Virtual High School

English 9A/9B

In this thematically organized course students read a broad variety of fiction and nonfiction, building their background knowledge across complex texts. Students draw upon what they've read to answer questions, make and support claims, analyze central ideas and details, and trace ideas across multiple texts. Students will develop and apply critical thinking and literary analysis skills as they speak, listen, read, and write—building the language arts skills they will need for college and career readiness.

English 10A/10B

This sophomore English course is organized thematically, allowing students to trace ideas across multiple fiction and nonfiction texts. As students engage with what they read, they use textual evidence to support arguments and to make inferences about the author's purpose and choice of language. In this course students speak, listen, read, and write—developing and applying a range of critical thinking and literary analysis skills they will need to tackle more complex texts in upper grades, college, and careers.

English 11A/11B

In this course, students journey through the history of American literature, from the early writings of Indigenous peoples and European settlers to modern texts. As students read, they are encouraged to 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 develop their listening skills, integrating what they hear and what they read to form and communicate clear perspectives on a variety of issues.

English 12A/12B

In this course, students journey through British literature as they analyze foundational fiction and literary nonfiction works. As students read, they are encouraged to 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 IA/1B

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.

Algebra IIA/IIB

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.

Financial Math A/B

This full-year high school-level course extends prior knowledge of math concepts and has students apply these concepts to financial contexts. Students will apply math to solve real-world problems, develop financial literacy, and analyze data. They will learn about budgeting in both personal and business contexts. They will learn about financial concepts including income, taxes, insurance, investments, and personal decisions, as well as how these may affect budgets. Students will develop an understanding of how credit cards, loans, and retirement planning can impact a given financial scenario. Students will also work with scenarios dealing with 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 the mathematical practices and use technology as they complete tasks that require them to think critically, solve problems, and communicate their reasoning.

Geometry A/B

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.

Precalculus A/B

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

Biology A/B

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 A/B

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 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.

Earth and Space Science

This year-long course explores the physical processes that shape Earth and extend outward into space, integrating geology, meteorology, climatology, astronomy, and environmental science. Students investigate rocks and minerals, surface processes, Earth’s history, plate tectonics, water systems, and weather through hands-on labs and data analysis. The course also examines climate systems, natural resources, and human impacts on Earth, emphasizing sustainability and environmental decision-making. In the second semester, students expand their understanding beyond Earth to study the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the origin and future of the universe. Scientific models, real-world data, and laboratory investigations are used throughout to explain natural phenomena.

Physical Science A/B

This full-year course focuses on traditional concepts in chemistry and physics, and encourages exploration of new discoveries in this field of science. The course includes an overview of scientific principles and procedures, and leads students toward a clearer understanding of matter, energy, and the physical universe. As students refine and expand their understanding of physical science, they will apply their knowledge in experiments that require them to ask questions and create hypotheses. Throughout the course, students solve problems, reason abstractly, and learn to think critically.

Physics A/B

This full-year course focuses on traditional concepts in physics, and encourages exploration of new discoveries in this field of science. The course includes an overview of scientific principles and procedures, and leads students toward a clearer understanding of motion, energy, electricity, magnetism, and the laws that govern the physical universe. As students refine and expand their understanding of physics, they will apply their knowledge in experiments that require them to ask questions and create hypotheses. Throughout the course, students solve problems, reason abstractly, and learn to think critically.

Civics

This semester-long course provides students with a foundational understanding of the principles, structures, and functions of American government. Students will explore the origins of democracy, the influence of key historical documents, and the impact of Enlightenment ideas on the U.S. Constitution. The course examines the roles and responsibilities of government institutions, the rights and liberties of citizens, and the importance of civic participation in a democratic society. Through analysis of Supreme Court cases, political ideologies, and public policy, students will develop critical thinking skills and an informed perspective on governance. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to engage thoughtfully in civic life and understand the responsibilities of citizenship.

Contemporary World Problems

This semester-long course examines the major issues that have shaped the culture of the United States throughout history to the present. Students explore topics that include human rights, globalization, and environmental issues, and investigate the events and circumstances that have influenced the development of today’s complex policies and international relations, such as cultural changes, migration, economics, social policy, international trade, global policies, and greening the globe. The use of recurring themes 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 to evaluate the reliability of historical evidence and to draw conclusions about historical events. The course challenges students to foster and develop critical thinking skills so they can make informed decisions about the important global issues in the 21st century.

Human Geography A/B

Human Geography is a one-year high school level course that takes a thematic approach to the study of all aspects of the field of human geography, including: human-environment interaction, cultural, political, and economic geography, and globalization and the interconnectivity of the world’s people and places. In this course, students will develop and apply skills related to mapping, data analysis, and problem solving.

US History

In this course, students examine the history of the United States from Industrialization through the present time. 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, 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.

World History A/B

This course examines the major events and turning points of world history. Students investigate the development of civilizations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, and they explore the economic, political, and social revolutions that have transformed human history. Students also conduct a rigorous study of modern history, making key 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 trace ideas across multiple cultures and 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

Contemporary Health I

This semester course explores personal, family, and community health through the lens of real-world issues facing adolescents today. Students examine physical, mental, emotional, and social health while developing skills to make informed, responsible decisions. Topics include nutrition and physical activity, mental health and stress management, substance use prevention, disease prevention, sexual health, safety, and healthy relationships. Emphasis is placed on analyzing influences on health behaviors such as media, peers, culture, and access to health resources. Students practice communication, goal-setting, and advocacy skills to promote lifelong wellness. By the end of the course, students are prepared to apply health knowledge and skills to improve their own well-being and contribute positively to their communities.

Spanish IA/B

High school students begin their study of Spanish language and culture with fundamental building blocks in four key areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Each lesson includes activities focused on vocabulary and pronunciation, grammar, reading and writing, and listening and speaking. The course also includes video and text presentations covering people, places, and events in Spanish-speaking areas across the globe.

Spanish IIA/B

Students continue their study of Spanish language and culture in this second-year, high school course. Each lesson includes activities focused on vocabulary, grammar, reading and writing, and listening and speaking. The course also includes video and text presentations covering people, places, and events in Spanish-speaking areas across the globe.

Visual Arts A/B

This one-semester course introduces students to the foundations and functions of visual art through hands-on exploration and critical analysis. Students investigate the elements and principles of design, experiment with various media and techniques, and analyze the purpose and message behind art from diverse cultural and historical perspectives. Emphasis is placed on personal creativity, visual communication, and technical development in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, digital imagery, and architecture. Students also study how art reflects political, religious, and social ideas while developing skills in critique and visual literacy.

Career Planning A/B

In this course, students will explore their own interests, skills, values and goals to develop a personalized career plan and build the foundational tools needed for success in the workplace or further education. The course guides students through self-assessment, investigation of career and educational options, creation of job-search documents such as résumés and cover letters, and preparation for interviews and professional workplace expectations. Students will also examine workplace trends, ethics, communication, team-work, adaptability, and lifelong learning as essential elements of career development.