Academics
Course Catalog
Kindergarten - First Grade
Art
ESA001 / ESA002
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: None
Course Fee: $15 per semester (subject to change)
Description: Students will expand their artistic and creative skills as they learn about artists and their inspiration. They will create a variety of art projects inspired by artists of different cultures, time periods and places. Students will learn art concepts and vocabulary as they explore different art methods and media. Projects include drawing, painting, 3-D art, and mixed media.
*Students will be assigned a semester to take this course and cannot repeat within the same school year.
Ceramics
ESA451 / ESA452
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: None
Course Fee: $40 per semester (subject to change)
Description: Students will learn about the process of hand building, firing, and glazing. Students will learn basic hand building techniques: pinch, coil, slab and sculpture. Students will increase their vocabulary with a glossary of terms. Students will learn to appreciate and have patience for the process of ceramic art. Students will be introduced to the concepts of pottery from different times, places, cultures and there is an artist behind every work of art.
*Students will be assigned a semester to take this course and cannot repeat within the same school year.
Kinder-1st Grade Block
ESC011/ESC012, ESE011/ESE012, ESE051/ESE052, ESM011/ESM012, ESS011/ESS012
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: Approximately 6-9 hours of at-home work per week, a combination of teacher directed (class homework) and parent directed.
Course Fee: $25 for end-of-year class book (subject to change)
Description: Teaching and learning of content is frequently integrated across subject areas and is designed to cover Common Core Standards. Each class includes activities involving art or large/small motor skills, communication and social/emotional skills (discussion and collaboration, answering and discussing the question of the day) and can also include health/fitness (e.g. jumping jacks while we count), and world language (e.g. counting or singing in different languages, especially those represented in our class). Students are also given the opportunity to have activity choice time (structured choice of activities) which encourages communication and building social/emotional skills and large/small motor skills. These extra content areas (art, health/fitness, world language, communication, large/small motor, and social emotional) will be formatively assessed and will also be integrated into core content instruction (literacy, math, science, and social studies) throughout the day to support academic learning and social/developmental learning.
- Reading is taught using Wonders Reading Curriculum, Heggerty phonemic awareness lessons and supplemental materials include word games, poetry, and work with sight words. In class, students will receive direct instruction on reading comprehension, strategies, fluency, accuracy, and phonological awareness which are often integrated into class read-aloud books and writer’s workshop.
- Writing is taught using LWSD Writer’s Workshop Units of Study. Students will be instructed on the writing process of prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing while learning a new genre of writing for each unit. Spelling instruction will focus on “sound it out” and “best guess” spelling at developmentally appropriate levels with correct spelling emphasized for sight words. Additional spelling instruction, grammar, and handwriting practice will take place at home.
- Math is taught using Illustrative Mathematics K-5. This is a is a hands-on, problem-based, rigorous curriculum that aims to make elementary school mathematics accessible, impactful, and memorable for all students. A combination of collaborative problem solving, slide decks, direct instruction, hands-on manipulatives, math games, and practice sheets are used to cover a variety of topics, depending on grade level, including numerals and counting, addition and subtraction, place value, time, measurement, and geometry.
- Science is taught using Amplify Science Kits which are investigations with experiments and scientific inquiry that combine digital, print, and hands-on materials. Every year, one topic will be taught from each of three science strands: life, earth, and physical. Topics may include Needs of Plants and Animals, Pushes and Pulls, Sunlight and Weather, Animal and Plant Defenses, Light and Sound, and Spinning Earth. There will be an opportunities for students to document their learning in science investigation notebooks using pictures and words.
- Social studies will focus on learning to be part of a community (classroom), learning about the people in our community, and learning about who makes and helps keep the rules in different situations. Other topics may include families and traditions, neighbors/neighborhoods, and maps/geography. Social studies will use district curriculum and supplemental materials including Scholastic News.
This class, which meets two days a week, is considered full time. Students who participate in all subject areas benefit from integrated learning and classroom community.
This class must be accompanied with at-home instruction 3 days of the week by the parent including:
- Direct instruction and re-teaching the skills until student gains mastery
- Review/Practice
- Practice reading at student’s individual level
- Assessment
- Differentiation of instruction to adjust to your child’s needs
- Accessing lessons and other online resources to accompany class curriculum
- Assisting with and checking child’s homework then reteaching as needed
2nd Grade - 3rd Grade
Art
ESA003 / ESA004
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: None
Course Fee: $15 per semester (subject to change)
Description: Students will expand their artistic and creative skills as they learn about artists and their inspiration. They will create a variety of art projects inspired by artists of different cultures, time periods and places. Students will learn art concepts and vocabulary as they explore different art methods and media. Projects include drawing, painting, 3-D art, and mixed media.
*Students will be assigned a semester to take this course.
Ceramics
ESA461 / ESA462
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: None
Course Fee: $50 per semester (subject to change)
Description: Students will learn/continue to learn about the process of hand building, firing, and glazing. Students will learn basic hand building techniques: pinch, coil, slab and sculpture. Students will increase their vocabulary with a glossary of terms. Students will learn to appreciate and have patience for the process of ceramic art. Students will be introduced to the concepts of pottery from different times, places, cultures and there is an artist behind every work of art.
*Students will be assigned a semester to take this course.
Literacy
ESE121 / ESE122
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: Approximately 2 hours of literacy work per week with parent direction
Course Fee: None
Description: Students will integrate their reading and writing skills using the Wonders Workshop textbooks and the district’s writing curriculum. In class, students will receive direct instruction on writing skills. They will learn the writing process of pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. By the end of the year, students will have three polished pieces of writing in the following genres: informational, narrative, and opinion. Topics not covered in this course: spelling and handwriting.
This class must be accompanied by instruction by the parent including:
- Direct instruction and re-teaching reading skills until students gain mastery
- Review/practice
- Assessment
- Differentiation of instruction to adjust to your child’s needs
Math
ESM021 / ESM022
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: Approximately 3-5 hours per week with parent direction
Course Fee: None
Description: Math will cover the concepts outlined in the Common Core State Standards for each grade level. The LWSD district math curriculum, Illustrative Mathematics (IM), will be used to teach these concepts. We will move through the curriculum in line with the district sequencing guide. Students will be engaged in problem-solving/computational activities, use manipulatives/tools as needed, and practice skills through extra practice work and math games directly related to the skill being acquired. Two out of five weekly lessons are taught at school on the days students attend. Three of the five weekly lessons are taught at home by a parent or other designated homeschool teacher on the homeschool days. The home-lessons need to be completed prior to the next attendance day as each lesson builds upon the previous lesson. Students routinely take quizzes (Checkpoints) and Section/Unit Assessments. Parents serve a vital role in student learning by teaching, reteaching, and checking for understanding on their child’s home-lessons.
Science
ESC021 / ESC022
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: Approximately 0-2 hours per week with parent direction
Course Fee: $5 per semester (subject to change)
Description: During the school year, students will engage in hands on and interactive group activities that enhance their capacity for connecting knowledge across and between the physical sciences, life sciences, earth and space sciences, and engineering design. Using the LWSD newly adopted science curriculum, Amplify Science, that aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), students will build on prior knowledge to develop a deeper understanding of science as well as experience scientific and engineering practices. Learning is structured around a real-life phenomenon, students create and revise models and make claims that are backed by evidence from their new learning. Homework is assigned as needed to complete or enhance work done in class. 2nd and 3rd grade units will be rotated over a two-year period.
Social Studies
ESS021 / ESS022
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: Approximately 0-2 hours per week with parent direction
Course Fee: None
Description: Social Studies concepts will be taught using sections of the 2nd grade and 3rd grade district curriculum. Curriculum will cover and address social studies standards in civics, economics, geography and history. Homework is assigned as needed to finish activities from class and/or complete Learning Fair projects. Content will be rotated over a two-year period.
4th Grade - 5th Grade
Art
ESA005 / ESA006
Offered: Once a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: None
Course Fee: $15 per semester (subject to change)
Description: Students will expand their artistic and creative skills as they learn about artists and their inspiration. They will create a variety of art projects inspired by artists of different cultures, time periods and places. Students will learn art concepts and vocabulary as they explore different art methods and media. Projects include drawing, painting, 3-D art, and mixed media.
*Students will be assigned a semester to take this course.
Cartooning
ESA021 / ESA022
Offered: Once a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: Occasionally students may need to do collect reference pictures or complete a project at home.
Course Fee: $10 per semester (subject to change)
Description: Students will create their own cartoon characters for a variety of applications. Students will refine their drawing skills as they study cartooning techniques such as creating exaggerated expressions, showing motion, anthropomorphism, simple perspective techniques, and sequencing with panels. Students will learn to critique, edit, and revise their work for better presentation and more effective communication.
*Students will be assigned a semester to take this course.
Ceramics
ESA471 / ESA472
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: None
Course Fee: $60 per semester (subject to change)
Description: Students will learn/continue to learn about the process of hand building, firing, and glazing. Students will learn basic hand building techniques: pinch, coil, slab and sculpture. Students will increase their vocabulary with a glossary of terms. Students will learn to appreciate and have patience for the process of ceramic art. Continuing students will concentrate on improving and refining form and advanced glazing techniques. Students will study pottery from around the world during different historical periods.
*Students will be assigned a semester to take this course.
Literacy
ESE131 / ESE132
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: Approximately 2 hours of literacy work per week with parent direction
Course Fee: None
Description: Students will integrate their reading and writing skills using the Wonders Workshop textbooks and the district’s writing curriculum. In class, students will receive direct instruction on writing skills. They will learn the writing process of pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. By the end of the year, students will have three polished pieces of writing in the following genres: informational, narrative, and opinion. Topics not covered in this course: spelling and handwriting.
This class must be accompanied by instruction by the parent including:
- Direct instruction and re-teaching reading skills until students gain mastery
- Review/practice
- Assessment
- Differentiation of instruction to adjust to your child’s needs
Math
ESM031 / ESM032
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: Approximately 3-5 hours per week with parent direction
Course Fee: None
Description: Math will cover the concepts outlined in the Common Core State Standards for each grade level. The LWSD district math curriculum, Illustrative Mathematics (IM), will be used to teach these concepts. We will move through the curriculum in line with the district sequencing guide. Students will be engaged in problem-solving/computational activities, use manipulatives/tools as needed, and practice skills through extra practice work and math games directly related to the skill being acquired. Two out of five weekly lessons are taught at school on the days students attend. Three of the five weekly lessons are taught at home by a parent or other designated homeschool teacher on the homeschool days. The home-lessons need to be completed prior to the next attendance day as each lesson builds upon the previous lesson. Students routinely take quizzes (Checkpoints) and Section/Unit Assessments. Parents serve a vital role in student learning by teaching, reteaching, and checking for understanding on their child’s home-lessons.
Science
ESC031 / ESC032
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Course Fee: None
Description: Social Studies concepts will be taught using sections of the 4th grade and 5th grade district curriculum. Curriculum will cover and address social studies standards in civics, economics, geography and history. Homework is assigned as needed to finish activities from class, study for assessments and/or complete Learning Fair projects. Content will be rotated over a two-year period.
Social Studies
ESS031 / ESS032
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: Approximately 0-2 hours per week with parent direction
Course Fee: None
Description: Social Studies concepts will be taught using sections of the 4th grade WA Our Home Curriculum and the 5th grade America’s Past TCI curriculum. The chapters in these curriculums cover and address Social Studies Standards in Civics, Economics, Geography and History. Homework is assigned as needed to finish activities from class, study for assessments, and/or complete Learning Fair projects. Content will be rotated over a two-year period.
Middle School
- Algebra 1
- Ancient World History / WA State History
- Art
- Cartooning
- Ceramics
- Digital Design
- English 6-7
- English 7-8
- Geometry
- Pre-Algebra
- Science
- US History / WA State History
Algebra 1
MSM941 / MSM942
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: Placement requirements will need to be met
Materials: Graphing calculator TI-84+ required
Home Extension: Approximately 3 hours per week with guidance from parent or other educational mentor. Homework will be online or from textbook.
Course Fee: None
Description: Big Ideas Algebra 1
Students taking Algebra 1 will:
1) Write equations and functions (linear, exponential, quadratic);
2) Solve linear equations, inequalities, systems, and quadratic equations;
3) Graph, including transformations of, linear, quadratic, exponential functions and linear systems;
4) Translate between various forms of expressions using properties (linear, quadratic, exponential, polynomial);
5) Apply problem solving strategies to analyze, model, and interpret data and solutions to real world scenarios.
The Mathematical Practice Standards apply throughout the course.
Ancient World History / WA State History
MSS121 / MSS122
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: Approximately 3-5 hours per week
Course Fee: None
Description: This class will cover the Lake Washington School District’s middle school social studies requirements taught in accordance with Washington State Social Studies Standards. We will begin with a study of Ancient World History and end with an investigation of Washington State and Indigenous People’s History. Through this course, students will advance their social studies content knowledge, as well as develop their social studies skills through activities such as inquiry, research, writing, and civil discourse. They will explore history through a variety of lenses such as: geography, politics, economics, religion, philosophy, and culture. Multiple perspectives are a core component of this course, and students are expected to be critical thinkers who engage honestly, but respectfully, with their peers in accordance with LWSD student expectations.
*This course meets the LWSD WA State History graduation requirement for seventh graders only.
Art
MSA011 / MSA012
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: Occasionally students may have up to 30 minutes of homework in a week. This could be finding reference material, sketching ideas, sketchbook, or completing an assignment at home if the student is behind.
Course Fee: $20 per semester (subject to change)
Description: Students will expand their art skills as they create art in a variety of styles and genres. Resources from art history , different cultures and contemporary artists will be used for inspiration. Students will use a variety of media and techniques. Projects will include drawing, painting, mixed media and sculpture. This class is repeatable from one year to the next in order to progress through a spectrum of artistic skills.
Cartooning
MSA111 / MSA112
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: Occasionally students may have 15-30 minutes of homework in a week. This could be finding reference material, sketching ideas, sketchbook, or completing an assignment at home if the student is behind.
Course Fee: $10 per semester (subject to change)
Description: Students will create their own cartoon characters for a variety of applications. Student will refine their drawing skills as they study cartooning techniques such as creating exaggerated expressions, showing emotion, anthropomorphism, simple perspective techniques, and sequencing with panels. Student will learn to critique, edit, and revise their work for better presentation and more effective communication. This class can be repeated in consecutive semesters and from year to year as content and goals will be expanded based on student experience and skills.
*This class will be offered every 2 years (fall of even years).
Ceramics
MSA451 / MSA452, MSA461 / MSA462
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: None
Course Fee: $80 per semester (subject to change)
Description: Students will learn and/or continue to learn about the process of hand building, using the potter’s wheel, firing, and glazing. Students will concentrate on advanced ceramic forms and advanced glazing techniques. In addition to assigned projects, students will be self-motivated and may work on student designed projects with instructor guidance. Students will research to gather and extend ideas for ceramics. They will study products and procedures and explore strategies for producing effects. Students will compare pottery of different cultures and different ceramic artists. Students will practice the same routines and responsibilities in the classroom as they would in a pottery studio in the community. It is suggested that students keep a journal or sketch pad to keep track of ideas, techniques, and procedures in addition to periodically reviewing specific art history literature. A special RAKU firing may be part of the curriculum but additional fees may apply.
Digital Design
MSA251 / MSA252
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Course Fee: $15 per semester (subject to change)
Description: Students will explore digital art and design concepts using digital cameras and digital software applications (Microsoft PowerPoint & Publisher, Adobe Photoshop, and possibly others). Projects include Digital Photography Assignments focusing on composition and basic camera adjustments, file management with OneDrive, and photo editing and creating composites using Adobe Photoshop, and a poster or design project combining images and text in Photoshop and/or Publisher. Other projects and applications may be included based on student interest and district resources. Students will need to check out a district provided laptop and will need to bring the laptop and charger to class.
*This class will be offered every 2 years (fall of odd years).
English 6-7
MSE111 / MSE112
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Course Fee: None
Description: Middle school language arts courses are developed with the foundation of core curriculum materials from Amplify ELA. This is an online platform constructed to allow students to work independently, with small groups, and as a whole class to read, analyze, discuss, and write. Students will read and understand complex texts, interpret what they find, discuss their thinking with peers, and develop their ideas in writing. Students will be exposed to full texts (such as novels) and numerous fiction and non-fiction text excerpts on a wide variety of topics. They will develop their skills in the areas of narrative, argumentative, and informative writing. They will also develop their speaking and listening skills and their information literacy. They will receive feedback and support that develops their language art skills and their ability to think critically. They will learn to connect texts to themselves, other texts, and their world.
English 7-8
MSE115 / MSE115
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Course Fee: None
Description: Middle school language arts courses are developed with the foundation of core curriculum materials from Amplify ELA and supplemented with texts that compliment their study of US History. Amplify ELA is an online platform constructed to allow students to work independently, with small groups, and as a whole class to read, analyze, discuss, and write. Students will read and understand complex texts, interpret what they find, discuss their thinking with peers, and develop their ideas in writing. Students will be exposed to full texts (such as novels) and multiple fiction and non-fiction text excerpts on a wide variety of topics. They will develop their skills in the areas of narrative, argumentative, and informative writing. They will also develop their speaking and listening skills and their information literacy. They will receive feedback and support that develops their language art skills and their ability to think critically. Students will learn to connect texts to themselves, other texts, and their world and continue to develop their writing voice.
Geometry
MSM951 / MSM952
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Materials: Compass, protractor, and ruler, graphing calculator TI-84+ required
Home Extension: Approximately 3 hours per week with guidance from parent or other educational mentor. Homework will be online or from textbook.
Course Fee: None
Description: Big Ideas Geometry
Students taking Geometry will:
1) Use construction and congruence to discover theorems, develop formal proofs and solve problems about segments, angles and polygons;
2) Explore similarity and trigonometry using dilations, Pythagorean Theorem, and proportional reasoning;
3) Work with the geometry of two and three-dimensional shapes including cross-sections and rotations;
4) Explore properties of special right triangles and quadrilaterals, slopes of parallel and perpendicular lines, and distance;
5) Find and prove equations and basic theorems about circles;
6) Use geometric probability models to compute and interpret theoretical and experimental probabilities of compound, independent and dependent events.
The Mathematical Practice Standards apply throughout the course. Students experience math as a coherent, logical subject that makes use of their ability to problem-solve.
Pre-Algebra
MSM611 / MSM612, MSM715 / MSM716, MSM811 / MSM812
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Course Fee: None
Description:
6th Grade: Glencoe Math Course 1
Math 7+: This is a comprehensive math course for students in seventh grade. Math 7+ incorporates a robust combination of seventh and eighth grade Common Core standards. This course builds on connections prior learning about proportion and algebraic relationships. With an emphasis on the Standards for Mathematical Practice, students will develop both procedural fluency and conceptual understanding throughout the course. Content is focused on these areas: 1) Understand the connections between proportional relationships, lines, linear equations. 2) Solve real-life and mathematical problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and equations. 3) Investigate chance processes and develop, use, and evaluate probability models. 4) Define, evaluate and compare functions.
8th Grade: Glencoe Math Course 3
In 8th Grade Math, students will: (1) formulate and reason about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation and solve linear equations and systems of equations; (2) explore the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; (3) analyze two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understand and apply the Pythagorean Theorem.
Science
MSC111 / MSC112
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: Approximately 3 hours per week
Course Fee: None
Description: *This class will be on a three-year rotation so that no student will repeat the same content from a previous year.
6th Grade: McGraw Hill Integrated iScience Course 1: Students in 6th grade science develop understanding of key concepts to help them make sense of life, earth and physical science. The ideas build upon students’ science understanding from earlier grades and from the disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts. The cycling of matter and energy within systems and relationships between living and non-living components of systems are recurring themes in the 6th grade year. The science strands/modules include: Nature of Science and Growth Mindset, Impact of the Water Cycle, Impact of Weather Systems on Living Things, Humans Depend on Natural and Synthetic Resources, the Cycling of Energy and Matter in Plants, and Cycling of Energy and Matter in an Ecosystem
7th Grade: McGraw Hill Integrated iScience Course 2: Students in 7th grade science develop understanding of key concepts to help them make sense of life, earth and physical science. The ideas build upon students’ science understanding from earlier grades and from the disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts. While 7th grade maintains the themes of matter and energy flow within and between systems, the year is divided into larger isolated systems and the processes that occur within those systems over time. The science strands/modules include: Climate Change, Fields of Force and Non-Contact Forces, Geologic Change, Chemical Reactions, Chemical Reactions in Living Things, and Heredity.
8th Grade: McGraw Hill Integrated iScience Course 3: Students in 8th grade science develop understanding of key concepts to help them make sense of life, earth and physical science. The ideas build upon students’ science understanding from earlier grades and from the disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts. 8th grade continues the story of matter and energy flow within and between larger isolated systems and the processes that occur within those systems over time. The science strands/modules include: Natural Selection and Adaptations, Evidence for Evolution, Newton’s Laws and Kinetic Energy, Wave Properties and Their Application in Technology, Seasons, Moon Phases, and Eclipses, and Gravitational Forces and Scale in the Universe.
US History / WA State History
MSS821 / MSS822
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: Approximately 3-5 hours per week
Course Fee: None
Description: This class will cover the Lake Washington School District’s middle school social studies requirement in accordance with Washington State Social Studies standards. We will begin with a study of early United States History and end with an investigation of Washington State History. The course utilizes adopted core LWSD resources with Since Time Immemorial (Indigenous Peoples of the Salish Sea). This is a survey class, and we will explore history using a variety of lenses including: geography, politics, economics, and social factors. Students will develop their social studies skills through activities such as inquiry, research, writing, presenting, and civil discourse. Multiple perspectives are a core component of this course and students are expected to be critical thinkers who engage honestly, but respectfully with the peers. Each year’s content will be on a two-year rotation so that no student will repeat the same content from a previous year.
*This course meets the LWSD WA State History graduation requirement for both seventh and eighth graders.
High School
- Algebra 1
- Algebra 2
- Art Exploration
- Biology in the Earth System
- Ceramics
- Chemistry in the Earth System
- English
- Ethnics Studies
- Geometry
- Civics
- US History
- World Social Studies
Algebra 1
MAT241 / MAT242
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: Placement requirements will need to be met
Materials: Graphing calculator TI-84+ required
Home Extension: Approximately 3 hours per week with guidance from parent or other educational mentor. Homework will be online or from textbook.
Course Fee: None
Description: Big Ideas Algebra 1
Students taking Algebra 1 will:
1) Write equations and functions (linear, exponential, quadratic);
2) Solve linear equations, inequalities, systems, and quadratic equations;
3) Graph, including transformations of, linear, quadratic, exponential functions and linear systems;
4) Translate between various forms of expressions using properties (linear, quadratic, exponential, polynomial);
5) Apply problem solving strategies to analyze, model, and interpret data and solutions to real world scenarios.
The Mathematical Practice Standards apply throughout the course.
Algebra 2
MAT261 / MAT262
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and Geometry
Materials: Graphing calculator TI-84+ required
Home Extension: Approximately 4-5 hours per week with guidance from parent or other educational mentor. Homework will be online or from textbook.
Course Fee: None
Credit: 0.5 per semester
Description: Big Ideas Algebra 2
Students taking Algebra 2 will:
1) extend their work with functions to further explore and analyze the function families of quadratics, polynomials, rationals, exponentials, and logarithms;
2) work through transformations, solving, graphing, and applications for each function family;
3) develop ideas around probability and trigonometry.
The Mathematical Practice Standards apply throughout the course, and together with the content standards allow students to experience math as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations.
Art Exploration
ART241 / ART242
Offered: Once a week—2 hours
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: Occasionally students may have 30-60 minutes of homework in a week. This could be finding reference material, sketching ideas, or work to get assignments completed at home if the student is behind.
Course Fee: $25 per semester (subject to change)
Credit: 0.25 per semester
Description: Students will develop and/or expand their art and design skills as they explore various art media including drawing, painting, and other 2D and 3D media. Resources from art history, other cultures, and other artists will be used for project inspiration. In addition to assigned projects, some projects will be self-directed, fueled by students' interests and research as well as instructor guidance. This class can be repeated in consecutive semesters and from one year to the next in order to progress through a spectrum of artistic skills.
Biology in the Earth System
SCI231 / SCI232
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: Approximately 4 hours per week
Course Fee: $10 per semester (subject to change)
Credit: 0.5 per semester
Description: This year-long college-prep course is designed to help students understand the principles of life science with connections to Earth science. Students will use science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts to investigate living systems at various scales. Specific topics include structure and function, growth and development of organisms, and matter and energy flow in organisms. Students will also explore cycles of matter and energy in ecosystems as well as ecosystem dynamics, functioning, and resilience and social interactions and group behavior. Students will investigate inheritance and variation of traits, evidence of common ancestry and diversity, natural selection, adaptation, biodiversity, Earth and human activity, and biogeology.
*This class will be offered every 2 years (fall of odd years).
Ceramics
ART611 / ART612
Offered: Once a week—2 hours
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: None
Course Fee: $80 per semester (subject to change)
Credit: 0.25 per semester
Description: Students will learn and/or continue the process of hand building, using the potter’s wheel, firing, and glazing. Students will concentrate on advanced ceramic forms and advanced glazing techniques. In addition to assigned projects, students will be self-motivated and may work on student designed projects with instructor guidance. Students will be required to research to gather and extend ideas for ceramics. They will study products and procedures and explore strategies for producing effects. Students will compare pottery of different cultures and different ceramic artists. Students will practice the same routines and responsibilities in the classroom as they would in a pottery studio in the community. Students earn credit for grades 9-12. It is suggested that students keep a journal or sketch pad to keep track of ideas, techniques, and procedures in addition to periodically reviewing specific art history literature. A special RAKU firing may be part of the curriculum but additional fees may apply. Should a student choose to retake this elective, ceramic skills will be reinforced with different projects and different historical content.
Chemistry in the Earth System
SCI331 / SCI332
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Materials: Scientific calculator
Home Extension: Approximately 4 hours per week
Course Fee: $10 per semester (subject to change)
Credit: 0.5 per semester
Description: This year-long college-prep course is designed to help students understand the principles of chemistry in the context of Earth science phenomena. Students will use science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts to investigate chemical processes within Earth systems. Specific topics include structure and properties of matter, chemical reactions, and chemical processes in everyday life. Students will also explore conservation of energy and energy transfer. Students will investigate the history of planet earth as well as earth materials and systems, including natural resources, natural hazards, the role of water in Earth’s surface processes, and climate.
*This class will be offered every 2 years (fall of even years).
English
ENG121/ENG122 (9), ENG221/ENG222 (10), ENG321/ENG322 (11), ENG421/ENG422 (12)
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: Approximately 3-5 hours per week
Course Fee: None
Credit: 0.5 per semester
Description: High school language arts courses are developed with the foundation of core curriculum materials from MyPerspectives. MyPerspectives is an on-line platform constructed to allow students to work independently, with small groups, and as a whole class to read, analyze, discuss, and write. Students will read and understand complex texts, read text passages closely, interpret what they find, discuss their thinking with peers, and develop their ideas in writing. Over the course of each year, students will be exposed to full texts and multiple fiction and non-fiction text excerpts on a variety of topics. Within the study of these texts, students will also develop their skills in the areas of narrative, argument, and informative writing. Students will experience learning in all standard areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Throughout the course, students will receive feedback and support that develops their skills and supports their development of critical thinking skills.
*This class will be on a three-year rotation so that no student will repeat the same content from a previous year.
Ethnics Studies
SOC333
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: Approximately 3-5 hours per week
Course Fee: None
Credit: 0.5 per semester
Description: In this semester long course, the history of the peoples of America will be studied through the context of five core themes: identity, history of power and change, social action, literature & folklore, and contemporary issues. Through centering the stories of communities of color and tribal sovereignties, students will have opportunities to develop their understanding of groups with whom they share local, regional, and national spaces as they deepen their thinking about their own identities and relationships to other people groups. Through critical thinking and collaboration, students will research, analyze, and synthesize historical context and social movements throughout local or regional histories and make connections to contemporary issues. Students will develop their ability to critique, act, and reflect upon current social, political, and economic issues facing society today.
*This class will be on a three-year rotation so that no student will repeat the same content from a previous year.
*This class will be taken the same year as Civics.
Geometry
MAT321 / MAT322
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Materials: Compass, protractor, and ruler, graphing calculator TI-84+ required
Home Extension: Approximately 3 hours per week with guidance from parent or other educational mentor. Homework will be online or from textbook.
Course Fee: None
Description: Big Ideas Geometry
Students taking Geometry will:
1) Use construction and congruence to discover theorems, develop formal proofs and solve problems about segments, angles and polygons;
2) Explore similarity and trigonometry using dilations, Pythagorean Theorem, and proportional reasoning;
3) Work with the geometry of two and three-dimensional shapes including cross-sections and rotations;
4) Explore properties of special right triangles and quadrilaterals, slopes of parallel and perpendicular lines, and distance;
5) Find and prove equations and basic theorems about circles;
6) Use geometric probability models to compute and interpret theoretical and experimental probabilities of compound, independent and dependent events.
The Mathematical Practice Standards apply throughout the course. Students experience math as a coherent, logical subject that makes use of their ability to problem-solve.
Civics
SOC521
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: Approximately 3-5 hours per week
Course Fee: None
Credit: 0.5 per semester
Description: This class will cover the Lake Washington School District’s high school Civics requirement in accordance with Washington State Social Studies Standards. Civics focuses on the study of local, national, and tribal government structures and interactions and the roles and responsibilities of individuals in those structures. It utilizes adopted core LWSD resources with Since Time Immemorial (Indigenous Peoples of the Salish Sea). Students will explore the Constitution, focusing on structure of government, as well as the role of the individual within a democratic society. Students will learn the practical applications of their civil rights and liberties and explore current events related to course themes. The will develop their social studies skills through activities such as inquiry, research, writing, and civil discourse. Multiple perspectives are a core component of this course and students are expected to be critical thinkers who engage honestly, but respectfully with their peers.
*This class will be on a three-year rotation so that no student will repeat the same content from a previous year.
*This class will be taken the same year as Ancient Civilizations.
US History
SOC321 / SOC322
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: Approximately 3-5 hours per week
Course Fee: None
Credit: 0.5 per semester
Description: This class will cover the Lake Washington School District’s high school social studies requirement in accordance with Washington State Social Studies Standards. It focuses on the study of U.S. History in the late 19th and 20th Centuries with and emphasis on understanding the evolution of US domestic and foreign policies, and their impact on society structures, citizens, other people groups, and the larger world order. The course utilizes adopted core LWSD resources with Since Time Immemorial (Indigenous Peoples of the Salish Sea). Students will develop their inquiry, research, writing, and civil discourse skills. Current events will be incorporated. Multiple perspectives are a core component of this course and students are expected to be critical thinkers who engage honestly, but respectfully with their peers.
*This class will be on a three-year rotation so that no student will repeat the same content from a previous year.
World Social Studies
SOC221 / SOC222
Offered: Twice a week
Prerequisite: None
Home Extension: Approximately 3-5 hours per week
Course Fee: None
Credit: 0.5 per semester
Description: World History 10 focuses on the study of world cultures, rooted in the context of the post-classical era and continuing through present day. The purpose is for students to learn how the past can influence our diverse and complex world, and how analysis of historical processes can help direct change and continuity. From approximately 1450 C.E. onward and World History is a course aligned with the Washington State Social Studies Standards which utilizes adopted core LWSD resources, and incorporates the five required strands of history, geography, economics, civics, and social studies skills. Through this course students will advance their social studies content knowledge, as well as develop their social studies skills through activities such as inquiry, research, writing, and civil discourse. Though the course is based in historical knowledge, current events will also be incorporated. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the complex interplay among societies from around the world: Africa, Asia, Oceania, Europe, and the Americas. Multiple perspectives are a core component of this course and students are expected to be critical thinkers who engage honestly, but respectfully with their peers, in accordance with LWSD student expectations. One state college/university admissions requirement met upon successful course completion.
*This class will be on a three-year rotation so that no student will repeat the same content from a previous year.
Course Schedule
Daily Schedule
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
Regular Schedule: (55-minute periods)
| 8:35-9:30 | 1st period |
| 9:35-10:30 | 2nd period |
| 10:35-11:30 | 3rd period |
| 11:35-12:00 | Lunch |
| 12:05-1:00 | 4th period |
| 1:05-2:00 | 5th period |
| 2:05-2:15 | 6th period (Homeroom/Recess) |
| 2:20-3:15 | 7th period |
*No classes on Wednesday
2-hour Late Start: (~ 40-minute periods)
| 10:35-11:00 | 1st period |
| 11:05-11:30 | 2nd period |
| 11:35-12:00 | Lunch |
| 12:05-12:45 | 3rd period |
| 12:50-1:30 | 4th period |
| 1:35-2:15 | 5th period |
| 2:20-2:30 | 6th period (Homeroom/Recess) |
| 2:35-3:15 | 7th period |
*When the district announces a 2-hour late start, Emerson K-12 will start all classes at 10:35am.
Half-Day Schedule: (25-minute periods)
| 8:35-9:00 | 1st period |
| 9:05-9:30 | 2nd period |
| 9:35-10:00 | 3rd period |
| 10:05-10:30 | 4th period |
| 10:35-11:00 | 5th period |
| 11:05-11:35 | 7th period |
*No Homeroom or Recess
Library
The Emerson K-12 Library has a variety of instructional resources to assist in student homework or instruction at home as well as many library books for students to enjoy.
We encourage and support lifelong learning and literacy by maintaining an up-to-date, diverse collection of materials in a variety of formats:
- teaching reading and research information skills which result in self-reliant and critical users of information
- promoting a love of reading
- supporting curriculum with instructional resources.
Library Expectations:
- All ages of students may be in the library at the same time. Older students are expected to respect the needs of younger students and keep language and behavior appropriate for their younger peers.
- Food, beverage and chewing gum are not allowed in the library.
- The library is a quiet place for students and parents to work and study. Please respect them by keeping your voice to a whisper when visiting the library.
Materials Check-Out:
Students and parents/guardians are able to checkout items from the Emerson K-12 library. As with any library, you will be responsible for the return of any items including textbooks you have checked out. Failure to return materials may result in fines and withholding of diplomas, transcripts and yearbooks.
- Library Materials = 2 week checkout
- Textbook Materials = semester or entire school year checkout
Search Catalog:
You can search our library for books online by visiting Destiny,
- Under Choice Schools, select Emerson K-12.
- Click the Catalog tab at the top of the page.
- Typing what you are searching for.
- Press enter to see if our library has it and if it is currently available.