Grades: 9
Duration: Year Course
Prerequisite: None

 

English 9 AB is a California standards-based course.  It guides the student through the process of literary analysis, vocabulary development, critical thinking skills, research skills and interpretation of functional workplace documents.  The writing process and language skills are emphasized.

Grades: 10
Duration: Year Course
Prerequisite: None

 

English 10 AB is a California standards-based course.  It guides the student through the process of literary analysis, vocabulary development, critical thinking skills, and interpretation of functional workplace documents.  The writing process and language skills are emphasized.

Grades: 11
Duration: Year Course
Prerequisite: None

 

English 11 AB is a California standards-based course.  It guides the student through a more challenging process of literary analysis, vocabulary development, critical thinking skills and interpretation of functional workplace documents.  It continues the development of composition and literary skills.  Contemporary fiction and American literature are utilized.

Grades: 12
Duration: Year Course
Prerequisite: None

 

English 12 AB is a California standards-based course. It emphasizes classic, contemporary and world literature.  Students will explore various themes focusing on refining writing skills and style.

Grades: 9-12
Duration: Year Course
Prerequisite: Teacher/counselor placement.

 

English Lab AB is intended for students who will need to gain mastery of reading and comprehension skills necessary for high school graduation and successful completion of high school course work.  Schools will incorporate their READ 180 Lab into this offering.  This class is primarily designed for those who have not passed the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE).

Grades: 11-12
Duration: Year Course
Prerequisite: Teacher/counselor placement.

 

This California standards-based course will examine literary genres such as the novel, short story, essay, and poem through high interest literature.  The course will also develop basic and practical writing skills in response to the literature read.  This course will give individualized instruction to students in order to prepare them for successful completion of other course in the junior and senior years.  The course focus is on students who have struggled academically their freshman and/or sophomore years or who have been mainstreamed from the Special Education Department.

Grades: 9
Duration: Year Course
Prerequisite: None

 

Foundations of Algebra is an algebra readiness course designed for students to help them master pre-algebraic skills and concepts necessary for algebra 1.  The course will cover integer rules, number properties, solving equations and inequalities, linear graphs, functions and factoring.

Grades: 9-11
Duration: Year Course
Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in Foundations of Algebra, or teacher recommendation.

 

Algebra 1 AB is the foundation course for all higher mathematics courses.  This is a rigorous course which emphasizes the learning of essential concepts which are required for further success in mathematics.  Topics include: operations with integers, solving equations and inequalities, exponents, operations with polynomials, graphing in two variables, systems of equations, rational algebraic expressions, radicals, and application problems.

Grades: 9-12
Duration: Year Course
Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in Algebra 1 AB (P) and teacher recommendation.

 

Geometry 1 AB provides a rigorous formal foundation in plane, solid and transformational geometry.  Students are required to complete daily assignments outside of class.  Material is presented in a variety of formats, which may utilize lecture, group investigations and activities.  Topics include: Basic constructions, coordinate geometry, problem solving, logical forms of reasoning, proofs, geometric figures, similarity, congruence, areas and volume.

Grades: 9-12
Duration: Year Course
Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in Geom. 1 AB (P) and Alg. 1 AB (P).  It is recommended that students who earned a grade of “C” in Algebra 1AB retake it in summer school.

 

This course continues the study of algebra.  It is highly rigorous and is designed to prepare students for college-level mathematics.  Algebra 2AB builds on the student's understanding of basic algebra by studying more complex problems at a higher level.  New topics are explored with form a springboard into higher levels of math.  Topics include advanced equations, systems of equations, polynomials, exponents, number systems, functions, radicals, sequences and series, probability, logarithms, and conic sections.

Grades: 10-12
Duration: Year Course
Prerequisite: Grade of 80% or higher in Algebra 2 AB (P), and teacher recommendation.

Advanced Mathematics AB provides a formal study of trigonometry and exposure to selected topics which provide a foundation for the first course in calculus.  Scientific calculators will be used extensively.  Topics include: vectors, the theory of equations, functions and limits.

Grades: 11-12
Duration: Year Course
Prerequisite: Passing grade in Algebra (P)

 

This course is designed for students who desire to learn the basic concepts of geometry without formal methods of proof.  This course meets the CUSD graduation requirement.

Grades: 11-12
Duration: Year Course
Prerequisite: Failure to pass CAHSEE

 

Math Lab AB provides an individualized format for students to satisfy the mathematics graduation requirement.  Students work on a continuous progress basis with personal contract.

Grades: 9-12
Duration: Year Course
Prerequisite: None

 

Science 1 AB is an entry level high school lab science course.  It will focus on concepts of earth, and physical sciences with emphasis placed on scientific processes and investigation.  This course meets the CUSD graduation requirement in physical science.

Grades: 10-12
Duration: Year Course
Prerequisite: None

 

Science 2 AB extends the student's science comprehension and development of higher-order thinking skills.  It will focus on physical science, with emphasis on relevant applications using scientific processes and investigations.  This course meets the CUSD graduation requirement in life science.

Grades: 9-12
Duration: Year Course
Prerequisite: None

 

Biology AB is the study of plant and animal life, their relationship to each other, and of man and his environment.  Special emphasis is placed upon the scientific approach to problem solving in laboratory experiments.

Grades: 10-12
Duration: Year Course
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 AB (P) with grade of “B” or better.  Concurrent enrollment in Alg. 2 or higher is recommended.

 

Chemistry AB is a laboratory class designed to provide students with the introductory topics in the field.  Topics include measurements with the metric system, chemical reactions, compounds, elements, atomic structure, properties of solids, liquids and gases, acid-bases, electrochemical cells and some organic chemistry.

Grades: 11-12
Duration: Year Course
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 AB (P) or equivalent with grade of “B” or better and recommendation of instructor.

 

Physics AB is a science that deals with the relationship between matter and energy.  Topics include mechanics, heat, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, waves, optics, and nuclear physics.

Grades: 9
Duration: Semester Course
Prerequisite: None

 

World Geography and Cultures (P) will explore and discover the processes that shape the earth, the relationship between people and the environment.

Grades: 10
Duration: Year Course
Prerequisite: None

 

World History AB covers history, geography and economics of selected culture from both the western world and non-western worlds.  Themes include the rise of democracy, the effects of nationalism, revolution and imperialism along with industrialization, militarism and the background of current global conflict.  The historical backgrounds of the past will be related to our present world situation.

Grades: 11
Duration: Year Course
Prerequisite: None

 

United States history AB continues to build upon the 20th century chronological development of our country to study major themes that have shaped our country's destiny.  The shaping of America's future depends on a better understanding of her past.

Grades: 12
Duration: Semester Course
Prerequisite: None

 

This semester class covers America's political foundations; political parties, media and special interest groups; three branches of government: legislative, executive and judicial and their influence on society.

Grades:  12
Duration:  Semester Course
Prerequisite:  None

 

This course builds upon the fundamental concepts presented in the required social science classes.  Topics covered include a study of the free market system, labor force, monetary policy, fiscal policy, and international trade.

Grades: 9-12
Duration: Year Course
Prerequisite: None

 

Spanish 1 AB is an introduction to the language.  Vocabulary and grammatical structures will be presented through thematic units with an emphasis on oral, listening, reading and writing expressions.  Students will develop an appreciation for the Hispanic culture and its influence throughout the world.

Grades: 9-12
Duration: Year Course
Prerequisite: Spanish 1AB (P) with grade of “C” or better or approval of instructor.

 

Spanish 2 AB continues to expand the students' knowledge of the language through additional and extended thematic units.  Extensive oral communication and grammatical development will be obtained through projects, literature, written expression and cultural activities.

Grades: 9-12
Duration: Year Course
Prerequisite: None

 

Art 1AB is an introductory Art course with emphasis upon drawing and painting.  Students learn drawing and painting skills using pencil, pen, and ink, as well as water colors and tempera, elements of Art and principles of design.  The elements of Art are introduced in 2-dimensional design.  Historical and cultural influences in Art are also discussed and students will assess the aesthetic and technical properties of Art.

Grades: 10-12
Duration: Semester Course
Prerequisite: None

 

Psychology A is an introductory course to the study of the individual as a behavioral science.  Topics include the biological and social basis of behavior, perception, motivation, intelligence, and personality.

Grades:  10-12
Duration:  Semester Course
Prerequisite:  None

 

Sociology A is an introductory course in the study of groups as a behavioral science, including areas of interest and techniques used.  Special emphasis is placed on groups that can affect the lives of the adolescent, the development of values and the adolescent's place in society.  The course concludes with a look at the causes and consequences of social problems of interest to the adolescent.

Grades: 9-12
Duration: Year Course
Prerequisite: None

 

Careers AB is designed to acquaint the student with information and skills needed to find and keep the right job, and to handle adult situations.  Careers may be used to meet the unit requirements in Business, Home Economics, and Industrial Technology.

Grades: 9-12
Duration: Semester Course
Prerequisite: None

 

Success A will focus on improving social and personal skills to promote improved interpersonal relationships, self-knowledge, self-esteem, responsibility, communication skills, assertiveness and problem-solving, decision-making, goal setting, realization and stress management skills.  Students will be taught to relate positively and effectively with peers, teachers, parents, and authority figures.

Grades: 10-12
Duration: Semester Course
Prerequisite: None

 

On Your Own A is a course for students interested in learning about the rights and responsibilities of independent young adults.  Topics include apartment living, money management, basic foods cookery, food buying, nutrition, automobile purchases, credit, consumer laws, sewing skills, and job skills.

Grades: 9-12
Duration: Year Course
Prerequisite: None

 

The course focuses on developing a high level of health, wellness and physical fitness through a variety of activities and assignments.  The curriculum includes participation in individual sports, team sports, outdoor education and healthy recreation activities.  The program concentrates on the establishment of positive lifetime habits and decision-making skills with an emphasis on Character Counts! curriculum.

Grades: 9-12
Duration: Semester Course
Prerequisite: None

 

Health A is a general introduction to such health topics as personality, reproductive health, mental health, substance abuse, disease, nutrition, life skills, and refusal skills.  Current issues are examined and explored so that young people have as much factual information as possible before making responsible decisions.