English 12: AP Shakespeare (1st Sem.)
& Lit. of the American West (2nd Sem.)   

• Objective: This is an advanced course in literature and writing. In addition to the study of literature, students are required to develop their own writing and grammar skills through creative writing, essay assignments and a research paper on some element of Romanticism. Students are also required to complete regular assignments from grammar and ACT preparation booklets as well as vocabulary lists drawn from reading and SAT lists. The bulk of class time however, is spent in dialogue with the students regarding the literature they're studying. During the first semester, students study Shakespearean poetry, and plays. The second semester includes novels, short stories, poetry and films of the American West.
• Relationship to other courses: The literature studied coincides with the students' Senior Seminar class. Literature is an important tool in developing understanding and appreciation of historical and current events. This course also helps students prepare themselves for the Advanced Placement exam and college boards.
• Required reading: For the writing and grammar part of this course, students will be using by Warrimer as their text. For a complete reading list, please see the Registrar.

History 12: Honors Senior Seminar   

• Objective: This class is designed to help students to develop critical thinking and writing skills through reading philosophical essays and written assignments. Writing assignments build up to a senior thesis to be completed by the end of the year. This should be a thesis where the student examines his or her own ideas of knowledge in light of the material that is presented throughout the year. The course is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on the development and critique of basic ideas about knowledge and reality in the Western Tradition. Students examine different schools of thought as well as works from traditional thinkers. The second part focuses on non-Western European views of knowledge and reality including the Asian, African, Native American and Latin American perspectives.
• Relationship to other courses: Many of the ideas covered are also discussed in the students' English class. Successful completion of this course prepares students for college level courses.
• Required text and reading: Traditional works that are read include Plato, Augustine, Aquinas, Descartes, Hume, Marx, James, Freud, Nietzsche, Marcuse, Baudrillard, and Mannheim. During the second semester, students read a series of non-traditional writings including by Leon-Portilla and selections from the Talmud, the Koran, and Buddhist philosophy.

Math 12: Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, and AP Calculus   

• Algebra 2: This course covers intermediate Algebra, Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry. Students learn the concepts and skills needed to be familiar with solving problems on their own enable the student in future math course work. Computers as well as graphing calculators will be introduced in Pre-Calculus and Calculus. Students use , by Paul A. Foerster.
• Pre-Calculus: This course is designed for students who have successfully completed a previous course in Algebra 2 and Trigonometry. Students should be familiar with a scientific calculator and have one of their own as part of the supplies of this course. Graphing calculators are introduced and used periodically to illustrate and explore roots of equations, asymptotes and matrix operations. Students in this course use by Roland E. Larson and Robert P. Hostetler.
• AP Calculus: This class is taught to prepare the students for the Advanced Placement Exam in Calculus. The course covers the properties of limits, differentiation and its applications, the fundamental theorems of calculus, integration and its applications, and logarithmic and exponential functions and their applications. Students are expected to have a graphing calculator. The best way to learn these applications is through homework, which is assigned daily. Successful completion of this course fulfills minimum requirements for college math.

Science 12: AP Biology   

• Objective: AP Biology is designed to prepare students to successfully take the Advanced Placement exam in Biology. It is a rigorous course consisting of 14 units of study including: Chemistry, cells, photosynthesis, respiration, cell division, heredity, molecular genetics, evolution, the five kingdoms, plants, animal structure and function, animal reproduction and development, animal behavior, and ecology. This course is also writing intensive to help prepare the student for the written section of the AP exam.
• Relationship to other courses: Students who are successful in the course will do well on the AP exam as well as better prepare students for their college biology class.
• Required text: by Benjamin Cummings.

Foreign Language   
Students advance in foreign language based upon their aptitude for the language. Meridian School requires that each high school student complete three years of study in a foreign language or complete the AP course which is usually offered at level 5 of their language. Since the study of foreign language begins in Middle School, many freshmen will begin their high school study at the 3rd or 4th level. This will give them the opportunity to learn more than one language if desired. However, students must complete two consecutive years of one language to fulfill their language requirement.

• Languages: German, French & Spanish
• Objectives: There are two objectives to learning a foreign language. The first objective is to provide the student with an appreciation and ability to speak another language and learn about a different culture. The second objective is to enhance the students understanding of their native language by studying the differences and similarities in grammar, structure and vocabulary in other languages.
• Required text and reading: The level of language studied will determine the textbook. Students in an advanced level may be required to read essays and novels written in their language of study.

Elective Courses   
Students will supplement their core curriculum with elective classes in fine and dramatic arts, physical education and humanities. Students will have the choice of two electives per term.