Course Catalog
We offer a rigorous, relevant curriculum based on a classical education approach and Socratic teaching methods. We communicate student progress frequently with parents and encourage an environment where our students can become independent thinkers and problem solvers.
High School Math
Algebra I (Grade 9): Algebra 1 will build a foundation for all higher math classes. This course will review algebraic expressions, integers, and mathematical properties that will lead into working with variables and linear equations. This course will focus on developing basic algebra skills in such a way that students will apply their learning to real life and other disciplines. In this course, students will also develop skills necessary for articulating basic algebraic concepts using appropriate mathematical terminology.
Geometry (Grade 10): Geometrical concepts and proofs of theorems are the foundations of the course; logical thinking is the primary objective. Drawing, visualizing, following algorithms, understanding properties, and representing geometrical concepts with coordinates and networks are also emphasized.
Algebra II (Grade 11): An integrated approach to mathematics is achieved through a review of basic algebra and geometry, followed by an incremental development of more advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and pre-calculus concepts.
Pre Calculus/Trigonometry (Grade 12): The topics covered in this course include a review of algebra and an in-depth presentation of trigonometry, logarithms, analytic geometry, and upper-level algebraic concepts. The study of geometry, begun in Algebra I, is also completed. In addition to teaching the concepts and skills necessary to succeed in calculus and in disciplines that are mathematically based (e.g. chemistry and physics), this course also requires students to work on problem-solving skills and to develop productive thought patterns.
Statistics (Grade 12): The course gives a general overview of statistical methods that help generate and analyze data. Statistics topics include but are not limited to event probability, simulation, sampling methods, studies and experiments, collection and description of data, frequency tables and graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, random variables, parameter estimations, confidence intervals, and inference. This course will use graphing calculators and spreadsheets to gather data to measure central tendency and variability.
High School Literature/Rhetoric
Classical Literature (Grade 9): Classical Literature is traditionally taken by freshmen; however, there are no prerequisites. This course studies the literature of ancient Greek and Roman civilization. Readings explore classics of philosophical dialogue, poetic narrative, and epics from authors including Aristotle, Homer, Plato, and Virgil. Students will read four of the classical novels: The Aeneid, The Art of Rhetoric, The Odyssey, and The Republic, as well as gain exposure to selected poems that correspond to the other novels. This course requires writing assignments including: an editorial essay, an epic story, and, after reading The Republic, Book VII, The Allegory of the Cave, an essay on understanding/explaining complex topics in our modern world that individuals might mistake as a shadowed world for true reality, as well as overview/analysis of the novels themselves. In order to build writing skills, students will begin studying They Say, I Say: The Moves that Matter in Academic Writing.
British Literature (Grade 10): British Literature is traditionally taken by sophomores, however, there are no prerequisites. This course provides an in-depth examination of the major literary periods in British history: Old English Anglo Saxon, Middle English Medieval, Renaissance Elizabethan, Romantic, Victorian, and Modern. Various authors will be read from each era to represent the specific characteristics of that literary period. Students will be exposed to poems, prose, essays, short stories, and plays. Students will also read four of the Great British novels: Beowulf, Canterbury Tales, Frankenstein, and Tale of Two Cities. Students will have four major writing assignments: an original epic poem, an original morality play, a theme essay on Hamlet, and an essay on “What does it mean to be human?” after the Frankenstein study. In order to build on the skills learned freshman year, students will continue studying “They Say, I Say: The Moves that Matter in Academic Writing.”
American Literature (Grade 11): American Literature is traditionally taken by juniors, however, there are no prerequisites. This course provides an in-depth examination of the major literary periods in America’s history: Romanticism, Transcendentalism, Gothic Literature, Realism, Naturalism, The Harlem Renaissance, Modernism, and Postmodernism. Various authors will be read from each era to represent the specific characteristics of that literary period. Students will be exposed to multiple poems, prose, essays, short stories, and plays. Students will also read four of the Great American novels: The Scarlet Letter, Huckleberry Finn, The Great Gatsby, and To Kill A Mockingbird. In addition to the in-class readings and out of class assigned readings, students will present twice a semester on a book of their choice.
Rhetoric/Composition (Grade 12): Machiavelli: The Prince; Thomas Paine: Common Sense; Patrick Henry: "Give Me Liberty" speech; The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin; Remarque: All Quiet on the Western Front; C.S. Lewis: The Abolition of Man. This course intends to foster the elements of good writing: clear analytical thinking, a substantial grasp of basic grammatical and stylistic elements, argumentation, and grammatical analysis. Senior year will bring a capstone in which the students will orally present a written paper to a panel of faculty.
High School Science
Biology (Grade 9): Building upon the foundational physical science curriculum of the seventh and eighth grade years, the study of biology in the ninth grade is far reaching. All levels of biology are covered, beginning with ecosystems and ecology, cells and genetics, and culminating with organismal diversity and plant and animal form and function.
Chemistry (Grade 10): The purpose of the tenth grade chemistry course is to understand the nature of matter, the changes matter undergoes, and the factors important in those changes. Initially, emphasis is placed on reaction predictions, equation writing, and stoichiometry. The study of atomic and molecular structure leads to further understanding of chemical reactions. The year culminates with studies of reaction rates, kinetics, thermodynamics, and organic chemistry—topics essential to the application of chemistry.
Physics (Grade 11): This course covers the major concepts, principles, methods, and developments of physics, especially classical physics but also including modern physics. It develops essential skills, including comprehending the text, applying mathematical methods to scientific concepts, applying knowledge to problem sets and tests, demonstrating proficiency in laboratory investigations and in the use of the calculator-based laboratories, writing clear and well-organized laboratory reports with independent analysis and interpretation of experiments, understanding the scientific method, working cooperatively with others, thinking critically about the concepts and formulating questions, and relating physics to situations encountered in life. It also intends that students acquire an appreciation of physics from aesthetic, philosophical, and historical perspectives.
Geology: This one semester elective course in geology begins with the study of large-scale features of the solid Earth, its formation and internal structure, history and theory of plate tectonics, geologic features of continents and oceans, and features of passive and active margins. From the large-scale, the course moves to the atomic scale with the study of minerals and then rocks. Students will apply their knowledge in the field by attending field trips to the Morrison area and the Colorado School of Mines. The course finishes with a survey of the history of life on Earth and current issues in the fields of earth and environmental science.
Astronomy: This one-semester introduction to astronomy begins with an orientation to the cosmic landscape and a study of the daily and annual cycles of the sky. Topics include constellations, eclipses, and the seasons. From here, we examine the historical origins of the science and early models of the solar system and universe from the ancient cultures through the Renaissance. Newton and Kepler’s Laws will inform an analysis of the orbital motion of planets and satellites, and a thorough examination of the properties of light will illuminate an inquiry into spectroscopy, telescopes, and the characteristics and evolution of stars. The course will culminate with an overview of the current science of space exploration and the rapidly advancing science of cosmology.
Anatomy & Physiology: This one year course will be diving into the human body to understand the anatomy and physiology of each organ system and their respective interactions. Starting with the foundations of cells, tissues, and organs, students will move into analyzing how each of these organ systems interacts in healthy and disease states.
High School Humane Letters
The Classical and Biblical World (Grade 9): This course addresses the peoples, cultures, texts, religions, and historical movements from the earliest Mesopotamian civilizations to the fall of Rome (ca. 3300 BCE-330 CE). Through primary sources, both texts and works of art and architecture, students will explore what is unique and central to the cultures of the ancient Near East, Egypt, the Aegean, Greece, and Rome. They will study these religions in a chronological way, paying special attention to interactions among these cultures, the values shared by them, and the lessons learned from one culture to the next. This course will establish a foundation for the study of Western history and literature by examining fundamental concepts of forms of government, social roles, religion, colonization, and creative culture.
Medieval to Modern Europe (to A.D. 1900) (Grade 10): In this course, students examine the significant individuals, events, and cultures of Europe from the fall of Rome to the Second World War (ca. 330-1945). Through the analysis of varied primary sources in context, students have the opportunity to observe change and continuity in European history as well as further understand causation in large-scale historical events and movements. Although the cultures and histories of Europe are very diverse, several broad themes unify the study of this material: the growth of large states from the fallen Roman Empire, religious conflicts, the interactions of Europe and the rest of the world, issues of poverty and prosperity, political and religious revolutions, and the expansion of human knowledge over time.
American History (Grade 11): In 1818, an American citizen asked John Adams, “What do we mean by the American Revolution?” Adams gave a simple answer: the “radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the People, was the real American Revolution.” The real American Revolution was one of ideas, principally the American understanding of rights. By “radical” Adams did not mean to suggest that the American Revolution wished to change human nature; on the contrary, the natural rights Americans fought to defend were rooted in an unchanging human nature. This course examines the narrative of American history with particular attention to the ways in which these rights have been preserved, defended, and even infringed upon at times in order to help students shape their own worldview and determine how to best enjoy liberty and fulfill responsibility as productive members of their nation, communities, and families.
American Civics and Economics (Grade 12): “Patriotism is as much a virtue as justice and is as necessary for the support of societies as natural affection is for the support of families.” This 1773 statement, by the American patriot Benjamin Rush, is an important point of departure for the capstone course of the Humane Letters sequence. An inquiry into the importance of American liberty and order, the fall semester of this course explores the foundations of republican government. It considers the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and explores the fundamental principles of a free society. Building upon the content of the American History class, this course delves more deeply into early American polity, focusing on our nation’s founding documents and how they shape American polity today.
In the spring semester, we introduce students to the major
principles and teachers of economic theory, from Adam Smith to Karl Marx and
from John Maynard Keynes to F.A. Hayek. From the Soviet Union to American
capitalism and European socialism, students examine the ways we test those
theories. Students also learn practical economic skills including budgeting,
saving, and investing.
Languages
German I: German 1 provides the foundation for practical communicative skills. The goal is to have students speaking in German with the ability to carry on simple conversations and be able to ask a variety of questions to a German speaker. The course uses a combination of comprehensible input such as targeted readers, TPS (Total Physical Response), music, writing, listening, and visual methods. German 1 instructs the student in pronunciation, relevant vocabulary related to everyday life, and basic grammatical structures. The course also emphasizes German culture and geography of the German-speaking countries.
German II: German II builds upon the knowledge and reinforces the skills learned in German I. These skills include listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis is on better pronunciation and communicative proficiency.
Latin I: Wheelock's Latin, chts. 1-10. Latin 1 introduces students to the basic terms and grammar necessary to read and translate the language. This includes definitions of the terms case, declension, conjugation, tense, person, number, and gender. In addition, students will decline 1st, 2nd, and 3rd declension nouns, conjugate verbs in the present, future, and imperfect tenses, and adjective-noun agreement. Students will translate adapted primary sources and stories from myth, as well as gain an introduction to Roman history.
Latin II: Wheelock’s Latin, chts. 11-20. Latin 2 builds upon the skills learned in Latin 1 by delving deeper into grammatical concepts and translation. Students will learn how to utilize personal, demonstrative, reflexive, possessive, and intensive pronouns, how to conjugate verbs in the perfect system, how to decline 4th declension nouns and many new uses of the ablative case. Additionally, students will learn the difference between active and passive voice and how to translate verbs in each voice. Students will continue to translate primary sources and stories from myth. They will learn about key elements of Roman art and architecture as well.
Latin III: Wheelock's Latin chts 21-30. Latin III introduces advanced grammatical concepts and prepares students to read unadapted Latin texts. Students will learn to form and translate active and passive participles, active and passive infinitives, and the comparative and superlative forms of regular and irregular adjectives. Furthermore, students will spend a significant amount of time mastering the ablative absolute and passive periphrastic constructions. Students will also learn to recognize, form, and translate subjunctive verbs used in jussive clauses, purpose clauses, result clauses, and indirect questions. Finally, we will introduce students to the different genres of Roman literature, and they will read selections--in Latin and in translation--from Rome's most well-known poets, philosophers, and playwrights.
Latin IV/V: Wheelock's Latin chts 31-40. Students will finish the Wheelock's Latin textbook. Grammatical topics covered will include cum clauses, irregular verbs, proviso clauses, conditional sentences, less common uses of the ablative case, jussive noun clauses, supines, and gerunds and gerundives. After completing the textbook, students will translate and analyze unadapted Latin texts. These texts will be based on the students' interests and past readings. Possible topics include Latin inscriptions (epigraphy); the Vulgate; Caesar's De Bello Gallico; the speeches of Cicero (esp. Pro Caelio); Virgil's Aeneid, and selected poems of Catullus, Martial, Ovid, and Horace.
Spanish 1: Spanish 1 will provide the student with a general introduction to the Spanish language: sound system, pronunciation, functional vocabulary related to everyday life, cultural information, and basic grammatical structures. There are two main objectives to the course. Foremost is to give the students the ability to carry on a simple conversation. The second is to provide the students with instruction that teachers a basic understanding of Spanish culture, vocabulary, and grammatical concepts.
Spanish 2: Spanish 2 builds upon knowledge and reinforces the skills learned in Spanish I: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis is on perfecting pronunciation, mastery of the basic grammatical structures, and increased communicative proficiency. We will expose students to the past tenses, future, conditional, and subjunctive mood.
Spanish 3: Spanish 3 is a continuation and recycling of knowledge acquired in Spanish 1 and 2, as well as an introduction to new vocabulary, structures, and expressions. Students will expand their vocabulary range to include more sophisticated terms, language expressions, verb tenses, and grammatical concepts such as the subjunctive mood. Students will read selected Spanish literature.
Music
6th-8th Orchestra: Students will be able to play cohesively in a large ensemble, read music, perform, and prepare for solo and ensemble contest. Also, students will have the opportunity to learn concert etiquette as well as basic music fundamentals as outlined in their Standards of Excellence curriculum book.
Orchestra: Offered for all high school students, this course will provide a scaffolding of levels of music along with a variety of genres and period pieces to be performed as a large ensemble. Students will be expected to lead sectionals throughout the course as well as prepare for participation in solo and ensemble contest. Students will build upon previously learned music fundamentals such as sight singing, ear training, and basic music theory
6th Grade Chorus, 7th/8th Choir: Students will be able to sing in three-part harmony with a large ensemble, read music, perform, and prepare for solo and ensemble contest. Also, students will have the opportunity to learn concert etiquette as well as basic music fundamentals such as ear training and sight singing. There is a 7/8 non-audition choir called Mixed Chorus and a 7/8 auditioned choir called Advanced Chorus.
High School Choir: Offered for all high school students, this course will provide a scaffolding of four-part harmony in a variety of genres and period pieces to be performed as a large ensemble. Students will be expected to lead sectionals throughout the course as well as prepare for participation in solo and ensemble contest. Music fundamentals such as sight singing, ear training, and music theory will be incorporated into every class. There is a high school non-auditioned choir called Concert Choir and an auditioned high school choir called Choral Ensemble.
Music Theory I: Students will build upon previous knowledge from the music fundamentals lab. A more in-depth study of music theory in this lab will include scale structure, chord structure, basic part-writing skills, and notation transcription.
Music Theory II: Prerequisite: Students must pass Music Theory I with a C or above. Throughout this course, students will primarily focus on original composition techniques in combination with the advanced music theory skills required for such. We will also delve deeper into functional harmony and how it has evolved from the Baroque period to modern times.
Piano Lab: In this one-semester course students will learn beginning piano topics and techniques such as time signature, rhythm, and melodic dictation, left and right-hand independence, and grand staff literacy. Students will be able to keep track of their improvement and progress at a pace that is comfortable, yet challenging.
Guitar Lab: In this one-semester course students will learn basic guitar skills including right-hand techniques with and without a pick, left-hand dexterity, and left and right-hand independence. Students will also learn to read notation, tablature, and lead sheet symbols.
Musical Theater: In this full year course students will learn the history of musical theater, a variety of styles of this genre, and will have multiple opportunities to perform in front of their peers and community. This course will encompass all aspects of music theater including performance techniques as well as backstage support and technical leadership. Students will learn about set design, costume design, and more topics necessary to aid in a successful production.