English

NINTH GRADE
English 9:

• Reading the short story
• Tracing author’s intentions in novels
• Reading and performing a Shakespeare play
• Reinforcing writing conventions and grammar foundations
• Reading, interpreting and writing poetry
• Developing expository and analytical writing

Elective courses: Multicultural Literature, Speech Communication, Argumentation and Debate

TENTH GRADE
English 10:

• Reinforcing research skills
• Expanding knowledge of literary techniques, author’s intent
• Reading and performing a Shakespeare play
• Expanding grammar and style to develop writing

Honors English 10 is available by application, with admission determined by the department.

Elective courses: Multicultural Literature, Speech Communication, Advanced Speech, Argumentation and Debate

ELEVENTH GRADE
English 11:

• Surveying American literature
• Analyzing different perspectives in longer pieces
• Developing expository and analytical writing
• Reviewing usage and grammar as it relates to writing style

Honors English 11 is available by application, with admission determined by the department.

Elective courses: Advanced Composition, Beginning/Intermediate/Advanced Publications, Shakespeare, Speech Communication, Advanced Speech, Argumentation and Debate

TWELFTH GRADE
English 12

• Writing a major literary paper
• Reading, performing and analyzing Shakespeare
• Analyzing poetry, writing about poetic devices
• Analyzing longer pieces developing commentary on point of view

AP English 12 is available by application, with admission determined by the department.

Elective courses: Advanced Composition, Beginning/Intermediate/Advanced Publications, Shakespeare, Speech Communication, Advanced Speech, Argumentation and Debate

Mathematics

NINTH AND TENTH GRADES
Algebra I:

• Integers
• Equations and inequalities
• Formulas
• Problem solving using equations
• Operations with polynomials
• Special products and factoring
• Graphs, linear equations and functions
• Systems of linear equations
• Fractions and fractional equations
• Radical expressions
• Quadratic equations

Geometry:

• Lines and angles
• Polygons
• Congruence
• Transformation
• Parallels
• Similarity
• Circles
• Solids
• Non-Euclidean geometries
• Spatial visualization
• The role of inductive and deductive reasoning
• Probability and statistics

Enriched Geometry:

• Planning and writing proofs
• Lines, planes, angles
• Polygons
• Congruence
• Parallels
• Similarity
• Circles
• Solids
• Coordinate geometry
• Vectors and trigonometry
• Non-Euclidean geometries
• Spatial visualization
• Coordinate geometry
• The role of inductive and deductive reasoning
• Probability and statistics

Algebra II:

• Real numbers and operations
• Factoring
• Solving equations in one, two and three variables
• Linear functions and graphs
• Radicals
• Exponents and logarithms
• Polynomial functions
• Conic sections

Algebra II /Trigonometry:

• Inequalities
• Linear equations
• Products and factors of polynomials
• Rational expressions
• Irrational and complex numbers
• Quadratic equations and functions
• Variations and polynomial equations
• Analytic geometry
• Exponential and logarithmic functions
• Conic sections
• Binomial expansion
• Sequences and series
• Triangle and circular trigonometry
• Trigonometric graphs, inverses, and applications

Pre-Calculus:

• Functions
• Coordinate geometry of points and lines
• Solutions of polynomials
• Conic sections
• Inequalities
• Circular and triangular trigonometry
• Exponents and logarithms
• Complex numbers
• Sequences and series
• Matrices and probability
• Computer modeling

ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH GRADES
This is a general outline for course sequences. Students are placed according to previous coursework and performance, not necessarily, by grade level.

Statistics and Discrete Math:

• Spreadsheet analysis of voting systems
• Distribution
• Fair division
• Scheduling
• Finance
• Essentials skills of statistics and probability
• Social statistics and regulation
• Mathematics of business
• Specific discrete and continuous probability distributions
• Sampling distributions
• Central limit theorem

AP Statistics:

• Patterns and departures from patterns
• Sampling and experimentation
• Anticipating patterns
• Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation
• Statistical interference by estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses

AP Calculus I:

• Differential and integral calculus
• Functions
• Limits
• Derivatives
• Integrals of algebraic and transcendental functions
• Methods of integration

This course prepares students for the AB portion of the Advanced Placement Calculus exam.

AP Calculus II:

• Vector functions and their derivatives
• Parametric equations and graphs and their derivatives
• Advanced integration techniques
• Work as an integral
• Improper integrals
• Sequences and series and their convergence
• MacLaurin and Taylor series
• Technology applications

This course prepares students for the BC portion of the Advanced Placement Calculus exam.

Science

NINTH GRADE
Foundations of Chemistry and Physics:

• The scientific method
• Inquiry-based laboratory skills
• Experimental design
• Properties of matter
• Periodic law
• Atomic theory
• Chemical reactions
• Motion
• Forces
• Work
• Power
• Energy

TENTH GRADE
Biology:

• The scientific method
• Inquiry-based laboratory skills
• Experimental design
• Molecules and cells
• Energetics and cell replication
• Genetics
• Heredity, evolution, origins
• Organisms and populations
• Ecology
• Stewardship and sustainability
• Anatomy and physiology

AP Biology is availably by application, with admission determined by the department.

ELEVENTH GRADE
Chemistry:

• The scientific method
• Inquiry-based laboratory skills and procedures
• Matter
• Chemical bonding
• Reaction equilibrium
• Gas laws
• Kinetic theory
• Qualitative analysis
• Nuclear chemistry
• Organic chemistry

AP Chemistry is available by application, with admission determined by the department.

Elective Courses: Environmental Science I and II, Anatomy and Physiology

TWELFTH GRADE
Physics:

• The scientific method
• Inquiry-based laboratory skills
• Classic Newtonian physics
• Electricity
• Magnetism
• Waves
• Optics

AP Physics C is available by application, with admission determined by the department.

Elective Courses: Environmental Science I and II, Anatomy and Physiology

Social Studies

NINTH GRADE
World History I (one semester):

• Historical, cultural, economic, and geographic study of the Western World
• Emergence of Civilization
• The Greek and Roman worlds
• The Middle Ages
• The Renaissance and Reformation
• Absolute monarchs
• The Enlightenment
• The Industrial Revolution
• The French Revolution and Napoleon
• The Congress of Vienna
• The Metternich System
• Christianity as a major force in world history

TENTH GRADE
World History II and III (one semester each):

• Geography, religions, social organizations, histories and current events of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East
• History of Western Europe from the fall of Napoleon to the present
• Ancient kingdoms
• Impact of European exploration and colonization
• The age of imperialism
• World War I, World War II and the Holocaust
• The fall of the Soviet Union

AP World History is available by application, with admission determined by the department.

Elective Courses: Close-Up Class and Trip to Washington, DC

ELEVENTH GRADE
Early American History (one semester):

• Political and philosophical interpretation of the nature of the U.S. government through history
• The Colonial Period
• The Revolutionary War and the Early Republic
• The Constitution
• Jacksonian Democracy
• The Civil War and Reconstruction Period
• Contemporary problems with historical roots

Recent American History (one semester):

• 20th century U.S. History
• The Progressive Era
• World War I
• The 1920s, the Great Depression and the New Deal
• World War II
• The Cold War, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War
• The Great Society
• The Civil Rights Movement
• The 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s
• The struggles and accomplishments of all Americans

AP United States History is available by application, with admission determined by the department.

Elective Courses: Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Business, Close-Up Class and Trip to Washington, DC

TWELFTH GRADE
Economics: (one semester):

• Basic concepts in economics as a framework for understanding many economic issues facing our nation and world
• Market pricing
• Income distribution
• Measurements of the economy
• The national debt
• Monetary and fiscal policy

AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics are available by application, with admission determined by the department.

United States Government and Politics (one semester):

• The structure, function, and operation of our national, state, and local governments
• Influences of political parties, interest groups, and the media
• Citizenship participation within the political process
• Current issues

AP United States Government and Politics is available by application, with admission determined by the department.

Elective Courses: AP European History, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Business, Close-Up Class and Trip to Washington, DC

Bible

NINTH GRADE Reading Bible (one semester):

• Approaches to reading the Bible
• Traditional resources for interpreting and understanding the text
• Literary types in the Bible
• Midrashic interpretation of the Jacob narrative

TENTH GRADE
Life and Teachings of Christ (one semester):

• Old Testament prophecy and historical background of Jesus
• Background study of the gospels
• Jesus as incarnation of God
• Jesus as miracle worker
• Jesus as initiator of the Kingdom of God
• Jesus as teacher
• Jesus as Savior and Resurrected King

ELEVENTH GRADE
Elective Courses (all one semester): Honors Christian Ethics, The Church, The Uniqueness of Christianity, New Testament Studies, Old Testament Survey

TWELFTH GRADE
Senior Capstone (one semester):

• Basic Christian theology
• Personal discipleship and spirituality
• Personal morality
• Evangelism, stewardship, and service
• Relating to people of different faiths
• How to think, listen, and discuss faith issues

Elective Courses (all one semester): Honor Christian Ethics, The Church, The Uniqueness of Christianity, New Testament Studies, Old Testament Survey

World Languages
Latin, Spanish, French, and Chinese

World Languages help students develop a world perspective necessary for future college study, travel or business. All languages are equally challenging and should be started early to obtain a high level of proficiency. Each language course stresses the development of proficiency in listening, reading comprehension, speaking and writing. Each level includes grammatical concepts, oral classroom participation, and proficiency testing. Through the Amity Scholar program, French and Spanish classes benefit by having native-speaking young adults who assist in the classroom, bringing current cultural custom and perspectives to the class.

Levels I-II (Latin, Spanish, French, and Chinese)

Note: Students who successfully complete the two-year Middle School Language program are eligible to enroll in the second year language course in 9th grade.

• Pronunciation, intonation patterns, and basic structures of the language
• Use of defined vocabulary range in speaking, listening, reading and writing
• Reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in an authentic context

Level III (Latin, Spanish, and French)

• Advanced grammar and vocabulary
• Use and understanding of the language in real-life situations
• Strategies for reading authentic literature
• Integration of language and culture

Honors Level IV (Spanish and French)

• Use of the language in personal, creative and realistic ways
• Conversational, reading and writing strategies
• Authentic literature on history, geography, cooking, sociology and politics
• Expanded vocabulary and grammar
• Cultural issues

Honors V (French):

• Synthesis and expansion of language study
• Proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills
• Diverse cultures of the French-speaking world of Europe, Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean

AP Spanish:

• Active communication
• Reading comprehension
• Grammar and composition
• Aural/oral skills

AP Latin:
The AP Latin Program offers two distinct courses - Vergil’s Aeneid and Latin Literature. These courses alternate every other year, allowing eligible students to enroll for two consecutive years.

All students have the opportunity to take the Advanced Placement exam after the fourth or fifth year of language study.

Fine Arts

Music
Upper School music offers a comprehensive approach to musicianship through participation in Performing Ensembles and Non-performing electives. Voice lessons and instrumental lessons are also available. Performing Ensembles include Women’s Chorale, Men’s Choir, Singers, Madrigal Singers, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensembles, Orchestra Ensembles, and Pep Band. The elective course Music and the Humanities explores a wide variety of artistic masterpieces.

Visual Arts
Semester courses are offered in Art, Photography, Advanced Photography, Beginning Filmmaking, Advanced Filmmaking, Graphic Design, Advanced Graphic Design, Woodworking, and Advanced Woodworking. In AP Studio Art, students create professional portfolios of work to submit for evaluation.

Drama
Semester courses in Acting and Exploration of Theater prepares students for involvement in the fall and spring drama productions, as well as the wintertime Student Showcase that highlights student work in the fine arts. All students are eligible to participate in performances.

Physical Education/Health

NINTH GRADE
Physical Education I (one semester):

• Development of personal fitness while enhancing skills in lifetime, individual, and team sports
• Sportsmanship, social development and participation

Health 9 (one semester):

• Healthy decision making
• Personal health and behavior
• Nutrition
• Drug education
• AIDS/STDs
• Mental health
• The human body – health and diseases

TENTH GRADE Physical education II (one semester):

Students select either:

• Sports and Conditioning
• Team Sports

ELEVENTH GRADE
Current Health Issues (one semester):

• Healthy choices and decisions
• Ethics and health
• Stress, depression, and mental illness
• Death and grief
• STDs and AIDS
• Substance abuse
• Sexuality and morals using abstinence-based materials
• CPR and emergency first aid

TWELFTH GRADE Elective Courses: Sports Medicine I and II, Personal Fitness

Technology/Library/Media
At the Upper School level, instruction in technology and library/media tools is integrated throughout the curriculum. In addition, AP Computer Science is offered for students who have a strong interest in computer science and who want to learn the principles of programming.