— Yellow Springs High School Graduation Requirements  —

Class of 2025: Earn 22 Credits

Class of 2026 and Beyond: Earn 23 Credits
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State Testing Requirements

The courses in which students take an end-of-course exam will be: English 10, Algebra I, Geometry, Biology, American History and American Government. Students must take each of these exams and must earn a competency score of 684 or higher in Algebra I and English 10 (ELA II) to be eligible for graduation.

Students who take Physical Science, American History or American Government as part of Advanced Placement programs can use their scores from the programs’ end-of-course exams in place of the state end-of-course exam scores. Students taking a College Credit Plus course may be able to use their course grades for their Biology, US History, and Government score.  

Exam Retakes

Students that score below the competency score of 684 on the ELA II end-of-course exam or the Algebra I end-of-course exam will be required retake the exam at least one time.  

 

 

Please Note: Additional Honors Diploma Areas of Focus (IB, CTE, STEM, Arts, Social Science and Civic Engagement) can be found on the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce website.  

College Preparatory Curriculum 

A college preparatory curriculum expects more than the minimum standards to graduate. The more rigorous the curriculum chosen in high school, the better the student’s preparation will be for college. In general, taking a core course from each content area each year is highly recommended, as is striving to reach the most rigorous courses available within each content area (for example, striving to take AP Chemistry, AP Physics, and/or AP Biology within the science curriculum rather than taking easier courses that satisfy minimum requirements to graduate but do not excel within this content area.)

 Striving to meet the Academic Honors Diploma requirements and excelling beyond those within each content area as much as possible is a good rule to follow for preparing you for the work you will do in college, increasing your likelihood of being admitted to the college of your choice, and increasing your chances of receiving scholarships from that college. Please note that colleges look at the following when assessing an applicant:

1. Rigor of high school curriculum over the four years of high school
2. Grades in core academic classes
3. Grade point average
4. Relative position in the class (we don’t report rank, but can report percentile upon request from a college)
5. Scores on the ACT or SAT
6. Student essay on the college application; letters of recommendation from content area teachers and the guidance counselor, extra-curricular involvement and leadership.

 For applications at many colleges, school officials are asked to comment on the student’s academic achievement, extracurricular accomplishments, and personal qualities and character, comparing them to other students in their class and to all students they’ve ever taught.  

We are also asked to specifically comment on the following:

Academic achievement; intellectual promise; quality of writing; creative, original thought; productive class discussion; respect accorded by faculty; disciplined work habits; maturity; motivation; leadership; integrity; reaction to setbacks; concern for others; self-confidence; initiative and independence. 

We are asked to say what distinguishes the student from others. As you can see, there are many fine things that students need to focus on above and beyond a minimum number of credits needed to graduate from high school. As you seek to plan out the path of courses you’ll choose to take in high school, always keep your mind on the longer term goals of life after high school.

 

College Credit Plus (CCP)

WHAT IS COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS:

College Credit Plus (CCP) is designed to help students earn college and high school credits at the same time by taking college courses from community colleges or universities. The purpose of this program is to promote rigorous academic pursuits and to provide a wide variety of options to students in grades 7-12 who meet college admission requirements. As required by law, no fees will be charged to families for College Credit Plus classes taken through public universities.

Yellow Springs Schools (YSS) and Yellow Springs High School (YSHS) recognize the opportunities that CCP courses provide for students to enrich and enhance the academic program while in middle and high school, as well as the benefits to both students and families in preparation for continuing future academic careers. YSHS has embraced the concept of CCP and supports students that are academically, socially, and emotionally ready to begin college course work, whether that is on a college campus or through course options on our campus taught by our high school staff.

Please note that the timeline below refers to YSHS timelines related to students planning to

participate in college coursework. Scheduling students in grades 7-12 begins in February, with the purpose of creating a master schedule that meets the needs of students and the district’s

obligation to make fiscally responsible decisions regarding the number of staff and course sections necessary to maintain appropriate class sizes.

TIMELINE:
Students and parents are required to inform their school district that they intend to participate in

the College Credit Plus program by April 1 for the following year, by completing and returning the Intent to Participate packet. Students that have previously participated in CCP are required to resubmit the intent packet annually.
 

 

ADVANTAGES OF CCP FOR STUDENTS:

• Students may earn college credit and high school credit upon successful completion of the course.
• Increase the rigor and challenge of course offerings while in high school.
• Per HB 487, College Credit Plus courses must receive the equivalent weight as any weighted course within a given content area.
• Course tuition at public colleges/universities paid for by YSHS. 

ELIGIBILITY:

• In order to participate in CCP, students must meet requirements established by each college/university.
• To register for a class, students must meet the prerequisite requirements outlined by the
• university or college in which they are attending.
• A student must provide their own transportation if taking courses on the college campus.

SCHEDULING:

• Students taking College Credit Plus courses are subject to the rules and regulations of the
• university they are currently attending, including add, drop, and enrollment dates.
• Students register for YSHS courses based on anticipated CCP involvement at a college or university (example: half-day on a college campus equals registering for three YSHS courses). The class schedule may be adjusted, as necessary, but not without cause. Students must have a schedule that qualifies as full-time status.
• Students will not earn credit for college courses at the remedial level.
• YSHS is not responsible for any scheduling conflicts between college courses and YSHS classes and/or school activities. This includes credits needed prior to YSHS commencement exercises.
  • It is your responsibility to make sure driving time is sufficient.
  • Federal financial aid may be impacted: federal guidelines limit the number of courses you may attempt (even if they are taken while in high school) to 150% of the number of credits needed for a degree.
• It is the responsibility of the student/parent to maintain close communication with both their YSHS counselor and academic advisor at the university.

AMOUNT OF WORK/PACE/RIGOR:

Students should understand that these courses are college-level courses, and the amount of work, pace, and rigor of content in college courses may be much greater than high school courses. In addition, college course grades become a part of a student’s permanent college transcript and are calculated into the college grade point average. Poor performance in college courses may affect future university admissions and financial aid.

Courses taken on the college campus/online will comprise students of all ages enrolled at the

college, not just students enrolled through CCP. While in college courses, students are introduced to a learning environment that promotes an open exchange of ideas. Course content is presented on an adult level and class discussions require an understanding of divergent viewpoints and the ability to think critically on controversial issues.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:

No YSHS graduation requirements will be waived for any student participating in College

Credit Plus but College Credit Plus courses may be used to meet YSHS graduation requirements.

FAILURE OR WITHDRAWAL FROM CCP COURSE:

• If a student fails or withdraws (after college/university final withdrawal date) from any college
• course, the cost for tuition, fees, and books may be charged to the family.
• No credit is awarded for a failed course.
• No coursework will be given Pass/Fail as a grade.
• If the failed course is a requirement for high school graduation, it must be retaken and
• completed before graduation.
• Proper paperwork must be filed with the university to withdraw. Upon withdrawal, the student
• must meet with YSHS counselors to develop a new graduation plan and schedule.
• CCP courses and the grades associated with them will be reported on both the student's high
• school transcript as well as the college transcript.
• Failure to satisfactorily complete a college course for YSHS credit may result in (but not be limited to) the following consequences:
  • Fees for dropped or failed class will be assessed
  • Failure to meet graduation requirements
  • Loss of commencement privileges
  • Negative effect on GPA and class rank
  • Loss of extracurricular eligibility

ACADEMIC CREDIT (CCP TO YSHS):

• A college course earning 3 or more semester hours = 1 YSHS credit.
• A college course earning less than 3 semester hours = a proportional fraction of a YSHS credit.

For Example:

2 semester hour college course = 0.66 credits at YSHS.

1 semester hour college course = 0.33 credits at YSHS.

• Maximum number of hours allowed per school year in CCP program at college = 30 college hours AND cannot exceed 120 college credit hours over a student's career.
   

WEIGHTED GRADES:

CCP courses will be weighted on the same 4.0 scale as all YSHS courses. The grades earned in CCP courses will appear on the student’s college transcript and YSHS transcript. 

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

• Students who participate in extracurricular activities must still meet eligibility requirements set by the school district and the OHSAA. Students must be enrolled and receive passing grades in courses that earn a minimum of 5 credits per year toward high school graduation. Eligibility is based on the courses taken in the preceding grading period. Students should check with a YSHS counselor if they need to remain eligible for OHSAA sports.

• If the student plans on playing a sport in college, CCP courses may not be accepted for the NCAA Clearinghouse.

COUNSELING SERVICES:

• An academic advisor from the participating institution is required to meet with each student

within the first two weeks of class. This may be done in a group setting.

• College transcripts can be requested by visiting the respective college or university website

associated with the courses taken. YSHS does not have access to college transcripts.

• All YSHS students (whether full or part-time) have free access to all YSHS counseling services. This includes all academic, personal and post-secondary counseling services.

TRANSFER OF CREDITS/TRANSCRIPTS:

• Credits earned through College Credit Plus are transferable to many public and private institutions in Ohio and out of the state. If a student attends the same college after high school

graduation, full credit is transferred.

• Honors Programs may not accept CCP credits.
• CCP credit is not guaranteed at out-of-state public colleges and private universities.
• Students who want to transfer to another university should send their CCP transcript to the university they plan to attend.

CCP BOOKS:

A procedure for the purchasing/renting and returning of textbooks for CCP courses will be

provided to participating students. All CCP books/materials purchased by YSHS are considered the property of the district.
 

SAMPLE COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS PATHWAYS:

Below are sample College Credit Plus pathways for 15 and 30 credit hours at Clark State University. Students are not limited to this university or these courses.
 

 

Study Hall Policy

Study hall will be reserved for juniors and seniors and will be limited to one study hall period per student.

Late Arrival/Early Dismissal Requests

Seniors will be permitted to request a late entry or early release. Students who are granted this privilege must be in good standing academically (passing all courses, on track to graduate and must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 each quarter), have good attendance and maintain appropriate school behavior. Students will not be granted both late entry and early release. Students will be required to sign in/out at the office each day and the district will not provide transportation for students arriving late or leaving early.

2-Sport PE Exemption

Students who have participated in interscholastic athletics or cheerleading for at least two full seasons with at least a 95% attendance rate at practices and games/matches as defined in the YSHS Athletic Handbook, while enrolled in grades 9-12 and as documented by the Athletic Director, may be excused from the high school PE requirement (YS Policy 5460).

AP Courses

All students taking an Advanced Placement class are required to take the national AP exam in May. The cost is $97. Payment is due by midterm of the first quarter. Any difficulties in meeting this cost or deadline should be addressed to the Principal as soon as possible to make other arrangements. There is a fee waiver for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch, meaning the student does not need to pay the exam fee. In addition to the exam fee, some AP classes have a fee for lab materials.

Greene County Career Center

Students can complete their last two years of high school coursework at the Greene County Career Center.  Students take their academic courses in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies at the Career Center, while also specializing in one of the following programs:
 

In order to be accepted at the Career Center, students need to have earned enough credits in 9th and 10th grade to be able to graduate in two more years at the Career Center. Credit deficiencies can jeopardize a student being accepted into the program of their choice. Certain programs also have grade and specific course prerequisites. See the guidance office for specific program details, or go to www.greeneccc.com.

 

 

English 9

• 9th grade
• No prerequisite
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

 English 9 is a freshman level language arts course loosely organized around the cowriting concept of the Hero’s Journey.  During this course, you will develop and apply reading comprehension strategies suitable for a variety of print material.  You will also develop critical thinking skills and expand media literacy skills.  Writing assignments will emphasize the writing process and consist of both creative and academic writing, including literary analysis, research writing, persuasive writing, and expository writing.  The grammar and mechanics of writing learned in previous years will be reviewed, as well as literary devices and non-fiction rhetorical techniques.  Reading selections will reflect a variety of genres, eras, and cultures.  You will also develop and use criteria to choose independent reading materials.

Humanities 10 (Combined English 10 and American History)

• 10th grade
• Prerequisite: English 9, World History recommended
• Full year course
• 2.0 credits

 In this course, students will explore American History from 1877-the present as they examine the same time periods and themes through literature, short stories, plays, poetry, and more from the era. Students will gain critical thinking and analysis skills through their courses of study as they examine the past of the United States and its influences on society at that time and the present. 

AP Seminar English

• 11th grade 
• AP exam fee:  $146
• Prerequisites:  For AP Seminar - A or B in English 10 and/or teacher recommendation
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit 

 AP Seminar is a college preparatory course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational literary and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances.  Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in research-based written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments. Students who opt to take this course for the AP Seminar credit are required to submit all components of the AP exam.

English 11 

• 11th grade
• Prerequisites: English 9, 10
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

 English 11 is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational literary and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances.  Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in research-based written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.

English 12

• 12th grade
• Prerequisites: English 9, 10, 11
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

 This is the standard course intended for 12th grade students. Students will learn and hone techniques for reading and comprehending grade-level texts; writing routinely for shorter and extended time-frames in narrative, argumentative, informative/explanatory, and analytical modes for a range of tasks, purpose, and audiences using varied technologies; engaging in academic speaking/listening using varied technologies; and mastering language/grammar/composition conventions. The course will offer both thematic and novel-based units that include a variety of text selections (literary and informational, classic and contemporary, fiction and nonfiction, poetry/prose/drama) representing diverse cultures and viewpoints. Student learning targets for English Grades 11- 12 (reading, writing, speaking and listening, and language) as set forth by Ohio’s Learning Standards will drive student-learning objectives.

AP English Literature

• 12th grade
• AP exam fee:  $97
• Prerequisites:  English 9, 10, and AP Seminar, good grades or permission of the teacher and completion of summer reading program. Students taking this course are required to take the AP exam.
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

The primary goal of the senior Advanced Placement English class is to develop students' abilities as independent readers, writers, and thinkers while engaged in a college level course.  The course will serve to develop advanced habits in critical thought as demonstrated through writing and speaking.  Literature will be approached on both academic and artistic levels while students work to understand literature in its artistic sense and in its universal and historical sense.  Students will study literature in a manner that allows them to develop intellect, cognitive design skills, aesthetic sensitivity, intra-and intercultural awareness, ethical sensitivity and existential maturity. 

 

 

 

Algebra I 

• 9th-12th grade
• Prerequisite:  Successful completion of 8th grade math
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

Algebra I presents a course in real numbers, expressions, equations, inequalities, problem-solving, algebraic fractions, linear systems, roots, algebraic properties, graphing, powers, basic statistics, and factoring.  Students entering this class should already have a strong grasp of basic arithmetic skills and number sense.  Many basic algebra concepts will be mastered in Algebra I, while other, more complicated, algebra concepts will be introduced.

Algebra I Lab

• 9th grade
• No prerequisite
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

Algebra I Lab will be taken in conjunction with Algebra I and will offer students additional hands-on examples, intervention support, and teacher support for work completion. All students taking Algebra I as 9th graders will also be required to take Algebra I Lab. 

Geometry 

• 9th-12th grade
• Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Algebra I
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

This course integrates synthetic, coordinate, and transformation approaches to Euclidean geometry within a deductive system reinforcing algebra.  It includes the study of transformations, proofs of congruences, logic of geometry, measurements of plane and solid figures. 

Mathematical Modeling and Reasoning 

• 11th-12th grade
• Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra I and Geometry
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

Critical thinking and reasoning are the primary objectives and outcomes of this advanced quantitative reasoning course. It includes the application of mathematical skills including algebraic methods to the analysis and interpretation of quantitative information (numbers in context) in real-world situations to make decisions that are relevant to daily life. Additionally, the course emphasizes interpretation, precision, representation, calculation, analysis/synthesis, use of assumptions, and communication through student presentations and writing. Students combine problem-solving with modeling to analyze real-life situations and devise solution strategies. These habits and skills cut across disciplines, promote perseverance, and provide a gateway into successful postsecondary education and a variety of careers.

Algebra II

• 10th-12th grade
• Prerequisites:  Successful completion of Algebra I and Geometry and the recommendation of the Geometry teacher.
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

Algebra II is a course for students who have done well in Algebra I and who anticipate taking college algebra or higher courses at the college level.  Algebra II covers advanced topics such as: functions, recursive and explicit sequences, linear functions, quadratic functions, exponential functions, graphs, matrices, systems of equations, imaginary numbers, powers, radicals, and several factoring techniques.

Pre-Calculus 

• 11th - 12th grade
• Prerequisites:  Successful completion of Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

 This course is designed for students who intend to further study math and science beyond high school and provides excellent preparation for AP Calculus.  The first semester of class covers trigonometry and focuses on applications of trigonometry; including ratios and functions, solving triangles, identities, properties, solutions of equations, and periodic graphs.  During the second semester, students will analyze linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, radical, polynomial, and rational functions.  This course focuses on the mastery of critical skills and exposure to new skills necessary for success in subsequent math courses. 

AP Calculus 

• 11th-12th grade
• AP course fee:  $15
• AP exam fee:  $97
• Prerequisite:  Pre-Calculus 
• Students taking this course are required to take the AP exam.
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

 AP Calculus AB is the study of limits, derivatives, definite and indefinite integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.  Consistent with AP philosophy, concepts will be expressed and analyzed geometrically, numerically, analytically, and verbally.  Students learn how to use technology to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support conclusions.   Success in AP Calculus is tied to the preparation students have leading up to their enrollment in this course which includes a comprehensive study of algebra, geometry, coordinate geometry, trigonometry, and functions.   

 

 

 

Biology  

• 9th grade 
• No prerequisites
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

Biology is taught at a level such that students can successfully achieve a laboratory science credit. The classroom section includes biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, biotechnology, and basic anatomy of the fetal pigs and perch. Students will learn through inquiry lab experiments, lab reports, projects, lectures, lab practicals, and written tests.  Students learn more about lab safety and the use of microscopes. 


Chemistry 

• 10th grade
• Course fee: $5
• Prerequisite:  Biology
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

This is an in-depth chemistry course, especially relevant for the student interested in a science, medical, or engineering career.  Emphasis will be on high-level problem-solving, math, reading, and writing. Laboratory and project work emphasized, with multiple labs/projects per quarter. Taking chemistry is recommended before taking AP Biology. 
 

AP Chemistry    (Not offered in 24-25, offered again in 25-26)

• 11th-12th grade 
• AP course fee:  $15
• AP exam fee:  $97
• Prerequisite:  Chemistry I (A, B, or teacher recommendation)
• Students taking this course are required to take the AP exam.
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

Advanced Placement Chemistry is a second year chemistry course for students who want a college level course.  AP Chemistry is designed to prepare students for further college study in the areas of medicine, natural science, engineering, chemistry, etc.  It is a challenging, laboratory-oriented course with several shorter projects.  Students investigate atomic structure, bonding, thermochemistry, quantitative analysis, kinetics, equilibrium, and electrochemistry. 
 

Conceptual Physics

• 10th-12th grade
• Prerequisite: Biology 
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

Conceptual Physics is an introductory physics course with an emphasis on the fundamentals of physics, applications of physics in projects, and reasoning behind equations.  The goal is to refine and expand everyday thinking.  Mathematics is less of a focus than it is in AP Physics. However, Conceptual Physics serves as a good foundation for future college level courses in physics, chemistry, and biology.  Conceptual Physics may be taken as a precursor to AP Physics I (offered every other year).  
 

AP Physics I  

• 10th-12th grade
• AP course fee:  $15
• AP exam fee:  $97
• Prerequisite or Concurrent Enrollment:  Algebra II
• Students taking this course are required to take the AP exam.
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

AP Physics I:  Algebra-Based is equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics.  It is a challenging, in-depth, technical course for the college-bound student, especially important for the student interested in a science, physics, or engineering career.  The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, power, mechanical waves, and sound.  It will also introduce DC electric circuits.   

 

AP Biology 

• 11th - 12th grade
• AP course fee:  $15
• AP exam fee:  $97
• Prerequisites:  Biology (grade of A or B); Chemistry (grade of A or B); or teacher recommendation.  
• Students taking this course are required to take the AP exam.
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

 AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent to college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their freshman year.  It is designed to be taken by students after successful completion of a first course in high school biology.  It aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, deeper understanding, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science in biology.

 

Ecology 

• 10th-12th grade
• Course fee:  $15
• Prerequisite: Biology
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

Ecology is the study of how all organisms interact with their environment. Ecology is a year-long course designed for students of all abilities and academic pursuits. This course will assist students in understanding how organisms interact within the different biomes: both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors. The only prerequisite for this class is a successful completion of the Biology course.  A hands-on approach will be used throughout the units to show human effect on the environment- both positive and negative. Instructional methods include a field study, a lab experiment, projects, a field trip, research, gardening, and composting methods.

Human Anatomy and Physiology 

• 10th - 12th grade
• Course fee:  $25
• Prerequisite:  successful completion of Biology
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

 

This course will be an investigation into human anatomy and physiology.  It will use the comparative anatomy of various vertebrates to understand the form and functions of various human systems.  Units will include basic human body chemistry, all the major body systems, and special systems (eye, ear, and nose).  It will be a laboratory-based course that will investigate the structure and function of the human body.  Students will learn through dissections, group work, projects, labs, reading materials, class discussions, and activities.  

Students will be able to:

• Explain the function of each organ system and how structure relates to function.
• Describe, classify, and analyze objects. 
• Demonstrate the ability to develop problem-solving skills, using proper problem-solving techniques. 
• Identify key anatomical structures and demonstrate how they function.
• Engage in self-directed study and be able to demonstrate that knowledge to their peers.  

 

World History

• 9th grade
• No prerequisite
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

 In this course, designed for 9th graders, students will explore the major events, movements, and developments that have shaped our global community from the 18th century to the present day. Through a blend of multimedia resources, primary source analysis, and interactive discussions, students will learn about key themes such as political and industrial revolutions, imperialism, world wars, decolonization, globalization, and contemporary challenges. By examining diverse perspectives and grappling with complex historical issues, students will develop critical thinking skills, historical empathy, and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of global events. Students will gain valuable insights into the complexities of our modern world and the enduring relevance of history in shaping our future.
 

Humanities 10 (Combined English 10 and American History) 

• 10th grade
• Prerequisite:  English 9, World History recommended
• Full year course
• 2.0 credits

In this course, students will explore American History from 1877-the present as they examine the same time periods and themes through literature, short stories, plays, poetry, and more from the era. Students will gain critical thinking and analysis skills through their courses of study as they examine the past of the United States and its influences on society at that time and the present. 

 

American History Through Film

• 10th-12th grade
• No Prerequisite
• Semester course
• 0.5 credit 

In this course, students will explore American history through the lens of cinema, examining how pivotal events from our nation’s past have been portrayed on the silver screen. Through critical analysis of a diverse range of films spanning various genres and time periods, students will gain a deeper understanding of key historical events and their cultural significance. By dissecting the accuracy, biases, and artistic interpretations of films, students will develop their analytical skills and historical literacy, fostering a nuanced understanding of the complexities of American history as depicted in film.

 

World History Through Film

• 10th-12th grade
• No Prerequisite
• Semester course
• 0.5 credit 

Explore the rich tapestry of global history through the lens of cinema in this engaging course. Through a curated selection of films spanning various cultures, time periods, and genres, students will delve into pivotal moments, influential figures, and societal dynamics that have shaped our world. Viewing movies from around the world, students will critically analyze historical accuracy, cinematic techniques, and the intersection of art and history. By examining how filmmakers interpret and represent the past, students will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of world history, fostering critical thinking, cultural empathy, and an appreciation for the power of storytelling.
 

Government   

• 11th-12th grade
• Prerequisite:  US History
• Semester course
• 0.5 credit

 This is an introductory course surveying the basic concepts and questions that drive the U.S. political system. Students will study the origins, development, structure, and functions of the American government. Topics include the constitutional framework; federalism; the three branches of government, including the bureaucracy; civil rights and liberties; political participation and behavior; and policy formation. Upon completion, students will demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts and participatory processes of the American political system. Basic concepts of state and local government and their relationships with the federal government are also examined. During an election year students will become experts on the office of the Presidency in order to better understand how elections work in the United States.  

 

Psychology

• 10th-12th grade
• No prerequisite
• Semester course
• 0.5 credit

 In this dynamic introductory course, students will embark on a journey into the fascinating realm of the human mind and behavior. Through a blend of interactive lectures, engaging discussions, and hands-on activities, students will explore research methods, the biology of behavior, consciousness, learning, lifespan development, personality, social psychology, and psychological disorders and treatments. Drawing from classic and contemporary research, students will examine psychological theories and methodologies, honing their critical thinking skills as they analyze real-world applications of psychological principles.  Students will emerge from this course with a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them, equipped with invaluable insights into the workings of the human psyche.

 

Sociology

• 10th-12th grade
• No prerequisite
• Semester course
• 0.5 credit

In this introduction to sociology course, students will explore the social structures, institutions, and dynamics that shape human behavior and interaction. Through a blend of engaging discussions, multimedia presentations, and hands-on activities, students will delve into key sociological concepts such as culture, socialization, deviance, inequality, and social change. By examining case studies, conducting research, and analyzing current cultural phenomena, students will develop a deeper understanding of the complexities of society and the interconnectedness of individuals within it. Students will emerge from this course with a newfound appreciation for the rich tapestry of human societies and the factors that influence social behavior.
 

AP US History 

• 11th-12th grade
• AP exam fee:  $97
• Prerequisite:  A or B in US History and Government and teacher recommendation  
• This is a writing intensive course. Students taking this course are required to take the AP exam.
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

 The AP US History course is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in US history.  The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses.  Students should learn to assess historical materials-their relevance to a given interpretive problem, reliability, and importance – and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship.  An AP US History course should thus develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in essay format.

 

 

 

The Spanish language courses at Yellow Springs High School are modeled after the comprehensible input methodology. This methodology promotes a proficiency-based experience conducted 100% in the target language. In order for students to show growth and achieve success in the language learning process the following elements are incorporated in every learning experience: a high degree of community development, a student-centered approach, the opportunity to be student-driven, and a desk-free learning environment that promotes communication. 

 

Spanish I 

• 8th-12th grade
• No prerequisite
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

The beginner level course is the first experience in the full immersion program. Only Spanish is spoken by the instructor and students at all times. Students will develop skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, with an emphasis on speaking. Culture is interwoven into the communicative tasks and projects. There is much importance placed on movement, social interaction, and community development. Students should exit the course with the ability to communicate via emerging sentences and memorized phrases on topics related to the students’ immediate experiences and environments, such as introducing themselves and those with whom they come in contact.

Spanish II 

• 9th-12th grade
• Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish I
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

Students who have chosen to continue their pursuit of being bilingual will capitalize on their independence gained from the foundation formed from the Spanish I and II courses. The only language spoken in this course is Spanish. They will continue to develop their language 

proficiency with the result of communicating in extended sentences on a broader range of topics. Culture will continue to be interwoven into the various provided communicative tasks and project experiences.

Spanish III 

• 11th-12th grade
• Prerequisite:  Spanish II
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit 

Students who have chosen to continue their pursuit of being bilingual will capitalize on their independence gained from the foundation formed from the Spanish I and II courses.  The only language spoken in this course is Spanish.  They will continue to develop their language proficiency with the result of communicating in simple complete sentences on a broader range of topics.  Culture will continue to be interwoven into the various provided communicative tasks and project experiences.
 

Spanish IV

• 11th-12th grade
• Prerequisite: A or B in Spanish III or recommendation
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

Students in this course will be able to communicate independently and confidently on various topics. Here they will learn to conduct formal and informal conversations, narrate and describe in near-paragraph length discourse, navigate through unfamiliar linguistic scenarios, and start to incorporate a mixture of tenses in their communication on a daily basis and throughout their project experiences.
 

Spanish for Heritage Speakers

• 8th-12th grade
• Prerequisite: Intermediate level speaking proficiency
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

Spanish for Heritage Speakers gives heritage Spanish-speaking students an expansion of standard written and spoken Spanish Language skills and broadens their understanding of Hispanic culture and civilization. This course may be repeated.

 

American Sign Language I 

• 9th-12th grade
• No Prerequisite
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

American Sign Language I is designed to introduce students to ASL, Deaf Culture, and the American Deaf Community. Through various activities, project-based learning  presentations, ASL games & educational technologies, students will begin to distinguish, communicate, and understand ASL handshapes, spelling, numbering, and basic  conversations using ASL. Emphasis is on familiar & daily topics using a variety of practices or memorized letters, numbers, signs, phrases, simple sentences and questions. Students present thoughts, feelings, information, and ideas in ASL. Students will recognize the widespread use of ASL in the US and develop an understanding of the integral relationship between language and culture. Cultural perspectives, products and values in both Hearing and Deaf communities are identified, compared and contrasted. The goal of ASL I is to introduce students to ASL proficiency and cultural competence related to the American Deaf Community. This is an interactive class and requires student participation.  Students will learn basic vocabulary and grammar of American Sign Language. 

 

American Sign Language II 

• 10th-12th grade
• Prerequisite: American Sign Language I
• Full year course
• 1.0 credit

American Sign Language II is a full year course that will provide students with a more in depth understanding of American Sign Language and Deaf Culture.  The ASL I course stressed sign vocabulary, fingerspelling and numbers as well as expressive and receptive signing activities. The history of Deaf culture was also introduced. In ASL II, through various activities, project-based learning  presentations, ASL games & educational technologies, students will add to their vocabulary and increase proficiency in expressive and receptive conversational skills using more complex grammatical structures. Students will continue to learn about and understand Deaf heritage, Deaf culture, and the Deaf community. Students will be encouraged to interact with Deaf people in social contexts and a variety of other situations. 

Language is best learned using an immersion model. Following this idea, ASL II will be presented with minimal to no voice. Students will be evaluated through various techniques including class participation, classwork, homework, expressive assignments, and receptive assignments.