Curriculum (9-12)

Students at Orono High School engage in four years of English coursework emphasizing rigorous reading, writing, speaking and listening, and thinking.  Orono graduates gain skills in all of these areas and are prepared to thrive in  post-secondary education and careers. Students read whole-class novels, engage in small group literature circles and socratic seminars, and read independently. Cross-curricular content, particularly in the area of social studies, is emphasized. The English Department offers courses emphasizing literature, journalism, humanities, creative writing, public speaking, and photojournalism. Advanced Placement options include Pre-AP along with AP Literature and Composition, AP Language and Composition, and the AP Capstone Diploma courses are available to students.

Please visit the district's Literacy Plan webpages for more information.

Orono High School students have multiple pathways available to meet mathematics course needs and post-secondary interests. Students are well-prepared for any post-secondary experience, but there are rigorous course options for students with particular interests in mathematics, data sciences, and engineering.  Mathematics courses are also complemented by computer science and engineering courses offered through the business and technology departments. Most students enroll in four years of mathematics courses to position them for college admissions and post-secondary success.  Orono High School offers several accelerated mathematics courses including AP Calculus I and II, AP Statistics, and Multivariate Calculus in the senior year.

Orono High School offers a comprehensive science curriculum and courses that prepare students for multiple college and career pathways.  All students take physics and biology in their first two years of high school and have the opportunity to take a variety of electives in their junior and senior years. Electives include chemistry, additional physics and engineering courses, forensic science, astronomy, and human anatomy and physiology.  Advanced Placement (AP) offerings are extensive and include AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, AP Chemistry, and two courses in AP Physics.  Orono graduates are prepared to succeed in any post-secondary environment and possess the foundation to pursue careers in science, engineering, and technology. 

Orono High School students engage in deep learning about civics and government, United States History, and World History along with a plethora of course electives in the senior year. All students take a semester length course in 9th grade devoted to the principles of responsible citizenship and governance that serves as a foundation for their learning and leadership development at the high school level. United States History and World History courses taken in 10th and 11 grade are taught through interdisciplinary methods connected to the high school English curriculum.  Elective courses include debate, anthropology, psychology, contemporary issues, economics, and leadership. Orono High School offers expansive Advanced Placement course in social studies that include AP United States History, AP World History, AP Human Geography, AP Psychology, and AP European History.

Orono High School students have the opportunity to learn and perform in a comprehensive set of arts experiences. Visual arts courses include the media arts, drawing, painting, ceramics, and advanced studio arts courses. Choir and Band each offer a full array of performance-based ensembles in addition to opportunities to perform at school and community events. The performing arts program offers courses in acting, technical theater, and director’s workshop with experiences extended through school plays and musicals. Additional arts electives include Guitar Studio, World Drumming, and Advanced Placement Music Theory. Orono students engage in the arts at high levels and arts education is an essential component of a well-rounded Orono Education.

Orono High School offers comprehensive business and marketing courses and a highly successful DECA program that provides students authentic opportunities to apply business and marketing principles in a competitive environment.  Business and Marketing courses include consumer economics, marketing, accounting, and computer applications and programming.  Through Advanced Placement Computer Science and concurrent college courses students are able to earn college credit and engage in college-level computer applications and accounting coursework.

All Orono High School students take a semester of health and physical education in 9th grade, which fulfills state required course and academic standard requirements.  Students develop knowledge and skills that promote a healthy and active lifestyle, which also serves as the basis for additional physical education elective courses. Those elective courses include team and individual fitness and athletic offerings, Strength Training, and Yoga.  Students at Orono High School also participate in athletics and co-curricular activities at high levels, which is a natural extension of the physical education/health curriculum.

The Technology and Engineering program at Orono High School offers students foundational and advanced courses in applied engineering and technology and digital communications. Students apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills in coding, 3D printing, modeling, robotics, and CNC machinery. Orono High School offers Project Lead the Way courses that are aligned to rigorous post-secondary and industry standards and offer college credit upon completion.  Courses are also offered in the areas of video production, architectural drawing, graphic communications, and website design.  Students develop skills using state of the art software applications and hardware, preparing them for post-secondary experiences and careers.

Orono High School offers three comprehensive language programs in Chinese, German, and Spanish that culminate in the ability to earn college credit through Advanced Placement exams.  Students also have the opportunity to take exams leading to the Minnesota Bilingual Seal of language proficiency.  World languages curriculum and instruction emphasizes both language proficiency and understanding of the cultural elements of each language.  Orono students are prepared to engage and lead in any post-secondary experience and language proficiency and understanding global cultures is integral to that preparation.

Students may come to the media center before, during, and after school to check out books, work on class projects, or receive technology assistance. 

Visit the OHS Media Center Website

Advanced Curriculum

Orono High School offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. Advanced options are available in math, science, English, social studies, and world language.   Beginning in ninth grade, students are encouraged to pursue their passions by selecting courses that match their interests, skills, and abilities. Visit the following Orono High School Counseling webpages for more information: 

• College & Career Planning
• Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
• Post Secondary Enrollment Options

See the current OHS Course Catalog/Registration Guide for detailed descriptions of course offerings.

Counseling and Support 

We recognize the unique needs of gifted and talented learners. The 6-12 Challenge Specialist works in collaboration with the Orono Middle School and Orono High School Counselors to provide a variety of specialized opportunities including: 

• Mentorships 
• Independent Study 
• Credit for Learning 
• College/Career Exploration 
• Test Preparation 
• Modified Scheduling 
• Skill Development (e.g., Mindfulness, Study Skills) 

In addition, the 6-12 Challenge Specialist consults with teachers, administrators, and parents on placement decisions, curriculum, individual student needs, programming and policy, parent appeals and/or concerns. 

Competition and Enrichment 

More than 85% of OHS students participate in one or more athletic and/or co-curricular activities. In the fall of each year, OHS holds an Activity Fair so students can learn about engaging activities, including:

• Art Club
• Book Club
• Chinese Club
• Debate
• DECA 
• Drama Club
• Environmental Science
• Future Medical Professionals
• Math Team 
• Musical
• One-Act Play 
• Quiz Bowl
• Science Team 
• Senior Spartan Experience
• Spartan Speaks Newspaper
• Speech Team 
• Student Business Club
• Student Senate
• Yearbook
• Youth in Action
• Youth in Government

Outcomes

Please see the current Orono High School Profile for highlights of our students' accomplishments.

Contact

Brandy Randall
Orono Challenge Coordinator (6-12)
brandy.randall@orono.k12.mn.us
952-449-8373

PSEO is a program that allows students in grades 10-12 to earn both high school and college credit through enrollment in and successful completion of college-level, nonsectarian courses at eligible participating postsecondary institutions.

Please visit the PSEO webpage to learn more and see your school counselor to discuss this option.