International Relations: Anarchy, Order, and the Global Pulse
This Advanced Agora Seminars seminar course provides an introduction for understanding the “Grand Strategies” and hidden forces that drive global politics. Students are introduced to the major theoretical frameworks used to analyze state behavior, exploring the persistent tension between national interest and international cooperation. The course moves from the historical mechanics of balance-of-power diplomacy to…
Read MoreClassical Mythology
Moving beyond the Mediterranean canon, this Advanced Agora Seminars course treats mythology as the fundamental “software” of human civilization. Students engage in a rigorous comparative study of diverse origin stories, hero cycles, and ethical myths from across the globe to identify universal archetypes and distinct cultural variations. The seminar investigates how these foundational narratives encode…
Read MoreCon Law II: The Bill of Rights and the Supreme Court
This Advanced Agora Seminars course functions as an analytical laboratory for the evolution of individual rights and the mechanics of the American judicial system. Using a case-study methodology, students trace the narrative of civil liberties through the shifting interpretations of the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments. The seminar focuses on the “Great Debates” of…
Read MoreDevelopment of Rabbinic Thought: Creating Law through Interpretation
Students learn whole sugyot (Talmudic sections) which explore the development of rabbinic thought. The goal is to build a student’s ability to analyze the texts and recognize rabbinic methods of interpretation. We explore how the Rabbis establish the authority and boundaries of their legal system, particularly related to the values of human life and dignity.…
Read MoreThe Creation of a Nation
This course traces the development of the nascent Israelite nation from slavery to freedom, from serving Pharaoh to serving God. Through a close reading of the book of Shemot (Exodus), we delve into the central story of the Jewish people, discover how the Israelites respond to the new opportunities and responsibilities that come with freedom,…
Read MoreOnline Courses via Virtual High School (VHS)
Interested students can enroll in online courses through our partnership with Virtual High School (VHS). The courses are asynchronous (students can log on to do their coursework on their own schedule rather than at a fixed time) and teacher led (all work is assigned with due dates and graded by the VHS teacher, and students…
Read MoreCon Law I: Foundations of Authority and Constitutional Design
This Advanced Agora Seminars seminar course investigates the deep historical and ethical roots of Western governance, treating the U.S. Constitution not as a static document, but as the culmination of a millennia-long dialogue regarding justice and power. The course begins by analyzing the transition from ancient legal codes and covenantal structures to the modern social…
Read MoreChemistry
The topics covered in this course include the classification of matter, chemical nomenclature, writing and balancing chemical equations, stoichiometry, atomic theory, bonding, periodic trends, gas laws and changes of state, and thermochemistry. Laboratory experiments and computer simulations are used to introduce and reinforce topics. Problem solving is an important component of this course. The math…
Read MoreHonors Chemistry I
In addition to the topics covered in Chemistry, Honors Chemistry also includes the study of kinetics, chemical equilibrium, and acids and bases. The topics are covered in greater depth and with a greater emphasis on quantitative problem solving; therefore, high math proficiency is required.The math skills required include solving algebraic equations, graphing and deriving an…
Read MorePhysical Education
The Leffell School’s physical education classes for High School students are scheduled for two periods per week. Each student can choose activities which will last three to four weeks. Students can choose from tennis, basketball, floor hockey, football, soccer, softball, pickle ball, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, and more. Each student must pass each semester of physical…
Read MoreHealth
In the tenth grade, each student takes a health class which will be offered by one of our physical education teachers. This one-semester course covers goal setting, physical activity, nutrition, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, self-management, relationship management, and sexuality.
Read MoreStudy Hall
Study Hall is designed for students who want a quiet and structured time during the school day to complete school work under the supervision of a faculty member.
Read MoreComputer Science VI
The beginning of this course will cover the basics of video game history, this includes the technologies and companies responsible for what we have today. We will then cover the basics of video game development through the use of the C# programming language in the Unity game engine.
Read MoreGeneral Geometry
This course focuses on the theorems of Euclid, with an emphasis on the understanding of the concepts and properties of theorems and an application to numerical and problem-solving situations. This course utilizes technology such as Geogebra and Desmos to explore and discover geometric phenomena. Topics include: • The study of triangle properties • The three…
Read MoreGeometry
This is the second mathematics course in the high school sequence. In this course, students will have the opportunity to make conjectures about geometric situations and prove in a variety of ways that their conclusion follows logically from their hypothesis. Geometry is meant to lead students to an understanding that reasoning and proof are fundamental…
Read MoreAccelerated Algebra II/Trigonometry
This is the third mathematics course of the Algebra I and Geometry sequence. The course further develops the algebraic skills developed in the students’ previous algebra coursework and re-examines topics from Algebra I with an added level of depth and sophistication. Graphing calculators are integral to the course. Topics include: • Complex numbers • Polynomial,…
Read MoreHonors Algebra II/Trigonometry
This is the third mathematics course following the Algebra I and Honors Geometry sequence. Students are expected not only to master algebraic mechanics but also to understand the underlying theory and to apply the concepts to real-world situations in a meaningful way. Numerical, graphical, and algebraic solutions are considered for all problems, as applicable. Graphing…
Read MoreComputer Science IV
This course places students in an environment to explore a selection of advanced topics in computer science. The class works with exceptions, multithreading, and databases. There also is a focus on reading documentation to solve more advanced problems. Prerequisite: Computer Science III or instructor’s permission.
Read MoreComputer Science V
The class will adapt their previously learned Java skills into new projects and ideas. Students will then build new skills through the use of GUI (Graphical User Interface) development to make visually interactive desktop applications. We will explore the use of images, sound, and other assets in our software. Prerequisite: Computer Science IV or instructor’s…
Read MoreSpanish I
Spanish I emphasizes how to learn a foreign language. Students begin by learning the basic regular and irregular conjugations of simple present- and past-tense verbs. The vocabulary presents cognates, family members, numbers, academic subjects, days of the week, months of the year, clothing, seasons, and descriptive adjectives. Students are also exposed to common idiomatic expressions…
Read MoreSpanish II
In the first part of Spanish II, students review grammar from Spanish I. They then proceed to new verb tenses, including the imperfect, future, and present perfect. They also study irregular verb forms and idiomatic expressions. Students are asked to improve their skills in understanding and expressing their points of view appropriate to the second-year…
Read MoreSpanish III
Level III begins with a rapid review of the previous two years’ grammar and vocabulary, after which it focuses on the present and pluperfect tenses, commands, and double-object pronouns. The main grammatical unit is the subjunctive mood, both present and past, with many of its uses. The vocabulary studied is diverse—some of it centered on…
Read MoreSpanish IV
This course provides students with numerous opportunities to continue to discover, learn, and use Spanish in meaningful, creative, and engaging contexts. Authentic reading materials are used to further develop proficiency in the four skill areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Grammar is reviewed and used not as an end in itself, but rather as…
Read MoreSpanish V
This advanced-level course further hones and develops students’ writing and speaking skills. Critical-thinking skills are utilized to analyze literary selections, films, and different readings. Personal reflection is incorporated in the form of a journal. Students are encouraged to question, interpret, synthesize, and integrate the Spanish language into their present and future lives while acquiring lifelong…
Read MoreEngineering & Entrepreneurship II: E2 Start-Up Year 1
A full-year course, students in E2 Start-Up Year 1 learn and use the Design Thinking methodology to identify problems and subsequently generate solutions to those problems using the electronics, coding, and fabrication skills they developed in the previous semesters. After ideating solutions, students do a ‘“deep dive,” researching the viability of their idea as well…
Read MoreLeffell Space: Satellite Communications
This immersive engineering course is designed for students passionate about science, technology, and hands-on innovation. Students will explore core concepts in radio communication, satellite signals, and wireless technologies while designing and operating a satellite ground station. The course also introduces key space subsystems — such as power, thermal, and communication systems — and examines how…
Read MoreComputer Science I
This course introduces students to the basic principles of computer science using the Java programming language. We explore the basic foundations and fundamentals of programming to solve problems and create tools. Students learn to create efficient and effective programs through a series of in-class labs. This course (or equivalent experience) is required to take Computer…
Read MoreComputer Science II
This course expands on the fundamentals of computing that are introduced in Computer Science I. Students study the data structures and algorithms that make their everyday life possible, as well as a new focus on Object-Oriented Programming (OOP). Prerequisite: Computer Science I or instructor’s permission.
Read MoreComputer Science III
This course continues to build on the foundation of the previous classes. Students cover advanced topics that open new paths for their projects. The class learns more about how Java functions as a language through the use of interfaces, abstract classes, associations, generics, and collections. Prerequisite: Computer Science II or instructor’s permission.
Read MoreHebrew VII
Hebrew I-XI 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 level is divided into three subcategories, low, mid, and high. Our Hebrew program is designed to advance students in three or four subcategories over the…
Read MoreHebrew VIII
Hebrew I-XI 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 level is divided into three subcategories, low, mid, and high. Our Hebrew program is designed to advance students in three or four subcategories over the…
Read MoreHebrew IX
Hebrew I-XI 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 level is divided into three subcategories, low, mid, and high. Our Hebrew program is designed to advance students in three or four subcategories over the…
Read MoreContemporary Hebrew History & Literature (CHHL)
This course is designed for students at the Advanced to Superior levels of Hebrew language acquisition. Taught entirely in Hebrew, it explores the intersections of Israeli history, society, and literature by studying authentic texts, media, and historical sources. Students engage with a wide range of genres. Emphasis is placed on developing interpretive and presentational skills…
Read MoreHebrew Language & Culture (HLC)
Hebrew Language and Culture (HLC) is a course of study designed for students who struggle with language acquisition and are designed based on the needs of the students in each class. HLC classes use both English and Hebrew as the language of instruction and follow the program outlined above while progressing at a deliberate pace.…
Read MoreUS History I: The United States to 1945
United States History covers the early revolutionary period through World War II as a survey course. From a chronological standpoint, we begin the year by examining the development and growth of the American Republic, the territorial expansion and division of the United States, and the growth of the United States into a world power in…
Read MoreHebrew I
Hebrew I is for students with little to no prior knowledge of Hebrew (fewer than 150 vocabulary words or struggles with reading and writing). Upon completion of this level, most students will be able to listen, view, and read with comprehension, and write and speak with emerging fluency and accuracy about the following topics: basic…
Read MoreHebrew II
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 level is divided into three subcategories, low, mid, and high. Our Hebrew program is designed to advance students in three or four subcategories over the…
Read MoreHebrew III
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 level is divided into three subcategories, low, mid, and high. Our Hebrew program is designed to advance students in three or four subcategories over the…
Read MoreHebrew IV
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 level is divided into three subcategories, low, mid, and high. Our Hebrew program is designed to advance students in three or four subcategories over the…
Read MoreHebrew V
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 level is divided into three subcategories, low, mid, and high. Our Hebrew program is designed to advance students in three or four subcategories over the…
Read MoreHebrew VI
Hebrew I-XI 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 level is divided into three subcategories, low, mid, and high. Our Hebrew program is designed to advance students in three or four subcategories over the…
Read MoreAdvanced Independent Science Research II
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, students will write a paper summarizing their findings. Students then present their findings at local and national scientific competitions and/or present at professional science conferences.…
Read MoreExploration of Artistic Techniques
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 their knowledge of composition, value, and color theory to create their artwork. In this semester, students create projects using each medium, expanding their understanding of…
Read MoreBand
Become a better musician while enjoying many opportunities to share your talent and passion with the entire Leffell School community. This class combines the exploration of contemporary wind band and modern rock/jazz band music and techniques, as well as in-depth study of music theory and composition. The Band is open to all concert and rock…
Read MoreString Ensemble
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 and ensemble performance skills. In addition to preparing for multiple community performances, students will study music theory in depth. The String Ensemble is open to…
Read MoreChoir
Share your vocal talent with the Leffell School community! The Choir class explores styles of music from different cultures and artistic eras while developing strong vocal technique and ensemble singing skills. In addition to preparing music for community performances, students learn basic music literacy and aural skills. The Choir is open to all students interested…
Read MoreDrama
This course will cover improvisation, scene study, character study, voice and speech, musical numbers as the storytelling actor, method acting, monologue breakdown, ensemble work, audition prep, and more! The course is open to all students wanting to explore the world of theater and performing arts regardless of previous experience.
Read MoreLiterature and Composition II
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 of analytical essays as responses to literature, informal reader responses, and writing an argument, along with the practice of editing and revising. Students learn vocabulary…
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