AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, allows students to deeply explore the academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of approximately 4000-5000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense.

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, 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.

Part of the General Education department at Porter Ridge High School.

The Bible will be studied as literature. Course content will include selections from both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Part of the General Education department at Porter Ridge High School.

Emphasis is placed on creative writing for those students with a desire to refine these skills and work with others to improve their creative writing. Students will expand on their powers of observation, imagination, and language and will be exposed to various forms of creative writing in the fields of prose, fiction and nonfiction (i.e. poems, fiction, drama, etc.).

Part of the English Language Arts department at Porter Ridge High School.

The English I course provides a foundational study of genres (novels, short stories, poetry, drama, literary nonfiction). The literature explores cultural perspectives from outside of the United States in addition to historical U.S. documents. Through academic reading, writing, listening, and speaking, students will work independently and collaboratively to use textual evidence to support a critical analysis of how authors develop various themes, central ideas, structures, tones, and arguments. Academic writing instruction is integrated to hone critical communication and research skills through argumentative, informational, and narrative writing. Grammar and language instruction provide a further lens for reading and writing. Honors English I meets the same requirements as English I; however, it is distinguished by the quality and depth of the work expected. Standards are explored with greater complexity and acceleration. Students taking the Honors course are expected to complete more complex tasks.

Part of the English Language Arts department at Porter Ridge High School.

The English II course extends the standards taught in English I. It furthers a study of genres (novels, short stories, poetry, drama, literary nonfiction). The literature continues to explore cultural perspectives from outside of the United States in addition to historical U.S. documents. Through academic reading, writing, listening, and speaking, students will work independently and collaboratively to use textual evidence to support a critical analysis of how authors develop various themes, central ideas, structures, tones, and arguments. Academic writing instruction is integrated to hone critical communication and research skills through argumentative, informational, and narrative writing. Grammar and language instruction provide a further lens for reading and writing. An End-Of-Course test will be administered in English II. Honors English II meets the same requirements as English II; however, it is distinguished by the quality and depth of the work expected. Standards are explored with greater

This course is designed to assist students in meeting the English II Exit Standard. The student can take the course first semester as a preparation for the EOC course second semester. The course may also be used after the student completes the EOC course but has not met the exit standard. A student may take this course a maximum of two times for elective credit.

Part of the English Language Arts department at Porter Ridge High School.