Welcome
Thank you for your interest in Pioneer Online Academy’s curriculum!
We offer our innovative, custom curriculum, based on our years of teaching students online, at home, and in the classroom. Our multimedia approach is meticulously designed to help prepare young people for the rigors of college while empowering them to work one day in a wide variety of professional fields.
For years, we’ve helped students succeed, regardless of their educational background, talents, or interests — including those who need flexibility, already work professionally, have homeschooled, travel extensively, face health challenges, or simply could use some extra post-pandemic motivation.
PIONEER ONLINE ACADEMY CURRICULUM
Learn More
Our curriculum is tailored to blend key academic subjects and essential life skills to find success in the 21st Century, ensuring a practical, comprehensive, engaging, and holistic approach to learning. With a focus on college readiness, each unit is strategically crafted to equip students with the knowledge and tools needed for success in higher education.
Research-Based Curriculum and Approaches
Our custom curriculum is the product of decades of preparation, research, and experience. Three major studies of curriculum research — the Nault-Caswell-Brain Analysis of Courses of Study, as well as two predecessors, the Nault-Fischer-Passow Analysis of Courses of Study, and the Caswell-Nault Analysis of Courses of Study — form the basis of our curriculum, just as they described the foundations of excellence in American education.
We also integrated contemporary state and federal educational standards to ensure that credits will be accepted at colleges and universities around the country and the world. Further, we used our extensive experience evaluating what successful high school graduates are expected to have been taught — and remembered — in universities and in the workplace. We also listened to the concerns of young people, including their need to be prepared for the demands and responsibilities of adulthood and facing future, multi-faceted careers, including in emerging fields of endeavor. Finally, we listened to parents’ concerns about what was (and wasn’t) working for them in terms of their children growing up in today’s world.
Our Innovative Approach
Many schools revolve around a one-to-many approach, to “broadcast” what students are expected to learn, in a single time and place. And then they move on. Students who miss something can be left behind. The broadcast model can also ignore students who excel, and who often grow bored at the slow pace of the “lowest common denominator.”
Our approach is student-focused, and flexible, and helps them learn personal responsibility. This means we offer students choices, throughout their coursework, to best suit their own preferred learning styles and interests.
For example, students can their choice of essays, videos, podcasts, and other options for their assignments.
Our experienced, enthusiastic teachers and mentors are available, communicative, and supportive — offering clear, direct, and informative feedback to help students keep on track. What we’ve learned, through years of experience, is that detailed, specific feedback is what students need to succeed.
What We Offer You
From foundational concepts to advanced topics, our curriculum covers a spectrum of subjects designed to challenge and inspire young people today. We allow them to proceed (and finish!) as quickly as they like, to focus on a single subject at a time, or to switch around different subjects to keep themselves interested and engaged.
The only requirement is that they finish their courses within the school year — which is extended to help those who need extra time. We understand the unique needs of homeschooling families, based on our own experiences, and have created a flexible and adaptable program to suit their educational preferences and needs, including the important (and complex) high school years.
On our advanced learning management system, navigating through the unit topics is seamless, allowing students to delve into each subject with ease, whenever and wherever they like.
Extracurriculars
Most states include foreign language studies within their educational standards. At this time, while we do not offer them, we recommend and accept credit for language studies using interactive software, such as Rosetta Stone.
We also accept academic credit for other, formal, extracurricular programs — such as music lessons, athletic training programs, seminary, or other, weekday religious training.
Your Future
We invite you to explore our curriculum, discover the wealth of knowledge it offers, learn from personal feedback from caring instructors and mentors, and embark on a journey that propels you toward academic excellence, college readiness, and a successful life, on every level.
Whether you’re charting your own course through homeschooling, seeking a dynamic online high school experience, or searching for a flexible and convenient approach to education, Pioneer Online Academy is here to guide you every step of the way.
FRESHMAN YEAR 1
ENGLISH 1
- Introduction to Writing Essentials
- Building Strong Sentences
- Punctuation and Paragraphs
- The Writing Process
- Writing for Different Genres
- Literary Interpretation
- Reflecting on Writing
- Creating Lessons for the Future
- Final Thoughts and Course Review
MATH 1
- Introduction to Numbers and Basic Operations
- Algebraic Expressions and Equations
- Geometry Essentials
- Data Analysis and Probability
- Introduction to Calculus Concepts
- Algebra and Polynomial Functions
- Geometry: Analytic Geometry and Trigonometry
- Probability and Statistics
- Further Mathematics and Problem-solving
SCIENCE 1
- Introduction to Science
- Matter and Its Properties
- Chemical Reactions
- Water and Solutions
- Chemistry and Energy
- Atomic Structure and Nonmetals
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Introduction to Earth Science
- Ecology and Environmental Science
HISTORY 1
- Foundations of History and Historical Thinking
- Early Human Societies and the Cradle of Civilization
- Ancient River Valley Civilizations
- Classical Civilizations: Greece and Rome
- Classical Civilizations: China and India
- World Religions and Philosophical Traditions
- Diverse Cultures and Societies of the Ancient World
- The Medieval World: Europe, Islamic Golden Age, and Beyond
- End of the Middle Ages and the Dawn of the Renaissance
HUMANITIES 1
- Significance of the Humanities
- Evaluating Art and the Human Experience
- Mythology and the Classical Era
- The Origin of Philosophy
- Major Movements in Philosophy and Culture
- Theater in Ancient Greece
- Opera, Theater, and Shakespeare
- The Modern Musical
- Reflection
LIFE SKILLS 1
- Introduction to Life Skills
- Web Design and Portfolio
- Study Skills and Time Management
- First Aid and Emergency Preparedness
- Effective Communication and Listening Skills
- Life Stages and Family Dynamics
- Physical Fitness, Health, and Wellness
- Mental Health and Wellness
- Internet Safety and Cybersecurity
JUNIOR YEAR 3
ENGLISH 3
- Introduction
- Writing Online and in the Workplace
- Rhetoric and Persuasive Writing
- Academic Research
- Synthesizing Research
- Essay Preparation
- Essay Revision
MATH 3
- Applied Business Mathematics and Economics
- Math in Computer Science and Engineering
- Advanced Calculus
- Advanced Algebra and Discrete Mathematics
- Advanced Topics in Probability and Statistics
- Mathematics Research
- Advanced Problem-solving and Applications
- Math Review: Years 1-3
- Mathematics Summary Project
SCIENCE 3
- Introduction to Biology
- History of Life on Earth
- Vertebrate Life
- Plant Life and Photosynthesis
- Cellular Biology
- Genetic Engineering and Reproduction
- Human Biology and Behavior
- Environmental Biology
- Disease and Disease Control
HISTORY 3
- World War I: the Great War
- Interwar Years and Totalitarianism
- World War II: Global Conflict
- The Holocaust and Human Rights
- The Cold War: Origins and Early Years
- Decolonization and the Post-colonial World
- The Cold War: Global Impact and Conflicts
- The Fall of Communism and End of the Cold War
- Late 20th Century: Tech, Globalization, and Change
HUMANITIES 3
- The Basics of Music
- Musical Eras
- The Orchestra: Yesterday to Today
- How Music Became an Industry
- The Rise of Rock and Roll
- The 1960s: Global Culture
- The 1970s: Peace and War
- Pop Music: 1980s to Today
- Reflection
LIFE SKILLS 3
- Public Safety, Advanced First Aid, and Emergency Response
- Mental Health and Coping Strategies
- How to Do Positive Things: Problem-solving and Decision-making
- Child Care and Parenting
- Nutrition and Healthy Eating Habits
- How to Cook
- Understanding the Law
- Understanding the Legal System
- How to Be Happy
SOPHOMORE YEAR 2
ENGLISH 2
- Introduction
- Narrative Writing
- Evaluative Writing
- Rhetorical Analysis
- Academic Research
- Academic Writing
- Revision and Reflection
MATH 2
- Geometry: Advanced Topics
- Probability and Statistics: Advanced Topics
- Accounting and Financial Mathematics
- Business Math and Economics
- Math for Computer Science and Engineering
- Advanced Accounting and Finance
- Advanced Business Mathematics and Economics
- Advanced Math for Computer Science and Engineering
- Applied Accounting and Finance
SCIENCE 2
- Weather and Climate
- Water and Its Uses
- Energy Sources
- Light and Optics
- Sound and Acoustics
- Space and Astronomy
- Forces and Mechanics
- Modern Physics
- History of the Universe
HISTORY 2
- The Age of Exploration and Discovery
- Renaissance and Humanism
- Reformation and Religious Wars
- The Rise and Impact of Empires
- Scientific Method, Rational Inquiry, and Enlightenment: Seeing the World Anew
- The Age of Revolution: American and French Revolutions
- The Age of Revolution: Latin America and Beyond
- The Industrial Revolution and Its Global Impact
- Nationalism, Imperialism, and the Road to World War I
HUMANITIES 2
- Art Appreciation
- Ancient Beginnings of Art
- Medieval and Renaissance Eras
- Expressive Movements
- Romantic to Realism
- Modern Art Movements
- Post-modernism and Beyond
- A Global Perspective
- Reflection
LIFE SKILLS 2
- Intermediate First Aid and Safety Measures
- Responsible Driving and Road Safety
- Responsible and Ethical Media Consumption
- Relationship Skills and Conflict Resolution
- Responsible Citizenship and Civic Engagement
- How to Fill Out Forms
- How College Works
- Exploring Career Paths and Goal Setting
- Managing Personal Finances and Investments
SENIOR YEAR 4
ENGLISH 4
- Introduction
- Analyzing Creative Nonfiction
- Analyzing Fictional Short Stories
- Analyzing Poetry
- Analyzing Drama
- Analyzing the Novel
- Thematic Analysis: Rebellion vs Conformity
- Thematic Analysis: Love vs Hate
- Thematic Analysis: Innocence vs Experience
MATH 4
- Advanced Algebra
- Complex Analysis and Real Analysis
- Differential Equations and Mathematical Modeling
- Topology and Geometry
- Advanced Number Theory and Cryptography
- Advanced Mathematical Logic
- Advanced Optimization
- Advanced Mathematical Computing
- Mathematics Capstone Research
SCIENCE 4
- Global Challenges and Scientific Solutions
- Advanced Earth and Space Science
- Advanced Life Sciences
- Philosophy and Ethics in Science
- Science in Society
- Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
- Future of Work and Society
- Working in Science
- Final Review and Life Reflection
HISTORY 4
- Contemporary World Issues and Challenges
- The US: Constitution and Early Republic
- The US: Expansion, Civil War, and Reconstruction
- The US in the 20th Century: World Wars and Depression
- The US: Civil Rights and Social Movements
- America and the World: Post-cold War Era
- Modern American Politics and Society
- Globalization and Its Impact in the 21st Century
- Looking to the Future: Challenges and Opportunities
HUMANITIES 4
- The Art of Storytelling
- Early Film and the Silent Era
- Rise of the Studio System
- The Golden Age of Hollywood
- Fall of the Studios and New Hollywood
- Television vs Film
- The Blockbuster Era
- Modern Media
- Reflection
LIFE SKILLS 4
- Health & Medicine in America
- Advanced Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Social Skills
- Entrepreneurship, Organizational Behavior, and Business Basics
- Financial Literacy for Lower Income Concerns
- Homeownership and Practical Home Maintenance
- Financial Planning and Investment Strategies
- Leadership Skills, Public Service, and Community Engagement
- Capstone Project: Applying Life Skills in Real Life
Please note the course outlines are subject to change without prior notice.