At our high school level, emphasis is placed on college preparation with required course offerings in English, math, social studies, history, science, foreign languages, the arts,computer education and physical education.At the high school level, there is an added emphasis on higher level thinking skills, and students are challenged by required research, speech and writing assignments in all subject areas. Technology is included in all subject areas.

A selection of electives from astronomy to world religions to musical theatre rounds out the students' schedules and allows them to explore other interests and talents. In addition to traditional lecture and discussion, our teachers supplement the text curriculum with activities, projects and field trips to make subjects more relevant and meaningful to students.

Math courses range from pre-algebra to AP Calculus BC at the high school level with the upper level courses being part of our honors or Advanced Placement program. Other honors courses are available in English, science and history. Students may register for Advanced Placement courses in English, chemistry, biology, calculus, economics, American History, American Government, European History,World History, Music theory and foreign languages.

While high school students are expected to be capable, independent workers, we know that levels of maturity and independence vary from student to student. We believe that on the high school level a shared dialogue with parents is important for students to reach their full potential. We continue frequent progress reports and other communications with parents. Small classes help our teachers to get to know every student and his/her abilities and interests.

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FACULTY

Instructors are experienced, fully certified and teach in their field of expertise. Many instructors are also advisors to clubs and activities or coach a sport. This provides the high school student the opportunity to work with teachers in a less structured environment. Our teachers are committed to the positive academic, emotional, physical and social development of each student. Instructors offer weekly help sessions to students who need extra reinforcement of skills and concepts to succeed.

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TECHNOLOGY

Heritage has an ongoing commitment to offer the latest technology to our students. There are four state-of-the-art computer labs and a computer graphics lab which serve the Upper School. Besides computer classes, there are additional times during and after school when students are free to use the lab for reports or research. Our Library/Media Center houses over 150 computers; 4 interactive resource labs, serving to incorporate technology into every upper school classroom; 12-foot tables, equipped with electric and data ports, for collaborative research and study, as well as similarly equipped, lighted carrels for individual study.  Added features include wireless Internet access, a professionally staffed reference desk for optimum assistance, a separate station to monitor database progress and provide research guidance and a fully-automated circulation desk.

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COLLEGE GUIDANCE

Welcome to the Guidance and College Planning Department. Located in the Upper School Office, our counselors provide a full range of services for all aspects of academic life and college planning. A Director of Guidance/Scholarship Specialist, Director of College Planning, Director of Academy Guidance, three high school Guidance Counselors/ College Advisors, a Junior High Counselor, and a Guidance Assistant/Registrar help students stay organized and make well-informed choices. The guidance process begins in junior high school. Our staff monitors timely completion of requirements for graduation, college applications, and college scholarships, in addition to scheduling, academic advising, and academic monitoring.

 The counselors keep abreast of current college admissions trends. They attend national and local conferences, tour college campuses, and make frequent contact with college admissions. Based on the latest information from college admissions, our counselors emphasize academic diligence and extracurricular involvement. Students are encouraged to take the initiative in their high school and college planning, to act on their emerging or established interests, to search for colleges and majors, and to prepare for tests (PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP).

The College Corner in the library contains catalogs and DVDs on many colleges and universities. The reference section contains college guidebooks, career information, and SAT practice books. The Guidance Office also has a resource desk in the waiting area with information on current college events, SAT/ACT testing, college tours, and volunteering. We encourage students to make use of all the print and online resources available.

The Guidance Office is a busy place. The following calendar outlines what we do each year to prepare students for graduation and college life. The specific services we provide are listed on the back.

American Heritage students have matriculated at a wide variety of nationally renowned colleges and universities ranging from the University of Southern California, Loyola University, Boston University, Columbia University, and University of Pennsylvania, to colleges in the southeast like Wake Forest, Georgia Institute of Technology, Duke, Vanderbilt and the University of Florida.

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ORGANIZATIONS & ACTIVITIES

The extensive athletics and activities offered at Heritage serve several purposes. Primarily, they assist in the growth and development of our students, but they also provide opportunities for leadership and excellence which are increasingly required for college admission. Among the activities and clubs offered to students:

National Honor Society Student Council Pre Med Club Pre Law Club Spanish/French Honor Society Modern Language Club Mu Alpha Theta (Math Club) S.A.D.D. Yearbook Newspaper Thespians Marching Band Orchestra Jazz Band Chorus Tri M Music Honor Society Quill and Scroll Make a Wish

Note: American Heritage is well known for its Fine Arts Program at every level. Students may register for classes and/or participate on an extra-curricular level. Eligible students in the performing arts regularly compete in district and state competitions. The Fine Arts Program has won awards on the local, state and national level.

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ATHLETICS

Heritage offers a very complete competitive sports program for boys and girls in grades 9 through 12. A "no cut" policy allows every student who wants to participate an opportunity to play on the Patriot team of his or her choice. Our coaches provide a high quality level of instruction in all sports. Sportsmanship, team-work, recognition of effort, thorough training and preparation are goals we work for every day. We believe our athletic philosophy represents a balanced view of the role of sports in our total educational program.  Our athletic program is an important part of the sense of community which has developed at Heritage. Parents, teachers, administrators and students develop a special kind of camaraderie while cheering on the Patriot teams. Awards evenings are held for athletes and parents at the conclusion of each season.