High School Courses

high school student reading
high school kids studying in the park
high school students working at computer

Overview

Palos Verdes Peninsula Summer School (PVPSS) is thrilled to continue serving the community in 2023!  The summer high school program runs from  June 20 – July 27 (see details in the Daily Schedule section below), and students entering grades 9-12 will have the opportunity to enroll in a class for advancement.  PVPSS offers both onsite and online courses, all of which meet the UC/CSU and NCAA college entrance requirements through our WASC accredited program.  We have an incredible staff and outstanding atmosphere.  With that being said, please review the information below to decide if PVPSS is the best option for you.

The program moves at a fast pace, as full-year courses are completed in only six weeks.  Students must demonstrate a high degree of self-discipline to be successful, and it is very important to stay on track because each school day covers over a week of material.  Therefore, teachers are unable to provide extensions on assignments/exams for any reason, including illness.  Also, students should only enroll in an honors class if they excel in that area and plan to do two to six hours of homework per night.

Please note that although our online program is asynchronous (no attendance), students must submit assignments and take exams on all school days.  Students can work ahead on the assignments, but they must still take the exams and check for teacher updates on each school day.  Virtual support is also available upon request.

Please also note that PVPSS is a non-profit private entity that does not follow the same policies and regulations as a public school.  Due to the fast pace of the program, with only 12 school days in each semester, staff members are unable to provide any additional services that may be in place through the District (such as extra time to submit assignments).  However, students and parents are welcome to share effective strategies and helpful information with the instructors, who are there to encourage and support all students.

Again, please consider the information above when deciding if PVPSS is the best summer program for you.

  SUMMER 2023 COURSE OFFERINGS (JUNE 20 – July 27)
First Semester: June 20th – July 7th Second Semester: July 10th – July 27th
First Week: T – F, June 20 – June 23
Second Week: M – TH, June 26 – June 29
Third Week: M – F, July 3 – July 7 (no school on July 4th)
First Week: M – Th, July 10 – July 13
Second Week: M – Th, July 17 – July 20
Third Week: M – Th, July 24 – July 27

 

* Students may enroll in one yearlong course*
* Rising seniors can take Online American Government and Economics concurrently with College Application Prep *
* Grade level refers to student’s grade in fall of 2023 *

 

 

​Course Description Prerequisites Location
College Application Prep

This three-week (semester only) workshop will assist rising seniors in preparing excellent college applications.  The focus will be on creating a balanced college list and writing outstanding college essays.  CAP is not a graded course for credit, and it can be taken concurrently with Online American Government and Economics.

Teachers: Baranick/Hall 

Grade 12

Onsite     Room 406

Biology 1

The lessons in this course include cell biology, basic chemistry, plant growth and Development, genetics, evolution, natural selection, reproduction, physiology, and ecology.  Tuition plus $60 lab materials fee.

Teacher: Kwak

Grades 9 – 12
Onsite     Room 501
Biology 1 Honors

This course prepares students for Advanced Placement Biology (Biology 2 AP), with a focus on laboratory investigations.  The lessons include biochemistry, energy, fermentation, structure/function of the cell, genetics, origin of life, evolution, ecology, human physiology, classification, and plant physiology.  Students should only enroll in an honors class if they excel in that area and plan to do 2 to 5 hours of homework per night.  Tuition plus $60 lab materials fee. 

Teachers: Kealey/Perantoni & Salgado/Hughes

Grades 9 – 12
Completion of Algebra 1

Onsite – K/P   Room 210

Onsite – S/H Room 307

 

Chemistry 1

The lessons in this course include atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, matter/energy conversion, stoichiometry, gases, acids, bases, solutions, chemical thermodynamics, rates of reactions, chemical equilibrium, nuclear processes, organic chemistry, and biochemistry.  Experiments, mathematical calculations, and models are used to attain an understanding of the concepts.  Tuition plus $60 lab materials fee.

Teacher: Jarrin

Grades 10 – 12
Completion of Geometry
Onsite     Room 502
Chemistry 1 Honors

This course prepares students for Advanced Placement Chemistry, with more of an emphasis on depth and problem-solving than seen in Chemistry 1.  Experiments, mathematical calculations and models are used to attain an understanding of the concepts.  Students should only enroll in an honors class if they excel in that area and plan to do 2 to 5 hours of homework per night.  Tuition plus $60 lab materials fee.

Teacher: Snodgrass 

​Grades 10 – 12
Completion of Geometry
Onsite     Room 208
Geometry

Students develop an understanding of the concept of proof in geometric constructs and construct formal logical arguments.  Students will study geometric constructions using compass and straight edge; properties of parallel and perpendicular lines, transformations, triangles and other polygons, similarity, basic trigonometry, circles and three dimensional shapes.  Algebraic techniques are applied in the solution of problems for both two and three dimensional figures.

Teacher: Chou

Grades 9 – 12
Completion of Algebra 1
Onsite     Room 308
Geometry Honors

This course provides an in-depth understanding of the concept of proof in geometric constructs and construct formal logical arguments.  Students will study geometric constructions using compass and straight edge; properties of parallel and perpendicular lines, transformations, triangles and other polygons, similarity, basic trigonometry, circles and three-dimensional shapes.  Algebraic techniques are applied in the solution of problems for two- and three-dimensional figures.  Students should only enroll in an honors class if they excel in that area and plan to do 2 to 5 hours of homework per night.

Teacher: Vijaiyan

Grades 9 – 12
B or above in Algebra 1 H
Onsite     Room 306
World History

This course provides a basic understanding of world history, geography, and culture.  Content will cover political thought in the development of law, religion, philosophy, and culture, while also emphasizing the influence of ancient civilization on modern western society.

Teachers: Stoddart (Onsite), Kim (Online)

Grades 10 – 12

Onsite     Room 411

Or

Online Asynchronous

United States History

This course analyzes American political, social, and economic behavior during major periods in history.  There is a focus on the multiple factors that affect continuity, outstanding contributions of individual Americans, change in ethnic composition of American society, the movement toward equal rights for racial minorities and women, and the expanding role of the Federal government in addressing critical issues.

Teachers: Hangartner (Onsite), Stoddart & Streitfeld (Online)

Grades 11 – 12

Onsite     Room 405 

OR

Online Asynchronous 

American Government

This semester course provides perspective on politics and government in the United States.  It compares systems of government in the world today, and analyzes the changing interpretations of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and current state of the legislative/executive/judicial branches of government.  The course also promotes familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that make up the American and comparative political system.

Teacher: Quick

Grade 12 Online Asynchronous
Economics

This course involves the study of microeconomics and macroeconomics to help students become responsible/effective decision makers.  It provides an understanding of supply and demand, scarcity, the role of the marketplace, competition, and consumer choice.  The course also covers inflation, unemployment, measures of national wealth, the economic role of the government, international trade/finance, personal economic decision making, investments, budget, job choice, and consumer information.

Teacher: Wilson

Grade 12 Online Asynchronous
Drawing & Painting 1

This course explores aesthetic perceptions and develops skills for using visual arts media effectively.  These skills will enhance the ability to interpret and communicate ideas, feeling, and values. Tuition plus $60 materials fee.

Teacher: Rarewala

Grades 9 – 12 Onsite     Room 213