High School Core Courses

As a College and Career ready school, San Tan Charter School is dedicated to academic excellence. We believe that academic excellence is more than just achieving good grades, it’s about maximizing a student’s intellectual development through a strong course of study and vast opportunities to participate in Honors, Advanced Placement™, Dual Enrollment, and other enrichment programs.

Review our Core Courses below and visit our Elective Courses to learn more about how San Tan Charter School supports our student’s college, career, and creative interests.

Language Arts

English I

This course will integrate reading, writing, speaking, listening and language skills using a thematic based approach.  All students are taught strategies to effectively read both fiction and nonfiction and respond through varied writing activities.

English II

This course will emphasize narrative, expository, and functional writing.  In addition, students are introduced to the persuasive essay.  Students will be expected to complete assignments in speaking/listening and viewing/presenting.

English III

This course will emphasize poetry, short and long fiction, nonfiction and dramas from American Literature.  In writing, students will master essay structure in narrative, expository, persuasive, research, and functional writing.  Students will be expected to complete assignments in speaking/listening and viewing/presenting.

English IV

Students will focus on the critical analysis and evaluation of literature including fiction, nonfiction, drama, and poetry.  In writing, students will master creative, persuasive, narrative, expository and functional writing models and study corresponding vocabulary.  Students will complete a research project.  Students will be expected to complete assignments in speaking/listening and viewing/presenting.

Mathematics

Algebra I

Students will focus on a study of sets of real numbers, solution of first and second-degree equations, graphing on the coordinate plane, applications of algebra to data analysis and probability, patterns and functions and their applications, measurement and discrete mathematics, and basic mathematical structures.

Algebra II

Students will study solution techniques for polynomial equations, properties of functions, logarithms and exponents, coordinate geometry, complex numbers, elementary conic sections, matrices, arithmetic and geometric sequences, and an introduction of trigonometry and its applications. Technology will play a part in this course, especially the use of hand-held graphing calculators.

Geometry

Students will study formal geometric proofs, polygons, circles, coordinate geometry, solution of right triangle trigonometry problems, Euclidean transformations, and mathematical structure and logic.

Pre-Calculus

Students will study topics such as angle measure, relations and graphs of trigonometric functions, coordinate and polar trigonometry, reduction formulae, fundamental triangle solutions and solutions of trigonometric equations, complex numbers, DeMoivres theorem, real number line, the plane functions, conics, polynomial functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, polar and parametric functions, sequences and series, limits and rates of change. Technology will play a large part in this course, especially the use of hand-held graphing calculators. This college preparatory math course is designed for students who seek to meet admission requirements for state universities.

Social Studies

American Government & Politics

Students will have an understanding of our constitutional principles as it relates to executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. Students study such topics as political parties, law, citizens’ liberties and responsibilities, federalism, media, and foreign affairs.

American History

Students will, with appropriate textbook and supplemental readings in the form of documents and essays, provides both chronological and thematic coverage of American History. Emphasis is placed on political history, foreign affairs, and economic and social development, including literary and cultural history.

Economics

Students will cover the economic conditions and policies that affect our daily lives. Issues such as inflation, recession, unemployment, the national debt, and personal economic decisions are discussed. The course provides an opportunity to compare other economic systems and how changes affect the global economy (i.e., trade).

World History/Geography

Students will study the development of mankind through such topics as geography, early civilizations, Middle Ages, the Reformation and the modern world with an emphasis on Western Civilization. Discussions will include the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Science

Biology I

Students will learn the general spectrum of biology. It includes laboratory procedures and investigations. An average of one day per week will be devoted to lab work. Students may be expected to complete one or more projects per quarter.

Chemistry

Students will use experiments to introduce the principles of chemistry. These experiments will introduce the principles of chemistry.  Students will be required to keep a lab notebook and may be required to do several projects as part of the class. A minimum of one day per week will be devoted to laboratory studies.

Earth Science

This course will be a study of the earth and its environment and the earth as an object in space. Major topics include: astronomy, geology, weather, and map reading. Students will be expected to write term papers and perform applied mathematical problems related to earth science.

Physics

Students will focus on the physical nature of our world. The class involves frequent labs with appropriate reports. Topics may include mechanics, electricity and magnetism, wave propagation, energy and modern physics.  Research projects may be required.

Advanced Placement

Course content, pace, and academic rigor is college level as adopted by the College Board program and is geared to enable students to pass the AP test. These courses provide credit toward high school graduation and students earn an additional grade point according to the weighted grade process. Check with prospective colleges regarding their AP credit policies. AP Testing fees apply.

Contact the Guidance Center for criteria and applications.

OFFERINGS:

• AP American History
• AP Biology
• AP Calculus
• AP Chemistry
• AP English Language
• AP English Literature
• AP U.S. History
• AP World History

Dual or Concurrent College Classes

Dual credit or concurrent credit classes are classes that are offered by Chandler Gilbert Community College on the Power Campus, online and at the CGCC campuses. These are college level classes that receive both college and high school credit. Students enrolled in these classes must meet both the expectations of the high school and the community college including any prerequisites and/or testing.

Please see the community college and/or our guidance office for additional details. Course fees and college tuition apply.