Academics & Course Offerings
Academics & Course Offerings
Find Your Path at Sturgis High School
At Sturgis High School, students have opportunities to build a strong academic foundation while exploring their interests, developing practical skills, and preparing for what comes next. Course offerings range from core academics and Advanced Placement opportunities to fine arts, business, life skills, career exploration, internships, and hands-on learning.
Whether students are preparing for college, entering the workforce, exploring a skilled trade, or still discovering what interests them, their high school experience can be shaped around both graduation requirements and future goals.
Explore What Interests You
Students begin with the core courses needed to earn a diploma, but their schedules can grow into much more. SHS offers opportunities for students to challenge themselves academically, develop creative talents, learn practical skills, explore careers, and gain experience beyond the traditional classroom.
For example, students can progress into Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment opportunities in areas such as English and science, while electives allow them to explore subjects ranging from forensic science and astronomy to creative writing, business, art, music, fitness, and Michigan history.
-
Creativity flourishes through visual arts and performing arts opportunities that allow students to express themselves, build technical skills, and showcase their talents through exhibitions, performances, and productions.
Visual Arts
- Art Survey: Explore the fundamentals of drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, crafts, and art history while discovering a variety of artistic techniques and media. May not be repeated. No prerequisite.
- Drawing: Develop observational drawing skills using a variety of traditional media, with increasing emphasis on technique and artistic expression. May be repeated once at a more advanced level. No prerequisite.
- Painting: Learn the fundamentals of watercolor, acrylic, and tempera painting while exploring color theory and historical painting styles. May be repeated once at a more advanced level. No prerequisite.
- Ceramics: Create hand-built and wheel-thrown pottery while learning glazing techniques and ceramic firing processes. May be repeated once at a more advanced level. No prerequisite.
- Jewelry: Design and create handcrafted jewelry while learning techniques such as sawing, soldering, polishing, casting, and lampwork beadmaking. May be repeated once at a more advanced level. No prerequisite.
- Sculpture: Bring ideas to life through hands-on projects using materials like plaster, wood, and found objects while exploring the principles of three-dimensional design. May not be repeated. No prerequisite.
- Photography: Learn digital photography techniques, composition, lighting, and visual storytelling while developing artistic and technical camera skills. May not be repeated. No prerequisite.
- Textiles, Crafts & Weaving: Discover weaving, basketry, and fiber arts while creating projects with natural and alternative materials that emphasize thoughtful design. May be repeated once at a more advanced level. No prerequisite.
- Digital Imaging: Explore graphic design, photography, and typography using Adobe Creative Cloud applications to create professional-quality digital artwork. Suggested prerequisite: Photography.
- Art Appreciation: Study the history of art from prehistoric times to today through discussions, historical analysis, and occasional hands-on projects, with the opportunity to earn dual enrollment credit. May earn Glen Oaks dual enrollment credit. No prerequisite.
- Video Production (Trojan Vision): Produce school broadcasts and creative video projects while learning video production, editing, and computer graphics. May be repeated with instructor permission. Suggested prerequisite: Photography.
Music
- Symphony Band
- Symphony Orchestra
- Chorale
- Bella Voce
- Music Theory
- Music Appreciation
- Jazz Band