Franklin Road Academy emphasizes academic excellence while instilling a love for learning in our students. We offer an outstanding PK-12 college-preparatory program that is appropriately complemented and enhanced by a wide variety of co-curricular activities in arts, athletics, entrepreneurial leadership, and service life. Our goal is to offer an educational experience that is both academically challenging and filled with opportunities that provide spiritual and personal growth. FRA is committed to exceeding standards for curricular content and using the classroom as an environment to teach and develop the lifelong skills articulated in our Profile of an FRA Graduate.
At every grade level and in every department, FRA provides a rigorous and dynamic course of study for each student. As a college preparatory school, we take great pride in an academic program that prepares students from day one for the best colleges and universities in the country. Please contact the middle or upper school office for advice or assistance.
This document provides a detailed curriculum overview and course description of every class from grades 5 to 12 to help students and families best map their learning pathways and outcomes. For convenience, the following sections highlight some of FRA’s academic programs, philosophies, and policies. Still, please consult the online FRA Family Handbook for a complete articulation of academic guidelines and procedures.
PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING
This Academic Program Guide aims to help parents and students become familiar with the academic program at FRA from grades 5 to 12. This information will assist you in making informed choices regarding your student’s course of study. If you have questions regarding the academic program, please contact the MS or US office.
MIDDLE SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY
The middle school academic curriculum and co-curricular opportunities consistently deliver high-quality pedagogy and programming for students at each grade level. Students have some level of choice, but most of the curriculum is intentionally structured and sequenced to provide a strong foundation in not only the core academics but also Bible, art, computer science, leadership, service life, athletics, clubs, and more. There are three main goals of the middle school experience. First, for students to expand their critical thinking, reading, writing, and analyzing skills through an engaging academic program in every core discipline. Second, for students to develop the lifelong skills of organization, responsibility, self-advocacy, grit, interpersonal relationships, leadership, and resilience in a nurturing and supportive environment. Third, for students to explore and discover their unique gifts, talents, and passions so they have a guiding purpose and vision for their four years of upper school, college, and beyond.
UPPER SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY
The upper school program offers an engaging, challenging academic experience with a profoundly relational approach. Our talented faculty members challenge students in collegepreparatory coursework while using the latest teaching methods to encourage students to think critically, collaborate, and creatively problem-solve. While every student must complete a core academic program to graduate, there is a substantial amount of choice beginning in ninth grade. From standard, honors, and AP courses at every grade level and department to dozens of electives, students can chart their own experiences over four years. Each winter, US students complete or update their Four-Year Plan for graduation since purposeful planning is critical to academic success. This process allows students to assess their current schedules, personal skills, interests, and abilities to set tentative goals for the coming years. The FourYear Plan is likely to change as a student progresses from freshman year through senior year, and a commitment to plan for the future ensures course selections are purposeful and provide as many opportunities as possible.
When planning a course of study, we encourage each student to gather as much information as possible by talking with parents, teachers, academic advisors, and school leaders. FRA offers extensive academic support and college counseling to help students establish healthy goals and ultimately gain admission to the college of their choice. We strongly encourage students to actively pursue the most academically challenging course of study they can manage, not only for the college admissions process but, more importantly, to maximize every opportunity to develop into deeply thoughtful, creative, and skillful leaders of integrity and purpose.
MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Students in MS earn seven credits per year, for a total of 28 credits. Along with four years of English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and PE, MS students complete one year of Computer Science & Innovation (CSI) in 5th grade and three years of World Language in 6th-8th grade. For the final block, MS students have Performing Arts and Enrichments, which meet on alternating days. For performing arts, students choose Band or Chorus in grades 5-6, with General Music and Theater becoming additional choices in grades 7-8. For Enrichment, students have a quarter of Art, Bible, Leadership, and CSI every year. Alongside the seven periods, students have daily convocation, lunch, advisory, and study hall, with athletics and clubs meeting every day after school. Yearly participation in the annual Interim program is also required for grades 5-8.
English Math Science
Social Studies World Language
PE/Health
&
Enrichments
PE/Dance & Health
History 6
History
French, Latin, or Spanish 1
World Language Foundations French,
French, Latin, or Spanish 3
Performing Art & Art, Bible, CSI, & Leadership
PE/Dance & Health
Performing Art & Art, Bible, CSI, & Leadership
PE/Dance & Health
Performing Art & Art, Bible, CSI, & Leadership
PE/Dance & Health
Performing Art & Art, Bible, CSI, & Leadership
UPPER SCHOOL COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Students must earn 24 total credits for upper school graduation, which includes 19 required credits and 5 elective credits, with a minimum of 5 academic credits per year.
In addition, FRA students must submit documentation of an average of five hours of service life participation per year for each of their four years of upper school (10 of the required 20 hours of service must be outside of FRA). This service life requirement is adjusted for students who enter FRA after freshman year. Yearly participation in the annual Interim program is also required for graduation from FRA.
UPPER SCHOOL COURSE OF STUDY
ENGLISH
All students must complete English 1, 2, 3, and English 4: Critical Thinking and Writing and a second semester-long English 4 course. Juniors and seniors can complete AP English Language and Composition instead of English 3 and AP Literature and Composition instead of English 4.
MATHEMATICS
All students must complete four years of mathematics beginning freshman year. Students must take Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and one or more upper-level math courses, including Precalculus, Calculus, or Statistics. Though students who have completed upper school coursework in middle school may have accelerated coursework, these credits do not count toward their upper school credit total.
SCIENCE
All students must complete Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
SOCIAL STUDIES
All students must complete World History, U.S. History, and one more social studies credit. The final credit can combine two advanced social studies semester electives or a full-year AP course.
WORLD LANGUAGE
Students are required to complete two consecutive years of the same world language in grades 9-12 for graduation and are strongly encouraged to take a third and fourth year. The world language faculty will carefully evaluate students to determine readiness for the next level grades and proficiency testing help to make accurate recommendations. Students may choose to begin a different language in Level 1. However, this will significantly limit their ultimate achievement, as honors and AP courses require a proficiency level that takes several years to build.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
All students must complete one credit of physical education. Students can earn up to a half credit by participating in an FRA sport. See the department curriculum for additional information.
BIBLICAL & THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
Students must earn one credit in Biblical and Theological Studies.
FINE & PERFORMING ARTS
Students must earn one credit in the fine and performing arts, selecting from the areas of art, drama, ceramics, instrumental music, or vocal music.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
The academic school year contains two semesters. Progress is reported to parents at the six-week and 12-week mark of each semester through progress reports, and current grades are always available on myFRA. Parents and students receive emailed comments at the nine-week mark of each semester. Semester report cards are emailed home after the last exam.
Students take exams at the end of each semester. MS exams vary in content and weighting to allow for student learning and growth, whereas US exams are cumulative and comprise 20 percent of the semester grade. All US students are required to take fall semester exams in full-year courses. In semester courses, seniors may earn exam exemption with an average of 93 or higher. Seniors may earn exam exemption for all full-year courses in the spring semester with a combined average of 93 or higher for the previous reporting periods.
DEAN’S LIST & HEAD’S LIST
Students who earn an average of 90 or better in academic classes (with no grade below 87) earn Dean’s List. Students who earn an average of 95 or better in academic classes (with no grade below 90) earn Head’s List. Dean’s List and Head’s List are announced at the start of the next semester.
UPPER SCHOOL GPA CALCULATION & CLASS RANK
While MS and US students use the same grading scale, only US students receive a GPA calculation. This information is used on transcripts, for reporting academic performance to colleges. Quality points are assigned based on FRA’s grading scale (see previous section). An additional 0.5 quality point is added each semester for an honors course, and 1.0 quality point is added each semester for an AP course. GPAs are updated at the end of each semester. Transcripts reflect grades earned for fall and spring semesters and are the only grades used in determining GPA. As a matter of policy, FRA does not rank students.
SCHEDULING
Returning students request courses in February each year in advisory. Students meet individually with their advisors and grade chairs to develop and refine a four-year graduation plan, with support from division leadership. All course recommendations and requests are completed online on myFRA. Every effort is made to accommodate student requests for courses. Seniority is a factor for placement, and academic course requirements always take priority over electives and enrichments in the scheduling process. Class sections that lack a minimum number of students may be closed or combined.
HONORS & AP CRITERIA
To ensure student success and a positive academic experience, FRA uses the following criteria to determine placement in Honors and AP courses, with some courses requiring additional criteria:
1. The student should have a 90 average in the prerequisite course. Students with a B average will be considered based on a recommendation from the current teacher. The recommendation from the teacher takes precedence over other criteria.
UPPER SCHOOL SUMMER COURSES
FRA offers summer courses for students who want to pursue credit hours and complement their standard academic load. Summer sessions provide an opportunity to take a course a student might otherwise not be able to fit into their schedule, earn a credit that might not otherwise fit into an otherwise full academic schedule, or advance their math placement. Other than Geometry, summer courses are offered in two different sessions, June and July, and earn half credit toward graduation. Geometry requires enrollment in both sessions. Students who take summer courses must still take the required academic courses each semester.
NCAA ELIGIBILITY
Student-athletes interested in college athletics at an NCAA Division I or Division II school must meet specific requirements to practice, compete, and receive an athletic scholarship. These requirements include completing 16 core courses in the appropriate areas, 10 of which must be completed before the seventh semester (senior year) of high school. Seven of the ten core courses must be in English, math, or lab science.
If you are a recruited student-athlete selecting advanced electives in your junior or senior year, we encourage you to review FRA’s approved NCAA courses. Not all high school courses count toward NCAA Division I and Division II core GPA requirements. Only English, math, science, social science, and world language classes may be approved as NCAA core courses. Because of the credits required for graduation, most FRA students easily exceed the 16 core course requirement for NCAA athletics. The best grades from a student’s NCAA courses will be used to satisfy the core course requirements.
Review courses by visiting https://web3.ncaa.org/hsportal/exec/hsAction.
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY
Students take English every year at FRA. In MS, students complete an intentional sequence that emphasizes student growth in reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, literary analysis, and critical thinking. In the US, students take English 1 and 2, with Honors available in both grades. For their junior year, students take either English 3 or AP English Language and Composition. For senior year, students take either AP English Literature and Composition or English 4: Critical Thinking and Writing plus another semester-long English 4 seminar course. Teacher recommendation, high grades in prerequisite courses, and a strong performance on standardized tests are all required for Honors and AP courses.
The English curriculum’s goal is to develop and strengthen critical thinking, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Sequential courses offer the continuing practice of grammar skills, the building of an extensive vocabulary, and the development of strong research and writing skills. Senior seminar courses provide an opportunity to study specific areas and to strengthen student writing skills.
ENGLISH COURSES
ENGLISH
5
1 Credit // Grade 5
Fifth-grade English at FRA focuses on building the foundation of literary skills for middle school. The course promotes advancing reading comprehension, writing proficiency, and communication skills while supporting the transition to middle school. Aligned with gradelevel standards, this class has students explore a variety of literary genres, analyze texts, and refine grammatical skills. Significant texts include Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin, Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai, and Blood on the River by Elisa Carbone. Students also read and analyze various nonfiction texts through resources like Newsela.
ENGLISH
6
1 Credit // Grade 6
Sixth-grade English at FRA fosters students who respect others, manage responsibility, and love reading. This course develops essential skills that position students for success in their academic journey, personal lives, and professional careers. These skills include understanding complex texts, commanding the English language, writing clearly, and speaking and listening confidently. Major works typically include Rick Riordan’s The Lightning Thief, Pam Munoz Ryan’s Esperanza Rising, Alan Gratz’s Refugee, Jason Reynold’s Ghost, Sleeping at Last’s Space, and other selected short stories and poetry.
ENGLISH
7
1 Credit // Grade 7
Seventh-grade English at FRA intentionally tackles skills and ideas relevant to the profile of a graduate. Students read great books and engage with the literature through literary analyses, projects, and presentations that unlock more profound, deeper messages and calls to action by seeing and understanding different perspectives within each text. These revelations allow students to become leaders and lifechangers who make decisions with love and act with conviction. Using texts such as The Giver and Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, students develop a rich vocabulary, study insightful contextual content, and master grammatical concepts that bolster their ability to craft strong essays.
ENGLISH 8
1 Credit // Grade 8
Eighth-grade English at FRA bridges the foundational reading, writing, and grammar skills taught in middle school and the college preparatory rigor offered in the upper school. Students focus on developing a critical lens as they read complex texts, practice academic discourse, and compose several literary analyses. Students interested in taking Honors English in ninth grade can complete extension activities to ensure appropriate challenge and support. Anchor texts typically include Lord of the Flies, Romeo and Juliet, and Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry. Students also read several texts that support curriculum goals.
ENGLISH COURSES
ENGLISH 1: WORLD LITERATURE
1 Credit // Grade 9
Through engaging with various texts and genres, English 1 hones four primary skills: reading complex texts, writing, thinking critically, and communicating effectively. In addition, this course equips students with skills such as time management, self-advocacy, and professional communication to prepare them for success throughout their entire high school career. This course develops students' ability to formulate, articulate, and defend complex claims. Vocabulary skills are acquired independently through the online program Membean and strengthened within the student’s reading and writing. Major works read in this class typically include Interpreter of Maladies, Taduno's Song, Macbeth, and other selections in global literature.
ENGLISH 1 HONORS: WORLD LITERATURE
1 Credit // Grade 9
Through engaging with various texts and genres, English 1H hones four primary skills: reading complex texts, writing, thinking critically, and communicating effectively. In addition, this class equips students with skills such as time management, self-advocacy, and professional communication to prepare them for success throughout their entire high school career. This course develops students’ ability to formulate, articulate, and defend complex claims. Vocabulary skills are acquired independently through the online program Membean and strengthened within the student’s reading and writing. This course's pacing, depth, and breadth are more rigorous than English 1 to prepare students for the rigor of AP courses. Major works read in this class typically include Interpreter of Maladies, The Metamorphosis, Taduno's Song, Macbeth, The Latehomecomer, and other selections in global literature.
ENGLISH 2: AMERICAN LITERATURE
1 Credit // Grade 10
This course, designed for sophomore English students, explores the implications of being American. By reading from and into various perspectives (regional, racial, religious, socioeconomic, and genderbased), students begin to understand how our national community has defined itself in the past and how we might define it today. Students read fiction and nonfiction texts while addressing five essential questions: What is American Literature? How does a writer’s voice and style get shaped by and stand out among historical events and ways of thinking? How does an author use figurative language to emphasize certain plot elements and construct a message to readers? How might our neighborhood, town, region, and country shape our values and identity? How might our response to personal suffering in our neighborhood, town, or country shape who we become?
The primary focus is developing skills and emphasizing the link between close reading, writing, thinking, and communicating. Vocabulary skills are acquired independently through the online program Membean and strengthened within the student’s reading and writing. Major works read in this class typically include The Great Gatsby, The Color of Water, and various poetry, prose, and narratives published from 1492 to 1985.
Students also engage in a year-long, inquiry-based learning project as a practical application of the skills learned in class. The Genius Hour Project is an opportunity for students to serve in the community or to produce a product that benefits others. Students generate a driving question for their research, find professional mentors in their fields of interest, provide progress updates on their products through blogs and vlogs, and produce a digital story at the end of the year in which they showcase their service or products and reflect upon the challenges and triumphs they encountered along the way.
ENGLISH 2 HONORS: AMERICAN LITERATURE
1 Credit // Grade 10
In this honors-level American Literature course, students will explore what it means to be an American through three chronological poetry units and four units built on the following essential questions: How can trauma, tragedy, and adversity build resilience? Is the American Dream more likely to inspire or distract? Why do relationships matter? How does media affect my sense of self? For each essential question unit, students choose a text to read from five options across classic and contemporary works of literature and memoirs. The work accomplished through choice reads and supplemental materials emphasizes close reading skills, focusing on discerning tone, character, diction, syntax, and symbolism, with texts that explore themes and issues in American life from various perspectives. The framing scripture verses for each unit guide class discussions and foster critical thinking, listening, and collaborative skills. This course aims to hone students’ ability to produce clear and concise writing, analyze various texts in their historical context and current relevance, and demonstrate articulate and cooperative communication.
ENGLISH 3: BRITISH LITERATURE
1 Credit // Grade 11
This course is an intensive study of the literature arising from the British tradition. From its beginnings with the epic of Beowulf through more modern texts, students read and discuss several significant works of English literature and study the cultures in which those texts were created. The course also focuses on writing effective sentences, paragraphs, and essays, with an additional review of common grammatical errors. The course includes a vocabulary component to expand students’ working vocabularies. This course expects more independence regarding students’ reading, writing, thinking, speaking, and analyzing abilities, as well as balancing their other studies and activities to prepare for class discussions. Major works typically include Beowulf, Grendel, Frankenstein, Othello, The Road, and 1984.
ENGLISH COURSES
AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION
1 Credit // Grade 11
The AP English Language and Composition course focuses on developing and revising evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing, the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts, and the decisions writers make as they compose and revise. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Additionally, they read and analyze rhetorical elements and their effects in nonfiction texts including images as text forms from various disciplines and historical periods. The course cultivates the reading and writing skills students need for college success and intellectually responsible civic engagement. The course guides students in becoming curious, critical, and responsive readers of diverse texts and becoming flexible, reflective writers of texts addressed to diverse audiences for diverse purposes. The reading and writing students do in the course should deepen and expand their understanding of how written language functions rhetorically: to communicate writers’ intentions and elicit readers’ responses in particular situations. Texts include many short nonfiction selections (e.g., op-eds, letters, speeches) plus two independent nonfiction choice books.
AP ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION
1 Credit // Grade 12
AP English Literature and Composition is an introductory college-level literary analysis course. Students cultivate their understanding of literature through reading and analyzing texts as they explore concepts like character, setting, structure, perspective, figurative language, and literary analysis in the context of literary works. Extensive reading in poetry, drama, fiction, and literary criticism is required, and class participation is essential. In preparation for the AP exam, this course includes extensive written analysis of the literature studied and practice exercises. Major works read in this class typically include Notes from Underground, The Theban Plays, The Age of Innocence, Frankenstein, As I Lay Dying, Othello, and How to Read Literature Like a Professor.
ENGLISH 4: CRITICAL THINKING & WRITING
½ Credit // Grade 12 – Required unless in AP English Lit
Based on what students are required to draw upon in college composition courses, this course requires students to practice and hone their critical thinking skills and develop their rhetoric skills. Students pursue the essential questions of “What is the rhetorical situation?” and “What is the most effective argument for this situation?” This course emphasizes collaboration and presentation skills as students analyze contemporary issues. Students immerse themselves in rhetoric by taking initiative, demonstrating leadership, asking good questions, and fostering creativity. Students read into and write in various genres, engage in research, and participate in Socratic seminars. By the end of the course, students should be effective critical thinkers and communicators, preparing them for rhetorical situations in higher education and beyond.
ENGLISH 4: CREATIVE WRITING
½ Credit // Grade 12
Students experience writing as a tool for critical thinking, selfdiscovery, and creative expression. The course has three units: fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction. Students analyze published works and produce their own writing in each genre. Students develop writing skills through pre-writing, editing, revising, and critiquing. By the end of the course, students should be able to identify successful elements of a compelling piece of creative writing, participate in a writing community, and express themselves with originality and clarity in stories, poetry, and personal essays.
ENGLISH COURSES
ENGLISH 4: FICTIONAL WORLDS, TOLKIEN STUDIES
½ Credit // Grade 12
Through the exploration of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, students consider how distance from reality allows writers and readers to examine issues that would otherwise hit too close to home, leading to the inevitable discovery that fantastical fiction (as all literature) does indeed reveal human truths. The course also focuses on writing effective sentences, paragraphs, and essays, with an additional review of common grammatical errors. The course includes a vocabulary component to expand students’ working vocabularies. This course expects more independence regarding students’ reading, writing, thinking, speaking, and analyzing abilities, as well as balancing their other studies and activities to prepare for class discussions.
ENGLISH 4: WWI & MODERNISM
½ Credit // Grade 12
As the first truly global conflict, WWI brought cultures together in relationships of equality, violence, and mutual reliance that transformed the world in ways still unfolding today. In a time of exponentially fast-paced change, looking back to the events and effects of the First World War reassures us that catastrophe can be a catalyst for extraordinary creativity. Through a range of multimedia primary sources from soldiers, nurses, poets, and frontline workers across the globe, students will explore why this particular war “broke the world.” Class discussions and written assignments will deepen the understanding of the war's trauma, both global and individual. At the same time, psychology and history sources show the tragedies of mistreatment, misdiagnosis, and the triumphs of empathy-informed science. Reading the historical novel Regeneration by Pat Barker alongside a collection of WWI poetry, students will wrestle with the different perspectives of PTSD while honing their literary analysis skills. Students will end the semester by exploring the impact of the war's trauma on literature through Modernist short fiction works by Katherine Mansfield, James Joyce, and Virginia Woolf.
AP CAPSTONE PROGRAM
AP Capstone is a College Board program comprised of two year-long AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. These courses complement other AP courses that AP Capstone students may take. Instead of teaching specific subject knowledge, AP Seminar and AP Research use an interdisciplinary approach to develop the critical thinking, research, collaboration, time management, and presentation skills students need for college-level work. While these courses do not fulfill the four required credits of English but do fulfill academic elective credits. Students are not required to take both courses, but AP Seminar is a prerequisite for AP Research.
AP SEMINAR
1 Credit // Grades 10-12
The AP Seminar course equips students with the power to explore academic and real-world issues from multiple perspectives. Students explore complex questions, understand and evaluate opposing viewpoints, interpret and synthesize information, and develop, communicate, and defend evidence-based arguments through various materials, from articles and research studies to foundational and philosophical texts. The course themes covered in AP Seminar may include education, innovation, sustainability, and technology. Students complete an individual project, a team project, and a year-end exam. AP Seminar is open to recommended juniors, particularly those taking AP English Language & Composition, along with seniors. Students must be recommended for AP Seminar based on strong grades in English and Social Studies courses, motivation, and a strong work ethic.
AP RESEARCH
1 Credit // Grades 11-12
AP Research allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Through this exploration, students design, plan, and conduct a year-long investigation to address a research question. In the AP Research course, students further develop the skills acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio (PREP). The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,0005,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense. AP Seminar is a prerequisite for this course, and the AP Seminar teacher must recommend students for AP Research.
MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
School Core Curriculum (4 courses required)
School Core Curriculum (4 courses required)
MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY
Students take math every year at FRA, with several options for advanced and accelerated courses at each grade level beginning in middle school. Teacher recommendation, assessment grades in prerequisite courses, and standardized test scores are factors in course placements. There are also options for acceleration, typically completed in the summer, which depend on departmental recommendations. All coursework from middle to high school is aligned to national standards for mathematics to ensure proper coherence, focus, and rigor in their mathematical studies.
The mathematics curriculum at FRA focuses on five core components: conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, strategic competence, adaptive reasoning, and productive disposition. Students are encouraged to tackle demanding tasks that stimulate active learning and facilitate meaningful comprehension throughout their academic journey. They actively link new knowledge with existing understanding and informal reasoning, which helps them confront and correct any preconceptions or misconceptions they might have. This approach equips them with conceptual and procedural knowledge to effectively organize what they know, acquire new information, and apply their knowledge to novel scenarios. Collaborative learning, interactive discussions, activities, and problem-solving interactions are crucial in knowledge construction. Additionally, students develop an awareness of themselves as learners, thinkers, and problem-solvers, honing their ability to monitor and enhance their learning and performance.
MATHEMATICS COURSES
MATH 5
1 Credit // Grade 5
This course focuses on four critical areas: (1) integrating decimal fractions into the place value system, (2) developing understanding and fluency with whole number and decimal multiplication and division, (3) developing fluency with addition, subtraction, and multiplication with fractions and mixed numbers, and (4) developing understanding of volume. Students apply work in these critical areas by converting measurement units within a given measurement system and representing and interpreting data in line plots. This course also addresses limited cases of division of fractions involving whole numbers and unit fractions. Students also develop early algebraic thinking and reasoning by writing and interpreting numerical expressions, analyzing patterns and relationships, and graphing points on the coordinate plane to solve real-world and mathematical problems.
MATH 5 HONORS
1 Credit // Grade 5
This honors course is similar to the standard-level math course. Because these topics are foundational for pre-algebra, algebra, and beyond, students still develop knowledge and fluency with core skills for this grade level. Coursework and assessments for the honors course go beyond the standard-level coursework. Students make meaning, solve more challenging problems, and explore their reasoning and rationale for their solution pathways. At the end of the course, students also begin a study of several sixth-grade math topics, including work with ratios and proportions, as well as division of fractions.
MATH 6
1 Credit // Grade 6
This course builds the foundation for pre-algebra by applying and extending previous knowledge of whole number, decimal, and fraction number operations. Students in 6th grade focus on reasoning about multiplication and division to solve ratio and rate problems about quantities, using the meaning of fractions and the relationship between multiplication and division to explain the procedures for operating with fractions, the understanding of the use of variables in mathematical expressions, and reinforcing their knowledge of numbers to begin developing their ability to think statistically. Through the course, students learn how to use positive rational numbers, understand and compute with integers and rational numbers, develop an understanding of numeric and algebraic expressions, build a foundation of equations and inequalities, introduction and application of rates and ratios, understand and use percents, and extend understanding of basic geometry principles such as area, surface area, and volume, and an introduction to statistics by learning how to display, describe, and summarize data.
MATHEMATICS COURSES
MATH 6 HONORS
1 Credit // Grades 5-6
This honors course builds the foundation for Pre-Algebra Honors and covers all of the Math 6 units of study, supplemented with units of study on a 7th-grade level to prepare students for continuing in honors math. Students apply and extend their previous knowledge of whole number, decimal, and fraction number operations. Students focus on the following skills: 1) reasoning about multiplication and division to solve ratio and rate problems about quantities, 2) using and understanding fractions, 3) using multiplication and division to explain the procedures for operating with fractions, 4) understanding and using variables in mathematical expressions, and 5) reinforcing their understanding of numbers to begin developing their ability to think statistically. Through this course, students learn how to use positive rational numbers, understand and compute with integers and rational numbers, understand and apply rational number operations, develop understanding of numeric and algebraic expressions, generate equivalent expressions, build a foundation of equations and inequalities, introduction and application of rates and ratios, analyze and use proportions, understand and use percents, and extend understanding of basic geometry principles such as area, surface area, and volume, and an introduction to statistics by learning how to display, describe, and summarize data.
PRE-ALGEBRA
1 Credit // Grade 7
This course prepares students with the foundational skills to understand and analyze expressions, equations, functions, and systems. The course covers a wide range of material to prepare them for Algebra and explore various topics. Through the course, students learn about rational and irrational numbers, ratios and proportional relationships, developing and simplifying expressions, solving multistep equations, square roots, cubic roots, exponents and their properties, linear equations and their various forms, the geometry of both 2D and 3D shapes, and statistics. Pre-Algebra requires students to have a TI-84 Calculator to become familiar with the various functionalities of the mathematical tool.
PRE-ALGEBRA HONORS
1 Credit // Grades 6-7
This course provides students with rich opportunities to understand important new mathematical concepts, develop fluency with key skills necessary for success in algebra, and gain proficiency with the habits of mind and thinking dispositions of proficient mathematics students. Throughout the course, students think about essential practices, demonstrate their proficiency, and provide a coherent and comprehensive pathway to algebra. As part of students’ pathway to algebra, students revisit key concepts and advance through new material, including rational number operations, real numbers, proportional relationships, percent problems, equivalent expressions, linear equations and inequalities, probability, and geometry problems. Pre-Algebra H requires students to have a TI-84 Calculator to become familiar with the various functionalities of the mathematical tool.
MATHEMATICS COURSES
ALGEBRA 1
1 Credit // Grades 8-9
This course equips students with a solid foundation in essential algebraic principles by nurturing critical problem-solving abilities and mathematical reasoning. The course delves into diverse topics such as solving equations and inequalities, linear equations, linear functions, exponents, piecewise functions, polynomials, quadratic equations, and systems of equations. Throughout the academic year, students engage in activities fostering a comprehensive understanding of algebraic concepts. Students develop robust skills to confidently navigate advanced mathematical challenges through this course.
ALGEBRA 1 HONORS
1 Credit // Grades 7-9
This course provides an accelerated and challenging exploration of algebraic concepts to build a solid foundation for advanced mathematical study. This course takes a deep study of the principles of Algebra with a strong focus on problem-solving. Students engage in an in-depth exploration of equations, inequalities, functions, exponential functions, factoring polynomials, and quadratic functions. Students in this honors course develop strong proficiency in algebraic reasoning through challenging coursework, collaborative problem-solving, and advanced topics, preparing them for more advanced mathematical concepts.
GEOMETRY
1 Credit // Grades 9-10
This course covers 2D and 3D shapes, angles, lines, and trigonometry. Students explore congruence, similarity, and transformations, analyzing polygons, circles, and solids. This course integrates Algebra skills, highlighting the relationship between abstract algebraic concepts and their geometric representations. Through visualizations, logical reasoning, and modeling, students develop problem-solving abilities crucial for navigating complex geometric challenges and bridging theoretical understanding with real-world applications.
GEOMETRY HONORS
1 Credit // Grades 8-10
This advanced course explores the foundations of geometry and its intricate applications. Students delve into the fundamental principles of geometry, investigating topics such as parallel and perpendicular lines, polygons, transformations, triangle congruence, similarity, circles, relationships in triangles, and trigonometry. The curriculum emphasizes rigorous reasoning and proof, fostering a deep understanding of geometric concepts. Students develop advanced problem-solving skills and spatial reasoning abilities. By the end of the course, participants have a comprehensive grasp of geometric relationships, enabling them to apply their knowledge in complex problem-solving scenarios and further mathematical studies.
MATHEMATICS COURSES
ALGEBRA
2
1 Credit // Grades 10-11
This course includes a more extensive study of radicals and complex numbers, linear and quadratic equations, and problem-solving. New concepts studied include conic sections, logarithmic and exponential functions, sequences and series, matrices, probability, and statistics. Students explore mathematical modeling through regression analysis on a deeper level than in Algebra 1 and Trigonometry in a more formal and extended fashion, including graphs of the trigonometric functions with transformations.
ALGEBRA 2 HONORS
1 Credit // Grades 9-10
This course covers much of the same material as the regular Algebra 2 class, with a more rigorous approach to the study of those topics as well as further topics from geometry and trigonometry. This course builds on algebraic and geometric concepts to develop advanced algebra skills such as systems of equations, advanced polynomials, imaginary and complex numbers, quadratics, trigonometric functions, and the properties of matrices. The content of this course is essential for a student’s success on both the ACT and SAT math portions and helps students prepare for Pre-Calculus Honors and all subsequent APlevel math courses.
PRECALCULUS
1 Credit // Grades 11-12
This advanced mathematics course continues studying algebraic and geometric concepts, with a significant emphasis on trigonometry, conic sections, functions and their graphs, and probability. Additional concepts introduced include continuity and limits of functions and the definition of the derivative. Students explore the representation of patterns using arithmetic and geometric sequences and series, including using sigma notation to represent series.
PRECALCULUS HONORS
1 Credit // Grades 10-11
This course develops students’ abilities to comprehend and apply the study of functions and advanced mathematics concepts to solve problems. The course includes an in-depth study of polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, as well as an introduction to sequences and series, parametric and polar equations, probability, and limits. Students actively participate through modeling, group activities, and communication in mathematics.
MATHEMATICS COURSES
CALCULUS
1 Credit // Grade 12
This course is suited for students interested in business and economics, life sciences, and social sciences and who have met the prerequisites for a calculus course but choose to forgo AP Calculus. Students learn limits, differentiation, and integration in the same depth as most firstsemester college calculus courses. Students also learn to solve differential equations by separation of variables. Students investigate mathematical ideas and processes graphically, numerically, algebraically, and verbally, along with mathematical modeling and making predictions from models. Students continue to use graphing calculators when appropriate.
AP CALCULUS AB
1 Credit // Grades 11-12
This course begins with an extensive exploration of elementary functions, emphasizing the relationships between functions and their graphs. Students learn the concept of families of functions and differential and integral calculus of a single variable. The course emphasizes theory and application equally. Students are encouraged to look at mathematical ideas and processes numerically, graphically, analytically, and verbally. The course prioritizes the mechanics and the interpretation of differential and integral calculus. Students become proficient with the entire range of their graphing calculator’s capabilities.
AP CALCULUS BC
1 Credit // Grades 11-12
In addition to the topics covered in AP Calculus AB, students learn analysis of planar curves given in parametric, polar, and vector form; slope fields; Euler’s method; antiderivatives by substitution, parts, and simple partial fractions; logistic equations; Taylor polynomial approximations; and Taylor and Maclaurin series. The content of Calculus BC qualifies students for placement and credit in a course that is one level beyond that granted for Calculus AB.
AT MULTIVARIABLE CALCULUS
1 Credit // Grade 12
Advanced Topics in Mathematics is a post-AP math course for students who have successfully completed AP Calculus BC. Topics include but are not limited to differentiation applications, advanced integration techniques, rotating volumes, differential equations, infinite series, and vector functions. In addition, students study proof techniques and college-level mathematics courses that they may encounter after Calculus. This course carries the same GPA weight and expectation as other AP courses.
MATHEMATICS COURSES
STATISTICS
1 Credit // Grade 12
Students study inferential and descriptive statistics and learn the procedures and techniques of elementary probability theory. Statistics topics include measures of central tendency, measures of variation, the normal distribution, hypothesis testing, estimation, sampling, and chisquare distribution. Practical applications and relevance to other academic areas are stressed.
AP STATISTICS
1 Credit // Grades 10-12
This course introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students explore data (describing patterns and departures from patterns), sample and experiment (planning and conducting a study), anticipate patterns (exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation), and conduct statistical inference (estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses). Students may take AP Statistics as a second math course with teacher recommendation after successfully completing Algebra 2. Students can also take AP Statistics as their only math course during their senior year.
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY
The FRA science department aims to prepare students with the skills and knowledge needed to develop a functional understanding of biological and physical principles in a college-preparatory setting. As students progress from middle to upper school, they learn more sophisticated concepts and experimental skills that allow them to investigate the nature and behavior of matter, energy, and living organisms. The science faculty is committed to offering active learning experiences that engage students through lectures, discussions, activities, projects, and laboratory work. These various modes of instruction help students develop and enhance their ability to think critically and communicate intelligently about scientific problems and issues. Throughout the program, students pose and investigate questions about observable natural phenomena, analyze quantitative and qualitative information, and examine the historical development of fundamental principles using cutting-edge skills and technology.
Extensive hands-on experience and laboratory skills are taught and utilized at all grade levels. In the Upper School, AP courses follow the topic outlines set forth by the College Board for their respective disciplines. These courses include a required laboratory series to prepare students for college laboratory success. Elective courses provide the opportunity for hands-on experience in more specialized topics.
SCIENCE COURSES
GENERAL SCIENCE
1 Credit // Grade 5
This course introduces students to basic science skills. Guided by the International Standards of Technology in Education and Next Generation Science Standards, students will explore the cyclical nature of energy in biological and physical science topics. Units are planned to include experiences with laboratory equipment, opportunities for design thinking, and practice communicating outcomes based on research and data. The integration of technology, hands-on learning, critical thinking, and collaboration creates an exciting learning environment for new middle school learners.
EARTH & SPACE SCIENCE
1 Credit // Grade 6
This course is an introduction to general earth and space science. Guided by the International Standards of Technology in Education and Next Generation Science Standards, students start the year reinforcing their understanding of the scientific method and engineering design process followed by the exploration of the structure of the Earth, the formation of the solar system, and the formation of the universe. Units include hands-on experiences through the use of laboratories, modeling, and technology. Students will be guided to deepen their critical thinking and collaboration skills while also heightening their ability to communicate research and data effectively. This course is an exciting opportunity for learners to be exposed to areas of science with which they are typically unfamiliar and discover new interests and passions.
LIFE SCIENCE
1 Credit // Grade 7
This course introduces students to the world of Biology guided by the Next Generation Science Standards. Through hands-on activities, discussions, and experiments, students learn about the characteristics of living organisms, plant life, ecosystems, and human biology. This course encourages research, critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and data analysis while encouraging students to be open to new experiences. Technology is used to enhance learning, pairing the International Standards of Technology in Education with the Biology curriculum. Students explore the diversity of life on Earth and develop the skills necessary to communicate their scientific findings. By the end of the course, students will have a foundation in life science and a deeper appreciation of the natural world.
SCIENCE COURSES
SCIENCE COURSES
BIOLOGY
1 Credit // Grade 9
This course provides a basic understanding of living organisms and how they function. Extensive lab work, dissections, and written lab reports are required. Major themes include cell structure and specialization, energy and chemistry of life, genetics and evolution, and the diversity of life. The curriculum integrates writing skills, critical-thinking skills, laboratory skills, and dissections. In addition, the coursework will emphasize microscopy, calculating data, graphing, and free-response questions. The units are planned with college preparation in mind as well as an effort to stimulate a genuine interest in the sciences.
BIOLOGY
HONORS
1 Credit // Grade 9
This rigorous year-long laboratory course is a more in-depth exploration of the biology curriculum. As a result, instruction is accelerated. Biology H covers topics included in the biology course and prepares students for AP Biology. Students study the structures, functions, and processes of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. This course requires a teacher recommendation and a strong understanding of science as shown by previous coursework.
CHEMISTRY
1 Credit // Grade 10
This year-long course builds on the basic chemistry concepts learned in Physical Science (8th grade) and works towards the mastery of chemical concepts, mathematical skills, laboratory reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Frequent laboratory work and written lab reports are a core component of the course. Topics to be covered in this course include nomenclature, stoichiometry, molecular structure, thermochemistry, gas laws, atomic theory, and solution chemistry. Additionally, rigorous algebra is used frequently for analysis throughout this course. Prerequisites for this course include the completion of Algebra 1 and Biology.
CHEMISTRY
HONORS
1 Credit // Grades 9-10
This rigorous year-long course is a more in-depth exploration of the chemistry curriculum. As a result, instruction is accelerated and the required algebra is more complex. As in chemistry, laboratory experiences and written lab reports are core components of the course. Chemistry H covers topics included in the Chemistry course and prepares students for AP Chemistry the following year. This course focuses on mastery of chemical concepts, mathematical skills, laboratory reasoning, and problem-solving skills and covers topics included in the Chemistry course. Prerequisites for this course include successful completion of Algebra 1 and Biology and a teacher recommendation.
SCIENCE COURSES
PHYSICS
1 Credit // Grades 11-12
This college preparatory course provides an algebra-based introduction to physics, with a focus on classical Newtonian mechanics, work and energy, momentum, and waves. The course highlights the connection between physics principles and everyday life. Laboratory experience is integral to the course with a particular focus on graphical analysis and data interpretation. Prerequisites for this course include the completion of Biology, Chemistry, and at least concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2.
PHYSICS HONORS
1 Credit // Grades 11-12
This is a rigorous, algebra-based, college-preparatory course for strong students with an interest in science and a desire to challenge themselves. Physics H provides a more in-depth look at the topics included in the physics course, plus rotational motion and prepares students for AP Physics C. The course also provides a significant laboratory component aimed at developing students’ critical thinking and analytical skills while connecting concepts across the physics curriculum and deepening students' understanding of physics concepts. The course requires both a strong foundation in scientific skills and the ability to connect physical meaning to mathematical models. Prerequisites for the course include successful completion of Biology, Honors Chemistry, and at least concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2, preferrably Algebra 2H. The course also requires a teacher's recommendation.
AP BIOLOGY
1 Credit // Grades 11-12
This is an introductory college-level biology course for students who have successfully completed high school courses in biology and chemistry. AP Biology is equivalent to a two-semester college introductory biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore: evolution, cellular processes, energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions. This course spends over 25% of instructional time doing hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply science practices.
The course is based on four big ideas, which encompass core scientific principles, theories, and processes that cut across traditional boundaries and provide a broad way of thinking about living organisms and biological systems. These ideas include 1) Evolution: The process of evolution explains the diversity and unity of life. 2) Energetics: Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, reproduce, and maintain dynamic homeostasis. 3) Information Storage and Transmission: Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes. 4) Systems Interactions: Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties.
Prerequisites for this course are Biology H and Chemistry H or successful completion of another AP science course. This course also requires a teacher's recommendation.
SCIENCE COURSES
AP CHEMISTRY
1 Credit // Grades 10-12
As a continuation of the Chemistry H class, this course examines the equilibrium condition, including basic equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, solubility equilibrium, coordination chemistry, thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics. Other topics that are studied include electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, organic chemistry, and descriptive chemistry. Students will be required to use mathematical reasoning skills, laboratory reasoning, and problem-solving techniques to work problems involving rigorous algebra computations centered on chemical concepts. The course is based on four big ideas, which encompass core scientific principles, theories, and processes that cut across traditional boundaries and provide a broad way of thinking about chemistry. The big ideas include (1) scale, proportion, and quantity, (2) structure and properties, (3) transformations, and (4) energy. Prerequisites for this course are Chemistry H and at least concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2. This course also requires a teacher's recommendation.
AP PHYSICS C
1 Credit // Grades 11-12
This year-long course is equivalent to a first-semester college course and laboratory in calculus-based mechanics and is especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in one of the physical sciences or engineering. The course uses four big ideas in physics – change, force interaction, fields, and conservation - as a vehicle to develop seven core science practices. The content of this course trains students to think like physicists while also improving science literacy and critical thinking skills. Students are stretched to consider content from multiple viewpoints and explain phenomena using written explanation, graphical analysis, and mathematical reasoning. This course also requires a substantial lab component to develop these skills. This course focuses on both linear and rotational Newtonian mechanics (motion and forces) but also includes topics such as work and energy, systems of particles, oscillations, and gravitation. Prerequisites for this course include at least concurrent enrollment in Calculus and Physics H or successful completion of either AP Biology or AP Chemistry. This course also requires a teacher's recommendation.
SCIENCE COURSES
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
1 Credit // Grades 11-12
This course is the equivalent of an introductory college course in environmental science, through which students engage with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interconnected relationships within the natural world. The course focuses on four big ideas – energy transfer, interactions between earth systems, interactions between species and the environment, and sustainability - that run throughout the course content. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. In addition to classroom content, students spend at least 25% of their time on inquiry-based laboratory and field experiences. AP Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary course, embracing topics from across physical science disciplines and geography. Prerequisites for this course are completion of Biology and Chemistry H or Physics H. This course also requires a teacher's recommendation.
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
½ Credit // Grades 11-12
This course is a one-semester upper-level survey course of human anatomy and physiology. The topics covered include medical terminology, chemistry and its role in/effect on the human body, cell and tissue structure, and the systems of the human body. With a focus on real examples and applications, students explore the body's response to disease and injury, as well as the conditions necessary to optimize health. Dissections using various mammalian animal specimens and other laboratory exercises provide hands-on experience to connect anatomy to physiology. This course is ideal for mature students with interests in the health sciences. Prerequisites for this course include successful completion of two years of science, including biology, and a teacher’s recommendation.
SCIENCE COURSES
BIOTECHNOLOGY
½ Credit // Grades 11-12
This one-semester science elective course provides students a comprehensive introduction to the scientific concepts and laboratory research techniques used in biotechnology. Students will explore and evaluate career opportunities in biotechnology through laboratory experiments, class discussions, research projects, guest speakers, and workplace visits when possible. The knowledge and skills gained during this course will provide students with a broad understanding of biotechnology and the impact it has on society. Prerequisites for this course include the completion of high school courses in biology and chemistry.
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
½ Credit // Grades 11-12
This course provides a fundamental overview of organic chemistry to students interested in pursuing a career in the sciences. Upon successful completion of this class, students will have been exposed to and understand the relationship between the structure and function of molecules, the major classes of mechanistic reactions, how to determine structure via various spectroscopic techniques, reaction energetics and pathways, and stereoisomerism. Common themes throughout the course include nomenclature, chemical and physical properties, the prevalence of organic molecules in the surrounding world, and molecular orbital theory. Prerequisites for this course include successful completion of two years of science, including chemistry, and a teacher’s recommendation.
SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
Middle School Core Curriculum (4 courses required)
Upper School Core Curriculum (3 credits required, including World History & US History)
The Social Studies Department at Franklin Road Academy is dedicated to cultivating a deep understanding of the world among its students. Through a dynamic blend of historical retrospection and contemporary analysis, we encourage students to delve into the intricate layers of societal dynamics and historical events. At the core of our approach lies a commitment to nurturing curiosity. We believe in empowering students to explore the complexities of human history and contemporary society by posing essential questions: who, what, when, where, why, and how. Through this process, students learn to navigate conflicting perspectives, uncover truths, and engage actively with diverse viewpoints.
Our courses extend beyond the mere dissemination of content; they serve as platforms for the development of essential skills. Through rigorous research, extensive reading, thoughtful writing, critical thinking exercises, and collaborative projects, students hone their abilities to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and articulate their ideas effectively. Ultimately, our overarching goal is to equip middle and upper school students with the intellectual tools they need to become informed and engaged global citizens. By instilling a deep appreciation for the complexities of the world and fostering a spirit of inquiry, we strive to prepare students to contribute meaningfully to their communities and navigate the challenges of an ever-changing world.
SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES
WORLD HISTORY 5: FOUNDATIONS OF HISTORICAL THINKING
1 Credit // Grade 5
This course will introduce students to the social sciences using a thematic approach to understand how history shapes our world today. Organized around six key themes social, political, interactions with the environment, cultural, economic, and technological students will focus on developing historical thinking skills such as interpreting sources, using evidence to support an argument, and making connections across time. Throughout the year, students will learn about various topics from around the globe, ranging from the creation of ancient civilizations to the basics of the American government. Students will explore history through diverse perspectives of people from different backgrounds, including underrepresented populations, to develop empathy and a deeper understanding of the shared human experience. Additionally, each theme will highlight the importance of civics and geography. Students will learn to think critically and apply their knowledge through projects and interactive activities, preparing them to be informed and engaged global citizens.
WORLD HISTORY 6: GLOBAL INTERCONNECTIONS
1 Credit // Grade 6
ThiscoursetakesstudentsonajourneythroughtheMiddleAges,exploringthe dynamiccivilizationsandculturalexchangesthatshapedtheworldbetweenc. 300 and 1500 CE. Beginning with the fall of the Roman Empire and the rise of medieval Europe, students will examine the influential empires of Byzantium, the Islamic Caliphates, and the Tang and Song Dynasties of China. They will follow the vibrant trade routes that connected Africa, Asia, and Europe, fostering innovation and cultural exchange. Key topics include the rise and spread of Islam, the wealth and intellectual legacy of African kingdoms, and the feudal systems of Europe and Japan. Students will also delve into the achievements of the Maya, Inca, and Aztec civilizations, and explore advancements in art, architecture, and science from across the medieval world. The course concludes with an investigation of the Age of Exploration and its global impacts. Through inquiry-based activities, collaborative projects, and critical thinking exercises, students will uncover the rich diversity of the medievalworldanditsenduringinfluenceonourglobalsocietytoday.
US HISTORY 7: BUILDING A NATION
1 Credit // Grade 7
This course explores the development of the United States from the ancient civilizations of the Americas through the Reconstruction Era, emphasizing the diverse voices and experiences that have shaped the nation’s history. Students will investigate key events, cultural exchanges, conflicts, and transformative ideas, analyzing their impact on the nation's identity. Major topics include the foundations of Indigenous civilizations, the arrival of European settlers, the development of democracy, the complexities of slavery, the fight for civil rights, and the challenges of Reconstruction. Students will analyze multiple perspectives, including those of historically underrepresented communities. By engaging with primary sources, collaborative projects, and inquiry-based activities, students will strengthen their historical thinking skills, such as evaluating evidence, constructing arguments, and drawing connections across time. This course fosters critical thinking and civic awareness, preparing students to understand the complexity of U.S. history and its relevance to today’s world.
US HISTORY 8: SHAPING A NATION
1 Credit // Grade 8
This course is an engaging and thought-provoking journey through some of the most transformative periods in American history, from the late 19th century to the present. By examining the Gilded Age, World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, World War II and the Holocaust, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Rise of Modern America, students will gain a deeper understanding of how historical events have shaped the nation's identity, by examining America’s role in world events and the impact of historical decisions on diverse populations, students will cultivate empathy, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility as global citizens.
SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES
MODERN WORLD HISTORY: Global Connections
1 Credit // Grade 9
This course provides a survey-styled exploration of world history from 1500 CE to the present, focusing on the key events, movements, and global connections that have shaped our modern world. Through the study of major civilizations, revolutions, and conflicts, students will examine how societies have interacted, evolved, and influenced one another over time. The course emphasizes critical historical thinking skills, including source analysis, historical argumentation, and making connections across time periods. Students will begin by exploring the increasing global interactions of the early modern era (1500–1700), analyzing the expansion of trade networks, the effects of exploration and colonization, and the exchange of ideas and technologies. The course then moves into the period of revolution and industrialization (1750–1900), where students will investigate political upheavals, economic transformations, and the rise of imperialism. Finally, the course examines the modern world (1900–present), focusing on major conflicts, ideological shifts, and the forces of globalization that continue to shape society today.
AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
1 Credit // Grades 9-12
AP Human Geography is the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students study the methods and tools geographers use in their science, apply spatial concepts, and engage in landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. Students apply their background in World History, Introductory Geography, non-fiction reading, writing skills, and critical thinking to the interesting and rigorous course content. Summer work is required in preparation for success in this AP course. Upon completing this course, students can interpret maps and analyze geospatial data, define regions, evaluate regionalization processes, and characterize and analyze changing interconnections among locations.
AP WORLD HISTORY: MODERN
1 Credit // Grades 10-12
Students cultivate their understanding of world history from c. 1200 CE to the present through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments as they explore concepts like humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation.
AP EUROPEAN HISTORY
1 Credit // Grades 10-12
In AP European History, students survey the history of Europe from the Renaissance to the present, with an emphasis on the thematic developments of Western Civilization. The class examines social, political, economic, religious, and cultural movements that dramatically impacted history. Major areas of study include the Renaissance and Reformation, the topics of the Enlightenment, the revolutionary movements of the 19th Century, the Industrial Revolution, 20th-Century conflict, and social reform. Students read and analyze primary and scholarly sources equivalent to those gained in a college-level introductory course. Students use both outside sources and the class itself to increase learning comprehension.
SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES
MODERN US HISTORY: Growth and Global Influence
1 Credit // Grades 10-12
This course examines the development of the United States from the end of Reconstruction through the dawn of the 21st century, focusing on the economic, political, social, and technological transformations that defined this era. Students will explore the rise of American cities, the expansion of economic imperialism, and the nation’s increasing participation in global events. Key themes include industrialization, progressive reforms, the impacts of world wars, the Civil Rights Movement, and the U.S.'s role as a global superpower during the Cold War. Using primary sources and inquiry-based learning, students will analyze pivotal moments in U.S. history and their influence on modern society. Through collaborative projects, discussions, and critical thinking exercises, students will examine the diverse experiences and perspectives of individuals and communities that contributed to shaping the nation’s identity. The course culminates in an oral history project, where students will conduct interviews, compile narratives, and present their findings to highlight personal and local connections to historical events studied throughout the year. This project fosters research, communication, and empathy, encouraging students to connect historical events to contemporary issues and their global context.
AP US HISTORY
1 Credit // Grades 11-12
This yearlong survey class includes the major ideological, political, economic, social events, and key players. There are nine historical periods, beginning with the colonization efforts of the New World and continuing through the early 21st Century. Reading and analyzing primary and secondary sources are integral to the class. There is an emphasis on historical skills: contextualization, causation, comparison, continuity and change over time. Students spend the year learning, thinking, and writing critically about issues, successes, and conflicts essential to a historical understanding of the United States.
AP ECONOMICS
1 Credit // Grades 11-12
This course prepares students for AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics. In AP Microeconomics, students cultivate their understanding of the principles that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers by using principles and models to describe economic situations and predict and explain outcomes with graphs, charts, and data as they explore concepts like scarcity and markets; costs, benefits, and marginal analysis; production choices and behavior; and market inefficiency and public policy. In AP Macroeconomics, students cultivate their understanding of the principles that apply to an economic system as a whole by using principles and models to describe economic situations and predict and explain outcomes with graphs, charts, and data as they explore concepts like economic measurements, markets, macroeconomic models, and macroeconomic policies.
AP GOVERNMENT
1 Credit // Grades 11-12
This course prepares students for AP US Government and AP Comparative Politics. The purpose of AP US Government is to give students an understating of key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the USA. Studies focus on foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to understand the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behavior. AP Comparative Politics provides students with a concrete understanding of the scientific method behind political comparison, a well-developed sense of political theory, and a “real world” understanding of global studies through specific analysis of 6 different political entities: The United Kingdom, Russia, Iran, China, Nigerian and Mexico.
SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES
AP PSYCHOLOGY
1 Credit // Grades 11-12
The AP Psychology course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Students learn the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their practice and the discoveries made by famous psychologists over the past century. Students assess some of the differing approaches adopted by psychologists, including biological, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, psychodynamic, and sociocultural perspectives, and students also learn the basic skills of psychology research. This course aims to provide students with a learning experience equivalent to most college introductory psychology courses.
AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY
½ Credit // Grades 10-12
African American History is a semester-long course examining the rich contributions of African Americans in the history of the United States of America. This course expands on the traditional US History course by studying the historical accounts of Americans who championed the cause of liberty and equality for all. For this reason, students must be enrolled in (or have already taken) US History or AP US History as a prerequisite. The class focuses on understanding the racialization of America, the significant contributions of African Americans in US History, and how race and the struggle for equality have significantly impacted the course of American history. There is a strong emphasis on the past work for equality, the leadership that exists today, and the hope of a racially reconciled America in the future. At the end of the class, students understand how the complexities of race have shaped and impacted American culture.
ECONOMICS
½ Credit // Grades 10-12
This semester-long course focuses on fundamental economic principles students need as they advance to AP or college-level economics classes. The class focuses on micro- and macroeconomics and includes ongoing instruction in personal finance. Each area of study assists students in understanding the basic mathematical principles of economics and the larger impact that money and the economy have on society. Students understand and recognize economic trends and analyze data to understand the complicated global economy.
GOVERNMENT
½ Credit // Grades 10-12
This semester-long course provides students with practical knowledge and understanding of American government and its direct connection to its citizens. The US Constitution serves as the central document to inform class discussions. Students apply knowledge of the US Constitution and demonstrate their understanding of how the American system of government functions on the local, state, and national levels, as well as the impact on individual citizens who have rights and responsibilities.
AP ART HISTORY
1 Credit // Grades 11-12
Students cultivate their understanding of art history by analyzing works of art and placing them in historical context as they explore concepts like culture and cultural interactions, theories and interpretations of art, the impact of materials, processes, and techniques on art and art making, and understanding purpose and audience in art historical analysis. Please note: for graduation credit purposes, this course can fulfill either a social studies credit or an art credit, but not both.
SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES
GAME CHANGERS: HISTORY OF SPORT
½ Credit // Grades 10-12
This course examines the evolution of sports as a lens to understand economic development, cultural dynamics, and geographic shifts throughout history. Students will investigate the origins of various sports, their formation and codification of rules, and the ways they reflect and shape societal values related to race, gender, class, and art. Key sports explored include soccer, lacrosse, baseball/softball, basketball, and American football. Through primary sources, books, and seminar-style discussions, students will analyze the participants, geographic influence, and cultural significance of these sports. The course emphasizes critical thinking and historical inquiry, encouraging students to explore how sports have acted as agents of change and sources of identity across time and place. The course culminates in a research project, where students will create and present a portfolio highlighting the impact of a specific athlete or team, demonstrating their broader historical and cultural significance. By engaging with these topics, students will gain a deeper understanding of the power of sport in shaping societies and connecting people globally.
PSYCHOLOGY
½ Credit // Grades 10-12
Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. The scope of psychology is broad, ranging from the scientific activity of neurons and hormones, the maze-running abilities of lab rats, the effects of emotions on how we think and act toward others, and the influence of social contexts and cultures on behavior. This course gives students a broad introduction to the vast and exciting field and covers psychology’s essential subject matter across a variety of topics (i.e., development, learning, memory, abnormal behavior, and social influence), history of different psychologists’ approaches to collecting and evaluating evidence about behavior, as well as how students can apply psychological knowledge to understanding and improving everyday life.
CRIMINOLOGY
½ Credit // Grades 10-12
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of the criminal justice system, criminological theories, and basic forensic science. Students will explore the origins of law and apply key concepts to historical and contemporary criminal cases. Through engaging activities such as mock trials of fictional cases, students will demonstrate their understanding of the legal system and courtroom procedures. The course also delves into specialized fields, including forensic psychology and criminal profiling. Students will gain hands-on experience with crime scene investigation techniques such as fingerprint analysis and blood spatter interpretation. The curriculum culminates in a mock crime scene investigation, where students will apply their knowledge and skills to solve a simulated crime, integrating concepts learned throughout the course. This dynamic and interactive course emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, preparing students to analyze and evaluate complex scenarios in the realm of criminal justice and forensic science.
WORLD HISTORY SINCE 1945
½ Credit // Grades 10-12
This course explores the global landscape from the mid-20th century to the present. Students study the aftermath of World War II, including the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. Students also investigate the decolonization movements in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, as well as the dynamics of the global economy, technological advancements, and cultural shifts that shaped the latter half of the 20th century. Studying themes of globalization, human rights struggles, environmental challenges, and the information age provides students with a nuanced understanding of the complexities of the contemporary world. Through analysis of key events, individuals, and movements, students gain insights into the interconnectedness of nations and the enduring impact of post-World War II developments on present-day reality.
SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES
SOCIOLOGY
½ Credit // Grades 10-12
This course introduces the fundamental elements of sociology and applies them to modern social issues (e.g., healthcare, poverty, education, gun control, race relations, immigration, the environment, and civil rights). Students learn the theoretical paradigms that define types and stages of social movements and explore how social problems relate to research, media, journalism, leadership, violence/non-violent means, social norms, and personal biases/worldviews.
HOLOCAUST: MEANINGS & IMPLICATIONS
WORLD LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT
Middle School Core Curriculum (4 courses required)
Upper School Core Curriculum (2 credits required; 3-4 recommended)
WORLD LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY
FRA students begin their middle school study in grade 5 with a World Language Foundations enrichment course, which prepares them to learn French, Latin, or Spanish for grades 6-8. US students are required to complete two additional years of the same world language in grades 9-12 for graduation and are encouraged to take a third and fourth year both for personal growth and college admissions.
Most MS students who have made satisfactory progress over three full years of language study (as evidenced through grades and proficiency testing) should enter the US at the Intermediate Level (Level 3-IL or Level 4H-IM1). Some students may require more time to reach Intermediate and may need to repeat Level 2. In rare instances, students may begin a different language in Level 1. However, this significantly limits their ultimate achievement, as honors and AP courses require a proficiency level that takes several years to build.
In French and Spanish, students develop abilities to listen, speak, read, and write in the world language, gaining proficiency throughout the course of study. The main objective is oral and written communication. Courses are taught predominantly in the target language. Cultural aspects of Francophone and Hispanic civilizations are woven into the curriculum to develop intercultural awareness. Latin courses offer a classical approach to the same objectives: studying grammar and vocabulary and reading great classical works as a vehicle to proficiency. In addition, students learn about the culture of ancient civilizations as well as the connections to the modern world and modern languages.
Upper-level world language courses offer college-level exposure, especially in the three AP courses. The World Language Department sponsors several international hosting and travel opportunities, which foster an authentic experience not possible in the classroom.
WORLD LANGUAGE COURSES
WORLD LANGUAGE FOUNDATIONS
⅛ Credit // Grade 5
This introductory class develops students’ interest in languages and introduces students to the function of language and tips for acquiring proficiency in other languages. Students learn a few basic greetings in Italian and explore a variety of other languages, particularly the Latinbased Roman languages offered at FRA. At the end of 5th grade, students choose which academic language program to begin for their upcoming 6th-grade year.
FRENCH
1
1 Credit // Grades 6-12
French 1 is an introduction to the French language and Francophone culture. Communication in the target language is emphasized. Novice high proficiency in interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational modes is the goal for this course. Through the study of other cultures, students gain a greater degree of intercultural proficiency and global awareness.
FRENCH 2
1 Credit // Grades 7-12
French 2 is a continuation of French 1, expanding proficiency to include all novice contexts in interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication. The study of Francophone culture continues.
FRENCH 3
1 Credit // Grades 8-12
This course builds communicative proficiency even further. Students begin creating with language, achieving Intermediate proficiency. Students refine listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Studies deepen their understanding of their own culture and others.
FRENCH 4 HONORS
1 Credit // Grades 9-12
This course seeks to expand communicative abilities even further. Intermediate Mid proficiency in Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational modes is the goal for this course. Students refine listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and further develop their interculturality.
WORLD LANGUAGE COURSES
FRENCH 5 HONORS
1 Credit // Grades 10-12
In French 5H, students begin to engage in more advanced communication, attaining Intermediate Mid II proficiency. In this course, French is less the object of study and more the vehicle in which students engage with the world around them. This class reads and writes more extensively in preparation for Level 6H or AP French Language and Culture.
FRENCH 6 HONORS
1 Credit // Grades 11-12
In French 6H, students speak, write, read, and understand at the Advanced level. They deeply understand francophone cultures and compare them with their own culture.
AP FRENCH LANGUAGE & CULTURE
1 Credit // Grades 11-12
This course is an advanced study of the language and culture of the Francophone world with a concentration on perfecting interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication. Fluency and accuracy in French are developed within and across various contexts. The course is conducted entirely in French. Course themes include global challenges, science and technology, contemporary life, personal and public identities, families and communities, and beauty and aesthetics.
SPANISH 1
1 Credit // Grades 6-12
Spanish 1 is an introduction to the Spanish language and cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. Communication in the target language is emphasized. Novice high proficiency in interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational modes is the goal for this course. Through the study of other cultures, students gain a greater degree of intercultural proficiency and global awareness.
SPANISH 2
1 Credit // Grades 7-12
Spanish 2 is a continuation of Spanish 1, expanding proficiency to include all novice contexts in interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication. The study of cultures of Spanishspeaking communities continues.
WORLD LANGUAGE COURSES
SPANISH 3
1 Credit // Grades 8-12
This course further expands communicative proficiency. Students begin creating with language, achieving Intermediate proficiency. Students refine listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Studies deepen their understanding of their own culture and others.
SPANISH 4 HONORS
1 Credit // Grades 9-12
This course further expands students’ communicative abilities. Intermediate Mid proficiency in Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational modes is the goal for this course. Students refine listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, and further develop their interculturality.
SPANISH
5 HONORS
1 Credit // Grades 10-12
In Spanish 5H, students engage in more advanced communication, attaining Intermediate Mid II proficiency. In this course, Spanish is less the object of study and more the vehicle in which students engage with the world around them. This class reads and writes more extensively in preparation for Level 6H or AP Spanish Language and Culture.
SPANISH 6 HONORS
1 Credit // Grades 11-12
In Spanish 6H, students speak, write, read, and understand at the Advanced level. They have a deep understanding of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world and make comparisons with their own culture.
AP SPANISH LANGUAGE
1 Credit // Grades 11-12
This course is an advanced study of the language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world with a concentration on perfecting interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication. Fluency and accuracy in Spanish are developed within and across various contexts. The course is conducted entirely in Spanish. Course themes include global challenges, science and technology, contemporary life, personal and public identities, families and communities, and beauty and aesthetics.
WORLD LANGUAGE COURSES
LATIN 1
1 Credit // Grades 6-12
Latin 1 is an introduction to the language, culture, history, and mythology of the Roman people and their interactions with the world around them. Students build interpretive reading skills by studying grammar and vocabulary within a cultural context. Cross-cultural competence is fostered through learning about the legacy of Roman culture in Western society and the diversity of the Roman Empire and its surroundings.
LATIN 2
1 Credit // Grades 7-12
Latin 2 is a continuation of Latin 1, as students expand their abilities with the language, culture, history, Roman mythology, and their interactions with the world around them. Students attain Novice High interpretive reading skills through language use and studying grammar and vocabulary within a cultural context. Cross-cultural competence is expanded.
LATIN 3
1 Credit // Grades 8-12
Latin 3 continues the emphasis of Latin 1 and 2 in the study of the language, culture, history, and mythology of the Roman people. Students continue to grow in their interpretive reading and intercultural skills, reading various stories in an ancient context and comparing ancient literature, history, and physical culture to modern ones. Students reach intermediate proficiency and intercultural competence.
LATIN 4 HONORS
1 Credit // Grades 9-12
Latin 4H begins to move beyond the textbook and transitions students to reading selections from a variety of Roman authors, both prose and poetry. The course mainly focuses on literature from the turmoil of the 1st century BC as Rome plunged into civil war in transition from Republic to Empire. Roman values and political topics are compared to modern issues, and students discuss persuasive writing and oratory in Rome and present-day America.
LATIN 5 HONORS
1 Credit // Grades 10-12
Latin 5H represents the transition to more advanced proficiency as students read and understand selections from various Roman authors in preparation for Latin 6H or AP Latin. In addition to the standard Latin 5H, students go more in-depth into the literature they read. The course focuses on grammar, syntax, and authorial voice and its effect on the reader.
WORLD LANGUAGE COURSES
AP LATIN
1 Credit // Grades 11-12
This course is an intensive study of two Roman texts: Virgil’s Aeneid and Julius Caesar’s Commentaries on the Gallic War. This course emphasizes vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and literary criticism within the historical and political climate of the 1st century BC.
BIBLICAL & THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
BIBLICAL & THEOLOGICAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY
To develop an inclusive Christian community, FRA requires students to take a Bible class each year in middle school, with an intentional sequence to lay the foundation for further growth in upper school. Taught from a Christian perspective, MS Bible classes aim to cultivate curiosity about God and Scripture and promote personal and academic study of the Bible. Students will learn in an inclusive and respectful space where they are free to disagree and ask questions. By the end of the middle school curriculum, students should have a “big picture” understanding of the Bible.
Once in the upper school, all FRA students must earn one credit in Biblical and Theological Studies to graduate from FRA, with various semester electives to meet that requirement. All courses are taught from a Christian perspective by Christian faculty, with an understanding that students bring their own perspectives and beliefs to each class.
10th-12th Courses
BIBLICAL & THEOLOGICAL STUDIES COURSES
BIBLE 5: FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
⅛ Credit // Grade 5
FRA’s mission calls every student to be “leaders of integrity, guided by Christian principles,” but what do Christian principles look like in practice? The Apostle Paul answers this question in Galatians 5:22-23 when he writes, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Students in this introductory Bible class explore these nine characteristics by reading scripture and creating definitions to apply to their lives as middle schoolers. As a final project, each class creates a lesson on the Fruit of the Spirit that they present to an FRA kindergarten class.
BIBLE 6: THE STORY OF SCRIPTURE
⅛ Credit // Grade 6
In this course, students experience the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus. Beginning in the Old Testament and working through the New Testament, students connect smaller stories to the grand narrative that is told throughout scripture. Students learn the necessary tools to navigate the Bible for themselves.
BIBLE 7: INTERPRETING SCRIPTURE
⅛ Credit // Grade 7
In this course, students learn and apply strategies for basic Bible interpretation. Continuing their study of both Old and New Testaments, students explore various genres within scripture and learn to research and apply context to their understanding of the Bible.
BIBLE 8: PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT
⅛ Credit // Grade 8
God calls us to live a life of purpose and meaning. One of the ways to begin identifying God’s calling is by creating a personal mission statement, which includes naming your talents, interests, and passions and how God can use these gifts to serve others and make a positive difference in the world. In this culminating middle school Bible course, students reflect on Biblical leaders they’ve studied and how God used their talents to lead lives of purpose and impact. These examples from scripture, interest/career surveys, and guided discussions empower students to create personal mission statements, establishing a launching-off point for a more purposeful upper school experience.
BIBLICAL & THEOLOGICAL STUDIES COURSES
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
This course equips students with the skills needed to grow into Christlike leaders. Students engage in personal reflections through a study of Dr. Kara Powell’s “3 Big Questions That Shape Your Future,” exploring questions like “Who am I? Where do I fit? and What difference can I make?” The class will study what it means to be a Christian leader by examining the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. At the end of this course, students will be able to connect what they have learned about Christian leadership to the practice of being “salt” and “light” in their communities (Matthew 5:13-16).
LIFE OF CHRIST
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
This course examines the person and work of Christ through an exposition of the four Gospel accounts. The class examines how the Old Testament points to Christ as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Students study Biblical and historical accounts for a deeper understanding of what the life of Christ was like exploring the resurrection and its significance for Christians today.
OLD TESTAMENT
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
This course provides students with an introduction to the Old Testament. Students examine the uniqueness and reliability of the Bible and use tools to study scripture. An exposition of Genesis gives students the framework they need to study the remaining Old Testament through the lens of God’s promise of redemption in the Garden of Eden and God’s promise of a worldwide blessing through the family of Abraham.
NEW TESTAMENT
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
This course explores the story of the New Testament, including an overview of the Gospel accounts and an exposition of the book of Acts. Students study New Testament letters with an emphasis on their Biblical theology and application. The class also studies the book of Revelation, learning its various interpretations and depictions of heaven.
BIBLICAL & THEOLOGICAL STUDIES COURSES
THEOLOGY & CULTURE 1
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
This course equips students with the skills necessary to examine modern media through a spiritual lens. The class focuses on and studies modern media, and students reflect via essays and peer discussions. At the end of this course, students know how to connect Hollywood storytelling to the great storyteller, God himself.
THEOLOGY & CULTURE 2
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
This capstone course in Biblical and Theological Studies is designed to equip students with the skills to critique and analyze cultural artifacts through the lens of Christian spirituality and, more importantly, to take the next step of creating cultural artifacts infused with deeper meaning or spiritual significance. Students interested in enrolling must apply through the BTS Department Chair. As part of the application process, students will propose a focused area of study and creation. Possible areas of focus include writing fiction, creating visual art, producing a short film, composing music, or pursuing another creative endeavor of their choice. Once accepted, students will work closely with a mentor teacher to explore the processes by which cultural artifacts can convey profound meaning. They will then apply these insights to create their own original work. Additionally, students will have opportunities to connect with professionals in their chosen field of study for guidance and inspiration. The course will culminate in a final presentation where students showcase their completed cultural artifact to an audience of peers, faculty, administration, and industry professionals. Students must have completed at least one BTS course at FRA to be eligible.
WORLD RELIGIONS
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
This course guides students in a study of religions around the globe. Students learn about other worldviews and religions while reflecting on their worldviews and associations with religion. This course primarily explores the major Abrahamic religions of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. This course also explores polytheistic religions and famous religious leaders throughout history. Students gain a better understanding of the Christian faith while also growing a greater appreciation and understanding of the worldviews, religions, and cultures of others.
FINE & PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT
FINE & PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY
The Fine & Performing Arts department provides substantial opportunities for students to develop their artistic talents and performance skills. Fine arts classes develop and nurture creative thinking skills. The curriculum balances each student’s academic focus and encourages a lifelong appreciation of the arts. MS students take a fine art class and a performing arts ensemble class every year. All US students are required to complete one credit of fine or performing arts.
FINE & PERFORMING ARTS COURSES
ART 5
⅛
Credit // Grade 5
This course teaches students that art falls under two broad categories: Craft and Fine Arts. Students will be able to articulate the difference between the two genres and create work in both areas. The course intentionally starts with the study of Craft so that students build confidence in their abilities before moving into the study of Fine Art. Students learn about artists whose names they most likely know but may need help understanding who they are or why they are well known. Students will create a painting to correlate with the studied artist.
ART 6
⅛
Credit // Grade 6
In this course, students understand the importance of art throughout history and cultures. Historically, art has been used as a form of communication and often holds importance in numerous cultures. As students travel through time, they gain a worldly understanding as they create art that parallels the cultures they study in their world history class.
ART 7
⅛
Credit // Grade 7
Students entering the Seventh Grade hold a solid understanding of the history and key areas of the art concepts, so this year, students dive deeper into specific art-making processes and more challenging concepts and production processes. In this course, students create a two-dimensional piece and a three-dimensional piece. Students work with clay and the hand-building process, along with digital drawing.
ART 8
⅛ Credit // Grade 8
This course builds on the foundation of previous courses. Students work in the visual arts for a nine-week rotation to create twodimensional and three-dimensional art pieces, focusing on printmaking and painting.
BAND 5
½ Credit // Grade 5
This course allows students to begin instruction on a band instrument. Students explore note reading, pitch, melody, and rhythm. Students may play instruments from the woodwind, brass, and percussion families. In early September, students select an instrument, and the curriculum focuses on developing fundamental playing skills, music theory, listening skills, and ensemble performance. Students prepare for Grandparents Day, Christmas, and Spring concerts, where they can showcase their progress and newly acquired skills. The course aims to provide students with a strong foundation in instrumental music performance.
FINE & PERFORMING ARTS COURSES
BAND 6
½ Credit // Grade 6
This course further develops students’ musical abilities and ensemble performance skills. Students continue to refine their skills on the instruments of their choice, which may include flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion instruments. The course builds upon the foundational knowledge acquired in fifth grade and enhances students' understanding of music theory, instrumental techniques, and ensemble playing. Student performances include Grandparents Day, Christmas, and Spring concerts.
BAND 7-8
½ Credit // Grades 7-8
This course emphasizes the development of musicianship skills and an appreciation of the art of music. Students focus on breathing techniques, music reading, posture, and individual practice techniques. Advanced repertoire designed to emphasize the importance of developing musicianship is used daily. Students begin the year in a traditional concert band setting and progress second semester by studying jazz and pop styles, i improvisation. The curriculum includes performances at Gran Day, Christmas, and the annual Jazz Cafe concert. Throug seventh and eighth grade years, students have the opport progress at a rapid pace with the exploration of new styles o for students wishing to further their studies, private less regional honor band auditions are encouraged.
CHORUS 5
½ Credit // Grade 5
In this course, students learn to sing with a group of students across various genres (worship, musical theatre, classical, etc.), as well as pedagogy around proper vocal technique and singing in unison. English, Spanish, German, French, and Latin languages are introduced in the course. This ensemble performs for school functions such as choir concerts, chapels, and other FRA events.
CHORUS 6
½ Credit // Grade 6
In this course, students learn to sing with a group of students across various genres (worship, musical theatre, classical, contemporary, modern, etc.), as well as pedagogy around proper vocal technique, singing in unison, and two-part harmony. English, Spanish, German, French, and Latin languages are integrated into the course. This ensemble performs for school functions such as choir concerts, chapels, and other FRA events.
FINE & PERFORMING ARTS COURSES
CHORUS 7
½
Credit // Grade 7
In this course, students learn to sing with a group of students across various genres (worship, musical theatre, classical, contemporary, modern, sacred, and secular texts, etc.), as well as pedagogy around proper vocal technique, sight-reading skills, singing in unison, two-part and three-part harmony. English, Spanish, German, French, and Latin languages are integrated into the course. This ensemble performs for school functions such as choir concerts, chapels, and other FRA events.
CHORUS 8
½ Credit // Grade 8
In this course, students learn to sing with a group of students across various genres (worship, musical theater, classical, contemporary, modern, sacred, and secular texts, etc.), as well as pedagogy around proper vocal technique in classical operatic singing and contemporary voice, sight-reading skills, singing in unison, two-part, three-part and four-part harmony. English, Spanish, German, French, and Latin languages are integrated into the course. Thi school functions such as choir concerts, chape
GENERAL MUSIC 7-8
½
Credit // Grades 7-8
Through hands-on activities, interactive lesso students learn fundamental music theory instrumental skills, explore digital music and for various musical genres and cultures. musical abilities while fostering teamwork an end of the course, students emerge with a music's role in society and the confidence t exploration beyond the classroom. Students culminating performances each semester to and growth.
THEATER 7-8
½ Credit // Grades 7-8
This two-year sequence introduces students to the main areas of theater, emphasizing stage presence and performance, stagecraft, play and character analysis, and other key concepts. Students practice and prepare for a series of culminating performances each semester, including improv, one-act plays, mystery theater, monologues, ensemble performances, etc. Through stagecraft and technical theater (lights, sound, and set design). Novice to experienced students are encouraged to take this class, which prepares students for the US theater program.
FINE & PERFORMING ARTS COURSES
ART 1: DRAWING
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
This course is for students interested in building their artistic skills and knowledge from middle school art or other art classes. Students concentrate on refining drawing skills and techniques as they deepen their understanding of compositional principles and learn to “see like an artist.” Media used in this class consists primarily of pencil and charcoal. The first nine weeks will focus on drawing techniques, and the second nine weeks will focus on figure drawing, drawing the hand, and self-portraits.
ART 2: COLOR THEORY
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
This course develops skills learned in Art 1 as students work in various color media, including colored pencils, markers, chalk and oil pastels, acrylic paint, and oil paint. Students learn to blend colors to create depth and interest in their artwork. Art 1 is a prerequisite for this course.
ART 3: PAINTING
½ Credit // Grades 10-12
This third course allows serious art students to work in acrylic and oil paint media as they follow the development of 20th-century art history. Students study the painting styles and major artists of the modernist movement, then create art demonstrating knowledge of the movement and skills developed in Art 1 and 2. This course prepares students for AP Studio Art: Drawing. Art 1 and 2 are prerequisites for this course.
AP DRAWING
1 Credit // Grades 11-12
This course provides serious art students with in-depth work in various drawing and painting media. The class works toward the creation of a portfolio for consideration for college credit. Students must be highly motivated and be able to put in extra time outside of class to meet all deadlines established by the instructor and the AP review board. Students will create a theme-based portfolio of fifteen pieces to submit to the AP Board in May. Work should show an understanding of drawing skills, a clear concentration theme, and strong compositional choices. Students must have taken Art 1, 2, and 3, and a recommendation from the art instructor is required for enrollment.
CERAMICS 1
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
This course is designed for all students of art, whether beginning or experienced. It is an introduction to creative expression, perception, and understanding of art in three dimensions (3D). The course will introduce a variety of clay techniques, including four key approaches to ceramics: hand-building and sculpture, slab making, and wheel throwing. Students who have taken art courses in the past will find new opportunities to expand their creativity. Students will also become familiar with some of the major artists and art movements of art history. Course length: 1 semester. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be prepared for Ceramics 2.
FINE & PERFORMING ARTS COURSES
CERAMICS 2
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
This course is designed to challenge and equip students with tools and opportunities for students to advance creative expression, perception, and understanding of art in three dimensions (3D). Students will advance their art making skills while creating an array of original artworks, beyond the scope of the Ceramics 1 prerequisite. Projects will build on previous experience and explore new approaches to hand-building, slabs, and wheel throwing, especially in the area of sculpture. Students will begin to think conceptually about creativity in three dimensions, and begin to develop a voice: a personal area of creative interest. Students will also become versed in contemporary and historic artists and art movements. Skills and studio habits acquired in this course also prepare students for A.P. 3D Art. Course length: 1 semester.
AP STUDIO ART: 3D DESIGN
1 Credit // Grades 11-12
This course involves purposeful decision-making about using the elements and principles of art in an integrative way. Students connect their understanding of design principles to integrating depth and space, volume, and surface. Students demonstrate their mastery of 3D design through sculpture, architectural modeling, metalwork, ceramics, and woodwork. Students must submit a comprehensive 3D portfolio that the College Board evaluates to earn college credit.
ADVANCED TOPICS IN ART
½ Credit // Grade 12
This post-AP course is for students who have successfully completed AP Art and are interested in pursuing a career in art. Students will continue building their portfolio for selective college admissions, while also serving as mentors to other FRA art students. Additionally, the course will feature visits to and interviews with working artists to explore various careers in art.
DIGITAL ART
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of digital painting and drawing using Procreate. Students will learn essential digital art skills, tools, and techniques to create original artwork. The course focuses on creative expression, building foundational drawing skills, and understanding color, composition, and visual storytelling. By the end of the semester, students will have a portfolio of completed digital works and a strong grasp of Procreate’s features.
AP ART HISTORY
1 Credit // Grades 11-12
Students cultivate their understanding of art history by analyzing works of art and placing them in historical context as they explore concepts like culture and cultural interactions, theories and interpretations of art, the impact of materials, processes, and techniques on art and art making, and understanding purpose and audience in art historical analysis. Please note: for graduation purposes, this course can fulfill either a social studies credit or an art credit, but not both.
DRAMATIC ARTS 1
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
This course emphasizes the basic skills necessary to ensure success in theater. The course includes a history of theater, a continual study of theater vocabulary and terminology, and the various elements involved in producing a play. The essential purpose of such a course is to introduce and reinforce new theatre techniques, aspects, and skills that students may use to pursue dramatic arts.
FINE & PERFORMING ARTS COURSES
DRAMATIC ARTS 2
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
This class emphasizes the advanced skills necessary to succeed in theater acting. The course includes a continual study of theater terminology, beginner and advanced improvisation, diction, projection, stage movement/presence, character analysis, audition proficiency, character analysis, scene study, and scene directing. The essential purpose of such a course is to introduce and reinforce new theater techniques, aspects, and skills that students may use to pursue dramatic arts. This course has a prerequisite of Dramatics Arts 1 or instructor approval.
THEATER PRODUCTION
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
This course covers the various physical properties of technical theater production. Lighting, sound, and set design and construction are all addressed. Students design and construct sets for school performances and individual lighting projects. Students learn equipment operation, general maintenance, sound technique, and visual design.
GUITAR
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
This course is for students who want to learn to play the guitar. Students with some guitar experience and a desire to learn to read music also benefit, but experience is not required. Students receive guidance and direction in solving problems related to guitar playing at a beginning level. They learn many different styles, skills, and techniques to become a successful guitarist. Areas of concentration include correct posture, note reading, aural skills, flat-picking, singing songs, rhythmic patterns, chord study, finger-picking styles, musical forms, songwriting, improvisation, group performance, and solo performing experiences.
STUDIO ROCK BAND
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
This course is for students who want to develop music-making skills and literacy using primarily rock and pop music. Studio Rock Band provides an opportunity to engage students who don’t play traditional band instruments, ensuring students have a music education that meets their interests. Digital recording and live sound reinforcement are included in this class. Studio Rock Band is an introductory course, so no previous experience is needed; however, experience with piano, guitar, drums, singing, or digital audio recording is a plus. Experienced musicians can pursue advanced solo techniques, ensemble playing, and additional music theory.
AP MUSIC THEORY
1 Credit // Grades 11-12
This course corresponds to one-to-two semesters of typical, introductory college music theory coursework that covers topics such as musicianship, theory, and musical materials and procedures. Musicianship skills, including dictation and listening skills, sightsinging, and harmony, are an important part of the course. Through the course, students develop the ability to recognize, understand, and describe basic materials and processes of tonal music that are heard or presented in a score. Development of aural (listening) skills is a primary objective. Performance is also part of the curriculum through the practice of sight-singing. Students learn basic concepts and terminology by listening to and performing a wide variety of music. Notational skills, speed, and fluency with basic materials are emphasized.
FINE & PERFORMING ARTS COURSES
JAZZ BAND
1 Credit // Grades 9-12
The primary goal of this course is to provide opportunities for music students to study jazz and other styles of music in an instrumental performing ensemble. The fundamentals of music performance, such as sight-reading, articulation, intonation, dynamics, and musicality, are practiced daily. Individual creativity and improvisation are encouraged, as well as a deeper understanding and appreciation for the aesthetic qualities of music. Based on auditions and part balance, students form the jazz band.
VOCAL ENSEMBLE
1 Credit // Grades 9-12
In this year-long course, students sing across various genres (worship, musical theatre, classical, contemporary, modern, sacred, and secular texts, etc.). Pedagogy around proper vocal technique in classical operatic singing and contemporary voice, singing in unison, two-part, three-part, and four-part harmony, as well as tools for improvisation, are implemented. English, Spanish, German, French, and Latin languages are integrated into the course. Students study scores, sightread, harmonize, and learn bel canto vocal techniques. This ensemble performs for school functions such as choir concerts, chapels, and other FRA events such as football games and Veteran’s Day. Students also have opportunities for individual competition in regional honors choirs, solo and ensemble festivals, and mid-state/all-state auditions through MTVA (Middle Tennessee Vocal Association).
SUMMER-ONLY COURSE
PHOTOGRAPHY
0.5 Credit // Grades 9-12
Photography is a creative and engaging course designed for high school students in grades 9-12 who want to explore the art of capturing moments through a camera lens. Students will learn fundamental photography skills, including camera operation, composition techniques, lighting, and editing. Through hands-on projects and assignments, they will develop an understanding of key concepts such as framing, perspective, and storytelling. The course emphasizes creative expression while teaching students how to use both manual and digital photography tools. By the end of the course, students will have built a portfolio showcasing their growth and artistic vision.
PE & HEALTH DEPARTMENT
PE & HEALTH DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY
At FRA, the Physical Education and Health Department nurtures the holistic well-being of students in grades 5 through 12. We prioritize the development of physical fitness, essential motor skills, and a love for lifelong physical activity. Our programs focus on developing strength, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. Our comprehensive health education curriculum encompasses nutrition, mental health, personal hygiene, substance abuse prevention, and healthy relationships, all to empower students to make informed decisions for their overall well-being. Through an inclusive approach, we foster personal growth, teamwork, and leadership skills, ensuring that students excel academically and lead healthy, active, and fulfilling lives. Our commitment to continuous improvement, community engagement, and a holistic approach to health reinforces our mission to shape well-rounded individuals prepared for the future.
Middle School Core Curriculum (4 courses required)
Upper School Core Curriculum (1 credit required)
AND HEALTH COURSES
PE & HEALTH 5-8
1 Credit // Grades 5-8
FRA Physical Education is a values-based program where we practice integrity, self-control, teamwork, sacrifice, leadership, humility, communication, and respect. We focus on two values each quarter, challenging the students to utilize these qualities in all walks of life. Within the classroom, we focus on student development, lifelong movements, problem-solving, collaborative team thinking, and individual success. The classes facilitate a safe fun space where students engage and encourage e best. Students learn the “Block through middle school to prepare t 8, students will transition to streng
DANCE & HEALTH 5-8
1 Credit // Grades 5-8
Dance is a year-round option w education curriculum. Students genres, including ballet, jazz/conte style jazz, and hip-hop. The class specific strength and conditioni exercises. The curriculum fosters creativity and spontaneity in move and student-initiated choreograph program, contributing significantly the art form.
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
Students learn the fundamentals of strength and conditioning to equip them with the tools to be successful beyond FRA. The course upholds the mission statement of FRA, and the environment is challenging while keeping safety the number one priority. All training ages are welcome, and the program enhances each individual’s training level. This course is science-based and utilizes principles proven through research. Course modules include muscular strength and endurance, joint mobility, speed, agility, nutrition, sports psychology, and recovery. Students learn a strong work ethic and develop life-long habits to improve their health. Please note: this course is open to all students and may be required for student-athletes, depending on their sport and coach’s recommendation.
PE AND HEALTH COURSES
ATHLETIC FITNESS
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
All upper school students are required to earn one credit for physical education. Students must earn at least 0.5 credits of physical education through taking an FRA physical education course as a curricular component of the school day. Students may earn their second required 0.5 credit of physical education through participation in FRA athletics. Those students who complete one semester of dance team or one athletic season are eligible. Students who leave a team before the end of a season are not eligible to receive credit. As with other graduation requirements, students can only earn credit through an activity FRA offers. Outside offerings do not satisfy graduation requirements, nor do FRA clubs. Credit earned through participation in FRA athletics is on a pass/fail basis and recorded on a student’s transcript as “Athletic Fitness” without a letter or numerical grade.
Please note: students can only earn 0.5 credit on their transcripts through FRA athletics. Additional athletic participation does not show up on student transcripts. Students on both varsity and JV teams may earn credit. While team managers are vital to FRA’s athletics program, they do not earn transcript credit for a manager role. In case of injury, students who continue to regularly attend practices and games and participate as they can may still earn PE credit.
WELLNESS
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
This course motivates and enables students to improve their lifelong wellness by teaching them the concepts, knowledge, skills, and behaviors that lead to a healthy fitness level and regular participation in physical activity. Elemental components of physical wellness include building muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular strength and endurance, and flexibility. This course aims to achieve the following: cardio/aerobics exercise: moderate intensity and high intensity, strength and weight training, mobility and flexibility, Pilates, Yoga, and heart rate training.
Optimal wellness is achieved through physical activity and developed through exercise and healthy eating habits. Course material helps students incorporate sound nutrition principles into their lives while understanding and appreciating the strong relationship between healthy food choices and how the body performs. Nutrition and Healthy Eating education include healthy choices, caloric awareness, consumer health fads and fallacies, disordered eating, sports nutrition, and substance use and abuse. Personal health topics include body image, time, stress management, self-esteem, healthy relationships, heart rate awareness (resting, maximum, and target), first aid/CPR, and injury prevention.
PE AND HEALTH COURSES
ADVANCED DANCE
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
This course is a teacher-approved dance class for experienced, advanced dancers. These dancers train in technical dance styles, including ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, and hip-hop. Students also study improvisation, choreography, and dance history. This class aims to further the technical knowledge and skills of the advanced dancer.
COMPUTER SCIENCE & INNOVATION
COMPUTER SCIENCE & INNOVATION DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY
The CSI department is dedicated to cultivating a vibrant and forward-thinking educational environment, empowering students to excel as proficient, ethical, and creative contributors in the ever-evolving technological landscape. In the middle school phase, we prioritize foundational excellence and empowerment, instilling vital technological skills and fostering a curiosity-driven problem-solving approach. Courses like Digital Foundations provide a robust foundation, paving the way for advanced studies in high school and beyond. These acquired skills are not confined to higher-level tech classes; students will seamlessly apply them in their content area classrooms. Whether conducting research, creating multimedia presentations, or collaborating on projects, the acquired technological skills will serve as indispensable tools in shaping wellrounded and adaptable learners.
Transitioning into the upper school, our curriculum facilitates interdisciplinary exploration by seamlessly integrating technology with courses like Digital Media, Engineering, and AP Computer Science. This shift emphasizes the cultivation of ethical leadership and innovation, encouraging students to reflect on the broader societal impact of technology and fostering adaptability for success in our rapidly evolving world.
Through a commitment to personalized excellence, we recognize and nurture the unique strengths of each student, fostering a culture of lifelong learning. This approach prepares our students to thrive as informed, responsible, and innovative contributors in the global technological community, equipping them with the skills and mindset necessary for success beyond the classroom. Our CSI department is dedicated to not only providing technical proficiency but also instilling a passion for lifelong learning, innovation, and ethical responsibility in our dynamic world.
TECHNOLOGY COURSES
CSI 5: DIGITAL DISCOVERIES
1 Credit // Grade 5
In this hands-on introduction, 5th-grade students will explore the exciting world of modern tech tools and applications. Students will start with a focus on their new tablet PC and the Windows operating system. They will continue by learning computer basics, including navigating Microsoft 365 apps and mastering essential keyboard shortcuts. As the course progresses, students will dive into ComputerAided Design (CAD) to bring their imaginative ideas to life through 3D printing. They'll also learn coding fundamentals, work with robotics, and discover the art of automation and problem-solving.
Throughout the course, students will create various projects, such as custom-designed 3D printed objects, vinyl creations, full-color stickers, and laser-cut designs. By the end of the course, students will gain practical tech skills and experience the joy of turning digital concepts into tangible products!
CSI 6: DIGITAL DESIGN
⅛ Credit // Grade 6
This course offers students the opportunity to explore graphic design and digital fabrication using industry-standard platforms such as Adobe Illustrator, Canva, and Tinkercad. Students will gain hands-on experience with the tools in the Innovation Lab, including our laser cutter and 3D printers, allowing them to transform their ideas into tangible products.
Students will develop strong design skills by creating full-color stickers, 3D-printed prototypes, and precision-crafted items with the laser cutter. They will also build a portfolio of work, showcasing their proficiency in digital design software and fabrication tools, preparing them for future academic and entrepreneurial endeavors.
CSI 7: INTRO TO CODING
⅛
Credit // Grade 7
This course fosters creativity and problem-solving skills and encourages students to express their ideas through coding projects using JavaScript and Python text-based languages. Whether students are new to coding or have some prior experience, this course aims to inspire a lifelong interest in computer science by making learning enjoyable and accessible. By the end of the course, students have the confidence and skills to embark on more advanced coding challenges, setting them on a path toward a deeper understanding of the digital world around them.
CSI 8: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
⅛ Credit // Grade 8
In this course, students embark on an immersive exploration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Covering digital citizenship, safety, and security, the curriculum dives into fundamental AI concepts, including categorization, functionality, and hands-on experience with teachable machines. Students explore creative applications like Scribble Diffusion and generative AI, grapple with ethical considerations, and learn to harness AI for learning enhancement. Practical sessions integrate popular design tools such as Canva, Illustrator, and Microsoft, emphasizing responsible and creative AI use. By the end of the course, students have a robust understanding of AI's impact and develop skills for navigating the technological landscape responsibly and innovatively.
TECHNOLOGY COURSES
TECHNOLOGY COURSES
DIGITAL MEDIA 2: SPORTSCASTING
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
Sports Broadcasting course offers students an immersive experience in the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of sports broadcasting. Students are exposed to hands-on learning, allowing them to explore the various elements of sports media, from live commentary to production. Through a combination of multimedia applications, students will gain the foundational skills necessary to pursue careers in sports broadcasting or enrich their appreciation for the industry. Whether learning to provide live play-by-play commentary or producing sports podcasts, students will discover the art and impact of sports media while enhancing their communication and analytical abilities. This practical experience allows them to apply their skills in real-world scenarios and work to bolster their professional portfolios. This class is designed to create an environment where students can explore and develop their gifts and passion for multimedia news.
COMPUTER SCIENCE & ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
Jump into the exciting world of computer science! In this hands-on course, you’ll learn two of the most powerful coding languages Java and Python while exploring the cutting-edge fields that are shaping the future, like Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, and even blockchain. You’ll get to create projects, tackle real-world challenges, and discover how tech innovations work behind the scenes. From building your own AI models to designing creative programs, you’ll gain the skills to think like a tech expert and a problem-solver. Whether you’re curious about coding, fascinated by AI, or just want to see what’s possible with tech, this course is your starting point to understand—and maybe even create—the future of technology. Perfect for students who want to dig into computer science and explore its endless possibilities!
ENGINEERING
½ Credit // Grades 11-12
Engineers seek to better the world by developing creative solutions to design problems through the improvement or creation of products or systems that serve society. Specifically, engineers use principles of mathematics and science as a basis for design. This semester-long course introduces students to engineering through the Engineering Design Process. The course focuses on the development of problemsolving and critical thinking skills through case studies and hands-on, project-based coursework. Through the exploration of each step of the design process, students learn about crucial skills required of engineers including, but not limited to, the ability to work within project constraints, engineering drawing, cultural sensitivity, adherence to an industry standard of ethics, and an awareness of the full life cycle of a product. After a month of introductory material, the course includes a series of design projects that allow students to work through the full design process from problem statement to final product. Prerequisites for this course include successful completion of two years of science.
GAME DESIGN: PYTHON
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
This course offers a deep dive into the world of game design and development, providing students with a rigorous and academically enriching experience. Moving beyond basic platforms, students will learn to code using Python, one of the most widely-used and versatile programming languages in the tech industry. Through the exploration of game theory, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of game mechanics, artificial intelligence (AI), user interface design, and player psychology. Throughout the course, students will develop fully functional games, working with complex coding structures and problem-solving strategies. The course emphasizes a blend of technical skill and creative thinking, as students learn to design immersive game environments, develop characters, build game interfaces, and refine gameplay dynamics.
TECHNOLOGY COURSES
ROBOTICS
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
This hands-on course introduces students to the fundamentals of robotics and programming using the VEX Robotics platform. Students will explore both autonomous and driver-controlled robotics challenges, developing skills in coding, engineering, and problemsolving. Through structured tasks and team-based activities, they will learn essential principles in robotics mechanics, sensor usage, and control systems. In addition to building and programming their robots, students will engage in strategic planning and troubleshooting, fostering critical thinking and technical precision. This course offers students the opportunity to cultivate practical skills and develop teamwork and communication abilities as they collaborate to solve complex robotic challenges. Whether new to robotics or looking to build on previous experience, students will gain a foundational understanding of robotics that can lead to future pursuits in engineering and technology.
YEARBOOK
1 Credit // Grades 9-12
This course focuses on producing FRA’s yearbook. Students gain an understanding of yearbook design, interpersonal skills, professional communication, and the publication process. Yearbook grants students the opportunity to plan, implement, and produce a major publication that will remain an integral piece of FRA history for decades to come. In addition, students who take Yearbook for two or more consecutive years can expect to have leadership opportunities as section or book editors. Moreover, this course allows students an opportunity to work with a tight-knit team, forming community bonds and celebrating one another’s accomplishments. Yearbook offers a simultaneously challenging and rewarding classroom experience for those interested in leaving a lasting impact on the school.
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES
1 Credit // Grades 9-12
AP Computer Science Principles is a college-level course that introduces the fundamental concepts of computer science and programming. The course is designed for students with little to no prior experience with computer programming. The curriculum covers various topics, including problem-solving, algorithms, data analysis, and computer systems. The course also focuses on the impact of computer science on society and the ethical considerations involved in the field. The course culminates with the AP Computer Science Principal exam, which includes multiple-choice and performance tasks where students submit a digital artifacts project. AP Computer Science Principles is a challenging and rewarding course that provides a solid foundation for further study in computer science or related fields.
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A
1 Credit // Grades 10-12
AP Computer Science A is a college-level course that delves deeper into computer science and programming fundamentals. The course is designed for students with some prior experience with programming. The course primarily uses the Java programming language to teach students how to design, write, and debug programs. The curriculum covers topics such as data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming. The course also includes a significant lab component, where students will work on programming projects and exercises to apply what they have learned. The course culminates with the AP Computer Science exam, which includes multiple-choice and freeresponse questions that test students' understanding of the material. Overall, AP Computer Science A is a challenging and rigorous course that provides students with a strong foundation in computer science and prepares them for further study.
LEADERSHIP COURSES
LEADERSHIP COURSE PHILOSOPHY
The goal of FRA, as stated in the mission is to develop leaders of integrity and purpose. In middle school, students take a leadership enrichment course each year to build foundational skills and spark interest in two areas of leadership: service and entrepreneurship. Then, in upper school, students can take Leadership and Finance in 9th grade, which sets the foundation for subsequent courses in the program, including Incubator and Accelerator. No matter a student’s pathway or purpose, every FRA student graduates as a leader in their field, committed to making positive changes in the lives of others.
LEADERSHIP COURSES
EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING
⅛ Credit // Grade 5
This course introduces executive functioning skills and how to implement these skills in middle school. During this course, students learn and practice organizing materials and space, time management, active listening, following directions, prioritizing, study skills, and testtaking tips. Students implement these skills in their daily experience while utilizing tools and resources such as laptops, planners, binders, lockers, and class materials. Students practice using Microsoft tools and support tools like OneNote, Outlook Calendar, Outlook Mail, Canva, Microsoft Teams, SOAR curriculum, and other online resources. Collaboration with peers and participating in interactive activities build these executive function skills and help students apply them to their everyday school experience.
SERVICE LEADERSHIP
⅛ Credit // Grade 6
In this course, students learn about various areas of service, identify an area of service they are passionate about, research the causes of that local, national, or global need, and offer creative solutions on how they could make an impact as servant leaders. To help students better envision servant leadership, nonprofit leaders and social entrepreneurs present to the class and share examples from their service areas. For the culminating event, each class organizes an act of service that meets the needs of an FRA partner ministry or supports an existing FRA service initiative.
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP
⅛ Credit // Grade 7
Students in this program become entrepreneurs by evaluating the world around them, identifying a problem to solve, creating a product concept, selling this product in a marketplace, evaluating the performance of their business idea, and iterating to incorporate learnings. Throughout the class, students create a portfolio of artifacts and document their journey from problem/solution ideation through evaluation of sales data. Students leave mxINC having built and launched a product or service.
PUBLIC SPEAKING
⅛ Credit // Grade 8
This course teaches verbal and nonverbal communication to organize and deliver effective oral presentations. Emphasis is on research, preparation, delivery, and evaluation of informative, persuasive, and formal event speaking. Upon completion, students can prepare and deliver well-organized speeches and participate in group discussions with appropriate audiovisual support. Students also demonstrate the speaking, listening, and interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively in academic settings and the community. This course provides the foundation for every 8th grader to deliver a one-minute speech during convocation at some point during the school year, a capstone moment in middle school.
LEADERSHIP & FINANCE
½ Credit // Grades 9-10
This course develops skills and habits of mind connected to the FRA Profile of a Graduate and used across all aspects of the FRA Upper School experience, and are particularly essential for participation in the entrepreneurial leadership program for students in grades 10-12. Instructional approaches rely heavily on case studies and other realworld examples, and students demonstrate and apply learned skills daily in class.
LEADERSHIP COURSES
ENTREPRENEURIAL
LEADERSHIP 1 HONORS
1 Credit // Grades 10-12
This course offers students an authentic, collaborative entrepreneur experience. In this year-long course, students team up to develop a business model canvas, gain market input on a minimum viable product (MVP), and continually test all elements to improve their business model. Students trade out theory and simulation for real market experiences that entrepreneurs use today. Students hypothesize, test, adapt, and learn from concept to MVP and pitch their proposals to actual entrepreneurs and field experts.
ENTREPRENEURIAL
LEADERSHIP 2 HONORS
1 Credit // Grades 11-12
As a complement to the INCubator course, ACCELerator transitions businesses founded in INCubator into sustainable, functioning ventures. ACCELerator fosters startup development in customer acquisition, production, and business processes as it suits their business. The experience models a real-life start-up accelerator focused on developing teams through mentorship, education, connections, and accountability to launch a company. Prerequisite: successful completion of Entrepreneurship 1H and teacher recommendation.
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP 3 HONORS
1 Credit // Grade 12
This capstone course is for seniors who have completed INCubator and ACCELerator courses, offering them the chance to develop their entrepreneurial ventures further. Through a structured mentoring schedule, independent study, and weekly debriefs, students engage in experiential learning within the small business community at local, national, and international levels. They are tasked with expanding their Accelerator-launched ventures, applying innovative ideas and strategies to achieve scalability. As teaching assistants, students support the Incubator class, aiding with lessons, facilitating classroom activities, and helping newer entrepreneurs refine their business concepts. Students submit monthly progress reports, serve as TAs in the Incubator class, and present a Capstone Experience to showcase their products or services, applying entrepreneurial skills to real-world applications.
PUBLIC SPEAKING
½ Credit // Grades 9-12
This course teaches the use of verbal and nonverbal communication to organize and deliver effective oral presentations. Emphasis is on research, preparation, delivery, and evaluation of informative, persuasive, and formal event speaking. Upon completion, students will be able to prepare and deliver well-organized speeches and participate in group discussion with appropriate audiovisual support. Students will also demonstrate the speaking, listening, and interpersonal skills necessary to be effective communicators in academic settings and in the community.
BUSINESS CASE STUDY
½ Credit // Grades 11-12
Students in the Business communication course learn important industry terminology, define and refine KPIs, analyze necessary business needs, select appropriate analytics platforms, and use data to solve problems. Using case studies, data simulations, and examples from for-profit and non-profit organizations, students learn how analytics optimize business and specific areas of marketing. Areas covered include consumer behavior prediction, advertising, search engine optimization, formal and informal business writing, social media, and electronic marketing platform campaign monitoring. Guest speakers and industry leaders regularly participate in lectures, student projects, and case study consultations. This project-based class culminates with developing a marketing analytics strategy that applies to a real business problem or meets an organization's ongoing need to leverage data and reach consumers. Students also have the opportunity to perfect their own personal branding documents, including resumes, personal statements, and cover letters.
HEART 2 HEART DEPARTMENT
School Courses
H2H Math H2H Reading
H2H Life Skills
H2H Work-Based Learning
HEART 2 HEART COURSES
H2H MATH INTERVENTION
1 Credit // Grades 5-12
The Heart to Heart math program focuses on building functional math skills to be used in real-world contexts. Students are taught using manipulatives and specialized math curriculum that are tailored to their strengths and needs. The main content areas include money, time, measurement, comparison, and the concept of numbers. We begin with more concrete, explicit instruction and move towards the generalization of these math concepts into varying real-world situations. The goal of the program is for students to be able to use these skills in future job placements as well as daily living situations.
H2H READING INTERVENTION
1 Credit // Grade5 5-12
The Heart 2 Heart Reading class is a comprehensive study of foundational reading skills, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development, and comprehension strategies. Students will dive into phonemic awareness, decoding strategies, and sight word recognition to build accurate word identification. In this course, students will explore various genres of literature, including picture books, chapter books, and informational texts to promote engagement and critical analysis. The reading teacher will implement strategies based on individual student needs to ensure engagement with text by summarizing key ideas, identifying main points, and answering comprehension questions to monitor understanding. Students will have opportunities to work independently as well as in a group setting with classmates or a student mentor. A key goal for this course is for students to be able to generalize their reading skills and strategies and apply them outside of their school environment.
H2H LIFE SKILLS
1 Credit // Grades 7-12
This Life Skills class is designed to support high school students with intellectual disabilities in developing functional and adaptive skills that promote independence, self-sufficiency, and meaningful community engagement. Through hands-on activities, practical instruction, and personalized support, students will develop competencies in self-advocacy, nutrition, social relationships, safety, hygiene, and basic activities of daily living. With a focus on personal growth, students will gain the confidence and skills necessary for successful transitions after high school.
H2H WORK-BASED LEARNING
1 Credit // Grade5 9-12
The Work-Based Learning course is designed to combine classroom instruction with real-world work experience. In this class, students will have the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world job-related activities. This hands-on approach helps students build important job skills and become more prepared for their future careers.
A key part of this class is the PAES Lab (Practical Assessment Exploration System). The PAES Lab is a hands-on work environment that mimics a real workplace. In the PAES Lab, students will: Act as employees, taking on different tasks and responsibilities. Have teachers act as supervisors, offering guidance and feedback. Explore different types of work environments to find out what interests them and where they may want to work in the future. Develop job skills by completing tasks that reflect what happens in real jobs, such as using tools, following safety rules, and solving problems.
EXCEPTIONAL LEARNERS PROGRAM
BY APPLICATION ONLY
The Exceptional Learners program at FRA is for motivated juniors and seniors who are passionate about special education and want to support the work and community of our Heart to Heart students,faculty, and program. Students can complete up to the three levels of EL coursework, which are detailed below. For information or application material, students should reach out to a faculty member in the H2H program for next steps.
EXCEPTIONAL LEARNERS &
PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL
½ Credit // Grade 11-12, Application Required
STUDIES 1
This course introduces students to exceptional education and the differences in learning among individuals. Students learn about common exceptionalities and strategies for teaching and supporting individuals with learning differences. This hybrid course allows students to directly apply their knowledge of core concepts taught in the classroom while serving as a peer mentor to a student with an intellectual disability. Students split their time between meeting with the instructor in a classroom setting and supporting a student in a supervised elective course. Students receive training before the beginning of school to prepare for their role as mentors.
This class builds on the foundational skills taught in Exceptional Learners 1 and focuses on curriculum, methods, and strategies used in educating students with disabilities (specific learning disabilities, emotional/ behavioral disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and others) over the K-12 developmental range. Students apply prior knowledge regarding specific disabilities and deficit areas with strategies to support students with intellectual disabilities in inclusive and core content settings. Students provide additional support in their mentor classes by implementing these strategies and working with the classroom teacher on inclusive practices with peers. Students are in class with mentees 90% of the time. They are responsible for completing assigned modules outside the classroom and submitting them to the teacher before the meeting dates.
EXCEPTIONAL LEARNERS & PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL STUDIES
3
½ Credit // Grade 12, Application Required
Establishing and maintaining productive learning environments is a key feature of an effective responsive educator's classroom. In this course, students integrate foundational knowledge and learn how to create a learning and social environment using developmentally appropriate and responsive pedagogy based on the belief that all students have a variety of assets and all can learn at high levels. Key features of this class are understanding the role of all stakeholders (school, family, and community) through intentionally creating learning opportunities uniquely designed for diverse learners and evaluating effectiveness in inclusive settings. Students are in class with mentees 90% of the time. They are responsible for completing assigned modules outside of the classroom and submitting them to the teacher before the meeting dates.
