Classen School of Advanced Studies Oklahoma City Public School District

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1 Classen School of Advanced Studies Oklahoma City Public School District Home of the Comets At Classen School of Advanced Studies, we strive to ensure that all students learn at high levels to become high quality, academically prepared, global citizens North Ellison Avenue Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Telephone: (405) Fax: (405)

2 The History of Classen School of Advanced Studies Classen High School, constructed immediately following the close of World War I, is the oldest high school building in Oklahoma City. Classen opened as a junior high school in The land was part of an area being developed by the early Oklahoma City real estate developer, Anton H. Classen. A total of 6.33 acres was purchased by the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board of Education for $55,100. The building was constructed at a cost of $420,500 by the Holmboe Construction Company. The two story brick building was enlarged in 1921, 1923, 1925, 1934 and The school was converted to a high school in 1925, graduating its first senior class in the spring of The last CHS class graduated in 1985 when the school became a fifth year center. From its opening until 1985, CHS graduated slightly more than 20,000 students. In 1994 the school was changed to the Classen School of Advanced Studies, a magnet school for students in grades Classen School of Advanced Studies (CSAS) is the premier school of its kind in the state of Oklahoma. CSAS offers eligible qualified students of the Oklahoma City Public Schools in grades six through twelve a rare and dynamic educational opportunity. Two complementary and challenging college preparatory plans of study are offered: the world recognized International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and the nationally recognized Visual and Performing Arts Program. The School opened in August of 1994 with an enrollment of 647 students in grades six through ten. Classen School of Advanced Studies graduated its first senior class in May of Classen is now home to over 1,050 students in grades Classen SAS is accredited by the North Central Association of Schools and adheres to a college preparatory curriculum.

3 Classen SAS Profile Community The Oklahoma City Public School System is the second largest school district in Oklahoma. It is primarily an inner-city school district covering square miles. Ninety-one schools serve approximately 41,000 students of which 77% is minority. The largest minority population is Hispanic American (39%) followed by African American (30%). Classen SAS maintains ethnic diversity with its current enrollment of 16.5% Asian American, 15% African American, 10% Hispanic American, 3.5% Native American and 55% Caucasian. School Classen School of Advanced Studies (CSAS) is the premier school of its kind in the state of Oklahoma. A highly-selective public magnet school in the Oklahoma City School District, CSAS offers qualifying students in grades six through twelve a rare and dynamic educational opportunity in an eight-block setting. Two complementary and challenging college preparatory programs are offered: the world-recognized International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and a nationally recognized Visual and Performing Arts Program. Students must apply and meet performance and/or academic requirements to be accepted. Since the inception of the magnet program in the school year, Classen SAS has awarded 197 full IB Diplomas to ten graduating classes and 38 students have been recognized as National Merit Finalists. CSAS is accredited by the North Central Association of Schools and by the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation as an international school and adheres to a college preparatory curriculum. Grading System Because of the competitive nature of CSAS, we have adopted a No Rank policy. The following values are given for marks: A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1 (passing), F=0. The GPA is computed using all courses. International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses are weighted one letter grade; honors courses are weighted one-half letter grade. The highest possible weighted GPA varies yearly, but is generally about 4.5.

4 Classen SAS Profile Academic Program International Baccalaureate (IB) students must pursue IB level course work in all academic areas, including world language. In addition, students must successfully complete a course of study in Theory of Knowledge, prepare an extended essay of 4,000 words, and participate in 150 hours of community, action, and service (CAS). Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) majors must take at least two arts classes each year, in addition to their college preparatory curriculum. A senior recital, performance or exhibition is a culminating activity. Majors are offered in visual art, dance, vocal music, piano, guitar, band, strings, and theatre arts. Concurrent enrollment with several local colleges and universities is available. Graduation Requirements 28 Units (1/2 unit earned per semester per class): 4 years of English 3 years of math 4 years of social studies 3 years of science 1 year of health/physical education or related electives 2 years of fine arts 1 year of technology Remaining units are earned through electives. Beginning with freshman class, two (2) units of World Language or two (2) units of computer classes are required by the State of Oklahoma and Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP/Oklahoma s Promise). International Baccalaureate students begin their World Language in seventh grade.

5 Overview The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program ( is a comprehensive and rigorous two-year curriculum, leading to examinations for students aged between sixteen and nineteen. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a challenging two-year curriculum, primarily aimed at students aged 16 to 19. It leads to a qualification that is widely recognized by the world s leading universities. Students learn more than a collection of facts. The Diploma Program prepares students for university entry and encourages them to: ask challenging questions learn how to learn develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures. In the 30 years since its founding, the IB Diploma has become a symbol of academic integrity and intellectual promise. The student who satisfies its demands demonstrates a strong commitment to learning, both in terms of the mastery of subject content and in the development of the skills and discipline necessary for success in a competitive world. Colleges and universities are well served by encouraging the enrollment of these able young scholars. IB Diploma Requirements Students study six subjects selected from the subject groups. Normally three subjects are studied at higher level (courses representing 240 teaching hours, the equivalent of two years of study), and the remaining three subjects are studied at standard level (courses representing 150 teaching hours, the equivalent of one year of study).

6 International Baccalaureate Curriculum The curriculum contains six subject groups together with a core made up of three separate parts. Subject groups include language, second language, individuals and societies, experimental sciences, mathematics and computer science, and the arts. Eleventh Grade Twelfth Grade Group 1: Language A1 English I English II Group 2: Second Language Group 3: Individuals and Societies Group 4: Experimental Sciences Group 5: Mathematics and Computer Science Group 6: The Arts French V or German V or Spanish V Philosophy I Psychology I Study of the Americas I Biology I Chemistry I Calculus Mathematical Studies Pre Calculus Theatre Arts I Visual Arts I French VI or German VI or Spanish VI Philosophy I and/or II Psychology I and/or II Study of the Americas II Biology I and/or II Chemistry I and/or II Calculus Mathematical Studies Theatre Arts I and/or II Visual Arts I and/or II

7 Core Requirements Extended Essay: The Extended Essay is an in-depth study of a focused topic chosen from the list of approved Diploma Programme subjects normally one of the student s six chosen subjects for the IB Diploma. It is intended to promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity. It provides students with an opportunity to engage in personal research in a topic of their choice, under the guidance of a subject-area mentor (usually a teacher in the school) and a writing mentor. The extended essay has a prescribed limit of 4,000 words. Theory of Knowledge (TOK): TOK is a thoughtful and purposeful inquiry into different ways of knowing and into different types of knowledge. As a result the course is composed almost entirely of questions to be critically considered, rather than specific factual information. The central question is "What level of certainty, if any, can I assign to a given assertion of knowledge? The course will be broken into four main categories: Knowers and Knowing, Ways of Knowing, Areas of Knowledge, and Linking Questions. Creativity, Action, Service (CAS): Participation in the school s CAS programme encourages students to be involved in artistic pursuits, sports, and community service work, thus fostering students awareness and appreciation of life outside the academic arena. Students are required to complete 150 hours of CAS beginning the summer prior to their junior year. All Diploma Programme students must engage in these three activities.

8 Visual & Performing Arts Program Overview The Visual and Performing Arts Program offered at Classen School of Advanced Studies provides artistically talented young people with rigorous conservatory-style training in the visual arts; dance, the dramatic arts, vocal and instrumental music including strings, guitar, band, and piano. Additionally, students complete a comprehensive academic, college preparatory program. Therefore, all Classen SAS Visual and Performing Arts students essentially complete a double program consisting of a major (Visual Arts, Vocal Music, Band, Strings, Guitar, Drama, Piano, or Dance), along with an academic program. In addition, students participate in performances for the school and for the Oklahoma public through art exhibitions, drama productions, strings and vocal concerts, and dance programs. Although demanding in nature and complete in content, the conservatory-style Visual and Performing Arts Program steeps students in the literature and culture of the arts, resulting in uniquely accomplished and educated students, well prepared for the professional and university worlds. Other Enhancements and Possibilities VPA Certificate: Issued by Department Chairs to students who meet a more stringent and rigorous arts course load for their high school years. Concurrent Enrollment: Seniors must meet college admissions requirements for concurrent enrollment and must drop some Classen courses (Oklahoma issues fee waiver for up to 6 hours). Advanced Placement (AP) Curriculum: Visual and Performing Arts students must meet prerequisites and requirements for Advanced Placement coursework. Currently offered Advanced Placement courses are: AP Biology, AP Calculus, AP English Language, AP English Literature, AP European History, AP Government and Politics, AP Music Theory, AP Studio Art, and AP United States History.

9 Visual & Performing Arts Program Dance - Modern and Ballet Dance majors receive exceptional instruction in academic courses while participating in a rigorous physical training program in ballet and modern dance techniques. The purpose of the program is to provide students with a realistic understanding of the physical demands and artistic skills required for a successful career in dance. The vision is to prepare students to compete on a national level for university scholarships and/or employment with a professional ballet or modern dance company. Drama - Theatre, Speech and Debate The Classen Theatre Department combines respect for history with immersion in contemporary issues, intellectual engagement with creative expression, and the opportunity to study and practice theatre. The faculty view theatre as a form of human expression, shaped by social, economic, technological, personal, and artistic forces. As such, the study and practice of theatre are valuable components of a liberal arts education. Combination of academic coursework and production experience is a hallmark of the approach in theatre studies. Students compete in interscholastic speech, drama, and debate tournaments to gain skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives, as good communication is the lifeblood of any successful person.

10 Visual & Performing Arts Program Music - Band, Guitar, Orchestra, Piano, and Vocal Music The music program at CSAS provides a stimulating and nurturing environment filled with musical experiences that will last a lifetime. Students build technical skills while also developing expressive playing and an appreciation of musical styles through carefully supervised instruction, listening, and analysis. The music program may also serve as a foundation for those students who would like to enter post secondary conservatories and/or colleges furthering their studies in musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory, composition, arrangement and orchestration, music business, advanced pedagogy, music therapy, collaborative musicianship, or music law. Visual Arts - Ceramics, Drawing, Photography, Sculpture, and Videography The mission of the visual arts program is to provide students with an accessible and supportive learning environment that emphasizes the importance of visual arts in society. The faculty and administration strive to maintain a liberal arts program that provides a valuable education in the visual arts, prepares students for college/conservatory, enhances career opportunities for all students, as well as promotes an appreciation of lifelong learning. The visual arts program is dedicated to nurturing the creative and scholarly potential of students, supporting faculty in the development of excellence in teaching and research, and promoting visual arts in the community.

11 Clubs/Organizations Ambassador Corp Asian Club Black Student Union Builder s Club Cheerleading Chess Club Christian Club Classen Skippers French Club Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) German American Partnership Program (GAPP) Green Party Key Club Latino Club Libertarians Math Counts Mu Alpha Theta National Art Society National Honor Society Pom Spanish Club Student Council Tactics Club Thespian Society Visual Arts Club Yearbook and Newspaper Youth and Government Young Democrats

12 Young Republicans Sports Cross Country Baseball Basketball Football (CoOp with U.S. Grant High School) Soccer Softball Tennis Track (Co-Op with U.S. Grant High School) Volleyball

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