Academics

This foundational biology course introduces students to core principles of life science through a blend of laboratory work, scientific inquiry, and conceptual exploration, fostering critical thinking as they examine the interconnectedness of living systems from molecular to ecosystem levels. Students learn key biological concepts, including cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, ecology, and human biology, building a foundation for advanced scientific study through hands-on investigations, data analysis, and engagement with current research. Successful completion of Grade 8 Science is required, along with basic mathematical skills. Students need access to a computer or tablet, proficiency with Microsoft Word, and a scientific calculator. Major assessments include laboratory reports, unit tests, a research project, class participation, and a final examination. Essential skills include note-taking, reading comprehension of scientific texts, collaboration, and basic laboratory safety awareness.

This course explores complex biological concepts through rigorous scientific inquiry and evidence-based reasoning, helping students develop advanced analytical skills as they examine life processes from molecular mechanisms to evolutionary relationships and ecological interdependence. This college-level course aligns with the College Board's AP Biology curriculum framework, investigating the four big ideas: evolution, cellular processes, genetics and information transfer, and biological interactions. Emphasizing science practices, the course includes modeling, mathematical analysis, scientific questioning, and data analysis. Major assessments consist of laboratory reports, unit exams, research projects, free-response question practice, and mock AP exams. Successful completion of Grade 9 Biology is required, and students should have completed or be concurrently enrolled in Algebra 2 with Trigonometry or equivalent.

This course introduces basic chemical principles such as composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter. Starting with definitions and mathematical techniques essential to the understanding of chemistry, students build a foundation of knowledge about fundamental particles and the nature of the atom.  They learn to predict atomic behavior and molecular structure based on electronic structure.  They also study the behavior of atoms, ions, and molecules through chemical formulas and equations, structure, and nomenclature.  This is followed by a more detailed analysis of states of matter, mixtures, and applications of chemistry in simple contexts.  The major assessments in Semester 1 focus on knowledge acquisition relying heavily upon skill in recognizing and applying mathematical skills and nomenclature to predict chemical reactions and interactions between different elements.  In Semester 2 the difficulty scales up significantly as students combine their mathematical skills (algebraic) and writing skills (English 2, at minimum) to predict, plan, run and report experiments.  

This course covers the material, both in lecture and laboratory, equivalent to an introductory college course in general chemistry. This course stresses mastering the conceptual and quantitative aspects of chemistry, by enhancing students' qualitative understanding and visualization of the particulate nature of matter through the development of students' inquiry, analytical, and reasoning skills. The course is organized around a few underlying principles called the six big ideas, which encompass the core scientific principles, theories and processes governing chemical systems. The course has a strong emphasis on concepts and skills and includes inquiry-based learning. The pace of the course requires a typical student to read textbook chapters and independently solve problems approximately five to six hours a week.

This course explores the fundamental principles of physics, including matter and energy interactions, kinematics, forces, momentum, waves, electric charge, and magnetism. Students learn to apply physics laws to solve real-world problems, fostering creative and analytical thinking essential for STEM fields. Students predict and analyze physical phenomena using mathematical models, solve complex problems with mathematical and conceptual frameworks, and develop experimental skills through hands-on lab work. They collaborate effectively on projects, enhancing teamwork and communication abilities. Major assessments include quizzes to assess comprehension, lab reports to document findings, practical task activities, midterm and final exams, and semester projects and presentations that synthesize knowledge. A strong foundation in calculus is required, along with a high school physics course for familiarity with basic concepts. Students should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills and be prepared to dedicate 5+ hours per week to problem sets and lab analysis.

This course is a calculus-based, college-level course designed for students interested in engineering, physical sciences, or mathematics, and it prepares students for the College Board exam. The course builds a strong foundation in classical mechanics, focusing on motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotation, oscillations, and gravitation. Students learn to model physical systems, derive equations using calculus, and apply physics principles to analyze real-world scenarios while emphasizing problem-solving and analytical thinking. Hands-on laboratory experiments and inquiry-based activities are integral, allowing students to develop skills in data collection, graphical analysis, error analysis, and formal lab reporting. Each semester culminates in a project where students design and present a physics-based application of the concepts learned. Major assessments include unit quizzes and tests, formal lab reports, a semester project, AP-style practice exams, and midterm and final exams. A strong foundation in calculus is required, along with a high school physics course for familiarity with basic concepts. Students should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills and be prepared to dedicate 5+ hours per week to problem sets and lab analysis.