Pinnacle Online High School Course Catalog | Accredited Distance Learning Program

PINNACLE ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL COURSE CATALOG

The online high school courses offered at Pinnacle Online High School were designed to allow students to thrive in a self-paced learning environment.

As a fully-accredited institution by AdvancED (formerly known as North Central Association and CITA), Pinnacle Online High School courses are transferable and accepted by school district throughout Arizona and across the country.

Indicates courses that are NCAA-approved (see Guidelines for students seeking NCAA eligibility).

Denotes course is only available to our virtual students.

Check out our NEW COURSES! We recently added several new elective & core courses, including honors courses!

Language Arts

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.		English 1B is the second semester of a two-semester series. While exploring literature on themes of overcoming obstacles and challenges, students practice writing and continue to work on their foundational reading and grammar skills.

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, such as short stories and poetry, focusing on the themes of familiar and romantic love.		English 2B continues to explore the writing genres with a focus on nature. Students continue the exploration of literary elements, learning to clearly communicate in the written form. Throughout this course students review foundational skills such as punctuation and reading strategies while exploring the various forms of literature.

English 3A		English 3B
English 3A is the first semester of junior English. Readings and writing activities focus on heroism. The course was designed to help students analyze a variety of texts as they focus on proper essay writing, and the overall organization needed to write effectively.		The American Experience is the focus of English 3B. In this course, students analyze and evaluate literature as well as non-fiction and fictional texts. Students further develop their essay writing skills through an in-depth review of the writing process.

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. Students are encouraged to do outside reading through the use of a book report. Skills covered within the reading packets include enhancing vocabulary, identifying literary terms, and analyzing various forms of literature for their use of literary terms.		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.

Honors English Language & Composition -- NEW!
Students in this course will become skilled readers of prose written in various periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts. They will gain understanding of the interactions among a writer's purposes, audience expectations, and subjects. Full-year course. Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation, English 1 & English 2 with a B+ average.

Science

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.		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.

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.		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.

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.		Earth Science B examines several dynamics of Earth and space. Topics include: the ocean, continental drift, mountain building, geologic time scale and dating techniques.

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.		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.

Physics A & B		Honors Environmental Science -- NEW!
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.		This course provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. Students will evaluate the risks associated with environmental problems and examine alternative solutions. Laboratories support student content mastery in both hands-on and virtual experiences. Prerequisites: Algebra I and 2 years of high-school science. Full-year course.

Earth Space Science -- NEW!
This is a laboratory course focusing on the study of space, and the geologic and atmospheric forces that shape our world. Through experimentation and investigation, students will explore Earth's cycles including the geosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere, and the carbon cycle. Student will learn about scientific inquiry, geologic time, space exploration, the solar system and the universe. Full-year course.

Social Studies

US/Arizona History A (also available as US History* for students outside of Arizona)*		US/Arizona History B (also available as US History* for students outside of Arizona)*
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.		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.

World History/Geography A		World History/Geography B(also available without the Arizona focus for students outside of Arizona)
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 geography and cultural history related to the various regions.		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.

Economics		US/Arizona Government (also available as US Government* for students outside of Arizona)*
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.		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.

Honors Macroeconomics -- NEW!		Honors Microeconomics -- NEW!
Students will understand the choices they must make as producers, investors, and taxpayers. This course provides students with the knowledge and decisionmaking tools necessary for understanding how a society must organize its limited resources to satisfy its unlimited wants. Full-year course.		Taking on the role of a leader at a fictitious company, students will learn fundamental economic concepts; including scarcity, opportunity costs and trade-offs, productivity, economic systems and institutions, exchange, money, and interdependence. Full-year course.

Global Studies -- NEW!
In this course, students learn about human rights, the environment, global security, and international economic systems. They also learn about different customs, cultures, and how they interact. Full-year course.

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.		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.

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.		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.

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.		Algebra 1B is designed to expand on the fundamentals of algebra. The course covers systems of equations, quadratic equations, monomials, properties of exponents, analyzing graphs and functions, radical expressions, probability, permutations, and combinations.

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.		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.

Algebra 2A & 2B		Liberal Arts Mathematics -- NEW!
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.		This course will enable students to strengthen algebraic and geometric concepts and skills necessary for further study of mathematics. Full-year course. Prerequisites: Algebra 1. Geometry recommended.

Honors Statistics -- NEW!
Statistics are used everywhere from fast food businesses ordering hamburger patties to insurance companies setting rates to predicting a student's future success by the results of a test. Students will become familiar with the vocabulary, method, and meaning in the statistics which exist in the world around them. In this course, students actively construct their own understanding of the methods, interpretation, communication, and application of statistics. Each unit is framed by enduring understandings and essential questions designed to allow students a deep understanding of the concepts at hand rather than memorization and emulation. Full-year course.

Electives & Foreign Language

Business Management Technology		World of Work
In this course, students study general business practices. The goal of this course is to prepare students for the economic roles of consumer, worker, and citizen.		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. Available only through our campus locations.

Sports Marketing		Introduction to Art
This course takes students on a journey through the world of marketing within the fields of sports and entertainment.		Throughout this course, students learn how culture, time, and place influence artists and the art they create. Students analyze how art can be used to express themselves and their ideas by creating their own art work.

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.		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.

AIMS Reading (.5 credits) or AIMS Writing (.5 credits) or AIMS Math (.5 credits)		Computer Aided Design -- NEW!
These AIMS Preparation and Arizona Standards Mastery Program are specially designed to help students master the content specified in the Arizona Content Standards. These courses focus on the Arizona Content Standards which enable students to improve their performance in all skill areas (Reading, Writing & Math) tested on the AIMS in high school. A passing score is required in all three skill areas: AIMS Reading, AIMS Writing & AIMS Writing, in order for any Arizona student to graduate from high school.		Computer-aided design systems are used by designers and manufacturers in virtually every industry. In this course, you’ll master the basics of CAD software: creating points, lines, and other geometric forms, isometric drawings, and 3D models. Learn how to translate initial concepts into functional designs and 3D walkthroughs. Explore career options for CAD designers in this hands-on introductory level course. Students Materials/System Requirements: PC with 1GB of RAM, CAD software (A link to the free installation files is included within the course.)

Life Management Skills -- NEW!		Thinking and Learning Strategies -- NEW!
This course is all about you and the important decisions you make. It’s also about having the correct information before making those decisions. We’ll deal with real issues like nutrition, substance abuse, coping with stress, and sexual abstinence. Good health is both mental and physical. Making good decisions starts with knowing the facts, understanding the consequences, and having the confidence to choose well. A series of signposts will take you through the course providing information, direction, and a little encouragement. We’ll also offer some important tools for communicating your feelings and opinions. We’ll even talk about being a savvy consumer in a world of advertising, credit cards, and focus on earth friendly practices that will help the environment. This is a course comes with a long-term payoff. The good decisions you make now will set a positive direction you can follow for a lifetime.		Improve your brain’s thinking skills and get fit for academics! In this course, you will “coach” your “team” of thinking skills to meet academic challenges. Through reading, writing, and math activities, students develop critical thinking skills and test-taking strategies. Students also gain reading, writing, organization, and study strategies--a powerful one-two punch for any student at any level!

3D Art I - Modeling -- NEW!		3D Art II - Animation -- NEW!
This course will introduce you to 3D modeling tools and concepts. Using Blender, the popular open-source 3D modeling package, students will learn the basics of creating shapes, adding textures and lighting, and rendering. By the end of the course, students will have produced a series of increasingly sophisticated projects for their 3D portfolio. This course is suitable for students with no prior experience with 3D game design or digital media authoring tools. Students Materials/System Requirements: PC or Mac with 1GB of RAM, Blender (A link to the free installation files is included within the course.)		In this advanced course, you’ll build on the skills you developed in 3D Art I to learn 3D animation techniques. Using Blender, the world’s most powerful open-source modeling tool, you’ll master the basics of animation: rigging, bones and movement while learning how to apply traditional animation techniques to your 3D models. Interested in a career in 3D art? Learn about jobs in the industry while developing your skills. Students Materials/System Requirements: PC or Mac with 1GB of RAM, Blender (A link to the free installation files is included within the course.)

Digital Photography & Graphics -- NEW!		Digital Video Production -- NEW!
This is the perfect course for anyone who wants to create compelling, professional looking graphic designs and photos. You’ll learn the basics of composition, color, and layout before moving on to technical topics like working with layers and masks, adding special effects, and effectively using typefaces to create visual impact. At the end of this course, you’ll have created a variety of original projects for your graphic design portfolio. Students Materials/System Requirements: Access to a Digital Camera capable of connecting to a PC and GIMP (A link to the free installation files is included within the course.)		In this course, you’ll be introduced to all aspects of digital video production, from story boarding scenes to creating shot lists to editing a finished, professional product. Throughout this course, you’ll complete hands-on projects to master the essentials of recording, capturing, and editing video. This course is an excellent introduction to the exciting field of digital video production. Students Materials/System Requirements: Windows Movie Maker (free with Windows) and a video camera capable of connecting to a PC.

Game Design I -- NEW!		Game Design II -- NEW!
This course is for anyone who loves gaming and wants to design and build original games from scratch. You’ll learn how to use popular game design software to create engaging, interactive games in a variety of genres. In addition, you’ll get a solid foundation in the basic concepts of game development. By the end of this course, you will have a variety of polished games for your game development portfolio.* Students Materials/System Requirements: Multimedia Fusion 2 Standard *Students are required to purchase additional software for $90.		In the continuation of this two-semester series, you’ll expand your knowledge of the game design industry while you master event-driven game development through a series of interactive projects. By the end of this course, you will have a variety of polished games for your game development portfolio. Students Materials/System Requirements: Multimedia Fusion 2 Standard *Students are required to purchase additional software for $90.

ECAP 1		ECAP 2
The Educational and Career Action Plan (ECAP) course is a new requirement for all Arizona students scheduled to graduate in 2013 or after. The majority of the work performed in this course comes directly from the Arizona Department of Education's Arizona Career Information System website. Students are required to set up their own individual accounts for the AZCIS website. Students will be exposed to an assortment of activities that focus on learning more about who they are as people, as well as their future career goals and aspirations. Students will also develop a better understanding of how they learn, set personal and academic goals, plan what high school classes will help prepare them for their chosen careers, participate in self-reflection analyses, and begin to assemble artifacts for a personal portfolio.		The Educational and Career Action Plan (ECAP) course is a new requirement for all Arizona students scheduled to graduate in 2013 or after. ECAP 2 is the second year of the ECAP program. As with the first year, the majority of the work performed in this course comes directly from the Arizona Department of Education's Arizona Career Information System website. Students are required to set up their own individual accounts for the AZCIS website. Students will further explore the relation between personal goals and strength and future career aspirations. Students will also develop a better understanding of how they learn, set personal and academic goals, plan what high school classes will help prepare them for their chosen careers, participate in self-reflection analyses, and begin to assemble artifacts for a personal portfolio.

ECAP 3
The Educational and Career Action Plan (ECAP) course is a new requirement for all Arizona students scheduled to graduate in 2013 or after. The majority of the work performed in this course comes directly from the Arizona Department of Education's Arizona Career Information System website. Students are required to set up their own individual accounts for the AZCIS website. Students will be exposed to an assortment of activities that focus on learning more about who they are as people, as well as their future career goals and aspirations. Students will also develop a better understanding of how they learn, set personal and academic goals, plan what high school classes will help prepare them for their chosen careers, participate in self-reflection analyses, and begin to assemble artifacts for a personal portfolio.

Health Opportunities through Physical Education (HOPE) -- NEW!		Honors Art History -- NEW!
Students will experience first-hand the many benefits of regular physical activity, proper nutrition, and sound decision making! Students will assess their current physical condition and define personal goals. Then they will apply fitness training principles to workouts to enhance their improvement in health related and skill-related areas of fitness. As part of the course, student will maintain a workout log to track their physical activity each week and assess their progress towards meeting personal goals. Full-year course.		Throughout this course, students will learn how culture, time, and place influence artists and the art they create. Additionally, students will analyze how art can be used as a form of expression as they create personal works of art. Full-year course.

Introduction to Entrpreneurship -- NEW!		Psychology -- NEW!
In this introductory business course, students will learn what it takes to be an entrepreneur while mastering the basics of planning and launching their own successful business. Whether it's a moneymaking business or a non-profit to help others, this course will help students develop the core skills needed to be a successful business owner. Learn how to come up with new business ideas, how to attract investors, how to market a business and manage expenses. Get inspired by stories from teen entrepreneurs who have turned their ideas into reality, then students can plan and execute their own business! Software Requirements: Google Docs and an additional 7-Zip programs (free downloads provided in course).		In this course student will learn more about themselves and others and how feelings, thoughts, and actions are closely related. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the subfields within psychology. Full-year course.

Web Design I -- NEW!		Web Design II -- NEW!
Students will learn internet basics, HTML, and the file structure of a well-organized web site. Learning how to create visually interesting web pages with clear text, complimentary colors, visual assets, and appealing designs are skills that students develop throughout this course. Software Requirements: KompoZer and GIMP (free download provided in course). Full-year course.		In this course, students will learn how to create a storyboard or blueprint for a website. Students will learn about website navigation, style sheets, graphic creation, digital image optimization, security, and server hosting. Students will also learn how to work in teams, with specific tasks assigned to individual team members. Prerequisites: Computer Fundamentals & Web Design I. Software Requirements: KompoZer and GIMP (free download provided in course). Full-year course.

*NOTE: Language classes require a computer equipped with a microphone and speakers/headphones.*
Spanish IA		Spanish IB
Spanish I A is the first course in a two-course series that 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. First semester Spanish students learn to spell and count in Spanish, introduce themselves and greet others, and describe friends, family, belongings and where they live. Students also learn to express likes and dislikes, talk about responsibilities and everyday activities, make invitations, and discuss plans for the near future. Grammar concepts include noun-adjective agreement, basic verb conjugation, common irregular verbs like ser and estar, the simple future, and tab questions. Cultural information from Spain, Puerto Rico, Texas, Chile, and Costa Rica is also introduced.		Spanish I B is the second course in a two-course series 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. First semester Spanish students learn about food, daily routines, giving opinions, talking about plans, and past holidays. Students practice giving information and expressing hopes and wishes. Grammar concepts include using direct object pronouns, affirmative informal commans, reflexive pronouns, infinitives, adjectives, preterite of reflexive pronouns, present progressive and irregular verbs. Cultural information from Latin American countries such as Mexico, Argentina, Florida, Dominican Republic, and Perus is also introduced.

Spanish IIA		Spanish IIB
Spanish IIA is the first course in a two-semester series designed specifically for students who have successfully completed Spanish IA & B. Activities and tests are designed to accommodate the early stages of language acquisition; grammatical structures and lexical items presented accordingly. Activities are designed to practice and consolidate all language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Cultural readings to expand vocabulary, stimulate discussion, and broaden students’ understanding of the Hispanic world. Third semester Spanish students learn to talk about likes and dislikes, things that happened in the past, food and restaurants, shopping, preferences, a place and its climate, wishes and hopes, recommendations, and news. Grammar concepts introduced include regular, stem changing, and irregular verbs in the preterite, imperfect, subjunctive, future, present perfect and present progressive tenses. Other grammar concepts include verbs with reciprocal actions, adverbs, double object pronouns, past participles, and comparatives and superlatives. Cultural information from South American, North American, and European countries such as Spain, Argentina, Chile, and the United States is introduced.		Spanish IIB is the second course in a two-semester series designed specifically for students who have successfully completed Spanish IA & B. Activities and tests are designed to accommodate the early stages of language acquisition; grammatical structures and lexical items presented accordingly. Fourth semester Spanish students learn how to talk about likes and dislikes, things that happened in the past, food and restaurants, shopping, preferences, a place and its climate, wishes and hopes, recommendations, and news. Grammar concepts introduced include regular, stem changing, and irregular verbs in the preterite, imperfect, subjunctive, future, present perfect and present progressive tenses. Other grammar concepts include verbs with reciprocal actions, adverbs, double object pronouns, past participles, and comparatives and superlatives. Culture information from South American, North American, and European countries such as Spain, Argentina, Chile, and the United States is introduced.

German IA		German IB
German IA 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 such as weather, time, food, and family.		German IB 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.

Latin I -- NEW!		Latin II -- NEW!
The purpose of this course is to give students a foundation in Latin grammar and vocabulary. This course will also acquaint students with Olympic gods and with the everyday life of the Roman man-in-thestreet. Students will be taught to read, understand, and interpret Latin by translating sentences and short stories. Full-year course.		Students will build upon their basic knowledge of Latin grammar and vocabulary. Additionally, students will explore Roman engineering, art, commerce and system of laws as supported by the Latin language. This course will give students a solid grounding in the structure of the language. By translating sentences and short stories from Homer's Odyssey students will develop a proficiency in reading, understanding and interpreting Latin. Full-year course. Prerequisites: Latin I

Latin III -- NEW!
The purpose of this course is to strengthen a students's Latin vocabulary as well as your appreciation for well-crafted writing. Through the review of Roman poets, storytellers, and orators students will so the how Latin and those who spoke it are still relevant today. Full-year course. Prerequisites: Latin I & II