LSW has many great Differentiated and Advanced-Placement courses for your student to participate in during their 4 years of high school. Look over our Gifted Offerings for a better idea of all the great courses we offer!
If you are curious about our AP and Dual Credit courses you may find more information on the LSW Testing Site.
If you are unsure what a good 4-Year course load would look like, I have provided a few examples. These examples were the 4-year plans from students who excelled in their respective areas!
*Disclaimer* Not all schedules will look the same, and courses are subject to change based on availability. With specific questions just ask your child’s counselor!
College Personal Finance (10-12) 5 total credits
College Personal Finance is a weighted class that focuses on three main goals and themes: responsible financial decision making, alignment of personal and financial goals, and the importance of maintaining a personal financial plan. Take Charge is a prerequisite to this class open to juniors and open to juniors and seniors to help them focus on their transition to independent adult living, and planning for college or employment. Instruction will be individualized to each student’s interests and needs and give guidance and realistic expectations for their life beyond high school. The course can be taken for dual credit from SCC and is a course that is required by most programs at the college.
College Accounting (11-12) 5 total credits
College Accounting is a two-semester, weighted course designed to provide knowledge of accounting principles, concepts, and practices. Accounting is required in post-secondary programs for business majors and recommended for other fields. Content includes financial statement preparation and analysis, payroll systems, cost accounting, internal reporting and forms of ownership. Financial information is classified, controlled, analyzed, and interpreted for management purposes. Students will apply skills learned through engaging, real-world scenarios. Students may have the opportunity to receive dual credit for this course which may be transferable to other postsecondary institutions. This course meets CTE or general elective graduation requirements. The course can be taken for dual credit from SCC.
English 9D (9) 10 total credits
This class is designed as an academically challenging English class for ninth graders. The intent of the class is to reinforce and build skills in literary analysis, essay writing, language use, and higher-level thinking. Class content, products, and processes develop skills in critical and creative thinking, research, and study habits. This course reinforces skills needed to meet the writing graduation demonstration requirement.
English 10D (10) 10 total credits
This course is recommended for students who will continue their studies in differentiated or Advanced Placement English courses. Through the process of composing, students focus on inquiry. Through response to literature, students explore a variety of issues including multicultural and gender equity in fiction and nonfiction prose, poetry, and dramatic literature. Study of English language conventions will be integrated into composition and literature. Within all content, emphases are placed on the development of creative and critical thinking skills. This course assesses required LPS English Language Arts High School Standards.
AP Language/Composition (11-12) 10 total credits
This course engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts, and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Both their writing and their reading should make students aware of the interactions among a writer’s purposes, audience expectations, and subjects as well as the way generic conventions and the resources of language contribute to effectiveness in writing. Participating colleges grant credit and appropriate placement to those students who have completed the course and have been found qualified by the Advanced Placement Examination. Taking the AP Language exam is an option for students in this class. This course may be taken for dual credit from NWU.
AP Literature/Composition (11-12) 10 total credits
This college-level course is an intensive study of sophisticated literature-historical and modern. Students analyze literature through various social, political and aesthetic lenses. Taking the AP Literature exam is an option for students in this class. This course may be taken for dual credit from NWU.
Advanced Machine/Tool Welding (9-12) 5 total credits
This double period semester course or single period year long course will prepare students in welding skill areas of oxygen/acetylene, arc, and gas metal arc welding. Students will experience hands on opportunities to further develop advanced technical knowledge and skills related to the equipment, materials, and processes commonly found in the welding, maintenance, and fabrication industries. Students will also experience hands on opportunities to further develop computer numerical control (CNC) equipment. This equipment will be used to teach and emphasize the integration and application of math, communication, and science skills as related to machining, manufacturing, and welding processes and occupations. The course can be taken for dual credit from SCC
Geometry D (9-12) 10 total credits
Technology and cooperative investigations are the vehicles by which students discover angle relationships and properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, regular polygons, parallel lines and planes, perpendicular lines, ratio and proportion, similar polygons, special properties of right triangles, circles, solid figures, areas, and transformations. Applications of geometry are emphasized throughout the class. After students have developed a geometric knowledge base using inductive reasoning, they verify their discoveries using deductive reasoning. The differentiated geometry course explores additional topics and investigates concepts in greater depth than the regular course. In addition, the differentiated course includes a more substantial study of algebra and proof throughout the course and places less emphasis on cooperative investigations. Recommended prerequisite: C+ in the previous differentiated course or teacher recommendation.
Advanced Algebra D (9-10) 10 total credits
In advanced Algebra, the core topics are again explored through the use of higher-level applications. Practical applications become the basis for the further investigation of linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, absolute value, fractions, linear systems in two and three variables, graphs and exponents. In addition, the class includes the study of applications of relations functions, irrational and complex numbers, quadratic systems, matrices, logarithms, binomial expansions, sequences, and series. The differentiated advanced algebra course explores additional topics and investigates concepts in greater depth than the regular course. Recommended prerequisite: C+ in the previous differentiated course or teacher recommendation. Students NOT meeting the prerequisite will be required to complete the Mathematics Course Placement Waiver.
Pre-Calculus D (9-12) 10 total credits
Pre-Calculus is designed for those students who intend to continue their study of mathematics in the traditional calculus sequence. This includes students interested in mathematics, the sciences, and engineering. This class includes a thorough study of elementary trigonometric functions and sequences; properties of algebraic, exponential and logarithmic functions; and polar coordinates. This class utilizes a graphics calculator. The differentiated pre-calculus course explores additional topics and investigates concepts in greater depth than the regular course. Recommended prerequisite: C+ in the previous differentiated course or teacher recommendation.
AP Calculus (9-12)10 total credits
AP Calculus is a college-level class covering topics that are normally studied during the first semester of the three semester college calculus course. This course goes at a slower pace than the Differentiated Calculus course (see course description below). Students who successfully complete this course may enroll in the second semester of the calculus sequence. Students taking AP Calculus can earn college credit by paying for and then passing the AP exam (version AB) or by “dual enrolling” through SCC and paying for and earning the credit.
AP Calculus D (9-12) 10 total credits
AP Calculus is a college-level class covering topics that are normally studied during the first two calculus classes in college. Included in the topics are conics, limits, continuity, derivatives, applications of differentials, the definite integral, trigonometric and exponential functions, vectors, methods of integration, and applications of the integral. The class utilizes a graphics calculator. Students taking Diff AP Calculus can earn college credit by paying for and then passing the AP exam (version BC) or by “dual enrolling” through SCC and paying for and earning the credit.
AP Statistics (9-12) 10 total credits
The purpose of the AP Statistics course it to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: 1. Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns 2. Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study 3. Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation 4. Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses Students taking AP Stats can earn college credit by paying for and then passing the AP exam or by “dual enrolling” through SCC and paying for/earning the credit.
Calculus III (9-12) 5 total credits
Calculus III is a college-level class covering topics that are normally studied during the third semester of Calculus in college. Topics include vectors and surfaces, parametric equations and motion, functions of several variables, partial differentiation, maximum-minimum, Lagrange multipliers, multiple integration, vector fields, path integrals, Green’s Theorem, and applications. This can be taken for UNL credit.
*AP Computer Science Principles (10-12) 10 total credits
AP Computer Science Principles is an intermediate course that offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching the underlying principles of computation. The course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles will give students the opportunity to use technology to address real-world problems and build relevant solutions.
Geoscience D (9-12) 5 total credits
Differentiated Geoscience includes the same topics as in Geoscience, but at a level requiring higher reasoning skills and understanding. This rigorous course is designed to challenge motivated students. The significance of previously studied environmental and physical concepts will be related to the Earth System. Current geological, astronomical, and weather-related events will be investigated.
Biology D (9-12) 10 total credits
The class content includes the same topics as in general Biology but with greater depth. This is designed for the student interested in a more in-depth study of life. There is more independent study, a greater scope of readings, extensive laboratory investigation and experimentation. This class should be considered by those students who are interested in extensive future science pursuits. This is a rigorous course for students interested in extensive future science pursuits. 9th graders must fill out application for this class.
Chemistry D (10-12) 10 total credits
Differentiated Chemistry includes the same topics as in Chemistry, but at a level requiring higher reasoning skills and understanding. More in-depth laboratory investigations are utilized. Critical analysis of contemporary issues in chemistry is emphasized. Algebra and Geometry are pre-requisites for this course. Advanced Algebra is taken concurrently or prior to this course.
Advanced Chemistry (9-12) 10 total credits
Advanced Chemistry is open to students who have successfully completed Chemistry or Chemistry D. This second year chemistry course offers students an opportunity to investigate selected chemical themes in depth. Topics include atomic structure, chemical bonding, chemical reaction, acids/bases, and organic chemistry. This rigorous course utilizes in depth laboratory investigations. Pre-calculus is recommended to be taken concurrently.
Physics D (11-12) 10 total credits
Differentiated Physics includes the same topics as in Physics but at a level requiring higher reasoning skills and understanding. More in depth laboratory investigations are utilized. Differentiated physics provides an excellent background of understandings essential to many careers in the fields of biology, chemistry, engineering, medicine, etc. Advanced Algebra is a prerequisite for this course.
AP Chemistry (10-12) 10 total credits
AP Chemistry is a second-year chemistry class. This course includes a review of topics covered in chemistry and extends a deeper understanding of those concepts. There is expanded coverage on the structure and states of matter, descriptive chemistry and reactions. Students will be encouraged to take the AP exam and college credit may be earned in this course.
AP Physics (12) 10 total credits
AP Physics is the second year of Physics for the student interested in physical science or engineering at the college level. The course follows the AP Curriculum and offers intense coverage of motion, energy, electricity, magnetism, etc. High expectations and high thinking skills will be emphasized. Students will be eligible for college credit if their scores on the AP test meet university standards. Calculus or taking calculus concurrently is a pre-requisite for this course.
AP Biology (11-12) 5 total credits
AP Biology is a second-year biology class. This course includes a review of topics covered in biology and extends a deeper understanding of those concepts. There is expanded coverage on the molecules and cells, heredity and evolution and organisms and populations. Students will be encouraged to take the AP exam and college credit may be earned in this course.
Anatomy & Physiology D (11-12) 10 total credits
Successful completion of biology and chemistry are recommended for this course. The class content includes the same topics as in Anatomy & Physiology, but with greater depth. More advanced topics are also included. Laboratory activities are more individually developed. There is a focus on critical analysis of contemporary issues. They will engage in lab work, hands-on activities, research projects, fieldwork and presentations with emphasis on the development of critical thinking and science inquiry skill.
AP Human Geography & Civics (9) 10 total credits
The AP Human Geography & Civics course is equivalent to an introductory college-level course in human geography. There are no prerequisites for AP Human Geography & Civics. Students should be able to read and understand college-level texts independently, and should possess the initiative to work in a rigorous and fast paced environment. Students will need to understand how to analyze primary and secondary sources through writing and civil discourse. The content is presented thematically rather than regionally, and is organized around the discipline’s main subfields: economic geography, cultural geography, political geography, and urban geography. Case studies are drawn from all world regions, with an emphasis on understanding the world in which we live today. Students are encouraged to take the AP College Exam in May.
AP World History (10-12) 10 total credits
This is a two-semester class designed to give highly motivated students an opportunity to take a college level learning experience leading to possible college credit. The emphasis in this class is to develop analytical skills in evaluating arguments, using primary source data, assessing issues, handling diversity of interpretations, and to write clear effective essays. This course begins in the “modern” period, spanning the years 1200 to present day. Participating colleges grant credit and appropriate placement to those students who have completed the course and have been found qualified by the Advanced Placement Examination. Students are encouraged to take the AP College Exam in May.
AP U.S. History (11-12) 10 total credits
This two-semester study of U.S. History is designed to give selected students with high interest and proven ability an opportunity for a college-level learning experience leading to possible college credit in U.S. History. Extensive chronological readings provide the foundation for critical oral and written analysis of the central themes of U.S. history from America’s beginnings through the 21st century. Participating colleges grant credit and appropriate placement to those students who have completed the course and have been found qualified by the Advanced Placement Examination. Students are encouraged to take the AP College Exam in May. This course may be taken for dual credit from NWU.
AP Psychology (11-12) 10 total credits
The Advanced Placement Psychology course gives students an opportunity for a college-level learning experience leading to possible college credit in Psychology. This two semester class provides a beginning study of the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and animals. Students learn psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology, as well as the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Students will complete an APA-style research paper. Participating colleges grant 3-6 hours credit and appropriate placement to those students who have completed the course and have been found qualified by the Advanced Placement Examination.
Sociology D (10-12) 5 total credits
Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate and seek to understand the structure of groups, organizations, and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since most human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the internet; from organized crime to religious traditions; and from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture. This course meets the Human Behavior graduation requirement. The differentiated sections of the class are rigorous and includes in-depth research and comprehension of a college-level text.
AP Macro Economics (10-12) 5 total credits
The Macroeconomics course gives students an opportunity for a college-level learning experience leading to possible college credit in Macro Economics. The course provides a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. Study emphasizes stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. Participating colleges grant credit and appropriate placement to those students who have completed the course and have been found qualified by the Advanced Placement Examination. This course meets the LPS Economics graduation requirement.
AP Government & Politics (12) 5 total credits
This course gives highly motivated students an opportunity for a college-level learning experience leading to possible college credit. Students will study important facts, concepts and theories pertaining to U.S. government and politics, examine patterns of political behavior, and analyze and interpret basic data relevant to government and politics. Students will complete 20 hours of community service outside the school day. Participating colleges grant credit and appropriate placement to those students who have completed the course and have been found qualified by the Advanced Placement Examination. (AP Government and Politics replaces the course previously entitled Citizenship Issues Dif, which met district graduation requirements.)
AP Spanish (9-12) 10 total credits
AP Spanish is designed to meet the needs of highly motivated students, interested in a college-level, intensive language study through language immersion. This class is taught in Spanish, and requires advanced reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities. Students engage in literature and language analysis to master complex syntax and stylistics in preparation for the AP Spanish Language Exam.
Conversational Spanish (9-12) 5 total credits
Conversational Spanish offers students the opportunity to improve Spanish language skills through the study of contemporary issues and culture. Emphasis is placed on verbal communication. Students must actively participate, using Spanish in all activities and challenge themselves to acquire the communication skills needed to become active members of the Spanish speaking community. Students need to complete Spanish 4 before taking this class.
AP French (9-12) 10 total credits
Advanced Placement French is designed to meet the needs of highly motivated students, interested in a college-level, intensive language study through language immersion. This class is taught in French, and requires advanced reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities. Students engage in literature and language analysis to master complex syntax and stylistics in preparation for the AP French Language Exam. The course can be taken for dual credit from NWU.
