Upper School Curriculum Guide

2023-24
Table of Contents
MVA Mission Statement.........................................................................................................................................3

MVA Upper School Overview...............................................................................................................................3

Graduation Requirements.....................................................................................................................................4

Sample Four-Year Plan...........................................................................................................................................5

Department Descriptions and Courses..............................................................................................................6

2
Mission Statement
Montverde Academy inspires students to become leaders with a passion for knowledge, global vision and
innovation while developing character in a nurturing and diverse community.

Upper School Overview

Academically, a school thrives when all members of a school community – administrators, teachers and
parents, are willing to become lifelong learners who inspire the community and focus on the development
of the whole child. Supporting this notion are four clear and simple principles which resonate throughout
the Montverde Academy Upper School:

1. A clear academic structure is essential. The educational blueprint provided inside and outside of
the classroom needs to be supported by a common vision, strategic plan and an application and/or
assessment process to measure the growth of the school.

2. Schools must accommodate the needs of the well-rounded student. This structure must include the
formation of a student’s character, the promotion of justice, the development of tomorrow’s leaders,
and a curriculum centered on challenging students to achieve their full potential. Students will be
motivated to achieve greatness by connecting to the community through service leadership.

3. Education is 100 percent relational. School communities are more successful when a plan is in place
to build relationships. Student development is nurtured in the classroom, on the playing fields and
stage, through the community service activities, and by student leadership opportunities through
leadership, service and advisement programs. Our educators and staff are dedicated and share their
genuine love of learning with their students as they get to know them throughout the school year.

4. The school is only as good as its team of educators. Our instructors believe in the mission of the
school, are lifelong learners and teachers of the whole child.

The academic culture at Montverde Academy is centered on the formation of relationships, which creates
a culture where young people can confidently pursue their passions with a goal of excellence, whether it is
in academics, athletics or the arts. Students engage in a rigorous but flexible curriculum designed to meet
the needs of our diverse and driven student body.

Our curriculum includes more than 30 Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Each year, MVA students are
recognized each year by the College Board for their high performance on the associated AP exams, which
consistently exceeds the state and global average.

This document is intended to serve as a guide for students and families. As you consider the variety
of courses available at Montverde Academy, we encourage you to discuss opportunities with teachers,
guidance counselors, administrators, and alumni. As you plan your academic journey, take advantage of
the opportunity to discover and learn as much as you can. The goal is to design a course of study that is
personally challenging and interesting to you – a program in which you can be successful and maintain a
healthy balance with the other passions and responsibilities in your life.

A look at the academic life in the Upper School will reveal students and staff who are driven by a
commitment to an excellent academic structure and the development of the well-rounded student.

CURRICULUM GUIDE 2023-24

Graduation Requirements Grades 9-12
2023-24 School Year
The recommended course load at Montverde Academy is designed to provide students with a strong
academic foundation across a broad range of subjects. Students are encouraged to meet regularly with
their guidance counselors to ensure they are meeting the requirements of MVA and of their prospective
colleges or universities.

Minimum Required Credits Recommended Credits

English1 4 4

Mathematics2 3 (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II) 4

Science 3 (Biology - 1 credit) 4

Social Studies 3 (U.S. History - 1 credit) 4

World Language3 2 3

Physical Education4 1 1

Fine//Performing/Media Arts5 1 1

Electives6 7 7
25 hours per year at MVA; 100
Community Service
hours prior to graduation

1
Students whose first language is not English must earn a minimum of 3 credits in English, including at least one full credit in
English I or higher.] NOTE: All Upper School students are required to be enrolled in at least one English course throughout
each academic year.
2
All students are required to take at least three years of mathematics in grades 9-12.
3
Students whose first language is English are required to take at least two consecutive years of the same world language in
grades 9-12.
4
Physical Education credits are earned by participating in a team sport, after school activities, or approved outside activities.
5
The Fine Arts credit is a requirement beginning with the Class of 2024.
6
Montverde Academy students must earn a minimum of 24 credits and satisfy the subject area requirements as specified above.
Elective credit is awarded for any course that exceeds the minimum graduation requirements. For example, if a student takes a
fourth math course, that class will be considered an elective credit. Once a student enrolls at Montverde Academy, all credits
must be earned at the Academy or be approved by the Dean of the Upper School.

4
Sample Four-Year Plan – College Prep/Honors Track

Subject 9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade

English English I or English II or English III or English IV or

(Refer to the English I Honors English II Honors English III Honors English IV Honors
English course
continuum for
more information)

Social Studies World History or Social Studies U.S. History or Social Studies
World History electives U.S. History electives
Honors Honors

Mathematics Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra Algebra II, Advanced Algebra

(Refer to math Geometry, or II, or Pre-Calculus Pre-Calculus, & Trigonometry,
continuum for Algebra II (each (each offered at Advanced Algebra Math for College
further information) offered at the the College-Prep & Trigonometry Readiness, or
College-Prep and and Honors Level) Statistics and
Honors Level) Probability

Science Biology, Biology Chemistry, Science electives Science electives

(Refer to science Honors, or science Chemistry Honors,
continuum for electives or science
further information) electives

World Languages French I or II French II or III French III or IV French IV

Spanish I, II or Spanish II, III, or Spanish III or IV Spanish IV
Spanish for Native Spanish for Native
and Heritage and Heritage
Speakers Speakers

CURRICULUM GUIDE 2023-24

Academic Departments and Course Offerings
For detailed course descriptions, please visit
montverde-public.rubiconatlas.org/Atlas/Browse/View/MapCourseDescriptions

English Department
It is the English Department’s goal to support the Montverde Academy mission statement and inspire
students to become analytical readers, critical thinkers, effective writers, and lifelong learners. In our student-
centered classrooms, we guide our students to view themselves as critical communicators and help them
develop their voices so they can become active participants in global, economical, and social issues.

Throughout our English courses, students are exposed to variety of global literature, including a
foundational literature and writing focus in English I, a focus on the narrative form in English II, a focus on
American Literature in English III, and a focus on British Literature in English IV. Across all English courses,
students participate in the research process, evaluating sources, and presenting their findings in multi-
modal ways.

The Montverde Academy English Department also offers both AP English Language and AP English
Literature to qualified 11th and 12th graders. In all levels of English, students are provided opportunities to
engage in literary, expository, analytical, and argumentative reading and writing that will meet the demands
of their future in higher education.

English Course Offerings:

ESL I, III, III English III Honors
Creative Writing English IV
Creative Nonfiction Honors English IV Honors
English I Poetry Honors
English I Honors Journalism I, II, III
English II AP® English Language and Composition
English II Honors AP English Literature and Composition
English III

6
 ESL Course Continuum

ESL Level I:
Composition,
Communications, Literature

ESL Level II:

Composition,
Communications, Literature

ESL Level III:

Composition,
Communications, Literature

English I Creative Writing

NOTE: When A student earns a SLATE score of 4, he/she is moved into mainstream English. The English
course is determined by the student’s grade level and proficiency level.

English Course Continuum

English I English I Honors

English II English II Honors

AP English Language
& Composition
English III English III Honors
AP English Literature
& Composition
English IV English IV Honors

NOTE: Students who earn an A or B in college-prep English may request honors-level English the
following year.

Variations in the sequence of courses are common. Students should consult their teachers, advisors, and counselors to determine the courses
that best meet their academic needs and interests.

CURRICULUM GUIDE 2023-24

Academic Departments and Course Offerings continued...
For detailed course descriptions, please visit
montverde-public.rubiconatlas.org/Atlas/Browse/View/MapCourseDescriptions

Mathematics Department
The primary objective of the mathematics program at MVA is to support students as they become
mathematically-literate citizens who know the appropriate mathematical and technological tools to use and
know when to use them in various problem-solving settings. Students work in independent, small-group,
and whole-class settings to increase their mathematical confidence and their communication skills. The
types of problems and the learning environment in the mathematics classrooms foster persistence, critical
thinking, and reflection. All courses require students to communicate conceptual understanding (both
verbally and in written form), justify and explain results, and apply mathematics to real-world situations.

Mathematics Course Offerings:

Algebra I Math for College Readiness Statistics
Algebra II and Probability
Algebra II Honors Calculus Honors
Geometry Multivariable Calculus
Geometry Honors Statistics Honors
Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry AP® Calculus AB
Pre-Calculus AP Calculus BC
Pre-Calculus Honors AP Statistics

8
 Mathematics Course Continuum

Math 6/Course 1

Pre-Algebra/Course 2 Algebra I Honors

Algebra I Geometry Honors

Geometry Algebra II Honors

Pre-Calculus/Pre-Calulus
Algebra II
Honors

Choose from the following:

Honors Calculus AP Calculus A
Advanced Algebra
and Trigonometry

AP Statistics AP Calculus BC
Statistics

Math for College Readiness

Pre-Calculus

Variations in the sequence of courses are common. Students should consult their teachers, advisors, and counselors to determine the courses
that best meet their academic needs and interests.

CURRICULUM GUIDE 2023-24

10
Academic Departments and Course Offerings continued...
For detailed course descriptions, please visit
montverde-public.rubiconatlas.org/Atlas/Browse/View/MapCourseDescriptions

Science Department
The goal of science is to understand the universe and how it works. Science is a process and not a static
collection of facts. The objective of the science program is to foster a love of science and help students to
understand the process of science. The aim is for students to grow in science knowledge, learn to critically
analyze and interpret data, and to be observers in the world.

In science classes, students will experience science firsthand through experimentation and inquiry,
collaboration, and discussion. The goal is for students to leave their science classes with a greater
understanding of science concepts, enhanced critical thinking skills, and preparation for college and
career. Through many and varied course offerings, students can explore an interest in biology, engineering,
chemistry, physics, or the environment.

Students interested in further growth and knowledge in the sciences have many opportunities within the
STEM SAC program to connect with scientists, conduct independent research, and collaborate with other
science students outside the classroom experience.

Science electives are subject to change based upon student interest and teaching availabilitiy. Contact the
science department chair if you have questions.

Science Course Offerings: Forensic Science 1 (.5 credit)

Aerospace Engineering Forensic Science 2 (.5 credit)
Anatomy and Physiology Honors Introduction to Engineering
Architectural Engineering Kinesiology
Biochemistry Honors (.5 credit) Marine Biology 1 (.5 credit)
Biology Marine Biology 2 (.5 credit)
Biology Honors Physics
Chemistry Physics Honors
Chemistry Honors Polymer Chemistry Honors (.5 credit)
Civil Engineering Robotics
Digital Electronics AP® Biology
Engineering Essentials AP Chemistry
Environmental Geogology AP Environmental Science
Environmental Science 1 (.5 credit) AP Physics 1
Environmental Science 2 (.5 credit) AP Physics 2
Environmental Science Honors
Epidemiology

CURRICULUM GUIDE 2023-24

 Life Science Emphasis College-Prep Track

SCIENCE MATH

GRADE 9

Choice of two semester long (0.5 Algebra I

credit) Science Courses OR Biology

GRADE 10

Biology (College Prep) OR Geometry

Science Electives

GRADE 11

Chemistry (College Prep) OR Algebra II

Science Electives

GRADE 12

Pre-Calculus, Advanced Algebra

Physics OR
and Trigonometry, Math for College
Science Electives
Readiness, OR Statistics

Variations in the sequence of courses are common. Students should consult their teachers, advisors, and counselors to determine the courses
that best meet their academic needs and interests.

12
 Life Science Emphasis Advanced Track

SCIENCE MATH

GRADE 9

Biology Honors OR Geometry

AP Biology

GRADE 10

Chemistry Honors OR Algebra II

AP Chemistry

GRADE 11

AP Chemistry, Physics Honors, Pre-Calculus OR

AP Physics I, AP Biology, OR AP Pre-Calculus Honors
Environmental Sciences

GRADE 12

AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP
Biology, OR AP Environmental AP Calculus AB
Sciences

Variations in the sequence of courses are common. Students should consult their teachers, advisors, and counselors to determine the courses
that best meet their academic needs and interests.

CURRICULUM GUIDE 2023-24

 Physical Science Emphasis Regular/College-Prep Track

SCIENCE MATH

GRADE 9

Choice of two semester-long (0.5 Algebra I

credit) science courses OR Biology

GRADE 10

Biology (Regular/College-Prep) Geometry

GRADE 11

Chemistry OR Physics Algebra II

GRADE 12

Pre-Calculus, Advanced Algebra

Chemistry OR Physics
and Trigonometry, Math for College
Readiness, OR Statistics

Variations in the sequence of courses are common. Students should consult their teachers, advisors, and counselors to determine the courses
that best meet their academic needs and interests.

14
 Physical Science Emphasis Advanced Track

SCIENCE MATH

GRADE 9

Biology Honors OR AP Biology Algebra II OR Algebra II Honors

GRADE 10

Chemistry Honors, Physics Pre-Calculus OR Pre-Calculus

Honors, OR AP Physics I Honors

GRADE 11

Physics Honors, AP Physics I, AP Calculus AB

OR AP Physics II

GRADE 12

AP Physics II OR AP Physics C AP Calculus BC

Variations in the sequence of courses are common. Students should consult their teachers, advisors, and counselors to determine the courses
that best meet their academic needs and interests.

CURRICULUM GUIDE 2023-24

Academic Departments and Course Offerings continued...
For detailed course descriptions, please visit
montverde-public.rubiconatlas.org/Atlas/Browse/View/MapCourseDescriptions
World Languages Department
Studying another language enhances the personal education of our students in many ways. Learning
a foreign language provides opportunities to communicate with others from many different cultures
and backgrounds. It opens doors to other perspectives, and helps a student acquire an objective
view of their own native language. As students progress through the program, they will gain a deeper
understanding, commitment, and respect for the path to fluency. Our offerings in French and Spanish
provide a strong foundation for language acquisition, encourage culture exploration, and strive to build
confidence and motivation for students to continue their world language and cultural studies throughout
high school and beyond.
World Languages Course Offerings:
Spanish I AP Spanish Literature and Culture
Spanish II French I
Spanish III French II
Spanish IV French III
Spanish for Native and Heritage Speakers 1 French IV
Spanish for Native and Heritage Speakers 2 AP French Language and Culture
AP Spanish Language and Culture
Social Studies Department
The Montverde Academy Social Studies Department is composed of a variety of courses geared towards
the intellectual and civic development of students. The history courses promote an understanding of our
world and how our current institutions have come to be and how these institutions shape us. However, one
of the most important functions of democratic education is to create active global citizens who understand
their world and try to shape those institutions towards a better future. Additional courses in government,
economics, religion, philosophy and psychology enhance student knowledge and provide them with the
skills to excel in college and become conscientious global citizens.
Social Studies Course Offerings: Sports Management (.5 credit)
Abnormal Psychology (.5 credit) Sports Psychology (.5 credit)
African-American Studies (.5 credit) US History
American Civil War (.5 credit) US History Honors
Economics (.5 credit) World History
Economics for Financial Literacy World History Honors
Entrepreneurship 1 (.5 credit) World War II and Cold War
Entrepreneurship 2 (.5 credit) World Religions
Gender Studies (.5 credit) AP Comparative Government and Politics
Global Politics (.5 credit) AP European History
Government Honors 1 (.5 credit) AP Human Geography
Government Honors 2 (.5 credit) AP Macroeconomics (.5 credit)
The Holocaust (.5 credit) AP Microeconomics (.5 credit)
Model UN I AP Psychology
Model UN II AP U.S. History
Multicultural Perspectives (.5 credit) AP U.S. Government and Politics
Philosophy AP Modern World History
Psychology (.5 credit)

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Technology Department
Technology opens more doors for students than any other discipline in today’s world. Learning even
the basics will help students in virtually any career — from architecture to zoology. Just as we teach
students the history of our country, how to dissect a frog, or how electricity works, it’s important for every
21st century student to learn the history of computers, have chance to dissect an app, or learn how the
Internet works.

The primary goal of the Computer Science/Technology program at Montverde Academy is to develop
a base knowledge of how the technology that we use every day works; giving students the ability
to access, manage, integrate, evaluate, and create and problem solve with information in their core
subjects. This year the focus is for students to see how a deep understanding of digital technology will
allow them to productively participate in society.

Technology Course Offerings:

(All courses are one semester/.5 credit unless otherwise noted.)
3-D Design and Printing Game Builders II
History of Gaming Game Builders III
Game Theory and Design AP Computer Science A (1.0 credit)
Game Builders I AP Computer Science Principles (1.0 credit)

CURRICULUM GUIDE 2023-24

Academic Departments and Course Offerings continued...
For detailed course descriptions, please visit
montverde-public.rubiconatlas.org/Atlas/Browse/View/MapCourseDescriptions

Fine Arts Department

The vision of the Arts at Montverde Academy is: “Growing the Arts one student at a time.” To that end
all of our offerings and programs are designed around the individual student. This assures each student
receives a flexible program uniquely tailored to his/her specific needs and interests; thereby allowing the
maximum growth potential for the individual. This growth should be reflected in increasingly demanding
curricula and performance expectations, leading to a mastery of the desired Art(s).

The mission of Montverde Academy Arts is to cultivate aspiring musicians/actors/artists in an

atmosphere where they have the freedom and guidance to grow in their skills and discipline in a setting
that fosters creativity, humanity, integrity, passion, and success.

Fine Arts/Media Arts Course Offerings:

(All courses are one semester/.5 credit unless otherwise noted.)
Advanced Ceramics
Ceramics
Children’s Theatre
Crafts
Dance and Movement
Drawing I
Drawing II
Filmmaking I
Filmmaking II
Guitar
Introduction to Art
Music Conservatory
Music Production
Painting I
Painting II
Photography I
Photography II
Sports Media
Studio Art
Piano Studies I
Piano Studies II
Piano Studies III
Playwriting
Public Speaking
Theatre Conservatory
Theatre Theory
TV Production Yearbook
AP® Music Theory (1.0 credit)
AP Art History (1.0 credit)
AP 2-D Art and Design (1.0 credit)
AP 3-D Art and Design (1.0 credit)

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Interdisciplinary Courses:
AP Seminar (1.0 credit)
AP Research (1.0 credit)

For detailed course descriptions, please visit

https://montverde-public.rubiconatlas.org/Atlas/Browse/View/MapCourseDescriptions

CURRICULUM GUIDE 2023-24

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updated 9/11/2023