High School Curriculum
In high school, students will receive a content-rich classical liberal arts education through a curriculum in literature, math, history, civics, the sciences, music and art that will align with and exceed state standards.
The following presents the coursework vision for Cincinnati Classical Academy. It is not necessarily a complete list of offerings, and it is subject to change. However, we believe this guide presents parents with an accurate overview of what students can expect of the CLASSICAL curriculum during grades 9-12.
English Language & Literature
This course improves students’ writing skills by reviewing grammar basics and focusing on the essentials of the writing and editing process. Students will learn parts of speech, sentence diagramming, and punctuation before being introduced to the invention, organization, style, and revision necessary for good composition. The course aims to help students become better thinkers and writers by providing them with the building blocks of the English language. Grades 9-10. Semester 1. HS Credits: 0.5
This course introduces students to the fundamental principles and rules of logic as formulated in Aristotle’s Organon and developed by ancient and medieval commentators. It covers both the theoretical and practical components of logic, proceeding according to the natural order of the three acts traditionally ascribed to the intellect: simple apprehension, judgment, and reasoning. Students will learn to analyze arguments for validity and construct logical demonstrations. Grade 9. Semester 1. HS Credits: 0.5
This course educates students in the art of speaking well, focusing on identifying and using different modes of persuasion, crafting superior speeches through the five canons of rhetoric, and judging speeches for their logical merit. Students will study historical speeches, compose and deliver their own speeches, and develop their powers of composition and public speaking. The course aims to cultivate the ability to articulate thoughts clearly and concisely. Grade 9. Semester 2. HS Credits: 0.5
This course introduces students to the foundations of Western Civilization through the epic poetry of The Iliad, The Odyssey, and The Aeneid, as well as tragedies by Sophocles and Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. Students will learn the language of epic poetry and wrestle with ancient questions about heroism, family, and the good life. The course aims to provide students with a working knowledge of the origins of Western civilization. Grade 9. HS Credits: 1.0
This course continues the study of great works of literature, tracing the influence of the classical tradition on representative works of Medieval and British literature including works by Chaucer, Shakespeare, Austin, and Dickens. Students will read analytically, paying attention to the relationship between literary form and content, and develop strong habits of memorization, argumentation, and written composition. The course aims to engage students with the beauty, originality, and wisdom of these texts. Grade 10. HS Credits: 1.0
This course introduces students to some of the greatest works of American literature, including novels, short stories, and poems by authors such as Bradstreet, Hawthorne, Melville, Emerson, Twain, Faulkner, Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Eliot, and O’Connor. Students will develop a deeper understanding of American culture and spirit as they wrestle with questions concerning freedom, friendship, the individual and society, art, and suffering. Grade 11. HS Credits: 1.0
This course concludes the literature sequence with two main objectives: completing students’ training in oral and written rhetoric and introducing students to modern literature in the context of the classical tradition. Students will read works by authors such as Kafka, Conrad, Shakespeare, Dostoevsky, Auden, Chekhov, Hopkins, Pound, Stevens, and Yeats, expanding their understanding of literary form and mimesis. Grade 12. HS Credits: 1.0
This course offers students the opportunity to engage deeply with classic works of 20th-century literature while developing advanced skills in literary analysis and composition. Students will explore a diverse selection of literary masterpieces from various genres, styles, and cultural contexts, including works by authors such as Shakespeare, Joyce, Kafka, Dostoevsky, Lewis, Eliot, O’Connor, and Bronte. The course is designed for students with a passion for literature and a desire for academic challenge. Grade 12. HS Credits: 1.0
The Senior Thesis project requires students to craft a lengthy argumentative essay proposing an answer to real problems raised in significant texts concerning human nature, the human good, and the natural order. The essay-writing process culminates in an oral presentation and defense. The project is considered the capstone of students’ classical K-12 education, requiring mastery of grammar, logic, and rhetoric. Grade 12. HS Credits: 0.5
Mathematics
This course is a study of the fundamental ideas and processes of elementary algebra, emphasizing the structure of mathematics. Major topics include properties and sets of numbers, algebraic expressions, linear equations and inequalities, polynomials, quadratic equations, and functions. The course aims to lay the foundation needed in subsequent mathematics courses and help students develop logical thinking and reasoning skills. Grades 8, 9, or 10. HS Credit: 1.0
This course introduces students to Euclidean Geometry as a demonstrative discipline through proofs of geometrical propositions from certain and self-evident principles. Students will learn to apply geometrical knowledge to concrete problems and integrate pure geometry with algebraic reasoning and expression. The course emphasizes the nature of demonstrative knowledge, the development of logical thinking skills, and the arts of analytic and synthetic reasoning. Grade 9, 10, or 11. HS Credits: 1.0
This course enables students to continue building upon and unifying their knowledge of algebra and geometry through the study of analytic geometry while providing the mathematical foundation necessary for more advanced courses. The course aims to strengthen students’ conceptual understanding of mathematics and numbers, in addition to their logical and spatial reasoning, and continue to build students’ mathematical intuition. Grade 10, 11, or 12. HS Credits: 1.0
Pre-Calculus helps prepare students for Calculus while building extensively on ideas from Algebra II and Geometry. The course will review and dig deeper into major concepts from Algebra II before moving on to an in-depth study of Trigonometry and ending with an introduction to Calculus and Discrete Mathematics. The primary goals are to solidify a foundation in algebra and trigonometry and develop problem-solving skills. Grade 11 or 12. HS Credits: 1.0
Calculus is a tremendous and beautiful human accomplishment which also plays an important practical role in science, engineering, economics, and computer science. This introductory course, roughly equivalent to a first-semester course in college calculus, is devoted to topics in differential and integral calculus. Students will understand three primary fundamental concepts: Derivative, Integral, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Grade 12. HS Credits: 1.0
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and methods of statistical analysis. Through interactive lessons, real-world scenarios, and practical applications, students will explore key concepts in personal finance, including budgeting, saving, investing, banking, credit, insurance, taxes, and consumer rights and responsibilities. Emphasis will be placed on developing financial literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to navigate various financial situations effectively. Grade 11 or 12. HS Credits: 1.0
History & Geography
This course explores the foundations of Western Civilization from the first cities in Mesopotamia to the end of the Western Roman Empire. Students will study the histories of the Mediterranean and Near East, the Hebrews, Ancient Greek culture, wars, and philosophy, Republican and Imperial Rome, Christianity and the early church, and the crisis and division of Rome. Grade 9. HS Credits: 1.0
This course spans the arch of European history from the fall of Rome through the exile of Napoleon Bonaparte, covering the various revolutions in theology, philosophy, law, and politics leading from the ancient world to the dawn of modern Europe. Students will encounter the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Age of Exploration, the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, and the French Revolution. Grade 10. HS Credits: 1.0
This course covers American history from the European Age of Exploration to the present day. Students will engage with the major persons, events, and ideas in important periods throughout American history, building upon the Western and European history from Grades 9 and 10 while helping to prepare students for the 12th grade class in American Government. Grade 11. HS Credits: 1.0
This course picks up where the Western Civilization II course finished by covering the political, economic, and philosophic history of modern Europe from Napoleon to the present day. Students will encounter the Revolutions of the 19th Century, Industrialization, Late Modern Philosophies, World Wars I and II, the rise and fall of Communism in Russia, and the ideas and institutions of Europe in the post-Cold War era. Grade 12. HS Credits: 1.0
Science
This course is a comprehensive survey of the science of biology, beginning with the basic chemical processes important to biology and working through the study of the cell, genetics, organisms, classification of organisms, the human body, and environmental science. In-class presentations and discussions are complemented by laboratory experiments that teach students the processes of science and data interpretations while reinforcing the factual content of the curriculum. Grade 9. HS Credits: 1.0
This course offers a survey of major theories, models, laws, and concepts of modern chemistry. Through rigorous experimentation, measurement, data interpretation, and modeling, students will inquire about the nature and properties of matter, substance, substantial change, alteration, and material composition. A special emphasis is placed on understanding and applying the scientific method, acquiring rigorous habits of observation and experimentation, and learning how to use measurements of matter. Grade 10 or 11. HS Credits: 1.0
This course provides an overview of the fundamentals of classical physics, concentrating on understanding the physical reality of everyday experiences of matter and motion and learning to express these concepts through mathematical models and equations. After completing this course, students will exhibit proficiency in explaining and applying the principles of kinematics, force, work and energy, gravitation and oscillation, light and sound, and electromagnetism. Grade 11 or 12. HS Credits: 1.0
This course provides an overview of every major topic in modern astronomy, progressing from a consideration of the celestial objects that are most easily observable to those that can be known only through advanced instruments or by mathematical theory alone. At each stage, students will consider celestial bodies in terms of their relative motions, observable properties, and formation and evolution. Grade 12. HS Credits: 1.0
AP Biology is an intensive, college-level course designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of key biological concepts and their applications. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including biochemistry, genetics, evolution, ecology, and physiology, with an emphasis on inquiry- based learning, critical thinking, and experimental design. Students will explore the structure, function, and diversity of living organisms, as well as the mechanisms underlying biological processes at the cellular and molecular levels. Grade 10, 11, or 12. HS Credits: 1.0
AP Chemistry is an advanced, college-level course designed to provide students with a rigorous understanding of fundamental chemical principles and their applications. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry. Students will explore the structure of matter, the interactions between atoms and molecules, and the underlying principles governing chemical reactions. Grade 11 or 12. HS Credits: 1.0
This course is a rigorous college-level course that introduces students to fundamental concepts in physics through an algebraic approach. This course is designed to develop students’ understanding of key principles in mechanics, including kinematics, dynamics, and energy. Throughout the course, students will engage in hands-on laboratory investigations and problem-solving activities to explore the fundamental laws of physics and their applications. Grade 12. HS Credits: 1.0
World Languages
Latin IA introduces students to the study of Latin and cultivates habits and skills that will be essential to their successful learning of the language. The course covers the first eight chapters of Wheelock’s Latin along with Roman cultural studies. Students will also develop reading fluency and comprehension by its emphasis on the first fourteen chapters of Lingua Latina and select stories from 38 Latin Stories. Instruction in both grammatical concepts and proficiency in reading and translating will be a focus in each class. Grades 6-7. HS Credit: 0.5
Latin 1B reinforces for students the concepts they learned in Latin 1A as well as the habits and skills that are essential to continued success in learning the language. The course covers chapters 9-17 of Wheelock’s Latin along with Roman cultural studies. Major concepts that will be taught include 3rd and 4th conjugation verbs; pluperfect, perfect, and future perfect tenses in the active voice; number; and 3rd declension adjectives. Grades 7-8. HS Credit: 0.5
Latin I is a comprehensive year-long course designed to introduce Latin to students new to the school in Grades 8 or 9 or students who have otherwise not taken Latin 1A and 1B in grades 6 or 7. This course combines the content of Latin 1A and Latin 1B, providing students with a solid foundation in Latin grammar, vocabulary, and cultural studies. In Latin I, students will explore the first 17 chapters of Wheelock’s Latin, covering fundamental grammatical concepts and vocabulary. Additionally, students will engage with Roman cultural studies to gain insights into the historical and social context of the Latin language. The course also emphasizes reading fluency and comprehension through the study of select stories from 38 Latin Stories and Lingua Latina. Grades 8 or 9. HS Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Latin I
This course continues the study of the Latin language and Roman culture and civilization begun in Latin I, covering chapters 18-27 of Wheelock’s Latin. Primary focus is given to translating increasingly more complex adaptations of texts written by various Roman authors. Within each chapter, students learn new points of morphology and syntax, comparing Latin grammar and syntax to English. Major concepts that will be taught include the passive voice; fifth declension nouns; participles; the passive periphrastic; infinitives and indirect statements; and comparative and superlative adjectives. Grades 8, 9, or 10. HS Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Latin II
Latin III reinforces concepts that students learned in Latin I-II and continues to build upon their skills in translation, their knowledge of linguistics, and their understanding of Roman culture. Additionally, this course enables students to begin reading more extended passages reworded from authentic Roman stories, as well as excerpts from authentic Latin texts. The course covers chapters 28–40 of Wheelock’s Latin, together with readings from Ritchie’s Fabilae Faciles. Major concepts that will be taught include the subjunctive mood; indirect questions and sequence of tenses; cum clauses; conditions; and the gerund and gerundive. Grade 9, 10, or 11. HS Credits: 1.0
Prerequisite: Latin III
This advanced placement course in Latin offers students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Latin language, literature, and culture through the study of selected texts from classical authors such as Caesar, Cicero, Vergil, and Horace. Students will engage in close reading, translation, and analysis of both prose and poetry, while also honing their proficiency in Latin grammar and vocabulary. Grade 10, 11, or 12. HS Credits: 1.0
Prerequisite: Latin III
This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of French, emphasizing speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Through immersive and interactive activities, students will develop a solid foundation in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, laying the groundwork for further exploration of the language. Through authentic materials, multimedia resources, and real-life scenarios, students will not only learn the language but also develop an appreciation for French-speaking cultures around the globe. By the end of the course, students will be able to engage in basic conversations, comprehend simple texts, and write short compositions in French. Grade 10 or 11. HS Credits: 1.0
Prerequisite: French I
Building upon the foundation laid in French I, this course offers students the opportunity to further develop their proficiency in the French language while delving deeper into the classical roots of French civilization. This course is designed to expand students’ vocabulary, reinforce grammar concepts, and strengthen their ability to communicate effectively in French. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, with a focus on real-world communication and cultural competency. Grade 10, 11, or 12. HS Credits: 1.0
This course is an intermediate-level course designed to further develop students’ proficiency in the French language and deepen their understanding of Francophone cultures. Building upon the foundation laid in French I and II, this course focuses on enhancing students’ communication skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing while exploring more complex grammatical structures and vocabulary. Throughout the course, students will engage in a variety of communicative activities, discussions, and projects that promote active participation and authentic language use. Students will have the option to take French III as AP French, which prepares them to take the Advanced Placement exam in the language. Grade 12. HS Credits: 1.0
Prerequisite: Latin III
This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of Spanish, emphasizing speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Through immersive and interactive activities, students will develop a solid foundation in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, laying the groundwork for further exploration of the language. Through authentic materials, multimedia resources, and real-life scenarios, students will not only learn the language but also develop an appreciation for Spanish- speaking cultures around the globe. By the end of the course, students will be able to engage in basic conversations, comprehend simple texts, and write short compositions in Spanish. Grade 10 or 11. HS Credits: 1.0
Prerequisite: Spanish I
Building upon the foundation laid in Spanish I, this course offers students the opportunity to further develop their proficiency in the Spanish language while delving deeper into the classical roots of Spanish civilization. This course is designed to expand students’ vocabulary, reinforce grammar concepts, and strengthen their ability to communicate effectively in Spanish. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, with a focus on real-world communication and cultural competency. Grade 10, 11, or 12. HS Credits: 1.0
Spanish III is an intermediate-level course designed to further develop students’ proficiency in the Spanish language and deepen their understanding of Hispanic cultures. Building upon the foundation laid in Spanish I and II, this course focuses on enhancing students’ communication skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing while exploring more complex grammatical structures and vocabulary. Throughout the course, students will engage in a variety of communicative activities, discussions, and projects that promote active participation and authentic language use. Students will have the option to take Spanish III as AP Spanish, which prepares them to take the Advanced Placement exam in the language. Grade 11, 12. HS Credits: 1.0
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the language, literature, and culture of ancient Greece. Students will learn to read and comprehend simple ancient Greek texts through grammar instruction, vocabulary building, and translation exercises. Emphasis will be placed on mastering the Greek alphabet, understanding grammatical structures, and developing proficiency in reading and writing ancient Greek. This course lays the foundation for a deeper understanding of classical civilization. Grade 10, 11, 12. HS Credits: 1.0
This 10-day summer course immerses rising seniors in the rich history, art, architecture, and music of ancient Rome and Greece. Students will explore iconic sites and landmarks in Greece and Italy, guided by experienced instructors and local experts. They will delve into the myths, legends, and cultural ideals that shaped these ancient societies, while also engaging with contemporary Greek and Italian culture through markets and cuisine. Grade 12. HS Credits: 0.5
Social Sciences
This course introduces students to the economic way of thinking and helps develop tools to understand the complex interactions of a commercial society. Students will learn the language of economics, apply its principles to free market conditions, study fundamental concepts like supply and demand, and understand the Keynesian model of macro-economics. The goal is to appreciate and understand our free market system. Grade 10. HS Credits: 0.5
This course introduces students to major themes in moral and political thought through a study of dystopian literature. Students will consider the problems and dangers confronting the modern world, including ideology, utopianism, and moral relativism. The course aims to cultivate an appreciation for philosophy and politics, and the importance of defending self-government, the rule of law, and a politics that protects liberty and promotes virtue. Grade 10. HS Credits: 0.5
This course confronts important philosophical, moral, and political questions, guiding students to reflect on human nature, the human good, morality, justice, freedom, politics, and good government. Through works by great thinkers, especially Aristotle, students will better understand the intellectual foundations of the contemporary world and prepare for responsible citizenship. Authors studied include Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Marx. Grade 11. HS Credits: 1.0
This course provides students with the knowledge necessary to become responsible, prudent citizens by exploring the meaning of the American regime and the way of life it promotes. Students will study the moral vision of the American Founding, the Constitution’s structure and purposes, and the ways in which our constitutional order has changed throughout history. Authors studied include the American Founders, Lincoln, the Progressives, and Tocqueville. Grade 12. HS Credits: 1.0
This course equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed financial decisions throughout their lives. Through interactive lessons, real-world scenarios, and practical applications, students will explore key concepts in personal finance, including budgeting, saving, investing, banking, credit, insurance, taxes, and consumer rights and responsibilities. Emphasis will be placed on developing financial literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Grade 11-12. HS Credits: 0.5
Music & Dramatic Arts
The Band Ensemble elective aims to equip students with knowledge of instrumental performance and practical theory skills that will enable them to appreciate and participate in music throughout their lives. The course instills an appreciation for playing and listening to symphonic or band masterworks and fosters an environment of respect and collaboration that leads to considered study and artful performance. Grade Level: 9-12 HS Credits: 0.5
The Orchestral Ensemble elective aims to equip students with knowledge of instrumental performance and practical theory skills that will enable them to appreciate and participate in music throughout their lives. The course instills an appreciation for playing and listening to orchestral masterworks and fosters an environment of respect and collaboration that leads to considered study and artful performance. Grade Level: 9-12 HS Credits: 0.5
The Vocal Ensemble elective equips students with knowledge of singing and vocal health, enabling them to appreciate and participate in music throughout their lives. The course also provides practical theory skills to aid in learning vocal music, instills an appreciation for singing and listening to vocal masterworks, and fosters an environment of respect and collaboration that leads to considered study and artful performance. Grade Level: 9-12 HS Credits: 0.5
From the tragedies of Ancient Greece to the comedies of Shakespearean England, students will study the masterpieces of the examining themes, characters, and techniques that define classical theatre. Through reading, discussion, and performance, students will gain a deeper understanding of the dramatic arts, develop acting skills, explore stagecraft fundamentals, and participate in hands-on activities, including scene studies, monologue performances, and group projects. Grade Level: 9-12 HS Credits: 0.5
In this course, students explore the works of William Shakespeare, studying his iconic plays with an eye toward acting. Through scene analysis, character study, and performance workshops, students learn the art of bringing Shakespeare’s characters to life on stage. Emphasis is placed on understanding Elizabethan language, verse, and dramatic conventions, as students engage in ensemble work, soliloquy interpretation, and stage combat techniques. Grade Level: 9-12 HS Credits: 0.5
This course familiarizes students with Medieval and Renaissance instruments, tonal modes, philosophy, art, and literature to interpret music stylistically. Students will develop practical theory skills for analyzing major styles and works of the period. Upon completion, students will be able to identify and describe the characteristics of major musical and theatrical developments, including chant, organum, folk music, ballet, opera, madrigals, motets, masques, and mass settings. Grade Level: 9-12 HS Credits: 0.5
This course explores music from the Baroque and Classical periods, integrating historical context, philosophy, art, literature, and dance to enhance students’ understanding of musical styles and interpretation. Students will study Baroque and Classical instruments, tuning, and prominent composers, developing practical theory skills for analyzing major styles and works. Upon completion, students will be able to identify and describe the characteristics of major musical developments of each period. Grade Level: 9-12 HS Credits: 0.5
Prerequisite: Music History I and II
This course develops students’ understanding of music theory and analysis fundamentals. Students will study harmony, melody, rhythm, musical form, and composition, learning to read and write music notation, analyze musical scores, and identify musical elements in aural examples. AP Music Theory prepares students for the AP exam, which assesses their knowledge and skills in music theory and listening. Grade 10-12. HS Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Music History I and II
AP Music Composition provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to compose original musical works at an advanced level. Through theoretical study, practical exercises, and creative projects, students will explore various elements of music composition, including melody, harmony, rhythm, form, orchestration, and structure. Emphasis will be placed on developing a personal compositional style while incorporating elements of traditional and contemporary music theory. Grade 10-12. HS Credit: 1.0
Visual Arts
This course analyzes the underlying foundations of 2-dimensional works of art by creating a deeper understanding of the formal elements associated with composition and design. Through the study of historical and contemporary artworks, students will gain an understanding of how strong design and composition often separate good works from masterpieces. Grade Level: 9-12 HS Credits: 0.5
In this course, students will learn how to manipulate the basic elements of art and the principles of design to depict the human form in the classical tradition of portraiture. This natural and human endeavor to replicate images of our likeness is deeply rooted in us, as demonstrated by early examples in art. Grade Level: 9-12 HS Credits: 0.5
This course provides a comprehensive overview of classical architectural principles, exploring the origins, historical context, and key elements of classical architecture from ancient civilizations to the Renaissance. Students will examine architectural theories, proportions, and orders, develop fundamental drawing skills, and learn to communicate design ideas through hand-drawing techniques, focusing on precision, clarity, and the effective communication of architectural concepts. Grade Level: 9-12 HS Credits: 0.5
This course examines the evolution of architectural movements and philosophies from antiquity through the 18th century. Students will analyze the cultural, social, and environmental forces that shaped architecture, study key figures and seminal projects, and explore the theoretical underpinnings of various approaches. Students will also embark on their first residential design project, applying principles learned in their previous class to create thoughtful, functional, and aesthetically pleasing living spaces. Grade Level: 9-12 HS Credits: 0.5
This course equips students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical mindset necessary to become creators rather than mere consumers of technology. Through hands-on activities and collaborative projects, students explore digital tools and platforms, develop digital literacy skills, and examine ethical considerations in technology use. Key topics include digital creativity, responsible tech use, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. Students learn to leverage technology for creative expression, problem-solving, and positive societal impact. Grade Level: 9-12 HS Credits: 0.5
This advanced placement course offers an immersive exploration of art and its historical significance from prehistoric times to the present day. Students will study major artistic movements, styles, and masterpieces from diverse cultures around the world, examining artworks in various media. The course covers a wide range of artistic traditions, including ancient civilizations, classical antiquity, medieval Europe, Renaissance, Baroque, Romanticism, Modernism, and contemporary art. HS Credit: 1.0
This advanced placement course provides students with the opportunity to develop their artistic skills and creative vision through a rigorous and comprehensive study of drawing. Students will engage in various drawing exercises and projects, experimenting with different approaches to composition, line, value, texture, and form. The course culminates in the creation of a portfolio of artwork demonstrating the student’s mastery of drawing techniques, creative expression, and conceptual understanding. Grades 11-12. HS Credit: 1.0
Physical Education
Physical Education at the high school level prepares students for lifelong fitness by focusing on individual physical growth and discipline. The teacher facilitates students’ personal workout regimens, providing lessons on workout plans, proper use of the weight room, and nutrition and sleep needs. Students create workout plans, set goals, and log progress throughout the year, with the instructor grouping students with similar plans for additional motivation. Grades 9-12. HS Credit: 0.5 (per semester)
This course teaches the fundamentals of fencing, including footwork, blade work, and strategies for offense and defense. Through theoretical instruction, practical demonstrations, and hands-on practice, students develop a solid foundation in the three disciplines of fencing: foil, epee, and sabre. Students apply their skills in friendly sparring matches, gaining confidence and experience in a supportive environment, with emphasis on sportsmanship, respect for opponents, and adherence to rules and etiquette. Grades 9-12. HS Credit: 0.5
This course focuses on the types of partner ballroom dancing that originated in 16th century England, including the waltz, foxtrot, tango, rumba, and swing. Students explore the history, techniques, and cultural significance of these dance styles, developing proper posture, alignment, strength, flexibility, and musicality. Students learn choreography from the ballroom dance repertoire and have the opportunity to perform in recitals and showcases. No prior dance experience is required. Grades 9-12. HS Credit: 0.5
This course offers an immersive introduction to the time-honored art of archery and marksmanship, drawing inspiration from ancient and medieval traditions. Students learn fundamental principles of shooting, mastering essential techniques, and refining skills in bow handling and target precision. Through hands-on practice with recurve bows, longbows, and crossbows, participants develop a profound understanding of the craft’s mechanics and dynamics while exploring the historical and cultural contexts surrounding archery. Grades 9-12. HS Credit: 0.5
This course introduces students to the popular and classic racquet sports of Badminton, Tennis, Pickle Ball, and Ping-Pong. Students learn the rules, etiquette, competitive expectations, and culture of each sport, as well as the necessary physical fitness warm-up routines and training for optimal performance and injury prevention. Throughout the semester, students grow in confidence and competency to play each sport with peers and adults outside of class. Grade 9-12. HS Credits: 0.5