Sky and Solar System is an introductory, semester-long science course that focuses on the solar system through study of the planets, moons, asteroids, and other planetary bodies. Students will learn about the history of astronomy from around the globe as well as complete projects to explore the current, cutting-edge science questions about the solar system. Course material will be presented through lectures, classroom discussions, online simulations, and student projects.

All Senior students will take either one year-long senior elective, or two semester-long senior electives.

AP Art History offers students the opportunity to discover anew the world in which they live. The course will cover the period of time beginning with the Paleolithic period and ending with Postmodernism. By examining works of art from diverse cultures and the relationships among these works, students develop an understanding of global artistic traditions. Students analyze works of art in their contexts, considering issues of patronage, gender, politics, religion, and ethnicity. The interpretation of the work of art is based upon its intended use, audience, and the role of the artist and the work of art in its particular society. Students will expand their knowledge of history, geography, politics, religion, languages, and literature, as they explore the story of people as told through the art they created.

Required course for all incoming Freshman students.

This course will introduce students to the diverse cultures of the United States and our local community. The impact of race and racism will be examined through the exploration and the understanding of systems of power and the struggles of peoples of color and other historically marginalized and disenfranchised communities. Students will learn about the contributions of various ethnic groups to our rich cultural history and society. They will be enriched with a better understanding of the world and be empowered to work toward a socially just society as aligned with our Ignatian principles.

This course guides students through creating a single year-long Sustained Investigation, or series of related works guided by an evolving inquiry question. Students develop 2-D skills through materials and processes of their choosing, such as graphic design, digital art, photography, drawing & painting, and others. At the beginning of the year, students will develop their own inquiry question relating to concept and/or process and spend the rest of the year producing pieces that visually respond to this question that may change over time. Students will use sketchbooks to document their creative process from ideation to final product as they produce 5-7 major artworks and 5-7 minor artworks. Students will be expected to adhere to a production schedule punctuated with work-in-progress critiques during the investigation as well as final critiques at the end of each investigation—the goal of critiques being self-reflection, revision, and experiencing the fruitful co-influencing that happens in artistic communities. Students will also receive guidance in selecting and preparing 15 images for their Sustained Investigation portion and five images for their Selected Works portion of the AP Portfolio submission.

This course guides students through the entire artistic process with an emphasis on developing personal style, expression, and artistic intention. Students will learn about relevant topics in art history—such as abstract art, printmaking, relief sculpture, and mixed media assemblage—and develop skill in selecting appropriate media to use in their artwork to create their intended message. Students will develop proficiency in the use of the elements of art and the principles of design to create effective compositions. They will also participate in critiques, reflecting on constructive feedback given by peers for the purpose of personal artistic growth. By the end of the course, students will have completed three culminating works that may contribute to their art portfolio.

Acting 3 students bring their experience from Acting 2 and their accumulated life experience to more challenging scenes and monologues, guiding the intermediate or advanced actor to a deeper knowledge and experience of drama and performance techniques. Students will learn the Meisner Technique to achieve a more naturalistic style of acting. In addition to a monologue performance and various scene work, the course will culminate in a performance of a full play. Students will also continue to develop their improvisation skills by playing theater games.