Essential Studies / Self-Directed Studies
- SDS courses are offered from 8:30AM to 3:45PM, Mondays-Thursdays
- ESP course are offered 4:00-9:00PM Mondays-Thursdays and 9:00AM-5:00PM on Fridays.
ESP and SDS both offer a hybrid curriculum that focuses on the core academic disciplines: English, social studies, math, and science. Both programs offer on-line courses in school that combine rigor with flexibility to meet students’ needs better than the programs offered by traditional high schools or alternative learning centers .
The ESP/SDS curriculum is personalized to meet each student’s learning needs. Students follow their unique plan to combine teacher-guided classroom study, computer-based coursework, and project-based learning to master the skills and earn the credit they need to complete their high school career successfully. All coursework is personally guided by highly qualified teachers who spend time each week one-on-one with each student.
ESP/SDS students:
- Are required to attend during the class hours included in their program; ESP students may flexibly schedule approximately 20% of their class hours.
- Study an individualized curriculum, with courses chosen according to their needs and interests from an extensive catalog of Internet-based courses.
- Complete, at a minimum, the coursework required for graduation by the state of Minnesota in science, mathematics, English, social studies and art; as well as coursework focused on college and career readiness and on lifetime wellness.
- May earn some of their credits through independent and project-based learning, with course objectives developed in collaboration with appropriate faculty.
- Earn early college credit by participating in the College Level Examination Program, or enrolling in certification and other courses at collaborating colleges and universities.
- Participate in real-life work experiences, internships, and community service activities.
ESP/SDS classrooms are staffed by licensed, highly qualified teachers for the times school is in session.
- The SDS schedule accommodates the needs of students who who want self-paced student and who wish to attend school on a typical, day schedule.
- The flexible hours, later in the day, of ESP makes it possible to fit a full load of high school coursework more easily into the lives of older students, who may also need to work a full-time jobs or care for one or more dependents. It also opens opportunities for students who want to intern or to take part in career training programs during the regular school day.
Students can earn 6-8 credits a year through this facilitated, computer-based coursework. They can earn up to 2 additional credits via independent and project-based learning on their own time. This makes it possible for students who are behind in graduation credits to make up a significant number as part of the regular course of study offered by the Academy.
Tutoring will be available to interested students during much of the regular class hour schedule, including Fridays. ESP/SDS students are also be eligible to participate in most of the Academy’s connections and out-of-school learning activities.
During their scheduled class time, students in ESP and SDS work to complete computer-based courses at the level of rigor and difficulty that represents an appropriate level of challenge for them. The four curriculum levels are:
- BASIC CLASSES: Basic courses target students who are unprepared to complete high school-level work.
- CORE CLASSES: Core courses are designed to support success for mainstream high school students while providing support for those reading below grade level and addressing different learning styles.
- COMPREHENSIVE CLASSES: Comprehensive courses are designed to meet the needs of motivated, college-oriented students who are looking to build skills and content knowledge in preparation for undergraduate study.
- ADVANCED PLACEMENT CLASSES: AP courses are designed to meet the standards of a college-level course and to prepare students to demonstrate college-level achievement through success on AP exams.
Basic Courses
Basic courses target students who are unprepared to complete high school-level work. Basic courses feature structured remediation designed to facilitate student progress through grade 8 skills. Courses develop math and English skills while raising academic performance up to high school levels. Each semester course offers approximately 70-90 hours of direct instruction, guided practice, and detailed assessment.
- Mathematics: Math Foundations I; Math Foundations II
- English: English Foundations II; Reading Skills and Strategies (1); Writing Skills and Strategies (1)
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Note: (1) denotes a one-semester course; all others are year-long courses
Core Courses
Core courses are designed to support success for mainstream high school students while providing support for those reading below grade level and addressing different learning styles. Each semester course offers 70-90 hours of direct instruction, guided practice, and detailed assessment.
- Mathematics: Introductory Algebra; Algebra I; Algebra II; Geometry; Precalculus
- Science: Earth Science; Physical Science; Biology; Chemistry
- English: Introduction to Literature and Composition; Critical Reading and Effective Writing; American Literature; British and World Literature
- Social Studies: Geography and World Cultures (1); World History; U.S. History; U.S. Government and Politics (1); U.S. and Global Economics (1)
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Note: (1) denotes a one-semester course; all others are year-long courses
Comprehensive Courses
Comprehensive courses are designed to meet the needs of motivated, college-oriented students who are looking to build skills and content knowledge in preparation for undergraduate study. Courses target students who are reading at grade level and who are well-prepared for traditional high school coursework. These courses are as rigorous as the honors courses of many school districts. Each semester course offers 90-120 hours of direct instruction, guided practice, and detailed assessment.
* Mathematics: Introductory Algebra; Algebra I; Algebra II; Geometry; Precalculus
* Science: Earth Science; Physical Science; Biology; Chemistry
* English: Introduction to Literature and Composition; Critical Reading and Effective Writing; American Literature; British and World Literature
* Social Studies: Geography and World Cultures (1); World History; U.S. History; U.S. Government and Politics (1); U.S. and Global Economics (1)
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Note: (1) denotes a one-semester course; all others are year-long courses
AP Courses
AP courses are designed to meet the standards of a college-level course and to prepare students to demonstrate college-level achievement through success on AP exams. Courses target highly motivated students who are reading above grade level and who have a track record of success in rigorous high school coursework. Each semester course offers approximately 120 hours of direct instruction and detailed assessment.
* Mathematics: AP Calculus AB; AP Statistics
* Science: AP Biology; AP Chemistry; AP Physics B; AP Psychology (1)
* English: AP English Language and Composition; AP English Literature and Composition
* Social Studies: AP Macroeconomics (1); AP Microeconomics (1); AP U.S. Government and Politics (1); AP U.S. History
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Note: (1) denotes a one-semester course; all others are year-long courses
