Enrichment Classes

Grades 9-12 - In these courses, students will preview concepts covered in the first semester of Algebra II.  They include real numbers, exponents, polynomials, algebraic expressions, graphical representation of data, graphs of an equation, linear equations, problem solving and word problems. In addition, the course will cover quadratic equations, factoring, complex numbers, linear equalities and writing linear equations, functions, exponential functions, and logarithmic functions. Session I is a prerequisite for Session II.

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Grades 9-12 - Chemistry Fundamentals introduces the basic fundamentals of inorganic, physical, analytical, and organic chemistry. Concepts are reinforced by frequent laboratory periods. Students develop problem-solving skills involving tables, diagrams, graphs, and mathematical and chemical equations. This course is designed to provide a thorough background for students who plan to take chemistry during the school year. This course covers half of the material in our comprehensive course.

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Grades 9-12 - Geometry Fundamentals provides an introduction to geometric concepts, and is intended to prepare students for a full geometry course in the upcoming school year. This course is also designed to give students an understanding of what geometry tools are and how they are used in problem solving. Divided into two sessions, this course will cover points, lines, planes, angles, deductive reasoning, perpendicular lines, parallel lines and planes, congruent triangles, quadrilaterals, inequalities, similarity, right triangles, and trigonometry.

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Grades 10-12 - This course offers an individualized and student-centered approach to test preparation through an innovative and interactive curriculum.  Each of the three weeks is devoted to a different portion of the tests and is designed to equip students with time saving and point-boosting techniques. Every class will include group instruction and individual attention, as well as regular practice and extensive feedback.

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Grades 6-8 - This course offers an individualized and student-centered approach to test preparation through an innovative and interactive curriculum. Each of the three weeks is devoted to a different portion of the SSAT test and is designed to equip students with time saving and point-boosting techniques. Every class will include group instruction and individual attention, as well as regular practice and extensive feedback.

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Grades 9-12 - This class will cover a range of topics from Algebra I and provide preparation for Algebra II. The speed and depth of material covered will be determined by the teacher and will be based on the strength of understanding of the enrolled students. Session I is a prerequisite for Session II.

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Grades 9-12 - Investigation and exploration are key elements of the course. This course will cover matter and energy for life: composting, living vs. nonliving; ecosystems; populations; homeostasis: the body in balance; inheritance: chromosomes, genetic engineering; biodiversity: visualizing five billion years and classification; and the biosphere: environment as a global concern.  Students may choose to take either session or both sessions.

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Grades 11-12 - Students will develop an understanding of economic principles that help measure individual behavior and the modern world economy. Students will learn how to use basic economic tools and analyze real-life situations and their effects on their daily lives. Students will develop an understanding of the role of fiscal and monetary policy in the U.S. economic system. Written assignments are required, with emphasis on the value of critical thinking and research.

Note: Students who will attend The Hun School of Princeton during the regular school year may inquire about taking this course for credit by contacting Ted Shaffner.

Grades 9-12 - This course exposes students to a wide range of mathematical tools used to support the learning of calculus. Subject matter includes trigonometric functions and their graphing, polar and rectangular coordinates, conics, exponents and logarithmic functions, linear relations, systems of equations and inequalities, the nature of graphs, sequences and series, and polynomial and rational functions.

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Grades 10-12 - This course offers an individualized and student-centered approach to test preparation through an innovative and interactive curriculum.  Each of the three weeks is devoted to a different portion of the tests and is designed to equip students with time saving, point-boosting techniques, as well as extensive preparation for the writing portion.  Every class will include group instruction and individual attention, as well as regular practice and extensive feedback.

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Grades 5-8 - Are you ready to discover the real-world science behind the world’s greatest protectors? In Superhero Science Academy, students become “Hero Investigators,” bridging the gap between the natural world and the urban landscape. This course dives deep into the incredible biological traits of animals and the high-stakes engineering required to defend our cities from the forces of nature.

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Grades 11-12 - Do you love writing, or want to improve your writing skills? This course allows students who love creative writing to expand their skills by engaging in genre-specific study as well as experimenting with new forms. While engaging in exercises designed to inspire the inner voice of the writer, students can also expect to enhance their vocabulary, organization and grammar skills. Students can choose Session I, Session II, or both sessions. Proficiency in English is required. 

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Grades 11-12 - Dystopian fiction has been popular for many decades but has gained traction with books like The Hunger Games, which appeal to a much wider audience. In this class, both strong and developing readers will enjoy exploring contemporary dystopian fiction, analyzing content for meaning, inference, and plot and character development. We will explore the concept of the dystopian novel and how the genre provides commentary of facets of modern society. We will read The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, The Maze Runner, by James Dashner, and Divergent, by Veronica Roth, examining critical responses to each series, and evaluating each author’s vision of dystopian society. Students in this class will develop strong analytical skills necessary for further literary exploration in their classes in the fall.

(no syllabus needed)

Grades 11-12 - The purpose of this course is to gain an understanding and appreciation of culture, cultural values, and perspectives (our own and those of others) by reading literature written by authors from a variety of cultural backgrounds (i.e., race, ethnicity, class, gender, orientations). The literature selections include works from African American, African, Asian, Latin/South American, Native American and/or European writers. This course offers an opportunity to explore themes such as alienation, displacement, family and tradition, the shaping of identity, coming of age, justice and fairness, and personal freedom and social responsibility. Students can expect to study two major texts (e.g., play, novel, poetry collection) and write formal analytical essays.

Note: Students who will attend The Hun School of Princeton during the regular school year may inquire about taking this course for credit by contacting Ted Shaffner.

Grades 8-12 - No matter what career students may choose, the one skill they will definitely need is the ability to write well. In this course, students will cover the elements of expository and analytical writing that are required in high school and college classes, from pre-writing to crafting a thesis and topic sentences, to choosing effective evidence and developing persuasive arguments. Students will learn to polish their essays through customized lessons in grammar, punctuation, and style, and will be exposed to a variety of different types of writing that can be used in many academic disciplines and will offer the confidence to write well beyond college. Proficiency in English is required.

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Grades 8-12 - From elocution to forming a convincing argument, to winning over your audience, these courses provide students with a powerful and diverse range of public speaking skills. Students will also learn how to craft and deliver a convincing message, how to use technology productively in a presentation, and how to field questions. Students will engage in daily speaking exercises, orations, and dialogues.  Classwork also introduces students to the art form of debate in order to enhance their public speaking.  The course culminates in a formal presentation on a topic of a student’s choosing. 

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