Introduction to Literature with Integrated AI

What are your values, and how can you activate them in your daily life? How do you know if you are living with integrity? How can you “walk the talk” of your beliefs? In Introduction to Literature, students will clarify their personal values while learning to read and write at the high school level. Through daily discussions, students will develop and refine their skills in close reading, active listening, and respectful discourse. In addition to writing critical essays and creative pieces that analyze literary works, students will gain proficiency in crafting AI-generated prompts to support their writing process. Each unit invites students to reflect on their relationship to a specific value or set of values—such as courage, justice, citizenship, faith, truth, love, and self-advocacy. 

Geography

Our geography course offers students a transformative learning experience, fostering global awareness and critical thinking. Through a blend of theoretical concepts and practical applications, students delve into the interconnected realms of geography, economics, politics, and culture. They analyze case studies like lithium production in Bolivia to grasp geography’s influence on regional dynamics. Explorations into Indigenous cultural regions and the development of early Americas civilizations provide insights into human-environment interactions. Additionally, students examine the adaptive strategies of Indigenous communities and the transformative role of women micro-entrepreneurs in Africa. This immersive approach allows students to see the world through a geographer’s lens, equipping them with a holistic understanding of geography and the skills to navigate our complex global landscape.

Intermediate Algebra

Students placed into Intermediate Algebra will experience an in-depth Algebra course followed by the option in their sophomore year to take Geometry or Honors Geometry depending upon their performance in this course. Students who take Intermediate Algebra in 9th grade have the possibility of taking Calculus or AP Calculus AB as seniors if they do well in our courses and do summer work between junior and senior year. Placement in Intermediate Algebra does not ultimately limit a student’s options. 

Geometry

This course presents concepts of Euclidean geometry as a topic of importance for daily living, for career development, and for the future study of mathematics. It applies the skills of engineering, measurement, visualization, inductive and deductive logic, and proof to the study of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, circles, and solids. It analyzes concepts of similarity, congruence, and isometric transformations of figures. Emphasis is placed upon the analysis of right triangles and the area and volume of plane and solid figures as well as algebraic strategies to solve geometric problems including coordinate representations and vectors. Trigonometry of right triangles is introduced, and techniques of coordinate geometry are developed. Algebraic representation and deductive analysis of geometric relations are stressed throughout the course.  

Biology  

This course immerses students in understanding and applying scientific concepts related to the living environment while tracing the historical evolution of scientific ideas. Focusing on seven pivotal concepts—including the distinctions between living and non-living entities, genetic inheritance, species evolution, the continuity of life, dynamic equilibrium in sustaining life, and the interdependence of plants, animals, and their environment—the curriculum integrates a minimum of 1200 minutes of hands-on laboratory experiences. Through these practical sessions and mandatory lab reports, students reinforce theoretical knowledge beyond traditional classroom instruction, honing their analytical and experimental skills. By delving into the historical development of scientific theories and actively engaging with contemporary applications, this course empowers students to comprehend, critically evaluate, and apply scientific principles, preparing them to navigate complex challenges within the realm of life sciences. 

Honors Biology

The Honors program stands out through its accelerated pace in presenting concepts, demanding depth of understanding, and rigorous evaluation methods. Students enrolled in the Honors Biology course should anticipate an increased workload with additional projects, extensive reading, writing assignments, and guided independent studies. This advanced curriculum emphasizes conceptually challenging laboratory sessions that necessitate the synthesis of studied topics, fostering a scientific mindset by encouraging students to question, hypothesize, and systematically seek answers. Attending designated "lab days" is crucial as these sessions form the core of the curriculum, challenging to replicate if missed, emphasizing the significance of hands-on experience in understanding scientific principles. 

Foundations of Faith  

9th graders attend CRJS from a wide variety of educational backgrounds and varying degrees of religious education. Foundations of Faith provides all students with the vocabulary and basic knowledge they will need to succeed in their religious studies.  

Foundations of Faith assists students in understanding the Catholic Christian experience of the presence of God in all aspects of creation and human experience.  Students explore both the Old and New Testaments with an emphasis on contextual interpretation to reveal religious truths and how these truths shape belief and practice. Students will examine their personal faith in response to themes such as the goodness of Creation, our need for community, what it means to be “made in the image and likeness of God,” and covenant. With this foundation, students will connect Jesus’ command to love one another to the Hebrew prophets’ understanding of justice.  Throughout the course, students will reflect on the role of narrative as a vehicle for understanding their own identities relative to ongoing Salvation History.  Students will complete 20 hours of Christian Service as part of the CRJS graduation requirement.  

Students choose from a variety of Arts options including visual arts, music, and drama courses. 

Preparedness for the Modern Workplace (Job Placement)
CWS Practicum 1

Spanish 1

Spanish 1 is designed for students who have little or no prior background in learning the language. During this course students are introduced to the Spanish language and the cultures and communities in which it is spoken. During the year, students begin to acquire and develop the language in the four primary skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Honors Spanish 2

Honors Spanish 2 is a continuation of Spanish 1, but marks a pivotal stage in which students are expected to move beyond memorization to create and express their own ideas in Spanish through written and oral projects. The study of grammar is complemented with additional practical and literary vocabulary. Written and oral skills are further developed. More advanced reading selections are introduced. The scope of Spanish and Latin American culture is broadened. This course is conducted entirely in Spanish.

English

Sophomores will explore stories about characters who struggle to do the right thing while dealing with outside challenges and their own strong emotions. To understand these situations, students will closely analyze key moments in the stories—times when characters must make tough decisions. By studying these scenes, students will build their understanding of why people act the way they do, how emotions and thoughts work together, and what it means to make ethical choices. This will also help them reflect on their own decisions.   
In writing, students will improve their ability to think critically and express their ideas clearly, building on the skills they’ve developed in earlier grades. They will learn to create strong arguments in persuasive essays, becoming more confident in finding and explaining their own interpretations. A focus on grammar and style will also help students strengthen their writing and explore new ways to express their ideas. 

US History

This course provides students with a strong foundation in historical reasoning so they can understand and engage in complex historical inquiry as well as with the competing narratives that form the basis of this nation’s history. Through analysis of primary and secondary sources, scaffolded research, and writing projects, students will develop the skills necessary to ask meaningful questions about all aspects of American history, from the colonial period to the present, and to find answers.

Geometry

This course presents concepts of Euclidean geometry as a topic for daily living, for career development, and for the future study of mathematics. It applies engineering, measurement, visualization, inductive and deductive logic, and proof to the study of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, circles, and solids. It analyzes concepts of similarity, congruence, and isometric transformations of figures. Emphasis is placed upon the analysis of right triangles and the area and volume of plane and solid figures as well as algebraic strategies to solve geometric problems including coordinate representations and vectors. Trigonometry of right triangles is introduced, and techniques of coordinate geometry are developed. Algebraic representation and deductive analysis of geometric relations are stressed throughout the course.  

Algebra 2 with Trigonometry

This course builds on and deepens the concepts introduced in Algebra I, preparing students for higher-level mathematics. Key topics include the analysis and application of various functions such as: Linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, radical, and basic trigonometric functions. Polynomial and rational expressions, binomial expansions, radical operations, irrational and imaginary numbers, exponents, and essential trigonometric formulas. 

Students will develop the ability to graph these functions both manually and with graphing utilities. Emphasis is placed on mathematical modeling, solving complex word problems, and interpreting data using statistical methods. Through these applications, students will strengthen their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

Environmental Science (Flourish)  

This course, also referred to as “Global Studies,” engages students in an exploration of environmental science through a global perspective. The curriculum incorporates critical thinking, scientific analysis, and hands-on investigations to deepen students’ understanding of ecological systems and environmental challenges facing the world today. 
Topics include: 

• Our Earth – students learn the Laws of Conservation and how the Earth recycles while gaining a solid understanding of Earth’s physical properties. 
• Life - students model exponential growth while learning how growth affects the Earth and its ability to sustain all life, showcasing the need for conservation. 
• Energy – students learn where energy comes from and the need for energy alternatives. Energy sources are modeled and students explore options that are most efficient. 
• Water –  students learn about water distribution and the damaging qualities of water, as well as strategies to reduce water pollution. 
• Resource Management - students take on the role of Earth’s caretaker while learning about changes observed on Earth and how they can help preserve it. 
• Space –  students explore the age-old question of how the Earth began and look at various theories and their issues. Students also explore how stars are formed and the effects of gravity and orbits on Earth. 

Christology  

This 10th grade religion course explores the person of Jesus Christ (Christology) through the lens of various Christian traditions, examining how different denominations understand and interpret his life, teachings, and significance. Students will engage deeply with the New Testament, analyzing key texts that form the foundation of Christian belief while learning historical, literary, and theological approaches to scripture. The course also introduces major world religions, fostering interfaith understanding by comparing core beliefs, practices, and perspectives on the divine. In addition to Christian perspectives, students will examine how non-Christian traditions view Jesus and engage with broader spiritual and philosophical questions. Through discussion, research, and reflection, students will gain a richer understanding of their own faith and the diverse religious landscape of the global community. 

Students choose from a variety of Arts options including visual arts, music, and drama courses. 

Preparedness for the Modern Workplace (Job Placement)
CWS Practicum II

10th Grade Spanish II (“Non-Heritage”)

Spanish II is a continuation of Spanish I. It builds upon basic skills, introduces more complex grammar structures and usage, and expands vocabulary and expressions. Students enhance their writing skills by practicing the integration of various verb tenses in short paragraphs and compositions. 
With an emphasis on Hispanic cultures, students engage extensively with authentic materials created by and for native speakers. This exposure enables them to draw meaningful connections between their own culture and those of Spanish-speaking countries while fostering the development of critical thinking skills. Exclusive use of Spanish by both the teacher and the students is the primary goal.