Issuu

Course Catalog 2026-2027

gravitas.sbs.org

Welcome to Gravitas! Gravitas is a global extension of The Stony Brook School, offering premier Christian, character-focused education to students around the globe through online coursework and a network of partner schools. Gravitas offers a core program in 5th to 12th grade featuring semester and yearlong courses in English, History, Science, Economics, Ethics, Art, Health and Human Flourishing, Bible, Faith and Philosophy, Math, and World Languages. Additionally, students can conduct original research in Science or the Humanities and take elective classes in fields like Entrepreneurship & Marketing, Philosophy, and Computer Programming. The core of a Gravitas education is our formative program, consisting of a weekly chapels, daily character formation lessons and activities, and regular advisor and house meetings.

Mission The Stony Brook School is an independent college preparatory school that exists to challenge young men and women to know Jesus Christ as Lord, to love others as themselves, and to grow in knowledge and skill, in order that they may serve the world through their character and leadership. Gravitas is an online extension of The Stony Brook School that exists to cultivate Christian character and scholarship in students around the globe so that they and the communities they serve may flourish.

Character Before Career “Education without character is a dangerous thing. For character, not intellectual agility, is the source of right living. But character itself has a source. It springs not from moral maxims, rules of conduct, proverbs, or thou-shalt-nots. Its derivation is higher. It grows out of religious experience that is the result of the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Frank E. Gaebelein Founding Head of School

Our Academic Vision Since 1922, The Stony Brook School has pursued academic excellence grounded in a larger vision: the formation of scholars of wisdom, virtue, and faith. As founder Dr. Frank Gaebelein stated, the school's aim is to correlate Christian principles with education high enough to merit such ideals. This integration of faith and learning shapes every corner of the curriculum, embodying the ancient ideal of paideia: forming citizens who engage culture with wisdom and virtue. This vision is captured in the school's motto, "Character Before Career." Stony Brook does not produce graduates with mere skill; it forms men and women with the purpose and virtue to serve God and neighbor. Formed by The Great Conversation, students are trained to ask what is good, true, and beautiful, and to bring that formation to bear on the enduring questions and complex problems of a rapidly changing world. The result is graduates prepared not only for the rigors of college, but for lives of service, creativity, and faithfulness.

“Education without character is a dangerous thing. For character, not intellectual agility, is the source of right living.” Frank E. Gaebelein 3

Graduation Requirements Students who complete the Gravitas graduation requirements for the full-time diploma or the dual diploma programs will receive a Stony Brook School diploma upon graduation. The curriculum in Gravitas is substantially equivalent to The Stony Brook School’s campus-based academic program and carries with it the same accreditation through the Middle States Association. To earn an SBS diploma, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA and complete the following requirements:

Department

English

History

Credits 20 Total Credits Required

Required Courses & Notes

English 9 (1 credit) English 10 (1 credit) English 11/12 Rhetoric & Comp. (1 credit) English 11/12 Literature & Comp. (1 credit)

Humanities 9 (1 credit) Humanities 10 (1 credit) European History (1 credit) United States History (1 credit)

Faith & Philosophy (1 credit) *Humanities 9, Humanities 10, and English 11 integrate Bible into the curriculum.

Bible

World Languages

Level III of a single world language, or English as a second language

Mathematics

Algebra I (1 credit) Geometry (1 credit) Algebra II (1 credit)

Science

Biology (1 credit) Chemistry or Physic (1 credit) One additional science course (1 credit)

Visual or Performing Arts

Studio Art, Graphic Design, or Performing Arts courses

Health

0.5

Health & Human Flourishing (0.5 credits)

Academics Additional Graduation Requirements Students must maintain a Junior-Senior minimum grade point average of 2.0. For one-year seniors a 2.0 Senior GPA is necessary for graduation. Successful completion of physical education each year through an approved local club sport or similar physical activity. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA every year. Those who score below that mark may not be invited to return the next year. Successful completion of the Gravitas Character Formation program each year as determined by the student’s advisor.

Placement For new students only, initial placement in Math and World Languages, is determined by a skills test and/or transcript evaluation. Placement in Science courses is determined by transcript evaluation. English, History, and Bible courses are determined by grade level, with exceptions made for students who have already completed an equivalent course at another institution.

Prerequisites Prerequisites are listed in each course description. The Registration and Advising Team will consult with the faculty and advisors to determine the conduciveness of a student’s total course load to his or her academic success and overall flourishing. The team reserves the right to deny access to a course for which that student has met the prerequisite and has received a teacher recommendation, in order to serve the best interest of the student.

Honors Diplomas As on SBS’s campus, gradudates of Gravitas may earn a diploma with sdistinction. Please find the requirements for these honors diplomas below. Students must earn the following GPA and minimum honors/AP/Advanced course counts to qualify for these graduation honors. Please see the Student Handbook for more details.

Honors

High Honors

Highest Honors

11th & 12th Grade GPA

3.5

AP or Advanced Courses

Four-year sequences (including English & History)

Academics Dual Diploma Requirements Students enrolled full-time at other schools may earn a dual diploma from The Stony Brook School by taking a fixed set of courses so long as the courses they take at their full-time school meet the Gravitas graduation requirements. The required dual diploma courses are as follows: English 9 Humanities 9 English 10 Humanities 10 English 11 or AP English Rhetoric and Comp. English 12 or AP English Literature and Comp. European History or AP European History United States History or AP United States History Faith and Philosophy A cumulative 2.0 GPA is required for the dual diploma Additional part-time coursework in preparation for our graduation requirements is available as well, including English as a Second Language, English 7/8 Writing, English 7/8 Literature, Ancient World History 7/8, and Modern World History 7/8.

Course Offerings

Below are all the courses offered by Gravitas. Please note that some classes run in alternating years or during Summer sessions only.

Bible

English

History

Math

Old Testament I & II New Testament I & II Humanities 9 Humanities 10 AP Language & Comp. Theology Adv. Humanities Research Faith & Philosophy

English 5/6 Writing English 5/6 Literature English 7/8 Writing English 7/8 Literature English 9 English 9 Honors English 10 English 10 Honors English 11/12: Literature & Composition English 11/12: Rhetoric & Composition AP Language & Composition AP Literature & Composition Adv. Humanities Research

Ancient History 5/6 Medieval History 5/6 Modern History 7/8 Late Modern History 7/8 Humanities 9 Humanities 10 European History US History Adv. Ethics Philosophy Honors: AI AP Macroeconomics AP Microeconomics AP European History AP US History Adv. Humanities Research

Pre-Algebra I Pre-Algebra II Algebra I Geometry Algebra II Algebra II Honors Pre-Calculus Pre-Calculus Honors Adv. Statistics AP Calculus AB/BC Adv. Linear Algebra Adv. Multivariable Calculus Adv. Ordinary Differential Eq. Adv. Partial Differential Eq.

World Languages

Fine Arts

Electives

Science Life Science 5/6 Environmental Science 5/6 Physical Science 7/8 Earth Science 7/8 Biology Biology Honors Chemistry Chemistry Honors Physics Physics Honors MS Health & Wellness Health & Human Flourishing AP Environmental Science AP Biology AP Chemistry AP Physics C: Mechanics Adv. Scientific Research

Spanish I Spanish II Spanish III Spanish IV Honors AP Spanish Language French I French II French III French IV Honors Adv. Humanities Research

MS Studio Art I MS Studio Art II MS Music Studio Art I Studio Art II Studio Art III Studio Art IV Studio Art V Studio Art VI Graphic Design I Graphic Design II Adv. Graphic Design Independent Study in Music

MS Entrepreneurship & Marketing I MS Entrepreneurship & Marketing II Computer Programming Adv. Computer Programming Adv. Topics in Computer Programming AP Computer Science A Geopolitics, Econ, & Invest Hrs Entrepreneurship & Marketing I Entrepreneurship & Marketing II Adv. Entrepreneurship & Marketing Independent Internship

Middle School: Grades 5-8 Required Courses

World Languages

History

Bible

Science

As determined by skill level

Ancient World History 5/6 or Medieval World History 5/6

Old Testament or New Testament

Environmental Science 5/6 or Life Science 5/6

Next level of Math

Ancient World History 5/6 or Medieval World History 5/6

Old Testament or New Testament

Environmental Science 5/6 or Life Science 5/6

Next level of Math

Modern World History 7/8 or Late Modern World History 7/8

Old Testament or New Testament

Earth Science 7/8 or Physical Science 7/8

Level I of a World Language: Spanish or French

Next level of Math

Modern World History 7/8 or Late Modern World History 7/8

Old Testament or New Testament

Earth Science 7/8 or Physical Science 7/8

Next level of a World Language: Spanish or French

English

Math

5th Grade

English 5/6: Writing or English 5/6: Literature

6th Grade

English 5/6: Writing or English 5/6: Literature

7th Grade

English 7/8: Writing or English 7/8: Literature

8th Grade

English 7/8: Writing or English 7/8: Literature

ADDITIONAL NOTES Courses are offered in alternating years so that students will not repeat. Full-time students must take an Arts course each year. This is fulfilled by taking Studio Art or MS Music. Students must complete one semester of MS Health by the end of their 8th grade year.

Core Curriculum: Grades 5-6 Required Courses Below are the required courses for 5th and 6th graders. These classes rotate curriculum each year, and may be taken sequentially without any overlap in content. In addition to these required courses, students take a math course and a World Language course at the level determined by their placement test and/or transcript evaluation. Students also enroll in many of our electives, namely Studio Art I and II.

Ancient World History 5/6

Environmental Science 5/6 th

Term: Year | Grades: Required for 5th and 6th graders

Term: Year | Grades: Required for 5 and 6 graders [This course is not offered in 2026-2027. The next scheduled offering is 2027-2028.]

[This course is not offered in 2026-2027. The next scheduled offering is 2027-2028.]

In this course, students will explore some of the world’s most ancient civilizations. Chronologically, the course is a survey beginning with an examination of the world’s earliest civilizations and ending with regional and transregional transformations circa 1000 A.D. Students are trained to analyze political, economic, religious, social, and cultural aspects of societies from the distant past. Through careful reading and analysis of primary and secondary texts students learn to develop historical thinking and writing skills.

Students explore the natural world through independent field experiences and scientific observation in their local environments, developing skills in botanical and zoological identification, ecological understanding, and environmental stewardship. The course guides students through seasonal studies of their nearby habitats, weather patterns, and wildlife, with support for nature journaling and scientific drawing techniques. Students learn to use field guides and basic scientific tools while completing self-directed field research projects. Through structured exploration, students develop both scientific literacy and a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of living systems in their own communities.

Medieval World History 5/6

Life Science 5/6 th

Term: Year | Grades: Required for 5 and 6 graders

Term: Year | Grades: Required for 5th and 6th graders

This course delves into the diverse and interconnected histories of Medieval Europe, the Byzantine Empire, East Asia under the Tang and Song dynasties, the spread of Islam and achievements of the Abbasid Caliphate, and the TransSaharan Trade Routes and Indian Ocean Complex. Students will explore the empire-building of the Mongols, the Crusades from varied perspectives, and the impact of the Black Death across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Mapping the extents of the Ottoman Empire and the Ming Dynasty, students will analyze ethnic and religious compositions, the rule of Suleiman the Magnificent, Ming consolidation of power, and interactions with European traders and missionaries through Zheng He's voyages. This course offers a comprehensive understanding of cross-cultural interactions, trade networks, empire-building, and key historical figures shaping the postclassical era.

This hands-on Life Science course engages students in exploring living organisms and their environments through exciting projects and real-world investigations. Students dive into key topics including the scientific method, cells, genetics, natural selection, animal and plant classification, and ecosystems through interactive experiments, case studies, and collaborative projects. The curriculum emphasizes learning by doing, with students designing their own experiments, solving biological mysteries, and connecting science concepts to their daily lives. Through project-based learning, students develop critical thinking skills while discovering how science, ethics, and decisionmaking intersect in the natural world. Students will work individually and in teams to investigate biological questions, present their findings, and propose solutions to environmental and scientific challenges they encounter.

Core Curriculum: Grades 5-6 English 5/6: Literature

Study Skills 5/6 th

Term: Year | Grades: Required for 5 and 6 graders [This course is not offered in 2026-2027. The next scheduled offering is 2027-2028.]

Term: Semester | Grades: Required for new middle schoolers

This literature course invites students on a literary adventure that extends beyond reading to unlock personal potential and creativity. Students explore masterfully crafted novels while drawing meaningful connections between stories and their own experiences, discovering how literature serves as a mirror for self-reflection. Each novel becomes a gateway to developing empathy as students experience different perspectives through diverse characters and worldviews. The course emphasizes active participation through collaborative discussions, creative projects, and group investigations where student insights enrich the learning community and deepen appreciation for the power of storytelling.

This comprehensive course equips middle school students with essential academic skills through systematic modules covering goal-setting, time management, organization, and stress management techniques. Students learn effective study strategies including text marking, Cornell note-taking, concept mapping, and standardized test preparation while developing critical organizational systems for both digital and physical materials. The course emphasizes developing a growth mindset and selfreflection skills, culminating in students creating personalized study plans and tracking their academic progress throughout the semester. Through interactive assignments, quizzes, and reflective activities, students build confidence and competence in managing their academic responsibilities independently.

English 5/6: Writing

MS Foundations of Health & Wellness th

Term: Year | Grades: Required for 5 and 6 graders This comprehensive writing course develops students' skills across four essential modes of composition through engaging literature and hands-on practice. Students explore narrative writing by analyzing compelling storytelling techniques, learning to craft stories with strong characters, plot development, and historical settings. Descriptive writing instruction focuses on creating vivid imagery and sensory details through novels rich in cultural and environmental descriptions. The expository writing module teaches clear, factual communication about historical and social issues, helping students organize information and synthesize ideas into coherent pieces. The persuasive writing unit draws from powerful real-world advocacy stories to help students construct convincing arguments and support their positions with evidence, while throughout the year students maintain a Writer's Notebook and engage with various short stories and poems to build writing stamina and master revision strategies.

Term: Semester | Grades: Required for full-time 5-8th graders This self-paced introductory course provides middle school students with essential knowledge and skills for making informed decisions about their physical, mental, and social well-being throughout adolescence and beyond. Students explore key health topics including nutrition and fitness, personal safety, substance abuse prevention, and understanding human growth and development within a framework that honors both scientific knowledge and students made in the imago dei. The curriculum emphasizes developing healthy relationships, conflict resolution skills, and personal responsibility while addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of the middle school years. Through interactive modules, reflective activities, and practical applications, students build confidence in making healthy choices and develop lifelong habits that support their overall wellness and academic success.

Core Curriculum: Grades 7-8 Required Courses Below are the required courses for 7th and 8th graders. These classes rotate curriculum each year, and may be taken sequentially without any overlap in content. In addition to these required courses, students take a math course and a World Language course at the level determined by their placement test and/or transcript evaluation. Students may also enroll in many of our electives, namely our Studio Art sequence.

Modern World History 7/8

Earth Science 7/8 th

Term: Year | Grades: Required for 7th and 8th graders

Term: Year | Grades: Required for 7 and 8 graders [This course is not offered in 2026-2027. The next scheduled offering is 2027-2028.]

[This course is not offered in 2026-2027. The next scheduled offering is 2027-2028.]

This course surveys the major issues, ideas, and turning points that have shaped the modern world from the late eighteenth century to the present. Students examine the rise of democratic ideals, revolutions, industrialization, global conflict, and the growth of an increasingly interconnected world. Along the way, they study the social, political, geographic, and economic forces that have transformed governments, societies, and cultures across time. The course helps students understand the origins of the modern world and the enduring influence of its history on contemporary life.

This Earth Science course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of our planet's structure, properties, and dynamic processes of geological and biological history. Students investigate fundamental Earth systems including plate tectonics, rock cycles, atmospheric processes, and the evolution of life through scientific inquiry and data analysis. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking as students examine how Earth's various systems interact and influence each other over time. Students develop scientific literacy while exploring the essential connection between understanding Earth's processes and sustaining life on our planet. Through systematic study of geological phenomena, weather patterns, and environmental changes, students gain the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about Earth's future.

Late Modern World History 7/8 Term: Year | Grades: Required for 7th and 8th graders This course delves into the transformative forces of the Industrial Revolution, which emerged in Western Europe and spread globally, impacting agriculture, production, transportation, and society. Students will explore how Western European interactions with Africa and Asia evolved from coastal trade to imperial control, examining the motivations and consequences of industrialized states seeking resources and markets. The course then delves into the upheavals of World War I and World War II, which reshaped geopolitics, societies, and environments, leading to efforts at stability. The latter half of the 20th century is analyzed through the lens of the Cold War, as the United States and Soviet Union compete globally. Additionally, students will examine nationalist and decolonization movements, studying the varied methods used for independence and the complexities that emerged postindependence. This course offers a comprehensive understanding of the major geopolitical, economic, and social shifts from the Industrial Revolution through the 20th century.

Physical Science 7/8 Term: Year | Grades: Required for 7th and 8th graders This course is a hands-on, problem based course that introduces students to physical science concepts and promotes the use of an understanding of those concepts in the context of authentic problem solving. The course emphasizes a technological/engineering design and inquiry approach, which encourages students to seek out information and uncover an understanding of natural phenomena; ask questions and explore the world; and design, build, and test innovative solutions to real world problems. In preparation for future STEM and science courses, students will be taught how to identify problem criteria and constraints, model and test prototypes, observe (both qualitatively and quantitatively) and record, create and test hypotheses, and develop evidence-based explanations.

Core Curriculum: Grades 7-8 English 7/8: Literature

MS Foundations of Health & Wellness th

Term: Semester | Grades: Required for full-time 5-8th graders

Term: Year | Grades: Required for 7 and 8 graders [This course is not offered in 2026-2027. The next scheduled offering is 2027-2028.]

This self-paced introductory course provides middle school students with essential knowledge and skills for making informed decisions about their physical, mental, and social well-being throughout adolescence and beyond. Students explore key health topics including nutrition and fitness, personal safety, substance abuse prevention, and understanding human growth and development within a framework that honors both scientific knowledge and students made in the imago dei. The curriculum emphasizes developing healthy relationships, conflict resolution skills, and personal responsibility while addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of the middle school years. Through interactive modules, reflective activities, and practical applications, students build confidence in making healthy choices and develop lifelong habits that support their overall wellness and academic success.

The literature in English 7/8 correlates in many ways with the social studies and history curriculum. By asking questions, discovering causes and effects, and making inferences based on the text, students will learn to read narrative literature for meaning and significance. In the study of both prose and poetry, students will learn to identify the speaker, occasion, subject, audience, and purpose of the piece. In the case of poetry, students will also learn about the concepts of figurative language, rhythm, and meter. Vocabulary study, based both on the literature and on Latin roots, is an important part of the course.

English 7/8: Writing Term: Year | Grades: Required for 7th and 8th graders English 7/8: Writing teaches students how to write clearly and effectively. After practicing brainstorming and clustering techniques with a particular topic, students will organize their thoughts by creating formal outlines. Five paragraph essay structure is introduced in this course. As students write several drafts of each composition, they strive for clarity in content and correct English usage. Students write expressive, persuasive, informative, and creative pieces. Grammar (including parts of speech and parts of sentences) is taught throughout the year.

Bible Curriculum: Grades 5-8 Required Courses The Old Testament and New Testament courses are offered in alternating years, allowing students who take all four years to study the complete biblical narrative without repetition. Each individual course is designed as a standalone experience, ensuring that students enrolling for just one or two years will gain meaningful knowledge and understanding regardless of their entry point in the cycle.

New Testament I

New Testament II

Term: Year | Grades: Required for 5th - 8th graders Years: 2023-2024

Term: Year | Grades: Required for 5th - 8th graders Years: 2025-2026

This course in New Testament will introduce students to the Gospels, Acts, the Epistles, and Revelation. Students will be challenged to examine the accounts the New Testament provides of Jesus Christ and the claims that he is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the Savior of the world. Students will continue to grow in their ability to read texts carefully and critically, formulating reasoned positions based upon their reading. Finally, they will learn about the early church and will begin their study of theology.

Old Testament I

Old Testament II th

Term: Year | Grades: Required for 5 - 8 graders Years: 2024-2025

Term: Year | Grades: Required for 5th - 8th graders Years: 2026-2027

This course introduces students to the stories, characters, and themes of the Hebrew Scriptures, exploring foundational narratives from Creation through the prophets that have shaped world history and culture. Students discover how these ancient texts connect together to tell one big story about God's relationship with His people, learning about important figures like Abraham, Moses, David, and the prophets through engaging video lessons and discussions. The course helps students understand how Old Testament stories and promises point forward to Jesus Christ, while developing skills in reading and interpreting these influential religious texts. Through interactive activities and classroom discussions, students gain both historical knowledge and spiritual insight into scriptures that continue to impact literature, art, and faith communities worldwide.

Arts Curriculum: Grades 5-8 MS Music

Studio Art I

Term: Year | Grades: An arts course is required for fulltime 5-8th graders

This flexible, self-paced course gives middle school students the opportunity to earn arts credit for meaningful music study completed outside of Gravitas. Students may receive credit for private instrumental or vocal lessons, participation in community choirs, bands, or orchestras, music theory study, or other substantial musical training under the guidance of qualified instructors or programs.

This self-paced introductory course establishes the fundamental principles of classical art through systematic study of light, shadow, and form. Students begin with basic geometric shapes and learn to transform twodimensional circles into three-dimensional spheres using traditional atelier methods passed down from the Old Masters. Through carefully structured video lessons and practice exercises, students develop essential observational skills while understanding how light creates dimension and depth. By the end of this course, students will have mastered foundational drawing techniques including value relationships, shadow mapping, and basic shading that serve as building blocks for all future artistic development.

Students document their learning throughout the year by submitting evidence of instruction and participation, maintaining practice logs, and completing periodic recordings, performances, or reflective assignments. Through this course, students receive academic recognition for their musical growth while developing discipline, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for music as an art form and means of personal expression.

Studio Art II Term: Year | Grades: An arts course is required for fulltime 5-8th graders This self-paced introductory course builds upon foundational skills, this intermediate course develops students' ability to accurately observe and render both real-world subjects and imaginative creations. Students learn to analyze complex forms by breaking them into basic geometric shapes, mastering external contour drawing and proportional relationships through systematic exercises. The curriculum emphasizes the classical principle that strong observational skills enhance creative expression, teaching students to make imaginary characters appear three-dimensional and lifelike. Through guided video instruction and progressive assignments, students develop hand-eye coordination and visual perception skills essential for artistic growth. This course bridges the gap between technical skill and creative application, preparing students for more advanced observational challenges.

Upper School: Grades 9-12 Required Courses English

Math

History

Science

World Languages

Humanities 9

Biology or Biology Honors

Next level of a World Language: Spanish or French

Humanities 10

Chemistry (Honors) or Physics (Honors)

Next level of a World Language: Spanish or French

A science elective (typically Physics)

Not required if completed through Level III

9th Grade

English 9 or English 9 Honors

10th Grade

English 10 or English 10 Honors

Next level of Math

11th Grade

English 11/12 or AP English Language

Next level of Math

European History or AP European History

12th Grade

English 11/12 or AP English Literature

Next level of Math

US History or AP US History

As determined by skill level

Bible

Faith & Philosophy

ADDITIONAL NOTES 1 credit of Upper School Visual Arts is required by senior year. Some courses are offered in alternating years so that students will not repeat. 10th graders are also required to take one semester of Health & Human Flourishing.

Not required if completed through Level III

Core Curriculum: Grade 9 Required Courses Below are the required courses for 9th graders. In addition to these required courses, students take a math course and a World Language course at the level determined by their placement test and/or transcript evaluation. Students may also enroll in many of our electives.

Humanities 9

English 9 / English 9 Honors th

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Grades: Required for all 9 graders Through extensive study of Hebrew Scripture and other primary sources, Humanities 9 introduces students to ancient narratives that portray the social, religious, political, economic, and cultural conditions of the Ancient Near East. The ancient Israelites are compared with other ancient cultures, from the Sumerians to the Greeks. Primary and secondary sources such as films, works of art, essays, and epics are also studied for their interpretations of characters and events. The course ends with the collision of Jewish and Greek civilization during the Hellenization of Israel.

Biology / Biology Honors Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Grades: Required for all 9th graders Honors Prerequisite: A- in previous Science course This course introduces the major concepts of biology with a special emphasis on genetics and human biology. The course includes a survey of life on Earth; basic fundamentals in physics and chemistry that lay the foundation for biological processes; a study of cells and genetics (both classical and molecular); and, finally, a study of human biology.

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Grades: Required for 9h graders Honors Prerequisite: A- in previous English course 9th Grade English is a course in reasoning, reading, and writing. Students learn logic and argumentation, grow as readers and writers, and develop public speaking skills. Through the study of literature, including texts that integrate with Humanities 9, students learn to analyze texts. Students learn grammar and composition through a variety of writing assignments, and then learn to present and defend what they have written orally. Live instruction is largely discussion based, with students grappling with the essential questions of the course in community. Honors students will have additional or alternative literature selections at times throughout the course and will be challenged to reason, write, and speak at a higher level. Students may be moved from honors to regular or vice versa at the recommendation of the teacher or the administration.

Biology Honors additional and more challenging concepts, assignments, and assessments. Students may be moved from honors to regular or vice versa at the recommendation of the teacher or the administration.

Core Curriculum: Grade 10 Required Courses Below are the required courses for 10th graders. In addition to these required courses, students take a math course and a World Language course at the level determined by their placement test and/or transcript evaluation. Students may also enroll in many of our electives.

Humanities 10

English 10 / English 10 Honors th

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Grades: Required for all 9 graders Humanities 10 continues the narrative begun in Humanities 9. The course begins in the Hellenistic world and assesses the development and strength of the Roman Empire. Through careful examination of the Gospels and the Book of Acts, the life and teachings of Jesus are studied in depth. The course then traces the development of the early church up to the time of Constantine, where issues of orthodoxy and heresy are explored. Students then observe the rise of the Islamic and Byzantine Empires before turning to Medieval Europe at the time of Charlemagne. The course concludes with an extensive research project on the course’s core question of “What are truth, goodness, and beauty?” and a thorough analysis of both the High Middle Ages and the disasters of the fourteenth century. This class provides students with a strong foundation to study modern and European history.

Chemistry / Chemistry Honors

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Grades: Required for 10h graders Honors Prerequisite: A- in English 9 or B+ in English 9 Honors English 10 seeks to cooperate with the History Department’s Humanities 10 class in considering a few key authors from the medieval world. English 10 will also prepare students for English 11 and 12 in considering key works drawn from world, American, and/or British literature. Students will be challenged by a variety of writing assignments and will continue to work on presentations and public speaking. Honors students will have additional or alternative literature selections at times throughout the course and will be challenged to reason, write, and speak at a higher level. Students may be moved from honors to regular or vice versa at the recommendation of the teacher or the administration.

Health & Human Flourishing th

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Grades: Required for all 10 graders Honors Prerequisite: A- in Biology or B+ in Biology Honors This course is designed to show students how chemical principles and concepts are developed and operate. Among the topics covered are atomic structure, chemical bonding, and the chemical behavior of solids, liquids, and gasses. The course is centered around regular laboratory work. Chemistry Honors offers additional and more challenging concepts, assignments, and assessments. Students may be moved from honors to regular or vice versa at the recommendation of the teacher or the administration.

Term: Semester | Credits: 0.5 | Grades: Required for 10th graders Health and Human Flourishing I is designed to teach students how to flourish physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. This cross-disciplinary course equips students to make wise decisions about their relationships, their physical growth and development, substance use, media engagement and consumption, and their mental and emotional health. Health and Human Flourishing accomplishes these curricular goals through a combination of direct instruction and Ethics Bowl debates connected to these topics. The topics taught in Health and Human Flourishing will be age-appropriate, focusing especially on social dynamics like empathy and conflict resolution, stereotyping and prejudice, nutrition and fitness, healthy self-understanding, safety, bullying, and violence, healthy study and sleep habits, reproduction and sexual ethics, digital citizenship, stress and anxiety, mental disorders, body image, self-harm, and various forms of addiction.

Core Curriculum: Grades 11-12 Required Courses In addition to these required courses, students take a math course are strongly encouraged to continue taking Math courses, but they are only required to complete through Algebra II. Furthermore, provided they have passed level III of their World Language, 11th and 12th graders are encouraged but not required to continue taking a World Language.

European History

United States History

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Grades: European History or Adv European History is required for all 11th graders

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Grades: US History or Adv US History is required for all 12th graders | Prerequisite: Adv. European History

European History is an introductory course in the historical and cultural developments of the European continent and, by extension, the rest of the world insofar as it has been impacted by Europeans. Students engage the intellectual, political, economic, religious, and social aspects of European civilization from the Renaissance to the present. Along the way, they delve deeply into topics like the rise of the nation-state, the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, the World Wars, and the Cold War. Classroom practices and assessments, including tests, independent research papers, seminar discussions, and student presentations, all aim to help students understand human history and to impart to them the intellectual virtues needed for historical inquiry into truth, goodness, and beauty.

AP European History Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Grades: European History or AP European History is required for all 11th graders | Prerequisite: B+ in previous History course or B in previous History Honors course; B+ in previous English course Taught at a more demanding level than European History, Advanced Placement European History is designed for those students wishing to do college-level work in preparation for the AP Examination in May. The course begins with the Renaissance and Reformation and ends in the present, delving deeply along the way into topics like the rise of the nation-state, the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, the World Wars, and the Cold War. We stress intellectual and cultural history while tracing the political, economic, religious, and social themes through the centuries. Added emphasis is placed on critical reading, writing, and point of view analysis in primary source documents. As in European History, classroom practices and assessments aim to help students understand human history and to impart to them the intellectual virtues they need for historical inquiry into truth, goodness, and beauty.

United States History provides an economic, political, religious, and sociological perspective into the foundations of the United States and the subsequent successes and failures of the Republic through the past three centuries. Students are challenged to examine and critique modern America with respect to her historical foundations. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of the Americans in their major conflicts beginning with the Revolutionary War and ending in the present war on terrorism. This course seeks to use history as a medium to teach critical thinking, analytical writing, and rhetorical presentation in preparation for college.

AP United States History Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Grades: US History or Adv US History is required for all 12th graders | Prerequisite: Adv. European History This course is designed for those students wishing to do college-level work and prepare for the AP Examination in May. In addition to the content and virtues taught in the United States History course, the Advanced Placement course looks more broadly at the whole of United States history, from pre-colonial times to the present, with an added emphasis placed on working with primary source materials. For those students who are interested, this course also provides students with the opportunity to earn up to six college credits through Stony Brook University’s ACE program. There is an associated cost of $300 per three credits for those students who wish to enroll.

Core Curriculum: Grades 11-12 English 11/12: Rhetoric & Composition

AP English Language & Composition th

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Grades: Required for all 11th graders not enrolled in English 11/12: Literature or Rhetoric Prerequisite: A- in previous English course or B+ in previous English Honors course

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Grades: Required for all 11 and 12th graders not enrolled in an AP English course This course is designed to prepare students to become college-level readers and writers. Students will read a variety of texts, both older and contemporary, and texts from a variety of genres - including plays, novels, short stories, poems, personal essays and persuasive essays with the aim of becoming better writers themselves. Students will grow in writing personal and persuasive essays, as well as in writing reflectively and creatively.

In alignment with the expectations for succeeding on the exam in AP English Language and Composition, this course pursues the nuanced understanding of rhetorical strategies and argumentation, especially in non-fiction texts such as essays, speeches, and memoirs. The course gives particular attention to identifying and understanding an author’s rhetorical situation, argumentative claims, and use of diverse types of evidence. Students will practice composing their own argumentative essays, including by synthesizing information from multiple sources and by developing their own rhetorically informed lines of reasoning. Despite the practical demands of the AP exam on the syllabus, this course still devotes time to fiction and to considering the 11th grade virtue of love, particularly in novels such as Dickens’s Great Expectations, and students also continue their broadening exposure to Shakespeare’s essential plays by studying Macbeth, the first tragedy in the curriculum. Furthermore, since the English course serves as the students’ Bible credit for the junior year, they will read several examples of biblical literature throughout the year.

English 11/12: Literature & Composition Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Grades: Required for all 11th and 12th graders not enrolled in an AP English course [This course is not offered in 2026-2027. The next scheduled offering is 2027-2028.] This course is designed to prepare students to become college-level readers and writers. Students will read a variety of texts, both older and contemporary, and texts from a variety of genres - including plays, novels, short stories, poems, personal essays and persuasive essays with the aim of becoming better writers themselves. Students will grow in writing personal and persuasive essays, as well as in writing reflectively and creatively.

AP English Literature & Composition Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Grades: Required for all 11th graders not enrolled in English 11/12: Literature or Rhetoric Prerequisite: A- in previous English course or B+ in previous English Honors course

Faith & Philosophy Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Grades: Required for all 12th graders

This course is designed for the outstanding and highly motivated student of English in preparation for the AP exam in Literature and Composition; this exam demands engagement with the novel, drama, and poetry. As such, the course examines those three literary modes as practiced in a variety of time periods and places: twenty-first-century America, sixteenth-century England, nineteenth-century Russia. The orienting virtue for the year is hope, and the course reflects on that virtue in such classic texts as Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov and Shakespeare’s Hamlet along with more recent works. In terms of composition, students will practice explication of passages of both prose and poetry, and they will enjoy some opportunity for secondary research in writing analytically about a key text. For those students who are interested, this course also provides students with the opportunity to earn up to three college credits through Stony Brook University’s ACE program. There is an associated cost of $300 for those students who wish to enroll.

This discussion-based seminar is designed to integrate with humanities coursework by examining human life within a broad historical and cultural context. The course will develop the following skills: writing, research, hermeneutics, public speaking, debate, critical reasoning, and memorization. The course challenges students to understand the multivalent reasons why human beings believe the things they do, and thus to become more thoughtful about how they approach answering the significant questions of life (Why am I here?, Is there a purpose to life?, What does it mean to be human?, Are religious beliefs reasonable?, How do I know right and wrong?). The culminating assessment is a worldview paper in which students articulate and defend their reasoned and informed answers to these questions. The course will include study of philosophical and religious texts from Eastern and Western traditions

Core Curriculum: Grades 11-12 Elective Courses These courses are not strictly required for Gravitas students, but may be taken as an elective. Please pay attention to prerequisites as well as yearly offerings.

Physics

AP Biology

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: Algebra I

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: A- in Biology Honors (or A in Biology) and A- in Chemistry Honors (or A in Chemistry)

The fundamental laws and phenomena of mechanics, heat, wave motion, sound, electricity, magnetism, and light, including quantum mechanical concepts and atomic and nuclear physics comprise this year-long course. Content is explored through classroom lecture, student discussion, interactive demonstrations, and laboratory explorations.

This course is equivalent to a two-semester college introductory biology course for biology majors. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquirybased investigations as they explore topics like evolution, energetics, information storage and transfer, and system interactions. 25 percent of the instructional time will be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply the science practices.

Physics Honors Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: A- in Geometry and at least taking Algebra II concurrently This is a college-level, algebra-based Physics course, which requires students to have a fluent understanding of algebra and right-triangle trigonometry. The topics that will be covered include Mechanics (Kinematics, Dynamics, Circular Motion, Torque, Rotation, Energy, and Momentum), Electricity (Electric Charge and Force, DC Circuits), and Waves (Simple Harmonic Motion, Mechanical Waves and Sound). Labs comprise approximately 20% of the course.

Chemistry Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: Algebra I This course is designed to show students how chemical principles and concepts are developed and operate. Among the topics covered are atomic structure, chemical bonding, and the chemical behavior of solids, liquids, and gasses. The course is centered around regular laboratory work.

Chemistry Honors Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: A- in Geometry and at least taking Algebra II concurrently This course is designed to show students how chemical principles and concepts are developed and operate. Among the topics covered are atomic structure, chemical bonding, and the chemical behavior of solids, liquids, and gasses. Strong math skills are recommended as there are many units that require advanced mathematical operations. The course is centered around regular laboratory work.

AP Physics C: Mechanics Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: Completion of Physics / Advanced Physics and Advanced Calculus Mechanics is equivalent to a one-semester, calculus-based, college-level physics course, especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in physical science or engineering. The course explores topics such as kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion; work, energy and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; and oscillations and gravitation. Introductory differential and integral calculus is used throughout the course. Electricity and Magnetism is equivalent to a semester-long, introductory calculus-based college course and covers electrostatics; conductors, capacitors, and dielectrics; electric circuits; magnetic fields; and electromagnetism. Introductory differential and integral calculus is used throughout the course. Labs comprise approximately 20% of the course.

AP Chemistry

AP Macroeconomics

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: A- in Precalculus Honors and A- in Chemistry Honors (or A in Chemistry)

Term: Summer | Credits: 0.5 | Prerequisite: B+ in Geometry

The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of a college-level general chemistry course. The course explores the structure of matter, states of matter, reactions, and descriptive chemistry. Significant time is devoted to chemical calculations as well as refining chemistry lab skills. AP Chemistry has one required extra lab session per week.

AP Environmental Science

AP Macroeconomics is an introductory college-level macroeconomics course. 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 Microeconomics

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: Completion of Term: Summer | Credits: 0.5 | Prerequisite: B+ in Geometry Biology and B in Physics Honors/Chemistry Honors or B+ in Physics/Chemistry The purpose of the AP course in microeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of [This course is not offered in 2026-2027. The next scheduled economics that apply to the functions of individual decision offering is 2027-2028.] makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the and functions of product markets and includes the study of equivalent of an introductory college course in factor markets and of the role of government in promoting environmental science. The goal of the course is to provide greater efficiency and equity in the economy. students with the specific scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. Further, students identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, evaluate the risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing environmental degradation as we seek to be good stewards of the Earth.

Theology

Philosophy Honors: Artificial Intelligence

Term: Spring | Credits: 0.5

Term: Summer | Credits: 0.5 | Grades: 11th - 12th graders; 10th graders with approval

Theology (Theology = the scientific study of God) guides students in learning to use reason to analyze key beliefs that Christians have held throughout history via examination of Scripture in light of tradition. The course explores issues such as faith vs. science, the divinity of Christ, predestination vs. free will, whether Jesus died for some or all, the charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit, the judgment and grace of God, whether hell is real or not, human sexuality, and much more. Structured around classic creedal formulation of the Christian faith in light of contemporary “hot topics,” Theology Honors is centered on student-driven research and discussion of key issues and the course approaches theological topics from a generously orthodox perspective, drawing upon Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestants Creeds, Confessions, and thinkers as well as the Holy Scriptures they all share. Students will leave the course with an understanding of key theological issues, the ability to think theologically using the tools of reason, Scripture, and tradition, as well as having developed their own views on big questions. Students will select one topic to further research and present on using a designated question and text. Honors students will have additional assignments and higher expectations on reasoning, writing, and speaking.

This course will explore metaphysical, ethical, religious, political, and economic issues related to recent advances in artificial intelligence, including ChatGPT. What is artificial intelligence? Is strong AI possible? What, if anything, is the metaphysical difference between intelligent machines and humans? Can robots be moral? How should robots be designed to promote the common good? What might the economic and societal impacts be of automating industries that have primarily been the domain of humans? We will explore these questions and many more in this discussionand project-based class.

Advanced Ethics Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Grades: 10th-12th graders This course examines ancient and modern traditions of moral and political philosophy, focusing on the simple question: "What is Good?" Students will begin by studying modern attempts to rationally answer this question from Immanuel Kant to the present day, alongside the critics of this Enlightenment tradition, most notably Friedrich Nietzsche. In the second half of the course, the class will consider alternatives to this tradition, especially ancient and modern virtue theories.

Mathematics Curriculum Required Courses Gravitas students take mathematics classes every year. Students will be placed in the appropriate course by means of a transcript evaluation and, if needed, a placement test. Those students wishing to accelerate their progress through the school’s math program may do so during Summer Accelerator courses. The graduation requirement is completion of Algebra II, but we strongly recommend taking a math course all four years of high school.

Pre-Algebra I

Algebra I

Term: Year | Grades: 5th -7th graders as determined by transcript placement or skills assessment

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra II Building on arithmetic and Pre-Algebra skills, Algebra I serves to strengthen core problem-solving skills and thoroughly investigate the language and logic of basic algebraic thinking. In this course, students discover the beauty and order of mathematical relationships and acquire knowledge and skills related to mathematical expressions, multi-step equations, integers, rational numbers, inequalities, exponents, polynomials, factoring, linear graphing, systems of equations, absolute value equations, rational expressions, radicals, radical equations, relations and functions, quadratic equations, and quadratic graphs. Algebra I is intended for 7th-10th grade students and is considered the first year of the required high school math sequence. All 7th and 8th grade students enrolled in Algebra 1 must complete the year with a B+ or higher final average with an B+ on the final exam in order to receive credit for this high school course.

Building on arithmetic skills, Pre-Algebra I serves to strengthen core problem-solving skills and introduce the language and logic of algebraic thinking. In this course, students discover the beauty and order of mathematical relationships and acquire knowledge and skills related to whole numbers, integers, equations, fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions, percents, and graphing. With particularly advanced groups of Pre-Algebra I students, some basic geometry and statistics may be introduced. PreAlgebra I is intended for 7th and 8th grade students who will benefit from spreading their Pre-Algebra experience over the course of 2 years.

Pre-Algebra II Term: Year | Grades: 5th - 8th graders as determined by transcript placement or skills assessment

Geometry

Building on arithmetic skills, Pre-Algebra II serves to strengthen core problem-solving skills and introduce the language and logic of algebraic thinking. In this course, students discover the beauty and order of mathematical relationships and acquire knowledge and skills related to variables, mathematical expressions, integers, solving equations and inequalities, factors, fractions, exponents, rational numbers, ratios, proportions, basic probability, percents, linear functions, square roots, volume and area of geometric figures, and polynomials. Pre-Algebra II is intended for students who are able to master Pre-Algebra concepts in a single year.

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: Algebra I Building on arithmetic and Algebra I skills, Geometry is a traditional course in plane and spatial geometry. Geometry serves to strengthen core problem-solving skills and thoroughly investigate the language and logic within geometric topics. In this course, students discover the beauty and order of mathematical relationships and acquire knowledge and skills related to reasoning, symbolic logic, parallel and perpendicular lines, triangles, congruence, formal two-column proofs, quadrilaterals, parallelograms, area, surface area, volume, ratio and proportions, transformations, coordinate geometry, right triangle trigonometry, circles, and other related topics. Algebra I skills are woven into the course as a continual form of review. Geometry is considered the second year of the required high school math sequence and is normally sequenced between Algebra I and Algebra II, although motivated students may take Geometry concurrently with Algebra II Honors with approval.

Mathematics Curriculum Algebra II / Algebra II Honors

Advanced Statistics

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra I and Geometry; Honors requires B+ in Algebra I and B+ in Geometry

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: B+ in Pre-Calculus Honors The Advanced Statistics course is equivalent to a onesemester, introductory, non-calculus-based college course in statistics. The course introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. There are four themes in the Advanced Statistics course: exploring data, sampling and experimentation, anticipating patterns, and statistical inference. Students use technology, investigations, problem solving, and writing as they build conceptual understanding.

Building on Algebra I skills and the logical thinking acquired in Geometry, Algebra II serves to strengthen core problem-solving skills and thoroughly investigate the language and logic of advanced algebraic thinking. In this course, students discover the beauty and order of mathematical relationships and acquire knowledge and skills related to linear equations, linear graphs, quadratic functions and graphs, rational functions and graphs, complex numbers, exponents, logarithms, trigonometric functions, and basic trigonometric graphs. Honors-level Algebra II includes a more in-depth treatment of Algebra II topics because it is designed for the highly motivated mathematics student.

AP Calculus AB / BC

Pre-Calculus / Pre-Calculus Honors

This course fulfills the AB syllabus recommended by the College Board for the AP exam in Mathematics. AP Calculus AB is roughly equivalent to a first semester college calculus course devoted to topics in differential and integral calculus. The AP course covers topics in these areas, including limits, derivatives, definite integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. The course teaches students to approach calculus concepts and problems represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally, and to make connections among these representations.

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: B in Pre-Calculus Honors for AB, A+ in Pre-Calculus Honors for BC

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra II; Honors requires B+ in Algebra II Honors Building on Algebra II skills and the logical thinking acquired in Geometry, Pre-Calculus serves to strengthen core problem-solving skills and thoroughly investigate the language and logic of advanced algebraic and pre-calculus thinking. In this course, students discover the beauty and order of mathematical relationships and acquire knowledge and skills related to functions, families of graphs, polynomials, rational functions, power functions, trigonometry, trigonometric graphs, analytical trigonometry, conic sections, limits, and discrete math topics such as sequences and series, matrices, and probability. Pre-Calculus Honors includes a more in-depth treatment of Pre-Calculus topics because it is designed for the highly motivated mathematics student.

For students taking the additional two units of BC, this course will include additional class meetings and self-study. AP Calculus BC is roughly equivalent to a full year of college calculus. This course covers the AB topics as well as parametric, polar, and vector functions. Topics such as integration and differentiation are also explored in greater depth. Polynomial approximations and series is another optional component in the BC syllabus. The course teaches students to approach calculus concepts and problems represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally, and to make connections amongst these representations.

Mathematics Curriculum Advanced Multivariable Calculus

Advanced Ordinary Differential Equations

Term: Summer | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: A in AP Calculus AB or B in AP Calculus BC

Term: Fall | Credits: 0.5 | Prerequisite: B in AP Calculus BC

[This course is only offered via the Summer Accelerator Program in 2026-2027. The next scheduled offering during the year is 2027-2028.]

This rigorous, college-level mathematics course introduces the theory, analysis, and solution of ordinary differential equations, with attention to both foundational methods and applications. Students examine representative types of ODEs and the mathematical techniques used to model, solve, and interpret dynamic systems and changing phenomena.

Building on AP Calculus skills and the logical thinking acquired in previous math courses, Multivariable Calculus serves to strengthen core problem-solving skills and thoroughly investigate the language and logic of multivariable calculus thinking. In this course, students discover the beauty and order of mathematical relationships and acquire knowledge and skills related to calculus techniques for functions of three or more variables and includes the understanding of limits, continuity, differentiability, critical points, and integrals that apply to curves and surfaces defined by these functions. This course includes the study of gradients, Green's Theorem, Stokes' Theorem, partial differentiation, iterated integration, line integrals, vector-valued functions and their dot and cross products. The course will conclude with an introduction to differential equations and elementary analysis. For those students who are interested, this course may provide students with the opportunity to earn up to three college credits through Stony Brook University’s ACE program. There is an associated cost of $300 per three credits for those students who wish to enroll.

Advanced Linear Algebra Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: A in AP Calculus AB or B in AP Calculus BC Building on advanced algebra skills and logical thinking acquired in previous math courses, Linear Algebra serves to strengthen core problem-solving skills and thoroughly investigate the language and logic of advanced mathematical thinking while reinforcing basic and advanced algebraic concepts. In this course, students discover the beauty and order of mathematical relationships and acquire knowledge and skills related to linear equations, large systems of equations, matrices, determinants, linear transformations, vector spaces and subspaces, and orthogonal bases. The concepts from Linear Algebra are highly applicable in engineering, chemistry, physics, biology, economics, social sciences, and computer science. For those students who are interested, this course also provides students with the opportunity to earn up to three college credits through Stony Brook University’s ACE program. There is an associated cost of $300 per three credits for those students who wish to enroll.

Advanced Partial Differential Equations Term: Spring | Credits: 0.5 | Prerequisite: B in AP Calculus BC This rigorous, college-level mathematics course introduces the classification, analysis, and solution of partial differential equations, with attention to both theoretical foundations and applications. Students examine representative types of PDEs and the mathematical methods used to model and interpret continuous phenomena.

World Languages Curriculum Required Courses Gravitas students take World Languages classes each year until completion through Level III or demonstrated fluency in a language other than English. Students are highly encouraged to take World Languages each year. Gravitas offers its own Spanish and French courses, and students will be placed in their correct level by means of a transcript evaluation and, if needed, a placement test. Students wishing to pursue another language through another institution must receive approval in advance of beginning their course of study.

Spanish I

Spanish III

Term: Year | Credits: 1

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: Spanish II

This first-year course of Spanish introduces foundational grammar and thematic vocabulary while encouraging students to express themselves immediately in the target language. There is a balanced approach to all components of language acquisition: listening and reading comprehension, writing skills and speaking. Students learn to conjugate in the present tense and express themselves with correct subject and direct object pronouns. Additional focus on the varied cultural aspects of the Spanish speaking world is stressed through readings, online activities and collaborative group projects. During online class meetings and while working with classmates, students are encouraged communicate exclusively in Spanish. Throughout the course students will also use the language that they acquire in one-on-one, live interviews with language tutors from around the Spanish-speaking world.

In the third year of study, an intensive grammar review of all indicative verb tenses occurs. Additionally, the present, past and future tenses within the subjunctive mood are taught. Students will present frequently in Spanish on Spanish speaking countries - incorporating a variety of cultural aspects for each country. Attention is given to control complex grammatical structures and the building of a more comprehensive vocabulary. Many opportunities for speaking and writing are provided. In addition, students develop skills that enable them to read intensively. Spanish is the language of the classroom and conversational fluency is a major goal.

Spanish II Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: Spanish I As a continuation of Spanish I, this class expands upon the grammatical concepts and vocabulary base already acquired while ensuring that they can immediately use new concepts learned to express themselves in Spanish in real and meaningful ways. Students are introduced to the past tense in Spanish, with a heavy focus on contrasting the preterit, imperfect, and perfect tenses in order to tell stories and narrate past events. Students will also continue to study Spanish pronouns use, especially direct and indirect object pronouns to clarify meaning. Interesting cultural studies and relevant vocabulary are presented, and communication exclusively in Spanish is required during online meetings and while collaborating in group projects. Students will continue to meet one-on-one with live language tutors from around the Spanish-speaking world to apply new concepts and enhance listening comprehension and speaking skills.

Spanish IV Honors Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: B+ in Spanish III In this Honors class students will learn to think creatively, read critically, speak intelligently, and write confidently in the Spanish language. Much dedication to study is required as students work towards greater communicative competence in Spanish. Students should expect 30 minutes of homework each night and to be stretched academically. The class is taught utilizing many authentic resources (current events and pop culture), which keep the class energetic and engaging. The class is taught entirely in Spanish.

AP Spanish Language & Culture Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: B+ in Spanish IV Honors The AP Spanish class is challenging because students are intellectually stretched as they reason, consider, debate complex issues completely in Spanish. Authentic resources are primary sources for our understanding of current issues in the Spanish-speaking world, such as politics, immigration, entertainment, and culture. After a tremendous amount of preparation, students will take the AP Spanish Language exam. Students should plan on 45 minutes of homework/self study each night in AP Spanish. This course is conducted entirely in Spanish.

World Languages Curriculum French I

French III

Term: Year | Credits: 1

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: Spanish II

This is a first-year French course, offered by Gravitas faculty, which introduces foundational grammar and thematic vocabulary while encouraging students to express themselves immediately in the target language. There is a balanced approach to all components of language acquisition: listening and reading comprehension, writing skills and speaking. Students learn to conjugate in the present tense and express themselves with correct subject and direct object pronouns. Additional focus on the varied cultural aspects of the French speaking world is stressed through readings, online activities and collaborative group projects. During class meetings and while working with classmates, students are encouraged to communicate exclusively in French.

French III continues the advanced grammar and thematic vocabulary from French II while teaching students to express themselves immediately in the target language. Listening and reading comprehension, writing skills and speaking are all emphasized as students learn advanced grammar and vocabulary. Additional focus on the varied cultural aspects of the French speaking world is stressed through readings, activities and collaborative group projects. Students are encouraged to communicate exclusively in French.

French II

In the fourth year of study, students master advanced grammatical structures including complex verb forms, conditional constructions, and sophisticated sentence patterns. Students explore diverse Francophone cultures through authentic materials and multimedia resources. Students present regularly on French-speaking countries and regions, examining historical, social, and contemporary issues. Emphasis is placed on developing analytical writing skills, expanding advanced vocabulary, and achieving nuanced expression in both formal and informal contexts. Extensive reading of literary and journalistic texts builds comprehension and cultural awareness. French is the exclusive language of instruction, and students are expected to demonstrate advanced conversational fluency and cultural competency.

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: French I French II continues the foundational grammar and thematic vocabulary from French I while teaching students to express themselves immediately in the target language. Listening and reading comprehension, writing skills and speaking are all emphasized as students learn intermediate grammar and vocabulary. Additional focus on the varied cultural aspects of the French speaking world is stressed through readings, activities and collaborative group projects. Students are encouraged to communicate exclusively in French.

French IV Honors Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: B+ in French III

Fine Arts Curriculum Studio Art Courses The Gravitas Studio Art program follows the classical atelier tradition through a partnership with Classical Art at Home, offering students a six-course sequence from foundational drawing through advanced painting and cast studies. Students progress systematically through time-tested methods used by Old Masters, beginning with basic geometric forms and light studies before advancing to complex observational drawing, color theory, and professional-level painting techniques. This rigorous, self-paced curriculum develops both technical mastery and artistic vision while building the patience, precision, and observational skills essential for serious artistic practice.

Studio Art I

Studio Art III

Term: Year | Grades: 5th - 12th graders

This course advances students' observational abilities through systematic life drawing instruction, following traditional atelier methods of working from threedimensional subjects. Students progress from simple still life arrangements to more complex compositions, learning to capture accurate proportions, subtle value relationships, and the interplay of light on various surfaces. The curriculum introduces advanced pencil techniques and explores different drawing media while maintaining focus on classical principles of accurate observation. Through structured practice sessions and detailed video demonstrations, students develop the patience and precision required for extended observational studies. This intensive course requires increased time commitment as projects become more complex and detailed.

Studio Art II Term: Year | Grades: 5th - 12th graders

Studio Art IV Term: Year | Grades: 5th - 12th graders

This self-paced introductory course builds upon foundational skills, this intermediate course develops students' ability to accurately observe and render both real-world subjects and imaginative creations. Students learn to analyze complex forms by breaking them into basic geometric shapes, mastering external contour drawing and proportional relationships through systematic exercises. The curriculum emphasizes the classical principle that strong observational skills enhance creative expression, teaching students to make imaginary characters appear three-dimensional and lifelike. Through guided video instruction and progressive assignments, students develop hand-eye coordination and visual perception skills essential for artistic growth. This course bridges the gap between technical skill and creative application, preparing students for more advanced observational challenges.

Students transition from drawing to painting in this comprehensive course that introduces color theory and paint application through the classical limited palette approach. Beginning with monochromatic studies, students learn to mix values accurately before progressing to full color work, emphasizing form and light over decorative color. The curriculum covers professional studio setup, paint handling techniques, and the systematic approach to building paintings from initial drawing through final glazes. Through step-by-step video instruction and carefully sequenced projects, students master the fundamentals of oil or acrylic painting while studying works by master painters. This course establishes the technical foundation necessary for advanced painting studies.

Fine Arts Curriculum Studio Art V

Independent Study in Music th

Term: Year | Grades: 5 - 12 graders

Term: Year | Grades: An arts course is required for fulltime 5-8th graders

Students transition from drawing to painting in this comprehensive course that introduces color theory and paint application through the classical limited palette approach. Beginning with monochromatic studies, students learn to mix values accurately before progressing to full color work, emphasizing form and light over decorative color. The curriculum covers professional studio setup, paint handling techniques, and the systematic approach to building paintings from initial drawing through final glazes. Fall semester focuses on mastercopy drawing and painting, where students create detailed copies of master works by artists such as Bargue, Sargent, and Vermeer to develop observational skills and absorb traditional techniques. Spring semester covers human anatomy, exploring skeletal structure, major muscle groups, and proportional relationships essential for figure work and portraiture. This course establishes the technical foundation necessary for advanced painting and figure studies.

This flexible, self-paced course gives upper school students the opportunity to earn arts credit for serious music study completed outside of Gravitas. Students may receive credit for private instrumental or vocal lessons, participation in community choirs, bands, orchestras, worship teams, music theory study, composition, or other substantial musical training under the guidance of qualified instructors or programs. Students are expected to document their work consistently throughout the year by submitting evidence of instruction and participation, maintaining practice logs, and completing periodic recordings, performances, and written reflections. As appropriate to the upper school level, students may also be asked to demonstrate increasing depth, commitment, and artistic growth over time. Through this course, students receive academic recognition for sustained musical development while cultivating discipline, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for music.

Studio Art VI Term: Year | Grades: 5th - 12th graders This advanced studio course synthesizes all previous technical skills into sophisticated figurative work and independent artistic expression. Students apply mastered drawing and painting techniques to complex subjects requiring nuanced understanding of form, light, and color relationships. The curriculum emphasizes artistic voice development while maintaining classical technical standards through challenging projects that prepare students for portfolio presentation or art school admission. Fall semester focuses on clothed figure art and portrait drawing, where students tackle the complexities of fabric rendering, drapery studies, and formal portraiture using live models and photographic reference. Students learn to navigate the interplay between figure and clothing while developing sensitivity to character and expression in portrait work. Spring semester culminates in an independent capstone project, allowing students to choose their subject matter and medium while demonstrating mastery of all learned techniques in a substantial body of work that reflects their personal artistic development and technical proficiency.

Digital Arts Curriculum Graphic Design I

Advanced Graphic Design

Term: Semester | Credits: 0.5 | Grades: 9-12

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Grades: 9-12 Prerequisite: Graphic Design II

Using the Adobe Creative Cloud software suite along with drawing and photography, students learn to create projects that communicate effectively and beautifully. Students will develop design skills for layout and composition using Adobe InDesign and Photoshop. Student projects may be connected to marketing and communications for school events or for small businesses.

Using the Adobe Creative Cloud software suite along with drawing and photography, students learn to create sophisticated projects that communicate effectively and beautifully through advanced design principles and professional-level techniques. This advanced course develops complex design skills for layout and composition using Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator while exploring specialized areas such as branding identity, web design, and motion graphics. Student projects may include creating comprehensive marketing campaigns for school events, developing brand identities for small businesses, and building professional portfolio pieces that demonstrate mastery of industry standards. Through challenging real-world assignments, students refine their creative problem-solving abilities while gaining experience in project management and the business aspects of professional design work.

Graphic Design II Term: Semester | Credits: 0.5 | Grades: 9-12 This course continues the foundation laid in Graphic Design I. Student projects may be connected to marketing and communications for events on campus or for local businesses. After successfully completing this yearlong course students may qualify for taking Advanced Graphic Design.

STEM Electives Computer Programming

AP Computer Science A

Term: Semester | Credits: 0.5

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: A in Advanced Computer Programming or instructor approval

Students will learn the basics of drawing and animation in the computer programming language, JAVA Script and the basics of creating their own web pages using HTML and CSS, through an online, interactive course. The course will be self-paced, starting with Khan Academy or code.org and advancing to other platforms according to student interest and ability.

Advanced Computer Programming Term: Semester | Credits: 0.5 | Prerequisite: Completion of Computer Programming This is CS50x, Harvard University's introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming for majors and non-majors alike, with or without prior programming experience. This is an online course which teaches students how to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently. Topics include abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development. Languages include C, PHP, and JavaScript plus SQL, CSS, and HTML. Problem sets inspired by realworld domains of biology, cryptography, finance, forensics, and gaming.

As per the goals of the course as stated on the College Board website, students will design, implement, and analyze solutions to problems. They will use and implement commonly used algorithms and develop and select appropriate algorithms and data structures to solve new problems. Students will write solutions fluently in an object-oriented paradigm as well as write, run, test, and debug solutions in the Java programming language, utilizing standard Java library classes and interfaces from the AP Java subset. They will read and understand programs consisting of several classes and interacting objects and read and understand a description of the design and development process leading to such a program. Ethical and social implications of computer use will be discussed.

Advanced Topics in Computer Programming Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: Completion of Adv. Computer Programming This full year, online Khan Academy course, covers the topics of digital information, the Internet, cybersecurity, programming, algorithms, simulations, and data analysis. It is analogous to AP Computer Science Principles. This is a rigorous course and should only be taken by those who are highly motivated and can work by themselves.

Advanced Research Electives What are the Advanced Research courses? The Stony Brook School’s Advanced Research Programs allow students to explore their academic interests through realworld research opportunities in all academic disciplines. Whether students wish to pursue a genetics research project in a laboratory under a mentor, analyze the moral philosophy of Dante’s Inferno, design a rocket engine, or create an art portfolio on realism, SBS offers students the opportunity to pursue their research passion as a complement to our core curriculum, which also distinguishes them in the college search process. Students enroll in their Advanced Research Program as a normal academic course, meeting each week under the supervision of a mentor faculty member and in small class sizes. Each of these courses are crossover classes in conjunction with SBS’s campus on Long Island. To apply, students should email registrar@sbs.org.

Advanced Humanities Research

Advanced Scientific Research

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: Application to Academic Office | Grades: 11th-12th graders

This advanced seminar offers students the opportunity to pursue their intellectual passions through rigorous, selfdirected research in fields ranging from literature and social sciences to theology, creative writing, and interdisciplinary studies. Following the Oxford tutorial model, students meet weekly to present, defend, and refine thesis-level work, culminating in a full-length research paper that demonstrates scholarly depth and original thinking. Admission requires submission of a formal petition to the Academic Office demonstrating both scholarly readiness and a well-defined research interest.

This is an application-only elective course for highly motivated students who are interested in scientific research. Students will learn to read and write research papers and begin to develop research methodology. To be selected for this class, students should submit an application outlining their research project to the Academic Office.

Advanced Entrepreneurship & Marketing

Internship is an application-only elective course for highly motivated and successful students pursuing a substantial internship experience in a professional field of their choice. Internships may be completed in areas such as business, education, ministry, healthcare, engineering, communications, the arts, public service, or other approved fields. The school does not arrange internships; students are responsible for securing their own placement, as well as all travel, logistics, and expenses. Overseen by a member of the SBS faculty, students are required to submit regular journals and progress reports documenting their work, growth, and reflections throughout the experience. At the conclusion of the course, students will share their findings and learning with SBS faculty through a presentation and written summary. To be considered for this course, students must submit an application to the Academic Office outlining the nature of the internship and their goals for the experience.

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: A- in Entrepreneurship & Marketing II This mentored upper-level course guides students through the design, development, and execution of an original project and business idea. In the first semester, students move from concept to prototype through research, planning, testing, and revision. In the second semester, students develop the branding, messaging, and digital marketing strategies needed to bring their work to an audience. Along the way, students will engage essential questions about service, ethical innovation, and the responsible use of digital and AI tools. Rooted in the school’s commitment to Character Before Career, the course emphasizes initiative, creativity, stewardship, and purpose-driven leadership.

Independent Internship Term: Variable | Credits: Variable | Prerequisite: Application to Academic Office | Grades: 11th-12th graders

Entrepreneurship Electives MS Entrepreneurship & Marketing I

Entrepreneurship & Marketing I

Term: Fall | Grades: 7-8th graders

Term: Fall | Credits: 0.5 | Grades: 9-12th graders

This semester-long course introduces students to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and marketing through a highly project-based and problem-solving approach. Students will gain hands-on experience in technology and design while fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. The curriculum emphasizes the design thinking process to create ethical and impactful prototypes of products or services. Interactive project-based activities, guest speakers, and real-world case studies enhance the learning experience, promoting creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. Students will also build AI literacy, learning to leverage AI tools to enhance their projects. The semester culminates with a pitch event where students present their innovative prototypes addressing real-world problems inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This semester-long course offers an immersive experience in entrepreneurship and marketing, characterized by a highly project-based and problem-solving curriculum. Students will explore technology, design, and faith-driven entrepreneurship, engaging in hands-on activities that utilize the design thinking process to create ethical and impactful products or services. The course features guest lectures from industry professionals, case studies of successful companies, and interactive projects that foster innovation and problem-solving skills. Students will also build AI literacy, learning to leverage AI tools to enhance their projects. The semester culminates with a pitch event where students present their entrepreneurial solutions to contemporary issues inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

MS Entrepreneurship & Marketing II

Entrepreneurship & Marketing II

Term: Spring | Grades: 7-8th graders | Prerequisite: MS Entrepreneurship & Marketing I

Term: Spring | Credits: 0.5 | Prerequisite: Entrepreneurship & Marketing I

This semester-long course introduces middle school students to digital marketing through engaging, real-world projects and creative problem-solving. Students learn to build websites, create social media campaigns, design email marketing with MailChimp, and explore how businesses use AI tools to reach customers online. Through interactive assignments and guest speaker visits, students discover how search engines work, practice writing content that connects with audiences, and develop their own marketing ideas for products and services. The course includes fun challenges like creating Facebook ad campaigns, designing video marketing strategies, and using AI chatbots to brainstorm business solutions. Students build confidence presenting their ideas, working collaboratively on team projects, and reflecting on potential career paths in business and technology. Perfect for curious middle schoolers interested in creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship, this course provides an exciting introduction to the digital business world while developing communication, critical thinking, and technical skills.

Expanding on the principles learned in the first semester, this course emphasizes real-world applications and polished deliverables. Students will create, manage, and execute comprehensive digital marketing strategies, including SEO, content marketing, and AI in marketing. The curriculum includes hands-on activities, guest speakers, and opportunities for internships and real-world applications. Students will further develop their AI literacy, using AI tools to optimize their marketing strategies and digital presence. Additionally, students will develop and personalize their own websites using HTML and CSS. The semester concludes with final presentations, where students demonstrate their refined digital marketing plans and personal branding strategies to a panel of industry experts.

Entrepreneurship Electives Geopolitics, Economics, and Investment Honors

Advanced Entrepreneurship & Marketing

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: B in Algebra II

Term: Year | Credits: 1 | Prerequisite: A- in Entrepreneurship & Marketing II and instructor approval

In an era of accelerated change, students must be equipped not only with knowledge but with clarity, discernment, and a sense of responsibility. This is a year-long, interdisciplinary course designed to help students interpret and engage with the world around them through the lens of current events, technological innovation, financial systems, and global dynamics. Rooted in the school’s mission of “Character before Career,” this course emphasizes intellectual growth, integrity, and purpose. Students will examine the ethical implications of innovation, the human stories behind global shifts, and their own role in stewarding knowledge for the greater good.

This mentored upper-level course guides students through the design, development, launch, and growth of an original venture, project, or company. In the first semester, students move from idea to prototype through research, planning, testing, feedback, and revision, using the full design thinking cycle to shape work intended for real-world implementation. In the second semester, students develop the branding, messaging, and digital marketing strategies needed to bring their venture to an audience and execute its launch, with or without outside funding. Along the way, students will gather feedback, iterate on their work, and wrestle with essential questions about service, ethical innovation, and the responsible use of digital and AI tools. Rooted in the school’s commitment to Character Before Career, the course emphasizes initiative, creativity, stewardship, and purpose-driven leadership.