Junior High Achievers Academic Enrichment
Give your student the opportunity to get ahead by introducing them to high school level curriculum. Summer courses in the Junior High Achievers (JHA) program reflect the academic content of high school, delivered to high-achieving sixth, seventh and eighth grade students.
Participants are invited to explore their interests in noncredit academic high school courses. Classes offered are modeled after high school curriculum and are held to the same academic standards, policy and rigor you expect from our high school classes. Sessions 1 and 2 cover the same course material. Morning and afternoon sessions available. Supervision is available for those registering for a full day or need before or after care. Students can enroll in both JHA courses and Academic Enrichment courses for Grades 6-8.
Check back for future class listings.
Algebra I
A preview of the high school Algebra curriculum, this course promotes the sequential study of variables and variable expressions encompassing operations of real number; systems of equations and inequalities; graphs of linear relations; rules of exponents; work with quadratic functions and equations; operations with polynomials, including factoring techniques, operations with rational expressions; and radical expressions and equations. The course is designed to strengthen students’ skills and attitudes toward quantitative reasoning. This course will help students build a foundation for advanced high school courses such as Honors Algebra or Honors Geometry. Optional textbook: “Common Core Algebra 1,” Pearson High School Math, ©2015 (ISBN: 9780133281149)
Biology
A survey of the biological sciences, this course employs an inquiry approach to study living organisms and their basic structures. Topics include chemistry, cells, ethics, classification, plants, ecology, study of animal body systems culminating in a dissection, evidence of evolution, structure and function of DNA, protein synthesis, Mendelian and applied genetics and current trends in biology. Some lab work will be performed. This course will help students build a foundation for advanced high school courses such as Honors Biology or Environmental Science. Required Textbook: Biology for a Changing World with Physiology, 2nd ed., ©2014. W H Freeman & CO; ISBN: 978146151132. A limited number of this textbook available for student loan.
Geometry I
A preview of the high school Geometry curriculum, this course promotes the sequential study of coordinate geometry, measurement, inductive and deductive reasoning, parallel line relationships, congruent triangles, quadrilaterals, proportions related to similarity, right triangle relationships, circles and their related angles and segments, area formula for planar figures, surface area and volume formulas for solids, and equations and graphs of lines. The course is designed to strengthen students’ skills and attitudes toward quantitative reasoning. This course will help students build a foundation for advanced high school courses such as Honors Geometry or Honors Algebra II. Optional textbook: “Common Core Geometry,” Pearson High School Math, ©2015, (ISBN: 9780133281156)
Environmental Science
Students will gain an understanding of key environmental issues, including ecosystems, energy flow, resource management, pollution, climate change and conservation. This course emphasizes scientific inquiry, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to analyze the causes and potential solutions to these global issues. Some lab work will be performed. This course will help prepare students to take advanced high school courses such as Honors or AP Environmental Science.
Exceptional Essays
This introduction to high school writing practices covers the essentials of essay writing. Students refine the skills necessary to write concise and properly formatted descriptive, expository, persuasive and analytical essays. This course will help students build a foundation for advanced high school courses including: Honors English, AP English Language & Composition and AP English Literature & Composition.
Global Economics
This course offers an introduction to the principles of economics with a global perspective, helping to understand how economic systems operate across different nations and regions. Students will explore key economic concepts, such as supply and demand, trade, market structures, fiscal and monetary policy and globalization. This course will help students build a foundation for advanced high school courses including: Honors Civics/Government, AP Human Geography, AP Microeconomics and more!
Speech and Debate
This course equips students with essential skills in communication, argumentation and critical thinking. Students will learn to research, construct, and present speeches and arguments across a variety of formats, including persuasive, informative and extemporaneous speeches, as well as formal debates. The course emphasizes the importance of effective communication, logical reasoning and active listening. Students will develop strong public speaking techniques, including vocal projection, clarity and body language. This course will help students build a foundation for high school courses including the Speech and Debate Team, Honors English, AP English Language & Composition and AP English Literature & Composition.
World History
The course covers major global events from ancient civilizations to modern times, with a focus on themes like the rise and fall of empires, the impact of revolutions, industrialization, World Wars, and globalization. Courses emphasize analyzing historical evidence, understanding connections between events, and exploring different cultures and political systems from a worldwide perspective. This course will help students build a foundation for advanced high school courses including: Honors World History, Honors U.S. History, AP Human Geography, AP World History and more!
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