RVA Courses

English 9 I

English 9 I focuses on paragraph writing skills that help build up to writing five-paragraph essays. Students will read and analyze a range of texts such as short stories, myth stories, novellas, graphic novels, and non-fiction texts. The course also incorporates grammar lessons in-between units that are essential for academic writing.

English 9 II

English 9 II focuses on writing five-paragraph essays. Students will read and analyze a range of texts such as stories, myths, novellas, graphic novels, and non-fiction texts. The course also incorporates grammar lessons in-between units that are essential for academic writing.

English 10 I

The first semester of English 10 contains two units.

English 10 II

The second semester of English 10 contains two units: "The Challenge of Change" and "Gatsby Remix."

English 11 I

This online course aims to develop skills of textual analysis and the understanding that texts, both literary and non-literary, can relate to culturally determined reading practices, and to encourage students to question the meaning generated by language and texts. Students demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which formal elements are used to create meaning in a text. 

English 11 II 

Students focus closely on language and become aware of communication in the media; educational, political, or ideological influence of the media and ways in which mass media uses language to inform, persuade, or entertain. Students will interact with a variety of texts including novels, articles, videos, podcasts, and advertisements.

English 12 I

English 12 is a course that focuses on classic and contemporary literature, composition, and public speaking. Students will study works by Native Minnesotan authors as well as Shakespeare. The writing component focuses on research and inquiry in addition to literary analysis. The public speaking component focuses on speaking in-person and on-camera by completing speeches that are persuasive, entertaining, and demonstrational.

English 12 II 

The focus of this class will be critical reading and discussion, composition, and communication. The course includes Native Minnesotan literature, research and inquiry, public speaking and Shakespeare.

World Geography I (9)

Geography is based on a thematic approach that examines human world systems, patterns and processes that have shaped the planet Earth. The course is designed to help students develop a spatial perspective of the earth and its people. Students will be challenged to think critically by examining maps, graphs and charts.They will learn to use spatial models developed by geographers to analyze the earth and its people. We will focus on case studies from different parts of the world in learning the various concepts and themes.

Economics 9

This semester-long course covers economic concepts — including microeconomics and macroeconomics, mixed-market economies, global economy, and personal finance strategies. Throughout the course, students apply critical thinking skills while making practical economic choices. Students analyze data and write responsively in scenarios. 

US History I (10)

US History students will examine the defining moments, people, and ideas that have shaped and challenged our country. It is a one-semester survey of American history from the Pre-Contact to the Progressive Era.

US History II (10)

US History students will continue to learn about the history of our country. This is a one-semester class covering American history from 1930 until today.

World History I (11)

In this course we will study history by taking a big picture approach. We will examine the world as an interconnected whole. We will look at specific historical details from different countries and regions. Students will explore the world’s diversity and make connections and comparisons to other cultures and our society today. History will be explored from a global perspective, and students will attempt to identify patterns and bias in historical events around the world. Students will attempt to identify patterns by looking at history through the 5 themes. We will explore these themes by analyzing primary and secondary sources. Students will be expected to read, write, and think critically about historical events.

World History II (11)

This course is designed to provide students with the basic skills and information needed to analyze American History in the 20th century. Students will cover the following Units: WWI, The 1920's The Great Depression, WWII, The Cold War, Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War Era, and the Post Vietnam Era. This course will also develop students' academic skills to read and analyze the textbook and other supplemental documents. Due to the virtual classroom environment, students will also learn technology skills and digital professionalism.

Government (12)

This course includes a study of the structure and underlying philosophy of our government and an analysis of American political behavior. Students demonstrate an understanding of the foundations, rights and responsibilities of United States citizenship and how the US government embodies the principles and ideals of a democratic republic.

Economics 12 (Classes of 2024, 2025 & 2026) and Econ 9 (Class 2027+)

Content provided through Edgenuity. This semester-long course covers economic concepts — including microeconomics and macroeconomics, mixed-market economies, global economy, and personal finance strategies. Throughout the course, students apply critical thinking skills while making practical economic choices. Students analyze data and write responsively in scenarios. 

Math - 6 required credits. Some 4 year colleges/universities require 4 year (8 credits)

*Algebra 2 is a requirement for graduation.

*The order of courses for students in math is determined by prior work in middle school, or other content. The starting point for students should be discussed with the advisor and counselor. 

Geometry l

This course introduces students to the language of geometry and teaches them to reason logically about geometric relationships. It includes work in transformations and trigonometry. It includes the following topics: Angles and Segments, Transformations, Similarity, Trigonometry, Triangle Congruence, 

Geometry ll

This course introduces students to the language of geometry and teaches them to reason logically about geometric relationships. It includes work with Properties of Quadrilaterals, Surface Area and Volume of 3 dimensional figures, and Properties of Circles.

High School Algebra I

This course is organized around the study of families of functions and their applications to the world.  Students will learn to represent functions in multiple ways—as verbal descriptions, equations, tables, and graphs.  Students will also learn to model real-world situations using functions in order to solve problems.

High School Algebra II

You will be expanding and use what you have learned in the prior Algebra course. This course is about families of functions and their applications to the world.  You will learn to represent functions in multiple ways—as verbal descriptions, equations, tables, and graphs.  You will also learn to model real-world situations using functions in order to solve problems.

Algebra 2 I

This course is organized around the study of families of functions and their applications to the world.  As students learn about each family of functions, they will learn to represent them in multiple ways—as verbal descriptions, equations, tables, and graphs.  Students will also learn to model real-world situations using functions in order to solve problems arising from those situations.  

Algebra 2 II

This course is organized around the study of Algebra 2.

Functions, Stats & Trig I/II (elective)- NOT OFFERING 25/26 school year

This is a one-year course that will build on some of the topics students have previously studied in high school and also introduce students to some new topics. Topics include: descriptive statistics, statistical applications, functions (graphing, writing, operations), trigonometry, logic, and sets and probability. A TI-84 graphing calculator is used in this course.

Statistics I (elective)- NOT OFFERING 25/26 school year

This course introduces students to introductory statistics and teaches them to incorporate technology and analyze real meaningful and interesting applications. Questions such as, “Is the body temperature really 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit?”, “When the Titanic sank, did passengers follow the rule of ‘women and children first’?”; “Can analysis of discarded garbage be used to predict the size of a population?”; and “Do fighter jet ejection seats need to be designed to better accommodate female pilots?”.

Statistics II (elective)- NOT OFFERING 25/26 school year

Topics include: Introduction to Statistics; Describing, Exploring, and Comparing Data; Probability; Probability Distributions and Normal Probability Distributions; Estimates and Sample Sizes; and Hypothesis Testing.

Pre-Calculus I- 

First Semester of this course is organized around the study of Relations, Functions, Graphs, Conics and Trigonometry. Second semester we will continue on with topics including Trigonometry, Series & Sequences, Vectors, Exponential & Logarithmic Functions and Probability.

Pre-Calculus II - 

The second semester covers trigonometric ratios and functions; inverse trigonometric functions; trigonometric identities; series and sequences; logarithms; and probability. Just as in the first semester, you will learn, practice, and review what you have learned before testing your knowledge in each of these topics.

Science 9 I (9)

Science 9 I covers introductory concepts in both Earth science and general science. The material for this course has been aligned to Minnesota state standards for science instruction. Students will gain understanding of the content by participating in notes, discussions, science reading, labs, and tests. Summative assessments, tests, are given for every unit. This is a semester-long science course. It is a required course for high school. The content of the course will cover concepts from the scientific method, chemistry, the geosphere, hydrosphere, and through the atmosphere. 

Science 9 II (9)

Science 9 II covers introductory Earth and Space concepts. The material for this course has been aligned to Minnesota state standards for science instruction. Students will gain understanding of the content by participating in notes, discussions, science reading, labs, and tests. Summative assessments, tests, are given for every unit. This is a semester-long science course. It is a required course for high school. The content of the course will cover concepts from the spheres of the Earth, how the Earth changes over time, the solar system, universe, and energy. 

Biology I (10)

Biology is generally defined as the study of life. The Biology I course at Robbinsdale Virtual Academy will cover a wide range of topics from ecology to characteristics of life including biomolecules and cells.  During our study we will study the topics of ecosystems,  We will also understand how cells work as a system, including cellular respiration and photosynthesis. Additionally, we will understand cell transport and cell respiration.  Students will be assessed formatively, summatively, and with online interactives.

Biology II (10)

Biology is generally defined as the study of life. The Biology II course at Robbinsdale Virtual Academy will follow the logical sequence of instruction and include topics including: meiosis, genetics and heredity, the understanding of DNA v RNA, as well as Darwin’s theory of evolution and conclude with the understanding of the human body as a system.  Students will be assessed formatively, summatively, and with online interactives.

Chemistry I (11)

This course is a college prep course intended to teach the concepts of chemistry. Students in this course will study atomic structure, formula writing and chemical nomenclature, chemical reactions, reaction rates and equilibrium,, periodicity, dimensional analysis, and mole calculations. Students will develop skills in problem-solving. Students will learn how to write both chemical formulas and reactions. Virtual lab experiences will also give students the opportunity to practice and develop these skills, as well as to apply chemistry concepts to real situations. 

Chemistry II (11)

This course is a college prep course intended to teach the concepts of chemistry, and is a continuation of the Chemistry I course. Students in this course will study solutions, acids and bases, bonding, and organic chemistry. Students will acquire skills in diagramming bonding, as well as critical thinking skills in regards to determination of chemical reactivity and patterns using the periodic table. Virtual lab experiences will continue. The semester will end with a unit on the applications of chemistry in the real world. 

Health

1 credit of Health is required for graduation.

Teens face many choices when it comes to health, and health information seems to change daily. There are always new theories, discoveries, treatments and products. In this course you will gain the skills necessary to think critically and make healthy, evidence-based decisions. Skills being taught and practiced align with the 8 National Health Standards.  Topics for consideration include: defining wellness; healthy eating; substance abuse and prevention, mental health and illness and sexuality and sexual health.

Physical Education (9)

One credit of Phy Ed is required for graduation. 

This course is designed to provide students with the basic skills and information needed to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle and begin a personalized exercise program. This course combines online instructional learning with student participation in weekly cardiovascular, aerobic, muscular endurance and other activities/sports.

AI and Your Future

Ever wonder what AI (Artificial Intelligence) is and how it's going to affect your life? This course is for you! We'll explore the basics of AI, how it's being used today, and what it means for the future. You'll learn about the different types of AI, how AI systems work, and the ethical and social considerations surrounding AI development and use. We'll also look at some cool examples of AI in use today and brainstorm about how AI might be used in the future.

Astronomy (elective)

Astronomy is the branch of science that studies the cosmos. Astronomy includes everything from the Big Bang to our local solar system to distant stars and galaxies. You will learn about science on a massive scope with nearly unimaginable distances and unique worlds that sound more like science fiction than science.

Creative Writing (elective)

Creative writing is designed for students who enjoy writing and pushing their creative and artistic talents to the limit. While some reading will be involved, this course focuses on the art of creative writing versus literary analysis. The goal of the writing in this class is interest and enjoyment because good writing is never dull. Students compose original pieces of various lengths and styles, including poetry, short stories, vignettes, and memoir. 

Criminal Justice and the Law (elective)

Students will study the legal system at the local, state and federal levels including how each level enforces and interprets the law. Special attention will be given to corrections, law enforcement, court cases and the commission and prosecution of crimes.

Drawing I (elective)

Two fine art credits are required for graduation. 

Drawing 1 is a semester-long course that provides an introduction to drawing through multimedia experience and project-based activities. Students will learn and apply the elements of design (line, shape, form, value, space, texture & color) to produce creative art projects that reflect their understanding of these concepts through a 2 Dimensional approach.

Environmental Science (elective)

Environmental Science is an elective course providing an introduction to Earth's systems and the demands placed on them by the human population. We will look at how Earth systems work and how we impact them in small and large ways. Topics covered include: population ecology; biomes around the world; biodiversity and its conservation; the atmosphere and climate change; and water use and pollution.

Entrepreneurship (elective)

Waiting for an updated description. Please email the counselor with any questions.

Ethnic Studies I/II(year long elective)

Ethnic Studies is a year-long course focusing on themes of social justice, social responsibility, and social change throughout the history of the United States. The course spans from past to present, allowing students to identify social patterns among demographic groups living in the United States, discussing culture, politics, and economics. Ethnic Studies primarily focuses on the experiences of Indigenous, African, Latinx, and Asian American people.

Exploring College and Career (elective)

What's Next? Exploring College and Careers provides students opportunities to explore their personal goals, interests, and aptitudes as they relate to career concepts. Through personality tests, projects, and interviews, students will begin to determine what they want and expect for their future.

Forensics (elective)

Forensics is the application of the scientific method to matters of law. This elective class will have students apply science and real world skills to investigations. It is designed to examine techniques used by forensic scientists and to study the results of crimes. Students will develop their observation and deduction skills. Activities include reviewing case notes, conducting scientific investigations, and exploring forensic specialities and techniques. Forensics I covers: Types of Evidence, work in the Crime Lab, work in the Morgue, Investigations, and Case Files.

Interior Design (elective)

This course provides students with a foundation of basic design and color principles. Students will apply this foundation to their interior environments. This course aids in preparation for future study of architecture, design, art, construction, and/or decoration.

Topics covered include: housing, furniture styles, floor plans, textiles, lighting, and flooring.  Intro to Theater

Intro to Theater/Production (elective)

Students examine all aspects of theater arts. They learn about theater history and study the particulars of play production: acting, costuming, set construction, properties, make-up, sound, lights and publicity. They read and discuss plays. This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of theater that is useful in enjoying theater both as a leisure-time activity and as a potential career.

Personal Finance (elective)

Personal Finance is an online course that aims to provide all students with the "financial decision-making skills they need to thrive in the future."  The eight unit course includes relevant curriculum on topics such as taxes, banking, credit, investing, insurance, paying for college, and more.  Students will complete online discussions, interactive videos, assignments, projects, games, and assessments. 

Photography I (elective)

Two fine art credits are required for graduation. 

In this course you will learn the basic terminology, techniques, and theories behind photography. You will learn about composition, framing, focus, lighting and a slew of other things that will help take your photos to the next level. Our course focuses mainly on ways you can get the most out of your camera phone but the terms and techniques you learn will also translate to professional cameras, which you will also learn more about in this course. 

Psychology (elective)

High school psychology is an elective course that aims to give students an understanding of human behavior. Psychology classes for high school students typically cover several important aspects such as the history of psychology, research methods, classification and treatment of disorders, and more.

Spanish 1 I and II (elective)- 

Spanish 1 teaches students to greet people, describe family and friends, talk about hobbies, and communicate about other topics, such as home life, occupations, travel, and medicine. Each lesson presents vocabulary, grammar, and culture in context, followed by explanations and exercises.