USPA Live | gouspa.org/live | admissions@gouspa.org
VIEW YOUR OPTIONS
2025-2026
USPA Live
Course Catalog
Online education
that’s as individual
as you are.
Contents
USPA Course Catalog | Contents
Middle School
High School
Admissions Process
Contact
English
Social Studies
Math
Science
World Languages
Fine & Performing Arts
Computer Science
Business
CORE
ELECTIVES
7 - 24
45
46
25 - 44
English
Social Studies
Math
Science
World Languages
Fine & Performing Arts
Computer Science
Business
Leadership
Welcome From the Head of School
Our Teaching Model
4-5
Advisory | R.I.S.E
ADVISORY
Advisory | T.H.R.I.V.E
CORE
ELECTIVES
ADVISORY
Welcome
from the Head
of School
Welcome to USPA Live, online education that’s as individual as you are.
Our mission is simple: to provide a world-class education that adapts to the
needs and aspirations of each student, allowing them to thrive in an ever-
changing world and preparing them for wherever their journey takes them.
Designed for students who need flexibility and want the rhythm of a traditional
school year, our unique model combines live, synchronous classes that
encourage collaboration with opportunities for independent deep dives into
areas of interest.
We enhance learning with cutting-edge technology and immersive virtual
environments. We also offer in-person experiences to extend the learning
beyond the online classroom and connect students to their global school
community. We’re reimagining what the school day looks like, because our
students learn anytime, anywhere, and on their terms.
With experienced, highly qualified teachers who cultivate curiosity and nurture a
love for learning, personalized support from dedicated advisors and counselors,
a robust curriculum specifically designed to inspire and engage learners, and a
vibrant welcoming community, we equip our students with the skills, knowledge,
relationships, and confidence to excel.
We invite you to discover how USPA Live can help you achieve all of your goals.
USPA Course Catalog | Welcome
Aileen Hawkins, Ed.D.
Head of school
Our program & approach:
Our students are inspired by a sense of wonder and discovery and encouraged to explore
and uncover new interests and passions. With captivating project-based learning,
personalized feedback, and countless oportunities to engage with their teachers and
peers, students thrive in our middle and high school programs.
We look forward to welcoming you to USPA Live!
Program principles:
Captivating Learning
Our students, drawn by a sense of wonder and whoa!, think deeply, solve problems that
matter, and grow in their understanding of themselves and the world.
Bespoke Instruction
Our students receive expert, individualized feedback and support as they engage with
complexity and challenge across disciplines and create a body of work that showcases
their voice and ideas.
Bold, Self-Directed Discovery
Our students are empowered to use curiosity as their compass and shape their learning
path, uncovering new interests and passions as they explore.
Holistic Well-Being
Our students form respectful and trusting relationships with their teachers and peers, gain
skills in cultivating a life of harmony and purpose, and benefit from a schedule that adapts
to their lifestyle.
Safe, Welcoming, Nurturing Community
Our students thrive as they experience our inclusive and supportive learning environment
where they feel seen, heard, and valued.
USPA Course Catalog | Welcome
A unique aspect of our project-based learning program is the D-E-A-R model
– Discover, Explore, Apply, Reflect – which makes up a learning cycle.
3. Apply
Students then apply their learning
independently to show their teacher
where they are in their understanding.
2. Explore
Next the teacher meets the students in the
classroom to further explore the mysteries and
complexities of course topics guiding them as
they think about new things in new ways.
4. Reflect
As the learning loop returns to the start students
deepen their understanding by reflecting on the
connections they made, the questions they want to
further explore, and how they learn best.
1. Discover
Starting with a hook into the topic,
students have an opportunity to discover
the material independently. That’s where
they stoke their curiosity and their
enthusiasm to learn more
Our teaching model
USPA Course Catalog | Teaching Model
MIDDLE SCHOOL OPTIONS
USPA Course Catalog | Middle School
Middle School
COURSES
English
USPA Course Catalog | Middle School | English
COURSES | MIDDLE SCHOOL
Core
English 6
Explore who YOU are by crafting personal narratives, sharing family histories, and writing
awesome memoirs and name poems. Then, journey into worlds of wonder, exploring
ancient myths alongside modern tales. You’ll also become an inventor-in-training, studying
groundbreaking creations and their impact. Your quest culminates in creating a powerful
Public Service Announcement (PSA) to help solve real challenges! Ignite your imagination,
discover your voice, and become the storyteller of your own amazing journey!
Full Year Course | Grade 6
Your Story, Ancient Myths & World-Changing Ideas – Unleash Your Inner Hero!
English 7
Ready to explore powerful stories and tackle real-world challenges? This journey begins
by uncovering the strength and resilience in narratives, and researching how ideas
spread and why they're sometimes challenged. You'll leap into thrilling dystopian worlds,
crafting your own messages of hope for societies in crisis. You will also become a global
problem-solver, proposing innovative solutions to climate change and water scarcity in
a dynamic Model UN-style debate. This is your chance to lead with your curiosity,
empower your voice, and become a compassionate changemaker by inspiring real
action for a better world.
Full Year Course | Grade 7
Voices of Resilience – Read, Create, Change Your World!
English 8
Ever wonder how words can change history? In this dynamic course, you'll uncover their
incredible power! Dive into America's past, grappling with the tough truths of
enslavement and the founders' ideals, and confront the moral dilemmas of scientific
breakthroughs with gripping reads. Then write your own original play challenging
perspectives. This isn't just about reading; it's about thinking critically, telling your own
stories, and gaining the power to shape the future by making your voice heard!
Full Year Course | Grade 8
Words That Rocked Worlds – Now It's Your Turn!
USPA Course Catalog | Middle School | English
Social
Studies
10
USPA Course Catalog | Middle School | Social Studies
COURSES | MIDDLE SCHOOL
Core
Ancient World
Ever wanted to create your own world or decipher the secrets of a lost empire? In this
course, you'll journey to the dawn of civilization in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece. Dive
into their epic myths and legends to see how stories shaped their values. Then, unleash
your creativity: craft your own origin myth and design a complete fictional civilization,
from its map to its unique set of laws! This is your chance to explore, create, and see how
the past continues to shape our future.
Full Year Course | Grade 6
Myths, Maps & Laws – Build Worlds, Uncover Our Own!
Medieval World
Journey into the thrilling medieval world where religions shaped empires, knights
defended castles, and daring merchants crossed continents. Explore how Judaism,
Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism influenced everything from daily life to
grand civilizations. Unravel the secrets of feudalism and witness how events like the
Black Death forever changed society. Then become a global explorer, mapping ancient
pilgrimage routes and tracing the vibrant Silk Roads and trans-Saharan trade networks,
bringing the rich tapestry of the medieval world to life.
Full Year Course | Grade 7
Knights, Empires, Plagues & Pathways – Your Epic Quest Awaits!
US History
This course isn't just about learning US History – it's about discovering your power to shape
it. Step into America's most pivotal moments from the fight for independence to the clash
between liberty and slavery during the Civil War. Capture each era's passion and conflict by
crafting historical fiction diaries, and delivering powerful speeches that channel the
courage of those who fought at the time. Then, bring it all into today by analyzing current
events and building a multimedia portfolio that showcases your vision for America's future.
Full Year Course | Grade 8
Revolution, Rights & Your Role – Become a History Maker!
USPA Course Catalog | Middle School | Social Studies
11
Math
12
USPA Course Catalog | Middle School | Math
COURSES | MIDDLE SCHOOL
Core
USPA Course Catalog | Middle School | Math
13
Foundations of Algebra
Learn how math pops up everywhere, from your kitchen to your wallet. You’ll master calculating areas
of parallelograms and triangles and explore 3D surfaces. Then, explore the amazing world of ratios,
rates, and percentages through super fun, real-life scenarios – think culinary math (become a recipe
whiz!) and smart financial skills. Journey into algebra to crack equations and work with expressions,
setting you up for future data smarts.
Prerequisite: successful completion of 5th grade math or equivalent.
Full Year Course
Pre-Algebra
You'll explore cool geometry like flips, turns, and slides (translations, rotations, reflections) to create
awesome symmetrical patterns. Delve into linear equations, functions, and the famous Pythagorean
Theorem to make smart predictions and use fun tools like tape diagrams and hanger models to solve
real-life puzzles. You'll even step into the shoes of an architect, designing floor plans using scale and
similar triangles, and uncovering the secrets of slope.
Prerequisite: successful completion of 5th grade math or equivalent.
Full Year Course
Geometry
See math in a whole new dimension. Get hands-on with constructions and cool digital tools to explore
amazing transformations – reflections, rotations, and translations – and even prove important ideas
like the Triangle Sum Theorem. Imagine unlocking the secrets of circles or diving into the world of 3D
modeling! Plus, you'll sharpen your problem-solving skills with compound probability. This course is
your launchpad for future adventures in architecture, astronomy, and so much more.
Prerequisite: successful completion of Algebra I or equivalent.
Full Year Course
Algebra I
Become a data detective, using statistical tools and even designing your own creative experiment.
Then, conquer equations and systems, and dive deep into the amazing world of functions – linear,
quadratic, and exponential – learning how they explain everything from growth patterns to surprising
connections. With hands-on activities and innovative tech, you'll see how math models real life and
build a rock-solid foundation for all your future adventures in science, tech, and beyond.
Prerequisite: successful completion of Pre-algebra or equivalent.
Full Year Course
Science
14
USPA Course Catalog | Middle School | Science
COURSES | MIDDLE SCHOOL
Core
Physical Science
Discover the stuff that makes up everything and the forces that make it all happen.
You'll conduct cool experiments to see how substances change (and how they don't!),
then wow everyone with a thrilling class demonstration. Harness the power of thermal
energy by designing and testing your own devices to control heat. Feel the rush as you
explore kinetic and potential energy by creating your own amusement park rides!
Finally, put it all together by building an awesome, intricate Rube Goldberg machine that
shows off your scientific smarts.
Full Year Course | Grade 8
Life Science
Become an explorer in your own backyard. You’ll explore your local ecosystem, uncover
how animal and plant populations thrive, and compare it to big regional biomes. Get
creative by co-authoring a class "book" on endangered species, complete with your own
innovative solutions to protect them! You’ll also explore how our amazing organ systems
work together for movement and trace your unique family history through a genetic
evolution yearbook. This course blends exploration with creativity, inspiring you to
understand and protect our living world.
Full Year Course | Grade 7
Earth Science
Ready for an adventure that’s out of this world – and deep within it? In this course, you’ll
unravel cosmic mysteries, and investigate plate tectonics and natural hazards across
the globe - dreaming up innovative ways to protect communities and proposing
groundbreaking solutions. Then, travel back in time to design a virtual natural history
museum, analyzing rock layers and fossils to trace life's epic story. Explore, create, and
become a pioneer in shaping a sustainable future!
Full Year Course | Grade 6
USPA Course Catalog | Middle School | Science
15
Advisory
Advisory
R.I.S.E
16
USPA Course Catalog | Middle School | Advisory – R.I.S.E
COURSES | MIDDLE SCHOOL
Resilience & Reframing:
Building confidence, self-advocacy, and a growth mindset.
Advisory
Our signature advisory program, called RISE in Middle School, helps students develop
the mindset, habits, and relationships they need to grow, not just academically, but as
capable and confident individuals.
Grades 6, 7 & 8
Identity & Inclusion:
Exploring culture, personal identity and global citizenship.
Self-Care & Social Connection:
Fostering healthy habits, wellbeing, and authentic relationships.
Everyday Leadership & Engagement:
Developing collaboration skills, initiative, and teamwork.
R.I.S.E Stands For:
USPA Course Catalog | Middle School | Advisory - RISE
17
World
Languages
18
USPA Course Catalog | Middle School | World Languages
COURSES | MIDDLE SCHOOL
French
Spanish
Electives
USPA Course Catalog | Middle School | World Languages | French
19
French 1A
Bonjour! Experience the beautiful language and amazing cultures of the French-speaking
world in this course. Quickly learn to have basic conversations and be amazed at how fast
you can read and write in French. Explore diverse climates, chat about your family and
school, and see how life compares across cultures. You’ll also connect with a global
community by writing pen pals in Avignon.
This yearlong middle school course fulfills the first semester of high school French I.
Full Year Course
French 1B
In this course, you’ll master speaking, reading, and writing as you explore the charming
cities and serene countrysides of the French-speaking world. Get ready for fun, practical
projects such as crafting your own delicious menu for a virtual lunch and leading lively
discussions comparing farm life across continents. You'll even create your own
presentations and videos, showcasing your growing skills and your deeper appreciation
for diverse Francophone cultures. Turn your French learning into an unforgettable journey!
This yearlong middle school course fulfills the second semester of high school French I.
Full Year Course
French I
Unlock a new way to express yourself and explore fascinating cultures! In this course,
you'll jump right into the language, learning to speak, read, and write simple French with
confidence. Unleash your creativity with exciting projects like connecting with pen pals in
Avignon, and enjoying a virtual lunch with your classmates. You’ll learn to talk about your
world while exploring important topics like sustainability in Francophone countries. This
course is all about hands-on fun and building a real connection to a new language.
Allons-y (Let's go)! This course earns high school credit for one year of language study.
Full Year Course
USPA Course Catalog | Middle School | World Languages | Spanish
20
Spanish IA
¡Hola! Ready to dive into the exciting sounds and sights of Spanish-speaking cultures?
You'll master greetings and introductions, then explore the amazing traditions of Latin
America and Spain. Get ready for fun, interactive projects: conduct partner interviews,
create personal photo albums, and give virtual home tours – all in Spanish! You'll chat about
your school day, favorite foods, and map out your community. By the end, you’ll have a cool
digital portfolio showcasing your skills and a new understanding of a vibrant global culture.
This yearlong middle school course fulfills the first semester of high school Spanish I.
Full Year Course
Spanish IB
Take your Spanish to the next level and truly connect with new cultures. You'll go beyond
basics, narrating your daily routines with cool reflexive verbs and diving into the exciting
celebrations of Spanish-speaking countries. Imagine describing the latest fashion trends,
navigating a bustling town, planning an amazing trip, or promoting healthy lifestyles – all in
Spanish! From community life to cultural traditions and wellness, you’ll gain the fluency to
express yourself creatively. Show off all you've learned in a personalized portfolio.
Discover how Spanish can enrich your life and open doors you never imagined!
This yearlong middle school course fulfills the second semester of high school Spanish I.
Full Year Course
Spanish I
Jump into the exciting world of Spanish language and culture. This isn't just about words;
it's about discovering new ways to express yourself! You'll master greetings and
introductions, then get creative by crafting digital identity profiles. Learn about the
vibrant traditions of Spanish-speaking countries as you learn to describe your school day
and the important people in your life – even making a digital storyboard and a portrait
book! Imagine designing your ideal home or narrating your dream weekend, all in Spanish.
You'll also explore art, music, and champion causes you care about, culminating in an
awesome cultural showcase. Join us to connect, create, and start your global journey!
This course earns high school credit for one year of language study.
Full Year Course