HIGH School Academic Hub

This page is a one stop shop for High Schoolers and their families. It provides all the information needed and is a great parent resource. The transition to high school can be both exciting and nerve wrecking for parents and students. It is also a time when students become more independent. The high schools in BVSD have a wide selection of course offerings and opportunities and offer students guidance on their future goals.

Curriculum

BU Overview- HS Info

High School:

Most students take six classes plus Advisory each semester. BU students have the option to participate in their home attendance school's extracurricular activities. BU's students can also participate in CHSAA sanctioned athletics & activities. Please check with your home attendance school Athletic Director for more information.

BU High School Course OFFERINGS

For more information about course details, please view the course descriptions listed below in the next section.

Fall (1st Semester)

Language Arts

Mathematics

Social Studies

Science

PE/Health

Fine Art

Practical Art

World Language

Advisory

Advanced Placement (AP)

Spring (2nd Semester)

Language Arts

Mathematics

Social Studies

Science

PE/Health

Practical Art

Fine Art

World Language

Advisory

Advanced Placement (AP)

High School Course Descriptions

Unless otherwise noted, courses are provided by Schoology and taught by Boulder Universal teachers. Please note that course descriptions do not indicate what is being offered at the current time. Refer to the Course Offerings information above. All vendor courses provided by Florida Virtual School (FLVS).

Advanced Placement (AP)
AP courses are provided by third-party vendors and must be approved by BU administration. The AP course descriptions can be found by clicking on the courses listed above.

Language Arts

OL08 - 9th Grade English Language Arts (A and B) - Ninth Grade English Language Arts focuses on comprehension and composition of informational, literary, and persuasive texts, as well as on speaking, listening, research, and critical reasoning skills. This course exposes students to a variety of texts from American and world cultures. Students read novels, short stories, plays, essays, poems, and nonfiction. Students write in a variety of styles with a focus on structure, vocabulary, and writing mechanics. In addition, students engage in a variety of discussions and oral presentations, as well as research and reasoning tasks, and the research process.
OL11 - 9th Grade English Language Arts Advanced (A and B) - Ninth Grade English Language Arts focuses on comprehension and composition of informational, literary, and persuasive texts, as well as on speaking, listening, research, and critical reasoning skills. This course exposes students to a variety of texts from American and world cultures. Students read novels, short stories, plays, essays, poems, and nonfiction. Students write in a variety of styles with a focus on structure, vocabulary, and writing mechanics. In addition, students engage in a variety of discussions and oral presentations, as well as research and reasoning tasks, and the research process. This course has more depth and complexity and the pace is faster than Ninth Grade English Language Arts.
OL27 - 10th Grade English Language Arts (A and B) - World Literature and Composition explores how literary and historical influences determine the meaning of traditional and contemporary texts; how new ideas and concepts influence the understanding of literary, persuasive, and informational texts. Students will use narrative stylistic devices to engage or entertain audiences, and will produce persuasive writing. They will develop grammar, language usage, and mechanics skills while refining and revising within the writing process. Students will also collect, analyze, and evaluate information obtained from multiple sources to answer questions, propose solutions, and share findings and conclusions.
OL16 - 10th Grade English Language Arts Advanced (A and B) - Tenth Grade English Language Arts Advanced focuses on comprehension and composition of informative, literary, and argumentative texts, as well as on speaking, listening, research, and critical reasoning skills. This course exposes students to a variety of texts such as novels, short stories, plays, essays, poems, and nonfiction. Students write with a focus on craft and structure for different audiences and purposes. In addition, students engage in discussions and oral presentations, as well as the research process. This course has more depth and complexity and the pace is faster than Tenth Grade English Language Arts. Summer reading is required preparation for this class.
OL20 - 11th Grade English Language Arts (A and B) - American Literature and Composition emphasizes critical reading approaches to effectively interpret and evaluate the meaning of complex literary texts and synthesize ideas from informational texts. Students will learn how language, including syntax and grammar, influence the understanding of what is read. They will use stylistic and thematic elements of narrative, informational and persuasive texts to refine writing to inform, influence, engage and entertain audiences. Students will refine their composition and research skills to create self‐designed research that provides insightful information and conclusions. They will use critical thinking across multiple disciplines to evaluate for accuracy and relevance reasoning used in complex situations.
OL47 - 11th Grade English Language Arts Advanced (A and B) - Eleventh Grade English Language Arts Advanced focuses on comprehension and composition of informational, literary, and argumentative texts, as well as on speaking, listening, research and critical reasoning skills. This course exposes students to a variety of texts. Students read novels, short stories, plays, essays, poems, and nonfiction. Students write using a variety of styles with a focus on structure, vocabulary, and writing mechanics. In addition, students engage in discussions and oral presentations, as well as the research process. This course has more depth and complexity, and the pace is faster than Eleventh Grade English Language Arts.
OL31S - Communication in Society - Communication in Society assists students in learning to improve self-confidence and effectiveness in a wide variety of communication situations. Opportunities are provided to learn about communication in one-to-one and one-to-a-group situations, within small group activities, and within large groups. Areas of communication include self-awareness, relationships, work situations, and the community. Attention focuses on learning speech fundamentals, breaking down the barriers to communication, becoming aware of and expressing ideas and thoughts, problems solving, conflict management, thinking skills, and decision making. Students read, discuss, and critically examine informative/expository resources and literature.
OL64S - Science Fiction through Literature and Film - Science Fiction explores the possibilities of potential change in the present and in the future. Students investigate technological, scientific, and sociological change through the study of current media forms, and classical and popular science fiction. Students may analyze literature for scientific accuracy and literary merit. Students explore their personal viewpoints in the area of science fiction.
OL80S - Mythology - Mythology focuses primarily on Greek and Roman myths, yet other cultures such as African, Native American, Asian, and Norse texts are studied at a comparative level. Background information and resources on characteristic themes of world cultures adds emphasis to the individual myths studied. The course emphasizes various myths and legends, plus a study of Homer’s epics the Iliad and/or the Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid.
FRCC ENG 1021 - English Composition 1 - Emphasizes the planning, writing, and revising of compositions, including the development of critical and logical thinking skills. This course includes a wide variety of compositions that stress analytical, evaluative, and persuasive/argumentative writing. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO1 category.
FRCC ENG 1022 - English Composition 2 - Expands and refines the objectives of English Composition I. Emphasizes critical/logical thinking and reading, problem definition, research strategies, and writing analytical, evaluative, and/or argumentative compositions. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO2 category.

Mathematics

OM22 - Two Year Algebra 1 Year 1 (A and B) - Algebra 1 is an introduction to abstract reasoning and algebraic symbolism. Students will solve equations and systems of equations, and they will use functions to represent patterns and make predictions. The focus is on linear, exponential, and quadratic functions in problem-solving situations. Students will engage daily with the Standards for Mathematical Practice. Students will also employ algebraic methods to summarize data and to compare data sets.
OM31 - Algebra 1 (A and B) - Algebra 1 is an introduction to abstract reasoning and algebraic symbolism. Students will solve equations and systems of equations, and they will use functions to represent patterns and make predictions. The focus is on linear, exponential, and quadratic functions. Students will also employ algebraic methods to summarize data and to compare data sets.
OM35 - Adv Algebra 1 (A and B) - Advanced Algebra 1 is an in-depth study of algebraic symbolism, systems of equations, graphing, problem-solving, and probability and statistics. The students will build upon their previous knowledge to further understand the characteristics and representations of various functions, and relations including: linear, exponential, and quadratic equations, inequalities, complex numbers, and rational algebraic expressions. This course is designed for highly motivated students. As an advanced course, this course goes beyond the curriculum expectations of a standard course offering by increasing the depth and complexity. Students are engaged in dynamic, high‐level learning. The pace of an advanced course may be faster than that of a standard course.
OM41 - Geometry (A and B) - Geometry presents a thorough study of the structure of the postulational system and development of formal synthetic proof. It considers the topics of congruence, parallelism, perpendicularity, properties of polygons, similarity, and the relationships of circles, spheres, lines, and planes with respect to space as well as the plane. Basic principles of probability will be introduced. The maintenance of algebraic skills will be emphasized.
OM43 - Adv Geometry (A and B) - Advanced Geometry presents a thorough study of the structure of the postulate system and development of formal two-column proof. It considers the topics of congruence, parallelism, perpendicularity, properties of polygons, similarity, and the relationships of circles, spheres, lines, and planes with respect to space as well as the plane. Basic principles of probability will be introduced. Use of algebraic skills is expected. As an advanced course, this course goes beyond the curriculum expectations of a standard course offering by increasing the depth and complexity. Students are engaged in dynamic, high‐level learning. The pace of an advanced course may be faster than that of a standard course.
OM51 - Algebra 2 (A and B) - Algebra 2 emphasizes the structure of algebra. The students will study complex numbers, relations and functions, solutions to polynomial, radical, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions. Statistics are also covered. They will apply their studies to develop understandings of how these topics relate to one.
OM55 - Adv Algebra 2 (A and B) - Advanced Algebra 2 emphasizes the structure of algebra. The students will study complex numbers, relations and functions, solutions to polynomial, radical, exponential, logarithmic and basic trigonometric functions. Statistics and circular trigonometry are also covered. They will apply their studies to develop understandings of how these topics relate to one another. As an advanced course, this course goes beyond the curriculum expectations of a standard course offering by increasing the depth and complexity. Students are engaged in dynamic, high‐level learning. The pace of an advanced course may be faster than that of a standard course.
OM61 - PreCalculus (A and B) - Mathematics at the Precalculus level focuses on exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, conic sections, systems of equations solved by matrices and limits of functions as a precursor to the study of Calculus. Problem solving, representations, reasoning, communication, and connections within and outside of mathematics underline all of the teaching and learning at the Precalculus level.
OM62 - Adv Pre Calc (A and B) - Mathematics at the Advanced Pre‐Calculus level focuses on solving and modeling with exponential, logarithmic, parametric and trigonometric functions and their inverses. The complex number system is fully developed. Conic sections, systems of equations solved through matrices, and an introduction to vectors and sequences and series are also included. Limits of functions are taught as a precursor to Calculus. Problem solving, representations, reasoning, communication, and connections within and outside of mathematics underline all of the teaching and learning at the Pre‐Calculus level. As an advanced course, this course goes beyond the curriculum expectations of a standard course offering by increasing the depth and complexity. Students are engaged in dynamic, high‐level learning. The pace of an advanced course may be faster than that of the Pre-Calculus course.
OM58S - Discrete Math - Discrete Mathematics allows for students to explore 20th century applications of mathematics. The curriculum is practical in nature and includes apportionment, graph theory, fair division, matrices and their applications to problem solving, and probability and statistics. Students will specifically explore mathematics as it applies to current world events and discoveries.

Social Studies

OT37S - US Government - This course reviews the transformation of the United States Government from pre-revolutionary days to the present time, the functions of national, state, and local governments and their relationships to the citizens of the United States. The responsibilities and obligations of both the citizen and the government to each other are an integral part of this course. The course will combine the historical foundations with analysis of current events. Students will be encouraged to simulate, observe and participate in local government.
OT41 - World History (A and B) - World History is a chronological, thematic, and comparative study of the world from 1450 to the present. Students will examine themes that span regions and will focus on the interaction of world citizens and ideas from the First Global Age through the 20th century. Students will be engaged in an in‐depth study of some eras and will be asked to complete independent research, apply critical thinking and examine multiple perspectives on world issues.
OT21 - US History (A and B) - US History focuses on American history from Industrialization into the 21st century. Students will deepen their understanding of current events and participate in an enriched study of the 20th century, tracing the development of social, political, and international relations of the United States. Students will be required to critically examine how our recent history impacts the present day.
OT80S - Psychology - Psychology is designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the science of human behavior. This class will present students with a basic view of the field of study and will cover theories of personality, mental, emotional and physical development as they relate to the understanding of behavior.
OT84S - Sociology - This course examines the science of understanding society and group behavior. Emphasis will be on society’s culture, institutions, and organization. Students will examine values and norms, socialization, social change, social problems and contemporary issues.
OOT74S - Economics

Science

OS10 - Physical Science (A and B) - Physical Science is a lab-based, inquiry‐oriented course involving principles and concepts concerning the physical world. Content areas explored include nature and behavior of matter, atomic theory, chemical and physical changes including bonding and reactions, mechanics, electricity and magnetism, light and sound, and energy. The course emphasizes the study and proper use of fundamental science tools including the metric system, periodic table, and graphing.
OS31 - Biology (A and B) - In this college preparatory class students will explore relationships between structure and function in organisms and the interaction of cells and organisms with each other and their environments. Units of study include: use of microscope, cell structure and function, biochemistry, microbiology, classification, human physiology, genetics, evolution, botany and ecology. Laboratory activities reinforce concepts and principles presented.
OS50 - Chemistry (A and B) - This course provides the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding about the relationships between the structure and properties of matter and the interaction of matter and energy. Units of study include: matter and its changes, atomic structure, chemical composition, nomenclature, reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws, periodicity, bonding, molecular geometry, and thermochemistry. Laboratory activities reinforce concepts and principles presented in the course.
OS61 - Physics (A and B) - This course helps students understand the basic physical laws of our world. The course includes:scientific methods and measurement, forces, motion, energy, light, waves, electricity and magnetism. Laboratory work serves to promote understanding and to illustrate the experimental nature of physics. Mathematics is used every day in this course.

PE/Health

OP44S - Aerobic Walking - This course is designed for students to have the opportunity to improve their aerobic fitness, primarily through walking. The speed and distance walks are individualized to meet the student’s ability, with an emphasis toward significant, personal improvement. Students will learn about the process of getting fit, with an emphasis on correct walking form, and all the many benefits of walking as a lifelong activity.
OP23S - Fitness - This course will use a comprehensive approach to address all five components of fitness. It will be an opportunity for each person to learn a great deal about fitness and experience personal improvement through a deliberate and challenging progression. Variety will be the key with a broad amount of equipment (bands, dumbbells, fit balls, spin bikes, etc.) and formats (circuits, music, dance, yoga, hiking, fun competitions, etc.).
OG50S - Issues in Health - Health Education in tenth grade is based on developing skills in relation to age appropriate health topics. By developing skills related to effectively accessing health resources, communicating, analyzing peer and media influences, goal setting, decision making, and health advocacy, students in BVSD will be able to achieve and maintain optimal wellness.

Fine Arts

OA38S - Arts of the World - “Arts of the World” emphasizes applying the elements of art and the principles of design to create multicultural inspired works of art. An awareness and sensitivity to cultural differences will be a large part of the class. Students will create both two and three-dimensional works. Students will study the people, history, geography, and art of many cultures. A variety of media such as paint, clay, wood, paper mache, fibers, found objects, etc. will be used.
OA110S - Digital Art and Design 1 - This introductory course deals with controlling computer technology to produce an artistic image. Students will learn computer illustration techniques, image manipulation, digital camera use, graphic design visual literacy, and principles and elements of art in composition. Some artistic movements will also be studied as they relate to student projects.

Practical Arts

OB42S - Finance - This course is designed to help students develop their abilities to make wise consumer decisions by recognizing, understanding, and comparing the alternatives facing them as consumers. Budgeting, purchasing decisions and consumer credit, banking services, investing, life, auto, and property insurance, income taxes and housing are some of the topics covered. This course satisfies the Boulder Valley School District’s Personal Financial Literacy (PFL) graduation requirement

World Languages

OF71 - Spanish 1 (A and B) - Level 1 introduces students to target foreign cultures and to the four basic language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. Students acquire skills through oral repetition, dialogues, short compositions, dictations, reading, and written exercises. For the Novice-Low Range Level, students learn to communicate, comprehend, and present on very familiar topics using isolated words and high frequency phrases in the context of Culture, Connections and Comparisons.
OF72 - Spanish 2 (A and B) - Level 2 furthers the study of grammar, vocabulary and an understanding of the culture. Students improve listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Students improve language skills through oral repetition, dialogues, short compositions, dictations, reading, and written exercises. For the Novice-Mid Range Level, students learn to communicate, comprehend, and present in oral and written form on a variety of familiar and predictable topics using isolated words, learned phrases, and learned grammatical structures in the context of Culture, Connections, and Comparisons.
OF73 - Spanish 3 (A and B) - Level 3 reviews basic grammatical structures and continues the study of more advanced grammar, vocabulary, and culture. Students further develop skills in understanding reading, speaking, and writing through short stories, poetry, articles, oral presentations, and written exercises when applicable.