Students can accelerate their learning and achieve additional high school and college credits through participation in LEAP, which offers after-school and Saturday courses. HTHS teachers and on-site college instructors provide these courses. Additional learning opportunities may be available online.

ACADEMIC:

Algebra II - Mr. Rackow - T,Th - Rm 112- 5 Credits  
This Algebra II course will also bring in fundamentals of trigonometry. Topics to be analyzed will include, but are not limited to: performing operations on Real and Complex numbers; conic sections; solving first and second degree equations and inequalities, both singularly and in systems; graphing both linear and quadratic functions; solving problems related to sequences and series; matrices and solving; applying real-life problems. In addition, a unit on HSPT review combined with previously taught topics will assist students in peparing properly for the HSPT and SAT.
Pre-requisite: Algebra I or Integrated Algebra IA and IB

AP Economics - Mr. Scerbo - Online & Room 103 - 5 Credits
The purpose of the AP Economics course is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of micro and macroeconomics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and function of product markets and includes the study of factors, markets and of the role of governments in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. Students will study the national income and price-level determination; students will become familiar with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilizing policies, economic growth, and international economics.The course will be blended, meeting in the classroom and online.

AP US Government & Politics - Mr. Jefferson - Online - 5 Credits
Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics (Online) is designed for students seeking knowledge of the world of politics and its interaction with the government of the United States. Students will explore the world of politics through engaging multimedia assignments and will prepare for the AP exam in May 2012. Topics covered will include, but are not limited to: the US Constitution; Federalism; the media; the Judiciary; the Congress; the Presidency; civil rights; foreign policy; economic policy; and environmental policy. Previous knowledge or prerequisites are not necessary to enroll in this course.

Decision-Making in the Corporate Environment - Dr. Abbasi - Online - 5 Credits
This course is designed for all High Tech High School students. In this course, students will be motivated to analyze specific problems (corporate environment situations) and use problem-solving skills to make managerial decisions. Students will be required to demonstrate their analytical skills combined with the use of computer technology to find a solution to diverse problems. They will be exposed to corporate environment simulations by doing case studies through this course. Students will learn how to find solutions to these problems. Internet research will play an important role in this course. Other references may also be used. Test, Midterm & Final Exams will be based on solving case studies as well.
Pre-requisite: Students must have basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and use of the Internet.

French Literature Through Cinema - Ms. Gashi - Th - Rm 120 - 3 Credits
This course will focus on masterpieces of French Literature that have inspired filmmakers to adapt them for the screen. Films from different literary movements from the Middle Ages to the 21st century will be viewed and discussed in class. Through visual, musical and fictional characteristics of the films presented, students will experience the richness of the French Art, Culture, Literature and its overall style. They will expand their knowledge of World Literature by understanding and appreciating the diversity of the French Literature and its art in general.

French Theater - Ms. Gashi - Wed - Rm 120 - 3 Credits
This course provides an introduction to the art of acting in a second language. The focus will be on French Classics/Modern-like Moliere, Racine, Feydau, Lonesco, and the Greeks. Students will be able to create and perform their own material and use their own unique style while discovering the exciting world of the words, gestures, and mimics of the French farce. Classwork will include scenes for presentations, selected readings, class exercises, and video viewings. Students will be exposed to all aspects of directing plays, working with texts, spaces and costumes, make-up, acting, and audience.

Japanese Translation and Interpretation
This course is designed to develop students' writing and speaking skills in both English and Japanese. Students will translate various materials such as books, magazines, brochures and advertisements as well as interpret various situations.

SAT Prep (Verbal)
The SAT Prep course is designed to develop skilled required on all standardized testing; but particularly those skills tested on the SAT, such as vocabulary, reading comprehension, grammar and writing. Students will also learn important universal rest taking skills designed to enhance their performance on all standardized tests. The students will work on practice exams that simulate the official SAT. Students will receive feedback on their tests, including specific essay comments, which target the areas that need to be improved. This experience will give students the confidence and comfort level to perform their best on the SAT.

Judo Enrichment
This course emphasizes the historical, traditional and cultural aspects of Judo. In addition, students will learn Japanese terminology, refereeing, how to set up and run tournaments, publicity and aspects of teaching Judo basics.

MUSIC:

Chorus- 3 Sections Available: Monday, Wednesday, and Tues/Thurs Morning - Mr. Killian - 1.25 Credits

This course is designed to introduce the student to proper vocal production and to the learning of varied repertoire. The student will develop his/her voice, which will allow individual and ensemble expression of vocal beauty. students will learn the components of proper breathing techniques for singing as well as proper diction and performance technique. The student will be expected to demonstrate vocal ability in both solo and ensemble singing.

This LEAP course is broken down into two sessions. The first group is designated as the Holiday Chorus and performs at our annual winter concert in December. The second group is the Spring Chorus and performs at the end of the school year. Students may choose to join one or both groups. Semester long courses offered both fall and spring.

Guitar I – II Concentration
The course offers instruction in the basics of guitar theory, and instrument proficiency.  Students will gain an understanding of proper instrument use and maintenance, posture, picking styles, basic strumming, rhythm and chords. They will gain personal skills with an emphasis on technique building exercises, which will help to develop individual proficiency.  As students advance they will apply concepts of guitar performance while integrating with other instruments, with a strong emphasis on ensemble arrangement and performance. 

Pre-requisite: This course requires at least some sight-reading ability, and a basic level of instrument proficiency; musicians must have had some formal training in the instrument (steadily for a minimum of 1-2 years).

Musical Theater Band
This course offers instruction and focuses on live music accompaniment for musical theatre productions and is set up as a regularly scheduled weekly rehearsal. Components of the class include sight-reading, the application of music theory, instrument, stylistic applications and performance. Students will follow live direction by the musical director/conductor. Students will enhance understanding of the relationship between instruments and play together in an ensemble. Also, students will continue to develop stylistic appreciation and tolerances while developing personal skills, individual proficiency, and the ability to follow direction.

Audition required.

Intro to Forensics
This course is an overview of the many ways that science can be applied to help enforce the law. Both lectures and laboratory exercises are utilized to teach the concepts of recognition, evaluation and utilization of evidence in the criminal justice system. Topics in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and laboratory safety will be integrated into the course in preparation for your upper level science courses.

Zoology
Zoology is an exciting and rapidly expanding field in the study of all animal (including human) life. It is also a diverse field that may be divided into many special areas. Some of these are based on groups, such as protozoa, insects, fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals. Others are based on levels of organization or methods of study such as molecular biology, anatomy, physiology, genetics, behavior, ecology, population biology and evolution. through laboratory investigations, problem solving, and critical and creative thinking students gain firsthand experience which such learning skills and processed as observing, classifying, identifying, measuring, inferring, hypothesizing, interpreting, and predicting.

Urban Agriculture
This is an introductory course into farming in an urban setting. AACT/HTHS has started an urban farm on campus providing a place for students to engage in sustainable agricultural practices. the course will include the planning of the outdoor space, which will include an edible garden, flower garden, and potentially a native plant garden. Students will participate in the researching of crops and native plants, planting seeds, harvesting crops, composting, investigating and analyzing soil properties, pest management, landscape design, marketing and branding of the farm, and sustainability.

Performance Ensemble
This class will produce and perform a published play. students will explore various characters, costumes, imaginary circumstances and time period research.

Audition or Interview required.

Shakespeare Performance
The objective of this course is to introduce students to Shakespeare and to help them gain a level of ease and familiarity when approaching his texts. Through group readings, class discussions and performance activities, students will learn how to approach Shakespeare's texts with a sense of play and, more importantly, a new level of confidence. Students will explore the works of Shakespeare and his contemporaries such as Christopher Marlowe and Ben Jonson. Emphasis will be on performance.

OTHER:

Comedy
Students enrolled in this class will learn to write and perform stand-up comedy, drawing material from their lives and observations. This is an excellent way to build writing and public speaking skills.

Creative Writing/Literary Magazine
This course is an introduction to writing in the three major genres: prose, poetry and drama. the students in this class will discuss and analyze various works from different time periods and origins to see how literature has evolved over the years. Students will also get a chance to sharpen their skills through the writing process and will be taught how to effectively edit and revise their work.

The main focus of the course will be modern poetry, which will include slam poetry and rap music. Students will write and perform these types of poetry, looking at how it differs from more traditional poetry. Students will also create a magazine with various types of prose showcased representing the students of High Tech. Additionally, students may host a poetry reading event for those interested in performing or reading their work.