High School (9th - 12th Grade)

Math

Education experts agree that mastering math skills is necessary in scholastic success and in the complicated, high-tech-world our children will inherit and navigate. UrbanPromise schools recognize that a solid foundation in mathematics will serve our students well, allowing them to compete and succeed in college and career. Our math curriculum allows students each year to master concepts and move on to more difficult math levels. With a commitment to small class size and individual attention, opportunities to work with mentors and real-world experiences to use what they learn in the classroom, students are given every opportunity to succeed. With math mastery comes academic confidence.

Pre-Algebra

Curriculum Focus

Compare and manipulate real numbers and apply number theory concepts to solve mathematical and life problems
Create, analyze, and solve linear equations and pairs of simultaneous linear equations
Use functions to model relationships between quantities

Algebra

Curriculum Focus

Write expressions in equivalent forms to solve problems
Use polynomial identities to solve problems
Create equations to describe numbers or relationships
Be able to solve equations using the process of reasoning and be able to explain the reasoning
Represent and solve equations and inequalities graphically.

Geometry

Curriculum Focus

Determine congruency using rigid motions
Define trigonometric ratios and solve problems involving right ratios
Understand and apply theorems about circles
Visualize relationships between two-dimensional and three-dimensional objects
Apply geometric concepts in modeling situations

Algebra II

Curriculum Focus

Solve equations and inequalities involving absolute value
Write linear equations using real world data
Solve radical equations
Solve any quadratic equation
Find composition and inverse of functions
Simplify, evaluate and solve equations using logarithms

Experiential Learning Integration

Wooden Boat Building

As part of their mathematics curriculum, UrbanPromise Academy’s 9th grade class is working on two projects: a 30' dragon boat for the UrbanPromise dragon boat team, and repairing our existing fleet of canoes and kayaks from their heavy use in the summer paddling program.

Science

According to the U.S Department of Labor, the future of our economy depends on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education. We need to encourage young people to pursue careers in these critical fields. The path to success in these areas can start in the high school classroom. At UrbanPromise schools, science education highlights our belief that children learn best through experiential processes that allow them to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to real life. In addition to our classroom curriculum, UP students have many opportunities to learn and grow as scientists, work and interact with real-world mentors and thought leaders from local tech companies, and develop curiosity for the world around them and confidence that they can and will make a difference.

Environmental Science

Curriculum Focus

Understanding of scientific principles through hands-on experimentation
Application of investigative environmental and ecological science through indoor laboratory and outdoor exploration
Understand personal roles in affecting the ecosystem to improve the environment within their neighborhoods as well as surrounding areas
Develop, maintain and secure a diverse, balanced, and sustainable living environment

Biology

Curriculum Focus

Comprehensive understanding of life and life processes for various plant and animal species
Learn effects of the environment on life from viral and bacterial diseases to nutrition and even lifestyles
Perform both simulated and real-life dissections of various animals.
Extensive experience with forensic science by using Rice University’s Virtual Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)

Chemistry

Curriculum Focus

Fundamentals of matter, chemical reactions, and the energy involved in those reactions
Collaborative learning framework for project-based solutions and experimentation
Cross-disciplinary case studies using chemistry principles to solve mock-Crime Scene Investigations (CSI)
Observe, organize, compare and contrast, question, study, and judge chemical processes, reactions, laws and phenomena

Physics/STEM

Curriculum Focus

Experimentation of the laws of physics including motion, force, gravity, momentum, energy, heat, fluids, waves, electricity and magnetism
Introduce engineering through design and construction of various DC circuits and robotics to demonstrate several laws of physics
Experience aviation working directly with trained pilots and airplane designers to build a flyable 2-seater aircraft
Experience flight through flying in an actual aircraft and visiting several airports

Experiential Learning Integration

Urban River Advocacy

Camden was born on the water, yet few residents have any connection to the city's waterways. Our students are becoming the exception to that rule, however. UrbanPromise students are paddling on their city's rivers, testing its waters and learning about its watershed through a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. Students share what they have learned by speaking at conferences with stakeholders who are making a difference in the rivers' health and future.

History

The City of Camden makes headlines for many things, not always positive. But for UP students, it is a daily civics lesson. It provides the perfect setting to learn about their urban world, their state, their nation, their world, and their role and responsibility in each. From meeting President Obama, to studying the Civil War through the restoration of an historic cemetery, to serving their community through a local food pantry, our students connect to and feel a part of an ever changing living classroom.

World History

Curriculum Focus

Master the essential facts of ancient world history from the beginning to the Renaissance
Analyze and interpret non-fiction texts
Create a research paper using Chicago style citation
Analyze and form opinions about the visual, written, and musical arts of past civilizations
Compare and contrast primary sources from ancient world history

US History I

Curriculum Focus

Master the essential facts of US History from 20,000 B.C. to 1860
Analyze and interpret non-fiction texts
Create a research paper using Chicago style citation
Analyze and form opinions about the visual, written, and musical arts of early American history
Compare and contrast primary sources from early American history

US History II

Curriculum Focus

Master the essential facts of US History from 1860 to the present
Analyze and interpret non-fiction texts
Create a research paper using Chicago style citation
Analyze and form opinions about the visual, written, and musical arts from recent American history Compare and contrast primary sources from recent American history
Conduct original research on grave sites at Johnson’s Cemetery, a resting place for African American veterans of the Civil War and Spanish American War

American Government and Economics

Curriculum Focus

Master the essential facts of the American Government
Compare and contrast varying economic systems
Analyze and interpret non-fiction texts
Create a 10-page, college level research paper using Chicago style citation
Compare and contrast primary sources about politics

Experiential Learning Integration

Johnson Cemetery Memorial Park

Johnson Cemetery is located on Federal Street at Terrace Avenue, only a few hundred feet away from the students’ U.S. Government and Economics class. Veteran soldiers who fought for the 54th Regiment of the Union Army in the Civil War, veterans from the Spanish-American War, and trailbreakers in Camden's African-American community were all laid to rest in Johnson Cemetery. Motivated to make a difference, the students have adopted the cemetery, cleaning the grounds regularly, clearing the tombstones that have been covered over by inches of dirt so that they would once again be visible, and raising money to dedicate a new sign for the park.

English

From a foundation in grammar, spelling, and literacy to an exploration of ethnic literature, our English curriculum is both fundamental and exploratory. As in all subjects, students are provided with individualized instruction to insure they stay at grade level and to allow for greater understanding of the world around them through the written word.

English I

Curriculum Focus

Read Mankind: the Story of all of Us (graphic Novel by the History Channel); Heroes, Gods, and Monsters of the Ancient Greek Myths, by Bernard Elvsin; Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare; I know why the Cage Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou; and other novels
Explain why literacy is important
Identify a “favorite author”
Develop a personal “culture of reading”
Cite and use vocabulary skills, including context based understanding and etymology
Master important grammar skills, which includes an understanding of basic parts of speech, subject-verb agreement, and common grammar mistakes (there/their/they’re, to/too, your/you’re, etc.)
Write a literary research paper using MLA citation

English II

Curriculum Focus

Read Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi; Lord of the Flies, by William Golding; Animal farm, by George Orwell, and other novels
Explain how a society can benefit from or be harmed by revolution
Explain how individuals might experience revolutions within themselves
Cite and use vocabulary skills, including context based understanding and etymology
Master important grammar skills, which includes an understanding of basic parts of speech, subject-verb agreement, and common grammar mistakes (there/their/they’re, to/too, your/you’re, etc.)
Write a literary research paper using MLA citation

English III

Curriculum Focus

Read The Book of Genesis; Grendel, by John Gardner; Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley; Our America, by José Marti; Ishmael, by Daniel Quinn, and selected readings from the Harlem Renaissance
Explain how God controls humanity, how people try to control nature, and how people try to control other people
Cite and use vocabulary skills, including context based understanding and etymology
Master important grammar skills, which includes an understanding of basic parts of speech, subject-verb agreement, and common grammar mistakes (there/their/they’re, to/too, your/you’re, etc.)
Write a literary research paper using MLA citation

English IV

Curriculum Focus

Read The Motorcycle Diaries, by Ernesto Che Guevara; Dreams from My Father, by Barack Obama; Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley; Brown Girl Dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson; Walden, by Henry David Thoreau; and other novels
Understand and explain the rites of passage to adulthood that others have gone through
Experience and explain a rite of passage by spending a night on an island alone and writing about the experience
Cite and use vocabulary skills, including context based understanding and etymology
Master important grammar skills, which includes an understanding of basic parts of speech, subject-verb agreement, and common grammar mistakes (there/their/they’re, to/too, your/you’re, etc.)
Write a literary research paper using MLA citation

Spanish

Being able to read, write, and converse in Spanish is only becoming more important as the Spanish speaking population of our city and our country grows. Whether is in in the workplace or the neighborhood, learning to communicate in multiple languages opens up new opportunities, exposes new ways of thiking, and create the opportunity to build new connections with diverse people.

Spanish I

Curriculum Focus

Focus on development of skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening
Study of Spanish/Latino/Lantina Diaspora world, daily life, and history

Spanish II

Curriculum Focus

New grammar and structural concepts with increased emphasis on reading, writing, speaking, and listening
Study of Spanish/Latino/Lantina Diaspora world, daily life, and history

Technology

Over the next thirty years, more software engineering jobs will be created in the U.S. than in any other field. The Academy's technology classes ensure students can use technology in school and in everyday life, and allows students to begin to develop an interest and skills in this improtant job field.

Technology 101

Curriculum Focus

Keyboarding skills, word-processing, file-management, utilizing an email account, internet applications
Design personal webpage using HTML and JavaScript
Develop three different video games using storyboarding, character, action, and scene development.
Utilize Microsoft Office suite to format APA style papers, create tables, presentations, blogs, and a host of other computer applications

Computer-Aided-Design (CAD)

Curriculum Focus

Basic engineering drafting procedures and techniques
Extensive use of Google SketchUp, and AutoCAD
Develop simple and complex shapes, both 2D and 3D extrusions, multi-body parts, and simple vector mechanics
Correctly dimensioned 3D drawings to produce physical prototypes using 3D printers

Physical Education

We take a holistic approach to education, focusing not just on the mind but on spiritual and physical growth as well with the goal of producing students—and citizens—equipped to live healthy and productive lives even in the midst of stressful circumstances. Cooperation, team work, mindfulness, and the importance of healthy eating habits are all stressed at UP at every grade level through health and physical education classes. While we do not have sports teams due to our size, our students can and do participate in local sports, have opportunities to explore their physical world and challenge themselves through UrbanTrekkers, and learn about making healthy choices to support strong body, mind, and spirit.

Grade 9

Curriculum Focus

Team sports: Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee, Lacrosse, Floor Hockey, Soccer
Physical fitness testing: Muscular fitness and endurance, Cardio-respiratory endurance

Grade 10

Curriculum Focus

Team sports: Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee, Lacrosse, Floor Hockey, Soccer
Physical fitness testing: Muscular fitness and endurance, Cardio-respiratory endurance

Grade 11

Curriculum Focus

Team sports: Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee, Lacrosse, Floor Hockey, Soccer
Physical fitness testing: Muscular fitness and endurance, Cardio-respiratory endurance

Grade 12

Curriculum Focus

Team sports: Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee, Lacrosse, Floor Hockey, Soccer
Physical fitness testing: Muscular fitness and endurance, Cardio-respiratory endurance

Experiential Learning Integration

UrbanPromise Academy Elite Cycling Team

The Elite Cycling Team is made up of students from UrbanPromise Academy who have committed to a 12-week intensive training regimen of spin classes at a local gym and weekend team rides in Camden all in perparation for Pedal for Promise in May. Depending on their ability, students chose to cycling either 30 miles or 60 miles in the fundraiser.

Art

Our Art program provides students with a perspective of how art both reflects and influences society and culture in their own communities and throughout history. At the same time, the Art program helps students develop their unique inner artist, identify and nurture their own abilities and artistic expression. Our students work with various artistic media, getting hands-on instruction in the foundations of art, art theory and art history. They learn how to channel their creativity to illustrate their own personal story, in conjunction with what they are learning and experiencing across the UP curriculum.

Grade 9

Curriculum Focus

Create works of art that explore personally meaningful themes using a variety of materials and approaches
Engage in discussion and constructive critique with peers in response to personal artwork and ideas
Explore connections between works of art and social, cultural, and political history
Compare uses of art in a variety of cultural and historical contexts and make connections to contemporary and local examples
Investigate how knowledge of culture, tradition, and history may influence response to a work of art
Investigate ways in which creative works and material culture shape understanding of human experience throughout time
Analyze, select, and critique personal artwork for a collection or portfolio presentation
Demonstrate awareness of the ethical implications of making and distributing creative work
Demonstrate understanding of the importance of balancing freedom and responsibility in the use of images, materials, and equipment in the production and circulation of creative work
Key artworks & artists: Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Tibetan sand mandalas, stained glass from a variety of cultures, Marc Chagall, Keith Haring, Banksy, Isaiah Zagar, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Renoir, Vincent van Gogh

Grade 10

Curriculum Focus

Create works of art that explore personally meaningful themes using a variety of materials and approaches
Engage in discussion and constructive critique with peers in response to personal artwork and ideas
Explore connections between works of art and social, cultural, and political history
Compare uses of art in a variety of cultural and historical contexts and make connections to contemporary and local examples
Investigate how knowledge of culture, tradition, and history may influence response to a work of art
Investigate ways in which creative works and material culture shape understanding of human experience throughout time
Analyze, select, and critique personal artwork for a collection or portfolio presentation
Demonstrate awareness of the ethical implications of making and distributing creative work
Demonstrate understanding of the importance of balancing freedom and responsibility in the use of images, materials, and equipment in the production and circulation of creative work
Key artworks & artists: Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Tibetan sand mandalas, stained glass from a variety of cultures, Marc Chagall, Keith Haring, Banksy, Isaiah Zagar, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Renoir, Vincent van Gogh

Grade 11

Curriculum Focus

Create works of art that explore personally meaningful themes using a variety of materials and approaches
Engage in discussion and constructive critique with peers in response to personal artwork and ideas
Explore connections between works of art and social, cultural, and political history
Compare uses of art in a variety of cultural and historical contexts and make connections to contemporary and local examples
Investigate how knowledge of culture, tradition, and history may influence response to a work of art
Investigate ways in which creative works and material culture shape understanding of human experience throughout time
Analyze, select, and critique personal artwork for a collection or portfolio presentation
Demonstrate awareness of the ethical implications of making and distributing creative work
Demonstrate understanding of the importance of balancing freedom and responsibility in the use of images, materials, and equipment in the production and circulation of creative work
Key artworks & artists: Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Tibetan sand mandalas, stained glass from a variety of cultures, Marc Chagall, Keith Haring, Banksy, Isaiah Zagar, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Renoir, Vincent van Gogh

Grade 12

Curriculum Focus

Create works of art that explore personally meaningful themes using a variety of materials and approaches
Engage in discussion and constructive critique with peers in response to personal artwork and ideas
Explore connections between works of art and social, cultural, and political history
Compare uses of art in a variety of cultural and historical contexts and make connections to contemporary and local examples
Investigate how knowledge of culture, tradition, and history may influence response to a work of art
Investigate ways in which creative works and material culture shape understanding of human experience throughout time
Analyze, select, and critique personal artwork for a collection or portfolio presentation
Demonstrate awareness of the ethical implications of making and distributing creative work
Demonstrate understanding of the importance of balancing freedom and responsibility in the use of images, materials, and equipment in the production and circulation of creative work
Key artworks & artists: Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Tibetan sand mandalas, stained glass from a variety of cultures, Marc Chagall, Keith Haring, Banksy, Isaiah Zagar, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Renoir, Vincent van Gogh

Health/Life Skills/Wellness

This is a variable topic course where students develop skills that will make them health-literate adults. Students gain an understanding of the knowledge and behaviors necessary to promote health. Students are taught how to access accurate information that they can use for themselves and others.

Grade 9

Curriculum Focus

Personal health
First aid & safety
Community and enviromental health
Adolescent health problems
Personal social and family relationships
Use problem-solving, research, goal-setting and communication skills

Grade 10

Curriculum Focus

Personal health
First aid & safety
Community and enviromental health
Adolescent health problems
Personal social and family relationships
Use problem-solving, research, goal-setting and communication skills

Grade 11

Curriculum Focus

Personal health
First aid & safety
Community and enviromental health
Adolescent health problems
Personal social and family relationships
Use problem-solving, research, goal-setting and communication skills

Grade 12

Curriculum Focus

Personal health
First aid & safety
Community and enviromental health
Adolescent health problems
Personal social and family relationships
Use problem-solving, research, goal-setting and communication skills

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High School (9th - 12th Grade)

Experiential Learning Integration

Experiential Learning Integration

Experiential Learning Integration

Experiential Learning Integration