 Courses offered
At La Europa Academy, we offer courses for each grade level in each of the four core subject areas of Science, Math, English and Social Studies. We also offer elective courses including language courses, arts courses, and study halls. The courses are taught through classroom instruction by teachers who are certified in their specific subject area. The Education Director designs a schedule each term that allows all of our students to participate in the courses that will help them toward graduation and that will be beneficial to their learning process.
English courses
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8th Grade English
Required Core Course
This course continues to focus on reading comprehension and the writing process as well as listening and speaking skills in both informal and formal situations. Added from the seventh grade curriculum is a unit on drama and American Folktales.
Literature and Composition 9
Required Core Course for 1.0 Credit
In this course, though reading comprehension skills remain an important focus, a more intensive emphasis is placed on the writing process and, in particular, the important skills of informational and persuasive writing. The course continues to support the development of listening and speaking skills in informal situations, and introduces informational and persuasive formal speech. Grammar is also an emphasis. Literature in this course covers epic and ancient Greek poems, a study of Jewish heritage and culture, Greek mythology, a short stories unit, a Shakespeare unit, a poetry unit, and Romeo and Juliet, Night, The Outsiders, The Odyssey, and Of Mice and Men.
Literature and Composition 10
Required Core Course for 1.0 Credit
This course continues to focus on the informational and persuasive writing process. Grammar as well as listening and speaking skills in informal and formal speech are also vital to this course. Literature read in this course include works such as Lord of the Flies, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Great Gatsby, Of Mice and Men, Macbeth, and a short stories unit.
American Literature 11
Required Core Course for 1.0 Credit
This course teaches grammar and writing skills within the context of life and business skills. Students begin to learn how to apply the skills they have learned to life and the world of business. There is a strong SAT preparatory emphasis in this course. The literature read in this class focuses on specific time periods and the impact the literature had on people and society. The class starts with Native American Poetry and ends with modern day American writers such as Amy Tan and J.K. Rowling. Literature read in this course include The Crucible, Macbeth, Julius Caesar, The Great Gatsby, and The Scarlet Letter.
British Literature 12
Required Core Course for 1.0 Credit
This course continues to emphasize the transition into the world of life, college, and business. Grammar and writing are still vital, but are taught specific to the needs of the world. SAT preparation is continued during the first semester of this course. The literature read in this class spans from the Anglo-Saxon period through the Elizabethan Age, the seventeenth and eighteenth century, the Victorian Age and into modern era. The course looks at the different mediums of communication as well as the different avenues by which people choose to express themselves. Literature read in this course include: Beowulf, Macbeth, The Canterbury Tales, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and Hamlet.
Advanced Placement Language &Composition
Elective Course for 1.0 Credit
This course is designed to prepare academically advanced students to for college level work and specifically to take the advanced placement exam.
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Science courses
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Earth Science
Elective Course for 1.0 Credit
This course focuses on the theme of Earth Systems. Students will learn that there is observable evidence which illustrates Earth’s systems and the gradual changes in the Earth’s systems over time. This evidence will be shown by combining the study of Earth, space, physical, and life sciences.
9th Grade Integrated Science
Required Core Course for 1.0 Credit
This course focuses on three main topics: matter, motion, and energy. Students will gain an understanding of the basic laws that govern matter, motion, and energy. They will learn that these principles are involved in the operation of many systems and the fundamental essence of science.
Biology
Required Core Course for 1.0 Credit
This course focuses on the biological aspects of science, as well as the background and tools necessary to study these aspects. It is a functional study of science, rather than a structural study.
Environmental Science
Elective Course for 1.0 Credit
In this course students will learn that there is observable evidence which illustrates Earth’s systems, the gradual changes in Earth’s systems over time, and how the systems interact. The course further emphasizes the relationship between the human population and the ecological systems of the Earth.
Chemistry
Required Core Course for 1.0 Credit
This course focuses on the chemical nature of both inorganic and organic materials. It illustrates the structure, properties, and basic functions of these materials. May be offered as Advanced Placement.
Physics
Elective Course for 1.0 Credit
This course focuses on several aspects of energy, its transfer through systems and objects; motion of particles, both micro and macroscopic; mechanisms and Newtonian Physics; matter and Quantum Physics; projectiles, reflection and refraction. May be offered as Advanced Placement.
Anatomy and Physiology
Elective Course for 1.0 Credit
This course focuses on the biological processes of the human body, and how the processes of other organisms relate to the human body. Human anatomical structures, themselves, are learned as a means of understanding how human physiological functions work. May be offered as Advanced Placement.
Environmental Lab
Elective Course for 0.50 Credit
This course allows students to design their own ecosystem in the backyard pond. The students make choices about what to introduce into their ecosystem and make hypotheses about how each introduction will change the environment. The research results are determined and published in a science project format. This course is great for students interested in hands-on experimentation and research.
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Math courses
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Pre-Algebra
Required Core Course
This course focuses on developing skills in problem solving, number systems and theory, computation and estimation, patterns and functions, and statistics and probability. Additionally, the course introduces algebra concepts to build a strong foundation for the subsequent formal study of algebra. Such informal explorations include physical models, numerical representations, and graphing models, rather than an emphasis on the algebraic representations in isolation.
Algebra I
Required Core Course for 1.0 Credit
Students explore a mathematical model for the real number system involving the study of straight lines and numerical relationships. The properties of the real number system are used to solve linear equations and inequalities. Simple operations with polynomials are introduced and the laws of exponents are studied.
Geometry
Required Core Course for 1.0 Credit
The major postulates and theorems of Euclidean geometry form the basis of this course. Logical structures are investigated. Geometric constructions and coordinate geometry are studied and non- Euclidean geometries are introduced. Students should be able to investigate these geometry concepts using technology as well as pencil and paper. Trigonometry concepts are applied to appropriate geometry concepts.
Algebra II
Required Core Course for 1.0 Credit
This course in algebra is an extension of the elementary algebraic concepts involving a study of the quadratic relations and their graphs. Systems of equations are solved, logarithmic functions are briefly studied, real number exponents and complex numbers are investigated, and a proficiency with the algebra of polynomials and rational functions is developed. Trigonometry, probability, statistics, and discrete mathematics topics are topics for discussion and application.
Consumer Math
Elective Course for 1.0 – 0.5 Credit
This course prepares students to understand the values, needs, wants, goals, and resources that enable people to make wise decisions based mathematical concepts. Financial resource management, including consumer rights and responsibilities, are discussed. The course also provides the student with a basic understanding of essential mathematical concepts, as well as the background of business information that will related directly to the consumer world.
Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus
Elective Course for 1.0 Credit
This course is an extension of intermediate algebra and geometry. The major emphasis is with algebraic functions, theory of equations, and inequalities. Trigonometry topics are completed along with the continued development of the binomial expansion, probability, statistics, analytic geometry, and discrete mathematics. The students should gain a sense of the structure of mathematics as the fundamental concepts of calculus are developed.
Advanced Placement Calculus
Elective Course for 1.0 Credit
The course consists of a full academic year of work in calculus and related topics comparable to courses in colleges and universities. There is particular emphasis on preparation for the AP exam.
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Social Studies courses
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8th Grade American Journey
Required Core Course
This course is designed to emphasize historic events from the age of exploration to reconstruction and the western movement. Topics covered will include, but are not limited to, the age of exploration, colonization, Revolutionary War, national period, constitutional issues, Civil War, reconstruction, and the western movement.
World Geography/Ancient World Civilizations
Required Core Course for 0.5 Credit
This course is designed to introduce students to the world of geographic study. All people, places, significant events, cultures, and environments studied have locations. Students will demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the geographic (spatial) perspective, and apply geographic tools and techniques to the Five Themes of Geography. Additionally, students will demonstrate how human activities affect the earth through population patterns, diverse cultures, cooperation or conflict and economic resources.
World History II
Required Core Course for 1.0 Credit
This course allows students to understand and appreciate the history of diverse peoples and cultures of the world. It is broad and integrative, and will examine and analyze the commonalities and differences of human experience in at least six spheres of human activity: social, scientific/technological, economic, religious/philosophical, geographic and political. May be offered as Advanced Placement.
U.S. History
Required Core Course for 1.0 Credit
This course emphasizes the history of the United States, through the study of basic geographic, economic, social, political and historical developments in the United States following reconstruction and the westward movement. Particular emphasis is placed on the Constitution, the American system of government and law-related/citizenship education. Students will identify ways to solve problems, make decisions, and participate as a responsible citizen of the United States, while developing basic tools of historical interpretation, research and analysis. May be offered as Advanced Placement.
U.S. Government
Required Core Course for 0.5 Credit
This course will provide students with a general understanding of the governmental, political and legal systems of the United States. Practical learning skills will be combined with outside resource persons and varied instructional activities which will enable students to learn about law and the legal system of this nation.
Economics
Elective Course for 0.5 Credit (Can also count for Financial Literacy Requirement)
The course focuses on the study of economic problems and the methods by which societies solve them. Characteristics of the market economy of the United States and its function in the world and methods of applying economics to one's life will be explored.
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Responsible Healthy Lifestyles Courses
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• Physical Education
Participation Skills & Techniques
Required Course for 0.5 Credit
This course is designed to develop competency in up to five different activities. Competency involves the ability to apply the basic skills, strategies, and rules using standardized guidelines or rubrics. Course activities present an extension of or newer content than that presented in previous classes, and the curriculum provides enough diverse offerings to meet the individual needs of all students.
Fitness for Life
Required Course for 0.5 Credit
This course is an individualized, concepts-based, one-semester course designed to give students the knowledge and skills necessary to self-assess, create, conduct, evaluate, and redesign personal fitness programs. The course is a combination of classroom and activity-based learning activities with a focus on proper nutrition and the mastery of skills and concepts necessary for students to become accomplished monitors of their personal lifetime fitness. It helps each student adopt a personal lifestyle that will achieve physical fitness. Specifically, students will identify and understand all of the components of fitness, such as cardio-vascular fitness, strength, flexibility, endurance, weight control, nutrition, and stress management.
Individualized Lifetime Activities
Required Course for 0.5 Credit
This course is a number of one-semester classes. They are designed to offer a higher level of proficiency and more in-depth instruction in up to three different lifetime activities. Improved fitness is a goal of each Individualized Lifetime Activities course. The curriculum provides diverse offerings to meet the individual needs of all students and to develop competency in up to three lifetime activities. Competency is defined as the ability to apply basic skills, strategies, and rules using standardized guidelines or rubrics. Examples of activities which may be include: aerobics, walking, jogging, tennis, and swimming.
• Health
Health Education
Elective Course for 0.5 Credit
This course focuses on establishing patterns of behavior that will assist a person in achieving complete health. Complete health is accomplished by having a balance of physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In class students have the opportunity to acquire knowledge, incorporate process and life skills, and develop positive attitudes about life. Development of a healthy body and a healthy mind are emphasized.
Healthy Lifestyles
Required Course for 0.5 Credit
This course is designed to help students make good choices when faced with societal pressures and lead healthy and happy lives. Topics of study include: alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, tobacco, infectious and sexually transmitted diseases, managing stress, mental health, personal health, and relationships - friendship, intimacy, and parenting.
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Fine Arts Courses
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Foundations of Art
Required Course for 1.0 Credit
This course is designed to provide an overview and introduction to Visual Arts through studying a variety of art tools and materials. With an emphasis on studio production, this course is designed to develop higher level thinking, art-related technology skill, art criticism, art history, and aesthetics.
Painting and Drawing
Elective Course for 1.0 Credit
This course combines the arts of Painting and Drawing. Painting includes wet media with processes such as transparent and opaque painting and focuses on the operations of color. With an emphasis on studio production, this course is designed to develop higher level thinking, art-related technology skill, art criticism, art history, and aesthetics. Drawing focuses on black and white or monochromatic rendering from life, pictures, masterworks, and imagination. With an emphasis on studio production, this course is designed to develop higher level thinking, art-related technology skill, art criticism, art history, and aesthetics.
Ceramics
Elective Course for 1.0 Credit
The Ceramics course develops basic skills in the creation of 3D forms and pottery from clays. With an emphasis on studio production, this course is designed to develop higher level thinking, art-related technology skill, art criticism, art history, and aesthetics.
3-D Design
Elective Course for 1.0 Credit
The 3-D Design course provides an overview and introduction to fine crafts, their media, and the cultures they represent. With an emphasis on studio production, this course is designed to develop higher level thinking, art-related technology skill, art criticism, art history, and aesthetics.
Art Studio
Elective Course for 0.5 or 1.0 Credit
If you would like to work on your own projects and wish you had more time for art, this class is for you! You will have the opportunity to paint outside, draw with pencil, charcoal and colored pencil and have Jill help you (or not) with your artwork.
Theatre Foundations III
Elective Course for 0.5 Credit
This course provides instruction around two basic concepts in theatre education: finding meaning in works of theatre art through the study and appreciation of theatre as an art form and constructing meaning in works of theatre art through the study and skill development of theatre techniques in the creation of that theatre art. To these concepts this course adds depth as well as breadth through the study of production unity, character conflict, character motivation through movement and voice, projecting mood and feelings, trust, the design concepts of visualization and technology, researching a script, variety in art forms, assessing performance effectiveness, and famous theatre professionals.
Digital Photography
Elective Course for 0.5 Credit
The Photography course includes the inventive use of light and photographic equipment to create art. With an emphasis on studio production, this course is designed to develop higher level thinking, art-related technology skill, art criticism, art history, and aesthetics.
Introduction to Vocal Performance
Elective Course for 0.5 Credit
This course provides opportunities for students to develop their musical potential and aesthetic understanding through singing. Study includes the care and cultivation of a beautiful tone, aesthetic awareness, the ability to read music, the building of technical skills, team spirit, and responsible rehearsal habits. Students will have opportunities to experience the spontaneity of improvisation and the creative process of composition. Students will strengthen listening skills and their ability to analyze and evaluate music and music performances. Attention will also be given to relating their music experiences to personal development.
Dance I
Elective Course for 0.5 Credit
This is a beginning level dance course which builds dance knowledge and skill in technique, improvisation, choreography, artistic expression, performance, history, culture, life skills, and connections to other curricular areas.
Filmmaking
Elective Course for 0.5 Credit
This course provides an overview and introduction of the four basic phases of filmmaking – Development, Pre-Production, Production, and Post-Production. It provides a hands-on experience in shooting and developing film.
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Elective courses
(Offered as necessary)
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• Educational Technology Courses
Computer Technology
Required Course for 0.5 Credit
In this course, students develop advanced application competencies of word processing. Improved productivity in the most efficient, timesaving way of producing documents using word processing software is stressed. An integral part of this course is continued instruction and practice in formatting and editing and the creation of business documents through the use of functions such as merge. Graphics are also introduced. Additionally, the course provides students with an introduction to the Internet. Students will demonstrate a basic knowledge of the Internet and its tools through the use of e-mail, search engines and browsers. HTML and Web publishing software will be used to create, format, illustrate, design, edit, and publish Web pages. Emphasis will be placed on the application of the Internet in business.
• Applied Technology Education Courses
Keyboarding
Elective Course for 0.5 Credit
This course emphasizes the development of speed and accuracy for personal and business use. Skills for preparing reports, business letters, complex tables, and business forms will be developed. Business communication composition will be integrated throughout the course. A short business simulation for skill application and reinforcement will conclude the course.
Advanced Placement Statistics
Elective Course for 1.0 credits
The course consists of a full academic year of work in Statistics and related topics comparable to course in colleges and universities. There is particular emphasis on preparation for the Advanced Placement test.
Consumer Mathematics
Elective Course for 1.0 – 0.50 Credit
This course prepares students to understand the values, needs, wants, goals, and resources that enable people to make wise decisions based mathematical concepts. Financial resource management, including consumer rights and responsibilities, are discussed. The course also provides the student with a basic understanding of essential mathematical concepts, as well as the background of business information that will relate directly to the consumer world.
SAT Preparation and Transition to College
Elective Course for 0.5 Credit
This course helps students prepare for the transition to college. It helps prepare them to take the SAT by teaching them test taking skills and reviewing directions and strategies for approaching each sub-section. Additionally, the course walks the student through the steps of deciding which colleges to apply to, requesting and completing applications, writing the college essay, applying for financial aid and scholarships, visiting colleges, choosing the right college, and transitioning to college life.
• Foreign Language Courses
Spanish I
Elective Course for 1.0 Credit
This course is for beginning Spanish speakers. It allows students to begin to learn communication skills including structures and grammar, gain knowledge and understanding of other cultures, and learn to participate in multilingual communities both at home and abroad.
Spanish II
Elective Course for 1.0 Credit
This course is for intermediate Spanish speakers. This course is taught 40% in Spanish. It allows students to expand their communication skills and practice listening and speaking Spanish regularly. It includes additional structures and grammar, developing insight into the nature of language and culture, and continued participation in multilingual communities.
Spanish III
Elective Course for 1.0 Credit
This course is for advanced Spanish speakers. This course is taught 100% in Spanish. It allows students to expand their communication skills and practice listening and speaking Spanish regularly. It includes additional structures and grammar, developing insight into the nature of language and culture, and continued participation in multilingual communities. There is a strong emphasis on reading and writing in this course.
• General Elective Courses
Introduction to Gardening
Elective Course for 0.25 or 0.5 Credit (only offered Summer Term)
In this class, you will have the chance to learn about vegetables and flowers and how to grow them to get the optimum amount of produce. We will work on garden planning, planting and the best watering techniques for our dry climate here in Utah. We will learn about organic methods of pest control and enjoy the “fruits” of our labors all summer!
Shakespeare
Elective Course for 0.25 or 0.5 Credit (only offered Summer Term)
Students will have the opportunity to learn about the Globe Theater, where many of Shakespeare’s plays were performed, in a hands-on manner, as well as study a variety of his plays including: As You Like It, A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Comedy of Errors, Merry Wives of Windsor, Much Ado about Nothing, and Taming of the Shrew. Along with the study of plays, students will do performances involving stage combat, compare the varying views of Shakespeare works from a dramatic perspective and literature perspective, and learn to connect thematic elements in Shakespeare’s works.
Journalism
Elective Course for 0.25 or 0.5 Credit (only offered Summer Term)
Students will explore the major elements of journalism including broadcasting, writing, editing, and reporting. In addition to classroom study, many professionals in the field will be invited to speak. We will also be creating the La Europa Newsletter to practice the skills learned in class.
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Study Skills and Study Hall
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Study Skills Class
The study skills program was developed to help support students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and school anxiety. A certified special education teacher leads this class and implements the curriculum. Many of these students have IEP’s from home school districts are implemented at La Europa Academy. Study skills class gives these students the opportunity to met benchmarks and objectives sets forth in their IEP’s.
Study Halls
Study Halls are a part of the schedule twice each weekday. There is an afternoon study hall during which the students have an opportunity to meet with their teachers for extra help if necessary. During afternoon, evening, and Saturday study halls, the students may also turn to staff or other students for help with assignments. All study halls are monitored by staff and students are expected to be working on school-related assignments during these times.
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