10th Grade

The sophomore year at University School of Milwaukee focuses on service and service learning, as the school works to prepare students as citizens who engage in their local and global communities. In their final year as underclassmen in the Upper School, our 10th graders begin their next step between their transitional freshman year and the start of their journey as upperclassmen in 11th grade. By the end of their sophomore year, students will better understand responsibility, time management, independence, and the impact of their decisions on others.

Although the service work may start during their freshman year, sophomores are required to complete at least 20 hours of community service at three different nonprofit locations by the end of 10th grade. The goal is to give each student an introduction to community service by working in a variety of communities of need within the greater Milwaukee area. Students who show great interest in the 9th grade Community Engagement Program are also invited to join the Distinction in Service Leadership program in their sophomore year.

Students also tend to discover themselves more in 10th grade, showing and desiring more independence overall, and advisors, faculty, and counselors work with both students and their families. This is also typically a year when students begin to explore and take more risks, including the exploration of social-emotional issues, which is why a safe and supportive school environment is so important.

10th Grade Curriculum

Sophomores are encouraged to choose their academic courses mindfully and participate in extracurricular activities wisely, as the curriculum begins to become more challenging for students during this year. In 10th grade, students typically have a maximum of 40 minutes of homework per class meeting, and no homework is assigned over breaks. For Advanced Placement courses, faculty may assign a maximum of 60 minutes of homework per class meeting and also one assignment (60 minutes) over school breaks. There may also be up to three hours of homework over summer vacation for Advanced Placement courses.

English

A student shares his thoughts on a book while his classmates and teacher look on.

All sophomores take English 2
English 2 focuses on honing tenth graders' close reading, critical thinking, and writing skills. Students continue to engage at USM’s Round Table and build upon the skills they learned in English I for developing an intellectual community of learners and leaders. This course emphasizes crafting arguable thesis statements and the development of those statements through the analysis of textual evidence. Students are expected to increase the depth and breadth of their essay writing. In addition, students continue to work on showing more than telling in creative and personal writing assignments. The inclusion of grammar and vocabulary lessons enhances the skills of these developing readers and writers. Through a careful study of a variety of texts and narrative techniques, we explore the relationships between voice and story across multiple genres and important narrative themes.

Fine Arts

Upper School students play the violin during orchestra class.

All sophomores are able to take one or two semesters of Fine Arts classes as part of their four required semesters of Fine Arts. Students may take a full-year course (Chamber Orchestra, Concert Band/Jazz Band, Concert Choir, or Technical Theatre), or one of several semester-long courses:

Ceramics and Pottery 1/2/3
Digital Art
Drawing 1/2
Innovation and Design 1/2
Theatre
Metalsmithing and Jewelry Making
Music Technology 1/2
Music Theory and Composition
Musical Theatre
Painting 1/2
Photography 1/2
Photography and Digital Art Portfolio
Sculpture

History

All sophomores take World Civilization 2
World Civilizations 2 is a required full year course that serves to introduce sophomores to salient features of a common heritage that informs so much of our contemporary social, cultural, political, and intellectual life. World Civilizations 2 emphasizes major developments in modern history, beginning with the Enlightenment. From there, students will learn about the liberal revolutions of the 19th century; the global impact of industrialization and modernization; imperialism, world wars, and totalitarianism; the Cold War and decolonization; and the era of globalization since 1990. Reading, writing, research, discussion, collaboration, and critical thinking skills remain central to this course as we continue to foster the values and skills of learners, leaders, and citizens.

Mathematics

A teacher gives a math lesson using a smart board.

All sophomores take Algebra 2, Geometry, or Geometry-Honors
In Algebra 2, less emphasis will be placed on trigonometry and probability, and a greater emphasis will be placed on developing solid skills, including analyzing functions and various polynomials, solving equations, and systems of equations. In Geometry, as part of the study of visual patterns, formal proof is emphasized with regards to segment and angle relationships, parallel and perpendicular lines, triangle congruency, and properties of quadrilaterals. Students use both inductive and deductive reasoning to study similarity, right triangles and their connection to trigonometry. Circle and arc properties are studied as well, along with area, surface area, and volume. In the honors course, students will begin to transition to pre-calculus through analytic geometry in the second semester.

Science

Upper School students conduct a chemistry lab with help from their teacher.

All sophomores take Chemistry or Chemistry-Honors
The lab-based Chemistry course is designed to help develop critical thinking and analytical skills in chemistry. The emphasis of this class will be on the development of the major concepts of matter and the changes which matter undergoes including: atomic structure, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, and behavior of solutions. Students will develop problem-solving skills through extensive laboratory experimentation. The laboratory component of the course involves students in techniques that are specific to the principles of chemistry. The honors version of this class involves a more rigorous, mathematically oriented study, with emphasis placed on the in-depth study of chemical topics. The laboratory component of the course involves students in techniques that are required by the AP Chemistry curriculum. This course will successfully prepare students to take AP Chemistry. Students in this course will be required to participate in independent science research.

Physical Education

All sophomores take Wellness and Physical Education
The wellness portion of this class incorporates presentations, projects, labs, lectures and discussion. Students are instructed in the area of wellness, which includes physical, mental, and social health. The following subject areas are covered: choosing wellness, mental health, managing stress, nutrition, substance abuse, human sexuality, first aid, and CPR/AED training. The physical education portion of the class includes: fitness development, racket sports, cardiovascular and resistance training, court sports, and outdoor games.

World Languages

Upper School students sit arm-in-arm during Chinese language class.

All modern language courses (Chinese, French, Spanish) at the Novice and Intermediate levels will focus on building oral proficiency skills according to the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language) standards. In addition, students will build proficiency in writing, reading, and listening, and also develop intercultural competency. Units will pertain but not be limited to the six AP themes: Aesthetics and Beauty, Global Challenges, Contemporary Life, Families and Communities, Science and Technology, and Personal and Public Identity. Students may also choose to enroll in Latin 2 in 10th grade if they took Latin 1 in 9th grade.

Computer Science

Innovation

Although there are no required Innovation courses for sophomores, students may take one or more of the following elective courses in 10th grade as part of their academic schedules.

Advanced Robotics 1, 2, 3, 4
Engineering Creative Solutions
House of Technology Lubar Independent Study 1, 2, 3, 4
Innovation Master Class
Intermediate Robotics

College Guidance

During the sophomore year, students learn about national standardized testing, and also how to use career and aptitude interests to inform their college search. All 10th graders take the PSAT during the fall of the sophomore year, and each student’s college counselor works with them and their families to interpret the results and decide on future testing plans. Sophomore students are also introduced to PowerSchool (formerly Naviance) and its robust college search features. More details can be found on the Sophomore Year tab on the College Guidance page.

Electives

Leadership Opportunities and Special Events

Early in the sophomore year, 10th graders take part in two day-long community service retreat days. The purpose of the retreat is to build awareness in our students of the many communities within the greater Milwaukee area and to encourage them to develop their own ideas about community service. These two days offer sophomores the opportunity to see a local organization and serve it and its people, and advising group discussions also allow for the sharing of unique experiences. In addition, the sophomore class works each year to plan Homecoming themes and activities. Leadership roles on the Upper School student council, sophomore class board, and as House captains are available to interested students. Our 10th graders also develop friendships and engage in social activities with our prekindergarten students, including reading sessions and event poster-making for school activities, with the sophomores serving as role models for our youngest learners.

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