Departments & Courses

Departments | Academic & Testing Policies | College Pathways

ART

Art classes in Studio art / Photo I/II offer students a project-based approach to learning about art and artist, and making art in the classroom with students engenders both insight and creativity. Students are given a visual problem and a set of media skills and concepts which they need to effectively plan, perform, and produce to demonstrate mastery. This is a hands on approach to learning that gives students the opportunity for sharing a completed and presentable product for public consumption or exhibition, including an annual Art fair.

ENGLISH

The English classes are designed to be engaging, relevant, and challenging learning experiences, to empower students to set and reach their educational goals.  Critical reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills are integrated into weekly lessons. ALH teachers guide students in developing rich and diverse reading lives, encouraging and challenging them with complex texts to reach their own authentic interpretations, and substantiate their unique claims with evidence and reasoning.  Teachers encourage collaboration during lesson activities to nurture academic and social learning to promote engagement.

Reading and creative writing experiences provide the basis for communicating ideas, making connections between individuals, building compassion, and understanding universal themes.  The English Department faculty strives to encourage students to develop an appreciation for and an understanding of learning and literature and includes an annual Poetry café performance.

HEALTH CLASS 

New York State requires that every student take one health class during students’ high school experience. The following includes some of the topics that will be covered in health class:

• Physical, Mental and Sexual Health ⮚ Sociological Health Problems ⮚Environmental ⮚ Community Health and Safety

NOTE: The New York State Education Department Commissioner’s Regulations Section 135.3 (c) (2) (i) states that no pupil shall be required to receive instruction concerning the methods of prevention of A.I.D.S. if the parent or legal guardian of such pupil has filed a letter with the principal of the school which the student attends stating that the pupil will receive such instruction at home.

ATHLETIC PROGRAMS

At ALH, students have greatly benefited from the spirit and lessons of athletic competition. Participation in, and eligibility for, these programs is determined first, by academic and behavioral standing. Once the student has satisfied these requirements, she must obtain medical clearance via a sports physical. Lastly, the student will try out for the team. The Athletic Department posts schedules for all athletic events, including tryouts, by sports season, throughout the school building.  The athletic programs offered at ALH include the following:

• Volleyball
• Basketball
• Indoor Track and Field
• Outdoor Track and Field
• Softball

Students must maintain an acceptable academic and behavioral standing in order to remain eligible for athletic participation. Please refer to the ALH Student Athlete Code of excellent conduct for further details.

MATHEMATICS

In High School Math students will learn the entire Common Core Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry appropriately aligned to meet state standards. The Common Core Algebra 1 Regents Examinations will be administered at the end of the first year and Algebra 2 courses at the end of the second year. At the end of third year, students will have completed the entire Common Core Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 standards. These courses which include Math foundation have been organized to maximize learning and promote mastery.

SCIENCE

The science offerings provide students the opportunity to think scientifically by offering a variety of classes that support current and future student interests. The educational objective of the High School science department is to educate our student population in a broad spectrum of scientific content and ensure they are aware of and prepared for the demands of the emerging fields of science and technology in the 21^st century.

In each discipline, we try to impart our love of science by encouraging curiosity and science literacy through the various activities, labs, and experiences we provide to students, including an annual science fair.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Knowledge and understanding of Social Studies is at the heart of a civil society. Our primary goal is to empower students to enter our increasingly multi-cultural, diverse world as active, socially and cognitively confident and competent citizens. We believe that an understanding of the past is the most important means by which our students will comprehend the complex world they will someday lead.

As such, Social studies department offers a wide variety of courses, both in history and the social sciences, and incorporates opportunities to experience history and current events throughout our four-year program of study. An emphasis on critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is crucial in each of our courses. It is our firm belief that an understanding of both the past and current events will help students to find both personal and public fulfillment as they prepare to be college and career ready.