Foundation
Gallery
Morning Course Descriptions

English

•ELL Advanced Reading and Writing: Open only to students who are in their first year at LACHSA. The student must be a recent arrival in the United States and non-fluent in English.

•English 9:
First year English course designed to introduce students to high school level literature. This course will emphasize the writing process, grammar skills, vocabulary skills and reading comprehension. Students will be exposed to a variety of literary genres with emphasis placed on multicultural/world literature.

•Advanced English 9:
Corresponds to English 9 but is more in depth, especially emphasizing various writing genres.

•English 10:
Literature course that includes the study of a variety of major literary forms. Emphasis on practicing and improving skills through the writing process. Vocabulary development. Style analysis.

•Advanced English 10:
Corresponds to English 10 but is more in depth, especially emphasizing various writing genres.

•English Comp 11:
Chronologically based course that follows the time line of the U.S. History course, from the study of the oral literature of native Americans through the present.

•Honors English Comp 11:
Heavy reading and writing requirements. Includes in-depth textual analysis and critical analysis of American literature. Specialized writing forms.

•English 12:
Survey course of British literature with world classics. Literary periods and genres studied. Analysis, critical thinking skills and writing developed.

•Honors English 12:
Includes strengthening and refining English skills through an intensive analysis of the genres of literature.

Mathematics

•Algebra I:
A formal development of algebraic skills and concepts necessary for geometry and other advanced college preparatory courses. Includes ratios, graphing, writing equations and problem-solving strategies.
This course counts toward our diploma; however, most 4-year colleges require other math in addition to, or instead of, it.

•Geometry:
Further development in skills and concepts developed in Algebra I and the formal development of geometric skills and concepts necessary for Algebra II including logical arguments and proofs, angles, constructions, circles, and polygons.

•Algebra II:
Formal extension of Algebra I and Geometry including quadratic equations, logarithmic functions, binomial theorem, complex number system, conic sections, and probability.

•Algebra II, Honors:
Covers all the same material as Algebra II above, with more in-depth analysis and complexity.

•Math Analysis/Trigonometry:
Elementary functions, trigonometry, introductory calculus concepts and prerequisite material needed for first year calculus.

•AP Calculus AB:
A full first year course in college level calculus, solving problems dealing with differential and integral calculus.

•AP Calculus BC:
A full year course in the calculus of functions of a single variable covering all topics in Calculus AB in increased detail and other topics such as infinite series. Calculus AB is a prerequisite for this course.

Science

•Physical Science:
A basic science course. Motion, electricity, magnetism, light, physical and chemical properties of matter. Physical Science is for seniors who are not planning to attend a University of California or other selective 4-year non-conservatory college or university. Not UC approved. To meet UC entrance requirements, do NOT choose this class.

•Biology:
Skills and concepts are developed in the areas of the cell, living systems, genetics, structure and function of living organisms and ecology.

•Chemistry:
This laboratory-based course is designed to prepare students to succeed in college level science courses as well as for those who intend to pursue a liberal arts program. Students learn to solve chemical problems, use chemistry vocabulary, and write formulas and equations. A grade of "C" or better in Algebra I is a prerequisite for this course.

•Physics:
Subject matter includes motion, law of gravity, momentum, electricity, magnetism, energy, light, and atomic physics. Lab exercises play an important role in this course.

Foreign Language
*For entrance to most 4-year colleges the year following high school graduation, foreign language is required; however, no foreign language is required for a LACHSA diploma.

• Spanish I, French I:
A methodical presentation of the fundamental structure of the language through hearing, speaking, reading, and writing.

•Spanish II, French II:
More complex grammar and more advanced oral and written expression in the language.

•Spanish III, French III:
Proficiency skills in writing, reading, and speaking will continue to be emphasized along with the introduction of literature.

•Spanish IV, French IV:
Continued in-depth study leading to fluency. Prerequisite: Year III or its equivalent.

 
Senior Maria Andriotti presenting at CUE Conference

Social Studies

•World History & Geography:
Students focus on the major turning points that shaped the modern world from the late 18th century through the present. Current world issues are placed in historical context.

•U.S. History:
The study of political, economic, social, and cultural events with a focus on the twentieth century.

•AP U.S.History:
In-depth study of U.S. history, in preparation for the AP exam. Test preparation is an important goal of this class; students who score a 3, 4, or 5 are often granted college units. Designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and issues in U.S. history. Strengthens the ability to assess historical materials and to weigh the evidence and interpretation presented in historical scholarship.

•American Government / Economics
An in-depth study of the institutions of American government. Students will compare other systems of government and see how current events reflect the issues under study. The fundamental economic concepts are studied, including a comparison of economic systems. The material is studied in an historical context. One semester each.

•AP Government
Extensive in-depth coverage of U.S. government and other governments in preparation for the Advanced Placement Test. Current events will be related to the material under study. The fundamental economic concepts are studied, including a comparison of economic systems. The material is studied in an historical context.
This is a year long course.

Computers

•Computer Applications(one semester):
Students learn the computer skills needed for success in school and in life. Focus is on computer concepts, desktop publishing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software.

•Telecommunications(two semesters):
Students learn Internet communication skills through completing an international collaborative project with peers around the world.

•Publications(two semesters):
This class uses digital photography and computer graphic applications (i.e. Photoshop, InDesign) to produce the school yearbook.

•Web Design(two semesters):
Students learn how to plan and design a Web site using Dreamweaver and .html. They are responsible for enhancing and updating LACHSA's Web site.

Physical Education

•Physical Education:
Designed to enable students to develop lifetime fitness plans through warm-up and stretch technique, aerobics, gymnastics, dance, fencing, volleyball, track, softball, soccer and/or relaxation techniques.
Dancers and Theatre students should not take P.E.

Electives
(Some are one semester. Some may be entered only with the teacher's permission. Some have age restrictions.)

•Beginning Filmmaking
Students must be 16 or in the 11th grade. For beginning filmmakers, designed to teach the basic craft of single camera film production. Students will produce, direct and edit short films from published screen plays, plays, and student scripts.

•Advanced Filmmaking
Students must be 16 or in the 11th grade. Prerequisite: one year with Mr. Walsh or Mr. Cohen. This is a continuation of Beginning Filmmaking.

•TV Studio
Students must be 16 or in the 11th grade. Using three cameras and the appropriate switching and editing equipment, students learn to create, direct, and edit short television productions.

•Advanced TV
Students must be 16 or in the 11th grade. Prerequisite: one year with Mr.Walsh or Mr. Cohen or submit a 10 - 30 minute VHS tape.

•Acting for Film
Students must be 16 or in the 11th grade.Combining theory and actual practice, students will learn to use the creative process in a setting that requires a consistent level of performance while working within the fragmented, non-sequential, repetitious structure of single camera film production.

•Art in Society
A study of the interdependence of the arts and society from the Renaissance through the present as seen through the eyes of the artist. Presentations, guest lecturers, videos, readings.

•AM Music Ensemble
Provides a practice period for 12th grade music students only.

•Leadership
Supervised class period for student body officers, arts department representatives, and student reps to Site Council, to plan, coordinate and implement school activities.

•Teachers Assistant
Assist teachers with daily activities as needed.

Contact LACHSA