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Academics & Electives
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We draw upon the expertise of our educators and work together to create models of outstanding achievement in every classroom. Through implementing high-quality instructional materials and transforming the academic culture in our schools, we challenge and inspire our students to thrive in the world. With a wide variety of academics and enrichment opportunities aligned with state standards, we support students in unlocking their potential as they extend their skills and talents beyond the classroom. Our core curriculum includes:
- English Language Arts - We are committed to nurturing and developing a strong literacy foundation for all students in the early school years by implementing literacy instructional frameworks that prepare students to become independent readers and writers.
- Math - The mathematics curriculum seeks to ensure mathematical competence and confidence in students in mathematics-rich classroom environments.
- Science - Classroom experiences in science are connected to real-world phenomena and provide opportunities to engage in science and engineering practices through exposure to STEM-related career pathways.
- Social Studies - Students gain the content knowledge, intellectual skills, and core democratic values necessary for fulling their civic duties in a participatory democracy and effectively engaging in our global society.
- World Languages - Students develop effective communication in at least one world language other than English as well as cultural competence to help all our students become better-equipped global citizens.
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9th Grade
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 1
DESCRIPTION: The English Language Arts 1 course engages students in activities that develop skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Course curriculum is aligned to the Reading Literature, Reading Informational Text, Writing, Speaking and Listening, and Language domains of the Michigan Common Core State Standards for ninth grade. The course specifically builds content around core themes and essential questions that drive classroom instructional routines to facilitate critical thinking, college and career readiness. Students will engage in close reading, collaborative discussions, analysis of text details, analysis of craft and structure, style, tone, and word choice analysis through multiple entries into fiction, non-fiction and informational texts. The course focuses on reading of diverse texts through national and world perspectives, excerpts and full-texts of literature and novel studies. Students will engage in various modes of writing such as narrative, explanatory, informational, argumentative, and non-fiction narrative writing. Student knowledge in grammar, mechanics, and usage will also be reinforced through interaction with literature.
ALGEBRA 1
DESCRIPTION: The Algebra 1 class students learn representations of functions using graphs, tables, equations, and contexts. The course focuses on solving equations and inequalities using a variety of strategies. Students solve systems of two equations and inequalities with two variables using a variety of strategies. Students analyze representations of arithmetic and geometric sequences, use exponential models to solve problems, and investigate a variety of functions including square root, cube root, absolute value, piecewise-defined, step, and simple inverse functions. The course also includes study of statistical analysis of two-variable data and distributions of one-variable data.
NEXT GEN PHYSICAL SCIENCE
DESCRIPTION: This laboratory science course develops an understanding of the forces and energy involved in atomic and molecular interactions. Students will develop and use models of interactions at the atomic molecular scale to explain observed phenomena and develop a model of the flow of energy and cycles of matter for phenomena at macroscopic and submicroscopic scales. Scientific practices and engagement with phenomena help illustrate and involve students with disciplinary core ideas. Physical models and computer simulations to help students connect observable phenomena with sub-microscopic mechanisms. This course is based on the MDE state-adopted standards.
CIVICS
DESCRIPTION: Through the use of inquiry under the C3 Framework, students explore political systems and structures in order to navigate those systems effectively. They will deepen their knowledge of the United States democratic system through an understanding of constitutional principles. Students will explore current political policy issues both domestic and foreign. Students learn about civic engagement to inspire them to become engaged in our political system. This course is aligned to the Michigan High School Content Expectations and is a semester long course.
10th Grade
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS II
DESCRIPTION: Students will be required to explore a more intense and rigorous study of reading, writing, speaking, viewing and listening. Students may engage in deeper novel studies on an accelerated path and experience the traditional tenth grade course through additional literary analysis and heightened performance tasks.
GEOMETRY
DESCRIPTION: In this course, students study geometric transformations (reflection, rotation, translation, dilation) and symmetry. Students explore relationships between figures (such as similarity and congruence) in terms of rigid motions and similarity transformations. Proofs of geometric theorems, using coordinates to prove geometric theorems, and modeling with geometry are also studied in detail. Students also study tools for analyzing and measuring right triangles, general triangles, and complex shapes. This study includes the Pythagorean Theorem, trigonometric ratios, the Law of Sines, and the Law of Cosines. Geometry also includes the study of theorems about circles, including arc lengths and areas of sectors. Topics on probability and statistics are also included.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
DESCRIPTION: A year-long laboratory science course that explores topics on the interactions of humans, other living organisms, and the environment. Content areas include ecology, biotechnology, population, biodiversity, conservation, natural resources, natural hazards, and the human impact on the earth, global climate change, and human health. This course is based on the MDE state-adopted standards.
WORLD HISTORY
DESCRIPTION: Through the use of inquiry under the C3 Framework, students explore the growth and development of major religions, the rise and fall of civilizations and empires, the spread of ideas and technology, the impact of imperialism, nationalism, and independence movements, and global conflicts from about 1200 AD to the present. Students will expand their historical thinking skills by analyzing primary sources for context, corroboration, and sourcing. This course is aligned to the Michigan High School Content Expectations and is a year long core curriculum course.
11th Grade
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS III
DESCRIPTION: Students will be required to explore a more intense and rigorous study of reading, writing, speaking, viewing and listening. Students may engage in deeper novel studies on an accelerated path and experience the traditional eleventh grade course through additional literary analysis and heightened performance tasks.
ALGEBRA II
DESCRIPTION: In Algebra II, students visualize, express, interpret, describe, and graph functions (and their inverses, in many cases). Students will represent functions with an equation, and vice-versa, and transform graphs, including those from the following function families: absolute value, exponential, linear, logarithmic, piecewise-defined, polynomial, quadratic, square root, and trigonometric. Students will recognize the connections among multiple representations. Students rewrite rational expressions, perform arithmetic operations on polynomials, and study the relationship between zeros and factors of polynomials.
BIOLOGY
DESCRIPTION: A year-long laboratory science course that investigates the processes of living things, biochemical cycles, and cellular mechanisms that maintain homeostasis. Inquiry standards are taught in the context of stable internal environments, photosynthesis, respiration, mitosis and meiosis, heredity, organization of living things, and evolution. This course is based on the MDE state-adopted standards.
U.S. GOVERNMENT
DESCRIPTION: U.S. Government and Politics provides a college-level, nonpartisan introduction to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students will study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behaviors. They will also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments. In addition, they will complete a political science research or applied civics project.
12th Grade
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS IV
DESCRIPTION: In the English IV course, students will be required to explore a more intense and rigorous study of reading, writing, speaking, viewing and listening. Students may engage in deeper novel studies on an accelerated path and experience the traditional eleventh grade course through additional literary analysis and heightened performance tasks.
PRE-CALCULUS
DESCRIPTION: Pre-Calculus includes the study of limits, continuity, differentiation, applications of differentiation, integration, differential equations, area, and volume. Students study multiple representations and focus on application in the course.
PHYSICS
DESCRIPTION: A year-long laboratory science course that examines the relationships between matter and energy, and the importance and applicability of this interaction. Using foundational concepts of physics and basic Algebra I skills, students solve real-life problems. Inquiry standards are taught with a focus on force and motion of objects and electricity and magnetism. Content areas include: physics process skills, mechanics and thermodynamics. This course is based on the MDE state-adopted standards.
U.S. HISTORY
DESCRIPTION: This course invites students to study the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped the United States from c. 1491 to the present. Students act as historians in this course by analyzing primary and secondary sources, developing arguments, analyzing events for change and continuity, analyzing for contextualization, and making historical comparisons. Students use the AP developed themes to connect historical events and developments over time and place: American and national identity; work, exchange, and technology; geography and the environment; migration and settlement; politics and power; America in the world; American and regional culture; and social structures.
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Southeastern students have the opportunity to enhance their education for a well rounded experience by participating in the following electives:
Academic Games - a series of games designed to stimulate and test student knowledge in a variety of subjects. Students develop proficiency and confidence by competing in games of Math, English, Social Studies, and Logic. Through competition, students are encouraged and motivated to sharpen their skills in order to gain a competitive edge over their peers. Academic games make learning fun!
Business Management - Students explore the steps necessary for starting a business, including analyzing the market, finding financing, and creating a form of organization that will accommodate future growth. They learn about the operational issues that new businesses face, such as regulations, protecting intellectual property, and the financial risks of starting a business. Students examine ethical issues and develop a framework for managing them. Finally, students identify the risks, returns, and other aspects of entrepreneurship as a potential career.
Dance - The main goal of this program is to move, create, and have fun. We will study movement techniques in the genres of Jazz, Ballet, Modern, and Hip Hop along with various cultural and social dance styles in special units throughout the year. Students will get opportunities to learn choreography, compose dances, and perform for their classmates, school, and community.
Music Appreciaition - an introduction to music appreciation through instrumental performance, aural music analysis, and the exploration of music through a critical socio-historical lens. Through playing and exploring various pieces in the wind repertoire, students will familiarize themselves with basic, healthy, sound production. In addition to playing, students will be introduced to elements of music theory and the interaction between music and people through research, class assignments, and group work. Ultimately, students will use the knowledge they have gained through classroom instruction and independent research to inform their performance. Most importantly, students will bring their diverse prior knowledge of music to enrich the learning experiences of their colleagues.
Band
Art portfolio - Each student’s voice, creations and expressions will be honored, celebrated and encouraged. Students will have the opportunity to create a small body of work, participate in reflective and mindful artmaking and keep a sketchbook or folder of drawings, sketches and ideas.
Choir - Chorus is led by Mr. Piper and regularly performs at school functions and as part of Winter and Sping Showcases. The Chorus sings contemporary and classic pop and R&B as well as seasonal favorites. Southeastern students have also written a handful of original songs which have been performed and recorded in the school.
S.A.T Prep - We tackle lessons, practice sessions, and quarterly tests on Khan Academy. We climb mountains of exercises in our College Springs SAT Study Guide, and conquer complex tests and questions from a variety of supplements. You will be armed with test-taking and reading comprehension techniques, a battery of writing strategies, vocabulary development, and English conventions skills that will make you a powerful SAT-crunching, testing machine!
Physical Education - Class is designed to provide cognitive content and instruction designed to develop motor skills, knowledge, and behaviors for physical activity and physical fitness. Students will learn multiple ways to stay healthy and active for life!
Health Education - graduation requires a one-semester course intended to provide students with the necessary tools and skills to enhance lifelong health. The course includes the following areas of study: Introduction Unit, Intentional Injury Unit, Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Unit, Human Sexuality Unit, Mental/Emotional Health Unit, and Nutrition/Physical Activity Unit.
Foreign Language (French/Spanish) - Students will develop interpersonal skills during class activities, projects, and special events throughout the school year. Topics of interest for the first two years of study include describing ourselves and our families, noticing the things around us, and discussing current events with a global perspective. We strive to keep language learning fun and exciting by using multiple approaches and allowing students to find their niche when reading, speaking, and writing in the TARGET (French / Spanish) language. The goal at Southeastern is to continuously move the students along the proficiency scale and lead them to the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy upon graduation.
Graphic Design - Students will be encouraged to think conceptually and critically when designing their final projects and partaking in class-wide reflective assignments. Students will learn traditional graphic design techniques, calligraphy, typography, photography and digital graphic design applications. Each student will leave class with a focused collection of digital and traditional artworks.
Personal Finance - Students should learn how to set goals, spend responsibly, thoughtfully, save, and invest. They develop skills needed to make sound financial decisions to analyze their personal financial decisions, evaluate the costs and benefits of their decisions, recognize their rights and responsibilities as consumers, and apply the knowledge learned to financial situations encountered later in life.
Business Operations - Students analyze the primary functions of management and leadership, which are planning, organizing, staffing, directing, or leading and controlling. Additional topics that are incorporated consist of marketing, social responsibility for business and industry, and ethical aspects of business to become competent managers, employees, and entrepreneurs.
Career Exploration
Exploration in Coding - A course that covers foundational concepts and skills of basic computer programming. The course is designed to be fun, engaging, relevant, collaborative and creative. Students will build their understanding of core computer programming concepts through interactive project-based coding practices using software that helps students gain familiarity with Python syntax and commands. Additional online activities will challenge students to problem solve and think critically.
Computer Networking & Telecommunications - A course that focuses on the design, implementation, and management of linked systems of computers, peripherals, and associated software to maximize efficiency and productivity, and that prepares individuals to function as network specialists and managers at various levels. Includes instruction in operating systems and applications; systems design and analysis; networking theory and solutions; types of networks; network management and control; network and flow optimization; security; configuring; and troubleshooting.
