Courses Offered

To remain a traditional high school student and register for an online course students should consult their school counselor or principal for registration information and support.  Middle Schoolers must be recommended by their principal. 

To enroll in I-SS Virtual Academy for middle or high school  email khinson@iss.k12.nc.us or to enroll in our middle or high school iAcademy Programs please email  slewis@iss.k12.nc.us

 

 

Look Below to See a Complete List of Middle and High School Courses

Created and Taught by

I-SS Teachers

All Middle school courses are designed to meet needs of both academic and advanced learners

 

 

 

English 6th Grade

English 7th Grade

English 8th Grade

Middle school ELA courses engage academic and advanced students in state standards and objectives aligned with the following guidelines:

Key Ideas and Evidence

1. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.

2. Determine central ideas (RI) or themes (RL) of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.

3. Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.

Craft and Structure

4. Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.

5. Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text (e.g., a section, chapter, scene, or stanza) relate to each other and the whole.

6. Assess how point of view, perspective, or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.

Integration of Ideas and Analysis

7. Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.

8. Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, including the validity of the reasoning as well as the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence.

9. Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.

Range of Reading and Level of Complexity

10. Read and understand complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently, connecting prior knowledge and experiences to text


English I

Grade Level: 9 

Credit: 1

Course Description: This course challenges students to acquire, master, and use skills in studying, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and literature (terms, types, elements). Emphasis is placed on all communication skills. Mastery of skills taught in English I prepares students for college. The State NCFE test is required and will count as 20% of the final grade.


English I Honors

Grade Level: 9

Credit: 1(.5 quality point)

Course Description: This course introduces the higher-level thinking skills in the study of literature (terms, types, and elements), writing, grammar and vocabulary. Students taking this course should have the English skills to meet a demanding course of study. The course’s rigorous academic pace demands high student expectations, a greater independence and depth of study than English I. Emphasis is placed on oral and written communication skills. The State NCFE test is required and will count as 20% of the final grade.


English II

Grade Level:10

Credit:1

Course Description: This course builds on skills mastered in English I, especially as they apply to World Literature and writing. Emphasis is placed on all communication skills. Mastery of skills taught in English II prepares students for college. The State EOC assessment is required and will count 20% of the final grade.



English II Honors

Grade Level: 10

Credit: 1 (.5 quality point)

Course Description: Students taking this course should have the English skills to meet a demanding course of study. English II Honors applies the higher-level thinking skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The course’s rigorous academic pace demands high student expectations, a greater independence and depth of study than English II. This course is designed to prepare students for the advanced placement program. Emphasis is placed on the study of world literature and on expository writing. The State EOC assessment is required and will count 20% of the final grade.


English III

Grade Level: 11

Credit: 1

Course Description: This course builds on skills mastered in English II, especially as they apply to American Literature, writing and research. Emphasis is placed on all communication skills. Mastery of skills taught in English III prepares students for college. The State NCFE assessment is required and will count 20% of the final grade.

*English III OCS also available


English III Honors

Grade Level 11

Credit: 1(.5 quality point)

Course Description: Students taking this course should have the English skills to meet a demanding course of study. English III Honors applies the higher-level thinking skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The course’s rigorous academic pace demands high student expectations, a greater independence and depth of study than English II. This course is designed to prepare students for the advanced placement program. The State NCFE assessment is required and will count 20% of the final grade.


English IV

Grade: 12

Credit: 1

Course Description: English IV requires students to extend the skills mastered in reading, writing, listening and speaking and to apply them to a survey of British Literature. Mastery of skills taught in English IV prepares students for college. The State NCFE assessment is required and will count 20% of the final grade.



English IV Honors

Grade: 12

Credit: 1 (.5 quality point)

Course Description: English IV Honors requires students to demonstrate the ability to use analysis, synthesis, and evaluation in relation to a survey of British Literature. Students taking this course should have the English skills to meet a demanding course of study. This course’s rigorous academic pace demands high student expectations, a greater independence and depth of study than English IV. The State NCFE assessment is required and will count 20% of the final grade.


Advanced English and AP English  Language and Composition

Grade: 11

Credit: 1 (1 extra quality point)

Recommended:  “B” or above in English II Honors


Course Description:  Advanced English Language and Composition is the fall semester course taken before AP English Language & Composition.  In AP Language and Composition students will learn to use the characteristic modes of discourse (narration, description, cause and effect, definition, persuasion, etc.) and to recognize the assumptions underlying various rhetorical strategies. Through speaking, listening, reading, and critical analysis, but chiefly through the experience of their own writing, students will become more aware of the resources of language: connotation, metaphor, irony, syntax, diction, and tone. Writing assignments will focus on the critical analysis of literature and mastering styles of various discourses, particularly argumentation; the primary literary focus here is nonfiction, fiction, and drama. An AP course is challenging and stimulating and takes substantially more preparation than other high school courses. It also gives greater opportunity for individual progress and accomplishment and goes into great depth. Students are required to take the AP exam at the end of the school year.
 


Math 6th Grade

Math 7th Grade

Math 8th Grade

Middle Schoolers May Register for Yearlong Math 1 and Yearlong Math II as Early High School Credit With Principal Approval

Middle school math courses will support academic and advanced students in developing the following mathematical practices: 

1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.

3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.

4. Model with mathematics.

5. Use appropriate tools strategically.

6. Attend to precision.

7. Look for and make use of structure.

8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.


NC Math I and Math I Honors

Grade 9-12

NC Math I Credit:1

NC Math I Honors Credit: 1 (.5 quality point)

Course Description: NC Math 1 provides students the opportunity to study concepts of algebra, geometry, functions, number and operations, statistics and modeling throughout the course. These concepts include expressions in the real number system, creating and reasoning with equations and inequalities, interpreting and building simple functions, expressing geometric properties and interpreting categorical and quantitative data. The state EOC test is required and will count as 20% of the final grade.


NC Math II and Math II Honors

Grade: 9-12

NC Math II Credit: 1

NC Math II Honors Credit 1 (.5 quality point)

Prerequisite: NC Math I

Course Description:  NC Math 2 continues a progression of the standards established in NC Math 1. In addition to these standards, NC Math 2 includes: polynomials, congruence and similarity of figures, trigonometry with triangles, modeling with geometry, probability, making inferences and justifying conclusions. The state NCFE test is required and will count as 20% of the final grade.


NC Math III and Math III Honors

Grade: 9-12

NC Math II Credit : 1

NC Math II Honors Credit: 1 (.5 quality point)

Prerequisite: NC Math II

Course Description: NC Math 3 progresses from the standards learned in NC Math 1 and NC Math 2. In addition to these standards, NC Math 3 extends to include algebraic concepts such as: the complex number system, inverse functions, trigonometric functions and the unit circle. Math III also includes the geometric concepts of conics and circles. The state EOC test is required and will count as 20% of the final grade.


Pre-Calculus Honors

Grade 11-12

Credit: 1(.5 quality point)

Prerequisite: NC Math III or AFM 

Course Description: This course is designed for those students who are planning to continue their education beyond high school in a field of study where calculus is an entry level mathematics course. The course covers functions, graphing, trigonometry, sequences and series, and an introduction to calculus. The state NCFE test is required and will count as 20% of the final grade.


Math IV and Math IV Honors

Grade Level: 9-12

NC Math IV Credit: 1

 NC Math IV Honors Credit: 1 (.5 extra quality point)

Prerequisite: NC Math 3 or NC Math 3 Honors

Course Description: The primary focus of this course is on functions and statistical thinking, continuing the study of algebra, functions, trigonometry and statistical concepts previously experienced in NC Math 1-3. The course is designed to be a capstone to introductory statistical concepts. Additionally, the course intentionally integrates concepts from algebra and functions to demonstrate the close relationship between algebraic reasoning as applied to the characteristics and behaviors of more complex functions. In many cases, undergraduate students majoring in non-STEM fields will take an entry-level Algebra or Introductory Statistics course. Students will be prepared for college level algebra and statistics or as a bridge to prepare students for Precalculus or other advanced math courses.

 



 

Middle School Spanish Level I

Middle School French Level I

Middle School French Level II

The above Foreign Languages are taught yearlong on a Middle School level to provide introduction and exposure to the language! 


Note: It is recommended that foreign language courses be taken during consecutive years.

French I

Credit: 1

Course Description: This course is an introduction to the study of the French language and its culture. It allows students to perform the most basic functions of the language and to become familiar with some elements of its culture. The emphasis is placed on the development of the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing within a given context extending outside of the classroom setting when possible. Grammar is integrated throughout the course and is selected according to the language needs (functions). A general introduction to the culture, its products (e.g., literature, laws, foods, games) perspectives (e.g., attitudes, values, and beliefs) and practices (patterns of social interaction) is integrated throughout the course. Students acquire some insight into how languages and cultures work by comparing the target language and culture(s) to their own. Integration of other disciplines is ongoing throughout the course.


French II

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: French I

Course Description: This course provides students with opportunities to continue the development of their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Students participate in simple conversational situations by combining and recombining learned elements of the language orally and in writing. Students are able to satisfy basic survival needs and interact on issues of everyday life in the present time and past time inside and outside of the classroom setting. They compose related sentences that narrate, describe, compare, and summarize familiar topics from the target culture. Focus is placed on understanding main ideas. They develop a better understanding of the similarities and differences between cultures and languages and they examine the influence of the beliefs and values on the target culture(s). Integration of other disciplines is ongoing throughout the course.


French III Honors

Credit: 1(.5 quality point)

Prerequisite: French II

Course Description: This course provides students with additional opportunities to expand their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills as they create with the language and as they access short literary texts, authentic materials, and media on generally familiar topics. Students satisfy limited communication and social interaction demands, they initiate and maintain face-to-face communication. They identify main idea(s) and significant details in discussions, presentations, and written texts within a cultural context, read and interpret authentic materials, narrate and describe in sentences, groups of related sentences, and short cohesive passages in present, past, future, and other complex tenses and compose messages, announcements, personal notes, and advertisements. They refine their knowledge and understanding of the target language and culture(s) and their own by examining the interrelationship of other cultures to their own, by demonstrating behaviors appropriate in target cultures, and by applying their knowledge and skills inside and outside of the classroom setting. Integration of other disciplines is ongoing throughout the course.


French IV Honors

Credit: 1 (.5 quality point)

Prerequisite: French III

Course Description: A major focus of this course is to enable students to communicate in writing and in extended conversations on a variety of topics. Students begin to narrate, discuss, and support fairly complex ideas and concepts using concrete facts and topics in past, present and future time. They satisfy routine social demands and meet most social requirements. Culture, history, and literature are also emphasized. Short stories, poetry, excerpts from various periods of literature, current events, and authentic materials are included. Emphasis is placed on independent reading. Finer points of grammar are studied to aid oral and written communication. There is more in depth study of the target culture(s) and their influence throughout the world. Students are able to connect the target language to other disciplines and compare it to their own. Finally, they are able to use the language inside and outside the classroom setting.


French V Honors

Credit: 1(.5 quality point)

Prerequisite: French IV

Course Description: This course is designed for those students who want a course of study which concentrates on major literary works, including explanation of texts along with a detailed study of history and culture as they relate to the author’s studies. Students are encouraged to work independently and to become well acquainted with the technology presently available for language study.


Spanish I  

Credit: 1

Course Description: This course is an introduction to the study of the Spanish language and its culture. It allows students to perform the most basic functions of the language and to become familiar with some elements of its culture. The emphasis is placed on the development of the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing within a given context extending outside of the classroom setting when possible. Grammar is integrated throughout the course and is selected according to the language needs (functions). A general introduction to the culture, its products (e.g., literature, laws, foods, games) perspectives (e.g., attitudes, values, and beliefs) and practices (patterns of social interaction) is integrated throughout the course. Students acquire some insight into how languages and cultures work by comparing the target language and culture(s) to their own. Integration of other disciplines is ongoing throughout the course.


Spanish II

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: Spanish I

Course Description: This course provides students with opportunities to continue the development of their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Students participate in simple conversational situations by combining and recombining learned elements of the language orally and in writing. They are able to satisfy basic survival needs and interact on issues of everyday life in the present time and past time inside and outside the classroom sitting. They compose related sentences which narrate, describe, compare, and summarize familiar topics from the target culture. Focus in placed on understanding main ideas. They develop a better understanding of the similarities and differences between cultures and languages and they examine the influence of the beliefs and values on the target culture(s). Integration of other disciplines in ongoing throughout the course.
 


Spanish III Honors

Credit: 1(.5 quality points)

Prerequisite: Spanish II

Course Description: This course provides students additional opportunities to expand their listening, speaking, reading, & writing skills as they create with the language and as they access short literary texts, authentic materials, & media on generally familiar topics. Students satisfy limited communication & social interaction demands, they initiate & maintain face-to-face communication. They identify main idea(s) & significant details in discussions, presentations, & written texts within a cultural context, read & interpret authentic materials, narrate and describe in sentences, groups of related sentences, and short cohesive passages in present, past, and future time and compose messages, announcements, personal notes, & advertisements. They continue to refine their knowledge & understanding of the target language & culture(s) & their own by examining the interrelationship of other cultures to their own, by demonstrating behaviors appropriate in target cultures, & applying their knowledge & skills inside & outside the classroom setting. Integration of other disciplines is ongoing throughout the course.


Spanish IV Honors

Credit: 1(.5 quality point)

Prerequisite: Spanish III

Course Description: A major focus of this course is to enable students to communicate in writing and in extended conversations on a variety of topics. Students begin to narrate, discuss, and support fairly complex ideas and concepts using concrete facts and topics in past, present and future time. They satisfy routine social demands and meet most social requirements. Another emphasis of this course is on culture and literature. Short stories, poetry, excerpts from various periods of literature, current events, and authentic materials are included. Emphasis is placed on independent reading. Finer points of grammar are studied to aid oral and written communication. There is more in depth study of the target culture(s) and their influence throughout the world. Students are able to connect the target language to other disciplines and compare it to their own. Finally, they are able to use the language inside and outside of the classroom setting. This course may be taught as a pre-AP class.
 


Spanish V Honors

 

Credit: 1 (.5 quality point)

Prerequisite:  Spanish IV

Course Description: This course is a continuation of Spanish IV with more emphasis on conversation. Study focuses on major literary works along with a detailed study of Spanish and Latin American history and culture. More work with technology is available for language study.


Latin I

Credit: 1

Course Description: The Cambridge Latin Course is designed to introduce students to the language, culture, and history of the Roman Empire during the first century AD (especially that of Pompeii, Roman Britain, and Alexandria). Emphasis is placed on reading and comprehension of the written word. Through the study of Latin, students begin to master a wealth of root words, prefixes, and suffixes essential to build English vocabulary useful in preparing for the SAT.


Latin II

Credit:1

Prerequisite: Latin I

Course Description: Latin II reviews the skills mastered in Latin I and uses them as a building block for further grammatical concepts. The course continues to introduce new aspects of culture and history, focusing on Roman Britain and the city of Rome. Emphasis is still placed on learning new vocabulary and increasing English vocabulary via derivatives.


Latin III Honors

Credit:1 (.5 quality point)

Prerequisite: Latin II

Course Description: Latin III includes a review of introductory and intermediate Latin vocabulary and grammar while students continue to work toward a mastery of reading and interpreting original works of Latin authors of the first century AD. Original passages from Ovid and Vergil (mythology), Catullus (poetry), and Pliny (prose) are first introduced.



 

 

Science 6th Grade

Science 7th Grade

Science 8th Grade

Middle school science provides students' opportunities to learn from the perspective that science is inquiry.  Traditional laboratory experiences provide opportunities to demonstrate how science is constant, historic,
probabilistic, and replicable. Although there are no fixed steps that all scientists follow, scientific
investigations usually involve collections of relevant evidence, the use of logical reasoning, the application of
imagination to devise hypotheses, and explanations to make sense of collected evidence. Student engagement
in scientific investigation provides background for understanding the nature of scientific inquiry. In addition,
the science process skills necessary for inquiry are acquired through active experience. The process skills
support development of reasoning and problem-solving ability and are the core of scientific methodologies.


Physical Science

Grade:9-12

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: NC Math I Suggested

Course Description:  This course introduces the basic principles of physical science with an emphasis on chemistry and physics. The state NCFE test is required and will count as 20% of the final grade.

 *Chemistry and Physics also satisfy the requirement of the “physical science” credit.


Biology 

Grade: 9-12

Credit: 1

Course Description: This course is designed to prepare the student to live in our world of technology with an in-depth understanding of science concepts and specialized instruction. Special emphasis is given to lab work and projects, which promote creativity and the use of the scientific method. Topics include: life functions, classification, cell biology, plant and animal structure, reproduction and ecology. The state EOC test is required and will count as 20% of the final grade.
 


Biology Honors

Grade: 9-12

Credit: 1(.5 quality point)

Prerequisite: Honors Earth/Environmental Science Suggested

Course Description: This course is designed to give the student a more challenging and in-depth experience of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study in Biology. Students are expected to work independently on a variety of assignments and accept greater responsibility for their earning. In addition to the NCSCS goals and objectives, students are expected to: design and carry out several independent investigations of biological questions, read and report on recent research in biology, and demonstrate a more in-depth conceptual understanding of all biology objectives. The state EOC test is required and will count as 20% of the final grade.


Earth and Environmental Science

Grade: 9-12

Credit: 1

Course Description: This course is designed for students interested in studying basic principles of Earth Science. Special areas of study include: meteorology, historical geology, plate tectonics, mineralogy, astronomy, oceanography, geology, and environmental issues. The state NCFE test is required and will count as 20% of the final grade.


Earth and Environmental Science Honors

Grade:9-12

Credit: 1(.5 quality point)

Course Description: Honors Earth/Environmental Science is a rigorous curriculum designed to allow highly motivated students to conduct an in-depth study of the Earth and Environmental Sciences. Students are expected to work independently on a variety of assignments and accept greater responsibility for their learning. In order to develop a greater understanding of the processes that shape our everyday lives, the curriculum will integrate inquiry investigations and a variety of technologies with the study of earth as a system. The impacts of human activities on earth systems will also be a focus. The results of student investigations will be communicated through presentations and formal laboratory reports. Enrichment and integration with other disciplines is encouraged. The state NCFE test is required and will count as 20% of the final grade.


Chemistry Honors

Grade: 10-12

Credit: 1(.5 quality point)

Prerequisite: NC Math III Suggested

Course Description: Chemistry is an accelerated comprehensive laboratory course designed to give students a conceptual and in-depth understanding of the concepts in the NC Standard Course of Study in Chemistry. Students are expected to work independently on a variety of assignments and accept greater responsibility for their learning. The course will include honors objectives and an in-depth study of at least two enrichment topics. Students will design and complete at least one in-depth independent study of chemistry directed questions. The curriculum will integrate inquiry and technology to explore the world of chemistry. The state NCFE test is required and will count as 20% of the final 


Forensics or Forensics Honors

Grade: 11-12

Forensics Credit: 1

Forensics Honors Credit: 1(.5 quality point)

Prerequisites: Physics or Chemistry and Biology

Course Description: Forensic Science is designed to sharpen the student’s problem solving skills, with an emphasis on writing, direct experimentation, and the formation of evidence based conclusions to a variety of criminal proceedings. Students will write reports that record their findings on evidence presented from case studies and actual investigations. Emphasis will be on all scientific connections of forensics using concepts from biology, chemistry, and physics. Students will conduct their own experiments and research current issues.


 Anatomy Honors

Grade: 11-12

Anatomy Honors Credit: 1 (.5 quality point)

Prerequisite: Biology and/or Chemistry Suggested

Course Description: Anatomy is a course that allows students to develop and build a better understanding of the structures and functions of the human body.  Students will see the connections between how the systems of the body interact and work together. 


 

Health and PE 6th Grade

Health and PE 7th Grade

Health and PE 8th  Grade

Middle school students will explore state objectives under the following categories:

Mental and Emotional Health

Personal and Consumer Health

Interpersonal Communication and Relationships

Nutrition and Physical Activities

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs


Health and PE

Grade: 9-12

Credit: 1

Course Description: This course is required for all students. Physical, mental, social, and emotional health is explored. The physical education component consists of physical fitness testing, individual and team sports, and a variety of other activities. Students will complete district required Fitnessgram as a part of this course.


Personal Lifetime Fitness 

Grade:10-12

Credit: 1

Prerequisite:  Physical Education / Health

Course Description: This course is designed with an emphasis on background and development of healthy lifestyle choices associated with lifetime fitness. Areas of study will include: aerobic activities for cardiovascular fitness, strength and conditioning methods, lifetime individual sports and activities.

 

 



 

Social Studies 6th Grade

Students in sixth grade will continue to expand the knowledge, skills and understandings acquired in the fourth and fifth grade studies of North Carolina and the United States by connecting those studies to their first formal look at a study of the world. Sixth graders will focus heavily on the discipline of geography by using the themes of location, place, movement, human-environment interaction and region to understand the emergence, expansion and decline of civilizations and societies from the beginning of human existence to the Age of Exploration. Students will take a systematic look at the history and culture of various world regions including the development of economic, political and social systems through the lens of change and continuity. As students examine the various factors that shaped the development of civilizations, societies and regions in the ancient world, they will examine both similarities and differences among these areas. A conscious effort should be made to integrate various civilizations, societies and regions from every continent (Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas). During this study, students will learn to recognize and interpret the “lessons of history;” those transferable understandings that are supported throughout time by recurring themes and issues.


Social Studies 7th Grade

Students in seventh grade will continue to expand upon the knowledge, skills and understanding acquired in the sixth grade examination of early civilizations. Seventh graders study the world from the Age of Exploration to contemporary times in order to understand the implications of increased global interactions. The focus will remain on the discipline of geography by using the themes of location, place, movement, human-environmental interaction and region to understand modern societies and regions. This course will guide students through patterns of change and continuity with a focus on conflict and cooperation, economic development, population shifts, political thought and organization, cultural values and beliefs and the impact of environment over time. Through an investigation of the various factors that shaped the development of societies and regions in the modern world and global interactions, students will examine both similarities and differences. A conscious effort should be made to include an integrated study of various societies and regions from every continent (Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americans and Australia).


Social Studies 8th Grade

Students in eighth grade will continue to build on the fourth and fifth grade introductions to North Carolina and the United States by embarking on a more rigorous study of the historical foundations and democratic principles that continue to shape our state and nation. Students will begin with a review of the major ideas and events preceding the foundation of North Carolina and the United States. The main focus of the course will be the critical events, personalities, issues, and developments in the state and nation from the Revolutionary Era to contemporary times. Inherent in this study is an analysis of the relationship of geography, events and people to the political, economic, technological, and cultural developments that shaped our existence in North Carolina and the United States over time. Although the major focus is state and national history, efforts should also be made to include a study of local history.

 


Civics Literacy and  Civics Literacy Honors

Grade: 9-12

Civics Literacy Credit 1

Civics Literacy Honors Credit: 1(.5 quality point)

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation Suggested for Honors

The Founding Principles of the United States of America and North Carolina: Civic Literacy course is intended to be a study of government, civics, and citizenship. This course has been legislated by N.C. Session Law 2019-82, House Bill 924. Because the study of civics and government is an integral part of the learning progression of each course, kindergarten through high school, this course expects for students to enter possessing a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of government and civic responsibility. As this course seeks to help students understand the governmental and political systems of the N.C. and the U.S. it will build upon the application of the Founding Principles as identified by N.C. Session Law 2019-82, House Bill 924. This course will allow students to examine the ways in which power and responsibility are both shared and limited by the U.S. Constitution and how the judicial, legal, and political systems of North Carolina and the United States embody the founding principles of government. Students in this course will analyze and evaluate the extent to which the American system of government guarantees, protects, and upholds the rights of citizens. Through the integration of inquiry-based learning, students will also investigate how the American system of government has evolved over time while learning how to analyze topics, issues, and claims in order to communicate ideas and take action to effect change and inform others. When opportunities can be provided, this course can be augmented by related learning experiences, both in and out of school, that enable students to apply their knowledge and understanding of how to participate in their own community and governance. Mastery of the standards and objectives of this course will inform and nurture responsible, participatory citizens who are competent and committed to the core values and founding principles of American democracy and the U.S. Constitution.

 


American History II or American History II Honors

Grade:  11-12

American History II Credit: 1

American History II Honors Credit: 1(.5 quality point)

Prerequisite: American History I

Course Description:  American History II will guide students from the late nineteenth century time period through the early 21st century. Students will examine the political, economic, social and cultural development of the United States from the end of the Reconstruction era to present times. The essential standards of American History Course II will trace the change in the ethnic composition of American society; the movement toward equal rights for racial minorities and women; and the role of the United States as a major world power. An emphasis is placed on the expanding role of the federal government and federal courts as well as the continuing tension between the individual and the state. The desired outcome of this course is for students to develop an understanding of the cause-and-effect relationship between past and present events, recognize patterns of interactions, and understand the impact of events on in the United States in an interconnected world.


American History or American History Honors

Grade:  11-12

American History Credit: 1

American History Honors Credit: 1(.5 quality point)

This course will explore the overarching themes, trends, and concepts of our nation’s history, including the development and evolution of the American system of government, the patterns and impact of migration and immigration, cultural development through the arts and technological innovations, relationships with foreign nations, and the role of both the individual and diverse groups in building the American story. Students in this course will be asked to investigate major turning points in American History to develop an understanding of multiple causation, to determine patterns of change and continuity, and to be able to compare multiple perspectives of the past. Rooted in Inquiry-based skills, students will trace American development while learning to craft compelling questions, synthesize and evaluate evidence, develop claims, communicate ideas, and take informed action. Students will continue to build upon previous studies of American History, the fundamental concepts in civics and government, economics, behavioral science (culture) and geography taught in grades kindergarten through eight as they examine American history. As well-rounded, productive citizens, students will leave the American History course with both the knowledge and the skills to engage with the modern world by recognizing contemporary patterns and connections.


Psychology or Psychology Honors

Grade: 11-12

Psychology Credit: 1

Psychology Honors Credit: 1(.5 honors credit)

Course Description: This course focuses on the study of leading psychologists and their theories and on how psychological theories relate to contemporary life. It includes a basic survey of social and human relations. The formation of human personality is analyzed and examined with regard to the role of the individual in human society.


Advanced Psychology and AP Psychology

Grade: 11-12

Advanced Psychology Credit: 1(.5 quality point)

AP Psychology Credit : 1 (1 quality point)

Course Description: Advanced Psychology is the fall semester course taken prior to AP Psychology.  This yearlong course  is designed to engage students in the understanding, articulation, and dissemination of psychology as a science. Students are introduced to psychology, with a focus on the scientific study of human development, learning, motivation, and personality. The course emphasizes the empirical examination of behavior and mental processes and offers perspectives that foster students’ growth, development, and understanding of cultural diversity. Students of psychology acquire information from a variety of sources, use information as they make decisions and evaluations, and solve problems. Honors Psychology covers the material in greater complexity, novelty, and pacing. Honors Psychology is distinguished by a difference in the quality of the work expected, not merely an increase in quantity.

 


Advanced US History and AP US History

Grade Level: 11-12

Advanced US History Credit: 1 (.5 quality point)

AP US History Credit: 1 (1 extra quality point)

Course Description: Advanced US History is taught in the fall prior to AP US History in the spring. This is a yearlong course. This course is designed for those who want an Advanced Placement course of study in United States History. This course is based on the guidelines of The College Board and the syllabus for Advanced Placement United States History. Students are required to take the AP Exam at the end of the year.


World History and World History Honors

Grade: 9-12

Psychology Credit: 1

Psychology Honors Credit: 1(.5 honors credit)

Course Description: This course includes a survey of world civilizations and the impact their cultures have had on society. Similarities and differences among cultural patterns are studies in the economic, social, and political areas.  

Honors Level:

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
Course Description: This course provides the opportunity for advanced work, rigorous study, and systematic study of major ideas and concepts found in the study of global history. The course is challenging and requires students to take greater responsibility for their learning by participating in problem seeking, problem solving, scholarly and creative processes, critical analysis and application, and reflective thinking. Although the goals and objectives are the same as those found in the standard World History course, the material is taught with greater complexity and reflects a differentiated curriculum.


AP Human Geography

 

Grade Level: 10-12

Advanced Human Geography History Credit: 1 (.5 quality point)

AP Human Geography History Credit: 1 (1 extra quality point)

Course Description:  The purpose of the AP course in Human Geography is to introduce you to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. You will employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. You will also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice.  The course aligns with the AP College Board CED for AP Human Geography.

 


Economic and Personal Finance and Economic and Personal Finance Honors

Grade: 9-12

Economic and Personal Finance Credit 1

Economic and Personal Finance Honors Credit: 1(.5 quality point)

This course aims to develop students who understand economic decisions, use money wisely, understand education and career choices, and understand how to be financially responsible citizens. Students should be provided with the agency, tools, and knowledge necessary to live in and contribute to a financially sound society. The Economics and Personal Finance (EPF) course is intended to be a study of economics, personal finance, income and education, money management, critical consumerism, and financial planning. This course has been legislated by N.C. Session Law 2019-82, House Bill 924. Because the study of economics and personal finance is an integral part of the learning progression of each course, kindergarten through high school, this course expects students to enter possessing a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of economics and money management. When opportunities can be provided, this course can be augmented by related learning experiences, both in and out of school, that enable students to apply their knowledge and understanding of how to participate in their own financial literacy. Mastery of the standards and objectives of this course will inform and nurture responsible, participatory citizens who are competent and committed to responsible money management and financial literacy.

 


 

Middle School Computer Science Discoveries Level I

Middle School Computer Science Discoveries Level II (Must Complete Level I as a prerequisite)

NC Computer Science  center around these five core concepts:
1.    Computing Systems
2.    Networks and the Internet
3.    Data and Analysis
4.    Algorithms and Programming
5.    Impacts of Computing

 


Accounting I or Accounting I Honors

Grade: 10-12

Accounting I Credit: 1

Accounting I Honors Credit: 1(.5 quality point)

*Course can count as 1 Full Math Credit

Prerequisite: Financial Planning Suggested

Course Description: This course is designed to help students understand the basic principles of the accounting cycle. Emphasis is placed on analyzing and recording of business transactions, preparation and interpretation of financial statements, accounting systems, banking and payroll activities, basic types of business ownership, and an accounting career orientation. Mathematical skills and critical thinking are reinforced. Work-based learning strategies appropriate to this course are school-based enterprises, internships, cooperative education, and apprenticeship. Simulations, projects, teamwork, and FBLA leadership activities, meetings, conferences and competitions provide opportunities for application of instructional competencies.


Accounting II Honors

Grade: 10-12

Credit: 1(.5 quality point)

*Course can count as 1 Full Math Credit

Prerequisite: Accounting I

Course Description: This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge of accounting procedures and techniques utilized in solving business problems and making financial decisions. Emphasis includes partnership accounting; adjustments and inventory control systems; budgetary control systems; cost accounting; and further enhancement of employment skills. Mathematics skills and critical thinking are reinforced. Work-based learning strategies appropriate to this course are school-based enterprises, internships, cooperative education, and apprenticeship. Simulations, projects, teamwork, and FBLA leadership activities, meetings, conferences and competitions provide opportunities for application of instructional competencies.


Financial Planning I or Financial Planning I Honors

Grade Level:   10-12

Financial Planning I Credit: 1

Financial Planning I Honors Credit: 1 (.5 extra quality point)

 

Course Description: This course is designed to cover key strategies for wealth building as students learn to evaluate businesses for investment opportunities while incorporating current headlines and trends, financial resources, and stock market simulation. Also students will develop techniques to enhance personal wealth building for a secure financial future. Current technology will be used to acquire information and to complete activities. Throughout the course, students are presented ethical dilemmas and problem-solving situations for which they must apply academic, team-building and critical-thinking skills.


 


 Financial Planning  II Honors

 

Grade Level:   10-12


Financial Planning II Honors  Credit: 1 (.5 extra quality point)


Prerequisite: Financial Planning I 

Course Description: Students will further develop the fundamental knowledge and skills acquired in Wealth Building to create a business financial plan; including loans, insurance, taxes, corporate governance, and explore the various risks and returns associated with business activities. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing ethical situations in various aspects of finance in local, national and global business environments. Current technology will be used to acquire information and to complete activities. Throughout the course, students are presented ethical dilemmas and problem-solving situations for which they must apply academic, team-building and critical-thinking skills

 


Business Law or Business Law Honors

Grade: 11-12

Business Law Credit: 1

Business Law Credit Honors: 1 (.5 quality point)

Course Description: This course is designed to acquaint students with the basic legal principles common to business and personal activities. Topics include consumer concepts to assist students when evaluating contracts, purchasing with credit, purchasing appropriate insurance, and renting and owning real estate. Business concepts such as contracting, ethics, starting a business, hiring employees, managing employees, or representing other businesses as employee or contractor are included. Skills in critical thinking are reinforced in this course along with oral and written communication skills. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are field trips and job shadowing. Simulations, projects, teamwork, and FBLA leadership activities, meetings, conferences, and competitions provide opportunities for application of instructional competencies.
 


Sports and Entertainment Marketing or Sports Marketing and Entertainment Honors

Grade: 10-12

Sports and Entertainment Marketing Credit: 1

Sports and Entertainment Marking Honors Credit: 1 (.5 extra quality point)

Course Description: This course is designed for students interested in sports, entertainment, and event marketing. Emphasis is placed on the following principles as they apply to the industry: branding, licensing, and naming rights; business foundation; concessions and on-site merchandising; economic foundation; promotion; safety and security; and human relations. Skills in communications, human relations, psychology, and mathematics are reinforced in this course. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course include cooperative education paid/unpaid internships, and school-based enterprises. Marketing simulations, projects, teamwork, and DECA leadership activities, meetings, conferences, and competitions provide opportunities for application of instructional competencies.
 


Sports Marketing II Honors

 

Grade Level: 10-12

 Credit: 1 (.5 extra quality point)

Prerequisite:  Sports and Entertainment Marketing I

Course Description: This course is designed for students interested in an advanced study of sports, entertainment, and event marketing. Emphasis is placed on the following principles as they apply to the industry: business management, career development options, client relations, ethics, events management, facilities management, legal issues and contracts, promotion, and sponsorships. Skills in communications, human relations, mathematics, psychology, and technical writing are reinforced in this course. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course include cooperative education paid/unpaid internships, and school-based enterprises. Marketing simulations, projects, teamwork, and DECA leadership activities, meetings, conferences, and competitions provide opportunities for application of instructional competencies.


Python Programming I and Python Programming I Honors

 

Grade Level:   9-12

Credit: 1 (.5 quality point for honors)

Prerequisite:  None

Course Description:  Introduction to Python is a beginning course (not intended for experienced programmers) in which students can learn and practice coding in an online environment that requires only a modern web browser and Internet connection. No special software is required to complete this course. The course includes video content, practice labs, and coding projects. The course content is presented in three units. Each unit is a freestanding course.  Unit 1 (Course 40460) focuses on Python language basics, introducing data types, variables, input, functions, operators, conditional statements, loops, and incrementing. Students will be introduced to the basic structure of the Python 3 language and be ready to take Unit 2 as well as other beginner courses.  Unit 2 (Course 40461) focuses on Python data structures such as strings, lists, and range sequences, as well as methods for working with these structures. Students will be introduced to data structures and files in Python 3 and be ready to take Unit 3 as well as other beginner courses.  Unit 3 (Course 40521) focuses on using Python to develop sustainable code. Students will be introduced to data structures and files in Python 3 and be ready for more-advanced Python learning. Students can earn credentials by taking certification tests.


Python Programming II

Grade Level:   10-12

Credit: 1


Prerequisite:  Python Programming 1

Course Description:   This course will prepare students for jobs and careers connected with widely understood software development, which includes not only creating the code itself as a junior developer, but also computer systems design and software testing. Students will be guided to a level of Python programming knowledge which will allow them to design, write, debug, and run programs encoded in the Python language, and to understand the basic concepts of software development technology. In addition, students will learn IoT (Internet of Things) skills which can help transform any business in any industry, from manufacturing to saving endangered species. Students will apply basic programming (using Python) to support IoT devices. This course will prepare students for taking the PCAP: Certified Associate in Python Programming certification exam. Associate certification scaffolds to certification as a Certified Expert in Python Programming.

 


Adobe Visual Design Honors

Grade Level: 10-12

 Credit: 1 (.5 extra quality point)

Prerequisite:  None 

This course is a project-based course that develops ICT, career, and communication skills in print and graphic design using Adobe tools. This course is aligned to Adobe Photoshop, Adobe In-design, and Adobe Illustrator certifications. English language arts are reinforced. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course include job shadowing. Apprenticeship and cooperative education are possible for this course. SkillsUSA competitive events, community service, and leadership activities provide the opportunity to apply essential standards and workplace readiness skills through authentic experiences.

 


Adobe Video Design Honors

Grade Level: 11-12

 Credit: 1 (.5 extra quality point)

Prerequisite: Adobe Visual Design 


Description: This course is a project-based video course that develops career and communication skills in video production using Adobe tools. This course is aligned to Adobe Premiere certification. English language arts are reinforced. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course include job shadowing. Apprenticeship and cooperative education are possible for this course. SkillsUSA competitive events, community service, and leadership activities provide the opportunity to apply essential standards and workplace readiness skills through authentic experiences.


Business Essentials and Business Essentials Honors  (Formerly Called Principles of Business) 

Grade Level: 10-12

 Credit: 1 (.5 extra quality point for honors)

Prerequisite: None 

Course Description: This course introduces students to topics related to business, finance, management, and marketing to cover business in the global economy, functions of business organization and management, marketing basics, and significance of business financial and risk management. English language arts, social studies, and mathematics are reinforced.


Interior Design Fundamentals I

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: None 


Course Description: This course engages students in exploring various interior design professions, while building the content knowledge and technical skills necessary to provide a foundational knowledge of the design industry. Emphasis is placed on design thinking and utilization of the interior design process; human, environmental and behavioral factors; color theory, elements and principles of design; hand sketching/digital design techniques, space planning, selection of products and materials for residential interiors; client relationship building and design communication techniques. English/language arts, mathematics, science, art, and technology are reinforced.


Drafting

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1
Can Count as 1 Full Math Credit

Prerequisite:  Math I

Course Description: This course introduces students to the use of simple and complex graphic tools used to communicate and understand ideas and concepts found in the areas of architecture, manufacturing, engineering, science, and mathematics. Topics include problem-solving strategies, classical representation methods such as sketching, and geometric construction techniques as well as CAD (computer aided design), orthographic projection, and oblique, isometric and 3-D modeling. Skills in communication, mathematics, science, leadership, and problem solving are reinforced in this course. Job shadowing is an appropriate work-based learning strategy for this course. Hands-on work experiences and SkillsUSA leadership activities provide many opportunities to enhance classroom instruction and career development.

 

 

 


Visual Art 6th Grade

Visual Art 7th Grade

Visual Art 8th Grade

Visual literacy relates to the language of art, how it is organized, and how it is used to communicate as a language of its own. Visual literacy relates to all aspects of becoming “art literate,” including an understanding of how the Elements of Art and Principles of Design are used for personal expression and communication through art. Visual literacy also encompasses the application of critical and creative thinking skills to artistic expression and solving artistic problems, as well as using a variety of tools, media, and processes safely and appropriately while creating art.


Music Appreciation 6th Grade

Music Appreciation 7th Grade

Music Appreciation 8th Grade 

Apply the elements of music and musical techniques in order to sing and play music with accuracy and expression. Interpret the sound and symbol systems of music. Create music using a variety of sound and notational sources. Understand the interacting elements to respond to music and music performances. Understand global, interdisciplinary, and 21st century connections with music.


Digital Photography

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: 1

Prerequisite: None

Learn the fundamentals of Digital Photography.  The learner will use a Digital Photography to capture various photos while learning about lighting, positioning, distance and more.  The learner will learn about various digital cameras and how to incorporate different camera effects such as shutter speed into photography.  This is a basic level course.