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Curriculum

DeLaSalle is a Catholic high school that seeks to create a community of students from various economic levels, academic abilities, racial communities, and ethnic backgrounds. In the Lasallian tradition of St. John Baptist de La Salle, the school strives to facilitate personal academic success but also to prepare students to be of service to society. Within the larger tradition of the Catholic Church, DeLaSalle regards spiritual development as a primary educational goal. All students are required to take Theology courses and attend school worship services. Admission to Grade 9 is based on assessment of the following:

  • Completion of application forms,
  • At least one grade school teacher recommendation regarding academic potential and personal character,
  • Entrance exam scores,
  • Middle school transcripts

Admission may be unconditional, or probationary in which case additional conditions may need to be met before entering ninth grade. Students transferring to Grade 10, 11, or 12 must:

  • Provide a high school transcript,
  • Provide a letter from a counselor or teacher attesting to academic potential and personal character,
  • Interview with the Executive Director for Enrollment and/or Principal,
  • If an international student, demonstrate competence in English.

Transfer students are accepted at the start of a quarter/semester, except for special circumstances. To receive a DeLaSalle diploma, Grade 12 transfer students must normally be enrolled for the entire year.

DEPARTMENTS

 

English

Students will be introduced to the idea that literature encourages understanding the complexities of the world and our places in it. Moreover, students will learn that literature is a conduit to diverse human perspectives, experiences, and institutions. This will be accomplished through the introduction and development of rhetorical and literary techniques and vocabulary in English courses. The goals of the English department are to inspire and teach a love and understanding of words and how they work, and to form critical thinkers, eloquent speakers, strong and effective writers, and close readers.

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Fine Arts

The Fine Arts Department includes courses in Visual Arts, Music and Theatre. Honors Art and AP Studio Art are offered to students who plan on advancing their artistic skills and creative abilities. Music is seen as a means of expressing oneself either through vocal or instrumental means. The goal is to develop both skills and appreciation, working with others and performing. The performance component includes concerts and, often, a music tour.

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Mathematics

Students at DeLaSalle are encouraged to take four years of mathematics, although three years are required for graduation. Most colleges and universities require the successful completion of Algebra II for admission. Students entering Grade 9 are placed in Algebra I, Advanced Algebra I or into the Honors Program. Placement in mathematics is based on scores from the Math Mastery Exams as well as a departmental review of standardized test scores and middle school records. For Grades 10, 11, and 12, placement is based upon completion of prerequisite courses as well as teacher recommendations and student and parent input.

Students are required to have a scientific calculator for Algebra I, Advanced Algebra I, and all Geometry courses. Beginning with Algebra II, students are required to have a Texas Instrument graphing calculator. Graphing calculators are available for rent from the Mathematics department.

Here are typical and suggested sequences of courses:

  • Algebra I or Advanced Algebra I > Geometry > Algebra II > Precalculus
  • (For students who have tested out of Algebra I) Honors Algebra II > Honors Geometry or Geometry > Honors Precalculus or Precalculus > AP Calculus AB or Calculus
  • (For students who have tested out of both Algebra I and Geometry) Honors Algebra II > Honors Precalculus or Precalculus > AP Calculus AB or Calculus > AP Calculus BC

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Modern Languages

The ability to function competently in at least one language other than English is essential in the interdependent world of the twenty-first century. In addition to learning the structure and vocabulary of the target language, students will learn about daily life, social institutions, literature, art, culture, and contemporary and historical issues. Placement of students with prior language experience will be determined on an individual basis. Two years of a single modern language are required for graduation, but students are encouraged to take language classes beyond the two-year requirement. Three or four consecutive years of a single modern language are strongly recommended for students who plan to attend a four-year college or university.

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Physical Education

The purpose of the Physical Education program is to develop an individual’s ability to constructively use capacities for movement as a way of expressing, exploring, and interpreting oneself and one’s relationship with the world. Students will develop skills and knowledge of how and why one moves effectively through games, sports, dance, and exercise. The student will become knowledgeable about the history, rules, strategy, organization, equipment, and safety factors of the various activities. The student should also acquire respect and appreciation for good physical conditioning and develop an interest and a desire to participate in lifetime recreational activities.

Options are available for students to meet the credit requirements for Health and Physical Education:Wellness for Life. Both Health and PE:Wellness for Life must be taken within 10th, 11th, or 12th grade. Preference for enrollment will be given to 12th graders as these are required credits for graduation.

Students will have the opportunity to take the required semester credit of Health in a traditional classroom setting or in an online setting. The traditional Health or PE:Wellness for Life class will be offered either fall or spring semester. The Online Health and the Hybrid PE:Wellness for Life courses each cover one semester of material over a full-year and will be completed as an addition to seven other scheduled courses each semester.

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Science

The Science program offers students the opportunity to explore the natural world and discover the principles that govern natural processes, both living and nonliving. The focus of the curriculum is critical thinking and problem solving skills that are developed through laboratory and other investigative activities. In addition, students will also demonstrate mastery of appropriate scientific literacy, mathematical modeling, and develop skills in cooperation and communication in the practice of scientific inquiry. It is recommended that students take four years of Science as many colleges will require three to four years of laboratory-based Science courses for admission. Completion of Chemistry and upper-level Physics are strongly recommended if students plan to pursue a college program in the physical sciences, life sciences, computer science, mathematics, engineering, psychology, or physical education.

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Social Studies

The goals of the DeLaSalle Social Studies department are to enable students to possess the requisite skills to become informed, effective and involved members of their communities; students who have developed the research skills and content mastery needed to succeed in college; and students with an awareness and understanding of the diverse complexity that comprises our world. The core curriculum is three and one-half years of history, social science, geography and government.

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Theology

In harmony with the philosophy of DeLaSalle High School and the National Catechetical Directory: Sharing the Light of Faith, the Theology Department endeavors to do the following for our students:

  • Encourage each one to develop a personal faith response to the unconditional love of God,
  • Provide them with an understanding of the Catholic tradition,
  • Help them learn how to participate in a community of faith,
  • Invite each one to live a life of service to others.

The Bible, the Word of God, is shared daily through classroom prayers, texts, activities and liturgies. Opportunities for participation in the sacramental life of the Catholic Church are made available in cooperation with Lasallian Ministry. Through the study of Jesus’ life and mission, students encounter Christian values basic to life in all of its progressions and challenges. Students develop an awareness of the created world as a gift, but also recognize the need for redemption. Theology teachers seek to aid students in their search for God through the examination of world history, cultures, and customs. Emphasis is given to the Catholic Tradition, its historical development and ritual expression. These studies are positioned against the backdrop of contemporary times in order to furnish the values necessary for attaining a productive and fulfilled Christian life.

In partnership with the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, all grade levels will include curriculum components from the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth. These include boundaries and personal safety lessons with a focus on digital privacy & security, online relationships & communication, digital footprint & identity and cyberbullying & hate speech.

Our goal is to prepare students to navigate today’s digital environment.

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