HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM
GRADES: 9-12
BPS presents students in grades 9-12 with two outstanding high school choices: Wylie E. Groves and Ernest W. Seaholm. These exceptional schools offer an excellent educational program, extensive student support services, state-of-the-art technology for instruction, multiple opportunities for student involvement, and strong support from parents and the community. Both of these comprehensive four-year schools have received accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools and proudly maintain an impressive graduation rate of 98%.
- English Language Arts/Literacy
- Health
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Personal Curriculum
- World Language
- Art
- Music
- Physical Education
- Career & Technical Education (CTE)
English Language Arts/Literacy
Vision Statement |
The Groves and Seaholm English Departments are committed to offering an integrated program of language arts instruction featuring diverse and challenging texts from classic and contemporary literature which compel students to explore, evaluate and respond to universal ideas. Our writing program will develop students’ skills from basic grammar and composition to logical, textually-supported meaningful and authentic essays and reflections. The departments offer a rich array of opportunities for students to grow in their reading, writing, listening, speaking, and viewing skills. We believe that our mission is to prepare students for all phases of their educational lives, and to help with the formation of good character and the development of empathy through our content and our conversations. The Groves and Seaholm English Departments strive to help students not only understand themselves, but one another; to see not only the particular but also the universal, which ties all human beings together. It is a beautiful thing indeed that through a fictional world we begin to make sense of reality; that through the particular we begin to understand the universal; and that through the other we come to know ourselves. |
Standards |
MICHIGAN K-12 ELA STANDARDS |
Instructional Materials |
Core Instructional Materials List |
Health
Vision Statement |
Our vision is to provide students with evidence and factual based education covering topics to allow students to be healthy and safe throughout their lives. Our mission is to provide students with the necessary tools such as decision making, problem solving, and refusal techniques in each of the six standards. In high school, Today’s Health is a required class offered in students' 11th or 12th grade year. Teachers provide factual and evidence based information to the students that will provide them with the abilities to make appropriate decisions, problem solve and use their refusal skills that will help understand physical, social, and emotional benefits and consequences that will lead them to create a healthy lifestyle for today and their future. |
Standards |
Michigan 9-12 Standards
|
Instructional Materials |
Core Instructional Materials List The curriculum is developed by the teachers in the Birmingham Public School district, approved by our Sexual Education Advisory Board and the Board of Education. Other classes offered include Parent and Child Development and Human Sexuality. Sexual Health/Education: |
Mathematics
Vision Statement |
The Mathematics Department is committed to shaping students into effective learners, productive workers, informed consumers, and engaged citizens. Our approach blends algorithmic fluency with deep conceptual understanding, encouraging adaptive expertise. Your child will enhance their analytical and creative skills and develop empathy as they delve into the world of mathematics. We're here to nurture logical thinking, setting the stage for a lifelong journey of quantitative literacy, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving. |
Standards |
MICHIGAN K-12 MATHEMATICS STANDARDS |
Instructional Materials |
Core Instructional Materials List |
Science
Vision Statement |
As the Birmingham Public Schools Science Department, we are committed to fostering a community of critical thinkers, problems-solvers and ethical science students who push the boundaries of knowledge through real-world opportunities, experiential learning, inquiry and a culture of inclusivity backed with trust and validation. We equip students with the knowledge and passion for future study in the sciences and enable positive contributors to their communities. |
Standards |
MICHIGAN K12-SCIENCE STANDARDS |
Instructional Materials |
Social Studies
Vision Statement |
Our vision for the high school social studies curriculum is to empower our students with a deep understanding of the past, a critical awareness of the present, and a visionary perspective for the future. We aim to cultivate informed, empathetic, and responsible global citizens who can analyze, question, and engage with the complex issues that shape our world. Through a diverse and inclusive curriculum that fosters critical thinking, cultural appreciation, and active citizenship, we are committed to inspiring the leaders of tomorrow and equipping them with the knowledge and skills to contribute positively to society and the global community. |
Standards |
MICHIGAN K12 STUDIES STANDARDS |
Instructional Materials |
Core Instructional Materials List |
Personal Curriculum
Michigan Personal Curriculum
A Personal Curriculum is an option a student or family can explore as a way to modify certain Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) graduation requirements.
It is intended to meet individual learning needs, allow students to earn a high school diploma, and provide preparation for life after high school.
A Personal Curriculum can be requested by a parent or legal guardian, a student of age 18, an emancipated student, or can be recommended by school personnel. A Personal Curriculum must be supported by a parent or legal guardian, meet the individual needs of the student, and his or her post-secondary plans consistent with an Educational Development Plan (EDP). The high school diploma then documents that the student has met the curriculum expectations and possesses the knowledge and skills necessary for postsecondary success.
State statute allows personal curriculum modifications in order to:
If you have specific questions about personal curriculum options, please contact your student's counselor or IEP caseload teacher.
- Go beyond the academic credit requirements by adding more math, science, English language arts, or world language credits; or by completing a department-approved formal career and technical education (CTE) program.
- Modify the Algebra II content
- Modify, if necessary, the course requirements of a student with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
- Modify course requirements for a student who transfers from out-of-state or from a nonpublic school and is unable to meet the MMC requirements.
If you have specific questions about personal curriculum options, please contact your student's counselor or IEP caseload teacher.
World Language
Vision Statement |
The World Language program offers learning opportunities in American Sign Language, Chinese, French, and Spanish. Our students are instructed in a comprehensible-input approach, which allows learners to begin language acquisition as early as third grade and progress through upper-level and honors courses, as well as college-level experiences. The World Language program is interdisciplinary in nature and classroom learning is augmented with opportunities to travel abroad, local field trips, authentic experiences with native speakers, in-school events, clubs and organizations, etc. Teachers in the World Language program believe that all students can learn a new language and reap the benefits of interacting and connecting both, linguistically and culturally, with a wider circle of friends and colleagues. |
Standards | Michigan World Language Standards |
Instructional Materials | Core Instructional Materials List |
Art
Vision |
The art electives that are offered at the high school level allow any and all students to harness their creativity and problem solving skills. There is a wide range of classes offered from metals, ceramics, photography, painting, and more. Student opportunities range from art appreciation to AP portfolio preparation suitable for art school admissions as well as careers in design fields. Students have ample events to showcase their work in district art exhibits, Scholastics, National Art Honor Society, and more. |
Standards |
MDE Art Standards |
Music
Vision |
High School Music courses include Concert Band, Symphony Band, Choir, Concert Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Class Piano, ASD Music and AP Music Theory. Each of these ensemble based courses have multiple performances a year and challenge students to grow as an individual performer as well as a member of an ensemble.Scaffolding from our previous years of instrumental and vocal music instruction, High School music ensembles showcase our BPS talented students in many ways throughout the community. Local and International field trips help us share our musical understanding to the world as well as gain hands-on experience in once in a lifetime opportunities. Our students have performed in Spain, Italy, London, Vienna, Hawaii, Disney World and more! Students involved in music courses are eligible to participate or audition for extracurricular activities such as Marching Band, Jazz Band, Electronic String Ensembles, Show choirs, and musicals. |
Standards |
MDE Music Standards |
Physical Education
Vision |
Our high school physical education program is more than just a class; it's a holistic experience that shapes your child's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We offer an array of exciting electives like aerobics, net sports, and even scuba diving, ensuring they find their passion. Your child will gain competence in motor skills, build and maintain physical fitness, and make informed decisions about a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, they'll develop essential character traits and connect with community resources, setting the stage for a lifetime of physical activity and well-being. |
Standards |
Michigan k-12 Physical Education Standards |
Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Vision |
Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offer students a variety of opportunities to personalize their education based on their evolving career interests and skill sets. These programs are intentionally designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in today's college landscape and job market. CTE provides students with the chance to explore a specific career area that ignites their passion while simultaneously honing a set of technical and employability skills that seamlessly integrate with their academic pursuits. BPS CTE programs offered include Architecture, Business, Engineering - Design & Technology, Engineering - Mechatronics, Finance, Future Educators, IT - Computer Science and Programming, IT - Digital Information and Multimedia, and Marketing & Sales. |
Standards | CTE Instructional Standards |
Instructional Materials |
Core Instructional Materials List The materials used are developed by CTE teachers in the district, approved by each of their program’s respective advisory boards. In addition, our CTE programs offer the opportunity to work towards and earn industry recognized credentials. |