Pioneer eLearning Academy and Other Virtual Options

Junior Literature and Composition Honors (EN300VA/EN300VB) 

This is an asynchronous class taken virtually through Schoology with a KHS teacher.

Grade: 11

Course Credit: 1 English Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: Freshman Literature and Composition and Sophomore Literature and Composition

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

Reading Expectations: 6 books, homework daily, average assignment: 20 pages

Required Readings: Students will read 19th century texts, 20th century texts, 21st century texts, one drama, and one nonfiction book.

Optional Texts: Teachers will supplement the required readings with additional texts (nonfiction, poetry, fiction) to reflect the course’s essential questions.

Writing Expectations: Students will compose two formal pieces of writing per quarter; second semester students will write college essays as well as their independent inquiry projects.

Junior Literature and Composition builds on ninth and tenth grade coursework by centering on inquiry and synthesis. Students will build understanding through reading diverse perspectives and multiple genres, while studying and practicing multiple modes of composition for a variety of audiences and purposes. During second semester, students will conduct independent inquiry projects whereby students form a question, conduct research, and create a multimedia presentation for a public audience. Throughout the year students will practice for the ACT and work toward composing college/scholarship essays.

 

AP Language and Composition (EN500VA/EN500VB) 

This is an asynchronous class taken virtually through Schoology with a KHS teacher.

Grade: 11

Course Credit: 1 English Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: Freshman Literature and Composition, Sophomore Literature and Composition

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

Reading Expectations: 8 books, daily homework, average assignment: 25 pages

Required Readings: The Norton Reader

Optional Texts: Students will select teacher-approved nonfictions texts.

Writing Expectations: 15 essays in and out of class, exceptional skills in writing the multi-paragraph essay

AP English Language and Composition cultivates the reading and writing skills that students need for college success and for intellectually responsible civic engagement. The course guides students in becoming curious, critical, and responsive readers of diverse texts (memos, letters, advertisements, political satires, etc.), and reflective writers of texts addressed to diverse audiences for diverse purposes.

 

Senior Literature and Composition I: Cultural Collisions and Philosophy (EN406VA/EN406VB) 

This is an asynchronous class taken virtually through Schoology with a KHS teacher.

Grade: 12

Course Credit: 1 English Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: Freshman Literature and Composition, Sophomore Literature and Composition and Junior Literature and Composition (or AP Language & Composition)

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

Reading Expectations: 4 books per semester, homework daily, average assignment: 25 pages

Writing Expectations: Students will compose at least three formal, developed pieces of writing per semester, as well as informal responses to classwork. Senior Research Paper will be completed during the fall semester, regardless of elective.

Cultural Collisions - What happens when “self” meets “other”? When woman meets man? When Black meets White? When young meets old? What happens when our own perceptions collide with the perceptions of others? When we read and write, we learn how we have constructed our worldview, giving us the opportunity to examine “self” and “other.” Through a mix of required and choice texts, this course will push students to examine their world and the world of “the other” through the lens of cultural collisions. The students will respond to these cultural collisions in formal and informal ways, in both expository and creative writing, in presentations and conversation.

Potential Readings: Mrs. Dalloway (Woolf), Fire Next Time (Baldwin), various poems/short stories

Philosophy in Literature - You know those deep conversations you have with your friends at 3am or those thoughts you have when you’re alone and staring at the ceiling? Well, it’s time for that to be a class. What’s the point? Why am I here? Why do bad things happen to good people, and why should I care about anyone but myself? You’ll explore what philosophies from across the world have said about these questions and what we can do about them in today’s ever-changing society. From relevant podcasts and high interest novels, Philosophy in Literature is sure to be a class that will make you question yourself, others, and the world around you.

Potential Readings: Man’s Search for Meaning (Frankl), Tao of Pooh (Hoff), The Analects of Confucius, The Myth of Sisyphus and The Stranger (Camus), pieces by Ralph Waldo Emerson, readings from Nietzsche, Kant, and Kierkegaard, and The Catcher in the Rye (Salinger).

*Dual Credit through Missouri State is offered in this course.

Senior Literature and Composition II: Monsters in Literature and Myths, Fables, and Fairy Tales (EN407VA/EN407VB) 

This is an asynchronous class taken virtually through Schoology with a KHS teacher.

Grade: 12

Course Credit: 1 English Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: Freshman Literature and Composition, Sophomore Literature and Composition and Junior Literature and Composition (or AP Language and Composition)

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

Reading Expectations: 4 books per semester, homework daily, average assignment: 25 pages

Writing Expectations: Students will compose at least three formal, developed pieces of writing per semester, as well as informal responses to classwork. Senior Research Paper will be completed during the fall semester, regardless of elective.

Monsters in Literature - Reanimated corpses, flesh-eating zombies, and blood-hungry psychopaths in English class? This course will explore the role horror stories and films have played in our culture and in human civilization, and consider how monsters have become dark-side manifestations of a culture’s values, its fear of difference, and the forever-shifting understanding of the self. What does a particular culture label as “monstrous” and why? What exactly have certain authors captured and unleashed? Toward answering such questions, students will explore stories from around the world, literature, and film, and engage in both academic and creative writing.

Potential Readings: Dawn (Butler), The Strange Case of Jekyll & Hyde (Wells), The Island of Dr. Moreau (Wells), Dracula (Stoker), The Plague (Camus), Beloved (Morrison), The Picture of Dorian Gray (Wilde). Students will also have the opportunity to choose and analyze their own “monster literature.”

Myths, Fables, and Fairy Tales - We all know and love them - beautiful but naive young heroines, dashing princes, wicked witches, benevolent fairies - even crafty and vengeful monsters. Versions of the same stories have been passed down and reimagined for centuries in all parts of the world. But what keeps us so enthralled? And why do cultures that could never have interacted retell virtually the exact same stories? Explore the magical world of myths, fables, and fairy tales by reading a variety of examples, examining their influence on popular media, and learning how they grew out of oral tradition into honored literary heritage. Students will engage in both academic and creative writing in this course.

Potential Readings: (All are excerpts.) The Power of Myth (Campbell), Parallel Myths (Bierlein), Living Folklore: An Introduction to the Study of People and Their Traditions, 2nd Ed. (Sims and Stephens), Aesop’s Fables (Zipes), The Classic Fairy Tales (Norton Critical Edition), The Vanishing Hitchhiker: American Urban Legends and Their Meanings (Brunvand).

*Dual Credit through Missouri State is offered in this course.

Senior Literature and Composition III: Creative Writing and Contemporary Literature (EN408VA/EN408VB) 

This is an asynchronous class taken virtually through Schoology with a KHS teacher.

Grade: 12

Course Credit: 1 English Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: Freshman Literature and Composition, Sophomore Literature and Composition and Junior Literature and Composition (or AP Language and Composition)

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

Reading Expectations: 4 books per semester, homework daily, average assignment: 25 pages

Writing Expectations: Students will compose at least three formal, developed pieces of writing per semester, as well as informal responses to classwork. Senior Research Paper will be completed during the fall semester, regardless of elective.

What do our stories tell us about ourselves? How does the craft of today’s literature reflect our cultural concerns? Contemporary fiction and poetry offer insight into human nature and our current moment. We will explore how the elements of fiction and poetry allow us to empathize with the Other. In this course, we will analyze and critique contemporary literature and use this understanding to compose our own work in a workshop setting.

Potential Readings: George Saunders, Zadie Smith, Anthony Doerr, T.C. Boyle, Donald Barthelme, Steven Millhauser, Jhumpa Lahiri, Karen Russell, Jamel Brinkley, Alice Munro, Margaret Atwood, Jamaal May, Tarfiah Faizullah, Mary Oliver

*Dual Credit through Missouri State is offered in this course.

AP Literature and Composition (EN501VA/EN501VB) 

This is an asynchronous class taken virtually through Schoology with a KHS teacher.

Grade: 12

Course Credit: 1 English or Elective Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: Freshman Literature and Composition, Sophomore Literature and Composition and Junior Literature and Composition (or AP Language and Composition)

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

Reading Expectations: 8 books, homework: 4 nights a week, average assignment: 25 pages

Required Readings: Could include, among others, Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five, Shakespeare’s Othello, Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, Martel’s Life of Pi, Morrison’s Song of Solomon, Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles, outside reading novels, and a variety of short stories and poems.

Teacher Option Readings: Literary criticism

Writing Expectations: Multiple in-class and out-of-class essays each quarter. Out-of-class essays are usually 3-4 pages long, though some could be longer. In-class essays are modeled on the AP Literature exam essays. Students will typically write one in-class essay and one longer out-of-class essay for each major work. Supplementary readings will often be accompanied by essays.

AP Literature gives students the opportunity to study canonical and established contemporary works of literary, cultural, and social merit spanning genres and time periods.

*Dual Credit through SLU is offered in this course.

Chemistry (SC200VA/SC200VB) 

This is an asynchronous class taken virtually through Schoology with a KHS teacher.

Grade: 10

Course Credit: 1 Science Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: At least .5 credit earned in Physics

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

Chemistry is the study of matter and energy from a molecular point of view. Through laboratory experiences and practical application, students will investigate atomic structure and the periodic table, bonding, intermolecular forces, reactions and experimental design.

Chemistry Honors (SC290VA/SC290VB) 

This is an asynchronous class taken virtually through Schoology with a KHS teacher.

Grade: 10

Course Credit: 1 Science Credit

Course Length: Year

Recommendation: A in Physics, B or higher in Accelerated Physics, currently enrolled in Algebra II or higher

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

Chemistry Honors is an in-depth, mathematical, and rigorous study of matter and energy from a molecular point of view. It is designed for those students with an advanced level of interest and motivation and who may be interested in careers in science, engineering or medicine. Through laboratory experiences and practical application, students will explore the areas of atomic structure and the periodic table, bonding, intermolecular forces, reactions, nuclear chemistry and experimental design.

 

Biology (SC302VA/SC302VB) 

This is an asynchronous class taken virtually through Schoology with a KHS teacher.

Grade: 11, 12

Course Credit: 1 Science Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: One credit earned in Physics, and at least .5 credit earned in Chemistry or Chemistry Honors

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

Biology is the study of living organisms, exploring the intricate interactions of matter and energy that sustain life. In this course, students will dive into the fundamental principles of modern biology through hands-on laboratory experiences and real-world applications. They will examine key topics such as ecology, understanding the relationships between organisms and their environments; biochemistry, studying the chemical processes that drive life; and cell biology, investigating the structure and function of cells as the basic units of life.

Additionally, students will explore energetics, focusing on how organisms harness and use energy, and genetics, where they will learn how traits are inherited and expressed. An in-depth look at DNA will reveal its role as the blueprint of life, while the study of evolution will help students understand how species change and adapt over time. These topics will not only provide a comprehensive foundation in biological science but will also cultivate analytical skills, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the diversity and complexity of life on Earth.

Biology Honors (SC390A/SC390B) 

This is an asynchronous class taken virtually through Schoology with a KHS teacher.

Grade: 11, 12

Course Credit: 1 Science Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: One credit earned in Physics, credit earned in Chemistry (grade A) or Chemistry Honors (grade B or better).

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

Honors Biology is an in-depth, challenging course that explores the complex interactions of matter and energy in the living world, crafted for highly motivated students with a strong interest in biological sciences. Through comprehensive laboratory experiences and practical applications, students will delve deeply into essential concepts of modern biology, including ecology, biochemistry, cell biology, energetics, genetics, DNA, and evolution. This course places special emphasis on biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics, integrating principles of organic chemistry and energy seamlessly throughout. A solid understanding of organic chemistry and basic energy principles is recommended, as students will apply these topics to gain a more profound insight into the mechanisms that govern life. This rigorous curriculum aims to foster critical thinking, advanced analytical skills, and a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic and interconnected nature of biological systems

World History 1450-Present (SS105VA/SS105VB) 

This is an asynchronous class taken virtually through Schoology with a KHS teacher.

Grade: 9

Course Credit: 1 Social Studies Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: None

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

This course will provide students with a comprehensive overview of world history from 1450 to the present day. Students will study the major events and trends that have shaped the world, as well as the interconnectedness of different cultures and societies. They will also develop the skills necessary to analyze historical sources and construct historical arguments.

United States History 1870-Present (SS203VA/SS203VB) 

This is an asynchronous class taken virtually through Schoology with a KHS teacher.

Grade: 10

Course Credit: 1 Social Studies Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: Full credit earned in World History 1450-Present

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

Students will be able to demonstrate their understanding of the significant themes that contributed to the formation of the United States through research, discussion, simulation, debate, and presentation. Students will use their understanding to cite evidence of those themes in contemporary issues facing our society. Themes will include the evolution of American political democracy, cultural pluralism, economic and social equality, and America's development as a major world power. Students will explore and appreciate the diversity of the American experience and the relevance of our nation’s past to all individuals living in today’s society.

American Government (SS307VA/SS307VB) 

This is an asynchronous class taken virtually through Schoology with a KHS teacher.

Grade: 11, 12

Course Credit: 1 Social Studies Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: Full credit earned in United States History

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

American Government introduces students to the origins, concepts, institutions, interactions, and policies of government in the United States, and has students analyze the role of individuals, groups, and states in the modern world. The course will increase students’ understanding of government and encourage students to become positive contributing members of their local, state, national, and global communities. Students will apply their knowledge through a Civic Action Project, allowing them to actively engage with real-world issues and practice civic responsibility. As a component of this course, students will be prepared for and take the state-mandated Government End of Course Exam, as well as fulfill the citizenship and constitution assessment requirements for high school graduation in the State of Missouri.

AP United States Government and Politics (SS502VA/SS502VB) 

This is an asynchronous class taken virtually through Schoology with a KHS teacher.

Grade: 11, 12

Course Credit: 1 Social Studies Credit

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: Students must have a 3.0 GPA

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

AP U.S. Government and Politics provides a college-level, nonpartisan introduction to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students will study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behavior. They will also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments. In addition, they will complete a political science research or applied civics project.

Sociology (SS305V) 

This is an asynchronous class taken virtually through Schoology with a KHS teacher.

Grade: 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

Students will discover how humans interact within and between groups and groupings. They will explore through research, discussion, debate, and inquiry, the general principles dealing with how people get along in groups. Students will demonstrate their understanding of human interaction, social classes, personality, courtship, marriage, and the family through oral and written presentations.

Health and Wellness (HE100V)

This is an asynchronous class taken virtually through Schoology with a KHS teacher.

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Health Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: Nonel

Description:

Students can take Health at any point during their high school career, with most taking it during 9th or 10th grade. We know the choices teens make can set the stage for years to come. Health covers goals, decision-making, conflict resolution, healthy relationships, anatomy, reproduction, sexually transmitted infections, abstinence and contraception. We also deal with problems in society such as addiction, alcohol and tobacco, drugs, depression and suicide, eating disorders and abuse. Guest speakers throughout the semester add to the content. The CPR requirement for graduation will be achieved in this course.

Lifetime Fitness (PE101V)

This is an asynchronous class taken virtually through Schoology with a KHS teacher.

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Physical Education or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Description:

Students in this class will learn activities essential to overall health and wellness. Activities include fitness walking, running, weight training, aerobics, yoga, pilates, stability and bosu balls, resistance bands, jump rope and other fitness-based activities based on teacher discretion and available facilities.

Personal Finance (PF200C)

This is an asynchronous class taken virtually through Schoology with a KHS teacher.

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Personal Finance Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Description:

Take charge of your finances! Personal Finance allows students to explore a variety of topics designed to help them meet the challenges of life during and after high school. The course examines principles and techniques for handling personal financial decisions: college / career research, major purchases, personal budgeting, credit, insurance, savings / investing and more.

*Dual credit through Missouri State University is offered in this course.

Art Fundamentals (FA100V)

This is an asynchronous class taken virtually through Schoology with a KHS teacher.

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Fine Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Description:

Learn the language of art and explore various techniques and media. Observe works of art from chosen time periods and movements. Art skills will be developed through a variety of assignments.

Computer Applications I (PA101V)

This is an asynchronous class taken virtually through Schoology with a KHS teacher.

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Practical Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Description:

Computer Applications I is an essential introductory course for all students to be successful in the modern world of technology. Students will obtain the computer skills required to be successful in every area of life. Students will learn the necessary features of Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and organizing in a Google Drive. Students will also learn web literacy and online research skills.

Business Communications (PA301V)

This is an asynchronous class taken virtually through Schoology with a KHS teacher.

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Practical Art or Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Description:

Master communication skills to dazzle potential employers in a job interview! This course encompasses a variety of business communication topics to prepare you for your ultimate goal- employment! Topics include:

• Team building workshops
• International business travel and etiquette
• Non verbal communication and body language
• Persuasive strategies for presenting
• Resume writing and creating interactive online resumes
• Interview preparation

*Dual credit through Missouri State University is offered in this course.

ACT Prep (EL 116V)

This is an asynchronous class taken virtually through Schoology with a KHS teacher.

Grade: 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Description:

ACT Preparation is a course designed to give students an opportunity to prepare to take the ACT (American College Test). Students will spend half the course on the verbal (English, Reading, and Writing) sections and the other half on the Mathematics and Science Reasoning sections of the test. This class will focus on learning and practicing strategies as well as reviewing content to improve scores. It will be offered for .5 elective credit and will be graded on a pass/fail basis.

We do not encourage rising 9th graders to sign up for this class. ACT prep is intended for students who are actively preparing for a national exam.

Journalism I (EL 102V)

This is an asynchronous class taken virtually through Schoology with a KHS teacher.

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12

Course Credit: .5 Elective Credit

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

NCAA Approved Course

Description:

This one-semester writing-intensive course is a survey of the history, ethics, practices, and methods of newspaper and magazine journalism. Using professional style rules, students learn how to write articles in the areas of news, features, editorials and sports. Additionally, they write leads, headlines and captions. They also learn key elements in graphic design, photojournalism, multimedia, social media, and advertising. Furthermore, there is a heavy emphasis on the rights and responsibilities of student journalists. This course is highly recommended for students interested in applying for a position on the staff of The Kirkwood Call, the school newspaper, or The Kirkwood Pioneer, the school yearbook.