11th Grade-Welcome to U.S. History.  Over the next two semesters we will uncover how events in the past have impacted our lives today. We will look at history not just from the point of view of presidents and the powerful, but from the experiences of those who have had to fight for better lives and a better future. You will learn to place yourselves within this history, weaving your own heritage and families into the picture.  U.S. History requires hard work and dedication. You will be called upon to do extensive reading, essay writing and consistent homework, as well as to participate in classroom discussion and debate. Students will write a series of short essays and a major research-based report during the year.  You will build geography skills and work cooperatively on group projects. We will take a close look at many primary source documents from U.S. history, learning to interpret and analyze them critically. We will discuss and debate current events – the events that may very well be in the history courses of the future. 

Your textbook is The Americans. In addition, you will receive numerous supplementary materials. Each student is required to keep class notes in a U.S. History section of their notebook, as well as a folder of completed assignments.  Your notes will be collected at the end of each marking period. Homework is an essential part of this class.  Homework assignments will be posted on the board at the beginning of each period.  If you are absent, you will have to make up the day’s assignment.  

During the first semester, we will review some pivotal events from early U.S. history and begin our study of the United States in the twentieth century.  The second semester will focus on the twentieth century, leading up to the present. What follows is a brief outline of the central themes you will study. These units are aligned with the California State Standards for the study of United States History.

11th Grade

Economics examines how societies decide to use limited resources to satisfy unlimited wants. This one-semester course is divided into four parts: fundamental economic concepts, Microeconomics (individual units in the economy), Macroeconomics (factors which affect the economy as a whole), and international economics. (Required for graduation.) Prerequisite: U.S. History 1 & 2 Grade Level 12
1 Semester

This one-semester course examines the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, national, state and local governments. The role of the individual in both a democratic and totalitarian society is also studied. (Required for graduation.)
Prerequisite: Modern World 1& 2, U.S. History 1 & 2
Grade Level 12
1 Semester

9th Grade-World Geography plays an essential role in allowing us to understand the different and unique people, culture, and societies that have shaped our constantly changing world. In analyzing and dissecting the social, physical, and cultural aspects that have shaped the different people and communities arcoss the world, we can develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the true principles of this huge globe we call home. Moreover, we can see how location has affected us and helped in creating the communities we live today. In this course, we will be studying a broad area of World Geography, focusing on the seven different continents and their physical nature, climates, and communities while also learning and applying the basic skills and knowledge of geography to our daily lives. Most importantly, during our examination of World Geography, we will analyze and critique various viewpoints, opinions, and action of the different cultural, racial, social, and economic groups that make us our world.

12th Grade

Students will learn how to start, operate and run a business in an entrepreneurial spirit.  Students will investigate various markets and target specific market groups which can be achieved through customer groups and marketing strategies. 

These courses are UC approved and are part of the Architectural Progam.  Each afternoon, students will go to 3 classes in the downtown San Francisco office and join instructors in the program to work on real projects centered in the development of a major urban construction project.  Students will learn how to build models by using CAD (computer aided drafting).  CAD is used to design, develop and optimize products, which can be goods used by end consumers or intermediate goods used in other products. CAD is also extensively used in the design of tools and machinery used in the manufacture of components, and in the drafting and design of all types of buildings, from small residential types (houses) to the largest commercial and industrial structures (hospitals and factories).  Students must be approved by counselors and administration to join this program.

(Off Campus)