Academic Courses

High School

Why the Academy for High School?

The educational program at The Academy emphasizes science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) skills in every subject. Even ELA. By viewing academics through the lens of aerospace, we create challenging projects, hands-on activities, and collaborative learning experiences to engage student interest and maximize learning potential.

 

Explore below to see what your child will be learning this year.

View Course Handbook

English (ELA)

The high school ELA program develops confident communicators and critical thinkers who are equipped for college and career success through STEAM-integrated literacy. We teach writing using the “creating process” of STEAM (engineering design process) — plan, build, test, revise. Students connect storytelling with scientific thinking, using writing to reflect on aerospace themes, civic issues, and real-world problem solving. 

9th grade English or 9th grade English Honors

Our 9th grade students develop foundational reading, writing, and communication skills through the study of literature, nonfiction, and real-world issues. Emphasis is placed on building analytical thinking and expressing ideas with clarity. Honors students explore advanced texts and writing formats to prepare for college-level work and AP courses.

The Academy Difference: our students use the “creating process” of STEAM as a building block to the writing process. The “creating process” involves defining a problem, brainstorming solutions, planning a prototype, building it, testing it, and then improving the design based on test results. This iterative process encourages experimentation and refinement until a satisfactory solution is achieved.

10th-grade English or 10th-grade English Honors

Students expand their critical reading, writing, and communication skills through the study of global literature and nonfiction. Instruction emphasizes research, grammar, and structured writing in narrative, persuasive, and analytical essays.

Honors students read a wider range of literature from authors including by authors such as Aeschylus, Aristophanes, Jane Austen, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ford, Madox Ford, Thomas Hardy, Ernest Hemingway, Henry James, Sinclair Lewis, and focus on advanced composition and interpretation.

The Academy Difference: our students use STEM-related topics and extend the study of literature into applicable project-based learning. English 10 students work as teams to produce newspaper and magazine-style stories about events taking place at their school. English 10 Honors students will produce a video package about the Academy, which can be used in future portfolios.

11th-grade English or AP English Language and Composition

Students explore literary analysis, rhetorical strategy, and how authors shape meaning through style and structure through a range of genres including poetry, speeches, short stories, political writing, and drama.

AP English Language and Composition prepares students for college-level communication and the AP exam. Students dive deeper into nonfiction and argumentative writing, learn to analyze texts, synthesize sources, and write in academic, professional, and reflective formats across disciplines.

The Academy Difference: our students use the “creating process” of STEM to shape their writing projects – integrating technology tools and collaborating across disciplines. Assignments may include multimedia presentations, cross-curricular political philosophy debates, or digital publication projects.

12 Young Adult or English 12 Mythology and Fantasy or AP English Literature and Composition

Seniors select from specialized ELA courses that reflect their interests and career goals. Options include Young Adult Literature, Science Fiction & Dystopia, or Mythology & Fantasy. Each course uses literature as a lens to explore historical, political, and cultural issues while continuing to strengthen analytical reading and academic writing skills.

We explore literary analysis, rhetorical strategy, and how authors shape meaning through style and structure through a range of genres, including poetry, speeches, short stories, political writing, and drama.

The Academy Difference: our 12th graders will also produce a formal cover letter, resume, and related documents. The final product must demonstrate an understanding of purpose, point of view, audience, and voice. This project, along with others, will be a collaboration with the STEM teachers.

Mathematics

Here, high school math is more than numbers — it’s the engine behind innovation. Whether students are planning flight trajectories, analyzing big data, or building financial independence, math instruction is anchored in real-world relevance and STEAM integration. Students apply math in meaningful career-minded ways like aerospace, engineering, digital tech, or even health care, so they are empowered to design, model, and think like engineers, analysts, or innovators.

Algebra I

This course builds foundational algebra skills, including variables, equations, graphing, and data analysis. Prepares students for success in higher-level math.
 
The Academy Difference: our students explore how algebra is used in real life and aerospace applications through collaborative projects involving data analysis, system modeling, and functional design. Students will gain 21st-century high-tech communication insight, presentation and workplace skills, project management, and team leadership expertise through project-based learning.

Geometry or Geometry Honors 

Students explore geometric relationships, logic, and proof, with an introduction to trigonometry. They are also developing reasoning and problem-solving skills through real-world applications like design, measurement, and spatial analysis.

Honors students are expected to be self-motivated, independent learners who are ready to move at an accelerated pace as they explore advanced problem sets and analytical concepts.

The Academy Difference: relevant, real-world, hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology. Students will gain 21st-century high-tech communication skills, presentation and workplace skills, project management, and team leadership expertise through project-based learning and problem-based learning. Students might build models, collaborate on design challenges, or analyze geometric patterns in aerospace structures.

Algebra 2 or Algebra 2/Trigonometry Honors

Deepen algebraic understanding through advanced topics such as exponential and logarithmic functions, complex numbers, and trigonometry. Students strengthen analytical thinking through hands-on math applications.

Honors students explore a broader set of pre-calculus concepts at an accelerated pace.

The Academy Difference: our students gain relevant, real-world, hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, and learn the importance of math in all aspects of the world today. Students make connections between geometry and algebra as they apply concepts in modeling situations, make sense of problem situations, solve novel problems, reason abstractly, and think critically.

Calculus or AP Calculus 




Our Pre-cal class is designed to follow Algebra II Honors. This course prepares students for college-level math through exploration of functions, trigonometry, complex numbers, vectors, and limits.

In AP calculus, students extend on the topics like parametric equations, polar functions, and sequences and series at a college-level to prepare students for the Advance Placement (AP) exam.

The Academy Difference: we understand that Calculus is a powerful tool for studying changing systems, and is required for many professions, including engineering, finance, and other STEM-related careers. Students will solve complex aerospace-related challenges and present mathematical solutions using digital tools and visual models.

Statistics or AP Statistics 




Ideal for students pursuing non-calculus college majors, Statistics introduces the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data with preparation.

AP Statistics is designed to be equivalent to a one-semester, introductory college course in statistics, covering the four primary themes of stats with preparation for the Advanced Placement (AP) Exam.

The Academy Difference: our hands-on approach to projects like developing surveys, simulations, and probability games that show students how statistics support problem-solving in technology and society. Participants analyze real-world data sets, design studies, and model uncertainty using tools and practices from the aerospace, medical, and tech industries.

Consumer Math 




Designed to prepare tomorrow’s adults to become conscious and responsible consumers. This course focuses on real-life math skills, including budgeting, taxes, credit, loans, and investments, while reinforcing core algebra and geometry concepts.

The Academy Difference: covers concepts from payroll and invoices to mortgages and stocks. Students gain relevant, real-world, hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology. Project-based simulations, including managing a monthly budget, planning for college or a car loan, and analyzing investments, build financial literacy with a future-ready mindset.

Social Science

In our Social Science courses, students gain more than historical knowledge, they learn how the intersections of technology, politics, and people shape the world we live in. With STEAM-infused courses, we connect history and civics with innovation, technology, and engineering.  Academy students simulate diplomatic summits, design campaigns, and produce multimedia storytelling through project-based learning, which prepares them to lead in the future.

World History 10 or AP European History

World History traces the development of civilization and the evolution of global political, social, and economic systems including imperialism and the rise of various revolutionary political and socio-economic movements. Students analyze revolutions, cause and effects of the two world wars, and contemporary global issues.

AP European History is a college-level course that examines European history from the Late Middle Ages to the present, emphasizing intellectual movements, cultural shifts, and the development of modern political institutions. Students analyze primary sources, construct arguments, and explore how historical patterns continue to influence today’s world. Students are frequently challenged to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate primary and secondary historical sources and participate in college-style discussions and develop skills needed to be successful in real-world settings.

The Academy Difference: students utilize technological resources to research, present, and analyze historical figures, documents, and writing. Content wise, students will trace the development of technological inventions and their impact on World History and contemporary civilizations from the printing press to the space race.

U.S. History 11 or AP U.S. History (11)

U.S. History is a survey of 20th-century Americans into the new 21st century. Students focus on major social, political, economic, and cultural transformations, with a special emphasis on civil rights, war, industrialization, and technology in shaping the national identity.

The Academy Difference: our students use historical inquiry to trace how American innovation, from industrial machinery to digital technologies, has impacted daily life, public policy, and global leadership. Hands-on projects include analyzing propaganda in wartime media, designing interactive museum exhibits, and simulating key policy debates.
 
AP U.S. History focuses on an in-depth history of the United States from pre-colonial to contemporary times. Students will receive an academically intensive and rigorous curriculum that emphasizes analytical and investigative skills. Historical, economic, geographical, social, and political knowledge and concepts, as well as reasoning and research, will be emphasized. This course will prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Exam in U.S. History.

The Academy Difference: our AP students trace the development of technological inventions and their impact on American life at home and at war. They will utilize technological resources to research, present, and analyze historical figures, documents, and writing.

Civics & Economics (12)

This two-part course helps students understand how government systems function and how economic principles affect decision-making at personal, national, and global levels. From the Constitution to current fiscal policy, students analyze the mechanics of democracy and markets.

The Academy Difference: our students collaborate to design their own political parties and campaign strategies, applying civics knowledge in simulations of elections and policy debates. In economics, students use financial modeling, create economic impact reports, and explore how new technologies like automation and AI are shaping global economies.

AP U.S. Government & Politics (12) 

The AP Government & Politics class provides an in-depth study of how the American government functions today. Students explore the structures, functions, and ideologies that define American political systems and learn about civic participation, the Constitution, political behavior, and the policymaking process in preparation for the Advanced Placement (AP) exam in Government.
 
The Academy Difference: our students collaborate to act as policy analysts and political strategists, creating campaign platforms, mapping political networks, and exploring the effects of emerging technologies on governance.

Sciences

Our science program equips students with the tools, habits, and confidence to investigate the world and shape the future. From AP courses to field-based electives, students create their science journey based on specific goals. Each course ties to real-world industries, from aviation and aerospace to bioengineering and environmental technology.

Earth Science

Earth Science is a foundational science course that introduces students to key disciplines including astronomy, geology, meteorology, oceanography, and environmental science. Students investigate Earth’s place in the universe, system interactions, natural cycles, and the impact of human activity on global systems like climate and resources.

The Academy Difference: we incorporate hands-on projects and engineering challenges, allowing students to analyze real environmental problems and design practical solutions using data and modeling software, and become familiar with laboratory settings and experimental skills.

Ecology

Investigates ecosystems, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability through real-world application, including a focus on California bioregions, sustainability, and a realistic view of where we are, ecologically, and where we need to be going.

The Academy Difference: we do field-based and community-connected work, helping students engage hands-on with real ecological issues.

Astronomy

Explores space science, planetary systems and cosmic phenomena. This course introduces astronomy by examining the physics, chemistry, biology, history, and philosophy to explore our current understanding of the nature of the universe to answer this essential question: How did the Earth, our Solar System, the Milky Way Galaxy, and the Universe form and how have they evolved over time?

The Academy Difference: use of Starry Night simulation software and modeling that explores orbital motion, deep space, and space technology. Using this advanced tech, our students can make precise observations and predictions of lunar phases, motions of the planets and the relative location of the stars in the past, present and future to develop analytic thinking and explore the dynamic motions of the universe.

Geology

This science focuses on Earth systems, natural hazards, and the forces that shape the planet.

The Academy Difference: our students investigate Earth Science concepts through laboratory and field learning involving minerals, rocks and plate tectonics. We combine fieldwork and lab study with geoscience exploration connected to aerospace and planetary science.

Physics

Physics is taught through real-world labs that mirror the thinking and methods used in aviation and robotics. Students explore mechanics, energy, waves, and electricity through experimentation and engineering applications with emphasis on the role of mathematical, analytical, data, and graphical skills in discovery.

The Academy Difference: our strong emphasis on hands-on laboratory experiences and the integration of other branches of science. Applications to society, individuals, and the utilization of technology are included.

AP Environmental Science

This is the equivalent of a college-level course exploring the interdependence between Earth systems and human behavior. Students study ecosystems, land and water use, energy, and climate science through labs and field investigations.
 
The Academy Difference: we blend science, engineering, and policy to prepare students for real-world environmental leadership. Projects like aquaculture systems, climate modeling, and case studies of ecological collapse empower students to develop sustainable solutions.

AP Computer Science Principles 

This rigorous entry-level course introduces college-bound students to the foundations of modern computing, including programming, the internet, big data, algorithms, and the societal impacts of technology, to prepare them for careers in the sciences, engineering, math, and other technical areas.

The Academy Difference: we help students apply computational thinking to real-world problems through the creation of apps, simulations, and digital systems. With strong ties to the school’s aerospace and engineering pathways, this course builds essential skills for future tech innovators.

Frequently Asked Questions 

If you have additional questions, please contact our high school staff at highschool@tpaa.edu.

TPAA’s academic experience is built around real-world, hands-on STEAM learning. To explore course sequences and opportunities in engineering, aerospace, robotics, and more:

To graduate from TPAA, students must complete all required coursework in alignment with California’s A–G college entrance requirements, and TPAA-specific requirements, including STEAM electives as well as pass all state and federally mandated assessments.

To learn more about graduation planning, meet with your counselor or check out the Student Documents Page to explore the Course Handbook or breakdown of A-G requirements.

Pathways include aerospace engineering, biomedical science, computer science, and digital electronics. To learn more about these pathways explore our High School PLTW page.

Yes. TPAA offers a growing number of programs students can participate in including ASB, robotics, AVID, athletics, and student-run programs that reflect their interests and passions. Check out our growing list of programs and electives here.