The Craig School

The college preparatory curriculum addresses the development of the whole student in preparation for post-secondary education. The curriculum is integrated, interdisciplinary and project-based and is designed to facilitate active learning that goes beyond the classroom. The program is geared toward developing solid written language skills, strategies for content acquisition and retention, and the social, behavioral and self-advocacy skills that are vital to success in the larger community.  The curriculum of the High School is consistent with the core standards for secondary education and the graduation requirements as established by the State of New Jersey. Honors courses may be scheduled for capable, motivated students.

Course Offerings

The following is a description of primary course offerings.  A complete description of all courses including a variety of electives may be obtained by contacting the Admission Office.

ENGLISH

Writing Workshop I

This course emphasizes the process of writing through mastery of strategies to develop clear sentence structure and to organize paragraphs through exercises in outlining and sequencing ideas.  Grammar, spelling, and vocabulary development are integral parts of the course.  Students are taught to locate and correct errors in punctuation, sentence structure, and paragraph organization.

Writing Workshop II

This 10th grade course continues working with writing strategies to organize paragraphs into larger bodies of work.  Students engage in a variety of writing projects.  The course includes daily oral language, journals and vocabulary development.  Students are required to keep an organized portfolio of their work through the year.

Creative Writing

This course allows students to express themselves through prose and poetry.  A review of the basic literary forms and styles serves as an introduction to the various units of composition, criticism, poetry, drama, and short story.  Emphasis is placed on the ability of the student to work independently in a "workshop" atmosphere, as well as on sharing and editing his or her work.

Reading Enrichment I

This course covers a variety of literary genres including the novel, play, short story, poetry, biography, and essay with an emphasis on plot, character, and theme.  Selected readings are coordinated with the students’ study of World History I. Typical works may include Romeo and Juliet, Lord of the Flies, Julius Caesar, To Kill A Mockingbird, The Old Testament (as literature), and mythology. A sequential approach to narrative, expository, and creative writing as well as grammar and mechanics leads to multi-paragraph pieces.  This course uses an individualized approach, emphasizing comprehension, reading rate, vocabulary development, concept attainment, study skills, grammar, and a variety of modes of writing.  

Reading Enrichment II

This course continues to cover such literary genres as the novel, play, short story, poetry, biography, and essay with emphasis on plot, conflict, character, and theme.  Selected readings are coordinated with the students’ study of  Modern World History. Most often read are Macbeth, Huckleberry Finn, The Crucible, Animal Farm, and The Color Purple. A sequential approach to narrative, expository, and creative writing, as well as grammar and mechanics leads to multi-paragraph pieces. This course reinforces and expands the foundations established in English I emphasizing comprehension, reading rate, vocabulary development, concept attainment, study skills, grammar and a variety of modes of writing.

Junior English

This course surveys the development of American literature from the Puritan Period to modern times. Some units are selected to coordinate with the students’ study of American history.  Typical units include The Scarlet Letter, Ethan Frome, The Bean Trees, The Great Gatsby, and The Things They Carried. A sequential approach to narrative, research and creative writing as well as grammar and mechanics leads to multi-paragraph pieces. This course expands and reinforces the foundations established in English II emphasizing comprehension, reading rate, vocabulary development, concept attainment, study skills, grammar and a variety of modes of writing.

Senior English

This course surveys major British and world writers with an emphasis on well-written essays of literary analysis. Works studied include Hamlet, The Oedipus Cycle, The Inferno, Their Eyes Were Watching God, and a selected Ibsen play. A sequential approach to narrative, expository and creative writing as well as grammar and mechanics leads to multi-paragraph pieces. This course expands and reinforces the foundations established in English III emphasizing comprehension, reading rate, vocabulary development, concept attainment, study skills, grammar and a variety of modes of writing. 

MATH

Pre-Algebra

This course reviews concepts and skills of number sense, operations on integers, franctions, decimals and percents through problem solving situations. The course also focuses on reasoning skills, variables, algebraic expressions, equations and inequalities.

Algebra I

Students are introduced to higher order, abstract reasoning skills. Problem-solving skills are enhanced through the application of logic. Attention is given to the ability to translate English words, phrases, and sentences into mathematical statements needed to solve daily life situations. Topics included are algebraic expressions, equations, rational numbers, polynomials, exponents, radicals, factoring, rational expressions, solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities, probability, and statistics.

Algebra II

This college preparatory course extends the basic concepts and skills introduced in Algebra I and Geometry. It introduces complex numbers, functions, quadratic systems, and statistics and prepares students for advanced mathematics concepts or statistics and probability. 

Geometry

This is a college preparatory course in Euclidian geometry.  Topics include congruence, similarity, polygons, Pythagorean Theorem, right triangle, trigonometry, circles, area, and volume.

Integrated Math

The  course covers concepts and skills of number sense, algebra, geometry, probability, statistics, patterns, functions, mathematical reasoning, problem solving and mathematical communication.

Advanced Integrated Math

This course covers quadratic functions, conic sections, polynomial functions, rational expressions, exponential and logarithmic functions, sequences and series, and trigonometic functions and graphs.  The course is aimed at consolidating what students have learned previously in the High School math curriculum and preparing students for math studies after they leave Craig.

SCIENCE

Earth Science

Earth Science is a study of the earth and its place in the universe. Through laboratory activities the student acquires a foundation in physical geology, historical geology, environmental science, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy. Students also develop basic skills which provide the foundation for subsequent science courses.

Biology

Biology provides students with an opportunity to investigate living things and their relationship to the environment. Topics include cellular biology, genetics, microbiology, ecology, classification, and evolution.

Chemistry

This course acquaints students with the basic principles of chemistry as they investigate technological issues currently confronting our society and world.  By becoming aware of both the potential and limitations of science and technology, students are able to make informed decisions in these areas.  Topics include the properties of matter, gases, atomic structure, periodicity and bonding.

Physical Science

The Physical Science course is designed to give students a basic knowledge of physics, chemistry, and laboratory skills. Students will engage in note taking, problem solving, laboratory work, guided activities, computer applications, and projects. The goal is to prepare the student with a foundation for future studies in physical sciences.

Physics

This course emphasizes the concepts of physics with more reliance of non-mathematical critical thinking activities than on algebraic problem solving.  Students continue their study in lab-based sciences and understand and appreciate the rules that govern the physical world.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Modern World History

This course examines major periods of world history from the Renaissance to the present.  Emphasis is placed on tracing the development of those ideas and institutions that are fundamental to our culture with a focus on reading comprehension and study skills.

US History I

This course provides a general review of the colonial period in American history through the Civil War and Reconstruction.

U.S. History II

This course provides a general review of the Spanish/American War through the present day.

US History III

This course examines the actions and reactions to the treaties and commitments of post World War II and their impact on the United States and the world.  Emphasis is placed on examining the influence of past events on the shape of present day decisions and directions.

Business

All 12th grade students are required to take this course as an introduction to the realistic demands of the working world.  The course encompasses a wide range of practical life skills such as finance, budgets, career and consumer research on the internet, and business math.

Current Events

In this course students engage in discussions of topics covering world, national, state and local events.  Students prepare oral presentations based on articles from newspapers, magazines and television viewing.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Spanish I

Objectives for this course include beginning proficiency in listening comprehension, speaking ,reading, writing and Spanish culture. Teaching methods include conversation, verb charts, translations, oral summaries and class skits. The present tense is emphasized. Reading selections allow students to compare and contrast the cultures and customs of the Hispanic world with special emphasis on Spanish spoken in the United States.

Spanish II

This course builds on the language skills learned in Spanish I.  Emphasis is placed on verb tenses with the addition of the preterit, imperfect, affirmative and negative commands, and compound verbs.  Extensive vocabulary acquisition continues, and longer reading narratives are presented.  Conversational skills are further developed through classroom dialogues.  The cultural focus is Latin America.

Spanish III

This course reinforces the listening and speaking skills acquired in the previous courses and expands the reading and writing skills with more intensive reading selections and guided written compositions.  Reports on selected topics allow the student to develop a cultural awareness of Spain and the heritage of the Spanish speaking world.  Grammatical emphasis is placed upon the verb tenses, including the future, conditional, present progressive, imperfect progressive, present perfect, past perfect and passive verb forms.

ART

Art Studio

An introductory course covering techniques in drawing (pencil, ink, and charcoal), painting (oil, tempera, watercolor), printing, two-dimensional and three-dimensional design. Students focus on using line, shape, color, value, texture, and space. Included is exposure to well-known artists and trends in art.  

Art History

This course is for students who enjoy art, but might be apprehensive about creating their own. Students who have already completed an art course would particularly benefit from this class. This course is an art history and art appreciation course as well as a studio course. Important artists and significant happenings relating to art are studied and explored in a variety of ways. Related projects may include murals, prints, and icons. Homework assignments are given as needed.

Art Connections

This course involves students in activities and discussions about the relationships among the arts, their own world and visits to regional exhibits, studios and museums.  Students have the opportunity to witness the styles, media and themes of professional artists and their fellow students.

HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Health

This course exposes students to a variety of current health topics, including substance abuse, AIDS, family life education, and emotional health. Peer pressure, friendships, and relationships with the opposite sex are discussed. Awareness and the ability to make informed decisions are emphasized.

Physical Education

The physical education program offers a variety of activities stressing engagement in lifelong sports and total fitness.  The program promotes the development of physical, social and mental well-being.  The benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are stressed.  Activities may include: touch football, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, floor hockey, distance running, volleyball, indoor soccer, handball, weight training, softball, track and field events, badminton, lacrosse and basketball.

OTHER STUDIES  

Senior Project 

Designed for graduating seniors, this course focuses on forms of communication necessary to be successful in a post-secondary environment.  Proficiencies in research, writing and oral presentations are necessary to fulfill the requirements of the course. 

Public Speaking
This course helps students develop competence and confidence in their oral skills.  Debate, argumentative advocacy, expository, declaratory and descriptive speeches are some of the speech styles that are explored.  Students prepare presentations that range in length from three to ten minutes.  Presentations are based on research topics specified by the instructor.

Driver's Education
This classroom course is an optional elective available to students aged 15 and older.  Students learn about the NJ Driver's License system, driver safety and rules, defensive driving, penalties for drinking and driving, road signs and emergency situations.  A passing grade on the NJ Driver's Knowledge exam at the conclusion of the course allows students to receive their driving permit and pursue their six hours of behind-the-wheel training with a driving school.

Honors Courses

Independent study courses are developed for students who have demonstrated the motivation and ability to extend their coursework.  

Introduction to Psychology

This introductory course examines the science of human behavior.  Students study adolescent, abnormal and developmental psychology and discuss the major theories of modern psychology.

SAT/ACT Preparation

The goal of this course is to help students prepare for these college entrance examinations. 

Service Learning and Leadership/Group Dynamics

Examines principles of community service, leadership development, and personal development. Skills are developed in an interdisciplinary, experiential environment through exposure to government, education, and the humanities. Students will read a variety of sources and case studies.

Study Strategies

Special emphasis is placed on previewing, note-taking, outlining, and summarizing information. Methods of research in libraries and on the internet, as well as the selection, location and appropriate use of reference materials are addressed.

• Mnemonic strategies are introduced to aid students in retaining information presented in content area classes, and to assist in vocabulary development.
• Test-taking strategies teach the student to allocate time and give careful consideration to instructions and questions.
• Students are taught to organize and monitor their assignments in a step-wise fashion from the initial recording of the assignment to organizing subtasks until the final assignment is reviewed and completed.

Credits

The curriculum of The Craig High School meets the core curriculum standards set by the State of New Jersey for secondary education. Our curriculum is based on the New Jersey requirements of 121 credits needed for graduation:

Example of a 9th Grade Schedule

School Day: 8:20 AM to 3:00 PM
School Periods: Eight
Period Length: 40 Minutes