JAA-Online Private School courses are offered live in grade level Zoom classrooms – see Flexibility.
7th
In this course, scholars study English language arts (including grammar and writing), medieval history, classic Literature, as well as logic. Primary sources-- like the Magna Carta-- and classic Literature--like Beowulf-- mentor scholars in their understanding of life in Medieval Times. Additionally, scholars read literature--like the Chronicles of Narnia-- unrelated to the historical period as a way to better understand the Academy's mission and vision, our core values, and to develop their own sense of virtue and self. Scholars' study of English Language Arts with Well-Ordered Language and Writing and Rhetoric aid in communication and analytical skills. Logic instruction gives scholars the opportunity to explore philosophical questions and become familiar with the framework of how we think.
In this course, scholars study grade-appropriate mathematical concepts and learn how to think and wonder like a mathematician using the Singapore Math Method. Mentors use Dimensions Math curriculum and classics in creating content. This course is composed using the CPA approach (concrete, pictorial, abstract) that aligns with the Academy’s core values of learning Mathematics through the use of models and classics. Our approach to teaching math is exploratory and builds a conceptual and concrete understanding of grade-level content.
In this course, scholars explore matter and its properties, particle theory, the periodic table, chemical reactions, cellular reactions, weathering, and plate tectonics by experiencing phenomena, engaging with simulations, making observations, analyzing data, developing ideas, and finding clarity through discussion. Mentors use inquiry activities, simulations, classic texts, and primary sources in creating content. Classic texts include biographies about natural philosophers and scientists who pioneered the concepts considered in this course. Primary sources include research conducted by scientists and descriptions of observed phenomena in the world at large. These texts align with the Academy’s core values.
In this course, scholars will study the Latin language, while learning the culture and history of Ancient Rome on the way. Lingua Latina: Familia Romana is the curriculum for the class. This book is itself a well-respected classic, written for students to learn Latin through the reading of Latin, without recourse to their native language. It also incorporates passages from classic Latin poets, historians, and philosophers.
In this course, scholars will learn the structure and usage of the English Language, examine the relationship between words and concepts, and discover, judge, and formulate definitions. The curriculum used in this course is Tammy Peters and Daniel Coupland's Well Ordered Language 3A, Peter Kreef's Socratic Logic, Plato's Meno, Porphyry's Isagoge, and Aristotle's Organon.
Art 7 is a semester class focusing on making and appreciating art while practicing basic concepts and skills using the elements and principles of Art. Scholars will learn from many of the Great Masters of Art during the Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Expressionism, Abstraction, and Modern movements that have influenced Art History. This course is designed to enrich the lives of its participants through artistic expression and creative problem-solving as they experiment with multiple art mediums. The Mentor has carefully developed the content using the Core Knowledge sequence as a guide.
Middle School Online Physical Education (P.E.)
This course provides scholars the opportunity to learn through a developmentally appropriate, comprehensive, and sequentially planned online physical education program aligned with the State Standards. The focus of this course is the development of manipulative skills, movement knowledge, and the assessment and maintenance of physical fitness to improve health and promote a desire for a healthy lifestyle. Scholars will engage in movement and fitness activities at moderate to vigorous levels followed by activity assessments, fitness testing, goal setting, and self-evaluation.
8th
In this course, scholars study English language arts (including grammar and writing), American history, classic Literature, as well as logic. Primary sources-- like the Narrative of Frederick Douglass-- and classic Literature--like To Kill a Mockingbird-- mentor scholars in their understanding of America's National Heritage. Additionally, scholars read literature--like The Merchant of Venice-- unrelated to the historical period as a way to better understand the Academy's mission and vision, our core values, and to develop their own sense of virtue and self. Scholars' study of English Language Arts with Well-Ordered Language and Writing and Rhetoric aid in communication and analytical skills. Logic instruction gives scholars the opportunity to explore philosophical questions and learn to evaluate arguments.
In this course, scholars study grade-appropriate mathematical concepts and learn how to think and wonder like a mathematician using the Singapore Math Method. Mentors use Dimensions Math curriculum and classics in creating content. This course is composed using the CPA approach (concrete, pictorial, abstract) that aligns with the Academy’s core values of learning Mathematics through the use of models and classics. Our approach to teaching math is exploratory and builds a conceptual and concrete understanding of grade-level content.
In this course, scholars explore motion, force, momentum, collisions, energy, electrostatics, and magnetism by experiencing phenomena, making observations, engaging with simulations, analyzing data, developing ideas, and finding clarity through discussion. Scholars also engineer solutions to problems using their understanding of the phenomena studied in this course. Mentors use inquiry activities, simulations, classic texts, and primary sources in creating content. Classic texts include biographies about natural philosophers and scientists who pioneered the concepts considered in this course and primary sources written by those scientists. These texts align with the Academy’s core values.
In this course, scholars will study the Latin language, while learning the culture and history of Ancient Rome on the way. Lingua Latina: Familia Romana is the curriculum for the class. This book is itself a well-respected classic, written for students to learn Latin through the reading of Latin, without recourse to their native language. It also incorporates passages from classic Latin poets, historians, and philosophers.
In this course, Scholars will perfect their knowledge and usage of the English Language through their study of Grammar. Scholars will also learn how to formulate and identify valid and sound arguments while investigating the different forms of reasoning. The curriculum used in this course is Tammy Peters and Daniel Coupland's Well Ordered Language 3B, Peter Kreeft's Socratic Logic, and Aristotle's Organon. Art – In this course scholars study the elements of art as well as artists and masterpieces that have influenced our heritage over time and develop their artistic skills in multiple mediums. Mentors use the Core Knowledge sequence as a guide in building their own content.
Art 8 is a semester class focusing on making and appreciating art while practicing basic concepts and skills using the elements and principles of Art. Scholars will learn from many of the Great Masters of Art, from select painters since World War II, photographers, 20th-century sculptors, and architects since the Industrial Revolution, all movements that have influenced Art History. This course is designed to enrich the lives of its participants through artistic expression and creative problem-solving as they experiment with multiple art mediums. The Mentor has carefully developed the content using the Core Knowledge sequence as a guide.
Middle School Online Physical Education (P.E.)
This course provides scholars the opportunity to learn through a developmentally appropriate, comprehensive, and sequentially planned online physical education program aligned with the State Standards. The focus of this course is the development of manipulative skills, movement knowledge, and the assessment and maintenance of physical fitness to improve health and promote a desire for a healthy lifestyle. Scholars will engage in movement and fitness activities at moderate to vigorous levels followed by activity assessments, fitness testing, goal setting, and self-evaluation.
9th
In this course, scholars study English language arts, history, and classic literature. Mentors use classic texts and primary sources such as Herodotus' Histories, Livy's The Early History of Rome, and early civilization creation stories such as those found in The Bible and other ancient texts in creating content. Classic literature is composed of beloved classic books such as Homer's The Iliad, Virgil's The Aeneid, and Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring that align with the Academy’s core values and the development of Western Civilization.
In this course, scholars transition from arithmetic to algebra, understanding the relevancy of mathematics in everyday life. Mentors use Martin-Gay Pre-algebra curriculum and classics in creating content, which aligns with the Academy’s core values of learning mathematics through the use of models and classics.
In this course, scholars explore how to use variables to solve problems. Mentors use EnVision Algebra I curriculum and classics in creating content. Discovering algebra includes evaluating, writing, graphing, solving, and understanding expressions, equations, quadratics, and inequalities, which aligns with the Academy’s core values of learning mathematics through the use of models and classics.
In this course, scholars study important questions like why we breathe, and what happens to the food we swallow at the cellular and molecular level in addition to mastering the NGSS standards. This course is developed and taught by doctors with clinical experience. Scholars research real diseases, present their findings, challenge each other in discussions, and learn how to speak and write like a scientist while they study biology and all its complexities. We use the Miller Levine Biology Textbook and other research and salient readings in this course.
Latin I – In this course, scholars will study the Latin language, while learning the culture and history of Ancient Rome on the way. Lingua Latina: Familia Romana is the curriculum for the class. This book is itself a well-respected classic, written for students to learn Latin through the reading of Latin, without recourse to their native language. It also incorporates passages from classic Latin poets, historians, and philosophers.
Spanish I - In this course, scholars will be studying the Spanish language and culture with the goal of understanding and speaking basic Spanish sentences and phrases upon completion. Mentors and Scholars will daily use a variety of resources to learn Spanish, including the following: reading and translating classic texts, listening, and speaking real-world conversations, and using a Spanish textbook for foundational grammar and vocabulary.
Electives / VAPA (Art and Music)
Art Foundations 1 – This course is a lively, inviting, and creative visual art course written for beginning-level High School artists. No previous experience with art is required for this course. This full-year or two-semester course includes projects where scholars will practice basic drawing and painting skills as they learn about the Elements and Principles of Art. Scholars will develop these artistic skills by experimenting with multiple art mediums. Scholars will study and learn from the great Artists and masterpieces that influenced our heritage and the history of art over time. The Mentor has carefully developed the content using the Core Knowledge sequence as a guide.
Fundamentals of Music 1 – this course is a fun, practical, and hands-on course designed to provide scholars with the understanding and mastery of four fundamental building blocks of music, “Pitch, Melody, Dynamic, and Harmony”, as well as the first four periods of Classical Music, “The Middle Ages, The Renaissance Era, The Baroque Era, and The Classical Era.” In this course, scholars will study the elements of music as well as composers and masterpieces that have influenced our heritage over time in a fun and practical way leveraging the use of technology. Mentors use the Core Knowledge sequence as a guide in building their own content.
Computer Science I – In this course, using the Python programming language and curriculum designed by Carnegie Mellon University, scholars will have the opportunity to creatively exercise their computational problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way. Scholars will read selections from some of the classic papers of Computer Science history as they discuss how great ideas of math and science led to the technology used today.
P.E - In this course, scholars move and develop age-appropriate physical skills. The Physical Education Curriculum included is designed to help scholars experience success in athletic movement. The curriculum acts as a framework that introduces new skills in a developmentally appropriate way and embeds opportunities for simultaneous social-emotional growth. It is our goal to instill in each scholar the desire for a healthy and active lifestyle. This course is available in our FLEX model only.
High School Physical Education (P.E.) 1 & 2
Online High School Physical Education courses provide scholars the opportunity to develop a health and skill-enhancing level of physical fitness and to promote a positive approach toward personal health. Through a variety of instructional videos, Scholars will practice skills that demonstrate competency in motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical activities. Both PE 1 and PE 2 emphasize developing and improving cardiovascular fitness, body composition, flexibility, and increasing muscular strength and endurance. The primary goal of the online curriculum is to provide Scholars with an awareness of their own health related to physical wellness and to promote their desire to remain active with a healthy lifestyle. (PE 2 builds on the lessons and activities taught in PE 1)
10th
In this course, scholars focus on classical literature from authors such as Dante, Twain, Shakespeare, and Austin and study the history and development of the human experience from the Early Middle Ages through the Industrial Revolution by focusing on historical primary documents, philosophical concepts, poetry, and art. Mentors guide scholars with principal-based Socratic questioning and formative practice so that they become more critical readers and thinkers and stronger writers and speakers.
In this course, scholars will learn Geometry as understood in the Classical Liberal Arts Tradition. By exploring the First Principles of Geometrical knowledge, scholars will acquire the skills to construct and prove rigorous propositions and apply geometric truths with precision. The curriculum used in this course is The Elements by Euclid.
In this course, using the text, Chemistry, Matter and Change, by Glencoe, and through hands-on laboratory exercises, practice problems, lectures, discussions, projects, and journal writing, scholars will learn the principles of chemistry, including matter, structure of an atom, periodic law, quantum mechanics, VESPR, Ionic compounds, bonding, chemical reactions, mole, stoichiometry, gases, mixtures and solutions, energy and chemical change, and reaction rates. Scholars will answer questions such as 'How does Chemistry enrich your soul?' 'what makes science 'science?' 'What is the line of demarcation for science?' 'what does objectivity look like in science?' and 'What is a chemical?' Scholars also read an outside classical novel and participate in discussions for the readings. Labs and assessments are required and are the largest portion of the grade. Chemistry is a lab science class that satisfies the high school graduation requirement of a physical science lab class.
Latin I – In this course, scholars will study the Latin language, while learning the culture and history of Ancient Rome on the way. Lingua Latina: Familia Romana is the curriculum for the class. This book is itself a well-respected classic, written for students to learn Latin through the reading of Latin, without recourse to their native language. It also incorporates passages from classic Latin poets, historians, and philosophers.
Latin II - In this course, scholars will study the Latin language, while learning the culture and history of Ancient Rome on the way. Lingua Latina: Roma Aeterna is the curriculum for the class. This book is itself a well-respected classic, written for students to learn Latin through the reading of Latin, without recourse to their native language. It also incorporates passages from classic Latin poets, historians, and philosophers.
Spanish I - In this course, scholars will be studying the Spanish language and culture with the goal of understanding and speaking basic Spanish sentences and phrases upon completion. Mentors and Scholars will daily use a variety of resources to learn Spanish, including the following: reading and translating classic texts, listening, and speaking real-world conversations, and using a Spanish textbook for foundational grammar and vocabulary.
Spanish II - In this course, scholars will build on the foundation they acquired in Spanish I. Mentors and Scholars will continue to develop basic functional proficiency in listening to, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish while acquiring an increased love and appreciation for the Spanish-speaking world.
Art Foundations 1 – this course is a lively, inviting, and creative visual art course written for beginning-level High School artists. No previous experience with art is required for this course. This full-year or two-semester course includes projects where scholars will practice basic drawing and painting skills as they learn about the Elements and Principles of Art. Scholars will develop these artistic skills by experimenting with multiple art mediums. Scholars will study and learn from the great Artists and masterpieces that influenced our heritage and the history of art over time. The Mentor has carefully developed the content using the Core Knowledge sequence as a guide.
Art Foundations 2 – this course is an exciting and advanced visual Art course offered for experienced High School art students who have successfully completed Art Foundations 1. This course is a full year or two-semester visual art course, where students create projects building and developing advanced drawing and painting skills as they review the Elements and Principles of Art. This course is designed to enrich the lives of its participants through artistic expression and creative problem-solving as they experiment with multiple art mediums. Scholars will study and learn from the great Artists and masterpieces that influenced our heritage and the history of art over time. The Mentor has carefully developed the content using the Core Knowledge sequence as a guide.
Fundamentals of Music 1 - is a fun, practical, and hands-on course designed to provide scholars with the understanding and mastery of four fundamental building blocks of music, “Pitch, Melody, Dynamic, and Harmony”, as well as the first four periods of Classical Music, “The Middle Ages, The Renaissance Era, The Baroque Era, and The Classical Era.” In this course, scholars will study the elements of music as well as composers and masterpieces that have influenced our heritage over time in a fun and practical way leveraging the use of technology. Mentors use the Core Knowledge sequence as a guide in building their own content.
Music 2 – this course is a practical, creative, and exciting course designed to further explore the four fundamental building blocks of music, “Pitch, Melody, Dynamic, and Harmony”, by analyzing and using elements from these building blocks to understand and make music. Scholars will also study about the Romantic Era, 20th Century, and Modern Music Eras. In this course, scholars will study the elements of music as well as composers and masterpieces that have influenced our heritage over time in a fun and practical way leveraging the use of technology.
Computer Science I - In this course, using the Python programming language and curriculum designed by Carnegie Mellon University, scholars will have the opportunity to creatively exercise their computational problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way. Scholars will read selections from some of the classic papers of Computer Science history as they discuss how great ideas of math and science led to the technology used today.
P.E - In this course, scholars move and develop age-appropriate physical skills. The Physical Education Curriculum included is designed to help scholars experience success in athletic movement. The curriculum acts as a framework that introduces new skills in a developmentally appropriate way and embeds opportunities for simultaneous social-emotional growth. It is our goal to instill in each Scholar the desire for a healthy and active lifestyle. This course is available in our FLEX model only.
Latin I – In this course, scholars will study the Latin language, while learning the culture and history of Ancient Rome on the way. Lingua Latina: Familia Romana is the curriculum for the class. This book is itself a well-respected classic, written for students to learn Latin through the reading of Latin, without recourse to their native language. It also incorporates passages from classic Latin poets, historians, and philosophers.
Latin II - In this course, scholars will study the Latin language, while learning the culture and history of Ancient Rome on the way. Lingua Latina: Roma Aeterna is the curriculum for the class. This book is itself a well-respected classic, written for students to learn Latin through the reading of Latin, without recourse to their native language. It also incorporates passages from classic Latin poets, historians, and philosophers.
Spanish I - In this course, scholars will be studying the Spanish language and culture with the goal of understanding and speaking basic Spanish sentences and phrases upon completion. Mentors and Scholars will daily use a variety of resources to learn Spanish, including the following: reading and translating classic texts, listening, and speaking real-world conversations, and using a Spanish textbook for foundational grammar and vocabulary.
Spanish II - In this course, scholars will build on the foundation they acquired in Spanish I. Mentors and Scholars will continue to develop basic functional proficiency in listening to, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish while acquiring an increased love and appreciation for the Spanish-speaking world.
High School Physical Education (P.E.) 1 & 2
Online High School Physical Education Courses provide scholars the opportunity to develop a health and skill-enhancing level of physical fitness and to promote a positive approach toward personal health. Through a variety of instructional videos, scholars will practice skills that demonstrate competency in motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical activities. Both PE 1 and PE 2 emphasize developing and improving cardiovascular fitness, body composition, flexibility, and increasing muscular strength and endurance. The primary goal of the online curriculum is to provide scholars with an awareness of their own health related to physical wellness and to promote their desire to remain active with a healthy lifestyle. (PE 2 builds on the lessons and activities taught in PE 1)
11th
In this course, scholars embark on a journey through classic literature and primary sources and examine the transformative events that shaped our country and the world from colonization through the industrial revolution. Scholars read renowned literary works, unraveling profound narratives and exploring the complexities of the human condition. Simultaneously, scholars will partake in critical thinking, engaging discussions, and insightful analysis and explore the motivations, consequences, and cultural implications of social and political transformations that continue to shape our country and the world today.
In this course scholars build on what they learned in Algebra I. Mentors use Envision Algebra II curriculum and classics in creating content. Algebra II helps scholars gain an understanding of exponents, logarithms, functions, polynomials, and mathematical modeling. This aligns with the Academy’s core values of learning mathematics through the use of models and classics.
In this course, scholars will be challenged to apply their knowledge of the laws of physics to solve physics-related critical thinking problems. In Physics, we answer questions like 'Why does the law of universal gravitation look so similar to Coulomb's Law?', 'How does Physics enrich your soul?' and 'Why does math express the language of the universe?' Physics is an advanced-level lab science class that satisfies the high school graduation requirement of a physical science lab class, and the A-G requirements of a four-year university. Scholars should have successfully completed or be currently enrolled in Algebra 2. The physics curriculum includes the text, Experience Physics, by SAVAAS, and includes interactions of matter and energy, velocity, accelerations, force, energy, momentum, thermodynamics, and charge. Scholars also read classical novel selections and participate in discussions for the readings. Labs and assessments are the largest portion of the grade.
In this course, scholars will grapple with the greatest thinkers in history. John Adams once said, "Let us tenderly and kindly cherish...the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write." This one quote sums up the extent of this course. They will be challenged to read some of the greatest books ever written. These readings will force them to think about how political theory, the process of ordering society, has evolved throughout history. They will have the opportunity to articulate their thoughts in Socratic discussions, and finally, to write about what they have learned. Is society capable of maintaining order? Is mankind inherently good? Can the American experiment prove successful? These are some of the questions they will discuss in this course.
Art Foundations 1 – This course is a lively, inviting, and creative visual art course written for beginning-level High School artists. No previous experience with art is required for this course. This full-year or two-semester course includes projects where scholars will practice basic drawing and painting skills as they learn about the Elements and Principles of Art. Scholars will develop these artistic skills by experimenting with multiple art mediums. Scholars will study and learn from the great Artists and masterpieces that influenced our heritage and the history of art over time. The Mentor has carefully developed the content using the Core Knowledge sequence as a guide.
Art Foundations 2 is an exciting and advanced visual Art course offered for experienced High School art students who have successfully completed Art Foundations 1. This course is a full year or two-semester visual art course, where students create projects building and developing advanced drawing and painting skills as they review the Elements and Principles of Art. This course is designed to enrich the lives of its participants through artistic expression and creative problem-solving as they experiment with multiple art mediums. Scholars will study and learn from the great Artists and masterpieces that influenced our heritage and the history of art over time. The Mentor has carefully developed the content using the Core Knowledge sequence as a guide.
Fundamentals of Music 1 – this course is a fun, practical, and hands-on course designed to provide scholars with the understanding and mastery of four fundamental building blocks of music, “Pitch, Melody, Dynamic, and Harmony”, as well as the first four periods of Classical Music, “The Middle Ages, The Renaissance Era, The Baroque Era, and The Classical Era.” In this course, scholars will study the elements of music as well as composers and masterpieces that have influenced our heritage over time in a fun and practical way leveraging the use of technology. Mentors use the Core Knowledge sequence as a guide in building their own content.
Music 2 - is a practical, creative, and exciting course designed to further explore the four fundamental building blocks of music, “Pitch, Melody, Dynamic, and Harmony”, by analyzing and using elements from these building blocks to understand and make music. Scholars will also study about the Romantic Era, 20th Century, and Modern Music Eras. In this course, scholars will study the elements of music as well as composers and masterpieces that have influenced our heritage over time in a fun and practical way leveraging the use of technology. Mentors use the Core Knowledge sequence as a guide in building their own content.
Computer Science I – In this course, using the Python programming language and curriculum designed by Carnegie Mellon University, scholars will have the opportunity to creatively exercise their computational problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way. Scholars will read selections from some of the classic papers of Computer Science history as they discuss how great ideas of math and science led to the technology used today.
P.E - In this course, scholars move and develop age-appropriate physical skills. The Physical Education Curriculum included is designed to help scholars experience success in athletic movement. The curriculum acts as a framework that introduces new skills in a developmentally appropriate way and embeds opportunities for simultaneous social-emotional growth. It is our goal to instill in each Scholar the desire for a healthy and active lifestyle. This course is available in our FLEX model only.
Latin I – In this course, scholars will study the Latin language, while learning the culture and history of Ancient Rome on the way. Lingua Latina: Familia Romana is the curriculum for the class. This book is itself a well-respected classic, written for students to learn Latin through the reading of Latin, without recourse to their native language. It also incorporates passages from classic Latin poets, historians, and philosophers.
Latin II - In this course, scholars will study the Latin language while learning the culture and history of Ancient Rome on the way. Lingua Latina: Roma Aeterna is the curriculum for the class. This book is itself a well-respected classic, written for students to learn Latin through the reading of Latin without recourse to their native language. It also incorporates passages from classic Latin poets, historians, and philosophers.
Spanish I - In this course, scholars will be studying the Spanish language and culture with the goal of understanding and speaking basic Spanish sentences and phrases upon completion. Mentors and Scholars will daily use a variety of resources to learn Spanish, including the following: reading and translating classic texts, listening, and speaking real-world conversations, and using a Spanish textbook for foundational grammar and vocabulary.
Spanish II - In this course, scholars will build on the foundation they acquired in Spanish I. Mentors and Scholars will continue to develop basic functional proficiency in listening to, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish while acquiring an increased love and appreciation for the Spanish-speaking world.
High School Physical Education (P.E.) 1 & 2
Online High School Physical Education courses provide scholars the opportunity to develop a health and skill-enhancing level of physical fitness and to promote a positive approach toward personal health. Through a variety of instructional videos, Scholars will practice skills that demonstrate competency in motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical activities. Both PE 1 and PE 2 emphasize developing and improving cardiovascular fitness, body composition, flexibility, and increasing muscular strength and endurance. The primary goal of the online curriculum is to provide Scholars with an awareness of their own health related to physical wellness and to promote their desire to remain active with a healthy lifestyle. (PE 2 builds on the lessons and activities taught in PE 1)
12th
In this course, scholars explore the modern world. Never in the history of the world has man been so dangerous. What made the 20th century the bloodiest century in the history of the world? Why did "civilized" nations go to war? This class will explore these topics. We will read some of the greatest books ever written and discuss the philosophy that led to the modern and post-modern world. This class will put the present day into perspective and give meaning to our world. In addition, scholars will complete a 15–20-page senior thesis, a 30-hour service project, and a 10-minute speech, providing a capstone experience for their time here at John Adams Academy. It is their opportunity to summarize the breadth and depth of what they have learned as scholars.
In this one-semester course, scholars will experience a deep study of the United States Constitution through original sources. It starts with a study of the ideas that gave rise to the Constitution, beginning with the colonies, with an emphasis on the Declaration of Independence. It includes a close study of the Constitution, including the arguments for and against its ratification. It studies the challenges to those principles made by the South in support of slavery, and the counter arguments in support of the Declaration and Constitution made primarily by Abraham Lincoln. The class concludes with a study of the reinterpretation of those principles by the “Progressive” and “Liberal” movements and the “Conservative” response to that re-interpretation.
This course has a two-fold purpose. First, to help scholars become informed voters by understanding the economic impact of government policies. This is accomplished by studying the competing schools of thought by reading and discussing original works in their historical context. This is supplemented with direct instruction on various economic concepts, price theory, supply/demand, etc. The second purpose is to help scholars become successful managers of their own finances. This is accomplished by the scholars completing an online course on personal management directed specifically toward high school students by David Ramsey.
This course is managed in the Humanities 12 class. Scholars will complete a 15–20-page senior thesis, a 30-hour service project, and a 10-minute speech, providing a capstone experience for their time here at John Adams Academy. Scholars will also defend their paper to a panel of John Adams Academy Mentors. The Senior Project is their opportunity to summarize the breadth and depth of their knowledge, skills, understanding of great ideas, and the character they have developed as scholars.
Art Foundations 1 – This course is a lively, inviting, and creative visual art course written for beginning-level High School artists. No previous experience with art is required for this course. This full-year or two-semester course includes projects where scholars will practice basic drawing and painting skills as they learn about the Elements and Principles of Art. Scholars will develop these artistic skills by experimenting with multiple art mediums. Scholars will study and learn from the great Artists and masterpieces that influenced our heritage and the history of art over time. The Mentor has carefully developed the content using the Core Knowledge sequence as a guide.
Art Foundations 2 – this course is an exciting and advanced visual Art course offered for experienced High School art students who have successfully completed Art Foundations 1. This course is a full year or two-semester visual art course, where students create projects building and developing advanced drawing and painting skills as they review the Elements and Principles of Art. This course is designed to enrich the lives of its participants through artistic expression and creative problem-solving as they experiment with multiple art mediums. Scholars will study and learn from the great Artists and masterpieces that influenced our heritage and the history of art over time. The Mentor has carefully developed the content using the Core Knowledge sequence as a guide.
Fundamentals of Music 1 – this course is a fun, practical, and hands-on course designed to provide scholars with the understanding and mastery of four fundamental building blocks of music, “Pitch, Melody, Dynamic, and Harmony”, as well as the first four periods of Classical Music, “The Middle Ages, The Renaissance Era, The Baroque Era, and The Classical Era.” In this course, scholars will study the elements of music as well as composers and masterpieces that have influenced our heritage over time in a fun and practical way leveraging the use of technology. Mentors use the Core Knowledge sequence as a guide in building their own content.
Music 2 - is a practical, creative, and exciting course designed to further explore the four fundamental building blocks of music, “Pitch, Melody, Dynamic, and Harmony”, by analyzing and using elements from these building blocks to understand and make music. Scholars will also study about the Romantic Era, 20th Century, and Modern Music Eras. In this course, scholars will study the elements of music as well as composers and masterpieces that have influenced our heritage over time in a fun and practical way leveraging the use of technology. Mentors use the Core Knowledge sequence as a guide in building their own content.
Computer Science I – In this course, using the Python programming language and curriculum designed by Carnegie Mellon University, scholars will have the opportunity to creatively exercise their computational problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way. Scholars will read selections from some of the classic papers of Computer Science history as they discuss how great ideas of math and science led to the technology used today.
P.E - In this course, scholars move and develop age-appropriate physical skills. The Physical Education Curriculum included is designed to help scholars experience success in athletic movement. The curriculum acts as a framework that introduces new skills in a developmentally appropriate way and embeds opportunities for simultaneous social-emotional growth. It is our goal to instill in each Scholar the desire for a healthy and active lifestyle. This course is available in our FLEX model only.
Latin I – In this course, scholars will study the Latin language, while learning the culture and history of Ancient Rome on the way. Lingua Latina: Familia Romana is the curriculum for the class. This book is itself a well-respected classic, written for students to learn Latin through the reading of Latin, without recourse to their native language. It also incorporates passages from classic Latin poets, historians, and philosophers.
Latin II - In this course, scholars will study the Latin language, while learning the culture and history of Ancient Rome on the way. Lingua Latina: Roma Aeterna is the curriculum for the class. This book is itself a well-respected classic, written for students to learn Latin through the reading of Latin, without recourse to their native language. It also incorporates passages from classic Latin poets, historians, and philosophers.
Spanish I - In this course, scholars will be studying the Spanish language and culture with the goal of understanding and speaking basic Spanish sentences and phrases upon completion. Mentors and Scholars will daily use a variety of resources to learn Spanish, including the following: reading and translating classic texts, listening, and speaking real-world conversations, and using a Spanish textbook for foundational grammar and vocabulary.
Spanish II - In this course, scholars will build on the foundation they acquired in Spanish I. Mentors and Scholars will continue to develop basic functional proficiency in listening to, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish while acquiring an increased love and appreciation for the Spanish-speaking world.
Pre-Calculus/Calculus – we will enroll you into a qualified upper-level math independent study course.
High School Physical Education (P.E.) 1 & 2
Online High School Physical Education courses provide scholars the opportunity to develop a health and skill-enhancing level of physical fitness and to promote a positive approach toward personal health. Through a variety of instructional videos, Scholars will practice skills that demonstrate competency in motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical activities. Both PE 1 and PE 2 emphasize developing and improving cardiovascular fitness, body composition, flexibility, and increasing muscular strength and endurance. The primary goal of the online curriculum is to provide Scholars with an awareness of their own health related to physical wellness and to promote their desire to remain active with a healthy lifestyle. (PE 2 builds on the lessons and activities taught in PE 1)