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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 2025-2026
*Courses offered for dual credit are indicated by a listing under “CWI or NNU Course Name”.
GEM= General Education Matriculation
HISTORY
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| World History A | 10 | HIST 101 (3) | GEM 6: Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing or Global Perspectives |
This course interprets the development of cultures from around the world from prehistoric times to A.D. 1500. Students will analyze the characteristics of human societies and explore how human cultures have interacted with each other over time. The evolution of global exchange and the ideas, concepts, and phenomena that have connected and divided people across regions and time will be investigated.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| World History B | 10 | HIST 102 (3) | GEM 6: Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing or Global Perspectives |
This course engages students in the study of world history since 1500 to achieve a critical and integrated understanding of global societies and cultures during the past five hundred years. Students will explore developments in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the Pacific Islands. It will consider the effects of imperialism; investigate the origins and outcomes of world war, revolution, and genocide in the 20th century; and consider the global challenges of the 21st century.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| United States History A | 11 | HIST 111 (3) | GEM 6: Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing or Global Perspectives |
This course examines the history of the United States from its pre-colonial and colonial beginnings to the Civil War. Emphasis is placed on tracing the development of the American political system, economic institutions, social structure and culture from the Colonial period through the Revolution, early National period, and the Jacksonian era to the Civil War. During this 250-year period, dynamic changes to American constitutionalism, democracy, nationalism, and society led to conflicts in American politics and society over such issues as slavery, federalism, expansionism, and early industrialization.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| United States History B | 11 | HIST 112 (3) | GEM 6: Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing or Global Perspectives |
This course examines the evolution of the United States between 1865 and the present. Emphasis is placed on tracing the development of the American political system, economic institutions, social structure, and culture during the Gilded Age, the Progressive era, the Great Depression, the World Wars, and the Cold War. During the modern era, the U.S. had to confront issues of national integration, upheaval in race/class/gender relations, economic change, corporatization, and America’s role as a world power. The course ends with a discussion of politics, society, the economy, and information technology in our era.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Government | 12 | POLS 101 (3) | GEM 6: Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing |
This course introduces students to the American political system. The course examines the structure and operation of the institutions of the U.S. federal government; introduces students to the approach and terminology associated with the field of political science; deepens students’ awareness of the role of citizens, interest groups, political parties, and politicians within the American political system; builds an understanding of the role of politics and strategy in the operation of government; and understands how they impact the processes that occur within the system. Further, the course explores and instills a sense of civic duty and citizen participation.
ENGLISH
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Honors English 9 | 9 | N/A | N/A |
Honors English 9 is an advanced, rigorous course to help students develop strong reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills. This course aligns with Idaho State Standards for English Language Arts and focuses on in-depth literary analysis, academic writing, research, and effective communication.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Honors English 10 | 10 | N/A | N/A |
Honors English 10 is a literature-based writing course that focuses on American literature and the American story. With a focus on literary style, structure, and analysis of theme, students will explore the relationship between cultures and individuals in American society. Students will extend and refine strategies for close reading, analyzing, and evaluating the authors’ “moves” in a range of texts (literary and non-literary), including the relationship between form and function, and the effects of language. Additionally, students will extend and refine strategies for writing effective analytical essays that incorporate claims and counterclaims, and analyze significance of evidence.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| English 11 | 11 | ENG 101 (3) | GEM 1: Written Communication; This course is a prerequisite for ENG 102. |
Honors English 11 emphasizes the process and strategies of writing with critical attention to purpose, audience, and style. Students write analytical essays based on readings, observations, and ideas; develop their inventiveness and voice; and edit for style conventions of standard usage. This course introduces students to academic writing conventions, including integrating sources and using a citation system. This course focuses on the idea that everything is an argument and encourages students to think about writing from the point of view of the roles that we adopt (and adapt) when we communicate with others for varying purposes.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Honors English 12 | 12 | ENG 102 (3) |
GEM 1: Written Communication PREREQ: ENG 101 |
Honors English 12 furthers the composition skills developed in English 11, focusing on critical reading, writing, and research. Students will write expository and persuasive essays, using literary, nonliterary and/or interdisciplinary materials. The course focuses on the processes of academic inquiry and source supported writing while continuing to practice pre-writing, drafting, revising, and editing strategies. Students will gain experience using a variety of research methods including interview, observation, survey, peer-reviewed journals, electronic databases, and other written/visual/aural texts or artifacts. Students will use reflection to critically analyze and evaluate information and ideas from a variety of sources and use such sources effectively in their own writing.
MATH
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Integrated Math 2 | 9 | N/A | N/A |
Integrated II is the second course in a three-year sequence of college preparatory mathematics courses at North Star. Students will focus on geometry, right triangle trigonometry, compound probability and quadratic functions this year. On a daily basis, students in Integrated II use problem-solving strategies, questioning, investigating, analyzing critically, gathering and constructing evidence, and communicating rigorous arguments justifying their thinking. Under teacher guidance, students learn in collaboration with others while sharing information, expertise, and ideas.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Integrated Math 3 | 10 | N/A | N/A |
Integrated III is the third and final course in a three-year sequence of college preparatory mathematics courses at North Star. Students will focus on Inferences and Conclusions from Data; Polynomial, Rational, and Radical Relationships; Trigonometry of General Triangles and Trigonometric Functions; and Mathematical Modeling. On a daily basis, students in Integrated III use problem-solving strategies, questioning, investigating, analyzing critically, gathering and constructing evidence, and communicating rigorous arguments while justifying their thinking. Under teacher guidance, students learn in collaboration with others while sharing information, expertise, and ideas.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Precalculus 1 | 11 | Math 143 (3) | GEM 3: Mathematical Ways of Knowing |
This course includes fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, systems of equations and inequalities, and polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Survey of Calculus | 12 | MATH 160 (4) |
GEM 3: Mathematical Ways of Knowing PREREQ: Math 143 or 147 with a grade of C or higher |
This course is designed for students with business, social science, and life science majors. It covers functions, limits, continuity, derivative, maxima-minima, applications of the derivative, exponential and logarithmic functions, functions of several variables, maxima and minima of functions of several variables, integration, and applications of the integral.
SCIENCE
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Biology | 9 | N/A | N/A |
This course is a study of living organisms and many of their vital processes. Students will cover ecology, microbiology, genetics, and many other topics. State and NGSS standards are met, and students will be amply prepared for a college level biology course after this class. Hands-on activities and labs will be major elements of the class to further strengthen students’ scientific skills and understanding.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | NNU Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Biology 101 | 12 | BIO 1040/1040L (4) |
GEM 4: Scientific Ways of Knowing
|
This is an introductory course for non-science majors that provides a broad survey of biology by exploring the principles and processes that apply to living systems, including current biological issues.
Students will engage with the process of science by making observations, developing questions, using scientific apparatus to collect and analyze data, and communicate the results of scientific work.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | NNU Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Environmental Science | 10 | BIOL 1040/1040L (4) |
GEM 4: Scientific Ways of Knowing or Global Perspectives. Meets Ethical Reasoning requirement.
|
This course is designed for non-science majors. It will consider scientific principles and their influence on environmental problems in today’s society. The role of humans and our impact on these issues will be emphasized. Past, present, and future trends will be evaluated along with the possible impacts of these trends on the local and global populace. Students will engage with the process of science by making observations, developing questions, designing experiments, using scientific apparatus to collect and analyze data, and communicating the results of scientific work.
Humanities
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Spanish 1 | 9 | SPAN 101 (4) |
GEM 5: Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing
|
The focus of this course is to begin the acquisition process of Spanish with the goal of exchanging real-life information and ideas through the use of functional vocabulary and grammar. The four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing will be targeted, as well the richness and diversity of Hispanic culture. Beginners and students with fewer than two years of high school Spanish should register for this course. The emphasis is on essential structures and vocabulary. Students who complete this course with a high level of achievement will be able to communicate by speaking, listening, reading and writing in the present tense about familiar topics that pertain to their daily lives, such as descriptions, class schedules,activities and families; gain cultural knowledge about topics related to Hispanic cultures and communities; connect with other disciplines through level appropriate readings and discussions in Spanish about geography, literature, music, history, and other content areas; develop insights about the nature of language; and begin to see themselves as participants in a multilingual community.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Spanish 2 | 10 | SPAN 102 (4) |
GEM 5: Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing or Global Perspectives PREREQ: SPAN 101
|
This course is a continuation of Spanish 1, with increasing emphasis on the student’s ability to use the language in authentic and practical situations through a broadened foundation in vocabulary and grammar. The focus of this course will be on comprehension, communication and cultural understanding. Essential structures and vocabulary are emphasized. Students will be involved in activities requiring the communicative use of all four language skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. Students who complete this course with a high level of achievement will be able to communicate by speaking, listening, reading and writing in the present, preterite, and imperfect tenses about topics such as free time, daily routines, nationalities and telling stories; gain cultural knowledge about topics related to Hispanic cultures and communities; connect with other disciplines through level appropriate readings and discussions in Spanish about a variety of global issues; develop insights about the connection between language and culture by comparing and analyzing linguistic and cultural elements of Spanish and English; and begin to see themselves as participants in a multilingual and multicultural community.
ELECTIVES
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Advanced Fitness | 11, 12 | N/A | N/A |
This course is designed for students who are serious about improving their overall fitness through improving their strength, speed, power, quickness, agility, body composition and flexibility. This is an advanced physical education course and students should know that the expectations and intensity of this class will be very high. In this course, students will develop a knowledge of all major muscle groups and exercises that will strengthen those muscle groups through practical application and cognitive means. They will be able to perform a variety of core and auxiliary lifts with proper form and technique. Upon completion of this course, students will have the ability to design their own basic strength and conditioning program and maintain a high level of weightlifting competency and self-efficacy. Students will participate each day and will need to wear fitness attire that will allow them to safely and appropriately participate in physical activity while following dress code guidelines. Clothing such as shorts, T-shirts, sweats, and athletic-style footwear allows students to participate to the fullest and safest extent possible.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Art- Beginning | 9-12 | N/A |
There is no prerequisite for this class.
|
We will be reviewing the Elements and Principles of Art. Each project will revolve around using the Elements of Art to produce the Principles of Design. We will work with many different media testing a variety of techniques. We will look at multiple artists and periods within art, learning to critique famous works of art as well as peer work.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Art- Advance | 10-11 | N/A | Completion of Art 1 or Instructor Approval |
This course is designed to allow the student more decision making within the medium and techniques along with the artists, culture, and periods they would like to focus on throughout the year. By this course, students will know how to apply the formal qualities to an artwork to compare and contrast during in-depth critiques. Students will learn more processes as well as culminate the year with a curation of their own work in an exhibition.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Band | 9-12 | N/A | N/A |
This class offers students the opportunity to enrich their lives through learning and performing music. Instrumentalists are invited to select and prepare repertoire for public performance as well as district wide music competitions. The daily objective is to foster and promote musical growth in a highly individualized manner.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Choir | 9-12 | N/A | N/A |
This course is designed for students who enjoy singing and want to develop their vocal skills in a choral setting. Students will learn proper vocal techniques, music theory, sight-reading, and performance skills while exploring a variety of musical styles. The class emphasizes teamwork, expression, and musical interpretation through rehearsals and performances. Students will have opportunities to perform in school concerts, community events, and possibly regional competitions. Participation, commitment, and collaboration are key components of this course.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA) | 9-12 | Dual Credit available with ID colleges | Counselor will assist with registration |
All IDLA courses align with Idaho Core Content Standards, are taught by Idaho-certified teachers, and are available to all Idaho students in public and private schools. IDLA offers a rich assortment of courses in a variety of online formats that work with students’ schedules and learning styles. IDLA offers core curriculum classes, electives, career technical education (CTE), Dual Credit classes, or Advanced Placement. These courses are fee-based but can be paid for using Advanced Opportunities funds.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Lifetime Sports | 11, 12 | N/A | N/A |
Lifetime Sports is an integral part of the education process to help improve academic learning, develop motor skills, ascend fitness/wellness levels, lift leadership lids and augment social skill sets. This elective class is a way students can get outside and discover new ways they can be lifetime movers post secondary. They will develop and incorporate a physically active lifestyle that will help them prepare for a healthy, active adult life.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Office Aide | 9-12 | N/A | Front Office Staff approval needed |
Office Aides assist school staff with daily operations of the front office. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, answering phones, greeting on-campus visitors, running call slips for students, delivering items to classrooms, using the photocopier, and helping students with various needs. Office aides are required to have satisfactory academic and attendance records and can demonstrate courtesy, responsibility, and confidentiality. This class is graded as pass/fail.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Psychology | 9-12 | N/A |
N/A
|
Psychology aims to give students an understanding of human behavior. This class will cover several important aspects including: the history of psychology, research methods, classification and treatment of disorders, and mindfulness.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Seminary | 9-12 | N/A | Parent approval needed |
The seminary program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a religious education program for youth. North Star students have the option to attend off-campus seminary at Eagle High School during their elective period. Parents/guardians arrange transportation for their child to attend seminary at Eagle High School. Students must follow the seminary check-out/check-in protocols at the main office to help with attendance monitoring. It is the expectation that students return promptly to the North Star campus once their seminary class ends. No high school credit will be given for seminary.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | NNU Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Student Council (StuCo) | 9-12 | HUMN 1094C (1) | StuCo Advisor approval needed |
Student leadership is for those interested in learning leadership skills, improving their school and community, and representing student interests. This course will assist in acquiring excellent leadership abilities through the organization and coordination of proposed activities, which will make North Star Charter School an enjoyable and meaningful experience for the entire student body and staff. The objectives are to develop responsibility, initiative, creativity, leadership, and school pride, to allow students the opportunity to participate in and plan activities, to successfully run an effective and democratic government, to better understand the importance of good leadership, to become familiar with parliamentary procedures, and to appreciate and implement legally required ASB policies.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Teacher’s Aide | 9-12 | N/A | Teacher Approval Needed |
Teacher’s aides help assigned teacher as needed in the classroom. Duties include, but are not limited to, classroom organization and peer tutoring. Teacher’s aides are expected to demonstrate professionalism and responsibility in their attendance and behavior for the duration of their TA assignment. The teacher of record is responsible for assigning reasonable jobs/projects for the TA and for keeping accurate records of his/her grades, attendance, and behavior during the assigned TA period. This class is graded as pass/fail.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Yearbook | 9-12 | N/A |
Students will be responsible for designing, producing, and publishing the school’s yearbook. Throughout the year, students will develop skills in photography, graphic design, layout planning, and journalism. They will work collaboratively to capture memories, events, and spirit of the school year, ensuring that the yearbook is a true reflection of the student body.
OTHER CLASSES
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Health | 10 | N/A |
N/A |
Students will participate in a problem based learning classroom where innovative solutions will be created while researching a variety of different health problems such as; physical health, environmental health, mental/ emotional health, and social health.This class will help them be aware of dangers and learn of choices that they could make will leave lasting impressions on their lives forever. They will give three presentations throughout the semester where they will provide the class information about statistics and definitions of the topic they are learning. They will also need to type a research paper for each unit and construct a visual aid to help demonstrate their solution or their problem they are researching. After all the information is provided, students will take a summative assessment over that information.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Speech | 9 | COMM 101-Fundamentals of Oral Communication (3) | CWI GEM 2: Oral Communication |
This survey course provides an introduction to human communication. Communication is the study and application of messages and meaning foundational to human interaction. Students are prepared to become effective and ethical communicators by learning to be critical users and producers of information and the importance of accommodating multiple perspectives and communication styles. Students use theory, concepts, processes, and communication practices in a variety of personal, academic, professional, and social situations. Emphases include perception, verbal and nonverbal messages, and listening in the contexts of public, interpersonal, mass, and small group communication.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| 9th Grade PE | 9 | N/A |
N/A
|
Students will engage in game-like activities where they are cardio active and will learn activities they can continue doing outside of school. Students will also take the FITNESSGRAM pacer test, pushup test, mile run, and flexibility test three times per semester as well. They will work to improve their scores by being active in games and activities that are fitness focused.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Fitness | 10 | N/A |
N/A
|
Students will learn how to be lifetime movers in their workouts and in their activities. They will learn how to find their heart rate, calculate their target heart rate zone, and how to get to their target heart rate. Students will also participate in games they can play outside of school to be physically active. Students will take the FITNESSGRAM pacer test, pushup test, mile run, and flexibility test three times per semester as well. They will work to improve their scores by being active in games and activities that are fitness focused.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Pathways to College and Career | 9 | CWI 101 (3) |
CWI Institutional Requirement for General Education |
This course is designed to help students become engaged members of the academic community at College of Western Idaho and cultivate the habits of mind for lifelong achievement and success. It encourages students to claim their education through learning how to learn. By linking critical and creative thinking with writing and discussion, students will explore thematic content in an effort to develop their own perspectives on learning and success. The course addresses academic expectations and strategies, college resources and services, as well as personal responsibility and engagement in an effort to prepare students for navigating college life and life beyond college. Although this course offers multiple themes of study, it may only be taken once for credit.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Senior Seminar | 12 | N/A |
N/A |
Senior Seminar is a capstone course designed to prepare students for graduation and life after high school, whether they plan to attend college, enter the workforce, or pursue other career paths. This course focuses on essential skills such as career exploration, financial literacy, resume writing, interview techniques, college applications, and time management. Guest speakers, mentorship opportunities, and community involvement may be included. The course encourages self-reflection and goal setting to ensure a smooth transition into adulthood and post-secondary endeavors. Students will choose and develop a senior research project throughout the year, culminating in an end-of-the-year presentation.
BUSINESS CLASSES
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Business Computer Applications | 9 | BUSA 120: Business Software Applications (3) |
North Star graduation requirement |
This is a skills-based course where students learn to use business software primarily focused on Microsoft Office applications. Projects include Internet research, document preparation including spreadsheets, database management, presentations, and website creation. Students are provided with critical-thinking opportunities and hands-on experience with computers. In order to pass this class, you must pass the Microsoft Office Specialist exams for Word and Excel. It is strongly recommended that students have basic computer skills including using the internet and email, saving and printing documents, and a proficient typing ability.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Introduction to Business | 10 | BUSA 101 (3) |
North Star graduation requirement |
A survey of business subject areas for both business and non-business students. Topics covered will include business operation and organization, financial management, marketing, accounting, and labor relations. Career opportunities in the field of business will be discussed.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| International Business | 11 | BUSA 256 (3) |
Meets CWI institutional requirement in Global Perspectives |
This survey course is designed to provide students with the background, knowledge, and skills needed to understand concepts in international business. The course introduces a framework for the analysis of international business operations. Topics include multi-national business, monetary relations, the growth and magnitude of international business, international economic and political institutions, and the effects of culture on business.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Microeconomics | 11 | ECON 202 (3) |
GEM 6: Social and Behavior Ways of Knowing |
In this introductory course, students will study the price system, market structures, consumer theory, and production costs.
| North Star Course Name | Grade Taken | CWI Course Name (# of college credits) | Additional Information |
| Philosophy | 11 | PHIL 103 (3) |
GEM 5: Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing; fulfills the Ethical Reasoning requirement |
This course introduces students to ethics as an academic discipline and a set of cognitive and behavioral skills. Students learn about the major orientations to ethics and moral conduct (Egoism, Utilitarianism, Kantian Ethics, Virtue Ethics, etc.) and recognize some of the ethical issues they face in their studies and their lives. By the end of the course, students are able to articulate an ethical self-awareness.