Course Guide

College English emphasizes the planning, writing, and revising of compositions, including the development of critical and logical thinking skills. This course includes a minimum of five compositions that stress analytical, evaluative, and persuasive/ argumentative writing. This course is offered as concurrent enrollment through Front Range Community College and is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course. To earn FRCC credit, students must earn at least a C in this course.

College English 122 expands on and refines the objectives of College English-ENG 121, and further emphasizes critical/logical thinking and reading, problem definition, research strategies, and writing analytical, evaluative, and/or persuasive papers that incorporate research. This course is offered as concurrent enrollment through Front Range Community College and is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course. To earn FRCC credit, students must earn at least a C in the course. College English-ENG 122 is taught in conjunction with AP Language and Composition. This course prepares students to take the optional AP English Language and Composition test in May. Colleges may award college credit based on a student's test score.

This course introduces students to fiction, poetry, and drama while emphasizing active and responsive reading. Students will also respond to the literature through various writing modes in order to develop sophisticated interactions with the texts. Writing assignments will include literary analysis, and may include comparison/contrast, synthesis, journal entries, etc. The first semester of this course is offered as concurrent enrollment from Front Range Community College and is a guaranteed transfer course. To earn FRCC credit, students must earn at least a C in the course.  The second semester of the course prepares students to take the optional AP English Literature and Composition test in May. Colleges may award college credit based on a student's test score.

Designed for all students to prepare for college and career readiness. This course focuses on developing students’ appreciation for and understanding of literature and nonfiction, and advancing their speaking and composition skills. An emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking skills in the areas of analysis, argument, and synthesis. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions and debates and maturely engage in the exploration of contemporary social issues. 

This course builds on the foundations from English I, emphasizing further development of composition, speaking, and rhetorical analysis skills. Literature selections include novels, short stories, drama, poetry, and nonfiction.

A continuation of English II, this course covers further development of skills in language arts, speaking, and composition.  A survey of American literature through the reading of short stories, novels, essays, plays, and poetry provides the basis for the course.

This course designed to offer support to multi-lingual students who are new to the US public educational system with a focus on  Colorado Department of Education standards in English with specific support in the development of English language acquisition skills. This course focuses on developing students appreciation for and understanding of literature, non-fiction, and advancing composition and speaking skills.

This course is designed to inform and excite students about the roots and trajectory of Hip Hop in the United States. We will combine the academic disciplines of literature, history, fine arts, and project based learning. Students will look at Hip Hop around the world and compare styles from a variety of countries/cultures, engage in projects that include, but are not limited to, rhyme writing, beat production, (legal) graffiti, and create multiple format digital playlists.

Designed to develop journalistic fundamentals in writing, digital photography, yearbook layout, advertising, and ethics, the course concentrates on publishing the Whispering Pine yearbook.  This elective course is also designed for students who want to manage an online, creative arts magazine. Units of study will include: Layout and design, website management, communications, promotions, and editing. Students will also study the elements of creative and editorial writing. Student editors are expected to meet all production standards and deadlines to ensure a timely and quality publication.  Students enrolling in this course need a strong work ethic and solid writing skills.  Editors will be chosen from students on staff.

Would you like to dive into learning more about children’s literature? This course explores both classic and contemporary children’s and adolescent literature and media in traditional and digital texts, specifically focusing on developing literary understandings, exploring perspectives and personal responses to literature, and inquiring into trends and issues. This course is offered as concurrent enrollment through CU Denver and is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course. To earn CU Denver credit, students must earn at least a C in this course.

Take a trip around the world through reading and writing.  Have you ever wanted to experience the cafes of Paris or see the cherry blossoms in Kyoto?  In this class, you will read books and essays by famous travel writers, and you will have the opportunity to explore parts of Africa, India, Japan, Europe, the Caribbean, and more.  In this increasingly multi-cultural world, it is imperative to learn about other places, peoples, and cultures.  Additionally, you will write your own travelogues and publish them in book form.

This course provides an overview of both structure and function of all the systems of the human body, including: Skeletal, muscular, integumentary, nervous systems, digestive, circulatory, lymphatic, endocrine, and reproductive systems.  Students who are considering careers in the medical field are encouraged to take the course.

The AP Environmental Science requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental Science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. There is an emphasis on out-of-the-classroom experiences and hands-on application of knowledge. This course prepares students to take the optional AP Environmental Science test in May. Colleges may award college credit based on a student's test score.

In biology, students will learn the basic processes that sustain all living things through projects, inquiries, and individual work.  The focus will be on building student skills in critical thinking, communication, scientific reasoning, and applying knowledge to solve problems.

Chemistry is the study of matter and its interactions. This chemistry program places emphasis on laboratory-based experiments, which integrate theory, practice, and techniques. This program is highly interactive and inquiry-based.

Physics is the study of energy and its interactions with matter. This physics program is conceptual in nature, with minimal mathematical calculations.  This physics course has an emphasis on hands-on experiences that integrate science and practical life skills.  Students explore the concepts of Newton’s laws, dynamics, simple machines, fluid pressure, concepts of electrical circuits, magnetism, induction and capacitance, and motors and generators.

This class is designed as a survey of earth and space science. Topics for this lab course include: Astronomy, chemistry, plate tectonics, avalanche safety, energy and energy resources, the development of Earth’s atmosphere, climate change, Newtonian physics, radiometric dating, geologic time, mineralogy and structural geology. In addition to learning the basic concepts and theories in the physical sciences, students will be asked to investigate, problem solve, and analyze data, base conclusions upon evidence, and discuss interpretations.

This course will focus on projects to create alternative waste streams for recycled materials in our school and community. The goals of the class will be to help EPHS to move toward a “zero waste” model and to generate value from our trash. There will be two main elements to the class: Composting and plastic recycling. The composting project’s focus will be on turning the school’s food waste and compostable materials into a compost soil amendment. In the plastic recycling project, students will collect, shred, and extrude plastics into 3D printer filament which can be sold or used to make new 3D-printed products.

AP Human Geography is an introductory, college-level human geography course. Students cultivate their understanding of human geography through data and geographic analyses as they explore topics like patterns and spatial organization, human impacts and interactions with their environment, and spatial processes and societal changes.  This course is designed to open your eyes to the world around you.

AP US Government and Politics provides a college-level, nonpartisan introduction to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students will study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behaviors. They will also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments. In addition, they will complete a political science research or applied civics project.

Civic education is designed to promote an enlightened and responsible citizenry committed to democratic principles.  This course provides the student with a cohesive overview of federal, state and local government that allows for active participation in the process of democracy. The current issues portion of the course is designed to examine current issues and concerns at different scales that could affect student lives in the present and future. Through research efforts, instructor and student presentations, discussion groups, collaboration, and interaction, students will expand their knowledge of the world around them. Emphasis will be placed on exploring, interpreting, and evaluating current issues. 

The purpose of this course is to develop educated consumers with an understanding and academic knowledge of consumer resources and financial organizations. The course focuses on personal understanding of decision making impacting financial decisions, job and career, personal finances, housing, insurance, stock market, credit cards, and checking accounts.

The study of United States History is an overview of American History from Columbus to the present, with an emphasis on social, political, economic, cultural, diplomatic and religious history. Activities include computer research and reporting on historical events through simulations and role-playing. This course fulfills the requirement for 11th grade social studies.

The first semester of this class examines the diverse history and cultures of the world from Ancient Civilization through the Revolutionary Age with an emphasis on political and economic theories, philosophy, technological achievements, religion, and social change. Second semester students will study the history and cultures of the world from the Age of Revolutions to the Modern Era.  The focal point for this course will be an examination of the Industrial Revolution, World Wars I and II, Russian Revolution, the Cold War, and contemporary conflicts such as the Middle East crisis and terrorism.

This course is designed to invite students to explore geography as a subject and to utilize geography to enhance and enrich their understanding of the world and its places, people, and cultures. The content is correlated to the National Geography Standards and will help students master the skills necessary to meet the Colorado Geography Standards. Attempts will be made to use 21st-Century technology, such as GPS, satellite imagery and extensive internet research.

This course is a fun, hands-on full year business curriculum. Following the MBA: Get Real! Business concept model, students form and operate an in-school company under established Company By-Laws. Students will invest in company stock and assume leadership roles of CEO, CFO and Vice Presidents of six areas: Marketing, Production, Finance, Human Resources, Public Relations/Legal, and Research and Development. Students engage in a class CORE company business, hopefully earning a profit. The CORE business includes the operation and management of the school store, student lounge and additional business ventures. Meetings with a business consultant and networking opportunities with local business leaders are an integral part of this course.

This course is designed to prepare students to organize and deliver effective presentations in their personal, public, and professional lives. Units of study will include impromptu, demonstrative, special occasion, informative, and persuasive speeches.  In addition, students will study the techniques successful orators use, along with the evaluation of arguments, detection of biases, and providing constructive feedback to peers.

Students will learn to create foundation recipes and complex baked goods. Topics include the baking profession, ingredients and equipment, the principles behind baking formulas, sustainability, seasonality, volume production, décor techniques, and new trends in plated desserts and special occasion cakes.

This course is designed to introduce students to a variety of culinary skills and food preparation. Through instruction and culinary lab practice, this class will provide an opportunity for students to learn food preparation and demonstrate food safety. Some topics include introductory culinary skills and preparation of items such as quick breads, yeast breads, and eggs; as well as meal and menu planning, nutrition, and food borne illnesses. Students will be able to: Demonstrate the correct procedures and techniques in introductory culinary labs; Analyze nutritional guidelines and plan menus that are nutritionally balanced; demonstrate food safety standards.

This comprehensive course introduces students to the vibrant world of hotel and lodging management, an essential sector within the hospitality industry. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, students will explore the intricacies of operating hotels and other lodging facilities. The curriculum is designed to provide a foundational understanding of the lodging industry’s principles, including guest services, front office operations, housekeeping, and facility management.

High school band consists of: Concert band, marching band, and pep band. The marching band performs at home football games, Catch the Glow Parade, as well as  field marching competitions. The pep band performs at select home athletic events for Basketball and Volleyball. The concert band performs three times a year in addition to performing at regional and state festivals. Students are eligible for League Honor Band and All-State Band, as well as solo and ensemble contests. The primary purpose of a high school band is learning music fundamentals and perfecting performance skills.  Performance and rehearsal attendance, including Saturday rehearsals in the fall, is mandatory and is included in the band grading policy. This course is a year-long commitment. Students must attend band camp in late July/early August before school begins. Students in color guard will sign up for semester 1 only and, in addition to performing with the marching band, will choreograph and perform a routine following the conclusion of the marching season.

Concert Choir specializes in repertoire specifically arranged for large vocal ensembles and selection is by audition only. Concert Choir performs 5-8 times throughout the school year, including singing the National Anthem at an Avalanche or Nuggets’ game and a combined choirs performance of a major choral work in the spring. Each member must purchase concert attire (a dress for women, tuxedo for men, and black shoes). Dresses and tuxedos are also available for rent from EPHS.  Please contact Dr. Alan Denney, alan_denney@estesschools.org to schedule an audition.

Jazz band is a select group of musicians who perform a variety of musical styles in the jazz genre. The band will perform at concerts and special events throughout the year. The band may also compete at jazz contests. Members of the jazz band are eligible for All-State Jazz Band. Performance attendance is mandatory and is included in the jazz band grading policy. This course begins in November, after the marching band season is over, and meets from 7:00 am to 7:50 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students enrolling in jazz band should be prepared to commit to the full November through May course duration. Please contact Kaylin Brennan, kaylin_brennan@estesschools.org for more information.

Major13 specializes in vocal jazz and popular music. This group is limited to 13 students and selection is by audition only. Major13 performs 10-14 times throughout the school year, including singing the National Anthem at an Avalanche or Nuggets’ game, various community civic organization functions, and jazz festivals throughout the state.  Please contact Dr. Alan Denney, alan_denney@estesschools.org  to schedule an audition.

Tenor/Bass Choir specializes in repertoire specifically composed for tenor and bass vocal ensembles. Tenor/Bass performs 4-6 times throughout the school year, including singing the National Anthem at an Avalanche or Nuggets’ game and a combined choir performance of a major choral work in the spring. Each member must purchase a tuxedo and black shoes. Tuxedos are also available for rent at EPHS.  No audition is necessary.

Treble Choir specializes in repertoire specifically composed for soprano and alto vocal ensembles. Treble  Choir performs 5-8 times throughout the school year, including singing the National Anthem at an Avalanche  or Nuggets’ game and a combined choir performance of a major choral work in the spring. Each member must purchase a choir dress and black shoes. Dresses are also available for rent from EPHS. No audition is necessary. 

Adventure Education immerses students in the adventure of lifelong fitness activities.  Students will foster a love of fitness with popular units such as Bootcamp, Boxing, Dance, Pilates, Yoga and beyond.  Students may also access popular racquet sports such as Pickleball/Badminton & team sports like Basketball.

This course will cover all topics related to fitness and health.  We will use the “Choosing Health, High School” curriculum as our guide.  Other topics to be covered will be Nutrition, Disease and Disease Prevention, as well as current and environmental issues that impact our lives today.

This course will look at how to improve our physical capabilities and performance.  Speed, power, and strength lifting techniques are taught along with nutrition. Students will design and work on individual weight programs that are specific to their sport or interests. We will also use plyometrics and cardiovascular exercise. If you want to become bigger, faster, and stronger for a sport or activity, this class is for you. 

This course is designed to give the first-year student a basic understanding and introduction to the occupations of Automotive Service and Repair. This will include studies in the following areas: orientation to automotive related industries; career opportunities in the field; orientation to an automotive shop environment; shop and environmental safety; identifying and using tools related to the industry; hazardous materials and waste management; communications and public relations as it relates to the industry; use of manuals and computers in all areas of the industry; use of precision measuring tools and automotive math; theory, presentation and evaluation of performance tasks in the areas of automobile repair.

Construction is one of the nation’s largest industries, offering excellent opportunities for high earnings, career advancement, and business ownership. Work in construction offers a great variety of career opportunities. 

During the first part of the course, you will learn about construction safety, foundations, framing, basic introduction to plumbing and HVAC, and proper use of tools and equipment. 

Then you will have the opportunity to make practical application of your classroom studies on a construction project. Projects may include building sawhorses, scale model houses, storage sheds, remodeling (on or off-site), and other projects as available.

Students will learn about plant science, and greenhouse management. They will participate in three learning units; Medicinal Plants, Growing Food, and Flower Arrangement/landscape design. Students will complete a  research  project of their choosing that they will present at the student showcase.

Metal sculpting introduces metal production in relation to commercial and industrial welding art and sculpture. The course is designed for continuous welding students. The course allows students to fabricate a sculpture of art using welding fabrication techniques, structure of assembly through the process of correct design and layout all producing a professional portfolio in relation to the final project.

This course is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to effectively perform cutting and welding applications used in the industry. 

Students will develop proficiency in: fundamental safety practices in welding; interpreting and reading drawings; identifying and using joint designs; efficiently laying out parts for fabrication; oxy/fuel cutting and welding; basic shielded metal arc welding (SMAW);  gas metal arc welding (GMAW);  mechanical and thermal properties of metals; and quality control.

This course provides an overview of the planning, design, layout, and technical drawing interpretation for practical use in woodworking, cabinetmaking, and mill working. Different cabinet and furniture styles used, various wood products and materials, and proper tool selection may also be covered. Students will be introduced to the different construction processes in the cabinetmaking, furniture making, and millwork industries. Students will learn about measurement, layout, shop drawings and cutting lists. They will gain a basic understanding of the various kinds of materials used in the industry. Students will learn to use selected woodworking tools and machinery. Correct and safe use of tools and equipment is emphasized. The construction of several projects will develop student’s woodworking skills.

AP Computer Science Principles introduces students to the foundations of modern computing. The course covers a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy, security, and the societal impacts of computing. The course contains five core units of study, with a sixth unit devoted almost exclusively to students working on AP Performance Task projects. Students will exit this course prepared with both the knowledge and skills to live and meaningfully participate in our increasingly digital society, economy, and culture.

The objective of this course is to introduce students to the language of graphics and Computer Aided Design principles, acquiring an understanding of orthographic projections, mechanical drawings, architectural plans, and elevations. Students will learn how to adapt basic drafting techniques to computer-generated drawings and receive hands-on training to develop skills that are essential in today’s job market. 3D printing, CNC milling, and model making are utilized to create prototypes of your designs.

This course prepares students to understand and apply cornerstone technological concepts and processes. Group and individual activities engage students in creating ideas, developing innovations, and engineering practical solutions. Technology content, resources, and laboratory activities encourage student applications of science, mathematics, and other school subjects.

Serious art students wanting to continue their art training will develop professional-level portfolios in drawing, painting, graphic design, ceramics, and/or sculpture. This course is personalized for the student's interest areas.  This class can be repeated for credit.

Students will learn the mechanics of digital still and video cameras. Composition skills will be developed as the foundation for projects in portraiture, landscape,  studio and macro photography.  FIlm studies will include the use of storyboards to build an understanding of narrative and documentary filmmaking. Students will learn editing skills in Photo, Lightroom and Imovie. Students will use  the artistic processes to guide their work for their final project.  Students will write an artist's statement and present their final project in a student art show.

Students will learn about the history of jewelry making and its place in cultures around the world. Students will learn jewelry making techniques using recycled materials, natural materials and metal.  Students will choose a medium(s) to create developed artwork. Students will use the creative processes to guide their work for their final project (s). Students will write an artist's statement and will have an opportunity to display their final projects in a student art show.

A basic foundational art course designed to stimulate and encourage creative growth and understanding of art. Projects center on color theory and the Elements and Principles of Art. This course provides a variety of experiences in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional art.

This course is designed to engage students to converse on everyday issues such as greetings, the weather, family, school, activities and other topics. The target proficiency is Novice Mid to Novice High according to ACTFL/Colorado proficiency levels.

Spanish II reinforces and builds upon skills learned in Spanish I. It is designed to enable students to handle simple everyday tasks in the Spanish language (e.g. handling routine travel needs or taking care of physical needs.) Students may begin to generate spontaneous and original conversation and written passages.  The cultural competencies introduced in Spanish I are further explored and expanded. Spanish is the language of communication in the classroom. The target proficiency is Novice High to Intermediate Low according to ACTFL/Colorado proficiency levels.

This course offers an in-depth study in the areas of daily life, customs, art, literature, and history. Social and cultural issues of Spain, Mexico, and Central and South America are investigated through readings, research and compositions.  Spanish is the language of communication in the classroom. The target proficiency is Intermediate Low to Intermediate Mid according to ACTFL/Colorado proficiency levels.

Designed for heritage learners of Spanish, this course can accommodate students from a wide range of backgrounds, from those who are minimally functional (can comprehend Spanish but are not able to speak fluently, read or write) to those who are more proficient and/or literate in Spanish. This course focuses on the development of communicative competence in reading, writing, speaking and listening and viewing, as well as on understanding Hispanic cultures and issues of identity of heritage speakers of Spanish in the United States. Students will also develop an awareness and understanding of Hispanic cultures, including language variation, customs, geography, history, and current events. During this course, students will gain confidence using Spanish to express their own thoughts. The recommended entrance requirement is the Intermediate-Mid level of proficiency in listening comprehension on the ACTFL scale. It is not necessary that students speak or write at the Intermediate level prior to entering the course.

This course is designed for heritage learners of Spanish who bring strong proficiency and literacy skills in Spanish.  This course focuses on the development of advanced communicative competence in reading, writing, speaking and listening and viewing, as well as on understanding Hispanic cultures and issues of identity of heritage speakers of Spanish in the United States. Students will also continue to develop awareness and understanding of Hispanic cultures, including language variation, customs, geography, history, and current events. The recommended entrance requirement is the Intermediate-High level of proficiency in listening comprehension on the ACTFL scale, and Intermediate-Mid level of proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking. 

The AP course in Spanish prepares students to take the Advanced Placement exam in Spanish language. Spanish is the language of communication in the classroom. It is designed to be comparable in difficulty to a full-year course in Spanish composition and conversation at the college junior-level. Students may be given an assignment to work on over the summer. The students incur the cost of taking the AP exam and college credits may be awarded based on each individual’s score. The target proficiency will vary from Intermediate Mid to Intermediate High according to ACTFL/Colorado proficiency levels.