Course Catalogue
- Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Foreign Languages
- Fine Arts
- Technology
- Physical Education
Language Arts
The English Language Arts program enhances students’ core reading and writing skills and is literature- and composition-based. Students are encouraged to become avid readers; this is grounded in the belief that if students read well, they will enjoy and be prepared for years of study. Great works of literature and the best of non-literary works are used to engage and motivate students to think critically about themselves, and the world around them. The English Language Arts program includes an integrated system of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language usage. The program is based upon a core selection of contemporary and classical literature. Students participate in engaging and motivating activities each day, and assignments reinforce the skills taught in the classroom. Additionally, focus is placed on oral language activities to help foster fluency in the English language. Teachers guide and encourage students to embark on independent and collaborative prose, poetry, and dramatic projects using a variety of authentic assessments.
- ELA 9
- ELA 10
- ELA 11
- ELA 12
- Intermediate English Elective
- Advanced English Elective
- AP English Literature
ELA 9
This course continues the development of students' reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Students will read short stories, non-fiction selections, novels, poems and plays that focus on the overreaching theme of 'Coming of Age' and extensive use of, literary terminology, figurative language, reading strategies, the writing process and appropriate grammar. Students respond to literature through narrative, informational and persuasive writing and speaking assignments. Students also have the opportunity to respond to reading selections through media other than writing. Vocabulary development and the study of grammar, usage, mechanics, and spelling continue. Students are introduced to a research project that includes a works cited page and parenthetical citations.
ELA 10
This course combines vocabulary development with extensive reading and writing. Students read for common themes that permeate literature from Early Greece and Rome to contemporary literature. Students also practice the writing process in activities designed to assist them in finding their own voice in writing and in developing a mature style. An emphasis on description produces writing that demonstrates the importance of color, sound, and movement.
ELA 11
Students focus on vocabulary development and engage in specific reading, writing and higher thinking skills to prepare for testing and college level experiences. Students learn to critically evaluate what they read and write: they explore representative works of American literature and respond to reading through discussion and writing. Emphasis is placed on the writing process; modules include narratives, informational papers, persuasive essays, comparison/contrast compositions, and literary analyses. The research process is also explored and a research project of 3,500 words will be undertaken.
ELA 12
The overall theme of the course centers on Advanced Placement readings, writings, and perspectives, both our own and other peoples, and how they shape us and our world. The course examines multiple critical theories used to analyze literature, and the student will use these theories to analyze texts such as AP-level novels, poems, and plays, and compose texts. Forms of writing may include the literary analysis essay, critical review, literary criticism, and monthly essays of increasing complexity. Writing techniques emphasize style and structure appropriate to a particular purpose and audience. Vocabulary is college preparatory related to the content of the course. The students study representative works of American, British and world literature and incorporate thinking and writing skills to analyze literary selections. Students must successfully complete monthly essays of approximately 500 words for the first few months, then develop longer essays for the final few months.
Intermediate English Elective
Advanced English Elective
AP English Literature
AP English Literature and Composition is an introductory college-level literary analysis course. Students cultivate their understanding of literature through reading and analyzing texts as they explore concepts like character, setting, structure, perspective, figurative language, and literary analysis in the context of literary works.
Mathematics
Mathematics teachers at AIAN tailor their instruction to the ability level of the students in the class. In high school, courses focus on preparing students for college level mathematics by strengthening algebra and introductory calculus skills. AIAN also places a great deal of emphasis on making mathematics more accessible and relevant. Teachers incorporate homework, direct and indirect instruction, and technology in order to make mathematics engaging to students. The real-world application of mathematics encourages students to become critical thinkers with 21st century skills.
Geometry
This course covers the required concepts of Euclidean geometry including definitions, postulates, and theorems. Throughout the course, Aero standards are taught and reinforced as the student learns how to apply the concepts in real life situations. Areas of study include tools and language of geometry, reasoning and proof, transformations, rigid motions, congruence, constructions, coordinate geometry, quadrilaterals, dilations and similarity, right triangle trigonometry, circle geometry, and geometric measurements. Students who complete this course should take Algebra II the following year.
Algebra 2
This course is designed to build on algebraic and geometric concepts. It develops advanced algebra skills such as linear, exponential, logarithmic, and quadratic functions, sequences and series, transformations, complex numbers, polynomial and rational functions, circular functions, and probabilities and statistics. Throughout the course, Aero standards are taught and reinforced as the student learns how to apply the concepts in real life situations. Students who complete this course should take Pre-Calculus the following year.
Pre-Calculus
This course weaves together previous studies of algebra, geometry, and mathematical functions into a preparatory course for calculus. Aero standards will be taught and reinforced as the student focuses on mastery of critical skills and exposure to new skills necessary for success in subsequent math courses. Concepts will include fundamental algebra and geometry skills, functions, graphing, trigonometry, polar and parametric equations, vectors, conic sections, systems and matrices, sequences and series, and an introduction to calculus. Students who complete this course should take Calculus the following year.
AP Calculus
In this course we will study everything in the Calculus AB guideline as it appears in the AP Calculus Course Description. The ultimate goal is to introduce students to the major concepts of a first-year college calculus course, with the overall objective of preparing the student for the Advanced Placement exam in May. Throughout the course, instructional practices to enhance understanding, skills, and use of technology are emphasized to incorporate multiple representations.
Science
The Science program promotes an understanding of the physical and biological world. In the science classroom, students work individually, in pairs or in small groups on projects to meet international standards and benchmarks. The scientific method is taught in order to develop critical thinking. Scientific observation, theorization, experimentation and communication are promoted in science classes. Students work with computers, magnets, microscopes, prisms, test tubes, stones, and fossils as they are introduced to magnetism and electricity, plants and animals, water and air, light and color, acids and bases, geology, reproduction, time and technology.
Physical Science
This general physical science course uses a hands-on approach allowing students to explore the principles of physical science. Using the text and lab activities, students study forces, machines, motion, energy, electricity, magnetism, sound, light, density and buoyancy. Students will also study general chemistry concepts including the structure of matter, the periodic table, chemical bonds and reactions, mixtures and compounds and the chemistry of food and living systems. In addition, students will learn the fundamental physics concepts of the earth and solar system, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics. Throughout this course, students discover the relationship between science and daily life. The students will gain a solid understanding of the scientific method and learn to write thorough and accurate lab write-ups.
Biology
This course includes a study of living organisms and vital processes. Themes that will be covered in this course include scientific skills, ecology, biochemistry, cellular processes, genetics, evolution, classification of organisms, as well as plant and human body systems. The course covers the AERO standards for Biology and includes laboratory experiments designed to reinforce course content.
Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of the structure and composition of matter that makes up living things and their environment. Chemistry also deals with the study of the changes of matter and the mechanisms by which changes occur. This course is recommended for college-bound students. This class cover topics such as matter, chemical reactions, solutions, and nuclear chemistry.
AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Physics
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, conservation, and waves.
Social Studies
The Social Studies curriculum encourages students to explore life within and beyond their immediate communities. High school students learn about cultural diversity and human progress across the globe and over time. The focus is on the histories and cultures of Eastern and Western societies and how these societies have had an impact on world civilizations. The AERO standards provide a scope and sequence to allow students to explore all regions of the world in all periods throughout history. Social Studies classes collaborate with other subjects such as Language Arts to promote skills such as the 5-paragraph essay.
Geography
World Geography examines the major regions and sub-regions of the world to develop an understanding of the factors that affect the world’s distribution of people, resources, and human activities. As students study the unique physical and cultural characteristics of the world’s regions, they will develop an understanding of the relationships between people and their environments, the role of the level of technology in the use of resources, and the factors that affect quality of life and standard of living. Current international conflicts, international rivalries, and environmental problems are used to develop and expand geographic concepts and critical thinking and to provide concrete illustrations of the ways in which geography influences our lives. Emphasis is also placed on developing vocabulary, mastering key place-name locations and map and globe skills, and understanding the basic features of the physical environment and culture.
Ancient History
This class covers major developments in World History from the end of the Prehistoric Era to 1500 AD. Students will be introduced to ideas, government systems, cultures, and social workings of classic Western civilizations (Greece and Rome) as well as societies and empires in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Eastern Europe. Students will discover how various civilizations interacted and influenced each other through economic exchange, military conquest, and cultural assimilation. Besides the content, students will learn a number of critical thinking and writing skills relevant to history as well as other social studies’ disciplines. The skills that will be emphasized in this class include primary source analysis and ability to form effective and convincing argument orally and in writing.
Modern History
This class covers major developments in World History from 1500 AD to the Present. Students will be introduced to ideas, government systems, cultures, and social workings of modern societies. Besides the content, students will learn a number of critical thinking and writing skills relevant to history as well as other social studies’ disciplines. The skills that will be emphasized in this class include primary source analysis and ability to form effective and convincing argument orally and in writing.
Principles of Global Law
Principles of Global Law is a brand-new course designed for students in the upper high school grades who have an interest in learning more about the law. Instead of focusing one country’s legal system and judicial processes, given the fact that many students come from different nationalities and countries, this course is designed to introduce legal concepts that have influenced every country’s legal system in the world.
AP Microeconomics
AP Microeconomics is an introductory college-level microeconomics course. Students cultivate their understanding of the principles that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers by using principles and models to describe economic situations and predict and explain outcomes with graphs, charts, and data as they explore concepts like scarcity and markets; costs, benefits, and marginal analysis; production choices and behavior; and market inefficiency and public policy.
Foreign Languages
The AIAN Mandarin curriculum teaches children to understand modern and traditional Chinese language. As students explore Chinese literature, history, arts and culture, they learn Chinese grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation systems, writing systems, and composition skills. In the end, students sound polite, educated, and speak clearly in Chinese. High school students are encouraged to sit for the AP or SAT II Chinese exams in order to demonstrate their mastery in the Mandarin language and culture.
Students wishing to study a foreign language other than Mandarin are supported by enrolling in online language courses to learn the language of their choice and satisfy the Foreign Language requirement. Effective online language programs are carefully selected and incorporated into the AIAN curriculum, and students receive support from personal online tutors throughout their self-study of the language.
Chinese Language Arts
This course introduces students to standard Mandarin Chinese language and is designed for students with no or minimal previous background in spoken or written Mandarin. Students in this course focus on learning essential vocabulary, practicing pronunciation, and understanding simple grammatical structures. This knowledge prepares students to effectively communicate in Mandarin on a limited range of topics related to everyday situations. Students practice listening and speaking in real-life situations, learn to read and write Chinese characters, and examine how culture and language interact in China.
Intermediate Chinese
This intermediate level language course is designed to develop students’ broader communicative skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing standard Chinese. With intensive drills and practice in real-life situations, students will gradually build up their communicative competency in Chinese. Moreover, the course will integrate Chinese culture to promote students’ cross-cultural awareness and understanding. Due to the great differences in Mandarin and English, students will also be introduced strategies and skills in learning Chinese as a foreign language.
Conversational Mandarin Elective
HSK Prep
China’s Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi, known as HSK or the Chinese Proficiency Test, is a standardized test to assess the Chinese proficiency of non-native speakers. This course helps students prepare for the HSK exam which verifies a student's ability to understand and use Chinese words and phrases, meet basic needs for communication and possess the ability to further their Chinese language studies.
AP Chinese
AP Chinese Language and Culture is equivalent to an intermediate-level college course in Chinese. Students cultivate their understanding of Chinese language and culture by applying the interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication in real-life situations as they explore concepts related to family and community, personal and public identity, beauty and aesthetics, science and technology, contemporary life, and global challenges.
Fine Arts
The Fine Arts curriculum at AIAN encourages students to express their feelings. Introductory courses in music and art allow students to discover and cultivate their passions for the arts. Music class exposes students to the riches of Western and Asian cultures and enables students to discover their resources, as individuals and as members of their own cultures. The visual arts are used to foster creativity in the young minds of our students as well as reinforce their learning in other areas of the curriculum. Our students gain experience in a wide range of media and techniques including, but not limited to drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and photography. Other courses in Fine Arts are offered depending on the year-to-year interests of students.
HS Music
In this year-long course, students become acquainted with the great heritage of symphonic literature and are given the opportunity to develop high standards of general musicianship. Emphasis is placed on artistic performance commensurate with the maturation level and experience of the group. Performances are an important part of the group activities. Students are encouraged to explore their interests in learning to play an instrument or continue practicing with one they've already learned to play.
HS Art
In this elective art course, emphasis is placed on understanding the elements of art and principles of design as a basis for composition. Students will explore a variety of artists, art processes and materials such as drawing, painting, printmaking, two & three-dimensional design, and digital art. Student artwork will reflect aesthetics & cultural and historical contexts. Willingness to get involved in the creative process is a more important requirement than the student’s talent or previous experience.
AP 2D Art & Design
In this AP level art course, students develop skills in a two-dimensional medium such as graphic design, photography, collage, printmaking, and others which are introduced in the principles of 2D design. Students will create artwork that reflects their own ideas and skills, and they will submit their best work on the AP platform in a portfolio project to be assessed for possible college credit.
Technology
The academic program at AIAN operates in a technology-rich environment, enabling students to develop the digital skills and confidence necessary for success in the 21st century. Technology classes focus on building digital literacy and skills through thoughtful use of the Internet and software applications, and electives such as computer programming and web development are offered at the high school level. More than just a stand-alone subject, technology is fully integrated into the curriculum at all levels, with interactive whiteboards and a variety of software and online platforms being used on a daily basis by teachers and staff.
Please click to visit our Technology Page for more information about the integration of technology in AIAN courses.
HS ICT
The purpose of Information Communication Technology class in high school is to get students proficient with various areas of technology, including Digital Citizenship, Operating Systems, Software & Applications, and the Internet. We use various websites and applications to gradually grow the student's understanding and ability, to eventually make them independent, conscientious users of technology. Students begin to understand and experience basic programming concepts through Python. At this level, students will learn basic concepts, such as: Strings, Variables, Numbers, Arithmetic Operations, IF statements, LOOPS and Functions.
Yearbook
This course is designed to develop students’ skills in yearbook production by providing experiences in selected aspects of related technology skills. Students learn basic principals of yearbook production and develop skills that include InDesign, Lightroom, Photoshop, captions, headlines, digital photography, desktop publishing and using appropriate technology tools for media production.
AP Computer Science
AP Computer Science A is an introductory college-level computer science course. Students cultivate their understanding of coding through analyzing, writing, and testing code as they explore concepts like modularity, variables, and control structures. Java is the main programming language that is explored through this course.
Physical Education
AIAN Physical Education emphasizes competitive and cooperative sportsmanship. Cooperation with peers, willingness to participate, a positive attitude in class, and respect for peers and teachers are encouraged. AIAN promotes physical activities with the knowledge that rules, strategies, biomechanics, and terminologies in sports develop cognitive as well as motor and manipulative skills. The Physical Education content area at AIAN includes a required Wellness course for all high school students, which emphasizes the importance of personal physical and mental health, sex education, drug and alcohol awareness, and other considerations for personal well-being.
HS Phys Ed
Physical Education is designed for the development of complex movement skills, cognitive understanding of movement principles, development of personal fitness plans, and understanding the principles of sportsmanship and fair play. The course focuses on the development of team and individual sport skills and improving students' levels of physical fitness. These include cooperative learning, individual and dual activities, team activities, and fitness, in order to maintain a healthy level of wellness. We introduce students to a variety of team-oriented and individual team work activities that foster life-long activities and good health. The students will learn team building skills, game strategies, fundamentals, equipment manipulations, and the rules of several physical activities.
Wellness Seminar
This course will assist in the development of knowledge and principles to function optimally and adapt creatively on a daily basis in order to enhance the quality of one’s life both now and in the future. The course will focus on strategies to maintain or improve individual well-being by
emphasizing important personal care concepts.