Apple Grove USD provides a comprehensive, standards-aligned curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and real-world applications. Our instructional approach combines traditional and innovative teaching methods to ensure all students achieve their full potential.
Educational Philosophy
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Student-Centered Learning:
Tailoring instruction to individual needs
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Data-Driven Instruction:
Using assessments to guide teaching
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Technology Integration:
Preparing students for the digital age
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Inclusive Education:
Supporting all learners
English Language Arts
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Balanced literacy approach incorporating reading, writing, speaking, and listening
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Workshop model for reading and writing instruction
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Integration of classic and contemporary literature
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Focus on analytical and creative writing
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Research and media literacy skills
Mathematics
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Standards-based curriculum with emphasis on conceptual understanding
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Integration of technology and mathematical modeling
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Real-world problem solving and applications
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Advanced math pathways available
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Support programs for struggling learners
Science
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Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) aligned curriculum
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Hands-on laboratory experiences
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Integration of engineering practices
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Environmental and sustainability education
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Science fair and research opportunities
[Additional sections for Social Studies, World Languages, Arts, PE & Health continue with similar detailed structure]
Graduation Requirements
|
Subject Area
|
Credits Required
|
Recommended Sequence
|
|
English
|
40
|
4 years
|
|
Mathematics
|
30
|
3 years (4 recommended)
|
|
Science
|
30
|
3 years (4 recommended)
|
|
English
|
40
|
4 years
|
|
Mathematics
|
30
|
3 years (4 recommended)
|
|
Science
|
30
|
3 years (4 recommended)
|
|
Social Studies
|
30
|
3 years
|
|
World Language
|
20
|
2 years (3 recommended)
|
|
Visual/Performing Arts
|
10
|
1 year
|
|
Physical Education
|
20
|
2 years
|
|
Health
|
5
|
1 semester
|
|
Electives
|
65
|
Various
|
|
Total Required
|
250
|
4 years
|
Advanced Placement (AP) Programs
Apple Grove USD offers a comprehensive AP program to challenge students and provide opportunities for college credit.
Available AP Courses
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English:
AP Literature, AP Language & Composition
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Mathematics:
AP Calculus AB/BC, AP Statistics
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Science:
AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Environmental Science
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Social Studies:
AP U.S. History, AP World History, AP Government, AP Economics
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World Languages:
AP Spanish, AP French, AP Mandarin
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Arts:
AP Studio Art, AP Music Theory
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Computer Science:
AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles
Electives
Elective Programs by Department
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STEM:
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Robotics and Engineering
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Computer Programming
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3D Design and Modeling
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Environmental Science
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Arts & Music:
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Band, Orchestra, and Choir
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Digital Arts and Animation
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Theater Arts and Drama
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Photography and Film Production
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Business & Technology:
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Business Management
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Marketing and Entrepreneurship
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Web Design
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Financial Literacy
Special Programs
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Program
|
Description
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Eligibility
|
|
International Baccalaureate
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Rigorous international diploma program
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Grades 11-12, Application required
|
|
STEM Academy
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Focus on science, technology, engineering, math
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Grades 9-12, Application required
|
|
Dual Enrollment
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College courses while in high school
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Grades 11-12, GPA 3.0+
|
|
Arts Conservatory
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Advanced visual and performing arts
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Grades 9-12, Audition required
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Academic Counseling
Counseling Services
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Four-year academic planning
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College application guidance
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Scholarship and financial aid support
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Career exploration and planning
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Social-emotional support
College Preparation
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College Planning Timeline
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Freshman Year: Course planning, extracurricular activities
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Sophomore Year: PSAT preparation, college research
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Junior Year: SAT/ACT prep, college visits
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Senior Year: Applications, scholarships, financial aid
Career Technical Education (CTE)
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Pathway
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Courses
|
Industry Certifications
|
|
Health Sciences
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Medical Biology, Clinical Skills
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CNA, EMT Basic
|
|
Information Technology
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Programming, Networking
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CompTIA A+, Network+
|
|
Engineering
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CAD, Robotics
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AutoCAD Certified User
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|
Digital Media
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Design, Animation
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Adobe Certified Professional
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Internship Programs
Our internship program connects students with local businesses and organizations for real-world experience.
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Summer internship opportunities
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School-year work experience program
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Industry partner mentorship program
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Career shadowing days
State Testing
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Assessment
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Grade Levels
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Testing Window
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|
CAASPP (Smarter Balanced)
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3-8, 11
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Spring
|
|
CAST (Science)
|
5, 8, High School
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Spring
|
|
Physical Fitness Test
|
5, 7, 9
|
February-May
|
|
ELPAC
|
K-12 (English Learners)
|
Spring
|
District Assessments
Assessment Types
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Diagnostic Assessments:
Beginning of year baseline testing
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Formative Assessments:
Ongoing progress monitoring
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Benchmark Assessments:
Quarterly subject area tests
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Common Finals:
End-of-course assessments
College Entrance Exams
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PSAT/NMSQT
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Offered: October
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Grades: 10-11
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Registration through counseling office
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SAT
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Multiple test dates throughout year
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Registration through College Board
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Free SAT prep through Khan Academy
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ACT
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Multiple test dates throughout year
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Registration through ACT website
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Prep courses available
Testing Calendar 2024-25
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Fall Semester
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August: Diagnostic Assessments
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October: PSAT/NMSQT
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December: Fall Finals
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Spring Semester
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March: ELPAC Testing
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April: CAASPP Testing
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May: AP Exams
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June: Spring Finals