ENGLISH (Language Arts)

Humanities 9

Humanities 10

American Literature 11; AP English Language or Composition 11

British Literature 12; AP English Literature

The language arts program develops students’ proficiency as communicators—as writers, public speakers, and listeners—and as critical readers and thinkers. Composition courses focus on grammar and editing skills as well as vocabulary building and writing techniques in a variety of contexts. Cross-curricular writing assignments are frequent, as are multi-media enhancements—film, on-line resources, periodicals and newspapers. Literature studies canvas classic and contemporary works to expose students to wide-ranging genres. 

Raider Readers—Supplemental literature assignments, summer reading expectations, book clubs, and the Accelerated Reader Program (in Lower School) encourage students to read independently beyond course requirements. 

Many students participate in forensics and writing competitions, and classes often enjoy field trips to attend plays and special exhibits related to their studies.

SCIENCE 

Physical Science 9

Biology 10

Chemistry 11

AP Physics

Physics

Environmental Science

Science courses provide hands-on activities to develop students’ skills in data collection and analysis, problem solving, and laboratory methodology, as well as their understanding of fundamental and advanced scientific principles and systems.

HISTORY and SOCIAL STUDIES

World History I & II

US History; AP US History

US Government; AP US Government

Course objectives focus on social and historical study processes as well as content. Students learn not just the stories of past civilizations, but also the methods by which historians and social scientists study cultures and societies. Instructors strive to enhance students’ ability to understand and question the lessons of history—to think critically and independently. Ultimately, students are being prepared for higher education and for their duties and rights as American citizens. Juniors and seniors may elect to enroll in the AP courses. 

MATHEMATICS

Algebra I

Algebra II

Geometry

Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry

College Algebra

AP Calculus

The mathematics curriculum is traditional in scope, with increasing emphasis on skills and modes of reasoning required in a technologically advancing society. 

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

Spanish I, II, III, IV

French I, II, III

Spanish and French courses develop students’ fundamental communication skills, prepare them for foreign language study in college, and stimulate their interest in the cultures of Spanish-speaking and French-speaking countries throughout the world. Speaking and listening exercises, as well as reading and writing assignments, reflect situations and contexts students can expect to encounter “in real life” encounters.

FINE ARTS

ART I, II, III, IV

Students create portfolios of two- and three-dimensional works reflecting their study of art principles, artists, and art history. Rawls Museum Arts programs are made available to interested students. 

LIBRARY SERVICES 

The library media center, centrally located on campus and staffed by a full-time librarian and parent volunteers, offers multimedia collections for all grade levels, including over 14,000 books and 150 audiovisual materials. The center has AV equipment, including circulating TVs/VCRs/DVDs and computers for student use. Student access (filtered access) to the Internet is available on all computers. The library staff strives to stimulate students’ love of literature and to develop their library/research skills. Membership in the Upper School Book Club has grown significantly in recent years. 

HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION 

The physical education program promotes athletic fitness and skill as well as fundamental knowledge of various sports. Student-athletes are encouraged and prepared to participate in interscholastic sports and community recreation programs. The semester-long Health course (required for all eighth graders) focuses on various components of physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Presentations by school nurses and local health professionals and volunteers supplement class instruction. 

DRIVER EDUCATION

Driver Education classes are offered at SA through February and March by A-1 Drivers Ed, (757) 516-8137, www.a-1driversed.com.