Course Catalog
- Performing Arts
- Visual Arts
- English
- Math
- Occupational Ed (Career & Technical CTE)
- Other
- Health & PE
- Science
- Social Studies
- World Language
Performing Arts
| Course | Description | Grade(s) |
| Concert Band 1A/1B | Expectations for students entering this applied music class include being able to produce a mature tone on the instrument as well as being able to successfully read and perform music in complex time signatures and keys. | 9 - 10 |
| IB Music Band 1A/1B | Students will play their own instruments as well as study music history and theory. Performances include pep assemblies, formal concerts, pep bands, and parades. | 11 |
| IB Music Band 2A/2B | Students will play their own instruments as well as study music history and theory. Performances include pep assemblies, formal concerts, pep bands, and parades. | 12 |
| Orchestra 1A/1B | Expectations for students entering this applied music class include being able to read music and being able to play his/her instrument. Members are expected to attend all performances and rehearsals. Participation in all performances is required. | 9 - 10 |
| IB Music Orchestra 1A/1B | Students will play their own instruments as well as study music history and theory. Performances include pep assemblies, formal concerts, pep assemblies, district orchestra concert, and solo ensemble contest. | 11 |
| IB Music Orchestra 2A/2B | Students will play their own instruments as well as study music history and theory. Performances include pep assemblies, formal concerts, pep assemblies, district orchestra concert, and solo ensemble contest. | 12 |
| Mixed Chorus 1A/1B | This choir emphasizes music reading skills and vocal production as well as blend and balance within a mixed ensemble. Literature will be performed in four-part harmony and may be sung in languages other than English. Attendance at concerts is mandatory. | 9 - 10 |
| IB Music Choir 1A/1B | This ensemble course will cover music literacy, theory, history, world music and creation. Performances include formal concerts, assemblies, solo ensemble contest, district choir contest. | 11 |
| IB Music Choir 2A/2B | IB only! This ensemble course will cover music literacy, theory, history, world music and creation. Performances include formal concerts, assemblies, solo ensemble contest, district choir contest. | 12 |
| Percussion Tech 1A/1B | Students will receive instruction on the fundamentals of playing an instrument. Emphasis is placed on memorization of the 12 major scales, chromatic scale, rudiments, proper tone production and tuning, sight-reading skills, and rhythmic concepts. | 9 - 12 |
| Percussion Tech 2A/2B | This course is a continuation of Percussion Techniques, year 1 | 10 - 12 |
| Percussion Tech 3A/3B | This course is a continuation of Percussion Techniques, year 2 | 11 - 12 |
Visual Arts
| Course | Description | Grade(s) |
| Intro to Graphic Design | This course introduces students to the elements and principles of design as they apply to visual communication through digital media. Students will develop the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary for successful CTE art program. | 9 - 12 |
| Intro to Photography | Students will learn the elements and principles of design as they apply to photography. Students will develop the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary for successful completion of additional classes in the Career and Technical Education art program | 9 - 12 |
| Prof Photography 1A/1B | Professional Photography students will learn to record events and people via digital, still and video photography; communicate ideas and information to an audience; and develop an aesthetic vision. | 9 - 12 |
| Prof Photography 2A/2B | Professional Photography students will learn to record events and people via digital, still, and video photography; communicate ideas and information to an audience; and develop an aesthetic vision. | 10 - 12 |
| IB Art & Design 1A/1B | Elements and principles of design as they apply to visual communication through drawing. This is an introduction to skills needed for CTE arts programs. | 11 |
| IB Art & Design 2A/2B | Development of technical skills needed to discover a personal style while experiencing a variety of painting techniques and styles to communicate to an audience. | 12 |
English
| Course | Description | Grade(s) |
| English 1A/1B | Freshman English is a yearlong course incorporating literature, composition, and communication. Literature units include the study of a novel, short stories, poetry and plays. Literary analysis and critical thinking will be emphasized. | 09 |
| AP Language/Comp 1A/1B | The AP course in English Language and Composition 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. The purpo | 10 |
| English 2A/2B | Sophomore English is a yearlong course incorporating literature, composition, and communication. Literary skills are emphasized with the 10th grade benchmarks of the Washington Essential Academic Learning Requirements in focus. | 10 |
| IB English A1 HL 1A/1B | High level IB course where students investigate language through a variety of texts and the ways in which it shapes and influences identity and culture. First Semester | 11 |
| IB Senior English 1A/1B | IB Senior English builds on the IB Junior curriculum, adding a variety of authors and additional Shakespeare, poetry, short stories and essays. Continued also is the emphasis on increasing the student's mastery of the skills necessary analysis. | 12 |
Math
| Course | Description | Grade(s) |
| Algebra 1A/1B | Topics will include review of operations on rational numbers, proportionality, solving linear equations, basic operations on polynomials, and properties of exponents. Supplemental activities and problems will be assigned. | 09 |
| Geometry 1A/1B | Topics will include the use of logic in establishing proofs concerned with relationships involving points and lines in two- and three-dimensional space. Also basic postulates, parallel and perpendicular lines, construction. Also similarity, right triangle | 9 - 10 |
| Algebra 2A/2B | Topics include a review of linear and quadratic relationships, equation-solving algorithms and functions, and an introduction of matrix algebra. Students intending to go to college should complete at least through Algebra 4/Trig or Integrated Math 3B. | 9 - 12 |
| IB Pre-Calc 1A/1B | This is a two-semester course in mathematics designed for those students planning to take calculus and take the IB mathematics test. Topics will include a study of the real number system involving field postulates, proofs, and more. | 10 - 12 |
| IB Calculus 1A/1B | This is the first of a series in IB Calculus classes designed to prepare students for the IB exams. Topics will include the study of limits and their evaluation, differentiation applied to graphs, to related rates, and to maximum and minimum problems. | 11 - 12 |
| IB Calculus 2A/2B | This course provides an opportunity for further study of calculus by students planning to major in mathematics or science in college. Pre-requisite: AP/IB Calculus 2. | 11 - 12 |
| IB Calculus 3A/3B | The course follows the IB syllabus for High Level Mathematics with a Calculus specialty option & goes well beyond the basic concepts & techniques of differential & integral calculus. Students are introduced to limit theorems & convergence of series... | 12 |
| AP Statistics 1A/1B | This is the first of a series in AP Statistics classes designed to prepare students for the AP Statistics exam. Topics include the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. | 12 |
Occupational Ed (Career & Technical CTE)
| Course | Description | Grade(s) |
| Air Force JROTC 1A/1B | This is a yearlong course open to students in grades 9-12 and is the introductory course to the Air Force Junior ROTC program of study. The major topics are history of air power, military customs & courtesies, basic military. | 9 - 12 |
| Air Force JROTC 2A/2B | This is a yearlong course open to 10-12 graders in the second year Air Force Junior ROTC program course of study. The major topics include the study of aerospace environment, weather, navigation, jet engines, advanced customs etc. | 10 - 12 |
| Air Force JROTC 3A/3B | This is a yearlong course open to 11th and 12th grade students in the third year Air Force Junior ROTC program course of study. The major topics are the study of space exploration, rockets, engines, advanced customs etc. | 11 - 12 |
| Air Force JROTC 4A/4B | This is a yearlong course open to students in the 12th grade in the last year of the Air Force Junior ROTC program course of study. The major topics include independent leadership management study. | 12 |
| AF JROTC Drill & Ceremonies | The Drill and Ceremonies course goals are to develop leadership skills and proficiency in Air Force drill and ceremonies. The course will cover topics in customs and courtesies, flag honors, drill positions and movements, command of the flight. | 9 - 12 |
| IB Personal & Prof Skills | Learn and develop attitudes, skills, and strategies to be applied to situations and contexts with an emphasis on skills development for the workplace. | 11 - 12 |
| Broadcasting Media 1A&1B | This course will introduce students to the business and craft of mass media. The student will become familiar with how radio, television, newspaper, Internet, pod-casting and blogs fit into the larger context of mass media. | 9 - 12 |
| Broadcasting Media 2A&2B | Students will learn complex techniques and equipment use for broadcasting for television, newspaper, internet, pod-casting, and blogs fit into the larger context of mass media. | 10 - 12 |
| Broadcasting Media 3A&3B | Explore broadcasting careers, manage a newsroom, work to earn an Industry Recognized Credential in Adobe Premier Pro and produce video reels. | 11 - 12 |
| Wood Technology 1A | Students will learn how to plan & construct products made of wood such as bookcases, cabinets & boxes. Topics to be covered include use of hand & power tools, shop safety, methods of construction, & more. | 9 - 12 |
| Wood Technology 1B | Students will improve and add to the skills and knowledge they gained in Wood Technology 1. Students who successfully complete this course will be able to demonstrate advanced proficiency in woodworking and finish carpentry. | 9 - 12 |
| Wood Technology 2A | The course prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to lay out and shape stock, assemble wooden articles or subassemblies, mark, bind, saw, carve and sand wooden products | 10 - 12 |
| Wood Technology 2B | In this class, students will continue to develop their skills related to wood products construction while learning about building construction. | 10 -12 |
| Fitness and Exercise Training | Movement, nutrition, and fitness: assess individual exercise readiness, develop an exercise program, perform movements, and personal trainer roles. | 9 - 12 |
| Sports Medicine 1A & 1B | Sports Medicine is designed to prepare students to work in consultation with and under the supervision of physicians to prevent and treat sports injuries and associated conditions. | 9 - 12 |
| Adv Sports Medicine | Continuation of Sports Medicine 1 | 10 - 12 |
| UAS Practical Flight 1A/1B | The components of this course ensure safe and legal flight, covering practical drone flight, flight theory, FAA Part 107 certification, safety. | 9 - 12 |
| UAS Practical Flight & Cert 2A/2B | The components of this course ensure safe and legal flight, covering practical drone flight, flight theory, FAA Part 107 certification, and safety. | 10 - 12 |
| Video Productions 1A/1B | This course will focus on career exploration in the fields of photography and video production. The course will include basic theories, methods and techniques used to plan, produce and distribute photos and video. | 9 - 12 |
| ProStart 1A/1B | Are you interested in a career in the hospitality industry? This class was developed with the Washington State Restaurant Association. Completion of the two-year program leads to industry-recognized certification. | 9 - 11 |
| ProStart 2A/2B | This class is a continuation of ProStart Food Services, the program developed with the Washington State Restaurant Association. Completion of the two-year program leads to industry-recognized certification. | 10 - 12 |
| Restaurant Management 1A/1B | This course prepares individuals to plan, manage and market restaurant food services in hospitality establishments, food service chains and franchise networks and restaurant supply operations. Students learn hospitality administration, and more. | 11 - 12 |
| Restaurant Management 2A/2B | This course prepares individuals to plan, manage, and market their own restaurant concept in the food service industry. This course follows restaurant management 1-2. | 12 |
| Next Move Internship 1A | Students will gain the skills to navigate the entire employment application process. Topics covered range from career selection, resume writing, interviewing, job readiness, professional communication and overall success in the workplace. | 9 - 12 |
| Next Move Internship 1B | Students will begin full-semester internships in career field of interest. Under supervision of a Worksite Supervisor & Next Move Internship Coach, students will pursue & track evidence of personal professional goal attainment & worksite learning outcomes | 9 - 12 |
Other
| Course | Description | Grade(s) |
| IB ToK/Ext Essay CAS 1A | IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK) stimulates reflections on the sources and verification of knowledge. Students explore the world views/epistemology of various desciplines. This is part one of a two-part, multi-year course. Starting in the fall of the students' Junior year, EE/CAS 1 supports researching, writing and presenting student generated questions for college level-essays. | 11 |
| IB ToK/Ext Essay CAS 1B | IB TOK continues in the fall of the Senior year with exploring world-views and epistemologies of various communities. EE/ CAS 2 is taken in the spring of Senior year, students will learn project management skills to support DP Candidates in creativity, activity, and service project which is a major requirement for full DP Diploma candidates. | 12 |
| Student Council 1A/1B | Student Council is composed of elected and appointed representatives from the student body as determined by the Associated Student Body (ASB) Constitution. Students oversee all ASB income and expenses. | 9 - 12 |
Health & PE
| Course | Description | Grade(s) |
| Allied Health | This is a gateway class to the Health & Human Services career pathway. In this class thinking & problem-solving skills will be used to address issues of concern to teenagers, including improving your image, getting along with your family, and more. | 9 - 12 |
| Physical Education 1A | This is a required one-semester course that draws from the widest possible base of physical educaion activities that include, but are not limited to, sports, aquatics, rythmical activities, basic movement patterns, skill related fitness, and more. | 09 |
| Individual/Team Sports 1A | Individual/Team Sports includes, but is not limited to, pickle ball, badminton, tennis, softball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and weight training. Prerequisite: PPE401. | 10 - 12 |
| Weight Training & Cond 1A | The student will develop the knowledge necessary to train specific muscle groups as they apply to body development and/or specific sports and activities. Students will improve their strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. Prerequisite: PPE40 | 10 - 12 |
| Fitness and Exercise Training | Movement, nutrition, and fitness: assess individual exercise readiness, develop an exercise program, perform movements, and personal trainer roles. | 9 - 12 |
| Sports Medicine 1A/1B | Sports Medicine is designed to prepare students to work in consultation with and under the supervision of physicians to prevent and treat sports injuries and associated conditions. | 9 - 12 |
| Adv Sports Medicine 2A/2B | Continuation of Sports Medicine year one. | 10 - 12 |
Science
| Course | Description | Grade(s) |
| Biology 1A/1B | Students explore disciplinary core ideas; Ecosystems, Interactions, Energy &Dynamics, History of Earth's Atmosphere, Photosynthesis, Respiration & Evidence of Evolution. Inheritance & Variation of Traits, Structure, Function, Growth & Ecosystem Stability. | 09 |
| IB Physics A/B | IB Physics courses prepare students to take the IB physics exams. In keeping with the general aim of IB Experimental Sciences. | 10 - 12 |
| Chemistry 1A/1B | Chemistry is the study of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter (especially of atomic and molecular systems). In this course students will discover how elements, components, and compounds react to form other compounds. | 10 - 12 |
| IB Biology 1A/1B | This class is part of a two-year program in preparation for higher level IB examination. Students examine topics in chemistry, biochemistry, cell structure and ultra structure, cell physiology, respiration, photosynthesis, molecular biology, and more. | 11 |
| IB Chemistry 1A/1B | This course extends the study of chemistry. The emphasis this year is on energy related areas including thermochemistry, rates of reactions, electrochemistry, energy sources in society, and nuclear chemistry. | 11 |
| IB Physics 1A/1B | IB Physics extends the study of physics to a third semester. Students investigate current, electricity, electromagnetic induction, nuclear physics, and radioactivity. Laboratory work will be an integral part of the course. | 11 - 12 |
| IB Biology 2A/2B | This class is the second year of the two-year IB Biology course. Students examine topics in ecology; evolution; the circulatory, nervous, endocrine, digestive, and immune systems; reproduction; and embryology. | 12 |
| IB Chemistry 2A/2B | This course will build on the topics studied in Chemistry 1 and 2. It will be taught at the level of a first-year college chemistry course. Familiar topics will be expanded, the knowledge base deepened, and problem-solving skills improved. | 12 |
| IB Physics 2A/2B | The course follows the IB syllabus for High Level Physics & is comparable to first-year course in physics, emphasizing conceptual understanding over practical application. It's designed for those with strong interest in the fields of engineering, physics | 12 |
Social Studies
| Course | Description | Grade(s) |
| AP Human Geography 1A/1B | Part 1: This course will focus on the inter-relationship between physical/climate, geographic characteristics of the earth and the political, economic, and social /cultural manifestations of human beings living in groups. | 09 |
| AP World History 1A/1B | AP World History is a course designed for college-bound students who wish to get a jump start on their college education by challenging themselves in high school and potentially earning college credit or advanced placement in college. | 10 |
| World History 1A/1B | The World History course presents a study of selected events, individuals, groups, institutions, ideas, etc., dealing with the great civilizations in the history of the world. Special emphasis will be placed on the social, cultural, economic, and politic | 10 |
| IB Contemp World History 1A/1B | This junior course emphasizes the political, social, economic and cultural developments of world history from the late 19th century to our times. The aims are to develop an international historical perspective for a better understanding of our own world, | 11 |
| US History 1A/1B | This required course is a one-semester survey of American history from exploration to the 20th century. This course will include pre-colonial background, the colonial society, the westward movement, the Civil War and reconstruction, America's role | 11 |
| IB Hist of the Americas 1A/1B | This senior course at Foss High School is a comprehensive study of the Western Hemisphere in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The aims are to develop a content base to aid students in understanding the current role of their country, especiall | 12 |
| Civics & Cont World Prob 1A/1B | Areas of study include the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the federal government, as well as well as organization and World Issues is a one semester required course of study on the pervasive issues and global dynamics of our modern world. | 12 |
| IB Psychology Block 1A/1B | IB psychology examines the interaction of biological, cognitive and sociocultural influences on human behavior, thereby adopting an integrative approach. Understanding how psychological knowledge is generated, developed and applied. | 11 - 12 |
World Language
| Course | Description | Grade(s) |
| Chinese 1A/1B | This course is an introduction to standard Chinese (Mandarin). Using the text, Communicating in Chinese, students will primarily focus on developing oral proficiency. Although students will learn the Pinyin Romaniztion system, studies will include learn | 9 - 12 |
| Chinese 2A/2B | This course is a continuation of the first year course and continues to lay the basic groundwork in Chinese. There is a particular focus on developing writing and reading skills. Students will continue to learn more about Chinese grammar and become more | 9 - 12 |
| Chinese 3A/3B | This course is a continuation of the Chinese Language and continues to lay the basic groundwork in Chinese. There is a particular focus on developing writing and reading skills. | 10 - 12 |
| IB Chinese 4A/4B | This course is the continuation of the Chinese language and culture study. Emphasis will be on reading, writing, speaking, listening, and understanding the language and people, with a cross cultural perspective. | 11 - 12 |
| IB Chinese 5A/5B | This course is the continuation of the Chinese language and culture study. Emphasis will be on reading, writing, speaking, listening, and understanding the language and people, with a cross cultural perspective. | 12 |
| French 1A/1B | All four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing are employed as they are used today throughout the French speaking world. | 9 - 12 |
| French 2A/2B | All four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing are employed as they are used today throughout the French speaking world. | 9 - 12 |
| French 3A/3B | All four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing are employed as they are used today throughout the French speaking world. | 10 - 12 |
| IB French 4A/4B | This course will concentrate on reviewing and augmenting the basic structure of French, familiarize the students with some of the written conversations of French, expand the active vocabulary of the student by approximately 500 words. | 11 - 12 |
| IB French 5A/5B | This class will concentrate on implementing the vocabulary, structure and grammar acquired in the previous French classes. Literature and themes inherent in the IB curriculum will be studied and grammar skills will be polished | 12 |
| Spanish 1A/1B | Spanish 1 through 6 make up the first six semesters of the regular Spanish program. All four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing are employed as they are used today throughout the Spanish speaking world. | 9 - 12 |
| Spanish 2A/2B | Spanish 1 through 6 make up the first six semesters of the regular Spanish program. All four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing are employed as they are used today throughout the Spanish speaking world. | 9 - 12 |
| Spanish 3A/3B | Spanish 1 through 6 make up the first six semesters of the regular Spanish program. All four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing are employed as they are used today throughout the Spanish speaking world. | 10 - 12 |
| IB Spanish 4A/4B | This course will concentrate on reviewing and augmenting the basic structure of Spanish, familiarize the students with some of the written conventions of Spanish and expand the active vocabulary of the student by approximately 500 words. | 11 - 12 |
| IB Spanish 5A/5B | This course builds on IB Spanish 8. Students will expand their vocabulary to approximately 2,500 words. More complex sentence patterns and grammar will also be taught. | 12 |
| IB Spanish 6A/6B | This course is the continuation of the Spanish language and culture study. Emphasis will be on reading, writing, speaking, listening, and understanding the language and people, with a cross cultural perspective. | 12 |
Earn College Credit
ProStart/Restaurant Management Dual Credit
| Class Name | Course Code | Pathway | Dual Credit Articulation |
Credit | College |
| ProStart Food Service 1A | VPS401 | Family & Consumer Sciences | Culinary I (CARTS 101) | 6 | Bates |
| ProStart Food Service 1B | VPS402 | Family & Consumer Sciences | Culinary II (CARTS 106) | 1 | Bates |
| ProStart Food Service 2A | VPS403 | Family & Consumer Sciences | Culinary III (CARTS 105) | 1 | Bates |
| ProStart Food Service 2B | VPS404 | Family & Consumer Sciences | Culinary Arts Introduction to Baking (CARTS 111) | 5 | Bates |
| Restaurant Management 1A | VPS501 | Family & Consumer Sciences | Business Communications (RBM111) | 3 | Pierce College |
| Restaurant Management 1B | VPS502 | Family & Consumer Sciences | Creative Sales and Customer Relationship Management (MNGT 182) | 5 | Pierce College |
| Restaurant Management 2A | VPS601 | Family & Consumer Sciences | Customer Relationship Management (MNGT 130) | 5 | Pierce College |
| Restaurant Management 2B | VPS602 | Family & Consumer Sciences | Customer Service Applications (MARK 102) | 5 | Pierce College |
Have Questions?
Kari Bassen
Counselor (class of 2022 & 24)
kbassen@tacoma.k12.wa.us
Heather Washington
Counselor (class of 2023 & 25)
hwashin@tacoma.k12.wa.us