Below is an outline of the four years of the ARISE High School experience. Year 1:
- Immersion experience at Mills College the summer after eighth grade for ARISE students who are also enrolled in Upward Bound
- Simple block schedule with a Humanities block (including English 1 and a social studies curriculum), a Math/Science block (including an integrated math curriculum with an emphasis on algebra and an integrated science curriculum with an emphasis on biology), and Spanish (for both native and non-native speakers), enhanced by required study hall/tutoring and enrichment activities during the afternoons and on Saturdays
- One five-credit, mid-year, three-week, multi-aged elective course (Intersession)
Year 2:
- Immersion experience at Mills College for ARISE students who are also enrolled in Upward Bound
- Simple block schedule with a Humanities block (including English 2 and a world cultures curriculum), a Math/Science block, and Spanish, enhanced by required study hall/tutoring, enrichment activities and community service during the afternoons and on Saturdays
- Graduation into the upper grades by portfolios emphasizing growth
- One five-credit, mid-year, three-week, multi-aged elective course (Intersession)
Year 3:
- Begins with a required summer experience (eg. Outward Bound course, Summer Search, AFS, etc.)
- All elective courses (mostly semester long) that meet pre-requisites for required competencies (and A-G requirements) and graduation portfolios; while students can choose the particular course and its particular focus, they will have to meet “distribution requirements” that ensure that they are taking a college-prep load and meeting subject graduation requirements
- Extended day and Saturday program includes required test and college preparatory activities, as well as portfolio support sessions
- Required internship
- Judged individualized portfolio presentations towards meeting graduation requirements and competencies
- One five-credit, mid-year, three-week, multi-aged elective course (Intersession)
Year 4:
- Begins with a required summer experience (eg. Outward Bound course, Summer Search, AFS, etc.)
- All elective courses (mostly semester long) that meet pre-requisites for required competencies (and A-G requirements) and graduation portfolios; while students can choose the particular course and its particular focus, they will have to meet “distribution requirements” that ensure that they are taking a college-prep load and meeting subject graduation requirements
- Extended day and Saturday program includes required test and college preparatory activities, as well as portfolio support sessions
- Senior project includes required internship aligned with one or more of the portfolios and competencies necesary for graduation
- Judged individualized portfolio presentations towards meeting graduation requirements (and competencies)
- One five-credit, mid-year, three-week, multi-aged elective course (Intersession)
