AP Seminar is a year-long course that has students investigate real-world issues from multiple perspectives. Students learn to synthesize information from different sources, develop their own lines of reasoning in research-based written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team.  Students will be assessed on a group presentation, individual paper, and written exam.

AP Research allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Through this exploration, students design, plan, and conduct a year-long research-based investigation to address a research question.  The course culminates in an academic paper of 4000-5000 words (accompanied by a performance or exhibition of product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense. Students will be assigned a lead advisor for their Research year, but will also have the ability to seek out experts in the specific field of their research to serve on their 3-person advisory panel. The bolded courses are the approved CHS courses. Art: - Art & Design - Art History Computer Science - Computer Science A - Computer Science Principles English: - Language & Composition - Literature & Composition Mathematics: - Calculus AB - Calculus BC - Statistics Music - Music Theory Science: - Biology - Chemistry - Environmental Science - Physics 1 - Physics 2 Social Studies: - European History - Human Geography - Economics - Psychology - US Government & Politics - US History World Languages: - French Language & Culture - German Language & Culture - Italian Language & Culture - Latin Language & Culture - Spanish Language & Culture - [West Chester University Opportunities](https://www.wcasd.net/our-team/departments/curriculum/course-selection-2025-26/25-26-high-school-course-descriptions#fs-panel-87440) - [University of Pittsburgh College in the High School (CHS)](https://www.wcasd.net/our-team/departments/curriculum/course-selection-2025-26/25-26-high-school-course-descriptions#fs-panel-87442) Fall and Spring semester classes are located at the West Chester University Graduate Center and are scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1:05 pm -1:55 pm. Students will be scheduled to depart from their high school at the conclusion of 6th period and travel by way of their own transportation to the Graduate Center located off of Greenhill Road. Students successfully completing a semester college-level course will receive three college credits from West Chester University and 1 credit from WCASD.

Introduction to elementary Japanese with focuses on hearing, speaking, reading, and writing to develop basic competence. Emphasis is on integration of all language skills.

This course develops critical thinking skills through the exploration of the fundamental components of data analytics in terms of spatial data and geospatial technologies. This includes the basic concepts and skills related to the 3 core areas of analytics, 1) data, 2) analysis, and 3) visualization. Data structures and skills are examined within the context of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Spreadsheets, database tools, GIS software, and geospatial technology are used to capture, manage, and store spatial data. Analysis tools, such as spreadsheet functions, scripts, and GIS software are used to investigate data sets related to discipline-specific projects. Geovisualization of results are communicated using map applications, dash boards, and story maps.

This introductory course explores the traditional subjects of cultural anthropology and the field’s growing concern with topics of everyday interest to mainstream U.S. society. Anthropology, in the broadest sense, is the study of humanity; socio-cultural anthropology in particular examines the distinctive and often intangible mechanisms that make us think and act, organize ourselves, and understand and experience the surrounding world the way we do. This course explores social and cultural diversity through a range of themes: economic and political organization, race and ethnicity, kinship and marriage, gender, religion, language, and globalization.

Continuation of basic language skills in speaking, reading and writing of modern Chinese with an emphasis on solid training at the beginning level. The course focuses on providing students with the basic vocabulary needed for daily conversation. Elementary reading and limited writing introduced.

In complex situations, the study of ethics will help individuals anticipate difficult choices, evaluate competing demands, and think through moral questions. Studying ethics develops background content and critical thinking skills to participate in conversations with others about what is best. These discussions and debates are necessary for contributing to something larger than ourselves. This course will provide an introduction to major theories and contemporary work in moral philosophy and offers tools for ethical decision making in our daily lives with an emphasis on the influence of culture, power, and privilege.

Our physical and mental wellbeing are greatly impacted by diet and food choices, which are also directly affected by internal and external cultural influences. Culture-specific foods are associated with family traditions and celebrations (and feelings of comfort and pleasure). This course will examine the relationship between nutrition and multicultural practices and will discuss the origins of traditional food preparation, contemporary consumption habits, and disease incidence among the majority and minority populations within the United States.

This class focuses on the techniques of music production in a studio setting. Students learn the basics of recording, editing, mixing, and mastering in a digital audio workstation.

The Studio Music Ensemble is a group with flexible instrumentation built around a pop band core that performs music in a variety of styles, including existing songs and original compositions. Key aspects of the course include performance, improvisation, collaboration, effective rehearsal techniques, and live audio. These dual enrollment courses will be taught on site by WCASD teaching staff in cooperation with West Chester University. Students successfully completing this full-year college level course will receive six college credits from West Chester University and 2 credits from WCASD.

During the first semester, the students will examine the formation and composition of the universe. In the second semester, students will study the Earth’s history, composition, and processes.

During the first semester, students will explore the physical and biological processes in the oceans. In the second semester, students will investigate the fundamental processes that determine the weather and climate on Earth. Through a partnership with the University of Pittsburgh, WCASD high school students may earn both high school and college credit concurrently for select approved courses. For the 2024-2025 school year, the proposed college in the high school courses are: AP Art History, AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science A, AP United States Government and Politics, and Honors Broadcast Journalism & Social Media Production, Honors Italian 3, and Honors Latin 3. These courses are taught by West Chester Area School District teachers during the regular school day and are tightly aligned with our curriculum in that the collegiate-level coursework mirrors the WCASD coursework. The College in the High School (CHS) offerings represent an opportunity for significant financial savings for our families. Information regarding the CHS program is below, however, guidance counselors will be able to provide specifics. 01. The University of Pittsburgh currently offers these courses at a cost of $75 per credit ($225 for the course) however this may be subject to change for the 2024-25 school year. Most University of Pittsburgh courses are 4 credits ($300) and shows as a 1 credit core course WCASD. 02. Students participating in the federal free and reduced lunch program, and those families experiencing financial hardship, are eligible to apply for a reduced course fee. 03. WCASD and/or its employees do not charge any additional fees for this service nor do they receive any financial benefit from the University. 04. WCASD High School teachers participating in the program have been accepted/approved by the University of Pittsburgh as CHS adjunct professors. 05. Students will be awarded 3.0 or 4.0 credits on a University of Pittsburgh transcript and 1.0 credit on their WCASD transcript upon successful completion of a full-year course. Students will be awarded 1.0 credit on a University of Pittsburgh transcript and 0.5 credit on their WCASD transcript upon successful completion of a half-year course. 06. College in the High School core courses are weighted as a 1.2 on the WCASD transcript when determining class rank and QPA. 07. Credits earned via this program are transferable to many colleges or universities that normally accept such credits. The university transcript does not include any notation that the course was completed via the CHS program. 08. Student applications must be completed in order to take part in the CHS program with the University of Pittsburgh; there is no fee for the application. This deadline for applications is in the fall of the school year and will be publicized. 09. CHS students may be required to complete assignments that are specific to the CHS program and may be different from non-CHS course assignments. 10. CHS students may be graded on two different grading requirements while completing the CHS course as a result of different requirements for each institution. 11. Students taking an AP course for CHS credit may choose to take or not take the AP exam. 12. Students are encouraged to check with their prospective college/university if the credits will transfer. 13. Students may enroll in any AP or CHS course without being required to take the course for college credit. The Art Department creates a positive environment to educate students in the world of art. Students can choose to enrich their studies with art opportunities, as well as pursue art related professions. Teachers guide students to choose and evaluate a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas. Students explore the visual arts in relation to history and cultures. These courses allow both student and teacher to reflect upon and assess the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others. For students interested in majoring in art / applying to an art institute are encouraged to take multiple art courses, exploring different media, and extend their learning by completing AP Art & Design and / or AP Art History. Art courses count towards the 2.0 Arts/Humanities Credit required for graduation.  Many universities do ask to see at least one art course on high school transcripts.