High School

Welcome to High School!

ASA’s High School curriculum builds on prior studies and skills developed during Middle School. Teachers instill a love of learning and prepare students for lifelong success. Deeper understanding is achieved when the subject matter moves from text to productive classroom conversations. Our teachers often take on the role of facilitator. They guide discussion forums that encourage students to collaborate, debate complex concepts and analyze topics from multiple perspectives, allowing students to better absorb the material and reach more fruitful conclusions.

During the high school years, students apply their increasingly impressive research and performance skills during the annual Third Quarter Presentation (3QP) that, depending on grade level, integrate content from areas such as science and social science, delve into applied science, and contemporary world issues.

Seniors prepare a formal presentation as well as a creative component that focuses on sustainability for their 3QP- referred to as Capstone.  Presentations such as these, like musical or artistic study, involve extensive preparation, critique, practice, and performance. The ability to speak publicly and present information in a compelling and organized manner prepares our students for college and for life after college.

Upon graduation, ASA students are well-rounded and articulate individuals, incredible thinkers, and outstanding writers. They possess the discipline, study habits, and content knowledge; leadership qualities that enable them to pursue any course of academic study at the university level.

COURSE SEQUENCE DOWNLOAD

English

9th Grade English is structured as a world literature survey course, with specific attention to non-western literature. Students will explore a variety of literary genres and tackle a wide spectrum of writing-based projects that interact with, imitate, and critically analyze the texts they read. The focus on myths, legends, folklore, and fairy tales allows for interdisciplinary work to be done with 9th Grade World History’s Ancient Civilizations focus. We will examine literature that runs the gamut from ancient to contemporary as well as look at how the same stories repeat themselves in different incarnations throughout eras, cultures, and mediums. The primary goal of the course is to introduce students to a variety of literary genres, reinforce critical analysis skills across mediums, and build a foundational knowledge of argumentative and narrative writing.

Social Studies

9th Grade World History: Ancient 

The first semester begins with an exploration of culture, heritage, and early human origins. After gathering an understanding of culture, the class transitions to the four river valleys of the ancient world. Students will explore the geography, the people, the economies, and the structure of Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, the Indus River Valley, and the Chinese river civilizations. During the 4th quarter, the class explores the rise of Islam using a similar lens to that of the ancient civilizations. Students use a variety of sources and learning modalities to explore all topics in the class. Students have the opportunity to research, critically think, discuss, and create throughout the year.

Biology 

Biology covers four major content areas: Cellular Biology, Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution. Students explore important concepts in Biology through an inquiry-based, lab-intensive curriculum. Class activities include modeling, collaborative learning, and laboratory investigations.

Foreign Language– French or Spanish

Spanish I

Spanish I students will gain a foundational understanding of basic vocabulary, grammar, and Spanish-language speaking. The class focuses on the present tense of regular and irregular verbs as well as the difference between ser and estar among many other important word distinctions and usage. Students learn by interacting with each other, gaining self-confidence in this collaborative Spanish language environment. By the end of Spanish I, students can perform linguistic tasks successfully and utilize proper grammar and new vocabulary words to communicate basic descriptions of places and people, all in Spanish.

French I

In French I, students gain a foundational understanding of basic vocabulary and grammar, which focuses on the present tense of French verbs. Types of vocabulary words learned include calendar descriptions, colors, seasons and weather, classroom objects, the family, greetings and first contact dialogues, likes and dislikes, numbers, school subjects, body parts, animals, time, clothing, getting around town, and some history and culture.

Math–Algebra I or Geometry

Algebra I

In Algebra 1 the foundations of mathematical reasoning and proof are introduced. Students will begin writing formal explanations of how math works using definitions, theorems and symbols. Instructional time will focus on five critical areas: (1) relationships between quantities and reasoning with equations; (2) linear and exponential relationships; (3) descriptive statistics; (4) expressions and equations; and (5) quadratic functions and modeling.Text: Larson Algebra I Common Core Edition

Geometry

In Geometry, instructional time focuses on six critical areas: (1) congruence, proofs, and constructions; (2) similarity, proof, and trigonometry; (3) extending to three dimensions; (4) connecting algebra and geometry through coordinates; (5) circles with and without coordinates; and (6) applications of probability. Text: Larson Geometry Common Core Edition

English 10 – College Prep

This course offers a survey of some of the most impactful ways we as humans reach out to express ourselves. We will explore the history and growth of all sorts of texts ranging from poetry, memoirs, personal essays, drama, and novels to published research articles, advertisements, and film. By studying the traditions, nuances, and growth of these mediums, we will equip ourselves not only to be more informed consumers of these types of media, but also to wield them with greater expertise in order to express ourselves.

English 10 – ADV

This course helps students to develop skills in critical thinking and communication through the analysis of rich texts. We will analyze many different forms of “texts” as we trace the influence of authors and narrative traditions through time. We will approach ancient epics, poetic allegories, short stories, nonfiction, and films, using an advanced understanding of each medium and a variety of critical lenses to evaluate the author’s message, its effectiveness, and how it contributes or fails to contribute to a more meaningful understanding of the human condition.

Social Studies – World History: Modern

Students in this course study the currents of human development from 1200 CE to present by evaluating primary and secondary sources, collaborating with peers, and researching on their own to understand the geography, people, and systems of Earth during the defined period.  

Social Studies – Advanced Placement World History: Modern

AP World History: Modern is an introductory college-level modern world history course. Students cultivate their understanding of world history from 1200 CE to the present through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments as they explore concepts like humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation.  It is similar in scope and sequence to ASA’s college prep social studies course for 10th grade, but differs in the skills required and developed as well as depth of understanding and knowledge.This course is designed to prepare students for the AP Exam.

Throughout the year, we filter Western Civilization through the lens of social classes, beginning with a look into the American social class structure. Students gain a deeper understanding of social class issues and how they have affected Western Civilization throughout history, and how they still affect us today. We also evaluate Karl Marx’s theory of history, analyzing its application to different eras of history.

Chemistry -10th grade

Chemistry students develop particle models to investigate and understand interactions at the microscopic scale. Models are adapted 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, acids and bases, and nuclear chemistry.

Foreign Language – French or Spanish

Spanish II

Spanish II focuses on enhancing students’ communication skills, helping them to gain self-confidence as they rely on themselves and classmates, and expanding their language skills in real-life communicative situations. Spanish II students learn to speak and write in the past tense and understand the difference between preterite and imperfect tenses. Students narrate past events applying the appropriate difference between preterite and imperfect.

French II

French II is a second year French course, designed for upper-level beginning language students. The overall objective is to gain confidence and competence in written and oral expression, as well as comprehension of written and spoken French, with a focus on using the past, present, and future tenses. Students read a novel in French and complete an independent cultural project.

Math – Geometry or Algebra II

Geometry

In Geometry, instructional time focuses on six critical areas: (1) congruence, proofs, and constructions; (2) similarity, proof, and trigonometry; (3) extending to three dimensions; (4) connecting algebra and geometry through coordinates; (5) circles with and without coordinates; and (6) applications of probability. Text: Larson Geometry Common Core Edition

Algebra II

In Algebra II, instructional time focuses on four critical areas: (1) polynomial, rational and radical relationships; (2) trigonometric functions; (3) modeling with functions; and (4) inferences and conclusions with data. Text: Larson Algebra II

English – College Prep Track

Literary authors in the US often provide rich and compelling commentary on the history of our country. In this course, students will analyze key moments and issues in US history through the lens of literature. Each literary work relates to the unique ways different people, from different backgrounds and eras, view and experience the American promise. This course asks you to read, write, and analyze texts in order to find solace, respite, agency, activism, and voice, all tools that help literary characters navigate impossible, inequitable, and often unjust moments. In doing so, we can discuss US Literature as an artform that breaks boundaries, blurs genre, offers hope, and points the reader toward a future that is diverse, affirming to all, and worth fighting for.

English – AP Literature and Composition

Literary authors in the US often provide rich and compelling commentary on the history of our country. In this course, students will analyze key moments and issues in US history through the lens of literature. Each literary work relates to the unique ways different people, from different backgrounds and eras, view and experience the American promise.

Stories require conflict. “Say what you want about it,” Charles Baxter once wrote, “but hell is story friendly. The mechanisms of hell are nicely attuned to the mechanisms of narrative.” Last year, you analyzed Dante’s nine circles of hell while considering morality and divinity, justice and journey. This year, we’ll consider the ways various characters experience utterly hellish moments. You’ve already begun to do this in your summer reading as you’ve considered issues of personal and national tragedy in Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. But, in tracing Oskar’s journey, you’ve also noticed the beauty that can be found in community and connectedness.

This course asks you to analyze texts in order to find solace, respite, agency, activism, and voice, all tools that help characters navigate impossible, inequitable, and often unjust moments. In doing so, we can discuss US Literature as an artform that breaks boundaries, blurs genre, offers hope, and points the reader toward a future that is diverse, affirming to all, and worth fighting for.

Social Studies – College Prep: U.S. History

In this course students analyze major themes in United States history in order to better understand the rich and complex nature of the nation.  They examine the origins of American political thought and explore how the nation has dealt with issues of equality, liberty, federalism, and group identity. Students also concentrate on the social, cultural, and economic impact of significant historical events and their influence on the United States today.  In addition to strengthening their understanding of various authors, texts, and traditions in American history, students improve their capacity to analyze, discuss, and write well-researched historical arguments.

Social Studies – Advanced Placement US History

AP United States History is a reading and writing intensive course that is designed, by requirement of the College Board, to mimic a college History course. Students in this course analyze major themes in United States history in order to better understand the rich and complex nature of the nation. Students also concentrate on the social, political, cultural, and economic impact of significant historical events and their influence on our nation today.  In addition to strengthening their understanding of various authors, texts, and traditions in American history, students improve their capacity to analyze, discuss, and write well-researched historical arguments.This course is designed to prepare students for the AP Exam.

Physics

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, projectile and circular motion, impulse and momentum, and work and energy, including conservation laws. Modeling Instruction, which ongoing research has shown to substantially improve student conceptual understanding and problem solving, is used extensively in this course.

Foreign Language – French or Spanish

Spanish III

Spanish III students continue to hone their linguistics skills through class discussions and interactions with classmates. The goal is to improve their ability to create with language, expand risk taking in real-life communicative situations, and gain greater insight into the varied perspectives offered by the study of the Hispanic culture. Students increase their ability to communicate about future plans and hypothesize with wishes and doubts by learning the subjunctive mood. Students learn and apply the rest of the tenses in Spanish.

French III

In French 3, students increase their abilities in the four main communication competencies: reading, listening, speech and writing. In the beginning of the year, a short review is given on present tense and past tenses. We then learn to use the futur simple, the conditionnel, the subjonctif, and hypothetical clauses. Students practice their language skills in units relating to vacations, French regions and cuisines, the environment, future plans, and more. There is a Cultural Research Project in the fourth quarter. Students can earn honors credit by demonstrating an ability to use higher level skills with the acquired content knowledge.

Math – Algebra II or Pre-Calculus

Algebra II

In Algebra II, instructional time focuses on four critical areas: (1) polynomial, rational and radical relationships; (2) trigonometric functions; (3) modeling with functions; and (4) inferences and conclusions with data. Text: Larson Algebra II

Pre-Calculus

This course is designed to develop an abstract understanding of a variety of mathematical topics including polynomial functions, trigonometry, conic sections, vectors, matrices, systems of non-linear equations, rational functions, and logarithmic functions. Text: Larson Precalculus 10th Edition

English

The English 12 Curriculum explores the power of language as students hone their literacy skills. By working closely with mentor texts, students cultivate an understanding of text from the viewpoint of both consumers and creators.  Early in the year, this dual perspective supports students as they study and construct memoirs; by focusing on intentionality, students are able to put into practice what they have learned. As the year continues, the study of diverse genres helps students strengthen their individual and collective voices, engage authentically with language, practice civic literacy, and deepen their understanding of both themselves and their community. As students purposefully interact with the many facets of comprehending and creating texts, they become adept navigators of meaning and essential truth.

Social Studies

Economics students study how the individual affects their economic system and how that system affects the individual. This class discusses how markets work and how prices are determined through individuals in an open market. It examines different economic systems function and the advantages and disadvantages of these systems. It also addresses how those systems function on a national scale and are interpreted. Inherent in the study of economics is the study of how politics and government affect one another.

College Prep United States Government

College Prep American Government studies the functions of government and how they apply to the citizen day to day. This course covers the major features of the United States government, emphasizing the real world implications of policy and the policymaking process.

AP United States Government and Politics

AP® United States Government and Politics is an intensive study of the formal and informal structures of government and the processes of the American political system, with an emphasis on policymaking and implementation. This course is designed to prepare students for the AP Exam.

Environmental Sciences

Environmental Science is a multidisciplinary exploration of Earth’s natural systems. This course requires students to synthesize knowledge from a broad range of scientific fields, including Geology, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology, into a comprehensive understanding of Earth as a single interconnected system. Topics covered include resource management, changes in natural systems, human impact on the environment, and sustainable solutions.

Foreign Language – French or Spanish

Spanish IV

In Spanish IV, students review and refine essential grammar to incorporate higher levels of sophistication into their communicative abilities. Students become familiar with colloquial and idiomatic expressions as they continue to perform linguistic tasks and collaborate with classmates in real-life situations to expand their language skills and confidence. Spanish IV students gain greater insight into the varied perspectives offered by the study of the Hispanic culture. The course culminates with a mini presentation of their Capstone Project in Spanish.

Spanish IV Honors

In Spanish IV Honors, students practice all the essential written and oral grammar and further develop their understanding through a variety of reading selections, including literary, historical, cultural and journalistic pieces. Students also learn colloquial and idiomatic expressions. Spanish IV Honors culminate the year with the presentation of their Capstone Project in Spanish.

French IV

French IV students maintain and develop their existing French language skills. All previous skills are reviewed, including the present, past, future, conditional, subjunctive and hypothetical clauses. Students expand their ability to understand and communicate by exploring the plus-que-parfait, the conditionnel passé, the futur antérieur, and the passé simple. Students read Le Petit Prince by Antoine de St. Exupéry. They must complete their Senior Capstone in the target language during fourth quarter. Students can earn honors credit by demonstrating an ability to use higher level skills with the acquired content knowledge. 

Math – AP Statistics, AP Calculus AB, Post AP Calculus II, Quantitative Reasoning

AP Statistics

The topics for AP Statistics course are divided into four major themes: exploratory analysis, planning and conducting a study, probability, and statistical inference. Text: The Practice of Statistics, 6th ed.

AP Calculus AB

This is a standard college Calculus course. Differentiation and integration involving polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions with practical applications are a major part of the course content. Text: Stewart Calculus, 8th ed.

Post AP Calculus II

Calculus II is a continuation of AP Calculus AB. The focus of the content is on techniques and applications of integration. A large portion of the curriculum is also devoted to the mathematics of infinite series. Text: Stewart Calculus, 8th ed.

Quantitative Reasoning

The abilities to interpret and reason with quantitative information – information that involves mathematical ideas or numbers – are crucial aspects of literacy. These abilities, often called quantitative reasoning, or quantitative literacy, are essential to understanding issues that appear in the news every day. The purpose of this course is to help students gain skills in quantitative reasoning as it applies to issues encountered in subsequent coursework (e.g. college), careers, and daily life. There is no escaping the importance of mathematics in the modern world. However, for most people, the importance of mathematics lies not in its abstract ideas, but in its application to personal and social issues. Whatever your interests – social sciences, environmental issues, politics, business and economics, art and music – mathematics can provide an opportunity to better understand these topics, as well as make you a more aware and better-educated citizen. Text: Using and Understanding Mathematics: A Quantitative Approach