Curriculum

If I have a piano recital coming up, I can practice a few extra hours a day and do more work afterwards. In the regular school, everyone works at the same pace, whereas with iQ, you can work fast, go on to the next subject when you’re done and have time for other things.
— Bob, iQ Academy Senior, age 17

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High School Course Catalog

iQ Academy Washington provides a core high school curriculum for grades 9-12 based on Washington's state-approved academic standards.

We also offer a variety of electives that place emphasis on individual interests and career ambitions

Graduation Requirements

22.5 credits from core and elective subjects are required to graduate from iQ Academy Washington. In addition, all iQ Academy Washington students meet these additional requirements to graduate:

  • Create a Plan for "High School and Beyond"
  • Complete a Culminating Project (like a college thesis)
  • Earn a Certificate of Academic Achievement (CAA) or a Certificate of Individual Achievement (CIA)

All courses are two semesters long and receive 1 credit, unless noted otherwise.

Click on the icon or course title to expand the course description.

Language Arts

9

English 9

This introductory English course combines the study of literary genre with a focus on composition skills. Students will learn effective communication skills by focusing on the 6 + 1 Traits of writing developed by the Northwest Regional Education Laboratories. Oral communication and research skills are included.

10

English 10

Pre-requisite: English 9

This intermediate English course combines the study of world literature along with a continued focus on composition skills. Students will read, reflect, synthesize, and respond to several different types of world literature. A research paper is a requirement.

11

English 11

Pre-requisite: English 10

This course explores American literature and the pursuit of the American Dream. Students will go on a pilgrimage of religion and faith, relive a revolution of rebellion and conformity, redefine truth and human potential, and develop a deeper sense of self. Through students’ explorations of classic American themes and ideals, they will deepen their awareness of political and social influences that have shaped American culture as it is known today. Selections of literature range from fiction (poetry, short stories, novellas, drama) to nonfiction (speeches, sermons, letters, journals, news articles). Students will not only think about literature and its connection to their lives, but they will learn to question it.

12

English 12

Pre-requisite: English 11

This is a class that will prepare students for the skills they will need to be successful in college and in life. When they have completed the class, students will have acquired the reading and critical thinking skills necessary for understanding challenging new material, analyzing that material to deduce meaning, and applying what they have learned to our world. They will have the composition skills needed to communicate their understanding effectively to a variety of audiences. Students will read and analyze classic works of literature because these works contain literary qualities that merit study and provoke thinking, not because of requirement to know a particular work or author. They will also look at modern and contemporary works as they examine all genres: plays, short stories, poetry, essays, and novels. Students will learn to apply critical literary terms as tools for learning, understanding, and communication. Learning activities include close reading, paraphrasing, discussions, essays, short answer exams, research papers, reflective journals, web quests, oral presentations, and others. The unit structure below identifies the main headings of the units only. Most units will include a combination of genres and activities. The structure to the class is not based upon a sequence of chronology, national origin, or genres. It is instead based upon the sequence that best supports the learning needs of the student.

9, 10, 11, 12

Creative Writing

Creative Writing focuses on the four-step Process Writing model and the reading of professional writings to motivate students to create original essays, poems and short stories. The writing assignments include narration, definition, process analysis, cause and effect and comparison/ contrast. Students learn self-editing skills by following the instructor’s detailed suggestions for the revision and refinement of their work.

Social Studies

9, 10, 11, 12

Geography

This Geography course will examine a broad range of geographical perspectives covering all of the major regions of the world. Each region will be reviewed in a similar structure in order for students to more clearly see the similarities and differences between each region. Specifically, the course will explore where each region is located along with its physical characteristics, including absolute and relative location, climate, and significant geographical features. The exploration will then continue on to look at each region from a cultural, economic, and political perspective, closely examining the human impact on each region from these perspectives as well as how human activities impact the environments of the region.

9, 10, 11, 12

World History

This course is a survey of world history from prehistoric to contemporary times. Students will learn about the socioeconomic, political, and ideological conditions of various time periods as they study historical events and cultural achievements of world regions. Using primary and secondary sources, they will utilize critical thinking and problem solving skills as they complete assignments establishing real-world connections. The course content has been appropriately chunked into smaller topics to increase retention and expand opportunities for assessment. With each topic, quizzes are presented to the student. Audio readings are included with every portion of content, allowing auditory learners the opportunity to engage with the course. Test pools and randomized test questions are utilized in quizzes as well as unit exams, ensuring that students taking the course will not be presented with the same exams. Additionally, the course includes additional practice activities (such as cloze activities), as well as pre-topic vocabulary lists, that introduce key vocabulary in English and in Spanish.

9, 10, 11, 12

U.S. History

This course is a survey of world history from prehistoric to contemporary times. Students will learn about the socioeconomic, political, and ideological conditions of various time periods as they study historical events and cultural achievements of world regions. Using primary and secondary sources, they will utilize critical thinking and problem solving skills as they complete assignments establishing real-world connections. The course content has been appropriately chunked into smaller topics to increase retention and expand opportunities for assessment. With each topic, quizzes are presented to the student. Audio readings are included with every portion of content, allowing auditory learners the opportunity to engage with the course. Test pools and randomized test questions are utilized in quizzes as well as unit exams, ensuring that students taking the course will not be presented with the same exams. Additionally, the course includes additional practice activities (such as cloze activities), as well as pre-topic vocabulary lists, that introduce key vocabulary in English and in Spanish.

9, 10, 11, 12

Washington State History*

In this course students will study the government, history, geography, and economy of the state of Washington. Students will analyze current events for similarities and connections to Washington’s history. Reasoning and research skills will be applied to the content of the course.

9, 10, 11, 12

Psychology*

The purpose of this course is to investigate why human beings think and act the way they do. This is an introductory course and will broadly cover several areas. Students will be expected to expand and go further into the topics. Theories and current research will be presented for the student to critically evaluate and understand. Each unit will present the terminology, theories and research that are critical to the understanding of the topic. Assignments and assessments will be included as well as tutorials and interactive drills.

9, 10, 11, 12

Contemporary World Issues

In this course students will compare governments, economies, cultures and geography of the world. Emphasis will be placed on the civics, politics, economics, structures, processes and policies of United States and then compared with those of the international community. Students will use what they know and learn about the United States and the world to analyze current events and contemporary issues. Reasoning and research skills will be applied to the content throughout the course.

Math

9, 10, 11, 12

Algebra I

Pre-requisite: Pre-Algebra or similar course

The purpose of this course is to allow the student to gain mastery in working with and evaluating mathematical expressions, equations, graphs, and other topics in a year long algebra course. Topics included are real numbers, simplifying real number expressions with and without variables, solving linear equations and inequalities, solving quadratic equations, graphing linear and quadratic equations, polynomials, factoring, linear patterns, linear systems of equality and inequality, simple matrices, sequences, and radicals. Assessments within the course include multiple-choice, short answer, or extended response questions. Also included in this course are self-check quizzes, audio tutorials, and interactive games.

9, 10, 11, 12

Geometry

Pre-requisite: Algebra I

This is a comprehensive course featuring geometric terms and processes, logic and problem solving. The course includes topics such as parallel line and planes, congruent triangles, inequalities and quadrilaterals. Various forms of proof are studied. Emphasis is placed upon reasoning and problem solving skills gained through study of similarity, areas, volume, circles, and coordinate geometry.

9, 10, 11, 12

Algebra II

Pre-requisite: Algebra I

In this course students will use their prior knowledge from previous courses to learn and apply Algebra II skills. This course will include topics such as functions, radical functions, rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometry, geometry, conic sections, systems of equations, probability, and statistics. Students will apply the skills that they learn in this course to real world situations.

9, 10, 11, 12

Pre-Calculus*

Pre-requisite: Trigonometry

This course is designed to go through the major topics of Pre-Calculus and to prepare students to move on to Calculus. After completing this course students will understand polynomial functions, polar coordinates, complex numbers, conic sections, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, sequences and series.

Science

9, 10, 11, 12

Biology

This course is an introduction to general biology and to the processes of scientific inquiry and thinking. It will include the fundamental principles of living organisms including physical and chemical properties of life, cellular organization and function, the transfer of energy through metabolic systems, cellular reproduction, the classification of living things, the six kingdoms of life will be examined. The main focus is to present biological information in an understandable and straight forward way that will capture the students’ interest dealing with up to date principles and concepts.

9, 10, 11, 12

Chemistry

Pre-requisite: Lower level science courses and Algebra I

This course adheres closely to standards for the teaching of chemistry. It emphasizes the mathematical, theoretical and experimental basis of modern chemistry. Emphasis is placed on the use of theoretical and mathematical concepts to explain and predict chemical behavior. An overview of the significant learning objectives that are presented in this course include Measurement, Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Conservation of Matter, Stoichiometry, Gases, Acids and Bases, Solutions, Chemical Thermodynamics, Reaction Rates, Chemical Equilibrium, Organic Nomenclature, Biochemistry, and Nuclear Chemistry.

9, 10, 11, 12

Physics

Pre-requisite: Algebra II; Geometry is also recommended

The goal of physics is to describe the physical world using a small number of basic assumptions, concepts, and equations. In this course, emphasis is placed on relating physics to the everyday world. Students explore the concepts involved with motion in one- and two-dimensions, forces, work and energy, momentum and collisions, circular motion and gravitation. They recognize the importance of the laws of thermodynamics. Students learn the characteristics of waves and describe the behavior of waves with emphasis on light and sound. They understand the relationship between electricity and magnetism. Finally, the students gain a simple understanding of atomic physics. Approximately 40% of the course involves virtual laboratory investigations. Some activities will require ordinary household items such as rulers, meter sticks, balls or marbles, string, paper and pencils. Part 1 focuses on understanding motion. Students learn kinematic equations and apply them to various situations. They explore forces, work and energy and apply these concepts in the special case of circular motion. Heat and the laws of thermodynamics are covered. Part 2 focuses on waves, in particular sound and light. The course then moves to understanding electricity and magnetism and the relationship between the two. It concludes with a basic exploration of atomic physics.

Graduation Requirements

9, 10, 11, 12

Culminating Project

The Culminating Project graduation requirement consists of three parts: a research paper, a civic action project and a presentation. Students must show proficiency in all three areas to graduate:

  1. Research Paper: Students will demonstrate their own critical thinking and writing skills to gather and synthesize a body of knowledge.

  2. Civic Action Project: The Civic Action Project involves a minimum of 15 hours of carefully planned, documented extracurricular work as well as creation of an appropriate visual for the presentation. The project is designed to help students develop or improve a skill or performance; design or create a product, service, system or event; or investigate a career to better prepare them for further studies or employment after high school.

  3. Presentation: To successfully pass the presentation, students must show proficient speaking techniques and the ability to present information in an organized and logical manner. The presentation is delivered to a panel of four to eight people selected from the faculty and community members.

9, 10, 11, 12

High School & Beyond Plan

The High School and Beyond Plan is a graduation requirement that consists of the following components:

  • Their personal story: What experiences, interests and goals are shaping who they are now and who they want to become.
  • Their goals for high school: What will their four years of high school look like, including classes, extracurricular activities, sports, a job, etc.
  • Their goals for life immediately after high school: Do their goals for high school get them ready for what they want to do after graduation — A student’s plan should include the classes needed in preparation for a 2- to 4-year college, vocational or technical school, certificate program or the workforce.

Electives

9, 10, 11, 12

Art Appreciation*

This one-semester course will introduce learners to the various forms of the visual arts, such as painting, sculpture, film, and more. Students will learn how to look at a work of art, identify and compare key characteristics in artworks, and understand the role art has played throughout history. Through hands-on activities, virtual museum tours, discussion, and research, learners will develop an overall appreciation for the art they encounter in their daily lives.

9, 10, 11, 12

Skills For Health*

This course focuses on important skills and knowledge in nutrition; physical activity; the dangers of substance use and abuse; injury prevention and safety; growth and development; and personal health, environmental conservation, and community health resources. The curriculum is designed around topics and situations that engage student discussion and motivate students to analyze internal and external influences on their health-related decisions. The course helps students build the skills they need to protect, enhance, and promote their own health and the health of others.

9, 10, 11, 12

Digital Photography*

In the digital photography and graphic design lessons, students begin by learning general photographic concepts. Then composition skills are added to photographs and image-editing techniques are practiced. Students learn how to use layers, crop images, color and lighting concepts, hue and saturation, and exposures and special effects. Graphic design, artistic elements, and software skills are taught while producing graphic images. The concept of design as a manner of visual communication is carried throughout. Students build a portfolio of work and explore the fields of photography, graphic arts, advertising and illustration.

9, 10, 11, 12

Environmental Science*

This course is an upper level science course. Environmental Science is a multidisciplinary field that draws from all the sciences in addition to other fields. This course will help students better understand the relationship between humans and the world in which we live. Environmental science applies the principles of pure sciences such as biology, chemistry, ecology, geology, and others.

9, 10, 11, 12

Life Skills*

Life Skills is designed to increase student knowledge and ability in skills necessary for everyday living. The course emphasizes defining personal values, goal-setting and planning, making decisions and solving problems, evaluating information and dealing with media and peer pressure, communication and relationships, decision making, wellness and personal safety, and contributing to your community.

9, 10, 11, 12

Music Appreciation*

This one credit course introduces students to the elements, instrumentation, and historical periods of music. Students will learn significance of surroundings and time periods and how they both influenced the music of the day. Students will listen to and evaluate several types of music, and will be assessed through projects, presentations, and exams on the knowledge and understanding of music.

9, 10, 11, 12

Nutrition and Wellness*

This course will introduce the student to an overview of good nutrition principles that are needed for human physical and mental wellness. Discussion of digestion, basic nutrients, weight management, sports and fitness, and life-span nutrition is included. Application to today’s food and eating trends, plus learning to assess for reliable nutrition information is emphasized.

9, 10, 11, 12

Physical Education

This course focuses on the fundamental components and principles of fitness. The course examines safety guidelines, proper technique, and exercise principles such as the FITT. Students will assess their current level of fitness in relation to the five components of physical fitness: flexibility, cardiovascular health, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and body composition. Students will also learn strategies to help them begin, design, and maintain an exercise program to keep them fit for life.

Electives: World Languages

9, 10, 11, 12

French I

French I has been carefully designed to meet the standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These standards call for a method of teaching that focuses on successful communication through speaking, writing, reading, and listening, as well as a thorough grounding in aspects of culture. Each unit embodies all of these standards in accordance with the theories described in this document. Unit activities blend different forms of communication and culture to ensure that the student meets all standards. Course strategies include warm-up activities, vocabulary study, reading, threaded discussions, multi-media presentations, self-checks, practice activities and games, oral and written assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams. Learning activities in each unit are focused upon a specific theme.

9, 10, 11, 12

French II

Pre-requisite: French I

French II has been carefully designed to meet the standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These standards call for a method of teaching that focuses on successful communication through speaking, writing, reading, and listening, as well as a thorough grounding in aspects of culture. Each unit embodies all of these standards in accordance with the theories described in this document. Unit activities blend different forms of communication and culture to ensure that the student meets all standards. Course strategies include warm-up activities, vocabulary study, reading, threaded discussions, multi-media presentations, self-checks, practice activities and games, oral and written assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams. Learning activities in each unit are focused upon a specific theme.

9, 10, 11, 12

German I

German I has been carefully designed to meet the standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These standards call for method of teaching that focuses on successful communication through speaking, writing, reading, and listening, as well as a thorough grounding in aspects of culture. Each unit embodies all of these standards in accordance with the theories described in this document. Unit activities blend different forms of communication and culture to ensure that the student meets all standards. Course strategies include warm-up activities, vocabulary study, reading, threaded discussions, multi-media presentations, self-checks, practice activities and games, oral and written assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams. Learning activities in each unit are focused upon a specific theme.

9, 10, 11, 12

German II

Pre-requisite: German I

German I has been carefully designed to meet the standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These standards call for method of teaching that focuses on successful communication through speaking, writing, reading, and listening, as well as a thorough grounding in aspects of culture. Each unit embodies all of these standards in accordance with the theories described in this document. Unit activities blend different forms of communication and culture to ensure that the student meets all standards. Course strategies include warm-up activities, vocabulary study, reading, threaded discussions, multi-media presentations, self-checks, practice activities and games, oral and written assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams. Learning activities in each unit are focused upon a specific theme.

9, 10, 11, 12

Japanese I

Japanese I has been carefully designed to meet the standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These standards call for a method of teaching that focuses on successful communication through speaking, writing, reading, and listening, as well as a thorough grounding in aspects of culture. Each unit embodies all of these standards in accordance with the theories described in this document. Unit activities blend different forms of communication and culture to ensure that the student meets all standards. Course strategies include warm-up activities, vocabulary study, reading, threaded discussions, multi-media presentations, self-checks, practice activities and games, oral and written assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams. Learning activities in each unit are focused upon a specific theme.

9, 10, 11, 12

Spanish I

Spanish I has been carefully designed to meet the standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These standards call for a method of teaching that focuses on successful communication through speaking, writing, reading, and listening, as well as a thorough grounding in aspects of culture. Each unit embodies all of these standards in accordance with the theories described in this document. Unit activities blend different forms of communication and culture to ensure that the student meets all standards. Course strategies include warm-up activities, vocabulary study, reading, threaded discussions, multi-media presentations, self-checks, practice activities and games, oral and written assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams. Learning activities in each unit are focused upon a specific theme.

9, 10, 11, 12

Spanish II

Pre-requisite: Spanish I

Spanish II has been carefully designed to meet the standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These standards call for a method of teaching that focuses on successful communication through speaking, writing, reading, and listening, as well as a thorough grounding in aspects of culture. Each unit embodies all of these standards in accordance with the theories described in this document. Unit activities blend different forms of communication and culture to ensure that the student meets all standards. Course strategies include warm-up activities, vocabulary study, reading, threaded discussions, multi-media presentations, self-checks, practice activities and games, oral and written assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams. Learning activities in each unit are focused upon a specific theme.

9, 10, 11, 12

Spanish III

Pre-requisite: Spanish II

Spanish III has been carefully designed to meet the standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These standards call for a method of teaching that focuses on successful communication through speaking, writing, reading, and listening, as well as a thorough grounding in aspects of culture. Each unit embodies all of these standards in accordance with the theories described in this document. Unit activities blend different forms of communication and culture to ensure that the student meets all standards. Course strategies include warm-up activities, vocabulary study, reading, threaded discussions, multi-media presentations, self-checks, practice activities and games, oral and written assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams. Learning activities in each unit are focused upon a specific theme.

9, 10, 11, 12

Spanish IV

Pre-requisite: Spanish III

This fourth year of Spanish is a continuation of the first three years. The student will continue to sharpen listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through activities that are based on pedagogically proven methods of foreign language instruction. Throughout the give units of material, students learn to express themselves using an ever increasing vocabulary, present-tense verbs, past-tense verbs, articles, and adjectives. Grammar is introduced and practiced in innovative and interesting ways with a variety of learning styles in mind. Culture is sprinkled throughout the course in an attempt to help the learner focus on the Spanish speaking world and their culture, people, geographical locations and histories.

Electives: Technology

9, 10, 11, 12

Game Design*

This course will introduce students to the basic skills necessary for game design. They will study the various games in the industry and analyze their approach in terms design and development. The student will explore the processes and art of making game elements like story, levels, sound, user interfaces, and levels. This analysis will include an orientation to the gaming market and innovative techniques’ impact on it. Finally, the student will merge all these elements into a functional prototype showing their understanding of the game design process.

* One semester credit.
Course offerings and titles may be subject to change.

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