General Studies
The goal of General Studies at KYHS is to broaden and deepen students’ understanding of the best that the world of knowledge has to offer while developing their skills and passion for lifelong learning. Our extensive program consists of carefully tailored courses designed to challenge students at their appropriate levels. We offer Advanced Placement, Honors, Accelerated, Grade Level, and Principles tracks.
The faculty members in each department coordinate their teaching so that similar themes are reinforced in all classes. Students take a core course in English, History, Math, and Science each year, as well as an elective. Ultimately, students graduate from KYHS fully prepared for success in postsecondary education.
ENGLISH
Grade 9
English 9 Principles
This foundational course, specifically designed for students with current or pending official academic evaluations who are in need of remediation to bring them up to ninth-grade level, consists of a structured curriculum solidly based on the fundamentals of English. The goals of the course include helping students become independent learners, critical thinkers, and competent readers and writers. Through assisted and increasingly independent reading, decoding, interpreting, and discussing diverse texts of various genres, students improve their reading comprehension and develop their analytical ability. Accompanying instruction in basic grammar and composition skills equips students to compose cohesive paragraphs and eventually complete essays without reliance on scaffolding, tutors, or artificial intelligence. Students also build their vocabulary and practice incorporating new words into their writing and verbal lexicon. Finally, they learn the mechanics of public speaking by structuring and delivering brief formal and informal speeches. Students emerge from the course with increased English skill proficiency and confidence in their abilities, and many also place into higher course levels in the subsequent year(s) at KYHS.
English 9 Seminar
English 9 Seminar provides freshmen with a structured curriculum solidly based on the fundamentals of English, filling in crucial instructional gaps while helping students become independent learners and develop the skill sets necessary for success throughout future years of high school and college English, as well as on the verbal and reading sections of standardized tests. Students read, critically analyze, and discuss diverse texts of various genres. Annotating, identifying literary devices, and explicating texts to unearth meaning “between the lines” improve students’ reading comprehension and analytical skills, fostering an understanding and appreciation of the value of literature. Accompanying instruction in basic grammar, composition skills, academic research, and MLA documentation equips students to craft formal compositions that build their writing confidence and eliminate their reliance on artificial intelligence. Students also spend significant time developing their vocabulary and incorporating new words into their writing and verbal lexicon. Finally, students learn the art and mechanics of public speaking by conceptualizing, structuring, and eloquently delivering brief formal speeches.
English 9 Honors
This rigorous course, which moves more swiftly and requires more reading and writing than its Seminar counterpart, is specifically designed for incoming freshmen who have convincingly demonstrated capability of handling more challenging coursework and readiness for the two-year preparatory journey toward college-level (AP) English. Students read, annotate, critically analyze, and apply basic literary theory to diverse texts of various genres, including short stories, poems, novels, and plays, thereby improving their reading comprehension and fostering their understanding and appreciation of the value of literature. Increasingly advanced instruction in grammar and composition skills, as well as numerous formal and informal writing assignments, will not only equip students for future success on the verbal and reading portions of standardized tests but also enable them to write with maturity, confidence, clarity, and style. Students will also spend significant time building their vocabulary and incorporating more sophisticated language into their written work and verbal lexicon. Finally, students will learn the fundamentals of academic research and MLA documentation.
Grade 10
English 10 Principles
The backdrop of this course is a survey of European literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present. Students will further develop their critical thinking and reading comprehension skills through close examination of selected works of poetry, short fiction, drama, novels, and film, recognizing their value as sources of practical wisdom and insight into European history, which they are simultaneously studying as part of the sophomore General Studies curriculum, and the broader human experience. Continuing instruction in composition, grammar, and vocabulary skills is designed to equip students for future success on the verbal and reading sections of the standardized college entrance examinations and prepare them to write well for a variety of academic, practical, and professional purposes. Finally, students will learn the fundamentals of rhetoric and argumentative appeals and demonstrate their knowledge in a major end-of-year paper and project.
English 10 GL
The backdrop of this grade-level course is a survey of European literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present. Students further develop their critical thinking and reading comprehension skills through close examination of selected works of historical and contemporary poetry, short fiction, drama, novels, and film, recognizing their value as sources of practical wisdom and insight into European history, which they are simultaneously studying as part of the sophomore General Studies curriculum, and the broader human experience. Continuing instruction in composition, grammar, and vocabulary skills is designed to equip students for future success on the verbal and reading sections of the standardized college entrance examinations and prepare them to write more maturely. Finally, students will learn the fundamentals of rhetoric and argumentative appeals and demonstrate their knowledge in a major end-of-year paper and project.
English 10 Accelerated
This course, which moves more quickly and requires more reading and writing than its grade-level counterpart, is a survey of European literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present. Students engage in close examination of selected works of poetry, short fiction, drama, novels, and film, recognizing their value as sources of practical wisdom and insight into European history, which they are simultaneously studying as part of the sophomore General Studies curriculum, and the broader human experience. Students will further develop their critical thinking and reading comprehension skills by carefully analyzing primary works of historical fiction through the lens of secondary literary criticism and conflicting interpretations and perspectives drawn from contemporary companion texts. Continuing instruction in composition, grammar, and vocabulary skills is designed to equip students for future success on the verbal and reading sections of the standardized college entrance examinations, develop their personal writing voice, and—most importantly—prepare them to write at the college level.
English 10 Honors
This rigorous course, which moves more quickly and requires more reading and writing than its Accelerated counterpart, is a survey of European literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present, in which students engage in close examination of selected works of poetry, short fiction, drama, novels, and film, recognizing their value as sources of practical wisdom and insight into European history, which they are simultaneously studying as part of the sophomore General Studies curriculum, and the broader human experience. Students will further develop their critical thinking and reading comprehension skills by carefully analyzing primary works of historical fiction through the lens of secondary literary criticism and conflicting interpretations and perspectives drawn from contemporary companion texts. Continuing instruction in composition, grammar, and vocabulary skills is designed to equip students for future success on the verbal and reading sections of the standardized college entrance examinations, develop their personal writing voice, and—most importantly—prepare them to write at the college level.
Grade 11
English 11 Principles
This course is a survey of various genres and themes of American literature. Students will hone their analytical skills and develop an appreciation for the rich diversity of our nation’s literary collection through short stories, novels, drama, and poetry. Continuing instruction in composition, grammar, and vocabulary skills is designed to equip students for future success on the verbal and reading sections of the standardized college entrance examinations and enable them to produce clear, competent academic writing. Students will demonstrate their increasing proficiency by writing short analytical and argumentative essays on topics pertinent to America and American literature, conducting guided academic research and incorporating it into their writing, and using MLA documentation.
English 11 GL
This course is a survey of various genres and themes of American literature. Students will hone their analytical skills and develop an appreciation for the rich diversity of our nation’s literary collection through short stories, novels, drama, and poetry. Continuing instruction in composition, grammar, and vocabulary skills is designed to equip students for future success on the verbal and reading sections of the standardized college entrance examinations and enable them to produce clear, competent academic writing. Students will demonstrate their increasing proficiency by writing analytical and argumentative essays on topics pertinent to America and American literature, conducting academic research and incorporating it into their writing, and using MLA documentation. The course will be supplemented by opportunities for cross-curricular study, as students are concurrently enrolled in American History as part of the junior General Studies curriculum.
English 11 Accelerated
This course, which moves more quickly and requires more reading and writing than its grade-level counterpart, surveys the trajectory of American literature from its origins to the present through short stories, novels, drama, and poetry. In addition to honing their analytical skills and developing an appreciation for the rich diversity of our nation’s literary collection, students will explore the many ways in which concepts such as “Americanness” and the American Dream have evolved since the 17th century. Continuing instruction in composition, grammar, and vocabulary skills is designed to equip students for future success on the verbal and reading sections of the standardized college entrance examinations and enable them to produce excellent academic writing. Students will demonstrate their increasing proficiency by writing progressively longer analytical and argumentative essays on topics pertinent to America and American literature, conducting academic research and incorporating it into their writing, and using MLA documentation. The course will be supplemented by opportunities for cross-curricular study, as students are concurrently enrolled in American History as part of the junior General Studies curriculum.
English 11 Honors
This rigorous course, which moves more quickly and requires more reading and writing than its Accelerated counterpart, surveys the trajectory of American literature from its origins to the present through short stories, novels, drama, and poetry. In addition to honing their analytical skills and developing an appreciation for the rich diversity of our nation’s literary collection, students will explore the many ways in which concepts such as “Americanness” and the American Dream have evolved since the 17th century. Continuing instruction in composition, grammar, and vocabulary skills is designed to equip students for future success on the verbal and reading sections of the standardized college entrance examinations and enable them to produce exemplary academic writing. Students will demonstrate their increasing proficiency by writing progressively longer analytical and argumentative essays on topics pertinent to America and American literature, conducting and compiling annotated bibliographies of academic research and incorporating it into their writing, and using MLA documentation. The course will be supplemented by opportunities for cross-curricular study, as students are concurrently enrolled in American History as part of the junior General Studies curriculum.
AP English Language & Composition
This rigorous college-level course, which prepares students to sit for the AP exam in May and to achieve success in continuing college English courses, is designed to promote the critical reading, thinking, and writing skills necessary to develop clear, effective prose for academic, professional, and personal purposes. Over the course of the year, students will explore the dynamics of language, its ability to convey and manipulate meaning, and the relationship between speaker/writer, audience, and purpose. Students will compose rhetorical analysis essays, argumentative essays, and synthesis essays in line with the AP exam; however, other writing and analysis will go beyond the AP exam to explore rhetoric and argument in real-life situations as well as academic ones.
Grade 12
Senior Seminar
The purpose of the semester-length Senior Seminars is to introduce students to the collegiate English experience by exposing them to specialized content, emphasizing independent reading, and engaging them in collaborative critical analysis. The composition component follows the Florida Department of Education’s Gordon Rule, which requires students to complete multiple writing assignments evaluated on the following skills developed throughout their previous three years at KYHS: effectiveness, organization, clarity, and coherence, as well as the grammar, punctuation, and usage of standard written English. As teachers craft each class based on their personal passions and expertise, the course offerings vary from year to year. [to be followed by a more specific course description for the individual class]
AP English Literature & Composition
This rigorous college-level course, which prepares students to sit for the AP exam in May and to achieve success in continuing college English courses, focuses on reading, analyzing, and writing about imaginative literature (fiction, poetry, drama) from various periods. Students engage in close reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature to deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes, as well as its use of figurative language, imagery, and symbolism. Writing assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that require students to analyze and interpret literary works.
HISTORY
In History classes, students learn to think, read, and write analytically as they develop understandings that explain and account for the past and present alike. Students become proficient at analyzing documents, images, and other primary and secondary sources, including scholarly sources, while developing the skills necessary to interpret historical trends and important world issues.
With an emphasis on evidence-based analytical work and critical thinking, students work to study the past through the lenses of causality, change, and continuity over time, comparative analysis, and contextualization. Scholarly lenses of analysis, including spatial analysis, transnationalism, syncretism, and post-colonialism, among many others, equip students to evaluate diverse sources of evidence from a range of perspectives while focusing on the intersections of social, economic, political, cultural, and intellectual history.
The sequence of our History curriculum follows a narrowing scope in which students build upon and refine their understanding from one year to the next, including World, European, and American histories, as well as a rotating and diverse range of college-preparatory senior seminars on timely, specialized subjects, including Jewish history, the history of women, foreign policy and terrorism, political unrest, ideology, and cultural history.
Grade 9
World History
Students in the ninth grade begin their History curriculum through the study of either World History (offered at levels ranging from Principles to Honors) or Advanced Placement Human Geography. In World History, students chart the emergence and development of diverse world civilizations, as well as the socio-economic patterns and cultural trends that have shaped the human experience from prehistoric times to the early modern period. Beginning with a primer on historical methodologies and theoretical frameworks of analysis, detailed study and primary source engagement provides students extensive opportunities to build and apply their analytical toolkit across a diverse range of case studies.
With a curriculum ranging from the classical Mediterranean to Mesoamerica, and from Genghis Khan to Mansa Musa and the Mughal Empire, students work comparatively and analytically to understand diverse societies through the lenses of context and causality, identifying and explaining commonalities in different societies while also accounting for the unique developments of world civilizations. Students also build key source-analysis skills, and capstone their year with independent research projects.
In their study of Human Geography, AP students consider the physical geography, distribution, processes, and influences of geospatial factors on human history, while also exploring the effects of human interaction with the environment in social, political, economic, and cultural terms. Students are exposed to numerous economies, political systems, and social traditions from all world regions while adopting an explicitly spatial lens of analysis. Students become familiar with and apply analytical lenses including globalization, colonialism, and climate change, and engage with data-driven problems and case studies at scales ranging from the local to the global. With a particular emphasis on questions of demography, migration, economic and political development, cultural transformation, communication, ethnic and gender inequality, geography, and environment, AP Human Geography students work proactively to build analytical frameworks that can be applied to unfamiliar scenarios. Source and data analysis features prominently in this class, as students learn how to use and interpret maps, textual sources, statistical data, and images in support of analytical conclusions.
Prerequisite: All students must take a placement exam administered by the History Department prior to enrollment.
Grade 10
European History
In the 10th grade, students build on and apply the skills they have developed in World History to new time periods and peoples through the study of European History. Classes in the 10th grade are offered from the Principles level to AP European History. In the study of European History from the year 1450 to the present, students analyze the significance of the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped today’s world while deepening their repertoire of analytical skills and frameworks. Students make use of causal, comparative, contextual, and chronological lenses of analysis in order to account for the contours of the modern world as they explore the origin and endurance of European socio-economic, political, intellectual, and cultural patterns.
Key areas of study include the Renaissance; Reformation; origins of European exploration, colonialism, and empire; the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment; agricultural and industrial transformation; state centralization, politicization, and revolution, modern theories of economy and government; and the rise of mass society. An emphasis on analytical writing helps students further develop their ability to mobilize evidence in support of interpretive conclusions as students focus on the "whys" and "hows" of history.
Additionally, through the analysis of primary and scholarly sources, ranging from Martin Luther’s 95 Theses to the writing of the Enlightenment, and on to the political and economic theorists of the 19th and 20th centuries and the artifacts of everyday life, students further strengthen their critical-thinking skills. An explicitly global lens of analysis also encourages students to understand the multilateral influence of world regions upon one another.
Grade 11
United States History
In the 11th grade, students narrow their focus to evaluate how the patterns shaping World and European histories helped produce the distinct features of American history. Classes in American History are offered at levels ranging from the Principles level to AP United States History, with AP US Government offered as an elective when possible. Through these courses, students work to build a nuanced understanding of how America’s past, beginning in pre-colonial times, directly affects its present. Students expand their methodological and theoretical repertoires and ability to engage with scholarly sources by grappling with both recent and historical scholarly perspectives, including the frontier thesis, emancipatory internationalism, globalization, and 19th century notions of American exceptionalism. Now-familiar approaches to historical analysis are applied to demythologize and contextualize American history and the histories with which it intersects, and students are called upon to develop multivalent analyses of American social, economic, political, demographic, and cultural history.
Key areas of thematic focus include geospatial and environmental analysis, the development and consolidation of political power and theories of government, economic development and transformation and its social effects, imperialism and theories of ethno-cultural supremacy, sectional and ethnic tension, work and consumption, foreign policy, expanding democratization, and diverse movements for socio-economic and political equity and justice. Throughout their coursework, students analyze scholarly works, as well as documents, speeches, court cases, political satire, maps, data, and oral testimony to inform their developing understanding of American history.
Grade 12
Elective Senior Seminars
Students in the 12th grade capstone their studies by selecting from a range of narrowly-focused semester-long thematic offerings designed to prepare students for the rigors and methodologies of collegiate studies in History. Taught and designed by experts in their fields, senior seminar courses trade breadth for depth, and offer students the opportunity to deepen their understanding in areas of personal interest. With a continued emphasis on written analysis and engagement with primary and scholarly sources, senior seminars challenge students by introducing new theoretical lenses and novel, challenging case studies in which to apply them.
Seminar topics are determined by teacher availability and student interest, and may include (but are not limited to) Modern Jewish History, Gender and Women's Studies, Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism in Context, Urban History and Domestic Unrest, Antisemitism, History through Music, the History and Theory of Religion, and the History and Theory of Nationalism.
This course will help students explore the history of Zionism and the modern State of Israel. Beginning our studies in the 1880s, students will learn about the concept of the "new Jew" and the factors that motivated the early Zionists. Through this course, we will consider the struggles of setting up a Jewish state and the internal conflicts that emerged including debates over immigration, religion, and land. As the story unfolds, this course will also set up how the Jewish and Arab historical narratives developed over time, ultimately leading to today's Arab-Israeli conflict.
Some highlights of our discussions include an exploration into the history of the Palestinian people, the effects of military battles including the Six Day War, and debates over past controversial decisions like the disengagement from the Gaza Strip and the Gilad Shalit trade. After learning about the history of Israel, students will be encouraged to reflect on what they have learned by thinking about today's issues and to think about how to advocate for their beliefs
MATH
The mathematics department focuses on critical thinking, data analysis, computation skills, and interpreting and modeling graphical representations of complex figures. Students benefit from a wide spectrum of classes that encourage them to appreciate the value and relevance of math skills in their academic lives and beyond. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of technology, including the use of graphing calculators and online tools to better prepare our students for high school, college, and their careers.
Grade 9
Geometry
Our school offers four levels of Geometry, each designed to meet students where they are in their math journey.
Principles of Geometry introduces the basics of points, lines, angles, triangles, and polygons at a slower pace, requiring only Pre-Algebra as a prerequisite.
Grade Level Geometry expands on these topics to include right triangles, trigonometry, quadrilaterals, circles, and three-dimensional figures, with Basic Algebra I as a foundation.
Accelerated Geometry covers all of the Grade Level content with greater algebraic rigor and emphasizes constructing proofs and logical arguments.
Honors Geometry moves at the fastest pace, requiring students to synthesize Algebra I skills to tackle complex problems while mastering all topics from the Accelerated course.
Grade 10
Grade 11
Students will explore special linear functions such as absolute value, step, and piecewise functions. They will spend more time on word problems and applications throughout the course. In addition, students will learn about scatter plots and linear regression. They will spend more time on graphing quadratic equations in its various forms and analyzing quadratic functions. Rational expressions, variation and transformations of rational functions are explored as well. Students are introduced to the TI-83/84 graphing calculator and learn how to use the calculator to solve complex problems.
Prerequisites: Algebra I and GeometryBeginning with a review of linear and quadratic functions, students are introduced to various different types of functions and their characteristics. Polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions are explored in depth. Students learn about their graphs and transformations, their inverse functions and how to solve their different types of equations. The TI-83/84 graphing calculator is used throughout the course to enhance the understanding of concepts and material. The Honors section of this course delves deeper into the material. Students are expected to synthesize different concepts to solve complex problems. The Honors course is designed to prepare students to take AP Calculus AB.
Prerequisite: Algebra 2AP Calculus AB is an introductory college-level calculus course. Students cultivate their understanding of differential and integral calculus through engaging with real-world problems represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally and using definitions and theorems to build arguments and justify conclusions as they explore concepts like change, limits, and the analysis of functions.
Prerequisites: Honors or Accelerated Precalculus and Departmental ApprovalGrade 12
Precalculus
Beginning with a review of linear and quadratic functions, students are introduced to various different types of functions and their characteristics. Polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions are explored in depth. Students learn about their graphs and transformations, their inverse functions and how to solve their different types of equations. The TI-83/84 graphing calculator is used throughout the course to enhance the understanding of concepts and material.
Prerequisite: Grade Level Algebra 2
Calculus
This course introduces students to the concepts of differential and integral calculus. Students will learn limits, basic derivatives and applications and basic integration techniques.
Prerequisite: Precalculus
AP Statistics
AP Statistics is an introductory college-level statistics course that introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students cultivate their understanding of statistics using technology, investigations, problem solving, and writing as they explore concepts like variation and distribution; patterns and uncertainty; and data-based predictions, decisions, and conclusions.
Prerequisites: Algebra 2 and Departmental Approval
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus AB is an introductory college-level calculus course. Students cultivate their understanding of differential and integral calculus through engaging with real-world problems represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally and using definitions and theorems to build arguments and justify conclusions as they explore concepts like change, limits, and the analysis of functions.
Prerequisites: Honors or Accelerated Precalculus and Departmental Approval
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus BC applies the content and skills learned in AP Calculus AB to parametrically defined curves, polar curves, and vector-valued functions; develops additional integration techniques and applications; and introduces the topics of sequences and series.
Prerequisites: AP Calculus AB and Departmental Approval
Financial Literacy and Statistics
Financial Literacy and Statistics is a practical, application-based course designed to equip students with essential life and math skills. Students will explore personal finance topics such as budgeting, banking, credit, loans, interest, investments, and taxes, while also learning how to make informed financial decisions. The statistics portion of the course teaches students how to collect, analyze, and interpret data, with applications to real-world financial scenarios. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving, critical thinking, and using mathematics as a tool for everyday decision-making. By the end of the course, students will be better prepared to manage their own finances and to understand the role of data in shaping personal and societal choices.
Prerequisites: Algebra 2
Our science curriculum offers students the opportunity to explore a variety of science disciplines. In the classroom, science is brought to life with hands-on lab experiences complemented by access to a wide range of virtual laboratory experiments. Students learn to interpret data, use formulas, and conduct research protocols as they progress through their science courses.
Grade 9
Biology
The emphasis of this freshmen course is to develop an understanding of biological concepts and recognize the unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology. These “Big Ideas” of biology include the cellular basis of life; heredity; matter and energy; growth, development, and reproduction; homeostasis; and unity and diversity of life. Biological concepts will include Cellular life, Cell energy, Cell growth and division, Mendelian and Molecular genetics, and body Systems. Initially, the course will involve a brief review of the scientific process, lab safety protocols, and classroom expectations. Course work, Lab work and examinations will prepare students for future science courses.
Grade 10
Chemistry
The focus of this sophomore course is to develop an understanding of foundational chemistry concepts and recognize the methods and processes required in working in the field of chemistry. The “Big Ideas” of chemistry include the conservation of matter and energy, the behavior and properties of matter, particulate nature of matter, and equilibrium. We will begin the year with a focus on critical thinking and writing, a review of the math skills needed for Chemistry, the processes of scientific study, and laboratory safety. Following this, we will explore the structure of atoms and the laws that govern matter, including chemical bonding and reactions. Finally, we will investigate intermolecular forces, solutions and energy change. Approximately 10% of the course will involve practical laboratory investigations.
Grade 11
Physics
Physics, very simply, is the study of the physical world, specifically matter and energy. Physicists work to understand how the universe works by exploring the motion of electrons and planets, the energy in electric circuits and sound waves, and the structure of an atom and the universe. This year, we will seek to do the same, and in the process, gain a better understanding of our surroundings and the interactions between matter and energy.
Honors Physics
In Honors Physics students will explore concepts like kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, and power; linear momentum; rotation; and gravitation. Students will do hands-on laboratory work, simulations, and in-class activities to investigate natural phenomena and use algebra to solve problems. This is a fast-paced course that may require significant work outside of class.
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry (Honors strongly recommended) and Departmental Approval
Corequisite: Precalculus (recommend)
Grade 12
Forensics incorporates all of the major fields of scientific study. Course topics will include the study of biological evidence, including blood, DNA, hair, and manner of death, as well as the study of physical evidence, such as ballistics, glass, fibers, and textiles. A heavy emphasis will be placed on observational skills and the scientific process.
*Some topics dealt with in this course are of mature nature.
Honors Anatomy & Physiology
The topics in this course include a detailed orientation to the body, anatomical terminology, and the structure and function of all major organ systems. Material moves at an advanced pace so students should be highly motivated and prepared to spend a significant amount of time preparing outside of class. This course will be beneficial to those interested in careers in a medical field or in biology.
*Some topics dealt with in this course are of mature nature.
AP Science
Students study the core scientific principles, theories, and processes that govern living organisms and biological systems. Emphasis is placed on the themes that unify biology, including regulation of biological processes, energy transfer, continuity and change, evolution, the relationship between structure and function, emergent properties, interdependence in nature, the scientific process, and the relevance of biology in our everyday lives. Students will do hands-on laboratory work and conduct simulations to investigate natural phenomena. This is a fast-paced course that requires significant work outside of class.
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry (Honors strongly recommended) and Departmental Approval
Students learn about the fundamental concepts of chemistry including structure and states of matter, intermolecular forces, and reactions. Students will do hands-on laboratory work and conduct simulations to investigate natural phenomena and use chemical calculations to solve problems. This is a fast-paced course that requires quite a bit of work outside of class.
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry (Honors strongly recommended) and Departmental Approval
Students will explore concepts such as kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; rotation; oscillations; and gravitation. Students will do hands-on laboratory work, simulations, and in-class activities to investigate natural phenomena and use calculus to solve problems. This is a fast-paced course that requires significant time and work outside of class.
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry (Honors strongly recommended) and Departmental Approval
Corequisite: AP Calculus (recommended) or Precalculus Honors
Students will explore the ideas, theories, and methods of the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Students will examine the concepts of psychology through reading and discussion and analyze data from psychological research. This is a fast-paced course that requires substantial outside reading.
ELECTIVES
Arabic
Arabic and Hebrew are “sister languages.” They share the origin of the Semitic languages, the same verb form, many similar words, roots and meanings, and grammatical structure. These similarities assist the students in the language acquisition process. Learning Arabic benefits the students not only by improving their Hebrew language skills, but also by helping them understand the Arabic culture, as well as the history and mentality of the Middle East and the Muslim world.
Art and Design 1
Students develop and strengthen their skills in drawing and painting by hand, but also add an element of technology by using iPads and drawing applications. The focus is on using both methods to create beautiful, professional finished products.
Engineering & Coding
Using curriculum from our partnerships with the Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education (CIJE), Project Lead The Way, and VEX Robotics, our students engage in a multi-year journey to master electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science (through the blended CodeHS platform). Students learn how to utilize the Arduino microcontroller to pursue innovative capstone projects that solve real-world problems, hone their conflict resolution skills through building drones and competing in VEX robotics, and sharpen their ability to code in JavaScript, Python, SQL, HTML, and CSS.
Movement & Dance (Girls Only)
Law
MakerSpace and Technology
Photography
Through collaboration, technical skills, and attention to detail, students will learn to think creatively and see the world from a different perspective. Through the art of photography and videography, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the technology available at their fingertips, students will truly learn what it means to "capture the moment."
Physical Education (Boys Only)
Our Physical Education program offers various types of physical activities with student-driven curricula. Three times a week, the students get to actively participate in intense physical outlets of their choice. Choices of sport include but are not limited to flag football, basketball, soccer, and weight training. Students will rotate choices throughout the year with an emphasis on individual skill development as well as team competitions.
Spanish 1
The goal of this course is to increase each student’s ability to communicate in Spanish. Students will gain a better understanding of how to converse with local Spanish-speaking community members and be able to communicate effectively when visiting a Spanish-speaking country. The course concentrates on both grammar and verbal communication.
Study Skills
AP Government and Politics
Politics is all around us. We hear daily of the President’s doings, read about Supreme Court rulings, and discuss pressing issues with friends and family. Exposure, however, is not comprehension. We can too often confuse familiarity with our government for an understanding of how it functions. AP United States Government and Politics is designed to fix this problem. Students will explore the foundations of American democracy, the evolution of its institutions, and the boundaries of our political discourse. Using contemporary issues as a wedge to pry open the complexities of the American system of government, AP Government is an exciting course to produce not only successful AP Exam test takers, but informed citizens as well.
Art & Design 2
Engineering & Coding 2
Using curriculum from our partnerships with the Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education (CIJE), Project Lead The Way, and VEX Robotics, our students engage in a multi-year journey to master electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science (through the blended CodeHS platform). Students learn how to utilize the Arduino microcontroller to pursue innovative capstone projects that solve real-world problems, hone their conflict resolution skills through building drones and competing in VEX robotics, and sharpen their ability to code in JavaScript, Python, SQL, HTML, and CSS.
Fashion & Product Design
Take a look at your favorite and most often used products and unwrap the world of packaging design. Students will utilize the creative design process and explore the packaging industry. You will go from initial product concept, logo and imagery studies and structural strategy to 3D built prototypes. In the Fashion Design part of the course, students will be introduced to the world of fashion. Areas to be included are: psychology of clothing, fashion fundamentals, elements and principles of design, textiles and consumerism. Included units on fiber science, computer-aided textile design, textile laser cutting and apparel construction.
Physical Education (Boys Only)
Spanish 2
Study Skills
Videography
AP Government & Politics
Arabic 3
Art & Design 3 *option for AP Studio Art
In Art and Design at KYHS, students develop and strengthen their skills in drawing and painting by hand, but also add an element of technology by using iPads and drawing applications. The focus is on using both methods to create beautiful, professional finished products. In 11th grade, Honors and AP Art students can build personal portfolios to submit as supplements for college applications and art programs.
Economics
Economics is a social science concerned with the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. It studies how individuals, businesses, governments, and nations make choices about how to allocate resources. The class addresses topics such as How and why does our market economic system work? Why is there inflation and/or unemployment and what are the remedies? What are the causes and consequences of our growing national debt? What is the Federal Reserve and how does its monetary policy affect you and the interest rate? How is the emerging global interdependence of countries changing our economy and your life? This course will help you understand the economic environment in which you live, work, and vote.
Engineering & Coding 3
Game Design
Movement & Dance (Girls Only)
Physical Education (Boys Only)
Videography 2
