Business Classes

Computer Applications                                                                0.50 Credit                                                                                         1 SEMESTER

• Grade Level(s): 9, 10, 11, 12

• PREREQUISITES: None

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS: Chapter Tests (objective and production)

• DESCRIPTION: This course will provide students with an opportunity to work with a wide variety of software applications. Students will develop skills in word processing, spreadsheet development, desktop publishing, database management, and email.

Introduction to Business                                                                         0.50 Credit                                                                                         1 SEMESTER

• Grade Level(s): 9, 10, 11, 12

• PREREQUISITES: None

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS: Self-Motivated Student, Public Speaking/Presentations etc.

• DESCRIPTION:  Introduction to Business is a one-semester course designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the business world. Using the Foundations of Business textbook by Pride, Hughes, and Kapoor, students will explore fundamental business concepts, including economics, ethics, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, and financial literacy. The course aims to build a foundational understanding of how businesses operate in a globalized world while equipping students with essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.  Through interactive activities, case studies, and projects, students will learn about the role of businesses in society, the importance of ethical decision-making, and the impact of economic systems on businesses and consumers. The course also emphasizes career exploration and professional development, helping students identify potential career paths in business-related fields.

Accounting I                                                                                                     1.00 Credit                                                                                      2 SEMESTERS

• Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12

• PREREQUISITES: C or better in Algebra or math instructor recommendation

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS: Must have a passing grade first semester to continue second semester.

• DESCRIPTION:  Want to know what happens behind the scenes of your favorite companies? Curious about how businesses track their cash, make decisions, and stay on top? Accounting I is your gateway to understanding the language of money! Accounting might sound like it’s just for accountants, but it’s a skill EVERYONE can use. Whether you want to start your own business, work in a cool tech company, or just be smarter with your money, accounting is a powerful tool. Plus, the world always needs great accountants—so it could even lead to an awesome career! Get ready to see money in a whole new way and gain a skill that’ll be valuable for life.

In this course, you’ll learn how to:

• Understand the Basics: Learn the core concepts of accounting, like debits and credits, and how they’re used to keep track of money.

• Read Financial Statements: Understand what balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports really mean. It’s like learning to decode a financial "language" that’s used by businesses all over the world. 

• Problem-Solving Skills: Accounting isn’t just about numbers; it’s about thinking critically and solving real-world problems, whether it’s managing a budget, starting a business, or understanding an investment. 

Accounting II                                                                                                   1.00 Credit                                                                                      2 SEMESTERS

• Grade Level(s): 11, 12

• PREREQUISITES: Recommend C or better in Accounting I

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS: Must have a passing grade first semester to continue second semester.

• DESCRIPTION:  Students should be self-motivated as this is an independent study course. This year-long course builds on the basics you learned in Accounting I and dives deeper into the world of numbers, budgets, and financial strategy. Whether you want to be a financial expert, run your own business, or just manage your money like a pro, this class will give you the skills to get there.

Here’s what you’ll get into:

• Departmental Accounting: Learn how businesses track the finances of different departments or units within a company. You'll understand how to allocate revenues, costs, and expenses to each department, and why this helps businesses make better decisions. It’s like creating a financial snapshot for each department to see how they’re performing.

• Cost Accounting: Understand how businesses calculate the cost of producing goods or services. You'll learn how to track direct costs (like raw materials) and indirect costs (like overhead), and how companies use this information to price their products, control expenses, and boost profits. It’s the key to making smart business decisions that keep costs low and profits high.

• Corporate Accounting: Explore the financial systems that larger businesses use to stay organized and profitable. From managing corporate taxes to preparing consolidated financial statements, you’ll gain insight into the complex accounting practices that keep big businesses in check. Understand how corporations handle accounting for multiple departments, subsidiaries, or even international operations.    

Business Technology_1                                                                             1.00 Credit                                                                                      2 SEMESTERS

• Grade Level(s): 11, 12

• PREREQUISITES: None.

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS: Self-Motivated Student, Public Speaking/Presentations etc.

• DESCRIPTION: Business Technology 1 is a comprehensive, year-long course designed for students in grades 11 and 12 who are members of the Supervised Business Experience (SBE) program. Utilizing the Working textbook by Bailey, this course provides an in-depth exploration of workplace skills, business technology tools, and professional practices essential for career readiness. Students will engage in a blend of classroom instruction and practical application, focusing on topics such as career decision-making, job applications, effective communication, and workplace ethics. Through the integration of hands-on projects and real-world scenarios, students will develop the technical and interpersonal skills necessary for success in today’s business environment. The course emphasizes the use of business technologies such as word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software while also teaching students to adapt to emerging technologies in professional settings. It aligns with the experiential learning goals of the SBE program by reinforcing skills applied during their work placements.

Business Technology_2                                                                             1.00 Credit                                                                                      2 SEMESTERS

• Grade Level(s): 12

• PREREQUISITES: Successful Completion of Business Technology 1.

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS: Self-Motivated Student, Public Speaking/Presentations etc.

• DESCRIPTION: Business Technology 2 is an advanced, year-long course designed for 12th-grade students participating in their second year of the Supervised Business Experience (SBE) program. This course focuses on refining professional skills, enhancing self-leadership, and deepening career and personal development through advanced study and workplace application. Anchored by the texts The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey and What Color is Your Parachute? for Teens by Carol Christen, the course emphasizes leadership, adaptability, and goal-setting in a dynamic work environment. Students will engage in reflective practices, project-based learning, and advanced technology integration to enhance their readiness for post-secondary education or career paths. Through the integration of practical workplace experience, career planning tools, and personal development strategies, students will refine their skills in professional communication, problem-solving, and self-management while preparing for life beyond high school.

Advanced Computer Applications                                                    0.50 Credit                                                                                         1 SEMESTER

• Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12

• PREREQUISITES: Computer Applications

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS: GPA of C+ or better; C+ average or better in business classes taken, chapter tests (objective and production)

• DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to help students enhance computer applications skills as they develop competencies needed by business administration professionals. The content includes the use of technology to further develop communication skills and efficient use of applications. Students will develop advanced skills in word processing, spreadsheet development, database management, and presentation production. 

Business SBE (Supervised Business Experience)                      1.00 Credit                                                                                      2 SEMESTERS

• Grade Level(s): 11, 12

• PREREQUISITES: Students must have completed a business course and have a computer-use agreement. Students must apply and be accepted in the SBE program. First year SBE students must be enrolled in Business Tech I. Second year students must be enrolled in Accounting I or II, Introduction to Applications, Entrepreneurship or Computer Applications.

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS: Must maintain a C average in all classes and meet the conditions of the student agreement pertaining to placement at a work station.

• DESCRIPTION: Supervised Business Experience (SBE) is a two-semester capstone course designed for high school juniors and seniors to gain hands-on work experience while integrating classroom instruction on workplace professionalism, leadership, and business operations. This course combines academic learning with practical job training, enabling students to apply business concepts in real-world settings. Students will participate in part-time employment or internships while attending scheduled classroom sessions that emphasize skill-building in communication, teamwork, ethics, and personal responsibility. Students will also be responsible for maintaining time cards to track work hours, documenting their workplace achievements, and developing a reflective portfolio. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability skills essential for long-term career success.

Multimedia - Photoshop                                                                          0.50 Credit                                                                                         1 SEMESTER

• Grade Level(s): 9, 10, 11, 12

• PREREQUISITES: None

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS: None

• DESCRIPTION: Introduction to Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud is a hands-on, one-semester course designed for high school students who are interested in digital imaging, graphic design, and visual arts. Using the Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud Comprehensive textbook by Joy L. Starks as the foundation, students will learn to navigate and master the tools and techniques essential for creating and editing digital images. No prior experience with Photoshop is required, making this course accessible to beginners. Throughout the semester, students will explore fundamental Photoshop tools, including layers, selections, color correction, and retouching techniques. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply their knowledge to produce professional-quality designs, manipulate photographs, and create visually engaging artwork. This course emphasizes creativity, technical skills, and digital communication, preparing students for potential careers in graphic design, digital media, photography, and marketing. Students will also develop a portfolio of work that demonstrates their proficiency in Photoshop and visual communication.

Multimedia - Web Design                                                                      0.50 Credit                                                                                         1 SEMESTER

• Grade Level(s): 9, 10, 11, 12

• PREREQUISITES: 2.0 GPA or better in Algebra

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS: Students are expected to successfully design, code and launch a unique website for their final project.

• DESCRIPTION: The coding language used for this course is Hypertext Markup Language version five (HTML5) and Creative Style Sheets (CSS).  Brackets is the coding software used throughout this course.  This is a hands-on, textbook driven and project-oriented course.  The objectives are:

  • Define Web page design principles and elements 

  • Evaluate Web sites based on design elements and principles (e.g., alignment, color, navigation, user feedback) 

  • Determine the purpose of the Web site 

  • Identify the target audience 

  • Select and develop content for site (e.g., research techniques, interview of client) 

  • Plan an organized layout 

  • Select an appropriate navigational structure 

  • Use Web-safe colors and fonts 

  • Employ proofreading and editing techniques 

  • Apply Web accessibility standards 

  • Successfully code and launch the fitness website presented throughout the textbook

  • Successfully design, code and launch a unique student web

Multimedia - Video Production                                  _____________________      0.50 Credit                                                               1 SEMESTER

• Grade Level(s): 9, 10, 11, 12

• PREREQUISITES: None

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS: None

• DESCRIPTION: Introduction to Adobe Premiere Pro Creative Cloud is a hands-on, one-semester course designed for high school students interested in video editing, filmmaking, and digital media production. Based on the Adobe Premiere Pro Creative Cloud textbook by Maxim Jago, this course provides students with the foundational skills to create and edit professional-quality videos. No prior experience with Premiere Pro or video editing is required, making this course perfect for beginners. Throughout the semester, students will learn to work with video clips, audio, graphics, and effects to create engaging video content. The course focuses on building technical proficiency with Premiere Pro’s core features, while encouraging students to develop their creative storytelling abilities. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce high-quality video projects suitable for platforms such as YouTube, social media, and more.This course emphasizes both technical skills and creative expression, preparing students for potential careers in video production, media, marketing, and entertainment. Students will create a final video project that demonstrates their knowledge of Premiere Pro and their ability to communicate visually through video.

Multimedia - Media Production                                                         0.50 Credit                                                                                         1 SEMESTER

• Grade Level(s): 9, 10, 11, 12

• PREREQUISITES: B or better in Photoshop and/or Video Production

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS: Students are expected to cover all home sporting events where they will set up and run the digital video display board equipment, play audio, take photos and/or record video data.

• DESCRIPTION: This is an advanced multimedia production course with emphasis in the areas of Video Production, Photoshop and 3-D Animation.  Students will work independently and in teams supporting Dragon’s Lair Productions (DLP) in the design, development and production of media related products and services.  This is an extremely fast paced and hands-on work environment whereby successful time management and meeting production deadlines are key to success. 

Marketing Productions ______________                                               1.00 Credit _________________________________________2 SEMESTERS

• GRADE LEVEL(S): 9, 10, 11, 12

• PRE-REQUISITES:  Teacher recommendation, permission of instructor, experience with Canva and/or Photoshop.

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS:  Students must be self-motivated and will be required to communicate with potential customers, design prototypes, and produce custom merchandise.  Must pass safety test with 80% or better prior to using production equipment.

• DESCRIPTION:  This hands-on, project-driven course is designed to give students the opportunity to learn the basics of marketing by creating, producing, and selling impactful merchandise for our school, sports, clubs, and organizations. Throughout the course, students will learn mechanical skills by operating commonly used marketing production equipment and software while creating and producing marketing mediums. This process will teach students collaboration, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, critical thinking, organization/planning, and quality control. All of these skills can easily be applied to real-world situations. This course is suitable for students who are interested in learning about marketing, entrepreneurship, and business or students who want to build a sense of community and pride in our school. 

Advanced Graphics Design Lab ____________________                0.50 Credit ___________________________________________1 SEMESTER

• GRADE LEVEL(S): 10, 11, 12

• PRE-REQUISITES:  Candidates must have earned a B or better in two semesters of multimedia-related classes (Photoshop, Video Production and/or Media Production).  

• MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OR PROJECTS:  Students MUST be self-motivated and experienced with the software required to create advanced graphics projects with minimal guidance and/or supervision.  Projects are intended for display board exhibitions and will be completed every two weeks unless otherwise directed by the instructor.  

• DESCRIPTION:  The Advanced Graphics Design Lab is a hands-on, one-semester course for high school students focused on developing advanced skills in digital media design. This course is intended for students who have prior experience with graphic design software and want to deepen their proficiency in industry-standard tools. Through the use of Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Audition, Canva, and Blender, students will learn how to create and refine complex multimedia projects, including graphics, videos, animations, and audio productions. This course emphasizes a comprehensive approach to digital design, encouraging students to experiment with different software and integrate various elements such as visual design, video editing, sound, and 3D modeling. Students will work both individually and collaboratively to produce projects that demonstrate their ability to use advanced design techniques and technology to create professional-quality work. Throughout the semester, students will engage in real-world assignments, such as creating promotional materials, producing videos, designing digital art, and integrating audio for multimedia projects. By the end of the course, students will have the skills needed to tackle complex design challenges and a portfolio of work that showcases their creativity and technical expertise.