High School - Courses and Curriculum

High school is a time when students master the fundamentals of reading, writing, and oral and written expressions. The development of qualities, such as being a worthy member of a community, a family, or a group of friends, is a common principle explored throughout the four years. Students will get to know who they are and explore a variety of topics that can inform their college or career choices. Students will develop an awareness and concern for their community as related to social and moral development and learn that the notion of personal responsibility and initiative leads to success.

Courses are modified within the regular education course to either afford students more help as needed or to advance their understanding with enrichment activities.

NOTE: Typically, 12th-grade students who have completed all pre-requisites can choose courses to meet graduation requirements that better match their interests.

Credit Requirements (21 credits in total to graduate):

With prior approval, 1 credit in Computer Science or Informational Technology may be substituted for math or science credit.

Mathematics is designed to provide students with rigorous procedural skills and fluency, conceptual understanding, and the application of mathematics to solve problems. Courses include Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, and Finance or a math choice.  AP courses are available for students who choose to deepen their understanding of math. The curriculum is aligned to PA Common Core mathematics standards as well as PA eligible content. Students will be proficient in Keystone Algebra 1 exam by the end of their 11th-grade year.

Accelerated Math Program. Students enrolled in the accelerated math program are considered Honors students and must have completed Pre-Algebra or Algebra in 8th grade with a grade of “B” or better. Math courses taken at the high school level are full credit but completed in one semester allowing students to progress more quickly through the math requirements ending in advanced placement courses, extended study mathematics, or approved math internships in the 12th grade.

English Language Arts are designed to foster a love of literature, reading literacies, and the analysis of the text. Courses include Cultural Perspectives, Genre Studies, Contemporary and American Literature, and Postcolonial Literature. AP courses are available for students who choose to deepen their understanding of Literature. The curriculum is aligned to PA Common Core in reading, writing, and speaking standards as well as PA eligible content. Students will be proficient in the Keystone Literature exam by the end of their 11th-grade year.

Science is designed to foster understanding of the natural world, enhance science literacy, develop problem-solving and decision-making skills, enhance questioning activities, and stimulate mental discipline. Courses include Physical Science, Biology, Environmental Science, and Ecology. AP courses are available for students who choose to deepen their understanding of science. The curriculum is aligned to PA Common Core in reading and writing in Science as well as academic standards in biology, physical science, and environmental science. Students will be proficient in the Keystone Biology exam by the end of their 11th-grade year. Students have the option to further science study through the choice of several electives that deepen their understanding of STEM topics.

Social Studies is designed to further understanding of what it means to live within a society that may not be of your own making, how past decisions continue to impact current life, and how the future is still a story yet to be told. The curriculum is aligned to PA academic standards and PA Common Core standards for reading and writing in Social Studies. Courses include World Studies, American Studies, and Government & Civics or a history choice. AP courses are available for students who choose to deepen their understanding of history.

Spanish is offered where students will study for two years to learn and improve skills in reading, writing, and listening in the Spanish language. The curriculum is aligned to PA academic standards in World Language. For those students who currently show Spanish language fluency, courses are provided for Native speakers and AP courses are available for students who choose to deepen their understanding.

PE/Health is offered as a semester course and must be taken once with a passing grade through high school tenure. Students will learn about being safe in the world, making good decisions, and becoming healthier in body, mind, and spirit. The curriculum is aligned to PA standards in health and physical education.

Electives are offered to students in the Accelerated Math Program and starting in 10th grade as a way for students to deepen their understanding in content areas of their choice that will further skills for college and career.  All course curriculum guides are aligned to PA state academic and Common Core standards where applicable, as well as national academic standards.

Credit Recovery

Upon enrollment, each student will meet with the Guidance Counselor for transcript analysis. Courses previously taken at past schools are evaluated against Esperanza Cyber Charter School’s rigorous curriculum. Every effort is made to provide an accurate accounting of previously earned credits. However, there will be times when courses do not match or students did not complete the appropriate requirements to earn high school credit.

Esperanza Cyber Charter School offers credit recovery courses. Students are enrolled in self-paced classes that are individualized to meet the academic deficiencies and to ensure proper credit hours.

All credit recovery courses must be completed in the time assigned in order for full credit to be documented.

PA certified teachers are always available to help students if questions arise or to offer tutoring (onsite at the Learning Center or virtually via web conferencing).