Para obtener información en español, llame al

(262) 236-1200.

Xaav kuas paab ua lug Hmoob, hu (262) 236-1200.

Academics

The Vincent High School curriculum is based on the Common Core State Standards which ensures that all students are college and career ready.  We feature the Freshmen Academy, a small learning community, which allows 9th grade students, families, teachers, and staff members to form closer relationships and serves as a transition between middle or K-8 schools and high school.  Additionally, Vincent offers studies in electronics, computers, auto body repair, fluid sciences, physical education, art, and music. Vincent is a leader in the study of urban agriculture and is proud to offer Project Lead the Way.

Art
English Language Arts

Health
Mathematics
Music
Physical Education

Reading
Science
Social Studies

Technology

Art

Vincent students must complete one unit of art to graduate. As an area of study, art education explores methods of visual presentation, analyzing what makes beautiful art and creative problem-solving strategies. Students learn about historical trends in art and are able to identify famous artists and their works. Learners also associate artists and their works with major art eras or styles, demonstrate understanding of design elements, and examine and discuss their own artwork in a critical manner.

back to top

English Language Arts

Vincent students are required to complete four units of English language arts (ELA) to graduate.

In grade 9, ELA instruction focuses on enhancing literacy strategies and improving the student’s reading skills. The focus is on teaching literacy strategies that can be used in all subject areas. At this time, students develop longer compositions on their own. They also prepare and deliver formal and informal presentations, learn and use revision strategies and apply different styles of expression to their writing and speaking skills.

In grade 10, students learn to use tone and style to make their writing most effective. Using computers, students conduct research on various topics and communicate their findings. Students also prepare written evaluations of other pieces of writing, recognize propaganda techniques and develop research papers in appropriate formats, such as MLA or APA.

By grades 11 and 12, students have advanced their writing skills and use them in a variety of written projects. They work on media projects, combining various elements of communication. Students identify and analyze the origin and use of English words and phrases, develop and apply criteria to various media messages, and edit and critique writing for clarity. Advanced placement (AP) courses are offered in literature and composition.

back to top  

Health

Students are required to complete .5 unit of health education. Taught as part of the physical education class in grades 9 through 12, health education focuses on personal wellness, including making good choices, avoiding unhealthy social behaviors and using community health resources.

In grade 9, students examine the consequences of using tobacco, drugs, alcohol and being sexually active. In grade 10, students discuss community health, nutrition, STDs, teen pregnancy and HIV. Grade 11 students are taught stress management and healthy communication while they analyze how media influences their health and behavior. Finally, in grade 12, students learn how to take advantage of local healthcare resources and develop their own personal wellness plans involving nutrition and exercise.

back to top

Mathematics

High school students must complete two units of mathematics to graduate. Vincent offers foundational mathematics (levels 1 and 2), intermediate mathematics and advanced mathematics. Students may select from a list of course options that concentrate on specific applications of mathematics when they move into grades 11 and 12.

Foundations Level 1 focuses on establishing a foundation in algebraic thinking. Students learn several algebraic models that relate to specialized applications in mathematics. They use graphing calculators as tools to solve problems. Foundations Level 2 focuses on geometry. Students learn and apply formulas for analyzing geometric shapes. They use their insights of geometry to enhance problem-solving skills by tackling a variety of problems.

The intermediate level of mathematics involves interpreting data using graphs, formulas and other applications while continuing development in algebraic thinking. Students formulate problems involving rates of change as used in physics, economics and other subject areas. In Advanced Placement (AP) mathematics, students may choose to study pre-calculus.

back to top

Music

Students in grades 9 through 12 can choose whether or not to participate in music. Music instruction focuses on accuracy, intonation, phrasing balance and tonal quality. Students develop their musical skills while listening to and describing music using appropriate terminology. Vincent students participate in district events, such as the Biennial Musical Festival and Choral Workshop.

back to top

Physical Education

Vincent students must earn 1.5 units in physical education throughout eight semesters. Students in grades 9 through 12 participate in a variety of activities, including team sports or individual fitness activities. Learners are expected to demonstrate support, encouragement and cooperation towards their classmates regardless of differing skill levels. Fitness assessments help students identify and strengthen areas of weakness by setting attainable goals. Students also participate in activities reminiscent of different cultures, such as games and dances. The ultimate goal of physical education is to help students develop fitness habits that will remain part of their lifelong daily routine.

back to top

Reading

MPS wants to ensure that all students are given the opportunity to proficiently and insightfully read at a high level. This is accomplished by making reading a regular part of instruction in every class at Vincent. “Reading Across the Curriculum” exposes students to reading instruction, including a variety of strategies to comprehend text for a range of purposes. This may include strategies for reading instructions on operating equipment in auto mechanics to Internet resources used in history research. As students move into more challenging textbooks and tackle new materials, they develop skills that help them read for meaning.

Reading instruction teaches students to analyze and explain themes of literature. They become increasingly familiar with literary devices used by authors and learn methods to critique the effectiveness of such devices. Text structures such as cause/effect, compare/contrast and problem/solution are also analyzed. Students conduct research on various topics while evaluating informational sources for effectiveness, reliability and authenticity. They also use word analysis to examine and decipher unfamiliar words. When reading nonfiction materials, students explore and discuss various viewpoints concerning individual, community, national and world issues.

back to top

Science

Vincent students must complete two units of science instruction to graduate and they may choose the area of study in which they choose to specialize. Students may take science courses at different points in their high school careers. For example, some may take biology as freshmen while others may wait until later in their high school career.

In earth and space science, students explore energy in the earth system and geochemical cycles. Learners also study the origin and evolution of the universe and earth system. Life and environmental science educates students on topics including the cell, molecular heredity, biological evolution, organism interdependence and behavior and how living systems are organized. In physical science, students learn about chemical reactions, the structure of atoms and matter, motion, force, conservation of energy and interactions between matter and energy.

Urban aquaculture exposes students to a popular system for developing urban agriculture/aquaculture. Vincent’s existing greenhouse is used to extend the growing season in a bio-secure environment. This is coupled with the recirculation of water through a fish production system by pumping it through economically viable plants, or aquaponics. These plants may include watercress, basil, mint and other herbs and vegetables. In the Vincent Advanced Placement (AP) science program, students may choose to study AP biology and AP environmental science.

back to top

Social Studies

To meet graduation requirements, Vincent students must complete three units of social studies during their four years. This includes one unit of U.S. history, one unit of world history, world geography, world cultures or world studies; and one unit of citizenship or a half unit of American government and a half unit of economics. Advanced placement (AP) classes are offered in government, U.S. history, and world history.

back to top

Technology

The technology curriculum at Vincent is designed to prepare students to understand and effectively use computers and the Internet. This is accomplished by student engagement in online activities. The curriculum not only expands student knowledge of the internal operations of computers and the Internet, but also re-enforces writing and mathematics skills.

back to top