Curriculum

All students are required to earn one credit of theology for each year they attend Catholic High School. No student is permitted to take more than one theology course at a time without permission from the department chairperson and school administration. Students who fail courses must make them up in special classes held outside regular school time and are responsible for paying the monetary fee for these courses. (Course descriptions taken from Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework for the Development of Catechetical Materials for Young People of High School Age. Copyright @ 2008, United)

This year-long course is separated into two major sections.

Semester 1: Revelation and the Old Testament takes a look at the first chapters of Genesis and then covers the basics of Revelation and biblical interpretation, the course continues sequentially through the Old Testament allowing the students to develop a deep understanding of God’s Revelation through the Old Testament. The course concludes with a brief introduction to the New Testament foreshadowing Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of salvation history. Each unit focuses on a different section of the Old Testament, requiring the students to read significant portions of the Bible. The meaning of these biblical texts is then explored in the student book.

Semester 2:  The Paschal Mystery and the Gospels is a semester length course that leads students toward a deeper understanding of the Paschal Mystery, which is Jesus’ work of salvation accomplished through His Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension. Students begin by studying the first chapters of Genesis, the goodness of creation, humanity’s Fall from Grace, the cycle of sin, and our subsequent need for a savior. This is followed by a connection between Old Testament sacrifices and Jesus’ sacrifice, which provides a bridge to learning about the necessity of the Incarnation as well as characteristics of Christ’s earthly life and heavenly ministry. Students then will come to understand how God's plan for salvation is fulfilled in Christ’s Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension, and what that means for us. Communal and personal suffering, as well as how good can come from suffering through the Paschal Mystery, are addressed. Finally, students will explore their own call to live as disciples in light of the Paschal Mystery, as well as how the Paschal Mystery informs and directs our prayer life as a Church community and as individual believers. 

During the 9th grade year, students will complete a 2-3 page reflection paper in which they relate their En Christe service to the moral and theological teaching found in the Scriptures.

Theology 2

This year-long course is separated into two major sections.

Semester 1:  The Paschal Mystery and the Gospels is a semester length course that leads students toward a deeper understanding of the Paschal Mystery, which is Jesus’ work of salvation accomplished through His Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension. Students begin by studying the first chapters of Genesis, the goodness of creation, humanity’s Fall from Grace, the cycle of sin, and our subsequent need for a savior. This is followed by a connection between Old Testament sacrifices and Jesus’ sacrifice, which provides a bridge to learning about the necessity of the Incarnation as well as characteristics of Christ’s earthly life and heavenly ministry. Students then will come to understand how God's plan for salvation is fulfilled in Christ’s Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension, and what that means for us. Communal and personal suffering, as well as how good can come from suffering through the Paschal Mystery, are addressed. Finally, students will explore their own call to live as disciples in light of the Paschal Mystery, as well as how the Paschal Mystery informs and directs our prayer life as a Church community and as individual believers.  

Semester 2:  Morality and God’s Love is a semester length course that leads students toward a deeper understanding of Christian morality. The course begins by focusing on the importance of moral decision-making in living a happy and holy life; an in-depth look at moral law and sin provides this foundation. Students will then explore the deeper meaning of the first three Commandments, and how they deepen our understanding and relationship with God. The virtues of obedience, honesty, and justice are then emphasized in examining the Fourth, Seventh, Eighth, and Tenth Commandments. In studying the Fifth, Sixth, and Ninth Commandments, students then grow in their understanding of respect for life and the theology of the body. The course concludes with an exploration of the many gifts and gifts God provides to help us make good moral choices, especially through the Church’s communal and sacramental life. 

During the 10th grade year, students will complete a 3-5 page evangelistic/apologetic paper about a moral teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Students should also use the Bible and the Catechism as references for this paper and discuss how living out the moral teaching of the Church enables a person to live out the call to missionary discipleship. Students should propose topics to their teacher for approval prior to writing. Particular care and attention must be paid to all topics relating to the 6th and 9th commandment. Students should be guided with their source material so that they do not break any code of student conduct.

Theology 3

This year-long course is separated into two major sections.

Semester 1:  The Church: Foundations and Mission leads students toward a deeper understanding of the Church as a means to encountering the living Jesus. This course focuses on the roots of the Church found in the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ preaching and ministry, his death and Resurrection, and the commissioning of the Twelve Apostles. In addition, students will learn about the Four Marks of the Church, images of the Church in Scripture, both traditional and contemporary images of the Church, the ministry of leadership in the Church, and explore their own call to live out the Gospel call to service and justice through the Corporal Works of Mercy. In addition special attention is given to the encyclicals of Pope Francis as they relate to the mission of the Church today.

Semester 2:  Christ’s Mission in the Church: Discipleship and Evangelization The purpose of this course is to introduce students to Catholic Social Teaching. In this course, students are to learn how Christ’s concern for others, especially the poor and needy, is present today in the Church’s social teaching and mission. Students will work to discover how their own gifts and talents can be used in building up Christ's Church. They will study the Gospel of Mark and the persecutions of the early Church. Students will study recent magisterial teachings on the role of the Church in the world. 

During the 11th grade year, students will complete a 6-9 page evangelistic/apologetic paper about the relationship of the Catholic Church to the modern world. Students should also use the Bible, the Catechism, and modern Church documents as references for this paper. After the model of St. Augustine, who defended the role of the Church in the world, students will explain how living out the mission of the Church as a missionary disciple, in the various facets of private and public life, strengthen the community and enable others to embrace a life of holiness in Christ. Students should propose topics to their teacher for approval prior to writing and guided in their research. Students will present and discuss their work to their class in an oral presentation, as class time allows.

Theology 4

1 Credit 

Full Year

Grade 12 

Semester 1: Witness to Christ: Vocations The purpose of this course is to help students to understand the vocations of life: how Christ calls us to live. In this course, students will learn how missionary discipleship is lived through married life, single life, priestly life, and consecrated life. Students review the sacraments of matrimony and holy orders [taught in Sophomore year]. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to strengthen their life of prayer and discernment so that they are enabled to discern their role as missionary disciples. Students aim to become witnesses of Jesus Christ and apply the Church’s social teaching in their lives beyond high school. In this course, students learn that Christ’s concern for others, especially the poor and needy, is present today in the Church’s social teaching and pastoral mission. Students will examine the model and teachings of Jesus in the Gospel of John, where He leads people to a life of discipleship through His words and deeds. Students will examine contemporary initiatives to witness to Jesus Christ and His Holy Catholic Church in the world.

Semester 2: Witness to Christ: Apologetics and the Theology Capstone The purpose of this course is to enable students to show the fruit of their theological study at the high school level. Students will examine how to communicate the role of a missionary disciple in the world through research, a series of dialogues, and a final project. This course will enable students to understand the manner in which the Catholic Church evangelizes and defends the Catholic faith to non-Catholic Christians as well as to other religions of the world. Over the course of the semester, students learn about topics related to evangelization and apologetics. Building on the foundational truth that Jesus Christ established the Catholic Church and entrusted to her the fullness of God’s Revelation, the course is intended to help students to approach conversations with honesty and humility, acknowledging the beliefs of both the Catholic and non-Catholic view, but with the goal of bringing new members into the Body of Christ (the Catholic Church) through effective evangelization and apologetics. 

Major ecumenical and interreligious issues include: 

(1) Truth, The Existence of God, and Problem of Evil [dialogue with Relativists/Atheists/Agnostics]

(2) Monotheism, Trinitarianism, Christology, and Divine Revelation [dialogue with Buddhists, Hinduists, Muslims, Jews]

(3) Church Authority [dialogue with Non-Catholic Christians and among Catholics]

All capstone project topics must be pre-approved and should relate to a major doctrine of the Catholic faith. All topics must defend the orthodox Roman Catholic teaching. In other words, regardless of their personal view, students must defend the position accepted by the Diocese of Richmond, in unity with the Pope and Magisterium, and officially taught by the Catholic Church in documents like the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Code of Canon Law. 

Students complete a period of formal research on their pre-approved topic with sources that include official Magisterial documents, the Bible, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Students must submit their research in an appropriate way so that teachers, parents, and administrators can monitor student progress. Following this research, students will complete active dialogues with their peers, adults of the community, and their parents/guardians. Then, students will complete a capstone project, guided by the teacher. Although it is important for students to share their theological study with others, this final capstone project is an individual assignment. Students may not work with any other student who has the same topic as them and must produce their own original work, utilizing proper citation, and without the use of artificial intelligence or computer aided writing.

The Capstone Project includes a required 12-15 page evangelization and apologetics paper, using at least the Bible, Catechism of the Catholic Church, early Church documents, and modern Church documents as sources. The goal of this paper is to follow the model of peer-reviewed theological journals or theological reflections published by the Church. The paper is an individual assignment, not a collaborative work among students. Students must also complete a 10-15 minute in-class presentation as partial fulfillment of this requirement.

The Capstone Project takes the place of a final exam.

Successful completion of the Theology IV Capstone Project is a graduation requirement. 

English 1

English 1 lays a firm foundation in essential English skills for each student. These include skills in listening, speaking, reading, researching, and writing. Readings include Shakespearean tragedy, classical Greek mythology, contemporary short stories, poems, a novel unit, and a variety of nonfiction articles. Writing is a strong focus of this foundational course. Students will work throughout the course on supporting their ideas and analyses with cited text evidence and will demonstrate their understanding in writing through short answers, paragraph responses, and full essays. Students will learn MLA formatting in order to write a research report using reputable sources. They will learn how to narrow a topic, craft a thesis, gather information to support the thesis, and to organize and complete a successful paper all while giving proper credit to their sources and avoiding plagiarism. Writing assignments, frequent quizzes, tests, and a final exam at the end of each semester are required.

Honors English 1

English 2

This course introduces sophomores to an array of world literature through its selections of novels, short stories, poetry, and nonfiction. Beginning with dystopian fiction, students will engage with a variety of genres including satire, tragedy, and comedy. Building upon the foundation set in English 1, students are expected to analyze and comprehend increasingly challenging texts. Their writing will grow more refined as they grow increasingly adept at supporting their claims with relevant, specific evidence and narrowing in on specific choices authors make to enhance meaning. Students will also continue their study of grammar and vocabulary, analyze poetry, and complete a scholarly research paper. Frequent quizzes, projects, tests, essays, and a final exam at the end of each semester are required.

Honors English 2

This course is a weighted and rigorously paced class in which students will progress through a vast range of study, from Arthurian legends and the history of English language to modern satire and contemporary fiction. In this course, students will continue to develop critical analytical skills across many genres including poetry, drama, and non-fiction readings, as well as our key fiction texts including The Once and Future King, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Lord of the Flies, Frankenstein, and Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Honors students will also participate in more advanced writing, speaking, and communication opportunities, expanding and developing their persuasive voices. Students in Honors English II will be expected to do more independent and more challenging work and projects beyond those required in the core English courses. Students should anticipate frequent quizzes as well as formal assessments, projects, presentations, essays, and a final exam at the end of both semesters.

English 3

This course is an expansive study of American literature, in which students will survey a variety of the great American classics, poetry, short stories, drama, and informational texts. Students will also further their mastery of Shakespeare with a unit on the tragedy Macbeth. Students will continue to develop their academic vocabulary, writing and communication skills, and write a formal research paper. In this class, students will deepen their critical reading, analysis, and writing skills by engaging in class discussion and debates and constructing higher level literary analysis papers through various critical lenses. Students should anticipate frequent quizzes as well as formal assessments, projects, presentations, essays, and a final exam at the end of both semesters.

AP English Language & Composition

The purpose of this course is to help students “write effectively and confidently in their college courses across the curriculum and in their professional and personal lives.” (The College Board, AP® English Course Description, May 2017, p. 8) The course is organized according to the requirements and guidelines of the current AP English Course Description, and, therefore, students are expected to read critically, think analytically, and communicate clearly in both writing and speech.

The course is organized by themes; a few examples are “Understanding Rhetoric,” “Analyzing Rhetoric” and “Popular Culture.” Each unit requires students to acquire and use rich vocabulary, to use standard English grammar, and to understand the importance of diction and author’s style. Therefore, students are expected to develop these skills through reading, discussion, and writing assignments (including timed in-class essays). 

In order for students to be successful in the class, they must keep up with the assigned readings and writing. Among other pieces, AP students will read a wide selection of non-fiction excerpts. Students enrolled in AP Language and Composition are required to take the AP Language exam in May.

English 4

This course is the final stage in our students’ work with the skills of English: reading, writing, research, and communication. In order to prepare students for a variety of collegiate expectations, this course balances nonfiction readings (including narrative nonfiction and essay writing) with fiction readings from British Literature (including dystopian science fiction and Shakespearean drama). Students will work throughout the course on supporting their ideas and analyses with cited text evidence and will demonstrate their understanding in writing through short answers, paragraph responses, and full essays. In addition to literary analysis essays, all students will write a college entrance essay as well as a research paper which uses scholarly sources to report on a real world problem. Students will also demonstrate their continued growth and mastery of senior English skills and vocabulary through multiple choice quizzes and tests, timed writings, text and poetry responses, reading comprehension skills assessments, and both a midterm and a final exam. 

AP English Literature and Composition

Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP Language and Composition (with a B- or better) or English 3 (with an A average or better), the recommendation of the English instructor, and performance on a qualifying test to indicate AP level analytical skills. Students should demonstrate a genuine interest in reading and discussing serious literature and a desire to fully participate in the course. 

Full Year

AP English Literature and Composition is an introductory college-level literary analysis course. Students cultivate their understanding of literature through reading and analyzing texts as they explore concepts like character, setting, structure, perspective, figurative language, and literary analysis in the context of literary works. Students are expected to support any interpretation of a text with specific, relevant evidence that can stand up to scrutiny while also demonstrating the flexibility needed to adjust an interpretation based on new evidence. The course prepares students to successfully complete the AP Literature exam in May and gives students the opportunity to study literature, poetry, and drama at a collegiate level.  Students enrolled in AP English are required to take the AP exam in May.

AP Literature and Composition is a rigorous course which involves timed assessments, both in multiple choice and essay formats. While these assessments will challenge students, they are necessary to cultivate the skills needed for the exam. In addition to literary analysis essays, all students will have the opportunity for feedback on their college entrance essays in the fall. 

In order for students to be successful in the class, they must keep up with assigned readings and writings and should expect a heavier workload, additional texts, and faster pace than English 4. AP students will read works such as The Picture of Dorian Gray, Hamlet, Brave New World, and Heart of Darkness along with a variety of short stories and poems.

Creative Writing

In this course, students will survey a variety of creative writing genres, styles, and forms to develop and advance their own unique voices. These explorations into creative writing samples will enrich reading analysis skills through an authorial lens more intensely focused at the craft level. From this foundation, students will create original writing in a variety of genres and styles. Students will receive formal and informal critiques on their work, frequent, targeted feedback, and individualized support in developing their unique voice and style. Students will create a living portfolio of work as a final product. 

Genres Covered: (curriculum may vary, but intended scope includes) 

• Poetry (traditional styles and forms, free form, lyrics, and slam poetry)  
• The Short Story (plot structures, climax, suspense, resolution, etc.) 
• Screenwriting/Playwriting (1 act plays, 1 scene scripts, etc.) 
• Multimedia Writing (graphic/comic, song writing, illustrated, etc.) 
• The Writing Process (Fiction) (plan and process for the novel / series, character and world building, etc.)
• Creative Nonfiction (memoir, personal narrative, travel writing, creative essay, speech writing, satire, etc.) 

Advanced Algebra 1

Geometry

Intermediate Algebra

The course will allow students to gain the fundamental math skills that we require of our students as a college preparatory program. This course will be the bridge that some students need to be prepared for and successful in Algebra 2. The course will include remediation of math facts, basic math skills with fractions and decimals, drilling key skills needed for Algebra 2 and above, and introduce some of the basic ideas taught in Algebra 2 that are also on the SAT.

Algebra 2

Honors Algebra 2

Statistics

AP Statistics

AP Statistics is an introductory college-level statistics course that introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students cultivate their understanding of statistics using technology, investigations, problem solving, and writing as they explore concepts like variation and distribution; patterns and uncertainty; and data-based predictions, decisions, and conclusions. All students enrolled in AP Statistics are required to take the AP exam in May. A TI-84 graphing calculator is required.

Pre-Calculus w/ Trig

Honors Pre-Calculus w/ Trig

This is an honors-level math course dealing in an extended study of the topic listed for Pre-Calculus w/ Trig. Included in this accelerated class are additional units on trigonometric functions and equations and on analytic trigonometry. All units are covered more deeply and at a faster pace than in the regular Pre-Calculus w/ Trig course. A TI-84 graphing calculator is required. 

Calculus

AP Calculus (AB)

AP Calculus (BC)

AP Computer Science A 

AP Computer Science A is a challenging, college-level course that introduces students to the principles of computer science through object-oriented programming. The course focuses on problem-solving, logical thinking, and algorithm development while reinforcing fundamental programming concepts.

Students will learn to design and implement programs using Java, covering essential topics such as variables, loops, conditionals, and methods. As the course progresses, they will explore more advanced concepts, including recursion, inheritance, polymorphism, and data structures such as arrays, ArrayLists, and linked lists. Emphasis is placed on writing efficient, well-structured code and analyzing the performance of algorithms.

Beyond programming, students will also examine the broader impact of computing in society, ethical considerations, and real-world applications of computer science. This course is equivalent to a first-semester college computer science class and prepares students for the AP Computer Science A exam, which all enrolled students are required to take in May.

Oceanography (Lab Science/Elective)

Prerequisite: Honors/Biology (with a "C" average or higher) and Honors/Chemistry (with a "C" average or higher)
1 Credit

Full Year

Grades: 11-12

AP U.S. Government & Politics

In this course, students examine the historical roots and application of the United States Constitution from the late eighteenth century to the present. Designed for highly motivated students, critical thinking skills are enhanced through technology and problem-based assignments that ask students to weigh evidence, evaluate differing viewpoints, synthesize information, devise informed positions, and defend their ideas. Students in AP U.S. Government and Politics are required to take the final examination given by the College Board in May and high scores may earn college credit. AP American Government and Politics is a writing intensive course and requires nightly reading and independent study.  Failure to complete required writing elements on a regular basis will result in removal from the course.

AP Comparative Government & Politics

 The AP Comparative Government and Politics course detailed in this framework reflects what comparative political science teachers, professors, and researchers agree that a college-level comparative government and politics course should teach students to do: define and describe major political concepts, analyze patterns of political processes and behavior and their consequences, and compare and contrast political institutions and processes across countries. Students study six countries in AP Comparative Government and Politics: People’s Republic of China, Islamic Republic of Iran, United Mexican States, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Russian Federation, and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This course is an elective course for students interested in History and Social Sciences and the study of Government. It cannot be taken in lieu of the core US History or American Government courses.

FINE ART

Art 1 

Art 1 is a full-year survey course designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of the visual arts. While largely a studio course, students will regularly study topics in art appreciation, art history and culture, and art forms not covered in the studio portion of the course. The studio portion will include the fundamentals of art and design employing the media of drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking. Students are expected to produce a body of work for evaluation as well as exhibit work in the school and participate in art exhibitions as they occur. 

Students should plan on this being a full year course.

Art 2

Students should plan on this being a full year course.

Glass 1

Glass I is an introductory and challenging course designed for students with interest in an opportunity to experiment through hands-on instruction in glass-working, including glass fusing, slumping, and more. Students will learn the basic technical skills required for the production of various types and styles of glass art using specialized tools and equipment and will research contemporary and historical glass to inspire their projects. Individual student projects may provide experience in designing, cutting, fusing and slumping. This  class introduces the student to the elements of pattern design concepts, execution in glass selection, cutting and grinding to construct a finished work. Students will also learn the techniques of mosaics and recycling of scrap glass. A strong emphasis is placed on design and originality. Student safety is paramount in this course. Students taking this course must agree to operate with a high level of care for both their own and others’ safety. Students that cannot do this will be removed from the course. There is a course fee of $65.00.

Glass 2

This is an advanced level of the currently offered Glass 1 course, and is the next sequence for students who have successfully acquired all the basic skills in Glass 1. Glass 2 reinforces the concepts of basic glass studio safety, storing and handling of glass, proper use of glass tools, knowledge of vocabulary, and mosaic design.Students will be expected to master the technical skills required for the production of various types and styles of glass art using the specialized tools, equipment, and techniques introduced in Glass 1, and will further research contemporary and historical glass to inspire their projects.
Students will be encouraged to further develop these skills, and will learn and experiment with advanced glass fusing and slumping techniques. Students will be introduced to the art of stained glass, and will complete projects using the skills of glass cutting, pattern design concepts, execution in glass selection, cutting and grinding. A strong emphasis is placed on design and originality, with an increased focus on quality. Student safety is paramount in this course. Students taking this course must agree to operate with a high level of care for both their own and others’ safety. Students that cannot do this will be removed from the course.

AP 2-D Art and Design

AP 3-D Art and Design

AP Drawing

Band 1

Band 3

Band 4

Ceramics 1

Ceramics 2

Ceramics 3

Ceramics 4

Chorus 1

As members of the Catholic High Chorus, students will gain knowledge in music theory, music history, sight-singing, and choral vocal technique through the performance of both sacred and secular music in different styles and languages. Students will also learn to sing, with and without accompaniment, two, three, and four-part harmonies. There are opportunities for students to do improvisation and solo work. Students will also compose and arrange music for performance. Students will be expected to attend and perform at certain events throughout the year, including but not limited to Homecoming, District Chorus auditions, Christmas and Spring concerts. Chorus students will also act as music leaders for some weekly Masses and the end-of-year Baccalaureate Service. 

Students may take Chorus for successive years and receive credit for each year. Chorus meets daily at 7:15 am.

Chorus 2

Students may take Chorus for successive years and receive credit for each year. Chorus meets daily at 7:15 am.

Chorus 3

As members of the Catholic High Chorus, students will gain knowledge in music theory, music history,  sight-singing, and choral vocal technique through the performance of both sacred and secular music in different styles and languages. Students will also learn to sing, with and without accompaniment, two, three, and four-part harmonies. There are opportunities for students to do improvisation and solo work. Students will also compose and arrange music for performance. The Chorus sings at Homecoming, participates in District Chorus auditions, performs Christmas and Spring concerts and are music leaders for some weekly Masses and the end-of-year Baccalaureate Service. 

Students may take Chorus for successive years and receive credit for each year. Chorus meets daily at 7:15 am.

Chorus 4

As members of the Catholic High Chorus, students will gain knowledge in music theory, music history,  sight-singing, and choral vocal technique through the performance of both sacred and secular music in different styles and languages. Students will also learn to sing, with and without accompaniment, two, three, and four-part harmonies. There are also opportunities for students to do improvisation and solo work. Students will also compose and arrange music for performance. The Chorus sings at Homecoming, participates in District Chorus auditions, performs Christmas and Spring concerts and are music leaders for some weekly Masses and the end-of-year Baccalaureate Service. 

Students may take Chorus for successive years and receive credit for each year. Chorus meets daily at 7:15 am.

Music Appreciation

Do you know why you like the music you do?  Do you want to find new music to add to your playlist? If so, this is the course for you!

The new course offering is a project-based class, focusing on the creation and presentation of a personal playlist.  In order to give students the needed background to complete the project, this course includes a brief survey of music history, general music theory, music industry, and practical application using music in everyday life. Unlike performance based music classes that generally require prerequisite skill, this course will be open to those without prior skills in performance. The course will cover a myriad of music genres and include music from early history all the way to contemporary music. Class resources include access to the monthly InTune magazine, an online source with links to music and interviews with today's performers.

Drama 1: Fine Arts Credit

This course covers the basic principles of acting for the stage, a survey of the history of drama through the performance lens, various conceptual exposures to basic types of drama, and hands-on working knowledge of principles of stage production.  Drama I is designed to give a student a general overview of the many aspects of creating theater and staged productions. 

Areas of Study: Interpersonal Communication, Listening, Acting, Public Speaking, Philosophy, Set Design/Construction, Movement, Improv, Characterization.

Students will produce a variety of presentations, participate in various acting exercises, memorize play cuttings, and plan and execute class presentations. Students will also analyze, both in writing and in class discussion, theater performance both in and outside of the classroom. Performance is a main graded component of this class.

Lifestyle Wellness 

Lifestyle Wellness is designed to educate students by teaching various dimensions of wellness, athletic skills/ rules, and character traits through physical activity. Students in the Lifestyle Wellness class will utilize games, sports, and aerobic activities to develop lifelong wellness skills. Health lessons are emphasized through classroom learning environments to improve students’ overall well-being. This yearlong course will also include First Aid/CPR/AED instruction and certification through the American Red Cross, fulfilling the new graduation requirement for the Class of 2023 and onward.

Athletics for PE Credit

The Athletics for PE Credit program offers CHS students the opportunity to earn PE credit for the physical activity completed through participation in the school’s sports teams. More active involvement in a school community results in happier, healthier, and higher achieving students. Students will be responsible for their own documentation of their hours completed and will be evaluated by their coach for mid and a post season evaluation. Please see the link here for more detailed information on the program.

Please note that this class is only available to Freshmen and Sophomores.

Drivers Education/Health Education

This is a combination class that allows students to complete the state requirements for the in-class portion of driver’s education and examine current topics related to health and wellness. The driver education program follows all Department of Education guidelines for classroom instruction. This course does NOT satisfy the requirement for in-car driver’s education. Students should register through an approved outside drivers education company of their choosing. Health education class will cover various dimensions of wellness to meet the well-being of adolescents.

NST 1 is an introductory course designed to develop an understanding of nutritional needs, as well as an introduction to the anatomy and physiology related to strength training. Through the use of a computerized diet analysis program, a dietary assessment will be conducted and presented as part of the required coursework, as well as current research on an ergogenic aid. Strength training and spotting techniques will be taught and used by students enrolled in the course. This course will strive to assist students in the areas of personalized goal setting for their health. Through the foundations of fitness and strength training, students will be equipped to enter any gym/ strength training facility with positive self- esteem and self-confidence.

Nutrition and strength training II is a participation and project-based class where students become more proficient in nutrition and strength training implementation. Students will apply previously learned topics, requiring further research towards project based learning. Current research in nutrition and performance will be reviewed and critiqued with each progressive NST section requiring further research, and more difficult topics related to NST.  In addition, students are required to use a  computerized nutrition journal and workout plan. Students will be required to be leaders in the classroom and weightroom for NST I students. This course is offered to students seeking graduation credit and successful completion of NST I. This course will strive to assist students in the areas of self-esteem, self-confidence, goal setting, and developing a positive work ethic. 

Movement and The Mind

Movement and The Mind is a course that focuses on modern movements and trends in exercise. Movements will include: HIIT, Zumba, Pilates, Barre, Aerobics, and lifetime/ recreational sports. Students enrolled in the course will learn current topics  and advocate for personal mental, emotional, and social health concepts. These topics include: stress, coping mechanisms, managing emotions, relationships, digital literacy, and occupational goal setting. Students will experience authentic teaching environments with hands- on learning activities and class projects. This class will be tailored to caring for the whole student while teaching valuable life skills.

Sports Medicine Foundations (SMF) 1

This course introduces students to the science and practice of athletic training and sports medicine. Students learn to recognize injuries, plan for emergencies, study relevant human anatomy, understand tissue healing and injury mechanisms, and develop a working knowledge of medical terminology used in sports medicine. This course features a supervised internship with the school’s certified athletic trainer (AT). During practices and games, student interns assist with field set-up and breakdown, facility organization, and basic first aid, while observing how the athletic trainer manages practices and game coverage. This authentic, hands-on experience provides a clear understanding of the profession and reinforces classroom learning while remaining strictly educational and non-clinical. Please see the link for more information.

This course introduces students to the science and practice of athletic training and sports medicine. Topics include injury prevention, factors influencing athlete health and performance, and an introduction to sports medicine careers such as athletic training, physical therapy, nutrition, and sports psychology– highlighted through guest speakers. This course features a supervised internship with the school’s certified athletic trainer (AT). During practices and games, student interns assist with field set-up and breakdown, facility organization, and basic first aid, while observing how the athletic trainer manages practices and game coverage. This authentic, hands-on experience provides a clear understanding of the profession and reinforces classroom learning while remaining strictly educational and non-clinical. Please see the link for more information.