Computer Science – Digital Etiquette & Computer Applications
College Readiness 2 with Test Prep
College Prep Intensive Workshop 1
College Prep Intensive Workshop 2
COMPUTER SCIENCE – DIGITAL ETIQUETTE & COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
Grade level 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0 credit
Prerequisite: None
This course teaches appropriate digital communication strategies, including ethical uses of Artificial Intelligence. Students also learn to create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Digital Etiquette and Computer Applications Syllabus
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisites: None
This course offers a broad view of the development of Western art from early Greece to the present. Lessons link the development of art forms to their political, cultural, and religious settings. Students visit the world’s heritage sites, museums, and galleries on-line to view examples of painting, architecture, and sculpture. Students learn characteristics of major art periods, acquire a basic art vocabulary, and develop skills in analyzing and observing art.
Grade Level: 11, 12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: English 10
This course focuses strongly on composition using various styles and techniques (including different genres and perspectives), manipulation and use of the written language, how to create or enhance the student’s own voice, and how to enhance writing through analyzing and editing. Students are expected to engage the teacher in discussion regarding work. They edit their work for errors in sentence structure, usage, mechanics, and spelling.
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to help you develop your skills as an artistic digital photographer. Although the lessons describe the functions of a digital camera, if you do not own a digital camera, you can use your smartphone to complete the assignments. Each assignment will ask you to shoot a series digital photos that demonstrate the concepts of the lesson.
Intro to Digital Photography Syllabus
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: None
Music Appreciation students learn about the basic elements of sound as well as a brief history of Western music from the Baroque period to the modern era. For a final essay, students choose a specific style of music to write about.
Self-Directed Learning courses are designed for motivated, passionate students who are ready to take the reins in exploring topics of high interest. You choose a topic that excites you and submit a proposal to get started. Once approved, you’ll work independently while being supported by a teacher who acts as a mentor and coach—guiding you, challenging your thinking, and pushing you to think further. You’ll build confidence, independence, and real-world skills that will serve you well in college and beyond.
Grade Level: Adult Diploma Program
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: None
Career Skills is a course where you submit a proposal to receive elective credit for your career experiences and skills. Once your proposal is approved, you will write an essay detailing your experiences, what you have learned and how you have benefited from the experience.
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: Approved proposal of artwork being completed
Creative Arts 1 allows students to independently pursue their interest in art and earn a Fine Arts credit. You will write a proposal for the artwork you will complete, and you will need the approval of the instructor to be enrolled in the course. Whether you are a painter, sculptor, photographer, or potter, you will log your hours spent working in your chosen art form and upload images of your works in progress.
You will also conduct research about a famous artist and the history of your chosen art form. Students will complete 50 hours to earn 0.5 credit and 100 hours to earn 1.0 credit.
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: None
Students will volunteer for a community organization in their neighborhood or in their home. These activities must not be compensated monetarily or be part of regular family chores. The purpose of this course is to teach students how to give back to the community.
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: None
Elite Athletics is designed for high school students competing at an advanced or elite level in their sport. The course supports athletic development through goal setting and performance tracking. This course will support the whole athlete through health-focused projects, such as nutrition, recovery, injury prevention, and mental performance. Students reflect on their training and competition experiences while developing discipline, resilience, teamwork, and time management skills. Students will develop a Personal Athletic Philosophy related to their sport.
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: Pre-approval is required before students may enroll in this course.
This course allows students to choose a global language to study while exploring how language connects to culture, geography, and current global issues. The course emphasizes foundational communication skills through authentic materials and project-based learning, promoting cultural understanding, real-world language use, and global awareness. Students who wish to advance their language skills in the chosen language will have the option to continue in Global Languages II.
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: Pre-approval is required before students may enroll in this course.
This course is a continuation of Global Languages I and allows students to advance their language skills. Students will continue exploring how language connects to culture, geography, and current global issues. The course emphasizes foundational communication skills through authentic materials and project-based learning, promoting cultural understanding, real-world language use, and global awareness.
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: None
Independent study allows students to choose a topic of interest to them and to research it. With an emphasis on composition, students learn how to choose and narrow their topics appropriately, and they learn how to research them using various online and print sources. The course culminates with the students writing a well-organized research essay on the topic. Students must learn and demonstrate proper techniques for citing their sources in their essays as well as demonstrating the use of proper grammar, mechanics, and spelling. Students also learn to proofread and edit their essays for the aforementioned elements.
Grade Level: Adult Diploma Program
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: None
Life Skills is a course where students submit a proposal to receive an elective credit for their life experiences and skills. Once your proposal is approved, you will write an essay detailing your experiences, what you have learned, and how you have benefited from the experience. Here are just a few of the life skills that have been approved: learning to play guitar, becoming a ranch hand, becoming a professional house painter, learning photography while traveling, and learning to weld.
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: None
The mentorship course encourages students to partner with a mentor from any of a wide range of professions in order to learn about that profession during a six-week period. The students will shadow their mentors for two to four hours a day, at least three days a week, for the six-week period. At the end of each week during the mentorship, the student will file updates on the process, usually explaining what s/he has done and what s/he has learned from each week’s work. In the sixth week, students write an essay on the experience. They must demonstrate proper writing techniques in grammar, mechanics, and spelling, as well as demonstrate organization and clarity of purpose.
Grade Level: 11, 12, or approval of guidance counselor
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: None
This course invites students to explore their interests and turn them into meaningful, student-led projects using the 6P Framework: Passion, Purpose, Plan, Product, Personal Growth, and Presentation. Through guided exploration and independent research, students will identify a personal passion, define a clear purpose, and develop a structured plan to bring their idea to life.
Students will create a product, present their work to an audience, and reflect on the skills, challenges, and growth experienced along the way. This course empowers students to take ownership of their learning while developing real-world skills that support lifelong success. Whether it’s building something, launching a campaign, writing a book, or creating an app, students will walk away with more than a finished product – they will gain a deeper understanding of themselves as learners, creators, and changemakers.
Grade Level: 11, 12, or approval of guidance counselor
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: None
GPA Weighting: 1.0
This course invites students to explore their interests and turn them into meaningful, student-led projects using the 6P Framework: Passion, Purpose, Plan, Product, Personal Growth, and Presentation. Through guided exploration and independent research, students will identify a personal passion, define a clear purpose, and develop a structured plan to bring their idea to life.
In this honors-level course, students will create a product, make a formal presentation of their work to an audience, conduct an interview with an expert in the field of their passion, and reflect on the skills, challenges, and growth experienced along the way. This course empowers students to take ownership of their learning while developing real-world skills that support lifelong success. Whether it’s building something, launching a campaign, writing a book, or creating an app, students will walk away with more than a finished product – they will gain a deeper understanding of themselves as learners, creators, and changemakers.
Passion Project Honors Syllabus
Here are a few of our passionate students!
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: An approved proposal of performing art being completed
Performing Arts 1 allows students to independently pursue their interest in performing arts and earn a Fine Arts credit. You will write a proposal of the performing art you will complete, and you will need the approval of the instructor to be enrolled in the course. Whether you are a singer, acrobat, dancer or actor, you will log your hours spent in working in your chosen performing art and upload images, videos or audio files of your performing art.
You will also conduct research about a famous artist and the history of your chosen performing art. Students will complete 50 hours to earn 0.5 credit and 100 hours to earn 1.0 credit.
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: None
Spanish 1 is an Introduction to the Spanish language and includes lessons on pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. Students learn the basic structure of Spanish, with an emphasis on verb conjugation, gender agreement, and commonly used irregular verb forms. The class also discusses the diverse culture of Spanish-speaking countries.
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: Spanish 1
Spanish 2 is a continuation of Spanish 1 and is the equivalent of the second year of High School Spanish. Along with occasional review from Spanish 1, this course focuses on new grammar, greater comprehension, and more vocabulary. Students work on advanced verb conjugation, the use of prepositions, and Spanish writing. All lessons include dialogues (with sound), which emphasize the vocabulary and grammar of the lesson.
SPANISH 3 HONORS (NCAA Approved)
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: Spanish 1, Spanish 2
GPA Weighting: 1.0
Spanish 3 is an Honors level course that builds on the skills learned in Spanish 1 and 2. This course builds on verb conjugations using the subjunctive, present and past perfect, the future, and conditional tenses. Students will use these verb tenses in conjunction with advanced grammatical structures with the use of por vs para, si clauses, affirmatives, and negatives, pero vs. sino to describe a trip through eight Spanish-speaking countries and explore the past, present, and future of those countries. Lessons include writing, listening, speaking/video, and reading components.
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
This course is offered to our Diploma PLUS students. Academic Success is taught by the student’s Guidance Counselor and is designed to help students transition successfully to online school and mastery learning.
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
Career Aptitude Testing is a course designed to teach students how to prepare for a variety of career aptitude tests including Work Keys and the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). Not only does this course cover strategies for career assessments, but it also helps students manage test anxiety. Students will learn time management leading up to the test, how to manage the day of the test, and what to do after the test has been completed. Students will have the opportunity to complete several Work Keys practice questions as well as take a full practice ASVAB test.
Career Aptitude Testing Syllabus
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: None
Career Planning directs students in determining and preparing for a career path according to their interests. Students compile a resume and associated documentation, engage in research, and utilize communication skills in preparation for an interview. Students edit their work for errors in sentence structure, usage, mechanics, and spelling.
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite: None
This course is offered to our Diploma PLUS and Diploma PLUS with College Advisor students. Career Readiness introduces students to career interests and future employment opportunities to apply for or explore after graduation. Students will take several career interest surveys and conduct virtual job shadowing as they research career options.
Grade Level: 11, 12
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite: None
This course is offered to our Diploma PLUS and Diploma PLUS with College Advisor students. Career Readiness 2 focuses on resume and cover letter writing, as well as preparing for a job interview.
COLLEGE PREP INTENSIVE WORKSHOP 1
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: None
The College Prep Intensive Workshop series of courses (1, 2, and 3) is designed for students who wish to delve deeply into college preparation. The courses can be taken concurrently and completed in 2-3 months or scheduled along with college prep courses toward meeting graduation requirements.
In College Prep Intensive Workshop 1, students focus on their strengths and interests, time management skills, setting goals, and problem-solving. This course culminates with a final project of self-assessment.
College Prep Intensive Workshop 1 Syllabus
COLLEGE PREP INTENSIVE WORKSHOP 2 WITH TEST PREP
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisites: None
The College Prep Intensive Workshop series of courses (1, 2, and 3) is designed for students who wish to delve deeply into college preparation. The courses can be taken concurrently and completed in 2-3 months or scheduled along with college prep courses to meet graduation requirements.
In College Prep Intensive Workshop 2, is a test prep course where students will learn test-taking strategies for the SAT and ACT. This course also helps students manage test anxiety. Students will learn time management leading up to the test, how to manage the day of the test, and what to do after the test has been completed. Students complete a full practice SAT test and ACT test and evaluate their scores.
College Prep Intensive Workshop 2 with Test Prep Syllabus
COLLEGE PREP INTENSIVE WORKSHOP 3
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: None
The College Prep Intensive Workshop series of courses (1, 2, and 3) is designed for students who wish to delve deeply into college preparation. The courses can be taken concurrently and completed in 2-3 months or scheduled along with college prep courses to meet graduation requirements.
In College Prep Intensive Workshop 3, students will complete a career aptitude evaluation and explore career choices. Students will research college options based on their career choices. This course focuses on the college application process, including: writing a college essay, requesting college recommendations, completing the FAFSA, and searching for college scholarships.
College Prep Intensive Workshop 3 Syllabus
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
This course is offered to our Diploma PLUS and Diploma PLUS with College Advisor students. In College Readiness 1, students focus on the timeline for applying to colleges, academic strengths, how to boost their GPA, SAT and ACT testing, and college exploration.
Grade Level: 11, 12
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: None
This course is offered to our Diploma PLUS and Diploma PLUS with College Advisor students. College Readiness 2 is a continuation of College Readiness 1. Students focus on preparing for the SAT and or ACT testing, completing the college application, completing the FAFSA, and searching for funding sources such as student loans and scholarships.
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Recommendation through English Language Assessment
English Language Lab is a course designed for students whose first language is not English. This course builds on strategies and key academic vocabulary needed to successfully complete Whitmore School courses. The lessons teach basic grammar, vocabulary building for all content areas, reading, listening, and speaking skills. This class will help English learners develop note-taking, research, and essay writing skills.
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0
Prerequisite: None
All students begin with the New Student Orientation. This is where you will learn to navigate through Whitmore School’s Learning Management System (LMS). You will also learn about the many benefits of self-paced mastery learning and best practices for staying motivated and moving toward graduation.
New Student Orientation Syllabus
Grade Level 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Recommendation of counselor
This course focuses on grammar and sentence structure. Students analyze sentences to identify their underlying structure. Once analysis is mastered, students will learn to properly punctuate sentences. Students also write essays and learn some basic skills for essay writing.
SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Grade Level 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: By invitation only
GPA weighting: 1.0
This honors-level course focuses on editing and publishing the Whitmore NAU Newsletter, a publication designed to showcase student works such as short stories, poetry, photography, artwork, and performing arts. The student editor must be invited by the Advisor. Students wishing to submit work for publication are encouraged to do so through the link found on their Student Desk.
Guidelines for Submitting Work
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite: None
Speech is a half-credit course designed to teach students how to effectively listen to and finally give their own speech. Students will listen to and critique the speech-giving skills of three speakers, one of whom must be physically attended and viewed by the student. They will also learn how to lead a group discussion and maintain order and focus in the group. Nonverbal communication is also covered in the course so that students learn that not all communication needs to be spoken and that some things can be conveyed in a gesture. The final project is a 3-5 minute speech prepared and presented by the student in audio or video format.
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: None
Students in this course will study the physiology of stress and the relaxation responses of the body. They will be provided with opportunities to gauge their own stressors and adaptation techniques and will have chances to learn tools for managing stress. In addition to learning the foundational work done on the study of stress and its effects, students will be able to identify stress in others and to develop programs of stress reduction.
Grade Level 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite: By invitation only, parent permission
GPA Weighting: 1.0
Being a Student Ambassador is a chance to use your voice and experiences to represent Whitmore School! Ambassadors are nominated by teachers and serve for one academic year (August/September – May). In this honors-level course, you’ll share your Whitmore story through social media, short videos for the school website, and both informal and formal presentations in your community. You’ll also take part in Live Virtual Open House events, where you’ll answer questions and offer advice to prospective families who are looking for the right school fit. This leadership opportunity helps you grow your communication, presentation, and teamwork skills while making a positive impact on future Whitmore students.
Grade Level 11, 12
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite: Completing 1 year as a Student Ambassador and parent permission
GPA Weighting: 1.0
If you love being creative and want to take your Student Ambassador role to the next level, this course is for you! In the Social Media Internship, you’ll get hands-on experience creating posts, videos, and interviews that showcase Whitmore School’s students, families, and community. You’ll learn how to tell stories online, build digital content, and share what makes Whitmore special. This year-long internship (August/September – May) gives you a chance to sharpen your leadership and communication skills while making a real impact on how our school is seen online.
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0
Prerequisite: None
Test Prep is a course designed to teach students how to prepare for a variety of tests. Not only does this course cover strategies for the SAT and ACT, but it also helps students manage test anxiety. Students will learn time management leading up to the test, how to manage the day of the test, and what to do after the test has been completed. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned with a comprehensive test at the end of the course.
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: none
“Think About It” is a course designed to engage students in the research and writing process in order to develop a more complete understanding of a particular topic. Students choose their topic and demonstrate that they can successfully narrow their focus of it. They are encouraged to fully develop their ideas in an organized essay once they have done their research, and they demonstrate that they can add their own voices to ongoing conversations using proper citation methods. Additionally, students must demonstrate the ability to use proper grammar, mechanics, and spelling to convey their ideas, and they practice editing their work for these elements.
WORK ETHICS with WORK EXPERIENCE
Grade Level 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Must be working or have worked within the last 12 months
Students will learn about accountability and responsibility in the workplace. Some covered topics include proper dress, attitude, honesty, and respect. They will also learn about work safety practices, conflict management, working in teams, and effective communication skills. Students will submit a log of work experience hours for this course. Students are required to journal about how the topics covered in the lessons relate to their experiences on the job.
Work Ethics with Work Experience Syllabus
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite: By invitation or transfer membership
Membership in the Whitmore School National Honor Society is an honor bestowed upon deserving students by the NHS Faculty Council and is based on the criteria of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. To be eligible for selection to membership in this chapter, the candidate must have been enrolled for a period equivalent to 5 months at Whitmore School and have completed at least 3 credits, or transfer their membership from another member school. Students who have a minimum GPA of 3.80 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted GPA) may be considered for membership. Invitations are sent to eligible students in December each year. New members are welcomed during a ZOOM Induction Ceremony held in January.
Each year, NHS members meet monthly from January – May through ZOOM in order to collaborate with other WS-NHS members from around the world. During the first meeting, students discuss and plan the WS-NHS community service project for the year. Each student will volunteer in their local community to complete the project. Students develop strong leadership skills while making a difference in their own community.
WS_NHS Community Service 1 Syllabus
Grade Level: 11, 12
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite: By invitation or transfer membership
Returning WS-NHS members, in good standing, participate in another community service project and serve as leaders and mentors for the new WS-NHS members. Returning members are invited to participate in the ZOOM Induction Ceremony held in January.
Each year, NHS members meet monthly from January – May through ZOOM in order to collaborate with other WS-NHS members from around the world. During the first meeting, students discuss and plan the WS-NHS community service project for the year. Each student will volunteer in their local community to complete the project. Students develop strong leadership skills while making a difference in their own community.
Grade Level: 12
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite: By invitation or transfer membership
Returning WS-NHS members participate in another community service project and serve as leaders and mentors for the new WS-NHS members. Returning members are invited to participate in the ZOOM Induction Ceremony held in January.
Each year, NHS members meet monthly from January – May through ZOOM in order to collaborate with other WS-NHS members from around the world. During the first meeting, students discuss and plan the WS-NHS community service project for the year. Each student will volunteer in their local community to complete the project. Students develop strong leadership skills while making a difference in their own community.
Grade Level 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Pre-approval is required before students may enroll in this course.
Full-time Whitmore School sophomores, juniors, and seniors, who are U.S. citizens, and have an overall GPA of 3.0 are eligible to participate in the WVU Dual Credit Access Early College program, earning 1.0 high school credit and 3-4 college credit hours. Students are required to complete this support course while concurrently enrolled in a WVU Dual Credit course.
This WVU Dual Credit Support course is designed to help you with:
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