NHS 9th Grade Elective Course Description Book
To view the Nixa High School 9th Grade Elective Course Description Book, click here or view the book's contents below.
Graduation Requirements
In order to graduate from Nixa High School, students must meet all of Nixa Public Schools and the Missouri State Board of Education requirements. In addition to earning the required 24 credits and passing specific required classes, graduates must pass the Missouri Constitution test and the U.S. Constitution/Civics test. Students must also complete CPR training.
View the requirements below:
- Credits Required for a Nixa High School (Diploma)
- Credits Required for Missouri State Colleges & Universities
- Credits Required for 2 Year College, Military, Workforce - CTE Diploma
- Credits Required for an AP Capstone Diploma - Four Year University
- Credits Required for Honors Diploma - Four Year University
Credits Required for a Nixa High School (Diploma)
Communication Arts
Credits Required: 4
Nixa Required Courses: English I, English II, English III (4th credit must be English IV or an English elective)
Mathematics
Credits Required: 3
Science
Credits Required: 3
Nixa Required Courses: Physical Science, Biology, One Science Elective
Social Studies
Credits Required: 3
Nixa Required Courses: U.S. History, World History, Am. Government
Fine Arts
Credits Required: 1
Practical Arts
Credits Required: 1
Physical Education
Credits Required: 1
Nixa Required Courses: Any PE class or 2 years of JROTC
Health
Credits Required: .5
Personal Finance
Credits Required: .5
Electives
Credits Required: 7
Total Credits Required: 24
Credits Required for Missouri State Colleges & Universities
Communication Arts
Credits Required: 4
Nixa Required Courses: English I, English II, English III (4th credit must be English IV or an English elective)
Mathematics
Credits Required: 4
Must complete Algebra II or higher
Science
Credits Required: 3
Nixa Required Courses: Physical Science, Biology, One Science Elective
Social Studies
Credits Required: 3
Nixa Required Courses: U.S. History, World History, Am. Government
Fine Arts
Credits Required: 1
Practical Arts
Credits Required: 1
Physical Education
Credits Required: 1
Nixa Required Courses: Any PE class or 2 years of JROTC
Health
Credits Required: .5
Personal Finance
Credits Required: .5
Electives
Credits Required: 6
2 Electives in Core Area, 2 World Languages (Check with University)
Total Credits Required: 24
Credits Required for 2 Year College, Military, Workforce - CTE Diploma
Communication Arts
Credits Required: 4
Nixa Required Courses: English I, English II, English III, English IV or Mythology/Fictional Literature or Technical English
Mathematics
Credits Required: 4
Science
Credits Required: 3
Nixa Required Courses: Physical Science, Biology, One Science Elective
Social Studies
Credits Required: 3
Nixa Required Courses: U.S. History, World History, Am. Government
Fine Arts
Credits Required: 1
Practical Arts
Credits Required: 1
Physical Education
Credits Required: 1
Nixa Required Courses: Any PE class or 2 years of JROTC
Health
Credits Required: .5
Personal Finance
Credits Required: .5
Electives
Credits Required: 6
Other Requirements: 3.0 GPA, Work Keys—NCRC Silver or higher OR IRC in CTE Strand
Total Credits Required: 24
Credits Required for an AP Capstone Diploma - Four Year University
Communication Arts
Credits Required: 4
Nixa Required Courses: English I or Honors English I, English II or Honors English II, AP Language & Composition, AP Literature & Composition
Mathematics
Credits Required: 4
Science
Credits Required: 3
Nixa Required Courses: Physical Science, Biology, One Science Elective
Social Studies
Credits Required: 3
Nixa Required Courses: U.S. History or Honors U.S. History, World History or AP World History, American Government or AP American Government, History Elective
Fine Arts
Credits Required: 1
Practical Arts
Credits Required: 1
Physical Education
Credits Required: 1
Nixa Required Courses: Any PE class or 2 years of JROTC
Health
Credits Required: .5
Personal Finance
Credits Required: .5
Electives
Credits Required: 7
Nixa Required Courses: AP Seminar (10th or 11th grade) and AP Research (11th or 12th grade), Required Score 3 or higher on AP Seminar and Research, Score 3 or higher on 4 other AP exams
Total Credits Required: 24
Credits Required for Honors Diploma - Four Year University
Communication Arts
Credits Required: 4
Nixa Required Courses: Pre AP English I or Honors English I, Pre AP English II or Honors English II, English III or AP Language & Composition, AP Literature & Composition, English IV or AP/DC Literature & Composition or DC College Composition
Mathematics
Credits Required: 4
Science
Credits Required: 3
Nixa Required Courses: Physical Science, Biology, One Science Elective
Social Studies
Credits Required: 3
Nixa Required Courses: U.S. History or Honors U.S. History, World History or AP World History, American Government or AP American Government, History Elective
Fine Arts
Credits Required: 1
Practical Arts
Credits Required: 1
Physical Education
Credits Required: 1
Nixa Required Courses: Any PE class or 2 years of JROTC
Health
Credits Required: .5
Personal Finance
Credits Required: .5
Electives
Credits Required: 8
Other Requirements: 3.0 GPA, 25 ACT (by December's ACT), 6 AP and/or Honors Courses, & 2 World Languages
Total Credits Required: 28
Graduation
Seniors must have completed ALL graduation requirements to participate in the graduation ceremony and related activities. All correspondence courses must be completed three weeks prior to graduation.
Classification by Credits:
Students meeting the following criterion will qualify for grade classification as follows:
- Sophomore: Second year of high school with a minimum of 6 credits
- Junior: Third year of high school with a minimum of 12 credits
- Seniors: Fourth year of high school with a minimum of 17 credits
- Course Description Key
- Agriculture
- Art
- Business, Marketing, & Finance
- Family & Consumer Science
- Health & Physical Education
- Industrial Technology
- Journalism
- Junior Reserve Officer's Training Corps (JROTC)
- Music
- Non-Credit
- Other Electives
- Other Fine Art
- Other Practical Art
- Project Lead The Way (PLTW) - Engineering
- Project Lead The Way (PLTW) - Computer Science
- Theatre
- Speech & Debate
- World Languages - Spanish
- World Languages - French
Course Description Key
Prerequisite
A prerequisite means a course or other requirement that a student must have taken prior to enrolling in a specific course.
Dual Credit
Students can earn both high school and college credit. To receive college credit, students must typically meet college and Nixa prerequisites.
Advanced Placement (AP) Credit
Students can earn both high school and college credit. To receive college credit, students must receive a qualifying score on the course AP exam.
Virtual Course
Virtual courses are courses offered online. Virtual courses are taught through a combination of LAUNCH and Nixa Public Schools.
Application or Audition Process
Courses requiring an application or audition are often elective courses or performance-based courses that contain certain eligibility requirements such as grade level, previous experience, or ability level.
Agriculture
Agricultural Science I - 454
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Practical Art Credit
Fee: $30
This course is designed for students as an introductory class for those who are interested in agriculture. Students will learn a foundation for agriculture and the classes to come. Subjects to be covered include FFA history, Creed speaking, SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience), basic animal science including animal reproduction, nutrition and breeds, intro to shop/welding, leadership skills, and contest skills. It is required to be a member of FFA and develop plans for an SAE project.
Art
Art Appreciation Virtual - 205V
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Fine Art Credit
This online course is an introduction to the visual arts and will cover basic concepts, terminology, historical connections, and styles used throughout history. This course provides students with opportunities to gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts of art and become familiar with prominent artists, their stylistic characteristics, and the significance of their works of art in the context of the times in which they lived and worked. Students will be exposed to several historical western and non-western cultural styles of art in a variety of media, including architecture. Students do not need any prior art experience to succeed in this class, and there are no prerequisites for enrollment.
*This course does NOT fulfill any requirements for any classes beyond Art Foundations.
Virtual Course
Art Foundations - 210
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Fine Art Credit
This class introduces the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design while producing two and three-dimensional works of art. Areas of study include drawing, painting, printmaking, clay, sculpture, etc. This course is a pre-requisite for all other studio art classes and fulfills the Fine Art graduation requirement. Students may fulfill the Art Foundations prerequisite for advanced art courses with two years of junior high art and permission from the current NJH art teacher.
Business, Marketing, & Finance
Intro to Business - 330
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Semester = 0.5 Practical Art Credit
This course introduces students to the world of business. Students will develop an understanding of the functions of business, including accounting, marketing, human resources and production, and of the importance of ethics and social responsibility. This course builds a foundation for further studies in business and helps students develop the business knowledge and skills they will need in their everyday lives.
Keyboarding - 310
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Semester = 0.5 Practical Art Credit
Teaches proper techniques of touch typing and formatting of email, business letters, unbound reports, and MLA-style reports.
Marketing I - 350
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Practical Art Credit
Marketing I explores what it takes to market a product or service in today’s fast-paced business environment. Students learn the fundamentals of marketing using real-world business examples, and how products are brought from the idea stage to becoming available on store shelves. This class focuses on current topics in business and marketing, including the 4 P’s: Product, Price, Place & Promotion. The co-curricular organization DECA is available and encouraged!
Nixa LIVE Student Production Fall - 356 (Repeatable)
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Semester = 0.5 Practical Art Credit
This hands-on course trains students in the production of LIVE SPORTS, SCHOOL EVENTS, & ACTIVITIES. Fall Sports Live Streamed: Football, Volleyball, Boys Soccer, Softball, Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Wrestling & Other Events.
Students will have the opportunity to work as a team to produce a LIVE event with the use of graphics, cameras, remote-controlled cameras, video editing, photo editing, audio, and much more. Students will get out of the classroom, learn by doing and work as a team to produce a professional production seen by thousands of viewers online!
Students will learn the roles and duties of each crew member (director, producer, assistant director, technical director, camera operators, etc.). Students will work behind and in front of the camera, in production and on-air roles, which include: play-by-play announcer, color analyst, sideline reporter, and analyst. They will be given the opportunity to try out various production roles. They will promote and market the live broadcasts on social media platforms. Students will work side-by-side with game sponsors to ensure their sponsorship package is utilized efficiently and meets the expectations of the sponsor. They will research, report, shoot and edit video profiles and enterprise stories. They will also study the history of sports broadcasting and sports media partnerships and will analyze industry trends. Throughout the course, students will be required to attend a number of after-school sporting events and activities. Students will have the opportunity to travel to away games and events.
Nixa LIVE Student Production Spring - 357 (Repeatable)
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Semester = 0.5 Practical Art Credit
This hands-on course trains students in the production of LIVE SPORTS, SCHOOL EVENTS, & ACTIVITIES. Spring Sports Live Streamed: Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Wrestling, Baseball, Girls Soccer & Other Events.
Students will have the opportunity to work as a team to produce a LIVE event with the use of graphics, cameras, remote-controlled cameras, video editing, photo editing, audio, and much more. Students will get out of the classroom, learn by doing and work as a team to produce a professional production seen by thousands of viewers online!
Students will learn the roles and duties of each crew member (director, producer, assistant director, technical director, camera operators, etc.). Students will work behind and in front of the camera, in production and on-air roles, which include: play-by-play announcer, color analyst, sideline reporter, and analyst. They will be given the opportunity to try out various production roles. They will promote and market the live broadcasts on social media platforms. Students will work side-by-side with game sponsors to ensure their sponsorship package is utilized efficiently and meets the expectations of the sponsor. They will research, report, shoot and edit video profiles and enterprise stories. They will also study the history of sports broadcasting and sports media partnerships and will analyze industry trends. Throughout the course, students will be required to attend a number of after-school sporting events and activities. Students will have the opportunity to travel to away games and events.
Graphic Design - 397
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Practical or Fine Art Credit
Fee: $10
Graphic Design explores graphic communication through the understanding of the elements and principles of design. Students will use Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator to develop professional-looking publications, including memo pads, posters, ornaments, calendars, videos, magazine covers, etc. Professionals use the concepts explored in this course in the following disciplines: advertising, graphic design, web design, illustration, broadcast design, photography and game design, and marketing.
Family & Consumer Science
Parenting & Child Development - 930
Grade Level: 9-12
Articulate: Grades 11 and 12 only
1 Year = 1 Practical Art Credit
This course is for students of today who are planning for tomorrow. Topics discussed: readiness for parenthood; developmental changes in families; the value of play; family concerns and crisis; developing healthy relationships and decision-making skills. The primary focus of Parenting & Child Development is on pregnancy, prenatal development, birth, the first year of life and parenting practices. Adoption of the “Real Care” electronic baby and wearing the “Empathy Belly” are required simulations for this course.
Students who have completed Parenting & Child Development and Advanced Child Development may be eligible for college credit through OTC.
To qualify for articulated credits, the student will need to do the following:
- Maintain an overall high school GPA of 2.0 (C) or higher and a 3.0 (B) or higher in class wanting to articulate.
- Present the Certificate of Articulated Credit to an OTC advisor during enrollment.
- Send an official High School Transcript to the OTC Admissions Office upon graduation from high school. This must be on file before credits can be issued.
- Enroll @ OTC within two years of high school graduation.
- For Articulation: Parenting & Child Development can be taken in grades 9-12. Advanced Child Development must be taken as a junior or senior.
LIfe 101 - 950
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Semester = 0.5 Practical Art Credit
Are you ready to manage in the real world? Are you ready to “adult”? In this class, students will learn techniques and strategies to manage real world problems that will be helpful in high school and after graduation. This class will focus on setting short and long term goals, learning strategies and budgeting techniques to attain those goals, and exploring real-life scenarios such as paying for college, buying a car, finding and furnishing an apartment. Students will also have the chance to explore different career paths. If you know the kind of life you want to have someday, but lack the skills to achieve that dream, then this class is for you!
Nutrition & Wellness - 970
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Semester = 0.5 Practical Art Credit
An instructional program that prepares individuals to understand the principles of nutrition. This includes the relationship of nutrition to health and wellness; the selection, preparation and care of food; meal management to meet individual and family needs and patterns of living; food economics and ecology; optimal use of the food dollar; understanding and promoting nutritional knowledge; and application of related math and science skills.
Family & Consumer Sciences - 910
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Practical Art Credit
A basic comprehensive instructional program designed to help prepare students for multiple roles as individuals and family members. Emphasis is placed on leadership, decision-making, consumer skills, personal and family relationships, parenting, health, nutrition, housing design, basic sewing and cooking skills.
Health & Physical Education
Health - 830
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Semester = 0.5 Health Credit
Includes physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual aspects of human health. The goal is to express health education as a process to acquire information, skills and values for making positive decisions about students’ own health. Required for graduation.
Health or Virtual Health is Required for Graduation
Physical Education - 820 (Repeatable)
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Semester = 0.5 P.E. Credit
This course is a study of the strategies and techniques involved in teaching selected physical fitness activities for individual, dual, and team sports. It includes demonstrated competencies in specified motor skills, ability to communicate proper instruction, and proficiency in writing appropriate lessons and units. Activities will include two-base, whiffle ball, basketball, badminton, tennis, and football. In addition to organized games, the students will participate in fitness training such as cardiovascular exercises and agilities. This class is designed to provide the knowledge students will need to achieve a lifetime of fitness.
1 P.E. Credit is Required for Graduation
Walking Fitness - 822 (Repeatable)
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Semester = 0.5 P.E. Credit
This class is designed to give students the opportunity to achieve cardiovascular fitness through low impact walking, stretching, and plyometric activities. Each day will consist of distance walking at different intervals and progressions. Objectives of this course is for each student to improve their cardiovascular endurance, improve flexibility, and to reduce % body fat. Students will gain knowledge regarding lifetime fitness, nutrition, and the importance of an active lifestyle.
1 P.E. Credit is Required for Graduation
Strength & Conditioning (Weight Training/Physical Fitness) - 850 (Repeatable)
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Semester = 0.5 P.E. Credit
Develop strength and progressive weight-training techniques; improve cardiovascular fitness through progressive weight training, running, and exercises; and improve flexibility and body awareness through a stretching program. Each day begins with warm-up exercises followed by running, quickness drills, and progressive weight training. Strength and cardiovascular fitness will be tested at the beginning of the school year and quarterly.
1 P.E. Credit is Required for Graduation
Athletic Practice & Conditioning - see course numbers below (Repeatable)
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Semester = 0.5 Elective Credit or 1 Year = 1 Elective Credit
Fee: Athletic/Activity Fee
Athletic Practice and Conditioning is a performance-based class. Out of class practices/conditioning will be required. Student athletes will be required to compete and train for their respective team or individual sports. If a student is cut from a sport, quits the team, or is removed for disciplinary reasons after the drop deadline date, the student will remain in the class until the end of the semester. This class is an Elective credit, NOT a PE credit.
Prerequisites: Permission from Varsity Head Coach
When signing up for Athletic Practice and Conditioning, please select your sport from the list below:
Football - 876 - 1 Semester
Girls Volleyball - 877 - 1 Semester
Boys Volleyball - 891 - 1 Semester
Boys Basketball - 878 - 2 Semesters
Girls Basketball - 879 - 2 Semesters
Girls & Boys Wrestling - 882 - 2 Semesters
Boys Soccer - 883 - 1 Semester
Girls Soccer - 889 - 1 Semester
Track - 884 - 1 Semester
Cross Country - 886 - 1 Semester
Baseball - 887 - 1 Semester
Softball - 888 - 1 Semester
Industrial Technology
Construction Skills - 460
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Practical Art Credit
Fee: $40
A shop course introducing students to construction trades and skills. Units of study include carpentry, plumbing, and electrical. Hands-on experience is provided in all units. Small building construction and wood working projects are required shop activities.
Woodworking I - 401
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Practical Art Credit
Fee: $40
This course is designed for students who are interested in working hands-on in the shop area. This course will include learning to use all of the common tools in the wood shop, safety and building their own projects, which will come at an additional cost. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in FFA for a separate cost of $30.
Industrial Metals Technology - Welding I - 440
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Practical Art Credit
Fee: $40
A shop course designed to develop student skills in welding. Units of study include shielded metal arc welding, MIG welding, oxy-acet welding, torch cutting, plasma cutting, and welding projects. Practice experiences are provided in all units.
Journalism
Intro to Journalism - 5011
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Practical Art Credit
Intro to Journalism covers a variety of skills in preparation for Yearbook, the Wingspan news magazine, or the broadcast show, EagleAir TV. Students will compose news stories by conducting interviews, meeting deadlines, photographing and videoing extracurricular activities, reflecting on current events and more. Students will be required to cover news in both a written format and video broadcasting format. Students will learn how Journalistic laws and ethics apply to Journalism. Students will learn the basics of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign to design newspaper and yearbook pages. Students will use Adobe Premiere Pro editing software for videos, including news packages and short films. Students will have the opportunity to present their work to the student body via the website, NixaJournalism.net. This class is a prerequisite for DC Advanced Journalism (Yearbook or Wingspan news magazine) and Advanced Broadcast Journalism (EagleAir TV). This course is NOT NCAA Approved.
Prerequisites: Minimum of 80% average in a student’s most recent English class
Junior Reserve Officer's Training Corps (JROTC)
Leadership & Education Training I (LET 1) - 2000
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Credit (Student can request 0.5 Practical Art and 0.5 PE credit)
First year JROTC students study the basics of military drill, customs and traditions. This program emphasizes leadership training and the responsibilities of American citizenship. In addition to government, history and communication classes, students receive first aid, marksmanship, rappelling, physical fitness, and orienteering instruction. Through grades and participation in extra-curricular activities (rifle team, drill team, color guard, concession stands, and parades), students earn awards and promotions to be worn on their uniforms. Students are required to wear the uniform every Thursday with the proper haircut and shave to successfully complete all LET levels.
Music
Marching Band - 1210 (Repeatable)
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Semester = 0.5 Fine Art Credit
Fee: $65
Marching Band is a performance-based class that is co-curricular in nature. Out-of-class rehearsals and performances are required and included in the student’s final grade. The Crimson Corps is an ensemble that functions as a competitive marching band and competes at the district and state level as well as all home varsity football games, community events and concerts. While all students will perform in some capacity, it should be noted that not all students will be full time performers and performance times will vary. During the second semester, the band splits into separate concert bands, meeting at different hours, with students placed by audition.
Prerequisite: Experience and teacher permission/placement
Concert Band - 1211 (Repeatable)
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Semester = 0.5 Fine Art Credit
Band is a performance-based class. The band performs concerts, community events, and competes at the district and state level. This class will focus on the fundamentals of instrumental music.
Prerequisite: Experience & teacher permission. Students enrolling in this class must also be signed up for Marching Band 1st semester.
Symphonic Band - 1216 (Repeatable)
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Semester = 0.5 Fine Art Credit
Symphonic Band is a performance-based class. The band performs concerts, community events, and competes at the district and state level. This class will explore a more indepth study of musicality and technical ability. Students enrolled in this class will be expected to strive for a higher level of achievement, both individually and as an ensemble. Students will be encouraged to explore solo literature as well as small “chamber” ensembles.
Prerequisite: Experience & teacher permission. Students enrolling in this class must also be signed up for Marching Band 1st semester.
Wind Ensemble - 1200 (Repeatable)
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Semester = 0.5 Fine Art Credit
Wind Ensemble is a performance-based class. The band performs concerts, community events, and competes at the district and state level. This class will explore an upper level in-depth study of musicality and technical ability. Students will be expected to strive for an upper level of achievement, both individually and as an ensemble. Students will be encouraged to explore solo literature as well as small “chamber” ensembles.
Prerequisite: Experience & Teacher permission. Students enrolling in this class must also be signed up for Marching Band 1st semester.
Jazz Band - 1215 (Repeatable)
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Semester = 0.5 Fine Art Credit
Allows students to pursue jazz music through playing and listening. Students learn a variety of jazz music through rhythmic, harmonic, and stylistic study. Performances at concerts and/or special events will be required. Students must also be enrolled in a larger instrumental performance ensemble.
Prerequisite: Teacher permission
Instrumental Techniques – 1205 (Repeatable)
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Semester = 0.5 Fine Art Credit
Introduces the opportunity for Nixa High School Instrumental students to continue the path of learning on a more individualized track. Students will engage in a deeper study of their instrument, as well as the opportunity for exploration in areas outside their primary instrument if desired. Activities will include method book exploration, working with SmartMusic, district band audition content, and solo/ensemble literature.
Prerequisite: Teacher permission. Enrollment in Marching Band first semester and one of three Concert bands second semester.
Piano I - 1237 (Not Repeatable)
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Semester = 0.5 Fine Art Credit
This class is for beginning piano students who want to learn to read music and play the piano. Students will learn in the music technology lab using midi-controller keyboards, headphones and ePiano software. Students learn basic music theory, including chords, scales and arpeggios.
Piano II - 1238 (Repeatable)
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Semester = 0.5 Fine Art Credit
Piano II is for more advanced students who have taken Piano I at the high school or studied privately for 3 years or more. Students will practice daily on full-sized Roland pianos in the new Piano Lab using Alfred Adult piano curriculum and beginning literature of Bach, Mozart and Beethoven. Students will also advance in their understanding of music theory, chords, scales and arpeggios. Students who are studying privately may also practice the repertoire their private teacher has assigned.
Prerequisite: Piano I or permission
Chorus I - 1261
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Fine Art Credit
Fee: $30
Chorus 1 is for all beginning singers in the vocal music program. Music will cover the span of fine literature from various periods of music history. Emphasis is placed on reinforcing vocal technique and music theory. Students must participate in both semesters.
Advanced Treble Choir - 1262 (Repeatable)
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Fine Art Credit
Fee: $30
Advanced Treble Choir is an advanced class for treble voices in the total high school vocal music program. Students learn/perform great choral works for treble voices from various periods of music history to reinforce concepts taught in JH or other HS Choirs. Students must participate both semesters.
Prerequisite: Audition and Teacher Recommendation
Audition Process
Advanced Tenor/Bass Choir - 1263 (Repeatable)
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Fine Art Credit
Fee: $30
Advanced Tenor/Bass Choir is an advanced class for Tenor and Bass in the total high school vocal music program. Students learn/perform great choral works for lower voices from various periods of music history in order to reinforce concepts taught in JH or other HS Choirs. Students must participate both semesters.
Prerequisite: Audition and Teacher Recommendation
Audition Process
Crimson Chorale - 1253
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Fine Art Credit
Fee: $30 + $100 Attire
The Crimson Chorale is a highly selective, advanced auditioned ensemble. Members will learn a high caliber of primarily a cappella choral literature from various periods of music history and serve as the premiere choral performing ensemble at school and community events. Students must participate in both semesters.
Prerequisite: Audition and permission from instructor
Audition Process
Aetos Singers - 1254
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Fine Art Credit
Fee: $30 + $110 Attire
The Aetos Singers is a highly selective, advanced auditioned ensemble. Members will learn a high caliber of primarily a cappella choral literature from various periods of music history and serve as the premiere choral performing ensemble at school and community events. Students must participate in both semesters.
Prerequisite: Audition and permission from instructor
Audition Process
Non-Credit
Other Electives
Driver's Education - 845
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Semester = 0.5 Elective Credit
The goal of Driver’s Education is to prepare young drivers to operate motor vehicles legally, safely, and responsibly. Students will learn about safe driving techniques and the proper attitude and driving behaviors necessary to operate an automobile safely through in class discussions, lectures, simulations, and guest speakers. In-the-car training is NOT a part of the course. In-the-car training is utilized during summer school.
Other Fine Art
Music Appreciation - 1220
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Fine Art Credit
Music Appreciation is for students who need a fine art credit who are not enrolled in a vocal or instrumental class. The first semester covers the history of music from the Renaissance to 1900, focusing on classical music and jazz. The second semester covers 1900 to the present, beginning with jazz and covering folk, country, Broadway, rock, etc. Basic music theory is included along with introductory piano instruction in the music technology lab. All curriculum is web-based with multiple electronic performance resources.
Other Practical Art
Technology Help Desk - 9900
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Practical Art Credit
This course is designed to introduce the student to the elements of information technology help desk operations and support. In a collaborative effort to support Nixa High School's technology initiatives, students will learn the project-management and technology skills required to assist clients with the operation and maintenance of digital technology. Students will receive training in customer service, hardware maintenance, cloud product usage, digital media display, classroom device management, etc.
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) - Engineering
Intro to Engineering Design (IED) - 415
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Practical Art Credit
This Project Lead the Way Foundation course focuses on developing problem solving skills using a design development process. IED is a hands-on class where students create models of product solutions, analyze and communicate them. Modeling is done with solid modeling software such as Autodesk’s Inventor 3-D CAD program. Students will also build prototypes of their solutions in the engineering lab. The major focus is to expose students to the design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards and technical documentation. NHS is a PLTW Certified School. Students adequately completing the PLTW course series are eligible for college credit at PLTW participating universities. NCAA Approved Course
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) - Computer Science
Computer Science Essentials (CSE) - 465
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Practical Art Credit
Computer Science Essentials is a yearlong course that will introduce students to a diverse set of computational thinking concepts, fundamentals, and tools, allowing them to gain an understanding and build confidence. In this course, students will use visual, block-based programming and seamlessly transition to text-based programming with languages such as Python to create apps and develop websites, and learn how to make computers work together to put their design into practice. They will apply computational thinking practices, build their vocabulary, and collaborate just as computing professionals do to create products that address topics and problems important to them. NCAA Approved Course
Theatre
Drama - 5070
Grade Level: 9
1 Year = 1 Fine Art Credit
An introductory course to theatre. The class will concentrate on basic acting techniques, theatre history, theatre production, and the technical aspects of production. Students will memorize and perform monologues and scenes. Written and performance tests will follow each unit. This course cannot be repeated for credit.
Stagecraft - 5086 (Repeatable)
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Practical Art Credit
An advanced course in theatrical design, construction, and production. Students will construct scenery, props, and costumes for mainstage productions. Academic units in stage lighting, sound engineering, construction, and will accompany hands on experiential learning. This is a technical preparatory course and may be repeated for credit with approval.
Costumes/Props/Makeup - 5087 (Repeatable)
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Practical Art
An advanced course in costumes, props, and makeup. Students will investigate the principles, elements and practicalities of costume design and their relation to design in the theatre. The student will learn how to communicate design choices both visually and verbally through rendering techniques and research. Students will also examine the complexities of stage makeup and property design. Utilizing a “hands on” approach, the course is specially designed to require the student to become familiar with basic makeup procedures, complex prosthetic makeup application, property design of hand props and set props, and set dressing. This is a technical preparatory course and may be repeated for credit with approval.
Dance - 5088 (Repeatable)
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Fine Art Credit
This course is an introduction to dance. Students will learn the basic vocabulary and movements of dance with an emphasis on body and spatial awareness, alignment, locomotor skills, and conditioning the body. Students will also learn about the history of dance as a performing art and will view examples of dance in class.
Speech & Debate
Speech and Debate - 5050 (Repeatable)
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Elective Credit
Speech and Debate is a co-curricular, competitive performance class. Debate teaches students how to participate in the rational exchange of ideas and arguments as they relate to significant social issues. Speech events sharpen speaking and/or acting skills. Students are required to perform in class and will have the opportunity to attend up to eleven weekend competitions throughout the year (and expected to compete at two tournaments, minimum). A portion of the student grade comes from attending and recruiting judges for NHS’s home tournament and district competitions. NCAA Approved Course
Prerequisites: Teacher permission
World Languages - Spanish
Spanish I - 610
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Elective Credit
Presents an introduction to the Spanish language and culture. The ability to communicate in Spanish on a beginner’s level is developed through listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities. The development of practical vocabulary is stressed. NCAA Approved Course
Prerequisites: Minimum of “C” in English is very strongly recommended
Spanish II - 615
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Elective Credit
Continues the use of the Spanish language and the exploration of the culture of Spanish speaking people. The vocabulary and grammar learned in Spanish I are recycled and expanded as students practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing. NCAA Approved Course
Prerequisites: “C” average in Spanish I or permission
World Languages - French
French I - 650
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Elective Credit
An introduction to the French language and an exploration of the French culture. This course incorporates speaking, listening, reading, writing, and the development of a practical and useful vocabulary. NCAA Approved Course
Prerequisites: Minimum of “C” in English is very strongly recommended
French II - 655
Grade Level: 9-12
1 Year = 1 Elective Credit
Continues the study of the French language and the exploration of the culture of French speaking people. The vocabulary and grammar learned in French I are recycled and expanded as students practice the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The class is conducted in French and students are encouraged to speak in French. Aspects of French history are part of the curriculum. NCAA Approved Course
Prerequisites: “C” average in French I or permission
Nixa High School Counselors Contact
Phone Number: 417-724-3535
9th Grade Counselor: ashleyfinley@nixaschools.net
10th Grade Counselor: jenneymyler@nixaschools.net
11th Grade Counselor: toddmincks@nixaschools.net
12th Grade Counselor: carrieboone@nixaschools.net