Curricular Pathways

The English Department challenges students to strive for mastery in all areas of Language Arts in order to become excellent scholars. The department promotes effective expression, critical thinking, and life-long learning. The Department is committed to fostering a passion for literature and love of reading and writing for every student. The texts taught in English classrooms are chosen based on literary merits, importance in a college preparatory curriculum, and character education themes. English classrooms are nurturing environments where students of all abilities feel safe to take risks and challenge themselves. 

Peak to Peak offers a literature-based curriculum that exposes students to many of the major works in the English literary canon. As an Advanced Placement school, Peak to Peak selects literature from the AP list of suggested authors. Chosen texts reflect variety in genre (novels, plays, etc.) and variety in authors (gender, race, era, etc.) while at the same time providing thematic coherence to a given course. Each course focuses on responding to and analyzing written works orally and in writing, with emphasis on the writing of essays and other full-length products. In addition, the English Department spirals grammar study throughout each level, with topics introduced or re-taught as necessary. 

Graduation Requirement: Peak to Peak students must successfully complete four years of English.

English Choice Courses (do not satisfy the English requirement, but can satisfy Choice courses requirement): Creative Writing & Speaking to Empower

Mathematics not only facilitates logical thinking but also helps describe and analyze our world. At Peak to Peak, our math classes teach students to value mathematics as a discipline in its own right, to make connections between mathematics and other disciplines, and to examine its applications in our world. We balance the development of formal mathematical algorithms with critical reasoning and investigation of mathematical properties and ideas.  We expect students to think through the mathematics behind formal skills rather than simply following set procedures. Through practice, students become proficient in their formal skills and develop strategies for critical thinking.  

Graduation Requirement:  Peak to Peak students must successfully complete four years of mathematics. Many engineering schools require four years of mathematics and strongly recommend Calculus. Any course below Algebra 1 in Peak to Peak’s math course pathway does not receive high school credit.

Historically, approximately 32% of Peak to Peak students follow the grade-level pathway, 22% follow the Level 1 pathway, 39% follow the Level 2 pathway, and 7% follow the Level 3 pathway.

The Peak to Peak Science Department seeks to create excitement for, and excellence in, the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the natural world. Students are asked to approach scientific problems both critically and creatively, while developing a fundamental understanding of science as a thought process and applying those skills to real-world situations in all disciplines. Specifically, students will be encouraged to develop their ability to interpret current events, both scientific and otherwise, through inquiry and logic-based thinking. Many of the department’s courses are heavily lab-based, promoting the philosophy that scientific understanding is best derived from experimentation rather than the mere memorization of facts. Students are actively encouraged to explore their interests beyond the scope of the classes, with full faculty support.  

Science is a constantly evolving discipline and, consequently, the science faculty is dedicated to achieving and maintaining the highest level of scientific expertise, with current knowledge of today’s struggles and breakthroughs in the sciences. In addition to offering honors and AP science classes, the science department is dedicated to helping students broaden their skills and knowledge by offering challenging electives and individual research opportunities. The ultimate goal of the department is to instill in students a lifelong love of learning and a methodology for interpreting and understanding the world around them—abilities that last and serve for a lifetime. Science and technology go hand in hand in today’s world, and an understanding of the technology that underpins modern life is essential to success in college and most careers. For this reason, Peak to Peak expects each of its graduates to have facility with and an understanding of technology and its role in modern society.

Graduation Requirement:  Peak to Peak students must successfully complete three years of laboratory science, including Biology and Chemistry. A fourth year of science is required by many engineering schools and is strongly recommended for students contemplating a college major in science, math, or the social sciences.

Science Choice Courses (do not satisfy the Science requirement, but can satisfy the Choice courses requirement): Science Research Seminar

The Social Studies Department engages its students in a learning process in which every student’s ideas and participation are valued. Students are encouraged to be intellectually curious, seek multiple perspectives in reading and discussion, and question what they read and hear in and outside of the classroom. Critical thinking skills and relevant content pieces are taught and supported at each level, which is essential to understanding a complex and constantly changing world. Students use the content knowledge they gain in each course to discuss and engage academically with their local, national, and global communities, in which an understanding of the past is crucial to understanding current historical conflicts, modes of decision-making, and political, economic, and social paradigms.  

Ultimately, the department’s objectives are: to excite students about social studies and lifelong learning, to attend to students’ academic needs, and to assist students in achieving their academic potential. To motivate student involvement in the school and local communities, the department promotes creative decision-making, engages students in current events and international affairs, and teaches the skills necessary for students to become active, engaged citizens. Department members make social studies relevant and challenge their students to grasp the interdependence of diverse peoples and cultures, both past and present.

Graduation Requirement: Peak to Peak students must successfully complete three years of social studies, including Human Geography, US Government, and US History.

The World Languages Department believes that through the dedicated study of French or Spanish, our students will graduate with both a functional fluency in the language and a greater awareness and appreciation of other cultures.  These will promote lifelong language learning, provide students with a better understanding of the global community, and help them take an active role as world citizens. The department strives to develop each student’s ability to attain at least an intermediate-high level of proficiency in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). To further this goal, we believe in using the target language as much as possible. The classroom experience includes minimal English in order to immerse students in French or Spanish. 

Graduation Requirement: Students must complete three years of the same world language in high school or complete Level 40. Students are welcome to concurrently enroll in more than one world language. Please note that course offerings are based on sufficient enrollment.

French Language Pathway:

• French 10
• French 20
• French 35 Honors
• French 45 Honors*
• AP French Language & Culture

Spanish Language Pathway:

*The graduation requirement has been met after the completion of this course.

Science and technology go hand in hand in today’s world, and an understanding of the technology that underpins modern life is essential to success in college and most careers. For this reason, Peak to Peak expects each of its graduates to have facility with and an understanding of technology and its role in modern society.

Graduation Requirement: Peak to Peak students must successfully complete at least 5 credits in Technology.

Technology Pathway:

• Intro to Computer Programming
• Web Mastering
• AP Computer Science A
• Data Structures Honors
• Technology Research Seminar (Capstone)

"The ability to think aesthetically, applied across the board, can make a substantial difference in the quality of life. That is why the arts are not the domain of the privileged, the rich, or the talented, but belong to us all."

Fowler, C. (1990). The Arts as Basic Education.

When students can exhibit and perform creative applications of knowledge, then learning has taken place. Art is a discipline that teaches students to see by training their eyes. Art also helps students understand different cultures throughout history and enables them to express themselves and their own culture. The discipline of art involves teaching students how to create art using materials and principles of art as well as art history and art criticism.

Graduation Requirement: Students must successfully complete 20 credits in the visual and performing arts (Art, Music, and/or Theater courses).

Visual Arts Course Pathways:

Visual Arts Courses Offered without Prerequisite Requirements:

• Art 10: Foundations in Art
• Digital Art & Photography 1
• AP Art History*
• Film Studies
• Yearbook*

*Indicates a year-long course (10 credits). All other courses are single-semester (5 credits), offered in the fall and/or spring.

Student artists may submit a visual art portfolio to the Art Department Head for consideration to bypass an entry-level visual art course.

The Music Department is committed to providing students with a broad base of performing opportunities at Peak to Peak and in the community. Through participation in choir, band, strings, or other musical activities, students can find personal expression and engage in team-building endeavors. The benefits of performing in musical activities include: Fostering a sense of cooperation and participation, while not discouraging healthy competition; providing a channel for students’ creative impulses while developing problem-solving skills through a forum that meets the needs of aural, kinesthetic and visual learning styles; and encouraging students to engage in performing music at ever higher levels of ability; this character building aspect requires that students develop self-discipline and motivation to master complex tasks over a long period of time. Music at Peak to Peak is an integral part of the students’ entire learning experience. 

The Music Department believes that a thriving music program supports the Peak to Peak philosophy of preparing well-rounded students. Placement in ensembles is based on grade level, years of experience, and/or a placement audition.

Graduation Requirement: Students must successfully complete 20 credits in the visual and performing arts (Art, Music, and/or Theater courses).

Band Pathway:

• General Band
• Concert Band
• Wind Symphony Honors
• Jazz Band (audition required)
• Advanced Jazz Band (audition required)

Choir Pathway:

• Concert Choir
• Puma Pride Honors Choir (audition required)
• Chamber Choir (audition required)

Orchestra Pathway:

• Concert Orchestra
• Chamber Honors Orchestra

Other Music Courses:

• Guitar Lab
• Piano Lab

The Theatre Department strives to provide a comprehensive introduction to the various dramatic arts as well as production techniques and processes. High school level theatre classes will emphasize acting and technical technique, college level aesthetic analysis, and producing a variety of plays for the stage. Students will be encouraged to participate in all areas of production, including an array of backstage opportunities. They will become familiar with the job hierarchy and the multitude of positions in a professional theater organization. Students will leave the department with an understanding of the academic theatre world, what it means to be a theatre artist, and the wide variety of theatre opportunities that are available.

Graduation Requirement: Students must successfully complete 20 credits in the visual and performing arts (Art, Music, and/or Theater courses).

Health Education introduces students to information necessary to make smart decisions throughout their lifetime. The material presented is relevant to everyday life and takes into account the diverse physical, emotional, social, and intellectual needs of high school students. Subjects include wellness, mental and emotional health, nutrition, substance use/abuse and gateway drugs, disease awareness, personal well-being, and sexual education.

Graduation Requirement: Students must successfully complete one 5-credit health and wellness course. It is recommended that Health & Wellness be taken in the 10th or 11th grade.

The Physical Education Department fosters a love of physical activity and play in order to develop a lifelong pursuit of physical fitness. The department focuses on fostering fair play, cooperation, and self-esteem, with an emphasis on skill development, knowledge, and practice. Department members share new teaching strategies, provide feedback, and support one another. Teachers will encourage and promote a positive environment where students are safe, are empowered to take risks, and are successful. This class includes a variety of sports and games, as well as a fitness component that focuses on skill development, with an emphasis on fun and competitive play. Some examples of sports and activities include flag football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, hockey, and many others. There will also be an element of educating students to explore and understand the importance of making exercise and/or playing sports part of living a healthy lifestyle.

Graduation Requirement: Students must successfully complete 10 credits of physical education.  5 of the 10 required credits must be earned through a Peak to Peak PE class. Students who participate in extracurricular or outside sports or athletic activities may receive credit for those activities towards the physical education requirement; credit will be determined on an individual basis.  Appropriate documentation must be completed by the student, family, and coach and must be pre-approved each time credit is requested. A maximum of five units of P.E. credit may be earned in this manner in any school year.  P.E. courses may be repeated for credit. A student who wishes to receive an exemption from a P.E. course or the P.E. requirement must submit a P.E. exemption request prior to the registration deadline for the applicable semester for consideration by the High School Principal. A new P.E. exemption request must be submitted for each semester in which the exemption will apply.