INNOVATIVE

Our curriculum approach is based on teaching each discipline with depth; offering advanced coursework and exploration opportunities; personalizing education to focus on student scholarship, health and life success; and engaging students to become extraordinary thinkers, doers, and citizens to improve the world.

Courses

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Our coursework exposes students to the advanced knowledge, current events, professional methods, and intellectual practices of each discipline.

Our interdisciplinary curriculum builds foundational skills in analytical thinking, creativity, research, and oral and written communication. 

mathematics

Students focus on mathematical strategies and applications, problem solving, logic, computational mathematics, and mathematical research.

• Honors Geometry
• Honors Algebra II
• Honors Precalculus & Trigonometry
• AP Calculus BC
• Applied Math: Mathematics for Engineers (0.5 credit)*
• Introduction to Proofs (0.5 credit)*
• Multivariable Calculus (0.5 credit)**
• Differential Equations (0.5 credit)**
• Numerical Methods (0.5 credit)**
• Introduction to MATLAB (0.5 credit)
  

​* AP level (precalculus prerequisite)
** Post-AP level (AP Calculus BC prerequisite)

English

​Students develop written and oral communication skills through literature study, research, argument formation, analysis and debate.

• Honors English Literature
• Honors English Nonfiction
• Honors English 11
• Honors English 12
• History of Cinema
• Creative Writing (0.5 credit)
• Writing the Epic Video Game (0.5 credit)
• Rhetoric & Propaganda (0.5 credit)

Science

Students learn the current knowledge state and theories within disciplines, study recent research and discoveries, design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and learn scientific communication skills.

• Honors Biology
• AP Biology
• Honors Chemistry
• AP Chemistry
• AP Physics 1
• AP Physics 2
• AP Physics C: Mechanics
• AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism
• Geology (Prerequisite: AP Chemistry)​

History & Social Studies

Students research and analyze, develop their own theses, and evaluate theories of renowned historians and scholars.

• US History I & II
• Intensive US History I & II* (writing intensive)
• Intensive European History I & II* (writing intensive)
• Intensive World History I & II* (writing intensive)
• AP US History
• AP World History-Modern
• AP European History
• AP US Government & Politics
• History of Genetics
• Engineering & German Society
• History of Cinema
• Exploration & Colonial America (0.5 credit)
• Technology & Society (0.5 credit)
• History of Classical Games (.5 credit)

* AP level

Economics and business

• Honors Economics
• Economics & Personal Finance
• AP Macroeconomics & History of Economics
• AP Microeconomics & Behavioral Economics
• Personal Finance (0.5 credit)
• Management Science: Vision & Innovation (0.5 credit)

• Management Science: Organizational Behavior & Leadership

World languages

Students learn to communicate in Chinese or Spanish in immersion classes. At the end of each academic year, students are evaluated based on the ACTFL proficiency guidelines:

• Honors Spanish I, II, III, IV
• Honors Chinese I, II, III, IV
• AP Spanish Language & Culture
• AP Spanish Literature

Computer science & engineering

Our Computer Science & Engineering program develops students into capable, confident designers, creators and problem solvers. Our unique curriculum, featuring introductory to advanced computer science engineering courses, is designed around learning fundamental concepts, devising solutions, and solving challenges based on real-world applications.

• AP Computer Science Principles
• AP Computer Science A
• Engineering Design: Mechanical, Civil, and Electrical
• Engineering Design: Air, Sea, Land
• Solar-Powered Outdoor Monitoring System with Data Logging
• Artificial Intelligence & Parallel Computing**
• Machine Learning & Data Science: Autonomous Cognitive Assistant**
• Mobile App Development​
• Mechanical Engineering: Combat Robotics

physical education

Ideaventions Academy Physical Education program requires that students pursue physical activity independently and outside of the school academic day in addition to the daily morning walks.

Students are required to submit a log of their physical activity on a weekly basis. Students may choose between activity or after school club opportunities for physical education, such as cycling or running clubs, or pursue physical exercise on their own time. Students who work with a coach or trainer, or who are in another organized exercise program or sport may use that work towards PE credit.

​Ideaventions Academy requires that students complete at least 2 years or 4 semesters (2 credits) during their four years to be eligible for graduation.

Fine & Performing arts

"I have always had a special desire to see beyond the surface, beyond the obvious. I believe that everything contains a point that satisfies the artist's drive to touch and embrace. I enjoy the challenge to make the complex simple, to make opposites compatible, and to see treasures in the common place. I try to instill in my students the desire to become more aware of what they see and to express what they feel when they see."
                                                                                - Rob Nelson, Art Teacher

• Fine & Visual Arts I & II (.5 credit each)​
• Performing Arts I & II (.5 credit each)
• Photography 101, 102, 103
• One-Person Art Show​
• Theater
• Improv
• Digital Music Production
• Guitar
• On-Camera Acting

Innovation & experiential learning

Part of the fabric of our school is innovating and experimenting. Starting in the 2022-2023 school year, all high schoolers will have the opportunity to use their Friday afternoons for self-directed work. The work can be projects that they are looking to develop, excursions to support their coursework, meetings to explore a topic in more detail, or visits to embed themselves in the community.

DC Metro Area as a classroom

Our Community

Every Friday from noon to 5:15 pm students have the opportunity to leave campus to explore what the DMV has to offer and meet the people of a one-of-a-kind community. 

Parks, museums, nature centers, theaters -- here we come!

Genius Afternoon

It is easy to get caught up in the hamster wheel of high school and our students do exceptionally well in the classroom. Let's explore the nation's capital to generate ideas and innovate.

​We don't have to travel to CERN to experience innovation - it is here in our backyard!

Self Directed

Since our founding we have strived to give students agency and autonomy. Whether by Metro, bus, or walking, students are responsible for the organization and coordination.

Let's see where this adventure takes us and the projects, articles, solutions, and leaders that emerge.