Courses

Academics

Courses

Scheduled from your transcript — core departments plus electives.

Maya High School offers its students a variety of course options that are offered throughout the school year. Students are scheduled based on their transcripts. For more information or to get a full course description, please contact the school office at (602) 242-3442.

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English

English 9-1

English 9A is a course in which students will focus heavily on reading literature, grammar, writing, and vocabulary in order to improve students’ English language skills in an effort to gain 9th grade English credit.

English 9-2

English 9B is a course in which students will focus heavily on reading informational text, grammar, writing, and vocabulary in order to improve students’ English language skills in an effort to gain 9th grade English credit.

English 10-1

English 10 A is a half credit, one block course that fulfills the graduation requirements for 10th grade English. This course continues to refine and expand the skills developed in English 9A-B. During this course, students will enhance their analytical and interpretive skills through comprehension of text structures in literature, analysis of figurative language, symbolism and author’s use of literary devices. English 10 A also introduces world literature to students, focusing on the universality of themes that are presented in various texts. During this course, MLA guidelines are introduced and students further develop their composition skills through the literary analysis of two works of literature.

English 10-2

English 10 B is a half credit, one block course that fulfills the graduation requirements for 10th grade English. This course continues to refine and expand the skills developed in English 9A-B. During this course, students will enhance their analytical and interpretive skills through the comprehension of informational texts, focusing on author’s purpose, rhetoric and persuasive technique. Furthermore, students will continue to expand their composition skills various writing assignments that are to include an expository essay, persuasive essay and a brief research project.

English 11-1

In the junior level English Language Arts course, you will improve your reading, writing, speaking, listening, and thinking skills through the exploration of the life as a student of color after Brown vs. Board of Education. Building on skills learned in freshman and sophomore English classes, you will analyze multiple genres of text in relation to the education system, as well as write your own interpretation and criticism of the education system using multiple styles of writing. You will be pushed to think beyond what is in front of you, question what you are presented with as the truth, and encouraged to accomplish more than you thought possible.

English 11-2

In the junior level American Literature English course, you will improve your reading, writing, speaking, listening, and thinking skills through the exploration of how writing has been used to fight injustices. Building on skills learned in freshman and sophomore English classes, you will analyze multiple genres of text in relation to the idea of fighting injustice through writing. You will write your own pieces about an injustice you believe needs to change through the use of multiple styles of writing. You will be pushed to think beyond what is in front of you, question what you are presented with as the truth, and encouraged to accomplish more than you thought possible.

English 12-1

In the senior level English Language Arts course, you will improve your reading, writing, speaking, listening and thinking skills through exploring the instinct to survive. Building on skills learned in earlier English classes, you will gain skills in order to be prepared for life after high school. We will explore such questions as: How are desires and instincts connected? When we do the unthinkable to survive, how does our instinct and our conscious reconcile? How do people survive the most difficult circumstances? Your conclusions to these and other questions are not as important as the thinking you put into answering them.

English 12-2

In the senior level Literature course, you will improve your reading, writing, speaking, listening and thinking skills through exploring multiple themes in literature. Building on skills learned in earlier English classes, you will gain skills in order to be prepared for life after high school. We will focus the class on exploring how people from different cultures have interacted, clashed, overcome differences, and collaborated. You will reflect on your own experiences and interactions, writing Powerful Paragraphs making connections across texts. Your success in this class is largely dependent on your ability to be responsible for your own education.

English Support Courses

ELA Foundations

Language Arts Laboratory courses provide instruction in language skills, integrating reading, writing, speaking, and listening, while placing great emphasis on the progress of individual students. Course content depends upon students' abilities and may include vocabulary building, improving spelling and grammar, developing writing and composition skills, reading silently or aloud, and improving listening and comprehension abilities. Courses provide students with activities in analytical thinking and with the skills and strategies associated with assessments. Topics covered include vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing strategies, as well as time management, and dealing with stress.

Mathematics

Algebra 1 Foundations

Algebra Foundations focuses on the foundations of algebra, linear equations, ratios and proportions, solving and graphing inequalities, and the application of the Common Core Mathematical Practices. Prerequisite: None

Algebra 1-1

This is the first part of a two course cycle, credit will be granted after completion of the second part. Algebra I courses include the study of properties and operations of the real number system; evaluating rational algebraic expressions; solving and graphing first degree equations and inequalities; translating word problems into equations; operations with and factoring of polynomials; and solving simple quadratic equations. Prerequisite: Algebra 1 Foundations

Algebra 1-2

Algebra I is mapped to AzMERIT End of Course (EOC) Algebra I assessment. The second part in a multi-part sequence of Algebra I. This course generally covers the same topics as the second semester of Algebra I, including the study of properties of the real number system and operations, evaluating rational algebraic expressions, solving and graphing first degree equations and inequalities, translating word problems into equations, operations with and factoring of polynomials, and solving simple quadratics. Prerequisite: Algebra 1 Foundations & Algebra 1-1

Geometry Foundations

Principles of Algebra and Geometry courses combine the study of some pre-algebra and algebra topics with introductory geometry topics. These courses include the study of formulas, algebraic expressions, first degree equations and inequalities, the rectangular coordinate system, area, perimeter, and volume of geometric figures, and properties of triangles and circles.

Geometry 1

This is the first part of a two course cycle, credit will be granted after completion of the second part. Geometry courses, emphasizing an abstract, formal approach to the study of geometry, typically include topics such as properties of plane and solid figures; deductive methods of reasoning and use of logic; geometry as an axiomatic system including the study of postulates, theorems, and formal proofs; concepts of congruence, similarity, parallelism, perpendicularity, and proportion; and rules of angle measurement in triangles.

Geometry 2

Geometry is mapped to AzMERIT End of Course (EOC) Geometry assessment. Geometry courses, emphasizing an abstract, formal approach to the study of geometry, typically include topics such as properties of plane and solid figures; deductive methods of reasoning and use of logic; geometry as an axiomatic system including the study of postulates, theorems, and formal proofs; concepts of congruence, similarity, parallelism, perpendicularity, and proportion; and rules of angle measurement in triangles.

Statistics

Probability and Statistics courses introduce the study of likely events and the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of quantitative data. Course topics generally include basic probability and statistics: discrete probability theory, odds and probabilities, probability trees, populations and samples, frequency tables, measures of central tendency, and presentation of data (including graphs). Course topics may also include normal distribution and measures of variability.

Algebra 2-1

This is the first part of a two course cycle, credit will be granted after completion of the second part. (AZ02059) Algebra II course topics typically include field properties and theorems; set theory; operations with rational and irrational expressions; factoring of rational expressions; in-depth study of linear equations and inequalities; quadratic equations; solving systems of linear and quadratic equations; graphing of constant, linear, and quadratic equations; properties of higher degree equations; and operations with rational and irrational exponents.

Algebra 2-2

Algebra II is mapped to AzMERIT End of Course (EOC) Algebra II assessment. Algebra II course topics typically include field properties and theorems; set theory; operations with rational and irrational expressions; factoring of rational expressions; in-depth study of linear equations and inequalities; quadratic equations; solving systems of linear and quadratic equations; graphing of constant, linear, and quadratic equations; properties of higher degree equations; and operations with rational and irrational exponents.

Senior Math

Comprehensive Algebra, Geometry and Algebra II taught as a senior level math course as a precursor to college-level math. Formerly called Math 150.

History

World History 1

World History 1 is a one block course offered at the Freshman/Sophomore level. This course will guide students to an understanding of key events, people, concepts, and dates in World History with an emphasis on the era of Pre-History to the era of European exploration.

World History 2

World History 2 is a one block course offered at the Freshman/Sophomore level. This course will guide students to an understanding of key events, people, concepts and dates in World History, with an emphasis on European Exploration through the ear of the Cold War/modern history.

Us History 1

United States History 1 is a one block course offered at the Junior level. The course will guide students to an understanding of key events, people, concepts, and dates in American History with an emphasis on the time from the early Americans and Exploration through the Reconstruction period following the Civil War.

Us History 2

United States History 2 is a one block course offered at the Junior level. The course will guide students to an understanding of key events, people, concepts, and dates in American History with an emphasis from the Reconstruction period following the Civil War to the Watergate Scandal and Richard Nixon.

Government

This class will explore the local, state, and national elements of the United States government system. Students will explore the inner workings of the city of Phoenix and Maricopa County, the basis for how the state of Arizona runs, and how the federal government operates in our country.

Economics

Economics is a one block course that is offered at the senior level. The course will guide students through basic economic concepts and skills including the following: Fundamental Economic Concepts, Microeconomics, Macroeconomic Concepts including institutions and policies, and International and Global Economics

Science

Biology 1

Biology courses are designed to provide information regarding the fundamental concepts of life and life processes. These courses include (but are not restricted to) such topics as cell structure and function, general plant and animal physiology, genetics, and taxonomy.

Biology 2

Integrated Science 1

Conceptual Science 1 course combines the essential standards for Earth Science and Chemistry into a cohesive study. The scientific concepts are explored using the eight science and engineering practices. The content is also tied to other disciplines with the seven crosscutting concepts.

INTEGRATED SCIENCE 2

Conceptual Science 2 course combines the essential standards for Space and Physics into a cohesive study. The scientific concepts are explored using the eight science and engineering practices. The content is also tied to other disciplines with the seven crosscutting concepts.

Environmental Science

The goal of the Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental Science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study.

Anatomy 1

Anatomy courses present an in-depth study of the human body and biological system. Students study such topics as anatomical terminology, cells, and tissues and typically explore functional systems such as skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, and nervous systems.

Anatomy 2

Electives

Youth Entrepreneurs I

This course prepares students for small business ownership through the development of a business plan, marketing strategies and a financial plan while also gaining an understanding of HR and Management functions within a small business. This course is the first section of the Youth Entrepreneur series which will complete the requirements for Economics.

Youth Entrepreneurs II

Mythology and Folklore

Since the beginning of time, people have gathered around fires to tell stories of angry gods, harrowing journeys, cunning animals, horrible beasts, and the mighty heroes who vanquished them. Mythology and folklore have provided a way for these colorful stories to spring to life for thousands of years. Mythology and Folklore: Legendary Tales will illustrate how these famous anecdotes have helped humans make sense of the world. Beginning with an overview of mythology and different types of folklore, you will journey with age-old heroes as they slay dragons, outwit gods, defy fate, fight endless battles, and outwit clever monsters with strength and courage. You’ll explore the universality and social significance of myths and folklore and see how these powerful tales continue to shape society even today.

Health & Fitness

Health and Fitness courses combine the topics of Health Education courses (nutrition, stress management, substance abuse prevention, disease prevention, first aid, and so on) with an active fitness component (typically including aerobic activity and fitness circuits) with the intention of conveying the importance of life-long wellness habits.

Mindful Leadership

To teach personal and practical life skills through social and emotional principles. Students master skills needed to succeed at school, at home, and in the community. The course provides hands-on intervention tools to create change, instill autonomy, and increase motivation which is directly linked to supporting healthy relationships between all stakeholders and students.

College & Career Readiness

Employability Skills courses help students match their interests and aptitudes to career options with a focus on using employment information effectively, acquiring and improving job-seeking and interview skills, composing job applications and resumes, and learning the skills needed to remain in and advance within the workplace. Course content may also include consumer education and personal money management topics.

Creative Writing

For many hundreds of years, literature has been one of the most important human art forms. It allows us to give voice to our emotions, create imaginary worlds, express ideas, and escape the confines of material reality. Through creative writing, we can come to better understand ourselves and our world. This course can provide you with a solid grounding in the writing process, from finding inspiration to building a basic story. Then, when you are ready to go beyond the basics, learn more complicated literary techniques to create strange hybrid forms of poetry and prose. By the end of this course, you can better discover your creative thoughts and turn those ideas into fully realized pieces of creative writing.

Computer Based Courses

Computer Based Courses through SchoolsPLP offer a wide range of Elective courses available to Maya students, some of which include Spanish, Life Skills and more.