Program information
Enrichment and Credit Classes
Select a Subject:
IMPORTANT NOTES:
New Course Offerings:
- Health and Geography- Can be taken regardless if it has been taken or not, and used for credit towards the following school year.
- College Preparation & Readiness Education Program (C-PREP)- Prepares students for their college experience.
Enrichment Courses:
- Students may take two courses from the Enrichment class offerings.
- These classes are for students entering grades 7 through 11.
- Students have the option to take ESL for an additional $250.
Credit Courses:
- Students may take one or two courses from our course offerings and may board or only attend days.
- These courses were designed for high school students to gain credit towards the following school year, as well as remediation for past less-than-average grades ("D" or "F").
Afternoon & Weekend Activities:
- All programs participate in afternoon recreational activities Monday-Friday. Trips to local area attractions are scheduled for all programs on the weekends.
*Course offerings are subject to change without noticed based upon enrollment.
Enrichment - Electives
Study Skills (Enrichment)
The objective of the Study Skills course is to supplement instruction and provide services that support Middle School students in the development of skills necessary for their effective performance in the academic environment. Students will study the techniques of organization, time management, standardized and non-standard test preparation, note-taking, reading comprehension, and memorization. Students will also engage in practice exercises common to middle and high school cognition.
Computer Journalism (Enrichment)
Journalism will teach students the principles and functions of modern journalism and will provide extensive practice in the various modes of journalistic writing. Skills developed in this course include creating, narrowing, and developing story ideas; identifying sources for information and interviews; formulating initial and follow-up questions for interviews; interviewing procedures and etiquette; note-taking; writing in proper journalistic form; editing and revising stories. Other topics include the history of scholastic journalism; ethics and standards; elements of news, feature, and sports stories; opinion pieces; use of quotations; headline writing; and basics of newspaper layout and design. Students will produce an ABTS newspaper.
Media Production (Enrichment)
Students will learn the different techniques of filming and editing. Local media outlets will be visited and the students will conclude with a video production DVD of the ABTS summer school experience. Their production will be viewed at our annual talent show.
Enrichment - ESL
English as a Second Language (Enrichment)
ESL (English as a Second Language) will provide intensive language acquisition training as well as both oral and auditory training in English. The study of vocabulary and essential English conventions will be emphasized. Students will practice writing skills in their newly acquired language. In addition, through the use of newspapers and periodicals, students will be exposed to their new culture and the real dilemmas faced by human beings. The primary function of ESL is to serve as a transitional link for limited English proficiency students and the regular course offerings of the English department. This course, although labeled an elective, will be required of students who need some extra help in their regular English classes. This course costs an extra $250.
Enrichment - Math
Basic Math (Enrichment grades 6-7)
Basic Math will develop in the student a basic mathematical understanding of numbers and arithmetic operations and will provide experience in measurement, integers, data analysis, and interpretation.
Pre Algebra (Enrichment grades 7-9)
Pre-Algebra will develop in the student an introductory understanding of Algebra and Geometry. It will also provide a smooth transition in mathematics from concrete experiences to more abstract experiences, using multiple modes of learning.
Algebra (Enrichment grades 8-9)
Algebra is designed to reinforce skills developed in Pre-Algebra: relating addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts with positive and negative numbers; manipulating complex algebraic expressions; solving and graphing problems using linear, quadratic, and equation systems; and introducing the use of functional notation.
Enrichment - Oceanography
Oceanography (Enrichment)
This program is a hands-on exploration of Marine Biology and Ocean Science. With a living lab at our doorstep, students will have the rare opportunity to learn about ecosystems, experiment with properties of water, conduct labs, and maintain a science journal all while exploring the unique marine environment of southern California. Using an interdisciplinary approach, students will improve their writing, math, science and artistic skills in this unique course. Related field trips include: Scripps center for Oceanography, SeaWorld, La Jolla Cove, Birch Aquarium, local tide pools and Beckman Center for Research on Endangered species.
PLEASE NOTE THIS COURSE IS IS A FULL DAY PROGRAM. IF THIS COURSE IS ELECTED IT WILL BE THE ONLY COURSE TAKEN DURING THE FOUR-WEEK PROGRAM.Enrichment - Science
Life Science (Enrichment grades 6-7)
Life Science will present a scientific study of the structure and function of living organisms and their ecological relationships. More specifically there will be an introduction to general scientific skills and their importance. In addition, the course will place an emphasis on heredity, evolution, ecosystems, and the environment. Finally, the key elements of health will be introduced and discussed.
Earth Science (Enrichment grades 8-9)
Earth Science will introduce the student to the interrelationship between physical and earth sciences. The topics include a general introduction to geology and the earth’s natural resources with an emphasis placed on oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. In addition, the course deals with the key elements of physical science: force and motion, magnetism, electricity, and energy.
Credit- New! Health and Geography
Health (Credit)
The purpose of this course is to help students identify what constitutes “good health” and learn ways to maintain optimum levels of wellness. Course content may include: characteristics of a healthy person, maintenance of health (including nutrition, physical fitness, personal hygiene, accident prevention, protection against disease, effects of alcohol and drugs, coping skills, home safety and sanitation); home care of the sick, community health services and programs; and selecting and using health care products and services.
Geography (Credit)
This course provides an introduction to the basic concepts, technology, and methodology used in the study of geography. Students learn about how our world's geography has changed and will continually change through time.
Credit - English
9th Grade English - 9A and 9B (Credit)
Develops further skills in reading comprehension and refines skills in writing based on the usage of essential English grammar. While some writing assignments will call for analysis of literature, attention is also given to more general expository writing. The objective of 9th Grade English is to develop greater writing skills and reading comprehension. Essays assigned include many different styles such as analytical writing, timed writing, personal writing, and creative writing. However, the focus is on the five-paragraph essay. Essay assignments emphasize the drafting process, the peer-critiquing process, and the editing process. In developing reading comprehension, we work together to discover main points and to remember what has been read. Beyond the vocabulary and grammar inherent in the reading and writing portions of the class, students study grammar and SAT preparation vocabulary on a weekly basis.
10th Grade English - 10A & 10B (Credit)
Aims at strengthening each student's ability to read and analyze literature and to write in a clear and grammatically correct fashion. The literature includes short stories, poetry, and novels. The objective of 10th Grade English is to develop skills in reading comprehension, composition, and oral communication. The course exposes students to forms of literature including short stories, nonfiction, poetry, drama, and novels. Students learn how to read actively in order to improve comprehension and retention of their readings. Weekly lessons of vocabulary and grammar enable students to become better communicators both in speech and in writing. Monthly composition workshops refine writing styles of students and monitor their progress through individual portfolios. Throughout the course, SAT verbal preparation will be emphasized.
Credit - Math
Algebra I (Credit)
The objective of Algebra 1 is to reinforce the skills developed in pre-algebra: relating addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of facts with positive and negative numbers; manipulating, complex algebraic expressions; solving and graphing problems using linear, quadratic, and equation systems; and introducing the use of functional notations.
Geometry (Credit)
The objective of Geometry is to improve on the skills developed in algebra: manipulating, complex algebraic expressions; solving and graphing problems using linear, quadratic, and equation systems; and introducing geometric terms and ideas; points, lines, angles, reasoning, congruent and similar triangles, polygons, transformations, circles, planar and space measurements.
Credit - Science
Biology (Credit)
Biology will provide a meaningful laboratory-based science course that develops the student's ability to analyze and synthesize scientific information. The major focus centers on cellular functions, plant classification and structure, human physiology, continuation of life, and evolution. Students develop an appreciation of living organisms and the environment that supports their existence. Finally, the students will be encouraged to assess their attitudes and behavior patterns and to understand the impact their lifestyle choices have on their communities and on their own well-being.
Credit - History
World History - A and B (Credit)
In this course, students examine the patterns of relationships and processes of both historical and cultural change across the world from pre-history to the present. Emphasis will be aimed at the different styles of civilization and to the effects of cultural contrast and diffusion. Ultimately, the student will not only know WHEN events happened but WHY those events happen and HOW those events effected the peoples lives.
Credit - Spanish
Spanish I - A and B (Credit)
Spanish 1 will emphasize structural awareness, cultural acquaintance, and communication skills. Students will gain information about the civilization, cultures, and customs of the Spanish-speaking people, and they will appreciate the importance of Spanish in the world; they will learn the basics of Spanish grammar and usage; they will develop the four basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This is the first year course in a four-year sequence designed for the non-Spanish speaking student.
Spanish II - A and B (Credit)
This is the second of a four-year course sequence. In Spanish 2, students will continue to develop their communication skills, cultural awareness, and understanding of the structure of the Spanish language. The goals are to develop and expand the student’s vocabulary, use of various verb tenses, expand their knowledge of basic grammatical structure and develop their abilities to listen, read, write, and speak Spanish proficiently.
College Preparation (C-PREP)
College Preparation & Readiness Education (C-PREP)
During this program, students will develop skills to help them prepare for college life and facilitate the selection process when it comes to choosing the most appropriate college or university. With an emphasis on life skills, and SAT/ACT testing, students will learn techniques and strategies that will help them increase their scores and proceed through the admission process with confidence. Supervised tours of universities within the University of California and Cal State University systems, as well as selected private universities, expose participants to a variety of college campus environments. This experience allows them to determine which university may be most compatible with their own interests and personality. The C-PREP course will enable students to make informed academic decisions and life choices to ensure the most successfuL college experience possible.
PLEASE NOTE THIS COURSE IS IS A FULL DAY PROGRAM. IF THIS COURSE IS ELECTED IT WILL BE THE ONLY COURSE TAKEN DURING THE FOUR-WEEK PROGRAM.
