Title: JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer in Training Cadet)
Grades: 9th-12th
The General Colin. L. Powell Leadership Academy is a STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics focused school with high academic standards and enriched with a commitment to leaderships, academic excellence, discipline and service. The Powell Leadership Academy does not train or recruit for military service, but prepares students for future success in post-secondary education, careers and a life of service and active citizenship. The values of character, social responsibility, teamwork and selfless service to community are combined with achievement, fitness, leadership and American heritage to help cadets realize the power of their potential.
Title: MS Art
Grades: 7th-8th
Details: In 7th and 8th grade art, students will have an introduction to various art media and techniques and creative thinking. Students will have the opportunity to try new things and introduce color and creativity to their school day.
Title: High School Art
Grades: 9th-12th
Details: Welcome to a sampling of artistic media and styles! We will try a variety of art making methods including but not limited to drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, mosaics, collage, papier-mache and so much more. This is a great class for students who are ready to try a little of everything when it comes to analogue art making!
Title: Advanced Art
Grades: 11th-12th
Details: Advanced Art course is for 11th and 12th grade students who have previously taken and enjoyed general high school art. This project based class is geared towards students who are ready to find and develop their personal artistic style and focus on their preferred media. This is a course for the inspired artist looking for one-on-one artistic mentoring to make their ideas into reality.
Title: MS Music Exploration
Grades: 7th-8th
Details: Welcome to the wide world of music! In this course, we will lay a foundation for you to enjoy music for the rest of your life, whether that’s as a writer, performer, scholar, or listener. We will dig into the language of music, with the goal of writing original songs. We will try out different instruments and experience different genres from around the world and throughout history. Bring an open mind and a hunger for knowledge!
Title: HS Music
Grades: 9th-12th
Details: In this course, we continue to grow as musicians by studying the reading and writing of music, the history of music, musical culture from around the world, various instruments, and music technology. This class is a mixture of whole-group learning and independent study, with many opportunities for students to pursue their own interests and projects. Students will have opportunities to perform in public, but it will not be a requirement.
Title: Literature Production
Details: Creative writing meets illustration! In this class we will explore genres of books, particularly books that involve illustrations. We will write and create our own independent projects and even self publish them online!
Title: MS Novel Study
Grades: 7th-8th
Details: We will examine novels to investigate the elements of fiction (setting, characters, theme, and plot) and figurative language. In this class, we will explore Notice and Note Strategies to deepen our understanding of the text.
Title: American Literature
Details: Offered alternating every other year with World Literature, this is one of the core English Language Arts classes for juniors and seniors. In American Literature we will study great works of literature from across the continent of North America, by authors such as Langston Hughes and Julia Alvarez, as well as analyze current events and issues that are popping up in our communities today. A great deal of emphasis will be placed on Indiginous authors and authors of color. Core texts may include: A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, Kindred by Octavia Butler, The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline, and Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika Sanchez.
Title: World Literature
Details: Offered alternating every other year with American Literature, this is one of the core English Language Arts classes for juniors and seniors. In World Literature, we will study great works of literature from around the world, with an attempt made to get at least one major work from each continent! We will also look at current issues affecting our worlds and our futures, develop our nonfiction and fiction writing skills, and maybe do some public speaking. Core texts may include: We by Yevgeny Zamyatin, Binti by Nnedi Okorafor, Things Fall Apart by Chinoua Achebe, selected works from Pablo Neruda and Jorge Luis Borges, and student choice selections of manga.
Title; English Language Arts (ELA)
Grade: 10th
Details: This is your core English Language Arts class for 10th grade! An experiment in democratic education, we will work together to make a curriculum that covers our interests, helps us grow in our reading, writing, and speaking skills! Examples of units in the past include: the persuasive powers of conspiracy theories, how to write a horror story that’s actually spooky, super heroes – past and present, and Romeo & Juliet & Responsibility. Core texts may include: Sundiata, the Lion King of Mali (ancient Ghanian story), Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor, Romeo and Juliet by William Shakspeare, and Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty by G. Neri
Title: English Strategies
Grades: 7th, 8th
Details: In English Strategies, we work at grammar and parts of speech, strengthening our reading abilities, and writing strong sentences. We explore these areas through music, written text, and films. Time is also given to work on students’ individual goals for 7th through 8th graders.
Title; English Strategies
Grades: 9th-11th
Details: In English Strategies, we work at building our vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing paragraphs. We explore these areas through music, written text, and films. Time is also given to work on students’ individual goals for 9th through 11th graders.
Title: English Strategies
Grade: 12th
Details: In English Strategies, we work at defining unknown vocabulary, interpret what we are reading, and learn different styles of writing. We explore these areas through music, written text, and films. Time is also given to work on students’ individual goals for 12th grade.
Title: Math Strategies
Grades: 7th-8th
Details: Algebra 1 skills including review and reinforcement with ratios and proportional relationships, expressions and equations and introductions to geometry and statistics and probability. All math classes will have a weekly math lab where students will be able to apply the week’s learning to real world problems.
Title: Math Strategies
Grades: 9th-11th
Details: Geometry skills that build upon including geometric and spatial reasoning and their applications in both physical and mathematical design. All math classes will have a weekly math lab where students will be able to apply the week’s learning to real world problems.
Title: Math Strategies
Grade: 12th
Details: Algebra 2 skills: foundations for functions, linear and quadratic functions and their applications to personal finance and money management. All math classes will have a weekly math lab where students will be able to apply the week’s learning to real world problems.
Title: (Intermediate Algebra) Algebra I
Grades: 9th
Details: An exploration into linear equations, problem solving, and algebraic properties, this class is a stepping stone to Geometry.
Title; Geometry
Grades: 10th
Details: This class delves into two-dimensional and three-dimensional relationships.
Title: Principles of Coding
Grades: 9th -12th
Details: This introductory class explores computer programming known as coding. It allows students to develop applications and debug programming.
Title: Consumer Math
Grades: 10th-12th
Details: Learn practical applications of math, how to plan a budget, manage bank accounts, and figure the cost of a good or service. Other topics depending on interest level could include: taxes, payroll deductions, invest and borrow money, independent living and stock market.
Title: Medical Detectives
Details: Medical Detectives is a STEM course. In Medical Detectives we will identify, treat, and prevent illness in their patients. We will collect and interpret vital signs to evaluate patient health, explore different diseases, and conduct experiments to test the effectiveness of antibiotics on bacteria. We will also introduce the human body, specifically the nervous system, where we will dissect a sheep brain. Finally, we will investigate a foodborne illness outbreak.
Title: Life Science
Grades: 7th
Details: Welcome to life science! In this course we’ll explore what makes something alive, and how we can use science to study the world around us. We’ll do projects based on your interests and create science investigations to answer your questions about the world.
Title: Earth Science
Grades: 8th
Details: In 8th grade science we’ll dive into the Earth! We’ll look at what the Earth is made of, and how it’s changed over time. We’ll look at why we have weather and explore the universe in our astronomy unit.
Title: Biology
Grades: 10th
Details: Welcome to biology! In this class we’ll look at what makes something alive, we’ll study how living things are connected and the things that make them different. We’ll use hands-on labs and projects to explore the world around us.
Title: Experimental Design
Grades: 10-12th
Details: In experimental design we’ll discover how we can use science to answer questions about the world around us! In this project based class, we’ll build science skills like how to write hypotheses and create an experimental procedure. You’ll use these skills to create and run your own science experiment based on the things that interest you!
Title: Aeronautics/Robotics
Grades: 8th,9th,10th,11th and 12th
Details: The Robotics/Engineering program will offer an opportunity for students to participate in an interactive hand-on program project-based STEM Science curriculum, where students study the Laws of physics by modeling them computationally and learn other areas of science through Engineering projects which apply those fields of science. This course gives students the opportunity to develop skills needed for the 21st Century.
Title: Physical Science
Grades: 9th
Details: The course incorporates concepts from the national science education standards with a variety of teaching strategies, hands-on-experience and technology in the classroom to help students explore and comprehend new concepts in Physical Science aligned with Minnesota Academic Standards in science.
Title: Astronomy
Grades: 10th-12th
Details: The course incorporates concepts from the national science education standards with a variety of teaching strategies, hands-on-experience and technology in the classroom to help students explore and comprehend new concepts in Astronomy aligned with Minnesota Academic Standards in science.
Title: Environmental Science
Grades: 10th-12th
Details: Students will use Technology in the classroom to explore and study Earth and its environment aligned with Minnesota Academic standards in science with STEM INTEGRATION.
Title: Civics
Grades:9th
Details: Where we learn about government, elections, politics, and citizenship.
Title: World Geography
Grades:10th, 11th, 12th
Details: We learn about the world and everything in it.
Title: Social Studies/Projects
Grades:10th, 11th, 12th
Details: Student led social studies course.
Title: Sociology
Grades:11th and 12th
Details: Sociology is the study of human interaction. Based around theories of social behavior, we will dig deeper into the various institutions that exist in our society and what roles the individual plays. We will study key topics such as social change, stratification, inequality and deviance.
Title: MS World Studies
Grades: 8th
Details: We learn about the world and everything in it.
Title: Advanced Art
Grades: 11th-12th
Details: Advanced Art course is for 11th and 12th grade students who have previously taken and enjoyed general high school art. This project based class is geared towards students who are ready to find and develop their personal artistic style and focus on their preferred media. This is a course for the inspired artist looking for one-on-one artistic mentoring to make their ideas into reality.
Title: Literature Production
Creative writing meets illustration! In this class we will explore genres of books, particularly books that involve illustrations. We will write and create our own independent projects and even self publish them online!
Title: Experimental Design
Grades: 10-12th
Details: In experimental design we’ll discover how we can use science to answer questions about the world around us! In this project based class, we’ll build science skills like how to write hypotheses and create an experimental procedure. You’ll use these skills to create and run your own science experiment based on the things that interest you!
Title: Life Skills
Grades: 7th-8th
Details: Students will focus on social, living, and study skills that they can utilize across MTS’s multi-disciplinary learning environment. They will use daily reflection practices to help ground themselves and their learning.
Title: Transitions
Grades: 12th
Details: Students will explore their strengths and weaknesses while developing and following through on their post high school transitions plans. We will explore personal finances, physical and mental health needs, how to advocate for yourself in a collegiate and professional environment and develop a portfolio showcasing their employ-ability skills.
Title: Principles of Coding
Grades: 9th -12th
Details: This introductory class explores computer programming known as coding. It allows students to develop applications and debug programming.
Title: Aeronautics/Robotics
Grades: 8th,9th,10th,11th and 12th
Details: The Robotics/Engineering program will offer an opportunity for students to participate in an interactive hand-on program project-based STEM Science curriculum, where students study the Laws of physics by modeling them computationally and learn other areas of science through Engineering projects which apply those fields of science. This course gives students the opportunity to develop skills needed for the 21st Century.
Title: Astronomy
Grades: 10th-12th
Details: The course incorporates concepts from the national science education standards with a variety of teaching strategies, hands-on-experience and technology in the classroom to help students explore and comprehend new concepts in Astronomy aligned with Minnesota Academic Standards in science.
Title: Consumer Math
Grades: 10th-12th
Details: Learn practical applications of math, how to plan a budget, manage bank accounts, and figure the cost of a good or service. Other topics depending on interest level could include: taxes, payroll deductions, invest and borrow money, independent living and stock market.
Title: Elite Communication
Grades: 9th-12th
Details: In this class students will expand their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in English. They will also learn about Minnesotan culture and the nuances of English. Offered only for students that are identified as ELL (English Language Learners).
Title: Senior Capstone
Grades: 12th
Details:Your capstone project is the project that shows off how you can apply all the skills you learned in your 13 years of school. No, not a project like that. No slides, no poster board, no reports. Examples of past projects include: a physical therapy regime for recovering from sports injuries, a car engine, a mural, a recorded album, a webstore for their business. a twitch channel, and a novel about the zombie apocalypse. The world is your oyster! Senior Capstone is here to help you as a stepping stone to your post-high-school dreams! SENIORS ONLY!!
Title: Life/Study Skills
Grades: 9th-11th
Details: In Life Skills 9th through 11th grade, we will be learning about different ways to identify emotions, behaviors, and thoughts. We will explore different grounding and mindfulness practices, along with figuring out what works best for each person individually. We will also use this time to work on assignments in other classes.
Title: Life Skills
Grades: 12th
Details: In Life Skills 12 grade, we will use this time to explore who we are as a person. The class is very personal base, which will give students suggestions and ideas on what to do when feeling certain emotions, thoughts, or demonstrating behaviors. We will also use this time to make connections with others in our lives and recognize different types of relationships.
Title: Sociology
Grades: 11th and 12th
Details:Sociology is the study of human interaction. Based around theories of social behavior, we will dig deeper into the various institutions that exist in our society and what roles the individual plays. We will study key topics such as social change, stratification, inequality and deviance.
Title: Careers
Grades: 11th, 12th
Details: We learn about careers and the workplace.
Title: MS Music Exploration
Grades: 7th-8th
Details: Welcome to the wide world of music! In this course, we will lay a foundation for you to enjoy music for the rest of your life, whether that’s as a writer, performer, scholar, or listener. We will dig into the language of music, with the goal of writing original songs. We will try out different instruments and experience different genres from around the world and throughout history. Bring an open mind and a hunger for knowledge!
Title: HS Music
Grades: 9th-12th
Details: In this course, we continue to grow as musicians by studying the reading and writing of music, the history of music, musical culture from around the world, various instruments, and music technology. This class is a mixture of whole-group learning and independent study, with many opportunities for students to pursue their own interests and projects. Students will have opportunities to perform in public, but it will not be a requirement.
Title: French
Grades: 9th-11th
Details: Bienvenue! Welcome to the beginning of your French studies. Félicitations! I am really glad you are here! French I is an introduction to French language and culture. The fundamentals of French pronunciation, grammar, and culture are presented through a balanced development of all four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The importance of communication and cultural awareness is stressed through a wide variety of activities (group/pair work, video, audio recordings, computer assignments, etc.). This course is designed for students with little or no knowledge of French language or culture. This course expects students to meet the Minnesota Standards of Learning French level I by developing the four basic language competencies (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). OBJECTIFS (objectives/goals): At the completion of this course, students are expected to be able to: • Communicate in French orally and in writing about everyday situations such as greetings, family, school, colors, food, time, weather, sports etc; • Comprehend both written and spoken language about everyday situations such as transportation, expressing likes & dislikes, friends, dates & time, age, thoughts & feelings, professions & jobs, technology at home, sharing names and numbers etc; • Demonstrate a basic understanding of French spelling, pronunciation, and basic French grammar; • Show some knowledge of the francophone world and of French geography, history, and daily life.
Title: French II
Grades: 9th-12th
Details: We review and build on the basics acquired in French I . It is an intermediary French course. Students will polish their French grammar and vocabulary. They will cultivate their understanding of French language and culture by applying interpersonal skills of communication in real life situations. They will explore concepts related to family and community, personal and public, science and technology, contemporary life and global challenges.
Title: Spanish 1A
Details: Students will acquire Spanish through compelling stories rather than through grammar activities. Dr. Stephen Krashen, a renowned linguist who specializes in language acquisition believes “in the idea that we acquire language when we’re deeply listening to the message. When we’re not even thinking about whether it’s in another language.” In order to truly help students acquire Spanish, Spanish 1A makes use of interesting stories and interactive activities from Fluency Matters. Some stories also include cultural themes. Vocabulary games and other vocabulary building activities have been added to the course to help students build their Spanish lexicon before and after reading the stories. The story in Spanish 1A is Brandon Brown quiere un perro.This class is designed so that all students, regardless of past academic performance, can learn and acquire Spanish.
Title: Spanish 2A
Details: Students will continue to acquire Spanish through compelling stories rather than through grammar activities. Dr. Stephen Krashen, a renowned linguist who specializes in language acquisition believes “in the idea that we acquire language when we’re deeply listening to the message. When we’re not even thinking about whether it’s in another language.” In order to truly help students acquire Spanish, Spanish 2A makes use of interesting stories and interactive activities from Fluency Matters. Some stories also include cultural themes. Vocabulary games and other vocabulary building activities have been added to the course to help students build their Spanish lexicon before and after reading the stories. The story in Spanish 2A is Felipe Alou. This class is designed so that all students, regardless of past academic performance, can learn and acquire Spanish.
Title: Life Skills
Grades: 7th-8th
Details: Students will focus on social, living, and study skills that they can utilize across MTS’s multi-disciplinary learning environment. They will use daily reflection practices to help ground themselves and their learning.
Title: Life/Study Skills
Grades: 9th-11th
Details: In Life Skills 9th through 11th grade, we will be learning about different ways to identify emotions, behaviors, and thoughts. We will explore different grounding and mindfulness practices, along with figuring out what works best for each person individually. We will also use this time to work on assignments in other classes.
Title: Life Skills
Grades: 12th
Details: In Life Skills 12 grade, we will use this time to explore who we are as a person. The class is very personal base, which will give students suggestions and ideas on what to do when feeling certain emotions, thoughts, or demonstrating behaviors. We will also use this time to make connections with others in our lives and recognize different types of relationships.
Title: Transitions
Grades: 12th
Details: Students will explore their strengths and weaknesses while developing and following through on their post high school transitions plans. We will explore personal finances, physical and mental health needs, how to advocate for yourself in a collegiate and professional environment and develop a portfolio showcasing their employability skills.
