New Heights Preparatory School

high school curriculum

		9th	10th	11th	12th
English / Language Arts		HUMANITIES
		Humanities I: Guns, Germs & Steel (1 cred. World History; 1 credit World Literature) ELA: academic lit.; regional lit.; composition SS: human geography; Mesopotamia, Australia/New Guinea, Oceania	Humanities II: Collapse ( 1 credit World History; 1/2 credit World Literature; 1/2 credit European Lit.) ELA: academic lit.; world lit.; European lit.; research writing SS: human geography; Scandinavia/Greenland, Easter Island, Japan	American Studies (1 credit US History, with emphasis on government and civics); 1/2 credit in American Lit.; 1/2 credit Speech & Debate) ELA: primary documents; novel/ short-story; film; literary analysis SS: American foundational documents; social issues	Creative Writing or Art Portfolio Preparation (1/2 Eng - 1/2 Arts)
Social Studies					(1 semester req.) Economics or Approved independent research/project or Leadership position in a student activity group
Foreign Language		Latin I	Latin II	Latin III	AP Latin
		Spanish I	Spanish II	Spanish III	AP Spanish
		Asian Language Sequence (TBA)
		Introductory high school foreign language courses emphasize grammar, language mechanics, and basic conversational skills within a context of language immersion. Upper level language courses and AP's emphasize composition and introduce literature from the relevant culture.
		9th	10th	11th	12th
Science		Biology: Following a scope and sequence that parallels the traditional approach to high school biology, this course emphasizes hands-on activities, labs, and connects classroom biology to the real world applications such as ecology and resource management.	Chemistry: Following a scope and sequence that parallels the traditional approach to high school chemistry, the incorporation of technology, visual aids, and the arts assist students' understanding of the elements, molecular properties, and complex chemical processes.	Physics: Following a scope and sequence that parallels the traditional approach to non-calculus based high school physics, students apply algebraic principles to understand and make predictions about motion, energy, and physical interactions. This course is designed to be taken concurrently with Algebra II. or AP's	AP's: AP classes follow a prescribed curriculum designed to prepare students for the appropriate Advanced Placement test. Most colleges and universities accept AP scores of 4 or 5 in lieu of introductory college courses.
Environmental Studies		Environmental studies consist of lessons, experiments, field trips, and/or community service projects that are integrated with the Core/Humanities and Science curricula.
		9th	10th	11th	12th
Math	Standard Track	Algebra I: This course emphasizes a visual and interactive approach to traditional high school algebra.	Geometry: Using real world illustrations of geometric principles, this course emphasizes the relevance of geometry to our daily lives. A heavy emphasis is placed on proofs and the use of logic.	Algebra II: Using a similar approach as that taken in Algebra I, students are exposed to advanced algebraic principles in preparation for college-level math.	Pre-Calculus: The course of pre-calculus introduces students to advanced mathematical concepts, and is designed to prepare students for college-level calculus. or Math elective TBA
	Honors Track	Geometry: See description above and to the right.	Algebra II: See description above and to the right.	Pre-Calculus: See description above and to the right.	AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC (see AP description above)
Computers		Computer 9	Computer 10	Computer 11	Introduction to Computer Programming: C++: Students are introduced to C++ computer programming language (Not offered in 2007-08).
		NHPS computer curriculum emphasizes proficiency in the following areas: typing, word processing (MS Word), internet research strategies (Explorer / Firefox), computer presentations (Power Point), and spreadsheet applications (Excel). These skills are essential for students to be able to fully participate and succeed in other NHPS courses. Desktop publication, web design, and computer maintenance/assembly are also covered, though not to the same degree. Students approach these topics through integrated activities and projects, some of which operate in conjunction with other NHPS courses.
		9th	10th	11th	12th
Arts		Specialized Offerings: Integrated Visual Arts; Drama Sequence; Integrated Musical Arts; Dance; Film Production; Martial Arts (can count as Art or PE credit, not both)
		High School students choose an arts focus determined by their interests, aptitudes, and previous arts experience. Some students choose NOT to focus on one arts discipline, but rather select courses across the array of arts offerings.
Special Arts		HS Special Arts
		NHPS' special arts program provides additional flexibility for teachers and students to pursue specialized projects, to complete projects begun in regular arts courses, and to meet in mixed-age and interdisciplinary groups in preparation for school-wide productions or arts initiatives.
P.E.		PE 9	PE 10	PE optional but not required.	PE optional but not required.
		NHPS' physical education curriculum focuses on fun, fitness, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. Students participate in activities and exercises directly related to increasing their proficiency in actual sports such as basketball, volleyball, and soccer. Issues such developing healthy eating and sleeping habits are also discussed.
Human Development		Health & Community	Responsibility & Action	School Stress & College Talk	Transitions & College Admission
		NHPS' human development draws upon the Native American council process and a specific curriculum developed by the Ojai Foundation. In council, students discuss school and adolescence-related issues such as character & integrity, teasing & bullying, and other provide a vehicle to increase faculty-student communication and understanding. All NHPS faculty have received specialized training relevant to the council process.
College Counseling		College counseling is integrated with the human development curriculum in addition to individual conferences/sessions with college counseling professionals in the 11th and 12th grades.