Course Catalog
Advanced Academics currently offers over 60 courses for grades 7 through 12. These courses cover a wide variety of the most common needs of at-risk, accelerated, and mainstream students.
Electives
Academic Skills A (MS) 1310
Academic Skills A, the first of a two-semester course, focuses on improving students’ learning skills and general life skills. This course covers learning styles, planning, time management, concentration, listening, note taking, test taking, basic computer skills and report writing.
Life Skills (HS) 1800
Life Skills, a one-semester course, presents high school students with helpful information in the form of entertaining and interactive games, activities, and quizzes in order to assist them in preparation to exit high school. Whether their choice is college, technical school, the military, or a job, this course teaches basic skills needed in every avenue. In addition to providing strategies for taking the ACT and SAT tests, this course provides an informative timeline to help students stay on schedule with required tasks for graduating from high school and entering the outside world. Consumer protection, establishing credit, buying a car and renting an apartment for the first time are a few of the topics covered throughout this course. Students will be required to demonstrate their knowledge of banking, managing, saving, and spending money by engaging in fun activities from start to finish.
Foreign Language
Spanish I A (HS) 3300
Spanish I A, the first of a two-semester course, focuses on the fundamentals of the Spanish language starting with basic vocabulary, grammar, word conjugation, sentence structure, and gender agreement.
Spanish I B (HS) 3400
Spanish I B, the second of a two-semester course, continues building on the fundamentals of the Spanish language which were introduced in Spanish I A. High emphasis is placed on basic vocabulary, grammar, word conjugation, sentence structure, and noun/adjective agreement.
Spanish II A (HS) 3500
Spanish II A, the first of a two-semester course, focuses on continuing simple present tense and present progressive verbs, vocabulary, grammar, essential idiomatic expressions, dialogues, and an advanced development of reading and writing comprehensive skills. The course also provides exposure to the cultures of Spanish speaking countries.
Spanish II B (HS) 3600
Spanish II B, the second of a two-semester course, moves the student towards proficiency in Spanish. This course focuses on continuing the development of grammar skills and provides exposure to Spanish speaking cultures.
Health and Physical Education
Personal Health and Safety (HS) 2300
Personal Health and Safety, a one-semester course, begins with an overview of human physiology and then covers basic first aid, nutrition and diet, food safety, dental health, and physical fitness.
Personal Health and Safety with Sex Education (HS) 2500
Personal Health and Safety, a one-semester course, begins with an overview of human physiology and then covers basic first aid, nutrition and diet, food safety, dental health, and physical fitness. This course also contains a section on sex education, which covers the male and female reproductive systems, making choices, planned parenthood, pregnancy and prenatal care, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Language Arts
English I A (HS) 4250
English I A, the first of a two-semester course, begins with the basics of literature, grammar and composition, which includes not only book reviews and report writing but also many forms of self-expression such as short story writing and poetry. Students also examine the linguistic and oral relationship between presidential campaigns and various forms of media and the effects these have on the public. By evaluating campaign speeches, political polls, and political cartoons, students discover the art and delivery techniques of speeches within their everyday lives then write and deliver their own oral presentations.
English I B (HS) 4300
English I B, the second of a two-semester course, covers the basics of grammar and composition, including sentence building and writing solid paragraphs. Students read exciting literature from all genres including Shakespeare’s drama Romeo and Juliet, Harriet Beecher Stowe’s acclaimed novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and the poetry of Langston Hughes and John Keats, as well a virtual journey through Homer’s Odyssey and the early Greek world.
English II A (HS) 4350
English II A, the first of a two-semester course, emphasizes literature and the interpretation of literature. Elements and terminology of literary analysis are introduced and then applied to all genres of literature, including short stories, poetry, essays, and novels. Multicultural works are emphasized in this course. Also, students will refine their grammar skills and compose a variety of essays..
English II B (HS) 4400
English II B, the second of a two-semester course, covers literature from a wide array of authors, including Virginia Woolf, James Joyce, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and William Shakespeare. By examining the texts in this course and applying analytical skills, students develop their critical thinking abilities. In addition, various types of writing are incorporated into the course such as technical writing, creative writing, reports and essays.
English III A (HS) 4450
English III A, the first of a two-semester survey course, focuses on major American writers of the early colonial period to the Civil War period with some attention to the social, historical, and literary movements. Essay writing is incorporated within the context of American Literature.
English III B (HS) 4500
English III B, the second of a two-semester survey course, focuses on major American writers from the Civil War to the present with some attention to the modern social and political struggles such as civil rights. This course also focuses on a variety of writing skills.
English IV A (HS) 4550
English IV A, the first of a two-semester survey course, focuses on major literary writers from the Anglo-Saxon period through the Romantics with an emphasis on Shakespeare. This course concentrates on a variety of writing skills.
English IV B (HS) 4600
English IV B, the second of a two-semester survey course, focuses on major English writers from the Victorian period through the Modernist movement. Research and writing skills are emphasized.
Grammar and Usage Eight A (MS) 4150
Grammar and Usage Eight A, the first of a two-semester course, is designed to help students achieve language proficiency with the focus on grammar and vocabulary. Students also continue to build their existing writing skills as they learn about the different types of essays and technical writing. This course introduces students to the myth, folktale, and legend.
Grammar and Usage Eight B (MS) 4200
Grammar and Usage Eight B, the second of a two-semester course, reinforces proper grammar skills while troubleshooting the common errors found in writing and emphasizes the elements of literature. Also in this course, students will write essays, business letters, and a research paper.
Language Arts Seven A (MS) 4050
Language Arts Seven A, the first of a two-semester course, focuses on grammar proficiency at the early middle school level. The basic elements of effective writing are emphasized. Students will also study literature such as The Call of the Wild.
Language Arts Seven B (MS) 4100
Language Arts Seven B, the second of a two-semester course, focuses on the elements of proper writing as well as the fundamentals of literature. Students will learn literary genres such as the short story and poetry. Students will also compose various types of essays including persuasive, narrative, and descriptive writing.
Mathematics
Algebra I A (HS) 5401
Algebra I A, the first of a two-semester course, focuses on measurement, real numbers, signs of real numbers, the number line, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of real numbers, additive and multiplicative inverses, arithmetic expressions, order of operations, variables, names and notations, algebraic expressions, monomials, terms, simplifying algebraic expressions, problem solving using expressions, equations and identities, and solving applied problems. Students will also be introduced to statistics and probability.
Algebra I B (HS) 5451
Algebra I B, the second of a two-semester course, focuses on exponents and radicals, polynomials, factoring, quadratic equations, two-dimensional coordinate systems, graphs of equations, straight lines, rational expressions, systems of equations in two variables, linear systems in two variables, systems of inequalities, and linear programming. Students will also be given an introduction to topics in Geometry.
Algebra II A (HS) 5500
Algebra II A, the first of a two-semester course, begins with a review of topics from geometry and angle measurement. Students will study properties and applications of real numbers, exponents and radicals, polynomials, rational expressions, equations and identities, additive and multiplicative inverses, arithmetic expressions, order of operations, variables, name and notations, algebraic expressions, monomials, terms, simplifying algebraic expressions, problem solving using expressions, equations and identities, and trigonometric functions. Students enrolling in this course should have successfully completed one year of Algebra I.
Algebra ll B (HS) 5550
Algebra II B, the second of a two-semester course, includes the study of exponential and logarithmic functions, linear and nonlinear systems, sequences, series, probability, and topics in analytic geometry. Students will be given the opportunity to synthesize all information learned in previous studies of algebra. Students enrolling in this course should have successfully completed the first semester of Algebra II. After successful completion of Algebra II B, students will have the necessary skills to study topics in advanced algebra and trigonometry.
Calculus A (HS) 5700
Calculus A, the first of a two-semester course, centers around limits, differentiation, and applications of differentiation. Topics in this course apply to many problems studied in physics and engineering. After successful completion of this course, students will have a fundamental understanding of the principles of calculus. This course is recommended for students who successfully completed trigonometry.
Calculus B (HS) 5750
Calculus B, the second of a two-semester course, focuses on how to calculate and graph antiderivatives and integrals, as well as how to apply these techniques to real world problems. In addition, students will also study topics in transcendental functions, sequences and series. Completion of Calculus A is required before enrolling in this course.
Geometry A (HS) 5600
Geometry A, the first of a two-semester course, focuses on calculations and properties of angles and their measures, lines, triangles, constructions, basic transformations, congruent triangles, similar triangles, and polygons. This is the first course in mathematics where students are asked to prove theorems and meticulous note taking will be required. Students enrolling in this course should have successfully completed one year of Algebra I.
Geometry B (HS) 5650
Geometry B, the second of a two-semester course, focuses on the study of circles, area and perimeter of figures, surface areas and volumes, coordinate geometry, logic, reasoning, and proof. Students will learn how to prove geometric theorems and apply geometric properties to shapes in everyday life. Students enrolling in this course should have successfully completed the first semester of Geometry. After successful completion of Geometry B, students will be prepared to move on to advanced topics in math, such as Algebra II and Trigonometry.
Middle School Math A (MS) 5200
Middle School Math A, the first of a two-semester course, focuses on number operations and properties, decimals, number theory, fractions and fraction operations, ratios and proportions and percents. Students will learn how to apply fundamental mathematical principles to everyday situations in life. This course will give middle school students the needed skills to move on to Pre-Algebra.
Middle School Math B (MS) 5250
Middle School Math B, the second of a two-semester course, focuses on the study of measurement, perimeter, area, and volume, as well as a brief introduction to algebra, and geometry. Topics in this course relate to real-world situations involving mathematical principles. After successful completion of this course, middle school students will be prepared for the study of Pre-Algebra.
Pre-Algebra A (MS) 5300
Pre-Algebra A, the first of a two-semester course, introduces patterns of numbers, powers and square roots of real numbers, order of operations for simplifying expressions, and the use of variables. This is the first course where abstract ideas are defined. Students will be given an introductory look at these topics and work exercises that will build the foundation for future studies in Algebra. This course is recommended for students who have not completed a course in Algebra.
Pre-Algebra B (MS) 5350
Pre-Algebra B, the second of a two-semester course, introduces operations on signed numbers, powers, real numbers, signs of real numbers, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division of real numbers, additive and multiplicative inverses, order of operations, arithmetic expressions, and grouping symbols. In addition, students will also learn about the laws of arithmetic variables, algebraic expressions, monomials, terms, algebraic language, associative and commutative law, combining like terms, operations involving negatives, and removing grouping symbols. After successful completion of this course, students will have a solid foundation of algebraic principles needed in order to begin studies in Algebra I.
Statistics (HS) 5900
Statistics, a one-semester course, introduces students to the organization and collection of data, elementary probability, estimation and tests of simple hypotheses involving both large and small sample methods, as well as linear correlation. In addition, students will create and analyze appropriate data distributions, along with calculations for measure of central tendency.
Trigonometry (HS) 5800
Trigonometry, a one-semester course, prepares students for further studies of mathematical topics in Calculus and Physics. Students taking this course should have successfully completed one year of Algebra II. The course begins by teaching students to measure angles in degrees and radians, arc lengths, and chords. Students will then study the basic trigonometric functions, sine, cosine, and tangent, and their inverses, as well as the relationships of these functions to chords and right triangles. In addition, students will apply their study of trigonometric functions and identities to find angles of elevation and depression and solve right triangles.
Sciences
Astronomy A (HS) 6550
Astronomy A, the first of a two-semester course, provides many opportunities to learn about all aspects of Astronomy. Students will learn about what constitutes our Universe, followed by the study of the constellations. Students will study our Sun, the planets in our Solar System and how they interact with one another. Students will also learn about comets, asteroids, and other cosmic events.
Astronomy B (HS) 6575
Astronomy B, the second of a two-semester course, is the study of the earth-moon system and how both bodies interact with one another. Students will learn about the history of manned space flight and the role of NASA in making new discoveries about our planet and the near-earth environment.
Biology A (HS) 6500
Biology A, the first of a two-semester course, provides the student with an overview of what constitutes a living organism, followed by an in-depth study of the components that make up a healthy cell, while focusing on some of the intricate chemical reactions within the cell.
Biology B (HS) 6525
Biology B, the second of a two-semester course, surveys the wonders of genetics, the diversity of life, and the organization of living systems. Experience virtual meiosis and a DNA scavenger hunt. Homeostasis and the human body conclude this course.
Chemistry A (HS) 6625
Chemistry A, the first of a two-semester course, focuses on the atomic theory, matter, elements, and chemical equations. The course information is presented through many interactive activities involving atoms, ions, densities, and matter and its phases.
Chemistry B (HS) 6675
Chemistry B, the second of a two-semester course, focuses on the periodic table of the elements, atomic structure, and the elements and their properties. The course also provides instruction in areas from stoichiometry and electrochemistry to nuclear energy.
Earth Science A (HS) 6400
Earth Science A, the first of a two-semester course, is an in-depth study of earth science, including our planet and its place in space, how it is constantly changing over time, and information on minerals and rocks to include how they benefit mankind.
Earth Science B (HS) 6425
Earth Science B, the second of a two-semester course, introduces the students to environmental issues. In addition, the course focuses on the study of meteorology, astronomy, geology, and oceanography. This course also covers a section on earth science resources and hazards.
Environmental Science A (HS) 6600
Environmental Science, the first of a two-semester course, focuses on the Earth's environment, as well as the study of meteorology, water, and pollution. The course concludes with a discussion on how the consumption of energy, the abundance of pollution, and the population of people are all interrelated.
Environmental Science B (HS) 6615
Environmental Science B, the second semester of a two-semester course, focuses on enabling students to critically evaluate the latest environmental issues and to apply that understanding to situations and events in their everyday lives. This course explores the interactions of humans within the natural environment and probes issues thoroughly examining their scientific basis, their history, and society's response. Students will explore sustainable development and public policy in terms of how they shape the present and future.
Focus on Life / General Science A (MS) 6150
Focus on Life / General Science A, the first of a two-semester course, takes a broad look at all aspects of science, including solving scientific problems, the structure and functions of cells and tissues, relationships between matter, energy, forces, motion, and concepts of environmental habits.
General Science A (HS) 6350
General Science A, the first of a two-semester course, provides an in-depth study of physical science concepts from chemistry and the study of matter to general physics. The course continues with a study of matter and its different phases. This course concludes with a review of Newton’s Laws of Motion.
General Science B (HS) 6375
General Science B, the second of a two-semester course, investigates the areas of mass, inertia, universal gravitation, and different kinds of energy. This course concludes with an array of topics relation to energy including electricity, magnetism, light, and optics.
Life Science A (MS) 6300
Life Science A, the first of a two-semester course, studies human physiology and organ system functions. This course addresses populations, ecosystems, and other living systems. Students will experience virtual frog dissection. Animal behavior and plant diversity and adaptation conclude this course.
Life Science B (MS) 6325
Life Science B, the second of a two-semester course, begins with a basic study of living things. The course focuses on the classifications of plants and animals from the most simple to the most complex living things. This course investigates the areas of cytology, genetics, botany, zoology, ecology, and human physiology, and human health.
Physics A (HS) 6725
Physics A, the first in a two-semester course, requires the use of trigonometry and mathematics to solve problems in physics in the areas of one-dimensional kinematics, forces, momentum, work, energy, and power. Additionally, there is a section on circular motion and planetary motion.
Physics B (HS) 6750
Physics B, the second of a two-semester course, covers the concepts of liquids and solids, electricity, magnetism, and light. Students will encounter physics both visually and mathematically, as well as study the applications of physics in daily life.
Social Sciences
American History A (HS) 7554
American History A, the first of a two-semester course, covers American history from its pre-Columbian beginnings to the period of Reconstruction at the end of the Civil War. This course examines the decline and fall of native cultures, the gradual decline of the influence of the European monarchies, the American rebellion against Britain, and the formation of a new American character.
American History B (HS) 7601
American History B, the second of a two-semester course, focuses on the major trends and events from the post Civil War Reconstruction to the present. Also emphasized are social, political, and economic developments of the twentieth century.
Ancient Civilizations A (MS) 7050
Ancient Civilizations A, the first of a two-semester course, provides an appreciation for a variety of ancient civilizations. Emphasized are the ancient civilizations of Africa, India, Mesopotamia, China, and Japan. Students will enjoy a variety of virtual tours such as the Great Wall of China or Mohenjo-daro, while learning about ancient cultures such as the Nok, the Kush, or the Chaldeans. This course is recommended for middle school students.
Ancient Civilizations B (MS) 7100
Ancient Civilizations B, the second of a two-semester course, provides an appreciation for the contributions of many early cultures early during the pre-Classical and Classical periods that include the empires of Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as the Ancient Cultures of Australia/Polynesia, Europe and the newer culture of Islam. Emphasis is placed upon the ideas and events of both Western and non-Western civilizations. This course is recommended for middle school students.
Physical Geography A (MS) 7150
Physical Geography A, the first of a two-semester course, is a general science course that covers a wide range of topics related to the environment in which man lives. Topics include mapping, weather and planetary science. In the weather modules, students will explore air masses, hurricanes, and tornadoes, and take a look at different climates around the world including deserts and rainforests. This course is recommended for middle school students.
Physical Geography B (MS) 7200
Physical Geography B, the second of a two-semester course, covers a broad range of general social studies topics such as the water and nature cycles, the creation of landforms, and the process of weathering, and how these forces influence man. The cyclic nature of animals, plants, and other systems on the earth’s surface are also examined. This course is recommended for middle school students.
United States Government A (HS) 7651
United States Government A, the first of a two-semester course, covers a variety of topics in the study of the American political and administrative systems. Detailed examinations of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches are introduced in this course.
United States Government B (HS) 7700
United States Government B, the second of a two-semester course, covers a variety of topics in the study of the American political and administrative systems. The course contains information on the media and how it affects American politics, political parties, campaigns, and candidates. In addition, students will study the powers of the President, Congress, and Judicial Branch, as well as the Cold War.
World Geography A (HS) 7750
World Geography A, the first semester of a two-semester course, introduces students to the essential tools required to assist them in the geography of the world. Topics range from the actual structure of the Earth and how it works, to the uses of various types of maps and their applications. Also included are the factors that affect the human population of the earth, such as the weather, climate types and their locations, and also the study of the physical features of the planet and how the earth has evolved over time due to these factors. This course is recommended for middle school students.
World History A (HS) 7450
World History A, the first of a two-semester course, extends from Prehistoric man up through the Italian Renaissance. Individual units include: Paleolithic Man, Mesopotamia, Ancient Africa, India, China, America, Egypt, Hebrews, Greece, Rome, Byzantium, the Founding of Islam, the Middle Ages, and the Italian Renaissance.
World History B (HS) 7501
World History B, the second of a two-semester course, begins with an introduction of the Aztecs and the Incas and then focuses on the reformation in Europe and the European enlightenment. The course also covers North American cultures and the United States, the Middle East, which includes the Ottoman Empire and Sh’ia Islam, and continues to the Far East, detailing Ming and Ch’ing China, Modern China, and Modern Japan.
Economics (HS) 7900
Economics is a one-semester course that focuses on both Micro, Macro, and real life Economics. Students will explore the role of suppliers, consumers, governments, and multinational organizations. By the end of the course students will better understand how money affects the daily lives of people throughout the world as well as their own pocket book.
