Courses and Curriculum

 English I  - is an introduction to fundamental concepts and processes that will be essential in high school and beyond, including the writing process, research skills, reading comprehension strategies, critical analysis, oral presentation, and meaningful exchange of ideas.  Ninth-grade English emphasizes various texts from various literary traditions and times.  To meet the needs of the 21st century, students develop a global perspective.  Students read, write, and analyze narrative and expository texts to gain an understanding of the world and themselves and to communicate effectively with others.  Ninth graders integrate content thinking skills and use various media and formats to communicate effectively with different audiences.  This course will be taught in selected literature's historical and social context to further students’ understanding of themselves, their community, and the world. 

 Integrated Math I -  formalizes and extends the mathematics that students learned in the middle grades, including working with linear and exponential functions, solving systems of equations and inequalities, using rigid transformations to explain geometric relationships, and analyzing data. The course provides mathematical learning experiences based upon reasoning and sense-making, building perseverance and problem solving skills, and is rich in mathematical discourse. Adapted from: Open Up Resources and the Mathematics Vision Project 

Foundational Catholicism (1st Semester) -  This course introduces the students to the academic study of Catholic Christianity as well as providing a framework not only for further study but to live out one’s life as a disciple of Jesus Christ.  Students will be introduced to foundational concepts such as revelation, faith, creeds, the forms and function of prayer, salvation history, sacraments, saints, vocation, and essential components of the life of Christ, such as Christ’s fundamental teaching, the Incarnation, and the Paschal Mystery.  In addition, students will be introduced to the life of St. John Baptist de La Salle and the charism of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, which is essential to the Christian life and service of the school community. 

Sacraments (2nd Semester) - This course introduces students to sacraments, the visible signs of God’s invisible grace at work in the world, and how they help us to respond to the universal call to holiness.  Students will develop an understanding of sacramental worldview and the concepts of Christ as the primordial sacrament and the Church as sacrament.  Using scripture, history, and theological ideas initially developed in the Foundations course, students will form their understanding of the basis, celebration and ritual, and the importance in the life of a Christian, for the seven sacraments of Catholic Church, as well as the historical development of each sacrament, and current issues relating to the sacraments. 

Health and Wellness -  This is a comprehensive course at the 9th Grade level that addresses a variety of topics such as alcohol and other drug use and abuse, healthy eating and nutrition, mental and emotional health, personal health and wellness, physical activity, safety and injury prevention, sexual health, tobacco use, and violence prevention.  This course incorporates the National Health Education Standards (NHES) and focuses its outcomes on knowledge and behavior. 

Conceptual Physics -  This course aims to give students an understanding of the fundamental principles of the physical world. The topics of study in this course include motion and forces as they are related through Newton’s Laws, energy transfers and transformations involving heat, sound and light, electricity, and magnetism. The course includes computer simulations and laboratory experiences that focus on the variables in each area and the relationship they have with each other. It requires the use of quantitative reasoning, problem-solving, the use of technology, and the ability to work in teams. 

Spanish I - This course is designed to teach fundamental Spanish concepts as well as basic grammar and vocabulary in a Hispanic cultural context through the four primary communication skills (writing, reading, listening, speaking).  Our main daily focus in class will be to allow for the development of speaking and listening skills. Pronunciation will be modeled on native phonology, and in-class activities will require daily oral participation. 

 The Spanish I Honors course is designed to develop and challenge students’ ability in speaking, reading, writing, listening, and teaching the history and culture development in Spanish. This course allows students to reactivate the Spanish they have learned and develop it further, learn more about their language and cultural heritage, acquire Spanish literacy skills, develop Spanish academic language skills, and enhance career opportunities. 

 English II  - students continue strengthening and further developing fundamental concepts and processes introduced in ninth grade.  Students will be exposed to a variety of authors from various literary traditions.   Tenth-grade students will practice increasingly sophisticated reading, writing, and analytical strategies.   Students will broaden their understanding of viewpoints using narrative and expository texts beyond their own.  Students are expected to apply strategies for developing vocabulary, using appropriate Standard English, and thinking critically while engaged in the writing process, research process, and communication skills.  This course will be taught in selected literature's historical and social context to further students’ understanding of themselves, their community, and the world. 

English II Pre-AP -  students are expected to, in addition to meeting the requirements for English II, expand and further develop their understanding of the fundamental skills taught in ninth grade.  The rigors of the course are meant to be preparatory for future Advanced Placement and college-level English courses; therefore, students will have additional reading expectations, extended writing and research requirements for research papers and presentations, and will be actively encouraged to support San Miguel’s culture of literacy through volunteer work with the National English Honor Society.

  Integrated Math II - This course is written to align with the second of three courses in the integrated pathway of the Common Core State Standards. The major purpose of Math II is to extend the mathematics that students learned in Math I, including working with quadratic, piecewise, and absolute value functions, using rigid transformations and triangle congruence criteria to prove geometric relationships, examining the geometry of circles and using conditional probability to make and evaluate decisions. The Mathematical Practice Standards apply throughout each course and, together with the content standards, create mathematical learning experiences based upon reasoning and sense-making, building perseverance and problem-solving skills and rich in mathematical discourse. Adapted from Open Up Resources and the Mathematics Vision Project    

Hebrew Scriptures - During the first semester, students are introduced to their full study of Sacred Scripture by learning and analyzing the stories of salvation history found in the Old Testament. Students will develop an understanding of the covenant between God and humanity and an appreciation of how it has been expressed over time.  

New Testament -  During the second semester, students receive a comprehensive overview of the major themes, lessons, and components of the Gospels, as well as continuing, from freshman year, our theological understanding of what Christ's life, death, and resurrection means for humanity.  

 Biology -  is a lab science course that incorporates aspects of inquiry, cooperative learning, and independent research through a deeper understanding of living systems. A diverse range of topics will be covered, including the scientific method, scientific applications of mathematics, science, and society, communicating in science, the interdependence of living and nonliving systems, physical and chemical properties of matter, atomic structure and bonding, chemical reactions and equations, energy, structure and function of cells, biochemical pathways, Mendelian and molecular genetics, and evolution.  This course is designed for students exposed to a one-year-long science course. 

World Civilizations -  This course explores the rich fabric of world history from the beginnings of human society through early modern history. Students will examine historical eras and make comparisons across historical eras and regions. The course has three main goals: (1) learning essential historical content, (2) fostering the ability to think historically, including identifying themes, patterns, and trends of historical change, and (3) developing and refining essential reading, writing, speaking, and research abilities to convey this knowledge competently.  Students will develop research and writing skills by creating a major historical research paper.  

 Spanish II is a continuation of Spanish I. Students will continue developing their Spanish communication skills in this course through reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities.  Students will also learn advanced grammar tenses, various cultural aspects, and current events in the Spanish-speaking world.

Spanish II Honors for Heritage Speakers provides instruction directed at student’s continued development of existing competencies in the Spanish language. Students will acquire skills ranging from learning grammar and spelling to developing specialized vocabulary through studying other disciplines. Also, students will increase their awareness and appreciation of different Hispanic cultures. The course allows students to learn more about their language and cultural heritage; it also strengthens pre-existing Spanish literacy skills to develop them into academic Spanish language skills that will further enhance career opportunities. 

English III -  This course builds upon the skills introduced in the first two years of high school English.  In this course, students read, write, and analyze literary and expository texts with increasing independence.  Students will demonstrate competency in using the writing process to think through and then write about increasingly complex topics for different audiences, purposes, and formats, will employ multimedia to formally and informally present information, will actively use sophisticated reading strategies to encounter new literary texts and connect with previously studied material, and will make choices for effective listening and speaking using learned strategies.  This course will be taught in selected literature's historical and social context to further students’ understanding of themselves, their community, and the world. 

AP English Language and Composition - This course is designed to give junior students multiple opportunities to work with the rhetorical situation, examining the authors’ purposes as well as the audiences and the subjects in texts.  Students write in various modes for various audiences, developing a sense of personal style and an ability to analyze and articulate how language resources operate in any given text.  Students will be expected to read daily, write often, and verbally participate in class discussions.  By its very nature, AP/College English involves extensive reading and writing.  This course is a college-level course.  Students are expected to plan and ensure they finish their work thoroughly, completely, and on time. Success in the course and on the AP exam depends on the student’s level of commitment to this class and the workload it entails.  Students taking this course will be prepared and expected to take the AP Language exam in May. 

 Integrated Math II - This  course is written to align with the second of three courses in the integrated pathway of the Common Core State Standards. The major purpose of Math II is to extend the mathematics that students learned in Math I, including working with quadratic, piecewise, and absolute value functions, using rigid transformations and triangle congruence criteria to prove geometric relationships, examining the geometry of circles and using conditional probability to make and evaluate decisions. The Mathematical Practice Standards apply throughout each course and, together with the content standards, create mathematical learning experiences based upon reasoning and sense-making, building perseverance and problem-solving skills and rich in mathematical discourse. Adapted from Open Up Resources and the Mathematics Vision Project 

Morality - This course introduces moral reasoning and the formation of conscience. It provides an overview of Catholic moral teaching, exploring basic principles, values, and patterns of thinking that have formed the tradition of Catholic moral theology, including creation, freedom and human dignity, grace, law, virtue, sacrament, prayer, and social justice. Students will understand the Catholic moral life as an integral personal response – lived out within the Lasallian community – of love to the revelation of God in Jesus Christ. 

 Catholic Social Teaching - This course seeks to more fully connect the beliefs of the Catholic faith to living out that faith in daily action, particularly by studying the themes of Catholic social teaching. Through consideration of Scripture, the social teachings of the Church, the history of humanity, cultural norms of the peoples of the world, and the nature of mature faith, the student will be led to an awareness of social issues, deepening a personal relationship with God, and gaining a sense of responsibility for the human community. For each of the individual issues studied, students will be challenged to respond in both with immediate and direct service (or works of mercy) and with social action, which responds to social structures and goes to the root of injustice. 

Chemistry - Chemistry is a full-year lab-science course in introductory chemistry, which incorporates inquiry and high-level analysis to develop an understanding of matter and the processes and patterns that govern changes to matter.  The course focuses on the fundamental unifying themes of chemistry:  measurements and calculations, atomic theory, periodic law, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws, states of matter, equilibrium, acid/base chemistry, and thermodynamics. There is a heavy emphasis on laboratory performance, and students must show their understanding of theoretical concepts through practical experimentation in the laboratory. This course is designed for students who have completed two prior science courses. 

United States History -  This course begins with the discovery and colonization of America by the Europeans and explores the history of the United States through the present. Students will examine critical periods of United States history thematically and analyze the impact on history and its connection to present-day events.  The course has three main goals: (1) learning essential historical content, (2) fostering the ability to think historically, including identifying themes, patterns, and trends of historical change, and (3) developing and refining essential reading, writing, speaking, and research skills to convey this knowledge competently. 

 Spanish III  - is a continuation of Spanish II.  In this course, students will continue to master the target language. Students at this level understand the culture of countries where Spanish is spoken. They can also engage in conversations about a wide variety of topics in many different settings; they can also read authentic fiction and nonfiction texts and produce a broad range of written compositions.  

The Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture course is comparable to an advanced level college Spanish language course (5th semester or the equivalent). This course engages students in exploring culture in both contemporary and historical contexts. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of authentic source materials and the integration of language skills.  Therefore, students will receive extensive training in combining listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills to demonstrate an understanding of authentic Spanish-language source materials. This exhaustive practice will prepare them to take the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam provided by the College Board in May.  This course will be conducted entirely in Spanish. 

College Counseling for Juniors  - College Planning is required for all 11th-grade students at San Miguel High School. This course focuses on preparing students for post-secondary education. In this course, students will explore what it means to be college-ready and thoroughly plan and prepare for the college application. The main goals of the College Counseling course are to provide students with the information needed to identify, apply, and enroll in best-fit colleges/universities; to identify financial aid opportunities and apply for scholarships; and to learn the attitudes, knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in college. The course will integrate Family Connection/Naviance, a career and college planning software program to achieve its goals.   

 English IV - This course refines and deepens the speaking, reading, writing, and critical thinking skills practiced in the junior year.  In this course, twelfth-grade students read, write, analyze, and synthesize literary and expository texts.  Students will refine their competency in the writing process by independently selecting and manipulating writing strategies to create polished work.  Additionally, twelfth-grade students will use their reading, critical thinking, listening, and speaking skills to achieve college readiness by actively engaging in academic discourse.  This course anticipates and practices the skills necessary to read and write across disciplines at the college level.  It will be taught in selected literature's historical and social context to further students’ understanding of themselves, their community, and the world. 

 AP English Literature -  is designed to give senior students continual opportunities to develop their reading and writing skills through the fundamentals of rhetoric and the careful reading and analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of how writers use language to provide meaning and pleasure to their readers. Students will be challenged to examine concepts, practice analysis and synthesis, and develop mature writing skills through papers of varying lengths. Students will be expected to read daily, write often, and verbally participate in class discussions.  This course is a college-level course. More information about national AP Literature requirements can be found here. 

 Probability and Statistics -  is a two-semester course that introduces students to the basic concepts and logic of statistical reasoning and gives the students introductory-level practical ability to choose, generate, and properly interpret appropriate descriptive and inferential methods. In addition, the course helps students gain an appreciation for the diverse applications of statistics and its relevance to their lives and future fields of study. Students in this course will learn methods for data collection, data display, and data analysis. Probability rules, counting principles, and probability distribution functions are also introduced. Throughout the course, the suitability of statistical methods for each application and the meaning of the results are emphasized. Students will work with statistical measures of centrality and spread, methods of data collection, methods of determining probability, binomial and normal distributions, hypothesis testing, and confidence intervals. Students will use multiple representations to present data including written descriptions, numerical statistics, formulas, and graphs. Students will become familiar with many technologies used for statistical analysis. This course will prepare students to take the AP Probability and Statistics Exam.  It will include multiple opportunities to practice actual AP Exam problems and more in-depth explorations than the regular course. 

 Ecclesiology and Spirituality (1st Semester) / Vocations and World Religions (2nd Semester)

The senior theology courses are designed to provide a theoretical and practical apprenticeship for young adult Christians. First, to enable seniors to recognize the revelation and call of God in their lives. Second, to provide them a framework for reflection on and response to God's revelation at a senior grade level. Third, to learn how the Church understands the modern world and how we live our lives in light of God's revelation, especially in a world where not all persons identify as followers of Jesus Christ.  Finally, to understand, develop, and encourage the role of prayer and spirituality in our lives. All of these goals will be presented in a Lasallian context, as well as advancing the academic rigor expected of a senior-level college preparatory course. 

Anatomy and Physiology -  Anatomy and Physiology Students will study the structure and function of the human body, including cells, tissues, and organs of each human body system. Students will complete content through the CK12 Anatomy & Physiology program of study, followed by practice. Hands-on labs (25% of the class) and tests will be completed during class periods and office hours.  

Government/Civics for the 21st Century -  is a semester-long social studies course introducing the student to political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students will read and analyze U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to understand the relationships and interactions between political institutions and behavior. They will read and interpret data, develop evidence-based arguments, and engage in an applied civics or politics research-based project.  Research, speaking, and writing skills will be emphasized.  Case Studies derived from current events will be employed in the learning process. 

Economics in the 21st Century -  is a semester-long course.  Its goal is to enable students to become economically literate, effective decision-makers, and responsible and productive citizens in an increasingly globalized economy. Throughout this course, students will consistently be asked to analyze the role of the consumer in micro, macro, and global economic systems and analyze how economic changes affect individuals, households, businesses, the government, and the environment. The final component of Economics in the 21st Century requires students to practically apply their knowledge by developing personal financial skills.  As with the other social studies courses, this course will include learning essential content, fostering the ability to think analytically, and finally, developing and refining essential reading, writing, speaking, and research abilities to convey this knowledge competently. 

 Introduction to Studio Art - This introductory course is in drawing, painting, mixed media, and sculpture. Media explored in class may include pencils, watercolors, collages, glass, and clay. Students are introduced to the language of the visual arts through the framework of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. Additionally, students will gain an understanding of the creative process through visual problem-solving, brainstorming, editing, re-working, and reflection. Historical and contemporary artists and styles will be incorporated into lessons to foster understanding and appreciation for art's role in the world. Students will maintain a sketchbook and portfolio over the year and be responsible for writing and class discussions. Introduction to Studio Art  is designed to provide a foundation for advanced courses. At the same time, this course is well-designed for students with no prior art experience but a willingness to actively participate in the creative process. 

AP 2-D Art and Design Portfolio - Advanced Placement Art is a year-long course.  The fall semester is spent examining a variety of mediums and approaches to making art.  The spring semester is spent compiling the Sustained Investigation portion of the AP Portfolio.  This course is designed for 12th-grade students who are seriously interested in and committed to the practical experience of visual art.  AP Studio Art is not based on a written exam; instead, the course guides students through the rigorous preparation of a portfolio (in either Drawing, 2D Art & Design, or 3D Art & Design) to be submitted for evaluation at the end of the school year.  The AP portfolio review requires that each student design and conduct a Sustained Investigation guided by questions. It involves practice, experimentation, and revision using materials, processes, and ideas, resulting in a meaningful body of work. Class and homework time will be spent making artworks that fulfill each student’s chosen portfolio, viewing images, discussing contemporary art, and participating in peer critiques. 

AP 3-D Art and Design Portfolio -  Advanced Placement Art is a year-long course.  The fall semester is spent examining a variety of mediums and approaches to making art.  The spring semester is spent compiling the Sustained Investigation portion of the AP Portfolio.  This course is designed for 12th-grade students who are seriously interested in and committed to the practical experience of visual art.  AP Studio Art is not based on a written exam; instead, the course guides students through the rigorous preparation of a portfolio (in either Drawing, 2D Art & Design, or 3D Art & Design) to be submitted for evaluation at the end of the school year.  The AP portfolio review requires that each student design and conduct a Sustained Investigation guided by questions. It involves practice, experimentation, and revision using materials, processes, and ideas, resulting in a meaningful body of work. Class and homework time will be spent making artworks that fulfill each student’s chosen portfolio, viewing images, discussing contemporary art, and participating in peer critiques. 3D Art Specific: Develop 3-D skills in materials and processes, such as sculpture, architectural rendering and models, metal work, ceramics, glass work, and others. You’ll create artwork that reflects your own ideas and skills and what you’ve learned.

College Counseling for Seniors - College Counseling is required for all 12th-grade students at San Miguel High School. This course focuses on preparing students for post-secondary education. In this course, students will explore what it means to be college-ready and thoroughly plan and prepare for life after high school. The main goals of the College Counseling course are to provide students with the assistance needed to identify, apply, and enroll in best-fit colleges/universities; to identify and apply for federal and other external sources of financial aid; and to learn the skills necessary to be successful in college. To achieve its goals, the course will integrate Family Connection/Naviance, a career and college planning software program.  

GRADE DISTRIBUTION POLICY FOR SAN MIGUEL HIGH SCHOOL

San Miguel uses the plus and minus grading system that most universities and colleges use.  

A 100 – 93  

A- 92 – 90  

B+ 89 – 87  

B 86 – 83  

B- 82 – 80  

C+ 79 – 77  

C 76 – 73  

C- 72 – 70  

D+ 69 – 67  

D 66 – 63        

D- 62 – 60        

F 59 - ↓ 

San Miguel High School offers a variety of AP (Advanced Placement) and Honors courses. The purpose of offering these courses is to ensure students can engage in rigorous coursework beyond the typical challenges found in our standard curriculum. While we attempt to place a student in AP and Honors courses as requested during the registration process, sometimes, due to the student's CWS work day, or low demand for the course, there are times when we will not be able to offer the course.  Students enrolled in an AP or Honors course, are required to meet the expectations associated with that course. This includes paying for and taking the AP Exam for AP courses and maintaining a minimum grade of "D" throughout the course. Parents and students are asked to thoroughly discuss AP or Honors courses enrollment, as they will demand substantial time and effort.  Grades received in AP and Honors courses receive additional weighting when calculating Grade Point Average (GPA), as described in the next section.