US Electives

Spanish I

Spanish I integrates all the modalities of Spanish, speaking, reading, writing, and listening, to help the students achieve a  mid-novice level to high novice level of proficiency.  

Each unit will consist of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, multimedia cultural presentation, and interactive activities and practices which reinforce vocabulary and grammar. 

Spanish II

Spanish II furthers the study of grammar, vocabulary and cultures of Spanish- speaking countries. Students improve their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. 

Each unit will consist of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, multimedia cultural presentation, and interactive activities and practices which reinforce vocabulary and grammar. 

Spanish III

Spanish III builds upon the skills and knowledge they acquired in Spanish I and II by integrating all the modalities of Spanish, speaking, reading, writing, and listening, to help students achieve  an intermediate low to intermediate mid level of proficiency. Students begin to develop reading comprehension skills through literature.

Each unit will  consist of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, multimedia cultural presentation, and interactive activities and practices which reinforce vocabulary and grammar.

Spanish IV 

Students will be required to have a greater understanding of grammar, culture, vocabulary, literature, verbal and listening skills at a more advanced level.  A focus will be placed on verbal and written communication skills. Spanish IV will prepare students for the Spanish AP Language and Culture course.

Each unit will  consist of a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, reading and listening comprehension activities, multimedia cultural presentation, and interactive activities and practices which reinforce vocabulary and grammar. 

Spanish AP Language and Culture

AP Spanish Language and Culture is equivalent to an intermediate level college course in Spanish. Students cultivate their understanding of Spanish language and culture by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication in real-life situations as they explore concepts related to family and communities, personal and public identities, beauty and aesthetics, science and technology, contemporary life, and global challenges. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course is taught almost exclusively in Spanish. 

The AP Spanish Language & Culture course engages students in an exploration of culture in both contemporary and historical contexts. The course develops students’ awareness and appreciation of cultural products (e.g., tools, books, music, laws, conventions, institutions); practices (patterns of social interactions within a culture); and perspectives (values, attitudes, and assumptions). 

Engineering Courses at Allen Academy are offered through the curriculum, Engineering Your World through the University of Texas at Austin. Engineer Your World courses were designed by faculty in the Cockrell School of Engineering and College of Education, both top-10 programs, in collaboration with NASA engineers and secondary education specialists. The curriculum design was guided by six principles based on learning science research.

Engineer Your World (EYW): Engineering Design and Analysis with Dual Credit Option is a hands-on, design-based, inquiry-focused engineering course for all learners. In this course, students discover the engineering design process, make data-driven decisions, and work in multi-level teams to solve complex challenges. EYW: Engineering Design and Analysis expands opportunities for all students by building creative problem-solving and engineering design skills; teaching the value of collaborating to solve complex, modern problems; and creating a strong foundation for future STEM learning.

Students who plan to pursue future engineering studies benefit from learning rigorous design skills and habits of mind and from exploring multiple engineering fields and professions. Those with other plans benefit from learning to think critically and solve complex problems – skills that are useful in any field.  The combination of minimal prerequisites and optional dual enrollment credit allows our first course to be accessible by all students in grades 9-12, while also providing additional layers of difficulty for those seeking an extra challenge.

Engineer Your World (EYW): Engineering Applications of Computer Science

Engages students in programming and computational thinking to solve human-centered, technically challenging projects at the intersection of engineering and computer science. The goal of this course is to engage students in meaningful versions of the practices of professional engineers and computer scientists while sparking a passion for engineering, computational thinking, and problem-solving that will serve all students, no matter what their future career goals may be. EYW: Engineering Applications of Computer Science offers students a unique opportunity to learn computational thinking skills in the context of human-centered design projects. Like EYW: Engineering Design and Analysis, this course teaches creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, communication, and purposeful application of STEM and computing principles. Students who complete this course are well-placed to make informed decisions about future coursework in engineering, computer science, robotics, and related fields.

Art I, II, III

These year-long courses will expand the students' knowledge of art making through a wide variety of media such as drawing, painting, ceramics, fiber arts, printmaking, photography, and digital art. Using the elements and principles of design as a foundation, students will create artworks inspired by exploring their own inquiry, identity, and interpretations of the world. We will increase their knowledge of art history by creating connections and a deeper understanding of historical and cultural relevance. These courses will foster creativity, develop critical thinking skills,  and encourage independent thinkers who want to make artistic contributions to society.

Digital Design

This year-long course is an introduction to the art of digital design and provides an insight into the opportunities and challenges of a design career. Students will learn  the basic principles of design and typography while gaining proficiency in Adobe® software, including Illustrator and Photoshop. They will build a portfolio of work such as digital drawings, logos, advertisements, magazine layouts, and more. Instruction will focus on the design process to create and communicate specific meanings and to meet specific needs of potential clients. Students taking this course will also build on their understanding of how visual design can affect many different aspects of our culture. 

Art AP

This is a full-year course for students who have demonstrated a strong interest and commitment to excel in the visual arts. Students will work to submit a portfolio to the College Board in one of the following categories; Drawing, 2-D Art and Design, or 3-D Art. Portfolios include five selected works and 15 sustained investigations (demonstrating practice, experimentation, and revision, as well as synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas) based on an inquiry of the student’s choosing. Throughout the course students are encouraged to work from observation of the world around them, personal experiences, and connections through art.

**Prerequisite: Two years of art or a strong body of past work

Advanced Drama

Advanced Drama is a hands-on, in-depth review of theatre and its movements and impact throughout history. Students will build upon fundamental theatre concepts and ideas, and see the impact theatre has had on the world. Performance studies, script analysis, stagecraft, improvisation, technical and design elements are all employed in the classroom for a well-rounded study of the dramatic arts.

US Band

Upper School Band students continue to expand their knowledge and application of musical terms, musical notation, music theory, music appreciation, and instrumental performance techniques. During class, rehearsals occur in small groups and through rotation of individual instruction. During the fall, Upper School Band students lead the “Rockin’ Rams!” Pep Band for pep rallies and home varsity football games. Throughout the year, music selections include different musical eras, composers, and genres, with ensembles that can also include students from the Upper School Orchestra class. Music is prepared for performance in concert ensemble for Veterans Day Assembly, Fine Arts Night in December, and small ensembles, solos, and full ensemble for Fine Arts Night in April. Upper School Band students prepare scales in the full range of the instrument and two études to audition for the High School Region Band as part of the Association of Texas Small School Bands (ATSSB) of Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA). Students also share their talents and enthusiasm for music by presenting a recital performance for a local retirement community and for other community events where they are invited to perform.  In the spring, students prepare a solo or small ensemble selection for the TAPPS Solo/Ensemble event and receive awards as well as comments from the adjudicator to advance their performance skills. Upper School Band students can apply and audition for leadership positions in the band of Drum Major, Band President, and Vice President. The students are also encouraged to continue their interest in music outside of Allen Academy by participating in the Brazos Valley Community Band, attending concerts in the community, and participating in a summer band camp.

US Orchestra

The students  will continue  vibrato skills, sound tone(bow division), and 2/4,¾,4/4 conducting with the music baton. This  fall semester,  students will participate in the TMEA Region 8 competition.