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Integrated Studies


The courses offered in the Integrated Studies Program (ISP) are rigorous. They are designed to prepare students for college or other post-secondary study. They focus on necessary knowledge, understanding and skills for higher level learning.

ISP students:

  • Are required to attend school four days per week (Mon-Thurs) from 8:30AM to 3:45PM with four hours per day dedicated exclusively to the four, core academic subjects,  two hours dedicated to “real world” connections activities, plus almost an hour spent in reading and building success skills.
  • Study a common curriculum, integrated around important themes, taught by the same teacher, and matched to each student’s current level of achievement.
  • Complete four years of coursework in science, mathematics, English, and social studies, as well as two years in college & career connections, lifetime wellness, art and Circle of Courage values.
  • 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.

The ISP curriculum is highly integrated; all students take more or less the same set of courses during their time at the Academy. The Academy’s courses are designed to meet all Minnesota state content standards for the subjects covered. Students who enroll in 9th grade and earn 24 credits will have had the opportunity to address each benchmark in every subject covered by the Minnesota standards. Students in the Integrated Studies Program take the following courses in the four core academic areas:

FOUNDATIONS CLASSES (Grades 9 & 10)

The following courses are required of all students who are in their first two years of high school study. Each course is two years long; the two series of topics (A and B) that make up a course are presented in alternate years and can be taken in either order (i.e., “A” series first or “B” series first).

DIPLOMA CLASSES (Grades 11 & 12)

The following courses are required of all students who are in their final two years of high school study. Each course is two years long; the two series of topics (A and B) that make up a course are presented in alternate years and can be taken in either order (i.e., “A” series first or “B” series first).

ISP courses may be taught with sheltered curriculum for students who are classified as English Language Learners or who have an Individual Educational Plan. Students who are ready for college-level coursework may, with their teacher’s permission, integrate appropriate AP courses into any of their Integrated Studies courses. This allows students who wish to do so the opportunity to prepare themselves to demonstrate college-level achievement through success on AP exams.

English

Foundations of English (Foundations Class, 2 years)

A two-year introductory sequence in which students develop their skills in composition, reading comprehension, critical thinking, and analysis of literary forms. This course provides experience in effective communication by applying the Six Traits of Writing to various genres, audiences, and purposes as well as through public speaking. Students read fiction and non-fiction materials to develop comprehension strategies and analytical skills. Preparation for state reading and writing exams is included. Year A: World Lit focus; Year B: American Lit focus. (2 yr; 2 cr)

Literature, Ideas and Persuasion (Diploma Class, 2 years)

In this two-year upper-division sequence, students develop college- and career-readiness skills in composition, reading comprehension, critical thinking, and analysis of literary forms. Students explore the human experience through reading fiction and non-fiction materials and share their own experiences while gaining proficiency in academic and professional writing and speaking tasks. Year A: World Lit focus; Year B: American Lit focus. (2 yr; 2 cr)

Mathematics

Algebra & Geometry (Foundations Class, 2 years)

This is a rigorous 2 year course in algebra and geometry that aligns the ACT Quality Core standards in both algebra and geometry, as well as the Minnesota State Mathematics Standards. While algebra is the main focus of Course A and geometry is the main focus of Course B, both algebra and geometry are integrated throughout both years. During Course A, geometry is repeatedly used to bring out many of the practical applications of algebra, and during Course B, algebra is repeatedly used in the geometry problems presented to the students. Algebra and geometry are deeply intertwined in coordinate geometry, which is taught during both Course A and B.

Advanced Algebra and Pre-Calculus (Diploma Class, 2 years)

Advanced Algebra & Pre-Calculus is a rigorous two-year course with topics that align with the ACT Quality Core standards in algebra 2 and pre-calculus, as well as the Minnesota State Mathematics Standards.

Science

Physical Foundations of Biology (Foundations Class, 2 years)

Students will study the interaction of earth science, chemistry and physics as they relate to and impact biological systems. The subject matter is studied within the context of several themes and everyday topics. The emphasis will be on using constructivist approaches to conceptualize real-world occurrences through experimentation, reading, discussion, and projects. This is a rigorous introductory course designed to prepare students for future science classes and science in their experiences to come.

Biological Chemistry (Diploma Class, 2 years)

Students will study the interaction of chemistry and biology in living organisms within the context of several themes and everyday topics. The emphasis will be on conceptualizing real-world occurrences through calculation, experimentation, reading, discussion, and projects. This is a rigorous course designed to prepare students for success in post-secondary science classes.

Social Studies

The following two introductory courses form a comprehensive, two-year program of study organized along multidisciplinary lines that draws on history and geography.

World History and Geography (Foundations Class, 1 year)

The diversity of culture and the evolution of human history will be explored chronologically and geographically from the beginning of time until present. Geographical concepts will be incorporated within the context of world historical events. Students will study the five themes of geography as they apply to selected areas of the world. Students will acquire and organize information about places, people and culture throughout the world, to develop a sense of where they are in time, space and culture; and to reinforce their own personal and social identity.

American History and Geography (Foundations Class, 1 year)

The following two upper level courses form a comprehensive, two-year program of study intended to prepare students for their role as American citizens, as well as for post-secondary study. Both courses are organized along multidisciplinary lines that draw on history, political science, and economics.

America in the World (Diploma Class, 1 year)

“Protectionist, Isolationist, Defender of Democracy, Righter of Injustice, Super Power of the World – or Not? What role should America play in the world today?”
This class will study America’s role in the world’s global society, its collective and our own personal responsibility from a social justice approach. We will use seminar lecture, guest presenters, field trips, student research and community service as our methods of coursework. Students will have an opportunity to be mentored in honors work and areas where they have abiding interest. A key focus of this course will be that American citizenship is both a privilege and a responsibility and that, to fully enjoy our privileges and meet our responsibilities, we need to educate ourselves about current events and the historical forces that gave rise to them. Daily study of current world events from broad perspectives and active discussion are vital to students learning in this course.

American Democracy and Economics (Diploma Class, 1 year)

This class will interface political science with economics in order to help students gain insight into the nature of American citizenship, the American system of governance, free market capitalism and their influence on American society. The course will take a historical perspective coupled with an intense focus on current events as they develop in real time. An important focus of the course will be to examine “big questions”, such as: “What, exactly, does being an American mean?” “How and why did our founding leaders choose the democracy and Constitution we have today?” “How did America, in just a little over 200 years, become the economics and political super-power it is today?” We will discuss and debate issues of national and international concern, learn the logistics of how to be active citizens and discuss how a study of politics and economics can move people to higher levels of personal responsibility for our world. Primary source document review, current events study and discussion, assigned readings, field trips, debate and research are representative of coursework. There is ample opportunity for honors work submitted for national scholarship contests or APA study and co-curricular activities such as The Stock Market game.