Course Descriptions

Course Subjects

• English
• Mathematics
• Social Studies
• Science
• Foreign Language
• The Arts
• Physical Conditioning
• Technology
• Elective Studies

English Back To Top

Spring Ridge Academy prepares students to become sensitive and responsible readers as well as logical thinkers, literate writers, and effective speakers. The objectives of the English department are:

• To teach the student the skill of writing as a medium for expression of ideas and as a means for self-expression
• To acquaint the student with a wide range of literature and the role that literature plays in defining and reflecting culture
• To prepare the student for the demands of college level academics, including the attainment of skills in the areas of reading comprehension, research skills, time management, assignment planning and academic responsibility

English 9

In Freshman Composition and Literature (English 9), students are introduced to major literary forms and elements through modern and classical literature. Literary discussion facilitates increased reading comprehension. Students develop literary analysis skills while reading, writing, and discussing literary concepts and styles. Critical thinking skills are emphasized during the learning process. The writing focus relies heavily on the Six-Trait writing paradigm where organization, voice, content, mechanics, sentence fluency, and ideas are embedded in the writing experience. Extensive vocabulary activities are used in relation to writing assignments.

English 10

English 10 takes a three-pronged approach to English. The first approach is reading comprehension and literature. English 10 is a survey of world literature and will sample many longer novels and short stories from around the world that have been determined to be of exceptional value. The students will take part in discussions of all assigned reading specifically and writing in general. The second approach is the act of writing. After being immersed in great writing, the students will be given direct instruction in both time-honored and cutting-edge techniques to help hone and craft their own abilities. They will be required to write several stories utilizing different techniques and contrasting styles. The third approach is grammar. Students in English 10 should already have a working knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, but the general aspects of it will be reviewed. In addition, this is the class in which students should begin to move beyond grasping concepts and into utilizing more complex aspects of grammar. They will have to demonstrate solid grammar and sentence structure in formal tests and quizzes as well as in their own writing. Two of the themes that are repeated throughout the class are:

1. Great writing influences other great writing
2. Great writing is not just found in textbooks and novels

The first is explained by repeatedly demonstrating the interplay and influence one writer or novel has on another. The second is explored throughout the year by immersing the student in the many different forms of thought-provoking writing that exists outside the traditional venue of literature. These include but are not limited to movie and television screenwriting, songwriting and lyrics, graphic novels, editorial writing and narrative journalism. In addition, there are discussions of the role history, culture and philosophy plays in the tradition of English. The goal of the class is to build a better-rounded student who is beginning to show real confidence in her own ability to communicate through her writing and have a deeper understanding of what she reads.

English 11

English 11 also takes a three-pronged approach to English, and the first approach is reading comprehension and literature. The class will start in colonial America and end with award-winning contemporary fiction. Along the way, the students will understand the evolution of American writing from its humble origins into what is arguably the richest and best in the world today. The strong interaction with history will be a continuing theme of the class. It is impossible to comprehend a country’s great writing without understanding the time, place, culture and philosophy that shapes it. As in English 10, the second approach is the act of writing. They will explore both creative and expository writing. Students should begin to approach a college-level of sophistication and understanding in their writing. The third approach is grammar. Students in English 11 should already have a solid foundation of grammar and vocabulary but students should begin to move beyond grasping concepts and firmly into utilizing and practicing the more complex aspects of English grammar. They will have to demonstrate solid grammar and sentence structure in formal tests and quizzes as well as in their own writing. Materials outside the traditional scope of literature will also be utilized. Students should develop confidence as their skills at comprehension and communication mature into abilities that are more adult. In addition, students should show the capacity and desire for the higher-level education they will face at the college ranks.

English 12

In Senior Composition and Literature (English 12), students explore the challenge of honing their spoken and written expression. Students will reflect, analyze, and describe their own process of making meaning, in addition to preparing and presenting original works. Students seek to understand their own thinking and writing processes through literary discussion that is facilitated by students, while exploring themes and literary elements emanating from modern literature.

The first semester focuses largely on both English and World Literature and the craft of writing. Student compositions include compare and contrast, problem solving, argumentative, cause and effect, and literary analysis essays. During the second semester, students closely examine contemporary essays, novels, short stories (fiction/non-fiction), and news and magazine articles for literal and implied meaning. Writing and student facilitated discussion will direct an understanding of the text. Expository writing and vocabulary will combine with multi-cultural fiction reading assignments. In addition, the formal research paper will consume the final quarter of the semester. Students will use conventional resources and electronic resources to organize and develop research that follows Modern Language Association (MLA) guidelines.

AP English Language & Composition

An AP course in English Language and Composition engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of rhetorical contexts, and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes.  Both their writing and their reading should make students aware of the interactions among a writer’s purposes, audience expectations, and subjects, as well as the way genre conventions and the resources of language contribute to effectiveness in writing (College Board).  Students will read primary and secondary sources analytically, interpret graphic and visual images, write for a variety of purposes, and compose researched argument papers for particular audiences and purposes.

Mathematics Back To Top

Mathematics at Spring Ridge Academy is seen as a language, having its own set of symbols to express meaning. Mathematics is used mainly for expressing problems in such a manner that a solution can be deduced. Mathematical "sentences" are constructed to describe a particular problem; then it is possible to "solve" these sentences and, hence, solve the problem. Developing the ability to recognize and categorize a situation, express it in mathematical sentences and solve these sentences is the primary objective of the mathematics department.

Algebra I

This course involves evaluation of basic algebraic expressions, solving linear equations and inequalities, solving linear systems, factoring quadratic expressions, rational and irrational numbers, graphing and world problems.

Algebra II

This course involves evaluation of advanced algebraic expressions, solving linear equations and inequalities, solving linear systems, factoring quadratic expressions, rational and irrational numbers, graphing and world problems.

Geometry

This course develops the student’s ability to reason and to understand, and presents the concept of deductive proof through the language of geometry and geometric figures, using parallels, congruent triangles and their application, quadrilaterals, similar figures, right angles and beginning trigonometry, circles, polygons, area and volume.

Trigonometry (One Semester)

This course reviews the basic trigonometric rations as examined in algebra and geometry, and introduces the student to trigonometric function as derived from the unit circle; the graphs of trigonometric functions including phase shifts, amplitude modulation and translations in both degree and radian measure; trigonometric identities and expansions; and, mathematics in polar coordinates.

Advanced Math/Pre-Calculus (One Semester)

This course prepares the student for an introductory course in calculus through exposure to vector operations and parametric equation forms; transcendental functions of logarithms and exponents; continuity,  end behavior and critical points; sequences and series; and, conversion between rectangular, polar cylindrical and spherical coordinate systems.  This course concludes with a brief overview of the differential and integral calculus.

Calculus - AP Calculus

Pre-requisites:  Algebra 1, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry and Advanced Mathematical Concepts of Other analytical Mathematics.
 
AP Calculus is designed as a 5^th year high school mathematics course.  This course is equivalent to a typical first semester college Calculus course.  Topics covered will include limits, derivatives and their applications, and integrals and their applications.  Students may receive college credit by taking the Advanced Placement Exam.

Social Studies Back To Top

This program is designed to give students an historical perspective for considering current events in today’s global community and offers a deeper understanding of the peoples of the past – their beliefs as well as their cultures – and their connections to the present.

World History

This year-long course centers on the development of civilization from the earliest traces of humanity and recorded history through to the present. The course will study significant trends that form the basis for the spiritual, political, and social and economic systems of today’s societies.

United States History

This year-long course centers on the growth of the United States and American democracy and culture. The first semester emphasizes the beginning of our history from the arrival of the first inhabitants to the Civil War. The second semester centers on the growth of America’s worldwide influence through its own democratic, industrial, cultural and political goals. Time is also spent learning about the history and growth of Arizona.

American Government

An examination of the United States Constitution and the structure, power and responsibilities of government highlight this one semester course.  Students are introduced to the system of representative democracy as exemplified in the American system of government.  Students examine the meaning of the Constitution and its application in modern America at the federal, state and local level.

Economics

This one semester course introduces the student to the understanding of the terminology of economics as well as to its basic principles such a supply and demand, social costs, inflation, elasticity and the fiscal and monetary policies. The course starts with the basic individual economics of personal fiscal responsibility and decision making, and proceeds through small business as well as large corporations both national and international.

Science Back To Top

Our program is designed to enable students to satisfy two sets of goals; one set deals with science as a discipline while the other focuses on basic study skills and research skills. Discipline related goals for all students include the following: to learn a body of information already known through science, to understand the methods by which we have learned this information, to understand how scientists find out new information, and to be able to design and carry out an experiment. Students should also understand how science affects them as members of a complex, global society.

Physical Science

This introduction to physics and chemistry begins with a study of topics needed for all sciences, the metric system, the periodic tables, measuring tools, and moves to the basic principles of physics and a study of practical chemistry.

Biology

Biology is taught by emphasizing individual discovery through activities, lab exercises, field trips and projects. This course will explore the cell theory and structure, genetics, the diversity of life, and ecology. The major animal systems will be surveyed through both actual and computer simulated dissections. These themes will help students find their place in the biosphere, and help in their understanding of the patterns and history of life on Earth.

Chemistry

Students become more aware and knowledgeable about the world around us through the study of the scientific method, atomic theory, energy changes and an introduction to organic chemistry. Topics covered include chemical equations, physical and chemical behavior and the three states of matter, ionic and covalent bonding, electronic structure, chemical equilibrium, acids; and bases, periodic and some qualitative analysis. Laboratory provides hands-on experiences in standard laboratory procedures. Algebra I is a prerequisite for this course.

Physics

This course helps students to increase their understanding of the physical world, gaining specific quantitative concepts and an understanding of the relationship between science and mathematics. Comprehension of the basic principles of physics is stressed, including Newtonian motion, light and sound, electricity and magnetism. Problem solving, data analysis and the use of critical thinking skills are emphasized. Algebra II is a prerequisite for this course.

Geology

Students examine rocks and minerals that make up the earth and the processes that both erode and deposit them. Students investigate fossil remains and study the span of geologic time. Laboratory work includes the study of mineral, rock and fossil formation and identification, topographic map study and field trips to nearby areas. Offered in summer.

Astronomy

This course involves a survey of planetary astronomy (including the earth-sun-moon system, the Earth’s solar system as a whole, and stars and galaxies beyond earth’s solar system), and recent developments in astronautical technology and space exploration. Also included is material on scientific methods in astronomy.

Environmental Science

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary course that starts with an examination of how the natural world works.  Ecosystem dynamics, energy and nutrient flows, and biogeochemical cycles provide a foundation for exploring the complex relationships that exist between the biotic and abiotic world.  These discoveries lead to further examination and specific research focused on the interactions between humans and the natural environment.  Students use their foundational knowledge to conduct projects that address today’s pressing environmental problems.  Collaborative learning, critical thinking, and problem solving become inherent learning processes, while students study environmental interrelationships. 

Foreign Language Back To Top

This department offers French and Spanish. Courses are designed to develop communication by way of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students will learn about the cultures of the language they are studying, and will be encouraged to speak French or Spanish while in class.

French I

This course introduces French to the beginning student. An ability to communicate via word and writing will be achieved in this course. Students will also learn various aspects of French culture.

French II

A continuation of French I, students will further expand their vocabulary and study various aspects of grammar. They will be exposed to French culture and be encouraged to speak French.

French III, IV and V

The advanced years of French: French III, IV and V, fortify and consolidate the grammar and writing process of French I and II.  The student begins to actually put the language together on her own, developing correct grammatical construction.  She gets more practice with the complexities of the verb tenses, such as passe’ compose' and imperfect.
 
Equally important, there is a good deal of speaking and conversation practice.  A student continues to develop her ability to hear and respond to the language in real-life situations.  She has a chance to create speaking situations, through skits and projects.  If she has a particular interest in music, art, or literature, she can explore these through the French artists.
 
French III and IV offer the possibility for much enrichment, where we undertake a more extensive exploration into French history and culture.  A student has an opportunity to develop her own propensities and curiosities in relation to the language.
 
A student at this stage also has the opportunity to assist lower level French students, and in this way, fortify and gain confidence in her mastery.
 
The advanced levels of French can prepare the student who has in mind a future experience of visiting or studying in France or a French speaking country.

Spanish I

Students will be introduced to Spanish language and culture. They will learn various aspects of grammar, which will enable them to begin written and spoken communication.

Spanish II

This course has a strong focus on grammar, introducing different verb tenses, which will enable students to expand their communication skills. Self generated writing, reading, and culture will be our focus.

Spanish III, IV and V

The advanced levels of Spanish: Spanish III, IV and V fortify and consolidate the grammar and writing process of Spanish I and II.  Students begin to actually put the language together on their own, developing correct grammatical constructions.  They get more practice with the complexities of the verb tenses, such as the preterite, imperfect and subjunctive.


There is a good deal of speaking and conversation practice.  Students continue to develop their ability to hear and respond to the language in real-life situations.  They have a choice to collaborate to create speaking situations, through skits and projects.
 
Spanish III and IV offer the possibility for much enrichment, where we undertake a more extensive exploration into the history and culture of Spanish speaking countries.  A student can explore her individual propensities and particular areas of interest in relation to Spanish.  If she is interested in music, art or literature, in particular, she can explore Spanish musicians and artists.
 
At this level in our school, students have the opportunity to assist lower level Spanish students, and in this way, fortify and gain confidence in her mastery.
 
The advanced levels of Spanish can prepare the student who has in mind a future experience of visiting or studying in a Spanish speaking country.

The Arts Back To Top

The philosophy of the Arts department is the belief that all arts are important to the life of man, and man must have the opportunity to experience all art forms. Students are encouraged to see the arts as a social fulfillment of life and to relate their study of the arts to all other academic areas of study.

Drawing I

Drawing I will cover the basics of drawing with pencil, charcoal, pastel, and other media. This course is for beginners in drawing. Projects will be based on techniques used in these media. Some projects will also be based on art movements or various periods in Art History. Emphasis will be placed on the principles of design, contract, rhythm, unity, patterns, movement and balance. Class time will also consist of lectures, demonstrations and critiques.

Drawing II

Drawing II will cover the basics of drawing with pencil, charcoal, pastel, marker and other media. This course will brush you up on your skills, and help you develop your own style. Projects will be based on techniques used in these media. Focus will be placed on the principles of design, contrast, rhythm, emphasis, unity, patterns, movement and balance. Class time will also consist of lectures, demonstrations and critiques.

Drawing and Painting

Drawing basics will be covered including drawing with a pencil, charcoal, pen, pastel and colored pencil. Techniques in shading and depth will be covered. Painting materials such as ink, watercolor, tempera, oil pastel and acrylics and their techniques will also be taught.

Art Spectrum

This general art class will give students the opportunity to explore various media, techniques and styles of art.  Media used will be pencil, colored pencil, markers, watercolors, tempera, Paper Mache, plaster gauze, yarn and sculpting media.  The elements of art and art periods will be a major focus in each assignment.

Studio Art

Class time will be used to develop a portfolio for those interested in pursuing Art. Students will start with drawing media and work forward to painting media.

Art Within

This class is centered on the students, their emotions and experiences.  A wide variety of media will be used to explore these issues.  Projects will include visualizing a symbol that represents an emotional block and sculpting it, weavings created from a story they write, painting a totem which represents their strengths, making a talisman out of found objects, making a book, advertisement or  brochure about themselves, etc.

Art Within Creative Expressions

2nd semester of Art Within.  This class explores imagination and helps develop creativity.  Various media used.

Physical Conditioning Back To Top

Physical Conditioning is a daily morning class for all SRA students.  The course combines the practices of yoga, Pilates and endurance building exercises to give the students a daily fitness experience.  Students are encouraged to strive for excellence and they assess their level of fitness on a bi-weekly basis.  Students create personal fitness goals, which are clear and measurable and then work with their instructor to create a plan to help reach their goals within the class.   With this personal involvement in their health and fitness students gain a sense of achievement and are able to feel empowered though their physical abilities.  

Beginning Dance
This course is designed for students who have had no prior dance experience.   Students learn the roots of modern dance and what makes it different from other dance forms.  Students learn the basics of dance vocabulary and non-pedestrian movement.  Through choreographed warm-ups and improvisation exercises, students learn to have fun with dance and develop a healthy relationship with their bodies.
 
Advanced Dance
This course builds on the concepts from the beginning dance class and is great for those students who have had some prior dance experience.  Students learn more complex choreographed movements and further develop their dance technique.  This course focuses more on dance as an expressive art and as an outlet for emotion.  Students learn the fundamentals of dance choreography and contribute to making a dance piece for performance. 
 
Beginning Yoga
This course focuses on the fundamentals of yoga, including what it is, where it came from and what we get by practicing.  The students learn the basics of the Iyengar yoga method, emphasizing correct alignment and safe practices.  Students learn practical relaxation techniques and healthy stress-releasing methods. 
 
Advanced Yoga
Advanced Yoga builds on the skills and knowledge of the beginning yoga class and takes a more in-depth look at how the philosophy of yoga can be incorporated into everyday life.  Students learn more advanced and technical poses and they start to develop a personal practice.  With this deeper understanding and a personal yoga practice, students are able to continue yoga outside of class and beyond their stay at Spring Ridge Academy.  

Technology Back To Top

Computer Applications

This course introduces students who have minimal or no background using computer applications (word processing, spreadsheets, and databases) to computers in general. Students learn the current Windows software, MS Office, and MS Publishing. In Publishing, students learn to produce a wide range of graphics, illustrated reports, cards, decorations, stationery and other paper products

Elective Studies Back To Top

Due to the limited number of students in the school, the following elective courses are offered in a rotating basis, with a selected number being offered each term. Course selection reflects student interest and need.

Problem Solving Foundations / Advanced Studies (Ford PAS)

Problem Solving Foundations introduces students to conflict encountered within various aspects of the manufacturing world. Students are encouraged to practice effective communication, collaboration, and compromise while problem solving in complex career-based environments. Introductory concepts that focus on economics as the “management of the household” require students to develop an understanding of their interaction with the global economic marketplace. Students will develop skills through role-playing, hands-on simulation, and team based activities to generate solutions for product development. During this process, students will learn that the economy depends on the environment, politics, and people to ultimately function properly. Critical thinking becomes an inherent application during “real world” economic decision making.

Drama

Drama is a course designed to accommodate both the novice and the more experienced actor who wish to acquire or enhance skills in the art of performance, Topics include basic movement and improvisation, audition technique and scene study, and character development. Students will also study drama and playwrights throughout history – from Sophocles and Shakespeare to Neil Simon. Gaining personal confidence, as well as technical proficiency are goals of the program.

Journalism

Journalism is an introductory course designed to teach several aspects of journalistic writing. Students will learn how to gather information, interview effectively, and write straight news stories. Journalistic writing necessitates that students not only gather information but also learn how to analyze, synthesize, and organize it into clear, concise prose. This class will also examine the mass media and its effect on society while generating a Spring Ridge Academy newspaper. Journalism encourages the development of increased writing and communication skills.

Students will work in the computer lab unless instructed otherwise. Creativity, critical thinking, class participation, thoroughness, and punctual completion of assignments are encouraged. Students are expected to cover regular national and international news events, write assigned articles, and assist in newspaper management, production and distribution. Students will also design layouts while editing and publishing the newspaper.

Advanced Journalism & Design

An upper level elective in which real-world applications of advanced techniques in design and journalism will be implemented in a collaborative setting.  Students will follow a story from conception to writing and photography to editing and layout to final production.  Students will learn how to create professional level displays of projects, presentations and publications.  Each student at course completion will have an extensive portfolio displaying the work achieved in the class.

Women's Comparative Studies

Women’s Comparative Studies is a trans-disciplinary course exploring interrelationships and connections women have with their environment, economics, politics, and the social experience. This course focuses on the importance of the individual in community, and then explores the many relationships, value systems, and decision-making skills that determine quality of life. This course explores the meaning of the Divine Feminine, and examines the invisibility of women in global economics. How do we make sure people are happy and healthy without degrading the natural systems we rely on for food, materials and energy? How do we define progress? Group activities will generate criteria for determining what a healthy community is and how it should function. A special focus will examine the interconnectedness between ecology and culture and discuss why these relationships are so important to the health of society, and how women influence the world they live in. In addition, students will be empowered to develop their own criteria and vision for a harmonious world. The commonality in this course is the belief that each woman has a right to define her own life. This class encourages the individual to expand on her perspective of the world, and her place in it. Women’s Comparative Studies emphasizes class participation and critical thinking and will encourage students to write extensively and exercise creativity with respect to activities and personal discovery.

Creative Writing

This Creative Writing course will emphasize an equal amount of reading and writing.  The course is designed to hone general writing skills, but to also help strengthen reading and writing skills in fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.  Literary discussion will take place on a regular basis, addressing various reading, to examine content, craft and the techniques that make each piece “work” or fail to work.  Students will complete a number of writing exercises in class and out of class to develop creative muscles in such areas as literary character, point of view, dialogue, voice, tone mood, conflict, and thematic elements.  Fiction writing workshops, which include peer review and peer discussion, will drive the second half of the semester.  Brief hand written critiques will accompany these workshop reviews.  Class participation is important.  A critical and creative mind will emerge as tools of choice in order to succeed in this class.