Salesianum’s AP Computer Science A course follows the Advanced Placement Program’s guidelines. Students take a deep dive into the Java programming language by creating their own programs and analyzing others’ code in a rigorous and exciting environment. A lab-intensive course, students complete well over 20 hours of in-class projects and activities. Upon completion, students will be well prepared for undergraduate computer science degree tracks and advanced Salesianum computer science courses. Students are required to sit for the AP Computer Science Exam in May. Prerequisites: Department approval. Students must discuss the suitability of the course with the Computer Science teacher before requesting enrollment. Students must be enrolled in an Honors or AP math course.

AP Music Theory is designed for students considering pursuing music studies at the university level.  Students should be proficient in performance on either a musical instrument or voice and must be able to read and interpret music at the high school level.  This course prepares students for the AP Music Theory Exam, and covers five major topics. Musical Terminology, Notational Skills, Basic Compositional Skills, Score Analysis, and Aural Skills.  Students are required to have music notation software on their iPad or home computer and to have an active subscription to SmartMusic, a music assessment program. Students are required to sit for the AP Music Theory Exam in May Teacher approval is required.

The Arts & Innovation Experience (for Freshmen) was created to make sure that Salesianum students have the chance to practice specific skills, including: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Collaboration Across Networks, Agility and Adaptability, Initiative and Entrepreneurship, Effective Oral and Written Communication, Accessing and Analyzing Information, Curiosity and Imagination. These courses are designed to offer Salesianum students multiple pathways and disciplines in which to identify and practice these skills. By introducing them in the high engagement, low stakes environment of our other Arts and Innovation disciplines, we make sure that all Salesianum Freshman are prepared to articulate, and actualize, these skills during their time at Salesianum, in college, and ultimately in the workplace and world.  

Arts & Innovation Experience Electives (choose two semester courses)

Color continues the study of visual communication while learning light and color theory using a variety of media. Technical and composition training is incorporated into interdisciplinary projects designed to support personal interests and expression. Critical inquiry, research, experimentation, and reflection takes place throughout the art making process. Students participate regularly in group critiques throughout the process of developing their ideas.

Students explore forms of visual communication using traditional media in this foundation course. Training improves observational, media, and compositional skills tools to effectively express their concepts in art and design. Projects apply the creative process of critical inquiry, research, experimentation, and reflection. Students develop their ability to critically evaluate their work and the work of others through individual and group critiques.

Architectural Structures II allows students to continue on their path of architecture while facing more difficult challenges and problems to solve. Students will take a field trip and conduct a site analysis and redesign an existing structure this semester. Introduction to building construction and site analysis is explored in this class. Projects change each semester in this class. Students build a portfolio piece in this course for their college portfolio. This course is the spring semester following Architecture Structures I. Students looking to take Architecture for the full year should enroll in Architectural Structures I and II. 

Students who have completed a full year of Architecture may enroll in Architectural Design III. Students are in the same class as Architecture Design II students, but have more challenging requirements and demands for their projects. Example projects may include integration of landscape design to new projects or in-depth technical floorplans meeting ADA standards for interior projects. This course will build college portfolio pieces.

Art II continues Art I. Students build upon their foundation coursework to explore the relationship between content, media, and technique. Anatomy, figure drawing, and human-centered design are emphasized in the curriculum. Projects incorporate research, art history, and interdisciplinary study as students develop conceptual works and consider the expressive qualities of media. Students participate regularly in group critiques throughout the process of refining their ideas.    Prerequisite: Art I - Composition/Drawing AND Art 1 - Color

Art III projects reflect the personal interests of the students with an emphasis on conceptual development and expression. Media exploration considers how materials impact the visual message. A topic or series may be created or a field in art and design explored. Students participate regularly in group critiques throughout the process of refining their ideas.   Prerequisite: Art II

The course is open to upperclassmen who wish to strengthen their skills in art and design through focused exploration of a theme or topic."  Juniors may take the course if they completed two art classes in their sophomore year. Requirement: Art Teacher Approval.

Creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication are the focus of this hands-on art and design studio course. Students gain technical and compositional skills using traditional media as they apply the design process to develop original works of art. Students learn to give and receive constructive feedback through regular group critiques throughout the art making process.

Audio Production focuses on learning about FL Studio, one of the music industry's most popular Digital Audio Workstations. Students will receive an in-depth review of how the FL Studio interface functions. Skills learned are pattern creation, percussion sequence generation, applying and using synthesizers, understanding MIDI manipulation, Photoshop, and Artificial Intelligence to create album covers, and much more. The class has two primary goals: learning to leverage FL Studio technology and song composition. All music built in the class is posted to the School's SoundCloud account. 

This class introduces video production's basic principles, procedures, and techniques. The class starts with a project-based introduction to Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro. The class then moves on to producing a mock problem-solution commercial. Skills learned from the Adobe products are applied to this project. Students are divided into specific video production jobs and take an active role in producing the commercial. Students then use the learned post-production techniques to finalize the commercial.  

Students encounter the elements of character-driven performance and are introduced to improv comedy, public speaking, creative writing, audio recording, and film. 

Chorus is a vocal performance class devoted to traditional style choral literature.  It employs music arranged for Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass (S.A.T.B.). Music reading/note reading is a valuable tool and is very desirable; however, it is not mandatory.  Music reading skills are pursued and there is emphasis on developing an understanding of the basic rudiments of music.  Music of all styles is utilized so that students can gain appreciation for the music of the masters as well as music from American Musical Theater and the popular idiom.  A high level of proficiency is expected and many performance opportunities are presented each school year.  Students from this group will be selected for membership in the chorale based on ability and interest.  Chorus typically meets twice weekly during the 8am class period.  

Computer Science Principles introduces computer programming science to students who have no prior knowledge of programming. This course covers everything students need to know to begin creating their own simple computer programs using the Python programming language. This course is open to all students regardless of their previous level of experience.

Data analysis can lead to sophisticated problems and solutions. Identify patterns in the world and come to conclusions based on observations. Ask a question with statistical relevance, come up with a solution, and make fascinating discoveries with statistics and programming. Students work on data collection, refining, and analysis. 

Prerequisites: Completion of AP Computer Science, Department Approval

Utilizing a professional game engine, students learn the ins and outs of bringing their own video game to life. Create 2D and 3D environments where models can interact in a game designed by students.  Take inspiration from classic games or try to mimic a current AAA title. Students’ computer programming experiences are further developed using everything students have learned while learning the Unity library. (Focus on Singleplayer Games) (3D modeling experience will benefit those in the course but is not required.). Prerequisites: Completion of AP Computer Science, Department Approval

Software development consists of Frontend and Backend teams. Some developers specialize in one while others take on both at the same time. Become familiar with professional tools and create a functioning web application as a team. Undergo creating, designing, and building the frontend from scratch that can dynamically load information from the backend. Fully deploy the site, so it is viewable to the world!

Prerequisites: Completion of AP Computer Science, Department Approval

Students explore principles of art and design through ideation and prototyping. Students begin to understand the basics of the Adobe Suite, 3D modeling, 3D printing, perspective drawing, and laser cutting while building the foundation for higher level drawing, product design and development , and architecture/engineering courses.

Students learn about the design thinking process and apply it throughout the semester. Design challenges and physical builds will kick off the course, but are being followed by technology rich units, that may include coding, robotics, and 3D modeling and 3D printing.

EntreX is a unique dual enrollment course offered in partnership with University of Delaware’s Horn Entrepreneurship. The course equips students to thrive amidst rapid change by cultivating agile thinking and developing creative problem-solving skill sets through hands-on experiences. Through immersive learning opportunities, students will work through the evidence-based entrepreneurship process by pursuing a novel idea for a new business or social venture. By the end of the course, students will showcase their ability to handle university-level coursework as well as gain a competitive edge for internships and future employment by acquiring direct experience in innovation and value creation. After successful completion of the course, students will earn 3 credits and can request an official transcript through the registrar’s office. Requirement: Robotics’ Teacher Approval

Film II offers students the opportunity to further enhance their storytelling abilities through creative writing & film.  This course will do a deep dive into pre-production, production, and post-production and the skills necessary to create short films including producing, screenwriting, acting, directing, filming, lighting, editing, and other forms of cinematic technique. Rising 10th graders may be able to enroll with WSAL experience and approval from Film Studies II Teacher. Prerequisite: Film Studies I

Graphics and Data Structures builds on the skill set from Computer Science Principles-AC. The focus is on creating effective graphical user interfaces (GUI) and exploring game design. Students gain hands-on experience with a graphics module. Ultimately, students deep dive into building a game covering the coding aspects required to do so. Emphasis is on the graphics library and creating classes.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Computer Science Principles-AC, ability to demonstrate sufficient coding knowledge.

In this class students will explore product design through heavy 3D modeling and physical fabrication. Students will complete various products in physical form that they will get to take home. Heavy use of 3D printing and Laser Cutting is at the forefront of this class. Students may spend time in the woodshop learning physical fabrication in this class if project requirements allow. Students build a portfolio piece in this course for their college portfolio. This course is the fall semester prerequisite for industrial Design II. Students looking to take design for the full year should enroll in Industrial Design I and II.  

Industrial Design II allows students to continue on their path of product design while facing more difficult challenges and problems to solve. Projects in this semester could include designing enclosures for electronics or disassembling and redesigning existing products. Projects/Products designed in this course change each semester. Students build a portfolio piece in this course for their college portfolio. This course is the spring semester following industrial Design 1. Students looking to take design for the full year should enroll in Industrial Design I and II. 

Students who have completed a full year of Industrial Design may enroll in Industrial Design III. Students are in the same class as Industrial Design II students, but have more challenging requirements and demands for their projects. Example projects  may include designing and implementing silicone overmolding to in class projects and learning how to draft parts for injection molding production. This course will build college portfolio pieces.

Media Studio is an introductory course designed for students eager to explore the world of digital design, video editing, and music production. This hands-on class empowers students with practical skills in industry-leading software, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and FL Studio. This course provides a strong foundation to help them bring their creative ideas to life. In addition to these skills, students will also gain essential desktop computer skills, allowing them to navigate software and hardware confidently. 

Academic assistantship is available to senior musicians who are interested in pursuing music education in college.  Students attend the Concert Band class and learn a secondary instrument (or instruments).  They also receive score-reading and conducting instruction, so they can lead the band.  They also lead sectional rehearsals and may give individual lessons to students in the class.  Requirement: Music Teacher Approval 

Music Appreciation prepares students for college-level music appreciation classes.  This course is open to students in grades 10-12, and requires no previous musical experience.  Students acquire a basic understanding of music theory, and learn how to read, write, and interpret music notation.  The history and development of musical instruments is covered.  Music history in Western Civilization from 500 A.D. to the present is the primary focus of the course and includes the study of noteworthy musicians and composers.  Enrollment will be limited to 16 students per class section.

Piano is a beginner-level instruction class. Keyboards are provided for the students in class, but it is recommended that they have a keyboard at home on which to practice. Students learn basic technique, simple songs in a variety of styles, and how to read music. The instructor works individually with each member of the class, as well as collectively as a group.  Students will be tested on their skills once per cycle to check progression on their individual level of proficiency.  Because of space limitations, the class will be limited to 5 students.

In Programming Studio, students design their own Roblox video games using the Roblox Studio platform. Students explore the inner workings of Roblox games and will learn associated skills like basic 3D modeling, level design, and programming with the Lua programming language. By the end of this Studio course, students will be junior game developers and have enough coding knowledge to be fully prepared to take more advanced computer science courses.

Grade: 10,11,12

Robotics Advanced Topics is available to motivated students interested in continuing their studies in robotics. This could be in the areas of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Aerial Drones, etc. This class functions as an independent study in which students will spend most class time researching and iterating their design ideas. 

Robotics I is designed to allow the students to immerse themselves in the design process while using VEX robotics. Students will work in teams to build specific robots that are used to complete different tasks. A detailed report of the multiple iterations will be curated during the continuous build process. An engineering notebook keeps all the builds worked on throughout the semester, which includes diagrams and labels for various parts, including the following: sensors, switches, motors, wheels, etc. Students learn the basic movements, path planning, coding autonomous movements, sensors, and programming throughout the course. Each unit concludes with a group competition. No experience in robotics or electronics is required. 

Robotics II is a continuation of Robotics I. Students will work within teams to build robots that compete in VEX Robotics Competitions. These competitions will be throughout the tri-state area. Students will be required to attend and participate in at least two competitions throughout the school year. Strong performance could earn the students a spot at the VEX Robotics World Championship. Prerequisite: Robotics I.  Requirement: Robotics’ Teacher Approval

The course introduces students to the aesthetics, media, and functionality of sculpture and three-dimensional design. In each project students investigate the relationship between concept, materials, and technique and how they shape the final product. Lessons incorporate the study of an artist or movement that embodies the topic. Each unit includes media training, research, process sketches or models, ongoing individual feedback, and group critiques.

Video Journalism & Communication covers the basics of Video Production. Students practice these elements of video production through conducting interviews to create short non-fictional video content in the form of informational films.

Wind Ensemble is for select musicians at Salesianum as well as Padua and Ursuline. Meeting during the exchange period, the three schools provide a performance group with many concert opportunities.   The Wind Ensemble performs at concerts, assemblies, and dinners as well as the graduation at Salesianum.  Members of the Wind Ensemble are invited to travel on the spring band trip to various locations and to participate in four parades.  

*An audition is required.

Wind Ensemble is for select musicians at Salesianum as well as Padua and Ursuline. Meeting during the exchange period, the three schools provide a performance group with many concert opportunities.   The Wind Ensemble performs at concerts, assemblies, and dinners as well as the graduation at Salesianum.  Members of the Wind Ensemble are invited to travel on the spring band trip to various locations and to participate in four parades.  

*An audition is required.

Wind Ensemble is for select musicians at Salesianum as well as Padua and Ursuline. Meeting during the exchange period, the three schools provide a performance group with many concert opportunities.   The Wind Ensemble performs at concerts, assemblies, and dinners as well as the graduation at Salesianum.  Members of the Wind Ensemble are invited to travel on the spring band trip to various locations and to participate in four parades.  

*An audition is required.

In Yearbook Class, students will be responsible for capturing the spirit, theme, and story of the year at Salesianum through design, writing, and photographs to produce our school yearbook. Working in a team setting, students create page layouts, take digital photographs, conduct personal interviews, and compose written content published at the year's end. Students work together, challenging each other to be innovative, explore, and craft original narratives and aesthetics pertaining to the Salesianum experience and school year. In this class, students acquire skills in project management and the creative journalistic process, such as planning design and layout, copy-editing, organizational and collaborative abilities, and meeting deadlines and budget expectations. No prior experience is required to enroll in this course. However, interest in graphic design, journalism, and creative expression is beneficial. Students should also be able to self-manage and work independently, be open to giving and receiving feedback, and foster personal growth. Yearbook is a year-long, full-credit course and satisfies the Art & Innovation requirement.