Freshman Course of Study

ENGLISH 9
The English course will develop students’ reading, writing, and analytical skills. Students will read various types of literature including novels, short stories, and poems. Students will learn to analyze literature and write about it as well as identify the various literary techniques that a writer uses. Students will also have the opportunity to develop their vocabulary in preparation for the SAT tests. Some of the major works of literature that they will study include:
Flowers for Algernon
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
To kill a Mockingbird
The Odyssey
Inherit the Wind
Of Mice and Men
The Contender
Waiting for the Rain
Romeo and Juliet

GLOBAL HISTORY 1
This course examines world history during the period 3500 BC to 1500 AD. Students will study geography and the Ancient civilizations of the world as well as the major belief systems in the world. A study of the Middle Ages will be completed also. This course is a preparation for 10th grade Global Studies after which the students will sit for the New York State Regents Exam in Global Studies. This exam will cover material from both the 9th and 10th grade courses.

GLOBAL HISTORY ACCELERATED COURSE – REGENTS
This course is a study of world history from 3500BC to the Present. This is an accelerated course for select classes and will prepare the students to sit for the New York State Regents Examination in Global Studies at the end of 9th grade.

SEQUENTIAL MATH I R
This course integrates the study of Algebra and Geometry. It also introduces the topics of logic, statistics, and probability. The goal of this course is to develop proficiency using mathematical skills to expand understanding of mathematical concepts, and to improve logical thinking. Students will take the Math A Regents examination in January or June of their sophomore year.

RELIGION 9
The study of religion and religion’s role in life is undertaken during this course of study. This course examines religious ways of defining the human situation, the quest for salvation, wholeness, and transcendence. A brief survey of primal religions (Judaism and Christianity) provides a basis for comparative analysis of major world religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Chinese Religions, Shinto, and Islam.

SCIENCE 9
This is an introductory Science course, which provides a survey of physics and chemistry. Physics is broken into two areas of concentration. The first is classical physics, which deals with the everyday phenomena of matter, energy, forces, and motion. The second is modern physics, which deals with quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, particle physics, and relativity. Chemistry is the study of atomic interactions, especially the study of chemical reactions and the formation of new materials. Students will become familiar with such topics as the periodic table, acids and bases, and carbon based chemistry.

COMPUTER I
This course introduces the students to the basics elements of computers and their uses. Students will gain an understanding of the main functions of computers and the application of software. Students will use MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. An introduction to spreadsheets and the various uses of that application is undertaken. As students become familiar with these applications they will begin to use PowerPoint software to give business presentations both individually and in groups. The course concludes with interdisciplinary projects utilizing the various applications studied.

HEALTH
This course teaches students that the wellness approach to good health stresses the need for balance in one’s life. Equipped with the right information, students make responsible decisions. They develop a positive self-identity as they optimize their own potential and achieve wellness in their life. Students learn how to identify at-risk behavior and take positive steps toward a healthier lifestyle. This is exemplified by the balanced elements (physical, social, emotional, intellectual) of total wellness. Various issues such as nutrition, mental health, stress management, self-motivation, character building, disease, alcohol, drugs and tobacco will be examined.


LATIN I
The primary objective of this course is to teach students to read works of Latin literature and history. The first year of Latin is an introduction to the language that is the mother of Spanish, French and a variety of other modern tongues. Throughout the course, students will be instructed and assessed in the following areas: reading, translation, pronunciation and grammar. By year’s end, successful students, having mastered basic Latin grammar, will have improved their English language skills significantly.

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