The best part of Saint Martin de Porres High School is the community and all the people in it..."

Academics

Curriculum

Curriculum Description

The Saint Martin de Porres High School curriculum is a unique college preparatory program designed to serve students who have strong academic potential and a willingness to embrace the school’s motto: Work, Study, Serve, Lead, Pray. The curriculum consciously builds on the personal and cultural strengths that students bring with them to high school while addressing any academic needs that are as yet unmet. It is a rigorous, experiential, interdisciplinary
program planned according to the standards outlined in “Understanding University Success,” a project of the American Association of Universities. Students gain the knowledge required for college level study, and they acquire the skills and habits of mind that are essential to success in college. The emphasis in all courses is on critical, analytical and independent thinking; creativity and problem solving; intellectual curiosity; willingness to accept and act on critical feedback; openness to growth, including possible failures; the ability to cope with challenging learning tasks and possible frustration; and the skills to work collaboratively. In this curriculum, every course is a reading and writing course in direct preparation for college success. The highest expectations are held for all students; they therefore take four years of English, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, and Theology as well as three years of Spanish and classes in the arts and physical education. At Saint Martin de Porres, service is an integral part of academic course work, thus reinforcing the notion that academics and community leadership are inseparable.

Ninth Grade: Care for the Community
• Identity and Diversity
• Immigration: The Things They Carried
• Labor and the Workplace
• The Power of Commitment: The Danger of Indifference
Tenth Grade: Care for the Self
• What does it mean to be living?
• What does it mean to be healthy?
• How does respect for oneself translate into every area of life?
• How does respect for others translate into every area of life?
Eleventh Grade: Care for the World
• How do we learn about cultures?
• How did ancient cultures affect the evolution of civilization?
• How did cultures from the 14th through the 18th centuries C.E. affect the evolution of civilization?
• How did cultures during the 19th and 20th centuries C.E. affect the evolution of civilization?
(Our Overview for Twelfth Grade is currently being developed by our Curriculum Committee.)

Saint Martin Course Offerings

9th Grade
Thematic Studies in Civilization I**
Conceptual Physics
Integrated Math I *
English I
Theology I
Read 180/or Keyboarding
Work Study

10th Grade
Thematic Studies in Civilization II **
Biology
Integrated Math II *
American Literature
Theology II
Spanish I
Health ***
Work Study

11th Grade
Thematic Studies in Civilization III **
Chemistry
Integrated Math III *
World Literature
Theology III
Spanish II
Physical Education
Music Theory
Art History ****
Work Study

12th Grade
Geography
Environmental Sciences
Integrated Math IV *
English IV
Theology IV
Spanish III
Art Elective
Work Study

* The courses named “Integrated Math I, II, & III” comprise Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra
and Data Analysis as taught in the Core Plus Mathematics Program.
** American History includes American Government.
*** Health Class is integrated into the Science, Theology & Social Studies courses in
the second academic year.
****Art History is integrated into the Science, Theology & Social Studies courses in the third
academic year.

Credit Requirements for Graduation
Language Arts / English: 4 Credits
Math: 4 Credits
Science: 4 Credits
Social Studies: 4 Credits
Spanish: 3 Credits
Theology: 4 Credits
Fine Arts: 1.5 Credits
Corporate Work Study Program: 4 Credits
Health/Physical Education: 1 Credit
Completion of Christian Service Program
Total: 29.5 credits