Academic Courses

English credit – Grade Level: 10 – year-long, 1 credit

This course offers a balanced focus on composition and literature, including the investigation of film as literature. Students will experiment with writing various forms of fiction, memoir, poetry, scripts, and analytical essays. The study of literature encompasses various genres as students improve their reading comprehension and develop the skills to determine authors’ intent and to recognize the techniques employed by the author to achieve a goal. A multi-intelligence approach is used in the instruction of the material.

Students opting for Honors credit will be required to complete more challenging versions of class assignments and assessments, complete occasional additional readings; and may be asked to present or share their final assignments.

English Credit – Grade Level: 11 – year-long, 1 credit

In a survey of American literature beginning with oral narratives which have their origins in the times before Columbus, this course continues to develop students’ reading skills, emphasizing close reading and thematic connections between works. Student will become acquainted with important currents in American literary and philosophical thought; literary conventions and stylistic devices will receive greater emphasis that in the previous courses. Students will continue to develop their vocabulary and review English grammar, building writing skills with an emphasis on clear, logical writing patterns, word choices, and usage. Students write multi-page essays, including creative works that reflect concepts studied in class, and begin to learn the techniques of writing research papers. Authors studied will include William Shakespeare, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Mat Johnson, and others, including relevant contemporary works of nonfiction.

Honors: In a course that is integrated with the general American Literature, students read assigned works on their own and post weekly mini-essays on a blog and respond to others’ work. Students are required to write an additional essay a quarter and also may have more complex requirements for assignments given to the whole class. Additional works assigned may include: Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, Lahiri’s The Namesake, Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, and Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying.

English Credit – Grade Level: 12 – year-long, 1 credit

This class begins with a unit that focuses on writing a solid, yet imaginative essay for college application use. This unit places heavy focus on revision, peer editing and use of punctuation as well as other elements of good writing. Following this, will be a survey of British literature from 600 to the present. The English IV course blends composition and literature into a cohesive whole as students write critical and comparative analyses of selected works of literature. Typically, multi-page essays predominate as the form of student composition. Students will reflect on the evolution of the English language and the impact of English literature on global culture through an examination of colonial and postcolonial works. Works studied will include Heart of Darkness, Things Fall Apart, Beowulf, Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, Frankenstein, and Persepolis. Additionally, we will look at short stories such as excerpts from Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried. Using an English IV literature textbook, we will also examine a variety of British poems with particular focus on the Romantic era and its influence on Romantic era art.

Honors English IV will move beyond the curriculum of the regular English IV class. Students in Honors English IV will be expected to demonstrate more rigor in their scholarship by reading additional novels such as King Lear, Jane Eyre, the Handmaid’s Tale, and Room With a View. There will be additional short readings as well. Students in Honors English will be expected to actively participate in an English IV blog where they will share ideas, comments, and in–depth responses to their readings.

Elective credit – Grade Level: 10 – 12 – semester-long, 0.5 high school credit Counts toward Creative Writing minor

This class focuses on fiction in the form of the short story. We read widely, generate new material weekly, and revise to take our work from good to great. We examine story elements such as voice, plot, conflict, and character development. Workshop is an essential part of the course. Students leave the class with three polished short stories. Offered every other year. Not Offered SY2324.

Elective credit – Grade Level: 10 – 12 – semester-long, 0.5 high school credit Counts toward Creative Writing minor

This class explores the many ways we have of telling true stories. We start by looking outward by reading and writing journalism and then move to looking inward with essays. This class requires that you do things that you might find difficult at first–write about yourself, observe quietly, interview people, delve into research. We also spend significant time workshopping and revising. Students produce a profile, a personal essay, and an experimental essay. Offered every other year. Not Offered SY2324.

Elective credit – Grade Level: 10 – 12 – semester-long, 0.5 high school credit Counts toward Creative Writing minor

This single semester Creative Writing and Literature class is intended as a foundation in poetic form and voice. Students will write their own poetry, within the context and study of a diverse range of poets. The syllabus includes work on form and free verse, and the study and practice of poetic devices and musicality of language. Students will engage in workshop and peer review of their work, practice reading work aloud, and explore the different nuances of poetry on the page and in performance. The goal of the class is to generate confident writers and critics of poetry, and a detailed, subtle appreciation of language that will be useful to students in any concentration. Offered every other year. Offered SY2324.

Elective credit – Grade Level: 10 – 12 – semester-long, 0.5 high school credit Counts toward Creative Writing minor

This single semester Creative Writing and Literature course will explore and apply the fundamentals of writing for the stage and screen. Dramatic Writing is a combination of poetry, prose, technique, and above all, the portrayal of emotion on stage and on the screen. The class will analyze classic and contemporary plays and screenplays which will inform the student’s own writing. Students will write their own plays and screenplays with the goal of practical application in production. Students will have the option of writing three-10 minute scripts, a 30 minute pilot, or 30 minute feature, fully workshopped and revised through multiple drafts. This is a workshop heavy course with a great deal of collaboration. Offered every other year. Offered SY2324.

Elective credit – Grade Level: 12 – year-long, 0.5 credit Counts toward Creative Writing minor

This final year requirement is a guided year-long independent project (preparation of a poetry manuscript, a novella, or full-length play for example). The project can be a “stand-alone” work or may be integrated into the student’s senior project in their arts major (with approval by the department chair). In this combined seminar and workshop, students develop as readers and writers by engaging with contemporary texts. Over the course of the year, students read and discuss texts across genres, complete regular informal reading and writing exercises, and prepare the thesis project for a public audience. Portfolio assignments are meant to build on each other, developing writing skills that equip students to express their ideas within and beyond NMSA.

Foreign Language credit – Grade Level: 9-12 – year-long, 1.0 credit

This required course continues to develop communication skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. This course builds upon the foundations laid in Spanish I with regard to grammar, vocabulary and culture. The principal course text and accompanying audio/visual resources used to facilitate this is the AVANCEMOS II program. Additional print resources such as magazines, newspaper articles and appropriate examples of Latino cinema supplement the program. Instructional strategies and assignments include interactive group activities, presentations and an introduction to composition.

Foreign Language credit – Grade Level: 10-12 – year-long, 1.0 credit Prerequisite: Spanish II with a B or better

This is an elective course of two semesters. It further refines, reinforces and develops the reading, writing, listening and speaking skills and cultural awareness previously acquired in the first two levels through the study of more advanced grammar topics and significant vocabulary expansion. There is more reliance upon original source materials for reading and listening, such as lectures, articles, essays, short stories, films and interviews. This course text program, AVANCEMOS III continues to provide a cohesive scope and sequence and a variety of ancillary resources, including audio, visual and cultural backup as well as aligning the curriculum with the NM standards and benchmarks.

Foreign Language credit – Grade Level: 9-12 – year-long, 1.0 credit

Course introduces students to the basic skills – listening, speaking, reading, and writing and to the basic structures of French taught within the cultural context. Emphasis will be placed on oral communication skills. A career awareness component is included which emphasizes the importance of French in the world.

Foreign Language credit – Grade Level: 9-12 – year-long, 1.0 credit

Course continues to develop communicative skills. There is greater use of French in the classroom. Emphasis is on sustained communication, both oral and written. An appreciation of the culture of French speaking countries is enhanced.

Science credit – Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 – year-long, 1.0 credit – Lab science credit

Biology is a full-year, lab-based, 10th grade science class designed to introduce the concepts of cell theory, genetics, evolution, classification, and ecology.

Honors: students will be required to submit 2 extra projects, answer essay questions on tests, and show deeper understanding of medical case studies. Honors students will have approximately 25% more work than regular students.

Science credit – Grade Level: 11, 12 – year-long, 1.0 credit – Lab science credit

Course involves the composition, properties, and reactions of substances. The behaviors of solids, liquids, and gases; acid/base and oxidation/reduction reactions; and atomic structure are typical concepts explored in Chemistry-First Year courses. Chemical formulas and equations and nuclear reactions are also studied.

Honors: students will be required to submit extra projects, answer essay questions on tests. Honors students will have approximately 25% more work than regular students.

Science/Elective credit – Grade Level: 11, 12 – year-long, 1.0 credit – Lab science credit
Prerequisite: Algebra II

Course involves the study of the forces and laws of nature affecting matter: equilibrium, motion, momentum, and the relationships between matter and energy. The study of physics includes examination of sound, light, magnetic, and electric phenomenon.

Honors: students will be required to go more in depth in their understanding of the class topics and will demonstrate this knowledge by solving questions that require higher degrees of mathematical complexity. Honors students will be expected to do approximately 25% more work than regular students.

Science/Elective credit – Grade Level: 11, 12 – year-long, 1.0 credit – Lab science credit
Prerequisite: Biology

This course provides students with an understanding of the structure and functions of the human body. It is intended to prepare those who are interested in further specialized work in the medical or biological sciences. Laboratory work including dissection and other hands-on activities will be used in teaching and 6 reinforcing conceptual information.

Honors: this is for students who are considering a career in a healthcare-related field. Students will be required to take all tests closed-notes which will involve a lot of memorization as is necessary in a healthcare-related field. Honors students will have approximately 25% more work outside of class than regular students. This translates to approximately one to two hours of homework per week depending on the student’s ability to memorize material.

Science/Elective credit – Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 – year-long, 1.0 credit – Lab science credit
Prerequisite: passing grade in one laboratory science course (Integrated, Biology, or Chemistry)

Environmental Science is a rigorous course that examines the natural sciences through a multidiscipline approach integrating biology, chemistry, physics, geology, climatology, oceanography, human population dynamics along with political and economical approaches. The laboratory component consists of hands-on approach to learning through various lab activities, exercises, filed observations and analysis.

 Science/Elective credit – Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 – year-long, 1.0 credit – Lab science credit
Prerequisite: Biology with a B or better and teacher recommendation

This course provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Topics covered in this course include; biology, chemistry, physics, geology, climatology, oceanography, human population dynamics along with political and economical approaches. The laboratory component consists of hands-on approach to learning through various lab activities, exercises, filed observations and analysis. AP students will be required to complete the Advanced Placement approved lab activities and take the College Board Advanced Placement exam in order to earn college credit.

Science/Elective credit — Grade Level: 11, 12 — year-long, 1.0 credit — Lab science credit

Astronomy examines the wider universe, including cosmology, galaxies, stars, solar systems and planets, space technology, and exobiology. Laboratory work includes telescope observations, computer simulations, and hands-on light investigations. (Note that this class does NOT involve astrology.)

Honors: students will be required to go more in depth in their understanding of the class topics and will demonstrate this knowledge by submitting extra projects and answering essay questions on tests. Honors students will have approximately 25% more work than regular students.

Math credit – Grade Level: 9, 10 – year-long, 1.0 credit Prerequisite: Algebra I
A passing grade in 1st semester of Geometry is required to move to 2nd semester of the class.

This course will focus on the fundamental principles of Geometry and the application of Algebra to Geometry. Topics include learning fundamental vocabulary, postulates and theorems for basic figures (points, lines, planes, angles); postulates and theorems for angles and perpendicular lines, properties of parallel lines, triangle congruency, parallelograms and special quadrilaterals; using deductive reasoning and writing proofs; ratio, proportion and similarity; Pythagorean theorem and special right triangles; trigonometry; area of plane figures; transformations; surface area and volume; and concepts/segments related to circles.

Honors: In addition to the standard requirements of Geometry, the honors section will work on extending knowledge of the material by researching the history and context of the concepts as well as by writing own proofs and explanations. Beyond this, additional concepts or extension might be covered depending on the interest of the students.

Math credit – Grade Level: 9, 10, 11 – year-long, 1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Geometry A passing grade in 1st semester of Algebra II is required to move to 2nd semester of the class.

Algebra II starts with a continuation of concepts studied in Algebra I. Topics include inequalities and absolute value, linear equations and systems, quadratic equations and functions, complex numbers, products and factors of polynomials, rational expressions and functions, radical functions, rational exponents, exponential and logarithmic functions and statistics/probability.

Honors: includes the additional topics of sequences and series, periodic functions, and trigonometry.

Math credit – Grade Level: 10, 11, 12 – year-long, 1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Geometry, Algebra II

This course includes an in-depth review of linear, quadratic and exponential functions. All review from previous courses includes connections to applications in calculus. Conic Sections, Inverses, Logarithms, Trigonometry and complex numbers are covered. Trigonometry will begin with a review of the unit circle and include right triangle trig, and trigonometric identities and equations. Enhancement topics: Probability, Statistics, limits, derivative. Students successful with this course will be ready for Calculus as a next step math class.

Honors: students will be required to go more in depth in their understanding of the class topics and will demonstrate this knowledge by solving questions that require higher degrees of mathematical complexity. Honors students will be expected to do approximately 25% more work than regular students.

Math credit – Grade Level: 11, 12 – year-long, 1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus with a B or above and teacher recommendation.

This course includes the study of derivatives, anti-derivatives, differentiation, integration, the definite and indefinite integral, and applications of calculus. Review topics: elementary functions; properties of functions and their graphs; limits and continuity; differential calculus (including definition of the derivative, derivative formulas, theorems about derivatives, geometric applications, optimization problems, and rate of change problems); and integral calculus (including anti-derivatives, the Definite integral, Riemann sums, and related applications of motion).

The Honors section will expand the breadth of differentiation and integration techniques, which includes partial fractions, L’Hôpital’s Rule, trigonometric substitution, surface and volume of revolution, improper integrals, slope-fields, approximation techniques, inverse functions, and basic differential equations. Honor students will be encouraged to take the Calculus A/B Advanced Placement Exam.

 Math credit – Grade Level: 12 or teacher recommendation – year-long, 1.0 credit

Course provides an understanding of the concepts and principles involved in managing one’s personal finances. The class connects math to the real world and applies mathematical ideas to our everyday lives. Content includes: the Stock Market, Banking Services, Consumer Credit, Automobile Ownership, Employment Basics, Income Taxes, Independent Living, Retirement and Personal Budgeting. Emphasis will be on problem solving for real life. This course serves as an alternative to taking Pre-Calculus or Calculus for the 4th year Math credit.

Honors: The Personal Finance Project is an engaging, realistic approach to teaching high school students how to properly create a budget. Each of the 10 assignments asks students to examine a different element of budgeting while thinking through their values and plans for the future. As they enter the adult world, they need to be prepared to face financial realities and pay their bills responsibly. This project will help get them ready for that reality.

Elective credit – Grades 9-12 – year-long, 1 credit

This course provides the background knowledge and skills to construct computer programs in one or more languages. Computer coding and program structure are often introduced with the Java language, but other computer languages may be used instead. Students learn to structure, create, document, and debug computer programs. Students may also learn design skills for relevant applications such as modelling, data management, graphics, and text processing.

Elective credit – Grades 9-12 – year-long, 1 credit

Students in this class investigate the foundational concepts of computer science and explore how computing and technology can impact the world. This class uses the code.org curriculum “AP Computer Science Principles” which was developed by computer science professionals and teachers. The curriculum focuses on learning by doing. Code.org is “the leading provider of K-12 computer science curriculum in the largest school districts in the United States.” As part of the AP curriculum, students will be expected to complete a performance task (developing a program that does something of their choosing) and take the AP Computer Science Principles test in May. This course may involve homework (approximately one to two hours per week) depending on your coding ability and class attendance.

Social Studies credit – Grade Level: 10, 11 – year-long, 1.0 credit

The course covers major eras and important turning points in World History from the Renaissance to the present. The textbook is World History: Patterns of Interaction. Topics include Geography and the impact geography has had on world events, the Renaissance and Reformation, Enlightenment and Revolutions, Imperialism, World War I and the Russian Revolution, the rise of Totalitarianism and World War II, the world in the Cold War and beyond. Students will build historical knowledge and practice the important skills in interpreting primary and secondary sources, writing, discussion, and presentation. You will create portfolios to showcase your work throughout the year in World History and Geography. New Mexico State Standards in World History are covered as are Common Core State Standards in reading and writing for Social Studies. This class integrates project-based learning (PBL). Most learning will be assessed through final projects and the steps students take to complete them. PBL provides students with the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills while applying those to real-world situations and problems. For more information on PBL, there is a wealth of information at https://www.pblworks.org.

Honors: students will devise and propose an independent research project which covers the same period of history we are discussing that semester; in conversation with the teacher, they will then do research and submit a paper or presentation.

Social Studies credit – Grade Level: 10, 11 – year-long, 1.0 credit

Course examines the history and impact of major eras, events, and individuals in United States history since the Civil War and Reconstruction. Included within this course is U.S. Geography to support geographical concepts as they relate to the understanding of the development of the United States. In addition 9-12 Social Studies Benchmarks and Performance Standards (History, Civics, and Government, Economics and Geography) will be included as appropriate to the course.

Honors: Honors courses typically require 20% additional course work above other course assignments, which are also required. For this course students will be required to extend answers to textbook questions as part of their homework, read two additional books with written chapter responses to be turned into the honors google classroom (1 book each semester: Blood Done Sign My Name by Tim Tyson, and choice of one of the following titles: The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore, Just Like Us by Helen Thorpe, or Rez Life by David Treuer—teacher will provide copies of the text you choose; 1-2 paragraph responses to the questions provided), and lead 4 classes with other honors students, 1 first semester, 3 second semester on themes assigned by the teacher.

 Social Studies credit – Grade Level: 11, 12 – semester-long, 0.5 credit

The course provides an understanding of the ideals, rights, and responsibilities of citizenship, and an history of the founding documents of the United States including the New Mexico and United States Constitutions, and how governments function at the local, state, tribal, and national levels.

Honors: In Honors Government we will read additional texts from Montesquieu, Rousseau, Hobbs, Locke, and the founding fathers (Federalist Papers). In addition, we will read and discuss Washington’s Farewell Address, FDR’s first inaugural, JFK’s inaugural, George H. Bush’s Points of Light speech, George W. Bush’s speech to Congress on 9/12/01, and Barack Obama’s first inaugural address. Students will be responsible for teaching 3 classes and participating in “0” period seminar discussions on the aforementioned texts.

Social Studies credit – Grade Level: 11, 12 – semester-long, 0.5 credit

The course provides for an understanding of basic economic principles and use of economic reasoning skills to analyze the impact of economic systems (including the market economy) on individuals, families, businesses, communities, and governments.

In Honors, students will extend their learning by analyzing and discussing several readings on how economics can be used to address societal issues, such as global warming, natural disasters, minimum wage, and technology use.

Elective credit – Grade Level: 10-12 – year-long, 1.0 credit

Ethnic and Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary course that fosters growing understanding of ourselves and of people around us. This course is an introduction to the concept of intersectionality and (in)visible identity markers including race, ethnicity, gender, class, orientation, ability, belief systems, and others. The Ethnic and Gender Studies class is composed of historical, sociological, and artistic content that explores how colonialism, race, racism, homophobia, transphobia, and sexism have been and continue to be powerful social, cultural, and political forces in American society and beyond. Coursework focuses on themes of social justice, social responsibility, and social change. Students engage in challenging group discussions, write analytical and reflective essays, and create multidisciplinary projects. At the end of semester II, students will create a culminating portfolio for an activist project. This class empowers students to become ethical, effective, and empathetic social justice artist-activist-scholars and leaders.

 Physical Education credit – Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 – semester long, 0.5 credit

This course is designed for individual success in building the physical self and encourages improvement in movement, strength, fitness, flexibility, stamina and stress relief. The coursework builds basic skills, teamwork, safety, wellness, and awareness. Requirements include daily dress out, participation and safety. Instructional methods include: kinesthetic activities, rules for play, individual / group activities and research projects.

Elective credit – Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 – year-long, 0.5 credit

The focus of this course is on the development and application of academic study skills, personal success strategies, and the use of effective resources that enhance individual student achievement. Students will establish study goals and priorities; Practice the principles of effective time management and organization; Develop appropriate learning strategies for different types of courses and teaching styles; and apply these strategies to courses they are currently enrolled in.

Elective credit – Grade Level: 12 – year-long, 1.5 credit

Senior Seminar is a support class for students to apply for college or investigate their next steps after graduation. We offer help to students who are applying on Common App, writing their personal statements, filling out the FAFSA, uploading portfolio and audition pieces, applying for scholarships, comparing financial aid offers, and exploring careers and budgets.

Elective credit – Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 – year-long, 1.0 credit

Available to students in all 5 of our artistic departments! Learn about the history of musical theatre and participate in performance projects, building skills such as auditioning, learning music, and performing choreography. The class will culminate in required performances at the end of both semesters (some outside of school hours are required). The first semester will focus on history and the fundamentals of singing and dancing in the realm of Musical Theatre. The second semester will focus on the staging and performance of a full-length musical. Whether you are a seasoned performer or just have curiosity to learn, all levels and interests are welcome in this cross-disciplinary course.

Elective credit – Grade Level: 10, 12 – semester-long, 1.0 high school credit, 3.0 college credits

Introduction to the fundamentals of film history, criticism and theory. Through viewing and analysis of a variety of narrative, documentary, and experimental films, students advance their understanding of key issues in filmic representation and aesthetics. A general ed course. Offered at NMSA during Academic Block.