Academic Electives

Grades: 9–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

8400320 MEDICAL SKLS SERS

Fee: $50

Full Course Description:

This course assists students in making informed decisions about future academic and occupational goals in the Medical Arts Academy. Instruction includes employability and communication skills, legal and technological aspects of health care, medical mathematics, services provided by health science professions, mental health and wellness, occupational safety, and basic health science skills.

Grades: 10–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

8417110 HEALTH SCIENCE FOUND

Prerequisite: Must have completed Medical Skills and Services

Full Course Description:

This course provides in-depth knowledge of the healthcare system and associated occupations. Emphasis is placed on communication and interpersonal skills, ethical decision-making, use of technology, and critical thinking. Students learn first aid skills, measure vital signs, and may shadow or interact with healthcare professionals.

Grades: 9–10

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

1700380 CAR RES & DEC MKG

Fee: $30

Full Course Description:

Students explore who they are, what they want to do, and how to achieve their goals. Instruction includes learning styles, leadership styles, time management, organization, public speaking, and note-taking. Students research career fields, job responsibilities, postsecondary education requirements, financial aid, scholarships, and application processes. The course helps students plan their high school coursework with a clear connection to future careers.

Grades: 10–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

8215120 BUSINESS ENTREP PRIN

Prerequisite: Career Explorations and Technology

Fee: $25

Full Course Description:

This course introduces students to entrepreneurship as a career pathway. Topics include the role of the entrepreneur, ethics in business, marketing, financing, accounting, sales, and management. Students explore business ownership structures such as corporations, LLCs, franchising, and licensing. The course includes guest speakers and local business visits, with a focus on developing a complete business plan.

Grades: 11–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

8812120 BUSINESS MGMT & LAW

Prerequisite: Business Entrepreneurship

Fee: $25

Full Course Description:

Students study business management techniques and legal concepts relevant to business and the arts. Topics include human relations, decision-making, communication, leadership styles, and the five functions of management: planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling. The course supports students interested in managing arts-related enterprises.

Grades: 10–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

2107300 PSYCH 1

Full Course Description:

Students study human behavior, behavioral interaction, and individual development. The course builds understanding of personal behavior and the behavior of others through psychological concepts and applications.

Grades: 10–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

2108300 SOCIOLOGY

Full Course Description:

Course description:

Sociology provides students with an understanding of how groups interact and how society influences individual behavior. Students examine the methods used by sociologists to study human behavior and explore topics such as social institutions and norms, social classes, relationships between groups, social roles, socialization, social conflict, and the structure of social organizations.

The Florida History component examines the chronological development of the state of Florida by exploring the political, economic, social, military, and cultural events that shaped the state. Students study the historical, geographic, political, economic, and sociological factors that influenced Florida’s development, including Native American cultures, Spanish, French, British, and American periods of control, Florida’s territorial experience and statehood, the Civil War and Reconstruction, economic and technological changes, population growth, and the evolution of modern Florida. Students also examine Florida’s diverse regions, government structure, and the opportunities and challenges facing the state today.

Grades: 11–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

2107360 AICE PSYCH 1 AS

Full Course Description:

Students explore how psychology is conducted through the review of major research studies and applications. The course examines key approaches, research methods, and debates within the field of psychology.

Grades: 10–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

0900310 HUM 1 HON

Fee: $10

Full Course Description:

This course examines 100 years of filmmaking as both an art form and a culturally significant dramatic medium. Students learn film analysis, genre study, stylistic movements, and critical discussion techniques.

Grades: 10–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

1100462 Cambridge AICE Media Studies AS Level

Fee: $10

Full Course Description:

Students develop critical understanding of international media through analysis of media products and hands-on creative applications. Instruction includes production processes, technologies, media contexts, and the impact of media on global and local cultures.

Grades: 9–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

2106370 COMPRE LAW STUDIES

Full Course Description:

Students study the foundations and processes of the American legal system, including civil and criminal law, constitutional rights, juvenile and adult justice systems, and the Bill of Rights. The course includes the development of a written appellate brief and oral arguments addressing a contemporary legal issue.

Grades: 10–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

2106375 COMPRE LAW HONORS

Full Course Description:

Year 2 of Comprehensive Law Studies increases academic rigor through deeper analysis, evaluation, and creation of complex legal concepts. Students apply critical thinking and collaborative skills to court cases and legal issues.

Grade: 11

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

1700364 AICE GLBL PERSP 1 AS

Note: Required for all students in the Cambridge Program

Full Course Description:

Students explore issues of global significance while developing critical thinking, research, communication, and collaboration skills. The course emphasizes defining global problems, reflecting on perspectives, and taking informed action.

Grades: 11–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

2000321 AICE BIO 1 AS

Prerequisites: Passed Biology with a B or higher, score of 3 or higher on the Biology EOC, and Chemistry

Lab Fee: $30

Full Course Description:

This course provides a strong foundation in key biological concepts, important themes, and practical skills. Students study topics including cell structure, biological molecules, enzymes, transport mechanisms, genetics, disease, and immunity. Practical experiments and observations are emphasized to promote deeper understanding. Students are required to take the AICE exam in May and may earn college credit.

Grades: 10–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

2002515 AICE MARINE SCI 1 AS

Prerequisite: Completed Biology

Lab Fees: $30 lab fee and $30 aquarium fee

Full Course Description:

AICE Marine Science focuses on scientific understanding of the ocean and its ecosystems. Topics include water and Earth processes, marine ecosystems, classification and biodiversity, energy flow, fisheries, and human impact. Students complete readings, hands-on labs, projects, assignments, and exams. Mandatory field labs include visits to the Florida Aquarium, plankton sampling, invertebrate dissections, kayaking, beach seining, snorkeling, mangrove and seagrass ecology, mark-and-recapture studies, and species identification.

Grades: 10–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

2000321 AICE BIO 1 AS

Prerequisite: Biology

Lab Fee: $30

Full Course Description:

This course develops student understanding of natural systems that sustain life on Earth and the impact of human activity on these systems. Students explore sustainability, environmental management, and global environmental challenges. Emphasis is placed on developing environmental responsibility, critical thinking, and informed decision-making related to local and global environmental concerns.

Grades: 10–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

2000360 ANAT PHYSIO HON

Prerequisites: Passed Biology with a C or higher and score of 3 or higher on the Biology EOC

Lab Fee: $30

Full Course Description:

This course investigates the structure and function of the human body through laboratory-based study. Topics include anatomical terminology, biochemical composition, major body systems, and disease processes. Instruction includes presentations, guided notes, case studies, collaborative projects, arts-infused assignments, and required dissections. Students are responsible for lab safety, lab reports, and unit projects.

Grades: 10–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name:

2002480 FORC SCI 1

Prerequisite: Successfully passed Biology

Lab Fee: $30

Full Course Description:

Forensic Science is a year-long elective exploring the scientific methods used in crime investigations. Integrating biology, chemistry, and math, the course emphasizes inquiry, problem solving, and teamwork. Students engage in field-based and laboratory investigations including crime scene documentation, fingerprint development, blood spatter analysis, entomology, excavation techniques, and evidence analysis.

Grades: 11–12

FOCUS Course Number & Name: 2001310 ERTH/SPA SCI

Lab Fee: $30

Full Course Description:

Earth and Space Science is the study of the processes that shape the Earth and explain the universe. This course explores the four main branches of Earth Science: geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. Students will study Earth’s interior, the theory of plate tectonics, Earth’s systems and their interactions, and the relationship between Earth Science and technology. Students will also examine current theories describing the formation of Earth, the Solar System, and the universe.