High School Curriculum Guide
We invite you to learn more about The Leffell High School Curriculum!
View our Curriculum Guide for a full overview of the High School programs, academic departments, electives, and signature programs.
Browse course descriptions below or select from the dropdown menus to search by department or grade.
Department
Grades
Center for Academic Support (CAS)
Department: CAS
Grade(s):
In the Center for Academic Support (CAS), learning specialists work directly with students who have a documented need for support beyond what their classroom teachers provide. Students enroll in CAS…
Advanced Independent Science Research I
Department: AISR
Grade(s): 9
Independent Science Research (ISR) is a three- and-a-half-year program starting in freshman year, where students independently design and conduct original scientific research with the guidance of a professional scientist mentor.…
Advanced Independent Science Research II
Department: AISR
Grade(s): 10
This is the second year of the Independent Science Research (ISR) program. Students must have completed ISR I in order to enroll in ISR II. After completing their summer research,…
Advanced Independent Science Research III
Department: AISR
Grade(s): 11
This is the third year of the Independent Science Research (ISR) program. Students must have completed ISR I and ISR II in order to enroll in ISR III. After completing…
Advanced Independent Science Research IV
Department: AISR
Grade(s): 12
This is a one semester-long course as students participate in the Lev v’Nefesh Poland/Israel program during the second semester. This class is for twelfth-grade students who participated in ISR in…
Introduction to Art Fundamentals
Department: Arts
Grade(s): 9
This course is designed for students who want to pursue art seriously all throughout high school. Each year is designed to build upon the previous year’s experience and knowledge to…
Exploration of Artistic Techniques
Department: Arts
Grade(s): 10
During the spring semester, students continue to study different art mediums, focusing on the development of their skills and techniques. They experiment with each medium and learn how to apply…
Personal Expression in Art I
Department: Arts
Grade(s): 11
During the first semester of junior year, students explore the concept of personal expression in art. They learn from other artists and explore various themes to help them discover their…
Personal Expression in Art II
Department: Arts
Grade(s): 11
During the second semester of junior year, students continue to deepen their understanding of personal expression in art and refine their unique artistic style. They build on the themes explored…
Portfolio & Exhibit Preparation
Department: Arts
Grade(s): 12
During the first semester of senior year – the final year of art – students concentrate on building their portfolio and preparing for their final art exhibit. They learn the…
String Ensemble
Department: Arts
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Share your talent and passion for orchestral music with the Leffell School community. The String Ensemble class will explore historical and contemporary orchestral and string quartet literature while developing individual…
Literature and Composition I
Department: English
Grade(s): 9
This course is designed to create a foundation for the study of English at the high school level. The curriculum emphasizes the study of classics from various genres, the skills…
Literature and Composition II
Department: English
Grade(s): 10
Sophomore English continues to emphasize written expression with the expectation that students will reach a greater level of sophistication in their expository, critical, and narrative writing. Instruction stresses the crafting…
American Literature
Department: English
Grade(s): 11
In this course students study American literary voices from the nineteenth century through modern times. During the first semester, we examine texts which have shaped the emergence of American literature…
Honors American Literature
Department: English
Grade(s): 11
This advanced course in American literature is designed for students with a strong interest in literary study and a willingness to engage deeply with challenging texts. Students will explore major…
Creative Writing Workshop
Department: English
Grade(s): 12
This course is designed to offer all students the opportunity to write original poetry, short fiction, creative nonfiction, and/or drama. Students engage in the writing process through teacher prompts, using…
The Literature of Lyrics
Department: English
Grade(s): 12
This course combines the study of lyrics and the etymology of language in literature (i.e., poetry and prose) with both written pieces and presentation. Students will gain a deeper understanding…
Modern Drama
Department: English
Grade(s): 12
This course is designed to expose students to representative plays from the Victorian period to the modern era. Students delve into the historical and creative movements, as well as the…
Philosophy
Department: English
Grade(s): 12
At 6:30 a person looks at their watch, not knowing that the watch broke 12 hours earlier; does the person know that it is 6:30? Can you trust your senses?…
War Literature and Film
Department: English
Grade(s): 12
This course examines a range of human responses to war as reflected through literature with an emphasis on post-industrial wars from World War I to the present day. Through an…
World Literature
Department: English
Grade(s): 12
This course offers students the opportunity to study the political, social, and cultural issues of classic and modern works from world literature. We explore texts and independent films with themes…
Hebrew III
Department: Hebrew Language
Grade(s): 9, 10, 11
Hebrew I-X progress along the track toward Hebrew proficiency. ACTFL, (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language,) defines levels of proficiency as Novice (beginners), Intermediate, Advanced and Superior. Each…
