ATA College Prep academics

Thriving in Academics,
Athletics, and Community

ATA College Prep – Upper School Course Hierarchy (Grades 9–12)

Leadership (all grades, integrated)

All-school morning assemblies set the tone for the ATACP climate, culture and curriculum. Centered around the annual theme, Leadership attributes and metacognitive skills are discussed and practiced to engender critical thinking, creativity, goal setting, time management, mindful awareness of self and others, and compassionate global citizenship.  Students engage in Socratic dialog, reflective journaling, current events, Mentor-Mentee team building activities, and campus stewardship. 

Humanities / Language Arts (English I–IV requirement)

Philosophy:  Language Arts is a cornerstone in the educational process.  The ability to ingest, think, process, and communicate information is an integral tool for life that is developed and honed through critical reading and literature analysis.  A Humanities approach connects topics and time periods enriching the knowledge of culture.  Combining students who have mastered different levels of this skill into the same class provides the opportunity for all students to grow in ability and understanding.

High School Language Arts Courses (1 credit each)

All courses focus on Literature, Composition, and Humanities. Students analyze plot, character, point-of-view, symbolism, imagery, and theme, while developing strong composition skills through essays, creative writing, and literary analysis. Vocabulary, grammar, and thought process are emphasized. Literary selections vary annually by theme.

The schedule of topics parallel the AP English Language curriculum. 

The schedule of topics parallel the AP English Literature curriculum. 

This class will explore and track the evolution of literary time periods throughout American history. This class will provide students with wide-ranging, developed perspectives of American literary figures and alternative voices by exploring their work and their stories, as well as the dominant intellectual thinking of their time and place in history. These selections of voices through novels, plays, poems, songs, letters and more will help us track and understand the many and varied character traits, skills and circumstances of effective voices of change. Students will read and respond orally and in writing, while engaging in interactive discussions with peers and teachers. We will craft arguments and critique them…we will interpret poetry and write our own…we will explore great speeches and then give them ourselves. Students are expected to engage all tasks critically and curiously. In all, this class will provide an overview of major American literary time periods and voices that came out of them.

This class’s theme of Global Thought and Citizenship will offer knowledge, awareness and compassion such that each individual – working together in community – can serve as an impactful participant in the ever-changing world at large. We will read, discuss and respond to culturally diverse selections from a range of genres including fiction, poetry, drama, theatre, short stories and essays. Students will learn the characteristics of these major literary genres while becoming familiar with some of the cultural conventions that both shape and are shaped by works of literature. 

The Introduction to Journalism will give students an understanding of the importance of journalism in modern life. Students will explore the world of journalism as it is practiced in today’s rapidly changing newsrooms. Students will be introduced to all aspects of print and online journalism and encouraged to find their own talents and interests in journalism. Students learn basic journalistic form, techniques, and copy-editing skills,  will discuss and analyze the role of a free press in a democracy, will discuss the ethical aspects of journalism,  will identify and report newsworthy events using journalistic form and techniques, and will learn to supplement their writing with multimedia materials. Students will gain experience in news, sports, feature, profile, and column writing.  Since reading good writing is an important component of producing good writing, students will be expected to follow current events on a daily basis, by reading a major publication such as, but not limited to, the New York Times or Austin American Statesman. 

Text:  Associated Press Style guide

Capstone (English)

Through the ATA College Prep English Capstone project, students are challenged to develop and defend a reasoned argument on a current, debatable social issue. This comprehensive assignment involves in-depth academic research and a structured writing process, culminating in a persuasive position paper and presentation to the community. Students will choose a relevant topic, conduct neutral research on various stakeholder perspectives, analyze the moral reasoning and arguments from all sides, propose a viable policy solution, and present their findings to the school. The position paper, aiming to present a well-founded and arguable opinion, requires MLA formatting. Adherence to these guidelines is crucial, as the assignment requires addressing all sides of the issue, supporting arguments with evidence, and considering counterclaims. This assignment not only sharpens research, critical thinking, writing, and presentation skills but also offers an extra partial course credit for students who go above and beyond to achieve an ‘A’ grade, recognizing their exceptional efforts.

Humanities / Social Sciences

Philosophy:  Studies of human interaction within society and the way our actions of the past and present impact our future. Current events, research projects and inquiry discussions bring relevance to today’s world.  Social sciences are connected to each Literature course and taught across grade levels.

Core Courses (1 credit each)

This transitional course introduces the basic concepts and methods of geographic analysis and then familiarizes students with the physical and human geography of the world by region, discussing characteristics and contemporary geographic issues in each region. Students research and debate issues of geography relevant to the regions studied and their own lives. The course also aims to teach textbook reading and note-taking as a component of students’ transition from middle school to high school.Text: Essentials of World Regional Geography, 3rd ed. by White, Dymond, Chacko, Scheidt & Bradshaw

US history is a survey course covering US history from the first colonists to the present. Using the text and primary sources, students will examine historical facts and attitudes to explore the past and examine the context in which events occurred. Emphasis will be on the impact of historical events on the present and the future. Areas to be covered include the following: Colonial Era, American Revolution, The US Constitution, Civil War Era, Westward Expansion, Industrialism, Progressive Era, the Great Depression, World Wars, America’s role as a superpower.

The World History course covers history from c.500 CE to the 1990s. Through an exploration of the progression of history, students will come to understand the connections between human beings despite time and distance. This course analyzes civilizations by looking at their geographic and political environments, their technologies, economies, social institutions, and cultural achievements. Periods discussed include the post-classical/medieval period, the Renaissance and early modernity, the age of revolutions, the age of industry and empire, the World Wars, and the Cold War.

Text: World History, 6th Ed., Duiker & Spielvogel

US Government is a seminar class. Students are expected to stay current on news events. Students will be given weekly reading or research assignments and will be expected to participate actively in class discussions.  This course will examine, through research, analysis, and discussion, the framework of the Constitution and how it applies to the executive, judicial and legislative branches as well as private citizens. Areas to be studied include the presidential selection process, presidential power, Executive Office of the President, structure and procedures within Congress, congressional responsibilities, the powers of Congress, the role of the media, and the role of public opinion. There will be a special emphasis on the influence of politics and special interest groups in policy-making.

Text: America at Odds, 6th Ed., Sidlow & Henschen (available online)

Supplemental Texts: The Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the US, Federalist Papers

This course will explore the study of the relationships between nations and the unsolved problems of the international community, including war, poverty, and oppression. Based on international relations theories, we will study and debate past and current issues supplemented with current events. Using an analytical approach, some areas we will examine include the history of International Relations, foreign policy, the relationship between economics and politics, conflict and war, alliances and the balance of power, and globalization of politics v. the continuation of sovereign and autonomous states.

Electives (.5 credit each)

Prerequisites: Geography, Algebra 2 & Statistics

A half-credit course intended to introduce students to the basic concepts and methods of economic analysis, personal finance, and macroeconomic analysis. This course includes GDP, unemployment, inflation, growth, economic fluctuations, and macroeconomic stabilization policy. This course is appropriate for upper-high-school students with a solid foundation in algebra.

Text: Macroeconomics, 4th ed. by Krugman & Wells

This upper-level course aims to guide students through the historical development of traditions of Western moral philosophy and ethics. It presents shifts in thinking in historical context, discussing the events and problems that inspired these developments and showing how one generation’s ideas led into the next. Students acquire a vocabulary for understanding and discussing worldviews and their implications for practical ethical decision-making.

A basic education of world religions is crucial for becoming an aware, engaged, active global citizen in the 21st century. Religion provides guidance for the vast majority of people across the globe, either intentionally or through influence on a given culture. It is embedded in thought and language and motivates decisions and actions. This course presents a comparative study of world religions, including but not limited to Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, Taoism, and Islam. We will examine the fundamental philosophies, the human interpretations and practices, while ultimately highlighting key similarities in their principles and the people who follow them.

Mathematics

Philosophy: Practical problem-solving and viewing challenges from multiple perspectives are imperative to critical thinking and deep learning. Conceptual understanding is valued over memorization of formulae, and instruction follows Socratic methods in the classroom to stimulate understanding of ‘why something works’ versus just ‘manufacturing the right answer’. Combining students who have mastered different levels of this skill into the same class provides the opportunity for all students to grow in ability and understanding. Mathematics courses are tailored to fit the individual student’s learning style and needs. Our primary texts are: the Foerster and Jacobs series and Stewart Calculus.

Core Courses (1 credit each)

Students are introduced to the beauty of secondary mathematics through a thought-provoking survey of many major branches of the discipline. Discrete mathematical topics include: logic, number theory, function analysis, symmetry, coordinate geometry, combinatorics, probability theory, statistics, and topology. Taken together with Geometry or Algebra 1.

Texts: Mathematics: A Human Endeavor, by Harold Jacobs

Algebra 1 uses humor, real-life examples and structured exercises to build critical-thinking skills and master the essentials needed for success in future math classes. The course requires students to apply algebraic concepts rather than memorize strings of facts. The course covers simple equations, solution and manipulation of linear equations, ratios and proportions, powers, roots, quadratic equations, multivariable equations, measurement of change, probability, systems of equations, graphing equations, inequalities, and operations on irrationals. 

Text: Algebra I by Paul Foerster

Corequisite: Algebra 1

The Geometry course emphasizes mathematical logic and proof, using real-life examples, well thought out problems, humor, and discussions to capture the students’ interest. The course covers lines and angles, angle pairs, perpendicular lines, parallel lines, triangles, congruent triangles, inequalities, quadrilaterals, polygons, similar triangles, right triangles and trigonometry,  circles, area, solid geometry, and coordinate geometry.  For each topic the student will learn concepts and theorems as well as solve problems and proofs, acquiring both inductive and deductive reasoning skills. 

Text: Geometry: Seeing, Doing, Understanding, 3rd ed. by Harold Jacobs

Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and Geometry

Students build on their mathematical knowledge and skills to broaden their understanding of functions and relationships. Students will study these functions through analysis and application that include explorations of patterns and structure, algebraic methods and modeling from data using tools that build to college readiness. Calculators are used in this course. 

Text: Algebraic Reasoning by Gray, Weilmuenster and Hylemon

Prerequisites: Geometry & Algebra 2

This Pre-Calculus course covers the nature of a function, polynomial functions, rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, radical functions, power functions, triangle trigonometry, trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities, vectors and polar coordinates, systems of equations, matrices, analytic geometry, sequences, probability, statistics, and sequences. Students will use functions as mathematical models of real-world phenomena, including triangular relationships and other mathematical concepts. The purpose of the course is to familiarize students thoroughly with functions and models they will analyze in a subsequent Calculus course.  

Text: Precalculus by Paul Foerster

Prerequisite: PreCal or approval

A year-long single-variable calculus course covering integration by parts, calculus in polar and vector functions, numerical methods, and analysis of series. The schedule of topics will parallel the AP Calculus BC curriculum. 

Text: Single Variable Calculus: Concepts & Contexts, 4th ed. by James Stewart

Prerequisite: Precalculus or approval

A year-long upper-level course in vectors, exploring the basics of inner-product vector spaces and their generalization to modern geometric algebra. This course covers much of the content of a traditional linear algebra course, with less emphasis on matrix operations and more on the conceptual nature of vectors and their applications. The course culminates with geometric algebra in three dimensions, and its applications in angular mechanics, complex analysis, and elsewhere.

Text: Linear and Geometric Algebra by Alan Macdonald

Prerequisite: Calculus 1 & Geometric Algebra

A year-long upper-level course in vector calculus, exploring the differential analysis of manifolds and multivector fields. This course covers much of the content of a traditional vector calculus course, with the methods of geometric algebra incorporated throughout. The course culminates with geometric algebra in three dimensions, and its applications in angular mechanics, complex analysis, and elsewhere.

Text: Vector and Geometric Calculus by Alan Macdonald

Prerequisite: Algebra 2

A half-credit course intended to introduce students to the basic concepts and methods of statistics and allow them to apply these to the investigation of topics of their choosing. This course includes discussions of data description and descriptive statistics, data representation, sampling & experimental design, and statistical inference. This course is appropriate for upper-high-school students with a solid foundation in algebra.

Text: The Practice of Statistics, 2nd ed. by Yates, Moore & Starnes

Natural Sciences

Philosophy:  Studies of the natural order of the universe and our environment using scientific methods and an exploratory approach. Hands-on labs are integrated within the course.  Classroom courses are listed below.  Additional advanced studies are available through lecture series and through dual credit at ACC.  Students may request advanced courses and the Director’s approval is required.

Core Courses (1 credit each)

The Biology I course introduces the student to the basic principles and concepts of Biology: the study of life, the continuity of life, and the relationship between living organisms and the environment. Students also explore the concepts of evolution and biodiversity and recognize the importance of the animal and plant kingdoms.  They also explore the anatomy and physiology of animals and the variety of habitats in which they live.  The student will examine the structure of the cell, genetics, and the role of DNA.  Students study major systems of the human body, identify the parts and functions of each system, and analyze how the systems interact with each other in order to sustain life.

The course includes a comprehensive laboratory schedule.  Beginning with a thorough grounding in the scientific method, the roster of laboratory experiments deepens student understanding of topics such as genetics, physiology, and anatomy. Big Decisions, a curriculum designed to encourage young people to make healthy and informed decisions regarding sex and relationships, is included in this course.

Prerequisite: Algebra 1

The Chemistry 1 course introduces the student to the basic concepts of physical science. Students will become familiar with the metric system, atomic structure, and the periodic table.  They will also explore ionic and covalent bonding, nomenclature of chemical elements and compounds, balancing chemical reactions, oxidation/reduction reactions, states of matter, solution chemistry, and acid/base chemistry.  The course includes a comprehensive laboratory schedule meant to familiarize students with laboratory techniques and equipment and provide exploratory experiences. 

Text: Introductory Chemistry: Concepts and Critical Thinking, 6th ed. by Charles Corwin

Prerequisite: Chemistry 1, Physics 1

The Chemistry 2 course builds on the introductory material of the first-year course to reach a higher level of rigor. Mathematical expectations are higher, as are those for creative application of broad principles to particular problems. Topics will include quantum atomic structure and spectroscopy, chemical thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, and redox/electrochemistry. The schedule of topics will parallel the AP Chemistry curriculum. 

Text: Chemistry: The Central Science, 13th ed. by Brown, LeMay, Bursten, et al.

Prerequisites: Geometry, Algebra 2

The Physics 1 course introduces the student to the basic principles of classical physics.  Students will explore concepts and applications in linear and rotational mechanics, energy, momentum, oscillations & waves, and acoustics. Specific topics include straight-line kinematics, motion in a plane, forces and equilibrium, the experimental basis of Newton’s laws, work and potential energy, circular motion, linear and angular momentum, waves and oscillations, and sound. The course includes a comprehensive laboratory schedule meant to familiarize students with laboratory techniques and equipment and provide exploratory experiences. The schedule of topics will parallel the AP Physics 1 curriculum. Text: Physics, 2nd ed. by Giambattista, Richardson, and Richardson

Prerequisite: Physics 1

The Physics 2 course builds on the introductory material of the first-year course to reach a higher level of rigor. Mathematical expectations are higher, as are those for creative application of broad principles to particular problems. Topics will include thermal physics, fluid mechanics, electrostatics, DC circuit analysis, electromagnetism, geometric and physical optics, and nuclear physics. The schedule of topics will parallel the AP Physics 2 curriculum. 

Text: Physics, 2nd ed. by Giambattista, Richardson, and Richardson

Prerequisites: Biology 1 & Chemistry 1

This first-year college-level course covers an in-depth study of the characteristics of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Organic vs. Inorganic compounds, cell structures and interaction of organelles, types of tissues and the cells that form each tissue type, the Integumentary system, bone physiology and the skeletal system — bone parts, names, and interactions. Muscular, digestive, respiratory, nervous, cardiovascular, endocrine systems and metabolism and fluid/electrolyte balance.

Texts: Anatomy & Physiology The Easy Way, 2nd ed. by Edward Alcamo and Barbara Krumhardt
Human Anatomy and Physiology, 5th ed. by Ekaine MariebThe Anatomy Coloring Book by Wynn Kapit and Lawrence M. Elson

This experiential course is designed to help students become more aware of themselves as unique individuals. Using their own experiences as a guide, students are encouraged to be scientists in the process of exploring themselves and their place in the universe as they examine such topics as love, beauty, joy, spontaneity, and self-actualization.  Students complete selected readings, exercises and projects individually and/or in groups covering the history of psychology, the quest for self-understanding and knowledge, childhood development, intimacy, defense mechanism, communication, values, happiness, and the famous leaders of thought such as Maslow, Jung, Freud, Skinner, and Piaget. Course topics parallel the AP Psychology curriculum.

Text: Myers’ Psychology, by Myers, DeWall, Hammer

This introductory astronomy course begins with establishing astronomy as a science and how it has helped shape all the other sciences that we know of through the millennia of sky observations, reaching back to ancient civilizations. We continue with a survey of what is visible in Earth’s sky with the naked eye, and how the sky changes as Earth moves around the Sun. We then explore the Sun and Moon, planets, and major asterisms. We move from there to a study of each major planet and the other notable structures of the solar system, and on to nearby stars, our galaxy, and larger cosmic structures. The course also includes a survey of the history and present state of space exploration.Text: Astronomy, 2nd ed. by Andrew Fraknoi, David Morrison, and Sidney C. Wolff

computer science

Philosophy: The central idea of computer science is algorithmic problem-solving. Students will learn to break problems and tasks down into smaller bits that can be solved in routine ways, then assemble the elements of their solutions into algorithms. They will develop fluency in one or more major programming languages, as well as building language-independent attitudes and skills that are relevant to any programming environment. Students will build finished software products, working both alone and in teams, and will become familiar with source code management systems and collaborative workflow.

Core Courses (1 credit each)

Corequisite: Algebra 1

This introductory course will introduce students to the basics of algorithmic thinking, teaching them to analyze tasks into simple, routine steps. They will be introduced to various branches and applications of computer science and will build simple software products individually and in teams.

Prerequisite: Computer Science Principles or approval

This upper-level course explores the fundamentals of text-based computer programming, with an emphasis on producing clear, robust, and reasonably efficient code using top-down design, informal analysis, and effective testing and debugging. Teaching in Python, the course starts from first principles and covers a large part of the language, including its standard libraries and programming paradigms. The schedule of topics will parallel the Carnegie Mellon University course “College Programming and Computer Science”.

Foreign Languages

Core Courses (1 credit each)

The Chinese program uses the Integrated Chinese Textbook and Workbook curriculum to develop student mastery in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Culture and traditional character study are woven into the coursework through projects, field trips, and cultural days. (Partnered with Westlake Chinese Academy)

The Spanish program uses Realidades (for introductory levels) and Interacciones (for more advanced study) to develop student mastery in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Cultural studies are woven into the coursework through projects, songs, movies, food and cultural days.

arts and electives

Philosophy: To develop a well-rounded human being, students are exposed to a variety of fine arts and cultural experiences.  Classes are designed to be enjoyed, and to stimulate self-awareness by exploring various art explorations and historical connections to the development of society and the civilized man.

High School Enrichment Courses

Instructor approval required

The ATACP Guided Independent Study course is designed to foster student autonomy, critical thinking, and deep exploration of personally relevant topics. Over two semesters, students will engage in a process of topic exploration, research, and presentation, utilizing resources such as MasterClass and expert interviews. This course encourages students to take ownership of their learning, develop research skills, and effectively communicate their findings.

Students are instructed in oral interpretation and the fundamentals of public speaking. Oral Interpretation: Students prepare and present readings from selected prose and poetry. Fundamentals of Public Speaking: Students research, write and deliver informative and persuasive speeches and an advertising proposal. Students  also practice impromptu speaking and the use of Power Point is encouraged in presentations.

Students will learn the art of team policy debate. Skills in critical thinking, defending worthy ideas, attacking invalid ideas, persuasion, research, organization, and writing will be developed. Students will research and write affirmative cases and negative briefs in preparation for a formally judged debate tournament.

This course is a practical exploration of drawing and the elements of design. Through a variety of exercises, students are required to examine the ways in which they view their surroundings and then identify and implement tools for translating the 3-dimensional world to 2 dimensional drawings. Topics include: perception of edges and contours, positive and negative spaces, relationships, lights and shadows, and the whole/gestalt.

Textbooks: Drawing on the Artist Within, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain

Through hands-on exploration, students explore the history and techniques of hand-building, wheel-throwing, firing and glazing of various types of clay. Course includes off campus professional studio, lecture, hands on studio time and guest artist lectures.

This introductory course is designed to explore and see the world through a lens of a different perspective.  Students will obtain a general working knowledge of a 35mm camera, digital and film imaging.  Assignments will include journaling, completing weekly shooting assignments, sharing and critiquing photos via Flickr.  Concepts of light, composition, frame, color, mood, etc will be covered in a variety of exercises and culminate in a final research project demonstrating understanding and proficiency in each.  In addition to weekly project studies, testing of vocabulary, response papers and a final research paper are required.Textbook: The Eye, the Light, the Color, Oak Meadow Publishers

The Drama course provides the student with an introduction to the world of theater.  This course is an experiential, production-oriented course.  Students learn stage movement, voice, and interpretation through games and exercises.  The course includes exploration in character development and expression, set design, costume design and creation, and lighting and music design.  Because of the holistic nature of production, students will learn how to connect and function as a group, and will experience the synergy that comes when the energy of each student contributes the greater whole of the ensemble.

In this course the student will study the basic techniques of film – mise-en-scene, cinematography, sound, and editing. The student will analyze how those techniques are used in the overall film to support the goals and messages of the filmmakers.  Additionally, the course incorporates a study of both film genres and thematic analysis.  Each of four units of this course will focus on a pair of films from a specific genre – thrillers, westerns, musicals, and romantic comedies.  One movie will be an older movie, pre-1965, and one will be a newer movie, post-1965.  The student will watch each movie in class, observing a specific technique for that movie and how it affects the film.  At the end of these units students will conduct a seminar, in which the students will explore the emotional and intellectual effect of the thematic and technical elements in depth through structured discussion.  As well as the four seminar units, the course will cover units on documentaries and animated films.  Among the movies students will view are Our Hospitality, Casablanca, High Noon, Unforgiven, Psycho, Run Lola Run, Singing in the Rain, Little Shop of Horrors, and The Wrong Trousers. Text: Film Art, An Introduction by David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson.

In this course students will create a yearbook highlighting students, teachers and all the fun events that take place during the school year. Students will learn the basics of yearbook production like digital design and journalism skills and how to create captivating captions and headlines.

This lecture and activity course includes Nutrition, Pilates, Yoga, and Weight Lifting to introduce principles of anatomy and physiology and ways to maximize health, movement and performance.  Lectures include: nutrition principles needed for physical and mental wellness; stress and its influence on physiology; balanced meal planning; basic components of nutrients and their functions; creating and optimizing eating habits by body type and activity level; hygiene; supplements; processes of metabolism, absorption and digestion; relationship of nutrition and athletic performance; changes in body performance and the life cycle.  Classroom lectures are integrated in the gym learning and discussing how these movements affect and improve muscle groups.  Additionally, students learn how to properly heal and strengthen through an injury.

This one-semester course introduces students to strategy and game theory through a curated selection of board and card games. Each game is chosen to emphasize particular skills, such as deduction, persuasion, bluffing, trade, and use of the “balance of power” to build alliances. Students learn and play the games together and discuss their experiences with the instructor.

The Investing and the Market course covers basic economic theory of investment and finance, including stock market structure, supply and demand, stocks, bonds, hedge funds, options, regulatory legislation and structures, and financial professions .  Students will be expected to follow current events and be able to discuss them with understanding. The course includes a mock investment program in which student teams form, name and run investment companies. Each student will be required to complete a 5–8 page research paper on a topic approved by instructor.  Field trips include visits to asset managers, financial markets and places of investment interests. Textbooks: Liar’s Poker by Michael Lewis; When Genius Failed by Roger Lowenstein; various articles from Business Week, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and other financial sources.

ATA College Prep – MIDDLE School Course Hierarchy (Grades 6-8)

Middle School Course Offerings

Beginning in the lower school (ages 11-15), students move through a gradual process of becoming independent learners. Study skills, note-taking, time management, and daily scheduling are monitored rituals that are strengthened as each year progresses. ATA College Prep middle school courses are designed to stimulate a love of learning and provide a foundation for higher order thinking and communication skills. Students are exposed to rich and thoughtful subject content. Art, music, public speaking, and hands-on projects are creatively integrated within all core subject areas.

English Literature and History studies often combine reading and writing assignments with interactive discussions to inspire understanding of Humanities. Math courses stimulate creative problem solving and prepare for higher math concepts by focusing on logic, number theory, computation, and the history of great mathematicians. We demand mastery before fast tracking.*  Natural Sciences survey life, earth, astronomy, chemistry, and physical explorations through reading and a hands-on learning environment to give understanding and appreciation to the world around us.  

*With recommendation and approval from the College Prep staff, 2nd year, middle school students may begin advanced (HS credit) level courses.

Topics & Texts

Topics: Mythology, Shakespeare, Classics, Short Stories, Grammar, SAT Challenges, Oral and Written Communication Skills, Sentence Diagramming, Word Origins, Assessments for mastery and independent study skills

Texts: selected theme-based readings, Easy Grammar

Topics: Ancient Civilizations, World Geography and Cultures, World History, US History & Civics, Introduction to World Languages and Cultures, Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking

Texts: selected them-based readings, Story of the World by Susan Wise Bauer, History of US by Joy Hakim, Essentials of World Regional Geography by White, Dymond, Chacko, Scheidt, Bradshaw

Topics: Logic, Great Mathematicians, Number Theory, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, assessments for future skills.

Texts: Math & Logic 1 & 2 : Big Ideas: Math Modeling Real Life. 6th & 7th advanced by Ron Larson and Laurie Boswell. Supplemental: Mathematicians Are People Too, The Man Who Counted

Topics: Life, Earth, Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Great Thinkers & Explorers, Robotics

Texts: History of Science, (3 volumes Aristotle, Newton, Einstein) by Joy Hakim, Life Science by Holt, Reinhart, Winston

Spanish A & B: Realidades 

Chinese A & B: Integrated Chinese (Partnered with Westlake Chinese Academy)

Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking, Art, Photography, Puppetry, Mask-Making, Theatre, Music, Robotics, Coding, Strategics, Study Skills, Super Star Student, Entrepreneur Kids in Business, Yoga & Meditation, Reading & Logic, Yearbook

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