Twelfth Grade Virtual School

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 12
In this course, students journey through British literature as they analyze foundational fiction and literary nonfiction works. As students read, they use textual evidence to support their analyses and analyze the impact of the author’s choices. Students make written and oral arguments to support claims, and they build upon previous writing skills to develop a formal and mature writing style. Students also further develop their listening skills, integrating what they hear and what they read to form and communicate clear perspectives on a variety of issues.

ALGEBRA I 

This course focuses on five critical areas: relationships between quantities and reasoning with equations, linear and exponential relationships, descriptive statistics, expressions and equations, and quadratic functions and modeling. This course builds on the foundation set in middle grades by deepening students’ understanding of linear and exponential functions and developing fluency in writing and solving one-variable equations and inequalities. Students will interpret, analyze, compare, and contrast functions that are represented numerically, tabularly, graphically, and algebraically. Quantitative reasoning is a common thread throughout the course as students use algebra to represent quantities and the relationships among those quantities in a variety of ways. Standards of mathematical practice and process are embedded throughout the course, as students make sense of problem situations, solve novel problems, reason abstractly, and think critically. 

GEOMETRY 

This course formalizes what students learned about geometry in the middle grades with a focus on reasoning and making mathematical arguments. Mathematical reasoning is introduced with a study of triangle congruency, including exposure to formal proofs and geometric constructions. Then students extend what they have learned to other essential triangle concepts, including similarity, right-triangle trigonometry, and the laws of sines and cosines. Moving on to other shapes, students justify and derive various formulas for circumference, area, and volume, as well as cross-sections of solids and rotations of two dimensional objects. Students then make important connections between geometry and algebra, including special triangles, slopes of parallel and perpendicular lines, and parabolas in the coordinate plane, before delving into an in-depth investigation of the geometry of circles. The course closes with a study of set theory and probability, as students apply theoretical and experimental probability to make decisions informed by data analysis.

ALGEBRA II 

This course focuses on functions, polynomials, periodic phenomena, and collecting and analyzing data. The course begins with a review of linear and quadratic functions to solidify a foundation for learning these new functions. Students make connections between verbal, numeric, algebraic, and graphical representations of functions and apply this knowledge as they create equations and inequalities that can be used to model and solve mathematical and real-world problems. As students refine and expand their algebraic skills, they will draw analogies among the operations and field properties of real numbers and those of complex numbers and algebraic expressions. Mathematical practices and habits of mind are embedded throughout the course, as students solve novel problems, reason abstractly, and think critically. 

MATHEMATICS I 

Mathematics I is the first course in a three-year series of integrated math courses for high school. The integrated math series is an alternative to the traditional Algebra I – Geometry – Algebra II pathway, placing some Geometry in each year of instruction. This full-year course formalizes and extends middle school mathematics, deepening students’ understanding of linear relationships. The course begins with a review of relationships between quantities, building from unit conversion to a study of expressions, equations, and inequalities. Students contrast linear and exponential relationships, including a study of sequences, as well as applications such as growth and decay. Students review one-, two-, and multi-step equations, formally reasoning about each step using properties of equality. Students extend this reasoning to systems of linear equations. Students use descriptive statistics to analyze data before turning their attention to transformations and the relationship between algebra and geometry on the coordinate plane. 

MATHEMATICS II 

This full-year course begins with a brief exploration of radicals and polynomials before delving into quadratic expressions, equations, and functions, including a derivation of the quadratic formula. Students then embark on a deep study of the applications of probability and develop advanced reasoning skills with a study of similarity, congruence, and proofs of mathematical theorems. Students explore right triangles with an introduction to right-triangle trigonometry before turning their attention into the geometry of circles and making informal arguments to derive formulas for the volumes of various solids. 

MATHEMATICS III 

This full-year course synthesizes previous mathematical learning in four focused areas of instruction. First, students relate visual displays and summary statistics to various types of data and to probability distributions with a focus on drawing conclusions from the data. Then, students embark on an in-depth study of polynomial, rational, and radical functions, drawing on concepts of integers and number properties to understand polynomial operations and the combination of functions through operations. This section of instruction builds to the fundamental theorem of analysis. In the second half of the course, students create and analyze scatterplots and study two-way tables and normal distributions. Finally, students apply probability to topics such as conditional probability, combinations and permutations, and sets. 

PRECALCULUS 

In this full-year advanced math course, students explore the nature of functions with a focus on graphing a variety of function types. They also study complex numbers, matrices, systems, and linear programming. Students explore rational functions in depth and delve into right triangle and circular trigonometry. Students synthesize what they have learned to graph and solve trigonometric functions. They also study vectors, conics and analytic geometry, statistics and probability, mathematical modeling, and sequences and series. 

TRIGONOMETRY* 

In this one-semester course, students use their geometry and algebra skills to begin their study of trigonometry. Students will be required to express understanding using qualitative, quantitative, algebraic, and graphing skills. This course begins with a quick overview of right-triangle relationships before introducing trigonometric functions and their applications. Students explore angles and radian measures, circular trigonometry, and the unit circle. Students extend their understanding to trigonometric graphs, including the effects of translations and the inverses of trigonometric functions. This leads to the laws of sines and cosines, followed by an in-depth exploration of trigonometric identities and applications. This course ends with an introduction to the polar coordinate system, complex numbers, and DeMoivre’s theorem. 

MATHEMATICAL MODELS WITH APPLICATIONS 

Broadening and extending the mathematical knowledge and skills acquired in Algebra I, the primary purpose of this course is to use mathematics as a tool to model real-world phenomena students may encounter daily, such as finance and exponential models. Engaging lessons cover financial topics, including growth, smart money, saving, and installment-loan models. Students expand prior mathematical knowledge and develop new knowledge and techniques through real-world application of useful mathematical concepts. 

FINANCIAL MATH 

This full-year course for high school students extends prior math concepts to financial and business contexts. Students will solve real-world problems, analyze data, and develop financial literacy and business modeling skills. They will learn about budgets, income, taxes, insurance, and investments, as well as how these may affect personal and business decisions. Students will also work with scenarios dealing with credit, retirement planning, and home and automobile ownership or leasing. Students will model and analyze scenarios related to these real-world financial concepts using ratios, proportions, and functions. They will make decisions related to these financial scenarios and use mathematics to justify their decisions. Students will apply mathematical practices and use technology as they complete tasks that require them to think critically, solve problems, and communicate their reasoning. 

STATISTICS 

This fourth-year high school math option provides a comprehensive introduction to data analysis and statistics. Students begin by reviewing familiar data displays through a more sophisticated lens before diving into an in-depth study of the normal curve. They then study and apply simple linear regression and explore sampling and experimentation. Next, students review probability concepts and begin a study of random variables. Later topics also include sampling distributions, estimating and testing claims about proportions and means, and inferences and confidence intervals.

CONCEPTS IN PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS 

In this full-year course, students build a foundational understanding of probability and statistics through real-world applications and interactive learning. Topics include theoretical and experimental probability, probability distributions, sampling methods, data visualization, and measures of center and variability. Students analyze and interpret data using dot plots, histograms, box plots, and scatterplots, and apply probability concepts using tools such as Venn diagrams, simulations, and regression models. The course also covers normal distribution, standard deviation, and hypothesis testing to support informed decision-making. Through performance tasks and hands-on investigations, students learn to evaluate statistical claims and make predictions based on data. This course does not meet the requirements for a fourth-year math course for college-bound students.

Science 

BIOLOGY 

This compelling full-year course engages students in the study of life and living organisms and examines biology and biochemistry in the real world. It encompasses traditional concepts in biology and encourages exploration of new discoveries in this field of science. The components include biochemistry, cell biology, cell processes, heredity and reproduction, the evolution of life, taxonomy, human body systems, and ecology.

CHEMISTRY 

This rigorous full-year course engages students in the study of the composition, properties, changes, and interactions of matter. The course covers the basic concepts of chemistry and includes virtual laboratory experiments that encourage higher-order thinking, and applications. There is also a wet lab component for each of these labs. The components of this course include the composition and properties of matter, changes and interactions of matter, organic chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. PHYSICS This full-year course acquaints students with topics in classical and modern physics. The course emphasizes conceptual understanding of basic physics principles, including Newtonian mechanics, energy, thermodynamics, waves, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear and modern physics. Throughout the course, students solve mathematical problems, reason abstractly, and learn to think critically about the physical world. The course also includes interactive virtual labs and hands-on lab options, in which students ask questions and create hypotheses. 

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 

Environmental science is a captivating and rapidly expanding field, and this two-semester course offers compelling lessons that cover many aspects of the field: ecology, the biosphere, land, forests and soil, water, energy and resources, and societies and policy. Through unique activities and material, high school students connect scientific theory and concepts to current, real-world dilemmas, providing them with opportunities for mastery in each of the segments throughout the semester. 

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 1A* 

Whether you plan on pursuing a career in health sciences or simply looking to gain an understanding of how the human body works, you’ll first need to understand the relationship between anatomy and physiology. Learn how to read your body’s story through understanding cell structure and their processes, and discover the functions and purposes of the skeletal, 

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 1B* 

Examine the form and function of even more body systems. Learn about the structure, function, and interrelation between the lymphatic, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and endocrine systems. The reproductive system is also discussed along with hereditary traits and genetics. 

FORENSICS 1A: INTRODUCTION* 

Our notions of forensics are often fictionalized, containing fantastic notions of what forensic science really is. In this course, you’ll explore the truth behind the science from its history to its modern-day developments. You will learn how detectives conduct thorough investigations as well as common equipment and methods that are used throughout the field. Finally, you will learn about collecting and analyzing the most common types of evidence found at a crime scene and how they guide investigators to answers. 

FORENSICS 1B: THE SCIENCE OF CRIME* 

You’ve investigated the surface and have started building a case, but now it’s time to examine the field of forensics further. In this course, you will delve into the details, studying DNA analysis, forensic anthropology, tool marks, arson, impressions, toxicology, questioned documents, and digital forensics. You will also explore the different specialties within a forensics team. You’ll learn more about what each field entails, what that specialist does at the scene and in the lab, and what conclusions can be made based on their analysis. Let’s continue strengthening your case and interests for this fascinating field. Students should take either Forensics A and B or Forensic Science 1 and 2. They should not take both, as there is significant overlap in content. 

FORENSIC SCIENCE 1: SECRETS OF THE DEAD* 

Fingerprints. Blood spatter. DNA analysis. The world of law enforcement is increasingly making use of the techniques and knowledge from the sciences to better understand the crimes that are committed and to catch those individuals responsible for the crimes. Forensic science applies scientific knowledge to the criminal justice system. This course focuses on some of the techniques and practices used by forensic scientists during a crime scene investigation (CSI). Starting with how clues and data are recorded and preserved, the student will follow evidence trails until the CSI goes to trial, examining how various elements of the crime scene are analyzed and processed. The Science of Crime or Forensic Science 1 and 2. 

FORENSIC SCIENCE 2: MORE SECRETS OF THE DEAD* 

Although the crime scene represents the first step in solving crimes through forensic science, the crime laboratory plays a critical role in the analysis of evidence. This course focuses on the analysis of evidence and testing that takes place within this setting. We will examine some of the basic scientific principles and knowledge that guides forensic laboratory processes, such as those testing DNA, toxicology, and material analysis. Techniques such as microscopy, chromatography, odontology, entomology, mineralogy, and spectroscopy will be examined. Students should take either Forensics A and B or Forensic Science 1 and 2. They should not take both, as there is significant overlap in content. 

ASTRONOMY 1A* AND 1B* 

Why do stars twinkle? Is it possible to fall into a black hole? Will the sun ever stop shining? Since the first glimpse of the night sky, humans have been fascinated with the stars, planets, and universe that surrounds us. This course will introduce students to the study of astronomy, including its history and development, basic scientific laws of motion and gravity, the concepts of modern astronomy, and the methods used by astronomers to learn more about the universe. Additional topics include the solar system, the Milky Way and other galaxies, and the sun and stars. Using online tools, students will examine the life cycle of stars, the properties of planets, and the exploration of space. 

MARINE SCIENCE 1A* AND 1B* 

Have you wondered about the secrets of the deep and how the creatures below the ocean’s surface live and thrive? Understand more about the aquatic cycles, structures, and processes that generate and sustain life in the sea.

Social Studies 

SURVEY OF WORLD HISTORY 

This full-year course examines the major events and turning points of world history from ancient times to the present. Students investigate the development of classical civilizations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, and they explore the economic, political, and social revolutions that have transformed human history. At the end of the course, students conduct a rigorous study of modern history, allowing them to draw connections between past events and contemporary issues. The use of recurring themes, such as social history, democratic government, and the relationship between history and the arts, allows students to draw connections between the past and the present, among cultures, and among multiple perspectives. Throughout the course, students use a variety of primary and secondary sources, including legal documents, essays, historical writings, and political cartoons to evaluate the reliability of historical evidence and to draw conclusions about historical events. MODERN 

WORLD HISTORY 

This full-year course examines the major events and turning points of world history from the Enlightenment to the present. Students investigate the foundational ideas that shaped the modern world in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and then explore the economic, political, and social revolutions that have transformed human history. This rigorous study of modern history examines recurring themes, such as social history, democratic government, and the relationship between history and the arts, allowing students to draw connections between the past and the present, across cultures, and among multiple perspectives. Students use a variety of primary and secondary sources, including legal documents, essays, historical writings, and political cartoons to evaluate the reliability of historical evidence and to draw conclusions about historical events. Students also sharpen their writing skills in shorter tasks and assignments, and practice outlining and drafting skills by writing full informative and argumentative essays. 

SURVEY OF U.S. HISTORY 

This full-year high school course presents a cohesive and comprehensive overview of the history of the United States, surveying the major events and turning points of U.S. history as it moves from the Era of Exploration through modern times. As students examine each era of history, they will analyze primary sources and carefully research events to gain a clearer understanding of the factors that have shaped U.S. history. In early units, students will assess the foundations of U.S. democracy while examining crucial documents. In later units, students will examine the effects of territorial expansion, the Civil War, and the rise of industrialization. They will also assess the outcomes of economic trends and the connections between culture and government. As the course draws to a close, students will focus their studies on the causes of cultural and political change in the modern age. Throughout the course, students will learn the importance of cultural diversity while examining history from different perspectives. 

U.S. HISTORY I 

U.S. History I is a full-year course that dynamically explores the people, places, and events that shaped early United States history. This course stretches from the Era of Exploration through the Industrial Revolution, leading students through a careful examination of the defining moments that shaped the nation of today. Students begin by exploring the colonization of the New World and examining the foundations of colonial society. As they study the early history of the United States, students will learn critical-thinking skills by examining the constitutional foundations of U.S. government. Recurring themes such as territorial expansion, the rise of industrialization, and the significance of slavery will be examined in the context of how these issues contributed to the Civil War and Reconstruction. 

U.S. HISTORY II 

U.S. History II is a full-year course that examines the major events and turning points of U.S. history from the Industrial Revolution through the modern age. The course leads students toward a clearer understanding of the patterns, processes, and people that have shaped U.S. history. As students progress through each era of modern U.S. history, they will study the impact of dynamic leadership and economic and political change on our country’s rise to global prominence. Students will also examine the influence of social and political movements on societal change and the importance of modern cultural and political developments. Recurring themes lead students to draw connections between the past and the present, between cultures, and among multiple perspectives. 

U.S. GOVERNMENT* 

This semester-long course provides students with a practical understanding of the principles and procedures of government. The course begins by establishing the origins and founding principles of American government. After a rigorous review of the Constitution and its amendments, students investigate the development and extension of civil rights and liberties. Lessons also introduce influential Supreme Court decisions to demonstrate the impact and importance of constitutional rights. The course builds on this foundation by guiding students through the function of government today and the role of citizens in the civic process and culminates in an examination of public policy and the roles of citizens and organizations in promoting policy changes. Throughout the course, students examine primary and secondary sources, including political cartoons, essays, and judicial opinions. Students also sharpen their writing skills in shorter tasks and assignments and practice outlining and drafting skills by writing full informative and argumentative essays. 

CIVICS AND CITIZENSHIP* 

Civics and Citizenship is a one-semester elective appropriate for students in middle school and early high school. The course investigates events, concepts, and issues with a 360-degree view allowing multiple perspectives from various cultures and institutions to inform student learning. The course is divided into five units in which students will explore their civic roles, rights, and responsibilities; analyze the development of democracy in the United States; study the purposes and principles of the Constitution; investigate the role of power in decision-making; and discover ways to influence the government. The course provides opportunities to actively engage with the content through interactives, assignments, readings, short writings, projects, and discourse.

ECONOMICS 

Available as either a semester or a full year, this course invites students to broaden their understanding of how economic concepts apply to their everyday lives— including microeconomic and macroeconomic theory and the characteristics of mixed-market economies, the role of government in a free-enterprise system and the global economy, and personal finance strategies. Throughout the course, students apply critical-thinking skills while making practical economic choices. Students also master literacy skills through rigorous reading and writing activities. Students analyze data displays and write routinely and responsively in tasks and assignments that are based on scenarios, texts, activities, and examples. In more extensive, process- based writing lessons, students write full length essays in informative and argumentative formats.

General Electives

• Anthropology 1: Explore human cultures, societies, and evolution through engaging case studies.
• Anthropology 2: Dive deeper into cultural practices, belief systems, and global diversity.
• Archaeology: Learn how artifacts and ruins reveal the stories of ancient civilizations.
• Art History: Discover the evolution of art across cultures and time periods.
• Creative Writing: Unleash your imagination through storytelling, poetry, and personal expression.
• Critical Thinking: Strengthen your reasoning and decision-making skills across academic subjects.
• History of the Holocaust: Examine the historical, ethical, and human impact of the Holocaust.
• Human Geography: Study how people interact with environments, cultures, and global systems.
• Introduction to Social Media: Understand the influence and mechanics of social platforms.
• Journalism 1: Learn how to research, write, and publish compelling news stories.
• Music Appreciation: Explore musical genres, history, and cultural significance.
• Mythology & Folklore: Discover myths and legends from around the world.
• Personal Finance: Build real-world money management skills for budgeting, saving, and investing.
• Personal Psychology 1: Understand human behavior, emotions, and mental processes.
• Personal Psychology 2: Continue exploring psychological theories and personal development.
• Philosophy: Explore big questions about existence, ethics, and logic.
• Public Speaking 1: Build confidence and clarity in verbal communication.
• Public Speaking 2: Advance your presentation skills with persuasive techniques.
• Real World Parenting: Learn strategies for child development and family dynamics.
• Social Problems 1: Investigate issues like poverty, crime, and inequality.
• Social Problems 2: Continue exploring global and societal challenges.
• Sociology: Study group behavior, social norms, and cultural systems.
• Theater, Cinema & Film Production: Learn the art and craft behind stage and screen.
• World Religions: Explore major world belief systems and their cultural impact.
• Peer Aide / Office Aide / Teacher Aide / Yearbook: Contribute to your school community through service-based roles.

Physical Education & Health

• Adaptive PE: Personalized physical education for diverse needs.
• Advanced PE 1 & 2: Build endurance, strength, and fitness skills.
• Aerobics / Running / Walking Fitness: Improve cardiovascular health through movement.
• Health & Wellness / Healthy Living / Personal Health: Learn habits for lifelong well-being.
• Flexibility / Strength / Weight Training: Focus on mobility and muscle development.
• Group Sports / Individual Sports: Explore team and solo athletic activities.
• Foundations of Personal Wellness: Understand nutrition, fitness, and mental health basics.

Fine Arts & Career & Technical Education (CTE)

Agriculture & Natural Resources

• Agriscience / Animal Systems / Plant Systems: Explore biology and sustainability in agriculture.
• Veterinary Science: Learn animal care and health fundamentals.

Architecture & Construction

• Construction Careers: Discover building trades and design principles.

Arts, A/V & Communications

• Digital Photography / Graphic Design / Digital Media: Create visual content using modern tools.
• Social Media: Understand branding and communication in digital spaces.

Career Readiness & Business

• Career Exploration / Management / Planning: Prepare for future careers with practical skills.
• Business Law / Entrepreneurship / Marketing: Learn how businesses operate and grow.

Education & Training

• Early Childhood Education / Teaching Careers: Explore teaching methods and child development.

Health Sciences

• Anatomy / Medical Terminology / Health Careers: Prepare for medical and wellness professions.
• Sports Medicine / Exercise Science / Nutrition: Study the science of health and performance.

Human Services

• Cosmetology / Fashion Design / Interior Design: Develop creative and service-oriented skills.
• Peer Counseling / Personal Care Services: Support others through communication and care.

Information Technology & STEM

• Computer Science / Cybersecurity / Web Design: Build tech skills for the digital world.
• Engineering / Scientific Research / STEM Problem Solving: Innovate through hands-on exploration.

Law & Public Safety

• Criminal Justice / Forensics / Law Enforcement: Learn how justice systems operate.

Hospitality & Tourism

• Culinary Arts / Event Planning / Hotel Management: Explore service industries and customer experience.

Transportation & Logistics

• Careers in Logistics / Transportation Systems: Understand how goods and services move globally.

Honors Courses

• Language Arts 12 H: Journey through British literature while developing mature writing and analytical skills.
• Algebra I H: Master linear and exponential relationships, equations, and data analysis with advanced rigor.
• Geometry H: Explore geometric reasoning, triangle congruence, and algebraic connections in a proof-based format.
• Algebra II H: Tackle polynomials, periodic functions, and real-world modeling with deeper mathematical reasoning.
• Integrated Mathematics I H: Blend algebra and geometry while exploring linear relationships and exponential growth.
• Integrated Mathematics II H: Study quadratic functions, probability, and geometric reasoning in an integrated format.
• Integrated Mathematics III H: Analyze data distributions, polynomial operations, and advanced probability concepts.
• Precalculus H: Prepare for college-level math with trigonometry, matrices, vectors, and function modeling.
• Physics H: Investigate classical and modern physics through conceptual understanding and mathematical problem-solving.
• Biology H: Study life sciences with depth—covering biochemistry, genetics, evolution, and ecology.
• Chemistry H: Explore matter, reactions, and lab-based inquiry in a rigorous chemistry framework.
• Survey of World History H: Analyze global civilizations and historical patterns with critical thinking and depth.
• Survey of U.S. History H: Examine key events and themes in American history through an honors lens.
• U.S. History I H / II H: Explore foundational and modern U.S. history with analytical writing and historical inquiry.
• Human Geography H: Study how humans interact with environments, cultures, and global systems.

🎓 AP Courses

• AP English Language & Composition: Develop college-level writing and rhetorical analysis skills using nonfiction texts.
• AP English Literature & Composition: Analyze literary works and write with depth and clarity for college success.
• AP Calculus AB: Explore limits, derivatives, and integrals in preparation for the AP Calculus exam.
• AP Statistics: Learn data analysis, probability, and statistical inference for real-world applications.
• AP Environmental Science: Investigate ecological systems, sustainability, and environmental policy through scientific inquiry.
• AP U.S. History: Analyze major themes and events in American history with college-level rigor.
• AP U.S. Government & Politics: Understand the structure and function of U.S. government and political systems.
• AP World History: Modern: Explore global historical developments from 1200 CE to the present.
• AP Human Geography: Study population, migration, urbanization, and cultural patterns across the globe.
• AP Psychology: Examine human behavior, cognition, and psychological theories in preparation for the AP exam.