SUSA Basics & Curriculum

SUSA will redefine rigor. Its simplicity is breathtaking. So too are its expectations.

GOAL: All SUSA students will enter college or university with at least sophomore status by successfully passing at least five Advanced Placement (AP) tests during high school.

ENTRY TEST: All prospective students who choose to enroll in SUSA will be required to take the school’s Proficiency Standards Test (PST) prior to enrollment. The test will be offered during the last two months of the incoming students’ 8th grade year. Basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics will be tested, and a passing grade is required to enter the regular SUSA curriculum at the beginning of the 9th grade year. If a student’s basic skills are not sufficient enough to pass the PST, that student will be enrolled in SUSA’s First Things First (FTF) program at the beginning of the 9th grade year.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: In an effort to give every student an equal opportunity to meet the school’s expectations, SUSA requires an intensive basic skills education for all students who need it. Every nine weeks, all students in the FTF program will be given the opportunity to take the school’s PST to determine their progress in achieving the necessary basic skills. When a student finally passes the test, that student will immediately enter the regular SUSA curriculum.



Required Courses (5-period day):
1st Quarter......2nd Quarter......3rd Quarter......4th Quarter

9th grade:
Chemistry........Chemistry..........Physics...........Physics
Math.................Math..................Math..............Math
Economics.......Economics..........Civics..........Political Systems
Basic Skills......Basic Skills.........English...........English
Health......Physical Education....Music.............Art

10th grade:
* * * * * * Advanced Placement Chemistry * * * * * *
Math.................Math..................Math..............Math
Geography...History: Empires....English..........English
Foreign Language (UO or LCC summer school if possible)

11th grade:
* * * * * * * Advanced Placement Biology * * * * * * *
* * * * Advanced Placement English Language * * * *
* * * * * * Advanced Placement U.S. History * * * * * *
Math.................Math..................Math..............Math

12th grade:
* * * * * * Advanced Placement Economics * * * * * *
Math.................Math..................Math..............Math


SUSA’s expectations for its 12th graders are these: if possible, the required course designated “Math” will be AP Calculus; and at least one other AP course (either AP Physics or AP English Literature) will be taken. That means at least two (but preferably three) AP courses will be taken during the 12th grade year.

Any language-immersion school students enrolling in SUSA will be encouraged to continue their foreign language instruction by finishing at least the 2nd year level of college/university language courses at either the University of Oregon or Lane Community College.