Course Descriptions
Chrysalis teachers use advanced methods and real-world applications to increase interest, learning, and retention. Our teachers are state-certified for all core subjects.
Chrysalis is a therapeutic boarding school that is uniquely aligned with the local Montana Public school, Lincoln County High. LCHS generates all of Chrysalis’s diplomas and transcripts. Chrysalis maintains all policies and standards in accordance with LCHS.
In addition to the courses listed below, Chrysalis students may take online courses through the Montana Digital Academy (MTDA is the state of Montana’s public virtual High School), Keystone Academy’s High School Program, or BYU Academy’s online High School Program.
Art
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Drawing
.5/semester
1 Semester
None
9 - 12
This course is designed to push you to your fullest potential through art production, critique, art history, and aesthetics. We will work with a variety of mediums including graphite and ink. We will learn about art history, contemporary artists, new techniques, and different art movements throughout the years.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Painting
.5/semester
1 Semester
None
9 - 12
This course is designed to push you to your fullest potential through art production, critique, art history, and aesthetics. We will work with a variety of mediums including watercolors, acrylics, and oils. We will learn about art history, contemporary artists, new techniques, and different art movements throughout the years.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Mixed Media
.5/semester
1 Semester
None
9 - 12
In Mixed Media, we will explore the boundaries between the different mediums and then work to cross those boundaries by blending many different mediums (Ink and watercolor, colored pencil and pastels, collage and paints, found objects and drawing, etc.). We will start simply and explore the many ways to express thoughts, ideas, themes, and emotions with images and compositions that span from simple 2-dimensional works to 3-dimensional sculptures and assemblages that use many different mediums. Students will learn to layer, re-purpose, re-contextualize and combine materials as we work to create meaningful artwork.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Photography
.5/semester
1 Semester
None
9 - 12
This class will not only focus on understanding basic photography terms, tips, and tricks such as aperture.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Ceramics
.5/semester
1 Semester
None
9 - 12
This course is designed to push you to your fullest potential through working with a three-dimensional form: Clay. We will work with the basics, starting with hand-building, learning about pinch pots, slabs, and coils and work our way towards throwing on the wheel. You will be proficient in ceramic terms while learning the steps of what happens to your piece from wet clay to the final firing processed, and composition, but we will be working in the dark room as well. This class will challenge you to get a great photograph through understanding your camera and working in the dark room.
English
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
English Explorations
.5/semester
2 Semester
None
9
Students will study five-paragraph essay format for narrative, expository and persuasive essays. They will research and write mini-research papers using correct documentation. Grammar and vocabulary study will be used to reinforce writing skills. Reading literature, both as a class and with individual choices, will be a major focus. Study skills, organizational skills and media literacy are also included.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
World Literature
.5/semester
2 Semester
None
10 - 11
World Literature should expand worldviews. Students will read a certain number of books of their own choosing but with specific constraints on demographic characteristics of authors. As a class, we will read and discuss as many books as possible from a variety of authors, viewpoints, and regions. Most of these books will have associated projects to complete.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Data as Literature
.5/semester
1 Semester
1st semester of World Literature
11 - 12
In this course, students utilize nonfiction novel-length books to explore how factual information can be presented in engaging ways. Students read a selection of texts to gain understanding of how to present information and data in such a way as to make it not only accessible but fun for the public to read. Using this as a springboard, students write a variety of texts to demonstrate their understanding of how to make nonfiction come to life. Course is one semester in length and may be substituted for the second semester of World Literature.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Literature and Composition
.5/semester
2 Semester
None
10 - 11
Literature and Composition is a broadly encompassing reading/writing class. We will work on grammar, word choice, and composition of written works. Students will read many books of their own choosing, and together we will read many books throughout the year of varying difficulties from a demographic variety of authors. We will connect our literature to the world around us, taking lessons from these books to improve our own senses of personal responsibility and citizenship.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
American Literature
.5/semester
2 Semester
None
11 - 12
This course covers selected works in American Literature from 1865 to the present. Emphasis is placed on historical background, cultural context, and literary analysis of selected prose, poetry, and drama.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Honors Literary Theory and Criticism
.5/semester
2 Semester
Instructor Approval & A's or B's in English
12
This is an accelerated class which includes everything from the regular English curriculum but is more intense in content, structure and pace. This class is recommended for students who plan to continue on to a four-year college following high school. A’s and B’s in English plus teacher recommendation and approval are required for admission into this class.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Creative journalism and Minor Genres
.5/semester
1 Semester
B or better in English w/ instructor approval
9 - 12
Students will produce a school yearbook in this class. They will learn various journalistic writing styles as well as editing and photography with various computer programs including but not limited to Adobe PhotoShop, Adobe and GoogleDocs. Students will have the opportunity to be involved in every aspect of newspaper and yearbook production. Taking responsibility, self-motivation, and being able to meet deadlines are crucial in this class. Students must have A's and B's in English and be able to work independently. Class size is limited and admission requires instructor approval.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Shakespeare
.5/semester
1 Semester (summer only)
None
9 - 12
In the summer Shakespeare course, students explore the 15- and- 1600s to gain a deeper understanding of the culture in which Shakespeare was living and writing. Using this as a foundation, students then explore one of his plays in-depth by reading it, watching movie adaptations, and attending a live performance, analyzing themes and language and focusing on whether or not, and why, his plays remain relevant hundreds of years later.
Science
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Physical Science
.5/semester
2 Semester
None
9 - 12
Students are provided with comprehensive content coverage of physical science integrated with Earth Science. Students will explore physics and chemistry and learn how these concepts apply to the Earth and Space system. Throughout the class, inquiry-based labs will be used to assist students in learning science processes and concepts.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Biology
.5/semester
2 Semester
Physical Science
10 - 12
This course covers basic biochemistry, cell structure and function, genetics and heredity, organism classification, as well as a basic overview of plants and animals.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Chemistry
.5/semester
2 Semester
Algebra II & Instructor Approval
11 - 12
Chemistry is a laboratory science in which the student becomes familiar with matter and its structure, its composition and the changes it undergoes during chemical reactions. Both inorganic and organic chemistry are covered. Emphasis is placed upon the understanding of principles rather than memorization. This course has a laboratory portion and students are expected to work well with a variety of individuals. Advanced Algebra must be taken prior to or in conjunction with Chemistry.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Physics
.5/semester
2 Semester
Algebra II & Instructor Approval
11 - 12
Physics is the study of the interactions of matter and energy. The topics of dynamics, energy, heat, sound, light, electricity and magnetism are covered. Quantum theory may be included if time permits. This course is taught with an emphasis on understanding of concepts rather than the memorization of formulas. A variety of laboratory activities and problem-solving skills that support the concepts are incorporated into the class. Student must have completed Algebra II and it is strongly recommended that they must be taking Pre-calculus or Calculus.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Astronomy
.5/semester
2 Semester
None
9 - 12
Astronomy is the branch of science concerned with celestial objects, space and all the rest of the physical universe. The goals of this class include developing a model of the lifespan of the sun and our galaxy, constructing an explanation of the Big Bag and an investigation into the mathematical models that predict the motion of orbiting objects in the solar system.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Environmental Science
.5/semester
2 Semester
None
9 - 12
Environmental science is the study of interrelationships between human activities and the environment. We will examine the effects of human actions on the environment and how various policies or regulations impact that behavior. If there is time, we will investigate the historical impacts of various societies on the environments in which they lived.
Social Studies/Sciences
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
World History
.5/semester
2 Semesters
None
9 - 10
World History is the first course in the Social Studies Program. This course is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to understand the major concepts, characteristics, events and people of modern history (1500 - present). The course will include an overview of Western Civilization.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
US History
.5/semester
2 semesters
World History
10 - 12
US History is a chronological survey of the United States from the American Revolution to the Cold War. Students are required to write a research paper one semester and critique a book related to U.S. History the other semester. This class is open to students in grade 10 and 11.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
US Government
.5/semester
2 semesters
US History
11 - 12
US Government is a class required of all Seniors. Semester 1 deals with the Vietnam War, a review of the Cold War, and an examination of American Government. Each student will be required to participate in a selected oral presentation. Semester 2 deals with contemporary issues in American Society such as the Prison System, Youth Violence, Child Abuse, Censorship, and Discrimination. Each student will be required to present a contemporary essay on a social issue along with a current events journal.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Sociology
.5/semester
1 semester
None
9 - 12
Sociology is the scientific study of human society. In this course we will understand the basics of social investigation, a history of the science and, in the last half of the course, conduct small group sociological investigations, as well as look at case studies and social trends identified in the text the course is based upon.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Psychology
.5/semester
1 semester
None
9 - 12
Psychology is a social science that is the study of mind and behavior. This is an introductory broadfield course that will cover the basics and building principals of psychology. It will explore the different cornerstone careers and focus areas such as abnormal, social, developmental, forensic and cognitive. This course will be a combination of projects, experiments, independent and group work.
Mathmatics
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Algebra I
.5/semester
2 Semesters
None
8 with pre approval 9-12
This course is a traditional first year algebra course. Contents includes: Equations in one variable; equations in two variables; the Cartesian coordinate system; polynomials; algebraic fractions; and factoring. Some time is spent reviewing concepts taught in eighth grade math, then students learn new algebraic concepts in a lecture and practice mode.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Geometry
.5/semester
2 Semesters
Algebra I
9 with pre approval 10 - 12
Subjects from plane, solids, non-Euclidean, and coordinate geometry are covered. Some review of Algebra I topics is included in this course. Basic computational trigonometry and problem solving using geometric topics is also a large part of this class.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Algebra II
.5/semester
2 Semesters
Algebra I, Geometry
10 - 12
Attention is given to the practical, applied aspects of algebra, while concepts from Algebra I are reviewed, broadened and formalized. Normal advancements from this course would be Pre-Calculus.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Pre-Calculus
.5/semester
2 Semesters
Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II
11 - 12
This course provides the student with a rich preparation for college courses in Calculus, abstract algebra probability, matrices and determinants.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Calculus
.5/semester
2 Semesters
Pre-Calculus
12
This course deals with the mathematics of change and motion. Applications in the field of economy, psychology, and many of the sciences are discussed throughout the course. A good background in algebra and geometry is essential.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Statistics
.5/semester
2 Semesters
Algebra I, Geometry
11 - 12
This course is designed to introduce the basic concepts, displays, and computations of statistical measures. Topics include: misleading statistics, appropriate displays of data, the rules of probability, normal distributions, standard deviation, z scores, and sampling of the mean. Math level is appropriate for students who have successfully completed Algebra 1 and Geometry. Basic understanding of and access to Microsoft Excel or OpenOffice is a requirement.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
AP Statistics
.5/semester
2 Semesters
Algebra II and teacher approval
11 - 12
This course is designed to provide college-level instruction on the concepts and tools for working with data. Students collect and analyze data and draw conclusions based on real-world information. The course challenges students to explore patterns, think critically, use a variety of tools and methods, and report their findings and conclusions.
Music
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Choir
.5/semester
1 Semester
None
9 - 12
Choir is a vocal performance group that will study a variety of choral music styles. Perfect for beginners, we will discuss basic music theory and practice sight-singing. Requirements for this course include participation in all on-campus performances.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Music Explorations
.5/semester
1 Semester
None
9 - 12
This course is an exploration of various areas of music. This is a great opportunity for a student to begin learning a new instrument such as the guitar, ukulele, or keyboard or to sharpen their skills on an instrument they have studied before. Students will create their own music-related goals and work on projects related to this goal throughout the semester.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Songwriting
.5/semester
1 Semester
None
9 - 12
The Songwriting course is designed for both the aspiring and experienced songwriter. Together we will explore the fundamentals of songwriting. We will study the songs of many great songwriters from history to the present day as well as learn and practice the art of composing music and writing lyrics. The course combines elements of a creative writing class with a music class. No previous music training is required.
Foreign Languages
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Spanish I
.5/semester
2 Semesters
None
9 -12
In this introductory course in Spanish, students are exposed to a Spanish vocabulary of about 5,000 words. Additionally, students study various cultures and the geography of Spanish-speaking countries. Students have the opportunity to develop an appreciation of the Spanish language and cultures; learn correct pronunciation in speech and reading; learn the basic structure of the language; and are encouraged to have an open and receptive mind toward cultures other than their own. Students are encouraged to start language study in their freshman or sophomore year.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Spanish II
.5/semester
2 Semesters
Spanish I
10 -12
Planned as a continuation of Spanish I, this course is designed to stimulate interest in the Spanish language and cultures through development of verbal and aural skills. Spanish II expands students’ vocabulary and grammar skills; increases their knowledge about Spanish history and cultures; and enables students to communicate with native speakers of Spanish.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Spanish III
.5/semester
2 Semesters
Spanish I, II
11 -12
This course is a continuation of second year Spanish. Students will review grammar and vocabulary learned in Spanish II, such as future and conditional as well as subjunctive forms of verbs. More emphasis is placed on speaking and reading, and further developing an active vocabulary.
Health Enhancement
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
PE/Health
.5/semester
2 Semesters
None
9 - 12
Two years of physical education must be successfully completed to graduate from high school. The course consists of instruction in both physical education and health/wellness. Lifetime sports, leisure activities, health and safety are the basic curriculum activities.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Personal Development
.5/semester
1 Semester
None
9 - 12
This course is designed to help students with building a positive self-esteem, improving decision-making skills, developing communication skills, and conflict management techniques. Teen issues to be discussed may include family dynamics, anxiety, depression, dating and relationships, stress, social media addiction and much more.
Course
Credits
Length
Prereqs
Level
Running Club
.5/semester
1 Semester
None
9 - 12
In this semester course, students will be assessed on their ability to understand and participate in physical activities that develop motor skills and physical fitness. This will be accomplished through running, aerobic conditioning exercises, fitness activities and stretching, typically in a natural setting. Units may be added or omitted due to weather and availability. Safety concepts, rules, and etiquette are emphasized in all activities. Developing a passion & love for physical activity in a natural setting will be encouraged through class discussion & keeping a running journal.