Electives & PSEO
General Information
Schaeffer offers elective classes two periods a day for students in grades 7-12. The purpose of electives is to allow study in an area of particular interest beyond the core curriculum.
In addition to electives that are offered on-campus, junior and senior students at Schaeffer Academy may opt out of calculus and/or Physics II and enroll in alternative courses to meet elective graduation credit requirements. The purpose of this option is to encourage students to pursue knowledge in areas where we don't offer coursework. Qualifying students can choose to take courses at Rochester Community & Technological College (RCTC) or other colleges through the Post Secondary Education Option (PSEO). Others do internships during the elective periods. Students must remain enrolled at Schaeffer for a minimum of 5 credits each year.
These electives will be offered on-campus during the coming year.
Offerings:
Yearbook
Yearbook is open to students in grades 9-12. Students learn a variety of skills in yearbook class, from photography to business to layout and design. Students are instructed in each of these areas and expected to contribute to the production of a professional-quality publication. At the end of the school year, this class will have produced a book that showcases our school and features students from all grades.
Senior Internships
Students can design a mentorship/internship for life-experience and learning through a community sponsor for their senior year. This option must be approved in advance by administration. Contact the office for more information.
With the help of an expert in the field of interest, the student will design a plan of action that will expand his or her understanding and knowledge beyond the traditional classroom setting. This allows the student to investigate an area of interest, often related to potential career plans.
Students must complete 60 hours per semester for the internship and are required to keep a log of these hours. The internship may be paid or unpaid but must be substantively relevant to learning something new. Internship hours must be arranged so as not to conflict with the hours for required classes on campus.
A project summarizing the experience must be submitted each semester.
Proposals must include the name and contact information for the internship supervisor and must indicate the name and contact of the school liaison. Students may apply for Mayo Clinic mentorships in various departments.
Studio Art
Many Schaeffer students elect to take Studio Art in the Upper School, producing beautiful artwork in a variety of techniques and styles. As part of the school's emphasis on the permanent things of Truth, Beauty and Goodness, Studio Art is a significant means of conveying these ideas in a visual form. In addition to technique and practice, students also learn art history. The course is available for students in the Upper School (grades 7-12).
Independent Study
Students can pursue independent study with the help of an expert in the field of interest. Independent studies must be approved by administration. Contact the office for more information.
Collaborating with an expert in the field of interest, the student will design a course of reading and projects that will expand his or her understanding and knowledge beyond the traditional classroom content of a survey course.
Proposals must include a general outline of the course plan with the approval of the faculty supervisor.
Independent studies are typically done through a Schaeffer Academy faculty member, but this is not a requirement.
PSEO
Students (typically seniors) at Schaeffer Academy are permitted to opt out of AP Calculus and/or AP Physics C and enroll in alternative courses to meet elective graduation credit requirements. This option is subject to state and college regulations as well as those imposed by Schaeffer and requires administrative approval. Contact the office for more information.
PSEO allows students to enroll in a college class that provides the equivalent of one high school credit.
This option may be used for online or local classes in a wide variety of subject areas.
The student must arrange for a class which does not interfere with his/her ability to be on the Schaeffer Academy campus for all required courses, but may obtain permission to attend class during lunch or elective hours.
The PSEO option can only be used to fulfill elective credits.
AP Physics II
AP Physics is an option for students who are interested in pursuing a career in science or engineering. The class offers a college-level introduction to the laws which govern our universe and includes a series of laboratory experiments which demonstrate first-hand many of those laws.
Students will be encouraged to take the AP Physics B test (given by the College Board) at the end of the year. If the test is successfully completed, college-level course credit may be granted (as determined by the student's college or university). Whether the test is taken or not, it can be very exciting to see how God has designed His universe for us!
Study Hall
Students can take study hall during the elective period. We also provide a guidance period once per week, during which students can receive individual input from teachers for enrichment or help. Chapel takes place during one elective period on Thursdays.