Religion
Students will complete year one of the two-year confirmation process. Focus is on their relationship with God and the Holy Trinity as well as the Blessed Mother’s willingness to say yes to God. The saints will also be incorporated into their studies as they continue to grow in their faith and Catholic identity.

  Students will:

• learn how God is revealed through scripture.
• learn how Jesus fulfills the covenant with the Father.
• understand the role of priests, bishops, and the Pope.
• understand the role of Mary.
• actively participate in mass.
• understand the gifts of the Spirit.
• understand the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
• recognize the different forms of prayer.
• understand sin and the power of penance.
• understand the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

 
Language Arts
Students will further develop their communication skills. This will be demonstrated through writing, speaking, and using the principles of standard written English and vocabulary skills. They will participate in NHD and the DAR essay contests. These conventions will prepare them for higher education as well as giving them lifetime communication skills.
 
Students will:

• demonstrate conventions of correct grammar usage.
• demonstrate the correct use of capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.
• use standard written English in writing, speaking, reading, and listening.
• interpret information from different media formats.
• demonstrate appropriate verbal and multimedia presentation skills.
• effectively write narratives, personal narratives, position, and research papers.
• demonstrate effective communication through the use of oral presentations, documentaries, websites, performances, and exhibits.

 
Vocabulary
Students will advance their vocabulary skills through a variety of exercises.
 
The students will:

• define words
• use effectively in sentences
• identify synonyms and antonyms
• identify parts of speech
• spell words correctly
• identify words in context

 
 
Literature
Students will continue to learn about the elements of literacy.
 
Students will: 

• analyze plot structures with novels.
• identify writer’s craft in multiple stories.
• have independent reading and creative writing time.
• practice making connections, inferences, questions, predictions, and images while reading 
• have access to small group stations where they peer edit and read together.
• create purposeful book reports showing knowledge and understanding of a specific book as well as genres.
• participate in novel studies.

 
Mathematics
Students will receive a solid foundation in algebra, geometry, and problem-solving.  To ensure success in more advanced courses, students are provided with numerous worked-out examples, note-taking strategies, organizational skills, and technological support while concentrating on the algebraic approach.
 
Concepts covered are:

• Variables, expressions, exponents
• Integer and Rational Number Operations
• Solving Multi-step Equations, Inequalities, and Literal equation
• Ratio, proportion, Percents, and probability
• Linear Equations and Graphs
• Polygons and Transformations
• Real numbers and right triangles
• Measurement, area, and volume
• Data analysis and probability
• Polynomials and Functions

 
Algebra 1
The Algebra philosophy is to further develop those concepts covered in pre-algebra.  It is organized around families of functions with a special emphasis on linear and quadratic functions.  To ensure success in more advanced courses, students are provided with numerous worked-out examples, note-taking strategies, organizational skills, and technological support while concentrating on the algebraic approach.
 
Concepts covered in an Algebra 1 are:

• Expressions, Equations, and functions
• Properties of real numbers
• Solving Linear Equations 
• Graphing and Solving Linear Inequalities 
• Graphing Linear Equations and Functions
• Writing Linear Equations
• Solving System of Equations and Inequalities
• Exponent Properties and Exponential Functions
• Polynomials and Factoring Quadratic Expressions
• Graphing and Solving Quadratic Equations 
• Radicals and Geometry Connections
• Rational Equations and Functions
• Probability and Data Analysis

 
 
Science
Students will study Physical Science.
 
Content includes:

• Matter and Energy
• Motion, Forces, and Energy
• Light and Sound

 
Social Studies
Students will move through American History from post-Civil War to present times. Contemporary issues will be incorporated as time dictates. The students’ research skills will continue in history by participating in the DAR essay contest as well as the NHD program. 
 
Students will study:

• Industrialization
• The Progressive Era
• Imperialism 
• World War I
• The Great Depression
• World War II
• Post-war and cold war eras
• The Civil Rights movement and Vietnam
• The 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s
• The events of 9/11 and beyond