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Program of Studies

Course Offerings 2025-2026

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A Brief Synopsis

of HS Courses

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Requirement - 4 credits

English

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

English 9

Public Speaking

Creative Writing

English 10

Public Speaking

Creative Writing

Film as Literature

English 11/12

AP Language & Comp

AP Literature & Comp

Public Speaking

Creative Writing

Film as Literature

English 11/12

AP Language & Comp

AP Literature & Comp

Public Speaking

Creative Writing

Film as Literature

*Please Note: Public Speaking, Creative Writing, and Film as Literature do not replace core English class (Elective Credit Only)

Courses in BOLD indicate semester-long class

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Diploma Requirement - 3 credits

Colleges Recommend - 4 credits

Science

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

Physics

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Biology

Chemistry

Environmental Science*

AP Physics I

AP Biology

AP Chemistry +Lab

Physics

Biology

Chemistry

Environmental Science*

AP Physics I

AP Biology

AP Chemistry +Lab

*Environmental Science/ APES are offered alternating years. APES will be offered again in 2026-2027

Courses in BOLD indicate semester-long class

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Diploma Requirement - 3 credits

Colleges Recommend - 4 credits

Math

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

Math Foundations

IM1

IM2

Math Foundations

IM1

IM2

IM3

IM2

IM3

Statistics and Probability

Pre-Calculus

AP Statistics

AP Calculus AB

IM3 Extended

IM3

Statistics and Probability

Pre-Calculus

AP Statistics

AP Calculus AB

Courses in BOLD indicate semester-long class

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Diploma Requirement - 3 credits

Colleges Recommend - 4 credits

Social Studies

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

Early Global History

Modern Global History

AP World History: Modern

Economics

Middle East History

Psychology

Modern US History

AP World History AP Psychology

AP Micro* / AP Macro Econ

AP Comparative Government

AP US History

Middle East History Economics

Psychology Philosophy

Modern US History

AP World History AP Psychology

AP Micro* / AP Macro Econ

AP Comparative Government

AP US History

Middle East History Economics

Psychology Philosophy

Courses in BOLD indicate semester-long class

*AP Micro Economics/AP Macro Economics are offered alternating years. AP Micro will be offered again in 2026-2027

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Diploma Requirement - 2 years consecutive

Colleges Recommend - 3-4 credits (usually consecutive)

World Languages

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

French 1 to 4

Spanish 1 to 4

Arabic 1 to 6

Colloquial Arabic

French 1 to 4

Spanish 1 to 4

Arabic 1 to 6

IAL 1

Colloquial Arabic

French 1 to 4, AP

Spanish 1 to 4, AP

Arabic 1 to 6

IAL 1/2

Colloquial Arabic

French 1 to 4, AP

Spanish 1 to 4, AP

Arabic 1 to 6

IAL 1/2

Colloquial Arabic

Please Note: Students will select “French Language”, Spanish Language”, or “Arabic Language” and be placed in the next level class. Students with previous language experience- not at ACS or in HS- should contact their Counselor. Colloquial Arabic is elective credit only.

Courses in BOLD indicate semester-long class

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Diploma Requirement - 3 credits

PE / Health

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

Physical Education 9

Health- required

+

Strength Training

TaeKwonDo

Pilates/Yoga

Racquet Sports

Lifetime Fitness

Lifeguard Training

Steps Aerobics

Strength Training

TaeKwonDo

Pilates/Yoga

Racquet Sports

Lifetime Fitness

Lifeguard Training

Steps Aerobics

Courses in BOLD indicate semester-long class

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Diploma Requirement - 0.5 credits

Seminar

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

Project, Portfolio, Presentation - AP Seminar - AP Research

Courses in BOLD indicate semester-long class

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Diploma Requirement - 1 of 3

Tech

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

Intro to Computer Science Design Technology Intro to Media Production+ Engineering Science

Product Design+ Audio Production+ Video Production+

Computer Science Principles AP Computer Science Principles

AP Computer Science A

Adv Media Production Adv Engineering & Design

+Course counts as Art or Tech credit

Courses in BOLD indicate semester-long class

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Computer Science Pathways

Level 1

Level 2

(requires lvl. 1 class)

Level 3

(requires lvl. 2 class)

  • Intro to Computer Science

  • AP Computer Science Principles*
  • Computer Science Principles
  • AP Computer Science A

AMERICAN

COMMUNITY SCHOOL

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Engineering & Design Pathways

*All classes are Tech credits (0.5)

ENGINEERING SCIENCE

DESIGN TECH

PRODUCT

DESIGN

LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

LEVEL 2

AMERICAN

COMMUNITY SCHOOL

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Media Production Pathways

*All classes can be an Art OR Tech credit (0.5)

VIDEO PRODUCTION

Introduction to

MEDIA

PRODUCTION

AUDIO

PRODUCTION

LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

LEVEL 2

AMERICAN

COMMUNITY SCHOOL

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Diploma Requirement - 1 of 3

Fine/Performing Arts

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

Guitar Jazz Band Rock Band Theater Theater Tech+ Art & Design Art Foundations

Ceramics Printmaking Digital Art & Photography+ Yearbook+

Advanced Art

AP Art Open Art Studio

+Course counts as Art or Tech credit

Courses in BOLD indicate semester-long class

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Fine Arts Pathways

Level 1

Level 2

(requires lvl. 1 class)

Level 3

(requires lvl. 2 class)

  • Art & Design
  • Art Foundations
  • Ceramics
  • Digital Art & Photography
  • Printmaking

  • Advanced Art
  • Open Art Studio
  • AP Studio Art

AMERICAN

COMMUNITY SCHOOL

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Student Choice

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

Entrepreneurship Colloquial Arabic Yearbook+

Online Learning Internship

+Course counts as Art or Tech credit

Courses in BOLD indicate semester-long class

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Am I keeping in mind the graduation requirements?

When signing up for course, keep in mind these ideas:

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Graduation requirements at ACS are as follows:

Course

Class of 2024+

Minimum ACS Requirements

Recommendation

varies from state to state, college to college, etc.

English

4

4

Math

3

4

Science

3

4

Social Studies

3

4

World Languages

2 consecutive years of the same language

3-4

PE/Health

3

3

Fine Arts/Tech

Fine Arts 1 (minimum)

Tech 1 (minimum)

Total of 3

3

Seminar/PPP

0.5

-

Student Choice

3

3+

Total Credits

24.5

28+

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High School Program of Studies

(click on this link to read course descriptions and information)

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Am I choosing courses that will allow me maximum flexibility as I move through my high school years?

When signing up for courses, keep in mind these ideas:

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Maia Learning

Track your credits using your Maia account through

Academics - Academic Planner

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Alternatives

  • Students need to select at least four different alternatives- this will be through a google form (later this semester)
  • Alternatives are classes they would like if their 1st choice class isn’t offered or doesn’t fit
  • Alternatives shouldn’t be selected anywhere else (for example, don’t add Ceramics as an Arts choice and as an alternative)
  • Be just as thoughtful about Alternatives as you would other classes

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This!

Not This.

Am I choosing a balanced schedule? One that allows me time for other activities, while challenging me academically?

When signing up for course, keep in mind these ideas:

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Example Schedule (9th grade)

9th Grade Students will select:

  • 1 block of World Language
    • Full Year = Two Semesters
  • 2 blocks of Electives
    • Any combination of
      • Full Year = Two Semesters
      • Half Year = One Semester

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Example Schedule (10th grade)

10th Grade Students will select:

  • 1 block of World Language
    • Full Year = Two Semesters
  • 2 blocks of Electives
    • Any combination of
      • Full Year = Two Semesters
      • Half Year = One Semester

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Example Schedule (11-12th grade)

11-12th Grade Students will select:

  • 1 block of World Language
    • Full Year = Two Semesters
  • 2 blocks of Electives
    • Any combination of
      • Full Year = Two Semesters
      • Half Year = One Semester

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Am I choosing courses that are appropriate to my abilities, interests, and long-term goals?

When signing up for courses, keep in mind these ideas:

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  • Keep in mind the workload:
    • An hour/day per AP Course (7hrs/week)
    • There is a cost associated with AP courses.
    • Some AP courses have prerequisites
  • May advance your placement in university
  • May be accepted as credit in some university programs (depending on exam results)

When considering AP Courses...

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  • Plan for an hour a day per AP course
  • 10th Graders may sign up for EITHER AP World History OR AP Computer Science Principles, if desired
  • Students wishing to take three AP courses should have a GPA greater than 3.5
  • Students wishing to take two AP courses should have a GPA greater than 3.0
  • Students with a cumulative GPA lower than 3.0, should confer with their counselor before signing up for any AP courses.
  • Students wishing to take more than three AP’s per semester must get Principal approval.

Reminders for AP Classes

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  • Discuss course choices as a family.
  • Don’t worry about what your best friend might be taking.
  • Read the course description in the Program of Studies.
  • Talk to teachers who are currently teaching the course.
  • Talk to current teachers about their recommendations.
  • Remember that you will be involved in extracurricular activities as well.
  • Consider courses where you will experience both success and challenge!

Other tips while selecting

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The Four Year Options 25-26 will be sent to you in a few days.

  1. Continue to review and revise your 4 Year Plan (created during Flex in Dec/Jan)
  2. Individual meetings to review options: 9th grade (Mr. Wilusz), 10th grade (Ms. Collings), 11th grade (Ms. Kurdi)
  3. AP Presentations during Flex starting January 20th
  4. Requests entered in PowerSchool the week of February 2nd
  5. Schedule conflict conversations February-March-April
  6. Schedules finalized in May

Next Steps

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The Four Year Options 25-26 will be sent to you in a few days.

  • Continue to review and revise your 4 Year Plan (created during Flex in Dec/Jan)
  • Individual meetings to review options: 9th grade (Mr. Wilusz), 10th grade (Ms. Collings), 11th grade (Ms. Kurdi)
  • AP Presentations during Flex starting January 20th
  • Requests entered in PowerSchool the week of February 2nd
  • Schedule conflict conversations February-March-April
  • Schedules finalized in May

Next Steps

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The Four Year Options 25-26 will be sent to you in a few days.

  • Requests entered in PowerSchool on Thursday, February 6th during Explore
  • Ms Collings will meet with 8th Graders individually later in the semester to choose Alternatives
  • Schedule conflict conversations February-March-April (very rare in Grade 9)
  • Schedules finalized in May

Next Steps for 8th Graders

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Q&A

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College Counseling Website

  • Check individual university websites
  • Check associations/unions/ certifications/state/ country requirements
  • Search engines are a great place to start:
  • BigFuture
  • UCAS
  • Study in Canada
  • Programs taught in English in Europe

The Process

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Will the courses I’m choosing afford me the best opportunities for my post-secondary plans?

When signing up for course, keep in mind these ideas:

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I don’t know what I want to study

Broad selection

Highlight Strengths

Enjoy!

I know what I want to study

Broad selection

Highlight Strengths

Enjoy!

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Some considerations - US

Business/Economics/Finance

  • Math
  • Economics
  • Social sciences

Sciences

  • Math
  • Sciences
  • Computer Science

Engineering

  • Math
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science/Tech

Architecture

  • Math
  • Physics
  • Art

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Some considerations - UK and Europe

Business/Economics/Finance

  • Math
  • Economics

Sciences/Medicine/Pharmacy

  • Math
  • Chemistry
  • Biology/Physics

Engineering

  • Math
  • Physics
  • Chemistry

Architecture

  • Math
  • Physics
  • Art

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Some considerations - Canada

Engineering

  • Math
  • Physics
  • Chemistry

Architecture

  • Math
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Art

Sciences

  • Math
  • Chemistry
  • Biology/Physics

Business

  • Math
  • Social Sciences

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Q&A

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THANK YOU