Courses and Curriculum
MS Course Catalog HS Course Catalog
St. Croix Lutheran Academy is fully accredited by the Minnesota Nonpublic School Accrediting Association (MNSAA) as a secondary educational institution and is a member of the Association of Lutheran High Schools and the Minnesota Independent School Forum (MISF).
Nearly sevent percent (70%) of SCLA's high qualified instructors hold advanced degrees in their field. The faculty-to-student ratio is 1 to 13, and average class size is 20.
SCLA students consistently score above the Minnesota state and national averages on the ACT and SAT college placement exams. 95% of SCLA graduates continue their education at the college or university level.
10 AP Courses
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
3 Levels of ESL
15+ Countries
50+ Clubs and Activities
Average SAT 1310
Middle School Courses
Middle School Courses
Grade 6
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Grade 7
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Grade 8
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Middle School STEM Courses
(on a three-year rotation)
Design and Modeling (DM) - Students apply the design process and use modeling software to solve problems.
Automation and Robotics (AR) - Students design robots using mechanisms, program them, and troubleshoot.
Green Architecture (GA) - Students explore principles of construction and home design, integrate components to maximize energy efficiency, and design homes using CAD software.
High School Courses
Grade 11
REQ.
ELECT
All previous plus
- Accounting
- Applied Technologies
- Basic Foods
- Business, Entrepreneurship, and Personal Finance
- Child Development
- AP English Language & Comp.
- Drawing 2
- Sculpture 2
- Ceramics 2
- Digital Media Arts
- AP Calculus AB/BC
- AP Chemistry
- Physics
- AP Physics 2
- AP Psychology
- AP U.S. History
- Spanish 5
- Online College Credit Courses
- PSEO
College Credit in High School
AP Courses
STEM
WHAT IS STEM?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Math. STEM courses and programs have never been more valuable than they are today. Business leaders have been seeking individuals with 21st-century learning capabilities for the past two decades, and STEM is simply another way SCLA can prepare students for careers beyond high school.
HOW IS IT TAUGHT?
Project Lead The Way (PLTW)—the curriculum SCLA uses for some of its STEM courses—uses the Activity-Project-Problem approach. Students use industry tools and technology in hands-on experiences where they develop skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. Problem-solving is the name of the game, and both the PLTW and non-PTLW courses are loaded with it.
WHY IS IT VALUABLE FOR SCLA STUDENTS?
The need for individuals to fill STEM-related careers has exploded, and students explore components of these careers throughout the curriculum. Significant college scholarships are available for STEM-related programs.
WHO CAN TAKE STEM CLASSES AT SCLA?
In grades 6-8, all students take a semester-long STEM class each year. In grades 9-12, STEM classes are offered as electives. Enrollment is limited for each section, so early enrollment is important.
IS THERE A COURSE FEE?
There is no fee for grades 6-8 for the required STEM science courses. In grades 9-12, there is an initial $500 fee for the student’s first course. This fee helps offset costs of technology and materials specifically for these courses.
IS COLLEGE CREDIT AVAILABLE?
High school students can receive transcripted credit for some of the PLTW courses from participating universities (including schools like St. Cloud State University and Minnesota State University-Mankato). There is an additional fee, and certain course requirements may need to be met.
WHAT STEM CLASSES ARE OFFERED AT SCLA?
MIDDLE SCHOOL (three-year rotation)
Design and Modeling (DM) - Students apply the design process and use modeling software to solve problems.
Automation and Robotics (AR) - Students design robots using mechanisms, program them, and troubleshoot.
Green Architecture (GA) - Students explore principles of construction and home design, integrate components to maximize energy efficiency, and design homes using CAD software.
HIGH SCHOOL
Engineering Essentials (EE) - Students will learn foundational concepts of engineering practice. The course provides student opportunities to explore the breadth of engineering career paths and to solve engaging and challenging real-world problems through engineering essentials.
Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) - Students complete hands-on projects through the design process while using 3D modeling software to study engineering concepts and document their work.
(Prerequisite: EE) Offered every other year opposite POE.
Principles of Engineering (POE) - Students explore a broad range of engineering topics including mechanisms, the strength of structures and materials, and automation, while developing skills in problem solving, collaboration, research, and design.
(Prerequisite: EE) Offered every other year opposite IED.
Introduction to Computer Science (ICS) - Students are introduced to the basics of computer science and programming (e.g., data types, logic, algorithms, searching). Societal impacts of computing and technology are also discussed.
Computer Science Principles (CSP) - Students dive more deeply into the concepts covered in ICS, while also covering more advanced topics. The impact of computing on society continues to be discussed. (Prerequisite: ICS)
WILL MORE COURSES BE OFFERED IN THE FUTURE?
As interest (and enrollment) increases, SCLA may offer additional STEM courses.
PSEO/Dual Credit
PSEO
The Post-Secondary Enrollment Option program, also known as PSEO, was created in 1985 as a means to “promote rigorous educational pursuits and provide a wider variety of options for students.” Through PSEO, high school students receive both high school and college/university credit for college or university courses that are completed.
The program is available to students throughout the state of Minnesota. Through PSEO, students may take courses on a college or university campus, via online, or, if available, at their high school.
See the academic dean for details.
