The Beacon School, NYC
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CURRICULUM PROGRAM

In order to graduate with a Beacon Diploma, students must complete the New York State, New York City, and Beacon School graduation requirements, which include passing 44 Credits in the following courses:

  • 8 English Credits*
  • 8 History Credits*
  • 6 Math Credits*
  • 6 Science Credits*
  • 6 Foreign Language Credits*
  • 2 Arts/ Music Elective Credits
  • 1 Computer Credit
  • 1 Community Service Credit
  • 1 Health Credit
  • 4 credits Advisory Guidance
  • 4 semesters of Physical Education
  • 1 additional course credit
  • Credits are awarded on a semester basis. For example, passing both semesters of ninth grade English would give to a student two credits for English. (Note:  many electives are half-credit courses, and in these courses a student needs two semesters to earn one credit.)
  • [To pass these courses, students must successfully present and pass a Performance-based Assessments with a score of “2” or above.  See the General guidelines for portfolios.]

 

9th Grade and 10th Grade program

SUBJECT REQUIRED COURSES DESCRIPTION
English English I and II English I and II teaches reading and writing as a conscious form of self-discovery through literature, poetry, and non-fiction. The 9th grade PBA* is a five-paragraph essay and a creative portfolio; the 10th grade PBA is a comparative essay and a creative portfolio.
History History I and II History I and II is a two-year sequence of World History. The 9th grade PBA is a geography portfolio. The 10th grade PBA is a portfolio of essays on ethical values.
Science Science I and II Science I and II is a two-year sequence of integrated biology and chemistry. It is laboratory-intensive and focuses on problem solving. The 9th and 10th grade PBAs are independent research projects.
Math Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, or Pre-Calculus Students take a placement test to determine their appropriate math level. Students progress from a solid foundation of generalized arithmetic through higher-level mathematics.
Foreign Language
9 and 10
 Chinese 1, II, III, or French I, II, III or, Spanish I, II, III Students take a placement test to determine their appropriate foreign language level. Levels II and III of the foreign language classes have a PBA that includes listening, speaking, and writing assessments.
Technology
9
 Introduction to Technology (one semester) The course is an introduction to basic computer literacy skills, moving on quickly to more complex skills such as web page design using HTML programming, digital photo, and animation.
Arts
9
 Introductory Arts Rotation (one semester) Students are introduced to dance, drama, and visual arts.
Arts & Technology
10
 Arts & Technology Electives (one per semester) Students select from: Advanced Digital Film, Advanced Photography, Chorus, Creative Writing, Digital Film, Design Studio, Fall Musical, Guitar/Song Writing, Journalism, Music Theory, Photography, Studio Art, Studio Art Honors, Spring Drama, and Theatre Arts
Physical Education & Health
9 and 10
 Physical Education & Health Students must complete seven semesters of physical education and one semester of health education. Health education is taken in 10th grade and is paired with Community Service.
Community Service
10
 Community Service (one semester) Students select from a broad list of internships and complete 50 hours of Community Service. The class meets twice per week and is paired with Health class.

11th Grade Program

SUBJECT REQUIRED COURSES DESCRIPTION
English
11
 U.S. Literature U.S. Literature explores themes of self-identity as they relate to national identity. The PBA is a research paper using literary criticism and a creative portfolio.
History
11
 U.S. History U.S. History explores major themes in 18th and 19th century. The PBA is a major research paper.
Science
11
 Science Electives AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Physics, AP Environmental Science, or Museum Partnership. The PBA is a research paper. Students must pass three years of science and the Senior Science Seminar.
Math
11
 Math Electives Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Advanced Math Applications, AP Calculus. Students must pass three years of mathematics.
Foreign Language
11
 Chinese III, French III, IV, or AP French, Spanish III, IV, or AP Spanish Intermediate and advanced course focus on increased fluency in reading, speaking, understanding, and writing. Advanced courses are taught in the target language. Levels II and III of the foreign language classes have a PBA that includes listening, speaking, and writing assessments. Students must pass three years of a foreign language.
Arts
11
 Arts Electives Students select from: Advanced Digital Film, Advanced Photography, Chorus, Creative Writing, Digital Film, Design Studio, Fall Musical, Guitar/Song Writing, Journalism, Music Theory, Photography, Studio Art, Studio Art Honors, Spring Drama, and Theatre Arts.
Physical Education & Health 11 Physical Education Students must complete seven semesters of physical education and one semester of health education.
Regents Exams English Language Arts Regents All students must pass the English Language Arts Regents exam to graduate.
Regents Exams
College Classes
Optional Beacon juniors and seniors choose from a wide variety of classes at New York University, Hunter College, John Jay College, and Fordham University.

12th Grade Program

SUBJECT REQUIRED COURSES DESCRIPTION
English
12
 English Electives Students select from semester-long electives like Society & Drama, Literature & Media Theory, Sports Literature, Shakespeare, Crime & Punishment, South African Literature, and Voices of Protest. The PBA is a literary analysis using a social, historical, cultural, or personal lens and a creative portfolio. Students must pass four years of English.
History
12
 History Electives In the first semester, students select from electives related to 20th-century U.S. history. In the second semester, students select from electives like History & Memory, The History of South Africa (including a trip to that country), The History of Latin America (including a trip to Venezuela), Sociology, and Food & Water. The PBA is a research paper that includes an oral history. Students must pass four years of history.
Science
12
 Science Seminar (one semester required); Science Electives (optional) In Science Seminar, each senior must create and conduct an original experiment and defend findings. Students may also take AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Physics, or Museum Partnership.
Math
12
 Math Electives (optional) Students may take Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Advanced Math Applications, or AP Calculus.
Foreign Language 12 Advanced Foreign Language (optional) Students may take Spanish IV, AP Spanish, or AP French.
Arts
12
 Arts Electives
(optional)
 Students may select from: Advanced Digital Film, Advanced Photography, Chorus, Creative Writing, Digital Film, Design Studio, Fall Musical, Guitar/Song Writing, Journalism, Music Theory, Photography, Studio Art, Studio Art Honors, Spring Drama, and Theatre Arts.
Physical Education & Health 12 Physical Education Students must complete seven semesters of physical education and one semester of health education.
College Classes Optional Beacon juniors and seniors can take classes at New York University, Hunter College, John Jay College, and Fordham University.