Curriculum Guide by Department

Prerequisites: Advanced English 9 with a minimum B+ average or English 9 with a minimum A average and Department Chair approval. 

Prerequisites: All SASP courses with a minimum B+ average and Department Chair approval.

Prerequisites: Honors English 10 with a minimum C average or Advanced English 10 with a minimum B average or English 10 with a minimum A average.

Honors Social Issues in Literature focuses on texts and authors who raise up issues of race, gender, ethnicity, and socio-economics. Students engage in lively, thought-provoking discussions based on in-class readings as well as student-developed presentations. Class participation – both speaking and active listening – are key to success in this course. This course meets daily for a semester.

Students will spend their time working independently on their coursework in a supervised environment. This course may only be taken one time per semester. This course meets daily for a semester.

This course is designed to help students prepare effectively for the SAT. Instruction is divided into two main components: Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Mathematics. Students rotate between these areas, spending one quarter focused on verbal skills and one quarter focused on math skills.

In the verbal section, students learn strategies for critical reading, vocabulary in context, grammar and usage, and essay organization. They practice analyzing passages, identifying errors, and responding to writing prompts. In the math section, students review essential skills in arithmetic, algebra, and geometry, as well as test-taking strategies specific to the SAT math sections.

Throughout the course, students complete multiple SAT practice tests to build familiarity, confidence, and pacing. They also research colleges of interest to better understand admissions requirements and related criteria. Students complete a sample SAT registration and are strongly encouraged to take the SAT soon after finishing the course.This course meets for a semester.

Students will explore the deeper meaning of sport through an ethical and philosophical lens. Moving beyond wins and losses, the course engages students in examining fundamental questions about the purpose and value of sport. Using a variety of approaches in sport ethics, students consider questions such as: What role should sport play in society? How should success be defined? Why does sport matter? What should sport teach us? What does it mean to compete with integrity? What is true sportsmanship? What values can and should sport foster in participants and spectators? Does participation in sport build character?

Through these explorations, students develop greater self-awareness and a clearer understanding of their own values. As their ethical reasoning skills grow, students become more thoughtful athletes, leaders, and observers of sport. They will also be better equipped to engage in ethical conversations, navigate dilemmas, and lead lives rooted in integrity and service. This course meets for a semester.

Honors African American Studies focuses on the historical, political, economic, and social figures and movements impacting Black Americans over the past 400+ years. Students engage in lively, thought-provoking discussions based on in-class readings as well as student-developed presentations. Class participation, both speaking and active listening, are key to success in this course. This course meets for a semester.

This interdisciplinary course is designed for the students to explore the Latino influence in the United States in the last century. This course will provide an in-depth understanding of the Latino experience. This class is discussion and project based implementing a Socratic style seminar approach. Students will be expected to actively engage based on the readings. This course meets for a semester.

This course is designed to provide students with personal skills needed daily. Topics of study include establishing a bank account and maintaining a checkbook and debit card, computing personal income tax and analyzing employment taxes. Students will understand how consumer credit works and the pitfalls of credit cards, constructing a personal budget, analyzing investments and retirement funds, and more. This course meets for a semester.

This is a beginning class to help students become familiar with the world of business through a marketing perspective. Students will gain a basic understanding of marketing, business, management, and entrepreneurship. This course meets for a semester.

This class is designed to provide an understanding of the basic principles of the Accounting Cycle as it applies to business entities. Major areas of study include the “Accounting Cycle” from analyzing and recording business transactions to the preparation and interpretation of financial statements. This course meets for a semester.

Advanced Placement Computer Science A emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology, with a strong focus on problem solving and algorithm development. The course also includes the study of data structures and abstraction. Students who complete AP Computer Science A will be able to code fluently in an object-oriented paradigm using the programming language Java. They will be familiar with and able to use standard Java library classes from the AP Java subset. Students will design and implement computer-based solutions to problems across a variety of application areas, use and implement commonly used algorithms and data structures, and develop and select appropriate algorithms and data structures to solve problems effectively. They will also learn to read and understand large programs consisting of multiple classes and interacting objects, and identify the major hardware and software components of a computer system, understanding the relationships and roles of each component within the system.  All students are required to take the College Board AP Computer Science A exam in May. This course meets for a full year.

Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles is designed to introduce students to the foundational concepts of computer science and computational thinking while exploring the impact of computing on society. Students will learn how computers process information, how data is represented and analyzed, and how algorithms are designed to solve problems. Using a high-level programming language, students will create programs, analyze data, and develop computational artifacts. Major topics include programming fundamentals, algorithms, data and information, the Internet, cybersecurity, and the ethical and societal implications of computing. Throughout the course, students will engage in hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and problem-solving tasks that emphasize creativity, logical reasoning, and real-world applications of computer science. All students are required to take the College Board AP Computer Science Principles exam in May. This course meets for a full year.

Advanced Placement Cybersecurity offers a broad introduction to the field and aligns closely with a college-level, introductory cybersecurity course. Students learn about common threats and vulnerabilities and how they combine to create risk. Students study how individuals and organizations manage risk and how risk can be mitigated through a defense-in-depth strategy. Students explore specific vulnerabilities, attacks, mitigations, and detection measures across a variety of domains including physical spaces, computer networks, devices, and data and applications. Throughout the course, students consider the impact of cybersecurity on individuals, organizations, societies, and governments. Content and skills taught in the course align with the professional skills outlined in the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education Workforce Framework.  AP Cybersecurity is part of the AP Career Kickstart™ group of courses, which are designed to accelerate high school students on their paths to in-demand careers. All students are required to take the College Board AP Cybersecurity exam in May. This course meets for a full year.

Introduction to Engineering is designed to develop foundational concepts and skills that will prepare students for more advanced courses in engineering.  Major topics include the engineering design process, computer aided-design, 3D printing, CNC machining, pressure, and propulsion. Students will develop skills through various fabrication techniques and styles of technical communication.  Throughout the course, teams of students will complete hands-on activities and projects to develop and demonstrate learning.  This course meets for a semester.

This course includes the study of linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, radical, rational and trigonometric functions; complex numbers; correlation and regression. This course meets for a full year.

This course includes the study of linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, radical, rational and trigonometric functions; complex numbers; correlation and regression; normal models; and confidence intervals for proportions and means. This course meets for a full year.

This course is intended to prepare students for an Algebra, Statistics, or Pre-Calculus course at the university level. Topics of study include linear, quadratic, polynomial, and rational functions, exploring one variable data, data collection, probability, and an introduction to statistical inference.
This course satisfies the UNC System admission requirements of a 4th year math course beyond Algebra 2. This course meets for a full year.

This course  is intended to prepare students for an Algebra, Statistics, Pre-Calculus, or Calculus course at the university level. Topics of study include exponential and logarithmic functions, sequences and series, trigonometry, conics, and a brief introduction to calculus. This course mets for a full year.

This course includes the further development and analysis of functions including polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic and trigonometric functions. Also included are probability, counting, sequences and series, conic sections, the complex number system, hypothesis testing for means and proportions.This class does not meet the requirements for AP Calculus. This course meets for a full year. 

Topics included in this course are limits, derivatives of both algebraic and transcendental functions, methods of integration, and applications of the derivative and integral. This course meets for a full year.

The AP Statistics course is equivalent to a one-semester, introductory, non-calculus-based college course in statistics. The course introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. There are four themes in the AP Statistics course: exploring data, sampling and experimentation, anticipating patterns, and statistical inference. Students use technology, investigations, problem solving, and writing as they build conceptual understanding. All students are required to take the College Board AP Statistics exam in May. This course meets for a full year.

Advanced Placement Calculus AB is roughly equivalent to a first semester college calculus course devoted to topics in differential and integral calculus. The AP course covers topics in these areas, including concepts and skills of limits, derivatives, definite integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. The course teaches students to approach calculus concepts and problems when they are represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally, and to make connections amongst these representations. Students learn how to use technology to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support conclusions. All students are required to take the College Board AP Calculus AB exam in May. This course meets for a full year. 
 

Advanced Placement Calculus BC is roughly equivalent to both first and second semester college calculus courses and includes the content learned in Calculus AB while extending it to different types of equations and introduces the topic of sequences and series. The AP course covers topics in differential and integral calculus, including concepts and skills of limits, derivatives, definite integrals, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, and series. The course teaches students to approach calculus concepts and problems when they are represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally, and to make connections amongst these representations.
Students learn how to use technology to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support conclusions. All students are required to take the College Board AP Calculus BC exam in May. This course meets for a full year. 

Advanced Placement Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics by developing models of physical phenomena through inquiry-based investigations. Students build their understanding of physical models as they explore and solve problems in these content areas: Kinematics,  Forces and Translational Dynamics, Work, Energy, and Power, Linear Momentum, Torque and Rotational Dynamics, Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems,  Oscillations, and Fluids AP Physics 1 is equivalent to the first course in an introductory college course sequence in algebra-based physics. 

This course should be taken before AP physics C: Mechanics which is the college equivalent to a college first semester calculus based physics course for engineers and physical science majors. All students are required to take the College Board AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based exam in May. This course meets for a full year.

Sports Medicine is a hands-on course for students interested in athletic performance, injury prevention, health care, and human movement. Students learn foundational concepts used by athletic trainers, physical therapists, and sports medicine professionals, including basic anatomy and physiology, common sports injuries, taping and bracing, emergency response, rehabilitation, and strength and conditioning.

Through labs, demonstrations, and real-world scenarios, students practice injury assessment, prevention strategies, and safe response techniques while gaining an understanding of careers in sports medicine and health sciences. This course provides a strong foundation for advanced health science study, volunteer experiences, and future careers in the field. This course meets for a semester. 

This class includes topics in both macroeconomics and microeconomics. This course is equivalent to two semester long courses in macroeconomic theory and microeconomic theory. 
The microeconomics portion of the course will give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets and includes the study of factor markets and of the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy.

The macroeconomics portion of the course introduces students to the principles that apply to an economic system as a whole. The course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination. It also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. Students learn to use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts. All students are required to take the College Board AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics exam in May. This course meets for a year. 

This course provides a college-level introduction to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behaviors. They also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments.

As a college-level course, AP U.S. Government and Politics requires students to be self-motivated learners who are prepared to read complex texts, analyze primary and secondary sources, and write clear, well-supported arguments at a college standard. The course emphasizes independent reading, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills consistent with expectations in an introductory undergraduate political science course. All students are required to take the College Board AP U.S. Government exam in May. This course meets for a semester.

This course is a college-level course that introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Students examine the major theories, concepts, and research that have shaped the field of psychology, including biological bases of behavior, cognition, learning, development, social psychology, personality, and mental and physical health. Throughout the course, students apply psychological concepts, research methods, and data analysis to evaluate evidence, assess claims, and effectively communicate ideas.

As a college-level course, students must be self-motivated learners who are prepared to read complex texts, analyze research studies, interpret data, and write clearly and analytically at a college standard. The course is equivalent to an introductory undergraduate psychology course. All students are required to take the College Board AP Psychology exam in May. This course meets for a full year.

This course begins with a brief orientation to philosophy and logic. The remainder of the course examines how God reveals himself to people. It examines Divine Revelation, that is, the inspired Word of God unveiled gradually throughout the history of salvation handed down as Sacred Tradition and written down as Sacred Scripture. It examines how the Magisterium of the Church transmits the Deposit of Faith infallibly and how our understanding of God’s Revelation leads us to a more intimate relationship with the three Persons of the Blessed Trinity in this life and to eternal life in Heaven. It also explains how to read the Bible, emphasizing how the New Testament in Christ fulfills the covenants and promises that God made with his people in the Old Testament. This course meets for a semester.

This course presents the Blessed Trinity- one God in three divine Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit- which is the central mystery of the Christian Faith. We are called to know and love God and to share in his divine life. Following the Nicene Creed and based on Sacred Scripture, the role of each Person of the Blessed Trinity in the plan of salvation and the Christian life is examined. It also looks at the role  of the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Mother of God, Mediatrix, and Intercessor for all people. This course meets for a semester.

This course offers students a deep encounter with the Word of God through a traditional, liberal arts lens. Emphasizing careful reading, discussion, and reflection, this course engages students in Socratic seminars to explore the Bible's literary, historical, and theological dimensions. Students are invited to seek the truth revealed in Sacred Scripture and discover its enduring significance for faith, reason, and the human experience. Through this study, they develop a profound appreciation for the unity of the Old and New Testaments and their relevance to daily life. This course meets for a full year. 

This course examines the meaning of redemption; Original Sin; and how the salvific promise made to out first parents in fulfilled in the life, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus Christ. Next, it explains how the Church continues the redemptive mission of Jesus Christ in the world today and how His redemption is applies in our own lives. This course also looks at how we are called to be formed in the image of Christ, who is the exemplar of the Christian life, and to cooperate with God's grace in every instance of our lives. This course meets for a semester.

The Church, which is established by Jesus Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit, continues the salvific ministry of Christ in the world today; thus, the Church is both the Sacrament of Communion and the Sacrament of Salvation. This course presents the mission of the Church; her infallible teaching authority; the Sacraments as the primary means of transmitting God's grace; the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of the Church; the Universal Call to Holiness; and the four marks of the Church. This course meets for a semester.  

Prerequisites:  All SASP courses with a minimum B+ average and Department Chair approval.

This course will immerse students in the works of the major Fathers of the Church and discuss their influence on the theological development of the Church and its understanding of Divine Revelation (Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture). Students will be expected to understand the Patristic (Fathers of the Church) Tradition of the Church. How does Patristic understanding of Revelation and historical proximity to the Apostles inform Catholic theology? Students should be able to answer this question. Through close reading of primary texts from the Church Fathers and participation in Socratic seminars, students will develop advanced skills in critical reasoning, textual interpretation, and theological analysis. This course meets for a full year. 
 

Students with playing experience are eligible for this class through an audition. Students accepted into this ensemble are expected to be proficient on their instrument, have a basic knowledge of music theory, and be fluent in reading music. various styles of band literature and method books are used to develop individual and group performance skills. Emphasis is placed on tone quality, intonation, and advanced/ extended techniques.

Students will be expected to attend after school rehearsals and performances. Members of the ensemble are expected to be in the marching band in the fall. Students who play wind instruments should sign up for this course. At home practice is a required aspect of class enrollment. Performance events related to class participation are mandatory. This course meets for a full year.

The French I course involves the elementary acquisition of the four fundamental skills of learning the language: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This goal is met through the study of grammar: verbs and syntax, and vocabulary. Oral and written exercises, simple question and answer activities, and reading are used to facilitate comprehension and the acquisition of the four skills. On the cultural level, students will learn about geographical, historical, artistic, religious, and societal concepts of the French-speaking world.

Level I courses are designed as the first introduction to studying a World Language and are not recommended for native speakers. This course meets for a full year. 

The German I course involves the elementary acquisition of the four fundamental skills of learning the language: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This goal is met through the study of grammar: verbs and syntax, and vocabulary. Oral and written exercises, simple question and answer activities, and reading are used to facilitate comprehension and the acquisition of the four skills. On the cultural level, students will learn about geographical, historical, artistic, religious, and societal concepts of the German-speaking world. This course meets for a full year. 
Level I courses are designed as the first introduction to studying a World Language and are not recommended for native speakers. 
 

This course is designed to continue the foundation learned in German I and build a greater understanding and comprehension of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This course will emphasize vocabulary, grammatical concepts, and oral communication. On the cultural level, students will continue to learn about geographical, historical, artistic, religious, and societal concepts of the German-speaking world. By the end of the year, students are expected to accurately apply multiple verb tenses to the four skills of a World Language.This course meets for a full year. 

This course is designed to prepare the student for Honors German IV or AP German Language and Culture, developing in the student a greater comprehension and understanding of more complex reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students work at a rapid pace, and are expected to speak and present in the target language. Vocabulary and advanced grammar and idioms practice is incorporated in speaking and writing assignments. On the cultural level, students will continue to learn about geographical, historical, artistic, religious, and societal concepts of the Spanish-speaking world. This course meets for a full year.

On the linguistic level, the acquisition and honing of the four language skills are still constant goals within a culturally rich setting. The student will actively participate in understanding authentic documents, discuss the content of chapter readings, write their opinions and reactions all while communicating and collaborating with their classmates. Lexical and structural growth are also occurring simultaneously at a fast pace. By speaking in the target language, the students are expected to express complex vocabulary and grammar concepts. On the cultural level, the student will continue to learn about geographical, historical, artistic, religious and societal concepts of the German-speaking world. This course serves as a springboard to college level and AP courses and meets for a full year.

The Advanced Placement German Language and Culture course is equivalent to an introductory college-level course and is designed to advance students’ communicative proficiency in German within a culturally rich and content-based framework. The course develops students’ abilities to understand spoken German in a variety of contexts; to read and interpret authentic materials such as newspapers, literary texts, and other media with increasing independence; and to express ideas clearly and accurately in both written and spoken German. All class discussion and oral practice are conducted exclusively in German. Students develop proficiency across all communication modes- interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational- through content-based instruction and meaningful practice. On a cultural level, students deepen their understanding of the geographical, historical, artistic, religious and everyday life and societal practices of the German-speaking world. All students are required to take the College Board AP German Language and Culture exam in May. This course meets for a full year.
 

This course is an advanced course designed to develop in the students a greater understanding and comprehension of the Spanish language, by continuing the development and application of the language on reading, writing, listening and speaking, with a strong emphasis on grammatical concepts and oral communication. By speaking in the target language, the students are expected to express the vocabulary and the grammar concepts that they have been taught. On the cultural level, students will continue to learn about geographical, historical, artistic, religious, and societal concepts of the Spanish-speaking world. This course meets for a full year. 

This course is an advanced course designed for students who already speak Spanish at home or in their communities. The course focuses on strengthening academic language skills through the development of advanced reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Students engage in sustained interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication. Instruction focuses on refining grammar and syntax, expanding academic and professional vocabulary. Through the analysis of literary and informational texts from the Spanish-speaking world, students build interpretive reading skills and cultural understanding. Writing instruction emphasizes coherent, organized paragraphs and essays using appropriate conventions and varied sentence structures. Speaking activities include structured discussions, presentations, and debates that require supporting opinions and narrating in multiple time frames. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate increased proficiency in academic Spanish. This course meets for a full year. 
 

This course is designed to prepare the student for Honors Spanish IV or AP Spanish Language and Culture, developing in the student a greater comprehension and understanding of more complex reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students work at a rapid pace, and are expected to speak and present in the target language. Vocabulary and advanced grammar and idioms practice is incorporated in speaking and writing assignments. On the cultural level, students will continue to learn about geographical, historical, artistic, religious, and societal concepts of the Spanish-speaking world. This course meets for a full year.