Choice Charter School Course Guide 2026–2027 (v2)

Course Guide 2026–2027

Grades 7–12 · Iowa’s Tuition-Free Online Charter School

Statewide Online
choicecharterschool.org · 515-850-2545
dr.knight@choicecharterschool.org

Our Mission

Choice Charter School’s mission is to provide a brighter future to Iowa’s scholars who need it the most, including young adults who are under-credited, who have dropped out or are at risk of dropping out, and those wanting a nontraditional option. We are an option for scholars who have health concerns, full-time jobs, parenting responsibilities, or who have chosen not to return to a brick-and-mortar school.

Our Goal

We want scholars to gain the confidence to pursue their passions and to become ready for the future, building background knowledge, learning to communicate and collaborate, and working with others using critical thinking and creativity. Students graduate prepared for straight-to-work, military service, certificate programs, associate degrees, and four-year college environments.

Benefits of Choice Charter School

Interdisciplinary Seminars

Our signature PBL Seminar sequence integrates English, Social Studies, and Science into powerful, real-world projects, earning scholars 3 credits per Seminar.

CTE-Paired Math

Math classes are paired with career and technical education fields (Agriculture, Business, IT, Fine Arts, and more), connecting math skills to future pathways.

Studio Experiences

Studio courses offer live instruction alongside self-paced options, giving scholars flexible access to electives and specialized content areas.

Schedule Flexibility

Coursework is designed for scholars who balance school with work, family, athletics, or health needs. Students move at a pace that works for their lives.

Universal Constructs & Career-Ready Skills

Every course is built around the Iowa Universal Constructs: Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking, Creativity, and Flexibility/Adaptability.

Equity & Inclusion

Choice Charter School wants you to be comfortable and feel accepted in our environment. You belong here with your dreams and ideas and hopes for the future. Let’s build that together.

Graduation Requirements

Basic Diploma: 32 Credits

An alternative for scholars who are looking to go directly to the workforce. Totals listed are minimum credits.

Subject AreaCreditsNotes
English8
Math64 sequential units, starting with Algebra 1. Math Projects 1 and 2 recommended. HISET math can be substituted.
Science6
Social Studies6Includes Government (1), US History (2), Elective Social Studies (3)
Health/CPR1
PE2
Financial LiteracyRequired
Civics TestRequired
Career Pathways1
Job Shadow1
Capstone1
Total32 cr

Standard Diploma: 37 Credits

RequirementCreditsNotes
All Basic Diploma requirements32 cr
Physical Education1 credit per year of attendance
Mathematics6 sequential units, starting with Algebra 1. Math Projects 1 and 2 or Algebra II 180 and 181 fill the last 2 units.
Career Pathways Course OptionsAdditional studio options available
Certificates AvailableUseful for career readiness; carry with you to resumes
Electives5 crTotals listed are minimum credits
Total37 cr

College & Career Ready Diploma: 46 Credits

RequirementCreditsNotes
All Standard Diploma requirements37 crPlus: College classwork or Senior Year Plus options available in math, English, social studies, speech communication, and science via TEL or community courses
Additional Electives9 crTotal 14 elective credits. Totals listed are minimum credits
Total46 cr

1 Hex = 1 Credit. One credit is awarded per successful course completion each Hex period. Competency-based model: the 120-hour seat-time threshold does not apply.

How Our Courses Work

RISE

RISE is our orientation model. Every new student begins with RISE, learning how competency-based credit works, how Headrush functions, and how seminars, math, and career pathways fit together. When a student completes RISE, they move into one or two studio courses to finish out the current quarter at their own pace. At the end of that quarter they receive a full schedule: seminar, CTE-paired math, and pathway courses appropriate to their grade level and credit situation. RISE is not a prerequisite for any course.

Seminars

Interdisciplinary project-based learning units. Each Seminar earns 3 credits simultaneously in English, Social Studies, and Science. For the 26-27 school year, Seminars 101–104 are designed for 9th grade and Seminars 201–204 for 10th grade, but any student may enroll based on need and readiness.

CTE-Paired Math

Every math course is paired with a career and technical education field, earning dual credit in Math and in an elective CTE area. Students choose 2 quarters of math per year.

Studio Courses

Studio courses offer a mix of live instruction (for the most enrolled option) and self-paced modules, and are designed for scholars who work during the day and need support. Multiple courses can run simultaneously in a single Studio period.

Elective / Standard Courses

Standalone courses in World Languages, Health, PE, Fine Arts, and CTE pathways round out a student’s schedule based on graduation needs and personal interests.

Shared CTE Seminars

Career Pathways, Job Shadow, and Capstone are required for all scholars and may be taken in 11th or 12th grade. Capstone is offered in Q3 or Q4 only.

Interdisciplinary Seminars

Each seminar is an interdisciplinary PBL course. Seminars earn 3 credits each: English Language Arts + Social Studies + Science. Students in 11th or 12th grade may also enroll in any seminar based on their graduation plan. No seminar has a prerequisite.

Stage 1 Seminars: 101 through 104 (Grade 9)

Students complete all four in sequence. 12 credits total in 9th grade from Seminars alone.

Seminar 101: World Cultures 101 / English 101 / Earth & Space Science 101

Credits
3 cr (1 ELA + 1 Social Studies + 1 Science)
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Interdisciplinary PBL course

Students investigate water as a cultural right, an economic commodity, and an ecological resource. The project culminates in a research-backed policy brief for a mock UN Water Council. Grade 9; open to any student by need and readiness.

  • World Cultures 101 (Social Studies): Students examine how cultures and economies value, share, and contest water through global case studies, building historical thinking skills and seeing how past events shape contemporary societies.
  • English 101: Students research, argue, and write policy for a real audience, drafting the brief for the mock UN Water Council.
  • Earth & Space Science 101 (Science): Students gain a functional understanding of Earth’s systems, including oceanography, climatology, and environmental science, and apply it to local Iowa water issues.

Seminar 102: World Cultures 102 / English 102 / Biology 102

Credits
3 cr (1 ELA + 1 Social Studies + 1 Science)
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Interdisciplinary PBL course

Students examine the relationship between economic systems, individual wellbeing, and community health across cultures, exploring how resources are distributed and what societies choose to value. Grade 9; open to any student by need and readiness.

  • World Cultures 102 (Social Studies): Students survey how societies distribute resources and what they choose to value, and how those choices shape the way people live.
  • English 102: Students read and write about wellbeing and community health across cultures.
  • Biology 102 (Science): Students explore living systems and the energy cycles that power them, and connect biology to individual and community health. The course is lab-based and problem-solving focused.

Seminar 103: US History 103 / English 103 / Chemistry 103

Credits
3 cr (1 ELA + 1 Social Studies + 1 Science)
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Interdisciplinary PBL course

Students investigate the hidden environmental and social costs embedded in everyday economic decisions, applying chemistry and US history to analyze how industry, policy, and communities have managed the true cost of production. Grade 9; open to any student by need and readiness.

  • US History 103 (Social Studies): Students trace how industry, policy, and communities have managed the true cost of production, analyzing primary sources and comparing accounts of events.
  • English 103: Students analyze and argue about everyday economic decisions and their consequences.
  • Chemistry 103 (Science): Students apply reactions, pH, and molecular structure to the products and pollution they investigate. The course is lab-based and problem-based.

Seminar 104: US History 104 / English 104 / Biology 104

Credits
3 cr (1 ELA + 1 Social Studies + 1 Science)
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Interdisciplinary PBL course

Students explore westward expansion, Indigenous displacement, and ecological change through geological evidence and competing historical narratives. The project culminates in a place-based restoration proposal. Grade 9; open to any student by need and readiness.

  • US History 104 (Social Studies): Students compare competing narratives of westward expansion and Indigenous displacement, working from primary sources.
  • English 104: Students weigh sources and write the place-based restoration proposal.
  • Biology 104 (Science): Students study ecosystems and living systems, using geological evidence of change over time. The course is lab-based and problem-solving focused.

Stage 2 Seminars: 201 through 204 (Grade 10)

Seminars 201–204 continue the interdisciplinary sequence, building on 9th grade foundations with greater complexity and independent inquiry. 12 credits total in 10th grade from Seminars alone.

Seminar 201: Government 201 / English 201 / Chemistry 201

Credits
3 cr (1 ELA + 1 Social Studies + 1 Science)
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Interdisciplinary PBL course

Students examine how environmental and public health regulations are written, challenged, and enforced. The project is a simulated EPA rulemaking process, from proposed rule to final decision. Grade 10; open to any student by need and readiness.

  • Government 201 (Social Studies): Students investigate how political institutions, civic processes, and laws shape everyday life, applied to writing, challenging, and enforcing regulations.
  • English 201: Students read regulatory texts, write arguments and public comments, and respond to opposing positions.
  • Chemistry 201 (Science): Students explore gas laws, reactions, pH, and molecular structure as they apply to the substances being regulated.

Seminar 202: Financial Literacy 202 / English 202 / Earth & Space Science 202

Credits
3 cr (1 ELA + 1 Social Studies + 1 Science)
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Interdisciplinary PBL course

Students build financial models that incorporate environmental and social costs, analyzing green investment vehicles, climate risk, and true-cost accounting. They present their findings to a mock city council. Grade 10; open to any student by need and readiness.

  • Financial Literacy 202 (Social Studies): Students build financial models and practice true-cost accounting, including green investment vehicles.
  • English 202: Students write and present a data-driven case to a decision-making audience.
  • Earth & Space Science 202 (Science): Students study the climatology and environmental science behind climate risk.

Seminar 203: Contemporary History 203 / English 203 / Integrated Science 203

Credits
3 cr (1 ELA + 1 Social Studies + 1 Science)
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Interdisciplinary PBL course

Students investigate the seen and unseen contributors to modern medicine, examining how scientific knowledge has been built, who built it, and whose interests it has served. The project is a bioethics commission report on a current genetic or medical technology. Grade 10; open to any student by need and readiness.

  • Contemporary History 203 (Social Studies): Students examine whose work and whose interests have shaped modern medicine.
  • English 203: Students research, evaluate sources, and write a formal report.
  • Integrated Science 203 (Science): Students study the genetics and cellular characteristics behind current medical technologies.

Seminar 204: Government 204 / English 204 / Integrated Science 204

Credits
3 cr (1 ELA + 1 Social Studies + 1 Science)
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Interdisciplinary PBL course

In this capstone seminar, scholars draw on all prior learning to design an original ethical framework for an emerging biotechnology or AI application. They present their recommendations and policy analysis to a real community audience. Grade 10; open to any student by need and readiness.

  • Government 204 (Social Studies): Students analyze policy and how laws and institutions respond to new technology.
  • English 204: Students develop an original argument and present it to a public audience.
  • Integrated Science 204 (Science): Students study the science behind their chosen biotechnology or AI application.

Stage 3: Career Pathways Journeys

Generally starting in grade 11. All students take a series of three classes to help them with college and career readiness.

Classes

Career Pathways

Credits
1 cr CTE (Workplace Readiness)
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Shared CTE seminar; required for all scholars, generally grade 11 or 12, open to all grade levels

Students ask “Where do I belong, and how do I get in?” They narrow their interests to one of five career subclusters: Building & Moving, Caring for Communities, Creating & Experiencing, Cultivating Resources, or Investing in the Future. They identify a wicked question in their chosen subcluster, map their interests and skills, and build an individualized roadmap that connects their academic work to future goals.

Job Shadow

Credits
1 cr CTE (Workplace Readiness)
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Shared CTE seminar; required for all scholars, generally grade 11 or 12; flexible and asynchronous, virtual or in person

Students observe a practicing professional in a career field of interest and hold a career conversation with them. They apply classroom learning to a real workplace and build professional communication and reflection skills.

Capstone

Credits
1 cr CTE (Workplace Readiness)
Prerequisite
Career Pathways and Job Shadow
Delivery
Shared CTE seminar; required for graduation; offered in Q3 or Q4 only

Students demonstrate mastery of career-readiness competencies through a culminating project. The project integrates their workplace experience, academic content, and a professional presentation.

Intermediate Mathematics

Geometry 170 / TinkerCad 170

Credits
1 cr Math + 1 cr IT CTE
Prerequisite
None; may be taken before, after, or alongside Algebra 1
Delivery
CTE-paired math

Students study geometric reasoning and spatial relationships through 3D design projects using TinkerCad. They connect formal proof and measurement to practical design and fabrication.

Geometry 171 / Music Applications 171

Credits
1 cr Math + 1 cr Fine Arts CTE
Prerequisite
Geometry 170 / TinkerCad 170
Delivery
CTE-paired math

Students extend their geometric thinking through the mathematics of music. They explore symmetry, patterns, ratios, and spatial reasoning as they appear in musical composition and acoustics.

Algebra II 180 / Physics 180

Credits
1 cr Math + 1 cr Science
Prerequisite
Algebra 1 (Algebra 160/161)
Delivery
CTE-paired math

Students develop advanced algebraic and function-based reasoning alongside foundational physics concepts. They use mathematical modeling to analyze motion, forces, and physical systems.

Algebra II 181 / Physics 181

Credits
1 cr Math + 1 cr Science
Prerequisite
Algebra II 180 / Physics 180
Delivery
CTE-paired math

Students deepen their algebraic skills while investigating more complex physical systems. They apply mathematical tools to energy, waves, and applied physics problems.

Mathematics: Paired & Project Seminars

All math courses are paired with a career and technical education field. Students earn 1 math credit and 1 CTE credit per course. Choose 2 quarters of math per year. Math is sequentially structured; placement is determined with your advisor.

Foundational Mathematics

PreAlgebra 150 / Music & Design 150 (S1)

Credits
1 cr Math + 1 cr Fine Arts CTE
Prerequisite
None; placement is set with an advisor
Delivery
CTE-paired math

Students develop foundational number sense and algebraic reasoning through projects in music theory and visual design. They explore how mathematical patterns govern artistic structure and real-world problem solving.

PreAlgebra 151 / Ag Manufacturing 151 (S2)

Credits
1 cr Math + 1 cr Ag CTE
Prerequisite
PreAlgebra 150 / Music & Design 150
Delivery
CTE-paired math

Students apply pre-algebraic concepts to agricultural and manufacturing contexts. They work with measurement, ratios, and proportional reasoning in production and materials settings.

Algebra 160 / Intro to Ag 160

Credits
1 cr Math + 1 cr Ag CTE
Prerequisite
Placement is set with an advisor; PreAlgebra recommended
Delivery
CTE-paired math

Students build linear and algebraic reasoning through applied problems in agriculture and business. They use real data from farming operations and small enterprise scenarios.

Algebra 161 / CS & Data 161

Credits
1 cr Math + 1 cr IT/CS CTE
Prerequisite
Algebra 160 / Intro to Ag 160
Delivery
CTE-paired math

Students extend their algebraic thinking into data analysis and computational contexts. They explore how functions and equations model real-world systems in computer science and technology.

Intermediate Mathematics

Geometry 170 / TinkerCad 170

Credits
1 cr Math + 1 cr IT CTE
Prerequisite
None; may be taken before, after, or alongside Algebra 1
Delivery
CTE-paired math

Students study geometric reasoning and spatial relationships through 3D design projects using TinkerCad. They connect formal proof and measurement to practical design and fabrication.

Geometry 171 / Music Applications 171

Credits
1 cr Math + 1 cr Fine Arts CTE
Prerequisite
Geometry 170 / TinkerCad 170
Delivery
CTE-paired math

Students extend their geometric thinking through the mathematics of music. They explore symmetry, patterns, ratios, and spatial reasoning as they appear in musical composition and acoustics.

Algebra II 180 / Physics 180

Credits
1 cr Math + 1 cr Science
Prerequisite
Algebra 1 (Algebra 160/161)
Delivery
CTE-paired math

Students develop advanced algebraic and function-based reasoning alongside foundational physics concepts. They use mathematical modeling to analyze motion, forces, and physical systems.

Algebra II 181 / Physics 181

Credits
1 cr Math + 1 cr Science
Prerequisite
Algebra II 180 / Physics 180
Delivery
CTE-paired math

Students deepen their algebraic skills while investigating more complex physical systems. They apply mathematical tools to energy, waves, and applied physics problems.

Math Projects: Applied Algebra II & Career Math

Math Projects 190 / Business 190

Credits
1 cr Math + 1 cr Business CTE
Prerequisite
Algebra 1 (Algebra 160/161)
Delivery
CTE-paired math (project-based)

Students study applied Algebra II concepts through real business problems. They use budgeting, modeling, and data analysis in project-based scenarios that connect quantitative reasoning to entrepreneurial decision-making.

Math Projects 191 / Entrepreneurship 191

Credits
1 cr Math + 1 cr CTE
Prerequisite
Algebra 1 (Algebra 160/161); Math Projects 190 recommended
Delivery
CTE-paired math (project-based)

Students continue applied Algebra II work by developing a complete business plan as the culminating project. They apply financial mathematics, data analysis, and quantitative reasoning to a real or simulated startup venture.

Studio & Elective Seminars

Studio courses run each quarter. Students in any grade may enroll based on availability and graduation needs. Studio periods include a live-instruction anchor course alongside self-paced options.

English Language Arts

Windows & Mirrors (Short Stories)

Credits
1 cr ELA
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio

Students read short stories as tools for developing empathy and self-understanding. The texts both reflect their own experience and open perspectives on lives different from their own.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Marvel & Myth (Mythology)

Credits
1 cr ELA
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio

Students analyze mythology, storytelling, and cultural narrative through contemporary popular culture. They examine how ancient archetypes and heroic structures shape modern literature and media.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

English: Parents and Children

Credits
1 cr ELA
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio

Students examine parent-child relationships through literature, memoir, and narrative. They explore identity, obligation, love, and conflict across cultures and generations.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

English: Becoming a Grownup

Credits
1 cr ELA
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio

Students read and write about the transitions and tensions of growing up. They use personal narrative, fiction, and cultural analysis to investigate what it means to move from adolescence into adulthood.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

English: Perspectives of War

Credits
1 cr ELA
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio

Students read literature, primary sources, and personal accounts from multiple sides of armed conflict. They examine how war shapes individuals, communities, and memory while building critical reading and writing skills.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

English: Civil or Not

Credits
1 cr ELA
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio

Students investigate the history and ongoing tensions of civil dissent, protest, and democratic participation. They read and write across perspectives on what it means to disagree, and what it costs when we can’t.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Quill & Forge (Creative Writing)

Credits
1 cr ELA
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio

Students write creatively, exploring the intersection of handcraft, narrative, and material culture. Work includes poetry, songwriting, short story, and novel writing.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Business Writing

Credits
1 cr ELA
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio

Students develop professional communication skills for the workplace, including emails, proposals, and presentations. The focus is on audience awareness, clarity, and real-world application.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Social Studies

Government

Credits
1 cr Social Studies
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio (live-instruction anchor)

Students investigate how political institutions, civic processes, and laws shape everyday life. They build skills in civic analysis, argument, and democratic participation.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Sociology

Credits
1 cr Social Studies
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio

Students examine how social structures, institutions, and group dynamics shape individual behavior and community life. They apply sociological theory to contemporary issues and personal experience.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Psychology and English (PSSE)

Credits
2 cr (1 cr Psychology + 1 cr English); may be co-coded as Health credit
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio

Students study personal and historical psychology topics, including mental health, behavior, and wellbeing. The English credit comes through reading, writing, and reflection on those topics.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

World History S1/S2

Credits
2 cr Social Studies
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio

Students survey major civilizations, movements, and turning points in global history. They build historical thinking skills and examine how past events continue to shape contemporary societies.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

US History S1

Credits
1 cr Social Studies (2 cr total with S2)
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio

Students study US history from its origins through the Civil War. They analyze primary sources, compare competing accounts of events, and trace how early decisions shaped the nation.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

US History S2

Credits
1 cr Social Studies (2 cr total with S1)
Prerequisite
None; S1 recommended
Delivery
Studio

Students study US history from Reconstruction to the present day. They analyze primary sources, compare competing accounts of events, and trace how past decisions shape contemporary American life.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Science

Biology S1/S2

Credits
2 cr Science
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio

Students explore the kingdoms of life, genetics, cellular characteristics, and the energy cycles that power living systems. The course is lab-based and problem-solving focused.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Chemistry S1/S2

Credits
2 cr Science
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio

Students explore gas laws, energy and atoms, patterns of the periodic table, mole calculations, reactions, pH, and molecular structure. The course is lab-based and problem-based.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Consumer Chemistry S1/S2

Credits
2 cr Science
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio

Students explore how chemistry affects everyday life, from household products and food science to materials and environmental chemistry. The course is project-based.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Physics S1/S2

Credits
2 cr Science
Prerequisite
Algebra 1
Delivery
Studio

Students use foundational math to study motion, mechanics, forces, energy, momentum, and vectors through projects. Appropriate for grades 9–10.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Earth and Space Science S1/S2

Credits
2 cr Science
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio

Students gain a functional understanding of Earth’s systems, including geology, oceanography, meteorology, climatology, astronomy, and environmental science. The course emphasizes the beauty and complexity of the planet.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Forensic Science S1/S2

Credits
2 cr Science
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio

Students solve crimes using knowledge from biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. Authentic performance assessments emphasize complex reasoning.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Health & Physical Education

Health/CPR 101

Credits
1 cr Health
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio

Students gain the information and goal-setting skills to make healthy choices as individuals and in groups. They earn CPR certification. Required for graduation.

Health/CPR 102 / PE 102 Mindful Habits 102

Credits
1 cr Health + 1 cr PE
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio

Students build on foundational health literacy by examining mental, physical, and social wellbeing through sustainable personal habits. They practice stress management and evidence-based decision-making, with a physical activity component for PE credit.

PE 101

Credits
1 cr PE
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio

Students combine physical education with mindfulness practices to support fitness and mental wellbeing. They take part in structured exercise, stress management, and reflective activities.

PE 103 / Music & Motion 103

Credits
1 cr PE + 1 cr Fine Arts
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio

Students combine physical fitness and movement education with music. They explore how rhythm, coordination, and physical expression connect wellness to artistic and cultural practice.

Career & Technical Education (CTE)

CTE courses prepare scholars for careers through hands-on, real-world learning. Iowa requires 5 units (10 credits) of CTE coursework. Many CTE credits are earned through Math pairings and Studio courses, so scholars are often earning CTE credit without a separate class.

Shared CTE Workplace Experience: Required for All Students in Grades 11–12

Career Pathways

Credits
1 cr CTE (Workplace Readiness)
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Shared CTE seminar; required for all scholars, generally grade 11 or 12, open to all grade levels

Students ask “Where do I belong, and how do I get in?” They narrow their interests to one of five career subclusters: Building & Moving, Caring for Communities, Creating & Experiencing, Cultivating Resources, or Investing in the Future. They identify a wicked question in their chosen subcluster, map their interests and skills, and build an individualized roadmap that connects their academic work to future goals.

Job Shadow

Credits
1 cr CTE (Workplace Readiness)
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Shared CTE seminar; required for all scholars, generally grade 11 or 12; flexible and asynchronous, virtual or in person

Students observe a practicing professional in a career field of interest and hold a career conversation with them. They apply classroom learning to a real workplace and build professional communication and reflection skills.

Capstone

Credits
1 cr CTE (Workplace Readiness)
Prerequisite
Career Pathways and Job Shadow
Delivery
Shared CTE seminar; required for graduation; offered in Q3 or Q4 only

Students demonstrate mastery of career-readiness competencies through a culminating project. The project integrates their workplace experience, academic content, and a professional presentation.

Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources

Intro to Agriculture

Credits
1 cr Ag CTE
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio or Live

Students explore the agriculture industries: Animal Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, Ag Business, and Natural Resources. The course spotlights Iowa and US agriculture.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Horticulture

Credits
1 cr Ag CTE
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio or Live

Students explore plant science and sustainable growing practices. They apply knowledge of soil, climate, and plant biology to hands-on cultivation and to landscape or food production projects.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Animal Science, Genetics & Zoology

Credits
1 cr Ag CTE + 1 cr Science
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio or Live

Students investigate the biological principles governing animal life, including genetics, reproduction, and ecological relationships. They connect these to agriculture, wildlife management, and veterinary science.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Intro to Agronomy

Credits
1 cr Ag CTE
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio or Live

Students learn the building blocks of Iowa’s fertile soils and investigate crops across the US. They examine how those crops contribute to the state and national economy.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Wildlife Management

Credits
1 cr Ag CTE
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio or Live

Students explore the science and ethics of managing wildlife populations and their habitats. They apply ecological principles to conservation challenges in agricultural, rural, and wilderness settings.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Business, Finance & IT

Business Ownership-IT

Credits
1 cr Business CTE
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio or Live

Students explore the full lifecycle of a business, from formation and financing to operations and exit. They build practical understanding of entrepreneurship, risk, and economic decision-making.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Web Design-IT

Credits
1 cr IT CTE
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio or Live

Students learn the foundations of web development and user experience design. They build functional, visually coherent websites for a defined audience.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Sports & Digital Marketing-Bus

Credits
1 cr Business CTE
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio or Live

Students explore the business of sports through digital marketing. They develop skills in branding, audience engagement, and media strategy applied to real athletic and entertainment contexts.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Digital Design-IT

Credits
1 cr IT CTE
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio or Live

Students learn the principles of visual communication and digital media production. They apply design thinking to create purposeful, audience-aware products across digital platforms.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

AI and Ethics-IT

Credits
1 cr IT CTE
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio or Live

Students examine the social, philosophical, and technical dimensions of artificial intelligence. Through case studies and original analysis, they explore bias, accountability, and design responsibility.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Family & Consumer Sciences

Foods

Credits
1 cr FCS CTE
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio or Live

Students explore the science, culture, and practice of food preparation. They examine how nutrition, culinary tradition, and food systems intersect with personal and community health.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Parenting & Communication

Credits
1 cr FCS CTE
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio or Live

Students examine child development, family systems, and the responsibilities of caregiving. They explore the social, psychological, and economic dimensions of parenting across cultures.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Intergenerational Focus

Credits
1 cr FCS CTE
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio or Live

Students examine the science and ethics of caring for people across the lifespan, from child development to aging. They explore career pathways in healthcare, education, and human services.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Interior Design

Credits
1 cr FCS CTE
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio or Live

Students apply spatial reasoning, color theory, and human-centered design to create functional, thoughtfully designed interior environments. They build skills across architecture and design fields.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Personal Development 1

Credits
1 cr FCS CTE
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio or Live

Students build foundational skills in self-awareness, goal-setting, and executive function. They develop the habits and strategies that support academic success and personal agency.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

World Languages: Spanish

Spanish I–IV fulfill Iowa’s World Language graduation requirement. Students must complete 2 units (4 credits) of World Language. Courses are sequential. Self-paced options are available for advanced levels.

Spanish I S1/S2

Credits
2 cr World Language
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Studio or Live

Students develop foundational Spanish skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They focus on practical communication and an introduction to Spanish-speaking cultures.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Spanish II S1/S2

Credits
2 cr World Language
Prerequisite
Spanish I
Delivery
Studio or Live

Students expand their Spanish proficiency with more complex grammatical structures and broader cultural content. They build the ability to hold sustained conversations and read in Spanish.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Spanish III S1/S2

Credits
2 cr World Language
Prerequisite
Spanish II
Delivery
Studio or Live; self-paced options available

Students develop advanced Spanish fluency by analyzing authentic texts and writing complex compositions. They engage more deeply with Hispanic cultures and current events.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Spanish IV S1/S2

Credits
2 cr World Language
Prerequisite
Spanish III
Delivery
Studio or Live; self-paced options available

Students refine near-fluent Spanish through academic and literary study. They produce sophisticated written and oral work appropriate for college-level language contexts.

Designed for scholars who work during the day and need support.

Community College, TEL & PSEO

These classes are scheduled on a semester basis. Each earns college credit plus a high school credit in the matching subject. Courses are titled CC- (Community College) or TEL- (Briar Cliff). Scholars who qualify for PSEO may take these college classes in preference to other options.

Community College Offerings (CC-)

CC-English Composition I (ENG 105)

Credits
College credit + 1 cr ELA
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Semester-based dual credit

Students prepare for college-level writing, critical thinking, and research. They work through planning, drafting, revising, and editing to produce clear, structured, persuasive academic essays.

CC-English Composition II (ENG 106)

Credits
College credit + 1 cr ELA
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Semester-based dual credit

Students build on the writing skills from Composition I. They use advanced research methods, argumentation, and the synthesis of diverse sources to produce academic essays.

CC-Precalculus (MAT-128)

Credits
College credit + 2 cr Math
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Semester-based dual credit

Students study functions, graphs, and trigonometry in preparation for calculus.

CC-Statistics

Credits
College credit + Math credit
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Semester-based dual credit

Students learn to collect, analyze, and interpret data, and use probability and inference to draw conclusions.

CC-Calculus

Credits
College credit + Math credit
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Semester-based dual credit

Students study limits, derivatives, and integrals and apply them to modeling change.

CC-Introduction to Psychology (111)

Credits
College credit + Social Studies credit
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Semester-based dual credit

Students study behavior and mental processes, including learning, memory, development, personality, and mental health.

CC-Speech Communication

Credits
College credit + ELA credit
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Semester-based dual credit

Students build public speaking skills, including organizing ideas, adapting to an audience, and delivering effective presentations.

TEL Classes, Briar Cliff (TEL-)

TEL-English Composition 1 (ENG 1303)

Credits
College credit + 1 cr ELA
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Semester-based dual credit

Students prepare for college-level writing, critical thinking, and research. They work through planning, drafting, revising, and editing to produce clear, structured, persuasive academic essays.

TEL-English Composition 2 (ENG 1403)

Credits
College credit + 1 cr ELA
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Semester-based dual credit

Students build on the writing skills from Composition I. They use advanced research methods, argumentation, and the synthesis of diverse sources to produce academic essays.

TEL-Principles of Speech and Communication (COM 1103)

Credits
College credit + 1 cr ELA
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Semester-based dual credit

Students study communication principles and practice speaking in public, interpersonal, and group settings.

TEL-College Algebra (MAT 111)

Credits
College credit + 2 cr Math
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Semester-based dual credit

Students study equations, functions, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic models, and systems of equations.

TEL-Intro to Business, Ethics, Entrepreneurship (BUS 1203)

Credits
College credit + 1 cr ELA
Prerequisite
None
Delivery
Semester-based dual credit

Students explore how businesses start and operate, and the ethical decisions entrepreneurs face.

Questions? We’re here to help.
choicecharterschool.org · 515-850-2545 · dr.knight@choicecharterschool.org

Choice Charter School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion/creed, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or disability.

Notice of Nondiscrimination: It is the policy of Choice Charter School District not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, sexual orientation, age (for employment), and actual or potential family, parental, marital status (for programs), or pregnancy or related conditions. Choice Charter School offers career and technical education programs in the following service areas: Business Education, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, Information Technology and Agriculture. If you have a question or complaint related to this policy, or for information about the district’s grievance procedures, please contact the school’s Civil Rights Coordinator, Dr. Cynthia Knight, dr.knight@choicecharterschool.org, at 515-850-2545 or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204.

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