Sanford School Mission Statement
Sanford School identifies and develops the intellectual and creative talents of a diverse group of students. Within a caring and supportive college preparatory environment, students are encouraged and challenged to achieve their finest in academics, athletics, and the arts. Our ultimate goal is to teach students to live humanely within the Sanford community in order to prepare them to meet the demands and responsibilities of the future in the broader world.
Each upper school student earning a Sanford School diploma will have successfully completed a minimum of 21 academic credits in a series of required courses and electives based on individual interests and needs. Full-year courses earn 1.0 academic credit, and semester courses earn 0.5 academic credit, with the exception of full-year Performing Arts Ensembles, which earn 0.5 credits. When necessary, the Head of Upper School may amend the graduation requirements. The 21 academic credits must include the following:
English (4.0 credits) Every student must be enrolled in an English course during every semester in Upper School.
History and Global Studies (3.0 credits) Students take required courses in grades 9-11.
Mathematics (3.0 credits) Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in a fourth year of mathematics, and many colleges require a fourth credit.
Science (3.0 credits) Students take required laboratory-based biology and chemistry courses in grades 9-10 and are strongly encouraged to take additional laboratory-based science courses.
World Languages (3.0 credits) Students must complete three consecutive years of the same language.
The Arts (1.5 credits) Students must complete 0.5 credit in Visual Arts, 0.5 credit in Performing Art, and 0.5 credit of choice in either discipline.
Health (0.5 credit) Students are encouraged to complete this requirement by the end of tenth grade.
Technology (0.5 credit) Students must take a minimum of one semester-long technology course.
Additional Electives (2.5 credits) Elective courses are offered in each department based on student interest. These courses are taken in addition to the above graduation requirements.
Co-Curricular Credits (8 credits): Two per year are required, and one each year must be obtained by playing on a Sanford athletic team.
Senior Capstone Project: To be completed in a senior English class.
Senior Project: Successful completion during the last two weeks of senior year.
Course Load: Students in grades 9-11 are expected to take six courses each semester. Students in grade 12 must take a minimum of five courses but should consider taking six courses if taking two or fewer AP/Honors Courses. At least four courses should be yearlong courses (English counts as yearlong).
In certain circumstances, a student in grades 9-11 may be recommended for a reduced course load (no fewer than five courses), and this occurs with the approval of the Head of Upper School in consultation with the division administrative team.
Students work alongside advisors and parents in the second semester of each school year to determine a challenging but reasonable course load for each student in the next year. Students receive guidance from current teachers, advisors, department chairs, and college counselors to help craft schedules that meet requirements and support student passions and success. Course requests are entered into mySANFORD HUB and should be double-checked by students and parents before the end of the school year. To request changes in course selection, students should email the Head of Upper School by June 1 with the request. Such requests are easier to accommodate when made before the schedule is created.
A student’s current teacher in each core academic subject makes recommendations for college preparatory, honors, and AP classes for the following year. Teachers take into consideration a student’s demonstrated work ethic, passion for learning, growth over time, and current achievement when making recommendations. In general, a grade of B+ or higher in a current honors/AP course is advised for a recommendation to continue with an honors/AP course. To be recommended for an honors/AP course from a college preparatory level course, a grade in the solid A range is advised.
Students who would like to take a more challenging course than is recommended are asked to fill out the Going Against Recommendations form, which will guide the student through discussion and reflection to help craft a schedule that will be both challenging and successful.
Honors/AdvancedPlacementCourses
Sanford School offers a college preparatory curriculum designed to prepare all students for success and achievement in college and university level study. Most students enroll in our college preparatory classes, and these courses are designed to support and challenge students while delivering a curriculum that provides strong preparation for college.
For those students seeking additional challenge, Sanford offers several classes at the honors and Advanced Placement level across all academic departments. Honors and AP course offerings are challenging, rigorous courses accompanied by a heavier workload. Students with strong internal motivation, excellent study skills, well-developed communication skills, and an enjoyment of critical thinking and problem solving find success in honors/AP courses.
In May, students in AP classes take their AP exams on campus. All students who enroll in an AP course must take the exam in May. Please note that there are additional costs to register for AP exams. Parents will be billed the fee determined by the College Board, approximately $99 per exam.
Schedulers complete the Upper School Schedule over the summer. Attention is paid to accommodating student choices, sizes of and gender balance in classes, and balance across courses with more than one section. Requests for specific sections or teachers can generally not be accommodated. Every effort is made to place students in their top chosen courses, though in some situations, choices must be made when two or more preferred courses conflict with the schedule. In addition, courses that lack the minimum student enrollment may not run, and all courses have firm caps on enrollment size. Students should check and respond to emails from the schedulers over the summer about conflicts. In cases of elective conflicts, students who do not properly list 2nd and 3rd alternate elective choices will be placed into an elective that fits their schedule. Schedules are available on mySANFORD HUB in early August. Schedule change requests should be submitted via email to the Head of Upper School; these can be made once schedules are released through the end of the Add/Drop period, which takes place during the first seven school days of the semester. For full academic policies, please consult the Upper School Student Handbook.
All academic courses in this curriculum guide are designated as full year, or first semester and/or second semester Courses with a necessary prerequisite, co-requisite, or qualification are listed on subsequent pages with those requirements.
Students are required to take an English course during all four years.
CollegePreparatory
Honors/AP 9
English9
HonorsEnglish9 10
English10
HonorsEnglish10 11
English11/EnglishSeminar
APLanguageandComposition 12
English12/EnglishSeminar
ENGLISH 9: THE POWER AND PERILS OF KNOWLEDGE (full year, 9th grade)
English 9 focuses on the theme of human nature and the path to knowledge. Students will address a series of essential questions, such as, What does it mean “to know?” What different types of knowledge do we seek out as part of our human nature? How does knowledge contribute to the process of growing up? Students will read texts from a variety of perspectives and in avarietyofformsandgenres.English9also provides a comprehensive study of grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills to ensure all students have the tools to write effectively in all their classes. By the end of the year, students will have mastered formal essays, literary analysis, and narrative responses.
HONORS ENGLISH 9: THE POWER AND PERILS OF KNOWLEDGE (full year, 9th grade)
As with English 9, students will explore the nature of knowledge. In addition to the description provided for English 9, students will be asked to forge connections between texts, genres, concepts, characters, and themselves that they express through student-led discussions and well-crafted written analysis. Students at the honors level proceedthroughtextsand assignments at a faster pace and with a heavier emphasis on higher-levelanalysis.
ENGLISH 10: EXPLORATION OF SELF AND SOCIETY (full year, 10th grade)
English 10 focuses on the development of the self and interactions with various groups and environments. Students will address a series of essential questions that ask students to explore the concepts of individualism, community, and citizenship; to examine social prejudices andstereotypes;andto consider identity in context of various cultures and societies. Students will read texts from a variety of perspectives and in a variety of forms and genres. This course will continue to emphasize vocabulary, grammar, andwritingskills.Inparticular, students will develop their composition skills with a focus on craftingandsupportingargumentsandliteraryanalysis.
APLiteratureandComposition
As with English 10, students will explore the relationship between the individual and society. In addition to the description provided for English 10above,theywillbeaskedto forge connections between texts, genres, concepts, characters, and themselves that they express through student-led discussions and well-crafted written analysis. Students at the honors level proceed through texts and assignments at a faster paceandwithaheavieremphasisonhigher-levelanalysis.
This class focusesonthewaysweuselanguagetoreason,argue, persuade, and make decisions. Focusing on areas such as induction, deduction, logical fallacies, claims, evidence, and rhetorical devices, students become better producers and consumers of the information around them. The class will incorporate current issues, identifying both reasonable and unreasonable arguments from the newsoftheday.Studentswill also work throughout the year to expand theirvocabulariesand furtherdeveloptheirgrammarandwritingskills.
AP ENGLISH 11: LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION (full year, 11th grade)
AP English 11 is designed for the exceptional student who has thrived in their preceding English courses. The focus is on precise and effective use of the English languagefromboththe students and professional authors. Specific attention is given to rhetorical analysis, argumentation, and synthesis. Students will focus on reading modern literary nonfiction: essays, speeches, letters, etc. This is awriting-intensivecourse,combiningin-class as well as out-of-class essays, speeches, and creative writing assignments. This course is open to students with teacher recommendation.
NGLISH 12:ESTABLISHING CRITICAL P
(first semester, 12th grade)
In this course, students will engage with texts that deepentheir understanding of the world and foster empathy while refining theirsenseofself.AstheypreparetotransitionbeyondSanford, they will reflect on their identities and how they want to move through the world. The course emphasizes personal writing, poetry analysis, film analysis, and research. The centerpiece of the course is the Capstone Project, a research-based endeavor culminating in both a paperandapresentation.Throughoutthe semester, students will also strengthen their public speaking skills,expandtheirvocabularies,andrefinetheirwritingabilities.
AP ENGLISH 12: LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION (full year, 12th grade)
AP Literature and Composition is designed for the exceptional student who has thrived intheirprecedingEnglishcourses.The focus is on mature, challenging literature and includes novels, drama,poetry,andliterarycriticism.Whiletheemphasisremains on long-form process writing assigned throughout the year, timed in-class essay writing is also emphasized. Students in AP Literature will complete the Capstone, a research-based project that results in a paper and a presentation. Analytical skills are honed, and students emerge prepared to tackle the most challenging levels of college work in literature studies. This course is open to students with teacher recommendation.
English Seminars: The courses below are offered in the second semester for juniors and seniors who take English 11 or English 12 in the first semester. Juniors and seniors who take AP courses and sophomores, with permission, may take these as an additional elective.
BLACK VOICES IN AMERICA (second semester, 11th/12th grade)
In this course, we will celebrate Black voices in American culture as they explore issues of race, racism, identity, love,
society, and more in the forms of poetry, television, music, movies, short stories, and novels. We will explore writing from the narratives of enslaved people to the poetry of the Harlem RenaissancetoPulitzerPrizewinnerKendrickLamar.
REATIVE W
(second semester, 11th/12th grade)
This course takes students on a dynamic journey through the creative writing process, from that first spark of inspiration to the thrill of publication. Through reading, writing, workshopping, and revising, students will sharpen their craft and find their unique voices. The workshop setting encourages lively discussions and constructive feedback, helping writers grow both on the page and in theircritiqueskills.Bytheendof the course, studentswillhaveapolishedportfolioreadytoshare withtheworld.
FILM ADAPTATIONS (second semester, 11th/12th grade)
Have you ever been infuriated, or perhaps delighted, with a movie being different from its book original? In this course, students will explore the ways in which authors and directors create texts as well as how and why they differ in their presentation of ideas, concernsandtensionswithintheirstories. Students will evaluate the vehicle of thestory,beingliteraryand multimodal, and the ways in which meaning is made. Students will also critique modern adaptations of classic literature in an attempt to evaluatechangesinsocietalvaluesandcontemporary issues.
RAPHIC N
(second semester, 11th/12th grade)
This course will examine the intersection ofartandliteraturein the form of a graphic novel. Graphic novels are an interesting burgeoning genre because they allow their creators to explore core elements of humanity through multimodal storytelling, which allows students to dig deep with their analysis. Students will study and write about the interplay of visual and literary elements to gain a greater understanding of this diverse and fascinating hybridgenre.Beyondthestudyoftheform,students will have an opportunity to add their own voices to the genre andcreatetheirowngraphicnovel.
YTHS &LEGENDS (second semester, 11th/12th grade)
Storytelling is a part of every culture. It’s one thing that unites our whole planet. And what’s one thing almost all of those stories have? A hero or heroine. In this course, we will explore the foundational heroic texts and some contemporary texts through the lens of Joseph Campbell's Hero’s Journey and the heroine journey by Maureen Murdock. From the Ramayana to Circe, and from creation myths to myths of destruction: What makesahero?Andwhatkindofherowouldyoucreate?
THE END O
(second semester, 11th/12th grade)
In this course, students will explore texts that question what happens when life as we know it ends. Does society radically transform itself? Does it fall apart? Or do humans abandon Earth altogether? Students will read, discuss, and write about apocalyptic and dystopian literature, better learning how fundamentalsocietalshiftscanrevealhumancharacter.
semester, 11th/12th grade)
How doesscienceshapethestorieswetell?Howdoadvancesin technology challengeourunderstandingofhumanity,ethics,and “progress”? In this course, we will examine literature and nonfiction that grapple with these questions, analyzing how authors depict scientific discovery, innovation, and the moral dilemmas they create. Fromspeculativefictionthatimaginesthe future to historical accounts of groundbreaking discoveries, we will explore the power and consequences of scientific advancement. Through novels, short stories,essays,andarticles, we will critically engage with themes such as artificial intelligence, bioethics, space exploration, and the unintended consequences of progress. In this course,wewillbridgethegap between science and storytelling to uncover how technology continuestoshapeourworld—andourimaginations.
WAR LITERATURE (WAR,WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?) (second semester, 11th/12th grade)
Significant not only for the violence they unleash but also for the ways they disrupt daily life and seemingly stable social arrangements, war makes the formerly unthinkable thinkable: women working outside of the home; men caring tenderly for one another; the end of centuries of slavery. Explore literature born out of social strife as we read novels,poetry,shortstories, non-fiction, music, and film that depicts what it means to be human amidst trauma and strife. In times of severe crisis, societies and individuals undo themselves and are remade, thus wars have given nations and its inhabitants opportunities to reexamineandrethinkwhatitmeanstobehuman.
WHODUNNIT: DETECTIVE & MYSTERY STORIES (second semester, 11th/12th grade)
Detective stories and mysteries in general, are about more than finding the killer. They’re about what drives our detectives and why our villains behaveastheydo.They’reaboutunderstanding human nature and how people react to conflict. They’re about how writers employ various techniques to build suspense and sendtheirreadersonaquesttosolvethemystery.Inthiscourse, we will explore howthegenreofthedetectivestoryhasevolved and how we canusethesestoriestobetterunderstandourselves
Students are required to take history courses in grades 9 through 11. Students are able to choose from a variety of electives during their senior year.
CollegePreparatory Honors/AP
WORLD CIVILIZATIONS I (full year, 9th grade)
The 9th grade course surveys an integrated global study from the 1000stotheearly1800s.Studentsareexposedtosimilarities and differences in the development of societies in relation to geography, social organization, economics, political institutions, religion and cultural expression. Through intense reading and analyzing primary and secondary sources, students will be able to engage with others, explain their own point of view and empathize with diverse perspectives of other peoples and cultures. Students will use their historical thinking skills to understand the context and continuity and change of the historical time period they are studying. Through reading and research, students will write, present and converse to better understandthecomplexitiesofhistory.
HONORS WORLD CIVILIZATIONS I (full year, 9th grade)
The 9th grade course surveys an integrated global study from the 400s to the late 1700s. Students are exposed to similarities and differences in the development of societies in relation to geography, social organization, economics, political institutions, religion, and cultural expression.Thehonorsclassisfast-paced, featuring advanced skill development directed toward a deeper understanding of the content, the analysis of primary source material, the development of major themes, and the honing of critical thinking skills. There will also be an emphasis on historical writing, focusing on compare and contrast, change over time, and document-based questions. Students who sign up for the honors course should expect material to be on a more advanced and scholarly reading level than the material in WorldCivilizationsI.
WORLD CIVILIZATIONS II (full year, 10th grade)
The 10th grade course surveys an integrated global study from the early 19th century to thepresent.Thecoursewillculminate in a unit that focuses on connecting the past to current events with the lens of rights, equity, and access. Through intense reading and analyzing primary and secondary sources, students will be able to engage with others, explain their own point of view and empathize with diverse perspectives of other peoples and cultures. Students will use their historical thinking skills to
understand the context, continuity, and change ofthehistorical time period they are studying. Through reading and research, students will write, present, and converse to better understand thecomplexitiesofhistory.
This course is offered to students who have demonstrated masteryoftheWorldCivilizationsIcontentandskills,apassion for history, a superior work ethic, and the ability to work independently. This course is designed to meet all of the guidelines for the College Board AP World History: Modern course while providing even more depth of content and development of skills. The course integrates non-western and European/western history from approximately 1200 CE tothe present, while focusing on the four chronological periods and six overarching themes. Students will taketheAPExaminMay after completing this course. Prerequisite: Honors World Civilizations I is strongly recommended.
This required eleventh grade course examines the major issues and personalities of American history. The social, political, and economic histories of the developing nation are surveyed in order to help students acquire an understanding of American culture andtoinvestigatetheevolutionofAmericandemocracy. The major themes that have shaped the development of the present-day United States are examined through primary sourcesproducedbyadiversesetofAmericans.
APUNITED STATES HISTORY (full year, 11th grade)
This course is an in-depth study of United States history that aims to develop mature thinking and writing skills and prepare students for the Advanced Placement exam in May. Political, economic, and social histories are examined through primary andsecondarysourcesinanattempttounderstandtheprincipal themes of the American experience. Students are expected to grasp concepts, make judgments, draw analogies, and express competent opinions after examining varying interpretations. Expository writing in the AP style is practiced with an eye on causational relationships and supporting argumentation. Because this is an advanced course, it will be conducted on a collegelevel.Studentsareexpectedtoacceptandexhibitgreater individual responsibility for their work. Prerequisite:APWorld History:Modernisstronglyrecommended.
AP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS (full year, 11th/12th grade)
AP US Government and Politics explores the workings of government at the federal and state levels. The focus of the course is to better understand our nation’s system of representative government. Starting with the Constitution, the students will progress to topics such as current policy in elections, social welfare, economic policies, civil liberties, foreign and military policy and interest groups. Multimedia, research, debates, panel discussions and other methods will be used in instruction. Strong reading comprehension, critical analysis, and effective historical writing are crucialtosuccessin the course. Students willtaketheAPExaminationattheendof the course. This course is open to students with teacher recommendation.
APART HISTORY (full year, 11th/12th grade)
This course is designed to introduce students to significant works of art and architecture throughout global history. Art History develops students' abilities to critically examine works of art, while acquainting them with the major forms of artistic expression both historically and in their own time. It is a complete 'humanity' course that touches on virtually every subject, including mathematics, philosophy, foreign language, engineering, theater, and world religion. Students will develop an appreciation of art from cave paintings to the twenty-first century and the art of Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Americas. This course requires strong reading comprehension and critical analysis skills. It is not an art creation course and does not require any artistic ability. This course is open to studentswithteacherrecommendation.
APEUROPEAN HISTORY (full year, 11th/12th grade)
This course covers the history of Europe, its people, and its nationsfromc.1450tothepresent.Itisaprofoundexploration
of key events and the political, social, economic, cultural, and intellectual developments that shaped Europe and, subsequently, the world. The course pace and structure are similar to AP World History: Modern, but with a narrower focus and therefore, greater depth. Students can expect a fast-paced course with an emphasis on writing, document analysis, and discussion; they will prepare for the AP exam in May while also undertaking further explorations. Thiscourseis opentostudentswithteacherrecommendation.
SPORTS HISTORY (full year, 11th/12th grade)
Inthisclass,wewilllookattheevolutionofsports,withafocus on the United States, but with some examination oftheroleof sports in other societies. Major topics willincludeimmigration, urbanization, and the nineteenth-century development of baseball alongside East Coast cities, the impact of wartime on professional sports, race and racism in American sports (featuring the Negro Leagues and Jackie Robinson), social protest on the field (highlightingthecareersofMuhammadAli, Colin Kaepernick, among others) and issuesbetweenlaborand management that parallel the development of the labor-capital conflict. We willalsolookatthedevelopmentoffanculture(go Birds!), seeking to better understand the place of sports in present-dayAmericanculture.
WAR AND SOCIETY (full year, 11th/12th grade)
This course will consider experiences and analyses from a variety of participants and focus onwarsfromthe20thcentury to the present. In doing so, we will examine the root causes of war, the nature of modern warfare, and the governments that waged them. Incorporating a number of voices, we will lookat how members of society participate in orchallengewarefforts. We will also explore the aftereffects of war on society and the veterans who participated. Content will include, but not be limited to, primary source documents, images/depictions of war,andnewspaper/mediacoverage.
PSYCHOLOGY (full year, 11th/12th grade)
Why do people dowhattheydo?Thisisthecentralquestionof Psychology, an elective that explores the bases of human behavior. The course willbeginbylookingatresearchmethods, the ethics of psychological research, and the structure of the brain and nervous systems.Afterexploringthebiochemicaland genetic bases of human behavior, other major topics will includelearning,perception,emotion,andpersonality,aswellas group psychology, stress, psychological disorders, treatment, and therapy. This class will involve a mix of discussion, role-play,lectures,demonstrations,andexperiments.
This course serves as a foundation for all future high school mathematics courses. It includes the traditional topics of algebra, such as solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities, and polynomials. This course also introduces students to rules of exponents,simplifyingradicals,andregressionanalysis.
This college preparatory course in geometry covers the following topics: length, distance, and angle measure, parallel and perpendicular lines, congruent polygons, special properties of triangles and quadrilaterals, triangle congruenceproofs,basic coordinate geometry, similarity, right triangles and the
Pythagorean theorem, area, surface area, volume,circles,andan introduction to trigonometry Students will also complete an introductory statistics unit, including suchtopicsasmeasuresof centerandspread. Prerequisite:AlgebraI
This is an advanced course in high school geometry topics. Topics explored include congruent polygons, similarity, special right triangles, trigonometry, circles, surface area, and volume. Students will also complete a statistics unit, including measures of center and spread, probability, sampling, and linear regression. Strong algebra skills and mature study habits are prerequisitesforthiscourse.Tosucceedinthisadvancedcourse, students must be able to work productively in a collaborative classroom setting and possess the critical thinking skills and
confidence to work throughchallengingproblems. Prerequisite: AlgebraIandteacherrecommendation.
ALGEBRA II (full year)
Algebra II continuesthestudyofthemajorconceptsofalgebra. Students will learn about a variety of functions and study their graphs and their transformations. Functions studied include quadratic, polynomial, radical, exponential, and logarithmic. In addition, students will study conic sections and matrices. This course prepares students for Precalculus. Prerequisite: Geometry.
HONORS ALGEBRA II (full year)
Honors Algebra II covers transformations of functions, matrices, quadratics, polynomials, rational exponents, radical functions, logarithms, exponential functions, piecewise functions, and conics, with additional units on probability and data analysis. Topics are covered in depth and at a fast pace in order to complete more advanced work. Strong organizational skills and the ability to problem solve will help with success in this course. Prerequisite: Honors Geometry and teacher recommendation.
PRECALCULUS (full year)
This course follows Algebra II and emphasizes the study of trigonometry. In addition to trigonometry, students will continue the exploration of functions introduced in Algebra II as well as rational functions and an introduction to limits. This course prepares students for Honors Calculus. Prerequisite: AlgebraII.
HONORS PRECALCULUS (full year)
This course is a foundation for AP Calculus by focusing on all aspects of functions using descriptions, data analysis, function notation, graphs, and algebraic formulas. Mastery of transcendental functions is further enhanced by covering trigonometric functions and their extensions within polar systems, vectors, complex numbers, and parametric equations. Students taking this course should have sound algebra skills, strong reading ability, and solid work habits. Prerequisite: HonorsAlgebraII andteacherrecommendation.
HONORS CALCULUS (full year)
Students will explore topics typically covered in afirst-semester college Calculus course. Topics include limits, differentiation, and applications of differentiation. Students will also be introduced to integration. Upon completion of this course, students will have a firm foundation of the skills required for a college calculus course. Prerequisite: Precalculus and teacher recommendation.
APCALCULUS AB (full year)
This course is the equivalent of the first semester of college calculusfollowingthesyllabusoftheCollegeBoard. Skillsand
material from the Precalculus course are used to explore differential and integral calculus in preparation for the AP exam in May. It will be assumed that students taking this course possess a thorough understanding of functions, solid algebra skills, and strong work habits. Prerequisite: Honors Precalculusandteacherrecommendation.
AP CALCULUS BC & MULTIVARIABLE TOPICS (full year)
This course is equivalent to the second semester of college calculus following the syllabus of the College Board AP curriculum. Advanced topics for differential and integral calculus are explored, and considerable time is spent studying motion in two dimensions and determining convergent series. Beyond preparing for the AP exam, this coursewilldelveinto topics that form the foundation for Multivariable Calculus. Understanding functions and vectors in three dimensions will help prepare students for taking the third semester of college calculus in the future. Students take the AP exam in May. Prerequisite:APCalculusABandteacherrecommendation.
STATISTICS AND DATA SCIENCE (full year)
This course covers topics in probability, descriptive statistics, normal distribution, regression, and experimental design. Students will learn to become responsible consumers of statistics in the world. Students will be introduced to data science and will use Google Sheets and computer programming to explore large, real-world data sets. No programming experience is needed for this course. Upon the completion of this course, students will have a statistical foundation to build upon in a college statistics ordatascience course. This course can count as a technology credit. Prerequisite:Geometry.
This course follows the syllabus of the College Board for a semester course in Statistics at the college level. Itcoversdata analysis, experimental design, probability, and inferential statistics. Students will need strong reading, writing, and math skills to analyze textbook content and real-world scenarios, interpret statistical arguments, and effectively communicate and apply statistical principles. Prerequisite: Honors Algebra IIorPrecalculusandteacherrecommendation.
This course is designed to enhance students’ abilities in mathematical decision-making and financial literacy. Financial literacy topics willfocusonbanking,saving,buildingapositive credit history, investments, vacation planning, and budgeting. Students will be engaged in hands-on, real-world simulations to increase their knowledge of mathematics used in everyday life. Emphasis is on the mathematical aspects of the topics. This semester-long elective is open to juniors and seniors. Sophomores may take this course with approval. This course cancountasatechnologycredit. Prerequisite:AlgebraII.
This course covers many topics in probability, descriptive statistics, normal distribution, regression, and experimental design. Students will learn how to become responsible consumers of statistics in the world. Upon the completionof this course, students will have a statistical foundation to build upon in a college statistics course. If a student takes this semester course, they will not be able to take the year-long Statistics and Data Science course in subsequent years. Prerequisite:Geometry.
Students will explore large sets of data and will be introduced to data science principles. StudentswilluseGoogleSheetsand computer programming to explore real-world data sets. No programming experience is needed for this course. Through project-based learning, students will learnhowtousetoolsfor cleaning, analyzing, exploring, and visualizing data; making data-driven inferences and decisions; and effectively communicating results. If a student takesthissemestercourse, they will not be able to take the year-long Statistics and Data Science course in subsequent years.Thiscoursecancountasa technologycredit. Prerequisite:Geometry.
Students are required to take three years of science and are strongly encouraged to take a laboratory-based course in their junior or senior year.
CollegePreparatory
9 Biology
10 Chemistry
11/12 Physics,ForensicScience,Athletic Training(0.5labcredits),Veterinary Science(0.5labcredits)
Honors/AP
HonorsBiology
HonorsChemistry
HonorsPhysics,HonorsAnatomy&Physiology,AP EnvironmentalScience,APChemistry,APPhysicsC, APBiology,APComputerScience,APPsychology(no labcredits)
BIOLOGY (full year, 9th grade)
In this course, students will be introduced to a wide range of topics, including experimental design, biochemistry, cell structure, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, cell reproduction, and genetics with an emphasis on the practical application of biology to the students’ daily lives. This course is designed to help students adjust to high-school-level science through a balance of laboratory activities,projects,classwork,andformalassessments.
HONORS BIOLOGY (full year, 9th grade)
In this course, students will be introduced to a range of biological topics, including cellular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and evolution. Students in this course will learn current applications of biological content, conduct independent research, engage in argumentation from evidence, and develop their scientific writing skills. Collaborative and individual inquiry projectsareanintegral
partofthiscourse.Itisdesignedformotivatedandtalented science students who are ready for a rigorous science experience. Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Geometry. Teacher recommendation for currentSanfordstudents.
CHEMISTRY (full year, 10th grade)
This is a foundational course of chemical topics, including laboratory safety, measurement, classification and properties of matter, atomic structure, compounds and chemical formulas, types of chemical reactions, stoichiometry, and intermolecular forces. Students utilize modeling activities, mathematical calculations, and laboratory exercises to develop their understanding of chemicalconcepts.
HONORS CHEMISTRY (full year, 10th grade)
Honors Chemistry explores the topics covered in Chemistry in more depth, with a focus on theuseofmore advanced algebraic and graphical interpretations of data. Additional topics include atomic structure and chemical bonding, solution state behavior and types of reactions, investigationofphasesofmatterandphasechanges,andan introduction to thermodynamics. Throughout the course, students use algebraic problem-solvingtoanswerquestions about chemical reactions and engage in a deep study of stoichiometry. Lab work is highlighted, and students complete several inquiry-based labs over the course of the year. Due to the accelerated pace and increased emphasis on mathematicalinterpretationofdata,studentsmustallow sufficient time to accomplish additional daily reading and homework assignments. Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Honors Algebra II and teacher recommendation.
PHYSICS (full year, 11th-12th grade)
Physics encompasses the study of the major areas of physics: mechanics, gravity, waves, and electromagnetism. Emphasis is placed on the application of physics to everyday life as well as examining systems and the flow of energy throughthem.Thiscoursefocusesoninquiry-based labs, scientific engagement and writing, and problem-solving through conceptual explanations and mathematical practices. Prerequisite: Completion of AlgebraII.
FORENSIC SCIENCE (full year, 11th-12th grade)
HONORS PHYSICS (full year, 11th-12th grade)
This course is a thorough study of the major areas of physics: mechanics, gravity, waves, and electromagnetism. The course is taught with a strong emphasis on the quantitative and problem-solving aspects of physics, including aspects of scientific writing. It is designed for motivated science students who have a strong background in mathematics. Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Honors Precalculus and teacher recommendation.
HONORS ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (full year, 12th grade only)
This course offers a rigorous, comprehensive study of the humanbody,theintegrationofthevarioussystems,andthe abnormal functioning of tissues and systems. Students are expected to complete dissections such as the sheep’s heart andbrain,cow’seye,andfetalpig. Guestspeakersfromthe healthfieldprovidecareerinformationforstudents.
Forensics is a year-long investigative science and technology course. Students will learn how to observe, collect, analyze, and evaluate evidence found at crime scenes. Some of the many topics covered are fingerprint analysis, hair and fiber comparison, blood spatter analysis, anthropology, and crime scene analysis. Forensics is a demanding, fast-paced course. The culmination of the coursewillincludetheanalysisofacrimescene.
APBIOLOGY (full year, 11th-12th grade)
AP Biology is a rigorous course designed to explore biology at a college level. The volume and pace of this course will require independent study outside of class. Topics are subdivided into eight main units: Chemistry of Life, Cell Structure and Function, Cellular Energetics, Cell Communication and CellCycle,Heredity,GeneExpression and Regulation, Natural Selection, and Ecology. Students will develop their critical reading, data analysis, and scientific writing skills. Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Honors Precalculus and teacher recommendation.
(full year, 11th-12th grade)
AP Chemistry is a rigorous course covering thetopicsthat are normally part of an introductorycollegecourse. These topics include chemicalbonding,gaslaws,thermodynamics of reactions,acid-basetheory,reactionequilibrium,kinetics, and electrochemistry. AP Chemistry builds on the topics covered in Honors Chemistry and devotes significant time to laboratory exploration and data analysis. Students will learn to write a formal lab report and use various computational methods of data analysis. The rigor of this course will require the completion of assignments during the winter and spring vacations. Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Honors Precalculus and teacherrecommendation.
(full year, 12th grade)
AP Physics C: Mechanics is a calculus-based, college-level physics course. This course expands on the mechanics topics covered in Honors Physics, applying calculus to deepen understanding of the core laws of motion. Formal labs will allow students to demonstrate proficiency in a laboratory setting, as well as practice scientificwriting.The rigor of this course may require the completion of assignments during the winter and spring vacations. The availability of this course is contingent upon student enrollment. Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus AB and teacher recommendation.
(full year, 11th-12th grade)
AP Environmental Science is a rigorousclassthatexplores topics typically covered at the introductory college level. Topics include ecosystems, biodiversity, population dynamics, earth systems and resources, land andwateruse,
energy, pollution, and climate change. An emphasis will be placed on systems thinking, multi-solving of current problems, and straightforward application of mathematical concepts such as percent change and dimensional analysis. The rigor of this course will require the completion of assignments during the winter and spring vacations. Prerequisite: Completion of Biology and Chemistry and teacherrecommendation.
APPSYCHOLOGY (full year, 11th-12th grade)
AP Psychology follows an introductory college-level psychology course, delving into the process of scientific inquiry and data analysis of human behavior. Students will study behavior and mental processes through the lens of biological basis of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and treatment of abnormal behavior, and social psychology. Students will engage in group discussion and inquiry-based activities throughout the course. Assessments range from research papers to data analysis of sleep habits, and traditional tests and quizzes. Because of the rigorous nature of this course, students should expect to complete assignments over the summer and spring break. This course does not count as a lab science.Prerequisite:CompletionofAlgebraII
APCOMPUTER SCIENCE A (full year, 11th-12th grade)
AP Computer Science A is a rigorous course designed to explore aspects of computer science at the college level. Through learning the object-oriented programming language Java, students will study fundamental topics of problem solving, data structures, data processing, and ethical implications of computing. The rigor of the course will require the completion of assignments during the winter and spring vacations. Prerequisite: B or higher in Introduction to Programming, Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Honors Precalculus, and teacher recommendation.
ELECTRONICS AND CIRCUITS (first semester, 9th-12th grade)
In our elective introductory course of Electronics and Circuits, studentswillstudyprinciplesofelectronics,energy and power, and circuit analysis. In-class discussions will cover the evolution of electronics as a field and the innovations of microprocessors, microcontrollers, and materials such as semiconductors and superconductors. This course will include hands-on opportunities in constructing analoganddigitalcircuitsprovidingreal-world applications of circuit building and use of modern electroniccomponents.
ATHLETIC TRAINING (first semester, 11th-12th grade)
This lab-based science class explores the fundamentals of emergency response and athletic injury. Through a combination of classroom lessons and interactive labs—covering varied topics like the assessment of emergency situations, procedure for dealing with blood, and treatment of simple injuries. Students will be exposed to the basics ofAthleticTraining,exploringskillsnecessary to assess, prevent, and treat injuries. This course counts as a 0.5 lab credits
INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING (first semester, 9th-12th grade)
This course is an introduction to programming concepts. Students will begin with writing simple programs using variables, functions, logic, if statements, loops, and algorithms through a thorough study of Scratch and the Python Programming Language. Projects and Explorations willallowstudentstoacquireafoundationfor robust, efficient programming. Students will also learn the basics of HTML. This class is open to all students and serves as a prerequisite for AP Computer Science.
VETERINARY SCIENCE (second semester, 11th-12th grade)
This Introduction to Veterinary Science course provides a foundational overview of the veterinary field, covering topics like animal anatomy and physiology, including basic understanding of different animal body systems,
recognition of prevalent diseases in various animal species, preventative medicine, animal care, career paths within veterinary medicine, ethical considerations, and the history of veterinary science. This course aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of theprofessionand itskeyprinciples. This course counts as a 0.5 lab credits
ENGINEERING (second semester, 9th-12th grade)
Engineering introduces and engages students in the engineering design process and different forms of engineering. Students will gain a conceptual understanding of the design process through design challenges. Students will manufacture parts, collaboratively engineer solutions, and tackle real-world problems inordertomeetthecriteria and constraints posed for each design challenge. Prerequisite:AlgebraI.
ASTRONOMY (second semester, 10th-12th grade)
This semester-long elective will provide students with a broad understanding of our universe from anastrophysical perspective.Studentswillexploretheuniversestartingfrom how humanity sees the sky, through to the concepts surrounding the genesis and expansion of the universe itself. Each progressive unit will extend their view further out from our beautiful blue marble,Earth.Thiscoursewill alsoofferopportunitiesforstudentstoactivelyobserveand explore the universe, both on their own and with more advanced instruments. Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrentenrollmentinAlgebraII.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
(first semester, repeats second semester)
This one-semester health course, which should be completed by the end of tenth grade, is required for graduation. Health and Wellness empowers students to develop and apply essential health skills—like decision-making, communication, and self-management, goal setting, accessing information, analyzing influences, and advocacy—to make informed choices and maintain lifelong healthy behaviors. Topics discussed throughout the semester include the history of diseases, communicable and chronic diseases, mental health, human sexuality, sexual education, drugs, alcohol, and e-cigarette issues, eating disorders, nutrition, and other current health topics.
Students must complete 0.5 credit by completing a Technology elective. Many courses are cross-listed as a technology elective from other departments and are listed below.
(first semester, repeats second semester)
Multimedia Journalism is a student-driven, project-based course. Students will learn to harness digital techniques (filming, editing, and visual design) to communicate powerful stories and sensational events. Emphasis will be placed on having multiple rounds of publishing and on fostering a student's technical niche, whether that is through written, visual, or mixed media forms. Students will plan to publish their work to the public for online circulation and review Students may take this course multiple times.
(first semester, repeats second semester)
Videography covers the practical use of video equipment and software to capture events, experiences, and scenes. The creation of visual effects involvessoftwaretechniquesthatcan add and manipulate visual elements in existing film. This course will blend both to offer a beginner’s toolkit for future, moreambitiousvideoendeavors.
(first semester, repeats second semester)
Woodworking introduces students to basic woodworking practices. Students will expand their knowledge of and experience withwoodworkingtechniquesthroughprojectsand lessons. Students will learn about and safely use hand tools, power tools, and woodworking machinery. Projects introduce students to simple tools and gradually progress toward more advanced tool use as well as more complex joinery and woodworking techniques. The projects will allowforcreativity andpracticeatthedesignprocess.
In thiscourse,studentswillacquirelifeskillsthatwillbeofuse in adulthood. Topics explored are related to home (cooking, cleaning, sewing, ironing, basic tools, care of basic household appliances etc), vehicles (basic car maintenance), employment (resumes, job application,interviewskills,health insurance, taxes, investments), and self-care (mental health, healthy relationships, nutrition, sleep, physical health). This class will be hands-on and will incorporate student choice on additional topics to explore. Juniors and Seniors will be given priority.
This course provides students with hands-on production experience. Skills in theme development,interviewing,writing, editing, photography, and design layout are practiced and developed. Students learn and perform all of the skills necessary to produce the school yearbook, including an introduction to communication, fundraising, and marketing strategies. This class can be taken multiple times. NOTE: starting in 2025-2026, Yearbook will no longer fulfill a visual arts requirement but will continue to fulfill a tech requirement.
CROSS-LISTED TECHNOLOGY COURSES The courses below can serve to count towards a technology credit orfora credit in another department. Many of these electives are cross-listed with Visual and Performing Arts. A course cannot fulfill two requirements at one time; for example, Music Technology can fulfill the Technology requirement or the Performing Arts requirement, but not both. Full course descriptions can be found in the corresponding departmental section of this guide.
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE (TECH/SCIENCE)
ANIMATION (TECH/VISUAL ART)
MUSIC TECHNOLOGY (TECH/PERFORMING ART)
FINANCIAL LITERACY (TECH/MATH)
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY I/II (TECH/VISUAL ART)
INTRO TO PROGRAMMING (TECH/SCIENCE)
ELECTRONICS AND CIRCUITS (TECH/SCIENCE)
GRAPHIC DESIGN (TECH/VISUAL ART)
DATA SCIENCE (TECH/MATH)
ENGINEERING (TECH/SCIENCE)
Students are required to take three consecutive years of the same world language. All world language courses are year-long.
CollegePreparatory AP
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FrenchIorII
FrenchIIorIII
FrenchIIIorIV
FrenchIVorV
This is an introductory course focusingonthedevelopmentof the four skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with an emphasis on listening to comprehensible input by teachers, and speaking as comprehensibleoutput.Studentswillbeputin authentic situations and learn to develop their listening and speaking proficiency. The course implements the five goals of the national standards: the students will learn to communicate in French, understand the Francophone cultures, make connections with other disciplines, learn to comparetheirown language and culture with the French language and the Francophone cultures and learn to use all of this new knowledgewithinthecommunity-at-large. This course will be offered only when student interest and minimum student enrollment allow.
Students continue to build the vocabulary and grammar concepts learned in French I and strengthen their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Inadditiontoanemphasis on correct oral expression and pronunciation, written expression is also stressed. Furthermore, reading comprehension skills are developed and honed as thestudents are introduced to short stories and comprehensible novels. StudentsarealsointroducedtovariousaspectsofFrancophone culture as illustrated in the text and through videos and presentations, which may include historical, social, andcultural topics.
FRENCH III
Students expand their French vocabulary, grammar, speaking, listening, reading, and writing proficiency in thiscourse. More of the class instruction is presented tothestudentinthetarget language. Students consolidate their understanding and knowledge of interculturality in the text and through videos and presentations, which may include historical, social, and cultural topics. Reading strategies such as paraphrasing,
FrenchII
FrenchIII
FrenchIV
APFrenchLanguage&Culture
summarizing, making inferences, and determining main ideas are implemented. These strategies become critical for transitioning from basic vocabulary andgrammartobeingable tocombinetheseelementsintotheirownwriting.
French is heard and spoken throughout this advanced-level course, and the fine points of grammar are studied in depth. The course will further develop the ability of the students to communicate and write in French. The course alternates between the studies of the contemporary Francophone world and the history of France throughout the centuries. Emphasis is placed on French syntax to prepare the students for French VorAPFrench.
F
This course is designed for students who would like to continue with their study of French in a manner less intense than an AP course. Conducted in French, Level V focuses on moving student proficiency from intermediate-low to intermediate-high. This course is a project-based course. Students will refine accuracy in their communication skills
through the study of historical, cultural, and current events along with other relevant topics in the French-speaking world. Students are expected to use French inclasstoconverseabout short stories, books, movies, articles, and otherauthentictexts. This course will be offered when student interest and minimum student enrollment allow.
AP French Language and Culture is a college-level course for students in their fourth or fifth year of study. The class will speak the French language exclusively and the use of the French language in real-life settings will be encouraged. The course will be organized around the six main themes: Global
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SPANISH I
Challenges, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life, Personal and Public Identities, Families and Communities, and Beauty and Aesthetics. The course will also encourage cultural awareness with an understanding of products (clothing, food, literary work,monuments,law,educationalsystem,tangibleand intangible products), practices (customs, routines, social interactions) and perspectives (values and attitudes). Prerequisite: A-range grade in French IV and teacher recommendation.
SpanishIorII SpanishII
IIorIII SpanishIII
SpanishIIIorIV
SpanishIVorV
In Spanish I, students are introduced to basic Spanish, target themes, and structures, and they practice the skills ofspeaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students will discover effective ways to interact with native speakers with a focus on interculturality. An effort to use the target language in class is expected as there is anemphasisoncorrectoralexpressionand pronunciation. Through exposure to historical, social, and cultural topics, students are introduced to various aspects of HispaniccultureinLatinAmericancountriesandinSpain.
SPANISH
In Spanish II, students continue to build the vocabulary and grammar concepts learned in Spanish I and strengthen their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. In addition toan emphasis on correct oral expression andpronunciation,written expression is also stressed. Furthermore, reading comprehension skills are developed and honed as the students are introduced to short stories and comprehensible novels. Students are also introduced to various aspects of Hispanic cultureinLatinAmericancountriesandinSpainasillustratedin the text and through videos and presentations, which may includehistorical,social,andculturaltopics.
Students expand their Spanish vocabulary, grammar, speaking skills, listening, reading, and writing inthiscourse. Moreofthe class instruction is presented to the student in the target language. StudentsareintroducedtoaspectsofHispanicculture
SpanishIV
APSpanishLanguage&Culture
in Latin American countries and in Spain as illustrated in the text and through videos and presentations, which may include historical, social, and cultural topics. Reading strategiessuchas paraphrasing, summarizing, makinginferences,anddetermining main ideas are implemented. These strategies become critical for transitioning from basic vocabulary and grammar to being abletocombinetheseelementsintotheirownwriting.
Spanish IV is designed topreparestudentsforeitherSpanishV or the AP Spanish Language and Culture course. Students are evaluated based on their performance in the following specific areas: grammar usage, vocabulary acquisition, listening and reading comprehension, oral proficiency, and writing skills.
Spanish and Latin American films, music, and news articlesare used as tools to expose the students to the Spanish-speaking cultureandprovidestudentswiththeopportunitytodiscussthe content. Emphasis is placedondevelopingoralproficiency,and studentsareencouragedtospeakonlyinSpanishduringclass.
Spanish V is anintermediatelanguageandculturecoursethatis an option for students who have completed Spanish IVbutdo not wish to pursue an AP experience. Emphasis will be placed on developing and expanding oral proficiency and exposing students to cultural experiences through film, music, news, art history, and literature. Students practice oral expression and pronunciation through the use of video recordings, and students are assessed in a variety of ways. Students continue to develop their writing and grammar skills through research and reflection essays with an emphasis on college prep. The goal is for students to feel comfortable navigating multicultural situations and communicating with Spanish speakers upon
completion of this course. This course will be offered only when student interest and minimum student enrollment allow.
AP Spanish focuses on preparing students for the Advanced Placement examination. Emphasis is placed on developing the following skills: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, formal and informal writing, and oral proficiency in conversational and presentational contexts. The class is structured around the core themes of Family and Community, Science and Technology, Beauty and Aesthetics, Contemporary Life,GlobalChallenges,andPersonalandPublic Identities, allowing students to practice using grammatical concepts and vocabulary words in those contexts. Students explore audio clips, newspaper articles, literature, and film to enhance the immersion experience through exposure to Spanish-speaking culture in a variety of countries. Prerequisite: A-rangegradeinSpanishIVandteacherrecommendation.
9 LatinIorII
10 LatinIIorIII
11 LatinIIIorIV
12 LatinIVorV
In this introductory course, students will learn to pronounce, read, and understand classical Latin, thesourceofover80%of the words in the English language and the basis for all Romance languages.Thecompletionofthiscoursewillprepare the student to take Latin II and will enhance English skills in both vocabulary and grammar. In addition, the students will gain an appreciation for the significance ofRomanhistoryand culture. This course will be offered only when minimum enrollment allows.
A continuation of Latin I, this course will begin with a review of grammar and syntax. Following this initial review of the vocabulary, forms, and syntax ofearlierstudy,studentsinLatin II will master cases in all fivedeclensions,allverbtenses,voice in the four conjugations. They will add to their storehousesof grammatical knowledge. Students will also explorethelivesof themajorGreekheroes.
LatinII
LatinIII
LatinIV
LatinVorAPLatin
Latin III is a continuation of Latin II.LatinIIIisthefinalyear of grammar instruction and focuses on the subjunctive mood. Each chapteralsoincludesashortreviewofpreviouslycovered grammatical constructions. Students will also be introduced to ancient Roman poetry by reading selections from Ovid's Metamorphoses in Latin. Students will practice their writing skills by writing a one-page biography of an influentialRoman leader
Following an initial review of forms, vocabulary, and syntax, the Latin IV students will read selections of both prose and poetryfromtheGoldenandSilverAgesofLatinliterature.The emphasis is on developing reading and comprehension proficiency while discussing historical context. The students will learn about the various literary devices employed by RomanauthorsandhowtoscanLatinverse.
Thiscourseisdesignedforstudentswhowishtocontinuetheir studiesafterLatinIVofLatinandtheAncientWorldbut withouttheintensityoftheAPLatincourse.Studentswill applyconceptslearnedinpreviousyearstoreadingancient texts,includingbook1ofLivy’sAbUrbeCondita.Additional readingswillbebasedonstudentinterestsbutmayinclude readingsfromCaesar,Pliny,Vergil,Catullus,Petronius,Horace, Martial,andOvid.Studentswillalsocontinuetheirstudiesof thehistoryoftheMediterraneanoutsideofRome.Thiscourse willbeofferedwhenstudentinterestandminimumstudent enrollmentallow.
The AP Latin course focuses on continued Latin language acquisition, including textual analysis and contextualization skills. The course centers around selections from two influential works of Latin literature: Vergil’s Aeneid and Pliny the Younger’s Letters. Significant time, however, is also dedicated to the reading of non-syllabus texts chosen by or with the teachers and provided by the College Board in the form of the Course Project passages that may extend beyond authorsoftheearlyimperialeraofclassicalRome.Studentswill prepare and translate the readings and thus furtherrefinetheir knowledge of the Latin language. Studentswillalsoplacethese texts in a meaningful context, which will help develop their critical, historical, and literary sensitivities. Throughout the course, students will consider the main ideas, effects or purposes, and points of viewexpressedintheseworksinorder to gain a deeper understanding of them and the culture in which they were created. Prerequisite:A-rangegradeinLatin IVandteacherrecommendation.
Students must complete 0.5 credit in visual arts, 0.5 credit in performing arts, and an additional 0.5 credit of choice in either art.
CONCERT BAND (full year)
This course is a performing ensemble open to all interested students withpriorinstrumentalexperience.Studentsaregiven the opportunity to showcase their musical talents asensemble members and potentially as featured soloists. The Concert Band performs two school concerts per year, along with the possibility for additional performances inourcommunity.The group performs standard concert band literature and other styles including classical, showtunes, marches, contemporary, and pop/rock. Concert Band meets three times per cycle in thesameblockasRockBand.
ROCK BAND (full year)
Rock Band is a performing ensemble consisting of a rhythm section, horn section, and vocalists. Participation in Concert Band isnotrequired,butstronglyrecommendedforthosethat play Concert Band instruments. Rock Band performs two school concerts per year, along with the possibility for additional performances in our community. Repertoire performed includes rock, pop, funk, jazz, and more. Rock Band meets two times per cycle in the same block asConcert Band.
CONCERT CHOIR (full year)
This performance group is a non-select chorusthatisopento all students interested in singing. The group performs standard choral literature representing all styles of music. Concert Choir provides several opportunities to perform on and off campus throughout the year. Concert Choir meets threetimespercycleinthesameblockasVocalEnsemble.
VOCAL ENSEMBLE (full year)
Vocal Ensemble is a smaller group of select members. Interested students will audition to join this group. TheVocal Ensemble offers students an opportunity to explore jazz repertoire, including a cappella selections. This is an audition-only ensemble. Vocal Ensemble meets two times per cycleinthesameblockasConcertChoir.
INTRODUCTION TO ACTING AND THEATER (first semester, repeats second semester)
This class is designed to provide an introduction into the basics of stage acting. Students will gain basic skills inacting, improvisation, visualization, breathing, and relaxation, as well as a working vocabulary of theater terms. Additionally, students will learn about the aspects of backstage work
(technical theater) that make the show come together. No previousactingexperienceisrequired.
INTRODUCTION TO PIANO (first semester, repeats second semester)
In this hands-on introductory class, students learn beginning piano skills and fundamentals ofmusicliteracy,includingbasic notation, rhythms, time signatures,andintervals. This class is designed for beginning pianists with no previous piano experience.
MUSIC TECHNOLOGY (first semester, repeats second semester)
Students will use computer software to introduce and familiarize themselves with Garageband as a Digital Audio Workstation. Students will learn the basic concepts of music technology, including recording, editing, producing, and creating computer-based music. Other topics of study include movie music, music videos, sampling, sound effects, and the music industry. This is a project-based class that encourages creativity and collaboration and encourages students to both work with the music they enjoy and expand their musical horizons.
MUSIC THEORY (first semester)
This introductory course is designed for students with some background in music and requires the ability to read notation and rhythm. Throughout the course of the semester students will study basic notation, scales, key signatures, intervals, chords, cadences, form, part-writing and analysis of a score. Aural dictation and ear training are also anintegralpartofthe course, and individual creativity is nurtured through both rhythmic and melodic composition. The course takes a beginning approach to the concepts of theory and analysis, withreal-worldreferencesfromclassical,jazz,andpopmusic.
INTRODUCTION TO GUITAR AND UKULELE (second semester)
In this performance-based class, students will develop skills essential to learning the basics of guitar and ukulele,including rhythm, tempo, chords, notation, tablature, and time signatures. Students will practice with and perform for the class, focusingmainlyonfolkandpopmusicstyles. This class is designed for beginning guitar players with no previous guitar experience.
Students must complete 0.5 credit in visual arts, 0.5 credit in performing arts, and an additional 0.5 credit of choice in either art.
HONORS ART (full year)
This is ayearlongcourseforsophomoresthroughseniorswho are both interested and capable in this class is to develop art-making skills and to begin ideation for theconcentrationsectionoftheAPportfolio.Studentswill be required to submit a finished work every weeks, keep a sketchbook, and participate in group critiques. Students will explore different mediacombinations,styles,and techniques of art-making with a strong emphasis on independentwork.
DRAWING) (full year)
AP Art and Design is typically taken during the senior year. There is a tremendous amount of independentwork,thought, and effort that goes into creating the twelve pieces of art needed for an AP portfolio. Students design and develop a concentrated body of artwork based on a topic or theme of their choosing. Keeping a sketchbook, visually analyzing artwork, reflecting on the process, and completing a project every two weeks are requirements of the course. Projects will be assigned during breaks and vacations. All studentsenrolled will submit a final portfolio to the College Board for the AP requirements. Prerequisite: Honors Art or department approval.
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY I (first semester)
In this course, students will learn to use Adobe software to create unique digital images. Students will explore both the technical aspects of image manipulation as well as the artistic aspects of creating images. They will gain familiarity with techniques through demonstrations, tutorials, one-on-one guidance, practice, individual exploration, projects, and the creationofadigitalportfolio.
CERAMICS (first semester)
Working with clay, students will learn varioustechniques,such as coiling, slab making, pinching, and additive and subtractive sculpture.Thebasicsofthrowingonthepotter’swheelarealso introduced. As the semester progresses, experimentation with techniques will lead to more freedom andindividualcreativity. Group critiques and demonstrations will reinforce student learning. Problem-solving, designing, andcreativethinkingwill allow for the construction of both functional and sculptural forms.
SCULPTURE (first semester)
In this multimedia class, students will learn the fundamentals of working with 3D form and space. This course emphasizes the use of a variety of basic materials with an introduction to the woodshop. Designed to integrate the development of technical skills with critical thinking, projects will explore sculptural strategies, including wood, jewelry, foam, and wire fabrication.
DRAWING (first semester)
This course is designed to strengthen observational,technical, and mechanical skills as students are led through a series of exercises culminating in finished drawings. The goal of this hands-on course is expression through perceptual drawing, reflecting the student’s understanding of materials,techniques, and visual experience. As students develop their individual approach to drawing and an understanding of form, they will create unique, expressive forms. Students will work from life
and imagination as they develop the perceptual, conceptual, and technical skills necessary to translate three-dimensional formsontoatwo-dimensionalsurface.
NIMATION (first semester, repeats second semester)
From stop-motion to video games,animationisintegraltothe creation of appealing and entertaining media. This animation course will educate you on the fundamentals of the craft and the technological literacy of current animation tools. By the end of this course, the student will be able to 3D animate a movement sequence of their choice and learn to self-improve their own animationworkforthefuture.Thecoursewillcover the basics of animation and withafocusonappliedanimation skills.
semester)
While heightening visual awareness by observing and recording the world around them, students will utilize photography as a means of communication and self-expression. They will obtain an understanding of the technical aspects of photography, including the operation of a 35mm camera and various darkroom techniques. A background in aesthetics will be established with regard to design, composition, statement, and intent. Weekly critiques offer the opportunity to incorporate art vocabulary to describe, analyze, interpret, and judge the work of other photographers,aswellasstudents’ownwork.
semester)
This course investigates the qualities of good design and composition by exploring design principles through visual problem-solving exercises.Studentsareintroducedtothebasic ideas of graphic designandvisualcommunicationanddevelop skills in typographyandconceptualthinkingusingbothAdobe Photoshopandhand-drawntechniquesforprojects.
In painting class, students learn toreproduceimagesfromstill life, from imagination, and from nature through their exploration and observation of light, color, and composition using a variety of media andtechniques.Studentswillhavethe opportunity to develop their personal style and to study the workofmasterartists.
Students will learn how to use the potter’s wheel to create functional and sculptural vessels. Students will investigate different design techniques to create desired surfaces for their work. Wheel throwing takes practice, patience, and time to grasp. Planning andprioritizingstudiotimewillbeemphasized in addition to developing technical proficiency. Continuing Ceramics students will be challenged to work on techniques designedtoadvancetheirability.
Independent Studies are an opportunity for students to pursue specialized topics not offered within the regular curriculum. Students in good academic standing may plan an independent study with a faculty member and submit a proposal for approval to the Head of Upper School. All independent studies must have the direct academic supervision of an upper school faculty member who is willing to oversee the student’s progress. Students are limited to one independent study credit per semester, and with permission, the independent study may replace a sixth course. For consideration, all proposals for first semester or full year independent studies must be submitted during course registration in the spring. Proposals for second semester independent studies must be submitted no later than the first day of December exams. Students, advisors, and faculty supervisors will be notified via email whether a student’s independent study proposal has been approved. Independent studies are graded on a Pass/No Pass basis based on criteria agreed upon between student and faculty supervisor. GPA credit is not awarded for Independent Studies.
Students who receive a failing grade in one or both semesters may be required to repeat a course through summer study or during the following school year. Summer school credits from an approved summer school may be applied to placement in the next level of a subject pending a placement test and permission of the Department Chair and the Head of Upper School. Please note that Sanford offers several electives in the Summer Enrichment Program, which may be used for graduation requirements. However, completing a summer course does not reduce the minimum number of classes taken during the school year.
In rare cases, a student may be permitted to work with a tutor over the summer to try to bypass a level in math or world language. In order for this to be approved, the student must have earned a minimum grade (varies by department) in the current class, submit an application, and earn a B+ or better on Sanford’s final bypass exam for the course taken in late August.
The State of Delaware requires drivers under the age of 18 to take and pass a state-run program. Students must be sophomores in order to take the class. An employee of the State of Delaware provides materials for and runs the Sanford driver education program. Classroom instruction meets during the full lunch periods on four cycle days. The classroom portion typically lasts from September through early December, and students eat lunch during class. In addition to class time instruction, students are scheduled for at least ten practice driving times with the instructor and other students; students go through the in-vehicle driving portion of Driver’s Ed based on their study halls and when they turn 16. Driving sessions are scheduled during study halls or lunch periods. Consistent with the policy of the Delaware Department of Education, Delaware residents enrolled in the driver education class at Sanford can take the course at no cost. We recommend that out-of-state residents check with their home state DMV to guarantee that this driver education program will be accepted if needed. Non-Delaware residents will be assessed a registration fee of approximately $660, which will be charged to your student account.
Sanford is pleased to be able to offer college courses through the University of Delaware's Early College Credit Program. The University of Delaware partners with a limited number of Delaware high schools to offer selected courses to high school juniors and seniors. Enrollment is limited by course, high school, and eligibility guidelines from the University and Sanford School. For the 2025-2026 school year, these semester-long classes are offered asynchronously online. Sanford students can enroll in a maximum of one (1) class each semester, which can stand in place of a sixth (6th) class in a traditional Sanford schedule. No credit is given towards Sanford School's graduation requirements or GPA, however the student will earn college credits issued by the University of Delaware. All classes are three (3) credit hours. There is no additional cost to enroll in these courses.
AFRA110172: INTRODUCTION TO AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES
Assess the status of Black America in the modern technological order through an examination of the major spheres of institutionallife,includingemployment,education,politics,criminaljustice,andthemilitary.
COMM245172: MEDIA AND SOCIETY
The relationship between media and culture; how mediaaffectculture(i.e.,socializationandrolemodeling);andexplorationof newformsofmasscommunication.
ENGL151172: STUDIES IN POPULAR FICTION: GOTH LIT
The study of popular fiction, focusingonaparticulargenre-GothicLiterature.Howthebroadfieldofpopularfictioncameto be established in the late Victorian age; famous examples of genre fiction from this time, including Bram Stoker’s Dracula and H. G. Wells’s The Invisible Man, as well astheSherlockHolmesmysteries.Studentswillunderstandthelastinginfluenceofthese works, which have inspired numerous adaptations and updates over the years, andwillrespondcreativelytooneofthesetexts, producingaworkoffanfictionthatriffsdirectlyonit.
UAPP110172: CHANGING THE WORLD AND PUBLIC POLICY
“Going Green,” the haves and have nots, relevant politics - all huge contemporary issues. Can you get a job AND make a difference? Public policy addresses such issuesandbeginswithyou.Examinesbasicpolicyconcepts/strategiesusedbycitizens, governmentandothersocietalinstitutions.
ART204172: MEDIA/DESIGN/CULTURE
Current and historical media processes and their impact on art, design and culture. Image making and manipulation, video, audio, interactivity,andconnectivity.Viewingfineartanddesignprojects,thehistoricalaspectsofdesignanddigitalmedia,basic media theory, and universal principles of software and digitalmedia.Projectsincludewriting,creatingvisualmedia,andmaking presentations. Unfamiliar media experienced firsthand through exhibitions, screenings, lectures, online exploration and consumermediadevices.
DIST250172: DISABILITIES STUDIES: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH
Current and historical media processes and their impact on art, design and culture. Image making and manipulation, video, audio, interactivity,andconnectivity.Viewingfineartanddesignprojects,thehistoricalaspectsofdesignanddigitalmedia,basic media theory, and universal principles of software and digitalmedia.Projectsincludewriting,creatingvisualmedia,andmaking presentations. Unfamiliar media experience firsthand throughexhibitions,screenings,lectures,onlineexplorationandconsumer mediadevices.
HIST188172: THE HISTORY OF NOW
This course explores the complexities of our contemporary world through the lens of history. The course grounds itself in critical questions for our current times and explores a range of topics and themes. The semester opens with a meta-question: can the past teach? We then turn to a range of contemporary concerns related to food; political borders; leisure and play; the socialself;climatechange;rightsforandroids;themeaningofmusic;andwhatthepasttellsusaboutcorporationsandpower.
LEAD100172: LEADERSHIP, INTEGRITY AND CHANGE
Current and historical media processes and their impact on art, design and culture. Image making and manipulation, video, audio, interactivity,andconnectivity.Viewingfineartanddesignprojects,thehistoricalaspectsofdesignanddigitalmedia,basic media theory, and universal principles of software and digitalmedia.Projectsincludewriting,creatingvisualmedia,andmaking presentations. Unfamiliar media experienced firsthand through exhibitions, screenings, lectures, online exploration and consumermediadevices.
*indicates a new course
English
Full Year Courses
English9/HonorsEnglish9
English10/HonorsEnglish10
APEnglish11:Language& Composition
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Semester Courses
English11:Reasoning&Rhetoric
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History & Global Studies
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WorldCivilizationsI
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DriversEducation
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VISUAL
ART
(9th-12th Grade)
PERFORMING ART
(9th-12th Grade)
TECHNOLOGY
(9th-12th Grade)
Digital Photography
Drawing
Animation
Sculpture
Introduction to Acting
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Introduction to Piano
Music Theory
Intro to Programming I
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Woodworking
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Digital Photography I & II
Yearbook
Animation
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(9th-12th Grade)
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ELECTIVES
(11th-12th Grade)
12th only
Health & Wellness
Driver
Painting
Graphic Design
Wheel Throwing
Animation
Darkroom Photography
Introduction to Acting
Music Technology
Introduction to Piano
Introduction to Guitar/ Ukulele
Graphic Design
Music Technology
Animation
Data Science
Financial Literacy
Videography & Visual Effects
Multimedia Journalism
Engineering
AP Studio Art (11-12)
Honors Art (10-12)
Health & Wellness
Concert Band
Concert Choir
Vocal Ensemble by audition
Rock Band