Pre-Algebra (7th grade) This is an introductory course for students who have completed their 6th grade math curriculum. This course builds upon the essential skills of arithmetic and its foundations as they apply to algebra.
Introduction to Algebra (7th-8th grade) This is an introductory course for students who have demonstrated mastery in pre-algebraic concepts. Possible topics covered include variables, constants, expressions and equations. Students learn fundamental concepts including algebraic rules, signed numbers, equations, inequalities, graphing formulas and functions, systems of equations, exponents, radicals, polynomials, quadratics, proportions, and rational equations.
Topics in Algebra (8th grade) Topics in Algebra is a more advanced course in the study of algebra, which allows students an opportunity to delve deeper into conceptual applications in math. Students master algebraic concepts which may include rules of algebra, signed numbers, equations, inequalities, graphing formulas and functions, systems of equations, exponents, radicals, polynomials, quadratics, proportions, and rational equations.
Advanced Topics in Algebra (9th grade) Advanced Topics in Algebra is offered to our 9th grade alums as an exploratory course in advanced mathematics. Students are exposed to a wide range of concepts, number systems, and pre-calculus.
Writing Workshop (7th grade) Writing skills are developed and mastered as students learn and practice a variety of essay writing, ranging from expository to persuasive. Students learn to incorporate constructive feedback from peers and teaching staff, and identify the ways in which they improve their writing through drafting, revising and polishing their compositions. This is a course that works collaboratively with other course writing assignments and allows students to make connections in writing across the curriculum.
Writing Workshop (8th grade) Writing skills are developed and mastered as students learn and practice a variety of essay writing ranging from expository to persuasive. Students learn to incorporate constructive feedback from peers and teaching staff and identify the ways in which they improve their writing through drafting, revising and polishing their compositions. This is a course that works collaboratively with other course writing assignments and allows students to make connections in writing across the curriculum.
Writing Composition (9th grade) In this class, students read, write, experience and write again, exercising peer critique as an art. This practice exposes students to the idea that integrity, displaying that all of the praise and/or guidance given is valid, well earned and comes from a place of respect. Students focus on how to cultivate our inspiration, how to apply it to various forms of essay and how to develop these essays into fully recognized pieces. Workshop is a regular component of class. Writing is a process, and students participate in every point in that writing cycle.
Issues & Ideas (7th grade) Throughout this course, students will explore a variety of social, political, economic and environmental issues that are shaping our world. Multiple perspectives will be considered when viewing current concerns. Much time will be devoted to current student assumptions and ideas in regards to particular topics. Students will gain an ability to view current local issues in relation to those that affect individuals living in other parts of the world.
Issues & Ideas (8th grade) This class provides students with insight into social issues and allows them to develop an understanding of these issues, as a well as to articulate ideas in response. Students are encouraged to engage in these issues through open debate, position papers, projects and critical analysis questions. The ultimate objective of this course is to provide students with the self-confidence and opportunity to participate within substantive debates and conversations that will enable them to construct thoughtful positions on social issues.
Biological Science (7th grade) This course will provide students with an intensive overview of cells, heredity and classification. Upon mastery, students move onto studying human body systems and health. Various class discussions and cooperative group projects will be used to help students gain a greater understanding of the challenging and enriching concepts taught in this class. Students practice lab design and presentations, as well as problem-based and project-based experiments.
Physical Science (8th grade) The approach to this course focuses on the connections between science and it’s real-world applications. In this laboratory and project-based course, students engage in inquiry and design. As they explore and master the scientific method, the philosophy of scientific inquiry, transition from theory to practice, and effectively report their findings to others, students learn to observe, question and hypothesize, identify and manipulate variables, measure and record data, and analyze and interpret results, quantitatively as well as qualitatively.
Improv/Theater (7th grade) This course is designed to introduce students to a wide range of theatre games and improvisation techniques. Students have the opportunity to use abstract movement in order to explore their surroundings and learn how to relax and focus. They also spend time learning how to work on the physical manifestation of emotions, as well as how to study lines. At the end of each session, there are student performances of scenes and/ or plays that are either assigned or chosen by students.
Media Arts (8th grade) In this 8th grade class, students are introduced to every step of producing an online magazine, from conception, editorial board and staff selections, layout, articles, photography, and advertising to the finish of the final product. The magazine title is selected amongst the 8th graders, staff roles are selected, and the online magazine is written and produced by students.
Media and Culture (7th and 8th grade) This course is intended to provide students with an understanding of media and media issues (with emphasis on news reporting) and their greater role in society. The course is also intended to provide students with the knowledge and tolls necessary to critically analyze media content, as to identify the political and social agendas at work.
High School Counseling (8th grade) This summer class provides students with the information to make informed future choices about high school. Students learn about the different choices in the public, parochial, independent day and boarding schools sectors. They learn about financial aid options and how to navigate through the application process. Students also study statistics on different high schools performance in standardized testing, attendance rates, and graduation rates. Each student compiles a journal of reflections and research on their schools of interest.
Exam Prep (7th and 8th grades) Students have the unique opportunity to prepare for ISEE/SSAT exams with individualized online software provided by Academic Approach? in this summer preparatory course. Every lesson is an opportunity to explain how a rule or principle will manifest itself not only on the test but also in everyday life. "Teaching Beyond The Test™" means imparting knowledge and then showing students how to apply that knowledge everywhere: to discover a surprising connection between mathematics and grammar, to recognize their MP3 players as specific kinds of algorithms, to hold public leaders accountable for fallacies of argument, and to use their critical thinking skills to make logical decisions throughout their lives. (www.academicapproach.com)
Physical Education and Health Awareness (7th and 8th grades) This summer class is intended to improve students self-esteem, overall health and well-being. High Jump believes that physical education can contribute to the total curriculum and promotes health as a priority. Activities are designed to include both male and female students, regardless of abilities and experience, but with the objective of learning good sportsmanship. In this class, there is comprehensive coverage of low-intensity sports (such as kickball) to those sports that are more skill-demanding (such as dodgeball, basketball and volleyball). Outside of the required setting, students have taken initiative to create an intramural group that exposes their peers to soccer and basketball during the summer and volleyball workshops during the school year.
