internal assessment, which is a research paper related to the IB curriculum on a topic of their choosing. At the end of the year, students who need to pass a History SOL will take the United States/Virginia History SOL test. The IB assessment for the IB History of the Americas HL will be at the end of the senior year and completion of the IB World History HL. This course is a required course for students interested in taking IB World History HL in their senior year (see course description below). This class requires extensive reading assignments and writing assessments on the college level, and it is recommended that students consider their ability to manage such tasks before registering.

236155 IB WORLD HISTORY SL

Grade 12

Prerequisite: United States History

236196 IB WORLD HISTORY HL

Grade 12

Prerequisite: IB History of the Americas HL

In 12th grade IB World History students study three topics from 20th century world history: rise and rule of authoritarian states, the Cold War, case study on rights and protest in Apartheid South Africa.  For seniors taking this course HL, this course is a continuation of the IB Americas class that they took as 11th graders.  Seniors may also take this course SL but it is suggested that they consult with their 11th grade U.S. history teacher. This class requires extensive reading assignments and writing assessments on the college level, and it is recommended that students consider their ability to manage such tasks before registering. In the broader scope, this course is designed to promote the acquisition and understanding of in-depth historical knowledge across different cultures; an appreciation and understanding of history as a discipline, including the nature and diversity of its sources, methods and interpretations; an ability to use and communicate historical knowledge and understanding;  international awareness and understanding of people living in diverse places and at different times; and a better understanding of the present through an understanding of the past. 

281055 IB GLOBAL POLITICS SL

Grades 11-12

Elective

This course is designed for students who are interested in learning about current events, understanding why they happen, comprehending their long term effects, and examining potential responses. The core units of study will consist of examining power, sovereignty, and international relations, human rights, development, and peace and conflict. Students will earn IB credit by taking an IB exam in the spring and completing an engagement activity in which they explore a political issue of personal interest experientially. IB Global Politics will help students feel prepared to pursue an International Relations-related field through the content and skills acquired.

100071 IB DIGITAL SOCIETY

Elective

Grades 11-12

Digital society is an interdisciplinary course within the individuals and societies subject group. The course is designed for young people interested in exploring the impact and importance of digital systems and technologies in the contemporary world. Digital society is intended to appeal to a broad range of teachers in the social studies, media, humanities, cybersecurity, and related subject areas.

290056 IB PSYCHOLOGY HL I

Grade 11

First-year of a two-year program

Elective

Recommended: A grade of “B” or better in previous Individuals in Society course

This course is the first part of a two-year long course in Psychology. The course guides students through the study of behavior by examining behavior at three levels of analysis: biological, cognitive, and socio-cultural. Students study two of five options: abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, health psychology, psychology of human relationships, and sport psychology. Students also study diverse quantitative and qualitative research methods including experiments, case studies, interviews, and observations. Finally, all students are required to conduct one experimental study.

290096 IB PSYCHOLOGY HL II

Grade 12

Second-year of a two-year program

Elective

Prerequisite: IB Psychology HL I

This course is the second part of a two-year long course in Psychology. The course guides students through the study of behavior by examining behavior at three levels of analyses: biological, cognitive, and socio-cultural. Students also study two of five options: abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, health psychology, psychology of human relationships, and sport psychology. Students also study diverse quantitative and qualitative research methods including experiments, case studies, interviews, and observations. Finally, all students are required to conduct one experimental study.

Offered every other year. Available 2024-2025 school year. 

280655 IB ECONOMICS SL

Grades 11-12

Elective

This course emphasizes the economic theories of microeconomics, which deal with economic variables affecting individuals, firms and markets, and the economic theories of macroeconomics, which deal with economic variables affecting countries, governments and societies. The economics course encourages students to develop global perspectives, fosters a concern for global issues, and raises students’ awareness of their own responsibilities at a local, national and international level. The course also seeks to develop values and attitudes that will enable students to achieve a degree of personal commitment in trying to resolve these issues, appreciating our shared responsibility as citizens of an increasingly interdependent world. Elements of Financial literacy are integrated into the course so that the Virginia State graduation requirements for Economics Education and Financial Literacy are satisfied. Students complete a portfolio of internal assessment (IA) commentaries on microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economics topics.

613585 IB BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT SL

Offered every other year. Not available 2024-2025 school year. 

Grades 11-12

Elective

The IB Business and Management course is a rigorous and critical study of the ways in which individuals and groups interact in a dynamic business environment. It is an academic discipline that examines how business decisions are made and how these decisions make an impact on internal and external environments. It is designed to give students an understanding of business principles, practices, and skills. Emphasis is also placed on understanding technical innovation and day-to-day business functions of marketing, human resource management, and includes the application of tools and techniques of analysis to enhance the understanding of complex business activities and finance. A credit in this course will fulfill the fine/practical art or an elective requirement for graduation.