Freshman Experience

This course presents students with a range of art mediums and techniques in order to demonstrate the principals and theories of art.

This course introduces students to the computer and how it works. The course will teach skills in word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet applications. Students will fulfill the computer literacy graduation requirement upon passing the competency test at the completion of this course.

This enrichment course will explore the field of graphic arts using graphics software such as Adobe Photoshop© as a medium of expression, while learning the elements of design and art. This class will teach the necessary skills of computer operation to allow students to use their artistic abilities with the aid of the computer.

This course will review basic mathematics and introduce elementary algebra skills. Students who would like to prepare for the freshman year of algebra should enroll in this class.

This course will be a basic introduction to the ideas and scientific approaches of the earth and environmental sciences. We will also examine ways in which basic physics, chemistry, and biology relate to these disciplines. Some of the major questions and themes include: the structure of the Earth, the causes of "natural disasters," and an examination of the impact of climate change.

This course will review algebra and introduce elementary geometry skills. Students who would like to prepare for the freshman year of geometry should enroll in this class.

This class emphasizes speaking and familiarizes students with the spoken language. The curriculum covers grammar basics and tips to be successful in French 1. Please note: this course is specifically designed for students who have never taken a French class.

This class emphasizes speaking and familiarizes students with the spoken language. The curriculum covers grammar basics and tips to be successful in Spanish 1. Please note: this course is specifically designed for students who have never taken a Spanish class.

This class emphasizes speaking, writing and listening, well review material from Spanish 1 and introduce major topics of Spanish 2. The curriculum covers grammar basics and tips to be successful in Spanish 2. Please note: Students must pass the qualifying exam for Spanish 2 in order to enroll in this summer course.

This course covers the summer reading assignments for freshmen. Students will develop skills in comprehension, analysis and discussion. In addition, the course provides students with an introduction to high school writing focusing on mechanics, voice, imagery, description, and organization. Students will be expected to complete homework for this class

This course provides students with an introduction to public speaking and debate. It is an opportunity to gain self-confidence and learn successful communication skills. This class is intended for students interested in joining the Saint Francis Speech and Debate team or for those who would like to develop their speaking skills.

This class will review note taking, outlining, memory and test taking techniques to help students in their high school classes. The class will also provide an overview to “life at Saint Francis.”

Get ready for high school theatre by developing your acting, singing and dancing skills in this high-energy class. You will work with the drama director at St. Francis High School and her drama students.

This captivating and exciting art workshop focuses on three-dimensional construction using clay. We will explore “Modern Art” and learn skills such as slab-rolling and throwing on the potters wheel. Each student will create unique pieces of art and use decorative glazes to finish them.

This course will be a basic introduction to the solar system. We will investigate the formation of the solar system, examine the fundamental characteristics of each planet, and discuss the fate of Pluto.

Digital Photography will cover the basic principles of photography and explain the three building blocks of light, time and subject. Students will explore the many artistic choices you make when you take a photograph. They will learn about cameras, lenses and filters, and finally, how to bring the photograph into Photoshop, enhance it, prepare it for printing, and print it.

This hands-on, experiential learning camp will explore the interaction of software and hardware to create a bot that can make predictable decisions based on dynamic inputs. Students will use prefabricated hardware such as light sensors, motion sensors, and motors to learn basic algorithm and lab skills to test their designs.

This course is focused on expository and creative writing. Utilizing literary excerpts, students will hone their grammar skills, perfect the paragraph structure, and develop their thesis and essay writing expertise. The creative projects will inspire imagination and encourage self-expression. Editing and revising will be stressed as integral parts of the writing process. Students will have time to work in class, but minimal amounts of homework may be required.