Academics
Electives
Art - Visual Arts I, II, III, IV
VISUAL ARTS I
Visual Arts I is an introductory course open to all students from grades 9-12. Throughout this course, students practice using the Elements and Principles of Art and Design and the Design Thinking stages within each assigned project. Thinking and working as a design team, and providing and lending constructive feedback, helps each student understand the culture surrounding in real-world creative endeavors. Projects include, but are not limited to: photography, drawing, painting, printmaking, digital art, and ceramics. Independent projects may be proposed for the final project of the year, however, this introductory course is designed to provide students with the necessary foundational technical and conceptual skills within a variety of media. Within each assigned project, there is ample opportunity for students to use their imaginations and develop their projects with their own unique perspectives and choices. Once students have taken Visual Arts I, Visual Arts levels II,III, and IV include the option of independently-proposed projects throughout the year.
VISUAL ARTS II, III, and IV
Visual Arts II,III, and IV continue to include the regular practice of the Design Thinking stages with a deeper focus on the Elements and Principles of Art and Design. As each student progresses and evolves their work, a greater emphasis is placed on concept development. As students work towards a deeper understanding of what they are making, why they are making it, and how it is being communicated effectively, their interpersonal communication skills also evolve. Regular conversations with their peers and the teacher help to reinforce each students’ understanding of the creative process and how this process is essential to real-world careers. Independent projects are guided and encouraged throughout the year. Because each class is mixed with all levels, students are able to learn from and teach their peers. As Level I students are working through their assigned projects, there are similar set projects with an increased level of expectations and challenges designed for Levels II, III, and IV that students may choose from. Open to students in grades 10,11, and 12.
Broadcasting (I, II, III, IV)
BROADCASTING I
In Broadcasting I, students dive head-first into the world of Audio-Visual. This includes learning signal flow charts, how to patch cables into and out of audio gear, operating professional audio consoles, maintaining equipment, and running live shows. Students will be expected to stay alert, pay close attention to detail, and work as a team to run our “Live Fridays” shows that will feature local musicians.
BROADCASTING II, III, and IV
In Broadcasting II, III, and IV, students will apply the skills learned in Broadcasting I as they dive into the world of recording, editing, mixing, and mastering but in a studio setting. Students will be exploring DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) and their encompassing plug-ins to create professional mixes for podcasts, live music recordings, and much more.
Coding (I, II)
CODING I
Students will learn the basics of the Python coding language through Code Combat. This platform allows students to make and program an online video game. The students work is self paced and they have certain goals they must reach at specified times. This course applies to any student who wishes to learn about coding. You do not have to have any experience with coding to take this course.
CODING II
This class is for a second- year coding student who has successfully completed Coding I. Students progress through the Python coding language learning more advanced codes and projects. If the student finishes Code Combat, they can learn basic computer repair and diagnostics with the IT Department. If a student shows they have advanced programming and computer skills they may be recommended to do their Youth Leadership with the IT team.
Culinary Arts - Introduction to Culinary Arts
The culinary arts intro program introduces students to skills used in both the home and commercial kitchen. Specific skills covered include safety and sanitation, proper use of kitchen tools and equipment and knife skills, recipe selection, and making grocery lists. Using these skills, students work in teams to select and safely prepare recipes from scratch in a sanitary environment. Students get the opportunity to compete in contests like cupcake wars and gingerbread creations. Students enjoy tasting and sharing their creations with classmates, friends and teachers.
Culinary Arts I & II
The Culinary Arts I and II programs (2nd- and 3rd-year students) uses the skills learned in the intro class to work as a team to select and safely prepare recipes from scratch in a sanitary environment. Once students have mastered the basic skills, students have the opportunity to compete in competitions, like cupcake wars and chili cook-offs. Students enjoy tasting and sharing their creations with classmates, friends and teachers.
Culinary Arts - Food For Life
The Culinary Arts Food For Life program (4th-year students) uses the skills students have mastered, allowing them to work as a team to select and safely prepare recipes from scratch in a safe and sanitary environment. Students have the opportunity to compete in competitions, like cupcake wars and other competitions. Students now have the ability to create and prepare a complete meal and are ready for what is ahead in the future. Students enjoy tasting and sharing their creations with classmates, friends and teachers.
Current Issues
This elective course will navigate issues and events in the modern world related to technology and society, environment and energy, social interactions, world conflict, and economic issues. Additionally, major discussions and readings will focus on ten regions: Russia, China, the United States, Western Europe, Africa, the Middle East, India and Pakistan, Korea and Japan, Latin America, and the Arctic.
Engineering - Foundation of Engineering
This class will explore engineering-related concepts and professional practices as presented through research, presentations, and practical applications. Students in engineering teams apply technology, science, and mathematics concepts to solve engineering design problems and create new designs. Students research, develop, test, and analyze engineering designs using criteria such as design effectiveness, public safety, human factors, and ethics. This course is an essential experience for students who are interested in technology, innovation, design, and engineering. Students will explore electrical circuits, CAD programs, and basic mechanical engineering.
Engineering Concepts
This is a fundamental course that provides a project based learning approach to understanding the principles and concepts of physics and associated mathematics for most Engineering Technology programs. Students explore various careers and disciplines of engineering including problem solving and core technologies such as manufacturing, power/energy/transportation, robotics, hydraulics, electricity/electronics, communications, construction systems, alternative energy and computer aided design. Students in engineering teams apply technology skills to solve engineering design problems and create innovative designs. Students research, develop, test, and analyze engineering designs using criteria such as design effectiveness, public safety, human factors and ethics. Students utilize physical, and virtual (CAD) modeling concepts to construct, test, collect, and report data.
Engineering Applications
Students explore the field of robotic design using a variety of hands on activities involving engineering and technology. Content includes principles of engineering, physics, electronics, mechanics, and computer programming, requiring students to build simple robots to demonstrate these principles. Students begin with an introduction to the tools used to create robotic devices, focusing on mobile robots, illustrations of current state of the art research, and applications. Students work in teams to build and test increasingly complex robots, culminating in an end-of-semester robot contest. CAD application and 3D printing are used for mechanical design, navigation, and to explore additional mechanical concepts such as gearing/torque/speed/power. Students use this knowledge to design and build custom drive trains capable of meeting a variety of criteria including climbing, pushing, attaining maximum speed, etc. Also, students explore autonomous robots that use programming and sensors to interact with the environment. Students craft a robot for a final competition.
Engineering - AC/DC Circuits
This course focuses on the basic electricity principles of alternating current/direct current (AC/DC) circuits. Students will demonstrate knowledge and applications of circuits, electronic measurement, electronic implementation, voltage, current, and circuitry; apply Ohm's Law to electrical calculations; use test equipment to measure continuity, voltage, and current values; and use electrical safety practices. Through use of the design process, students will transfer academic skills to component designs in a project-based environment. Students will use a variety of computer hardware and software applications to complete assignments and projects. Additionally, students will explore career opportunities, employer expectations, and educational needs in the electronics. Students will learn proper use of test equipment, A/C and D/C circuits, and component theory and operation.
Entrepreneurship
This course is designed to teach the student the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. Students will learn the basics of starting a small business, financial stewardship, and business ethics through creating their own business and running our school store, 1909. Students will create their own view of work and develop a mindset that can be applied to any pursuit in life. The goal of this course is to help students tangibly see how one can simplify a seemingly complex pursuit into easily manageable pieces and build confidence through daily progress towards a goal. Additionally, the student will be more equipped in regards to finances, drive, and stewardship that will assist them in any given career path.
Journalism (I, II, III, IV)
This course is designed for students to participate in the production of a yearbook, end of the year video, literary magazine, and other journalistic practices. Journalism is a challenging course in which students have the unique opportunity to prepare publications for print and production. This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to work with advanced technology, strengthen their analytical and problem-solving skills, improve their communication skills, and manage tremendous responsibility. Journalism students practice the fundamentals of the interview process, journalistic writing, photojournalism, videography, graphic design, and other modes of journalistic presentations.
Lifetime Activities (I, II, III, IV)
This is a One Semester Course. This class is for individuals that want to learn to be active in life through individual or small group activities. You will learn how these activities are beneficial to your long-term and short-term health. These are activities that can be continued throughout their entire lives and can help relieve stress and improve mental health. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of indoor and outdoor fun! Topics may include Kayaking and Paddle Board, Biking, Hiking/Walking/Running, Disc Golf, Ultimate Frisbee, Yard Games, Tennis and Pickleball, Badminton, Basketball, Bowling, Table Tennis, and so much more!
Music - Instrumental Music (I, II, III, IV)
Instrumental Music class is designed for students who wish to develop basic playing skills or expand on their existing skills. Students will work individually and collaboratively with other students. Attention is given to the understanding and practice of basic elements of music, including music reading skills, theory, technique, and best performance practices. Repertoire will be selected based on student ability; however, students will also be encouraged to compose their own compositions. Students will be expected to perform in class and will also be given opportunities to perform within the TFS community.
Music - Advanced Chorus (I, II, III, IV)
CHORUS I
This course emphasizes the development of basic vocal techniques and skills. Attention is given to the understanding and practice of basic elements of music including music reading skills. Students may have the opportunity to sing in foreign languages while studying a variety of styles of choral music. Vocal independence is emphasized in the performance opportunities that will be given. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom.
CHORUS II, III, and IV
Students build on previous choral experience to expand vocal, technical, musical, and ensemble skills through rehearsal, performance, and study of high-quality choral literature and varying styles. Singers focus on increasing knowledge of music theory, music literacy, and aesthetic response. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom.
Outdoor Education (I, II, III, IV)
This is a one semester physical education elective that is designed to give all learners the opportunity for exercise in the great outdoors. Outdoor Education promotes fitness for life as well as an appreciation and personal responsibility for nature and outdoor activities. Students will have the opportunity to go Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, Biking, Fishing, Hiking, and even learn about different species/animals.
Strength and Conditioning (I, II, III, IV)
Strength and Conditioning is perfect for athletes and beginners alike. Students will be able to demonstrate respect for equipment, apply safety principles associated with lifting weights and exercising, create and/or follow basic program design according to desired goals, and improve in varied, measurable biomotor components.
Theater Arts (I, II, III, IV)
THEATRE ARTS I
Theatre Arts I is an exploration of the many facets of theatrical production with experiences offered in acting, design, tech, stagecraft, etc. - “Under the Lights” and “Backstage”. Students will be challenged to perform, collaborate, and create in a safe and low-pressure environment while gaining the experience and confidence to take their craft to a higher level. Class members will also be introduced to landmarks in the history of theatre plus its origins and evolution in the United States. In accord with the Georgia Standards of Excellence for Theater Arts, students will be Creating, Performing, Responding, Connecting. Theatre Arts loves to take trips to local colleges and community theatres for shows and tours.
THEATRE ARTS II, III, and IV
Theatre Arts II, III, and IV has a prerequisite of Theatre Arts I (or by audition/interview for incoming upperclassmen). This course continues to build upon the fundamental aspects of theatrical production and all its elements from Theatre Arts I, while expanding upon the known and providing for individual skill development. A deeper level of understanding, demonstration, and modeling will be expected of students as they repeat and advance in the course. The group assembled for the fall semester will be responsible for preparing for and competing in the GHSA One Act Play and is the class responsible for the school’s primary performances. In accord with the Georgia Standards of Excellence for Theater Arts, students will be Creating, Performing, Responding, Connecting. Theatre Arts loves to take trips to local colleges and community theatres for shows and tours.
Yoga (I, II, III, IV)
This is a one semester physical education elective that is designed to teach students the basic poses and principles of yoga in order to encourage lifelong fitness while improving their physical and mental health. Also included in this course will be activities related to stress management, mindfulness, balance, flexibility, self-awareness, and more!
Youth Apprenticeship
Youth Apprenticeship is an educational approach that uses the workplace to provide students with the knowledge and skills that will help them connect school experiences to real-life work activities and future career opportunities.