High School Educational Program
The years that develop a student’s academic experience before they enter secondary school, the middle school years, are a unique period in one’s lifetime. This is a time of change, from childhood to young adulthood, and with this change comes challenges, opportunities, and a broad range of new experiences. During these years, education is an essential aspect of human development that impacts a person’s future. To this end, American High School Caribbean (AHSC) offers our students many academic options and high school programs. Considering these options carefully and becoming familiar with the requirements for successful progression from middle school to high school and postsecondary education is essential.
AHSC School administrators, teachers, and counselors are key individuals in helping to guide students in making intelligent choices to optimize each student’s academic experience. We hope each student takes advantage of the information available in our program and, with the assistance provided at AHSC, has the opportunity to plan an academic path that leads to success during the secondary school years and, ultimately, as a productive member of society.
High School Courses
9th Grade
The 9th-grade academic experience includes participation in the following courses:
10th Grade
The 10th-grade academic experience includes participation in the following courses:
11th Grade
The 11th-grade academic experience includes participation in the following courses:
12th Grade
The 12th-grade academic experience includes participation in the following courses:
Semester 1
The purpose of this course is to provide English 1 students, using texts of high complexity, integrated language arts study in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language for college and career preparation and readiness.
Semester 2
Successful completion of English 1 Semester 1 or equivalent course work is required before enrolling in English 1 Semester 2. This course explores using texts of high complexity, integrated language arts study in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language for college and career preparation and readiness.
The fundamental purpose of this course is to formalize and extend the mathematics that students learned in the middle grades. The critical areas, called units, deepen and extend understanding of linear and exponential relationships by contrasting them with each other and by applying linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend, and students engage in methods for analyzing, solving, and using quadratic functions. The Standards for Mathematical Practice apply throughout each course, and, together with the content standards, prescribe that students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations.
Semester 2
The fundamental purpose of this course is to formalize and extend the mathematics that students learned in the middle grades. The critical areas, called units, deepen and extend understanding of linear and exponential relationships by contrasting them with each other and by applying linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend, and students engage in methods for analyzing, solving, and using quadratic functions. The Standards for Mathematical Practice apply throughout each course, and, together with the content standards, prescribe that students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations.
Semester 1
Laboratory investigations that include the use of scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem-solving, laboratory apparatus and technologies, experimental procedures, and safety procedures are an integral part of this course. The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) recommends that at the high school level, all students should be in the science lab or field, collecting data every week. School laboratory investigations (labs) are defined by the National Research Council (NRC) as an experience in the laboratory, classroom, or the field that provides students with opportunities to interact directly with natural phenomena or with data collected by others using tools, materials, data collection techniques, and models (NRC, 2006, p. 3).
Semester 2
Laboratory investigations in the high school classroom should help all students develop a growing understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills to calibrate and troubleshoot equipment used to make observations. Learners should understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data (National Research Council, 2006, p.77; NSTA, 2007).
United States History course consists of the following content area strands: United States History, Geography, and Humanities. The primary content emphasis for this course pertains to the study of United States history from Reconstruction to the present day. Students will be exposed to the historical, geographic, political, economic, and sociological events which influenced the development of the United States and the resulting impact on world history. So that students can clearly see the relationship between cause and effect in historical events, students should have the opportunity to review those fundamental ideas and events which occurred before the end of Reconstruction.
Semester 2
United States History course consists of the following content area strands: United States History, Geography, and Humanities. The primary content emphasis for this course pertains to the study of United States history from Reconstruction to the present day. Students will be exposed to the historical, geographic, political, economic, and sociological events which influenced the development of the United States and the resulting impact on world history. So that students can clearly see the relationship between cause and effect in historical events, students should have the opportunity to review those fundamental ideas and events which occurred before the end of Reconstruction.
Semester 1 & 2
Language Arts focus on the study of grammar, literature, and composition. Students will learn about elements of grammar such as pronouns, clauses, and subjects and predicates. The literature selections focus mainly on short stories to help students gain knowledge regarding literary elements and devices including foreshadowing, the point of view, and characterization. Reading selections provide students the opportunity to improve reading comprehension skills, to develop vocabulary, and to make inferences. Students will compose formal writing assessments including two compare and contrast essays, a fictional narrative, and a persuasive essay.
Semester 1
Students should have a solid understanding of the concepts covered in Mathematics 1 Semester 1 and 2 before enrolling in Mathematics 2, in which students will work with decimals, equations, factors, fractions, integers, proportions, rates, and ratios. In addition, students will add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions, decimals, and integers. They will learn to solve one-step equations and will use proportions to solve real-world problems. Students will also develop an understanding of the coordinate plane by working with ordered pairs, linear and nonlinear functions, and patterns. Students can use videos, games, and practice problems to help emphasize key concepts. The concepts covered in Math 7 Part 1 are critical building blocks for Math 7 Part 2, as well as for future math classes.
Semester 2
Successful completion of Mathematics 2 Semester 1 or an equivalent course is required before students may enroll in Mathematics 2 Semester 2. Students will learn to solve two-step equations and will work with inequalities. This course will offer a solid foundation in mathematics by exploring topics that include geometric concepts and probability. The geometry discussion will include lines, rays, segments, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, irregular figures, prisms, and cylinders. With probability, students will work with experimental and theoretical probability, as well as permutations and combinations. Students will also work with percentages, a concept from Math 7 Part 1. Students can utilize videos, online games, and practice problems to help emphasize key concepts.
The students will continue to build on the 6th-grade curriculum and review the nature of science and learn the scientific method. They will:
Scientific Method:
- Practice using the scientific method in order to answer a question about their lives.
Sound and Light Properties:
- The students will then learn about sound and light, including why light reflects and why some materials allow light to pass through while others do not.
Laws of Thermodynamics:
- They will then learn about energy transformations and the first and second laws of thermodynamics.
Earth History:
- The rock cycle and the types of rock, including what they tell us about the Earth’s history, are then discussed. The students will learn how and why the Earth changes through events like earthquakes and volcanoes.
Ecosystems and Food Chains:
- They will then learn about ecosystems, how much they can support and why, and how they can be damaged. The students will also learn about how organisms can interact with each other in terms of biodiversity and symbiosis. The flow of energy in ecosystems is explained through the interpreting of food chains and food webs. The students will then learn about how organisms and species evolve over time through natural selection and in response to changes in the environment.
Genetics:
- Finally, the students will learn about heredity and reproduction, including how to use a Punnett square to predict the traits of offspring.
Semester 1
United States History will encourage students to think like geographers by teaching them to study the Earth according to the five themes of geography. Students will use these themes to determine where something is located, such as a region, an ethnic group, a landform, or a trade route, and they will determine why these things can be found in particular places. The answers to these basic questions will also equip students to more fully understand the geography, history, culture, regions, and contemporary issues facing the people of the Americas, Europe, and Russia.
Semester 2
Students must have successfully completed United States History Semester 1 or equivalent course work before enrolling in United States History Semester 2. This course invites students to continue using the geographical tools and concepts that they learned in Social Studies 7 Part 1, as they learn about geography, history, culture, religions, and contemporary issues facing the people of Asia, Africa, and the Pacific World. By using an interactive textbook, learners will explore how each of these places has been shaped by history but has also developed a rich, thriving culture that can be seen today.
Semester 1
Before enrolling in this course, students should have a sound understanding of the concepts and ideas covered in Language Arts 2 Semester 1 and 2. In Language Arts 3, students will examine literary concepts by reading, interpreting, and writing about a variety of literature and other cultural texts. Students will survey a broad selection of readings while studying the structures of different literary genres, the elements of narratives and of characterization, literary devices and themes, and the concepts of style and grammar.
Semester 2
Language Arts 3 Semester 2 will build upon concepts covered in Language Arts 3 Semester 1 while exploring new information; therefore, successful completion of Language Arts 3 Semester 1 or equivalent course work is required. This course is comprised of different genres of literature, grammar, writing, and vocabulary. The major topics of this course include elements of nonfiction, reading for life (and real-world documents), theme, elements of drama, and research. The focus is on reading skills and understanding what is read. Students will learn reading strategies appropriate to the different genres of literature and apply these strategies to the readings. Basic skills are emphasized in the context of literary pieces and are reinforced with practice and essay writing. Added to Semester 2 is a research project that introduces students to the concepts of quality research, citations, and formal writing.
Semester 1
Students should have a sound understanding of the concepts covered in Mathematics Semester 1 and 2 before enrolling in Mathematics III. This course will explore a variety of concepts such as rational numbers, algebraic equations, graphs and functions, real numbers, exponents, and the coordinate plane. Students will learn to implement real-world applications to the more abstract algebraic concepts found throughout the course. Video tutorials, online math activities, and self-check web quizzes ensure students receive the visual and special instruction necessary to conceptualize these abstract concepts, better preparing them for advanced math courses. This course provides the foundation for Mathematics III.
Semester 2
Successful completion of Mathematics III Semester 1 or equivalent course work is required before enrollment in Mathematics III Semester 2, which is a continuation of Mathematics III Semester 1. Students will focus on concepts that prepare them for Algebra 1, including solving multi-step equations, graphing lines, and interpreting slope. Students will also learn about angles, polygons, and volume of solid figures. In addition, students will learn about elementary statistics. Video tutorials, online math activities, and self-check web quizzes ensure students receive the visual and special instruction necessary to conceptualize these abstract concepts, better preparing them for advanced math courses.
The 8th-grade science course offers a more in-depth look at physical sciences, such as chemistry, physics, and astronomy. The students will review the nature of science and the steps of the scientific method.
Energy:
- Forms of Energy
- Changing Energy
- Classifying Energy
Matter and Energy:
- History of Photosynthesis
- Anatomy of a Leaf
- Photosynthesis Overview
- Cellular Respiration
- The Carbon Cycle
The Universe:
- The Universe
- Matter in the Universe
- Stars
- Types of Stars
Our Solar System:
- Modeling Our Solar System
- Organization of Our Solar System
- The Sun
- Relationships of the Earth, Moon, and Sun
Exploring Space:
- Distances in Space
- Spectroscopy and EM Spectrum
- Spectral Signatures
- Future of Space Exploration
Semester 1
Students must have successfully completed United States History Semester 1 and 2 or equivalent course work before enrolling in Civics. This course teaches students about American history and society, the first human migrations to the Americas, the European colonization of the Americas, the founding of the United States, and the end of the Reconstruction period after the Civil War. Students will explore the causes and the effects of the French and Indian War, and will study the First Continental Congress, the Declaration of Independence, and the challenges of governing a new nation. The course will move through the growth of the United States, including its political landscape in the early 1800s, slavery, and territorial expansion. These discussions will lead to lessons that cover Manifest Destiny, the Civil War, and the Reconstruction of post- Civil War America.
Semester 2
Students must have successfully completed Civics Semester 1 or equivalent course work before enrolling in Civics Semester 2, which will continue to take students on a journey through American history. Beginning with the end of the post-Civil War Reconstruction, this course will teach students about important historical events through modern day. Students will begin by learning about the Old West, the mining and railroad industries, and the Nineteenth Amendment, which gave women voting rights. The course continues by discussing the Spanish- American War, World War I and II, the Great Depression, the Holocaust, the Korean War, and the Cold War. As students progress to contemporary history, they will learn about the Civil Rights Movement and Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Regan. This course will also include a study of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and America’s role in the global economy.
Semester 1
Before enrolling in this course, students should have a sound understanding of the concepts and ideas covered in Language Arts 2 Semester 1 and 2. In Language Arts 3, students will examine literary concepts by reading, interpreting, and writing about a variety of literature and other cultural texts. Students will survey a broad selection of readings while studying the structures of different literary genres, the elements of narratives and of characterization, literary devices and themes, and the concepts of style and grammar.
Semester 2
Language Arts 3 Semester 2 will build upon concepts covered in Language Arts 3 Semester 1 while exploring new information; therefore, successful completion of Language Arts 3 Semester 1 or equivalent course work is required. This course is comprised of different genres of literature, grammar, writing, and vocabulary. The major topics of this course include elements of nonfiction, reading for life (and real-world documents), theme, elements of drama, and research. The focus is on reading skills and understanding what is read. Students will learn reading strategies appropriate to the different genres of literature and apply these strategies to the readings. Basic skills are emphasized in the context of literary pieces and are reinforced with practice and essay writing. Added to Semester 2 is a research project that introduces students to the concepts of quality research, citations, and formal writing.
Semester 1
Students should have a sound understanding of the concepts covered in Mathematics Semester 1 and 2 before enrolling in Mathematics III. This course will explore a variety of concepts such as rational numbers, algebraic equations, graphs and functions, real numbers, exponents, and the coordinate plane. Students will learn to implement real-world applications to the more abstract algebraic concepts found throughout the course. Video tutorials, online math activities, and self-check web quizzes ensure students receive the visual and special instruction necessary to conceptualize these abstract concepts, better preparing them for advanced math courses. This course provides the foundation for Mathematics III.
Semester 2
Successful completion of Mathematics III Semester 1 or equivalent course work is required before enrollment in Mathematics III Semester 2, which is a continuation of Mathematics III Semester 1. Students will focus on concepts that prepare them for Algebra 1, including solving multi-step equations, graphing lines, and interpreting slope. Students will also learn about angles, polygons, and volume of solid figures. In addition, students will learn about elementary statistics. Video tutorials, online math activities, and self-check web quizzes ensure students receive the visual and special instruction necessary to conceptualize these abstract concepts, better preparing them for advanced math courses.
The 8th-grade science course offers a more in-depth look at physical sciences, such as chemistry, physics, and astronomy. The students will review the nature of science and the steps of the scientific method.
Energy:
- Forms of Energy
- Changing Energy
- Classifying Energy
Matter and Energy:
- History of Photosynthesis
- Anatomy of a Leaf
- Photosynthesis Overview
- Cellular Respiration
- The Carbon Cycle
The Universe:
- The Universe
- Matter in the Universe
- Stars
- Types of Stars
Our Solar System:
- Modeling Our Solar System
- Organization of Our Solar System
- The Sun
- Relationships of the Earth, Moon, and Sun
Exploring Space:
- Distances in Space
- Spectroscopy and EM Spectrum
- Spectral Signatures
- Future of Space Exploration
Semester 1
Students must have successfully completed United States History Semester 1 and 2 or equivalent course work before enrolling in Civics. This course teaches students about American history and society, the first human migrations to the Americas, the European colonization of the Americas, the founding of the United States, and the end of the Reconstruction period after the Civil War. Students will explore the causes and the effects of the French and Indian War, and will study the First Continental Congress, the Declaration of Independence, and the challenges of governing a new nation. The course will move through the growth of the United States, including its political landscape in the early 1800s, slavery, and territorial expansion. These discussions will lead to lessons that cover Manifest Destiny, the Civil War, and the Reconstruction of post- Civil War America.
Semester 2
Students must have successfully completed Civics Semester 1 or equivalent course work before enrolling in Civics Semester 2, which will continue to take students on a journey through American history. Beginning with the end of the post-Civil War Reconstruction, this course will teach students about important historical events through modern day. Students will begin by learning about the Old West, the mining and railroad industries, and the Nineteenth Amendment, which gave women voting rights. The course continues by discussing the Spanish- American War, World War I and II, the Great Depression, the Holocaust, the Korean War, and the Cold War. As students progress to contemporary history, they will learn about the Civil Rights Movement and Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Regan. This course will also include a study of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and America’s role in the global economy.