Electives
Elective classes include those that are not specifically required for graduation. However, any class can be counted as an elective once graduation requirements within that discipline have been met. For instance, a college-bound student who takes four science credits, since Mica Mountain requires only three science credits for graduation, will receive one elective credit. Many electives, such as those in the World Languages category, are required for college admission or will be necessary for entrance into a specific area of study or occupation. All electives are as important as core classes in reaching graduation and post-secondary academic goals.
General Electives
AP Capstone Program
AP Capstone™ is a College Board program that equips students with independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills that are increasingly valued by colleges. It cultivates curious, independent, and collaborative scholars and prepares them to make logical evidence-based decisions. AP Capstone is comprised of two AP courses — AP Seminar and AP Research — and is designed to complement and enhance the discipline-specific study in other AP courses. Participating schools can use the AP Capstone program to provide unique research opportunities for current AP students, or to expand access to AP by encouraging students to master the argument-based writing skills that the AP Capstone program develops.
AP Seminar
AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; listen to and view speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experience artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in research-based written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments. Note: Students are assessed with two through-course performance assessment tasks and one end-of-course exam. All three assessments are summative and will be used to calculate a final AP score (using the 1-5 scale).
Grade: 11 1 Credit
2 Semester(s)
Prerequisite: Honors English 2
AP Research
AP Research allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Through this exploration, students design, plan, and conduct a year-long mentored, research-based investigation to address a research question. In the AP Research course, students further their skills acquired in the AP Seminar course by understanding research methods; employing ethical research practices; and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information as they address a research question. The course culminates in an academic thesis paper of approximately 5,000 words and a presentation, performance, or exhibition with an oral defense.
Grade(s): 12
1 Credit(s)
2 Semester(s)
Prerequisites: AP Seminar credit
AP Psychology
The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major sub fields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice (taken from the College Board). This course is taught year-long, with AP Psychology A during the fall semester and AP Psychology B during the spring semester.
Grade: 10-12 1 Credit
2 Semesters
Requirements: Additional summer homework. Students should maintain at least a C average to remain in any AP class
Creative Writing
Students will study and practice different forms of writing, including short stories, slam poetry, literary fiction, creative nonfiction, and script writing, in order to develop a knowledge of and appreciation of writing beyond the academic classroom. Additionally, students will study and practice storytelling in the spoken form, including podcasting. Throughout the year students will write, edit, and publish their writings, working as a classwide team to encourage and grow each other’s abilities.
Grade: 10-12
1 Credit
2 Semesters
Critical Writing Analysis of Film
In this one-year course, students study the development of the American and Classical film as an art form and a social phenomenon. There is an ever-increasing need for students to have the ability to demonstrate critical thinking and writing skills. Colleges and universities are often sharing with high schools the need for students to be able to both analyze and synthesize information (Bloom’s Taxonomy, Levels of Thinking, Inquiry- Based Learning, Socratic Approach). These skills are often best displayed through writing and/or class/socratic discussion. In a standard ELA course, literature is the main component; however, in “Film Analysis” the vision is to use film as a way to focus upon and access students’ critical thinking and writing skills.
Grade: 9-12
0.5 Credit
1 Semester
Education / Peer Mentor
This course is designed to enable students to develop peer relationships while acting as positive peer models for students with special needs or who require academic support. The assistants will receive instruction about various types of disabilities and learning styles and instructional techniques for students with disabilities. Additionally, students will learn peer mediation strategies to assist fellow students in de-escalating minor conflicts.
Grade(s): 10-12
1 Credit(s)
2 Semester(s)
Prerequisites: Teacher approval
Mica Mountain Leadership
The class is primarily experientially based and emphasizes the importance of communication, character, personal growth, and building strong relationships and teams. Also covered will be listening skills, synergy, perceptions, conflict styles, personality, and group formation. A variety of initiatives will be used to facilitate the learning of skills and, along with various media, reinforce those skills throughout the semester.
Course Learning Targets/Power Standards:
Leadership is the skill of influencing others to enthusiastically do your will, for the common good, because of your personal influence 2.
Authority/Influence is a skill-based on serving and sacrificing for others whereas power is an ability based on force, position, status, might etc.
Love is not how you feel towards others but behave towards others by meeting their legitimate needs not wants.
You are born with your personality, but you can choose your character daily through the thousands of choices you make daily.
Intentions + Actions = Will (which is a choice).
Grade(s): 9
.5 Credit(s)
1 Semester(s)
History Though Film
History Through Film is a year-long course. During each semester we will watch 9 historical films, each dedicated to an event, person, or era of both U.S. and World History. Prior to watching the films, students will learn about the geographic and historic factors that combined to create the historical topic of the film. They will use maps, and primary and secondary source documents, to create a framework for understanding the area and time period before watching the film. After watching the film, students will participate in activities that require research, writing, and presentation skills to evaluate the film in comparison to actual events.
Grade: 10-12
1 Credit
2 Semesters
Passion Project
To engage our 9th-12th grade students in discovering their gifts — their passion. Passion Projects take many forms; a cause, an expression of art or other talent, a much loved hobby, a business idea, or the drive to answer the question, “what if...”. Passion is fuel driving both academic growth and personal discovery. Throughout the course, learn to come up with new ideas for your creative project, develop it, and make it a reality.
Grade: 9-12
0.5 Credit
1 Semester
Teacher Aide
The student works under the supervision of a teacher, librarian, or office staff member and is evaluated on a pass/fail basis. Students may only TA for one class per semester and may only earn two credits on their transcript
Grade(s): 11-12
.5 Credit(s)
1 Semester(s)
Thunder Crew (Link Crew)
The purpose of the Thunder Crew class is to tap the potential and maximize the benefits of the existing Link Crew program. These benefits include an increased sense of community, improved climate, and successful transition of new students. The focus is on freshmen and new students’ success which gives it a specific, therefore plausible, and measurable goal. It is proactive instead of reactive to challenges that students face. Membership is broad-based instead of limited to a specific group or type of student. Link Crew serves as a resource for administration, counseling and faculty to use in support of students.
Grade: 10-12
1 Credit
2 Semesters
Vail Internship Program
The primary goal of the internship is to enhance students’ soft skills and guide them in securing an internship in the career field of their choice. This is done through a combination of recurring professional development, the application of learned skills within the program, and personalized coaching from the program coordinator. At their internship site, students continue to apply their newly acquired soft skills while also being exposed to industry- specific technology and vocabulary (hard skills).
Grade: 12
1 Credit 2 Semesters
Prerequisites - Cumulative simple GPA of 2.5+, own transportation, online application and interview
Work Study
The work-study program is designed for students who are currently employed but do not necessarily have an interest in keeping that particular job as a career. Students earn credit for documenting work hours and engaging in activities that emphasize career planning and life skills.
Grades: 11 – 12
1 Credit
2 Semesters
Prerequisites: A verified job and a 2.0 or higher GPA.
Physical Education
Class Fee required for all courses, see course fee chart
Advanced Strength and Conditioning
Advanced Strength and Conditioning A Comprehensive conditioning class only designed for advanced level. (Teacher approval required) The class is designed to improve the student’s athletic skills including strength, power, agility, endurance, speed, and flexibility.
Grade(s): 10-12
.5 Credit(s)
1 Semester(s)
Prerequisites: Weight Training or Beginning Sports Training and coach’s approval.
Athletic Development
It is an advanced class that enhances sports performance, helps assure the prevention of injuries, and will expand on basic athletic fundamentals. Athletic conditioning will include plyometrics, speed training, weight training, nutrition, stretching, conditioning, and fundamentals of specific sports.
STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO DROP AT THE END OF THEIR SPORT’S SEASON; IF DROPPED A W/F WILL RESULT.
Grade(s): 10-12
.5 Credit(s)
1 Semester(s)
Beginning Strength and Conditioning
A comprehensive intensive conditioning class designed to improve student’s athletic abilities including strength, power, agility, endurance, speed, and flexibility. This class is recommended to all grades for motivated students who participate in sports.
Grade(s): 9
.5 Credit(s)
1 Semester(s)
Fitness for Life
This group fitness class is an activity/lecture course that will teach students the basics of how to exercise in many different ways, and will help students in achieving their fitness and wellness goals through cardiovascular, strength training, and flexibility exercises -as well as nutritional and fitness education
Grade(s): 9-12
.5 Credit(s)
1 Semester(s)
General Weight Training
This course is designed for students who are interested in intensive strength training, overall cardio training, flexibility, and nutrition.
Grade(s): 10-12
.5 Credit(s)
1 Semester(s)
Recreational Sports
This course will focus on team and individual sports, team concepts, and advanced skill development. Examples of sports covered are Basketball, Dodge Ball, Flag Football, Badminton, Pickle Ball, and Ultimate Frisbee. There will also be an emphasis on physical fitness.
Grade(s): 9-12
.5 Credit(s)
1 Semester(s)