Course Offerings
English and Language Arts
Northwest Academy's English curriculum incorporates literature, composition, and language in the development of appropriate communication skills. Students develop skills as listeners, speakers, writers and readers. As a result, they progress from developing personal communication skills to understanding a broad view of world issues and concerns. Students explore themes of self, multi-cultural dimensions of American life, and language as applied to modern communications. Projects involve multi-modal instruction to facilitate individual learning styles and enhance creativity, confidence and understanding of concepts.
Social Studies
The social studies curriculum strives to develop awareness and understanding of American culture and the global society. Special attention is paid to the past as a bridge to a full understanding of the present. History gives depth and perspective to the great issues of today, and enables students to appreciate the complexities found in our institutions.
Mathematics
Northwest Academy's mathematics curriculum has two essential objectives. First, the curriculum establishes a thorough foundation in mathematical techniques and structure to prepare students for future progressive mathematics courses. Second, due to the growing importance of mathematics in both academic and business applications, students are provided with a sense of the utility and power of numbers, and of their own ability and potential for developing greater competence.
Science
Northwest Academy's science curriculum encourages critical analysis of the world through scientific principles and processes. Ethical issues inherent in scientific discovery are introduced, and students develop a respect for the natural environment. The curriculum strives to promote and sustain curiosity about everyday interactions with science and nature. Inquiry takes place in the classroom, laboratory, and outdoor environments. Through their scientific studies, students develop the ability to explore and investigate the fundamental truths of nature.
Foreign Languages
The primary emphasis of our foreign language curriculum is on learning correct pronunciation, developing verbal fluidity, and building aural comprehension. Grammar is learned in the idiom of the language being taught. While the acquisition of skills in reading, writing, and speaking is paramount; every opportunity is used to teach students about the cultural and geographical civilizations being studied.
Elective Courses
The objectives of elective courses are to teach technical skills, enhance core academic skills, provide opportunities for critical thinking, and allow students to pursue academic interests outside of the core curriculum. (Some elective courses may not be offered every quarter.)
Health and Physical Education
Northwest Academy's health education focuses on lifestyle issues that have an impact on an individual's development throughout adolescence, and adulthood. The goal of these courses is to promote healthful living, and enhance the ability of students to make informed lifestyle choices. Physical education, required for all students each quarter, teaches the importance of physical conditioning as an integral part of lifelong health, and fitness. Courses are divided into three categories: fitness and conditioning, team sports, and outdoor adventure activities.
Personal-Growth Curriculum
All students receive academic credit for participation in the personal growth
curriculum, including experiential workshops and groups emphasizing the
following:
