Academics & arts together

High School Core Academic Requirements (7:45am - 12:15pm)

Academic requirements for High School (grade 9 to 12) students include the following;

High School Academic Curriculum Details

English Department - 4 credits

English, 9th Grade
The 9th grade curriculum focuses on the theme of identity as represented in various texts from around the world. Students are required to demonstrate their understanding of the way in which we construct, alter and refine our identities in a series of formal and creative writing assignments and presentations.

English, 10th Grade
The 10th grade Language Arts curriculum focuses on the role and evolution of the hero throughout history and literature. The students are asked to examine several pieces of literature from the Classical Period, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance to identify the ways in which the idea of the hero has evolved to reflect the changing values of the Western world.

English: American Literature, 11th Grade
This is survey of American literature from pre-colonial Native American writing to modern times. Emphasis is on the careful and analytical reading of a variety of writers and genres that represent the canon of America's literature.

English: World Literature and Literary Criticism, 12th Grade
The intention of this course is to extend students' knowledge of the literary canon to include 19th and 20th century writers from around the globe and to introduce literary theory and criticism. The class will read literature from a variety of time periods and cultures and analyze them through the lenses of several literary theories.

Foreign Language Department - 4 credits

Spanish I
The overall goals of Spanish I are seen in terms of students performing linguistic tasks successfully, gaining self-confidence, relying on themselves and classmates and developing their ability to create with language.

Spanish II
The overall goals of Spanish II are seen in terms of enhancing students' communicative skills, successfully gaining self-confidence, relying on themselves and classmates, expanding their risk-taking in real-life communicative situations.

Spanish III
The overall goals of Spanish III are seen in terms of students performing linguistic tasks successfully, gaining self-confidence, relying on themselves and classmates, developing their ability to create with language, expanding their risk taking in real-life communicative situations, and gaining greater insight into the varied perspectives offered by the study of the Hispanic culture.

Spanish IV
The overall goals of Spanish IV are seen in terms of students performing linguistic tasks successfully, gaining self-confidence, relying on themselves and classmates, developing their ability to create with language, expanding their risk-taking in real-life communicative situations, and gaining greater insight into the varied perspectives offered by the study of the Hispanic culture.

French I
Students learn to talk about themselves (name, age, hobbies, and leisure activities) and their immediate environment (school, city, home). They are able to ask and respond to questions about time, weather, day/date, personality description, physical description, and activities. They use the present tense for all these contexts.

French II
Students increase their vocabulary by learning irregular verbs. Learning how to talk about their daily routine (getting up, showering, and getting along with others) and how to use French in practical situations are the primary goals for second year.

French III
Le Petit Nicolas is a book of short stories that serves as a tool for learning new vocabulary, improving writing skills, and learning how to discuss ideas in French. Additionally, students read various cultural selections to enhance their understanding of French culture.

French IV
Students focus their attention on Le Petit Prince during the first semester. This classic is used to enhance vocabulary, review grammatical constructions, and improve discussion skills.

Social Studies - 4 credits

World Cultures & Geography, 9th Grade
Using the framework of cultural anthropology as a unifying theme, students in World Cultures and Geography study Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia throughout the year.

Asian & European Studies, 10th Grade
During this year of coursework, students study the cultures of the three origin pointes of philosophy including India, China, and Western Civilization from the Roman Empire to the Enlightenment.

American Studies, 11th Grade
This is a critical thinking and writing course which uses the Enlightenment, the American Revolution, freedom, developing and expanding nation, the Civil War, industrialization, and other themes from American History as a basis of inquiry.

20th Century Ideas and Economics, 12th Grade
This class will explore the historic developments in politics, economics, art, and other cultural aspects throughout the Twentieth Century, concentrating on the major events of the post-World War II decades.

Science Department - 4 credits

Health, 9th Grade 1st Quarter
In Health students will learn the structure and function of the major human organ systems in the context of a larger picture of health that includes mental, emotional and social as well as physical components.

Geo Science, 9th Grade 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Quarter
The Earth Science course is designed to expand student understanding of the place of the earth in the universe and the physical and chemical processes that shape the earth itself.

Biology, 10th Grade
Biology is an intensive laboratory course that covers a variety of life science topics. Students in Biology will explore the history of life science discoveries and will relate them to current events. The social and ethical aspects of science will be discussed as well, particularly during the unit on genetics. Topics covered in Biology will include cells and cell processes, heredity and genetics, evolution, ecology, and characteristics of organisms.

Physics, 11th Grade
Physics students engage in constructing, interpreting and applying the physical laws they develop in laboratory investigations to better understand their Universe. Topics include kinematics, dynamics, circular motion, an in-depth study of projectile motion, momentum, energy and conservation laws. The Modeling Method of instruction, which ongoing research has shown to substantially improve student conceptual understanding, is used extensively in this course.

Chemistry, 12th Grade
Chemistry students adapt the models developed in Physics to investigate and understand interactions between particles at the microscopic scale. New models are developed to fit observed chemical behavior as the interactions become more complex. Topics include kinetic molecular theory, gas laws, phase transitions, the role of energy in chemical interactions and bonding, stoichiometry, atomic structure, the Periodic Table and nuclear chemistry.

Mathematics Department - 4 credits

Core I
Students will be asked to analyze and draw conclusions from numerical and graphical statistical representations, formally study exponential functions to model exponential growth and decay situations, and synthesize properties and applications of two and three-dimensional objects developed in previous years.

Core II
Using Algebra, students study non-linear functions, domain, range, properties of exponents and systems of equations. Geometry topics include analytic proofs, problems involving angles, circles, and parallel lines, and an introduction to proofs using conditional statements.

Core III
This course expands on the concepts studies in both Core I and Core II. Topics include linear, non-linear and absolute-value inequalities; right triangle trigonometry; matrices; linear programming; probability; combinations; and permutations.

Precalculus
Precalculus is designed to complete preparation of students for calculus and includes an intensive study of functions and their graphs.

Calculus
Calculus is a college-bound course available to students who have completed Precalculus in their junior year.

Community Service - .5 credit

High School Core Arts Requirements

Arts requirements for High School (grade 9 to 12) students include the following;

High School Arts Curriculum Details

Ballet Corps Intensive
Ballet, Pointe, Men's, Modern, Flamenco, Dance Study, and Dance Workshop classes taught off campus. A bus is provided to the off-site location. Parents are required to pick-up students at the off-site location at the end of class. This level will continue to expand and explore in greater depth the technical and artistic nature of classical ballet, flamenco, and contemporary dance forms. These students are expected to have a strong grasp of the fundamentals of ballet and to be able to use them to form expressive, quality movement in classical and contemporary styles of dance. The students will continue to develop their musicality and strength in the execution of the ballet vocabulary. Pre-requisites: Satisfactory completion of Intermediate Dance or audition. 8-12 grades.

Intermediate Dance
Ballet, Beginning Men's and Pointe, Modern, Flamenco, Dance Study, and Dance Workshop classes are taught off campus. A bus is provided to the off-site location. Parents are required to pick-up students at the off-site location at the end of class. In this level, students begin the study of complex combinations and are required to think critically about their dancing. The instructors ask more of each student in terms of musicality and movement quality. Students will also be strongly encouraged to expand and explore the theatrical aspects of their dancing. Pre-requisites: Satisfactory completion of Ballet Foundations or audition. 7-12 grades.

Band

Band Foundations 1
A beginning course in which woodwinds, brass, and percussion are taught in an ensemble setting. Pre-requisites: None. 7-9 grades.

Band Foundations 2
A continuing course in ensemble playing for woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.

Concert Band
An upper-level intermediate band program. Large ensemble work with an emphasis on performance. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.

Wind Ensemble
An advanced band ensemble. Emphasis on performance, sight-reading, and advanced literature. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.

Jazz Band
A Jazz ensemble performing many levels of music with an emphasis on ensemble performance and improvisation. Pre-requisites: Must be enrolled in another band class at ASA. Instructor permission. 6-12 grades.

Percussion Ensemble
A large performing ensemble composed entirely of percussionists. Class emphasis is placed on performance techniques of traditional, non-traditional and world percussion instruments as they apply to classical and contemporary percussion ensemble literature. Pre-requisites: Must be enrolled in a band class playing percussion at Foundations 2 level or higher. Instructor permission only. 6-12 grades.

Guitar

Guitar Foundations 1
An entry-level guitar class. Classical guitar techniques are taught in a group setting. All students will learn to read music. Pre-requisites: Students must purchase a nylon string classical guitar and foot stand for participation in class. Students with other equipment will not be admitted. Pre-requisites: 7-9 grades only.

Guitar Foundations 2
A continuing class in classical guitar techniques with an emphasis on ensemble work, beginning study of solo repertoire, sight-reading, and performance. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 6-12 grades.

Advanced Guitar Ensemble
An advanced classical guitar ensemble. Class emphasis is on advanced performance techniques, including extensive study of solo repertoire, sight-reading, and performance. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.

Drama

Acting 1
This course will explore the fundamentals of acting. Study will include but is not limited to the following: monologue and scene work for audition preparation, voice and diction, connecting the physical body, the mind and the soul. . Pre-requisite: 9-10 grades. Open to majors and non-majors, The 9th Period class will be open to 8th grade students based upon space availability. 8th graders are still required to take the required block of arts classes during 7th and 8th period. Required for Theatre Majors.

Intro to Theatre
This course provides a basic introduction to all aspects of theatre including performance and production as explored through history from theatre origins to present day. This class is very interactive and hands-on and is a great arts course for all students! Pre-requisite: None, 9-12 grades. (theatre majors - required)

Theatre for Social Change
Students use theatre to help affect positive changes in their school community and with local nonprofits. Course work may often take place in a non-traditional classroom setting and will require students to be open to finding solutions, addressing problems and confronting challenges facing their peers and community at ASA. Students will create their own work for presentation to the public. Pre-Requisite: Grades 9-12 only.

ASA Glee/Show Choir
Students will have the opportunity to learn and practice various musical theatre skills and styles. Course content changes slightly each year to provide the most up-to-date musical selections from Classical to Rock. Coursework includes music study, acting study, character development, and choreography. This ensemble performs publicly at an array of functions and venues throughout Phoenix. Pre-requisite: Acting 1; must be confident singing harmonies; audition will be required. 9-12 Grades. Class size limited.

Acting 3
Students in Acting 3 will work with students in the Directing Class to learn various styles and techniques furthering their acting skills and developing collaborative relationships with Directors. Students will focus on various performance styles and periods, etiquette, and preparation and will work in depth on character development, progression, and how to score a script. Pre-requisite: Acting I, Acting II, Permission of class instructor and Theatre Department Chair. (theatre majors - Elective - Performance Concentration)

Production Studies
Study and participate in technical theatre production! Class time includes working with tools, lighting, sound, set, makeup, and more. Students will receive an overview of each design aspect of theatrical production and will learn the basics of theatre management. The class time will be divided into class study and projects. The class will also be responsible for the technical elements of the two ASA main-stage productions. Pre-requisites: Acting one, 9-12 grades. Additional requirements: Production work for ASA main-stage theatre productions, during class, and some afterschool and/or Saturdays included. (theatre majors - Required)

Directing
Introduction to the process and techniques of directing for the stage. Students will learn the art of developing a concept as well as script analysis, working with designers, blocking, how to audition an actor, working with period material, and how to navigate the many phases of the rehearsal process. Students will also have an opportunity to direct actors from the Acting III class and will have the opportunity to direct a public performance. Pre-requisites: Acting I, Intro to Theatre, Production Studies. Highly recommended, Acting II. 11-12 Grades. (theatre majors - required)

Piano

High School Piano
Class piano instruction during arts hours to high school students. Students work independently at full-size Yamaha digital keyboards with individual headphones. Class emphasizes solo literature from each stylistic period, ensemble literature, technique, and theory. Recitals are held each quarter. Priority will be given to students currently taking piano, music majors, and by seniority. Pre-requisites: Students must have a piano or full-size keyboard with pedals at home. Students will be expected to practice outside of class time. Private lessons are strongly encouraged for all piano students. (All middle school students will take this class as part of their academic day - previous experience is not required for middle school students.) Period 7, 8 & 9 are High School students only. High School students must receive a passing score on a Level 3 theory exam of the Arizona Study Program and perform two contrasting pieces with playing skills approved by faculty.

Advanced High School Piano
Students will be enrolled at the faculty's discretion. The class will emphasize advanced performance technique, music analysis, and advanced musicianship skills. Students who qualify for advanced piano will have advanced piano on their transcripts. This class is offered 7th period only. Regular high school piano will still be offered during 7th period. Pre-requisites: Instructor permission.

Strings

String Foundations 1
A beginning course in violin, viola, cello, and string bass. Students will learn the basics in string technique, music theory for strings, and ensemble playing. Separate technique classes offered. Pre-requisites: None. 7-9 grades.

Strings

String Foundations 2
A continuation of String Foundations 1 at an intermediate level. Students will learn to play in a large ensemble and understand higher-level string theory. Students will learn shifting, 2 & 3 octave scales & arpeggios, and chamber music. Class will include an introduction of music history. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission.7-12 grades.

Concert Orchestra
An upper-level intermediate, performing ensemble. Chamber music is an integral part of the program. Emphasis will be placed on shifting, 3 octave scales, arpeggios, and more advanced technique including vibrato. Private lessons are strongly encouraged for all members. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.

Sinfonia
An advanced string performing ensemble. The large ensemble performs music from the standard concert string orchestra literature. Chamber music is an integral part of the program. Private lessons are strongly encouraged for all members. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.

Voice

Voice Foundations 2
A continuation of Voice Foundations 1 with a further application of proper singing techniques. Students learn vowel production, consonant production, 2-part singing, and further application of music markings. These objectives are used to apply to the various genres of music performed. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7 - 12 grades.

Voice

Voice Foundations 1
A beginning level voice class which focuses on building the foundation of a healthy vocal technique. Topics covered include breathing, posture, diction and interpretation. Proper vocal technique is demonstrated through the learning and performance of unison and two-part choral music. A wide variety of vocal music styles and genres are explored. The students learn to sight-read simple passages through the use of solfege hand-signs and syllables and basic music theory is addressed. Pre-requisites: None. 7-9 grades.

Men's Choir
A continuation of Voice Foundations 1 with a further application of proper singing techniques. Class is designed for male singers. Students learn vowel production, consonant production, 2-part singing, and further application of music markings. These objectives are used to apply to the various genres of music performed. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 7-12 grades.

Concert Choir
Advanced ensembles that study, learn, and perform multi-part music from a wide variety of styles and cultures. This course focuses on advanced musicianship and sound vocal technique. Pre-requisites: Audition only. Instructor permission is required. 7-12 grades.

Chamber Singers
An advanced audition only choral ensemble. Singers are exposed to the finest choral repertoire of the last five centuries. Rehearsals stress precision in attack, release, balance, blend, and intonation at a very high level. The result is frequently the standard of a four-year college. Pre-requisites: Audition only, instructor permission. 8-12 grades.

Study Hall

Study Hall
A faculty supervised, quiet, classroom environment for students to work on homework assignments. No faculty tutoring is available. Pre-requisites: current enrollment in 2 arts classes in the afternoon, permission from school administration. 9-12 grades only, and middle school students enrolled in Guitar Foundations 2.