High School

Computer Science

Introduction to Computer Science: Robotics

How do you bring a machine to life? In this hands-on course, students design, build, and program robots using the Vex EXP system. Along the way, they gain foundational knowledge in engineering, coding, and problem-solving through real-world challenges.

Introduction to Computer Science: Visual Coding with Web Development

How can we use code to create visual experiences? This introductory course teaches students the fundamentals of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript through engaging, interactive projects. Using tools like the Processing p5.js library, students build animations, games, and web-based art. No prior programming experience required.

Computer Science I: Object Oriented Programming (Java)

What’s behind the apps we use every day? Students learn key programming concepts through the Java language—abstraction, recursion, data structures, and algorithmic thinking—culminating in applied design projects.

Computer Science I: Game Design with C#

Can code spark creativity and imagination? Students dive into game development by learning to design and build in Unity, using C# to code 2D, 3D, and VR game elements. Each project builds foundational programming and design skills.

iOS App Development with Swift/XCode

How do developers bring ideas to your phone screen? In this advanced course, students design and build their own iOS apps, learning Swift and exploring interface design, usability, and performance optimization.

Advanced Computer Science: Data Structures and Algorithms with Python

What makes software efficient and scalable? This yearlong course explores linked lists, stacks, trees, recursion, and sorting algorithms. Students also engage in independent projects using Python to build practical solutions.

Advanced Computer Science III: AI & Machine Learning

Can a computer learn to think? Students explore artificial intelligence throughprojects involving pattern recognition, predictive modeling, and machinelearning. Using real-world datasets, students build programs that evolve andadapt.

Advanced Robotics (Mini-Course)

How do we build smarter machines? This mini-course extends core robotics concepts with advanced fabrication and design challenges. Students also deepen their coding skills with object-oriented programming to create more autonomous robots.

Capstone Developer Project

How can we use technology to make a real difference? In this yearlong course, students develop a tech solution to a meaningful problem, collaborating with external mentors and presenting their final product to a broader audience. It's a culmination of technical skill, creativity, and social innovation.

English

English I

What makes a story unforgettable? This foundational course introduces students to key literary forms—novels, plays, poetry, and nonfiction. Through texts like Othello, The Things They Carried, and Song of Solomon, students explore how authors craft meaning and emotion. Grammar and vocabulary study supports strong writing as students learn to construct arguments, interpret themes, and develop their voice.

English II

What are the many ways to tell a story? English II invites students to explore diverse narrative techniques and genres, from short stories to essays. Students analyze character, tone, and point of view while practicing analytical and creative writing. Assignments deepen skills in structure, style, and clarity, fostering literary appreciation through imitation and experimentation.

Constructing America

What does it mean to be American? This interdisciplinary course blends literature and history to examine how writers and thinkers have constructed and contested the American identity. Texts range from founding-era documents to poetry and fiction, with an emphasis on analytical reading, cross-disciplinary inquiry, and persuasive writing.

Art of the Essay

How do we transform experience into insight? This workshop-style course explores the personal essay as a literary form. Students refine grammar and style while drafting essays rooted in memory, observation, and reflection. Peer workshops foster community and revision, helping students craft authentic, polished narratives.

Borders and Power

What happens when cultures collide? Through literature and film, this course investigates how colonialism and migration shape identity and belonging. Students examine stories of boundary-crossing and resistance, reflecting on the political and personal dimensions of power.

American Literature

What defines the American literary voice? Building on themes from Constructing America, students delve deeply into classic texts by authors such as Hawthorne, Wharton, Hemingway, and Faulkner. Emphasis is placed on close reading, historical context, and literary craft.

English and American Poetry 1600–2000

How do poets give voice to their time? This survey of English-language poetry spans four centuries, examining how verse captures conflict, love, and transformation. Students learn scansion, interpretive frameworks, and lead discussions on key poetic movements.

Major Novels

How do novels help us understand reality and ourselves? This course explores realism, modernism, postmodernism, and postcolonial literature through novels that challenge readers to consider self-creation, crisis, and representation. Analytical and comparative essays build interpretive sophistication.

Creative Writing

Where do great ideas come from? This course nurtures student voice through poetry, fiction, and drama. Writers use mentor texts to explore craft, freewriting to generate ideas, and workshops to revise and refine their work.

Science Fiction: Utopias and Dystopias

Can imagined worlds help us see our own more clearly? Through fiction, film, and television, students explore utopias, dystopias, and technological futures. Themes of ethics, control, and resistance are examined through both classic and contemporary lenses.

Shakespeare

Why do Shakespeare’s plays still resonate? Students study comedies, tragedies, and histories with a focus on genre conventions, performance, and language. Plays such as Hamlet and Twelfth Night are read closely, with attention to staging and historical context.

Shakespeare and Film

How do filmmakers reimagine Shakespeare? This course compares plays with their cinematic adaptations, exploring interpretation, genre, and visual storytelling. Students learn film analysis and may collaborate on adaptations of their own.

Literature of the American Immigrant

What is the immigrant experience? Students read texts by contemporary writers from Asia, Africa, and Latin America to examine cultural adaptation, memory, and the search for identity. Comparative reading and reflective writing are emphasized.

Health

Health 9

What does it mean to make healthy choices in the world today? Health 9 provides foundational knowledge in three key areas: Mental Health and Wellness, Substance Abuse Prevention, and Human Sexuality Education. Through discussion and reflection, students build essential skills in decision-making, risk assessment, and self-advocacy. The semester-long course meets twice per cycle and is graded on a Pass/Fail basis.

Food Fueling for Optimal Performance (Mini-Course)

How does what we eat affect how we feel? This course explores the science of nutrition and wellness. Students learn about macronutrients and how mindful food choices can reduce stress and increase energy, offering strategies for balanced, performance-enhancing nutrition.

History

History I

How do systems of power and exchange shape global societies? This course begins in the 11th century and explores the evolution of interconnected global systems—highlighting the Indian Ocean trade, African kingdoms like Mali, and the rise of Atlantic world societies. Students investigate diverse historical perspectives and analyze how new political and economic systems transformed the modern world. Skills developed include source analysis, historical argumentation, and comparative reasoning.

History II

Has nationalism been a force for good? In this 10th-grade course, students explore how national self-determination, revolution, and global conflict shaped the 20th century. From the World Wars to decolonization, students critically examine case studies from the Soviet Union to Mexico and post-colonial states. The year culminates in a research paper grounded in independent inquiry and historical methodology.

Constructing America

What does it mean to be American? In this interdisciplinary course, students examine U.S. history and literature side by side, analyzing texts from founding documents to novels and poetry. They question ideas of American exceptionalism, identity, and transformation through close reading, research, and analytical writing.

Modern Political Thought

How do ideas shape the world we live in? This course surveys political thinkers from Hobbes and Rousseau to Hegel and Marx, examining the rise of liberalism and critiques of modernity. Students explore how these philosophies influence contemporary political systems, and whether they still hold up in today’s world.

Afro-Caribbean Cultures

How do transnational ties shape identity? Students explore the legacy of imperialism and resistance in the Caribbean and Latinx U.S. communities, particularly among Puerto Rican, Dominican, and Cuban populations. This course blends historical narrative with cultural studies and student-led inquiry.

U.S. Women’s History after World War II

How have women shaped—and been shaped by—American society since 1945? This course examines work, family life, civil rights, and feminist movements to understand how intersections of gender, race, class, and sexuality impact women’s lives and national identity.

Climate Change: An Unnatural History

How do we create climate justice? Students explore how humans have shaped—and been shaped by—the environment, through interdisciplinary lenses like psychology, art, and economics. The course empowers students to develop sustainable solutions rooted in history and activism.

Thinking about Limits: Human Ecology in the Anthropocene

What does it mean to live in a finite world? From the green spaces of cities to desert landscapes, students explore the ethical and historical implications of how land is used and shared. Case-based inquiry leads to discussions about environmental justice and sustainability.

Out of the Wild: National Parks and Justice

Can conservation serve justice? This course examines the past and future of national parks, asking students to propose how public lands can be reimagined for equity and access. Projects blend historical research, environmental policy, and civic engagement.

Urban Studies: Comparative Cities

What makes a city thrive—or fail? Using global and local examples, students analyze urban planning, governance, immigration, and climate policy. Fieldwork and case studies help students see the connections between space, power, and opportunity.

Voyages and the Imagination

How do journeys shape human experience? From Norse sagas to Aboriginal Dreamtime art, this interdisciplinary course explores real and imagined voyages across history, literature, and geography, with a focus on cultural meaning-making.

Winter Counts: Indigenous History and Culture

How do Indigenous nations assert presence and power? Focusing on the Great Lakes region and authors like Louise Erdrich, this course combines primary sources and cultural history to center Native perspectives in understanding U.S. history.

Nietzsche’s Politics

Can a critique of truth shape political action? Students engage deeply with Nietzsche’s Beyond Good and Evil to examine the tension between moral critique and political vision, challenging conventional views of democracy, morality, and justice.

Constitutional Law

What happens when rights conflict? Students investigate key Supreme Court cases and constitutional principles to explore civil liberties and the balance of powers. Argumentation and legal reasoning are emphasized through debates and case briefs.

Introduction to Debate I & II (Mini-Courses)

What makes an argument compelling? These mini-courses provide the foundational skills in public forum debate, including speech structure, refutation, and research. Students participate in competitions and practice communication under pressure.

Advanced Debate (Mini-Course)

How do skilled debaters win minds? This course advances debate strategy with case writing, block development, and rhetorical precision, enabling students to compete at higher levels and sharpen persuasive skills.

Mock Trial (Mini-Course)

How do courts determine justice? In this practical course, students simulate trials, take on legal roles, and prepare for competitions in the New York State High School Mock Trial Program.

Mathematics

Program Overview

At RDAS, mathematics is more than numbers—it's a powerful lens for understanding the world. Whether modeling climate data, exploring economic inequality, or building logical arguments, our students learn to think critically, solve real-world problems, and communicate with clarity and confidence. The curriculum spans foundational skills to advanced applications, supporting learners through inquiry, creativity, and rigor.

Core offerings include Algebra II, Geometry, and Precalculus, with multiple entry points and honors-level challenges. Advanced students may choose from a dynamic set of electives that blend math with technology, economics, and social impact—from AP Calculus and Statistics to Graph Theory and Real Estate Finance. Our goal is to foster not just fluency, but fearless exploration.

Algebra II

How do we model the world around us? Algebra II explores the power of functions—from exponential growth to quadratic patterns. Students investigate real-life applications, learn to graph and manipulate equations, and begin seeing math as a toolkit for decision-making and design.

Algebra II (H)

This fast-paced course is ideal for students who thrive on challenge. We dive deeper into the structure of equations and functions, with rigorous problems that foster resilience, creativity, and abstract reasoning. You'll encounter complex scenarios where math becomes the language of logic and prediction.

Algebra II Foundations

This course strengthens the core skills of Algebra II at a pace that allows for mastery. Students explore mathematical relationships and build confidence as they work with real-world scenarios, laying the groundwork for future success.

Geometry

Why do bridges stand? Why do bees build hexagons? In Geometry, students explore the logic of shapes, patterns, and space. Through proofs, constructions, and design challenges, they develop spatial reasoning and logical structure.

Geometry (H)

Honors Geometry pushes students to question, conjecture, and construct. With an emphasis on deductive logic, multiple proof styles, and open-ended problems, the course invites mathematical exploration and discovery.

Geometry with Algebra

This blended course weaves algebra review into the study of geometry, offering additional time to strengthen core skills. Students explore shapes and structures while reinforcing the algebraic fluency needed for success in higher-level math.

Precalculus with Trigonometry

How do engineers model ocean waves or predict planetary orbits? Precalculus combines algebraic precision with the beauty of trigonometric patterns. Students learn to build and apply mathematical models that explain real-world behavior.

Precalculus with Trigonometry (H)

For students eager to accelerate, this honors-level course offers greater depth and rigor. From polar coordinates to limits and series, students engage with abstract ideas that prepare them for college-level calculus and beyond.

Calculus

Calculus reveals the mathematics of change—how we model motion, growth, and complex systems. This course covers foundational topics including limits, derivatives, and integrals, preparing students for further study in math, science, and engineering.

Calculus A (H)

This college-level course introduces differential and integral calculus with real-world applications. Students who enjoy mathematical rigor and challenge will thrive, especially those planning to take the AP Calculus AB exam.

Calculus B (H)

The sequel to Calculus A, this course prepares students for the AP Calculus BC exam and deeper mathematical thinking. Topics include series, parametric equations, and advanced integration techniques.

Introduction to Calculus

For students curious about calculus but not yet ready for the full plunge, this semester course builds conceptual understanding of limits, derivatives, and continuity—key ideas that underpin much of modern science and economics.

Quantitative Reasoning

This course asks: What do numbers really mean? Students investigate statistics, budgeting, population data, and social trends. It’s an ideal course for students who want to understand math’s relevance in their daily lives and communities.

Statistics

How do we make sense of uncertainty? This course introduces core concepts of data analysis and probability. With hands-on projects and real-world datasets, students learn to interpret patterns and make informed decisions.

Statistical Analysis Using the R Programming Language

This course dives into statistical modeling using R, a powerful tool in academia and industry. Students tackle real datasets—on topics like nutrition, elections, and social media—to test hypotheses and communicate insights.

Graph Theory in Advanced Math (H)

What connects subway systems, social networks, and electrical circuits? Graph Theory introduces students to nodes, edges, and abstract structures. It’s an ideal course for students interested in computer science, logic, or complex systems.

Methods of Proof in Advanced Math (H)

Proof is the heart of mathematics. In this course, students learn to construct airtight arguments using deductive reasoning, induction, contradiction, and more. Ideal for those considering university-level mathematics.

Discrete Mathematics, Algebra, and Trigonometry

This supportive course strengthens key skills in algebra and trigonometry while introducing applications from coding, architecture, and design. It’s a great bridge to more advanced courses for students needing a little extra time to build fluency.

Mathematical Approaches to Economics

Where theory meets data: This course blends algebra, precalculus, and economic modeling to help students understand markets, choices, and scarcity. Students explore graphs, equations, and policy trade-offs with mathematical tools.

Macroeconomics and Public Policy

This course looks at the big picture: national economies, global markets, and government decisions. Students analyze real policy challenges and use economic models to understand outcomes and potential interventions.

Finance and Asset Management (Mini-Course)

How does Wall Street work? In this hands-on course, students explore stocks, bonds, and investment strategies. They learn to read markets, evaluate risk, and understand the world of finance from an insider’s view.

Philanthropy 101 (Mini-Course)

How do nonprofits thrive? This course explores giving, fundraising, and the economics of impact. Students learn to read nonprofit budgets and examine how values drive financial choices in the public sector.

Introduction to Real Estate Investing (Mini-Course)

Real estate isn’t just about property—it’s about strategy, finance, and vision. This practical course walks students through evaluating investments, understanding leverage, and analyzing market data to make informed financial decisions.

Science

Biology

Can understanding how a virus replicates help us prevent the next pandemic? In Biology, students explore the foundational principles of life science—from molecular biology and genetics to ecosystems and biodiversity—through the lens of current scientific challenges. They investigate how living organisms interact, adapt, and evolve, asking questions like: How do changes in DNA affect populations? What factors shape the survival of a species?

Students develop lab and research skills, analyze experimental data, and explore ethical questions in biotechnology and environmental stewardship. Through hands-on labs and case studies, they strengthen systems thinking, pattern recognition, and evidence-based reasoning.

AP Biology

What are the molecular switches that determine life or death at the cellular level? AP Biology builds on foundational biology topics and prepares students for advanced university study. Students engage with college-level material in biochemistry, cell processes, genetics, evolution, and ecology, emphasizing inquiry-based labs and modeling systems. Skills include scientific writing, hypothesis generation, data evaluation, and critical interpretation of primary literature.

Chemistry

Did you know that, due to the formation of carbonic acid from CO₂ in the air, "pure" rainwater is slightly acidic, with a pH of about 5.5? Current solutions to address acid rain—cleaner-burning fuels and smokestack “scrubbers”—are expensive and of limited value. Do you think enough is being done?

Understanding complex questions like these requires a deep foundation in chemistry. This year-long course covers gas laws, atomic structure, periodic properties, bonding, solutions, energy, kinetics, equilibrium, and acid-base theory. Students spend significant time in the lab conducting experiments, analyzing their results, and applying principles learned in class. Emphasis is placed on scientific reasoning, accurate measurement, and the ability to communicate findings clearly. Students develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills essential for advanced science courses.

AP Chemistry

Can chemistry help reverse climate change? In AP Chemistry, students explore chemical processes in depth—from thermodynamics and electrochemistry to reaction rates and equilibrium. Through extensive lab investigations and real-world data interpretation, students gain fluency in advanced problem-solving and chemical modeling. This course prepares students for the AP exam and offers a strong foundation for science-related university majors.

Physics

What keeps a roller coaster safely on the track—or a satellite in orbit? From the forces that govern motion to the principles behind light, sound, and energy, this course gives students a powerful framework to understand how the universe works. Topics include Newtonian mechanics, momentum, energy, electricity, waves, and thermodynamics.

Students build a foundation in algebra-based physics and engage in frequent lab work, including motion analysis and circuit design. Skills emphasized include mathematical modeling, precise measurement, technical writing, and collaborative investigation.

AP Physics

How do engineers test new aircraft before they ever leave the ground? AP Physics focuses on the physical laws that govern the universe, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves, and optics. Students engage in mathematical analysis, modeling, and lab investigations to understand forces, motion, and energy with depth and precision. This rigorous course supports students pursuing university study in STEM fields.

Environmental Science

Can we design cities that are both environmentally sustainable and economically resilient? In Environmental Science, students examine the relationships between humans and the natural world. Topics include ecosystems, climate change, resource management, pollution, and environmental justice.

This interdisciplinary course emphasizes field research, data analysis, and the application of scientific principles to real-world challenges. Students learn to evaluate environmental policies, propose design solutions, and consider equity and ethics in global sustainability efforts.

AP Environmental Science

How do climate policies impact both biodiversity and human wellbeing? AP Environmental Science deepens students' understanding of the Earth’s systems and the impact of human activity on the planet. With an emphasis on environmental modeling, case studies, and sustainability analysis, students gain tools to explore complex global issues. This course supports future study in environmental science, policy, or engineering.

Visual Arts

What can a single image express that a thousand words cannot? Visual Arts at RDAS offers students a broad range of opportunities to discover their artistic voice through mediums such as drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and digital design. Across all levels, students are encouraged to engage creatively, think critically, and push the boundaries of traditional art-making.

Drawing I & II

How do we capture what we see—and imagine what we cannot? Drawing I introduces students to observation, memory, and imaginative drawing using a range of materials and techniques. Drawing II builds upon these foundations with more complex, large-scale, and concept-driven work.

Painting I & II

What stories can we tell through color and form? These courses offer students an introduction to acrylic painting and composition techniques, progressing to personal style development and expressive, thematic work.

Photography I & II

Can a photograph reveal what words cannot? These courses guide students through the essentials of digital and 35mm photography, emphasizing storytelling, technical skills, and self-expression through visual imagery.

Ceramics & Ceramics Open Studio

How does touch transform form? In these hands-on courses, students explore handbuilding and wheel-throwing techniques while working in clay. Open Studio allows advanced students to co-design projects and deepen their technical and conceptual practices.

Sculpture

How can we think—and build—in three dimensions? Students explore woodworking, welding, CNC, and sewing as they create sculptural forms. This course is ideal for those interested in material exploration and spatial problem-solving.

Open Studio

Where does inspiration come from? Open Studio invites advanced, self-driven artists to work across media—sculpture, photography, video, drawing, and more—developing projects from concept through exhibition.

Graphic Design

Can design shape the way we see the world? Students use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to tackle real design challenges and build visual communication skills.

Design Lab & Design Thinking

How do ideas become reality? These courses offer project-based, hands-on learning in sewing, welding, furniture-making, and digital fabrication. Students collaborate on real-world design challenges and develop a maker mindset.

Introduction to Architecture

What defines a space—and how do we shape it? This course invites students to explore spatial thinking through model construction, architectural elements, and analysis of how built environments reflect and shape society.

Projects in Contemporary Art (PICA)

What happens when students lead the way? This advanced studio class empowers students to create ambitious artworks and installations based entirely on their ideas and social interests.

Explorations in Contemporary Art & Literature (Mini-Course)

How do words and images speak to one another? Through interdisciplinary projects and hands-on materials, students explore themes like identity and metamorphosis.

Visual Art and Music: A Comparative Study (Mini-Course)

Where do music and art meet? Students examine global art and music movements while engaging in workshops that bridge sound and image.

Freight Farm: Hydroponics & Garden Design

Can sustainability be beautiful? These environmentally focused art courses integrate design, agriculture, and ecological ethics, using the campus landscape as a creative lab.

Scrapbooking (Mini-Course)

How do we tell our stories visually? This mini-course offers students a creative, reflective way to preserve memories through layout, design, and mixed media.

Impressions (Mini-Course)

How does art meet publication? Students curate and design the school’s award-winning literary magazine, learning editing, layout, and collaborative critique.

Yearbook (Mini-Course)

What does a year look like in design? This course develops skills in photography, layout, and narrative storytelling as students produce the annual yearbook.

World Languages

Mandarin Chinese

How does a language shape the way we think, communicate, and connect? Mandarin Chinese introduces students to one of the world’s most spoken languages through interactive listening, speaking, reading, and writing practice. Students explore daily life, culture, and modern Chinese society while developing a strong foundation in tones, characters, and grammatical structures.

This course emphasizes communication, cultural awareness, and basic conversational fluency. Students build vocabulary, pronunciation, and comprehension through storytelling, role-playing, and multimedia resources.

AP Chinese Language and Culture

What does fluency look like in a globalized world? AP Chinese develops advanced proficiency in spoken and written Mandarin while deepening cultural understanding. Students engage with authentic texts, conduct interviews, and write across genres to refine their ability to communicate effectively.

The course prepares students for the AP exam through thematic units focused on family, education, social issues, and contemporary life. Emphasis is placed on interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication.

Spanish

Can learning another language help us see our own culture more clearly? Spanish at RDAS provides students with immersive experiences to develop conversational skills, vocabulary, and grammar while exploring the diverse cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.

Through music, stories, films, and dialogue, students build competence in all four language domains: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The course fosters cross-cultural empathy and global citizenship.

AP Spanish Language and Culture

What does it mean to speak across cultures? AP Spanish prepares students to communicate fluently and accurately in a variety of real-world contexts. Students read literature and non-fiction, engage in formal debates, and write persuasive and analytical essays.

With an emphasis on global issues, identity, and community, the course helps students synthesize information and express themselves with nuance. It is aligned with college-level language standards and prepares students for the AP exam.

French

How do new languages unlock new ways of thinking? French students build their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing through immersive exploration of Francophone cultures. From everyday communication to global current events, students learn how to navigate diverse contexts with clarity and confidence.

The course includes foundational grammar, vocabulary building, and real-world applications through project-based learning, conversations, and media analysis.

AP French Language and Culture

How can language deepen our understanding of global issues? AP French enhances students’ fluency and comprehension through literary and cultural analysis, writing workshops, and interpersonal exchanges. Students explore contemporary topics while honing persuasive and interpretive language skills.

The course is conducted primarily in French and prepares students for the AP exam through simulations of real-world language tasks—from debates and presentations to journal writing and interpretation of authentic sources.

RDAS High School

Our Curriculum

Where Academic Excellence Meets Global Innovation

Growing Confident Learners Ready to Go Anywhere