Academics & Course Offerings

Whether students dream of owning a business, pursuing a career in finance, or simply want to build practical life skills, Sturgis High School's Business Department provides hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for success. From accounting and entrepreneurship to technology and personal finance, these courses help students develop valuable workplace and financial literacy skills that can be applied long after graduation. See the course offerings below:

• Introduction to Business: Explore the foundations of business, entrepreneurship, and the global economy while developing an understanding of how businesses operate and succeed. Open to grades 9-12. No prerequisite. 
• Accounting I: Learn the fundamentals of accounting through hands-on simulations and computer applications while building the financial skills needed for business careers. Open to grades 10-12. May fulfill the fourth-year math requirement when taken in 12^th grade. No prerequisite. 
• Accounting II: Expand your accounting knowledge by exploring computerized, corporate, and cost accounting through real-world projects and simulations. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Accounting I with a grade of C or better. May fulfill the fourth-year math requirement when taken in 12^th grade. 
• Advanced Computer Education (CIS 101): Build essential technology skills while learning computer concepts, Microsoft Office, Google applications, email, and workplace productivity tools. Open to grades 9-12. May earn Glen Oaks Community College dual enrollment credit. No prerequisite. 
• Personal Finance & Business Math: Develop real-world money management skills by learning budgeting, taxes, credit, investing, mortgages, and business mathematics to prepare for financial independence. Grade 12 only. May fulfill the fourth-year math requirement. No prerequisite. 

Strong communication skills are essential for success in college, careers, and everyday life. All Sturgis High School students complete English 9, English 10, English 11, and English 12 as part of their graduation requirements, along with at least one English elective that allows them to explore personal interests, advanced academics, or career-focused writing. See the course offerings below:

• English Survey: Explore contemporary literature, nonfiction, poetry, and film while strengthening reading, writing, discussion, and presentation skills. May not be repeated. No prerequisite. 
• Creative Writing: Experiment with fiction, poetry, narrative, and other forms of creative expression while developing your unique writing voice. No prerequisite. 
• Dramatic Literature: Explore plays from a variety of genres while analyzing theatrical literature.
• Multicultural Literature: Study diverse voices and cultures through literature and film.
• Mythology: Discover myths and legends from around the world while exploring their influence on modern storytelling.
• Contemporary Literature & Film: Analyze modern literature and film through discussion, writing, and projects.
• Reflections on War: Examine the human experience of war through literature and media. Prerequisite: Juniors and Seniors only. May be counted as a Social Studies credit if needed. 
• AP English Literature & Composition: Analyze classic and contemporary literature through rigorous college-level reading and writing. Prerequisite: Successful completion of English 11. 
• English Composition 121 (Dual Enrollment): Earn college credit while developing advanced research and academic writing skills. Prerequisite: Placement requirements may be applied. 
• English Composition 122 (Dual Enrollment): Continue building college-level writing and research skills with an emphasis on APA formatting.
• Yearbook: Create the annual yearbook while developing writing, interviewing, photography, and design skills. Prerequisite: Application and instructor permission required. 
• Writing for Publication: Produce the school newspaper while learning journalism, editing, photography, and publication design. Application and instructor permission required. 

Life is full of important decisions, and the Family & Consumer Science Department helps students prepare for them. Through hands-on learning and real-world experiences, students develop practical skills in cooking, nutrition, personal finance, healthy relationships, communication, and independent living that support success both inside and outside the classroom. See the course offerings below:

• Essential Living Skills: Build the practical skills needed for independent living by exploring career readiness, communication, personal finance, nutrition, culinary skills, consumer education, healthy relationships, and workplace success through engaging projects and hands-on activities. Open to grades 9-12. No prerequisite. 
• Creative Cooking: Gain hands-on culinary experience while learning kitchen safety, food preparation techniques, nutrition, and meal planning through a variety of cooking labs. Open to grades 11-12. No prerequisite. 
• Relationships, Marriage, & Parenting: Explore healthy relationships, communication, conflict resolution, parenting, child development, and family life while participating in interactive learning experiences, including the Baby Think It Over infant simulator. No prerequisite. 
• Health (Graduation Requirement): Develop the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about personal health, nutrition, safety, CPR, substance abuse prevention, and overall wellness. Required for graduation. Guardian permission is required for the reproductive health unit. 

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. See the course offerings below:

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: Perform with Sturgis High School's premier wind and percussion ensemble while participating in concerts, festivals, and marching band. May be repeated annually. Participation in Marching Band is required. 
• Symphony Orchestra: Develop advanced instrumental skills through concerts, festivals, and symphony performances in a welcoming ensemble open to beginners and experienced musicians alike. May be repeated annually. No prerequisite. 
• Chorale: Perform a variety of choral music while building vocal technique, music literacy, and performance skills through concerts and festivals. May be repeated annually. No audition required. 
• Bella Voce: Join an advanced treble choir focused on performance, vocal development, and community events. May be repeated annually. Audition required. 
• Music Theory: Study the language of music through notation, harmony, intervals, and composition while creating an original multi-part musical work. Prerequisite: Grade 10-12
• Music Appreciation: Explore the history and evolution of music, musical theatre, and popular music through listening, discussion, projects, and performance analysis. May not be repeated. No prerequisite. 
• Jazz Band: Perform jazz literature while developing improvisation and ensemble skills through rehearsals and festival performances. Audition required and students must be current music department members (except rhythm section). 

Learning a second language opens the door to new cultures, global perspectives, and expanded opportunities for college, careers, and travel. At Sturgis High School, students can study Spanish or German, developing skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing while gaining a deeper appreciation for the history and traditions of other cultures. Students who continue their language studies may also have opportunities to earn Glen Oaks Community College dual enrollment in advanced Spanish courses. See the course offerings below:

Spanish

• Spanish I: Build a foundation in the Spanish language while developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through interactive projects, games, films, and cultural exploration. No prerequisite. 
• Spanish II: Expand your Spanish vocabulary and communication skills through more advanced grammar, conversation, reading, writing, and cultural studies. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish I. 
• Spanish III: Strengthen conversational fluency and written communication while exploring advanced grammar and the contemporary cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. Prerequisite: C or better in Spanish II. May be taken for Glen Oaks Community College dual enrollment credit. 
• Spanish IV: Advance your language proficiency through immersive communication, advanced grammar, writing, and in-depth exploration of Hispanic cultures. Prerequisite: C or better in Spanish III. May be taken for Glen Oaks Community College dual enrollment credit. 
• Spanish V: Develop advanced fluency through literature, writing, and spontaneous conversation conducted entirely in Spanish. Prerequisite: B or better in Spanish IV. Offered as enrollment allows. 

German

• German I: Learn the fundamentals of the German language while building listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar skills through projects, presentations, and cultural exploration. No prerequisite.  
• German II: Continue developing German language proficiency by strengthening communication, reading, writing, listening, and cultural understanding. Prerequisite: Successful completion of German I. 
• German III: Build conversational fluency and writing skills while expanding your understanding of German language, history, and culture through immersive classroom experiences. Prerequisite: C or better in German II. May be taken for Glen Oaks Community College dual enrollment credit. Offered as enrollment allows. 
• German IV: Refine advanced language skills through independent reading, writing, listening, vocabulary development, and conversational practice in German. Prerequisite: C or better in German III. May be taken for Glen Oaks Community College dual enrollment credit. Offered as enrollment allows. 

Mathematics at Sturgis High School equips students with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills needed for success in college, careers, and everyday life. Students build a strong mathematical foundation through required coursework before choosing advanced and specialized courses that align with their future goals, whether in business, engineering, science, healthcare, or other fields. All students complete Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and one additional senior-year mathematics course to meet graduation requirements. See the course offerings below:

• Pre-Calculus: Strengthen algebraic, geometric, trigonometric, and function-based skills while preparing for college-level mathematics and technical fields. Prerequisite: C+ or better in Algebra II or instructor permission.
• AP Calculus: Experience college-level calculus while studying differentiation, integration, and their applications in preparation for the AP Calculus AB Exam. Prerequisite: C+ or better in Pre-Calculus or instructor permission.
• AP Statistics: Study college-level statistics by exploring data analysis, probability, study design, and statistical reasoning in preparation for the AP Statistics Exam. Avaliable online only. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra II. 
• Probability & Statistics: Apply mathematics to real-world situations while studying probability, statistics, financial literacy, graph theory, and voting methods. Prerequisite: D+ or better in Algebra II or instructor permission.

Additional Mathematics Options

Students may also satisfy their fourth-year mathematics requirement by enrolling in select business courses, including Accounting I, Accouting II, and Personal Finance & Business Math. Visit the Business section to learn more about these course offerings. 

Physical education at Sturgis High School is about more than participating in sports—it's about building lifelong habits that promote health, fitness, teamwork, and personal wellness. Students begin with foundational physical education before exploring elective courses that develop strength, fitness, athletic performance, outdoor recreation, and sports medicine. See the course offerings below:

• Physical Education (Graduation Requirement): Build a foundation for lifelong health and wellness while participating in a variety of individual and team activities, including swimming, pickleball, volleyball, basketball, soccer, tennis, and fitness training. Required for graduation. This course is a prerequisite for all upper-level physical education courses. 
• Physical Fitness (Graduation Requirement): Take your fitness to the next level through advanced physical conditioning, team activities, and wellness-focused instruction designed to promote lifelong healthy habits. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Physical Education. 
• Life Sports & Fitness: Discover a variety of recreational and lifetime fitness activities including yoga, golf, bowling, kayaking, skiing, horseback riding, and more while developing healthy habits that extend beyond high school. Open to grades 10-12. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the required Physical Education course. Some activities require a course fee. 
• Human Performance: Develop strength, conditioning, and sport-specific performance through individualized training programs while learning exercise science, sports nutrition, and injury prevention. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the required Physical Education course.
• Women’s Human Performance: Participate in individualized fitness and strength training designed to support personal wellness goals while learning exercise principles and sports nutrition. Open to grades 10-12. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the required Physical Education course. 
• Women’s Health & Fitness: Explore fitness, nutrition, stress management, self-defense, and women's health topics while participating in a variety of recreational and wellness activities. Open to grades 10-12. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the required Physical Education course. Some activities may require a course fee. 
• Officiating: Learn the rules, mechanics, and responsibilities of officiating multiple sports while preparing for MHSAA registration opportunities. Prerequisite: Students must be 16 years old due to MHSAA requirements. Registration fees apply.
• Athletic Training Seminar: Gain hands-on experience in sports medicine by assisting with athletic training, injury prevention, and clinical experiences under the guidance of the school's athletic training program. Prerequisite: Member in good standing of the SHS Student Athletic Trainer Program. Instructor approval required. 
• Athletic Training Internship: Explore a future in sports medicine through classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experiences focused on anatomy, injury assessment, rehabilitation, and athletic healthcare. Prerequisite: Member of the SHS Athletic Training Program. 

Science helps students understand the world through observation, experimentation, and discovery. At Sturgis High School, students build a strong scientific foundation through required Biology, Chemistry, and Physics courses before expanding their interests with electives in fields such as anatomy, astronomy, forensic science, and Advanced Placement sciences. Whether preparing for college, healthcare, engineering, or another STEM career, students have opportunities to explore science beyond the classroom. See the course offerings below:

• Anatomy & Physiology: Study the structure and function of the human body while exploring body systems, health, and medical concepts through laboratory activities and investigations. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry. 
• Astronomy: Explore the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the universe while learning about space exploration and modern astronomical discoveries. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology. 
• Forensic Science I: Apply biology, chemistry, and physics to criminal investigations while examining evidence collection, laboratory analysis, and crime scene investigation techniques. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry. 
• Forensic Science II: Build on foundational forensic science skills by exploring advanced investigative techniques and laboratory procedures used in criminal justice. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Forensic Science II. 
• AP Biology: Experience college-level biology through the study of cellular processes, genetics, ecology, evolution, and scientific inquiry in preparation for the AP Biology Exam. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry. 
• AP Chemistry: Investigate advanced chemical principles, laboratory techniques, and quantitative analysis through a rigorous college-level curriculum. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chemistry and Algebra II or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II. 
• AP Physics: Study calculus-based and algebra-based physics concepts through college-level coursework focused on mechanics, energy, electricity, and scientific problem-solving. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Physics and Algebra II or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II. 

Social studies helps students understand the people, events, governments, and ideas that have shaped the world around them. All Sturgis High School students complete U.S. History, World History, Government, and Economics as part of their graduation requirements, while elective and advanced courses allow students to explore areas such as sociology, law, global issues, Michigan history, and Advanced Placement coursework in greater depth. See the course offerings below:

• AP Government & Politics: Explore the structure and operation of the United States government through college-level study of political institutions, events, and practices while preparing for the AP exam. May satisfy the required Government credit. 
• AP U.S. History: Examine American history through college-level reading, writing, document analysis, and historical interpretation from exploration through the present. 
• Psychology: Explore human behavior, learning, stress, mental health, and psychological theories through discussion, hands-on activities, and college-level readings.
• Sociology: Study how people interact within groups and societies while exploring culture, social change, institutions, diversity, and current global issues. 
• American Constitutional Law: Explore the U.S. Constitution, judicial review, federalism, civil liberties, equal protection, and the development of America's political and legal systems. 
• Global Issues: Investigate current world issues such as human rights, international relations, conflict resolution, democracy, and the environment through a comparative global perspective.
• Western Civilizations: Explore the political, economic, social, and cultural developments that shaped Western civilization from ancient societies through the Reformation and Wars of Religion. 
• Michigan History: Discover Michigan's development from its earliest history through statehood and industrial growth while exploring its geography, natural resources, and changing communities.
• Reflections on War: Examine the experiences and consequences of war through literature and other media while strengthening reading, writing, speaking, and analytical skills. Open to juniors and seniors. May count as an English credit if needed.