SPAS-Daechi

Academics

Curricular Goals

Overall goal of the Daechi Saint Paul Academy program is to provide students with an authentic American curriculum within an American educational environment. It will also acclimatize students to the teaching methods and practices of American teachers while practicing English skills within academic content areas through immersion in the American curriculum.

Courses

The regular US High School Curriculum (English Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science, Technology and Electives) will be taught by 'certified' American teachers. Art, Music, Physical Education/Health will be covered by 'qualified' teachers. From the 3rd year of the school, the STEM curriculum offers AP Science, Math, Engineering, Robotics and Computer Programming for the STEM track diploma.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS

MATHEMATICS

SOCIAL STUDIES

SCIENCE

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

ENGINEERING

The overarching goal of the English department is to prepare students to be successful at the college level by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the English language. At all grade levels, reading, writing, speaking, and analytical thinking will be emphasized and assessed. We believe these skills will help strengthen students’ ability to interpret the world around them. During their English studies at Saint Paul American School, students begin by mastering the foundations of English composition, and progressively move to a variety of specific writing, speaking, and literature courses. Students will analyze and respond to a wide range of literary texts that encompass a global perspective, with an emphasis on highly energetic, discussion-based learning experiences. Along with the core English curriculum, each student must also enroll in at least one Speech course. The purpose of this requirement is aimed at helping students build confidence, refine verbal and nonverbal communication skills, and, ultimately, be able to successfully deliver a wide variety of practical speeches. Students are also encouraged to engage in programs like Student Newsletter, Yearbook, and Creative Writing contests. These extracurricular pursuits provide students the opportunity to experiment with their writing skills and deepen their understanding in unique settings. Ultimately, we hope to instill in our students a love of literature, as well as the confidence to communicate effectively.

General English 9 (year-long)

Course Description: General English 9 builds upon the students' prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and mechanics of writing, and usually include the four aspects of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Usually, the various genres of literature are introduced and defined, with writing exercises often linked to reading selections.

Honors General English 9 (year-long)

Course Description: This one-year course is a more rigorous version of the standard General English 9. It builds upon the students' prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and mechanics of writing, and usually include the four aspects of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Usually, the various genres of literature are introduced and defined, with writing exercises often linked to reading selections.

General English 10 (year-long)

Course Description: General English 10 offers a balanced focus on composition and literature. Typically, students learn about the alternate aimsand audiences of written compositions by writing persuasive, critical, and creative multi-paragraph thematic essays and compositions. The study of literature encompasses various genres as students improve their reading rate and comprehension and develop the skills to determine authors' intent and theme and to recognize the techniques employed by the author to achieve the goal.

Honors General English 10 (year-long)

Course Description: This one-year course is a more rigorous version of the standard General English 10. It offers a balanced focus on composition and literature. Typically, students learn about the alternate aims and audiences of written compositions by writing persuasive, critical, and creative multi-paragraph thematic essays and compositions. The study of literature encompasses various genres as students improve their reading rate and comprehension and develop the skills to determine authors' intent and theme and to recognize the techniques employed by the author to achieve the goal.

American Literature (year-long)

Course Description: American Literature covers the literature of the United States from the early beginnings of the country until the present. Historical forces impacting the literature, as well as the regional influences, are also examined. The development of critical thinking and vocabulary building, along with writing skills, are emphasized.

World Literature (year-long)

Course Description: World Literature is a year-long study of canonical literature spanning the globe. In this course, students will examine short stories, novels, plays, poetry, and nonfiction within a historical and cultural context. Students take part in group discussions and class seminars, write essays, and deliver speeches to demonstrate their growing understanding of the relationship between local concerns and universal questions, the manner in which geography and culture can influence form, and world views of literature itself. Class discussions also encourage students to express opinions and support individual ideas from their readings.

Creative Writing (1-semester long)

Course Description: Creative writing is focused on allowing students to display their creative and expressive writing skills. Exercises and assignments in each of the main literary genres—creative nonfiction, poetry, fiction, and drama—will help students discover their voice and tone while expanding vocabulary, building awareness of audience, and refining flow, context, meaning, and sentence variation. Creative writing will promote critical thinking and help students refine communication skills, which will aid students in writing more interesting essays, enhance their success in other classes, and set them apart in college applications as they continue on in the world of academia.

Speech (1-semester long)

Course Description: The primary purpose of Speech is to improve public speaking skills in a variety of settings. For each speech, topic selection, audience analysis, research, outlining, speech writing, and speech delivery will be emphasized. By the end of this course students will have improved verbal and nonverbal communication skills, and will be able to successfully and confidently present speeches in a variety of real-world situations.

AP Literature and Composition (year-long)

Course Description: This class is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition exam given at the end of the school year. For success in the course, students need advanced English skills as well as a major commitment of their time and effort. During the class, students engage in careful reading and critical analysis of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. Students are expected to actively engage in class discussions, write critical essays, and deliver oral presentations about the literary texts studied in class.

Courses in the Math department follow as much as possible a traditional American progression of high-school Mathematics classes. These start in Algebra I and continue through college-level Calculus. Emphasis is placed on graphing, functions, and critical thinking. Higher level classes require a high level of English because of the types of questions asked. Students are placed during their first term at Saint Paul American School in the class that best reflects their current Math level with consideration given to English ability. Students who finish our Math program will not only be ready for college courses, but will also be problem-solvers in many aspects of their lives; including finance, statistics, and applied sciences.

Geometry (year-long)

Geometry is a branch of math that stretches students' minds to think beyond the formulaic nature of Algebra. In Geometry, students will understand, apply, and master problem-solving techniques related to the world of shapes and space while learning to think critically and work cooperatively with others. The course includes an analytical approach to geometry, inductive and deductive reasoning, methods of proofs, lines, angles, triangles, polygons, circles, area, volume, similarity, trigonometry, transformations and probability.

Algebra 1 (year-long)

Algebra 1 commences the study of abstract mathematics. The topics include functions, relations, inverse functions, linear and quadratic functions, and linear programming. The course introduces the concepts of higher degree polynomials, and logarithmic and exponential functions. Probabilistic and statistical concepts are introduced and explored, in addition to trigonometric functions and identities. Problem solving activities, connections between algebra, trigonometry and other areas of mathematics as well as real world applications will be explored. The graphing calculator is occasionally employed to explore and confirm the link between algebraic, numerical, and graphical representations of algebraic functions.

Algebra 2 (year-long)

Algebra2 expands on topics that were introduced during Algebra 1 and Geometry including factions, relations, inverse functions, linear and quadratic functions, and linear programming. This course introduces concepts of conic sections, higher degree polynomials, and logarithmic and exponential functions. Probabilistic and statistical concepts are introduced and explored, in addition to trigonometric functions and identifies. Problem solving activities, connections between algebra, trigonometry and other areas of mathematics as well as real world applications will be explored. The graphing calculator is employed to explore and confirm the link between algebraic, numerical, and graphical representations of algebraic functions.

Pre-calculus (year-long)

This course expands on topics covered in Algebra 2, and introduces several new topics including complex numbers, polar coordinates, and sinusoidal functions. The course is intended as a final preparation for the student who plans to study Calculus either in high school or in college. It is also recommended for students who are above average in mathematics. The course explores mathematical topics from the standpoint of graphical, numerical, and algebraic/symbolic representations. Topics covered include equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, polynomial and rational functions, exponentials and logarithms, trigonometry, trigonometric identities, analytic geometry, matrices, statistics and probability, and (if there is time) limits. Successful completion of this course indicates that the student has the mathematical background to begin the study of Calculus. The course is strongly dependent on calculator use, with training in the use of TI83/84 calculator technology provided throughout.

Calculus (year-long)

Calculus is a study of trigonometry, advanced Algebra, elementary analysis, and plane, solid and analytic geometry designed to provide critical processing skills necessary for success in Calculus. The use of technology will be incorporated in the course. Emphasis will be placed on justification of answers through various forms of communication including writing.

AP Calculus (year-long)

Students intending to take the Calculus AP course should have completed courses in which they have studied algebra, geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry and elementary functions. These functions include those that are linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, and piecewise defined. Students need to be familiar with the properties of functions, the algebra of functions, and the graphs of functions. Students should also have some understanding of the language of functions – domain, range, periodic, symmetric, zeroes, intercepts, etc. – and know the values of the trig functions for 0, π/6, π/4, π/3, π/2, π, and their multiples. This course requires the use of a graphing calculator. Students will be instructed in the use of the calculator and are expected to use it in completing homework, class work, and on the AP test. The course covers topics that will be tested on the AP Calculus AB exam – functions, graphs and limits, continuity, derivatives at a point and as a function, related rates of change, properties of integrals, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, techniques of anti-differentiation, numerical approximations to definite integrals including trapezoidal and Simpson’s rule, and the application of integration and differentiation to real world problems. Further topics may include L’Hopital’s rule, Taylor and MacLaurin series, polar integration.

AP Statistics (year-long)

The Social Studies Department at St. Paul American School offers Government, History, Geography, and Economics classes that seek to prepare students to become educated global citizens. As students progress through their course of study at St. Paul American School, the department hopes that students will be made aware of various cultures and understand how they have developed over time. Students begin with the foundational courses of Geography and American Government. These courses provide a framework for both American and World History, with culminating courses analyzing economic principles that drive current industrial markets. Along with the standard Social Studies curriculum, students also have the opportunity to enroll in Social Studies electives, which include Current Events and Social Issues. These courses allow students to read and discuss real-world news events, case studies, and legal proceedings, thereby furthering their understanding of how the world functions as a global community. Finally, the model UN is a great opportunity for students to come together to collaborate and discuss contemporary world issues. The overarching goal of the department is to provide students with the skill set necessary to help them become informed decision-makers that will them to make a positive impact in the world.

American Government (semester--long)

This course is designed to introduce students to the basic structure of the US government and how each student can participate in government, whether in the US or abroad. The course will cover the Constitutional underpinnings of the origins of US government; the political beliefs and values that support American government; our civil rights and civil liberties; and the role that political parties, interest groups, political institutions, and the media play in forming political decisions. Furthermore, discussions will be made over core American values of equality, liberty, and self-government through a variety of projects that will give students a first-hand look at how change is made through established political systems.

World Geography (semester--long)

This course is designed to provide the students with a basic introduction to physical and human geography. Students will examine the role which geography plays in the world and how the interactions of humans with the environment affect the other. Students will acquire an understanding of the spatial context of people, places, and environments on the Earth. Students will use maps, globes, in-depth case studies, and geographic systems and databases to be able to answer geographic questions. This course serves as an excellent starting point for their knowledge of the world.

US History (year-long)

U.S. History is a year-long course intended to provide the student with a basic understanding of the political, economic, military, and social history of the United States of America. We will cover key events in US History through eight themes revolving around the core American values of Equality, Liberty, Self-Government, and Free Enterprise. The course begins with the earliest history of North America and continues with a variety of conflicts and encounters between groups of people, and events through examining how modern day American culture has been influenced by its history. The course will build students' skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English, as well as academic skills in research and historical investigation.

World History (year-long)

This course is a survey of world events from the early beginnings of civilization over three million years ago through those of the modern world. Themes addressed in every unit include those aligned with geography, economics, government, citizenship, culture, science, and technology. In addition, such important concepts as the development of constitutionalism and global relations are examined. A variety of methods will be used to measure student learning, such as quizzes and tests, analysis of primary source documents, research projects and group activities

Economics (semester--long)

This one-semester course presents the major concepts, institutions, and issues of the modern market system, with primary focus on the United States’ economy. The initial section of the course examines basic microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts, focusing on demand, supply, and price theory as the foundation of all economic decision making. The course progresses to cover more complex issues of macroeconomics, concluding with an examination of the world economy. It will develop students' conceptual understanding of economics and familiarity with contemporary economic issues so that they will be prepared for further study of economics and ultimately to take command over their own economic lives.

The Science department follows a sequential, inquiry-based learning program, dedicated to fostering an appreciation for the essential concepts of scientific thought. At all grade levels of science studies, students learn through a variety of hands-on experiences, including experiments, observations, and discussions regarding foundational scientific concepts. Students are encouraged to learn through the process of discovery, with emphasis on critical thinking and analysis. Students begin with an introductory Physical Science course, covering the basic makeup of the world, from atoms to Newton’s laws. Students then progress to Biology, learning about the basics of anatomy, ecology, and the fundamentals of biochemistry. Chemistry follows, with an emphasis on precision and accuracy in scientific writing. Finally, students culminate their studies with high-level classical and modern Physics. The ultimate goal of the department is to allow students to learn and arrive at their own understanding of the world through exploration. We also hope to equip students with the confidence to utilize the scientific method in various aspects of their examination of the world around them

Physical Science (year-long)

Physical Science is a hands‐on, discovery based and comprehensive year‐long course introducing students to the physical world around us. The first semester is devoted to the study of Chemistry and the second semester for Physics. This course is designed for students to understand key concepts, develop 21st century skills and connect with Mathematics, Technology and Engineering. Fundamental skills in Chemistry and Physics such as measuring, data collection and manipulation, observing, and application of the scientific method will be practiced throughout the course. Students will explore the how and why of general science with the emphasis that science is a process, not just learned facts.

Biology (year-long)

Biology is devoted to the study of living things and their processes. Throughout the year, this course provides an opportunity for students to develop scientific process skills, laboratory techniques, and an understanding of the fundamental principles of living organisms. Students will explore biological science as a process, cell structure and function, evolution and classification, diversity of living organisms and their ecological roles, an introduction to animal structure and function, and the anatomy‐physiology of the human body.

Chemistry (year-long)

Chemistry is the study of the principles of matter and the changes that matter undergoes. This year-long course is divided into 12 units: Scientific Skills, Atomic Structure, The Periodic Table, Chemical Bonding, Chemical Formulas and Compounds, Chemical Reactions, Stoichiometry, Gases and Phase Changes, Solutions, Kinetics and Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, and Organic Chemistry.

Physics (year-long)

Physics is the study of the relationships between matter and energy. This year-long course is a broad survey of classical and modern physics. It is designed to enable students to appreciate the role of physics in today's society and technology. Emphasis is made on the fundamental laws of nature on which all science is based, with some examples of interest to biologists. Knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry essential.

AP Calculus (year-long)

The AP Chemistry course is equivalent to a first-year college chemistry course, with the following major learning and language objectives:

• Students will develop a deep conceptual understanding of fundamental concepts in chemistry by responding to written and oral questions challenging students to analyze and explain these concepts.
• Students will use logic and quantitative reasoning skills to solve chemistry problems by interpreting problems and developing models prior to calculating results, in order to assess the validity of results.
• Students will develop proficient laboratory skills by manipulating laboratory equipment, collecting experimental data, evaluating the validity of data, and explaining experimental results using chemical theories.
• Students will develop the ability to think like a scientist by designing experimental procedures and predicting the results of experiments in hypothesis statements.
• Students will express their ideas clearly and logically, both orally and in writing, by writing original laboratory reports and summarizing experimental results in oral presntations.

In order to achieve these goals, this course will emphasize chemical theory, quantitative problem solving, hands-on laboratory experiences, written laboratory reports, and (formal and informal) oral presentations.

We will be covering a wide range of topics including atomic structure and periodicity, ionic and covalent compounds, reactions and equations, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, states of matter, solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry. A detailed list of the topics to be covered and course schedule are included later in this syllabus.

AP Biology (year-long)

Advanced Placement Biology is a year-long course designed to meet the overarching ideas of the AP Biology Curriculum Framework. This course is also designed to model a university-level freshman biology class. All students are required to take the AP Biology Test in the spring.

Each semester will consist of nine weeks. Students will meet every other day for 85 minutes (on A days) and occasionally will be required to meet for additional 50 minute classes after school (dates will be negotiated with the class).

This class will require students to do extensive college-level reading and to utilize critical thinking skills in a college preparatory, self-motivated environment. Students are expected to work with a high level of integrity and self-direction. Through laboratory activities, lectures, individual and group projects, students will cover a wide spectrum of concepts in biology.

The Information Services department provides students with the necessary computer application skills for them to be successful in their study and work in the future. Students have the opportunity to learn both about modern computer technologies, as well as how to utilize this technology to create original works. During their studies at Saint Paul American School, students will master Microsoft Office applications; photo, audio and video editing applications; and program using web development and database languages. These courses will supply students with the necessary technological skills to hit the ground running in any undergraduate program in IT. Information Technology is designed to teach students proficient skills in Microsoft Office and Java Script programming. All lessons are project-based and incorporates cross-curricular exercises to teach software skills while reinforcing English, Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science concepts. Digital Art expands on foundation skills, exposing students to new applications, including Google’s 3-d modeling, Sketch-up, video editing and advanced features of adobe Photoshop. Multimedia Journalism is a combination of web development and journalism in the digital age. SPAS Student News (SSN) is a student organization connected with the multimedia journalism class. The SSN team is split into to branches, the broadcast team and the magazine team. The broadcast team produces a weekly news program covering a variety of local and nation news while the magazine team creates a monthly print and online news journal.

Information Technology *
Digital Art *
Multimedia Journalism *
Web Design
- Prerequisites: - Grade Level:

Web Design is a semester-long course intended to provide the student with a basic understanding of the purpose, effectiveness, attractiveness, design, and traffic of websites. We will cover key elements in design for effective outreach, identifying the intended audience and how to capture and track that very audience. The course begins with the qualities of an excellent website, and moves through design elements and gadgets, and ends with examining how traffic or use is tracked (data collection) and the determination of effectiveness. The course will also focus heavily on technology language and English language acquisition and will build students’ skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English, as well as academic skills in research and technology use and investigation. No prerequisites are required to enroll in this course.

Computer Science Principles *
AP Computer Science (year-long)
- Prerequisites: - Grade Level: 11 or 12

This course is an introductory course in computer science. The course follows the topics outlined in the College Board AP curriculum and is appropriate for students whose future careers will emphasize computer use. Topics to be covered include: using the program development cycle to create appropriate programming solutions to given problems; understanding and using object-oriented program design; implementation techniques; analysis of programs and algorithms; understanding and use of standard data structures; standard algorithms (particularly searching and sorting algorithms); and a study of computing in context which will include discussions of ethical use of computers, privacy, and legal issues. The Java programming language is used throughout in the hands on programming portion of the course

By learning and applying the engineering design process, students will be able to identify a problem, analyze it, develop solutions, implement the solutions, and iterate this process for continual improvement, preparing students to enter the engineering program at any university.

Principles of Engineering *
Robotics *
Engineering Capstone *

Textbook

Social Studies

Language Arts

Mathematics

Science

Foreign Languages


Course	Book Title	ISBN
Social Studies 1	The Americans: Student Edition 2014 Holt McDougal	ISBN-10: 0547491158 ISBN-13: 978-0547491158
Social Studies 2
Social Studies 4
Social Studies 5
Social Studies 6

Graduation

St. Paul American School’s graduation requirements are designed to meet American accreditation standards and entry requirements for a wide range of colleges and universities. Students are required to attend eight semesters of high school in ninth through twelfth grades and complete a minimum of 48 semester credits for graduation. These 48 semester credits must also satisfy the specific departmental requirements described below. Students are individually responsible for seeing that they are meeting the requirements necessary for graduation, but an advisor or administrator monitors each student’s records at the start of each school year. Any student who has a question regarding graduation status should contact an advisor or administrator.

St. Paul American School’s diploma requirements are split into 2 types;
College Track Diploma and STEM Track Diploma.
Subject area graduation requirements are as follows:

College Track

STEM Track

St. Paul Educational Consulting and Services

Academics

Curricular Goals

Courses

Textbook

Graduation