Academics

Students are required to take 1 credit (2 courses) of arts to fulfill graduation requirements.

Study in the arts develops a set of skills that are vital to success in the 21st Century. These skills, including critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, innovation, communication, and collaboration, are key to tackling the intellectual and professional challenges that students will face throughout life. Study in the arts also develops social skills like empathy and cross-cultural understanding that are necessary for engaged citizenship in an increasingly pluralistic Societies and global community. According to celebrated author Daniel Pink, “We urgently need people to think like artists. This is especially important in the workplace... Creativity, design and the arts will be the way to prosper and succeed in the new economy.”

According to the Association for Career and Technical Education high school students involved in CTE are more engaged, perform better and graduate at higher rates.

• Taking one CTE class for every two academic classes minimizes the risk of students dropping out of high school.
• The average high school graduation rate for students concentrating in CTE programs is 93 percent, compared to an average national freshman graduation rate of 80 percent.
• 91 percent of high school graduates who earned 2-3 CTE credits enrolled in college.

Taken from: https://www.acteonline.org/aboutcte/#highschool

Earn College Credit in High School!

Many CTE courses are offered for articulated credit.  Students can sign up for articulated credit at https://ctecreditmn.com/.  Talk to your student’s instructor for more details.

Mandi Burian
Microsoft Word, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Personal Finance, Accounting, DP Business Management
Google Classroom

Michelle Miner
Introduction to Computer Science, Personal & Professional Skills 11 & 12, Home Repair, Woodworking Technology, Advanced Woodworking Technology
Google Classroom

Kelli Greenhalgh
Fundamentals of Food Preparation, Culinary Foods, Child & Human Development 
Google Classroom

Mary Arimond
Graphic Arts, Web Design & Animation
Google Classroom

Through the integrated study of social studies disciplines, students will acquire the knowledge, skills, and perspectives to inspire and prepare them to be responsible, respectful and productive citizens in a democratic society within a complex and dynamic interdependent world.

Jeren Anderson
Google Classroom
World History & Geography, HL History (12^th)

An Christiansen
Google Classroom
US History, World Religions

Steve Holt
Google Classroom
US History, HL History (11^th)

Kirk Myhra
Google Classroom
World History & Geography, Psychology, Economics, Government

Jessica Schuette
Google Classroom
World History & Geography, Global Politics (12^th)

Sam Vossler
Google Classroom
US History, World History & Geography

All students must complete four years of English, which satisfies their Minnesota graduation requirement. Throughout a student’s experience in English class, there will be opportunities to practice and refine communication skills in the areas or reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and presenting.
 

Taking rigorous mathematics courses at Fridley High School enhances and enriches students’ learning experiences and mathematical understanding. Students taking these courses will learn new mathematical concepts, investigate mathematical patterns, communicate using mathematical language and notation, and apply their skills to find solutions to real-life problems. In the state of Minnesota, you must successfully complete three years of math at the high school to graduate. However, it is recommended to take a fourth year of math if you plan to pursue a post-secondary degree or technical career. 

Donna Motlomelo
Algebra 2, DP Math: Analysis & Approaches SL 2
Google Classroom

Dan Nalepka
Geometry
Google Classroom

Matt Nalepka
Non-Linear Algebra, DP Math: Applications SL
Google Classroom

Aaron Quach
Algebra 2, Non-Linear Algebra
Google Classroom

Mike Wilmes
ARCC - Intro to Statistics, Geometry
Google Classroom

Katie Sneider
DP Math: Analysis & Approaches SL 1, DP Math: Analysis & Approaches SL 2
Google Classroom

Health and Physical Education Classes provide information to students that can help everyone lead a physically, mentally and emotionally satisfying life. Each required class focuses on different facets of health-related topics and exercises which will allow students learn how to feel their best and stay healthy.

Alisa Lowry
Health/PE 3, New Moves, Strength Training, Fridley Fit
Google Classroom

Anthony Branitski
Health/PE 1, Leadership, Team Sports
Google Classroom

Jason Kupcho
Health/PE 1, Strength Training, Fridley Fit, Team Sports
Google Classroom

Eric Anderson
EMT, EMR, Health/PE 2
Google Classroom

This course is designed to improve reading skills for students who are achieving below grade-level bench marks. In this class, we approach reading in a broad sense that includes understanding not only traditional books, but also includes a variety of text structures that make up how we understand the world and our daily lives.  These include multi-media, visual, and audio sources.  Students also learn effective approaches to learning including specific comprehension strategies, organizational skills, and effective communication and self-advocacy skills.

Jacklyn Thompson
Reading Tier 1, Reading Tier 3
Google Classroom

Alisa Phelps
Reading Tier 2, Reading Tier 3
Google Classroom

Science is the study of the world around us, using observation to offer logical explanations for the way our world works. In science at Fridley High School, you will collaborate in groups, perform experiments, and construct meaning based on evidence. From physics to chemistry and biology (as well as many electives), you will learn to appreciate the wonder-filled universe in which we live.

Course Offerings include: Chinese, German, & Spanish 

As we prepare students to work in an increasingly global economy, learning another language offers our students several benefits. Research shows that the learning of another language: 1.) enhances career opportunities; 2.) benefits higher order, abstract, and creative thinking; 3.) promotes cultural awareness and competency; 4.) helps students score higher on standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT; 5.) improves students’ chances of college acceptance, achievement, & attainment; 6.) benefits academic progress in other subject areas.