Course Descriptions

Credits: 1 • Grade(s): 9
Prerequisites: Taken in sequence (recommended)
English I focuses on developing foundational language skills through an integrated approach to
listening, speaking, reading, writing, and critical thinking. Students will engage with complex
texts, enhancing their comprehension, vocabulary, and oral proficiency. Emphasis is placed
on academic discourse, genre analysis, and the writing process across various formats. The
curriculum also supports English language learners, incorporating strategies to facilitate language
acquisition. Through inquiry and research, students will learn to synthesize information, evaluate
sources, and communicate effectively, preparing them for future academic success.
This course is NCAA approved.

Credits: 1 • Grade(s): 10
Prerequisites: Taken in sequence (recommended)
English II focuses on developing advanced language skills through integrated listening, speaking,
reading, and writing. Students engage with complex texts, enhancing comprehension and
critical thinking through the interconnected strands of language arts. The curriculum emphasizes
metacognitive strategies, vocabulary development, and the analysis of literary elements across
diverse genres. Students will practice self-sustained reading, respond to various sources, and
apply the writing process to produce coherent texts. Additionally, emphasis on oral language
proficiency and academic conversations prepares students for collaborative learning and
encourages lifelong literacy skills.
This course is NCAA approved.

Credits: 1 • Grade(s): 11
Prerequisites: Taken in sequence (recommended)
English III emphasizes college readiness while focusing on the interconnected skills of listening,
speaking, reading, writing, and thinking, aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills
(TEKS). Students will engage in meaningful discourse, analyze complex texts, and develop
advanced vocabulary. With a strong emphasis on self-sustained reading and comprehension skills,
learners will explore multiple genres and literary elements while utilizing metacognitive strategies.
The course promotes critical inquiry into authors’ choices and encourages effective composition
across various text types. Additionally, students will engage in inquiry and research processes to
synthesize information ethically, equipping them with the skills necessary for academic success in
college and enhancing their language proficiency.
This course is NCAA approved.

Credits: 1 • Grade(s): 12
Prerequisites: Taken in sequence (recommended)
English IV emphasizes college readiness while developing students’ skills in listening, speaking,
reading, writing, and critical thinking through the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
Students engage with increasingly complex texts, enhance vocabulary, and participate in
meaningful discourse. The curriculum integrates foundational language skills and promotes
academic conversations, self-sustained reading, and responses to diverse sources. Students
analyze literary elements, author’s purpose, and genre characteristics while employing the writing
process to compose various texts. Inquiry and research skills are cultivated, fostering collaboration
and metacognitive strategies that prepare students for the demands of college-level coursework
and enhance their overall academic success.
This course is NCAA approved.

Credits: 1 • Grade(s): 9
Prerequisites: Taken in sequence (recommended)
English I Pre-AP emphasizes close reading and analytical writing, guiding students to identify
subtle details in texts for deeper understanding. The curriculum is aligned with the College Board
Pre-AP framework and incorporates the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), focusing on
the interconnected nature of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking. Students engage
with a diverse range of literary and informational works, valuing textual evidence and analyzing
language choices. They develop oral and written communication skills, craft complex sentences,
and produce increasingly sophisticated analytical writing. This course prepares students for future
advanced English courses while enhancing critical thinking and communication skills essential for
academic and career readiness.
This course is NCAA approved.

Credits: 1 • Grade(s): 10
Prerequisites: Taken in sequence (recommended)
English II Pre-AP builds on foundational skills from English I Pre-AP, emphasizing critical analysis
and the appreciation of diverse literary and nonfiction texts. Aligned with the College Board
Pre-AP framework, the course encourages students to engage in close reading, valuing textual
evidence, and analyzing language choices while developing oral and written communication
skills. It incorporates the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), focusing on listening,
speaking, reading, and writing through integrated strands. Each unit culminates in a writing task
that reflects the rigor of standardized exams and college-level courses. This course prepares
students for future academic challenges by fostering critical thinking, effective communication,
and problem-solving skills essential for success in educational and professional environments.
This course is NCAA approved.

Credits: 1 • Grade(s): 11
Prerequisites: English I-II Pre-AP (strongly suggested)
The AP English Language and Composition course emphasizes the development and revision
of evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing. Students engage in rhetorical analysis
of nonfiction texts, evaluating and synthesizing research to support their arguments. The
course fosters critical reading and flexible writing skills necessary for college success and civic
engagement. Students will explore a range of diverse texts, enhancing their understanding of
how written language functions rhetorically. This course aligns with an introductory collegelevel curriculum, preparing students to demonstrate the necessary skills for college credit and
placement in composition courses.
This course is NCAA approved.

Credits: 1 • Grade(s): 12
Taken in sequence (recommended); English I-II Pre-AP and AP Language & Composition (strongly
suggested)
The AP English Literature and Composition course emphasizes reading, analyzing, and writing
about imaginative literature, including fiction, poetry, and drama from various historical periods.
Students engage in close reading and critical analysis to understand how writers use language to
convey meaning. They examine a work’s structure, style, themes, and use of figurative language,
imagery, and symbolism. Assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays
that require literary interpretation. This course aligns with an introductory college-level literature
curriculum, preparing students for potential college credit and enhancing their skills in literary
analysis and composition.
This course is NCAA approved.

Credits: 1 • Grade(s): 9
Prerequisites: Taken in sequence (recommended)
English I (SOL) will be offered to Emergent Bilingual (EB) students in their first three years in US
Schools. Only students at the beginning or intermediate levels of English language proficiency may
qualify for the ESOL I course. The course work and assessments will be based on the Texas Essential
Knowledge and Skills for English I for Speakers of Other Languages. Eligible EB students who
successfully complete ESOL I are required to take the English I EOC to satisfy the English graduation
requirement. This course will count as English I graduation credit and is supported by the English
Language Development and Acquisition (ELDA) and Reading I (SOL) courses.
This course is NCAA approved.

Credits: 1 • Grade(s): 10
Prerequisites: Taken in sequence (recommended)
English II (SOL) will be offered to Emergent Bilingual (EB) students in their first three years in US
Schools. Only students at the beginning or intermediate levels of English language proficiency
may qualify for the ESOL II course. The course work and assessments will be based on the Texas
Essential Knowledge and Skills for English II for Speakers of Other Languages. Eligible EB students
who successfully complete ESOL II are required to take the English II EOC to satisfy the English II
graduation requirement. This course will count as English II graduation credit and is supported by
the English Language Development and Acquisition (ELDA) and Research and Technical Writing
courses.
This course is NCAA approved.

Credits: 1 • Grade(s): 9, 10
Prerequisites: Taken concurrently with English I or English I (SOL) and English II or English II (SOL)
English Language Development and Acquisition (ELDA) is designed to provide instructional
opportunities for secondary Emergent Bilingual (EB) students at the beginning or intermediate
levels of English language proficiency. This course enables students to become increasingly more
proficient in English in all four language domains while addressing students’ cognitive, linguistic,
and affective needs. This course must be taken concurrently with a corequisite language arts
course. Recommended corequisites: English I for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL I) and
English II for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL II). Students may take this course with a different
corequisite for a maximum of two credits.
This course is NOT NCAA approved.

Credits: 1 • Grade(s): 9
Prerequisites: Taken concurrently with English I or English I (SOL)
The Reading I (SOL) course is designed for students who are speakers of other languages
and supplements the literacy instruction students receive in English I (SOL). Reading I (SOL)
course content includes direct instruction in vocabulary development, literacy skills, reading
comprehension, and study skills.

Credits: 1 • Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Students will develop skills necessary for reading and writing various types of texts and build
academic vocabulary. The course work and assessments are based on the Texas Essential
Knowledge and Skills for Research and Technical Writing. Research & Technical Writing may
fulfill the fourth English credit, or it may be taken as an English elective as part of earning an
endorsement.
This course is NCAA approved.

Credits: 0.5 - 3 • Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Typically by ARD, 504, LPAC or Intervention Committee placement
Reading I, II, and III provide essential reading instruction to help students navigate academic
demands and develop lifelong literacy skills. Students receive targeted instruction in word
recognition, vocabulary, comprehension strategies, and fluency, enabling them to read with
competence and confidence. They analyze traditional and electronic texts, exploring structure,
style, and the author’s language choices. The course supports English language acquisition for
students whose first language is not English. Through diverse texts, students learn to evaluate
information, draw inferences, and respond critically, all while enhancing their understanding of
various cultures and literary themes.
This course is NOT NCAA approved.

Credits: 0.5 - 1 • Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Journalism immerses students in various writing forms for diverse audiences and purposes.
Students will plan, draft, and refine written compositions while analyzing their work for clarity,
engagement, and proper mechanics. They will develop critical media literacy skills, becoming
analytical consumers of media and technology. The course covers journalistic traditions, press law,
ethics, and the distinctions between print, broadcast, and online media. Students will research selfselected topics, conduct interviews, and create different journalistic texts, including news articles
and editorials. Additionally, they will learn publishing principles and design effective presentations,
enhancing their communication skills for future endeavors.
This course is NOT NCAA approved.

Credits: 0.5 - 1 • Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Journalism; taken in sequence (recommended)
Advanced Yearbook and Newspaper courses empower students to communicate effectively
through print, digital, and online media. Participants will plan, draft, and produce written and
visual content, honing their skills in clarity, engagement, and journalistic standards. Students
will explore media law, ethics, and individual responsibilities within a publication team, while
conducting research and generating story ideas. They will learn to evaluate and critique their work
and that of others, ensuring balanced coverage. Through collaboration and leadership, students
will manage projects, design layouts, and utilize technology to create compelling publications
that resonate with their audience.
This course is NOT NCAA approved.

Credits: 0.5 • Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Professional Communications is designed for students in Grades 9-12, fulfilling a speech credit or
skills graduation requirement. This course blends written, oral, and graphic communication skills
essential for success in today’s global economy. Students will explore professional standards,
employability skills, and the use of technology in communications. They will develop proficiency
in writing, editing, and delivering effective presentations while applying critical thinking and
problem-solving strategies. Emphasizing teamwork and leadership, students will engage in
projects that enhance their ability to communicate with diverse audiences.
This course is NOT NCAA approved.

Credits: 1-3 • Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Taken in sequence (recommended)
Debate I-III equips high school students with essential skills in argumentation and critical thinking,
preparing them to intelligently engage in contemporary controversial issues. Students will
explore the historical and modern significance of debate in decision-making processes across
social, political, and public arenas. Through rigorous analysis of propositions of fact, value, and
policy, learners will construct and refute arguments, utilizing logic and research to support their
claims. Emphasis is placed on effective communication, both verbal and nonverbal, along with
ethical debate practices. This course fosters lifelong skills that empower students to navigate and
contribute to discussions in a diverse society.
This course is NOT NCAA approved.

Credits: 1 • Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12

Art I is a comprehensive course with introductory experiences which is a prerequisite for all
other art courses in high school. It offers opportunities for students to express themselves
imaginatively and creatively through work in a variety of media, techniques, vocabulary and
experiences. Emphasis is placed on the elements and principles of design. The course is
designed for the students’ understanding and appreciation of historical and contemporary
artists’,their artwork and their contribution to societies. Students will be required to maintain
a sketchbook and a portfolio which will be used to develop ideas and skills necessary for
completing course assignments. These compilations may be used as students participate in
contests and compete for scholarships and college admissions.

Note: Student-grade materials will be provided.
Students may desire to purchase professional-grade materials at their own expense. 

Credits: 1 • Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Drawing II Prerequisite: Art I and Portfolio review
Drawing II Prerequisite: Art I in Intermediate and a Portfolio review
Drawing III Prerequisite: Level II art class and Portfolio review
Drawing IV Prerequisite: Level III art class and Portfolio review

Drawing II – IV extends the artistic understanding and experiences as introduced in Art I. Focus
will be placed on the development of compositional skills and imaginative use of the elements
and principles of design through various techniques and problem-solving skills. Students
will become aware of artists who utilized drawing techniques and their artworks. As students
progress through the advanced drawing courses, their materials and processes will become
more sophisticated and advanced through experimentation and as they develop their own
style and concept. Drawing media that might be explored through these courses are pencil,
prismacolor, charcoal, pastels, ink, watercolor, and acrylics. Students will be required to
maintain a sketchbook and a portfolio which will be used to develop ideas and skills necessary
for completing course assignments. These compilations may be used as students participate in
contests and compete for scholarships and college admissions.

Notes: $30 fee per year. Advanced student-grade materials will be provided.
Students may desire to purchase professional-grade materials at their own expense.

Credits: 1 • Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Painting II Prerequisite: Art I and Portfolio review
Painting III Prerequisite: Level II art class and Portfolio review
Painting IV Prerequisite: Level III art class and Portfolio review

Painting II - IV extends the artistic understanding and experiences as introduced in Art I. Emphasis
will be placed on the development of compositional skills and imaginative use of the elements
and principles of design. These courses emphasize painting materials, techniques and the study
of artists who have utilized painting to express their ideas. Advanced painting courses will allow
students more individual choices through independent activities based on the student’s interests.
Artistic periods and styles will be emphasized. Media that may be introduced include watercolor,
tempera, mixed media, acrylics, and oil. Students will be required to maintain a sketchbook
and a portfolio which will be used to develop ideas and skills necessary for completing course
assignments. These compilations may be used as students participate in contests and compete for
scholarships and college admissions.

Notes: $30 fee per year. Advanced student-grade materials will be provided.
Students may desire to purchase professional-grade materials at their own expense.

Credits: 1 • Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Photography II Prerequisite: Art I and Portfolio review
Photography III Prerequisite: Level II art class and Portfolio review
Photography IV Prerequisite: Level III art class and Portfolio review

Photography II- IV extends the artistic understanding and experiences as introduced in Art I.
Emphasis will be placed on the development of compositional skills and imaginative use of the
elements and principles of design. Courses offer students knowledge of digital cameras, cell
phone apps, photographic techniques, and printing. Students will be involved in both classroom
and processing activities. Students will be provided opportunities to take photos for school
related uses, contests, scholarship portfolios, and personal enjoyment. Students will be asked
to furnish their own digital camera or cell phone and a few other personal supplies. Students will
be required to maintain a sketchbook and a portfolio which will be used to develop ideas and
skills necessary for completing course assignments. These compilations may be used as students
participate in contests and compete for scholarships and college admissions.

Notes: $30 fee per year. Advanced student-grade materials will be provided.
Students may desire to purchase professional-grade materials at their own expense.
Check with your counselor to see if offered on your campus

Credits: 1 • Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Printmaking II Prerequisite: Art I and Portfolio review
Printmaking III Prerequisite: Level II art class and Portfolio review
Printmaking IV Prerequisite: Level III art class and Portfolio review

Printmaking courses will offer a wide range of printmaking processes beginning with simple
processes such as monoprints, string prints, and stenciling to the more advanced processes of
silk-screening, litho printing, woodblock printing and embossed printing. Graphic artists, their
prints, and their processes for producing those prints will be studied. Students will be required
to maintain a sketchbook and a portfolio which will be used to develop ideas and skills necessary
for completing course assignments. These compilations may be used as students participate in
contests and compete for scholarships and college admissions.

Notes: $30 fee per year. Advanced student-grade materials will be provided.
Students may desire to purchase professional-grade materials at their own expense. (Selected campuses.)

Credits: 1 • Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Sculpture II Prerequisite: Art I and Portfolio review
Sculpture III Prerequisite: Level II art class and Portfolio review
Sculpture IV Prerequisite: Level III art class and Portfolio review

Sculpture II – IV extends the student’s artistic understanding and experiences as introduced in
Art I and is designed to strengthen the student’s three-dimensional and spatial skills. Emphasis
will be placed on the development of compositional skills and imaginative use of the elements
and principles of design. Students will learn about and use different types of media for producing
sculpture, ceramics, jewelry and fibers. Sculpture artists and their artworks from ancient through
contemporary times will be studied. As students move into the advanced levels of sculpture,
they will be encouraged to undertake more independent work in more advanced media. Some
sculptural media that might be introduced to students are clay, paper, wood, wire, plastics and
metal. Students will be required to maintain a sketchbook and a portfolio which will be used to
develop ideas and skills necessary for completing course assignments. These compilations may be
used as students participate in contests and compete for scholarships and college admissions.

Notes: $30 fee per year. Advanced student-grade materials will be provided.
Students may desire to purchase professional-grade materials at their own expense.

Credits: 1 • Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Art I and Portfolio review

Electronic Media II extends the student’s artistic understanding and experiences as introduced
in Art I and is designed to strengthen the student’s three-dimensional and spatial skills. Emphasis
will be placed on the development of compositional skills and imaginative use of the elements
and principles of design and digital illustration using a variety of tools including computers,
digital cameras, graphic tablets, scanners, sketchbooks and the Internet. This introductory class
provides a foundation in the fundamentals of design and commercial production art within the
graphics design profession. Students, working both individually and collaboratively, will design
and develop media using various computer graphics software and equipment to create electronic
works of art such as paintings, drawings, photography, and mixed media. The course will enhance
the students’ ability to conceptualize and develop visually rich and visually appropriate materials.
Students will be encouraged to develop multiple solutions to design problems. Students will
be required to maintain a sketchbook and a portfolio which will be used to develop ideas and
skills necessary for completing course assignments. These compilations may be used as students
participate in contests and compete for scholarships and college admissions. (Selected campuses)

Notes: $30 fee per year. Advanced student-grade materials will be provided.
Students may desire to purchase professional-grade materials at their own expense. (Selected campuses.)

Credits: 1 • Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Any Art II level course and Portfolio Review

This portfolio is designated for work that focuses on the use of mark-making, line, surface, space,
light and shade, and composition. Students should consider marks that can be used to make
drawings, the arrangements of marks, the materials and processes used to make marks, and
relationships of marks and ideas. Students can work with any materials, processes, and ideas.
Drawing (analog and digital), painting, printmaking, and mixed media work are among the
possibilities for submission. Still images from videos or film are accepted. Composite images may
be submitted.

Notes: $35 fee per year. Advanced student-grade materials will be provided.
Students may desire to purchase professional-grade materials at their own expense.
This course prepares students for the College Board Advanced Placement Drawing Portfolio Exam.
Students are responsible for the examination fee and the cost of preparing for submission of the portfolio

Credits: 1 • Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Any Art II level course and portfolio review.

This portfolio is designated for work that focuses on the use of two-dimensional (2D) elements
and principles of art and design, including point, line, shape, plane, layer, form, space, texture,
color, value, opacity, transparency, time, unity, variety, rhythym, movement, proportion, scale,
balance, emphasis, contrast, repetition, figure/ground relationship, connection, juxtaposition,
and hierarchy. Students should consider how materials, processes, and ideas can be used to make
work that exists on a flat surface. Students can work with any materials, processes, and ideas.
Graphic design, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, fashion design,
fashion illustration, painting, and printmaking are among the possibilities for submission. Still
images from videos or film are accepted. Composite images may be submitted.

Notes: $35 fee per year. Advanced student-grade materials will be provided.
Students may desire to purchase professional-grade materials at their own expense.
The Advanced Placement Program in Studio Art: 2-D Design is a performance-based visual exam.
Each student develops and submits a portfolio that serves as a direct demonstration of achievement.
Students are responsible for the examination fee and the cost of preparing for submission of the portfolio.

Credits: 1 • Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Any Art II level course and portfolio review.

This portfolio is designed for work that focuses on the use of three-dimensional (3D) elements
and principles of art and design, including point, line, shape, plane, layer, form, volume, mass,
occupied/unoccupied space, texture, color, value, opacity, transparency, time, unity, variety,
rhythm, movement, proportion, scale, balance, emphasis, contrast, repetition, connection,
juxtaposition, and hierarchy. Students should consider how materials, processes, and ideas
can be used to make work that involves space and form. Students can work with any materials,
processes, and ideas. Figurative or non figurative sculpture, architectural models, metal work,
ceramics, glasswork, installation, performance, assemblage, and 3D fabric/fiber arts are among
the possibilities for submission. Still images from videos or film are accepted. Composite images
may be submitted.

Notes: $35 fee per year. Advanced student-grade materials will be provided.
Students may desire to purchase professional-grade materials at their own expense.
The Advanced Placement Program in Studio Art: 3-D Design is a performance-based visual exam.
Each student develops and submits a portfolio that serves as a direct demonstration of achievement.
Students are responsible for the examination fee and the cost of preparing for submission of the portfolio.