RELIGIOUS STUDIES

The Religious Studies curriculum is a dynamic and essential element of the FRA academic program. All courses are taught from a Christian worldview and students must complete one unit (two semesters) of Religious Studies to fulfill graduation requirements.

COURSE OPTIONS:

Old Testament Survey* (10-12)

New Testament Survey* (10-12)

The Life of Christ* (10-12)

World Religions* (10-12)

Christian Leadership*

Faith & Film* (10-12)

Historical-Literary Approaches to Scripture

*One-semester course

New Testament Survey

½ Credit

This course is taught for students to see the fulfillment of God’s design for mankind. While students get glimpses of what is to come by studying the Old Testament, they are able to see the full picture in the New Testament. God’s ultimate design of the redemption of mankind comes to fruition through the life of Jesus as detailed in the gospels as well as the fleshing out of the impact of his life as expressed in the rest of the New Testament. This course is spring semester only.

The Life Of Christ

½ Credit

Old Testament Survey

½ Credit

This course seeks to understand the purpose and complete picture of the Old Testament. Students will work to understand the special relationship that God established with the world, humanity, and the nation of Israel in particular. This course is taught as the basis for all of life as well as the foreshadowing of the coming of Jesus in the New Testament. This course is fall semester only.

This course is taught from a historical perspective about the actual life of Jesus on the Earth 2,000 years ago. The material for the course is taken from the Gospels of the New Testament with special emphasis on the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

World Religions

½ Credit

This course is an investigation into the world’s most prominent and religions. Students study both monotheistic and polytheistic religions with emphasis on the cultures and practices of these religions as world views. Taught by a Christian teacher and in a Christian environment, the course curriculum helps students seek to understand and appreciate the beliefs and practices of the major religions of the world.

Christian Leadership

½ Credit

Christian Leadership is a semester elective course designed with a three-fold approach to Christian Leadership – Head, Heart, and Hands.

• Head – Academic knowledge of what it means to be a Christian leader

• Heart – Developing and growing Christian leadership traits and abilities

• Hands – Living out Christian Leadership

The purpose of this course is not just to teach the students about Christian leaders and leadership attributes, but to help spark transformation in each student over the course of the semester that will continue beyond the classroom.

HISTORICAL-LITERARY APPROACHES TO SCRIPTURE

(Not offered in 2022-23)

1 Credit

As N.T. Wright points out, scripture “is history and literature and theology, all at once, and we should not try to reduce it to any one of these at the expense of the others.” This course will equip students to read this complex and worthy text through the lens of its cultures and genres. Our approach is not to overly-rationalize a book that is Holy, but to do our human diligence in seeking to understand the text. In order to engage with scripture better, we need to do the historical work. When the context goes missing, the text becomes open to problematic or abusive readings. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the genre and literary devices in each book. Otherwise, books are ripe for misinterpretation. Completion of this full year course may fulfill a student’s entire religious studies requirement.

½ Credit

This course is designed for students to look for spiritual significance through the medium of film. Key elements of the class are the power of story in culture, the symbolism of Christ figures in movies, and our own interpretation and exploration of the spiritual and often religious themes of the films studied.

FINE & PERFORMING ARTS

The Fine & Performing Arts department provides a wealth of opportunity for students to develop their artistic talents and performance skills. Fine arts classes develop and nurture creative thinking skills. The curriculum is designed add balance to each student’s academic focus and encourage a lifelong appreciation of the arts.

All students are required to complete one unit of fine or performing arts.

COURSE OPTIONS:

Art I, II, or III*

Ceramics I or II*

Dramatic Arts I or II*

Theater Production*

Jazz Ensemble

Introduction to Guitar*

Concert Choir

Vocal Ensemble

AP Studio Art: Drawing (10–12)

AP Studio Art: 3D Design (11–12)

Studio Rock Band*

*One-semester course

ART I: DRAWING

½ Credit

Art I is for students who are interested in building on their current skills and knowledge from middle school art or other art classes. Students will 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 will consist primarily of pencil and charcoal.

ART II: COLOR THEORY

½ Credit

This course will develop skills learned in Art I as students work in a variety of color media, including colored pencils, markers, chalk and oil pastels, acrylic paint, and oil paint. Students will learn how to blend colors to create depth and interest in their art work. Art I is a prerequisite for this course.

ART III: PAINTING

½ Credit

Painting affords serious art students the opportunity to work in acrylic and oil paint media as they follow the development of 20th-century art history. Students will study the painting styles and major artists of the modernist movement, then create art that demonstrates knowledge of the movement as well as skills developed in Art I and II. This course will prepare students for AP Art. Art I and II are prerequisites for this course.

AP STUDIO ART: DRAWING

1 Credit // Grades 10–12

AP Art provides the serious art student the opportunity for indepth work in a variety of 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 be expected to do homework assignments in this class. Students must have taken Art I, II, and III, and recommendation from the art instructor is required for enrollment.

Ceramics I

½ Credit

This class is centered on hand-building. Students will learn methods of working in clay, such as pinch, coil, and slab construction. They will also learn how to apply glazes and to fire clay objects and will receive basic instruction on the potter’s wheel and Raku firing techniques.

Ceramics Ii

½ Credit

This is a course for students who have completed Ceramics I and are recommended for advanced study in ceramics. Having completed Ceramics I, students are encouraged to use their hand-building skills along with the wheel and extruders to solve complex problems assigned in class.

AP STUDIO ART: 3D DESIGN

1 Credit // Grades 11-12

3D Design involves purposeful decision-making about using the elements and principles of art in an integrative way. Students are asked to demonstrate their understanding of design principles as they relate to the integration of depth and space, volume, and surface. Students will demonstrate the mastery of 3D design through sculpture, architectural modeling, medal work, ceramics, and wood work. To earn college credit, students must submit a comprehensive 3D portfolio that is evaluated by the College Board.

Dramatic Arts I

½ Credit

This course places emphasis on the basic skills that are necessary to ensure success in the art of 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 which the student may take with him/her if the decision is made to pursue dramatic arts in the future.

Dramatic Arts Ii

½ Credit

This class places emphasis on the skills that are necessary to ensure success in the art of 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 which the student may take with him/her if the decision is made to pursue dramatic arts in the future. This course has a prerequisite of Dramatics Arts I or instructor approval.

Theater Production

½ Credit

This course covers the various physical properties of technical theater production. Lighting, sound, and set design and construction will all be addressed. The class will be designing and constructing sets for school performances as well as individual lighting projects. Students will learn equipment operation, general maintenance, sound technique, and visual design.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE 1 Credit

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 will be placed in jazz ensemble.

GUITAR I ½ Credit

This course is designed for students with no previous guitar experience. Students with some guitar experience with a desire to learn to read music will benefit as well. Students will receive guidance and direction in solving problems related to playing the guitar at a beginning level and will learn many of the different styles, skills, and techniques required 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, and performing experiences.

events, as well as choral adjudications and competitions. Students will study score and sight-reading, part-singing, harmonization, and vocal technique. Based on auditions and balance within the groups, as well as individual interests, students may be placed in either Vocal Ensemble or Concert Choir class. Students also have opportunities for individual competition in regional honors choirs, solo and ensemble festivals and mid-state/all-state auditions.

STUDIO ROCK BAND ½ Credit

Studio Rock Band is a one-semester course designed for students who want to develop music-making skills and music literacy using primarily rock and pop music. Studio Rock Band provides an opportunity to engage students that don’t play traditional band instruments, ensuring students have music education that meets their interests. Digital recording and live sound reinforcement is included in this class. Studio Rock Band is an introductory level course, so no previous experience is needed; however, experience with piano, guitar, drums, singing, or digital audio recording is a plus. While Studio Rock Band is an introductory level course, experienced musicians will be met with advanced solo techniques, ensemble playing, and additional music theory.

VOCAL ENSEMBLE/CONCERT CHOIR 1 Credit

There are two choirs offered in the vocal music department which perform for school functions, community service/promotional

Physical Education

All students are required to successfully complete one unit for graduation.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (1 CREDIT REQUIRED)

Course Options:

Wellness* (9-12)

Performance Fitness* (9-12)

Performance Fitness: Athletics * (9-12)

Dance* (9-12)

Advanced Dance* (9-12, by recommendation)

Wellness

½ Credit

This course is designed to motivate and enable 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. The goal of this course is achieved to include the following: cardio/aerobics exercise: moderate intensity and high intensity, strength/weight training, mobility/flexibility/ Pilates/Yoga and heart rate training

Optimal wellness is not only achieved through physical activity but is also developed through the combination of exercise AND healthy eating habits. Course material helps students incorporate sound nutrition principles in their lives will and understand and appreciate 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 and stress management, self-esteem and healthy relationships, heart rate awareness: resting, maximum and target, first aid/CPR and injury prevention.

Performance Fitness

½ Credit

This course introduces students to task-specific performance fitness while increasing their levels of motor literacy. Initially, students will be evaluated during a basic 4-week training period. From there, a program will be developed and tailored to the individual’s specific abilities. All skill levels are welcome.

The course is science-based and utilizes principles that are proven through research. Throughout the semester, modules cover topics such as muscular strength and endurance, joint mobility, speed, agility, and nutrition.

Mental aspects of training such as motivation, work ethic and goal setting will also be addressed. Completion of this course will enhance overall health and athletic ability. Students will also have the tools to live a healthy lifestyle as they move onto the next phase of their life.

PERFORMANCE FITNESS: ATHLETICS

1/2 Credit // Grades 9-12 on both varsity and JV teams may earn credit. While team managers are vital to our athletics program, they may 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 are able may still earn PE credit. This policy will begin with the 2021-22 school year. Participation in FRA athletics before this year will not be shown on FRA transcripts.

All upper school students are required to take 1 credit of physical education. Students must earn at least ½ credit of physical education through taking an FRA physical education course as a curricular component of the school day. Students may earn their second required ½ credit of physical education through participation in FRA athletics. Those students who complete one semester of dance team or one full athletic season are eligible. Students who leave a team prior to the end of a season are not eligible to receive PE credit. As with other graduation requirements, students can only earn credit through activity offered by FRA. Outside offerings cannot satisfy graduation requirements, nor can FRA club offerings. Credit earned through participation in FRA athletics will be on a credit/no-credit basis and recorded on a student’s transcript as “Physical Education: Athletics” without a letter or numerical grade.

DANCE

½ Credit

The objective of the upper school dance course is to expose the students to a variety of dance techniques in a structured dance class. These techniques include; Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary Jazz/Lyrical, Modern, Musical Theater-style Jazz and Hip Hop.

ADVANCED DANCE

½ Credit

*Please note that students can only earn ½ credit on their transcripts through FRA athletics. Further athletic participation will not show up on student transcripts. Students

Advanced dance will be a teacher approved dance class for experienced, advanced dancers. These dancers will be training in technical styles of dance including, ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern and hip hop. The student will also study improvisation, choreography and dance history. The objective of this class is to further the technical knowledge and skills of the advanced dancer.

Academic Electives

Academic electives offered at FRA cover a variety of topics and life skills. These courses do not fulfill departmental requirements, but count as academic courses toward a student’s required 20 academic credits. Many of these courses include professional speakers and enrichment opportunities outside the classroom.

COURSE OPTIONS:

Intro to Graphic Design* (9–12)

Two and Three-Dimensional Digital Design* (9–12)

Design Thinking* (9–12)

Innovations (9–12)

Game Theory & Design* (9–12)

Robotics* (9–12)

AP Computer Science Principles (10–12)

AP Computer Science A (10–12)

Technology Internship* (10–12)

Digital Media* (9–12)

Digital Publications (9–12)

Broadcast Journalism* (9–12)

Broadcast Journalism II* (9–12)

Public Speaking* (9–12)

Sports Business* (11-12)

Criminology* (11-12)

AP Capstone: Seminar (11-12)

AP Capstone: Research (12)

Philanthropy 101: FRA Civic Design Lab (summer only)

Exceptional Learners & Psychoeducational Studies (11-12)

Business Communications* (11-12)

Global Online Academy Courses* (10-12)

Entrepreneurial Leadership & Finance* (9-10)

Entrepreneurship: Incubator (10-12)

*One-semester course

Intro To Graphic Design

½ Credit // Grades 9-12

Students are introduced to the principles of graphic design such as the psychology of fonts, colors, and shapes; logo analysis; and flag design. Students will be exposed to the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Students will apply skills and knowledge to project-based assessments.

TWO AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL DIGITAL DESIGN

½ Credit // Grades 9-12

Students will become proficient in using Adobe Illustrator and the laser cutter/etcher as well as 3D printing software and a variety of 3D printers. Students will apply knowledge and skills to project-based assessments. Students will have the opportunity to design and produce personal items as well as items needed for various campus needs (theater props, athletic requests, event signs, etc.)

Design Thinking

½ Credit // Grades 9-12

Students will explore the design thinking process through collaborative projects and design challenges. Students will be introduced to 3D printing and laser cutting. Other topics include: systems analysis, brainstorming, the importance of failing forward and stepping out of our comfort zones, and ways to spark creativity.

Innovations

1 Credit // Grades 9-12

Innovations is a year-long passion project course. Students design their own project/s, define successes, and work with an expert mentor to complete their projects. Examples of past projects include: EDM music production, writing a screenplay, studying the stock market and crypto-currency, crafting a surfboard, starting a small business, graphic t-shirt design, etc.

GAME THEORY & DESIGN

½ Credit // Grades 9-12

Students are introduced to game genres, game environments, character design, interface design, gameplay, AI, and the psychology of game design. Students will develop various games using the Scratch coding platform..

Robotics

½ Credit // Grades 9-12

Robotics is an introductory course into programming for robotic movement. Students will use the VEX Robotics platform to code robots starting from basic drivetrain and driver-controlled movements to more advanced autonomous programming skills.

Ap Computer Science Principles

1 Credit // Grades 10-12 // Offered in even years

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 // Offered in odd years

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 free-response 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.

Technology Internship

Non-credit // Grades 10-12

Students will learn hands-on experience while working at the FRA helpdesk. Students will work with FRA technology staff to gain experience repairing computers, working on technology projects, completing repair tickets, and providing excellent customer support. Students may substitute a study hall in order to enroll in the internship program.

Digital Media

½ Credit // Grades 9-12

A project-based course in which students create online content for class-generated websites/blogs. Projects include audio/visual videos, photography, and web design.

Digital Publications

1 Credit // Grades 9-12

Digital Publications will focus on producing FRA’s national awardwinning yearbook.

Broadcast Journalism I

½ Credit // Grades 9-12

Broadcast Journalism is an introductory course designed to acquaint students with the fundamentals of broadcast production through a theory-based, hands-on approach, which includes writing, producing, utilizing on-air camera techniques, and editing. Students will receive basic training in videography techniques using digital technology to create various broadcasts. The class will focus on writing and reporting well-balanced, comprehensive, and visually compelling stories. Students will be introduced to Adobe Premiere Pro and will utilize the software for video editing and production. In addition, students will explore the history of radio and television and examine the responsibilities and ethics of broadcast journalists.

Broadcast Journalism Ii

½ Credit // Grades 9-12

Broadcast Journalism II is an advanced-level course designed to challenge students already equipped with the fundamentals of broadcast journalism. This course has two objectives. The first is to develop the skills necessary to run a new broadcast, including interviewing, videography, and photography. The second is utilizing editing software to create creative videos with a variety of topics including a PSA and short films. Students will become proficient with using Adobe Premiere Pro software and will present their work to the student body as well as compete in national competitions.

Path: Students are allowed to take multiple classes concurrently. Each course can be repeated in 10th through 12th grades.

Public Speaking

½ Credit

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.

SPORTS BUSINESS (Not offered in 2022-23)

½ Credit // Grades 11-12

This course is designed to introduce students to the business of sports and its $70-billion industry. Topics include the history and growth of sports in America, understanding revenue streams, the importance of external communication (marketing, social media, public relations), local case studies in Nashville, and examining career opportunities in the field. This course will include a mixture of lectures, group projects, case studies, and guest speakers. Specifically, the projects and case studies will focus on conflict resolution, negotiation, interpersonal communication, and public speaking. By utilizing the professional and collegiate teams in the area, students will have the ability to hear from, and ultimately present solutions to, local leaders in sports business.

Criminology

½ Credit // Grades 11-12

This course is designed to give students an in-depth look into the criminal justice system, including a history of early police techniques developed by Sir Robert Peel and modern police techniques, such as the latest technology employed by police departments. Students will be challenged to examine the current legal system and how court decisions have impacted and changed police procedures. Specific areas of interest will include DNA and fingerprint analysis and crime scene investigations. The course will conclude with a mock trial.

AP CAPSTONE: SEMINAR

1 Credit // Grades 11-12

The AP Seminar course equips students with the power to explore academic and real-world issues from multiple perspectives. Through a variety of materials – from articles and research studies to foundational and philosophical texts – students will be challenged to explore complex questions; understand and evaluate opposing viewpoints; interpret and synthesize information; and develop, communicate, and defend evidence-based arguments. Samples of course themes that may be covered in AP Seminar include education, innovation, sustainability, and technology. Students are assessed through both an individual project and a team project completed during the year and a year-end written exam. AP Seminar is open to recommended juniors, and it is particularly encouraged for students simultaneously enrolled in AP English Language & Composition; however, seniors may take AP Seminar as well. Students must be recommended for AP Seminar based upon strong grades in English and Social Science courses along with motivation and a strong work ethic.

AP CAPSTONE: RESEARCH

1 Credit // Grade 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. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000-5,000 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 students must be recommended by the AP Seminar teacher.

PHILANTHROPY 101: FRA CIVIC DESIGN LAB

½ Credit (offered only in summer)

This course provides a 3 week, 15 lesson, systematic study of the world of philanthropy and social enterprise. This elective is an opportunity to learn about philanthropy and non-profit organizations in Nashville, using our own city as a lab. Students will do philanthropy, too. Outside of the time constraints of a school year schedule this experiential, hands-on course allows students and teachers to be off campus 50% of the time observing first-hand, touring, interviewing and serving. Students will use the knowledge they acquire throughout the three week course and connect it to a social issue of interest. Students receive ten service hours for the hours they spend at their assigned non-profit.

EXCEPTIONAL LEARNERS & PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL STUDIES

½ Credit // Grade 11-12, Application Required

This elective course introduces students to exceptional education and the differences in learning among individuals. Students will explore learning exceptionalities, differences, and deficits that individuals may experience and strategies for teaching and learning through these exceptionalities. Students will learn terminology, identification, and issues commonly encountered when addressing the needs of diverse students with disabilities. Emphasis will be placed on psychoeducational process, inclusion, diversity issues, federal and state law, individualized education programs, and professional practices and foundations in special education. The course addresses the collaborative roles of a multidisciplinary approach to supporting children and youth with disabilities in a diverse society. Students will split their time between receiving direct instruction from the course instructor and applying knowledge in mentor role in a supervised classroom setting. Students will attend a prep workshop prior to school beginning in order to begin their mentor role when classes begin.

Business Communication

½ Credit // Grades 11-12

Students in the Business communication course will become familiar with important industry terminology, learn to 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 nonprofit organizations, students will learn how analytics can be used to optimize business and specific areas of marketing. Areas covered will include: consumer behavior prediction, advertising, search engine optimization, formal and informal business writing, and social media/electronic marketing platform campaign monitoring. Guest speakers and industry leaders will be brought in regularly for lectures and student project/case study consultations.

This project-based class will culminate with developing a marketing analytics strategy that is applicable to a real business problem or meets an organization's ongoing need to leverage data and reach consumers. Students will also have the opportunity to perfect their own personal branding documents, including resumes, personal statements, and cover letters.

Global Online Academy

Global Online Academy (GOA) is an international consortium of leading independent schools that offers rigorous online courses for students. FRA is the first school in Tennessee to join this illustrious list.

Applications are now being accepted for students to take a GOA course during the 2022-23 school year. All courses have enrollment limits, so interested students need to complete their applications (obtained from Dr. Murray) and submit them to Dr. Murray by April 1. GOA courses include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Introduction to Investments

• Medical Problem Solving I

• Entrepreneurship in a Global Context

• Digital Photography

• Architecture

• Introduction to Legal Thinking

• Game Theory

• International Relations

• Bioethics

• Neuropsychology

GOA courses count as academic elective credit towards our FRA graduation requirements and will appear on our FRA transcript and be included in students’ GPA. GOA courses have similar workload and intensity to courses taken on our campus. Though students will complete work asynchronously, rather than in real-time with all students and teachers gathered simultaneously, students will still actively collaborate on projects and communicate directly with other students and teachers from around the world. Thanks to small class sizes (typically around 20 students), FRA students in GOA courses will continue to benefit from individual attention from teachers and opportunities to actively participate with peers.

ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP AND FINANCE

½ Credit // Grade 9

The overarching goals of this semester course are to develop skills and habits of mind that are connected to the FRA Profile of a Graduate, that will be used across all aspects of the FRA Upper School experience, and that are particularly essential for participation in our new entrepreneurial leadership courses for students in grades 10-11. Instructional approaches will rely heavily on case studies and other real-world examples and students will be expected to demonstrate and apply learned skills daily in class. The three core areas of the seminar are:

• Presentation/speaking skills

• Research skills

• Financial literacy/Excel knowledge and skills

ENTREPRENEURSHIP INCUBATOR

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. From concept to MVP to pitching their proposals to actual entrepreneurs and field experts, students are hypothesizing, testing, adapting and learning.

HONORS & AP COURSES

FRA offers Honors courses in all academic areas. AP courses are offered in English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Human Geography, World History, U.S. History, European History, Art History, Latin, French Language, Spanish Language, Studio Art: Drawing, and Studio Art: 3D Design. FRA is also a member of the AP Capstone Diploma program, offering AP Seminar and AP Research.

FRA’S CRITERIA FOR ENROLLMENT IN HONORS OR AP COURSES ARE:

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.

2. Relevant standardized test scores should be strong. In most cases, they should be above the 75th percentile, though students’ performance in coursework is weighted heavily.

3. Recommendations are contingent on finishing the current grade year within the parameters of the above standards. Students whose performance slips considerably or fail to demonstrate mastery in a prerequisite course may have their recommendation rescinded.

4. Students may be deferred until later in the year if a teacher is undecided on placement for the next school year. Deferred students will be notified by the teacher of the deferral. Decisions on deferrals are typically communicated to the student by May 1st.

5. Students who do not receive an honors or AP recommendation will be placed in a standard section.

6. Students who wish to take AP/Honors courses but are not recommended must submit a written appeal addressed to the former teacher, new teacher, department chair, and Head of Upper School. That group will review all appeals and make case-by-case decisions. The deadline for students to file appeals is the end of the first week of March, and the decision deadline is May 1st.

7. The Upper School office will e-mail departmental recommendations to parents and students in mid-February.

English 4 years required

Algebra I

Geometry

Honors Geometry

Algebra II

Honors Algebra II

Precalculus

Honors Precalculus

AP Statistics

Can take as 2nd math junior year

Geometry

Algebra II

Precalculus

Calculus

AP Calculus AB

Honors Geometry

Honors Algebra II

Mathematics

4 years required

Honors Precalculus

AP Calculus BC

Senior Math

Electives

Trig & Analysis

Biology or Honors Biology

Chemistry or Honors Chemistry I

Taken concurrently with Geometry (or completed Geometry)

Physics or Honors Physics I

Taken concurrently with Algebra II (or completed Algebra II)

AP Biology

By recommendation

Physics or Honors Physics I

Taken concurrently with Algebra II (or completed Algebra II)

AP Biology

By recommendation

AP Chemistry

By recommendation

Science

3 years required, 4 years recommended

* One biology, one chemistry, and one physics course required

* Electives may be taken as academic electives beyond the requirement (typically taken in grades 11 & 12)

AP Chemistry

By recommendation

AP Physics

By recommendation

AP Environmental Science

By recommendation

Electives

Anatomy & Physiology (0 5)

Engineering (0 5)

Robotics (0 5)

Science of Innovation (0 5)

Biotechnology (0 5)

Organic Chemistry (0 5)

Environmental Science (0 5)

World Language

2 years required, 3 years recommended

Music Theater

Intro to Guitar

Studio Rock Band

Jazz Band

Vocal Ensemble

Concert Choir

Dramatic Arts I

Dramatic Arts II eater Production

Fine & Performing Arts

Art Art I: Drawing

Art II: Color eory

Art III: Advanced Art

Ceramics I

Ceramics II

AP Studio Art: Drawing

AP Studio Art: 3D Design