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Pinnacle Education's self-paced curriculum delivered by highly-experienced, always available state-certified teachers provides the right tools for your child's successful education. Pinnacle Education's courses are comparable in content to local and national junior and senior high schools located throughout the United States. In fact, Pinnacle Education was the first charter school in Arizona to be fully accredited with the North Central Association. (Click here for accreditation information) This means that our courses are fully transferable and accepted by all other Arizona school districts. Because Pinnacle Education offers a complete curriculum, students can either graduate high school with us or take our courses to supplement their in-schools studies in order to graduate on time. Pinnacle Education is one of only 14 school districts in Arizona that have met the requirements to be a distance learning provider by the Arizona State Board of Education.
High School Courses
Ordered by Subject
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| English 1A |
English 1B |
English 1A is the first semester course of a two-semester series with topics focusing on family relationships and interactions. This course also concentrates on the foundational skills of vocabulary and grammar, and introduces students to the formal writing process.
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English 1B is the second semester of a two-semester series. Through exploring literature that explores the theme of overcoming obstacles and challeges, student practice their writing skills and continue to work on their foundational skills.
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| English 2A |
English 2B |
English 2A is a first semester of sophomore English. Students are exposed to a variety of literary elements to help them explore these new writing genres focusing on the themes of familiar and romantic love.
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English 2B continues to explore the writing genres with a focus on nature and the ability to clearly communicate a variety of ideas. Students review foundational skills such as punctuation and reading strategies while exploring the various forms of literature.
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| English 3A |
English 3B |
English 3A is the first semester course with topics focusing on the identification of what defines a hero. The course was designed to help students focus on proper essay writing, and the overall organization needed to write effectively.
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The main topic that is focused on during English 3B is the American experience. The course analyzes and evaluates different forms of literature such as expository or functional forms as it covers the theme of the course.
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| English 4A |
English 4B |
This course is focused on British and classical literature, where the student will experience the trials and tribulations of this genre of literature and art.
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This course covers the diversity of literature, exploring a wide range of topics in the various writing forms. Students continue to hone their foundational skills such as punctuation and grammar through their writing and assessments.
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| Life Science A |
Life Science B |
Life Science A examines basic concepts in biology and chemistry including: the scientific method, cell structure and function, nucleic acids, protein synthesis, cell division, meiosis, and inheritance.
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Life Science B introduces different theories of evolution and classification systems. In addition, this course discusses the biosphere, populations and communities, and the impact of human influence on this system.
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| Physical Science A |
Physical Science B |
Physical Science A is the first semester course of a two-semester series. Students in this course will use and apply the scientific method, understand matter, mixtures, compounds, elements and the periodic table.
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Physical Science B examines the basic concepts in physics with additional exposure to the scientific method. Students in this course will be introduced to: force, Newton's Laws, gravity, pressure, work, power, energy (kinetic and potential) and heat.
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| Earth Science A |
Earth Science B |
Earth Science A is an in-depth study of Earth as a system. This course discusses the different branches of Earth science and introduces the student to the scientific method.
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Earth Science B examines several dynamics of Earth and space. Topics include: the ocean, continental drift, mountain building, geologic time scale and dating techniques.
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| Biology A & B |
Chemistry A & B |
This two-semester course is an introduction
to general biology and to the processes of scientific inquiry
and thinking. It will include the fundamental principles of living
organisms including physical and chemical properties of life,
cellular organization and function, the transfer of energy through
metabolic systems, cellular reproduction, the classification
of living things, the six kingdoms of life will be examined.
The main focus is to present biological information in an understandable
and straight forward way that will capture the students’ interest
dealing with up to date principles and concepts.
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This two-semester course adheres
closely to standards for the teaching of chemistry. It emphasizes
the mathematical, theoretical and experimental basis of modern
chemistry. Emphasis is placed on the use of theoretical and mathematical
concepts to explain and predict chemical behavior. An overview
of the significant learning objectives that are presented in
this course include Measurement, Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding,
Conservation of Matter, Stoichiometry, Gases, Acids and Bases,
Solutions, Chemical Thermodynamics, Reaction Rates, Chemical
Equilibrium, Organic Nomenclature, Biochemistry, and Nuclear
Chemistry.
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| Physics A & B |
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This course is designed to acquaint
you with topics in classical and modern physics. The course covers
two semesters. The first semester discusses topics in Newtonian
mechanics, oscillatory motion, waves and static electricity.
The second Semester discusses the topics of current electricity,
magnetism, electric circuits, sound, fluids and gases, heat,
and modern physics. The course emphasizes conceptual understanding
of basic physics principles, with some problem solving. There
are interactive conceptual and basic problem-solving examples
throughout the lessons. The student also gains laboratory experience
through interactive lab simulations and in-school labs. A knowledge
of second year algebra and very basic concepts in trigonometry
is required for the course.
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High School Social Studies
US/Arizona History A |
US/Arizona History B |
US/Arizona History A is the first course of a two-semester series which begins with the Technological Revolution and covers American history up to President Roosevelt and his New Deal.
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US/Arizona History B is the second course of a two-semester series. The class begins with a review of Roosevelt's New Deal and covers American History to Watergate and its aftermath.
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| World History/Geography A |
World History/Geography B |
World History and Geography A is the first semester course of a two-semester series focusing on the history of the world from the earliest of civilizations to just before World War I. The course also covers the geography of parts of the world and man's interaction with it.
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World History and Geography B focuses on the history of the world from the causes and effects of World War I to the issues of today. The course also covers the geography of parts of the world as well as the geography and history of the state of Arizona.
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| Economics |
US/Arizona Government |
This course covers basic concepts in economics and financing. At the completion of this course the student will be able to demonstrate competencies various free enterprise topics.
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This course covers basic concepts in American government. Students will learn such ideas as the origins and principles of government to the concepts of state, local and federal governments.
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High School Mathematics
| Basic Math A |
Basic Math B |
Basic Math A covers basic math topics including number sets, place value, basic operations, integers, decimals, fractions, probability, as well as an introduction to pre-algebra.
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Basic Math B covers topics including triangles, quadrilaterals, prisms, circles, US measurement, metric measurement, data and graphs, as well as a review unit and an introduction to pre-algebra.
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| Pre-Algebra A |
Pre-Algebra B |
Pre Algebra A is the first semester course of a two-semester series. It covers basic pre-algebraic concepts that include variables, one and two-step equations, integers, ratios and proportions.
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Pre Algebra B is the second semester course of a two-semester series. It covers pre-algebraic concepts to include problem solving, measurement, geometry, probability and statistics, and one and two step equations and inequalities.
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| Algebra 1A |
Algebra 1B |
Algebra 1A begins with the fundamentals of algebra. The course covers the real number system, variables, expressions, properties of real numbers, solving and analyzing linear equations, graphs and functions, and analyzing linear inequalities.
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Algebra 1B is designed to expand on the fundamentals of algebra. The course covers systems of equations, quadratic equations, monomials, propreties of exponents, analyzing graphs and functions, radical expressions, probability, permutations, and combinations.
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| Geometry A |
Geometry B |
Geometry A begins with an overview of basic geometry terms. The course also covers problems involving line segments, complimentary angles, and supplementary angels. Other topics covered are theorems of parallel and perpendicular lines, theorems of triangles, proofs, the coordinate plane, and understanding transformations.
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Geometry B begins with determining perimeter, area, and volume of 2-D and 3-D geometric shapes. The course also covers circumference and area of circles and spheres. Other topics covered are similarity, trigonometric ratios, vectors, and relationships of tangents, chords, secants, and inscribed angles.
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| Algebra 2A & 2B |
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This two-semester course teaches fundamental
concepts such as integers, linear equations, adding, subtracting,
multiplying and dividing monomials and polynomials, factoring and
solving quadratic equations. Radicals and exponents are also explored.
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High School Foreign
Languages
NOTE: Language classes require a computer equipped with a
microphone and speakers/headphones, and installation of WavePad software
(free).
| French 1A & 1B |
French 2A & 2B |
French I has been carefully designed to meet the standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These standards call for a method of teaching that focuses on successful communication through speaking, writing, reading, and listening, as well as a thorough grounding in aspects of culture. Each unit embodies all of these standards in accordance with the theories described in this document. Unit activities blend different forms of communication and culture to ensure that the student meets all standards. Course strategies include warm-up activities, vocabulary study, reading, threaded discussions, multi-media presentations, self-checks, practice activities and games, oral and written assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams. Learning activities in each unit are focused upon a specific theme.
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French II has been carefully designed to meet the standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These standards call for a method of teaching that focuses on successful communication through speaking, writing, reading, and listening, as well as a thorough grounding in aspects of culture. Each unit embodies all of these standards in accordance with the theories described in this document. Unit activities blend different forms of communication and culture to ensure that the student meets all standards. Course strategies include warm-up activities, vocabulary study, reading, threaded discussions, multi-media presentations, self-checks, practice activities and games, oral and written assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams. Learning activities in each unit are focused upon a specific theme.
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| German 1A & 1B |
German 2A & 2B |
German I has been carefully designed to meet the standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These standards call for a method of teaching that focuses on successful communication through speaking, writing, reading, and listening, as well as a thorough grounding in aspects of culture. Each unit embodies all of these standards in accordance with the theories described in this document. Unit activities blend different forms of communication and culture to ensure that the student meets all standards. Course strategies include warm-up activities, vocabulary study, reading, threaded discussions, multi-media presentations, self-checks, practice activities and games, oral and written assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams. Learning activities in each unit are focused upon a specific theme.
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German II has been carefully designed to meet the standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These standards call for a method of teaching that focuses on successful communication through speaking, writing, reading, and listening, as well as a thorough grounding in aspects of culture. Each unit embodies all of these standards in accordance with the theories described in this document. Unit activities blend different forms of communication and culture to ensure that the student meets all standards. Course strategies include warm-up activities, vocabulary study, reading, threaded discussions, multi-media presentations, self-checks, practice activities and games, oral and written assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams. Learning activities in each unit are focused upon a specific theme.
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| Japanese 1A & 1B |
Japanese 2A & 2B |
Japanese I has been carefully designed to meet the standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These standards call for a method of teaching that focuses on successful communication through speaking, writing, reading, and listening, as well as a thorough grounding in aspects of culture. Each unit embodies all of these standards in accordance with the theories described in this document. Unit activities blend different forms of communication and culture to ensure that the student meets all standards. Course strategies include warm-up activities, vocabulary study, reading, threaded discussions, multi-media presentations, self-checks, practice activities and games, oral and written assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams. Learning activities in each unit are focused upon a specific theme.
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Japanese II has been carefully designed to meet the standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These standards call for a method of teaching that focuses on successful communication through speaking, writing, reading, and listening, as well as a thorough grounding in aspects of culture. Each unit embodies all of these standards in accordance with the theories described in this document. Unit activities blend different forms of communication and culture to ensure that the student meets all standards. Course strategies include warm-up activities, vocabulary study, reading, threaded discussions, multi-media presentations, self-checks, practice activities and games, oral and written assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams. Learning activities in each unit are focused upon a specific theme.
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| Spanish 1A & 1B |
Spanish 2A & 2B |
Spanish I has been carefully designed to meet the standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These standards call for a method of teaching that focuses on successful communication through speaking, writing, reading, and listening, as well as a thorough grounding in aspects of culture. Each unit embodies all of these standards in accordance with the theories described in this document. Unit activities blend different forms of communication and culture to ensure that the student meets all standards. Course strategies include warm-up activities, vocabulary study, reading, threaded discussions, multi-media presentations, self-checks, practice activities and games, oral and written assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams. Learning activities in each unit are focused upon a specific theme.
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Spanish II has been carefully designed to meet the standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). These standards call for a method of teaching that focuses on successful communication through speaking, writing, reading, and listening, as well as a thorough grounding in aspects of culture. Each unit embodies all of these standards in accordance with the theories described in this document. Unit activities blend different forms of communication and culture to ensure that the student meets all standards. Course strategies include warm-up activities, vocabulary study, reading, threaded discussions, multi-media presentations, self-checks, practice activities and games, oral and written assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams. Learning activities in each unit are focused upon a specific theme.
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| Latin 1A & 1B |
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Latin 1 is an introduction to the basics of Latin grammar. It is intended to help you develop the skills necessary to translate basic sentences from Latin to English and English to Latin, and for reading simple connected passages of Latin prose and poetry. In the first semester, we cover the first 10 chapters of Wheelock's Latin grammar. In the process, you will learn how verb conjugations and noun declensions work in a highly inflected language, how to analyze the structure of Latin sentences and translate English sentences into well-formed Latin equivalents, and you will begin to read connected excerpts from ancient authors.
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High School
Elective Courses - NEW courses added!
| Business Management Technology |
World of Work |
In this course, students will receive a comprehensive overview of general business practices. The goal of this course is to prepare students for the economic roles of consumer, worker, and citizen.
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World of Work combines classroom theory with supervised work experience. Students have the opportunity to earn high school credit for planned growth in a job that is related to their career goals.
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| Sports Marketing |
Introduction to Art |
This course will take students on a journey through the world of marketing within the fields of sports and entertainment.
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Throughout this course, students will learn how culture, time, and place influence artists and the art they create. Students will analyze how art can be used to express themselves and their ideas by creating their own art work.
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| Fundamentals of Health |
Computer Fundamentals A & B |
This course provides students with a broad overview of health and wellness. The goal of this course is to provide students with a working knowledge about health issues such as fitness, nutrition, disease, and personal choices.
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In this introductory two-semester course,
students learn how to use Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
2000 to create, analyze, edit, share and publish information for
a variety of audiences and purposes. Through step-by-step tutorials
and a project-based approach to learning, students become familiar
with the key concepts and basic skills of today's information technology
sector.
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| Web Design |
Game Design A & B |
Essential web design skills are learned in this 90-hour course, giving students a voice on the Internet. Students complete several guided projects and then develop their own web site. Web design essentials are covered throughout in examples and activities. Beginning with planning a website and moving on to storyboarding, page design, layout and template issues are also covered. From there, students learn to create backgrounds, headers, and buttons. Students learn to use templates, create rollovers and pop-ups, develop image maps, and add animations.
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This course is for anyone who loves
gaming and wants to design and build original games
from scratch. Participants learn how to use popular game development
software to create engaging, interactive games
in a variety of styles. After learning about game genres and experiencing
a variety of classic games first-hand, participants
learn all aspects of the game design process. From there, it's
on to a series of increasingly challenging hands-on
projects that teach all the elements of successful game development.
This course provides a solid foundation in the
essentials of game design.
NOTE: This course requires the purchase of MultiMedia Fusion
2 software, approximately $85. For purchase information, go to http://www.creationengine.com/html/p.lasso?p=14186
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| Tools For Success - NEW |
AIMS Preparation - NEW |
Students will partipciate in a 9-week
orientation to prepare for success as an online student. Through
online and face-to-face assessments, students will understand
their individual learning strengths and needs,
study habits, and develop strategies for success. Students will understand
how learning online is different and explore online reference
tools for both academic and technology support. Students
will create a personalized master plan for their academic
course of study, examine work opportunities, and schedule
standardized test preparation.
This course is appropriate for any online learner at
any point in their high school career. It is offered
as pass/fail for ½ of an elective credit. Several
meetings may be scheduled by an Academic Advisor with parents
and students to discuss assessment results and monitor progress. |
Students will participate in an 9-week
preparation and review for the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards
(AIMS) High School Exit Exam. Reading, Writing, and Math sections
will be covered through extensive review of concepts and practice
testing. Students will submit online essays to prepare for the
AIMS Writing section. Extensive review and practice testing for
the Reading and Math sections will also be completed online.
This course is appropriate for 9-12th graders. It is offered
as pass/fail for ½ of an elective credit. The course
covers all sections of the AIMS and is valuable in its entirety
even if a student has already met the standard for a portion
of the AIMS.
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