The purpose of English Language Arts classes is to develop a student's ability to read, write, speak, listen, and think critically. A wide range of materials are studied to include both fiction and nonfiction. Students in the state of Florida must demonstrate proficiency in ELA to graduate by passing the 10th grade PM3 exam or earning a concordant score on the SAT, PSAT, ACT, or CLT after not showing success on the 10th grade PM3. Literacy is at the heart of success across the content area.  All students in Florida need to earn 4 credits of English Language Arts (not including intensive reading) to meet graduation requirements. ESE students who are earning a standard diploma follow the same paths as other students, they are just provided with additional supports. 

The purpose of mathematics classes is to develop a student's ability to problem solve and think logically. It develops reasoning skills, creative thinking, and analytical skills that can be applied to all aspects of life. Students in the state of Florida must demonstrate proficiency in math to graduate by passing the Algebra 1 EOC or earning a concordant score on the SAT, PSAT, ACT, or CLT after not showing success on the EOC. Students must also take the Geometry EOC, which counts as 30% of their grade in the class.  All students in Florida need to earn 4 credits in math including Algebra 1 and Geometry to meet graduation requirements. Students who complete Algebra 1 and Geometry in middle school should still pursue 4 years of math in high school if they plan to go on to college. One of the biggest predictors for college admissions in competitive colleges is completion of high level math courses in high school (AP Calculus, IB Math 2 & 3). ESE students who are earning a standard diploma follow the same paths as other students, they are just provided with additional supports. 

The purpose of science education is to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, to prepare students for STEM careers, and to connect science to daily life for innovation and future readiness. It emphasizes hands-on learning, inquiry, and understanding the nature of science to tackle personal and global challenges.  All students in Florida need to earn 3 credits in science (including Biology) to meet graduation requirements. ESE students who are earning a standard diploma follow the same paths as other students, they are just provided with additional supports. IB Diploma students should visit the IB page for specific requirements. 

In Florida, the purpose of social studies is to develop informed, civically engaged citizens. All students in Florida need to earn 3 credits in social studies (World History, US History, US Government & Economics) to meet graduation requirements. ESE students who are earning a standard diploma follow the same paths as other students, they are just provided with additional supports. IB Diploma students should visit the IB page for specific requirements. 

If you are not successful in your core classes, you will need to use your extra elective periods to make up your course either back in the classroom or in the credit retrieval lab. If you are in need of more intensive help making up credits, your counselor may talk to you about Grad Academy. 

Students who need a little extra help with literacy will be enrolled in an intensive reading course. This course takes the place of one of the electives. Students can test out of the class and/or parents need to fill out a waiver to be removed from an intensive reading class. 

Students who are not native English language speakers may be enrolled in a developmental language arts class as needed. This is in addition to the core requirements. 

AP classes that meet specific core graduation requirements (like English) can count as your core in that area, but any AP class can also count as an academic elective. Keep in mind that these are college level classes that culminate in a national test at the end of the year. The AP courses offered at Spruce Creek High School (providing we have enough enrollment) include:

• AP Capstone Seminar
• AP Capstone Research
• AP 2D Art & Design
• AP 3D Art & Design
• AP Drawing
• AP Computer Science A
• AP Computer Science Principles
• AP Cybersecurity
• AP English Literature
• AP Composition
• AP Calculus AB
• AP Precalculus
• AP Statistics
• AP Music Theory
• AP Biology
• AP Chemistry
• AP Environmental Science
• AP Comparative Government & Politics
• AP US Government & Politics
• AP European History
• AP Human Geography
• AP Macroeconomics
• AP Microeconomics
• AP US History
• AP World History

For more information, please see your guidance counselor or contact our AP Coordinator, Mr. Jake Chiofalo at jdchiofa@volusia.k12.fl.us or 386-322-6272 extension 37776. 

Introductory Art Class

• Creating 2D & 3D Art: The goal of this class is to provide an art course for students to try before moving forward in a chosen art path. Students spend one semester completing 2-D projects (drawing and painting) and one semester creating 2-D projects (sculptures with found objects, etc.)

Drawing and Painting

• 2-D Studio Art 1 & 2
• Portfolio Development: 2D Design Honors
• Portfolio Development: Drawing Honors
• Pre-IB Art 1 & 2 
• IB Visual Arts 2 & 3
• AP 2-D Art & Design

Ceramics

• Ceramics/Pottery 1, 2, & 3 
• Pre-IB Art 1 & 2
• IB Visual Arts 2 & 3
• AP 3-D Art & Design

Photography

• Creative Photo 1 & 2
• Pre-IB Art 1 & 2
• IB Visual Arts 2 & 3
• AP 2-D Art & Design

Digital Art

• Digital Art Imaging 1 & 2
• Pre-IB Art 1 & 2
• IB Visual Arts 2 & 3
• AP 2-D Art & Design

The AVID program is an application based class that counts as an elective. Students must be motivated to work toward success. AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the achievement gap by preparing all students for college and other postsecondary opportunities. AVID students are students in the academic middle, capable of completing a college preparatory path with support.  These students often are not realizing their full potential academically, although some are and are just seeking a little extra support. The AVID electives we offer include: 

• AVID 1
• AVID 2
• AVID 3
• AVID 4

This is a rigorous elective class that provides support for students in the AVID college preparatory curriculum through curricular and tutor-facilitated study groups.  This course is designed to enable students to develop fundamental skills and strategies in Focused note-taking, oral and written communication, time management, study skills for advanced courses, organization, problem solving and inquiry.  This course also guides students to pursue a college education and assists in the exploration and application process.  Career exploration is introduced as part of college planning.  There is an emphasis on analytical writing, preparation for college entrance and placement exams, study skills and test taking, note-taking, and research. In AVID, students participate in activities that incorporate strategies focused on writing, inquiry, collaboration, and reading to support their academic growth. Please visit the AVID page for more information. 

Spruce Creek has 4 different choir options. We have two periods of an introductory level choir open to all and two different advanced choirs where placement is through audition.  Each of the following course codes are offered in multiple periods, so you will be registered for whatever course code is appropriate for your path through choir.  

• Chorus 1-4
• Chorus Register Specific 4 Honors
• Chorus 5-6 Honors
• Vocal Ensemble 1-3
• Vocal Ensemble 4 Honors
• Vocal Technique 4 Honors
• Pre-IB Music 1-2
• IB Music 1-3

Music Theory Classes

Experience with music (band, orchestra, or chorus) is a prerequisite for music theory classes. 

• Music Theory 2 Honors
• AP Music Theory 

Students who are interested in learning more about robotics or computer programming do not have to be in the Academy of Robotics to try it out. We offer the following electives: 

• Foundations of Robotics Honors: This course provides students with a foundation in content and skills associated with robotics and automation, including artificial intelligence, electronics, physics, and principles of engineering. Students who wish to continue on with their instruction will be able to join the Academy of Information Technology and Robotics. 
• Artificial Intelligence in the World (Semester Course Paired with Applications of Artificial Intelligence): AI in the World introduces students to the principles of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The course defines “Intelligent Behavior”, describes the relationship between AI and computer science, explains the history of AI and showcases applications of AI in the real world. Students will explore the role of data in AI applications and the algorithms which guide AI decision making. Students will learn about the role of perception in AI and how AI agents use information in decision making. Students will engage in hands-on activities related to use of AI in machine learning. This course also covers ethics in AI applications.
• Applications of Artificial Intelligence (Semester Course Paired with AI in the World): The purpose of this course is to assist students in deepening understanding for application of AI and to explore methods and tools utilized to build AI models. The content includes but is not limited to foundational knowledge and skills related to methods and software used to develop AI applications using data sets. Instruction and learning activities are provided in a laboratory setting using hands-on experiences with the equipment, materials and technology appropriate to the course content and in accordance with current practices. 
• AP Computer Science Principles: AP Computer Science Principles is a college-level computing course that introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. Students learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. 
• AP Computer Science A:  AP Computer Science A is a college-level course where you’ll learn how to use Java to build games or creatively address real-world issues. Through hands-on experiences in analyzing, writing, and testing code, you'll learn how to transform an idea into a functioning program.
• AP Cybersecurity: AP Cybersecurity is a yearlong high school course that offers a broad introduction to the field and aligns closely with a college-level, introductory cybersecurity course. Students learn about common threats and vulnerabilities and how they combine to create risk. Students study how individuals and organizations manage risk and how risk can be mitigated through a defense-in-depth strategy. 

In the Culinary Arts CTE program students learn about careers in the food science industry; execute care and use of commercial culinary equipment; perform front-of-the-house and back-of-the-house managerial duties; prepare quality food products and present them creatively; demonstrate safety and sanitary work procedures; understand food science and related to cooking and baking; and utilize nutrition concepts when planning meals/menus. Students also have the opportunity to cook for our working restarant, The Black Hawk Inn. 

• Principles of Food Preparation: This is a semester course that pairs with Nutrition and Wellness. The content includes but is not limited to preparing students to understand the principles of food, selection and storage, basic food preparation, and selection of food services. It is a good intro course to lead into culinary. 
• Nutrition and Wellness: This is a semester course that pairs with Principles of Food Preparation. The content includes but is not limited to selection, preparation, service and storage of foods. It allows students to use technology to practice meal management techniques directed toward nutritional food choices based on the life cycle. This course will provide an awareness of consumer issues relating to health and wellness. It is a good intro course to lead into culinary.
• Culinary Arts 1: This course covers the history of the food service industry and careers in that industry.  Also covered are safety in the workplace; employability skills; leadership/teamwork skills; care and use of commercial culinary equipment; basic food science; basic nutrition; and following recipes in food preparation labs.
• Culinary Arts 2: In this course students will learn state mandated guidelines for food service; how to attain food handler training certification; and perform front-of-the-house and back-of-the-house duties. Students will prepare quality food products and present them creatively; demonstrate safe, sanitary work procedures; understand food science principles related to cooking and baking; and utilize nutrition concepts when planning meals/menus.
• Culinary Arts 3: In this course the student will research career opportunities in professional cooking/baking; follow guidelines on food selection, purchasing, and storage; and use communication skills.  Students will prepare and present a variety of advanced food products; create centerpieces; and research laws specific to the hospitality industry.  Also covered are management skills; how to develop a business plan; and utilization of technology in the workplace.  Students will be knowledgeable about food safety manager training/certification training programs that are acceptable in Florida.
• Culinary Arts 4: This course provides opportunities for students to apply their acquired knowledge and skills in culinary related scenarios. 

Dance

Any student is welcome to take Dance Techniques 1 and 2 (or Pre-IB Dance if you are in IB) at Spruce Creek High School. We also offer advanced dance classes that are by audition. Please see Mrs. Storms rmstorms@volusia.k12.fl.us for more information. 

• Dance Techniques 1-2: Intro level dance, no experience required. 
• Dance Techniques 3-4 Honors: Dance 1 & 2 or demonstrated experience required.  
• Dance Performance 1: Dance 1 & 2 or demonstrated experience required. 
• Dance Performance 2 Honors: Dance Performance 1 required.
• Pre-IB Dance: Intro level dance for IB students, no experience required. 
• IB Dance 1-3: For IB students pursuing Dance as a 6th area or IB elective. 

The most advanced group, Papillon Dance, meets 7th period and contains students in any of the advanced courses. Students are accepted to Papillon via audition. 

Color Guard

Students who are interested in dance may also be interested in joining the color guard with band. This is an audition based class. Please see Mrs. Martin lzmartin@volusia.k12.fl.us for more information. 

• Eurythmics 1-4 (Meets 7th Period)

Students who qualify for dual enrollment can take the first class on campus. We offer two sections of the DSC required semester course SLS 1122 Managing Your Success class on campus. Students learn about:

• College expectations and resources. Information about College and classroom policies and documents such as the College website, College Catalog and Student Handbook is reviewed. An overview of student support related departments and services is provided, often with guest speakers from the respective areas and visitations to those facilities.
• Academic and personal skills. Self-assessments provide personal awareness of strengths and weaknesses that affect behavior and performance. Students learn about motivation, stress management, goal setting, self-esteem and confidence, time management and financial literacy. They also develop professional skills such as teamwork, communication and emotional intelligence. Students learn how to maximize the personal benefits of using the Academic Support Center, DSC-UCF Writing Center and Library Services to improve the quality of their work and to develop stronger academic skills.
• Technology.  In the ever-changing technological world that we live in, students need a variety of skills to use academic and personal tools. They are expected to retrieve their records using MyDaytonaState, access their online course content and submit assignments using Falcon Online and to use common software (Microsoft Office). They are provided with hands-on learning for each of these, as they will use them throughout their college career and beyond.
• Academic and career planning.  A sense of purpose is important to motivation and completing goals. Students research and analyze their major/program of study in addition to their desired field/career. They learn how to prepare for successful completion and graduation as well as employment and the world of work.

If you continue along the dual enrollment path, many of the courses you choose can count as electives. See the dual enrollment page for more information. 

• Theatre, Cinema, and Film Production

In this elective, students watch and analyze films. They explore the elements of film and cinematic techniques used by those who create movies. Students study the techniques in film that serve the story and articulate the theme.

Students who are interested in film are also encouraged to look into TV Productions. 

Personal, Financial, & Money Management

This semester elective is a graduation requirement in Florida. We enroll students in the course in 10th grade. Content includes:

• Understanding how personal values and cognitive biases impact financial decision-making
• Exploring career pathways, income generation, and the role of education in earning potential
• Developing and maintaining personal and household budgets
• Analyzing credit types, debt management, and responsible borrowing practices
• Understanding savings options, interest accumulation, and compound interest
• Evaluating investment opportunities and strategies for risk management and retirement planning
• Exploring consumer protection laws, digital financial safety, and insurance coverage
• Applying decision-making models to real-world financial scenarios

Career Research & Decision Making

This semester elective is paired with the required financial management class to allow for a seamless year-long class for students. The purpose of this course is to develop career planning competencies, enabling students to make informed career choices and develop the skills needed to successfully plan and apply for college or a job. The content includes:

• goal-setting and decision-making processes
• self-assessment
• sources of career information
• occupational fields and educational requirements -postsecondary education and training opportunities -writing, listening, viewing, and speaking skills for applications and interviews
• financial planning and sources of educational financial assistance
• career planning

Blueprint for Professional Success

All 11th grade students who have not earned an acceleration point are enrolled in this elective to provide them with another opportunity to prepare for life after graduation. The purpose of this course is designed to prepare students for the workplace in the twenty-first century. The course includes developing human resources, work ethics, decision making, balancing work and family, as well as other skills. These skills are often referred to as "soft skills". Students will be given the opportunity to earn a career certification. 

Accounting Applications 1-3

You do not have to be in the Academy of Finance to take an accounting course. The Spruce Creek High School Accounting Program is a 3-year program offering high school students an opportunity to gain real-world business experience. Using business simulation software, students will learn how to perform the financial recording, financial reporting, and money management of a company. Learning targets include posting journal entries, posting to the general ledger, managing checking accounts, preparing balance sheets and income statements, and preparing payroll for a company. Students will also learn about resume-writing, the importance of good credit, and the importance of professional ethics. These skills can be applied to any industry. Students will have an opportunity to get certified in QuickBooks Online which is a bookkeeping software used by over 29 million businesses in the United States

Band

Spruce Creek offers 3 different band classes: Concert (9th graders and 10th-12th on a second instrument), Symphonic (9th-12th graders by audition), and Wind band (9th-12th by audition). Any student can join Concert band, but the other levels are by audition. Each of the following course codes are offered in multiple band periods, so you will be registered for whatever course code is appropriate for your path through band.  

• Band 1-4
• Band 5-6 Honors
• Pre-IB Music 1-2
• IB Music 1-3 (IB students pursuing music as a 6th area.)

Jazz Band

Spruce Creek offers 2 different jazz band classes: 9 O'Clock, 10 O'Clock, 11 O'Clock, and 12 O'Clock Jazz. You must be enrolled in one of the above main bands to participate in a jazz band class. Any student can join 9 O'Clock band, but the advanced classes are through audition. Each of the following course codes are offered in multiple band periods, so you will be registered for whatever course code is appropriate for your path through jazz band.  

• Jazz Ens 1-3
• Jazz Ens 4 Honors
• Instrument Ensemble 4 Honors
• Instrument Techniques 4 Honors

Orchestra

Spruce Creek offers 1 Orchestra class. Any student with any experience with a stringed instrument can join.  You will be registered for whatever course code is appropriate for your path through orchestra.  

• Orchestra 1-4
• Orchestra 5-6 Honors
• Pre-IB Music 1-2
• IB Music 1-3 (IB students pursuing music as a 6th area.)

Keyboard

No experience is necessary to take keyboard 1. If you have experience, you can take an advanced course.

• Keyboard 1-3
• Keyboard 4 Honors

Music Theory Classes

Experience with music (band, orchestra, or chorus) is a prerequisite for music theory classes. 

• Music Theory 2 Honors
• AP Music Theory 

Spruce Creek High School is proud to be an Army JROTC location. This program is great for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the military, but beyond that it is an excellent opportunity to learn leadership and responsibility for any student. All students are welcome to participate for 1-4 years, just reach out to your counselor. The courses focus on the following: 

Core Abilities

• Apply critical thinking techniques
• Build capacity for lifelong learning
• Communicate using visual, verbal, and written tools
• Contribute as a responsible citizen in school, community, and world
• Take ownership of actions and choices
• Respect self and others

Program Outcomes

• Lead ethically and effectively in diverse environments
• Engage in civic and social action at local and national levels
• Graduate prepared for higher education or career pathways
• Promote physical and emotional wellness through informed choices
• Recognize service through military and community organizations

Course Competencies

• Make a decision
• Perform a skill
• Provide a service
• Solve a problem
• Create a product

For more information, please visit usarmyjrotc.army.mil

You do not have to be in the Medical Academy to take Anatomy and Physiology as an elective, but Medical Skills and work-based learning opportunities (job shadowing and internships) with AdventHealth are integrated into the Academy should you decide it is the path for you.

• Medical Skills and Services: This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of several aspects of Health Science career cluster. 
• Anatomy and Physiology Honors: This course is part of the secondary Health Core consisting of an overview of the human body, both structurally and functionally with emphasis on the pathophysiology and transmission of disease. Medical terminology is an integral part of the course.

Personal Fitness & Team Sports

• All students must take and pass one semester of personal fitness and one semester of PE to graduate with a regular diploma in Florida. Students earning an IB diploma are exempt from this requirement.  
• Team sports is a general physical education class that rotates through different physical activities both inside the gym and outside. Students can take team sports for multiple semesters as an elective if desired. 

Weightlifting

• Weight Training 1-3
• Fitness Lifestyle Design

Volleyball

• Volleyball 1-3

Basketball Elective

• Basketball (this is not for students on the basketball team)

Varsity Team Elective: To be in this course, the coach must submit your name to the counselors as part of the roster for the class. When registering, please let your counselor know if you believe your name should be on a roster so they can verify. 

• Varsity Football (7th Period)
• Varsity Baseball (7th Period)
• Beach Volleyball (7th Period)
• Tennis (7th Period)
• Varsity Basketball (7th Period)
• Weightlifting (1st Period)

Psychology 1 & 2 (paired semester courses)

• Through the study of psychology, students acquire an understanding of and an appreciation for human behavior, behavior interaction and the progressive development of individuals. The content examined in this first semester course includes major theories and orientations of psychology, psychological methodology, memory and cognition, human growth and development, personality, abnormal behavior, psychological therapies, stress/coping strategies, and mental health. The content examined in the second semester course includes statistical research, psychobiology, motivation and emotion, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, psychological testing, and social psychology.

IB Psychology 1

• Students do not need to be in IB to take IB Psychology 1 as an elective. It is a college level course similar to AP. Students undertaking the course can expect to develop an understanding of how psychological knowledge is generated, developed and applied. This will allow them to have a greater understanding of themselves and appreciate the diversity of human behaviour. 

Spruce Creek has a very active drama program that puts on two productions a year. Enrollment in a class is not a prerequisite for participation in one of the productions, but the classes can help you build the skills necessary to be successful in the auditions on campus and for public theatre programs. Anyone can enroll in Theatre 1 and 2 (or Pre-IB Theatre 1 and 2 if you are an IB student), but all advanced classes require successful completion of the two introductory courses. 

• Theatre 1-2: No experience required. 
• Pre-IB Theatre 1-2: No experience required- for IB students. 
• Theatre 3-4 Honors: Successful completion of Theatre 1 & 2 or teacher approval. 
• Acting 4 Honors: Teacher approval. 
• Musical Theatre 1-2: This class is for students in the School of Performing Arts. Additional students who have completed theatre 1 & 2  could be considered with teacher approval. 
• IB Theatre 1-3: These classes are for IB students pursuing theatre as a 6th area subject. 

Digital Video Technology 1-4:

You do not have to be in the Academy of Videography to take a class related to TV Productions. The purpose of this program is to prepare students for initial employment as production assistants, audio/video equipment technician, video/TV camera operators, video editors, multimedia artists/animators and broadcast technicians. This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Arts, A/V Technology and Communication career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of the Arts, A/V Technology and Communication career cluster.

OJT (On the Job Training) 

• OJT is a program that allows you to earn high school credit while leaving school to go to work. To qualify for OJT, you have to have earned enough credits to qualify for a shortened day and be currently employed by an approved employer. Students are accepted by application. Speak to your counselor or the OJT instructor for more information. Contact: Mr. Matt Cleveland mtclevel@volusia.k12.fl.us

Senior Office Aide

• Responsible seniors are welcome to apply to work in one of the offices on campus (front desk, guidance, discipline, media center, activities office). This course is an elective credit and you earn a grade, but it functions more like a part time job during the school day. You report to a teacher to be assigned your office and that teacher will award your grades based on your job performance. To apply, speak with your counselor. 

We offer a robust world language program at Spruce Creek. Taking a language is not a graduation requirement, but it is a requirement to take 2 consecutive years to apply to most four year colleges and universities. Students who excel in a language can also apply for the Florida Seal of Biliteracy. 

Spanish

• Spanish 1
• Spanish 2
• Spanish 3 Honors
• Spanish 4 Honors
• Pre-IB Spanish 1
• Pre-IB Spanish 2
• IB Spanish 4
• IB Spanish 5
• IB Spanish 6
• AP Spanish

French

• Pre-IB French 1
• Pre-IB French 2
• French 3 Honors
• French 4 Honors
• IB French 4
• IB French 5

German

• German 1
• German 2
• German 3 Honors
• German 4 Honors
• Pre-IB German 1
• Pre-IB German 2
• IB German 4
• IB German 5

• Yearbook Staff (Foundations of Journalism, Photo Journalism, Digital Design 1 Honors, Media Production): Students taking these courses would be a part of the yearbook staff and would produce the annual yearbook. You would learn fundamentals of digital design and photography in a hands on environment. Admission is by application. See Mr. Martin Mowrey for more information mjmowrey@volusia.k12.fl.us.