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A precursor to all sciences. After finishing this class, students will understand the scientific method and the importance of science and have a basic introduction to most sciences.

This is a mandatory 2-semester course and is a requirement for graduation. The curriculum progresses from the micro to the macro, starting from cell biology through cellular respiration and photosynthesis, genetics, heredity, and evolution, ending with the features that make humans unique from all other organisms on Earth. We will explore major themes of biological diversity as an experimental science, using interactive labs and a variety of computer and web-based activities, movies, videos, and other resources to supplement the hands-on curriculum.

This is a year-long science class with labs that study the properties, structure, and composition of physical matter. Throughout this course, students will develop an understanding of how matter interacts with itself to form new materials through a process of calculations, critical thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving. Students will apply their critical thinking and calculations through hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory activities. Topics explored throughout this course include the Periodic Table of the Elements, subatomic particles, naming compounds, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, aqueous and organic solutions, and chemical reactions. Due to the emphasis and frequent integration of mathematical calculations in this course, students must have a strong foundation in math. 

*Must be enrolled in Algebra II or higher.

A hands-on introduction to the fundamental laws of physics. This course emphasizes understanding through guided notes, demonstrations, and experiments. Students will explore core topics such as mechanics, light, and the basics of electricity and magnetism, while also building a strong conceptual foundation through observation, deep conversations, and real-world application.

*Must have completed Alg 1.

Botany is an engaging, hands-on course built around real plant science. Students will study plant structure, flowers, seeds, growth, reproduction, ecology, and ecosystems while spending time outside with shovels in hand, digging in the soil, working with live plants, and getting dirty. The course combines college-style botany concepts with practical outdoor experience so students learn by planting, observing, identifying, and caring for the living world around them.

This course will combine traditional classroom lectures and exercise “lab” activities. The curriculum will cover the major organ systems of the human body, such as the skeletal and cardiovascular systems. We will explore a variety of different modes of physical activity, including traditional exercise, guided meditation, and games such as dodgeball.

The year-long curriculum is equivalent to a first-year college course usually taken by biology majors. The course expands the “regular” (10th-grade level) high school Biology course. Topics covered include the biochemistry of life; cells and cell energetics; heredity; molecular genetics in viruses, prokaryotes, and eukaryotes; evolution and natural selection; diversity of organisms and populations; structure and function of plants and animals; and ecology. Students will conduct suggested College Board AP Biology laboratories and hands-on activities on- and off-campus. The primary emphasis is to develop an advanced understanding of biological concepts and their applications, a grasp of science as a process rather than as an accumulation of facts, personal experience in scientific inquiry, recognition of unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology, and the application of biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns worldwide. Students are encouraged to take the AP exam in May. 

Suggested academic preparation could include Biology and Chemistry.

AP Chemistry is a year-long elective class that follows the curriculum for inorganic chemistry provided by the College Board for the equivalent of a year of introductory college chemistry. Broad topic descriptions include a review of chemical principles and stoichiometry; thermochemistry and thermodynamics; solution chemistry; atomic models and structure; the periodic table; solids, liquids, and gases; kinetics, equilibrium, and electrochemistry. Students are encouraged to take the AP exam in May.

Suggested academic preparation could include Biology and Chemistry.

The AP Environmental Science course is designed to engage students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships within the natural world. The course requires students to identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with them, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. Students are encouraged to take the AP exam in May. 

Prerequisites: Physical Science and/or Biology.

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level course that explores the fundamental principles governing motion, forces, energy, and waves. Students develop a deep conceptual understanding of physics through inquiry-based learning, hands-on laboratory investigations, and real-world applications. Major topics include kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, power, momentum, rotational motion, mechanical waves, and fluid mechanics.

Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific reasoning rather than memorization. Students learn to analyze physical situations, design experiments, collect and interpret data, and communicate their findings effectively. Mathematical modeling and graphical analysis are integrated throughout the course to help students connect physical concepts with quantitative representations.

Laboratory work is a central component, allowing students to explore concepts through experimentation and develop skills in measurement, uncertainty, and data analysis. Collaborative work and discussion are encouraged to deepen understanding and build scientific communication skills.

AP Physics 1 prepares students for the AP Exam in May and provides a strong foundation for future study in science, engineering, or related fields. Successful completion of the course demonstrates a student’s ability to think analytically and apply scientific principles to solve complex problems.

Duration: 1 semester

Every rock-climbing venue presents new challenges to climbers because of its unique rock texture, composition, and environment. All rock climbers are empirical geologists because of their direct personal experience with various rock types. This class is designed to expand the climber's knowledge of the rock to include the geologic processes involved in its creation and sculpting. We will climb several areas that have experienced various geologic histories and that are composed of diverse rock types.

Duration: 1 semester

This hybrid course offers students an exciting blend of outdoor adventure and environmental science, introducing them to the fundamentals of mountain biking while exploring the natural history of local ecosystems. Students will meet four times a week between science-based classroom sessions and practical riding instruction. In the classroom, they will learn about the flora, fauna, and ecological processes of the environments they ride through and the impact of outdoor activities on these ecosystems. Students will develop essential mountain biking skills on the trails, including bike handling, navigation, and trail stewardship. The course emphasizes environmental responsibility and sustainability, teaching students to enjoy the outdoors while protecting the natural world. By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in mountain biking and natural history, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to be conscientious outdoor enthusiasts.

In this course, students will explore the scientific principles underlying rocketry at every stage of flight. Topics include the physics of projectile motion, the design and structural integrity of rocket bodies, and the chemistry of propulsion systems. Students will apply these concepts by building rockets, calculating their launch heights and speeds, and making their own simple rocket fuel. Completion of Algebra II is required for enrollment.