Courses for Rising 9th-12th Grades
Please register your student in the grade they will enroll in for the 2025-26 school year.
Rising 11th Grade March 18th @ 6pm-9pm
Rising 10th Grade March 19th @ 6pm-9pm
Rising 9th Grade March 20th @ 6pm-9pm
Non SMUSD Students March 21st @ 6pm-9pm
Any parent/student who registers during a time where they are not allowed to will be withdrawn from the class and refunded their registration cost minus a $75.00 false registration fee. They will then need to re-register at full cost on the appropriate day. Full refunds will be granted up to May 16th @ midnight. No refunds will be issued after May 16th @ midnight.
*NEW COURSE OFFERING*
Math Bridge: Preparing for High School Math
Instructor: TBD
Grades: Rising 8-9th
Fall and Spring Semester: June 9 to July 18, 2025
Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM
This course is designed to prepare students for high school mathematics, targeting rising 8th and 9th graders. The curriculum encompasses a range of topics, including a review of Pre-Algebra concepts such as integers, variables, and algebraic expressions. Students will learn to solve and graph linear equations, which are fundamental skills for algebra. The course also covers coordinate geometry, including plotting points, understanding the coordinate plane, and performing transformations. Additionally, students will strengthen their understanding of rational and irrational numbers and learn how to perform operations with them. An introduction to functions will provide a foundation for algebraic concepts, while basic data analysis, including calculating mean, median, mode, and range, will be introduced to develop statistical understanding. This is a non credit course.
Art-Play with Clay!
Instructor: Michelle Pauline Bradshaw
Grades: 8-12
Fall Semester: June 9th to June 27th, 2025
Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM
This 3 week no credit course is all about clay. We will use ceramics clay as well as air dry and polymer clays to create various sculpture and craft projects. Ceramic wind chimes, tiles, bowls, and planters will be created as well as air dry and polymer objects, such as key chain ornaments.
Introduction to Media Arts
Instructor: Mr. Basulto
Grades: 8-12
Fall Semester: June 9-June 27, 2025
Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM
Are you ready to start your journey as a content creator? This class will teach you the basics of creating short-form video content with mobile devices. Students learn how to properly use their own devices such as an iPhone or iPad to create professional-looking videos for their YouTube channels, class presentations, and much more. You will learn the top 19 shoots that make your movies look like a Hollywood blockbuster, how to use accessories to make filming easier and more like the pros, and how to capture great sound. We also discuss social media and digital literacy to help you understand the importance of being an upright digital citizen. Students should bring their own iPhones and iPads.
UC Approved for 9-12th graders only. Credit for this course will be applied to the 5 credit CTE requirement. This course can receive VAPA credit after CTE credit is fulfilled and MUST be paired with Introduction to Graphic Design. In order to meet UC requirements VAPA credits must fall under the same discipline (visual arts). Each day of attendance represents one week of curriculum. Given the demanding nature of the curriculum, students are permitted only 1.5 days of absences per semester. Exceeding this limit may result in removal from the course without the possibility of a refund. A minimum grade of C is required to pass the course.
Introduction to Media Arts
Instructor: Mr. Basulto
Grades: 8-12
Spring Semester: June 30-July 18, 2025
Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM
Are you ready to start your journey as a content creator? This class will teach you the basics of creating short-form video content with mobile devices. Students learn how to properly use their own devices such as an iPhone or iPad to create professional-looking videos for their YouTube channels, class presentations, and much more. You will learn the top 19 shoots that make your movies look like a Hollywood blockbuster, how to use accessories to make filming easier and more like the pros, and how to capture great sound. We also discuss social media and digital literacy to help you understand the importance of being an upright digital citizen. Students should bring their own iPhones and iPads.
UC Approved for 9-12th graders only. Credit for this course will be applied to the 5 credit CTE requirement. This course can receive VAPA credit after CTE credit is fulfilled and MUST be paired with Introduction to Graphic Design. In order to meet UC requirements VAPA credits must fall under the same discipline (visual arts). Each day of attendance represents one week of curriculum. Given the demanding nature of the curriculum, students are permitted only 1.5 days of absences per semester. Exceeding this limit may result in removal from the course without the possibility of a refund. A minimum grade of C is required to pass the course.
Introduction to Graphic Design
Instructor: Robbin Rae McCulloch
Grades: 8-12
Spring Semester: June 30 to July 18th, 2025
Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM
This class introduces students to the software and technologies used to create much of what constitutes two-dimensional design in the world around us: websites, marketing and branding (logos), on-screen motion graphics in films and on TV, promotional materials, posters, packaging and the like. This course is project-oriented. Students will learn the basic features of the two primary graphics applications: Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Students will investigate these tools by way of research, exercises, projects and presentations that engage the fundamental vocabulary of art and design. By way of hands-on practice, students will learn the basics of inputting, creating and outputting digital media.
One semester meets the CTE graduation requirement or one semester can be applied towards the VAPA requirement. UC Approved for 9-12th graders only. Credit for this course will be applied to the 5 credit CTE requirement. This course can receive VAPA credit after CTE credit is fulfilled and MUST be paired with Introduction to Media Arts. In order to meet UC requirements VAPA credits must fall under the same discipline (visual arts). Each day of attendance represents one week of curriculum. Given the demanding nature of the curriculum, students are permitted only 1.5 days of absences per semester. Exceeding this limit may result in removal from the course without the possibility of a refund. A minimum grade of C is required to pass the course.
Oral Interpretation
Instructor: Michael Murray
Grades: 8-12 (Rising 7th graders invited to join.)
Fall Semester: June 9 to June 27, 2025
Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM
Oral Interpretation is a 4 hour, three week course which is a "beginner" guide to competitive argumentation. Students learn how to analyze a resolution, engage in critical thinking, prepare debate cases, learn the art of cross-examination, and more, in preparation for competition on the SMHS Debate Team.
Six weeks of Oral Interpretation is UC A-G approved and fulfills SMHS VAPA graduation requirement for students in grades 9-12. Prerequisites and Criteria: In order to complete 1 year of VAPA credit, students need to enroll in both semesters of Oral Interpretation.
Each day of attendance represents one week of curriculum. Given the demanding nature of the curriculum, students are permitted only 1.5 days of absences per semester. Exceeding this limit may result in removal from the course without the possibility of a refund. A minimum grade of C is required to pass the course.
Oral Interpretation
Instructor: Michael Murray
Grades: 8-12 (Rising 7th graders invited to join.)
Spring Semester: June 30 to July 18, 2025
Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM
Oral Interpretation is a 4 hour "beginner" guide to competitive speech. Students learn public speaking skills, acting, research tools, persuasive writing, and more, in preparation for competition on the SMHS Speech Team.
Six weeks of Oral Interpretation is UC A-G approved and fulfills SMHS VAPA graduation requirement for students in grades 9-12. Prerequisites and Criteria: In order to complete 1 year of VAPA credit, students need to enroll in both semesters of Oral Interpretation.
Each day of attendance represents one week of curriculum. Given the demanding nature of the curriculum, students are permitted only 1.5 days of absences per semester. Exceeding this limit may result in removal from the course without the possibility of a refund. A minimum grade of C is required to pass the course.
Laboratory Skills for Medical Arts
Instructor: Joseph Carmona
Grades: 8th-10th
Fall Semester: June 9 to June 27, 2025
Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM
A developmental science course with special emphasis on readiness for the Medical Arts Academy. Intended to prepare students with basic lab skills required by all SMHS Sciences. Established on fundamental principles from biological and physical sciences, the class will spotlight laboratory techniques and applications. Particularly in the fields of chemistry and biology, lessons will embrace the common practices of scientific investigation. The curriculum enables students to explore inquiry based activities by using a variety of laboratory equipment, advanced technology like virtual dissection tables, methods of collecting data, and performing comparative analysis.
This course is strongly recommended for students enrolling in the Medical Arts Academy and for students gearing up for advanced high school science courses.
This course provides 5 elective credits.
Laboratory Skills for Medical Arts
Instructor: Joseph Carmona
Grades: 8th-10th
Spring Semester: June 30 to July 18, 2025
Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM
A developmental science course with special emphasis on readiness for the Medical Arts Academy. Intended to prepare students with basic lab skills required by all SMHS Sciences. Established on fundamental principles from biological and physical sciences, the class will spotlight laboratory techniques and applications. Particularly in the fields of chemistry and biology, lessons will embrace the common practices of scientific investigation. The curriculum enables students to explore inquiry based activities by using a variety of laboratory equipment, advanced technology like virtual dissection tables, methods of collecting data, and performing comparative analysis.
This course is strongly recommended for students enrolling in the Medical Arts Academy and for students gearing up for advanced high school science courses.
This course provides 5 elective credits.
Forensics
Instructor: John Lombardi
Grades: 8th-12th
Fall/Spring Semester: June 13 to July 27, 2025 (This course will be a 5 week and one day course)
Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM
Forensic science is the study and scientific application in solving crime scene investigations. It involves exploration and lab investigations composed of many disciplines of scientific study such as biology/anatomy, chemistry, and physics, all focused on collecting evidence. From paleontological "crime scenes" to modern human-caused crime scenes, students will gain a basic understanding of the scientific and analytical approach to determining the value of such evidence. The Anatomage Table will be utilized for anatomy and physiology. This course is for enrichment only and offers no high school credit. This course will be prorated to reflect the start date.
Creative Writing
Instructor: Sergio Cervantes
Grades: 8-12
Fall Semester: June 9 to June 27, 2025
Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM
If you aspire to write creatively and don’t know how to get started, or if you already write creatively but want to expand your know-how, this Creative Writing course is for you. This class will provide many fundamental techniques geared to motivate and cultivate a student’s creative writing ability.
As young writers, you will learn to spark story ideas via observation, personal experience, writing prompts and freewriting. Topics will include an introduction to traditional story structure, writing from different points of view, the creation of dynamic characters, poetic voice, and the art of creating engaging dialogue. Students will write regularly in journals, read and examine the published works of contemporary YA authors, and other professional writers. They will also engage with different forms of narrative craft, including short stories, flash fiction, novels, and writing for stage and screen. The goal is for our class to become a supportive community of writers, as we experiment, craft, revise, and tinker with our work.
This course is for enrichment only and offers no high school credit.
Algebra 1
Instructor: Stephanie Wang
Grades: 9th -10th
Fall Semester: June 9 to June 27, 2025
Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM
The fundamental purpose of the Algebra I course is to formalize and extend the mathematics that students learned in the middle grades. This course includes standards from the conceptual categories of Number and Quantity, Algebra, Functions, and Statistics and Probability. Course instructional time focuses on four critical areas: (1) deepen and extend understanding of linear and exponential relationships; (2) contrast linear and exponential relationships with each other and engage in methods for analyzing, solving, and using quadratic functions; (3) extend the laws of exponents to square and cube roots; and (4) apply linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend. Twelve modules cover the following topics: Expressions, Equations and Functions; Linear Equations; Linear Functions; Equations of Linear Functions,Linear Inequalities; Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities; Exponents and Exponential Functions; Quadratic Expressions and Equations; Quadratic Functions and Equations; Radical Functions and Geometry; Rational Functions and Equations; and Statistics and Probability.
.Prerequisites and Criteria: Students must maintain an average grade of 90% or higher in Math 8 during their first semester to qualify for enrollment in this accelerated math course. To receive credit, students must complete both summer sessions, with each day of attendance covering one week of the curriculum. Due to the fast-paced nature of the course, students may not exceed 1.5 days of absences per semester for any reason, including illness or travel. Exceeding this limit may result in removal from the course without the option for a refund. A minimum grade of C is required to pass and earn credit. Please note that this course is not intended for remediation, and grades will be recorded on transcripts. Students who do not pass must retake the course in the fall semester. By enrolling, students and parents acknowledge these requirements. First semester math grades must be emailed to [email protected] at the time of registration for acceptance into the course.
Algebra 1
Instructor: Stephanie Wang
Grades: Rising 9th and 10th
Spring Semester: June 30 to July 18, 2025
Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM
The fundamental purpose of the Algebra I course is to formalize and extend the mathematics that students learned in the middle grades. This course includes standards from the conceptual categories of Number and Quantity, Algebra, Functions, and Statistics and Probability. Course instructional time focuses on four critical areas: (1) deepen and extend understanding of linear and exponential relationships; (2) contrast linear and exponential relationships with each other and engage in methods for analyzing, solving, and using quadratic functions; (3) extend the laws of exponents to square and cube roots; and (4) apply linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend. Twelve modules cover the following topics: Expressions, Equations and Functions; Linear Equations; Linear Functions; Equations of Linear Functions; Linear Inequalities; Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities; Exponents and Exponential Functions; Quadratic Expressions and Equations; Quadratic Functions and Equations; Radical Functions and Geometry; Rational Functions and Equations; and Statistics and Probability.
Prerequisites and Criteria: Students must maintain an average grade of 90% or higher in Math 8 during their first semester to qualify for enrollment in this accelerated math course. To receive credit, students must complete both summer sessions, with each day of attendance covering one week of the curriculum. Due to the fast-paced nature of the course, students may not exceed 1.5 days of absences per semester for any reason, including illness or travel. Exceeding this limit may result in removal from the course without the option for a refund. A minimum grade of C is required to pass and earn credit. Please note that this course is not intended for remediation, and grades will be recorded on transcripts. Students who do not pass must retake the course in the fall semester. By enrolling, students and parents acknowledge these requirements. First semester math grades must be emailed to [email protected] at the time of registration for acceptance into the course.
Geometry 1-2
Instructor: Pristine Hsu
Grades: Rising 9th and 10th
Fall Semester: June 9 to June 27, 2025
Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM
For initial graduation credit, students must enroll in both Fall and Spring semesters. Geometry is a formal development of the geometric skills & concepts necessary for students who will take Algebra 2 & other college preparatory courses. The course provides for consistent use of algebra throughout the year to reinforce skills & concepts learned in Algebra 1, strengthening problem-solving skills in the development of geometric concepts & application of logical principles to geometric proofs. Topics include: points, lines, planes, angles, postulates and theorems, deductive reasoning, special pairs of angles, perpendicular lines, proofs, parallel lines and planes, angles of triangles and polygons, inductive reasoning, and congruent triangles, isosceles triangles, proving triangles congruent, properties of quadrilaterals, special parallelograms, inequalities in triangles, inverses and contrapositives, indirect proofs, ratio and proportion, similar polygons, right triangles, Pythagorean theorem, special right triangles, right triangle trigonometry, tangents, arcs and chords of circles, inscribed angles, constructions, areas of plane figures, areas and volumes of solids, and ratios of areas and volumes. Earns five of ten required credits for the graduation requirement. UC Approved.
Prerequisites and Criteria: Students must maintain an average grade of 90% or higher in Algebra 1 during their first semester to qualify for enrollment in this accelerated math course. To receive credit, students must complete both summer sessions, with each day of attendance covering one week of the curriculum. Due to the fast-paced nature of the course, students may not exceed 1.5 days of absences per semester for any reason, including illness or travel. Exceeding this limit may result in removal from the course without the option for a refund. A minimum grade of C is required to pass and earn credit. Please note that this course is not intended for remediation, and grades will be recorded on transcripts. Students who do not pass must retake the course in the fall semester. By enrolling, students and parents acknowledge these requirements. First semester math grades must be emailed to [email protected] at the time of registration for acceptance into the course.
Geometry 1-2
Instructor: Pristine Hsu
Grades: Rising 9th and 10th
Spring Semester: June 30 to July 18, 2025
Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM
For initial graduation credit, students must enroll in both Fall and Spring semesters. Geometry is a formal development of the geometric skills & concepts necessary for students who will take Algebra 2 & other college preparatory courses. The course provides for consistent use of algebra throughout the year to reinforce skills & concepts learned in Algebra 1, strengthening problem-solving skills in the development of geometric concepts & application of logical principles to geometric proofs. Topics include: points, lines, planes, angles, postulates and theorems, deductive reasoning, special pairs of angles, perpendicular lines, proofs, parallel lines and planes, angles of triangles and polygons, inductive reasoning, and congruent triangles, isosceles triangles, proving triangles congruent, properties of quadrilaterals, special parallelograms, inequalities in triangles, inverses nd contrapositives, indirect proofs, ratio and proportion, similar polygons, right triangles, Pythagorean theorem, special right triangles, right triangle trigonometry, tangents, arcs and chords of circles, inscribed angles, constructions, areas of plane figures, areas and volumes of solids, and ratios of areas and volumes. Earns five of ten required credits for the graduation requirement. UC Approved.
Prerequisites and Criteria: Students must maintain an average grade of 90% or higher in Algebra 1 during their first semester to qualify for enrollment in this accelerated math course. To receive credit, students must complete both summer sessions, with each day of attendance covering one week of the curriculum. Due to the fast-paced nature of the course, students may not exceed 1.5 days of absences per semester for any reason, including illness or travel. Exceeding this limit may result in removal from the course without the option for a refund. A minimum grade of C is required to pass and earn credit. Please note that this course is not intended for remediation, and grades will be recorded on transcripts. Students who do not pass must retake the course in the fall semester. By enrolling, students and parents acknowledge these requirements. First semester math grades must be emailed to [email protected] at the time of registration for acceptance into the course.
Introduction to Business Management/Entrepreneurship
Instructor: Courtney Rushing
Grades: 9-12
Fall Semester: June 9 to June 27, 2025
Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM
This three-week class prepares students with competencies necessary to start and be successful in a business of their own. Class includes banking, payroll, invoices, marketing, advertising, mortgages, taxes, human resources and bank reconciliation. Students will participate in a 30-day business simulation exercise. Each student will manage, and work together cooperatively as a business community.
This course provides 5 CTE credits upon completion and is UC approved.
Each day of attendance represents one week of curriculum. Given the demanding nature of the curriculum, students are permitted only 1.5 days of absences per semester. Exceeding this limit may result in removal from the course without the possibility of a refund. A minimum grade of C is required to pass the course.
Introduction to Business Management/Entrepreneurship
Instructor: Courtney Rushing
Grades: 9-12
Spring Semester: June 30 to July 18, 2025
Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM
This three-week class prepares students with competencies necessary to start and be successful in a business of their own. Class includes banking, payroll, invoices, marketing, advertising, mortgages, taxes, human resources and bank reconciliation. Students will participate in a 30-day business simulation exercise. Each student will manage, and work together cooperatively as a business community.
This course provides 5 CTE credits upon completion and is UC approved.
Each day of attendance represents one week of curriculum. Given the demanding nature of the curriculum, students are permitted only 1.5 days of absences per semester. Exceeding this limit may result in removal from the course without the possibility of a refund. A minimum grade of C is required to pass the course.
Physical Education
Instructors: John Franklin
Grades: 9-12
Fall Semester: June 9 to June 27, 2025
Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM
This three week PE course will focus on developing proficient movement skills and patterns in the areas of aquatics, rhythms/dance, individual/dual activities, gymnastics, combatives, and team sports, as well as independent personal fitness. This course will include both physical and written assignments to help students better understand components of health/skill-related fitness, exercise safety, training techniques/practices, fitness planning, self-responsibility, social interaction, and group dynamics.
This course provides 5 PE credits (per semester) upon successful completion.
Rising 9th graders who complete both Fall and Spring semesters of PE in the summer will not be required to take PE as a 9th grader during the regular school year. BOTH summer sessions need to be completed. If a student completes only one semester students will be scheduled into PE during their Freshman year. Each day of attendance represents one week of curriculum. Given the demanding nature of the curriculum, students are permitted only 1.5 days of absences per semester. Exceeding this limit may result in removal from the course without the possibility of a refund. A minimum grade of C is required to pass the course.
Physical Education
Instructors: John Franklin
Grades: 9-12
Spring Semester: June 30 to July 18, 2025
Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM
This three week PE course will focus on developing proficient movement skills and patterns in the areas of aquatics, rhythms/dance, individual/dual activities, gymnastics, combatives, and team sports, as well as independent personal fitness. This course will include both physical and written assignments to help students better understand components of health/skill-related fitness, exercise safety, training techniques/practices, fitness planning, self-responsibility, social interaction, and group dynamics.
This course provides 5 PE credits (per semester) upon successful completion.
Rising 9th graders who complete both Fall and Spring semesters of PE in the summer will not be required to take PE as a 9th grader during the regular school year. BOTH summer sessions need to be completed. If a student completes only one semester students will be scheduled into PE during their Freshman year. Each day of attendance represents one week of curriculum. Given the demanding nature of the curriculum, students are permitted only 1.5 days of absences per semester. Exceeding this limit may result in removal from the course without the possibility of a refund. A minimum grade of C is required to pass the course.
US History
Instructor: Eric Gifford
Grades: 11-12
Fall Semester: June 9 to June 27, 2025
Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM
A three week, four-hour daily class open to any incoming juniors. For initial graduation credit, students must enroll in both Fall and Spring semesters. Seniors who need to repeat Fall semester may sign up for only Fall semester. Fall tuition is required. The course moves quickly and demands a great deal of reading and preparation outside of class. This course examines the major turning points in American history beginning with the events leading up to the American Revolution, the origins of our constitution, reform movements, Manifest Destiny, the Civil War and Reconstruction, the impact of the frontier, the changing nature of business and government, World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, the growth of the United States as a world power, the Cold War and the struggle to achieve class, ethnic, racial, and gender equality. The course extends to the modern day. Contemporary world issues such as globalization, economic interdependence, terrorism and world cultures will also factor into our analysis of international conflict and cooperation. The California state standards provide both the framework and pace of this class. Students will maintain an organized binder or notebook that will showcase various skills required for successful completion of the course, including Document Based Questions activities and essays requiring document analysis, critical thinking and writing to allow for a deeper understanding of the content while providing skills in line with Common Core. Earns five of ten required credits for the U.S. History graduation requirement. UC Approved. Students need to complete both summer sessions for credit. Each day of attendance represents one week of curriculum. Given the demanding nature of the curriculum, students are permitted only 1.5 days of absences per semester. Exceeding this limit may result in removal from the course without the possibility of a refund. A minimum grade of C is required to pass the course.
US History
Instructor: Eric Gifford
Grades: 11-12
Spring Semester: June 30 to July 18, 2025
Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM
A three week, four-hour daily class open to any incoming juniors. For initial graduation credit, students must enroll in both Fall and Spring semesters. Seniors who need to repeat Spring semester may sign up for only Spring semester. Spring tuition is required. The course moves quickly and demands a great deal of reading and preparation outside of class. This course examines the major turning points in American history beginning with the events leading up to the American Revolution, the origins of our constitution, reform movements, Manifest Destiny, the Civil War and Reconstruction, the impact of the frontier, the changing nature of business and government, World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, the growth of the United States as a world power, the Cold War and the struggle to achieve class, ethnic, racial, and gender equality. The course extends to the modern day. Contemporary world issues such as globalization, economic interdependence, terrorism and world cultures will also factor into our analysis of international conflict and cooperation. The California state standards provide both the framework and pace of this class. Students will maintain an organized binder or notebook that will showcase various skills required for successful completion of the course, including Document Based Questions activities and essays requiring document analysis, critical thinking and writing to allow for a deeper understanding of the content while providing skills in line with Common Core. Earns five of ten required credits for the U.S. History graduation requirement. UC Approved. Each day of attendance represents one week of curriculum. Given the demanding nature of the curriculum, students are permitted only 1.5 days of absences per semester. Exceeding this limit may result in removal from the course without the possibility of a refund. A minimum grade of C is required to pass the course.
Introduction to Computer Science
Instructor: Ryan Valles
Grades: 8-12
Spring Semester: June 30 to July 18, 2025
Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM
This three-week summer course offers high school students an introduction to computer programming using JavaScript. Students will delve into programming basics, including variables, data types, control structures, and functions, laying the groundwork for understanding more advanced concepts. Through interactive coding exercises and projects, participants will gain hands-on experience, fostering problem-solving skills and logical thinking. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in programming, preparing them for further exploration in the dynamic field of computer science. 5 Elective credits. This will NOT satisfy CTE.
AP Prep-Psychology
Instructor: Summer Cervantez
Grades: 10-12
Spring Semester: June 30-July 18, 2025
Daily: 8:00 AM-12:20 PM
This AP Prep Course in Psychology introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering foundational students that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and research methods across major units of study. Students will study the scientific foundations of psychology, covering research methods, ethical considerations, and the field’s historical development. They will examine the biological bases of behavior, focusing on brain structures, neurotransmitters, the nervous system, and genetics. They will explore sensation and perception, learning and cognition, memory processes, problem-solving, and intelligence. Students will analyze developmental psychology ,motivation, emotion, and stress, along with the psychological and biological influences on behavior. They will investigate social psychology and evaluate personality theories and psychological disorders, gaining an understanding of abnormal psychology and mental health. This course will prepare students for the AP Psychology Exam with in-depth content review and test-taking strategies. This course will require active participation in class discussions and activities and completion of assignments, presentations, and AP-style practice tests.
College Preparation Course
Instructor: Kylie Rushing
Grades: 10-11
Fall Semester: June 9-June 27, 2025
Daily: 8:00 AM-12:20 PM
Location: TBD
During this three-week college preparation course, students will acquire essential tools to support their future academic endeavors in higher education. Participants will explore the significance of early college planning, including selecting appropriate high school courses aligned with their prospective majors, implementing effective time management strategies for academic success, and establishing productive study habits and routines.
Students will also be introduced to college admissions criteria, emphasizing the importance of entrance exams and extracurricular activities in the application process. Additionally, the course will provide insights into college financial planning, covering topics such as tuition, housing costs, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.
Furthermore, the curriculum will address essential skills, including interview techniques, planning college visits, obtaining letters of recommendation and understanding their relevance, and evaluating factors when selecting colleges and majors. Students will also gain exposure to resources for career exploration, comprehension of college essay prompts, and strategies for successfully transitioning into college life.
This course provides no credit.