This is an overview of the programs and courses offered here at MLHS. More detailed information is distributed to students in the Student Handbook and in individual classes.

SCIENCE

A student may choose 3 of the offered courses for graduation requirements.

• Earth Science - A laboratory course which provides a comprehensive study of the geological processes in the earth.

• Biology/Biology Honors - A laboratory course which consists of a comprehensive study of biological processes in both the plant and animal kingdoms.

• Chemistry - A laboratory course in physical chemistry, placing emphasis on chemical theory and the structure and periodicity of the elements.

• AP Chemistry - Students who successfully complete the Chemistry course may take this class. Students will take the AP Chemistry exam in May to receive college credit or college placement.

• Physics - A laboratory course which places emphasis on the study of matter and energy and of their interactions.

• AP Environment - This laboratory course is a comprehensive study of the environment of New York City, New York State, the United States, and the world.

• Marine Biology - This laboratory course is an overview of the world of the oceans from the smallest phytoplankton to the large mammals.

• AP Biology - A laboratory course that takes students through the first year of college biology. Students will take the AP Biology Exam in May to receive college credit or placement.

ENGLISH

The key to connecting students to the world is language and its various uses.  Through reading, writing, speaking and listening, students learn understanding and appreciation of the cultures and ideas of other people, develop relationships with them, effectively communicate their own ideas to others and reach an acceptance of the universality of the human experience.  In order to use language to its optimum, students must appreciate its power, precision, value and beauty.

The courses in the English Department are designed to provide consistent development over four years.  Important reading, writing, speaking, listening and vocabulary-building skills are taught, reviewed, improved and monitored each year.  Each level also introduces and/or emphasizes specific skills assigned to that grade level, thereby avoiding repetition and concentrating on improvement.  The courses required to fulfill the four year, required sequence follow.

COURSES OFFERED:

ENGLISH 9: World Literature, Research Skills & Writing the Research Paper, Grammar & Composition, and vocabulary.

ENGLISH 10: Literary Styles, Writing and Grammar, Research Skills and Writing the Research Paper.

ENGLISH 10 HONORS: Along with the regular English 10 curriculum, Honors students will be presented with enrichment activities and challenges for the more gifted student.

ENGLISH 11: American Literature Survey, Essay & Composition, Literary Criticism, SAT Preparation, Grammar, and vocabulary.

ENGLISH 11 HONORS: Along with the regular English 11 curriculum, Honors students will be presented with enrichment activities and challenges for the more gifted student.

ENGLISH 12: British Literature Survey, Literary Criticism & Analysis, Critical Literary Research, vocabulary.

ENGLISH 12 ADVANCED PLACEMENT: Along with the regular English 12 curriculum, challenges and enrichment activities, AP students will prepare for the Advanced Placement Exam in English Literature and composition.

ELECTIVES: The following are offered upon student request and teacher availability: Horror in Literature and Film, Media Studies, Mythology, Writing Workshop.

MATHEMATICS

Mathematics education at MLHS has a variety of classes designed to build on students' previous knowledge so that they can continue to learn new topics and develop their thinking skills. We believe that math classes should not only be about building necessary skills for future study but also about encouraging and challenging students to really think about and understand difficult but important concepts.

Students at MLHS are required to successfully complete at least three years of mathematics.

Freshmen will generally be placed into an Algebra 1 course. The next year, they would complete a course in Geometry, followed by Algebra 2/Trigonometry in their Junior year. All three of these courses are offered at an Honors level for more advanced students. Upon completion of these classes, students may choose to take Pre-Calculus and AP Calculus.

The mathematics faculty are knowledgeable and dedicated professionals who willingly provide extra assistance outside of normal class time. Student tutors can also be arranged through the guidance department.

HISTORY

Course Offerings:

• Global Studies I
  
• Global Studies II - European History Advanced Placement

• United States History- US History Advanced Placement

• Government Economics

THEOLOGY

The Christian Faith is taught and exemplified in all the courses of instruction offered at Martin Luther High School. In addition, the Theology Department offers courses specifically designed to help the student understand and grow in the Christian faith.

The instruction in theology consists of four courses. These courses are required for every student so that all the students might know the certainty of their salvation in Jesus Christ and have a foundation for their moral lives.

The four courses generally offered are as follows:

Old Testament: covers the literature and history of the Old Testament.

New Testament: study of the literature and the history of the New Testament.

Ethics: covers the Christian doctrines of the Ten Commandments, Apostles Creed, Lord's Prayer, Holy Baptism and Holy Communion from the foundation for the decisions and actions in moral and ethical issues. Such issues may include - but are not limited to - abortion, euthanasia, addiction, use of language, dating and relationships.

World Religions: the main teachings of the major world religions are compared with the teachings of Christianity. This helps students to understand people who may have a different confession than they have. It also assists the students to understand and to articulate more clearly their own confession.  

BUSINESS

Course Offerings

• Business Communications
  
• Business Law
  
• College Accounting

• Computer Applications (graduation requirement)
  
• Computer Applications 2

• Introduction to Occupations
  
• Keyboarding (graduation requirement)

• Principles of Accounting

FOREIGN LANGUAGE - Spanish & German

Levels I & II - Everyday conversation, basic vocabulary and grammar.

Level III - More intensive study of vocabulary and grammar.  Strong emphasis placed on speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.

Level IV - Literature, History, Culture, Art and Cinema. Qualified students completing this level may take the Advanced Placement test.

NYS requires that students successfully complete two years of a foreign language.  Students who have a 75 or above average may go on to the third year. 

The Advanced Placement exam is available in German Language and Spanish Language.

In addition to classroom study, MLHS also sponsors German and Spanish Clubs and the International Club. Events planned by these clubs may include trips to restaurants, museums, plays and movies.  Each of the foreign language teachers has led groups of students on trips abroad.

FINE ARTS

Visual Art - Art I (required of all students)

Electives

• Art II
  
• Major Art
  
• Studio Art
  
• Photography

Music - (One music course is required of all students.)

• Chorus
  
• Concert Choir
  
• Music in Our Lives
  
• Symphonic Band

HEALTH EDUCATION

A holistic view of health, focusing on the physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual factors associated with various topics.

Topics include:

• nutrition and exercise mental health sexuality diseases stress

• drugs, alcohol, tobacco violence health care, safety and first -aid

• human development & body systems environmental issues

Health education encourages the development of positive practices and attitudes necessary for lifetime wellness, including the importance of preventative measures and moderation in all things. Class work is based on current information in the health sciences.

Health is a semester course worth a 1/2 unit that is required to graduate. Students are required to do one project and a term paper during this course.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Students participate in the following units throughout the year:

• Physical Fitness Testing
  
• Volleyball
  
• Wrestling
  
• Weight Training
  
• Aerobics
  
• Basketball

• Badminton
  
• Soccer
  
• Floor
  
• Hockey
  
• Archery
  
• Outdoor Track & Field
  
• Handball
  
• Paddleball

Students are required to take Physical Education each year. Each student is required to be attired according to the guidelines outlined in the student handbook. Students receive a gym uniform upon entrance to MLHS.

GUIDANCE

The Guidance Department consists of two counselors and a secretary. Students are assigned counselors when they enter MLHS.  Counselors work with the student and their parents through graduation.

A counselor will guide each student in their current school program, and support them with personal matters. A counselor's main job is to help a young adult to grow as a student and a person.

Counselors help students by being a source of information about colleges, scholarship opportunities, special programs and employment options.

Counselors work closely with the administration, teachers and parents to insure that things are going smoothly. Counselors are available to explain happenings in the school to both students and parents. Counselors are trained to offer reassurance and advice.