12th Grade Academics

English

English, Grade 12

Pre-requisites: English Language Arts, Grade 11

Reading literature, reading informational text, writing, speaking and listening, and language. NOTE: FULFILLS ENGLISH CREDIT REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION. This course is appropriate for students interested in a wide range of postsecondary options.

English, Literature and Composition, AP

College Level Course; Will require Summer Work

Pre-requisites: English Language Arts, Grade 11

NOTE: FULFILLS ENGLISH CREDIT REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION. College-level advanced course following the curriculum established by the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Program for English; engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature from several genres and periods from the sixteenth to the twenty-first century; extensive writing of compositions. Students who take this course are expected to take the AP Exam in May. Students may be eligible for college credit with a qualifying score on the AP Exam. This course is encouraged for students interested in pursuing postsecondary education at the two-year or four-year level.

History

United States Government (.5 Credit)

Pre-requisites: None

Origins, functions, and branches of U. S. government; representative democracy; federalism; political/civic life; analysis of Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other relevant documents; foreign policy. This course is appropriate for students interested in a wide range of postsecondary options. *Students must earn at least ½ credit in both US Government and Economics.

Economics (.5 credit)

Pre-requisites: None

Basic elements of economics; comparative economic systems and economic theories; role of the consumer; business and labor issues; functions of government; structure of U. S. banking system; role of Federal Reserve Bank. This course is appropriate for students interested in a wide range of postsecondary options. *Students must earn at least ½ credit in both US Government and Economics.

AP United States Government and Politics (1 credit)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of US History I and US History II, preferably at the advanced level

AP United States Government and Politics introduces students to key political ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the political culture of the United States. The course examines politically significant concepts and themes, through which students learn to apply disciplinary reasoning, assess causes and consequences of political events, and interpret data to develop evidence-based arguments.

Students who take this course are expected to take the AP Exam in May. Students may be eligible for college credit with a qualifying score on the AP Exam. This course is encouraged for students interested in pursuing postsecondary education at the two-year or four-year level.

AP Macroeconomics (1 credit)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of US History I and US History II, preferably at the advanced level

AP Macroeconomics is an introductory college-level course that focuses on the principles that apply to an economic system as a whole. The course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination; it also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. Students learn to use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts.

Science

Chemistry

Pre-requisites: Completion of biology, any level

This course will satisfy the physical science requirement needed for graduation. This is mathematics-heavy course that applies mathematical concepts to chemical interactions. Content standards covered in this course include matter and its interactions, energy transformations, changes in matter, chemical reactions, stoichiometric calculations, etc. This course is appropriate for students interested in a wide range of postsecondary options.

Chemistry, Advanced

Pre-requisites: Successful completion of biology, preferably at the advanced level. Advanced math recommended as well.

This academically challenging course is designed to prepare students for success in AP Chemistry. This course is an in-depth study of those topics in Chemistry and will also include introduction of equilibrium, redox reactions nuclear chemistry and electrochemistry, to name a few. This course is encouraged for students interested in pursuing postsecondary education at the two-year or four-year level.

AP Chemistry

Pre-requisites: Successful completion of biology and chemistry, preferably at the advanced level. Students should also have successfully completed Algebra II and be concurrently enrolled in Precalculus.

This is a college-level course that includes advanced studies in chemical interactions. This course is designed for the academically talented student who is considering a degree in science, engineering or medicine. It involves complex material and stresses problem-solving. Advanced laboratory experiments are an integral part of this course and may require additional time outside of the allotted class period to complete. Some independent research is recommended and may also be required. Students who take this course are expected to take the AP Exam in May. Students may be eligible for college credit with a qualifying score on the AP Exam. This course is encouraged for students interested in pursuing postsecondary education in a STEM field at the two-year or four-year level.

Environmental Science

Environmental Science is a course that introduces students to a broad view of the biosphere and the physical parameters that affect it. This course is appropriate for students interested in a wide range of postsecondary options.

AP Environmental Science

Pre-requisites: Successful completion of biology and chemistry, preferably at the advanced level

The goal of this course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems and to examine the alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Advanced laboratory experiments are an integral part of this course and may require additional time outside of the allotted class period to complete. Some independent research is recommended and may also be required. Students who take this course are expected to take the AP Exam in May. Students may be eligible for college credit with a qualifying score on the AP Exam. This course is encouraged for students interested in pursuing postsecondary education in a STEM field at the two-year or four-year level.

Human Anatomy and Physiology

This course is designed to address the structure and function of human body systems from the cellular level to the organism level. This course is appropriate for students interested in a wide range of postsecondary options.

Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology

Pre-requisites: Completion of biology and chemistry/physical science, preferably at the advanced level

This course is for students who have an interest in pursuing a career in nursing, medicine or health related sciences. It is designed to address the structure and function of human body systems from the cellular level to the organism level. This course is encouraged for students interested in pursuing postsecondary education at the two-year or four-year level.

AP Biology

Pre-requisites: Successful completion of biology and chemistry, preferably at an advanced level

This college-level course includes an advanced study of the biochemical process of life and in-depth study of molecular biology, cell physiology, genomics, genetics, etc. Advanced laboratory experiments are an integral part of this course and may require additional time outside of the allotted class period to complete. Some independent research is recommended and may also be required. Students who take this course are expected to take the AP Exam in May. Students may be eligible for college credit with a qualifying score on the AP Exam. This course is encouraged for students interested in pursuing postsecondary education in a STEM field at the two-year or four-year level.

AP Computer Science Principles

Pre-requisites: Algebra II with Trigonometry; recommended for 11th & 12th grade students. Counts as a Science Course

A one credit college-level course following the curriculum established by the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Program for computer science; emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem-solving and algorithm development. This course may be used as the fourth science credit or an elective. Students who take this course are expected to take the AP Exam in May. Students may be eligible for college credit with a qualifying score on the AP Exam. This course is encouraged for students interested in pursuing postsecondary education at the two-year or four-year level.

Earth and Space Science

Prerequisite: Completion of biology and chemistry/physical science

This course provides a depth of conceptual understanding to adequately prepare students for college, career and citizenship with an

appropriate level of scientific literacy. Content areas covered include: Earth’s place in the universe, which includes the solar system,

history of the planet, the universe and stars; Earth’s systems, which includes plate tectonics, the role of water in surface processes,

weather and climate and biogeology. This course is appropriate for students interested in a wide range of postsecondary options.

Math

Algebra with Finance

Pre-requisites: Successful Completion of Geometry with Data Analysis and Algebra 1 with Probability

Algebra with Finance is a college and career preparatory course that integrates algebra, precalculus, probability and statistics, calculus and geometry to solve financial problems that occur in everyday life. Real-world problems in investing, credit, banking, auto insurance, mortgages, employment, income taxes, budgeting and planning for retirement are solved by applying the relevant mathematics that are taught at a higher level. Students are encouraged to use a variety of problem-solving skills and strategies in real-world contexts, and to question outcomes using mathematical analysis and data to support their findings. The course offers students multiple opportunities to use, construct, question, model, and interpret financial situations through symbolic algebraic representations, graphical representations, geometric representations, and verbal representations. Math concepts and skills are applied through study and problem-solving activities in workforce situations in the following areas: banking, investing, employment and income taxes, automobile ownership and operation, mathematical operations, consumer credit, independent living, and retirement planning and budgeting.

Applications of Finite Math

Pre-requisites: Successful completion of Alg. 2 with Stats, Adv. Alg. 2 with Stats, or Alg. 2 Substitute

Applications of Finite Mathematics provides students with the opportunity to explore mathematics concepts related to discrete mathematics and their application to computer science and other fields. Students who are interested in post-secondary programs of study that do not require calculus (such as elementary and early childhood education, English, history, art, music, and technical and trade certifications) would benefit from choosing Applications of Finite Mathematics as their fourth high school mathematics credit. It may also be a useful supplemental course for students pursuing a career in computer science. This course is an important non-calculus option that presents mathematics as relevant and meaningful in everyday life. Its objective is to help students experience the usefulness of mathematics in solving problems that are frequently encountered in today’s complex

society.

Precalculus

** By its very nature, Precalculus is considered an advanced level mathematics course and students will receive the appropriate quality points for successful completion of the course. There is NOT a separate course code for Advanced Precalculus.

Pre-requisites: Successful completion of Adv. Algebra II with Statistics NOTE: FULFILLS ONE OF THE FOUR MATHEMATICS CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION. Precalculus is a course designed for students who have successfully completed the Algebra II with Trigonometry course. This course is considered to be a prerequisite for success in calculus and college mathematics. Algebraic, graphical, numerical, and verbal analyses are incorporated during investigations of the Precalculus content standards. Parametric equations, polar relations, vector operations, conic sections, and limits are introduced. Content for this course also includes an expanded study of polynomial and rational functions, trigonometric functions, and logarithmic and exponential functions. Application-based problem solving is an integral part of the course. Instruction should include appropriate use of technology to facilitate continued development of students’ higher-order thinking skills.

Calculus AB, AP (Online ONLY)

Pre-requisites: Successful completion of mathematics to and including Precalculus. AP Calculus AB is roughly equivalent to a first semester college calculus course devoted to topics in differential and integral calculus. AP Calculus AB is structured around three big ideas: limit, derivatives, and integrals and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. The concept of limits is foundational; the understanding of this fundamental tool leads to the development of more advanced tools and concepts that prepared students to grasp the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, a central idea of AP Calculus. Students who take this course are expected to take the AP Exam in May. Students may be eligible for college credit with a qualifying score on the AP Exam. This course is encouraged for students interested in pursuing postsecondary education at the two-year or four-year level.

Algebra II with Statistics (NCAA approved course; regular pathway but more challenging than the prior options)

Pre-requisites: Successful completion of Geometry with Data Analysis and either Algebra I with Probability or the combination of the Grade 7 Accelerated Mathematics and Grade 8 Accelerated Mathematics course sequence.

NOTE: FULFILLS ONE OF THE FOUR MATHEMATICS CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION. Algebra II with Statistics builds on the students’ experiences in previous mathematics in Geometry with Data Analysis and Algebra I with Probability. It is the third of three required courses, and it is to be taken following the successful completion of Geometry with Data Analysis and either Algebra I with Probability or the combination of the Grade 7 Accelerated Mathematics and Grade 8 Accelerated Mathematics course sequence. It is the culmination of the three years of required mathematics content and sets the stage for continued study of topics specific to the student’s interests and plans beyond high school. Algebra II with Statistics is the prerequisite for Applications of Finite Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling, Precalculus, and all other approved ALSDE mathematics classes designed for completion of students’ fourth mathematics credit. Range of postsecondary options.

Advanced Algebra II with Statistics