A Day at Thrive High School Communities
Our high school students enjoy a dynamic day of learning designed to promote a sense of community with their peers. All of our curriculum is constructed to help students develop confidence and find their place as thoughtful citizens in our world.
Students are grouped into grade-level cohorts and rotate to three classes throughout the day. Each class is 80 minutes followed by a break so that students can recharge and connect with friends.
CLASSES OFFERED:
STEAM
STEAM is an innovative course that cultivates creative problem-solving skills in high school students. Through collaboration and intellectual rigor, students engage in unique challenges that span a broad range of disciplines, including vehicle design, technical challenges, classical arts, literature, structural engineering, and performance arts. This class provides an exciting opportunity for students to think outside the box and apply their creativity in novel ways.
Expressive Arts- Theater and Art
This course is designed to engage high school students in the enriching world of expressive arts, comprising two distinct yet interconnected semesters focused on Theater and Art. Each semester empowers students to develop their creative and rhetorical skills, culminating in practical applications of the concepts learned. The theater portion concludes with a live performance at our annual History Festival, giving students a platform to showcase their dramatic talents. The Art semester focuses on artist study and practical application of a variety of artistic techniques.
Historical Inquiry
Embark on a journey through time in our Historical Inquiry course, designed to transform students into historians and critical thinkers. This course is centered around the text Mysteries in History: Ancient History, which guides students in the art of analyzing historical documents, understanding varying perspectives, and crafting evidence-based arguments.
Throughout this course, students learn how to engage with primary sources from various periods in history, ranging from letters and diaries to speeches and photographs. By examining these artifacts, students gain insights into the complexities of historical events and the nuances of historical narratives. The course emphasizes skill development in critical reading, analytical writing, and thoughtful discussion, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of history as a dynamic and interpretive field.
Inquiry-Based Physics
This high school physics course takes an inquiry-based approach, placing experimentation and student curiosity at the heart of learning. Rather than starting with formulas and equations, students begin each unit with a hands-on investigation—posing questions, collecting data, and identifying patterns through observation and collaboration. These real-world experiments serve as the foundation for uncovering core physical principles such as motion, forces, energy, waves, electricity, and magnetism.
Students will engage in the scientific process by designing experiments, analyzing results, and drawing conclusions to construct their own understanding of the laws that govern the physical world. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication of scientific ideas. This course not only builds a deep conceptual understanding of physics but also fosters curiosity, creativity, and confidence in scientific inquiry.
Ideal for students who enjoy learning by doing, this course prepares learners to think like physicists—asking questions, testing ideas, and discovering how the universe works.
Literary Society
Literary Society is a high school English course designed for students who enjoy reading thought-provoking literature and engaging in meaningful conversation. In this course, students will explore a diverse selection of high-quality literary works—including classic novels, plays, short stories, and poetry—chosen for their depth, complexity, and enduring relevance.
Through regular Socratic discussions, students will analyze themes, characters, literary devices, and philosophical questions, learning to express their thoughts clearly while listening and responding thoughtfully to others. These discussions foster critical thinking, respectful dialogue, and a deeper appreciation for literature and the human experience.
In addition to literary analysis, students will develop their writing skills through structured lessons from the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) curriculum. These lessons will guide students in mastering stylistic techniques, organizing their thoughts, and crafting well-structured, engaging essays and responses.
Literary Society is ideal for students seeking a rich and rigorous experience in reading, writing, and discussion. It nurtures a lifelong love of literature while building essential communication and analytical skills.
Mock Trial and Debate
Course Description:
Mock Trial is an interactive, simulation-based course that immerses high school students in the workings of the American justice system. Through hands-on learning and role-play, students will take on key positions such as attorneys, witnesses, judges, and jurors as they prepare and present fictional or historical court cases.
Students will learn about courtroom procedures, legal terminology, rules of evidence, and trial strategies while developing skills in public speaking, critical thinking, argumentation, and collaboration. The course culminates in full mock trial simulations where students put their knowledge into action—crafting opening statements, examining witnesses, and delivering persuasive closing arguments.
Whether interested in law, public speaking, or problem-solving, students will gain a deeper understanding of the legal system and build confidence in presenting ideas clearly and effectively. No prior legal experience is necessary—just a willingness to think on your feet, work as a team, and dive into the dynamic world of courtroom drama.