High School (9–12)

The school cannot exist without community. Building on the power of “place-based education,” the ECHS program will foster rich and vibrant experiences and context learning opportunities in the community it actively exists. Challenging the notion of “community” and “community engagement,” students in ECHS will start curricular work in place-based problem solving with organizations, businesses, and individuals working alongside students. As engagement with the local community builds, students will scale to more global challenges. This area of innovation will require new types of collaborations, curricular evolution with educators and partners, and learning paths that engage all members of the community for student discovery. The ECHS approach to a “flipped community” will require learning to be seen as a “shared community asset, with many people creating, preserving, and protecting critical resources.” Students and educators will build visual literacy, collaboration, networking, and flexibility to navigate the learning ecosystem of the community.

The ECHS is taking a stand about the graduates that emerge from its program. Students will learn how to engage in community dialogue and decision-making by making the avenues to voice and activism transparent. As noted in the mission, the goal of ECHS is to create learning opportunities that unite us toward a common humanity.

Being able to negotiate the world of the future and managing complexity takes resilience, reflection, and understanding of one’s self –as a learner, as an agent of transformation, and as a global citizen. The ECHS will build in mechanisms, structures, and opportunities for students to discover their authentic selves, and then design conditions with students to build on their assets while understanding personal areas for growth. Challenging the notion of compartmentalizing learning and being, ECHS will facilitate experiences for students to discover the relationship between self and the world, and how this “marriage” is one that can foster resilience, understanding, and hope when faced with complexity.

Health and well-being will be a cornerstone of the ECHS experience, and for all members of the community. Building on the focus of socio-emotional wellness as a foundation for active learning, ECHS will place considerable focus on physical health and wellness. Partnering with experts in wellness and fitness advisors, ECHS community members will design different ways of achieving routines and schedules to promote health and well-being.

As conditions for innovation continue to increase, ECHS’s ability to add additional hallmarks of innovative practices and endeavors will continue to expand. ECHS will be an organization that actively creates conditions, structures, and capacity for faculty and students to evolve our practices and programming. Conditioning includes spaces that encourage collaboration/innovation, asset surveys to support best work, opportunities to experiment and fail, and continual attention to making “being” work visible to our community.

As we work to prepare our students to be active, engaged, and empathetic citizens of the global community, our program at ECHS will focus on “educating for sustainability” in terms of both content and pedagogy. Our students will focus on the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the ways in which they manifest themselves in the natural world and in our social and economic fabric, and our pedagogy will push students to think critically, creatively, and collaboratively so that they can become effective problem solvers whose decisions will help make life on Earth more sustainable for everyone.

The ECHS Sustainable Pathways will play a significant role in students’ ECS academic career. The intent of these pathways is not for students to declare their career path, but rather to offer students an opportunity to personalize and explore ideas of sustainability through topics they feel most connected with. These interdisciplinary pathways will invite students to approach their classes, work, and co-curricular experiences through a more concentrated lens. Regardless of their chosen pathways, students will approach these experiences with a shared focus on sustainability, including big ideas around global citizenship, equity and justice, systems thinking, and environmental engineering/human-centered design.

During the second semester of their sophomore year, students will select one of the four pathways to focus on for the remainder of their high school career. The variety and overlap of content, courses, and experiences within pathways show students firsthand how interconnected skills, disciplines, and dispositions are both depth and breadth of content. Opportunities for breadth may include college and career exposure, job readiness skills, college-level enrollment, community partnerships, and extracurriculars.

Students will select from the following pathways:

Arts, Music, & Design

Community Development (Business, Finance, & Entrepreneurship)

Health & Wellness

Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)

Students’ chosen pathways will be the basis for their capstone graduation projects. In addition, each student is required to take two semester electives from the approved list for each pathway.

Pathway Electives

One unique graduation requirement for ECHS involves the completion of a “pathway” that will provide a concentrated lens for a student to examine the world. Students will select from one of the following four pathways at the end of their sophomore year, and their chosen area will be the basis for their capstone graduation project. In addition, each student is required to take two semester electives from the approved list for each pathway.

There is no guarantee that all of these classes will have sufficient enrollment each year so students may have to wait for another school year for their preferred class and/or take an alternate course in their chosen pathway. Please note that the notations in parentheses beside each elective indicate the department in which that course is listed.

Mathematics follows a progression of course content from Algebra 1 through Calculus. Students engage with Core Content Standards and Mathematical Practice Standards in a coherent, useful, and logical way to enable them to learn how to make sense of mathematical problems. Students will have the opportunity to progress through to a college level math course (Calculus and/or Statistics) taken in 12th grade. 

Students must earn 3 credits of math coursework by graduation. Each year-long course is the equivalent of 1 credit.

Math Course Progression

At the end of their 8th grade year at Environmental Charter Middle School, students are eligible to take the Algebra I Keystone Exam which is one of Pennsylvania’s three standardized assessments administered at the end of academic courses in high school. In order to graduate, students must pass the Keystone Exam or fulfill the requirements of one of the alternate pathways outlined earlier in this document. In addition, ECHS will use a student’s Keystone Exam results in order to determine math placement. View the Math Course Progression chart here.

View all Mathematics offerings.

• Algebra I

• Geometry I

• Algebra II

• Precalculus

• Calculus

• Math Plus

• Data Science

• Personal Finance

• FLEX Algebra 1

• FLEX Geometry

• FLEX Personal Finance

The Social Studies program at ECHS is a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop students' understanding of historical, social, political, and economic systems while fostering critical thinking and active citizenship. Through a progression of core courses, students explore global and American history, analyzing the causes and effects of key events, historical patterns, and their relevance to contemporary issues. These courses emphasize the importance of primary source analysis, research, and thematic study, helping students connect the past to the present and preparing them to navigate complex societal challenges.

In addition to the core curriculum, a diverse range of electives allows students to delve deeper into specialized topics such as economics, psychology, sociology, and social justice. These courses encourage students to critically examine issues of inequity, cultural diversity, and systemic change while developing empathy and advocacy skills. The Social Studies program inspires students to think deeply about the world around them and empowers them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader global society.

Students must earn 4 credits of social studies coursework by graduation. Each year-long course is the equivalent of 1 credit.

View all Social Studies Course Offerings Here.

Social Studies Course Progression:

• Global Studies 1

• Global Studies 2

• American Studies 1

• American Studies 2

Social Studies Electives:

• Civics

• African-American Studies

• AP African-American Studies

• Economics & Equity

• Psychology

• Racial Literacy & Social Justice

• Sociology

Science content and the application of science across disciplines is a hallmark of the ECS experience. The science program at ECS uses the Science, Technology, Engineering, Environmental Literacy and Sustainability (STEELS) Standards to engage in successful science instruction through content, practices, and crosscutting concepts. Content drives the experience whether it is life science, earth science, physical science, engineering, or a combination of several of these topics. Students use scientific practices, such as asking questions and carrying out investigations, to actively engage in the content. Students act like scientists by taking risks, making mistakes, problem-solving through struggles, and persevering to create evidence-based arguments and solutions. 

Each year, students should be able to demonstrate greater capacity for connecting knowledge across, and between, the life sciences, physical sciences, earth sciences, and engineering design. During grades 9–12, students begin to form deeper connections between concepts and skills learned in grades 6–8, such as applying statistics to scientific questions, evaluating limitations of models, and creating algorithms to solve problems.

Students must earn 3 credits of science coursework by graduation. Each year-long course is the equivalent of 1 credit.

View all Science offerings.

Science Course Progression:

• Biology

• Environmental Science

• Chemistry

• Honors Chemistry

Science Electives:

• Anatomy and Physiology

• Food, Farming, & Sustainability

• Introduction to Engineering

• Wicked Problems in Medical Ethics

• Physics

• Practical Applications of Green Chemistry

• AP Chemistry

The English program at ECHS is a comprehensive curriculum that develops students' critical reading, analytical writing, and effective communication skills while fostering creativity and cultural awareness. Through a progression of core courses, students engage with complex texts, refine their writing abilities, and participate in discussions and projects that emphasize critical thinking and rhetorical analysis. These foundational experiences prepare students to navigate academic, professional, and civic challenges with confidence and insight.

Complementing the core curriculum, a diverse array of electives allows students to explore specialized areas of interest such as creative writing, journalism, and film studies. These courses encourage students to think deeply, express themselves creatively, and examine the intersection of literature and society. The ELA program inspires students to become thoughtful readers, skilled writers, and engaged participants in the world around them.

Students must earn 4 credits of ELA coursework by graduation. Each year-long course is the equivalent of 1 credit.

View all English offerings.

Required English:

• English 1

• English 2

• English 3

• English 4

English Electives:

• English Plus (Intervention)

• Film Studies

• Journalism

• Literature & Social Justice

• Video Production & Filmmaking

• Creative Writing

See all Special ECHS Courses.

• CREW I, II, III, IV

• Global Citizenship I

• Global Citizenship II

• Global Citizenship III

ECHS believes in the importance of holistic wellness, including both health and physical education, and through both required and elective courses, our students will learn important content, skills, and perspectives to promote a healthy lifestyle as they grow into adulthood.  Students must complete two semester classes (1.0 total credits) in this department in order to graduate— including both Physical Education I and Health. View all Health and PE Courses.

Required Health and PE Courses:

• Physical Education 1

• Health

Elective Health and PE Electives:

• Personal Fitness

• Team Sports

• Sports & Society

The World Language program at ECHS teaches students to communicate in a language other than English and to understand the perspectives of different cultures. The sequential courses are designed to help students build language proficiency and fluency in reading, writing, and listening, and speaking.  All students will begin with the first level of their chosen language, unless they arrange to take a placement exam with the appropriate teacher. View all World Language offerings.

Mandarin

Mandarin courses follow the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages with standards organized around the “5 C’s” of learning languages; communication, cultures, connections, comparisons and communities. Students progress through coursework each year beginning with the required Mandarin I course which provides students with the opportunity to become proficient at the novice level in all skill areas: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students acquire skills from reinforcement through practice, conversation, games and authentic tasks. For a student to progress to the next Mandarin level class, a C or above is required in the previous Mandarin course.

• Mandarin 1

• Mandarin 2

• Mandarin 3

Spanish
Spanish courses follow the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages with standards organized around the “5 C’s” of learning languages; communication, cultures, connections, comparisons and communities. Students progress through coursework each year, beginning with the required Spanish I course which provides students with the opportunity to become proficient at the novice level in all skill areas: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students acquire skills from reinforcement through practice, conversation, games and authentic tasks. For a student to progress to the next Spanish level class, a C or above is required in the previous Spanish course.

• Spanish 1

• Spanish 2

• Spanish 3

• AP Spanish 4

The Visual and Performing Arts program at ECHS seeks to enrich students’ lives and to provide them with an important vehicle to communicate their human experience, and build an artistic practice. We believe that the visual and performing arts prepare students to be successful, engaged, and empathetic citizens who think in innovative and creative ways. View all Visual and Performing Arts programs.

• Music Theory (Fundamentals of Music)

• AP Music Theory

• Ensemble

• Introduction to Art

• Music, Society, & Activism

• Music Technology

• Ceramics 1

• Ceramics 2

• Drawing/Painting/Printmaking 1

• Drawing/Painting/Printmaking 2

• Sculpture & 3D Design

• Fiber Arts

• Art, Society, & Activism

This section of the program of studies describes courses which are specifically designed for students receiving support through an IEP and are in need of small-group support.

View all Special Education Courses

• Resource

• Adulting 101

• FLEX English 9, 10, 11, 12

• FLEX Algebra 1

• FLEX Geometry

• FLEX Personal Finance

View all Non-Traditional Academic Experiences Here.

• Internship

• Dual Enrollment

• Dual Enrollment Support

• Job Corps

The ECS Graduation Project is a requirement for graduation that students will complete through their Global Citizenship (formerly Studio) courses. This culminating experience will give students an opportunity to bring their learning to life. With support from their advisor, students will create/design a project which will allow them to authentically engage with their chosen ECS Sustainability Pathway, connect to the pillars of sustainability, and showcase how they have grown into eco-literate citizens.    

Students will need to apply the following competencies for success:

• Critical and Creative Questioning

• Research and Investigation 

• Organization and Managing Timelines

• Incorporating Feedback

• Communicating for Various Audiences

ECHS students have the opportunity to participate in an “Embedded Honors” model starting in 10th grade in which teachers provide highly differentiated and challenging assignments for students who select this option. In 11th and 12th grades, students have the option to take separate advanced coursework – including AP classes and distinct “Honors” courses.

View Advanced Coursework options.

• ECHS is enrolled in the Southwestern Pennsylvania Athletic Association (SWPAA) as well as the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL). ECHS offers a variety of athletic programs, intermural sports, and clubs.

• All students will be provided a Gym Membership to Kingsley’s Association.

• Students can participate in sports/activities at your home school

• View Available After School Programs

ECHS students can join a variety of clubs that meet after school hours. View the available after-school programs.

• All 9th Grade students are eligible for athletics at the beginning of the school year.

• 10th - 12th Grade students are eligible for athletics in the fall if they have passed at least six courses during the previous school year.

• Eligibility for athletics for the latter half of the year is determined by first semester grades as students must be passing at least six courses at this juncture to be eligible.

• Please note that students who are eligible to play a winter sport may lose their eligibility based on semester grades.

Students interested in participating in college athletic programs regulated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) must be certified through their Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse by demonstrating a certain level of academic achievement in high school in order to be eligible to participate in college athletics. Students can obtain more information by visiting the NCAA Clearinghouse Website: www.eligibilitycenter.org/

Prospective athletes and their parents/guardians should work closely with their coaches, the school counselors, and the ECHS administration on this process, and the initial application process needs to be completed during the summer before the senior year.

The current faculty-to-student ratio is 1:6. Learn more and meet the staff!

7:45 a.m. - Earliest students are permitted to enter the building.

7:59 a.m. - One minute "warning" bell

8 a.m. - School start time

3 p.m. - Dismissal (Pick-Up Window 3-3:10 p.m.)

*Half Day Dismissal Time is 11:38 a.m.