Community High School Academics
English & Literature
Community High School students receive daily instruction in Literature, Reading, and Language Arts.
- Reading courses offer instruction and remediation in word identification, vocabulary development, and comprehension.
- Literature courses expose students to a variety of novels, plays, short stories, and poetry.
- Intermediate and advanced literature courses also offer instruction in vocabulary and skill development.
- English courses focus on the development of writing and composition skills, including instruction in paragraph development, essay writing, editing, research skills, grammar, handwriting, spelling, and language usage.
Since our inception, Community High School has specialized in working with students whose disabilities affect the language process. The school uses the Orton-Gillingham method, which offers a structured language program for students with dyslexia who have not learned to read, write or spell using traditional methods. The program is based on building a network of sound-symbol associations using visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile modalities - a multi-sensory approach.
Our faculty, specially trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach, offers a language training program with intensive remedial instruction, daily individual lessons, multi-sensory instruction, and integration of reading, writing, and spelling in daily lessons. The language-training techniques are reinforced throughout the curriculum.
History
The History Department's curriculum covers world history and a three-part sequence of United States history, civics, and government. Students develop an understanding of historical concepts through the study of human experience. They examine how societies have attempted to control and govern themselves over centuries. Studying geography and contemporary affairs is an integral part of the coursework—we emphasize the development of critical thinking skills and study skills.
Mathematics
The Mathematics Department provides a traditional high school sequence of courses that includes:
- Basic Skills
- Business Math
- Algebra 1 and Algebra 2
- Geometry
- Math Analysis
- Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry
Courses offer remediation of basic skills and instruction in the practical application of learned concepts. The mathematics program uses a multi-sensory approach involving the use of manipulatives to aid students in learning not only basic skills but also algebraic and geometric concepts.
Through visual, auditory, and tactile stimulation, the students can grasp and retain the material necessary for development and advancement. In addition to covering the traditional college preparatory math training, we also offer a money management course that allows students to solve mathematical problems they will use throughout their lives.
Science
The Science Department's goal is to foster the development of scientifically literate students who possess the understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for personal and societal decision-making. All courses include discussions and lectures emphasizing organization, study skills, critical thinking, and lab activities. The lab activities reinforce content and assess student understanding of applied concepts.
Tutorial Program
Community High School has long recognized that individualized instruction can be far-reaching, strengthening a student's skill development, improving self-concept, and increasing motivation. Therefore, in addition to small group instruction and individualized attention offered within classes, we have expanded the remedial classes available for specific skill development. Tutorial sessions are offered in vocabulary development, reading comprehension, written expression, mathematics, and study skills.
Individualized work plans provide students with practice in the development and implementation of learning strategies and effective independent work habits. Daily Study Skills/homework classes help students with homework assignments and develop efficient study routines. Multiple teaching approaches are employed, including the Orton-Gillingham method of language training and The Wilson Reading System, to meet the specific needs of the dyslexic student. We offer Speech and Language Therapy as prescribed, using a communication-based model, delivered within individual and small group sessions and in selected language arts classes. Instruction focuses on developing adolescent communication skills in academic and social arenas.
Health and PE
Community High School offers students an extensive Health Education program, including a family life curriculum aligned with New Jersey's Core Curriculum Content Standards. Each year we provide a variety of special programs and individual speakers dealing with health and safety issues.
Community High School provides many opportunities for its students to excel by offering various recreational and interscholastic activities. Intramural sports include flag football, indoor soccer, volleyball, and basketball. Students are also encouraged to compete in the varsity sports program. Community High School has excellent facilities for these activities, including a newly renovated full-size gymnasium, weight training area, and a state-of-the-art "Field of Dreams". The "Field of Dreams", shared by both the Lower School and High School, includes soccer and softball fields, a running track, picnic facilities, fitness stations, and an outdoor classroom and sitting areas, creating an overall park-like atmosphere.
Technology
At Community High School, all students use Google Chromebooks loaded with assistive technology programs to support each student's success.
Our high-tech classrooms use interactive whiteboard technology, a visual collaborative tool used by students and teachers to access web links, video, music, graphics, and text. The interactive screens provide visual and auditory learning.
A complete list of our student and teacher online subscriptions is listed here.
