In Grade 9, instructional time should focus on four critical areas: (1) Oral Expression and Listening which requires effective preparation strategies and listening critically to comprehend a speaker's message; (2) Reading for All Purposes which requires analyzing and comparing increasingly complex literary elements in traditional and contemporary works of literature and informational texts; (3) Writing and Composition of literary, narrative, informational and persuasive texts using proper grammar, usage, and mechanics; (4) Research and Reasoning which requires collecting, evaluating, and analyzing a variety of informational materials for accuracy, relevance, and effectiveness.  Students will also use effective problem-solving strategies that require high-quality reasoning.  These concepts and associated skills are aligned with the Colorado Academic Standards for Language Arts, incorporating 21st century skills and postsecondary and workforce readiness competencies.

This course is designed for students who have demonstrated advanced ability and interest in language arts.  The course includes composition, research, various literary genres, oral communication, grammar and vocabulary addressed at an intensity that the standard English 9 course does not offer.  Students will be expected to cover more material, experience and react to each unit with the depth, and detail that are required in an advanced course.

In Grade 10, instructional time should focus on four critical areas: (1) carefully gathering and organizing information influences on audience; active listening is critical to operating in groups; (2) reading in order to develop new ideas; to understand literacy, persuasive and informational texts; and to determine literary and historical influences; (3) engaging an audience through stylistic devices, organizational patterns and effective revision/editing; (4) using valid and accurate research to answer questions, propose solutions, or share findings while employing reasoning skills.  These concepts and associated skills are aligned with the Colorado Academic Standards for language arts, incorporating 21st century skills and postsecondary and workforce readiness competencies.

AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments. \*\*This course can also be taken by 11th/12th grade students for elective/non-English credit.\*\*

In Grade 11, instructional time should focus on four critical areas: (1) Evaluating oral communication; (2) Critical, close reading in a variety of American literary and informational texts; (3) Developing a personal style of writing through revision and refinement; and (4) Pursuing self-designed research tasks.  These concepts and associated skills are aligned with the Colorado Academic Standards for language arts, incorporating 21st century skills and postsecondary and workforce readiness competencies.

This class will emphasize composition for a variety of purposes. Writing assignments for this course will include both practical and academic compositions. Students will read and write about primarily nonfiction sources in preparation for postsecondary education or employment. Successful completion of a research-based paper or project is required to pass. Students will be expected to display good work habits and consistently complete homework, an essential part of this course.

Advanced Placement Language and Composition provides a challenging environment for the advanced student through rhetorical analysis and how writers construct meaning.  Students will apply critical reading skills mainly to non-fiction prose such as essays, speeches, and documents across the disciplines. Students will apply their understanding in mostly analytical and persuasive writing. Students will qualify to sit for the English AP examination and possible college credit (AP Exam Fee required)

Advanced Placement Literature provides a challenging environment for the advanced student to excel in writing, in the study of literature, and in the application of critical thinking skills with in-depth analysis and mature discussion of great works and ideas.  Students will be expected to read the material outside of class, to participate actively in class discussions, to complete daily assignments or overnight responses, to take examinations, to complete college-type papers, and to do some independent work.  Students will qualify to sit for the AP examination and possible college credit. (AP Exam Fee required)

Algebra focuses on four critical areas: (1) mastering the solution of linear equations and applying related solution techniques to systems of equations and inequalities, finding and interpreting their solutions; (2) interpreting functions given graphically, numerically, symbolically, and verbally, translating between representations; comparing and contrasting linear and exponential functions; (3) using graphical representations and knowledge of the context to make judgments about the appropriateness of linear models using regression techniques; using theoretical probabilities to describe events of change; and (4) comparing the key characteristics of quadratic functions to those of linear and exponential functions.  These concepts and associated skills are aligned with the Colorado Academic Standards for mathematics, incorporating 21st century skills and postsecondary and workforce readiness competencies.

Geometry focuses on five critical areas: (1) using coordinate geometry to connect geometric and algebraic relationships to develop concepts of proof; (2) applying the definition of congruence in terms of rigid transformations (translations, reflections, and rotations) and applying congruence shortcuts for triangles to prove properties of triangles and quadrilaterals; (3) proving properties of circles and using area and volume formulas in problem-solving situations; (4) applying the Pythagorean Theorem, right-triangle trigonometry, and properties of similar triangles to calculate indirect measurements; and (5) using conditional probabilities to explore events of chance. These concepts and associated skills are aligned with the Colorado Academic Standards for mathematics, incorporating 21st century skills and postsecondary and workforce readiness competencies.

This course is a bridge between Algebra I/Geometry and Algebra II.  Students will extend their learning through real world applications of algebraic, geometric, and statistical concepts.  This course will include an in depth study of families of functions (linear, exponential, quadratic, radical, and rational), measures of central tendency, standard deviation, probability, combinations, permutations, geometric transformations, and right triangle trigonometry.

This course is designed for students who desire to continue in the college preparatory sequence.  Its intent is to build on the skills learned in algebra 1.  The course includes solutions of equations and inequalities, functions and relations, linear and quadratic systems of open sentences, polynomial functions, complex numbers, logarithms, factorials, matrices and problem solving.  Students will be expected to complete all assignments and perform satisfactorily on examinations.