English
The upper school English program promotes an understanding of and appreciation for humanity that transcends cultural boundaries. The literature-rich and writing intensive curriculum stimulates intellectual curiosity and a greater sense of self.
Students are encouraged to revise, to conference individually with faculty, to research authors and content, and to discover their own voice through analytical and creative assignments. Students exercise freedom of thought and expression as they explore diverse and universal human concerns and integrate ideas from literature with daily life. Students discover the pleasure and value of reading and writing as lifelong learning processes and participate in active and lively critical discussions of their own work as well as the work they read.
Courses Available:
- Art of the Essay (Grade 9)
- Art of the Essay: Embedded Honors
- World Literature (Grade 10)
- American Authors (Grade 11)
- Topics in Senior English (Grade 12)
- Topics in Senior English: Embedded Honors
- Latinx Identity and Culture Through Literature
- Grammar and Writing Workshop
- Speech & Communication
- Creative Writing
- Shakespeare and Film
- Exploring Ethics: The Good Place
- War and Peace
- Speculative Fiction: Imagining the Future
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Social Science
Social science courses at MVS aim to develop effective learning techniques and practices for studying the human condition. Students investigate individuals’ and civilizations’ role in influencing social and cultural development; the mechanics and dynamics of cultural chance; and value structures and concepts. Our social sciences program develops students’ critical learning skills of research, analysis and communication. Through developing a sense of inquiry into mankind’s ideas and ideals, our students gain a better understanding of their world and how to be a compassionate global citizen.
Courses Available:
- World Civilization
- US Government and Politics
- A Global History of World War 1
- US History
- Europe in a Global Context
- TED (Technology, Entertainment, & Design)
- Science and Human Values
- Psychology and Neuroscience
- Generations of Jerusalem
- Advances Politics Seminar: 2020 Election
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Math
With extensive offerings in mathematics, our students can choose courses that are appropriately challenging for them. Math at MVS incorporates technology and techniques that allow our students to conceptualize, navigate uncertainties and problem solve. With the relevant and rigorous curriculum, students enter college with solid math sense, advanced mathematical skills, and new ways of understanding the world around them.
Courses Available:
- Algebra I
- Geometry
- Geometry Honors
- Algebra II
- Algebra II Honors
- Pre-Calculus
- Differential Calculus
- Statistics and Probability
- Calculus II
- Multivariate Calculus
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Science
While academic excellence is best achieved through a balanced exposure to the arts, humanities, science, and physical wellness, we know that the most rapid changes taking place in the world around us are in the areas of science, technology and engineering, which is why we also offer a robust selection of science courses that are both challenging and varied.
Courses Available:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Chemistry Honors
- Conceptual Physics
- Physics
- Environmental Science
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Advanced Topics in Chemistry
- Advanced Topics in Biology
- Advanced Topics in Physics
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Elective Learning
Our Elective Learning courses give insight to real world careers. Students gain a better understanding to the ever-changing world of business, academics and education. Students receive guidance from outside professionals and more importantly, learn for themselves what piques their interests. Whether it’s the cutting edge of web and social media analytics or the intricacies of the classroom, our students prepare themselves for the world outside of school and begin to think about their careers.
Courses Available:
- Marketing
- Learning Project
- Student Assistant Teacher Program
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World Languages
The upper school world language department aims to help students develop language skills, with an emphasis on communication in the modern languages, and cultural awareness. Through exploration of diverse cultures, our students gain a greater understanding and practice of compassionate global citizenship and discover lifelong passions.
Courses Available:
- Spanish I
- Spanish II
- Spanish III
- Spanish IV
- Spanish V
- French I
- French II
- French III
- French IV: Topics in Modern French Literature and Culture
- French V: Le Septiéme Art
- Mandarin I
- Mandarin II
- Mandarin III
- Mandarin IV
- Mandarin V
- International Student Support Services
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The Arts
Our robust Fine and Performing Arts Department offers a variety of opportunities for students to discover their talents and express themselves in innovative and creative ways.
Music, visual art, and theater are all part of the Fine Arts experience, cultivating creative intellectual leaders with an excitement for learning. Process is at the heart of the program, providing excellent studios and quality materials for students to take creative risks. Students are required to take a certain number of Fine Arts semester-long elective courses but many elect to immerse themselves in the arts above the requirement.
Courses may change yearly, so students have the opportunity to take advantage of an array of media and techniques.
Courses Available:
- Design Foundations
- Painting
- Printmaking
- Art Now!
- Ceramics
- Drawing
- Jazz Ensamble
- Ars Nova
- Music Technology
- Evolution of Popular Culture Music
- Performing Arts
- Experimental Theatre
- Theatre Design and Production
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Computer Science
As the world becomes dependent on the digital, it is imperative to educate our students in computer science. This challenges our students to participate productively in society, to make good decisions, and to protect themselves.
Our Computer Science courses develop academic skills, build qualities like perseverance and organization, and gain valuable 21st century skills. Critical thinking and problem-solving are important life skills and frequently used in these courses. From Web Design to Robotics, our students learn the broad spectrum of computer science.
Courses Available:
- Principles of Computer Science
- Introduction to Web Design
- Robotics
- Intro to Processing
- Introduction to Python
- Arduino
- Java Programing
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Physical Education
Physical education is good for a student physically, mentally and socially. Quality physical education programs are needed to increase the physical competence, health-related fitness, self-responsibility and enjoyment of physical activity for all students so that they can be physically active for a lifetime. In many ways, our physical education courses strengthen more than their bodies and minds, but major social skills between each other. Our courses delve into more than just physical activity. Students learn about maintaining healthy lifestyles and interpersonal relationships. well as the work they read.
Courses Available:
- Strength & Conditioning
- Health
- Credit Flex
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Clubs & Activities
Club and Activities Available:
- Academic Challenge
- Amateur Radio Club
- Archery Club
- Aviation Club
- Beyblade Club
- Chinese Culture Club
- D.E.C.A
- Diversity Club
- Four Square Club
- French Honor Society
- Games Club
- GSA
- ITS/Drama Club
- Junior State of America
- Math Competitions Club
- Model UN
- Muslim Student Association
- MVS Squash Club
- Open Forums Club
- Peace Club
- Phloem & Xylem
- Photography Club
- Power of the Pen
- Programming Club
- Project Okurase
- Prom Committee
- Rambotics
- Red Cross Club
- Spanish Honor Society
- Speech and Debate
- Spirit Club
- Student Ambassadors
- Student Government
- Student Service Board
- Yearbook
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