OVERVIEW
At Willow Canyon High School students are provided extraordinary experiences in a variety of classrooms that meet their needs and interests. In addition to the general curriculum, Willow Canyon is home to the district’s only International Baccalaureate Programme and Cambridge International Programme. These classes provide students with a worldview across all departments.
Graduation Requirements
English - 4 credits
(English 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8)
Math - 4 credits
(Algebra 1-2, Geometry 1-2, Algebra 3-4 and one
additional math course)
Science - 3 credits
Social Studies - 3 credits
(World History, U.S./Arizona History 1-2, U.S. &
Arizona Government (.5), Economics (.5))
P.E./Health - 1 credit
Fine Arts or CTE - 1 credit
Electives - 6 credits
Total 22 credits
*Students must pass the Civics Test and CPR Requirements in order to graduate*
CORE COURSEWORK
English
Willow Canyon uses the myPerspectives curriculum by SAVVAS for the instruction of English. The school requires four credits of English for students to graduate (English 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8). Additional English course offerings can include Cambridge Honors English for freshmen and sophomores and IB English for juniors and seniors, and such electives as Speech and Debate, Creative Writing, Mythology, and Philosophy.
Social Studies
Willow Canyon uses the McGraw Hill Networks , Cambridge, and IB curriculum for the instruction of Social Studies. The school requires 3 credits of Social Studies for students to graduate (World History, United States History, United States Government .5 credit, and Economics .5 credit). Additional Social Studies course offerings can include AP Courses, and such electives as Psychology.
Math
Willow Canyon High School uses the Illustrative Mathematic curriculum delivered by McGraw Hill for the instruction of Algebra 1-2, Geometry and Algebra 3-4. The school requires four credits of Mathematics to graduate, one of which must be above the Algebra 3-4 level, which could include: Financial Mathematics, Precalculus Honors, AP Statistics or AP Calculus. Additional Mathematics course offerings include Cambridge 1-2 and Cambridge 3-4.
Science
Willow Canyon High School requires 3 lab science credits for graduation. Course options include; Integrated Science, Conceptual Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Integrated Science, Physical Science, Environmental Science, and Physics 1-2. Biology and Chemistry curriculum is delivered via the HMH platform. Conceptual Physics and Physical Science curriculum is provided by Pearson/Savvas. Environmental Science curriculum utilizes Cengage. Physics 1-2 uses McGraw Hill curriculum. Integrated Science uses both Pearson/Savvas and HMH curriculum resources.
Please note that course offerings are subject to change based on student interest and teacher availability. Please check with your counselor for the most up-to-date offerings available. For a more comprehensive list of potential classes available, please view the Course Selection Guide.
SPECIALTY PROGRAMS
IB courses offered only at Willow Canyon High School challenge academically talented students to reach high levels of achievement in a broad range of subjects and allow two different participation tracks: IB diploma and IB certificate. The International Baccalaureate Organizations Diploma Program is a demanding pre-university course of study that leads to examinations. IB schools have earned a reputation for rigorous assessment, giving IB diploma holders access to the worlds leading universities. Students apply for the IB program for their junior and senior years.
ADVANCED COURSE LEVELS
Honors Classes
Honors courses provide an in-depth study and are designed to prepare students for Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses. Teacher recommendation, grades and test scores are considered for eligibility in the course. Check with your student’s counselor for placement.
Advanced Placement Classes
The Advanced Placement Program is offered at all DUSD high schools, offering students college level courses. In Advanced Placement Courses (AP), students can earn college credit by earning qualifying AP exam scores. If your child received a 3 or higher, universities may award college credits. Receiving a 3 or more on the AP exam will also allow student to earn a higher grade in the class.
Dual Enrollment
Dual Enrollment opportunities are available to students in Dysart High Schools. Students have the ability to take courses in which they may receive credit in the high school as well as earning college credit. Dual enrollment courses are available through Maricopa Community Colleges. Dual Enrollment classes are available to students in a variety of content areas.
CTE PROGRAMS
Film & TV Production
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Graphic/Web Design
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Lab Assisting
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Marketing
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FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Spanish
Students will focus on grammar, proper verb forms (i.e., agreement of verb and subject as well as gender), basic everyday expressions, and vocabulary. Students will be introduced to the cultures and geographies of Spanish-speaking countries.
American Sign Language (ASL)
Students will learn basic vocabulary, syntax, finger-spelling and grammatical non-manual signals. Students will develop gestural skills as foundation for ASL enhancement and will increase understanding of the Deaf Community
ACADEMIC RECOGNITIONS
A+ School of Excellence, AZ Educational Foundation
2024 Best High Schools, U.S. News & World Report
125 students earned the Seal of Personal Finance
3rd place, AZ Council of Economic Education (ACEE) Stock Market Game (yearlong)
SkillsUSA Models of Excellence School for Technical Skills programs
SkillsUSA Hall of Champions Award
Cambridge Top in Country and Scholar Award of Distinction
Cambridge Scholar Award of Merit