Early High School Credit

English 1 is a comprehensive course designed to equip young adolescents with the skills needed to analyze and evaluate literature and evidence. Emphasizing the importance of substantiating arguments, students will delve into the author’s intent, exploring literary elements, devices, and tone.

The course includes various longer compositions, with a focus on refining style, tone, subtlety, and transitions. Students will apply English conventions to enhance sentence fluency and develop proficient language mechanics. Additionally, content vocabulary will be significantly expanded.

English 1 also offers opportunities for impromptu speaking, advanced discussions, and reading aloud, fostering a well-rounded approach to language arts.

Students who successfully complete this course will receive high school credit and will be prepared to take English 2 or AP Seminar.

English 2 builds on the foundational skills acquired in English 1. Students will explore a variety of literary genres, enhancing their ability to critically analyze written works. The course places a strong emphasis on essay writing and crafting effective thesis statements.

In addition to advancing writing skills, English 2 continues to develop students’ speech and presentation abilities, as well as their grammar proficiency. This comprehensive approach ensures students are well-prepared for future academic challenges.

Students who successfully complete this course will receive high school credit and will be prepared to take AP Seminar.

At Colony Middle School, all 8th-grade students take Civics as part of their core curriculum during the 1st Semester.

In the Civics course, students will explore the fundamental principles of the American democratic system. The curriculum covers essential topics such as:

1. Foundations of Democracy: Students will delve into the historical context and core values that underpin the U.S. democratic system. They’ll learn about the separation of powers, checks and balances, and the importance of civic participation.

2. Free Market Economy: The course introduces students to the workings of our society’s free market economy. They’ll gain insights into supply and demand, entrepreneurship, and the role of businesses in shaping economic growth.

3. Consumer Skills: Practical knowledge is emphasized, including basic consumer skills. Students will learn about budgeting, financial literacy, and making informed choices as consumers.

4. Government Process: Through engaging activities, students will explore civic involvement in the government process. They’ll understand how laws are made, elections are conducted, and policies are implemented.

5. Justice System: The course sheds light on the various components of the justice system. Students will learn about courts, law enforcement, and the role of legal institutions in maintaining order and ensuring justice.

6. Rights and Responsibilities: Students will gain a deeper understanding of their rights as citizens, including freedom of speech, assembly, and due process. They’ll also explore their responsibilities as active participants in a democratic society.

Overall, this Civics course equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to be informed, engaged citizens of the United States.

Students who successfully complete this course will receive high school credit.

Colony Middle School is proud to offer AP Human Geography in collaboration with Colony High School. Students enrolled in this course will attend classes at the high school at the beginning of the school day.

The year-long course in AP Human Geography focuses on the distribution, processes, and effects of human population on the planet. Students explore a comprehensive range of topics outlined in the AP Human Geography Course Description published by the College Board. These topics are covered through chapters in the primary text and include:

1. Population: Understanding population density, its impact on society and the environment, theories of population growth and decline, and immigration policies.
2. Migration: Examining the causes and effects of migration, both within and across borders.
3. Culture: Investigating how language, religion, and other cultural practices spread over space and time. Historical forces (such as colonialism) and modern influences (like globalization) are explored.
4. Political Geography: Building on knowledge of populations and cultural patterns, students learn about the political organization of the world.
5. Urban Geography: Analyzing urban landscapes, patterns of development, and the challenges faced by cities.
6. Development: Studying economic development, industrialization, and disparities between regions.
7. Agriculture and Industry: Exploring the role of agriculture, industry, and services in shaping societies.
8. Human-Environment Interaction: Understanding how humans interact with their environment, including environmental consequences.

Throughout the course, students gain insights into the methods and tools used by geographers in their scientific practice. They also engage in case studies from around the globe, comparing global situations to those in the USA and locally in Alaska.

Students who successfully complete this course will receive high school credit.  Importantly, if students score a 3 or higher on the AP exam, they may earn college credit in addition to fulfilling their elective Social Studies high school credit.

 

Colony Middle School is proud to offer Army JROTC in collaboration with Colony High School. Students enrolled in this course will attend classes at the high school at the beginning of the school day.

In their first year, students receive an introduction to JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) and military service. The curriculum covers a diverse range of essential topics, including:

1. Citizenship: Students learn about their roles and responsibilities as active citizens within their community and country.

2. First Aid: Practical skills related to providing initial medical assistance are taught, emphasizing safety and emergency response.

3. Map Reading: Students acquire the ability to interpret maps, understand coordinates, and navigate using geographical information.

4. Communication Techniques: Effective communication is emphasized, including verbal, non-verbal, and written communication methods.

5. Leadership and Followership: An introduction to leadership principles and the importance of being an effective follower within a team.

6. Rifle Safety and Marksmanship: Students learn safe handling of rifles and basic marksmanship skills.

7. Drill: Understanding drill movements, precision, and teamwork during military drills.

8. Physical Fitness Training: Engaging in physical exercises to enhance overall fitness and endurance.

This foundational year provides students with essential knowledge and practical skills related to JROTC and military training.

Students who successfully complete this course will receive high school credit and will be prepared to take Army JROTC Year 2.

Algebra 1 serves as the foundational course for higher-level mathematics. Students will develop skills in:

• Basic operations with real numbers
• Solving equations in one and two variables
• Writing and graphing linear equations and inequalities
• Studying functions and their graphs
• Simplifying polynomial, rational, and radical expressions
• Exploring statistics and probability
• Engaging in problem-solving and discrete mathematics

This course emphasizes practical applications and prepares students for advanced mathematical studies.

Students who successfully complete this course will receive high school credit and will be prepared to take Geometry.

Geometry offers an in-depth exploration of plane, solid, and coordinate geometry, connecting abstract mathematical concepts with real-world problem-solving. Key topics include:

• Inductive and deductive logic and proof
• Parallel lines and polygons
• Perimeter and area analysis
• Volume and surface area analysis
• Similarity and congruence
• Geometric probability

The course emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills, particularly in logical reasoning and argumentation.

Students must have successfully complete Algebra 1 to be placed in Geometry.  Students who successfully complete this course will receive high school credit and will be prepared to take Algebra 2.

Colony Middle School is proud to offer Algebra 2 in collaboration with Colony High School. Students enrolled in this course will attend classes at the high school at the beginning of the school day.

Algebra 2 is a rigorous college preparatory course that builds on the concepts learned in Algebra 1. The curriculum includes:

• Writing and solving linear equations and inequalities
• Solving simultaneous equations and inequalities
• Working with exponents and radicals
• Understanding matrices and complex numbers
• Exploring conic sections
• Graphing, analyzing, and interpreting various functions, including polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions

This course is designed to prepare students for advanced mathematical studies and college-level coursework.

Students must have successfully complete Geometry or be concurrently enrolled in Geometry to take Algebra 2.  Students who successfully complete this course will receive high school credit and will be prepared to continue their math journey in high school.

Biology offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles of life sciences. Key topics covered include:

1. Investigative Methods: Students explore various scientific methods used to investigate biological phenomena. This includes experimental design, data collection, and analysis.

2. Classification Systems: Understanding how living organisms are categorized and grouped based on shared characteristics. Taxonomy and phylogenetics play a crucial role here.

3. Cell Biology: Delving into the structure, function, and processes within cells. Topics include cell organelles, cellular metabolism, and cell division.

4. DNA and Genetics: Unraveling the mysteries of DNA, genes, and heredity. Students learn about genetic variation, inheritance patterns, and genetic disorders.

5. Biodiversity: Appreciating the incredible diversity of life on Earth. This includes exploring ecosystems, species interactions, and adaptations.

6. Ecology: Studying the relationships between organisms and their environment. Concepts like energy flow, nutrient cycles, and ecological balance are covered.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, students will have hands-on experience with microscopes for observing microscopic structures and dissection tools for exploring anatomy. 

Students who successfully complete this course will receive high school credit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are excited to offer an engaging Spanish course designed to introduce students to the vibrant world of the Spanish language. This course places a major emphasis on spoken language, listening comprehension, and elementary reading and writing skills.

Students will explore various units that introduce the rich culture associated with the Spanish language, making learning both fun and meaningful. Active participation and good attendance are critical elements for successfully completing this course.

Students who successfully complete this course will receive high school credit and will be prepared to take Spanish 2.