Oak Meadow High School is an academically challenging distance-learning college-prep program. We place a high value on helping our students to realize and express their own intelligence independently.

At Oak Meadow, we believe that excellence involves more than just academics. For students to realize their full potential, intellectual development must be balanced with self-awareness, critical thinking, social responsibility, and physical activity. The Oak Meadow curriculum encourages integrative thinking, participation in community activities, and exploration of the natural world.

Students have ample opportunities to express their creative faculties through essays, projects, and community service. With our Independent Study program, students explore their own interests by enrolling in elective courses in their community while earning credit towards graduation. This allows students to enhance their educational experiences with their own thoughts, expressions, and interests.

Oak Meadow also places a high premium on flexibility, providing you with the resources to construct the best possible educational program for your needs. With our enrollment options, Individualized Educational Programs, and open scheduling, we can provide fulfilling curricula for special-needs students, students who travel frequently, international students, or virtually any non-traditional learning environment.

Because we believe that students should be independent thinkers, we encourage critical and creative thinking skills. Teachers act as academic guides, providing insightful feedback and helping to design the optimum educational framework for each student. By combining rigorous academics, creative projects, individual choices, and our teachers' expertise, Oak Meadow High School helps students develop into enthusiastic, responsible and successful young adults.

In addition to teacher support and regular evaluations, Oak Meadow provides enrolled High School students with the following services:

• College Admissions Support
• Transcripts
• Assistance with Driver License Documentation
• Assistance with Work Permit Documentation
• Guidance Counseling

Please click here for information about Oak Meadow's new Online High School Curriculum. Students who wish to receive a high school diploma from Oak Meadow must complete a minimum of 20 units (90 hour/one semester, course = ½ Unit). Whether you are taking online or traditional courses, the units earned and courses required are the same. The number of units in each subject area required for graduation and the Oak Meadow courses currently available in each subject area English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Fine Arts, Languages, and Electives are as follows:

English - four units required

English 9 Students read three novels, explore poetry from a variety of authors, read a play and enact a scene, strengthen grammar skills, and develop a variety of writing skills (expository, interpretive, satire, and character portraits.) Students are encouraged to read actively, ask questions, look deeply and make discoveries. The following materials are required for this course: The Oak Meadow English 9 Syllabus The Least You Should Know About English A Wizard of Earthsea Animal Farm To Kill a Mockingbird Our Town

English 10 Continues the development of writing skills started in English 9, and focuses on writing a wide variety of papers, such as compare/contrast, process, analysis, archetypal stories, and vignettes. Grammar and punctuation skills are refined through written work. In addition, students write two research papers following the traditional form. Students also read three novels and explore poetry by a variety of authors. Reading comprehension and critical thinking are emphasized. The following materials are required for this course: The Oak Meadow English 10 Syllabus A Separate Peace Huckleberry Finn Anthem

American Literature Students read the thoughts and feelings of American men and women who have helped create and articulate the unique heritage of the American people and the rich fabric of their culture. Active reading and critical evaluation is emphasized. Students refine composition and presentation skills by writing essays (expository, interpretive, contrast/compare), magazine columns, travel guides, interviews, editorials, and speeches. In addition, students explore the works of modern American poets and write a literary research paper. The following materials are required for this course: Oak Meadow American Literature Syllabus The Great Gatsby Red Badge of Courage To Be a Slave

World Literature Students read the works of international authors, both current and historical, and refine grammar and composition skills through writing a variety of papers on different topics. In addition to active reading and critical evaluation of literature, students write a variety of essays (expository, compare/contrast, personal opinion, and interpretive), a biographical research paper, poetry, movie reviews, news articles, an analysis of symbolism and irony, and a one-act play. The following materials are required for this course: Oak Meadow World Literature Syllabus Don Quixote Ramayana The Metamorphosis A Doll’s House

Social Studies - four units required

U.S. History The American Vision boasts an exceptional author team with specialized expertise in colonial, Civil War, 20th-century and Civil Rights history. The full panorama of American history comes alive through their vivid and accurate retelling, and the coauthorship of National Geographic ensures that the program's new maps, charts and graphs are correct to the last detail. The following materials are required for this course: The Oak Meadow U.S. History Syllabus American Vision

World History In addition to learning historical facts, students are introduced to the artists, musicians, literature and influential people of historical periods. This course integrates geography throughout and emphasizes critical thinking, the development of research skills, and the understanding of relationships between people and events as a means of understanding current world events. Students are encouraged to interpret factual information, determine cause and effect, separate facts from opinions, explore values, synthesize, form hypotheses and evaluate conclusions. The following materials are required for this course: The Oak Meadow World History Syllabus World History, Patterns of Interaction

World Geography The study of geography involves understanding the interactions between people and their environment, This course was prepared in collaboration with the National Geographic Society, and includes hundreds of maps and photographs to enhance the study of geography. It also makes valuable connections to history, technology, and the arts. In addition to textbook work, students have opportunities for outside study, extensive research, and hands-on experience. The following materials are required for this course: Oak Meadow World Geography Syllabus World Geography

U.S. Government Based upon the premise that analyzing current information is essential to an effective citizenry, this course asks students to research, compare, contrast, and think critically about government-related issues. Students learn the ideals behind the American system of government, the mechanics of its operation, and are then encouraged to take their places as independent thinking citizens in the country. The following materials are required for this course: Oak Meadow U.S. Government Syllabus Democracy in Action

Mathematics - three units required

Algebra 1 This course covers topics typically treated in a first-year algebra course. Includes evaluation of expressions involving signed numbers, exponents and roots, properties of the real numbers, absolute value and equations and inequalities involving absolute value, scientific notation, unit conversions, solution of equations in one unknown and solution of simultaneous equations, the algebra of polynomials and rational expressions, work problems requiring algebra for their solution, graphical solution of simultaneous equations, Pythagorean theorem, algebraic proofs, functions and functional notation, solution of quadratic equations via factoring and completing the square, direct and inverse variation, and exponential growth. The following book is required for this course: Saxon Algebra I

Geometry This course introduces students to basic theorems of Euclidean plane geometry and their applications, and explores both plane and solid geometric figures. Students learn how to prove theorems by the axiomatic method and to use these theorems in solving a variety of problems. Students also learn how to accomplish a variety of geometric constructions. The following book is required for this course: Houghton Mifflin Geometry

Algebra II This course covers topics typically treated in a second-year algebra course. Students integrate topics from Algebra I and Geometry and begin the study of trigonometry. The course provides opportunities for continued practice of the fundamental concepts of algebra, geometry and trigonometry to enable students to develop a foundation for the study of Advanced Mathematics. The following book is required for this course: Saxon Algebra II

Advanced Mathematics Prepares the foundation for further study of mathematics at the college level through a presentation of standard pre-calculus topics, including substantial new material on discrete mathematics and data analysis. The following book is required for this course: Saxon Advanced Mathematics

Calculus Calculus treats all the topics normally covered in an Advanced Placement AB-level calculus program, as well as many of the topics required for a BC-level program. The text begins with a thorough review of those mathematical concepts and skills required for calculus. In the early problem sets, students practice "setting up" word problems they will later encounter as calculus problems. The problem sets contain multiple-choice and conceptually-oriented problems similar to those found on the Advanced Placement examination. Whenever possible, students are provided an intuitive introduction to concepts prior to a rigorous examination of them. Proofs are provided for all important theorems. The following book is required for this course: Saxon Calculus

Consumer Math This course is designed for the student who is challenged by abstract forms of higher math. The course focuses on "real life" processes to teach algebra, geometry and statistics. The following book is required for this course: Mathematics Connections Integrated and Applied

Bookkeeping I and II This course introduces students to basic record skills used in business. The course covers: Budget records, credit records, cash receipts records, checking account records, petty cash, accounts receivables, retail sales, purchase orders, accounts payables, financial statements, and payroll records. This is a two-year course. The following materials are required for this course: Keeping Financial Records for Business Workbook 1-16

Science - two units required

Biology w/Lab This course offers the student an opportunity to embark upon a personal journey to discover more about nature and themselves. Students read material in the text and supplement this with current newspaper and magazine articles relating to topics in biology. Laboratory investigations are included in the course, and students learn techniques for making and recording accurate scientific observations. The following materials are required for this course: The Oak Meadow Biology Syllabus Holt Biology

Environmental Science Introduces fundamental ecological concepts, explores the interactions within ecosystems, and focuses upon the interrelatedness of life on earth. Students learn about the biosphere, major biomes, ecosystems, chemical cycles, and the role of living things in ecosystems. In addition to learning about environmental problems such as land, water and air pollution, overpopulation, and habitat destruction, students explore practical alternatives for protecting the environment and moving toward a sustainable future. The following books are required in this course: The Oak Meadow Environmental Sciences Syllabus Holy Environmental Science

Chemistry (lab available) An energetic, comprehensive course that introduces students to the fundamental principles of chemistry and develops the critical thinking skills necessary to discuss issues in fields impacted by chemical processes. Students also learn techniques for making and recording accurate scientific observations through laboratory investigations. The following materials are required for this course: Oak Meadow Chemistry Syllabus Chemistry (Addison-Wesley) Oak Meadow Chemistry Workbook

Physics This course combines traditional physics instruction with the modern quantum theories of the nature of the universe. The subject is taught at an introductory level, which will allow the average student to grasp the concepts of Newton's laws, statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, optics, dc circuits, waves, electromagnetics, and special relativity. The following materials are required for this course: Oak Meadow Physics Syllabus Saxon Physics Coming of Age in the Milky Way

Health and Physical Education - two units required

Lifetime Health and Fitness The other credit in Physical Education can be obtained through anything that fulfills our Independent Study Credit requirements, which would be a sport or physical activity taken locally with a coach or instructor. For example, gymnastics, dance or martial arts.

Art - one unit required

Integrated Drawing A course designed to help people of all skill levels learn to draw. The following materials are required for this course: Oak Meadow Integrated Drawing Syllabus Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain

The Study Of Art From early cave drawings to the nonrepresentational works of modern day artists, students explore some of the great works of art in conjunction with corresponding or concurrent musical and architectural themes. In addition, students experience original works in art galleries, parks, streets, libraries, and concert halls in their local area. The following materials are required for this course: Oak Meadow The Study of Art Syllabus The Story of Art

Suggested Electives - five units required

Elective subjects include everything other than the required subjects. You may choose to take any Oak Meadow language course in order to meet the elective requirements. You may also use local courses to count towards these units.

Psychology (1 semester) An experiential course designed to help students become more aware of themselves as unique individuals. Using their own experiences as a guide, students are encouraged to be scientists in the process of exploring themselves and their place in the universe as they examine such topics as love, beauty, joy, spontaneity, and self-actualization. The following materials are required for this course: Oak Meadow Psychology Syllabus 1984

The Eye, the Shutter, the Light, the Color: An Introduction to Photography (1 semester) Photography is a relatively new art that changes the way we interpret the world around us and, quite simply, the way we see. This *one-semester course* will teach such fundamental concepts as the frame, focus, and composition, while also exploring the more interpretive side of photography. Students will complete weekly assignments designed to deepen their understanding of the material, while giving them hands-on experience and a chance to creatively convey their unique vision of the world. Students will also keep a journal, where they will collect ideas, magazine clippings, inspiring images, and some personal writing about their experiences. Students are expected to have a working knowledge of the camera they choose to use for this class. Either a 35mm camera (point-and-shoot or SLR) or a digital camera is acceptable

An Introduction to Short Fiction (1 semester) There is no formula for writing a good short story – no magical instruction booklet that could guide you to a well-written story that came to you effortlessly. Writing is an experience and writers are born of little more than their own experience. But as with everything, there are guidelines and rules that can guide a writer into a deeper sense of control. In this *one-semester course*, we will explore the fundamentals of writing short fiction, while at the same time sowing the seeds of dissent that are necessary to good writing. Prerequisite: English 9 and English 10

Latin I (Cambridge) The new Latin I course uses the Cambridge series for study, which includes text, workbook exercises, audio comprehension and pronunciation disc, and the course syllabus. The Cambridge Latin course introduces the language through an exciting storyline that follows a typical household in Pompeii during /roman times. The course includes background information on Roman life architecture, culture and art. The student concentrates on reading and understanding the stories that serve to introduce the basic concepts of the Latin language. Oak Meadow Latin I Syllabus Latin I text Latin I Omnibus Workbook Latin I Audio CD

Latin II (Cambridge) In our new Latin II program the Cambridge series continues with a similar format to Latin I. Here, the storyline changes from the heart of the Roman Empire to the Roman Provinces, such as Britain and Alexandria. Continuity is provided by Quintus, son of Caecilius, who finds his way to Britain after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The reading material is based on historical characters and situations. Students continue to develop their skills with vocabulary building and grammar understanding. The materials used are similar to the Latin I course. Latin II Syllabus Latin II Text Latin II Omnibus Workbook Latin II Audio CD

Latin III (Oxford) This course continues from Latin II in translation of works written in Latin. The readings for the course are more closely based on historical fact. The following materials are required for this course: Oak Meadow Latin III Syllabus Oxford Latin III Text

Spanish I This introductory level course is entirely new for the '07-'08 academic year, and can be studies both with a textbook and online. With this course, the student receives a printed textbook, Expresate I, and also has access to the !Exprasate! website, which provides audio comprehension narratives and dialogs to accompany the course, interactive exercises, learning resources, and cultural activities. The goal for the student is to feel confident in using Spanish. The student will acquire listening, speaking, and writing skills through practice with vocabulary, dialog and stories. This course includes a strong focus on the life and culture of Spanish speaking countries. The following materials are required for this course: Spanish I Syllabus !Exprasate! - Level I text

Spanish II Power-Glide Spanish is designed to help you learn to speak and write Spanish fluently by immersing you in music, stories, and activities, rather than relying upon rote memorization and tiresome drills. Spanish II is designed to be a 180-day course. The following materials are required for this course: Oak Meadow Spanish II Syllabus Power-Glide Spanish with CD-Rom

Spanish III Expresate 3 is a new advances Spanish course, which includes both the student text and the online access to the audio comprehension and interactive components of the course. The !Expresate! website provides spoken narratives and dialogs that accompany the course. The online portion of the program offers learning resources and cultural activities. The goal for the student is to feel confident in communication in Spanish at this advanced level. This course works at developing the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing in Spanish. As in other levels of Expresate, the student continues to look at the rich culture of the Spanish speaking world. The following materials are required for this course: Oak Meadow Spanish III Syllabus !Expresate! - Level III Text

French I & II Power-Glide French is designed to help you learn to speak and write French fluently by immersing you in music, stories, and activities, rather than relying upon rote memorization and tiresome drills. Power-Glide French can be used with or without a teacher and is compatible with many different learning styles and aptitudes. This course includes both beginning and intermediate French, so it is used for two years in the Oak Meadow language program. The following materials are required for this French I Power-Glide French w/ CD Oak Meadow French I Syllabus French/English Dictionary French II Power-Glide French w/ CD Oak Meadow French II Syllabus French/English Dictionary

French III Students move to a higher level and are challenged to speak more fluently and write more effectively in French. Advanced vocabulary and grammatical structures provide the basis for "real-life" conversational and written activities. The following materials are required for this course: En Voyage, Level III Oak Meadow French III Syllabus French/English Dictionary

German I & II The focus of Power-Glide German is to help you speak freely and expressively in German. You won't find mazes of grammar rules, boring rote memorization, and mind-numbing drills. Instead, Power-Glide German gives you real language learning; the kind where you actually internalize the language, and begin to use it as your own. Robert W. Blair, Ph.D., is the creator of Power-Glide language courses. His methods are informed by current language acquisition theory and rooted in the work of world-renowned language teaching innovators. These methods provide a rich experience in communication and make the course fun and engaging. The following materials are required for this course: German I Course German II Course German/English Dictionary

German III Komm mitt is the new advances German course which includes both the student text and the online access to the audio comprehension and interactive components of the course. The Komm mitt website provides spoken narratives and dialogs that accompany the course. The online portion of the program offers learning resources and cultural activities. The goal for the student is to feel confident in communicating in German at this advanced level. This course works at developing the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing in German, As in other levels of Komm mitt, the student continues to look at the rich culture of the German speaking world. German I Course German II Course German/English Dictionary

Advanced Foreign Language For students who have completed 3 years of a high school language course, this Independent Study Course permits them to continue their interest in a particular language and to perfect their skill in speaking, reading or writing. The curriculum is determined by both the teacher and the student's ability and interest. This is a full credit course with 2 semesters of study. For Enrolled Students only. Call the Oak Meadow office for details.