Sci-Tech-Eng-Math (STEM)
HSArts’ STEM program has a strong math and data science based curriculum. HSArts math program offers advanced math learning and an Accelerated Math track for high achieving students. In addition, HSArts’ Innovative Integrated Science and Maths curriculum incorporates computer and data science into all math and core scientific subjects such as chemistry, biology, physics, and physical science. Students will model, simulate, and analyze real world problems utilizing the most current modern world technology. Modes of instruction include lectures, projects, and hands-on laboratory work. Qualified, highly motivated students can elect to take advanced coursework and qualify for graduating with STEM Honors having completed at least three AP STEM courses
“The school was the perfect fit for my two children as I strongly believe in the values of building good character.”
— Parent
High School Academics
San Francisco High School of the Arts’ curriculum is approved by the University of California’s A-G program. In addition, 20 Advanced Placement (AP) courses approved by the College Board, as well as 14 UC-approved honors level courses give students access to intellectually challenging coursework.
All courses offered in the major disciplines meet or exceed California’s state standards and prepare students for studies at highly selective colleges. AP and Honors courses are offered in English, History, Math, the Sciences and Chinese.
Natural Science
By harnessing a natural curiosity about the world around us, HSArts students develop an informed scientific mindset. Our curriculum is built to increase awareness of scientific issues current to our connected world, such as global health and gene technologies. Through guided explorations, students build on essential skills for scientific inquiry and communication.
Visit our Computer Science Pathway to learn more about our Integrated science courses.
Course Description
Grades Offered: 9, 10
Prerequisites: None
UC Approved: Yes
In this course, students will explore different aspects of living organisms, their interaction with the physical environment, and the principles that govern their existence, emphasize understanding the basic concepts and methods of scientific inquiry, including creating hypotheses, designing experiments to test natural phenomena, practicing basic lab skills and techniques, and writing lab reports, cultivate higher-order thinking skills through experimental design, presentations, and detailed essay answers to biological and biochemical issues.
Grades Offered: 9, 10
Prerequisites: Algebra 1 or equivalent
UC Approved: Yes
Chemistry offers students a unique lense with which to view and explore the physical world around us. Through comprehensive lab activities, engaging lectures, as well as facilitated self-learning exercises, students come to appreciate the mechanics that govern the interaction of particles, and the excitement of relevant phenomena that manifest in daily-life.
Grades Offered: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Algebra 2 or equivalent
UC Approved: Yes
In this course, students will learn the basic tenets of physics, which will provide an understanding of many of the scientific principles we meet in our daily lives. For instance, students are expected to apply their understanding of acceleration, forces, pressure, and impulse to tell how to increase safety in modern-day traffic situations.
See AP & Honors Course Offerings in Sciences
High School Academic Departments
Computer Science
The Computer Science Pathway consists of the following sequence of Science and Math courses:
6th & 7th Grade: Computer Science Introduction in Scratch (Integrated with 6th grade math and 7th grade Pre-Algebra)
8th Grade: Computer Science with JavaScript & HTML (integrated with Physical Science)
9th Grade: Integrated Science – Biology & Computer Science Essentials with Javascript (UC Approved “D” Lab Science)
10th Grade: Integrated Science – Chemistry & Intermediate JavaScript (UC Approved “D” Lab Science)
1th Grade: Integrated Science – Physics & Web Technologies with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS (UC Approved “D” Lab Science)
11th Grade: AP Computer Science Principles (UC Approved “D” Lab Science course)
12th Grade: AP Computer Science A (UC Approved “C” Math course)
12th Grade: Computer Science and Discrete Mathematics
Course Description
Grade: 9th
UC “D” Lab Science Approved: Yes
The Integrated Science teaches biology as the content and introduces computer science with JavaScript. The curriculum covers the foundations of computer science and basic programming, with an emphasis on helping students develop logical thinking and problem solving skills. Once students complete the Introduction to Computer Science section, they will have learned material equivalent to a semester college introductory course in Computer Science and be able to program in JavaScript with challenging projects.
Grade: 10th
UC “D” Lab Science Approved: Yes
The Integrated Science – Chemistry and Intermediate Computer Science JavaScript course teaches the Chemistry content and fundamentals of computer programming as well as some advanced features of the Python language. Students will develop an appreciation for how computers store and manipulate information with algorithms. They will build APPs as Calculator w quadratic formula, Linear vs Binary search comparison, sorting algorithms (bubble sort, selection sort, insertion sort, quick sort…). This course is equivalent to a semester-long introductory Javascript course at the college level.
Grade: 11th
UC “D” Lab Science Approved: Yes
AP Computer Science Principles is the newest AP® course from the College Board, and becomes an official AP® course in the 2016-17 school year. This course introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and explores the impact computing and technology have on our society. With a unique focus on creative problem solving and real-world applications, the CodeHS AP Computer Science Principles course gives students the opportunity to explore several important topics of computing using their own ideas and creativity, use the power of computing to create artifacts of personal value, and develop an interest in computer science that will foster further endeavors in the field.
Grade: 11th
UC “D” Lab Science Approved: Yes
This Integrated Science course teaches Physics content and introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer simulation and explores the impact computing and virtual reality have on our society. With a unique focus on physics problems which we can simulate, model, and propose a solution for real-world applications.
Grade: 12th
UC “C” Math Approved: Yes
The CodeHS AP Java course is a year-long course designed to help students master the basics of Java and equip them to successfully pass the College Board AP Computer Science A Exam at the end of the school year. All learning materials and resources teachers and students need for a successful year-long AP Java course can be found on the CodeHS website.
High School Academic Departments
Mathematics
Math matters in everyday life. HSArts encourages students to become creative problem-solvers as they investigate how math applies to real life. Our comprehensive program includes a range of courses. From our foundational classes, Algebra I, and Geometry to higher-level courses in Calculus, Statistics, and Discrete Math, students learn and develop strategic reasoning skills. Students learn to think independently, connect visuals to algebraic representations, and gain confidence in logic and reasoning.
Course Description
Grades Offered: 8
Prerequisites: 8th Grade Math or equivalent
UC Approved: Yes
Algebra 1 teaches practical, real-world uses of algebra. Students learn how to write algebraic expressions, solve linear equations, and graph relationships. They solve quadratic equations and learn about the rate of change, inequalities, monomial and polynomial expressions, exponents, and functions.
*Students may take this course in 7th or 8th Grade for high school credit.
Grades Offered: 9
Prerequisites: Algebra 1 or equivalent
UC Approved: Yes
Geometry 1 introduces a variety of geometric topics through a hands-on approach giving students an opportunity for kinetic learning. Geometric modeling gives students an understanding of similarity as they learn how to solve theorems and write proofs.
Grades Offered: 10
Prerequisites: Algebra 1 or equivalent
UC Approved: Yes
Algebra 2 introduces students to many types of functions. They also learn how to prove basic trigonometric identities, solve equations and inequalities, and gain an understanding of imaginary and complex numbers. The study of sequences and series, conics, basic data analysis, and statistics are also taught in this course.
Grades Offered: 11
Prerequisites: Algebra 2 or equivalent
UC Approved: Yes
Precalculus introduces students to the complex number plane. They learn to simplify Polynomial, Rational, and Exponential Expressions, graph functions, use trigonometric functions to model phenomena, and systematically solve systems of linear equations and inequalities. This course reviews functions from Algebra II, and teaches vectors and matrices. Students learn how to describe inverse functions graphically and algebraically, and how to define functions using parameters and polar coordinates.
Grades Offered: 12
Prerequisites: Geometry and Algebra 2 or equivalent (Recommended: Pre-Calculus )
UC Approved: Yes
Discrete Mathematics has students solving mathematical problems. They use mathematical induction to write proofs; study integers and their divisibility properties; analyze, search, and sort algorithms; and work with graphs and sets. The course teaches discrete probability theory, number theory, and graph theory. Other topics include lists and sets, relations and partitions, advanced proof techniques, recurrence relations, functions and their properties, permutations, and symmetry, as well as basic logic.
Grades Offered: 12
Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus
UC Approved: Yes
High School Academic Departments
Accelerated Math Pathway (AMP)
HSArts offers 7th Graders an accelerated math pathway that allows them to gain more AP credits in high school. Along the pathway, California curriculum standards are compacted to ensure students have the prerequisite knowledge for success in our high school math program.
Course Progression:
The accelerated math course schedule:
7th grade: Algebra I
8th grade: Geometry
9th grade: Algebra II
10th grade: Pre Calculus
11th grade: AP Calculus AB/BC
12th grade: AP Calculus BC & AP Statistics/Multivariable & AP Statistics
Dual enrollment and approved summer classes are possible replacements for specific classes.
| Grade | SF Public Schools | HSArts Regular | HSArts AMP |
|---|---|---|---|
|
7th |
Math 2 |
Pre-Algebra |
Algebra 1 |
|
8th |
Math 3 |
Algebra 1 |
Geometry |
|
9th |
Algebra 1 |
Geometry |
Algebra 2 |
|
10th |
Geometry |
Algebra 2 |
AP Pre-Calculus |
|
11th |
Algebra 2 |
AP Pre-Calculus |
AP Calculus AB/BC |
|
12th |
Pre-Calculus |
AP Calculus AB/BC |
AP Statistics |
Selection Process:
The criteria for entrance into AMP identifies high achieving and highly motivated mathematics students.
The selection process uses two methods to identify students.
1. Students meeting either Criteria 1 or Criteria 2 are eligible for 7th Grade Accelerated Mathematics.
2. Students meeting Criteria 3 with an accredited summer/online class.
• Criteria 1: HSArts Math Acceleration Committee’s recommendation
• Criteria 2: A solid A in 6th grade math with math teacher’s recommendation
• Criteria 3: Pass HSArts placement test in the 1st week of fall quarter.
Class Type:
Only high achieving and highly motivated math students enter the AMP. The accelerated class size is designated to be no more than 2 students. It is instructor-led, in-class teaching combined with assigned eLearning materials.
Additional Fee:
Additional charges will be discussed at registration.
High Schoolers Moving to the Accelerated Pathway:
8th graders and high school students may consider the following program to join the HSArts AMP.
Dual Enrollment of 2 math classes in one year
• Enroll in regular math class
• Enroll in the AMP class as additional in free period or after school/weekend schedule
• Additional fee will apply
Summer Program
• Take an approved summer program to replace the upcoming year’s regular class
• Obtain recommendation and transcripts from the summer program
• Join AMP next quarter with additional fee
Online Classes
• Take accredited online classes
• Register with AMP with additional fee
• Arrange 1-to-1 tutoring (tutoring time required more than 1/3 of online class time)
