Online Public High School Program

Michigan Merit Curriculum • The Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) is not a curriculum in the traditional sense – it is legislation that specifies all students awarded a diploma have demonstrated proficiency with the content outlined by the state academic standards, benchmarks, or guidelines. Challenging Courses = Big Rewards. Students who take strong academic courses in high school are more likely to succeed in college and earn a degree. That’s important because higher education pays: On average, college graduates earn more than a million dollars more over a lifetime than those with only a high school education.

• What Employers and Training Programs Want. Employers, apprenticeship programs, and the military all agree – they expect you to arrive with essential skills, including speaking and writing clearly, analyzing information, conducting research, and solving complex problems all while expecting you to identify the most useful connections to accomplish the task at hand.
• Preparation for College Success. It’s not just about getting in – it’s about finishing. To best prepare for success in college-level work, students need to complete the Michigan Merit Curriculum in high school.

The Michigan Merit Curriculum re-imagines what the diploma represents. With credit based on student proficiency instead of seat time, the diploma represents what the student knows and can do, not the courses that they took. Credits don’t have to equate courses; instead courses, CTE programs, work internships, and other learning opportunities can provide pieces of a variety of credits – filling up the credit pipeline. • The legislation also allows for specific credit requirements and/or content standards to be modified based on the individual learning needs of a student. It is designed to serve students who want to accelerate or go beyond the MMC requirements as well as students who need to individualize learning requirements to meet the MMC requirement. Please visit The Michigan Department of Education to learn about the Michigan Merit Curriculum, frequently asked questions, and graduation requirements.

WORLD HISTORY A

World History (1 of 2) explores the key events and global historical developments from hunter-gatherer societies to the Industrial Revolution. It begins with analysis of early prehistoric people from the Paleolithic era to the Agricultural Revolution. The course follows the rise and fall of early empires and then considers the fall of the Roman Empire and its aftermath. Continuing through the Middle Ages, the course analyzes the Crusades, feudalism, the plague, and Asian empires. It explores the impact and effects of the Renaissance and Protestant Reformation on human culture and analyzes conflicts between the Roman Catholic Church and Protestant and Catholic reformers. Examining the Age of Exploration, the course follows European explorers who sought new trade routes to Asia, the discovery of the Americas, the rise of joint-stock companies, the slave trade, and emergence of the American colonies. It analyzes important revolutions in history, including the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment, the American and French revolutions, Latin American revolutions, and the Industrial Revolution.

Honors Course Available

Credit Recovery Course Available

WORLD HISTORY B

World History (2 of 2) traces the developments of the last 250 years that have shaped the modern world. It begins by examining the origins of modern Western imperialism—or the building of empires. This includes the influence of the Industrial Revolution and reactions to groups based on culture and ethnicity. The course will analyze the deep cultural, economic, and political impacts that imperialism had on Africa and Asia, including the rise of Japan. From there it continues to examine how imperialism and nationalism contributed to the outbreak of World War I. It will consider how the Treaty of Versailles contributed to the rise of fascism in Europe and the start of World War II. The course will also analyze the changing, destructive nature of 20th century warfare and atrocities such as the Armenian Genocide and the Holocaust.

Honors Course Available

Credit Recovery Course Available

US HISTORY A

US History (1 of 2) begins with the period of European exploration and the impact Europeans had on the lives of those native to North America. From there, the course traces the development of the English colonies in North America, the causes and effects of the American Revolution, and the ratification of the Constitution. Next, the course examines the causes of the War of 1812. Throughout much of the course, the topic of sectionalism is analyzed through the study of various events, including westward expansion, the Civil War and Reconstruction. The later part of the course examines the Indian Wars, immigration, and the Second Industrial Revolution. Special focus is given to the ideas that shaped the history of those living in the United States.

Honors Course Available

Credit Recovery Course Available

US HISTORY B

US History (2 of 2) continues the story of the United States, encompassing the successes and failures of the nation in improving the human condition and espousing the unalienable rights that define the American spirit. It begins with the period of reform during the Gilded Age and Progressive Era. This is followed by World War I and the economic boom of the era known as the “Roaring Twenties.” After a study of the Great Depression and the New Deal, the course then traces America’s involvement in World War II and in the Cold War as well as proxy conflicts like the Vietnam War and Korean War. Students learn about pivotal events in the presidential administrations of the second half of the 20th century. The course proceeds to examine domestic and global events as the United States emerges into the 21st century, including technology innovations, global communications, and the rise of terrorism. Along the way, the course explores some of the key individuals who contributed to the events and policies that have shaped the decades discussed within these lessons.

Honors Course Available

Credit Recovery Course Available

ECONOMICS

Economics explores principles that allow students to make informed decisions about personal finance. In this course, students develop a broader understanding of national and international economic decisions and policies. These principles will help students understand why economics impacts history, the distribution of wealth, and the quality of life for all members of society.

Credit Recovery Course Available

U.S. GOVERNMENT

Students examine the history and philosophy of the United States government and the guiding principles of democracy. Topics include: analysis of the United States Constitution, functions and duties of the three branches of government, the role of the Supreme Court, civic engagement in political process, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, government systems of the world, political parties, interest groups, and the media in shaping the government.

Honors Course Available

Credit Recovery Course Available

CIVICS

This course prepares for the Naturalization Test designed by the United States federal government. The course is for high school students in order to fulfill the requirement for graduation.

Credit Recovery Course Available

ENGLISH IA

English I (1 of 2) is the first semester of the ninth-grade English Language Arts course. This course covers reading, writing, and analysis using both informational and literary texts. As students read the selections in this course, they explore textual evidence, identify themes and central ideas, make inferences, analyze word choice, and recognize figurative and connotative language in a variety of texts. As part of the course, students read the early fantasy novel The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald. Students also compare portrayals of both literary and informational content in different mediums. Grammar and usage lessons cover context and word function as clues to meaning, and the function of words in different domains and dialects. Students learn how figures of speech can deepen meaning and how reference materials help build vocabulary skills. Students also complete two Writing Projects: a personal narrative (memoir) and a literary analysis.

Honors Course Available

Credit Recovery Course Available

ENGLISH IB

English I (2 of 2) is the second semester of the ninth-grade English Language Arts course. This course covers reading, writing, and analysis using both informational and literary texts. As students read the selections in this course, they review concepts such as textual evidence, themes and central ideas, characters, and inferences. They also learn new concepts, including rhetorical techniques, structure and style, and arguments and claims. As part of the course, students read the dystopian novella Anthem by Ayn Rand. Students also compare works from different time periods to identify how later works use earlier ones for inspiration. Grammar and usage lessons review context and word nuances. Students also learn about spelling conventions, style manuals, phrases and clauses, parallel structure, and colons and semicolons. They also complete two Writing Projects: an informational essay and an argument essay.

Honors Course Available

Credit Recovery Course Available

ENGLISH IIA

English II (1 of 2) is the first semester of the 10th-grade English Language Arts course. This course covers reading, writing, and analysis of informational texts, argument texts, and videos. As students read the selections in this course, they explore explicit and inferred meaning through textual evidence; identify central ideas and details that support them; evaluate arguments and claims; recognize organizational structures; analyze figurative, connotative, technical, and rhetorical language; and assess the effects of word choice on tone in a variety of texts. Students recognize and use different reference sources, and review spelling, grammar, usage, and punctuation rules, including use of semicolons and colons. Students learn new vocabulary, including domain-specific words, and identify context clues and patterns of word change with prefixes and suffixes. Students also complete two Writing Projects: an informational essay and an argument essay.

Honors Course Available

Credit Recovery Course Available

ENGLISH IIB

English II (2 of 2) is the second semester of the 10th-grade English Language Arts course. This course covers reading, writing, and analysis of literary texts from around the world and across history. As students read the selections, they practice strategies to recognize textual evidence, identify themes, make inferences, analyze all aspects of characterization, and identify figurative language, figures of speech, and literary devices. As part of the course, students read the Greek tragedy Antigone by Sophocles and write a character analysis based on one of the main characters. Language lessons review context clues and word nuances. Students also learn more about patterns that occur with affixes, evaluate correct use of phrases and clauses, and identify parallel construction with gerunds and infinitives. In addition to the literary analysis essay, students complete a personal narrative essay.

Honors Course Available

Credit Recovery Course Available

ENGLISH IIIA

English III (1 of 2) is the first semester of the 11th-grade English Language Arts course. This course covers reading, writing, and analysis using both informational and argument texts. As students read the selections in this course, they explore textual evidence, identify central ideas and supporting details, make inferences, analyze word choice, and recognize figurative and connotative language in a variety of texts. As part of the course, students read seminal US texts such as “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” by Frederick Douglass, as well as presidential speeches, court documents, and scientific articles. Grammar lessons cover context and word function as clues to meaning, spelling and hyphenation rules, and contested usage. Students learn how figures of speech can deepen meaning and how reference materials help build vocabulary skills. Students also complete two research-based Writing Projects: an informational essay and an argument essay.

Honors Course Available

Credit Recovery Course Available

ENGLISH IIIB

English III (2 of 2) is the second semester of the 11th-grade English Language Arts course. This course covers reading, writing, and analysis using both informational and literary texts. As students read the selections in this course, they learn about literary elements such as plot, setting, and character; themes and central ideas; and characteristics of poetry and drama. As part of the course, students read the classic American play The Crucible by Arthur Miller. Students also compare works from different time periods to identify how later works use earlier ones for inspiration. Grammar and usage lessons review context and word nuances. Students also learn about style manuals, phrases and clauses, parallel structure, and colons and semicolons. Students also complete two Writing Projects: a fictional narrative and a literary analysis.

Honors Course Available

Credit Recovery Course Available

ENGLISH IVA

English IV is the first semester of the 12th-grade English Language Arts course. This course covers reading, writing, and analysis using both informational and argument texts. As students read the selections in this course, they explore rhetoric, figurative language, theme and purpose, specialized vocabulary, text structure, word nuances, and more. As part of the course, students read seminal US texts such as the Declaration of Independence as well as presidential speeches, court documents, and articles related to innovative technology. Grammar lessons cover context clues, word patterns as clues to meaning, contested usage, and strategies for avoiding syntax errors. Students learn how to make inferences, conduct research, evaluate evidence, and use reference resources. Students also complete two research-based Writing Projects: an informational essay and an argument essay.

Honors Course Available

Credit Recovery Course Available

ENGLISH IVB

This semester covers in-depth literary analysis using narrative texts from British literature— from the Middle Ages through modern times. The course builds in complexity, covering topics such as explicit and implicit meanings, figurative language, literary devices, central ideas, themes, and narrative and structural elements. Students write a fictional narrative in the style of Gothic Romanticism and a literary analysis comparing or contrasting two texts from different eras of British literature. These short and extended forms of writing emphasize the writing process, from note-taking and outline-making to revising and editing for content and style.

Honors Course Available

Credit Recovery Course Available

PRE-ALGEBRA

Students will start with the review of integers and rational numbers. They’ll then move into properties of numbers, including working with exponents, roots, and mastering the order of operations. Students will learn about variables and how to simplify expressions and solve multi-step equations. Finally, they’ll study lines and linear equations, and along the way they will work with ordered pairs, the coordinate plane, and graphs.

Credit Recovery Course Available

ALGEBRA 1A

This course helps develop and strengthen students’ algebraic thinking and problem-solving skills. Students apply properties to simplify expressions with exponents and radicals, and they explore the relationships between rational and irrational numbers. Then students solve linear equations using inverse operations, and they write and solve linear equations that model real-world situations. As they explore linear relationships, they graph lines from equations and tables, and they write linear equations that represent given graphs. They also solve linear inequalities and graph them on number lines and in coordinate planes. Using their knowledge of linear equations and inequalities, students solve and graph systems of linear equations and inequalities. Next, students apply operations on polynomials and explore factoring quadratic expressions. Finally, students solve quadratic equations by factoring, using the quadratic formula and technology, and they work with systems that contain quadratic equations.

Honors Course Available

Credit Recovery Course Available

ALGEBRA 1B

This course extends students’ algebraic understanding by applying what they know about linear and quadratic equations to the concept of functions. They also learn about square root and cube root functions, as well as absolute value, piecewise, and step functions. Students identify key features and interpret functions presented as equations, graphs, tables, and verbal descriptions, and they apply them to real-world problems. Key features are also used to compare different types of functions to each other. The focus then moves to performing transformations of functions. This allows students to explore how the structure of a function can be used to graph it by applying a transformation to a parent function. The course concludes with a study of statistics, which helps students to discover some of the interesting ways that math is used to explore the world.

Honors Course Available

Credit Recovery Course Available

GEOMETRY A

In Geometry (1 of 2), students build upon their understanding of geometric concepts by working through a variety of geometric problems, writing formal proofs, and constructing geometric figures. Transformations are used to explain the concepts of congruent and similar figures with a focus on the properties of congruent and similar triangles. These properties are proved as students become familiar with postulates, theorems, and formal proofs. The course wraps up with trigonometric ratios and their applications to real-world situations.

Honors Course Available

Credit Recovery Course Available

GEOMETRY B

In this course, students will use the Pythagorean theorem, distance formula, midpoint formula and slope formula to solve geometric problems and develop coordinate proofs.

Honors Course Available

Credit Recovery Course Available

ALGEBRA 2A

In this course, students will review and expand on their knowledge of linear, quadratic, and exponential functions, as well as broaden their understanding of polynomial and rational functions. They will work with interactive text, delve into example problems, and watch engaging, instructional videos to enhance learning.

Honors Course Available

Credit Recovery Course Available

ALGEBRA 2B

In this course, students learn about and work with rational and radical equations, graph radical functions, and extend your knowledge of trigonometric functions. Students work with interactive text, delve into example problems, and watch engaging, instructional videos to enhance learning.

Honors Course Available

Credit Recovery Course Available

CONSUMER MATH 

Students investigate how to solve real-life problems, analyze current financial issues of taxes, loans, car leases, mortgages, and insurance. Mathematical processes are used to study patterns and analyze data, algebraic formulas, graphs, and amortization modeling.

COLLEGE MATHEMATICS PREPARATION A

In this course, students model real-life situations with equations and inequalities, expand their skills with solving exponential equations with logarithms, and synthesize and generalize a variety of functions families. Each lesson of this course includes an interactive text, as well as example problems and related instructional videos.

COLLEGE MATHEMATICS PREPARATION B

From construction to physics, the concepts in this course are used in a variety of real-world situations. In this course, students will learn how to make probability decisions, and how to use basic statistics and sampling processes to understand data sets and answer questions about samples and populations.

Applied Mathematics

Students examine how artists, video game developers, and musicians apply mathematical concepts to create, and how biologists use mathematics to measure the distances between cells and gain new insights about the body by applying concepts from geometry, functions, probability, and statistics.

Pre-Calculus

In this course, students will understand and apply concepts, graphs and applications of a variety of families of functions, including polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, logistic and trigonometric. An emphasis will be placed on use of appropriate functions to model real world situations and solve problems that arise from those situations. A focus is also on graphing functions by hand and understanding and identifying the parts of a graph. A scientific and/or graphics calculator is recommended for work on assignments, and on examinations. Pre-Calculus Part B covers the major units of Introductory Trigonometry and Graphs, Trigonometric Equations and Identities, Analytical Trigonometry, Sequences and Series, Conic Sections and an Introduction to Calculus. A focus is also on graphing functions by hand and understanding and identifying the parts of a graph.

Credit Recovery Course Available (PreCalculus)

PHYSICAL SCIENCE A

Physical Science (1 of 2) provides an introduction to the world of chemistry. Students will begin with an introduction to science as a whole and the basic methods and tools that scientists use to produce meaningful results. Students then will explore the structure and properties of matter and how it changes in response to energy. Next, students will practice reading and interpreting the information on the periodic table as well as chemical names, formulas, equations, and models. Students will also discover the types and properties of reactions, mixtures, solutions, acids, and bases. Finally, students will examine both the scientific principles and human applications of nuclear reactions. Throughout the course, students explore the historical perspectives and modern social implications of the course topics.

Credit Recovery Course Available

PHYSICAL SCIENCE B

Physical Science (2 of 2) introduces students to the world of physics. They will start by building a foundation of what it means to be scientific by describing the ways scientists think, communicate, and do their jobs. Next, students will cover important aspects of motion and force, including the motion of fluids and how motion relates to Newton’s laws. Building up from these fundamentals, students will explore the topics of thermodynamics, energy, work, and machines. The nature and properties of waves are covered next, and then students end by examining electricity and magnetism. Throughout the course, students will parallel their investigation into the scientific method with a course project that introduces them to the field and processes of engineering.

Credit Recovery Course Available

BIOLOGY A

This biology course covers the basics of biochemistry and how it relates to life, which enhances students’ understanding of biology. Biology allows students to understand the organisms that are all around them and how they affect certain systems on Earth. It also helps students understand themselves on a biological level. Students use logical thinking to identify relationships and draw conclusions. They evaluate topics in biology to better understand the basics of biochemistry, cells, membranes, cell division and reproduction, energy and metabolism, and photosynthesis.

Honors Course Available

Credit Recovery Course Available

BIOLOGY B

This biology course covers the basics of genetics and the technology used to better understand it. Students will discover how organisms have evolved due to natural selection. They will also explore ecology, including how matter and energy flow through organisms and their ecosystems, and learn to see a bigger picture of the biological world they live in.

During this course, students will apply ethical guidelines to biological research, as well as engage in argument about the ethical implications of current biotechnology. Students will also be able to model the flow of matter and energy in ecosystems and understand how changes to the flow affect organisms in their environment. Overall, students will evaluate topics in biology to better understand the basics of genetics, DNA and the genetic code, genomics, evolution, and ecology.

Honors Course Available

Credit Recovery Course Available

CHEMISTRY A

Students examine basic principles and properties of matter to see its everyday uses. Topics include: atomic models, predicting chemical reactions to see how scientists can engineer them to solve problems.

Honors Course Available

Credit Recovery Course Available

CHEMISTRY B

Students examine basic principles and properties of matter to see its everyday uses. Topics include: atomic models, predicting chemical reactions to see how scientists can engineer them to solve problems.

Honors Course Available

Credit Recovery Course Available

EARTH SCIENCE A

The first three modules of Semester 1 cover Scientific Inquiry, the Structure and Composition of the Universe, and the Features of the Solar System. Students learn the importance of scientific inquiry and how to communicate the results of scientific investigations. They then have material on the formation of the universe, including the Big Bang Theory, the motions of celestial objects, and stellar evolution. The third module covers material related to the Solar System, including features of the Sun and the planets and the movements of Earth. The second three modules of Semester 1 cover Weather, Climate, and Earth’s Water Cycle. Students first learn in Module 4 about the atmosphere and clouds, as well as the factors that influence local and global climate. In Module 5 they continue by learning about weather and air masses, meteorology and storms. Module 6 then discusses the water cycle, including groundwater and ocean features, as well as water scarcity and pollution.

Credit Recovery Course Available

EARTH SCIENCE B

The first three modules of Semester 2 cover the physical structure of the Earth and Earth’s tectonic system, including the rock cycle, tectonic activity, and mountain building. It then covers weathering and erosion and soil formation. The next material in the course then addresses the concept of systems; it addresses the Earth as a system, feedback in systems, and Earth’s major nutrient cycles. The second three modules of Semester 2 cover geologic history, including the evolution of Earth’s atmosphere, the geologic time scale, and the fossil record. It then goes over natural resources and the effects of human population on natural resources. The course wraps up with a discussion of human society and its interconnectedness with the Earth’s environment, how science and technology work together, and the technological design process in earth science applications.

Credit Recovery Course Available

SPANISH 1A

In this introductory course, students will be introduced to the basics of the Spanish language through reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will learn how to introduce themselves and others, talk about interests and hobbies, ask for directions, and more!

In addition to learning the language, students will also learn about the cultures of some Spanish-speaking countries. They will learn about daily life in Mexico, the history of Spain, cultural traditions in Argentina, and more!

Students will participate in discussion boards, speaking practice, a culture project, and a speaking project.

Credit Recovery Course Available

SPANISH 1B

This course is the second semester of year one of Spanish. Students will continue with the introduction to the basics of Spanish language through reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will learn how to discuss school subjects, various professions, daily routines, and likes and dislikes.

In addition to learning the language, students will also learn about the cultures of Venezuela, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Cuba. Students will learn about the history, traditions and practices of each of these countries.

Students will participate in discussion boards, speaking practice, a multimedia writing project and a speaking project.

Credit Recovery Course Available

SPANISH 2A

This course is the first semester of year two of Spanish. Students will continue with the introduction to the basics of Spanish language through reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will learn how to discuss social relationships, climate, various animals, fables, holiday customs and traditions, and outdoor activities.

In addition to learning the language, students will also learn about the cultures of Paraguay, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Bolivia. Students will learn about the history, products, traditions, practices, and perspectives of each of these countries.

Students will participate in discussion boards, speaking practice, writing a fable in Spanish and a speaking project which will have the students ask questions, start, and end conversations.

Credit Recovery Course Available

SPANISH 2B

This course is the second semester of year two of Spanish. Students will continue with their acquisition of the Spanish language through reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will do so by participating in discussion boards, speaking practices, writing projects, and speaking projects. Students will learn how to discuss a variety of topics such as transportation, extracurricular interests, significant historical figures of various countries, professions, cuisine, clothing, health, and technological advances. Students will be able to discuss these topics in the present, past, future, and conditional tenses, as well as the present subjunctive mood.

In addition to learning the language, students will also learn about the cultures of the Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Honduras, Uruguay, and Panama. Students will learn about the history, cultural products, traditions, practices, and perspectives of each of these countries.

Credit Recovery Course Available

SPANISH 3A

Spanish 3 (1 of 2) is the first semester of year three of Spanish. Students will continue with their acquisition of the Spanish language through reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Discussion Boards, speaking practice, a writing project, and a speaking project offer further practice of these skills. Students will explore the topic of writing in Spanish by learning about informative, argumentative, and descriptive texts, as well as the creative writing process. They will also learn about significant historical events in Spanish-speaking countries, as well as cultural products, practices, philosophies, and public spaces. Students will be able to discuss these topics in the indicative and subjunctive moods as well as the imperative.

Credit Recovery Course Available

SPANISH 3B

Second Semester: Students will continue acquiring the Spanish language through reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students explore Spanish-language literature by learning about notable authors and by reading and analyzing selected poems and short stories. They will also learn about behavioral norms in different Spanish-speaking cultures in a variety of social contexts. Students will be able to discuss these topics in the indicative and subjunctive moods in a variety of tenses.

Credit Recovery Course Available

ART HISTORY: ORIGINS

In this course, students will journey through time, learning about prehistoric and ancient art, ancient Mediterranean and medieval art, and early European art from the Renaissance through Rococo. They will also learn how to read art and interpret it on a basic level. Since art is best learned through experience and expression, you will have opportunities to experience the art and react to it through discussion boards and projects. The goal of this course is to show how art relates to your life.

ART HISTORY: MODERN

In this course, students will journey into art history begins in the late 1700s. At this time in Europe, political upheavals and scientific and technological advances had led to exploration, innovation, and great wealth for many. As they travel forward from this time to the present, they will study important Western art movements, artworks, artists, and architecture. They will then look at art of the past and present from a global perspective, with travels to China, Japan, Africa, Oceania, Southeast Asia, India, and back to the Americas.

Along the way, they will have many opportunities to respond personally to all things art and share their insights with their peers through discussion boards. Three projects provide various important interactions with the art, the artists, and the movements.

Criminology and Forensics

Criminology and Forensics is targeted for students at a beginner level of understanding of the topics of crime and forensic procedures.

The course is designed to encourage students to be introspective and intrigued by the topics in the course. It covers topics on crime and criminology, witnesses and perpetrators, and the crime lab. The course follows a story-line of two college interns who discover a series of connected crimes in a suburban setting.

Criminology and Justice

Criminology and Justice is a beginner-level course on criminal procedures that explores the criminal justice system, non-forensic evidence

Fashion Design
In Fashion Design, students learn the basics of what it takes to have a career in fashion design. They explore the foundations of fashion design in detail, including colors, fabrics, and fashion design tools. The course is graded based on the students’ ability to demonstrate knowledge through two multi-step projects, a series of checkpoints, and a final exam.

Health 101
This course provides an overview of how behavior affects health. Students will learn about nutrition and physical activity; growth, development, and sexual health; injury and safety prevention; alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; mental, emotional, and social health; and personal and community health. Students will also explore how the choices they make about their bodies affect both their present and future. They will also be given the tools to make informed decisions to better their health.

Introduction to Graphic and Web Design

This course is an introduction to how, through design, students are able to communicate visually with one another. Each unit will cover topics such as the principles and elements of design or printing and publishing projects. By understanding the foundation of visual communication through design, this course will be a great introduction to a career path in this field.

Introduction to Interior Design

 Interior Design is a foundational course where students learn the fundamentals of interior design, including the principles and elements of design. Students also learn about the necessary skills, attributes, roles, and responsibilities of interior designers. The different domains of interior design are discussed, as well as specialties within the field of interior design. Additional course content includes the history of design, materials designers use, and information on furniture, furnishings, and accessories. How the field of interior design is impacted by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), universal design, and green design is also discussed. The student is graded based on discussion boards, lesson checkpoints, one unit project, and a final exam.

Principles of Marketing

Students explore the interactions between businesses, consumers, and the economy as well as the role of marketing and how marketers get their information. The course culminates in the creation of a marketing plan.

Professional Sales

Students explore the role sales plays in the national economy, the importance of ethical behavior in business. Topics include: how to build, train, motivate, and evaluate a sales team; the role of buying motives; the selling process; and the importance of data. The course is aligned to the Marketing, Sales, and Services CTE pathway.

Character Education

Students explore values of truthfulness, trustworthiness, responsibility, diligence, and integrity. The course offers specific, real world situations to interpret and connect to these traits to provide safe and appropriate ways to respond in real time. Topics include: identifying bullying, how to develop a bullying-prevention mindset.

Public Speaking

Students explore effective communication skills for success in a variety of speaking situations. Topics include: small and large group discussions, delivery speeches in front of audiences, research and organization, writing for verbal delivery, stylistic choices, visual and presentation skills, analysis and critique, and development of self-confidence.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship explores entrepreneurial characteristics, business leadership, and the skills and steps involved in marketing, developing, starting, and exiting a business. Key topics and activities include hands-on projects to apply the knowledge as a small business owner and entrepreneur. The course is aligned to the Marketing, Sales, and Services CTE pathway.

Photography Basics

In Photography Basics, students will learn how to correctly explain the setup and proper use of basic photography equipment. Through projects and research activities embedded in the course, students will create and present a portfolio of work. In addition, students will learn to describe professional habits, etiquette, and technology essential to creating a photograph. No access to photography equipment is needed in order to take the course; opportunities to practice with digital simulations and theory will be present throughout the course. This course is designed for any beginners interested in learning about photography and what it could take to make a career out of an interest in this exciting, dynamic field of study. Photography Basics is designed for ninth grade or higher. A background in photography is not necessary to take this course.

Physical Education 1A

In this course students will learn about the importance of physical activity and personal fitness, aspects of sport and recreation, and healthy eating habits. Throughout the course students will evaluate their own fitness, design an exercise plan, and track their results.

Physical Education 1B

In this course students learn about the fundamentals of exercise science, including principles of the relevant body systems, fitness testing, training, and program design. Throughout the course, students will evaluate their own fitness, design an exercise plan, and track their results.

AP COURSES: 

AP English Language and Composition

AP English Literature and Composition

AP Calculus AB

AP Calculus BC

AP Biology

AP Chemistry

AP Physics

AP US History

AP World History

AP Government

AP Spanish

HONORS COURSES: 

English I

English II

English III

English IV

Algebra I

Algebra II

Geometry

Biology

Chemistry

US History

World History

Our Credit Recovery courses are designed to serve students seeking to recapture credit for courses previously taken. Our credit recovery courses use a similar scope and sequence as original credit courses; however, some teacher-graded assignments have been removed from the course to accelerate the student’s path.

Credit Recovery Algebra 1

Credit Recovery Algebra 2

Credit Recovery Biology

Credit Recovery Chemistry

Credit Recovery Civics

Credit Recovery Consumer Math

Credit Recovery Earth Science

Credit Recovery Economics

Credit Recovery English 9

Credit Recovery English 10

Credit Recovery English 11

Credit Recovery English 12

Credit Recovery Geometry

Credit Recovery Health

Credit Recovery Integrated Math 1

Credit Recovery Integrated Math 2

Credit Recovery Physical Education

Credit Recovery Physical Science

Credit Recovery Physics

Credit Recovery Pre-Algebra

Credit Recovery Pre-Calculus

Credit Recovery Spanish 1

Credit Recovery Spanish 2

Credit Recovery Spanish 3

Credit Recovery US Government

Credit Recovery US History

Credit Recovery World Geography

Credit Recovery World History

High School

• Michigan Merit Curriculum
• Michigan High School Graduation Requirements (18 credits)
  • ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (ELA) – 4 Credits – Proficiency in State Content Standards for ELA (4 credits)
  • MATHEMATICS – 4 Credits – Proficiency in State Content Standards for Mathematics (3 credits); and – Proficiency in district-approved 4th Mathematics credit options (1 credit) (Students MUST have a Math experience in their final year of high school.)
  • ONLINE LEARNING EXPERIENCE – Course, Learning, or Integrated Learning Experience.
  • PHYSICAL EDUCATION & HEALTH – 1 Credit – Proficiency in State Content Standards for Physical Education and Health (1 credit); or – Proficiency with State Content Standards for Health (1/2 credit) and district-approved extracurricular activities involving physical activities (1/2 credit).
  • SCIENCE – 3 Credits – Proficiency in State Content Standards for Science (3 credits); or – Proficiency in some State Content Standards for Science (2 credits) and completion of a Department approved formal Career and Technical Education (CTE) program (1 credit).
  • SOCIAL STUDIES – 3 Credits – Proficiency in State Content Standards for Social Studies (3 credits).
  • VISUAL, PERFORMING, AND APPLIED ARTS – 1 Credit – Proficiency in State Content Standards for Visual, Performing, and Applied Arts (1 credit).
  • WORLD LANGUAGE – 2 Credits (Effective with students entering 3rd Grade in 2006) – Formal coursework or an equivalent learning experience in Grades K-12 (2 credits); or – Formal coursework or an equivalent learning experience in Grades K-12 (1 credit) and completion of a Department approved formal CTE program; or an additional visual, performing, and applied arts credit (1 credit).

Michigan Merit Curriculum • The Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) is not a curriculum in the traditional sense – it is legislation that specifies all students awarded a diploma have demonstrated proficiency with the content outlined by the state academic standards, benchmarks, or guidelines. Challenging Courses = Big Rewards. Students who take strong academic courses in high school are more likely to succeed in college and earn a degree. That’s important because higher education pays: On average, college graduates earn more than a million dollars more over a lifetime than those with only a high school education.

• What Employers and Training Programs Want. Employers, apprenticeship programs, and the military all agree – they expect you to arrive with essential skills, including speaking and writing clearly, analyzing information, conducting research, and solving complex problems all while expecting you to identify the most useful connections to accomplish the task at hand.
• Preparation for College Success. It’s not just about getting in – it’s about finishing. To best prepare for success in college-level work, students need to complete the Michigan Merit Curriculum in high school.

The Michigan Merit Curriculum reimagines what the diploma represents. With credit based on student proficiency instead of seat time, the diploma represents what the student knows and can do, not the courses that they took. Credits don’t have to equate courses; instead courses, CTE programs, work internships, and other learning opportunities can provide pieces of a variety of credits – filling up the credit pipeline. • The legislation also allows for specific credit requirements and/or content standards to be modified based on the individual learning needs of a student. It is designed to serve students who want to accelerate or go beyond the MMC requirements as well as students who need to individualize learning requirements to meet the MMC requirement.