High School Curriculum

Our Upper School curriculum is designed for depth, complexity, and accelerated academic pathways for gifted learners. We offer advanced coursework and opportunities for exploration, with an emphasis on student scholarship, intellectual rigor, and preparation for highly selective colleges.​ Our scholars prepare for advanced study in STEM, humanities, and research-based disciplines.

At a Glance

• Honors, AP, and extensive post-AP coursework
• Post-AP level math including multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations
• Advanced sciences including AP Physics C and post-AP Neuroscience
• Seminar-style humanities and research-based electives
• Advanced engineering, computer science, and AI coursework

Courses

Our interdisciplinary Upper School curriculum is designed for depth, complexity, and advanced academic study, building strong skills in analytical thinking, research, and oral and written communication.

Mathematics (Accelerated & Post-AP Pathways)

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

• (Algebra I must be completed in Middle School)
• Honors Geometry
• Honors Algebra II
• Honors Precalculus & Trigonometry
• AP Precalculus
• AP Calculus BC
• ​AP Statistics
• Post-AP Level Math
  • Multivariable Calculus (0.5 credit)**
  • Introduction to Proofs (0.5 credit)*
  • Differential Equations (0.5 credit)**
  • Linear Algebra (.5 credit)**
  • Applied Math: Mathematics for Engineers (0.5 credit)*​
  • Numerical Methods (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.
​
Core classes:

• AP / Honors English Literature
• AP / Honors English Nonfiction
• Honors English 9
• Honors English 10

Electives:

• 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.

• AP / Honors Biology
• AP / Honors Chemistry
• AP Physics 1
• AP Physics 2
• AP Physics C: Mechanics
• AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism
• Post-AP Neuroscience
• Post-AP Geology​

History & Social Studies

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

​Core classes:

• AP US History
• AP World History-Modern
• AP European History
• AP US Government & Politics
• Honors US History I
• Honors US History II

Electives:

• 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)

Economics and business

Core Classes:

• AP Macroeconomics & History of Economics (1 credit)
• AP Microeconomics & Behavioral Economics (1 credit)​
• Honors Economics (0.5 credit)
• Personal Finance (0.5 credit)​

​Electives

• Management Science: Vision & Innovation (0.5 credit)

• Management Science: Organizational Behavior & Leadership (.5 credit)

spanish

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

• AP Spanish Language & Culture
• AP Spanish Literature
• Spanish Level I
• Spanish Level II
• Spanish Level III
• ​Spanish Level IV

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.

Computer Science:

• AP Computer Science A
• Post-AP Machine Learning & Data Science
• Mobile App Development​
• Artificial Intelligence & Parallel Computing**
• Machine Learning & Data Science: Autonomous Cognitive Assistant**
• Intro to MATLAB

Engineering:

• Air, Sea, Land
• Combat Robotics
• Solar-Powered Outdoor Monitoring Systems
• Mechanical, Civil, and Electrical (Amusement Park)

physical education

Ideaventions Academy's 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

Our students have a special desire to see beyond the surface, beyond the obvious. They enjoy the challenge of making the complex simple, to make opposites compatible, and to see treasurers in the common place.                                                                              

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

The world as a classroom

Community

From our three-day overnights to Pittsburgh, New York, or Williamsburg, to watching a play at the Kennedy Center, or learning about cybersecurity at Amazon, we learn through experiences.
​
Parks, museums, nature centers, theaters -- here we come!

Creative

It is easy to get caught up in the hamster wheel of high school, and our students do exceptionally well in the classroom. We experience a professional's life in our annual week-long intersession.

MacBeth anyone? Shakespeare Theatre Company in DC awaits!

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. 

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