High School Course List

​Elective Course Descriptions​

Fine Art Electives

  • Fine Art A and B:
    • This course combines art history, appreciation, and analysis, while engaging students in hands-on creative projects. Lessons introduce major periods and movements in art history while focusing on masterworks and the intellectual, technical, and creative processes behind those works. Studio lessons provide opportunities for drawing, painting, sculpting, and other creative endeavors.
  • Music Appreciation A and B:
    • This course introduces students to the history, theory, and genres of music. The first semester covers basic music theory concepts as well as early musical forms, classical music, patriotic and nationalistic music, and twentieth-century music. The second semester presents modern traditions, including American jazz, gospel, folk, soul, blues, Latin rhythms, rock and roll, and hip hop. The course explores the history of music, from the surviving examples of rudimentary musical forms through to contemporary pieces from around the world.
  • Art Appreciation:
    • This one-semester course will introduce learners to the various forms of the visual arts, such as painting, sculpture, film, and more. Students will learn how to look at a work of art, identify and compare key characteristics in artworks, and understand the role art has played throughout history. Through hands-on activities, virtual museum tours, discussion, and research, learners will develop an overall appreciation for the art they encounter in their daily lives.

English Electives

  • Creative Writing:
    • In this course, students explore a range of creative writing genres, including fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, drama, and multimedia writing. They study examples of classic and contemporary selections, apply what they learn to their own writing, and develop proficiency in the writing process. They learn to evaluate the writings of others and apply evaluation criteria to their own work. By the end of the course, students will have created a well-developed portfolio of finished written works.
  • Gothic Literature:
    • Since the eighteenth century, Gothic tales have influenced fiction writers and fascinated readers. This course focuses on the major themes found in Gothic literature and demonstrates how the core writing drivers produce a suspenseful environment for readers. It presents some of the recurring themes and elements found in the genre. As they complete the course, students gain an understanding of and an appreciation for the complex nature of Gothic literature.
  • Mythology and Folklore:
    • Mighty heroes. Angry gods and goddesses. Cunning animals. Since the first people gathered around fires, mythology and folklore have been used as a way to make sense of humankind and our world. Beginning with an overview of mythology and different kinds of folklore, students will journey with ancient heroes as they slay dragons and outwit gods, follow fearless warrior women into battle, and watch as clever monsters outwit those stronger than themselves. They will explore the universality and social significance of myths and folklore, and see how these are still used to shape society today.

Science Electives

  • ​Astronomy:
    • Follow your enthusiasm for space by introducing yourself to the study of astronomy. This course will include topics such as astronomy’s 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. Further knowledge is gained through the study of galaxies, stars, and the origin of the universe.
  • Forensic Science:
    • This course surveys key topics in forensic science, including the application of the scientific process to forensic analysis, procedures and principles of crime scene investigation, physical and trace evidence, and the law and courtroom procedures from the perspective of the forensic scientist. Through online lessons, laboratories, and analysis of fictional crime scenarios, students learn about forensic tools, technical resources, forming and testing hypotheses, proper data collection, and responsible conclusions.

Social Studies Elective

  • Psychology:
    • In this one-semester course, students investigate why human beings think and act the way they do. This is an introductory course that broadly covers several areas of psychology. Instructional material presents theories and current research for students to critically evaluate and understand. Each unit introduces terminology, theories, and research that are critical to the understanding of psychology and includes tutorials and interactive exercises. Students learn how to define and use key psychology terms and how to apply psychological principles to their own lives. Unit topics include: Methods of Study, Biological Basis for Behavior, Learning and Memory, Development and Individual Differences, and Psychological Disorders.
  • Sociology:
    • The world is becoming more complex. How do your beliefs, values, and behavior affect the people around you and the world in which you live? Students examine social problems in the increasingly connected world, and learn how human relationships can strongly influence and impact their lives. Exciting online video journeys to an array of areas in the sociological world are an important component of this relevant and engaging course.
  • Criminology:
    • Why do certain people commit horrible acts? Can we ever begin to understand their reasoning and motivation? Perhaps. The mental state of a criminal can be affected by many different aspects of life: psychological, biological, sociological, all of which have different perspectives and influences. Investigate not only how these variables affect the criminal mind but also how crimes are investigated and handled in the criminal justice system.
  • Life Skills:
    • This one-semester elective is designed to increase students’ knowledge of and ability in using the skills necessary for everyday living. Life Skills emphasizes defining personal values, goal-setting and planning, and solving problems. Instructional material focuses on dealing with media and peer pressure, communicating and relationships, working with others, avoiding and/or resolving conflict, decision-making, wellness and personal safety, aspects of good citizenship, environmental awareness, and how students can contribute to their own community. The course is organized in six units that cover the following topics: Course Introduction, Thinking about Yourself, Thinking for Yourself, Taking Care of Yourself, Caring for Your Relationships, and Caring about Your World.

Skills-Based Elective

  • Lifetime Fitness and Wellness:
    • Your health is more than skin deep—or should we say muscle deep? There are many factors that influence your fitness from biological predispositions to the foods you eat, the sleep you get, your psychology, and more! This course will go beyond the superficial of fitness and dig into the science behind it. You will explore the basics of how to assess your baseline fitness, design and implement a fitness plan, fuel your body to achieve your fitness goals, and stay safe while improving your health. Physical fitness is a journey, not a destination: start your expedition now.
  • Computer Literacy:
    • In this introductory course, students become familiar with the basic principles of a personal computer, including the internal hardware, operating system, and software applications. Students gain practice in using key applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software, as well as understand social and ethical issues around the Internet, information, and security.
  • Career Planning:
    • This course covers Retail-Industry Fundamentals and Customer Service Skills to complete exams administered through the NRF Foundation towards earning Industry-Recognized Credentials. These credentials can be used as you move beyond high school and give you a foundation from which to begin a career in the business field. Throughout this two-part course you will have the opportunity to earn 2 graduation seals towards the overall requirement (2 seals): The Industry-Recognized Credential Seal and the OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal.
  • Leader In Me
    • In this course, you will learn Life, Career, Leadership, and College readiness skills. Leader in Me is centered around the '7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens,' regarding personal and professional awareness. In this course you will explore each habit to develop positive life skills.
  • Professional Communications:
    • ​Students learn about communicating professionally with those around them. There is also a computer safety portion of this course that supports students in being web-conscious.
  • Sports Officiating:
    • ​Students will have the option of different sports to focus on in this course. They will learn about the rules for the sport and practice making calls based on those rules. It is not necessary for students to have interest in sports for this course to be successfully completed.
  • Healthcare Basics:​
    • ​Students in the Healthcare Basics course will become certified in both First Aid and CPR. In addition, students will complete a nationally recognized Bloodborne Pathogens training. 

World Language Elective

  • ​Spanish I:
    • Students in Spanish I focus on the four key areas of world language study: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Spanish I represents an ideal blend of language-learning pedagogy and online learning. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, and interactive activities and practices that reinforce vocabulary and grammar. There is a strong emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts presented in each unit. Students should expect to be actively engaged in their own language learning; become familiar with common vocabulary terms and phrases; comprehend a wide range of grammar patterns; participate in simple conversations and respond appropriately to basic conversational prompts; analyze and compare cultural practices, products, and perspectives of various Spanish-speaking countries; and take frequent assessments during which their language progression can be monitored. The course has been carefully aligned to national standards as set forth by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Students explore greetings; school; the alphabet; adjectives; colors; countries; numbers; telling time; -ir, -er, and -ar verbs; days, months, and seasons; hobbies and pastimes, food, family, places, animals, shopping and weather.
  • Spanish II:
    • Students continue their study of Spanish by further expanding their knowledge of key vocabulary topics and grammar concepts. Students not only begin to comprehend listening and reading passages more fully but also start to express themselves more meaningfully in both speaking and writing. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, and interactive activities and practices which reinforce vocabulary and grammar. There is a strong emphasis on providing context and conversational examples for the language concepts presented in each unit. Students should expect to be actively engaged in their own language learning, understand intermediate vocabulary terms and phrases, use a wide range of grammar patterns in their speaking and writing, participate in conversations and respond appropriately to conversational prompts, analyze and compare cultural practices and perspectives of various Spanish-speaking countries, and take assessments where their language progression can be monitored. The course has been carefully aligned to national standards as set forth by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). In semester A, students explore professions, clothing, the home, the body, reflexive verbs, cognates, numbers, vacations, and the telephone. In semester B, students explore directions, transportation, medical words, outdoor sports, travel, and computer words.
  • Spanish III:
    • Students further deepen their understanding of Spanish by focusing on the four key areas of world language study: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Each unit consists of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concepts, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, multimedia cultural presentations, and interactive activities and practices which reinforce vocabulary and grammar. These activities teach students to communicate with others through informal speaking and writing interactions and to express their thoughts and opinions in both formal and informal spoken and written contexts. Students should expect to be actively engaged in their own language learning; use correct vocabulary terms and phrases naturally; incorporate a wide range of grammar concepts consistently and correctly while speaking and writing; participate in conversations covering a wide range of topics; respond appropriately to conversational prompts; analyze and compare cultural practices, products, and perspectives of various Spanish-speaking countries; read and analyze important pieces of Hispanic literature; and take frequent assessments where their language progression can be monitored. The course is conducted almost entirely in Spanish. The course has been carefully aligned to national standards as set forth by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). In semester A, students explore verbs, false cognates, nature, vacation, music, technology, measurements, and clothing words. In semester B, students explore work, shopping and money words, expressions with por and para, relationship, love, social issues, and computer words.