10th Grade Curriculum
What 10th Graders Will Learn
Math
Geometry
In this course, the student will develop reasoning and problem solving skills as they study areas such as congruent and similar, apply properties of lines, triangles, quadrilaterals, and circles. They will also develop problem solving skills using length, perimeter, area, circumference, surface area, and volume to solve real life problems.
This course also includes exercises involving algebra, data analysis and probability.
History
History II - Renaissance through Modern Times
Ideas and the prominent figures behind significant approaches to life and many of its institutions during these time periods will be studied and discussed. Connections to Western thought and contemporary theories will be discovered as students come to learn more about their own culture, society, and thinking.
Latin
Latin II
Latin II: Students will continue to learn the basic elements of Latin grammar and forms as they build vocabulary. Mythology, culture, and art history are essential parts of the program.
Science
Chemistry
Students experience the wonder of chemistry with numerous physical and chemical reactions such as watching dry ice sublimate or the explosion of hydrogen gas. This promotes wonder and curiosity that leads to the intellectual energy to explore ionic and covalent bonding and the significance of the concept of electron configuration and valence. Critical thinking is experienced in many forms, such as putting together a Periodic Table the way that Mendeleev originally did. The chemistry course reviews atomic theory, which leads to the Periodic Table of Elements. We’ll appeal to the imagination by drawing atomic models and chemical bonds. We connect the practicality of algebra by learning how to create and balance chemical formulas and equations. Students will apply math background through dimensional analysis of the molar concept.
English
World Literature
As more advanced readers, students will analyze fictional prose and poetry from around the world and throughout time from classical works to contemporary pieces. Independent reading will continue to be encouraged. Broad reading will contribute to a diversity of writing pieces with a focus on informative and analytical expression. In addition, students will write for an audience with pieces submitted quarterly for writing contests and publication.
Enrichment
Each academic day, students participate in courses focused on one of the following important academic and life skills.
Oratory - Historic Speeches
Students will learn about the history of public speaking, beginning with Greek and Roman traditions. Students will learn about and present notable historic speeches. The year culminates with an Oratory Contest.
Aesthetics
Each year, students will rotate through Art, Music, Dance, and Drama, advancing in their skills and studies.
Study Skills
Students hone skills learned in earlier grades with applications to specific content areas. Students study logic and begin work on a resume and financial literacy. They learn prudent use of social media and their digital footprints. Life skills such as basic sewing, cooking, social etiquette, and laundry are introduced.
Guidance
Students continue to learn about themselves and their place in the world. Students will develop leadership skills. They will begin discussing college plans and majors, as well as standardized test preparation. Interest inventories and personality tests will help students narrow their focus.