AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000–5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense. AP course and testing fees apply; students are required to sit for the exam.

AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments. AP course and testing fees apply; students are required to sit for the exam.

Introduction to Language Acquisition is a foundation of Romance Language development, beginning with an intensive study of Latin, followed by an introduction of Spanish and French. The course fosters a deep understanding of Romance language roots and thus an appreciation of how languages were formed and are used today. Students gain novice proficiency across the domains of writing, speaking, listening, and reading in Latin, Spanish, and French. The students are introduced to beginning structures of grammar and vocabulary as well as culture, history, and geography. By beginning the course with Latin, our students are set up for success in their study of Spanish, French, and English.

(Grade 6)

Middle School Spanish is an introduction to Language Acquisition. Students who take the Emergent Level of Language Acquisition begin a journey of adding a new language and cultures to their life experiences. The course fosters a love for languages by immersing students in highly comprehensible and engaging lessons that use Spanish as often as possible. Students gain novice proficiency across the domains of writing, speaking, listening, and reading in lessons that model real-world environments and follow students’ interests. They use language to solve problems as well as to investigate personal interests through thematic units. The course explores the many cultures associated with Spanish and connects students to communities that live and thrive in this language. Students use the language to advance their learning in English and gain a deeper understanding of the common threads that unite all languages. The course builds a foundation for success in advanced placement language courses; thus, it draws from themes common in the advanced placement curriculum framework, including personal identity, contemporary life, and family. Middle School Spanish focuses on the development of students’ communicative competence in Spanish and the understanding of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.

Emergent Level (Grade 7)

Students who continue in the Emergent Level of Language Acquisition participate in a systematic review of the fundamentals of the Spanish language. Emphasis is placed on building foundational vocabulary, understanding basic grammar structures, and developing listening and speaking skills. Students will engage in simple conversations, respond to basic questions, and understand familiar phrases in context. Through interactive activities, students will explore the target cultures and gain confidence in using the language in everyday situations.

Emergent to Capable Level (Grade 8 or 9)

The Capable Level builds on the foundations established in Emergent Level Spanish courses, with a focus on expanding vocabulary and improving grammar skills. Students will learn to form more complex sentences, engage in short conversations, and describe people, places, and events. The main objective of Spanish II is to continue developing the students’ communicative competence. The program will continue using a progressive approach at a more complex level. Students will be exposed to thematic material from different sources that will help students’ communicative competence to progress. Students use the target language in the classroom and use authentic materials to continue expanding their understanding of the Spanish-speaking cultures.

The cultural content of the program provides the students with a means toward understanding a global perspective and the comparisons and connections through the course maximize the meaning and purpose of the knowledge of the language. The grammar supports communication and is practiced communicatively. The student learns grammar in a real-life context. Many opportunities for oral and written communications are expanded through the use of technology and project-based learning. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate greater confidence in using Spanish in everyday contexts.

Capable Level (Grade 9 or 10)
 

Continuing in the Capable Level, Spanish III emphasizes increased fluency and comprehension. Students will refine their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills while expanding their understanding of Spanish grammar and syntax. They will engage in discussions, narrate past events, and express opinions in more detail. Authentic materials such as short stories, songs, and videos are used to deepen cultural understanding. Oral discussions on historical and contemporary events will intensify and reflect positive outcomes on the student’s oral communication output. Students use the target language in the classroom and use authentic materials to continue expanding their understanding of the Spanish-speaking cultures. By the end of the course, students will be able to communicate effectively in a range of familiar and some unfamiliar situations.

Capable Level (Grade 10 or 11)

The Proficient Level of Spanish is designed for students seeking mastery of the Spanish Language. The course draws on prior communication skills and builds on them to expand students’ linguistic repertoire. Students use the target language in the classroom and use authentic materials to continue expounding their understanding of the Spanish-speaking cultures. The course will place special emphasis in conversation, composition, and literary/cinematic analysis by way of intermediate and advanced grammar support embedded and practiced in context. Continued use of authentic materials, created for native speakers, will push students out of their comfort zone by way of using the target language as the basis for most class activities.

Proficient Level (Grade 10-12)

Spanish 5 is an advanced course designed for students seeking mastery of the Spanish language. The course emphasizes sophisticated communication skills, including debating, persuasive writing, and interpreting advanced literary and cultural texts. Students will engage with complex themes such as philosophy, history, and contemporary issues in the Spanish world. Immersive activities, such as discussions, presentations, and projects, are conducted almost entirely in Spanish to foster fluency and cultural understanding. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate near-native proficiency, critical thinking in Spanish, and a nuanced appreciation of Hispanophone culture and society.

Proficient Level (Grade 11 or 12)

The AP Spanish Language and Culture course emphasizes communication (understanding and being understood by others) by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills in real-life situations. This includes vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. The AP Spanish Language and Culture course strives not to overemphasize grammatical accuracy at the expense of communication. The course is taught almost exclusively in Spanish to facilitate an immersive study of language and culture. The AP Spanish Language and Culture course exploration of Spanish culture in both contemporary and historical contexts. The course develops students' awareness and appreciation of cultural products (e.g., tools, books, music, laws, conventions, institutions), practices (patterns of social interactions within a culture), and perspectives (values, attitudes, and assumptions). AP course and testing fees apply; students are required to sit for the exam.

Middle School French is an introduction to Language Acquisition. Students who take the Emergent Level of Language Acquisition begin a journey of adding a new language and cultures to their life experiences. The course fosters a love for languages by immersing students in highly comprehensible and engaging lessons that use French as often as possible. Students gain novice proficiency across the domains of writing, speaking, listening, and reading in lessons that model real-world environments and follow students’ interests. They use language to solve problems as well as to investigate personal interests through thematic units. The course explores the many cultures associated with French and connects students to communities that live and thrive in this language. Students use the language to advance their learning in English and gain a deeper understanding of the common threads that unite all languages. The course builds a foundation for success in advanced placement language courses; thus, it draws from themes common in the advanced placement curriculum framework, including personal identity, contemporary life, and family. Middle School French focuses on the development of students’ communicative competence in French and the understanding of the cultures of the French-speaking world.

Emergent Level (Grade 7)

Students who continue in the Emergent Level of Language Acquisition participate in a systematic review of the fundamentals of the French language. Emphasis is placed on building foundational vocabulary, understanding basic grammar structures, and developing listening and speaking skills. Students will engage in simple conversations, respond to basic questions, and understand familiar phrases in context. Through interactive activities, students will explore the target cultures and gain confidence in using the language in everyday situations.

Emergent to Capable Level (Grade 8 or 9)

The Capable Level builds on the foundations established in Emergent Level French courses, with a focus on expanding vocabulary and improving grammar skills. Students will learn to form more complex sentences, engage in short conversations, and describe people, places, and events. The main objective of French II is to continue developing the students’ communicative competence. The program will continue using a progressive approach at a more complex level. Students will be exposed to thematic material from different sources that will help students’ communicative competence to progress. Students use the target language in the classroom and use authentic materials to continue expanding their understanding of the French-speaking cultures.

The cultural content of the program provides the students with a means toward understanding a global perspective and the comparisons and connections through the course maximize the meaning and purpose of the knowledge of the language. The grammar supports communication and is practiced communicatively. The student learns grammar in a real-life context. Many opportunities for oral and written communications are expanded through the use of technology and project-based learning. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate greater confidence in using French in everyday contexts.

Capable Level (Grade 9 or 10)
 

Continuing in the Capable Level, French III emphasizes increased fluency and comprehension. Students will refine their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills while expanding their understanding of French grammar and syntax. They will engage in discussions, narrate past events, and express opinions in more detail. Authentic materials such as short stories, songs, and videos are used to deepen cultural understanding. Oral discussions on historical and contemporary events will intensify and reflect positive outcomes on the student’s oral communication output. Students use the target language in the classroom and use authentic materials to continue expanding their understanding of the French-speaking cultures. By the end of the course, students will be able to communicate effectively in a range of familiar and some unfamiliar situations.

Capable Level (Grade 10 or 11)

French 5 is an advanced course designed for students seeking mastery of the French language. The course emphasizes sophisticated communication skills, including debating, persuasive writing, and interpreting advanced literary and cultural texts. Students will engage with complex themes such as philosophy, history, and contemporary issues in the French world. Immersive activities, such as discussions, presentations, and projects, are conducted almost entirely in French to foster fluency and cultural understanding. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate near-native proficiency, critical thinking in French, and a nuanced appreciation of Francophone culture and society.

Proficient Level (Grade 11 or 12)

The AP French Language and Culture course emphasizes communication (understanding and being understood by others) by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills in real-life situations. This includes vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. The AP French Language and Culture course strives not to overemphasize grammatical accuracy at the expense of communication. The course is taught almost exclusively in French to facilitate an immersive study of language and culture. The AP French Language and Culture course exploration of French culture in both contemporary and historical contexts. The course develops students' awareness and appreciation of cultural products (e.g., tools, books, music, laws, conventions, institutions), practices (patterns of social interactions within a culture), and perspectives (values, attitudes, and assumptions). AP course and testing fees apply; students are required to sit for the exam.

Eighth Grade Design and Technology is a full year introductory computer science course that takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as problem-solving, programming, physical computing, user-centered design, and data while inspiring students as they follow the design process to build their own websites, apps, animations, games, and physical computing systems. The majority of the curriculum will come from Code.org’s Computer Science Discoveries course, which follows CSTA standards. This course will provide a foundation for future computer science classes.

This advanced course challenges students to use their engineering skills to address pressing global and local issues. Building on concepts from Introduction to Engineering, students will engage in research-driven projects that focus on sustainability, equity, and ethical problem-solving. Through hands-on projects, students will apply systems thinking, explore emerging technologies, and develop innovative solutions that prioritize social good. Collaborative teamwork, effective communication, and professional documentation are key components of the course, preparing students for leadership in STEM fields.

Grade Levels: 10th-11th Grade
Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design
 

AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory college-level computing course that introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. Students learn to design and evaluate solutions and apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students also explain how computing innovations and computing systems - including the Internet - work, explore their potential impacts and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical. AP course and testing fees apply; students are required to sit for the exam.

AP Computer Science A introduces students to computer science through programming.  Fundamental topics in this course include the design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of data, the development and implementation of algorithms to process data and discover new information, the analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing systems.  The course emphasizes object-oriented programming and design using the Java programming language. AP course and testing fees apply; students are required to sit for the exam.

Prerequisite: AP CSP or Instructor Approval

This is a semester-long course designed to nurture artistic skills, foster creativity, and build a foundation in visual arts. The course content focuses on the IB-MYP Objectives: (A) Investing, (B) Developing, (C) Creating, and (D) Evaluating. The National Core Arts Standards of Creating, Presenting, Responding and Connecting are utilized to support well-rounded artistic development.

Students in 6th grade will:
•    Generate innovative ideas for creating art
•    Demonstrate openness in trying new ideas, materials, methods, and approaches in making works of art and design
•    Reflect on whether personal artwork conveys the intended meaning and revise ideas accordingly
•    Identify and interpret works of art or design that reveal how people live around the world and what they value
 

This is a semester-long course designed to nurture artistic skills, foster creativity, and build a foundation in visual arts. The course content focuses on the IB-MYP Objectives: (A) Investing, (B) Developing, (C) Creating, and (D) Evaluating. The National Core Arts Standards of Creating, Presenting, Responding and Connecting are utilized to support well-rounded artistic development.

Students in 7th grade will: 
•    Apply methods to overcome creative blocks
•    Develop criteria to guide making a work of art or design to meet an identified goal
•    Apply visual organizational strategies to design and produce a work of art, design, or media that clearly communicates information or ideas
•    Reflect on and explain important information about personal artwork in an artist statement or another format
•    Explain how the method of display, the location, and the experience of an artwork influence how it is perceived and valued
 

This is a full year course designed to nurture artistic skills, foster creativity, and build a foundation in visual arts. The course content focuses on the IB-MYP Objectives: (A) Investing, (B) Developing, (C) Creating, and (D) Evaluating. The National Core Arts Standards of Creating, Presenting, Responding and Connecting are utilized to support well-rounded artistic development.

Students in 8th grade will: 
•    Document early stages of the creative process
•    Collaboratively shape an artistic investigation of an aspect of present-day life using a contemporary practice of art and design.
•    Apply relevant criteria to examine, reflect on, and plan revisions for a work of art or design in progress
•    Explain how a person’s aesthetic choices are influenced by culture and environment and impact the visual image that one conveys to others
 

This visual art course is for 2nd year art students and includes both 2D and 3D art production.  For those students at the MYP4 and MYP5 level, the course will include the IB-MYP Objectives of (A) Investigating, (B) Developing, (C) Creating, and (D) Evaluating.  National Core Art Standards of Creating, Presenting, Responding and Connecting are also implemented. Students will focus on the principles of design with reinforcement of the elements of art. In this course, students examine the importance of process, content, concepts, and skills involved in the development of original works of art and design. Students will demonstrate proficiency and craftsmanship in a variety of media.

Prerequisite: Art 1 - Basic Foundations
 

This visual art course is for 3rd year art students and includes both 2D and 3D art production following the National Core Art Standards of Creating, Presenting, Responding and Connecting. Art 3 emphasizes critical thinking skills that enable students to organize, investigate, and analyze visual arts content and concepts. Students increasingly focus on historical and cultural studies, critical evaluation, and creative problem solving through art production. Students will provide evidence of original ideas while demonstrating accomplished skill and technique with a variety of traditional and contemporary tools and media.

Prerequisite: Art 2
 

This visual art course is for 4th year art students and includes both 2D and 3D art production following the National Core Art Standards of Creating, Presenting, Responding and Connecting. Students will investigate, interpret, and analyze artworks while reflecting on their success and growth as an artist. Students will demonstrate advanced skills and techniques in art making. Students will also demonstrate mastery through a culminating portfolio that exhibits personal direction, quality, concentration, breadth of experience, and technical skills.

Prerequisite: Art 3
 

The 3D Art/Crafts course is a hands-on course that allows students to develop technique and knowledge of three-dimensional processes along with creative problem-solving skills. Through the study of the elements of art and principles of design, students will learn to use and arrange three-dimensional media in an expressive way. Students will explore the history of crafts and sculpture from representational to non-objective styles. This course presents an inquiry-based approach to learning about and making forms and structures in art and design. Students will relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical context to deepen understanding.  For those students who are at the MYP4 and MYP5 levels, the course will include the IB-MYP Objectives of (A) Investigating, (B) Developing, (C) Creating, and (D) Evaluating.  National Core Art Standards of Creating, Presenting, Responding and Connecting are also implemented.

Prerequisite: Art 1 - Basic Foundations
 

Introduction to Theater is a course for students interested in any part of the theatrical process, from backstage to onstage. 8th grade students may elect to take this course during their final year of middle school. This course seeks to introduce students to aspects of theater including acting, sound, lighting, stage management, prop and set design, and backstage work. Students will apply the skills they have learned in this course in a performance of one-act plays at the conclusion of the 2nd and 4th quarters.

Stagecraft and Theater Production is a hands-on course for upper school students interested in the creative and technical elements of theater. Students will explore set design and construction, lighting and sound, costume and prop creation, and stage management. Working collaboratively, students will apply these skills to support live theatrical performances in the 2nd and 4th quarters of the year.

This course emphasizes safety, teamwork, and creative problem-solving while building a strong foundation in technical theater. Students will also develop leadership and communication skills as they take on critical roles in the production process. Whether pursuing theater, engineering, or visual arts, students will gain valuable technical expertise and a deeper appreciation for the art of theater production. This course is repeatable.

Grades: 9-12
 

The middle school ensemble program will provide a means of self-expression to convey emotions and develop self-esteem and aesthetic sensitivity. The program will develop musical skills on an instrument and develop an understanding of intellectual knowledge about music through a sequential order of learning. Students grow in their understanding of musical concepts and they acquire the necessary skills for manipulating their musical environment. This is a semester length course.

In this course students will play in a band. To achieve this, students will:
•    Develop instrumental skills on one or more instruments
•    Define melody, rhythm & harmony
•    Practice rhythm notation 
•    Learn about song structure
•    Create chord charts
•    Synthesize and edit existing music
•    Present material in a classroom setting
•    Perform in a concert

The middle school ensemble program will provide a means of self-expression to convey emotions and develop self-esteem and aesthetic sensitivity. The program will develop musical skills on an instrument and develop an understanding of intellectual knowledge about music through a sequential order of learning. Students grow in their understanding of musical concepts and they acquire the necessary skills for manipulating their musical environment. This is a semester length course.

In this course students will play in a band and develop songwriting skills. To achieve this, students will:
•    Study accomplished songwriters in a chosen genre
•    Duplicate & present parts of existing songs
•    Examine and reflect on similarities and differences between successful songs
•    Gain a working knowledge of song structure
•    Develop riffs, ideas, concepts
•    Write lyrics
•    Analyze and refine personal lyric & music styles
•    Present and perform original songs

The middle school ensemble program will provide a means of self-expression to convey emotions and develop self-esteem and aesthetic sensitivity. The program will develop musical skills on an instrument and develop an understanding of intellectual knowledge about music through a sequential order of learning.  Students grow in their understanding of musical concepts and they acquire the necessary skills for manipulating their musical environment. This is a yearlong course. Required performances include the Winter Concert in December and additional performances throughout the school year which may include Grandparents Day, Millwood Gala, Fall Festival, etc.

In this course students will play in a band, develop songwriting skills, and learn about the history of multiple popular music genres. To achieve this, students will:
•    Analyze and understand how music changes over time
•    Connect music of today with American and international music history
•    Create song charts
•    Research and present music from 120 years of history
•    Collaborate as a band member on multiple instruments
•    Arrange and produce original arrangements of songs
•    Mashup material from more than one genre
•    Present and perform their own and others’ songs

Beginners with no musical experience are welcome in this class. Students may choose between and among many instruments to learn throughout the first semester. Leadership and conducting opportunities will be available for students with extensive previous music experience. Students will then choose one particular instrument to focus on for the second semester (rental or purchase for all instruments will need to be arranged prior to the start of semester 2).

This course will encompass much of the following:
•    Introduction to Music Theory: rhythms, scales, improvisation, sight-reading, repertoire
•    Performance: individual instrument technique, core musical concepts (intonation, timbre, rhythm, phrasing, dynamics, articulation, expression, tempo, harmony)
•    Music History: Development of music from Baroque Era to Present, early American musical styles (Blues, Spirituals, Ragtime, Marches, Hymns, etc.)

Required performances include the Winter Concert in December and additional performances throughout the school year which may include Grandparents Day, Millwood Gala, Fall Festival, etc. This course is repeatable.
 

In this course, we will explore the many connections between narrative and self. We will take seriously the idea that we are the stories we tell: we are our stories; our stories are us. By the end of this year of study students will have greater appreciation of the profound interaction between two of the biggest concepts imaginable: who we are and why stories – and thus art more broadly – truly matter. 

Anchor texts may include but are not limited to:
- Walt Whitman, Song of Myself
- Homer, The Odyssey
- Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Rime of the Ancient Mariner
- Wallace Stevens, “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird”
- William Carlos Williams, “The Red Wheelbarrow”
 

In this course, students will focus on point of view in multiple types of literature, including fantasy, drama, nonfiction, and poetry. Within each genre, students will explore the impact of characterization and structure and how both of these reshape their idea of a traditional narrative. We will also ask students to reflect on deeper themes and authors’ purpose within each narrative, connecting each genre to form a tapestry of understanding and a foundation for their reading and writing journeys to come. Anchor texts may include but are not limited to:

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, the play Twelve Angry Men, the nonfiction text Just Mercy (Adapted for Young Adults), and poems from various authors.
 

This course will build upon the themes and ideals of the previous two Language & Literature courses, weaving historical contexts and personal traits into the growing understanding students have of themselves, their world, and the place of art, literature, and meaning therein. Students will begin engaging with longer and more sophisticated texts, including a lengthy research paper and personal project unit, both of which are major aspects of the course.

Anchor texts and films may include but are not limited to:
-George Orwell, Animal Farm
-George Takei, They Called Us Enemy
-William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream
-Shakespearean sonnets, Yeats’ “The Wild Swans at Coole”; Wordsworth, “Tintern Abbey”
-Hemingway, “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place”
-Kurt Vonnegut, “EPICAC”
-Studio Ghibli, Spirited Away

“We are the stories we tell” – this idea will be the core focus of this year’s course of study. We will return to the complex relationships between story, self, and community again and again, thereby enriching our understanding of how narratives shape our world and ourselves. To wit, we will focus on the stories we tell about ourselves, each other, and our shared world. We will learn about the Rashomon Effect, studying the Kurosawa film that brought that phrase into our language. We will study works of art intimately concerned with the power of stories. We will write our own memoirs. We will tell stories together, early and often, in MOTH storytelling competitions. 

Anchor texts may include but are not limited to:
- Mary Shelley, Frankenstein (novel)
- James Whalen, Frankenstein (film)
- Kazuo Ishiguro, Never Let Me Go
- Franz Kafka, The Metamorphosis 
- Henrik Ibsen, A Doll’s House
- Akira Kurosawa, Rashomon

AP Literature & Composition is the final piece, the capstone course, in the high school progression of literary studies. Thus, the content of the course is at once familiar – the reading, writing, thinking, and talking common to all English classes, everywhere – and new – the texts, skills, and assignments will be the most challenging and complex yet experienced. Students should expect a course to be a bridge: it summarizes past knowledge from middle school and high school classes while connecting to preparation for collegiate-level humanities courses. Course texts will span a vast range of time, locations, and genres – all selections in service of preparing the students for the AP exam in May. AP course and testing fees apply; students are required to sit for the exam.

Anchor texts may include but are not limited to:
-Margaret Edson, Wit
-Charles Dickens, Great Expectations
-Shakespearean dramas
-Alan Moore, Watchmen

The seventh grade P.E. and Health course is designed to develop and promote total wellness throughout life through impactful and relevant health curriculum. This course promotes improved athletic skills in a variety of sports, refining both gross and fine motor skills, and increasing the understanding and practice of teamwork.

This course presents concepts from year one MYP Integrated Science, focusing on the interconnectedness of science topics. Through a rigorous inquiry-based approach, students will engage with a variety of topics, including:

• What do scientists do? - The role of scientists in the world, laboratory design, and the inquiry cycle
• What are changes and which ones do we study? - States of matter, changes of state, physical vs. chemical changes
• How do living things work? - The characteristics of living things, the necessities of life, the specialized forms and functions of living things, cell structure and function
• Where do we fit into the universe? - The solar system, Earth systems, history of the Earth
• What is matter made of? - Atomic structure, the periodic table, the elements 
• How can we study the living world? - Ecosystems, rocks and minerals, continental drift

The students will also participate in experimental design and explore how these topics influence the world in which we live.

This course builds upon the foundational concepts introduced in Year 1 MYP Integrated Science, emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature and interconnectedness of scientific principles. Through a rigorous inquiry-based approach, students will engage with a variety of topics, including:

• Where are we now and where might we be going? - Human Movement, Speed and Velocity, Measurement, Forces
• How do we map matter? - Matter, Atoms, Periodic Table
• Who are we? - DNA & Genetics
• What does a wave tell us? - Light & Sound waves 
• How does our planet work? - Carbon cycles, Matter cycles, Climate
• How do we respond to our world? - Evolution and Natural Selection

The students will also participate in experimental design and explore how these topics influence the world in which we live.

Year three of MYP science is Integrated Science, focusing on the interconnectedness of science topics. Questions of inquiry this year are:

• How do we make it work? -  Simple machines, energy and change, efficiency, and forces
• How do humans impact the natural world? - Environmental science value systems, natural resources, biodiversity, ecology
• What should I eat? - nutrition, the digestive system, food economy
• How do we put electricity and magnetism to work? - Electricity, magnetism, and electromagnetism
• How can we connect? - Optics, digital and analog communication, digital media responsibility
• How do our bodies work? - Body systems: nervous, respiratory & circulatory, skeletal, muscular, and endocrine

This course is part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program (MYP), and thus assessments and evaluations have increased rigor and expectations. In addition, this class is designed to lay a strong background for future science courses.

IB MYP Honors Biology is a challenging and comprehensive course designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the biological sciences. Through inquiry-based learning, students explore the fundamental concepts that govern life and its processes. The course offers a solid foundation for future studies in biology and other advanced science disciplines, such as AP Biology. With a focus on both conceptual understanding and practical application, students engage in a variety of activities to master the core principles of biology, including laboratory experiments, research, and the use of modern technologies.

Key inquiry questions explored throughout the course include:

• How is life organized? - Characteristics of living things & Cells
• How do organisms sustain themselves? - Chemistry of Life, Macromolecules, Cellular transport
• What chemical processes support life? - Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration
• How do characteristics pass from one generation to another? - DNA, Cellular Division and Genetics
• How have different forms of life arisen? - Evolution, Natural Selection, & Meiosis
• How do species interact? - The interconnected nature of ecosystems

This course is designed to challenge students intellectually and prepare them for future scientific endeavors. Through rigorous assessments and high expectations, students will deepen their scientific inquiry skills while developing a nuanced understanding of the living world.

IB MYP Chemistry is centered on the study of the interactions between matter and energy, providing a comprehensive understanding of the chemical processes that govern our world. This course focuses on key concepts in environmental, nuclear, organic, and biochemistry, with an emphasis on developing a strong conceptual foundation for each unit.

Key inquiry questions explored throughout the course include:

• What is matter?
• How do we map matter?
• How do atoms bond?
• How do we write and balance equations?
• What are the impacts of the chemical industry?
• What determines chemical change?
• How are environmental systems sustained by their chemistry?

Through problem-solving and analytical investigations, students will deepen their understanding of the role chemistry plays in both natural and industrial processes.

The AP Biology course is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes, energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions.

The AP Biology course is organized into commonly taught units of study that provide a 
suggested sequence for the course. These units comprise the content and skills colleges and universities typically expect students to master to qualify for college credit and/or placement. AP course and testing fees apply; students are required to sit for the exam.

Following are the main themes of the course and a brief description of each:

• Evolution - The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life.
• Energetics - Biological systems use energy and molecular building blocks to grow, reproduce, and maintain dynamic homeostasis.
• Information Storage and Transmission - Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes.
• Systems Interactions - Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions exhibit complex properties.

The AP Chemistry course provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced coursework in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations as they explore content such as atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. AP course and testing fees apply; students are required to sit for the exam.

• Unit 1: Atomic Structure and Properties
• Unit 2: Molecular and Ionic Compound Structure and Properties
• Unit 3: Intermolecular Forces and Properties
• Unit 4: Chemical Reactions
• Unit 5: Kinetics
• Unit 6: Thermodynamics
• Unit 7: Equilibrium
• Unit 8: Acids and Bases
• Unit 9: Applications of Thermodynamics

The AP Physics 1 course is an algebra-based introduction into the science of physics. The course is designed to model a college level introductory physics course. Topics covered during AP Physics 1 include kinematics, Newton’s laws, work and energy, momentum, and rotation. Emphasis is put on problem solving and inquiry-based laboratory work to enhance their understanding of physics. AP course and testing fees apply; students are required to sit for the exam.

• Unit 1: Kinematics 
• Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics 
• Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power 
• Unit 4: Linear Momentum 
• Unit 5: Torque and Rotational Dynamics
• Unit 6: Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems 
• Unit 7: Oscillations
• Unit 8: Fluids

• Module 1 – Forensic Science
  • Overview of Forensic Science
  • Crime Scene Investigation
  • Fingerprinting
  • Microscopy
  • Firearms and Tool Marks
• Module 2 – Introduction to Astronomy
  • The Universe and its Origin
  • Celestial Bodies
  • Space Exploration
• Module 3 – Introduction to Aerospace Engineering
  • Principles of Flight
  • Aircraft Design and Engineering
  • Navigation
  • Rocketry

Math 1 for Grade 6 in the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) introduces students to foundational concepts in mathematics while fostering a spirit of inquiry and a global perspective. This course focuses on developing a deep understanding of number systems, including fractions, decimals, and percentages, as well as introducing students to basic algebraic expressions and equations. Students also explore geometric concepts such as area, perimeter, and volume, and begin to work with ratios, proportions, and introductory statistics to interpret and represent data.

The MYP framework emphasizes connections between mathematical ideas and real-world applications, encouraging students to think critically and solve problems in diverse contexts. Through collaborative and independent tasks, students develop their ability to reason logically, communicate mathematical ideas effectively, and reflect on their learning processes. This course lays the groundwork for advanced mathematical study while nurturing the skills and confidence needed to approach challenges in a variety of disciplines, fostering growth as both learners and thinkers.

Seventh-grade Pre-Algebra serves as a bridge between basic arithmetic and higher-level algebra, equipping students with critical mathematical skills and fostering analytical thinking. This course focuses on building a strong foundation in algebraic concepts, including simplifying expressions, solving linear equations and inequalities, and understanding proportional relationships. Students also explore integers, rational numbers, ratios, rates, and percentages while applying these concepts to real-world problems. Geometry topics such as area, volume, and basic coordinate graphing are integrated to enhance spatial reasoning. Additionally, students are introduced to probability and statistics, enabling them to analyze data and make predictions.

Pre-Algebra emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking, encouraging students to approach mathematical challenges with persistence and creativity. Through a mix of collaborative activities, hands-on learning, and individual practice, students develop logical reasoning and the ability to communicate their thought processes effectively. This course not only prepares students for the challenges of Algebra 1 but also cultivates confidence and curiosity, laying the groundwork for success in future mathematical and interdisciplinary studies.
 

Algebra 1 introduces students to the foundational principles of algebra, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for higher-level mathematics. The course covers topics such as solving linear equations and inequalities, graphing and interpreting linear functions, and working with systems of equations. Students also explore exponents, polynomials, factoring, and quadratic equations, as well as foundational concepts in statistics and data interpretation.

Algebra 1 emphasizes the application of mathematical reasoning to real-world problems, encouraging students to analyze relationships and patterns while developing logical and abstract thinking. Through collaborative projects, technology integration, and individual practice, students build confidence in their ability to approach and solve complex problems. This course prepares students for future mathematical studies, such as Geometry and Algebra 2, while cultivating skills in reasoning, communication, and perseverance that extend to other disciplines and everyday life. It serves as a critical stepping stone, connecting arithmetic skills to advanced mathematics and practical applications in science, technology, and beyond.
 

Geometry introduces students to the study of shapes, sizes, spatial reasoning, and the relationships between objects in a plane and three-dimensional space. The course focuses on key topics such as points, lines, planes, angles, and their relationships, as well as the properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, and polygons. Students explore concepts of congruence and similarity, apply the Pythagorean Theorem, and learn about transformations such as translations, rotations, reflections, and dilations. Additionally, the course includes an introduction to trigonometry, as well as the calculation of area, surface area, and volume for various geometric figures.

Through an emphasis on logical reasoning, proof-writing, and problem-solving, Geometry encourages students to think critically and apply their skills to real-world contexts, such as design, architecture, and engineering. The course incorporates collaborative projects, technology, and hands-on activities to help students visualize and understand abstract concepts. By developing spatial reasoning, analytical thinking, and precision in communication, students build a solid foundation for future math courses such as Algebra 2 and advanced studies. Geometry not only enhances mathematical skills but also nurtures an appreciation for patterns and structures in the world around us.
 

Algebra 2 in the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) encourages students to explore advanced mathematical concepts while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The course builds on foundational algebra and introduces new topics such as quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions, as well as systems of equations and inequalities. Students also engage with sequences and series, complex numbers, and introductory statistics and probability. Through these topics, they develop the ability to model real-world situations, analyze patterns, and make predictions. The MYP approach emphasizes inquiry-based learning, encouraging students to ask questions, explore connections between mathematical concepts, and reflect on their problem-solving strategies.

As students progress, they cultivate perseverance, logical reasoning, and the confidence to tackle unfamiliar challenges, preparing them for higher-level math and interdisciplinary applications in science, technology, and beyond. This course not only deepens mathematical understanding but also nurtures a global perspective by connecting mathematics to real-world contexts and diverse perspectives.

AP Calculus is a college-level math course that challenges students to think critically and apply advanced problem-solving skills to understand the foundational concepts of calculus. The course begins with limits and continuity, teaching students how to analyze the behavior of functions as they approach specific points or infinity, building their ability to reason about mathematical trends. Students then delve into differentiation, learning to calculate rates of change and slopes of curves, which are applied to real-world problems like motion, optimization, and related rates. Integration follows, introducing students to finding areas under curves and solving accumulation problems. The course emphasizes the connection between differentiation and integration through the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, fostering a deep conceptual understanding. 

Throughout, students develop logical reasoning and persistence as they tackle complex applications of derivatives and integrals, including modeling physical phenomena and solving problems involving growth, decay, and motion. This rigorous course not only prepares students for the AP exam and potential college credit but also nurtures analytical thinking and mathematical maturity that extend beyond the classroom. AP course and testing fees apply; students are required to sit for the exam.

This college-level math course utilizes modern educational tools, including laptop computer integration, graphing calculator manipulation, and interactive problem solving via the internet to assist students with gaining a more thorough understanding of course applications as they apply to the real world.   This is a one-year course in which students will further develop their understanding of data and its interpretation.  The course provides a concept-based approach to statistics, providing students with the opportunity to learn how to determine which statistical procedures are appropriate to use and when, instruct the selected software to carry out procedures, and interpret output. AP course and testing fees apply; students are required to sit for the exam.

World Cultures class is designed to introduce students to the historical development of people, places, and patterns of life from ancient times until the present.  Students study the origins of human heritage using texts, maps, pictures, stories, diagrams, and charts. The students will identify and describe environmental and cultural factors that influence the lives of people within a nation, major changes in a society; interpret special purpose maps, charts, diagrams, and political cartoons; identify and describe important periods and events of world history, and compare to current events; identify the origin and development of various forms of government, and recognize the diversity of cultures around the world.

The primary focus of this class includes the human geography, people, and culture in Western Europe, UK, Eastern Europe, Egypt & North Africa, West Africa, East, Central, and South Africa, India and its South Asian neighbors, China, Japan, and Russia.

This course introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine socioeconomic organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications. The curriculum reflects the goals of the National Geography Standards (2012) and prepares students for the Advanced Placement exam in May. AP course and testing fees apply; students are required to sit for the exam.