Academic Levels and Concentrations
Academic Levels
Our curriculum is a college-preparatory program designed to prepare all students for entry and success in the collegiate setting. Each of the four levels of instruction challenges our students with similar goals and objectives while incorporating various teaching and learning styles to meet student needs, develop critical thinking skills and promote independence in learning.
SHA's four levels are Honors and College Prep 1, 2, and 3. The academic dean carefully places each student with input from the student, her teachers, and parents and a combination of the following criteria:
- Past academic performance
- Teacher recommendations
- Standardized assessments including the High School Placement Test
- Student Interests
Academic Concentrations
SHA offers formalized, four-year academic concentrations with a dedicated course of study in Visual Arts, and Vocal Music Performance. Whether a student already plans to follow this major into college and career or just holds a keen interest in the field, the four-year concentration provides a dedicated focus on honing these skills.
Vocal Music Performance Concentration
Students interested in a focused study of choral music are encouraged to consider the Vocal Music Performance concentration.
The progression of courses begins with Intro to Musical Theatre arts where students explore the basic elements of the four disciplines of the performing arts. Students will observe, analyze and perform in the disciplines to develop a greater understanding of the performing arts.
Music Theory for the Stage develops students’ knowledge and application of music theory for performance. Students develop both aural and written music skills to help them better understand the basic structures of classical compositions and orchestral scores. Reading, writing and interpreting written notation is fundamental to this course of study.
The IB Music course is an intense study of music theory, history, form, and analysis. Students are responsible for an in-depth study of music with particular emphasis on aural learning. A rigorous study of a prescribed major musical work is included in the course.
The concentration culminates with Musical Theater 1 and 2 courses.
Visual Arts Concentration
The Visual Arts concentration offers students a rigorous study of art beginning with the exploration of the elements and principles of art and design and leading on to intermediate drawing courses that teach observational drawing and art analysis skills.
Advanced art classes expose students to a variety of contemporary and traditional art-making processes in printmaking and sculpture while further developing the students’ abilities in creative problem-solving, visual literacy, and abstract thought.
Color theory and various technical processes are explored through painting and sculpture mediums while students progress toward self-expression and portfolio development.
The culminating courses in the program are the IB Art classes which are primarily studio work based on imaginative expression, purposeful exploration, meaning and function, formal qualities, and technical skills.
Pathways to the Future - Learn and Lead at SHA
In addition to these formalized concentrations, our academic advising team helps students choose courses and plan their class schedule, so it meets their interests and goals as well as the appropriate academic challenge.
We've found that many students begin to lean toward a particular field or career path, and we encourage them to choose courses that further those interests. Through our diverse elective offerings, all students are empowered to choose pathways that inspire them, build experience, and help develop future goals.
STEM Field of Study | Pre-Engineering Learn & Lead Pathway
Students who are hoping to create an understanding of key engineering concepts and build skills that will prepare them for success in demanding STEM coursework in college. The computer science/STEM pathway engages students in computational thinking through activity, project, and problem-based learning and introduces them to the many possibilities in STEM careers. While STEM has become a buzzword in education, SHA has been focusing on producing future scientists, engineers, and world-changers since long before Sr. Lorna began her Forensic Science class in 1977.
Example STEM Learn & Lead Pathway
Medical Science Learn & Lead Pathway
Students who are hoping to create an understanding of key scientific concepts related to the medical field and build skills that will prepare them for success in demanding STEM coursework in college.
Example Medical Science Learn & Lead Pathway
Business Learn & Lead Pathway
Students interested in business-related careers. Coursework is designed to build knowledge in critical areas that give students an edge for applying to schools with highly competitive undergraduate business programs.
Example Business Learn & Lead Pathway
Public Policy Learn & Lead Pathway
Students who are interested in majoring in pre-law or other majors related to public policy.