English 7,8: Reading and Composition – Grades 7-8
These sequential courses include additional work in developmental reading and composition. Students are taught the thought processes involved in reading, writing, speaking and listening. All strands of the promotion standards are taught. Students use a variety of resources relevant to instruction in the English language strands: e.g., adopted and approved literature texts, composition books. Students collect products for the writing portfolio and submit portfolios for evaluation near the end of each semester. Summer reading is required.

English 9: Literature and Composition – Grade 9 – Prerequisites – None. This course, based on a survey of literature from various time periods and countries, will provide ninth grade students the opportunity to expand and polish their reading, writing, research, technology, listening, viewing and speaking skills while studying a variety of genres. Students will make connections to real-world experiences while demonstrating proficiency in the writing process through narrative, reflective, descriptive and persuasive literary analysis. Advanced Academic Pathway (AA) available.

English 10: Language, Literature and Composition – Grade 10 – Prerequisites – English 9. This course for tenth grade students will incorporate major works from a variety of genres and styles. Students will read both literature and informational texts to further develop critical thinking skills, such as analysis, inference and synthesis. Students will be challenged to use evidence from texts in their written and oral responses. The course selections will engage students in gaining a deeper understanding of the society in which they live. Advanced Academic Pathway (AA) available.

English 11: Language, Literature and Composition – Grade 11 – Prerequisites – English 9, English 10. Building on the foundation of critical thinking skills developed in English 10, this course will expand students’ ability to think critically and communicate in both written and oral formats. Through the analysis of literature, film, poetry, art and nonfiction sources, eleventh grade students will gain a better understanding of society and human nature. The course will also feature the study of American authors and foundational documents of the U.S., such as the Declaration of Independence. Advanced Academic Pathway (AA) available.

English 12: Language, Literature and Composition – Grade 12 – Prerequisites – English 9, English 10, English 11. This senior-level course moves students beyond reader response to the application of multiple perspectives when analyzing complex texts of various types. Rigorous reading and writing tasks will support students’ development of complex synthesis skills. Students will read a variety of genres and styles by authors from different cultures and time periods. Students will demonstrate mastery of written and oral expression through a variety of essays, speaking opportunities and research tasks. Advanced Academic Pathway (AA) available.

*AP English Literature and Composition – Grade 11/12 – Prerequisites – English 9 and English 10. Option for students in their junior or senior years. Students may complete the AP course in lieu of either World or British Literature to satisfy graduation requirements. AP English is designed for students who have demonstrated the ability to meet the demands of college preparatory courses and who wish to advance their English skills to the collegiate level while still in high school. The demands of this course are rigorous, as extensive reading and expository writing are required. Successful completion of the optional AP placement tests may result in college English credit(s).

*AP English Language and Composition - Grade 11/12 – Prerequisites – English 9 and English 10. Option for students in their junior or senior years. Students may complete the AP course in lieu of either World or British Literature to satisfy graduation requirements. AP English is designed for students who have demonstrated the ability to meet the demands of college preparatory courses and who wish to advance their English skills to the collegiate level while still in high school. The demands of this course are rigorous, as extensive reading and expository writing are required. Successful completion of the optional AP placement tests may result in college English credit.

* Enrollment in classes with this mark requires approval from the course instructor.

Social Studies 7: World Studies from 750 B.C. to 1600 A.D.: Ancient Greece to the First Global Age In seventh grade, an integrated study of world history is presented, beginning with ancient Greece and continuing through global exploration. All four social studies strands are used to illustrate how historical events are shaped by geographic, social, cultural, economic and political factors. Students develop their understanding of how ideas and events from the past have shaped the world today. Advanced Academic Pathway (AA) is available with teacher recommendation.

Social Studies 8: U.S. Studies from 1492 to 1877: Exploration through Reconstruction The historical focus continues in the eighth grade with the study of European exploration and the early years of the United States. This study incorporates all four social studies strands into a chronological view of the development of the United States. Students examine how historical events are shaped by geographic, social, cultural, economic and political factors. Advanced Academic Pathway (AA) is available with teacher recommendation.

Modern World History — Grade 9 – Prerequisites: None. This course examines world events from the era of the Scientific Revolution in the 1600s to the present. It explores the impact of the democratic and industrial revolutions, the forces that led to world domination by European powers, the wars that changed empires, the ideas that led to independence movements and the effects of global interdependence. The concepts of historical thinking introduced in earlier grades continue to build, with students locating and analyzing primary and secondary sources from multiple perspectives to draw conclusions. A variety of approaches— chronological, thematic, historiographical and biographical—are possible. Advanced Academic Pathway (AA) available.

American History — Grade 10 – Prerequisites: Modern World History. This course examines the history of the United States of America, including the nation’s economic, political, cultural and diplomatic development from 1877 to the present, as well as an overview of important historical documents. It presents new as well as traditional viewpoints and interpretations of America’s past. Students learn to apply lessons of history to their own experiences. It stresses the importance of being informed on the many issues of today and assessing the conflicting views. The federal republic has withstood challenges to its national security and expanded the rights and roles of its citizens. The episodes of its past have shaped the nature of the country today and prepared it to attend to the challenges of tomorrow. Understanding how these events came to pass and their meaning for today’s citizens is the purpose of this course. The concepts of historical thinking introduced in earlier grades continue to build with students locating and analyzing primary and secondary sources from multiple perspectives to draw conclusions. Advanced Academic Pathway (AA) available.

US Government — Grade 11, 12 – Prerequisites: Modern World History, Modern US History. U.S. Government is a survey of the key concepts of American government with a focus on federalism and the concept of developing students toward the goal of informed and active citizenship in the 21st century. The course addresses the branches of government, elections, citizenship and Ohio government, as well as key documents and historical development. How the American people govern themselves at national, state and local levels of government is the basis for this course. Students can impact issues addressed by local governments through service learning and senior projects. Advanced Academic Pathway (AA) available.

*AP US History — Grade 10, 11, 12 – Prerequisites – Modern World History. The AP U.S. History course focuses on the development of historical thinking skills (chronological reasoning, comparing and contextualizing, crafting historical arguments using historical evidence, and interpreting and synthesizing historical narrative) and an understanding of content learning objectives organized around seven themes, such as identity, peopling and America in the world. In line with college and university U.S. history survey courses, the AP U.S. History course expands on the history of the Americas from 1491 to 1607 and from 1980 to the present. It also allows teachers flexibility across nine different periods of U.S. history to teach topics of their choice in depth.

*AP US Government — Grade 11, 12 – Prerequisites – Modern World History, Modern US History. The AP U.S. Government course involves the study of democratic ideas, balance of powers, and tension between the practical and ideal in national policymaking. Students analyze and discuss the importance of various constitutional principles, rights and procedures, institutions, and political processes that impact us as citizens.

* Enrollment in classes with this mark requires approval from the course instructor.

Mathematics 7: Grade 7
This course extends understanding of the fundamentals of mathematics, improves problem-solving skills, and relates mathematics to life situations. It is intended to provide a strong mathematics background for the study of succeeding academic courses in mathematics.

Mathematics 7 AA: Grade 7
This course is designed to develop students' understanding of mathematics and prepare them for demanding work in subsequent mathematics courses such as algebra and geometry. This is an accelerated class.

Mathematics 8: Grade 8 
This course is an introductory course to Algebra I. It is designed to develop students’ comprehension of mathematics and prepare them for demanding work in subsequent mathematics realms.

Algebra 1 AA: Grade 8
This accelerated course covers the basic language of algebra, solving equations and inequalities, real numbers, polynomial equations, factoring, graphing of linear equations and inequalities, solving systems of linear equations, operations of algebraic functions, solving fractional equations, and abundant word problems for application practice. This class moves at a faster pace than the Algebra 1 class.

Algebra I- Grade 9 
This course emphasizes algebraic concepts and the structure of the real number system. The course develops algebraic skills in problem solving and prepares students for succeeding academic courses in mathematics. An appropriate calculator is required (Scientific or Graphing as indicated by the instructor). An important aspect of this course is the learning of techniques and problem-solving steps to be applied to more advanced problems in the future.

Geometry — Grade 9,10 – Prerequisites – Algebra I - The fundamental purpose of Geometry is to formalize and extend the student’s geo-metric experience from grades 7 and 8. Formal definitions of congruence and similarity will be developed through translations, rotations, reflections and dilations. Proofs for the special properties of lines, angles and shapes will be demonstrated formally and informally through a variety of mediums. Coordinate geometry will be used to model and define geometric theorems, properties, equations and shapes. Previous knowledge of right triangles and 3-D figures will be deepened through proofs, models and real-world applications. Advanced Academic Pathway (AA) Available.

Algebra II — Grade 10 – Prerequisites – Algebra I, Geometry – In Algebra II, students build on Algebra I and Geometry experiences, both deepening their understanding of relations and functions and expanding their repertoire of familiar functions. Students will analyze contextual situations involving functions. They will examine functions using graphic, numeric, analytical and verbal models. Students will further investigate the properties of logarithmic, exponential, polynomial and rational functions, including end behavior, asymptotes, intercepts and transformations. Students will apply this knowledge to geometric and statistical concepts. Advanced Academic Pathway (AA) Available.

Pre-Calculus — Grade 11,12 – Prerequisites – Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry - Pre-calculus is designed to prepare students for calculus or AP Calculus AB. Students will gain an introductory understanding of convergence and divergence. They will collect, analyze and draw conclusions from data. Pre-calc will deepen the students’ algebraic foundation to solve complex problems involving polynomial, rational, logarithmic and trigonometric functions. Those skills will help students develop an intuitive understanding of limits and continuity. Pre-Calculus AA includes the basic understanding of the Pre-Calculus curriculum with added rigor, depth, global connections, multiple representations (verbal, algebraic, numerical, graphical, physical) and expectations of sophistication in student work. Advanced Academic Pathway (AA) Available.

*AP Calculus — Grades 11 and 12 – Prerequisites – Precalculus, Algebra II - AP Calculus is designed for students who excel at math. This demanding course will explore new properties of linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, inverse trigonometric and piecewise-defined functions. Unifying themes will be used to deepen the student’s understanding of these functions through analysis, limits, derivatives, integrals, approximations and modeling. Students will apply these concepts to real-world problems involving rates of change, optimization, accumulation, area and volume. A score of “3” or higher on the AP exam equals one semester or two quarters of credit at most universities.

Advanced Quantitative Reasoning — Grades 11, 12 – Prerequisites – Algebra II - AQR is a fourth-year course in mathematics, statistics and modeling for students who have completed Algebra II. The goal of the AQR course is to develop the student’s ability to investigate and solve substantial problems. Students will be asked to communicate with precision to prepare for postsecondary course work. Students will deepen and further their exploration of relations and functions. Students who complete this course in the eleventh grade will be prepared to study AP Statistics, AP Computer Sciences or Pre-Calculus in their senior year of high school.

* Enrollment in classes with this mark requires approval from the course instructor.

Science 7: Grade 7
Students in middle school science study interdisciplinary topics integrated into a core curriculum based on the Ohio Department of Education New Learning Science Standards. Seventh grade science has an emphasis on life and earth science. Topics include physics, earth/space, and genetics. Students learn how to collect, organize, interpret, predict, and hypothesis dates. Communication, reading, and mathematics skills are stressed. Students are exposed to required laboratory studies.

Science 7AA: Grade 7
Students in middle school science study interdisciplinary topics integrated into a core curriculum based on the Ohio Department of Education New Learning Science Standards. Seventh grade science has an emphasis on life and earth science. The topics include scientific method, life, genetics,  cycles of matter, erosion/deposition, plate tectonics, atmosphere,  and astronomy. There is a strong continuous focus on science process skills such as data collection, organization and interpretation, experimental design, and drawing conclusions. Being able to work in a lab group and class discussions along with appropriate grade level skills in reading and mathematics are crucial. Laboratory experiences are an integral part of the course.

Science 8: Grade 8
Students in middle school science study interdisciplinary topics integrated into a core curriculum with a focus on Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science.  Topics include natural selection and force and motion. Emphasis is placed on Science process skills such as data collection, organization, and interpretation, prediction, hypothesizing, and designing experiments. Communication arts, reading, and mathematics skills are stressed. Laboratory experiences are an integral part of the course.  

Science 8AA: Grade 8
Students in middle school science study interdisciplinary topics integrated into a core curriculum with emphasis on Earth Science and physics. The course emphasizes science process skills such as data collection, organization and interpretation, prediction and estimation, hypothesizing, and experiment design. Communication arts, reading and mathematics skills such as graphing and data analysis are stressed. This is a required course emphasizing the scientific method, motion, force, machines, magnetism, electricity, sound, heat, and optics. Instruction in laboratory procedures and the safe use of equipment acquaint the student with the way a scientist works. This course lays a foundation for future biology, chemistry, and physics classes.

Biology — Grades 9, 10 – Prerequisites – Algebra I. This course investigates the composition, diversity, complexity and interconnectedness of life on Earth. Fundamental concepts of heredity and evolution provide a framework through inquiry-based instruction to explore the living world, the physical environment and the interactions within and between them. Students engage in investigations to understand and explain the behavior of living things in a variety of scenarios that incorporate scientific reasoning, analysis, communication skills and real-world applications. Advanced Academic Pathway (AA) available.

Chemistry — Grades 10, 11, 12 – Prerequisites – Algebra I This course introduces students to key concepts and theories that provide a foundation for further study in other sciences as well as advanced science disciplines. Chemistry comprises a systematic study of the predictive physical interactions of matter and subsequent events that occur in the natural world. This course is organized around the study of matter through the exploration of classification, its structure and its interactions. Advanced Academic Pathway (AA) available.

Anatomy & Physiology — Grades 11, 12 - Human Anatomy and Physiology is a course that investigates the structure and function of the human body. Topics covered will include the basic organization of the body; biochemical composition; and major body systems, along with the impact of diseases on certain systems. Students will engage in many activities related to truly understanding the structure and function of the human body. Working from the topics of basic anatomical terminology to the biochemical composition of the human body, all the way into great detail of each of the major systems of the body, students will learn through reading materials, study guides, unit worksheets, group work, projects, and labs. Students will be responsible for proper use of lab equipment, lab reports, and projects assigned throughout each unit. One of the goals of this course is to prepare students with the skills necessary to be successful in future science classes in college.

*AP Biology — Grades 11/12 – Prerequisites –Biology and Chemistry - AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore evolution, cellular processes–energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology and interactions.

*AP Chemistry — Grades 11/12 – Prerequisites – Algebra II & Chemistry - The AP Chemistry course provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced course work in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics that include atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics and equilibrium.

* Enrollment in classes with this mark requires approval from the course instructor.

Physical Education-Grades 8-12
Physical Education is a course designed to provide knowledge and physical skill opportunities for improving individual strength, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance. Additionally, students will be exposed to activities that will prepare them for a lifetime of leisure and recreational activities.

Health Education-Grades 9-12
Health Education is a course designed to provide students with content knowledge, skills and positive attitudes necessary for making responsible choices that lead to overall health and wellness. Students will explore their physical, social, and emotional health in this semester's course.

French, German, and Spanish- Grades 7-12 
World Language classes are designed to provide students with opportunities to listen,  speak, read, and write in a second language. Students develop critical thinking skills essential to learning  any foreign language and explore various cultures of the language studied. 

In order to graduate from SCPA, students are required to earn two credits in the same foreign language. In addition, successful completion of three or more credits in one language is one of the criteria for earning an Honors Diploma and also often recommended or required by four-year colleges and universities.  

SCPA currently offers German levels 1, 2, and 3. In Spanish and French, the credit flex option allows students to earn credits ranging from level 1 up to level 6. Students in grades 7 and 8 may option for and be placed in these high school world language courses based on their grades, teacher recommendation, and available space.

School for Creative and Performing Arts Grading Scale

90-100% A Outstanding
80-89% B Good
70-79% C Average
60-69% D Almost Failing
60%> F Failing
Student GPAs are calculated on a 4 point system. A = 4 Points, B = 3 Points, C = 2 Points, D = 1 Point, F = 0 Points.

AA Classes and AP classes may have different credit weights depending on the subject. Consult your student’s teacher or counselors for further information.

For grading questions related to a specific class, be sure to contact your student’s teacher.