While offering the core curriculum, our classroom settings are infused with exciting projects and research that go far beyond the basic requirements.
Every program we offer is designed to prepare students for graduation and to ensure their eligibility for college entrance.
Mount Vernon Academy
Course Descriptions
Grades 9-12
All courses listed below are 1 credit unless indicated otherwise as .5
All courses are core classes unless indicated by *
Social Studies
African/Asian Studies
This course is designed to study and learn the history, culture, and geography of the Asian and African continent. Students will get familiar with each country and her people within these two continents. Students will study Africa the first semester and Asia the second semester.
Geography for Life
This course will focus on a study of cultural regions of the world; their interrelationships and conflicts. It will explore how humans in various societies have culturally adapted to the challenges of life. Cultural, economic and geographical skills required to better understand the dynamics of how people live is taught.
World Civilizations
This course examines and analyzes in an integrative manner the commonalities and differences of human experience in at least six spheres of human activity; social scientific/technological, economic, religious/philosophical, geographical and political.
U.S. History
This course includes a survey of U.S. History from precolonial days, revolutionary war, independence, and the founding of the states. Emphasis on the period from the Civil War to Vietnam and the New Conservatism. The course also includes the study of the structure of the U.S. government and the responsibilities of each branch of government.
U.S. Government/Civics
Students will get an understanding of government. The constitution is examined and it’s application to the American Judicial System.
World Cultures
Designed to give students an appreciation and solid understanding of the many different cultures that exist around the world.
Current Issues
Issues that are currently in the news are analyzed and discussed along with issues that are relevant to students.
Sociology
Students will learn about societal influences that shape who we are as humans. Study of group behavior, race, religion, and class status are a sampling of what students will learn.
Psychology
This is the study of the science of human and animal behavior. This course will explore the history of psychology. The different disciplines will be studied, including behavioral, psychoanalytical, social, abnormal, cognitive, and humanistic. Students will have opportunity through the acquisition of statistics create surveys, develop theories, and give a report of findings.
Math
Pre Algebra
This course is a bridge between arithmetic and algebra. Students will move from simple numerical skills to more advanced reasoning skills that require working with variables.
Algebra 1
This course covers solution methods needed by students in the study of subjects such as physics, biology, business, etc. The course will include an introduction to algebra, algebraic properties and language, equations with one variable, exponents, polynomials, linear equations, inequalities, relations, functions and variations, fractional expressions, radicals and quadratic equations.
Geometry
This is a fundamental course in Euclidean Geometry. Topics include: principles of logic, triangles, properties of right angles, parallel lines and planes, polygons, quadrilaterals, congruency and similarities of triangles and polygons, relationship between circles and lines, plane areas and volume and coordinate geometry.
Algebra 2
This course consists of a review of the topics from Elementary Algebra, and an in-depth treatment of quadratics, complex numbers, polynomials, exponents, and logarithms. In addition, the properties on conchs, sequences, and series are treated.
Applied Mathematics
This course will provide students with hands-on experience to strengthen their math skills. Students will apply fundamental arithmetic operations and use those skills in developing problem-solving techniques, measuring, geometry perspectives, data handling, simple statistics, and the use of algebraic formulas to solve problems.
Pre Calculus
This course is an extension of intermediate algebra and geometry. The students should gain a sense of the structure of mathematics as the fundamental concepts of calculus are developed.
Calculus
A course in calculus consists of a full academic year of work in calculus and related topics comparable to courses in colleges and universities. Prerequisite is mastery of advanced mathematics.
Intuitive Calculus
General Financial Literacy
This course will assist students in a better understanding of personal finance and includes income, money management, spending and credit, saving and investing, consumer protection, and risk management
Language Arts
*Basic Language Arts
This course is designed for students who need assistance in understanding and using the English language.
Language Arts 9
This course is designed for the average ninth grade student. Writing assignments will be related to future objectives. Some literature will be studied to give each student an appreciation for the world of literature.
Language Arts 9 Honors
This course is a years course which is designed to accelerate language arts skills in writing, reading and communication for students with advanced skills. It requires more homework and higher standards than language arts 9
Language Arts 10
This course will continue to work with students who need to improve their most basic skills in thinking, listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Language Arts 10 Honors
Further develops students vocabulary, grammar and reading comprehension skills. It introduces students to concepts that create habits of mind and thinking skills. The students will be exposed to a wide variety of literature both classic and modern.
Language Arts 11
The emphasis in this course will be placed on communication through better reading and writing about authors in American literature.
Language Arts 11 Honors
Reading is important aspect of the course, and critical reading and thinking skills are emphasized. The literature includes both classical and modern genres. Persuasion and exposition writing styles are introduced. Students must maintain increased homework outside of class in order to remain in the class.
Language Arts 12
This course will stress reading, writing, and related skills such as vocabulary and grammar. Students will be exposed to the various types of literature; and the necessary types of technical writing such as forms, applications, and letter writing.
Language Arts 12 Honors
The Honors class will will stress reading, writing, and related skills on a college level. This course prepares students for college. This class is reserved for advanced students. Office permission is given to attend this class. Honors English will be given additional assignments in writing and the study of novels not covered in the regular curriculum. This class also focuses on argumentative writing skills.
Speech
Theory and practice of speech communication. Students focus on one to one, small group, and public speaking. Students will learn and practice speaking and listening skills.
Creative Writing
This course will give students experience in writing both poetry and prose and will help them understand the structure of various types of writing. Student writing will be published in the school yearbook.
Journalism
This course gives the students opportunity to learn the many aspects of creating newspapers and other media outlets. Students will create the school newspaper. The class has the feel of the newsroom as the students will choose a chief editor and other department editors. Modern technology is used, including digital cameras, laptops, journalism specific software, etc.
Theater Foundations II (.5 credit)
All aspects of the theater will be explored with emphasis on performance and production.
Foreign Language
Spanish I and II
This course gives special emphasis on listening, speaking, reading, and writing the Spanish language by means of a sound base of grammatical principles. Students engage in weekly dialogue, written exercises, and in-class activities. Students are given opportunities to learn about the rich Hispanic cultures through class discussion and student generated reports. Students in level II will be conversant in basic daily dialogue, have a deep vocabulary, and a sound understanding of Spanish grammar.
Japanese
This course teaches the basics of the language and introduces far east culture through media and hands on activities. Attention is placed on development of listening, pronunciation, reading, and writing skills implementing hiragana and katakana.
Science
Astronomy
This course will focus on gaining a better understanding of planet earth, it’s moon, sun, and it’s relationship to other planets in our solar system. Emphasis will be placed on learning about their physical characteristics. Scientific study will be a central theme in gaining a more complete understanding of the universe and all that exists therein.
Botany
This course is the scientific study of plants and their relationship to the environment. In this course students investigate the growth, reproduction, anatomy, morphology, physiology, genetics and ecology of plants. There are labs and many outdoor activities and experiences for the students.
Earth Systems
This course focuses on the theme of “Earth Systems.” Physical, earth, space and life science content will be integrated. Emphasis will be placed on the earth’s geology, weather patterns, and the synchronization of the systemic pattern that exist on planet earth.
Biology
This course includes the study of cells, heredity and evolution and the study of diversity and ecology of plants and animals.
Chemistry
This courses deals with the reactions and composition of matter. Theory and application are stressed.
Physics
Students will study motion of objects, forces acting on objects, and energy. They will plan and conduct their own experiments.
Zoology
The study of animal behavior , physiology, and classification.
Art
Art Foundations (.5 credit)
This course emphasizes understanding works of art, color and design theory, and developing basic skills in drawing. Students also increase their understanding of the ways line, shape, form, texture; value and color are used to apply the principles of art.
Art History (.5 credit)
Provides an overview and appreciation of the visual arts. Students will examine how works of art were created and learn to analyze artworks regarding effective use of art elements and principles.
Photography (.5 credit)
Students will learn how to operate a digital camera and are introduced to the basic mechanical aspects of the camera, making prints and enlargements, and mounting prints for display.
Music Appreciation (.5 credit)
This course will stress rhythm reading, note reading, vocal production, time values, and choral discipline. Music history will be emphasized.
Intro to Performing Arts
Students have the opportunity to experience dance, choir, instrumental music in an exploratory learning environment.
Intro to Theater
Students experience both the on stage and behind the stage aspects of theater, including acting, set-design, and costuming.
Chorus
Students will learn the basics of choral performance. Public performances will be expected.
Guitar
Fundamentals of the guitar will be taught. Students must provide their own instruments.
Health
Health Education (.5 credit)
This course is designed to give students an understanding and appreciation for not only their physical, but also their mental, social, and emotional well-being.
Physical Education
Physical Education
This course will develop participation skills and techniques in a variety of individual sports and games, with an emphasis on leadership, courtesy, respect, and sportsmanship.
Personal Fitness
Students will develop techniques for developing strong and healthy bodies.
Dance (.5 credit)
Basic dance forms, including classic and modern dancing will be the focus of this class.
Team Sports
Students who participate in school sports teams will be enrolled in this class for practice, training, and actual participation in sports events.
Computer Technology
Word Processing
Students will learn Microsoft Word. Emphasis will be on producing usable documents by concentrating on placement and proofreading.
Computer Science
This course is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in current technologies. Students explore basic concepts in computer applications, desktop publications, logo programming, and problem solving.
Media Design (.5 credit)
This course introduces students to the techniques of design with a computer and the applications of the
designs.
Principles of Technology
This course introduces to students to the world of engineering and drafting.
Applied Technology
This course students gives students opportunity to use their technology skills in real world applications.
Building Maintenance
Students will learn the fundamentals of building upkeep, repair, and details necessary for building to meet fire and safety codes.
Teacher Assistant
Students will assist teachers in both elementary and secondary classrooms, tutoring students and providing help to teachers in the classroom.
Miscellaneous
Course Descriptions
Grades 7 -8
These classes are specific to the 7th and 8th grade. Other classes are offered at this level and described in courses offered to the high school students but are designed for the 7th and 8th grade level.
Math – 7th grade
This course is a general math course following the Saxon math curriculum.
*Math – 8th grade
8th grade students who need one more year of basic math prior to pre-algebra will be in this class.
Integrated Science –7th grade
This course focuses on the theme of “structure.” Physical, earth, and life science content are integrated in the curriculum. Hands-on, student-centered approaches to instruction with the student as scientist should be emphasized.
Integrated Science – 8th grade
This course focuses on the theme of “change.” Earth, physical, and life sciences content are integrated in the curriculum.
Utah Studies grade 7
Students will be introduced to the significant events, people, cultures, and issues that have influenced Utah from its earliest beginnings through the present day.
U.S. History – grade 8
This course is designed to emphasize historic events from the age of exploration to reconstruction and the western movement.
Language Arts – 7 & 8
These courses will focus on intensive formal instruction in reading comprehension strategies as well as comprehensive instruction in writing process. Reading, listening, viewing, writing, and speaking will be emphasized.