TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Information
Graduation Requirements 2
College Prep Requirements 2
Core Courses
English 3
Mathematics 5
Science 7
Social Studies 9
Fine Arts
Art 12
Band 12
Music 12
Practical Arts
Business and Computers 13
Family and Consumer Sciences 16
Vocational Agriculture 18
Other Courses and Electives
Physical Education 20
Foreign Language 21
Library Science 21
Graduation Requirements
Math / 2 units
Science / 2 units
Social Studies / 2 ½ units / 1 American History,
1 World History,
½ American Government
Fine Arts / 1 unit
Practical Arts / 1 unit
Physical Education / 1 unit
Electives
/ 11 ½ unitsTotal / 24 units
No student will go through graduation ceremony unless all graduation requirements have been met including the minimum 24 units of credit. Students must also pass the Missouri Constitution and the United States Constitution tests.
College Bound Curriculum
Classes that Fulfill
RequirementsEnglish/Language Arts / 4 units / English I, II, College
Preparatory English
Mathematics / 3 units / Algebra I, II, Geometry,
Trigonometry, Adv. Algebra
Science / 3 units / Chemistry, Biology I,
Physics, Adv. Science
Social Studies / 3 units / Government, World History,
American History, Electives
Fine Arts / 1 unit
Practical Arts / 1 unit
Physical Education / 1 unit
Electives / 8 units
English
Course title: English I
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: None
Level: Grade 9
A freshman level English course that deals with elements of grammar and writing such as sentence structure and variety, punctuation skills, capitalization rules, and spelling. Writing skills are emphasized and expanded through a research paper, a fictional composition, and through response papers. Various aspects of literature such as the short story, the novel, the play, and poetry are also studied.
Course title: English II
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: English I
Level: Grade 10
English II is a sophomore level English course that offers a variety of writing, speaking, listening, and observing experiences. Students will review key elements of grammar, expand their writing skills, read short stories, poems and at least one novel, and conduct research for reports. They will develop and use critical thinking, writing, and reading skills throughout the course.
Course title: English III
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: English I & English II
Level: Grade 11
English III is a college prep English class in which students will observe and analyze the mass media and study American literature and poetry. They will research and report on topics of interest, review basic grammatical skills, write persuasive and literary essays, and read, analyze, and interpret key elements of the American and British novel. They will also do practice exercises to prepare for the ACT.
Course title: Mythology
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: English 2
Level: Grades 11-12
Mythology is an upper level senior high course designed for juniors and seniors. In this electives course, students study Greek, Roman and Norse myths, do research in the library, and study the influence on which mythology has had on our literature and thinking.
Course title: American Literature
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: English I & English II
Level: Grades 11-12
An elective course in which students read, analyze and interpret short stories and novels of primarily American origin. Students will do research on various related topics, employing critical reading and thinking skills, as well as writing skills.
Course title: College Composition
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: English I & II
Level: Grade 12
An upper level senior English course consisting of composition, grammar, speech, and English literature, including the study of at least one novel. Students will do research on a variety of topics, using both high school and college libraries, as well as the Internet. Course work also includes ACT preparation.
Course title: Journalism
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: B+ Avg. in English I, II, Keyboarding, & referral
Level: Grades 11-12
Students in this course learn to write body copy, picture captions, plan layouts for the yearbook and use different types of copy. Students should be proficient in grammar and typing. Students interested should enroll at the beginning of eleventh grade.
Math
Course title: Pre-Algebra
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: None
Level: Grades 8-12
The major objective of this course is to prepare students for a course in first year algebra. This is generally viewed as a course designed to help students strengthen their skills in computation and solving word problems. Students are introduced to some basic algebra concepts.
Course title: Algebra 1
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: None
Level: Grades 8-12
Algebra I is a course designed for eighth grade students with above average mathematical abilities or for ninth and tenth grade students who have the necessary pre-algebra skills. Algebra 1 is a branch of mathematics in which calculations are made by using letters to represent numbers or quantities and symbols to denote arithmetical operations or numbers. This abstract arithmetic is used in almost all branches of science. This focuses on the manipulation and graphing of linear equations and inequalities.
Course title: Algebra II
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: Algebra I
Level: Grades 9-12
This course is generally considered for college-bound students. Basic algebraic skills are reviewed and emphasis is placed on applying these skills in solving word problems. Algebra II focuses on rational expressions, radicals, quadratic functions, complex numbers, conic sections and logarithms
Course title: Geometry
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: C Average in Algebra I & Algebra II or teacher approval
Level: Grades 10-12
Geometry is a branch of mathematics that studies the shapes of objects. Because both our natural and our constructed environments provide so many examples of geometrical concepts, geometry has demonstrated a usefulness and vitality in the real world. Geometry is designed to develop a student’s ability to use both inductive and deductive reasoning. The ability to reason logically about a situation, whether by a worker on the assembly line or a farmer planning crop rotation, is essential for wise decision making.
Course title: Trigonometry
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: B Average in Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry
Level: Grades 11 and 12
As derived from the Greek language, the word “trigonometry” is a branch of mathematics that means, “study of the measurements of triangles.” Trigonometry is a precalculus course offering students the opportunity to apply verbal, analytical, graphical, and numerical approaches to solving problems, it is designed to prepare the students for college trigonometry and calculus courses. (A scientific calculator with the trigonometric functions Function is required.)
Course title: Advanced Math
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: B Average in Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry
Level: Grades 11-12
Advanced Math is a full year course designed to help better prepare juniors and seniors for college math courses. Advanced Math is an extended Algebra course containing lessons in irrational and complex numbers, quadratic equations, conic section, exponential and logarithmic functions, sequences and series, and matrices and determinants. (A scientific calculator is required.)
Course title: Tech Prep Math
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: None
Level: Grades 9-12
This course emphasized practical application of math necessary for daily living. It stresses not only computational skills but also other basic skills like problem solving, using ratios, proportions, and per cents, using measurements, finding perimeters, areas and volumes, reading and making graphs and understanding the basic concepts of statistics and probability.
Course title: Consumer Math
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: None
Level: Grades 10-12
This course presents basic math skills through direct application to important everyday situations, such as paying taxes, buying food, banking and investing, and managing a household. This course will help students become wiser, more informed consumers.
Science
Course title: General Science
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: None
Level: Grades 9-10
This is an introductory course into the study of matter and energy. Physical science is offered as a foundation for Chemistry and Physics. Basic principles such as science processes, measurements, physical and chemical changes, the structure if matter, laws of motion, heat, and electricity are studied.
Course title: Biology 1
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: None
Level: Grades 10-12
Biology 1 is a course that introduces the student to the characteristics of living things, cells, basic chemistry, genetics, and ecology.
Course title: Advanced Science
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: Chemistry and Biology 1
Level: Grade 12
This course emphasizes the structure and function of the human body system. It focuses on classification and the five kingdoms of living things. It also includes an advanced look into ecology.
Course title: Chemistry
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: B or above in Algebra 1; B or above in previous Science class or approval by teacher.
Level: Grades 11-12
This course involves the study of atoms, molecules, bonding, the gas laws, the mole concept, the periodicity of the chemical elements and the kinetic theory.
Course title: Physics
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: B or above in Geometry; B or above in previous Science class
Recommend enrollment in Trig. On approval by teacher
Level: Grades 11-12
Physics involves the use of math in analyzing motion, gravity and energy, electricity, optics, and magnetism.
Course title: Botany
Units of credit: ½
Prerequisites: B- or above in Biology or instructor’s approval
Level: Grades 11-12
Botany is a college preparatory course designed to meet the needs and interests of students seeking to pursue a career in science. Topics covered include plant structure, systems, and plant life processes. Kingdoms, Monera, Protista, and Fungi will also be briefly covered.
Course title: Zoology
Units of credit: ½
Prerequisites: B- or above in Biology or instructor ‘s approval
Level: Grades 11-12
Zoology is a college preparatory course designed to meet the needs and interests of students seeking to pursue a career in science. Topics covered include animal structure, systems, and animal life processes.
Course title: Ecology
Units of credit: ½
Prerequisites: B- or above in Biology or instructor’s approval
Level: Grades 11-12
Ecology is a course designed to meet the needs and interests of students seeking to pursue a career in science, as well as student who are interested in gaining a greater appreciation for the natural world in which we live. Topics covered include how organisms interact with their environment and conservation related topics.
Social Studies
Course title: American History
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: None
Level: Grade 9
The course, American History, is to examine the major events in American history from the Civil War to the present day. We will concentrate with an in-depth coverage of the twentieth century. We want our students to develop a strong understanding of American history and their place in it.
Course title: World History
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: None
Level: Grades 10-12
This course is designed to give students an understanding of past and present world events, so students will become aware of the world around them and the ways it affects their lives. This course will also prepare students to locate various places on the map and globe, how to make economic decisions, and provide an understanding of the national, state, and local branches of government.
Course title: Missouri History
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: None
Level: Grades 10-12
This course is designed to help students understand the rich history of the state of Missouri and the role it has played in the development of the nation. Historical areas of emphasis include: Indian culture in the state; European settlement; becoming a state; Missouri and the West; the Civil War; Missouri and Industrialism; Missouri and the World Wars; Missouri and the Great Depression; and Missouri today.
Course title: Civics
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: None
Level: Grades 9-12
Civics is a course covering the study of citizenship and government. Emphasis will be put on the foundations and structure of government, political processes and public policy, citizenship and civic participation, law education and civil rights, and community awareness and service learning.
Course title: Contemporary Issues
Units of credit: 1/2
Prerequisites: None
Level: Grades 10-12
Contemporary Issues studies the present problems and issues that are in the news today. Newspaper/magazine reading and searching the internet is a must.
Course title: Economics
Units of credit: 1/2
Prerequisites: American History
Level: Grades 10-12
This provides students with an in-depth study of the American economic system and its comparison to other types of systems. The purpose is to give a better understanding of the economic world.
Course title: Geography
Units of credit: 1/2
Prerequisites: None
Level: Grades 10-12
In this course the student will study the physical, economical, and political and cultural geography of our country’s and the world’s major regions.
Course title: Psychology
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: None
Level: Grades 11-12
The major purpose of this course is to give students an insight into human behavior. Students will look at why individuals behave the way they do. Students will explore various areas of psychology such as learning, memory, intelligence, infancy and childhood, adolescence, adulthood, personality, stress and health psychology, and abnormal psychology. Other topics of study may include a focus on various career interests, dreams, the brain, and sensation and perception.
Course title: Sociology
Units of credit: 1
Prerequisites: None
Level: Grades 11-12
Sociology is a course designed to give students insight into dynamics of group behavior. Students will learn about the functions of major social institutions such as family, religion, government, and education. Other topics of study include: socialization, social problems, social stratification, norms and values, and the development of sociology as a scientific field of study.
Societal problems such as deviance, crime, poverty, and race relations will also be studied and discussed.
Course title: American Government
Units of credit: 1/2
Prerequisites: American History