An innovative 4-12 grade college prep academy in Austin, TX
with flexible schedules and SACS and NCAA accredited courses.
Click here to download a printable version of the course catelog
The AESA Preparatory Academy High School Curriculum is accredited by SACS, The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools as of August 29th, 2011. The core academic courses are also NCAA approved as of June 13th, 2012. Our Junior and Senior students are encouraged to take The University of Texas of Austin Extension Dual credit courses British Literature, Micro-Economics, American Government, and Rhetoric and Grammar. All AESA courses focus on the curriculum content as well as the study skills needed to be proficient in each course. Organizational skills are taught in each course as well, to ensure that our students are adequately prepared to transition easily into collegiate academics and be truly successful. The corner stone of all AESA courses is communication, both verbally and in writing. All High School and Middle school students are required to take Writing Lab as a fourth class period with their English course for one of the grade levels in both Middle School and High School.
The Mathematics curriculum is aligned by grade and satisfies the National Standards and Principals for the Mathematics Science Education Standards and is supported by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, as well as the SAT Reasoning Test developed by the College Board, and the ACT, the American College Test governed by ACT Inc.
This one-year college preparatory course will help students to view algebra not only as a theoretical tool for analyzing and describing mathematical relationships, but they will also experience the power of algebraic thinking in a context of applications by studying the mathematical modeling of real world problems. In the first semester of Algebra I, students are introduced to functions, using tables and graphs, multiple representations of functions, exploring linear functions, rate of change, the parent function, writing rules, connecting functions to equations and inequalities, using commutative, associative, and distributive properties to simplify expressions, solving simple equations with manipulatives and symbols, solving equations of the Form kx + c = b and kx + c = mx + b, looking closer at inequalities and comparing notations and methods. The second semester of Algebra I, introduces students to systems of linear equation, solving systems using graphs and tables, solving systems by symbolic methods, area and perimeter functions, the parent function multiplied by a constant, adding and subtracting a constant, multiple changes to the parent function, binomial operations, modeling with quadratic functions, solving quadratic equations, graphs of exponential functions, and modeling inverse variation data.
Algebra 1 is designed for 9th grade students but occasionally 7th and 8th grade students are prepared for this level of math course.
This is a one-year college preparatory course that will help students view algebra not only as a theoretical tool for analyzing and describing mathematical relationships, but they will also experience the power of algebraic thinking in the context of application by studying the mathematical modeling of real world problems. Algebra 2 is usually the second math course that is taken in High School and builds upon the information and skills students have acquired in Algebra 1. This course will focus on the concepts of functions and relations with emphasis on linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, radical, and rational functions. Algebraic concepts are used in a variety of real-world situations than can be modeled mathematically. The students will learn about rational functions and their properties, investigate the effects of horizontal and vertical translations, solve rational equations and inequalities by graphing and by solving algebraically, compare direct and indirect relations, define the General Exponential Function using Carbon-14 dating, population and other models, discover the number e, use continuous compound interest, use logarithmic functions as the inverse of an exponential function with common and natural logarithmic functions, learn how to use the properties of logarithm and using properties of logarithms in applications, and define conics such as parabolas, ellipses, circles and hyperbolas using the General and Standard Forms of the Equations of a Conic.
This is a one-year college preparatory Geometry course for accelerated mathematics student. The course content will include a rigorous in-depth study of geometric concepts from an algebraic perspective. Included in this course is a study of both two and three dimensional shapes, congruence, similarity, transformations and the relationships between geometric shapes.
Geometry is usually the third course taken in High School but it is possible to take this course after Algebra 1 and then take Algebra 2. The first semester of Geometry introduces students to points, lines and planes, segments and distances, angles and angle measures, patterns, perpendicular bisectors and angle bisectors, points of concurrency in triangles, conditional statements, geometric systems, isometrics, parallel lines, slopes of lines, composite transfer, triangle properties, isosceles and equilateral triangles, proving triangles congruent, and constructing perpendiculars and parallels. The second semester of Geometry covers similar polygons, right triangles, the Pythagorean Theorem, special right triangles, right triangle trigonometry, properties of quadrilaterals, properties of parallelograms, proving quadrilaterals and parallelograms, properties of special parallelograms, trapezoids and kites, circles in the coordinate plane, properties of tangents, areas of plane figures, circles: circumference and arc length, circles, areas, sectors and segments, representing 3-D figures, prisms and cylinders in the real world, pyramids and cones in the real world, sphere and plane sections, surface area of cylinders and prisms, surface area of pyramids and cones, volumes of cylinders, prisms, pyramids and cones, coordinates and dimensional change, and three-dimensional coordinates.
If a student expects to study Calculus as a 12th grader, this course should be taken in the 9th grade.
Recommendation: Satisfactory completion of Algebra 1.
Pre-Calculus is designed to prepare college-bound students for a first course in Calculus. It combines the topics of trigonometry, elementary analysis, and analytic geometry. Pre-Calculus builds on the concepts and skills learned in Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. An intuitive base and some working tools for the study of more advanced mathematics are developed. The students will use system of inequalities to solve linear and quadratic inequalities, solve polynomials and rational inequalities, use rational, exponential, and logarithmic function to prove properties of logarithms and to solve exponential growth and decay, graph polar equations in the form of complex numbers using products, quotients, powers and roots of complex numbers, use conics to solve equations on circles, ellipses, hyperbolas, and parabolas, solve problems using the basic operations of matrices and vectors, use sequence and series to identify arithmetic and geometric series, use limits of sequence, sums of infinite series and power series, and introduce students to Calculus using limits of a function of a real variable and limit theorems and find derivatives.
This is a one-year course designed for the accelerated 12th grade mathematics student who is considering advanced placement in college or wishes to have maximum preparation for college calculus. The course content will include a study the mathematics of change and motion, linear and quadratic functions, trigonometry, log functions, and determining area and volumes. Recommendation: Satisfactory completion of Pre-Calculus. Calculus is not required for the Distinguished Diploma: students may take Pre-Cal instead.
The Science curriculum is aligned by grade and satisfies the National Science Education Standards developed by the National Science Council supported by the National Science Teachers Association, as well as the SAT Reasoning Test developed by the College Board, and the ACT, the American College Test governed by ACT Inc
This course is equivalent to a college-level introductory biology course. Biology is the scientific study of living organisms and is considered to be the first science course in high school. This course teaches traditional biological concepts as students consider the interactions among the vast number of organisms that inhabit our planet. Topics taught in class are the following: bio-molecules, enzymes, prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells, cellular organelles, plasma membrane and membrane transport, osmosis, diffusion, mitosis, DNA replication, protein synthesis, mutations, energy and ATP, leaf structure and leaf pigments, stages of photosynthesis, transport of materials in plants, cellular respiration, community ecology, biological communities, population dynamics, asexual and sexual reproduction, meiosis, plant reproduction, human reproduction, menstrual cycle, genetics, karyotypes, ethics of genetics, careers in biotechnology, sex-linked traits, genetic screening, evolution, diversity of life, natural selection, plant adaptations, human body systems, the immune system, and identifying diseases.
Chemistry covers topics and information normally contained in a first-year college general chemistry course. Chemistry is considered to be the second science course in High School. Chemistry is the science of matter and the changes it undergoes. This course examines Chemistry by introducing students to the following aspects: chemical reactions, the scientific method, characteristics of matter and its states, chromatography, physical and chemical changes, the law of conservation of mass, measurements in chemistry, accuracy, precision, significant digits, atomic theory, models of atoms, electron configurations, orbital notation, atomic mass, periodic table and its trends, nuclear chemistry, fission , fusion, half-lifes of radioactive elements, nuclear reactors, oxidation numbers, polyvalent metals, polyatomic ions, chemical formulas, chemical names, naming binary molecular compounds, naming acids, organic compounds, molar mass, mole calculations, percent composition, empirical and molecular formulas, valence electrons, electronegativity, ionic bonds, covalent bonds, chemical reactions, Stoichiometry, limiting reagents, percent yield, aqueous systems, reaction rates and equilibrium, and chemical applications in the real world.
This mathematically rigorous course is equivalent to an introductory college-level physics course. Physics is considered to be the third or fourth science course in high school. Physics is the study of matter and energy and their interactions. It produces a systematic understanding of the fundamental laws that govern physical, chemical and biological processes. Some of the topics students study are the following: kinetic energy and its relationship to heat, convection, conduction, and radiation; the first law of thermodynamics; the second law of thermodynamics; the third law of thermodynamics; the harmonic motion and waves; reflection, interference, standing waves, sound reasoning, characterizing sound, resonance and forced vibration; the Doppler effect; the behavior of light, the scattering of light, and bending light; elements of quantum physics; spectrographs; medical and industrial applications of light, electricity and magnetism, electric circuits, current, voltage, resistance, series and parallel circuits; electromagnetic induction; electric motors; electric generator; quantum optics; the photon; photoelectric effect; atomic models; dualism of matter; review of scientific techniques; scientific processes and measurement; models and graphs; position; speed; velocity; acceleration, motion, projectile motion, and uniform circular motion; Newton’s Laws, gravity as a force, force as a vector quantity, centripetal force, momentum, impulse and impact, kinetic energy, and gravitational potential energy; Hooke’s Law; elastic potential energy; the work-energy theorem; and conservation of energy and momentum.
Recommendation: Satisfactory completion of Algebra 2 or taking Algebra 2 concurrently.
This course is designed to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the many ecosystems that inhabit the earth, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. There are several major unifying constructs, or themes, that cut across the many topics included in the study of environmental systems. Students are introduced to complex environmental issues that include environmental quality, plant systems, human resources, conservation, pollution, and ecosystems. This involves the study of biology, chemistry, and demography that deals with the interaction between man and nature.
Recommendation: Satisfactory completion of Biology 1 and Algebra 1
The English curriculum is aligned by grade and satisfies the National Standards for Social Studies supported by the National Council for the Social Studies, as well as the SAT Reasoning Test developed by the College Board, and the ACT, the American College Test governed by ACT Inc
Various forms of literature are studied in this introductory survey of Western literature, with emphasis on writing, reading, and analytical skills. Active reading strategies, process writing, and higher order/critical thinking skills will be utilized to analyze and interpret reading selections from specific time periods. Students will connect to their own lives while demonstrating proficiency of writing process through narrative, reflective, descriptive, persuasive literary analysis, and research writing. Grammar skills are developed through exercises that incorporate grammar activities into writing assignments. Introduces literary concepts and terms and encourages students to build communication skills. Each assignment contains a substantial writing component. Reading selections include modern and classical fiction, nonfiction, drama, and poetry and reflect diverse cultures.
This course continues the 9th grade survey and incorporates the study of both grammar and literature. A strong writing component includes activities that encourage the development of grammar skills. Writing assignments focus on standard modes of writing. Assignments and exercises are based on a diverse group of readings from the text. Readings include fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.
This historical survey of the United States covers the post-Civil War era, introducing the social, economic, and political history of the nation from 1877 to 1929, the Reconstruction to the present. Historical content focuses on the political, economic, and social events related to industrialization and urbanization, major wars, domestic and foreign policies, reform movements, the Cold War and post-Cold War eras, and the struggle for civil rights. Students examine the impact of geographic factors on major events and analyze causes and effects. Students examine the impact of constitutional issues on American society, evaluate the dynamic relationship of the three branches of the federal government, and analyze efforts to expand the democratic process. Students describe the relationship between the arts and the times during which they were created. Students use critical-thinking skills to explain and apply different methods that historians use to interpret the past.
This course is worth 3 college credit hours from The University of Texas at Austin.
The Social Studies curriculum is aligned by grade and satisfies the National Standards for Social Studies supported by the National Council for the Social Studies, as well as the SAT Reasoning Test developed by the College Board, and the ACT, the American College Test governed by ACT Inc.
This course examines environmental factors such as climate, topography and natural resources throughout the world. It also explores population distribution and growth and their effect on the world’s population. The study of varied customs and cultural characteristics of world societies, as well as productivity and consumption of natural resources on a global scale are also main aspects of this class. Regions covered are the United States, Canada, Middle, Central, and South America, Caribbean Islands, Caribbean South America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Antarctica.
Students will examine and analyze historic, geographic, political and economic concepts and issues. The focus is on the United States in the second half of the 20th century through the present and its relationship to the rest of the world through four lenses: United States’ perspective, international perspective, geography and economics.
The purpose of this course is to increase students’ knowledge of the development of the United States as a democratic nation. The course is organized as a chronological survey of the American past from 1877 to World War II. Emphasis will be placed on major events, geography, individuals and ideas which comprise our American heritage.
This survey of the Government of the United States covers its history, foundational ideas, and recent development. Major areas of emphasis include the Constitutional system, the electoral process, media and the means of interaction between government and the populace, Congress, the Presidency, the Judiciary, civil liberty and justice issues, bureaucracy and governmental finances, and comparative political systems.
This course is worth 3 college credit hours from The University of Texas at Austin.
This introductory course covers various aspects of the U.S. economic history and development, including the nature of a free enterprise system, a mixed-market economy, and government in relation to the mixed-market economy. Also covered are international economics, income tax, and consumer economics.
This course is worth 3 college credit hours from The University of Texas at Austin.
The Foreign Language curriculum is aligned by grade and satisfies the National Standards for Foreign Language Education and is supported by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language, as well as the SAT Reasoning Test developed by the College Board, and the ACT, the American College Test governed by ACT Inc. Students are encouraged to do Dual Credit Spanish from the University of Texas for their Advanced Foreign Languages Classes.
This is an introductory Spanish class designed for students that do not desire to take dual credit Spanish classes. Students will learn the basics of speaking and writing in Spanish. Students will also explore the cultures of Spanish speaking countries and the countries that primarily speak Spanish.
This course is an introductory college level study of the Spanish language through the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, with emphasis on speaking and writing skills. This course is taken through the University of Texas at Austin Extension Program and is for Spanish 1 credit at the University of Texas at Austin plus Spanish 1 credit for AESA Prep Academy. This course is designed to develop skills in the Spanish language in the following four areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students enrolling in this introduction to the Spanish language will receive lessons in vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and composition to better comprehend and speak Spanish.
This course is UT’s SPN 506 and is worth 5 college credit hours.
Students will increase their ability to comprehend and speak Spanish, as well as their knowledge of the vocabulary and grammatical structures of the language.
Prerequisite: Spanish 506
This course is UT’s Spanish 507 and is worth 5 college credit hours.
This class will advance the student’s knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, and culture. In this course, students will write more paragraphs and compositions than in previous classes and will frequently record their spoken Spanish.
Prerequisite: Spanish 507
This course is UT’s Spanish 312K and is worth 3 college credit hours.
This class will continue to reinforce fundamental structures of language and vocabulary expansion through more challenging cultural and literary readings. Recordings and written assignments are used for further development of the four language skills.
Prerequisite: Spanish 312K
This course is UT’s Spanish 312L and is worth 3 college credit hours.
This course is available upon request. It is designed for the highly advanced Spanish student and will be tailored for the individual needs of the students. Course work will focus on conversational Spanish at a high level as well as advanced writing skills.
This course is an introductory course to Mandarin Chinese teaching the student basic verbal and written vocabulary and grammar. Students will learn common conversational Mandarin as well. Students will play a variety of games using Mandarin Chinese.
Description coming soon
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This class is a study of the history of architecture and interiors through the ages. Begin with the pyramids and fast track through to modern green building designs. We will make stops along the way at major period styles through history. We will move into the 20th Century and begin to understand the influences of previous eras as we look at more current design. All of these stops exhibit great elements of design that can be repeated, modified or blended with other styles to create an entire new style that could be yours. Project time will include basic drafting skills, re-creations of major period styles, preparation of presentation boards and models to illustrate our findings and research.
Explore all types of mediums and techniques as you learn the Principles and Elements of Art- in a fun way! This exploration will take you through, drawing, painting, clay, sculpture and mixed media projects. During this time you will meet some artists that have come before you as we learn techniques in their style. This will be a great exposure to all types of art and you will leave the class with a better understanding of art terms and techniques to allow you to specialize in a specific art class later at AESA Prep Academy.
This class will delve into key points of history as we explore the art styles of the time as well as the appearances of the architecture and interiors that supported the period. In addition, we will look at the influences which might include government, religions or socio-economic issues of the time. During this exploration we will work on individual and group projects to support our findings. This class will be part lecture that includes visuals, discussion and interaction. (25%) The balance of the class will be in the execution of projects.
There’s good writing, and then there’s writing that sings. This course will push students’ work toward the melodious. We will work on techniques to raise the level of the language—from creating strong word pictures to turning phrases to finding and highlighting the telling details—and ways to keep readers’ interest, such as developing strong hooks and building a solid spine. The types of writing we work on will be determined partly by student interest, but could include essays, narrative non-fiction, short fiction and, at the end of the year, poetry (classic form as well as music lyrics). Guest writers will be brought to class to discuss their work and method, and students will have the opportunity for writing-related field trips, such as poetry slams. We will read and dissect published examples of specific genres to learn about construction and literary devices, and then students will try their own hand. Through classroom readings, peer comments and teacher editing, students will improve their work and leave the class with a strong sense of how to hit the high notes.
What is your “style”? The Fashion Industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. We will take a BRIEF look at how cultures influence how people dress. After our march through history and world cultures we will begin to examine the industry from the twentieth century until today. The class will include lecture, discussion, research and projects. We will learn the basics of figure drawing for the purpose of fashion illustration. A possible project idea would be preparing for a fashion show with drawings, fabric selections, simple construction techniques, and modeling our masterpieces. For our fashion show we might enlist a photography and journalism team which could be our very own AESA Classmates.
Health & Life Skills Level 2 is an important course for teenagers bringing to light aspects of society they are exposed to in which they will need critical information and skills to make important decisions that will lead to important positive outcomes. The course investigates and discusses aspects of healthy living and includes information on recognizing and dealing with stress, proper nutrition, drugs and alcohol, sex, developing and maintaining healthy relationships with family and friends, gender issues, safety, first aid, environmental health issues, divorce and death. Through class discussions, role playing, presentations, assigned readings and movies, students are taught the knowledge and skills to make positive choices when faced with life altering decisions. The goal of this class is to provide students with the tools necessary to live in a positive, productive, safe and healthy manner. Students will receive their Red Cross CPR & AED Certification. (Note: This course includes explicit information about birth control and sexually transmitted diseases.)
This class will introduce students to the world of motion picture creation using computers and digital technologies. Students will be given a crash-course in the history of motion pictures, learn the basic theories of storytelling, and begin exploring the technologies and skills necessary to create high-quality digital movies for use on the Internet and DVD. Over the course of the class, students will create their own micro-short films and participate in a group short film that will be submitted to the SXSW film festival.
This class will give students the basic skills necessary to edit and optimize digital images and create their own websites. Students will use modern graphic and web design software to learn the fundamentals of digital design, as well as the ethics of procuring, modifying, and publishing digital content. Over the course of the class, students will take and optimize their own digital photographs, add text and effects, and publish their creations to a website that they create themselves using a modern web-hosting service.
This will be a highly integrated class for both high school students and those in middle schools. The first semester will focus on the legal process. It will include study of the judicial branch and how courts make decisions. We will also discuss lines of cases of interest. In the second semester we will actually put on a trial. The students will break into teams and spend the semester preparing for a mock trial. We will secure a courtroom setting for the final exam, which will be the trial itself. Students will play the roles of attorneys on each side, as well as witnesses and the judge. Members of the AESA community will serve on the jury and render a verdict. We will also have field trips to the state capital, a law firm and a court.
This is an advanced Science course designed for high level Science students planning on being pre-med in college or studying the health sciences. Students will explore aspects of Immunology within the Health and Medical professions.
Communications will introduce students to the basic principles and practices of effective verbal and non-verbal communication. Such principles and practices will be discussed as a general framework for understanding communication and as integrated into close study of historically important speeches. Students will learn thereby to listen, read, and evaluate arguments critically, as well as to appreciate effective communication in varied historical contexts. Finally, students will produce and refine their own means of communication through presentations and a Final Presentation Project.
The Middle School Courses are accredited by SACS, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Mathematics curriculum is aligned by grade and satisfies the National Standards and Principals for Mathematics Science Education Standards and is supported by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, as well as the SAT Reasoning Test developed by the College Board, and the ACT, the American College Test governed by ACT Inc. The Science curriculum is aligned by grade and satisfies the National Science Education Standards developed by the National Science Council supported by the National Science Teachers Association, as well as the SAT Reasoning Test developed by the College Board, and the ACT, the American College Test governed by ACT Inc. The English curriculum is aligned by grade and satisfies the National Standards for Social Studies supported by the National Council for the Social Studies, as well as the SAT Reasoning Test developed by the College Board, and the ACT, the American College Test governed by ACT Inc. The Social Studies curriculum is aligned by grade and satisfies the National Standards for Social Studies supported by the National Council for the Social Studies, as well as the SAT Reasoning Test developed by the College Board, and the ACT, the American College Test governed by ACT Inc.
The fifth grade is based upon “hands on learning experiences” that foster critical and creative thinking processes. Classes offer traditional, academically rigorous information taught within a framework based upon creativity, exploration, investigation and experimentation. All classes will concentrate on student’s verbal and writing communication skills.
The focus of 5th grade English is on written and verbal communication, reading comprehension, rhetoric and grammar, vocabulary and spelling. Students are challenged to summarize, predict, visualize, clarify, and understanding scaffolding to enhance reading comprehension. Students will also learn to expand their vocabulary by incorporating the use of synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, prefixes, idioms, and Greek and Latin roots. Utilizing modern literature, students will learn to love to read and will build a firm Language Arts base for the rest of middle school English courses.
The geographic regions of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America and other surrounding island regions will be the focus of this course. Students will learn about the people of these nations and the physical environment in which they live. As they examine social, economic, and political institutions, students analyze similarities and differences among societies. Concepts for this study are drawn from history and social sciences, but the primary discipline is cultural geography. Given the swiftness of change and our global information systems, students’ examinations of these concepts must require continuous reference to current events and trends.
This hands on investigative approach to science concentrates on ten major scientific areas; astronomy, biology, chemistry, robotics, physical science, meteorology, earth science, environmental science, the human body, and ecology. Using the scientific method students will learn how to conduct research, investigate, collect data, record observations, and use control groups. In class, students will build projects, conduct experiments as they learn basic scientific information in a fun and experiential manner.
Students will utilize manipulatives and participate in “hands on experiences” as the further their mathematical knowledge in the following major concepts and skills: whole number computation, number sense: .0001-999,999, addition and subtraction of non-negative rational numbers, transformations, properties of plane figures, perimeter and area, bar graphs and stem-and-leaf plots, coordinate grids, rates of change, line graphs, simple equations and inequalities, median, and mode and range. Students will solve relevant and authentic problems using appropriate technology and apply these concepts as well as those developed in earlier years.
This two semester one credit course emphasizes clear, coherent writing for a variety of purposes. Students will write personal narratives, compare and contrast essays, conduct an interview with a person of significance as well as write several research papers. In all of these topics students will learn the process of webbing/ outlining, rough drafts, editing and a final composition. This course also teaches principles of grammar as they relate to writing, spelling patterns and strategies, and listening. Students will also write a variety of styles of poetry. The required combination of Reading and English for 6th graders introduces students to a range of essential skills. The course emphasizes clear, coherent writing for a variety of purposes. It also teaches principles of grammar as they relate to writing, spelling patterns and strategies, and listening and speaking skills. Students read both silently and aloud, for clarity and comprehension. They also gain practice in paraphrasing, summarizing, determining main ideas, drawing conclusions, predicting outcomes, and generalizing. In addition to the required text and featuring Anne of Greene Gables, Maniac Magee, The Phantom Tollbooth, the course also requires self-selected reading material.
This two semester one credit course teaches people and places of the contemporary world. Students describe the influence of individuals and groups on historical and contemporary events, identify different ways of organizing economic and governmental systems, and explain how the level of technology affects the development of selected societies. Students will present research material on a variety of topics in a variety of styles. Topics include cultures and governments of China, Byzantine and Roman Empire, World Wars as well as Africa. Styles include essays, poetry, brochures and advertisements.
This two semester one credit course covers addition and subtraction of whole numbers and decimals, as well as the multiplication and division of whole numbers. Teaches perimeter, area, circumference, and introduces fractions.
This two semester one credit course teaches physical science, Earth science, and life science. As an activity-based course, students are required to perform a variety of scientific experiments and to report their findings. Students discover the thrill of scientific investigation while learning to hypothesize, perform experiments and report, chart and graph data. Includes activities and resources to help students understand aspects of physical science, Earth science, and life science. Teaches the solar system, living systems and ecosystems, body systems, cells and DNA, the rock cycle, ground water and watersheds, and water investigations. Also, students will use the scientific method to investigate and experiment.
This two semester one credit course teaches literature, writing, grammar, and vocabulary. Students learn to identify basic literary devices, understand and analyze readings, write for a variety of audiences and purposes, use appropriate grammar and usage in writing, improve speaking and listening skills, and expand vocabulary. The course includes introductions to the genres of Fantasy, Science Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Young Adult Novels, Poetry, Adventure Novels, Greek Epics, Folk Literature, Nonfiction, and Drama. Students will read The Outsiders, The odyssey and Kavik the Wolf Dog, as well as Fables.
In this two semester one credit course Students learn to see history through the eyes of the people who lived it because, when we understand how people shared the past, we better understand how we can shape the future. Emphasizes European exploration and colonization; Anglo-American settlement, annexation, and statehood; causes and results of the Mexican War; and the involvement of Texas in the Civil War.
This two semester one credit course teaches mathematics as a step-by-step process, including adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals and fractions. Also covers pre-algebraic expressions and equations, number theory, and geometry.
This two semester one credit course teaches the interactions between the Earth, sun, and moon, and instructs students how to identify and locate features of planet Earth. Emphasizes how we interact with our surroundings through sight and sound. Students learn to describe the physical world by describing matter, physical and chemical changes, and solutions. Covers how to classify and describe living things, from the simplest organisms to the most complex plants and animals. Each lesson provides a hands on experiment and teaches the scientific process. Students create their own experiments as well and perform curriculum based experiments. Students will research and build a solar cooker and test its functionality.
The course covers reading strategies, literature studies, vocabulary development, spelling review, writing for a variety of purposes and modes, speaking and listening skills, and principles of grammar and punctuation as they relate to writing, with a special emphasis throughout upon nonfiction.
This course provides an in-depth study of American history from 1530 to 1877, beginning with the Colonial Period and continuing through the American Revolution, the creation of the Republic through the writing and ratification of the Constitution, the Jefferson and Jackson eras, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. Also covered are colonization, relationships between ethnic and cultural groups, cause and effect, significant individuals and events, nineteenth century reformation efforts, Supreme Court decisions, and geographical factors.
This course is a combined introductory course in Earth science, physical science, and life science. Emphasizes forces, energy, energy materials, resources, Earth materials and resources, air, molecules in motion, and life at the cellular level.
An introductory course covering basic concepts in preparation for Algebra I. Includes adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing whole numbers, decimals, fractions, mixed numbers, and integers. Also, manipulating place value and powers of 10; estimating sums, differences, products, and quotients. Teaches identification of angles and triangles, and use of scientific notation.
This course is an introductory course to the basic vocabulary and grammar for Spanish Level 1. The students will be exposed to the culture and traditions of Latin America.
This course is an introductory course to the basic vocabulary and grammar for Mandarin Chinese 1. The students will be exposed to the culture and traditions of China.
Explore all types of mediums and techniques as you learn the Principles and Elements of Art- in a fun way! This exploration will take you through, drawing, painting, clay, sculpture and mixed media projects. During this time you will meet some artists that have come before you as we learn techniques in their style. This will be a great exposure to all types of art and you will leave the class with a better understanding of art terms and techniques to allow you to specialize in a specific art class later at AESA Prep Academy.
Explore all types of mediums and techniques as you learn the Principles and Elements of Art- in a fun way! This exploration will take you through, drawing, painting, clay, sculpture and mixed media projects. During this time you will meet some artists that have come before you as we learn techniques in their style. This will be a great exposure to all types of art and you will leave the class with a better understanding of art terms and techniques to allow you to specialize in a specific art class later at AESA Prep Academy.
What is your “style”? The Fashion Industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. We will take a BRIEF look at how cultures influence how people dress. After our march through history and world cultures we will begin to examine the industry from the twentieth century until today. The class will include lecture, discussion, research and projects. We will learn the basics of figure drawing for the purpose of fashion illustration. A possible project idea would be preparing for a fashion show with drawings, fabric selections, simple construction techniques, and modeling our masterpieces. For our fashion show we might enlist a photography and journalism team which could be our very own AESA Classmates.
This class will introduce students to the world of motion picture creation using computers and digital technologies. Students will be given a crash-course in the history of motion pictures, learn the basic theories of storytelling, and begin exploring the technologies and skills necessary to create high-quality digital movies for use on the Internet and DVD. Over the course of the class, students will create their own micro-short films and participate in a group short film that will be submitted to the SXSW film festival.
This class will give students the basic skills necessary to edit and optimize digital images and create their own websites. Students will use modern graphic and web design software to learn the fundamentals of digital design, as well as the ethics of procuring, modifying, and publishing digital content. Over the course of the class, students will take and optimize their own digital photographs, add text and effects, and publish their creations to a website that they create themselves using a modern web-hosting service.
Health & Life Skills Level 1 focuses on the basics of mental and physical healthy living. Students will investigate and learn about personal care, basic social manners and customs, the functionality of the body’s systems, social media, commercial media messages regarding body image and perceived expected behaviors, building a healthy foundation through proper nutrition and exercise, developing and maintaining positive/healthy relationships with friends and family, dealing with emotions and the importance of possessing good social skills and values such as honesty and respect. Students will engage in class discussions, assigned readings, movies, class presentations and role playing. Students will be introduced to CPR and AED techniques.
Communications will introduce students to the basic principles and practices of effective verbal and non-verbal communication. Such principles and practices will be discussed as a general framework for understanding communication and as integrated into close study of historically important speeches. Students will learn thereby to listen, read, and evaluate arguments critically, as well as to appreciate effective communication in varied historical contexts. Finally, students will produce and refine their own means of communication through occasional presentations and a Final Presentation Project.
Communications will introduce students to the basic principles and practices of effective verbal and non-verbal communication. Such principles and practices will be discussed as a general framework for understanding communication and as integrated into close study of historically important speeches. Students will learn thereby to listen, read, and evaluate arguments critically, as well as to appreciate effective communication in varied historical contexts. Finally, students will produce and refine their own means of communication through occasional presentations and a Final Presentation Project.
AESA Prep Academy
14101 Canonade
Austin, TX 78737
Phone: 512-560-5584
Fax: 512-829-4461
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