Grade 10
Tesseract’s high school curriculum has been designed to give students the skills and knowledge needed for success in college and beyond in an innovative setting that emphasizes authentic learning, cross-curricular connections and global connections. Capitalizing on our small-class sizes and student-centered approach, educators are able to work with students to help them each develop their individual strengths, capturing their interest and stimulating a lifelong love of learning.
In 10th-grade, Tesseract’s curriculum extends upon the foundations set in ninth grade, giving students a rigorous academic foundation, and helping them begin to develop their individual interests. Cross-curricular and project-based work is still emphasized, but students are given more opportunity to explore their interests as the expectations of clarity, accuracy and logic are increased. Special emphasis is placed on math and science, as students not only learn theories and principles, but also how to clearly communicate their technical work through writing, as required for professionals in engineering, science, health and other industries.
Students’ sophomore year, Humanities blends the culture, history, literature and competing world views that signify the shifts of Western civilization from the ancient through the Middle Ages into the Reformation and Renaissance periods. Students’ engage in readings for enjoyment and critical analysis of classical literature to understand the forces that shaped Europe and the West from the fall of Rome to the cusp of Modernity.
Sophomore mathematics continues on a college-preparatory track with students taking either Geometry II or Algebra II/Trigonometry. Students are regularly challenged to apply their learning outside of context, and to demonstrate their sense of the geometric and algebraic principals through estimation. In Algebra II students expand their abilities to manipulate formulas focusing on linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic functions as well as conic sections, graphing, sequences and series. In geometry students explore the basic principals of two and three- dimensional shapes and the principals of logic and proofs. Technological tools and real-world problems play a central role in individual and group investigations.
In 10th-grade, sophomore chemistry is a laboratory-based science class with instruction involving a multimedia approach, demonstrations, group work and lab investigations. In this course, students learn the role of science in today’s society as they further develop problem-solving skills. The concepts introduced include matter, atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding and reactions, nuclear chemistry and semiconductors. The sophomore class trip focuses on concepts learned in science and math, providing students with real-world applications in authentic situations.
Sophomore year, students continue studying either Spanish or Mandarin, mastering a second or third-year curriculum depending on their prior experiences. Each course has been carefully designed to emphasize spoken and written communications through integrated project-based lessons. Students are exposed to the rich diversity and culture of Spain, Latin America and China as they learn to read, write and speak these languages in authentic situations.
Throughout high school, technology is integrated to support each subject’s curriculum. Foreign language, the arts, athletics, service learning, advisory, field trips and the interstate class trip to university science laboratories further enrich students’ freshman experience.
In 10th grade, students meet with our college counselor and plan for ACT and PSAT testing. Once the PSAT has been taken, students meet with their counselor to review results and plan any necessary test preparation for the junior-level PSAT. Students also continue to develop their portfolios and resumes that will represent their academic progress throughout high school. Junior and senior year, students meet more frequently with our counselor who continues to guide them through the college testing and admissions processes.
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