Upper School Curriculum Guide 2022-2023 - St. Croix Prep
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2022-2023 Upper School Curriculum Guide
College Readiness, College Admissions and
Four-Year High School Course Plan
College admissions requirements vary across all colleges, but they have similar criteria that
they like to see in students’ high school transcripts upon their application into college. Those
include rigor of courses taken, a grade point average of 2.5 or higher, and academic electives.
The rigor of the transcript is the most important of these three criteria. In addition, college
admissions like to see student commitment to activities, clubs, and athletics, as well as
leadership positions in a student’s college application. Our college counselor, Mr. Williams, will
be meeting with each student to ensure that they are taking steps to putting a solid college
application together.
As a high school student, if you have an idea of the types of schools you would like to go to,
you can take steps now in your high school course planning. The following chart distinguishes
schools by “types” and delineates for you, the expectations that are typical or average for the
freshmen who are admitted to their colleges:
Type of Admission Example Schools % of SCPA High School Typical AP Course/
college alumni GPA ACT (36)/ Exam Score
accepted to Expectation SAT (1600) Expectation
these types
of
institutions
Highly Majority of Ivy League,
Selective freshmen in Vassar, Davidson, 6+ courses/
top 10% of Hamilton, William 16% 3.80 28+/1220+ 4,5 on exams
their high and Mary, Carlton,
school class Duke, UNC, etc.
Selective Majority of UW-Madison,
freshmen in UM-Twin Cities, 3+ courses/
top 25% of Purdue, Mac, 40% 3.25 24+/1110+ 3,4,5 on
their high St. Olaf, Gustavus, exams
school class St. Thomas, etc.
Traditional Majority of UM-Morris, UMD,
freshmen in UW-Stout,
top 50% of UW-Eau Claire, 34% 2.25 21+/990+ Not
their high UW-River Falls, Applicable
school class Bemidji, etc.
Liberal Usually
accept all high Normandale
school Community 6% 1.5 18+/870+ Not
graduates, College, DeVRy, Applicable
some etc.
programs are
selective
Open All high Century College, High School None
school Rasmussen, etc. 4% Diploma/GED required Not
graduates are Applicable
accepted
As you can see, your course taking in high school can open doors to types of college that you
can apply to. If being ready to apply to a certain type of college is important to you, please
see “*”next to courses throughout the Upper School Curriculum Guide, that highlight courses
that selective and highly selective colleges and universities will be looking for on your high
school transcript. It is not imperative that you take all courses with an “*” but rather, take
those rigorous courses in which you can earn a B- or better and that fit a balanced schedule.
Your school advisors can assist you with making these determinations.IMPORTANCE OF THE UPPER SCHOOL CURRICULUM
A college preparatory curriculum requires thorough preparation in literature and composition,
mathematics, science and laboratory courses, social studies, and foreign languages. The rigor
of the course work a student takes communicates important information to any college
admissions personnel. Students are assessed on course rigor, grade point average, and test
scores.
All colleges and universities have general requirements unique to their organization. It is
important to understand minimum admission requirements at any given institution. It is also
important to communicate with admissions departments to better understand expectations in
coursework while a student is in high school. This helps informs the student when making
choices about course registration. The following chart provides a comparison of typical
minimum requirements.
Required by
Course State of MN Private HS Public HS University St. Croix Prep
Language
4 4 4 4 4
Arts/English
Mathematics 3 3 3 4* 4
Social
3.5 4 4 2 to 4 4
Sciences
Science 3 3 3 3 to 4 4
World Local
3 0 2 to 4 2
Languages decision
Arts 1 3 1 1 2
Local
Health/PE .5 and 2.5 .5 and 1 Elective 1
decision
Electives 7 0 6.5 2 4
While not
required,
strongly
Service &
encouraged
Yr. End ___ ___ ___ 1.5
and
Presentation
considered
by
admissions
TOTAL 21.5 23 23 23 26.5
Ø For public schools, including charter schools, all students must pass a college and career
ready assessment that meets Minnesota state law and St. Croix Preparatory Academy
School Board Requirements.
Ø Almost all colleges require you take the ACT and/or the SAT to be considered for
admissions. Some institutions have score requirements for entrance.
Ø Credits: typically, classes are held 5 days a week, anywhere from 40-60 minutes. The
equivalent of a yearlong, daily class is 1.0 credit. Semester courses receive .50 credit.
Ø *While the “minimum” requirements may be “3” mathematics credits to be admitted to a
University, typically, as stated on their websites, they mostly admit only those students
who have completed 4 credits of Mathematics while in high school.SCPA Upper School 4-Year Course Plan
th th th th
SCPA Graduation 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 Grade
Requirements Class of 2026 Class of 2025 Class of 2024 Class of 2023
English ____ English 9 ____ English 10 ____ English 11 ____ English 12
OR OR OR OR
____ AP Language &
4 Credits ____ Honors English 9 ____ Honors English 10 ____ AP Literature
Composition
1 credit 1 credit 1 credit 1 credit
Social Studies ____ Human Geography ____ World History ____ U.S. History ____ U.S. Gov't & Econ OR
OR OR OR ____ AP Government OR
4 Credits ____ AP Human Geography ____ AP World History ____AP U.S. History ____ AP Micro/Macro Econ
1 credit 1 credit 1 credit 1 credit
Optional Science Or Other
Science ____ Chemistry ____ Physics
Elective(s)
___ Earth Science OR OR
3 Credits ____AP Chemistry ____ AP Physics B (course title here)
1 credit 1 credit 1 credit 1 credit
Math
4 Credits (course title here) (course title here) (course title here) (course title here)
1 credit 1 credit 1 credit 1 credit
Physical ____ Physical Education &
Education Health 9 - (Required)
1 Credit (course title here) (course title here) (course title here)
1/2 credit 1/2 credit 1/2 credit 1/2 credit
Fine Arts
2 Credits (course title here) (course title here) (course title here) (course title here)
1 credit 1 credit 1 credit 1 credit
World Language
(course title here) (course title here) (course title here) (course title here)
2 Credits
1 credit 1 credit 1 credit 1 credit
4 Other Elective (course title here) (course title here) (course title here) (course title here)
Credits
(course title here) (course title here) course title here) (course title here)
1/2 or 1 credit 1/2 or 1 credit 1/2 or 1 credit 1/2 or 1 credit
____Semester Study Hall ____ Semester Study Hall ____ Semester Study Hall ____ Semester Study Hall
Study Hall
____ FY Study Hall ____ FY Study Hall ____ FY Study Hall ____ FY Study Hall
Service Hours and 10 Hours: .10 credit 10 Hours: .10 credit 10 Hours: .10 credit 20 Hours: .20 credit
HS Performance
1.5 Credits 1 Presentation 1 Presentation 1 Presentation 1 Presentation
Required .25 credit .25 credit .25 credit .25 credit
25.5
Required (credit total) (credit total) (credit total) (credit total)grade Honors English students are asked to
ENGLISH read, write, and discuss ideas at a more
Graduation Requirements: advanced abstract level.
4 Credits
English 10: British Literature with
Standards - Composition
The State of Minnesota requires students in Grade - 10 Full Year – 1.0 Credit
grades 9-12 to be proficient in reading, Prerequisite/s: English 9 or the equivilent
writing, and speaking. In order to comply
with the state standards as well as the Description: Students in English 10 will study
academic goals of this high school, the major works of literature selected from
sequence for grades 9-12 in language arts Macbeth, Canterbury Tales, Frankenstein,
will be as follows: Importance of Being Earnest, Things Fall
Apart, Night, and Animal Farm. Students will
English 9: Ancient Literature focus on the reading skills needed for these
Grade - 9 Full Year – 1.0 Credit complex works. We will examine the
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of 8th relationship between literature and the
grade language arts historical ideas and movements that
influenced them. The writing focus for the
Description: Ninth grade English will study year will be on argumentative writing where
masterpieces in literature with an emphasis students will study the types of arguments,
on ancient literature dating from pre- different ways to structure an argument, and
common era through the 1500s, including: different rhetorical writing devices.
The Epic of Gilgamesh, The
Odyssey, Selections of Ancient Greek Honors English 10: British Literature
Philosophy, A Midsummer Night's Dream, with Composition
Siddhartha, Beowulf, Inferno, Grade - 10 Full Year – 1.0 Credit
Tempest, and Don Quixote. Students will Prerequisite/s: English 9 or the equivilent
develop a deeper understanding of literature
through an exploration of Joseph Campbell’s Description: Students in Honors English 10
hero’s journey, while creating and defending will study major works of literature selected
their own interpretations and ideas relating from Macbeth, Canterbury Tales,
to our texts and supplementary material. A Frankenstein, Importance of Being Earnest,
focus will be placed on core comprehension Things Fall Apart, Night, and Animal Farm.
of texts, while developing written and Students will continue to develop a deep
spoken rhetorical strategies pertaining to understanding of literature and create and
essential question for each text. defend their own interpretations and ideas
by studying different philosophies and
Honors English 9: Ancient Literature approaches to analyzing literature. The
Grade - 9 Full Year – 1.0 Credit writing focus for the year will be on
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of 8th argumentative writing where students will
grade language arts focus on developing their own ideas and
interpretation and then creating cohesive
Description: Honors students will study and persuasive arguments. Honors students
masterpieces in literature dating from pre- will be expected to work on a deeper and
common era through the 1500s, including: more abstract level, including themes,
The Epic of Gilgamesh, The historic context, and literary devices. Honors
Odyssey, Selections of Ancient Greek students will need to be able to read
Philosophy, A Midsummer Night's Dream, complex texts independently and quickly
Siddhartha, Beowulf, Inferno, move beyond the literal level of a text to
Tempest, and Don Quixote. abstract concepts and deep analysis of
Students will develop a deeper literary terms. This course requires summer
understanding of literature through an reading of either Pride and Prejudice or
exploration of Joseph Campbell’s hero’s Great Expectations.
journey, while creating and defending their
own interpretations and ideas relating to our
texts and supplementary material. NinthEnglish 11: American Literature AP Literature: Literature of War and
Grade - 11 Full Year – 1.0 Credit Peace
Prerequisite/s: English 9 and 10 or the Grade - 12 1 Semester -.50 Credit
equivalent Prerequisite/s: English 9, 10, and 11 or the
equivalent
Description: This course is a chronological
survey of American literature. Through close Description: The greatest tragedies in
study of canonical texts, students develop a human history have sparked some of the
deeper understanding of the ways writers most remarkable works of literature. This
use language to provide both meaning and course will examine poetry, fiction, and
pleasure. Additionally, students practice memoir born from war in an effort to better
analytical skills to discuss such questions as understand both history and
“How does literature either reflect or literature. Possible titles include Antigone,
challenge prevailing attitudes of its time?” Cold Mountain, Atonement, The Things They
“To what extent are artifacts of our shared Carried, Slaughterhouse-5, and the collected
cultural past still relevant today?” And “What stories of Ernest Hemingway, in addition to a
binds us as Americans?” Works include The heavy focus on poetry. Writing is focused
Scarlet Letter, The Crucible, The Great on literary analysis and critical theory. This
Gatsby, and A Raisin in the Sun, as well as a course is offered Semester 1. You may elect
variety of essays, poems, and short stories, to take this course on its own, or you may
including such pioneering voices as Poe, choose to follow up with "Victorian
Twain, Dickinson, Whitman, Hughes, and Literature and the Seeds of Modernism"
others. Students complete several written Offered Semester 2.
assignments, including a multi-draft narrative
essay (in preparation for college essays). The
course also includes a review of grammar
AP Literature
Grade - 12 Full Year – 1.0 Credit
concepts in preparation for the ACT. Prerequisite/s: English 9, 10, and 11 or the
equivalent
AP English Language
Grade - 11 Full Year – 1.0 Credit Description: For the student who loves to
Prerequisite/s: English 9 and 10 or the read and write fiction and poetry. This
equivalent course will engage students in studies of
classic works of literature, poetry, and art,
Description: The AP English Language and with a focus on thematic units that
Composition course aligns to an include: War and Peace; Love and Romance;
introductory college-level rhetoric and and Family and Individuality. Works span a
writing curriculum, which requires students wide chronology, from Sophocles’
to develop evidence-based analytic and Antigone to Shakespeare's Othello to the
argumentative essays, both in a timed very contemporary Exit West by Moshin
setting and over the course of several drafts. Hamid. Students will be well prepared to
Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite take the AP Literature exam in the spring.
research to support their arguments while
refining their understanding of grammar and English 12
style. Students learn to analyze non-fiction Grade – 12 Full Year – 1.00 Credit
texts, including graphic images as forms of Prerequisite/s: English 9, 10, and 11 or the
text, from many disciplines and historical equivalent
periods. Note: while this course is reading-
intensive, it centers on non-fiction and the Description: This course will engage
essay form in particular. This is not a students in the discovery of oneself and
literature course. Summer reading working to answer the question, Who AM I?
requirement: two non-fiction books of your Using a variety of skills around reading,
choice, with annotations (a list of writing, speaking, and listening, students will
selections will be provided). engage in various texts from classical to
contemporary, including Orwell’s 1984,
Wiesel’s Night, Sallinger ‘s Catcher in the Rye
and Krakauer’s Into the Wild. Reading
nonfiction to science fiction creates varietywith student choice built in throughout the World History
year. Using novel texts along with short Grade – 10 Full Year – 1.0 Credit
stories and poems, students will engage in Prerequisite/s: Geography
rich conversations and research into
conformity and rebellion.
Description: World History is a yearlong
course that focuses on the development,
SOCIAL SCIENCES dynamics, distribution, and effects of
humankind on the planet. We emphasize
Graduation Requirements: knowledge of and appreciation for the
4 Credits contributions of both Western and non-
Western civilizations from prehistory
Human Geography through modern times. Using primary
Grade – 9 Full Year – 1.0 Credit documents to explore literature, artifacts,
Prerequisite/s: None and other social sciences, students will
practice evaluating sources and crafting
Description: Human Geography is a yearlong arguments to explain historical
course that focuses on the distribution, phenomena. The course is organized around
processes, and effects of human populations cultural, political, economic, and social
on the planet. Units of study include themes. Writing, active reading, note-taking
population, migration, culture, language, skills, and critical thinking skills will also be
religion, ethnicity, political geography, developed.
economic development, industry, agriculture,
and urban geography. Global case studies AP World History
as well as local examples will be studied as Grade – 10 Full Year – 1.0 Credit
students practice the spatial thinking skills of Prerequisite/s: None
geographers. Developing note-taking,
writing and study skills will also be a focus in Description: AP World History is a yearlong
this 9th grade course. course that emphasizes the development of
historical thinking skills alongside the study
of global cultures from 1200 CE to the
AP Human Geography present. AP World History focuses on five
Grade – 9 Full Year – 1.0 Credit
Prerequisite/s: None
basic themes in studying history: interactions
with the environment, development of
Description: AP Human Geography is a cultures, political state building and conflict,
yearlong course that focuses on the creating economic systems, and
distribution, processes, and effects of human transforming social structures. AP World
populations on the planet. Units of study History will build the skills necessary to be
include population, migration, culture, analytical students of history by focusing on
language, religion, ethnicity, political the four thinking skills of AP World History:
geography, economic development, industry, crafting historical arguments using primary
agriculture, and urban geography. Emphasis sources, applying chronological reasoning,
is placed on geographic models and their comparing and contrasting historical
applications. Case studies from around the processes, and evaluating various historical
globe are compared to the situation in both interpretations. This college-level course
the United States and locally in our state. prepares students to take the AP World
Students will practice the types of questions History exam.
and essays found on the AP Human
Geography exam. This college-level course
prepares students to take the AP Human
Geography exam.U.S. History AP Microeconomics/AP
Grade – 11 Full Year – 1.0 Credit Macroeconomics
Prerequisite/s: None Grade – 11-12 Full Year – 1.0 Credit
Prerequisite/s: None
Description: United States History is a year
long course that provides an essential Description: Microeconomics studies the
understanding of the formative events that functions of individual decision makers, both
have shaped us as a people. The course is consumers and producers, within the
designed to provide students with the economic system. It includes a study of
analytical skills and factual knowledge factor markets and the role of government in
necessary to deal critically with the problems promoting greater efficiency and equity in
and ideas that comprise United States the economy. Macroeconomics gives
history. Building on prior knowledge and students a thorough understanding of the
course work, U.S. History focuses on specific principles of the economic system as a
touchstones, or topics, that have impacted whole. It emphasizes monetary and fiscal
the development of America. These topics policies that affect unemployment and
are set within their historical context and inflation as well as international trade and
presented chronologically. The topics focus the value of currency. This college-level
not simply on political history, but rather course prepares students to take the AP
give students an understanding of all facets Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics
of US History and culture. Students will Exams.
examine these topics using all of the
disciplines of the social sciences
(Anthropology, Geography, Economics,
AP Government and Politics: United
Sociology, Psychology, and Political Science) States
in order to form deep connections to the Grade – 11-12 Full Year – 1.0 Credit
Prerequisite/s: None
topics.
Description: This yearlong course focuses on
AP U.S. History the discussion of problems and
Grade – 11 Full Year – 1.0 Credit
Prerequisite/s: None
characteristics of the modern United States
political system. No prior AP course
Description: The AP U.S. History course is experience is necessary to be successful in
designed to provide students with the this class. The course emphasizes discussion
analytic skills and factual knowledge and analysis of key issues in American
necessary to deal critically with the problems politics including the relationships between
and materials in U.S. History. The program Congress, the President, the Courts and the
prepares students for college courses. Bureaucracy; as well as how the media and
Students learn to assess historical interest group impact the political system.
materials—their relevance to a given The course also focuses on campaigns,
interpretive problem, reliability, and elections and an in depth look at civil rights
importance—and to weigh the evidence and and civil liberties. The class is designed to
interpretations presented in historical prepare students for college level
scholarship. Students will develop an coursework in political science and related
awareness of multiple interpretations of social sciences and includes frequent
historical issues in secondary sources and be discussion of political events and application
able to compare developments or trends of key concepts in American politics to
from one period to another. This course current political situations. This course
prepares students to take the AP United prepares students to take the Advanced
States History exam. Placement exam in Government and Politics:
United States.United States Economics and The course builds on a fundamental
Politics knowledge of American government and
Grade – 12 Full Year – 1.0 Credit helps students understand the political
Prerequisite/s: None process and how individual citizens play a
vital role in establishing policy. Students will
Description: This full year course will cover also explore the problems and controversies
the fundamentals needed to understand how prevalent in our republic and evaluate
the United States economic and political solutions and arguments that often come up
systems function. Understanding the in political discourse. A realistic appraisal of
principles taught in the economics portion of government and politics is emphasized and
this course will enable students to have a critically analyzed in a constructive way.
basic knowledge of the workings of the U.S.
economy. We highlight the components of
basic economic macro and micro principles,
and outline micro-economic principles
associated with individual businesses and
households including trade-offs and scarcity.
The macroeconomics concepts we'll explore
delve into the Federal Reserve System and
issues associated with inflation,
unemployment and a worldwide economy.
MATHEMATICS
Graduation Requirements: 4 Credits
Rather than progressing by grade level,
Math courses follow a content and skill progression.
Refer to the flow chart below to note the Math course sequence.
MATHEMATICS
Course Sequence Overview
Middle School High School
Accelerated
Algebra II with
Pre-Calculus
Pre-Calculus
Algebra I Geometry Algebra II and AP Calculus AP Calculus Multivariable
Trigonometry AB BC Calculus
Math for Liberal Arts
Intermediate
Algebra College Algebra
(Offered on a 2-year rotation)
Math Elective:
AP Statistics is an elective for 11th grade students and can be taken as a math credit during 12th
grade only.Intermediate Algebra Accelerated Algebra II with
Full Year – 1.0 Credit Pre-Calculus
Prerequisite/s: Teacher recommendation Full Year – 1.0 Credit
Prerequisite/s: Geometry and teacher
Description: This course will develop and recommendation
reinforce algebraic skills. It will begin with a
review of the rectangular coordinate system, Description: This course is intended for the
graphing, and linear functions and move on student who would like to participate in an
to other functions, including absolute value, accelerated math sequence. This class
exponential, and quadratic. Students will combines coursework from Algebra II and
study data analysis and probability. Further Pre-calculus into 1 year of content. Students
topics will include factoring polynomials, will deepen their knowledge of functions by
solving systems of equations and analyzing a variety of equations including
inequalities, radicals and rational functions. polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, inverse,
These topics will be studied using graphic, and piecewise functions. Students will apply
numeric, symbolic and verbal methods. The their knowledge of the unit circle and the
course will utilize investigation, projects and trigonometric identities to explore advanced
presentations to ensure understanding is trigonometric functions. Additional topics
conveyed through communication. include matrices, vectors, and preparation
for Calculus topics such as rates of change
Geometry and limits.
Full Year – 1.0 Credit
Prerequisite/s: Algebra I or Intermediate Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry
Algebra Full Year – 1.0 Credit
Prerequisite/s: Algebra II
Description: Geometry focuses on spatial
relationships, proof, and probability in Description: This course fully integrates
addition to strengthening algebraic skills. topics from Algebra, Geometry,
Topics include: transformations, symmetry, Trigonometry, and Discrete Mathematics.
relationships between figures, measurements Topics include, but are not limited to:
and properties of plane figures, transformations, advanced trigonometry,
measurements of three-dimensional shapes, area under a curve, piecewise functions,
tools for analyzing and measuring shapes, exponentials and logarithms, limits, rates of
and investigation and proof. change, vectors and parametric equations,
polar and complex numbers, and conic
Algebra II sections.
Full Year – 1.0 Credit
Prerequisite/s: Algebra I and Geometry College Algebra (Elective)
Full Year – 1.0 Credit
Description: Algebra II covers all topics that Prerequisite/s: Algebra II
are traditionally covered in a second-year
algebra course. Real-world problems are Description: This course will reinforce
included along with application to other algebra skills by covering topics such as
subjects. Topics include, but are not limited radicals and rational exponents, factoring
to, the structure of the real numbers system polynomials, rational expressions, graphs,
with an extension into the complex number solving equations (linear, quadratic,
system, mathematical functions (constant, polynomial, rational, exponential,
linear, quadratic, rational, logarithmic, logarithmic, etc.), linear, polynomial, and
exponential), sequences and series rational inequalities, and functions (including
(arithmetic, geometric, quadratic), matrices inverse functions, exponential functions, and
and determinants, trigonometry, logarithmic functions). Learning outcomes
permutations, and probability. include solving a variety of algebraic
equations, creating and understanding
graphs, working with a variety of functions
and applying a variety of algebraic
techniques to real world problems and
applications.AP Calculus AB
Full Year – 1.0 Credit SCIENCE
Prerequisite/s: Pre-Calculus Graduation Requirements: 4 Credits
Description: AP Calculus AB is designed for Earth Science
prospective mathematics majors and Grade - 9 Full Year – 1.0 Credit
students interested in engineering, computer Prerequisite/s: None
science, physics, business, or the life
sciences. The course is the equivalent of a Description: This 9th grade course will cover
first semester college Calculus course. Earth’s processes and place in the universe.
Topics include optimization, limits, Students will study topics including the
differential equations, derivative and integral origin of the universe, evolution of the solar
applications, volumes of revolution, and the system, Earth’s interior and plate tectonics,
Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Students energy and matter in Earth systems,
are encouraged to take the AP Calculus AB landscapes and surface processes, geologic
exam upon completion. history, weather and climate, oceans and
water resources, Minnesota soils and
AP Calculus BC geology, and human impacts on Earth
Full Year – 1.0 Credit systems. Students will build skills in
Prerequisite/s: AP Calculus AB analyzing and interpreting data, using
models in scientific method and reasoning,
Description: This course is a continuation of and using simple mathematics to explain and
Calculus AB, covering material included in a predict natural phenomena.
second semester college Calculus course.
The course will also include other advanced Pre-AP Chemistry (summer course)
mathemathical topics such as Differential Grade - 10 Semester – .50 Credit
Equations and Linear Algebra. Students are Prerequisite/s: Algebra I
encouraged to take the AP Calculus BC
exam upon completion. Description: This course is a completely
online, student paced course. It is a graded
Multivariable Calculus and transcribed prerequisite for AP
Full Year – 1.0 Credit Chemistry for those students who have not
Prerequisite/s: AP Calculus BC previously taken standard Chemistry.
Students must have access to their own
Description: The material in this course is computer and have reliable internet access.
equivalent to Calculus 3 in a semester This course covers the first four chapters of
college curriculum. Topics include: a college chemistry textbook; therefore, the
multivariable functions, three-dimensional course should not be taken lightly! Topics
analytical geometry, partial derivatives, include scientific measurement, atomic
multiple integrals, curves and surfaces, structure, chemical nomenclature, types of
vector fields, Green's Theorem, Stokes' chemical reactions and balancing equations,
Theorem, and Divergence Theorem. stoichiometry and solutions. Students must
Applications include but are not limited to be organized, self-directed, and independent
science, engineering, economics, and learners. Students who haven’t made
ecology. satisfactory progress by the midterm date
may be dropped from the course per
AP Statistics may be used by seniors as a instructor request and moved to standard
fourth-year mathematics credit upon Chemistry in the fall. The instructor will be
successful completion Algebra II and readily available for questions via email or
approval by Principal Sachariason. Please virtual classrooms, and will hold office hours
check with the colleges you are applying to, at SCPA weekly for face-to-face support.
to ensure that this course will satisfy their This course is required for students taking
admissions expectations. Otherwise elective AP Chemistry in the fall unless they have
credit will be granted for this course. See already successfully completed a year of
elective section for course description. standard Chemistry.Chemistry introduced in connection with physics
Grade - 10 Full Year – 1.0 Credit phenomena (i.e. acceleration, work, impulse),
Prerequisite/s: Algebra I and Algebra II or but it is not assumed that students will have
concurrent enrollment taken calculus before or in conjunction with
Physics.
Description: A first year chemistry course
covering Scientific Measurement and AP Physics C: Mechanics
Problem Solving; Atomic Grade - 11-12 Full Year – 1.0 Credit
Structure; Chemical Names and Formulas; Prerequisite/s: Calculus AB or concurrent
Chemical Reactions, Baanced Chemical enrollment
Equations and Stoichiometry; States of
Matter; Thermochemistry; Electronic Description: In this course we will study in
Structure, Periodicity and Bonding; and considerable depth fundamental physics
Solutions, Acids and Bases. Student work will topics in mechanics, including both linear
include book assignments, supplemental and rotational kinematics and dynamics.
worksheets, group challenge problem Sound knowledge of algebra, trigonometry
solving, and frequent quizzes. Students and calculus is REQUIRED for the course. All
should be comfortable with basic algebra students will be well prepared to take the AP
before taking this course. Laboratory work Physics C: Mechanics exam.
will accompany each topic and may require
pre-lab preparation and written formal lab
reports. WORLD
AP Chemistry LANGUAGES
Grade - 10 Full Year – 1.0 Credit Graduation Requirements: 2 Credits
Prerequisite/s: Pre-AP Chemistry or Chemistry World Language Courses are yearlong and may
(full year) with a B- or better and Algebra II or not be dropped mid-year.
concurrent enrollment
Description: Students entering AP Chemistry Latin I (Elective)
should have an understanding of scientific Grade - 9-12 Full Year – 1.0 Credit
Prerequisite/s: None
measurement, atomic structure, chemical
nomenclature, types of chemical reactions,
Description: This course begins a two-year
stoichiometry and solutions. The class will
sequence designed to introduce students to
cover the six main topics of: Atoms and
the vocabulary and grammar of the Latin
Elements, Structure and Properties of Matter,
language. Daily readings, vocabulary study
Chemical Reactions, Kinetics,
and translation will be the focus of
Thermodynamics, and Equilibrium. The lab
homework, while class time will be spent
activities will address each of the main
mastering such grammar concepts as basic
topics of study and most will require formal
verb conjugation and noun declension, the
lab reports. Students are encouraged to
use of case endings, giving commands, the
keep a lab portfolio. Students completing AP
agreement of adjectives and the formation
Chemistry are encouraged to sit for the AP
of adverbs. Successful completion of the
exam in the Spring.
course will find students able to read basic
Latin texts.
Physics
Grade - 11 Full Year – 1.0 Credit Latin II (Elective)
Prerequisite/s: Algebra II
Grade - 10-12 Full Year – 1.0 Credit
Prerequisite/s: Latin I
Description: In this course we will study in
considerable depth such fundamental Description: Latin II is a continuation of the
physics topics as kinematics, mechanics, grammar and vocabulary introduced in Latin
energy, momentum, thermodynamics, waves, I. Students will find daily readings longer and
electricity, magnetism and atomic/nuclear more complex as instruction centers around
physics. Sound knowledge of algebra and conjugation of all verb tenses in both the
trigonometry is REQUIRED for the course. active and passive voices, the declension of
Some basic calculus concepts will be all noun families, the use of participles andinfinitives, the construction of indirect Spanish I (Elective)
statements, the comparison of adjectives Grade - 9-12 Full Year – 1.0 Credit
and adverbs, and the use of irregular verbs, Prerequisite/s: None
among other topics. Students will explore
passages in both modified and unabridged Description: Students will begin to acquire
Latin. the language through strategies which focus
on comprehension, personal interest, and
Latin III (Elective) repetition. Emphasis is placed upon
Grade - 11-12 Full Year – 1.0 Credit communicating in the target language about
Prerequisite/s: Latin II
familiar themes including school, family,
travel, and the culture of the people who
Description: This Latin literature course speak this modern world language. We will
also read level appropriate novels to provide
focuses not just on reading and translating
students more access to Spanish in context.
Latin, but also on understanding, analyzing
and interpreting the literature. Students will
acquaint themselves with the epic and love Spanish II (Elective)
poetry of Ovid, Horace and Catullus and Grade - 9-12 Full Year – 1.0 Credit
Prerequisite/s: Spanish I or instructor approval
become familiar with the times and
circumstances under which these poets
Description: Students continue to explore
lived. Mythology and ancient religion will be
the language and the cultures of the people
a major theme of the course, as students will
who speak this modern world language.
be reading in its entirety in English Ovid's
Students further their ability to understand
mythological masterpiece, "the
Metamorphoses", and translating passages spoken and written Spanish. Topics may
as well. The year will end with an analysis of include sports, dating in Latin America,
the life of Julius Caesar. songs from the Spanish-speaking world, and
important historic events. We will also read
level-appropriate novels to provide students
Honors Latin IV: Vergil and Caesar more access to Spanish in context.
(Elective) Grade – 12 Full Year – 1.0 Credit Communication will take place in Spanish
Prerequisite/s: Latin II and we will focus on high frequency
vocabulary through repetition,
Description: This Latin literature course comprehension, and personal interest.
focuses not just on reading and translating
Latin, but also on understanding, analyzing
Accelerated Spanish II-III (Elective)
and interpreting the literature. Students will Grade: 10-12 Full Year – 1.0 Credit
acquaint themselves with selections from Prerequisite/s: Spanish I or instructor approval
Vergil's "Aeneid" as well as Julius Caesar’s
commentary on the Gallic Wars. The Description: Students continue to explore
"Aeneid" will be read entirely in English; the language and the cultures of the people
students will translate select passages who speak this modern world language.
throughout the book as well. The course will Students further their ability to understand
also explore the historical context and spoken and written Spanish. Topics may
influence of Vergil and Caesar as well as the include sports, dating in Latin America,
impact of the civil wars of the 1st century songs from the Spanish-speaking world, and
BCE on Roman politics and society. Roman important historic events. We will also read
history will be examined thoroughly from the level-appropriate novels to provide students
foundation of the Republic through the more access to Spanish in context. The
collapse of the Empire. second semester will focus on
communicating about events in the past.
Communication will take place in Spanish
and we will focus on high frequency
vocabulary through repetition,
comprehension, and personal
interest. This course is a combination of
Spanish II and III, focusing on the most
important topics from each course.Spanish III (Elective)
Grade - 10-12 Full Year – 1.0 Credit FINE ARTS
Prerequisite/s: Spanish I, II or instructor Graduation Requirements: 2 Credits
approval All Music courses that are yearlong may not be
dropped mid-year.
Description: Students will utilize their
previously acquired language skills in order
to work towards fluency in the target
Concert Band (Elective)
Grade - 8-12 Full Year – 1.0 Credit
language. Students will develop their Prerequisite/s: Entrance determined by audition
command of the language by reading short
novels and communicating predominantly in Description: This performing ensemble is
the target language on a variety of topics. open to students in grades 8-12 who play
We will also read level appropriate novels to woodwind, brass, and percussion
provide students more access to Spanish in instruments or are interested in learning an
context. instrument. Students will develop their
technical and musical abilities on their
Honors Spanish IV (Elective) instruments through scale studies, rhythm
Grade - 11-12 Full Year – 1.0 Credit exercises, chorales, and full band pieces.
Prerequisite/s: Successful completion of Students are assessed through playing tests,
Spanish through level III or instructor approval
written exercises, and concert performances.
Students participate in three band concerts
Description: Students will improve and
throughout the year, one pep band
refine their previously acquired language
performance, and the SCPA Solo and
skills. Emphasis will be placed upon the
Ensemble Festival with a small ensemble.
integration of novels, facilitation of class
discussions, writing and reading tasks, and
comprehension of practices and products of Wind Ensemble (Elective)
Grade - 9-12 Full Year – 1.0 Credit
the target culture. We will also read level
Prerequisite/s: Entrance determined by audition
appropriate novels to provide students more
access to Spanish in context.
Description: This advanced performing
ensemble is open to students in grades 9-12
AP Spanish (Elective)
who play woodwind, brass, and percussion
Grade - 11-12 Full Year – 1.0 Credit
Prerequisite/s: Successful completion of instruments. Students will work toward
Spanish through level IV or instructor approval competency in all areas of music
(performing, composing, conducting,
Description: AP Spanish will complete an listening, discussing) so that they
advanced placement curriculum, which will understand what they play and why. The
include reading and listening to authentic band will develop technical skills through the
Spanish texts, discussions in the target use of scale studies, rhythm exercises, and
language, and writing essays and emails in chorales. These skills will be put to use in the
Spanish. Evaluations will be modeled on the performance of quality repertoire, which
AP exam. The course will be structured ranges from band classics to modern
around the six AP Language and Culture compositions. Students are assessed through
themes: global challenges, science and playing tests, written exercises, listening
technology, contemporary life, personal and homework, and performances. Required
public identities, families and communities, performances include three full band
and beauty and aesthetics. Students are concerts at SCPA, a performance at the
encouraged to take the AP exam in May. MSHSL Large Group Contest, and
participation in the SCPA Solo and Ensemble
Festival in both a solo and small ensemble
event. Private lessons outside school are
encouraged. Students in Wind Ensemble
earn Honors credit.Jazz Band (Elective) Chamber Choir are required to participate in
Grade - 9-12 Full Year – 1.0 Credit several evening concerts, the MSHSL Large
Prerequisite/s: Entrance determined by Group Contest, and Solo and Ensemble
audition. Students in Jazz Band as a freshman Festival. Extra singing opportunities
or sophomore must be enrolled concurrently in including guest clinicians, short, traveling
Concert Band or another large group ensemble. performances, contests, and retreats will also
be scheduled throughout the year.
Description: Jazz Band covers the music
considered America's earliest original art
Collaborative Piano
form with a foundation in blues and swing Grade - 9-12 Full Year – 1.0 Credit
music through Latin, funk, and other styles. Prerequisite/s: Enrolled by audition and must
Students also study jazz theory and be studying with a private teacher or have had
improvisation. The group performs at SCPA, private lessons
in the community, and at regional jazz
festivals. Private lessons outside of school Description: Collaborative Piano is a course
are strongly encouraged. Students in Jazz for advanced piano players who wish to gain
Band may enroll in the fall in Honors Jazz experience in accompanying. Students will
Band, a sub-section of the full band with an receive instruction to accompany both
additional class meeting and a focus on instrumental and vocal groups and solos.
developing improvisation and performance They will learn techniques to follow
skills. directors, musicians, as well as harmonize a
melodic line, compose choral
Concert Choir (Elective) accompaniment and lead sectional
Grade - 9-12 Full Year – 1.0 Credit rehearsals. Students will accompany
Prerequisite/s: None choirs/ensembles during the school day; as
well have the opportunity to accompany
Description: This is a non-auditioned, mixed groups at concerts, festivals, and solo and
choir of sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses. ensemble contests.
Singers will develop skills in sight-singing,
reading music notation, choral score reading, Concert Orchestra (Elective)
singing technique, choral blend and artistry, Grade - 9-12 Full Year – 1.0 Credit
music theory/history, and team building. Prerequisite/s: Entrance determined by audition
Concert Choir will study and sing a wide
variety of musical styles and preform in 3-4 Description: This performing ensemble is
concerts during the year. Students will have open to students in grades 9-12 who play
one 30-minute voice lesson every other violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will
week and will be encouraged to participate develop their technical and musical abilities
in Solo and Ensemble Contest. Choir on their instrument through scales, rhythm
members will ahave the opportunity to studies, shifting, vibrato, and string ensemble
audition for various MN Honors Choirs. pieces. Students are assessed with playing
tests, written exercises, listening homework
and concert performances. Students
Chamber Choir (Elective)
Grade – 10 & 12 Full Year – 1.0 Credit
participate in three orchestra concerts
Prerequisite/s: Entrance determined by audition through the year. Private lessons outside
school are strongly recommended.
Description: The Chamber Choir is an
auditioned ensemble group of 10th through Chamber Orchestra (Elective)
12th grade sopranos, altos, tenors, and Grade - 9-12 Full Year – 1.0 Credit
basses. Membership is based on Prerequisite/s: Entrance determined by audition
musicianship skills, ear training, ability to
Description: This advanced performing
sing independently and work ethic. Singers
will focus on singing technique, blend, ensemble is open to students in grades 9-12
balance, intonation, and musical who play violin, viola, cello, or
independence. This choir will learn rigorous bass. Students will focus on musical
material and repertoire will span a variety of phrasing and technique on their instrument
styles. Singers will have one 30-minute voice through advanced repertoire that requires
lesson every other week. Students in shifting, vibrato and high-level bow
technique. Students are assessed withplaying tests, written exercises, listening worked with throughout their semester in
homework and concert Drawing I and adds new materials such as oil
performances. Students participate in 3-5 and chalk pastels. Students will continue to
concerts through the year and a field trip to enhance their understanding and technical
MSHSL Large Ensemble Contest. Private skills by adding more skill, depth, and
lessons outside school are strongly concept to the images they are working
recommended. with. Students will be pushed to find their
personal style, study major trends and
AP Music Theory (Elective) influences in contemporary art while working
Grade - 10-12 Full Year – 1.0 Credit on a variety of the solutions.
Prerequisite/s: Teacher Recommendation
Painting I (Elective)
Description: AP Music Theory is designed for Grade - 9-12 1 Semester –.50 Credit
students who want to develop their written Prerequisite/s: Drawing I
music theory, aural, and sight-singing skills.
Students also apply music theory to music Description: This course is designed to
composition and cover a broad outline of engage and introduce the beginning level
Western music history. Extensive prior student with a wide variety of painting
musical experience is required for this techniques and important historical periods
course. Students who do well in this class are and artists in painting. Historical periods,
well prepared to take the AP Music Theory contemporary artists as well as techniques
Exam. such as color theory, watercolor, acrylic, and
mixed media processes will be considered.
Drawing I (Elective) Students will study color, composition,
Grade - 9-12 1 Semester –.50 Credit landscape, cityscape, still life, abstraction,
Prerequisite/s: None working from photographs and working
from observation.
Description: This course is designed for the
student who is interested in building their Painting II (Elective)
technical skills in drawing, direct observation Grade - 10-12 1 Semester –.50 Credit
and compositional space. Students will Prerequisite/s: Painting I
become proficient in a variety of drawing
media such as; charcoal, ink, color pencils, Description: This course is designed to build
graphite, and mixed media. Each student upon the techniques and subject matter
will develop a working knowledge of presented in Painting I. Students will further
compositional space, still life, perspective, develop their understanding of techniques
portraiture, as well as artists and historical such as watercolor, acrylic, tempera, and
concepts that have shaped the way we view mixed media. The subject matter and
the art of drawing today. This class will rely historical periods covered will depend upon
heavily on the art of seeing and help the Painting I curriculum and pick up from
students to become more proficient at direct what could not be fully covered.
observation techniques as well as working
with appropriated images. This is an
Ceramics I (Elective)
excellent class for the student who loves to Grade – 10-12 1 Semester –.50 Credit
draw and wants to learn the techniques and Prerequisite/s: 7th-8th grade art with Mr.
materials to become more successful in this Sorenson or Drawing I
field.
Description: This class is designed to
Drawing II (Elective) enhance the technical, functional, historical
Grade - 9-12 1 Semester –.50 Credit and aesthetic understanding of working with
Prerequisite/s: Drawing I or letter of clay. Students taking this class will study a
recommendation from previous school and variety of hand building and wheel throwing
digital images of student’s previous work or methods alongside historical trends and
instructor approval influences. Students will investigate
functional and sculptural clay methods and
Description: This course builds upon the ceramicists. Techniques introduced will
techniques, tools, and media that students include but not limited to; pinch, coil, slab,tile making, glaze chemistry, firing methods, and/or 3D classes and is wanting to expand
and some wheel throwing. their knowledge of other mediums and
approaches to art making as well as develop
Ceramics II (Elective) their personal style. The class is designed to
Grade - 10-12 1 Semester –.50 Credit help the mature art student problem solve a
Prerequisite/s: Ceramics I variety of techniques, materials, and art
history that have not been covered in
Description: This class is designed to build previous art classes. Methodologies might
upon the skills, strategies and techniques include but are not limited to printmaking,
that were introduced in Ceramics I. Students sculpture, textiles, painting, experimental
will go into greater depth exploring glaze drawing, and mixed media. Students taking
effects, wheel throwing techniques, hand this class will be encouraged to explore and
building methods, and ceramic traditions produce art that exemplifies their personal
and influences. Students will engage in style and passion in art, by diving deeper
independent work and create a body of into advanced materials as well as off-site
pieces displaying throwing or hand building museum visits, guest artists, field trips and
methodology. Research of ceramic artists open studio sessions.
and ceramics history is presented alongside
clay making. Visits to pottery studios, Yearbook (Elective)
galleries, and museums is an integral part of Grade - 10-12 Full Year –1.0 Credit
the curriculum of this semester. Prerequisite/s: Completed Application and
instructor approval
Printmaking (Elective) Description: Students interested in
Grade - 10-12 1 Semester –.50 Credit
constructing the SCPA Yearbook will have
Prerequisite/s: Beginning Drawing is required.
Beginning Painting is encouraged and most an opportunity to develop their graphic
helpful. design and leadership skills, explore
journalism and photography while adhering
Description: Printmaking is an amazing art to timely deadlines. Students will become
process used by artists from many skilled in using Balfour StudioWorks
disciplines that combines drawing, painting, software. This class can be taken each year.
carving, layering, and mixed media. This Students interested in joining yearbook must
course teaches students the principles and fill out an application for the course and
techniques of relief/linoleum prints, mono- submit it with their schedule request to the
prints, collographs, etchings, and gel Upper School office. Applications will be
printing/foam printing. Students will develop made available in the upper school office
the technical aspects of each process and and in the art room (103B).
work with units that use the imagery of
endangered species, historical buildings and Digital Photography I (Elective)
architecture, social change, and independent Grade - 9-12 1 Semester –.50 Credit
ideas and drawing subject matter that Prerequisite/s: None
students feel successful with. This class also
explores a variety of historical and Description: Introduction to Digital
contemporary examples in printmaking to Photography is a course designed to
help students understand each medium and introduce students to the camera, editing
how it relates to their own work and the software, and website building used in the
work of other artists. medium of photography today. Students will
learn how to use different settings with their
Honors Art (Elective) cameras to create personal imagery and will
Grade - 11-12 1 Semester –.50 Credit begin to develop a visual vocabulary to
Prerequisite/s: Minimum of three Upper School discuss and write about photography.
art classes in a variety of 2D and/or 3D
disciplines, portfolio of 5 different works of art
in different media, paragraph on why you would
like to take this course, and instructor approval.
Description: This class is designed for the
art student who has taken a variety of 2DDigital Photography II (Elective) situations. In this course students will
Grade - 10-12 1 Semester -.50 Credit become American Red Cross first aid and
Prerequisite/s: Digital Photography I CPR/AED certified. Training will be hands on
and classroom based.
Description: In Digital Photography II,
students will continue to develop their voice Fitness for Girls (Elective)
when creating digital photos. The students Grade - 10-12 1 Semester –.50 Credit
will continue to further their knowledge of Prerequisite/s: None
the camera setting and lighting in the
production of photographs. Students will Description: This course is designed for girls
work on series work and follow artistic only who are looking to explore a variety of
themes. different workout options. It will emphasize
personal fitness through strength training,
cross training and cardiovascular training.
PHYSICAL Some of actvities will include weights, yoga,
pilates, kick boxing and much more.
EDUCATION
Graduation Requirements: 1 Credit Weights and Conditioning
(Elective)
Physical Education/Health Grade - 10-12 1 Semester –.50 Credit
Grade - 9-12 1 Semester –.50 Credit Prerequisite/s: Physical Education/Health
Prerequisite/s: None
Description: This is a great course to stay on
Description: This class will focus on refining top of or improve your physical fitness.
skills for a variety of lifelone fitness activities Students will set personal fitness goals and
while increasing comprehension of the sport, work to achieve them during the semester.
play and teamwork. Fitness is the core As we work to achieve those goals, we will
focus. Students will run the mile, test their explore different types of workouts and
core strength, and measure their flexibility in training methods including circuit training,
the fall and spring. Health Education will 5K training and various other programs.
also be worked into this course. It is
preferred that this course be taken as a Team Sports Fall (Elective)
freshman or sophomore. Grade - 10-12 1 Semester –.50 Credit
Prerequisite/s: None
Recreational Sports (Elective)
Grade - 9-12 1 Semester –.50 Credit Description: In this course students gain
Prerequisite/s: None instruction and strategies to participate in
various team sports during the fall season.
Description: This course will explore various Some of the sports will include soccer,
recreational sports and leisure activities in a football, volleyball, team handball, floor
more relaxed environment. Some of the hockey and much more. The concepts of
activities included are archery, yard games, cooperation, teamwork and sportsmanship
badminton/pickle ball, volleyball, winter are stressed.
outdoor activities, bowling and more.
Team Sports Spring (Elective)
First Aid and CPR (Elective) Grade - 10-12 1 Semester –.50 Credit
Grade - 9-12 1 Semester –.50 Credit Prerequisite/s: None
Prerequisite/s: None
Description: In this course students gain
Description: This course is a great instruction and strategies to participate in
opportunity for those who may be interested various team sports during the spring
in a career in the health field, babysitters, season. Some of the sports will include team
athletes and those who want the experience. handball, basketball, softball, cricket and
Students will learn proper first aid for much more. The concepts of cooperation,
common injuries, burns, treatment of a teamwork and sportsmanship are stressed.
choking victim and much more. Knowing
CPR can save a life in cardiac arrestYou can also read
