Course Selection Packet for RISING SENIORS
2014-2015 School Year
Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2015
As you select your classes please keep in mind that you must pass the following courses in order to earn
a diploma in Louisiana.
English: English I, II, III, IV
Math: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra II, and 1 additional math class
Science: Biology and Chemistry, and 2 additional core science classes
Social Science: U.S. History, Civics, World Geography, and 1 additional social studies class
Physical Education: Health Education, 1.5 Credits of PE
Foreign Language: Spanish I and II or French I and II
Art: 1 credit of Fine Arts Survey or NOCCA classes
Credit total: 24
Graduation Tests: 1 Math EOC (Algebra I or Geometry); 1 English EOC (English II or English III) and 1
science or social studies EOC (Biology or US History) Students must also take the ACT before graduation,
and are required to take the State ACT in March if their score is below 18.
SciHigh Scheduling Policies
SciHigh Scheduling Guidelines
All seniors at SciHigh must adhere to the following guidelines in choosing classes for 12th grade.
1. Select all remaining graduation requirements
2. If the schedule permits, students choose math, science, and/or technology (as many as fit into
the schedule) This guideline can be waived for students ONLY when it conflicts with rigorous
college and career goals.
3. Electives, see descriptions on the following pages. Note: Electives can include repeating any
previous TOPS/Core classes for a higher grade as long as the student agrees to follow strict
behavior expectations.
About AP Courses
AP at SciHigh:
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All AP classes are open enrollment. Students do not need specific grades or teacher
recommendations to enroll in AP courses. Students do need to pass the course prerequisites,
but there is no specific grade requirement.
While we may recommend AP classes to students who have not chosen them, we never
discourage a student from choosing AP. This choice belongs to the student.
Students who choose to take 3 or more AP classes will need signed permission from a parent or
guardian.
SciHigh provides money for study sessions, mock exams, lunches on Tulane’s campus, AP tshirts, and the AP test at the end of the year.
Course Selection Packet for RISING SENIORS
2014-2015 School Year
General Facts about AP:
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AP stands for Advanced Placement, and it is a way for students to earn college credit in high
school.
AP classes are incredibly rigorous. They usually require summer work and at least 5 hours of
hard work outside of class per week during the year.
Students in AP courses take an AP exam at the end of the course in May. These tests usually cost
$89 per student; however, AP tests are free to SciHigh students.
Students can score a 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 on an AP test.
Students who score a 3 or higher on any test can receive college credit in that subject once they
enroll in college.
Different colleges accept AP credit differently. Most public universities give college credit
equivalent to taking a college course in the subject. Some private schools give college credit for a
3, 4, or 5, some give credit for a 4 or 5, and some use AP tests to allow students to place out of
specific required classes.
Early Release
SciHigh allows Early Release for students in 2014-2015 under the following circumstances:
 Students enrolled in NOCCA for classes between 12:00 and 4:00 will be given 4 morning classes and
early release to attend NOCCA.
 Seniors enrolled in the Bard Early College, Xavier Dual Enrollment, or any other college programs
for the 2014-2015 school year will be scheduled around their University courses. Proof of
enrollment in the University program is required before a student’s schedule will be changed.
 Seniors who come into their senior year already meeting the TOPS Opportunity Scholarship
requirements (2.5 Core GPA and 20 or higher on the ACT, or the equivalent SAT score) can have
early release as long as they take at least 1 AP class at SciHigh.
In order to be given Early Release, students must submit a completed Early Release Application Form
signed by their parents/guardians, along with any supplemental evidence of eligibility, to the counseling
office before the start of the 2014-2015 school year.
Core classes that can be repeated for higher grade (conditional on behavior)
 English I
 Algebra I
 English II
 Geometry
 Biology
 Algebra II
 Environmental Science  World Geography
 Spanish I
 World History
 French I
Course Selection Packet for RISING SENIORS
2014-2015 School Year
Courses Offered in 2014-2015
Note: Some core classes and graduation requirements are not listed below, including English I-IV, Algebra I-II, Geometry,
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Spanish I-II, French I-II, World Geography, World History, US History, Civics,
and Health Education. These are classes taught at a college-prep level to students in the order specified in the school’s pupil
progression plan. Students with questions should speak with their Advisory teacher for more information on these courses.
Senior Core Classes
AP English Literature and Composition (Seniors)
1 credit
An AP English Literature and Composition course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative
literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use
language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style,
and themes as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone.
Summer reading and writing are required prior to the start of senior year. Students prepare for the AP® English Literature
and Composition Exam and may be granted advanced placement, college credit, or both as a result of satisfactory
performance. As this is a college-level course, performance expectations are appropriately high, and the workload is
challenging. Students are expected to commit to a minimum of five hours of course work per week outside of regular class
time. Prerequisite: English I, II, and III
AP US Government (AP Civics)
1 credit
The AP Government & Politics: United States course provides an analytical perspective on government and politics in the
United States. This course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of
specific case studies. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S.
political reality.
Math Classes
AP Calculus
1 credit
This course provides a thorough introduction to single-variable calculus. In Algebra we ask questions of the form: given this
value of x, what is the value of y? In Calculus we ask the far more interesting, subtle, and powerful question: given this value
of x, how fast is y changing then? Students will master the core ideas and techniques of differentiation and integration which
revolutionized civilization during the 17th century. We will apply these ideas in a wide variety of settings: physics,
economics, business, engineering, biology, medicine, and environmental science. Mastering calculus is regarded as
prerequisite for any college major in the sciences. Students must put in a significant amount of study time outside of class.
It is highly recommended that students prepare over the summer by reviewing trigonometry, exponential and logarithmic
functions, and simplifying complex algebraic expressions and equations. If a student completes this course successfully, he
or she will be prepared not simply to pass, but to excel in any college Calculus I course. Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus or
recommendation from Mr. Dilligan. *Bonus: Students with a 15 or higher on the PLAN can earn college credit through Delgado
Community College for taking this course.
AP Statistics
1 credit
The purpose of the AP course in statistics is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing
and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: exploring data, sampling and
experimentation, anticipating patterns, and statistical inference. Students interested in medicine, psychology, finance, and
anything where statistics are analyzed and predicted should take this course. Prerequisite: Geometry, Algebra I, Algebra II
Pre-Calculus
1 credit
Pre-Calculus develops an understanding of fundamental algebraic ideas in realistic settings. Topics studied include data and
probability, variables, operations and properties of real numbers, equivalent expressions and equations, solving and
graphing linear equations and inequalities, and systems of equations and inequalities. Special emphasis is placed on
developing an understanding of functions. Prerequisite: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry. *Bonus: Students with a 15 or higher
on the PLAN can earn college credit through Delgado Community College for taking this course.
Course Selection Packet for RISING SENIORS
2014-2015 School Year
Remedial 4th Math
1 credit
A class designed for seniors in need of a fourth math credit who either haven't passed Algebra 2 or passed it with a low
grade and consistently low test scores. The class will begin by covering fundamental math concepts and will progress into
principles of Algebra and the application of Algebra within Geometry. Students will develop a basic understanding of
functions to explore and understand the natural world. Enrollment in this class is subject to counselor approval.
Science Classes
AP Biology
1 credit
This course is a survey of biology from the smallest to the highest levels, covering evolution and phylogeny, ecology,
biochemistry and microbiology, some animal body systems, botany, genetics and biotechnology. There is something here for
everyone with an interest in the life sciences! At least 30% of the course is taught through interactive, inquiry-based labs,
specifically designed to reinforce the learning in class. For those who are interested in any career in the health industries—
nurses, doctors, technicians—this course will give you a taste of the learning required for these fields. While challenging,
with nearly nightly homework and rigorous classwork, the AP exam at the end of the year can provide up to 8 hours of
college credit. Prerequisite: Biology I. Recommended Coequisite: Chemistry I, Algebra II.
AP Chemistry
1 credit
This course, which prepares students for a challening AP exam, provides essential knowledge for any student planning to
major in science, medicine or nursing. This class requires a great deal of self-discipline, as six hours minimum of homework
weekly is necessary to succeed. This course strikes a balance between theoretical concepts and laboratory practices,
covering topics that include, but are not limited to: atomic structure, molecular shape, molecular interactions, chemical
interactions, thermodynamics, electrochemistry and reaction kinetics. As with all AP classes, labs are an important and
necessary part of the curriculum. Prerequisite: Chemistry I, Recommended Coequisite: Pre-Calculus.
AP Environmental Science
1 credit
Passionate about the environment? Like science that you can see rather than have to imagine? The goal of the AP
Environmental Science course is to provide 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 and/or preventing them. The class is rigorous, taking a lot of outside reading, writing, and studying; however, you
have the potential to earn college credit through the AP exam administered in May. Prerequisite: Algebra I
Anatomy and Physiology
1 credit
Human Anatomy and Physiology is an introduction to the human body, focusing on how it maintains homeostasis from
anatomical, physiological, and evolutionary perspective. Because it is meant to engage students with their interests,
students will spend more time focusing on general concepts than memorizing vocabulary. This class is part one, focusing on
the structure and support systems of the body. We will engage with as many hands-on activities and labs to bring the
integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and circulatory systems out from the world of the textbook and into your real
life. Prerequisite: Biology
Intro to Engineering/Robotics
1 credit
This course provides an introduction to engineering and design. Students will investigate the various aspects of the
engineering field with special emphasis in design using Arduino robots. This hands-on science and technology class will
cover computer coding, principals of engineering, and careers in technology.
Astronomy
1 credit
The objective of this course is to use the basic principles of geometry, physics, and chemistry to explain and predict the
motions and properties of celestial objects. The first semester deals with the development of astronomy from the
pseudoscientific astrology, models for the solar system, characteristics of the planets and their moons, asteroids, and
comets. The second semester deals with the sun, stars, galaxies, and the history of the universe. Required Prerequisites:
Geometry
Course Selection Packet for RISING SENIORS
2014-2015 School Year
Technology/Computer Classes
AP Computer Science
1 credit
This is a rigorous computer class where students will have the chance to take the Computer Science AP test. Students who
excelled in Algebra I and/or Geometry, who are interested in careers in computer science, or who enjoy spending 10+ hours
a week working on a computer are recommended to take this class. Prerequisite: proficiency with computers.
IC3
1 credit
Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3®) is an internationally recognized standard for digital literacy. This
intensive training program will prepare students for the three certification examinations, Computer Fundamentals, Key
Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and Living Online (Outlook), which students can then conveniently take the test
here on Sci High's campus.
Elective Classes
Art 1: Beginning/Intermediate Art
1 credit
In this studio art class, students will be exposed to a variety of artistic methods, techniques, and media in which to create
and develop their own art. Students will explore drawing, painting, sculpture and print-making. Students will be graded
primarily on participation and enthusiasm rather than skill or competence. A full credit of studio art is required for all
students graduating in 2012 or later, and this course fulfills that requirement.
Digital Graphics (art & technology)
1 credit
This year- long course is designed for students with a strong interest in computer graphics and design. Through a variety of
projects and tasks, students will build their digital skill set. Students who choose this class should be prepared to be graded
on their projects, and written assessments. Students should also prepared for an environment that encourages and requires
creativity.
Newspaper Writing and Production (English & technology)
1 credit
This course is focused on the study of and hands-on experience in producing a newspaper publications, as well as critical
analysis of the purposes and ethics of media. Course activities and requirements engage students’ writing and editing skills
and ability to analyze complex non-fiction texts. Students will also gain an understanding of graphic design and publishing
technology with a strong correlation to various careers and fields of study related to production. Students will generate
content for the Sci High Times, with a goal of quarterly release of newspaper.
Physical Education: Individual Fitness (CPR/FIRST AID CERTIFICATION)
1 credit
Building on what students learned in 9th grade, this full-year PE class fulfills 2 semesters of PE credit required for
graduation. Students will learn and practice yoga, pilates, dance, zumba, aerobics, breathing techniques, and relaxation
exercises. In addition students will work towards earning Red Cross certification in First Aid and Cardio-pulmonary
respiration (CPR). In this course you will not only be expected to participate daily in physical activity, but also to master the
ideas, professional response to injury, and the science behind such activities. Students will be able to explain why certain
exercises produce certain results and how to treat and triage like a professional rescuer.
Physical Education: Team Sports
1 credit
This course will emphasize health related physical fitness through a variety of team sports. Students will demonstrate
developed skills in basketball, volleyball, softball, ultimate frisbee, track and field, social dance, distance running, and
other team building activities. In this course you will not only be expected to participate daily in physical activity, but also
to master the ideas and the science behind such activities. Students will be able to explain why certain exercises produce
certain results.
Spanish III and IV
1 credit
This course is adapted to the linguistic needs and interests of the advanced level students. Throughout Spanish III/IV, you
will be expected to master communicative Spanish grammar and possess a large operational vocabulary. The content of the
course is based primarily on reading, so written and spoken responses to those readings are expected daily. You will be
exposed to a variety of literature and contemporary cultural issues occurring in hispanohablante (Spanish speaking)
countries around the world. While this course will review and practice grammatical concepts throughout the year, the main
focus will be on speaking the language daily and increasing reading comprehension. Prerequisite: A passing grade in Spanish
II and a serious desire to advance your language skills.
Course Selection Packet for RISING SENIORS
2014-2015 School Year
Senior-Only Electives
Teacher’s Assistant
1 credit
Students who would like to assist a specific teacher with classroom activities including bulletin board set-up, classroom
decorating, grading student work, one-on-one tutoring, making photocopies, and anything else required by the school or the
teacher can apply for one of SciHigh’s 10 Teacher Assistant positions. This is only open to seniors, and will be a competitive
selection process, with TAs chosen by Ms. Jecklin and Ms. Benenson. Interested students should turn in a 500 word essay
including why they would like the position, what they will be doing on a daily basis, and why the experience will further
their educational goals to Mrs. French by May 15th in order to be considered. Essays must be signed by the teacher the
student intends to work with. Only 1 TA per SciHigh teacher will be accepted.
Senior Study Hall
0 credit
This is a structured, silent study period for seniors who need additional time during the school day to complete advanced
coursework, college applications, scholarship applications, and other necessary tasks. Students who would like a study hall
must write a letter of commitment and intent detailing why a study hall is necessary for success senior year, and must be
taking a rigorous course load for senior year. Letters are due to Ms. French by May 15, 2014 for a study hall to be
considered.