Mathematics

The Mathematics Department strives to develop in every student a mastery of problem-solving skills and logical thinking.  Emphasis is placed on basics with a strong focus on problem solving, including application to the sciences and other areas of study. Each course is aligned to the  National Math Standards and Mathematical Practices, allowing for alignment from one course to the next. Graphing calculators and computers are used to enhance students’ understanding of advanced mathematical concepts in a technological world. Students are able to explore mathematical concepts by hands on projects and real world experiences that allow them to see how math is actually used in everyday careers. Graduation requirements include enrollment in a mathematics course during each year of Upper School with successful completion of a minimum of four Carnegie Units of mathematics. A student who has taken Algebra I in eighth grade must still take math every year of upper school.

Course Offerings:

Algebra I, II

Geometry

PreCalculus

Advanced Mathematics I, II

AP Calculus AB

SOCIAL STUDIES 

The Social Studies curriculum is designed in conjunction with standards from the national and state level. Shaped primarily by the National Council For The Social Studies and using the C3 (College, Career, and Civic Life) Framework to foster the development of 21st-century skills. Students venture through the final Preparatory course, 4 required Upper School courses, and any additional electives based on those models. Themes that are evident and applied throughout the courses are Culture; Time, Continuity, and Change; People, Places, and Environments; Individual Development and Identity; Individuals, Groups, and Institutions; Power, Authority, and Governance; Production, Distribution, and Consumption; Science, Technology, and Society; Global Connections; and Civic Ideals and Practices to help foster a deep understanding of the concepts addressed in each course. By using these themes as a guide, the lessons are Inquiry-based allowing students to utilize practical modern skills such as: Primary/Secondary Source Analysis, Discussion and Debate to develop ideas, Drawing Evidence-Based Conclusions, Writing and Technological Integration, and Project-based Learning to come to personal conclusions about our world in the past and today.

Course Offerings:

Louisiana History

Western Civilization

US History

AP US History

Civics

Sociology

World Geography

SCIENCE 

To stimulate an inquiry approach towards life and increase scientific literacy, the Science Department offers each student the opportunity to investigate the "real" world of science through engaging, standards-based learning. The Science Department embodies the belief that science is not just a multitude of facts but an awareness of and about the universe, as well as a method by which we problem solve and develop innovative solutions. 

Course Offerings:

Physical Science

Biology I

Biology II Honors: Anatomy and Physiology

AP Biology

Chemistry I, II

AP Chemistry

Environmental Science

Physics I, I Honors

World Languages

French I, II, III, IV

AP French

Spanish I, II, III, IV

AP Spanish

Fine Arts

ASH Arts education, in alignment with the National Core Art Standards, focuses learning and instruction in the subject areas of Visual Arts, Media Arts, Music, and Art History, each with its own skills, knowledge, and techniques. It is the intent of this department that each student accomplishes a comprehensive understanding of one or more of the arts.

Importance has been placed upon the development of higher order thinking skills, critical and creative analysis, and complex problem solving, skills that are an inherent part of the language arts process. As students imagine, create, and reflect, they develop both the verbal and nonverbal abilities necessary for school progress. Numerous studies point toward a consistent and positive correlation between an ample education in the arts and student achievement in other subject areas and on standardized tests. The ability to use and apply acquired skills, knowledge, and thinking processes through original self-expression are developed in the arts and can be applied to other disciplines and to life beyond school.

Fine Art electives are offered each year on the basis of student requests and enrollment is subject to the student’s schedule availability. Two years of art are required for graduation.

Offerings:

Art 8

Chorus

Music Appreciation

Studio Art I, II, III, IV

Media Arts I, II, III, IV

Fine Arts Survey

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