Creative Writing is a rigorous elective course for students interested in continuing to improve their use of multi-sensory imagery, figurative language, and other literary devices in their own imaginative, personal written expression. Students will write, revise and present a variety of original written works. May be repeated once for credit.

Journalism includes the study of media with the main emphasis on the newspaper as a medium. Areas of focus include news, sports, feature and editorial writing, interviewing, page layout and design, advertising, typography, gathering news, headline writing, standards of good newspaper practice, meeting deadlines, and vocabulary used in the medium. A variety of computer applications are utilized. This course is a prerequisite for the newspaper and yearbook staffs.

You must enter both course codes in order to register for this yearlong class, which pairs the Business Foundations elective with English I Honors.

This integrated English I Honors and Business Foundations course fosters in students a real-world, in-depth understanding of literacy in areas of speaking, listening, reading, writing, technology, and integrated presentation of information. An example concerning how the subjects are integrated can be found in the use of The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. With this text, students meet Gregor who due to his family’s financial struggles has an interesting metamorphosis. This literature is combined with a personalized project where students plan for their financial future including budgeting and financial literacy.

Students will engage in real world projects, competitions, scholarship opportunities through arenas such as Poetry Out Loud, Future Business Leaders of America, and many written assignments being connected to real audiences such as the Peoria Celebrate the Constitution essay contest.

This course also offers dual enrollment for Business Foundations as GBS 151 (General Business 151),  an introduction of business concepts such as personal finance, entrepreneurship, career research, and technological literacy.

Those interested in viewing the scope of FBLA opportunities may click HERE. Students will complete some events as class assignments: Job Interview, Intro to Business Presentation, Personal Finance, and Sales Presentation. Students can also choose to compete in these or others as desired. Those wishing to know more can view this introductory video by clicking HERE.

Course Fee: $100.00

Summer Camp Required

Satisfies Physical Education Credit Requirement

This course includes the study, rehearsal and performance of marching band music and maneuvers. They perform field shows, parades and adjudicated events. Students are required to attend all rehearsals and performances, some of which extend beyond the normal school day and attendance is required as a part of the student’s grade. This course can be repeated for credit.

This course includes the study, rehearsal, and performance of concert band music. The group may perform in concerts and festivals. Performances are held outside the regular school day, and attendance at all of these events is required as a part of the student’s grade. Admission to this course is with band director’s approval. This course may be repeated for credit.

Requires Audition or Teacher Recommendation

This course includes the study, rehearsal, and performance of jazz music. Students learn various styles and the basic elements of improvisation. The group performs in concerts and festivals. Most performances and festivals are held outside the regular school day, and attendance at all these events is required as a part of the student’s grade. Admission to this course is by audition and/or with band director approval. This course may be repeated for credit.

Requires Audition or Teacher Recommendation

This course includes the study, rehearsal, and performance of orchestral music. Students learn various styles and the basic elements of performance. The group may perform in concerts and festivals. Most performances and festivals are held outside the regular school day and attendance at all the events is required as part of the student’s grade. Admission to this course is by audition and/or with band director’s approval. This course may be repeated for credit.

This is a choral group of boys and girls for the study, rehearsal, and performance of all types of vocal material. Special attention will be paid to vocal tone production, style, diction, and dynamics. Music reading is taught. This is an excellent background for those wishing to begin or further their vocal music studies. Several performances are scheduled throughout the year, and ALL PERFORMANCES ARE REQUIRED. This course may be repeated for credit. Most performances occur after school hours.

Prerequisite: Choral Mixed

May Require Teacher Recommendation

This is an advanced choral ensemble of experienced singers, selected by the director, designed for the study, rehearsal, and performance of high-quality vocal literature of all types. Special attention will be on high quality performance through the study of vocal production, tone, quality, diction, and balance. Advanced music reading is taught. This is a performing group, and all performances are required. Most performances occur after school hours. This course may be repeated for credit.

This is a choral ensemble of boys and girls that combines dance and singing of modern music together to create unforgettable performances. This is a performing group, and all performances are required. Most performances occur after school hours. This course may be repeated for credit.

This course serves as both an introductory and an advanced keyboard class. It includes the study, rehearsal, and performance of the piano. Through this course students will learn basic theory skills, keyboard technique, and performance practices. Students will learn music in various styles and will have the opportunity to learn basic composition skills. This course allows students to progress at their own level and offers instruction for the beginning player as well as the more advanced performer. There may be required after school performances associated with this class.

This course includes the study, rehearsal, and performance of the guitar. It features an overview of music theory for the guitar, reading and performing guitar literature in different styles, composition, and the sharing of original music. This course will also teach ear training, chords and scales, and music notation skills allowing students to put on paper the music they hear. There may be required after school performances associated with this class.

This course will explore the making of music through computer-generated technology. Students will learn basic music theory from their compositions on the computer and will compose first from pre-recorded loops and second from recordings they make themselves. Students will use software as a digital workstation recording and playing back multiple tracks of audio chosen and performed by the student. Students may also work collaboratively with other performing and visual arts student to create presentation quality music tracks.

This course is an overview of all phases of Theatre. Students will learn technical acting skills and be introduced to several development techniques as well Theatre terminology. Students may be required to put in four hours each term on some phase of Theatre, outside of class. Students are also required to see one outside production each semester as well as all in school productions. Students must pass their self-growth assessments for this course with 70% or better to continue to Theatre Arts II.

Prerequisite: Theatre Arts I

This course is a continuation of Theatre Arts I, but with a greater emphasis on acting and the method. Students may be required to work a minimum of eight hours on some phase of production, as well as see one outside production each semester and attend all in school productions. Analytical writing becomes a greater emphasis. Students must pass their self-growth assessments for this course with 70% or better to continue to Theatre Arts III.

Theatrical Production Design I will teach the fundamentals of play production and execution. Students are introduced to analysis, design and evaluation of scripts and production requirements, as well as set construction, costuming, props, make-up business management, sound, and lighting techniques. Students will have hands on experience i.e., painting, set construction (dressing out is required). This course maybe repeated for credit.

Prerequisite: Production Design I

Production Design II is the second course in Production Design and allows students to focus on personal areas of interest. Students are required to complete four design projects and present them in portfolio format to a panel of adjudicators. Students must be a crew member for a main stage production. Students must pass the portfolio assessment for this course with 70% or better to continue to Production Design III.

Satisfies Physical Education Credit Requirement

This course is an introduction into Ballet, Jazz, and Modern Dance styles. The emphasis of the class is on technique, choreography, and performance. Students need no previous dance experience to participate in, experience, understand and succeed in this course. Performance is required. This course may be repeated for credit.  Can be a PE credit
DRESS: Dance wear is required.

Course Fee: $30.00

This course is designed to develop an understanding and enjoyment of art and its relationship to everyday life. Students learn the basic techniques of visual arts using a wide variety of art materials with the basic elements, and principles of design. This course is designed to give students many and varied experiences. Students will begin preparation of a portfolio.

Prerequisite: Art I

Course Fee: $30.00

Art II is an intermediate study of art where previous elements and principles of art skills are applied and is based on the functions of art in today’s society and in history. Sketching, drawing, painting, printmaking, and art history will be the primary area of student development and study. Development of a portfolio will continue as a class emphasis.

Course Fee: $30.00

The students will be introduced to basic ceramic processes: clay, design, glazes, and firing. They learn various techniques in hand-built ceramic pieces such as pinch, coil, and slab methods. They will be expected to plan and design their own ceramic ware.

Prerequisite: Ceramics I

Course Fee: $30.00

The students will investigate ceramics at an advanced level through basic wheel throwing, advanced hand-built sculpture problems, alternative firing methods, and handmade glazes.

Course Fee: $30.00

The students will learn the basic operation of cameras, image capture tools, and processing of photographic images. The class will use their film and/or media to make prints in a lab environment. The students will create several projects that make use of the technical controls on a variety of photographic equipment. Emphasis will be placed on assembling a portfolio that is artistically and technically correct. The consumable fee may not cover the entire cost of the projects. Student access to a 35mm and/or digital camera is strongly recommended.

Prerequisite: Photo I

Course Fee: $30.00

The Photo II class will expand on the skills acquired in Photo I to create prints featuring a variety of darkroom techniques. Emphasis will be on creative expression and the fine tuning of artistic composition. The final exam will be in the form of a completed portfolio that follows classroom assignments and provides evidence of artistic expression. The consumable fee may not cover the entire cost of projects. Access to a 35mm and/or camera is strongly recommended.

French l is an introduction to the language and culture of the target language countries. This class consists of the four basic skill areas of writing, speaking, reading, and listening comprehension. These skills and the culture element are addressed through basic conversational and grammatical structures.

Prerequisite: French I

French II is a continuation of the study of the language and culture of target language countries. The speaking, reading, writing, and listening comprehension skills are reviewed and reinforced. These skills and the culture element continue to be addressed using basic conversational and grammatical structures.

Spanish I is an introduction to the language and culture of the target language countries. This class consists of the four basic skill areas of writing, speaking, reading, and listening comprehension. These skills and the culture element are addressed through basic conversational and grammatical structures.

Prerequisite: Spanish I

Spanish II is a continuation of the study of the language and culture of target language countries. The speaking, reading, writing, and listening comprehension skills are reviewed and reinforced. These skills and the culture element continue to be addressed using basic conversational and grammatical structures.

Japanese I is an introduction to the language and culture of the target language countries. This class consists of the four basic skill areas of writing, speaking, reading, and listening comprehension. These skills and the culture element are addressed through basic conversational and grammatical structures.

Prerequisite: Japanese I

Japanese II is a continuation of the study of the language and culture of target language countries. The speaking, reading, writing, and listening comprehension skills are reviewed and reinforced. These skills and the culture element continue to be addressed using basic conversational and grammatical structures.

Course Fee: $20.00

Satisfies Physical Education Credit Requirement

Beginning Weight Training and Body Conditioning is an advanced physical education course designed for students interested in total body fitness. Emphasis will be placed on weight training and its relationship to the health-related fitness components. Students will be tested on the major muscles, exercises for specific body parts, terminology, and training principles. This course is a prerequisite for Advanced Weight Training. This course may be repeated for credit. Can count as PE credit.

Course Fee: $20.00

Satisfies Physical Education Credit Requirement

Beginning Weight Training and Body Conditioning is an advanced physical education course designed for students interested in total body fitness. Emphasis will be placed on weight training and its relationship to the health-related fitness components. Students will be tested on the major muscles, exercises for specific body parts, terminology, and training principles. This course is a prerequisite for Advanced Weight Training. This course may be repeated for credit. Can count as PE credit.

Course Fee: $25.00

Description similar to above.  Focusing on specific sports.  .5 credit course must be taken twice and does not count as PE graduation requirement

Course Fee: $25.00

Description similar to above.  Focusing on specific sports.  .5 credit course must be taken twice and does not count as PE graduation requirement

This course is an overview to all aspects of the business environment. If you have an interest in owning a business or a career in business, marketing, finance or management, this course is for you. Come learn how to apply technology to business practices that will advance your computer skills in an interactive lab. Career and entrepreneurship units are included. Dual credit may be obtained from the Maricopa Community College system for this program at high schools offering this option.

Course Fee: $25.00

Prerequisite: Business Foundations

This course is designed to help students understand basic accounting principles and procedures and the handling of daily recording of the financial activities of a small business. A practice set will be completed which includes all financial activities for a business for a one-month period. Students will also learn the basic skills of 10-key calculators. Dual credit may be obtained from the Maricopa Community College system for this program at high schools offering this option.

Marketing is offered to students who have an interest in learning about the fields of business, sales, marketing, merchandising, and management occupations. In the Marketing course, students will experience many different parts of the marketing process including advertising, sales, display, human relations, management, and communication. The campus student store is a hands-on laboratory setting for the students to apply marketing concepts and will be utilized in the marketing class instruction. Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) standards will be an integral part of this class. Dual credit may be obtained from the Maricopa Community College system for this program at high schools offering this option.

Requires Algebra I Completion or Concurrent Enrollment

This course will enable the student to learn the skills and concepts currently used in the information technology industry in a computer lab. Topics include computer maintenance, computer programming, networks, and web pages. Students increase problem-solving skills while developing computer programs using a variety of languages. This course will consist of a wide range of projects beginning with basic computer science skills and culmination with student-designed interactive projects/games. Dual credit may be obtained from the Maricopa Community College system for this program at high schools offering this option.

Prerequisite: Computer Programming & Technology

This course is an introduction to game design, game development and game theory. Students will use appropriate gaming platform and windows development tools to model real-time simulations to create computer games and to produce software. Dual credit may be obtained from the Maricopa Community College system for this program at high schools offering this option. This course may be repeated twice for credit.

Prerequisites: Computer Programming & Technology, Algebra I

The course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles also gives students the opportunity to use current technologies to create computational artifacts for both self-expression and problem solving. Together, these aspects of the course make up a rigorous and rich curriculum that aims to broaden participation in computer science. 

Course Fee: $20.00

The Media Technology course is designed to give students an overview of photo-editing software, video editing software and various presentation software, with an emphasis on art and design. Students use script writing, lighting techniques, and sound editing to create projects that are used for film, television, and the Internet. Students will learn how to create and manipulate photo-realistic images and analog/digital video using a variety of software and will incorporate these files into a variety of multimedia projects. Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) standards will be an integral part of this class.

An introductory course for those interested in pursuing careers in the medical field and leading to the completion of the Sports Medicine Program, this course will cover basic human anatomy and physiology, human diseases, disorders and treatments and medical terminology/abbreviations. This course prepares students for various medical careers such as physical therapist, doctor, EMT, dentist, athletic trainer, and other health care fields.

Course Fee: $20.00

The Intro to Culinary Arts class is an entry-level course for the Culinary Arts Program. Students are introduced to kitchen equipment, organization and operations, sanitation and safety, nutrition, food preparation and cooking skills. Workplace skills including communication, teamwork, leadership, and personal development are emphasized. Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) standards will be an integral part of this class. Dual credit may be obtained from the Maricopa Community College system for this program at high schools offering this option.

Course Fee: $10.00

This course examines the developing child from conception through early childhood. Areas of study include the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth of children. Students gain an understanding of issues related to child development. Students evaluate developmental growth in children through study and observation in a preschool setting. Students learn skills for interacting with children and for effective caregivers. Students explore career options related to children. Dual credit may be obtained for this program at high schools offering this option.

Course Fee: $10.00

Auto Tech I is designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of maintenance and repair of vehicles. Subjects covered are tune-up, lubrication, emission control, brakes, tires, wheels, shop orientation, and safety. The shop work is limited to learning the testing procedures in these areas using computerized technology. Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) standards will be an integral part of this class. Successful completion of the program may qualify students to receive the Mastery of Subject Area Graduation Endorsement. Students are encouraged to work with their program teachers to determine eligibility.

Course Fee: $10.00

The course is designed to introduce the student to the building trades industry. Students will complete units in tool safety, power tool usage, electricity, plumbing, ceramic tile, sheet rock, framing, stucco, plan reading and surveying.

Course Fee: $20.00

Prerequisite: Construction I

This course is designed to give students hands-on real application in the building trades. Career and occupational competencies are taught in plumbing, electrical, sheet rock, framing, ceramic tile, blueprint reading, power tool usage and painting. In this course, student will construct a large-scale project.

Course Fee: $15.00

Requires Algebra I Completion or Concurrent Enrollment

This course is designed to introduce students to the world of Engineering Design. The course is recommended for any student who plans to pursue future training in any of the sixteen types of engineering programs in the industry. Students use a problem-solving model to improve existing products while going through the development process to create new products. Computer assisted instruction; lab activities and classroom discussion will be used to teach basic building skills and engineering concepts.

Course Fee: $15.00

Prerequisite: Engineering I

This introductory course explores the wide variety of careers in engineering and related fields. The technology covers various technology systems and manufacturing processes. Using activities, projects, and problems, students learn first-hand how engineers and technicians use math, science, and technology in an engineering problem-solving process to benefit society. The use of CAD/CAM industry-based software and equipment will be an extensive part of this course. Students will use state of the art robotic software to move and build support structures. Students will apply concepts of mechanical, electrical, and control systems in various design problems.