Academic program for High School

English I:

English I is a high school-level introduction to the five major literature genres - the oral tradition, fiction, poetry, drama, and nonfiction, as well as information and visual media. Each literary work teaches new vocabulary words and elements of literature and provides an opportunity for literary analysis and writing. Students are also required to do quarterly readings of classic novels to develop and enhance reading and comprehension skills. This course emphasizes S.A.T. vocabulary, grammar, and writing which prepares students to take the Stanford Achievement Test (S.A.T.) and the Pre Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT).

English II:

English III:

This course provides integrated educational experiences in the Language Arts strands of reading, writing, listening, viewing, speaking, language, and literature. The focus is on the works of American authors and students are expected to read selected works from the Colonial Period to modern times. Students will write in a variety of forms including narrative, exploratory, argumentative, and descriptive about a variety of subjects. Concentration is also placed on the effective use of style, figurative language, logic, usage, and sentence variation in essay writing. Speaking, listening, and note-taking skills are stressed throughout the course. English III emphasizes S.A.T. vocabulary, grammar, and writing. Students are instructed in test-taking strategies in order to prepare them for the Pre Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) and the Stanford Achievement Test (S.A.T.). English IV: This course will provide students the opportunity to read and analyze classic and contemporary literature with emphasis on English Literature. Students are expected to read critically, ask pertinent questions and evaluate ideas; to respond actively and imaginatively; to think reflectively about what is read and discussed. Moreover, while examining literary works, Islamic values will be explored and connections will be made. Students will write in a variety of forms and about a variety of subjects and emphasis will be placed on the effective use of organization, grammar, diction and logic. The use of technology will be integrated throughout the course as well as test-taking skills, speaking and listening. English IV emphasizes S.A.T. vocabulary, grammar, and writing. Students are instructed in test-taking strategies in order to prepare them for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (S.A.T.).

Mathematics - Algebra I:

Algebra 1 lays the foundation of High School. The course includes expression, equations, and inequalities. Linear, quadratic and rational functions are developed in depth. Systems of equations and inequalities, graphing and algebraic solutions are also mastered. Real world application is a main focus. Integration of technology - including calculators – is a vital part of this course. The introduction of geometrical concepts will also prepare the students for the Stanford 10 and PSAT/SAT.

Geometry:

Students will learn to master the geometrical and special concepts of mathematics. Tools of geometry are applied within the curriculum. Different geometric figures 2-D and 3-D are investigated. Shape transformations are explored and graphed. Measurement in plane and space is part of the curriculum. Also proof and formula derivation are explored and emphasized. Students will learn to understand geometric concepts such as perpendicularity, parallelism, tangency, congruency, similarity, reflection, symmetry and transformation. In addition, special shapes are studied which include triangles, quadrilaterals and polygons in general. Trigonometry is also introduced. Data analysis and probability is also included. In addition, students learn how to use givens and theorems to develop proofs.

Algebra II:

The introduction of Algebra II assists in preparing students for PSAT/ SAT and Stanford 10.

Pre-Calculus:

Students at this level, explore pre-calculus course. The twelve basic functions are emphasized throughout the course: identity, squaring, cubing, reciprocals, square root, exponential, natural logarithm, sine, cosine, absolute, greatest integer and logistic. In addition, probability which investigates counting principals, combination and permutations, mathematical expectation, odds, conditional probably and events are a part of the curriculum. Modeling real-life situations are integrated into these functions. Focus, transforming and graphing functions is part of the course. College preparation is integrated within each concept. Towards the end of the course, students are introduced to calculus, discrete mathematics system of matrices, parametric and polar equations. Students are coached to take the college SAT I and II as well as the ACT Exam.

Civics:

Students are introduced to the concept of government and its evolution and various manifestations. The theory of American representative democracy is studied. A detailed study of federalism, separation of powers and checks and balances, when combined with current events, provides students with a practical understanding of how our Republic functions and their roles and responsibilities within it.

Economics:

Freshmen learn that economics is the study of choices and decisions about how to use the world's resources. The understanding of economics will help them make informed decisions for themselves and assess decisions made by others.

World Geography:

Crucial to an informed participation in today's world is a solid knowledge of its geography. NUIA students approach geography in two ways. First, there is an emphasis placed upon the physical location of the world's physical and political features. The second component of geography is an understanding of the complex relationships between the political groups and how their unique physical surroundings influence their actions and cultures.

World History:

NUIA students study a comprehensive program of world history ranging from the earliest civilizations through the present. Realizing that history is the record of human events, students learn that past heroes can be today's role models. Our students realize that problem-solving of the past can provide insight for today and that the spread of democracy requires informed citizens. When student learn about people around the world and realize the past has an impact on us today, they are taught that we can learn from the mistakes of the past.

Advanced Placement Literature and Composition:

This Advanced Placement Literature and Writing course is designed to teach beginning-college writing through the fundamentals of rhetorical theory, and follows the curricular requirements described in the AP English Course Description. The course stresses a critical awareness of genre, theme, and style, focusing on British, American and World literature. Writing assignments emphasize the refinement of personal expression and style at a level equivalent to composition assignments at the freshman college level. Students should think of this class as a workshop, not a rhetoric manual. Therefore, in the process of these workshops, students will be exposed to their conscious choice of diction, and the appropriate use of words; their ability to create varied and effective syntactic structures; their capacity for coherence and logical organization; their ability to balance generalizations with specific and illustrative details; and, overall, their ability to combine rhetorical processes into an effective whole. Ideally, discussion is the primary way in which students will come to understand a particular text, as well as their abilities to aptly respond to its content.

Advanced Placement U.S History:

U.S. History is a challenging course that is meant to be the equivalent of a freshmen college course and can earn students college credit. It is a two-semester survey of U.S. history from the early colonial period to the present. Solid reading and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study, are necessary to succeed. Emphasis is placed on critical and evaluative thinking skills, essay writing, and interpretation of original documents.

Biology:

Biology is the study of life and assists students to comprehend themselves and all living things. This course is designed to help students learn the subject matter and practically apply this knowledge through analysis, synthesis, and evaluation in various situations. The main objective of this course is to prepare students to think critically and to solve the scientific problems with great zeal and confidence. Students should apply biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns.

Chemistry:

The high school chemistry course has many goals; students learn the facts, formulas, and principle that compose the standard high- school curriculum. Students understand the basic concepts underlying the facts, formulas and principles and students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, not only to use in chemistry, but by extension to use in everyday life. The goal of the chemistry curriculum is to familiarize the beginning student of chemistry with the concept of the atom, the building block of all matter. The students will learn to understand, not only what happens in chemistry, but why these events occur.

Advanced Placement Biology:

The Nur-Ul-Islam Academy offers AP Biology to students who have demonstrated aptitude and commitment for college level work at the High School level. Class size usually ranges from 6 to 12 students. Classes meet 6 times per week for 30 weeks. Standard class periods are 45 minutes with some double blocks of 90 minutes to facilitate labs, and test preparation.

Advanced Placement Physics:

The Nur-Ul-Islam Academy offers AP Physics to students who have demonstrated aptitude and commitment for college level work at the High School level. Class size usually ranges from 6 to 12 students. Classes meet 6 times per week for 30 weeks. Standard class periods are 45 minutes with some double blocks of 90 minutes. AP physics involve rigorous lessons, challenging homework and many tests, this course includes, but is not limited to the following: 1: Newtonian Mechanics 2: Fluid Mechanics and thermal Physics 3: Electricity and Magnetism 4: waves and Optics 5: atomic and nuclear Physics. Students are required to take the annual College Board exam. Passing grades are 3- 5

Advanced Placement Chemistry:

The Nur-Ul-Islam Academy offers Chemistry to students who have demonstrated aptitude and commitment for college level work at the High School level. Class size usually ranges from 6 to 12 students. Classes meet 6 times per week for 30 weeks. Standard class periods are 45 minutes with some double blocks of 90 minutes. To facilitate labs, test preparations and other instructions, classes extend beyond the traditional hours for two additional 90 minutes blocks-one meeting in the evening and the other on weekends. Per understanding, successful AP programs require a commitment from teachers, students, and school officials.

Mandarin:

9th-10th GRADE: Introduction to Chinese language, history, structure, grammar, etc. Syllabus includes pronunciation, writing, speaking, comprehension, culture, customs and awareness.

11th-12th GRADE:

Emphasis on syntax, grammar, etc. Syllabus includes writing, conversation, composition, culture, research and activities.

Life Management and Personal Fitness:

These courses are integrated with technology and are offered on line via Florida Virtual University. Introduction of a school mascot and various sport uniforms establishes school spirit. Recommendations: 1. Continue to upgrade P.E. equipment and facilities as funds become available. 2. Health courses should be offered for secondary level students. 3. Encourage competition at a local level with other schools.

Journalism :

The journalism program at NUIA is designed to introduce the students to the world of mass media. The students learn and experiment with all four aspects of communication sciences (i.e. advertising, public relations, radio/television and print journalism). With this course, our main goal is to impart a deeper appreciation of the First Amendment and news literacy among all teens. The students also get to produce the yearbook which allows them to practice some of the skills they learn in the outlined curriculum. The students participate and learn to take effective photos, to meet deadlines responsibly, and to produce a product that they and the school can both be proud of.

Islamic Values & Excellence in Education