Academic Divisions

Social Studies Department

Social Studies courses at Lake Zurich High School prepare students to become informed, responsible, and engaged citizens. To that end, teaching and learning occurs in engaging and empowering ways that aim to help students develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to address the important issues that they will confront throughout their lives. Students have the opportunity to experience four years of Social Studies courses in geography, the histories, political sciences, economics, behavioral sciences, and current issues.

• All students are required to complete two semesters of World Studies during their freshman year, two semesters of United States History during their junior year, and one semester of Government in their senior year.
• Lake Zurich High School strongly recommends additional Social Studies electives to prepare students for admission to the college or university of their choice upon graduation. Many colleges and universities require three or more credits of Social Studies for admission.
• In accordance with Illinois General Assembly Compiled Statutes (105 ILCS 5/27-3) and Public Act 099-0674, all students must successfully complete a United States Government/Civics course which meets the criteria listed below. These requirements will be met in College Prep, Honors, and AP Government courses at LZHS. If a student elects to take a government/civics course externally, it will only be approved if the course addresses this criteria.
  • Civics course content shall focus on government institutions, the discussion of current and controversial issues, service learning, and simulations of the democratic process (Sec. 27-22).
  • American patriotism and the principles of representative government, as enunciated in the American Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and the proper use and display of the American flag, shall be taught in all public schools and other educational institutions supported or maintained in whole or in part by public funds. No student shall receive a certificate of graduation without passing a satisfactory examination upon such subjects. (105 ILCS 5/27-3)
• Students may take one of the following courses to fulfil the consumer education graduation requirement: Economics Honors or AP Economics
• LZHS Social Studies blended learning course offerings (as defined in the course descriptions below) follow a 3-2 model:
  • Three days of face-to-face instruction
  • Two days of flexible/virtual instruction
  • The teacher may require a student to attend all five days if a greater need for face-to-face instruction arises
  • Students may self-select participation in 4-5 days of face-to-face instruction

RECOMMENDATION FOR PLACEMENT

• LZHS course sequences do not mandate that a student must stay on a given program or pathway throughout one's high school career. With demonstrated effective effort, motivation, and improved performance, a student may engage in a more rigorous course load or change course according to post-secondary goals during the course selection process.
• Recommendation for placement in any core course is based on performance and demonstration of effective effort. Each teacher monitors these two aspects and considers them in making a recommendation of placement for the student for the following year.
• Students, parents and guardians are welcome to contact the teacher or Global Studies Division Head if concern about the recommendation arises.

World Language & Cultures Department

The World Languages & Cultures Department aims to help students develop strong communication skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Our goal is to facilitate learning opportunities to help students learn about different cultures of the language they study, and to create connections between their community and other world communities.

Students are strongly encouraged to study 4-5 years of a World Language during high school as this can enhance their college and career opportunities. Students will be prepared to take the language proficiency exam that may qualify them for the State Seal of Biliteracy.

RECOMMENDATION FOR PLACEMENT

• LZHS course sequences do not mandate that a student must stay on a given program or pathway throughout one's high school career. With demonstrated effective effort, motivation, and improved performance, a student may engage in a more rigorous course load or change course according to post-secondary goals during the course selection process.
• Recommendation for placement in any core course is based on performance and demonstration of effective effort. Each teacher monitors these two aspects and considers them in making a recommendation of placement for the student for the following year.
• Students, parents and guardians are welcome to contact the teacher or Global Studies Division Head if concern about the recommendation arises.

Art + Design Department

The Art + Design program at Lake Zurich High School is designed to prepare students for careers in Art + Design and for lives that are enriched and enhanced through a relationship with Art + Design. Art + Design is an essential and vital part of modern life, touching on every industry and every part of our culture. Students in Art + Design not only learn to make original artwork, but also develop the skills needed to understand, respond to, and connect to Art + Design that we see in the world every day. Careers in architecture, marketing, industrial design, education, fashion, entertainment, and many other areas are enhanced through an understanding of Art + Design.

The Art + Design courses at Lake Zurich High School are organized into three areas of study emphasizing the skills needed to succeed in specific areas of interest. Students have choice to select a single track and follow it from beginning to end, or select different tracks to experience all the areas offered. The most successful and serious Art + Design students will strive to take a full 4-year program with an Art + Design class each semester. The three tracks are: 2-D Drawing & Painting, 3-D Ceramics & Sculpture and Digital Art & Photography. AP Art History is available for continual study.

• One credit is required in a humanities-related field in order to graduate from LZHS. Art + Design is a humanities field.
• Course fees may apply in select Art + Design courses, as indicated in the course descriptions below.

Business Department

The LZHS Business Education Department offers students a broad education in computers, management, marketing, career exploration, communication, accounting, consumer economics, entrepreneurship, and law. Emphasis of the program includes a variety of computer applications, an understanding of business problems, and the development of managerial skills.

• One credit is required in a humanities-related field in order to graduate. Business Education is a humanities field.
• Students may take one of the following courses to fulfil the consumer education graduation requirement: Consumer Education, Consumer Education Honors, INCubatoredu Honors, or ACCELeratoredu Honors
• LZHS Business blended learning courses (as defined in the course descriptions below) follow a 3-2 model:
  • Three days of face-to-face instruction
  • Two days of flexible/virtual instruction
  • The teacher may require a student to attend all five days if a greater need for face-to-face instruction arises
  • Students may self-select participation in 4-5 days of face-to-face instruction

RECOMMENDATION FOR PLACEMENT

• LZHS course sequences do not mandate that a student must stay on a given program or pathway throughout one's high school career. With demonstrated effective effort, motivation, and improved performance, a student may engage in a more rigorous course load or change course according to post-secondary goals during the course selection process.
• Recommendation for placement in any course is based on performance and demonstration of effective effort. Each teacher monitors these two aspects and considers them in making a recommendation of placement for the student for the following year. Please refer to the course descriptions below on specific information related to prerequisites.
• Students, parents and guardians are welcome to contact the teacher or Innovation & Pathways Division Head if concern about the recommendation arises.

FINANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES - ACCOUNTING PATHWAY ENDORSEMENT

LZHS is proud to provide students an opportunity to earn a Career Pathway Endorsement in Finance and Business Services - Accounting from the Illinois State Board of Education.  Below are course offerings which lead to this specific pathway endorsement.  For more information regarding pathway endorsements, please refer to the College & University Partnerships, Dual Credit, & ISBE Career Pathway Endorsements section above.

Engineering Department

The Engineering Department offers students a broad experience by working on design projects that include experience in various professions; including engineering, architecture, robotics, and industrial design. Courses in the Engineering Department are aligned with the International Technology Education Association (ITEA) Standards for Technological Literacy, National Science Education & Teaching Standards (NSES), and the National Council of Teacher of Mathematics (NCTM).

• One credit is required in a humanities-related field for graduation. The courses in the Engineering Department award humanities credit.
• It is recommended that any student interested in pursuing engineering as a career register for Engineering courses.
• Students interested in taking either Principles of Robotics Engineering or Introduction to Engineering are recommended to register for both classes during their freshman year; each course is one semester long. By taking both classes in one school year, students will have completed the prerequisites to move forward in our course sequence and get the most out of what is offered within the Engineering Department here at LZHS.
• LZHS Engineering courses follow a self-paced blended model giving students flexibility in daily attendance based on individual student need. Through this, students demonstrate autonomy while cultivating self-management and responsible decision-making competencies in order to further refine their essential employability skills.

Family & Consumer Sciences Department

At Lake Zurich High School, Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) encompasses the study of relationships among people and their personal environments, focusing on the impact of physical, biological, and social environments on human behavior and development, as well as nutrition throughout your life and making healthy decisions. We strive to prepare students for family life, work life and careers in FACS by providing opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed for:

• Strengthening the well-being of individuals and families across the lifespan
• Becoming responsible citizens and leaders in family, community and work settings
• Promoting optimal nutrition and wellness across the lifespan
• Managing resources to meet the material needs of individuals and families
• Balancing personal, home, family and work lives
• Using critical and creative thinking skills to address problems in diverse family, community & work environments
• Successful life management, employment and career development
• Functioning effectively as providers and consumers of goods and services
• Appreciating human worth and accepting responsibility

Students may take Adult Living to fulfil the consumer education graduation requirement.

Literacy Department

The LZHS Literacy Department provides broad coverage of the texts of English, American and world literature. Through these sequential course offerings, students develop extensive knowledge of literature, progressively develop academic and creative writing skills, as well as enhance their knowledge and use of grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills.

• Every student is required to take four full years of English in order to graduate from Lake Zurich High School.
• Successful completion of English I, II, III, IV or two 0.5 semester courses are mandatory requirements for graduation. The fourth year of English may be completed through specific elective courses offered within the department if taken during the senior year. However, students need to check with their desired college(s) to find out if such elective coursework would be accepted as the fourth year English requirement.
• LZHS Literacy blended learning course offerings (as defined in the course descriptions below) follow a 3-2 model:
  • Three days of face-to-face instruction
  • Two days of flexible/virtual instruction
  • The teacher may require a student to attend all five days if a greater need for face-to-face instruction arises
  • Students may self-select participation in 4-5 days of face-to-face instruction

RECOMMENDATION FOR PLACEMENT

• LZHS course sequences do not mandate that a student must stay on a given program or pathway throughout one's high school career. With demonstrated effective effort, motivation, and improved performance, a student may engage in a more rigorous course load or change course according to post-secondary goals during the course selection process.
• Recommendation for placement in any core course is based on performance and demonstration of effective effort. Each teacher monitors these two aspects and considers them in making a recommendation of placement for the student for the following year.
• Students, parents and guardians are welcome to contact the teacher or Literacy Division Head if concern about the recommendation arises.

Performing Arts Department

DRAMA PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The LZHS Drama Department offers a unique opportunity to develop each student’s potential to its highest level in both the performer and designer realm. As an actor, one can develop their skills in voice, movement, and characterization. As a designer, one can develop their ability to create original designs for a play.

• One credit is required in a humanities-related field in order to graduate from LZHS. Drama is a humanities field.

MUSIC PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The LZHS Music Department offers a unique opportunity to develop each student’s potential to its highest level. Recognizing that students have unique combinations of abilities, needs, and goals, the music curriculum provides a series of learning opportunities that will fulfill both common and individual objectives.

• One credit is required in a humanities-related field in order to graduate from LZHS. Music is a humanities field.
• Many music courses require students to have previous experience. Please refer to the prerequisites listed in the course descriptions below for more information.
• There will be a $50 fee for each enrollment in band, choir, and orchestra.
• College-bound students who aspire to study in a field related to music are recommended to take four full years of music.
• LZHS Music blended learning courses (as defined in the course descriptions below) follow a 4-1 model:
  • Four days of face-to-face instruction
  • One day of flexible/virtual instruction
  • The teacher may require a student to attend all five days if a greater need for face-to-face instruction arises
  • Students may self-select participation in 5 days of face-to-face instruction

Mathematics Department

The Lake Zurich High School Mathematics Department program offers courses in pure and applied mathematics to assist students in their pursuit of intellectual, academic, and career goals. The aim of the department is to provide the student with a sound mathematical foundation.

• All students must take three years of mathematics, one of which must be Algebra, one of which must include geometry content, and one of which may be an Advanced Placement computer science course, in order to graduate from Lake Zurich High School. College-bound students are strongly recommended to take four full years of Mathematics.
• LZHS Mathematics blended learning course offerings (as defined in the course descriptions below) follow a 3-2 model:
  • Three days of face-to-face instruction
  • Two days of flexible/virtual instruction
  • The teacher may require a student to attend all five days if a greater need for face-to-face instruction arises
  • Students may self-select participation in 4-5 days of face-to-face instruction.

RECOMMENDATION FOR PLACEMENT

• LZHS course sequences do not mandate that a student must stay on a given program or pathway throughout one's high school career. With demonstrated effective effort, motivation, and improved performance, a student may engage in a more rigorous course load or change course according to post-secondary goals during the course selection process.
• Recommendation for placement in any core course is based on performance and demonstration of effective effort. Each teacher monitors these two aspects and considers them in making a recommendation of placement for the student for the following year.
• Students, parents and guardians are welcome to contact the teacher or Mathematics & Computer Science Division Head if concern about the recommendation arises.

Physical Education Department

The Lake Zurich Physical Education Department is committed to helping students improve their level of health and fitness by developing life-long skills through a variety of challenging physical activities.

• All Lake Zurich High School students must be enrolled in daily Physical Education, and receive a passing grade for each of those semesters, with one of the semesters being Health Education. A student may also take Physical Education as an elective in addition to their regularly scheduled PE course.
• Junior and Senior students enrolled in Physical Education may select from Lifetime Sports, Personal Fitness, Fitness for Life, Strength Training, Adventure Education, Officiating, and Applied Health and Wellness. Students will register for two PE courses with their counselor during the spring registration period.
• Students may be exempt if they have junior or senior status during the season(s) they are actively participating in an IHSA sanctioned sport. These students will have the choice of taking either Weight Training or Personal Fitness during the course selection process.
  • Students must remain in the building during their exemption period; exempt students will need to scan into an approved resource space while on an athletic exemption. Failure to remain a member in good standing on a team will result in being reinstated into their PE course.
• PE Exemptions may also apply in the following circumstances:
  • To enroll in academic classes which are required for admission to an institution of higher learning, providing that failure to take such classes will result in the pupil being denied admission to the institution of his or her choice (Seniors only).
  • To enroll in academic classes which are required for graduation from high school, provided that failure to take such classes will result in the pupil being unable to graduate (Seniors only).
  • A request is made to be exempt in a marching band program for credit during the marching band season (freshmen through seniors). Exempted students will be placed in study hall.
• LZHS Health & Wellness blended learning courses (as outlined in the course descriptions below) follow a 3-2 model:
  • Three days of face-to-face instruction
  • Two days of flexible/virtual instruction
  • The teacher may require a student to attend all five days if a greater need for face-to-face instruction arises
  • Students may self-select participation in 4-5 days of face-to-face instruction

Science Department

Every student is required to take two full years of Science to graduate from Lake Zurich High School. This requirement consists of one year of a life science and one year of a physical science. In addition, one of these science courses must be classified as a Lab Science. College-bound students are strongly recommended to take three or four full years of science classes including a Physics course. Students who aspire to study in science-related fields are strongly advised to take four full years of Science.

• Students wishing to enroll in a second science should consider the following options: Anatomy and Physiology, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Astronomy, Biology II, Genetics and Society or any appropriate AP Science for which the student has met the prerequisites.
• The Science Department at Lake Zurich High School recommends the following course sequence for those students who are planning an emphasis in the sciences in college or have a strong aptitude in science. Freshmen: Biology Honors, Sophomores: Physical Science Honors or Chemistry Honors, Juniors: Chemistry Honors or AP Physics I, Seniors: AP Physics I, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, or AP Physics C
• LZHS Science blended learning course offerings (as defined in the course descriptions below) follow a 3-2 model:
  • Three days of face-to-face instruction
  • Two days of flexible/virtual instruction
  • The teacher may require a student to attend all five days if a greater need for face-to-face instruction arises
  • Students may self-select participation in 4-5 days of face-to-face instruction

RECOMMENDATION FOR PLACEMENT

• LZHS course sequences do not mandate that a student must stay on a given program or pathway throughout one's high school career. With demonstrated effective effort, motivation, and improved performance, a student may engage in a more rigorous course load or change course according to post-secondary goals during the course selection process.
• Recommendation for placement in any core course is based on performance and demonstration of effective effort. Each teacher monitors these two aspects and considers them in making a recommendation of placement for the student for the following year.
• Students, parents and guardians are welcome to contact the teacher or Science Division Head if concern about the recommendation arises.

Special Education Department

Special Education instruction and services are provided to students with qualifying disabilities as determined in IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Disability eligibility is determined after a comprehensive case study evaluation is completed. This evaluation cannot take place without having obtained parent consent. The components of the case study evaluation are reviewed at an eligibility determination conference that is represented by the multidisciplinary team, appropriate school personnel, student and parents. Through specific criteria, it will be determined if a disability is present and if the disability creates an adverse effect on the student’s ability to participate in a traditional educational program.

If the student is eligible for services, an IEP (Individual Education Plan) meeting will take place in order to develop a written plan of action describing the specially designed instruction and related services needed to meet the individual needs of the student. The IEP describes services, modifications, and accommodations that will be provided for the programs that the student will be involved, as well as progress in the general curriculum.

Students are served in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). Placement and services are provided along a continuum that meets state and federal guideline. The IEP is reviewed at least annually.

The course offerings in Special Education include all core subjects required for graduation and various electives. In addition, some students may benefit from an Academic Skills class wherein they can work with a Learning Behavior Specialist to make progress toward their annual IEP goals. They may also receive some of their related service instruction such as Social Work or Speech and Language within this environment. As with any Special Education class, such determinations are made based on individual student need and IEP team decision-making.

Transition services are an IDEA-mandated Special Education program available to students, ages 18-22, who have met graduation requirements and continue to work toward individual goals. A coordinated set of activities are designed to help students transition from high school to adult life, such as Vocational Training, Independent Living Skills, Transportation Training, Community-Based Training, and Functional Academics Employment/Education. The Lake Zurich Program gives young adults who have completed their high school graduation requirements an opportunity to work on skills they need to succeed in adulthood in the community. Students will spend half their day in the community working on vocational skills across the Lake Zurich/Deer Park community. Some of our local job sites partners include: Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, 5 Below, and Walgreens.