New Courses for the 26-27 School Year

We’re excited to continue expanding our curriculum and introducing new classes for the coming year. These offerings are designed to give students more opportunities to explore their interests while preparing them for the next stage of their academic journey. Our guidance team will present course options to students in February and will begin one-on-one appointments in March to help plan for the upcoming school year.

Civics: Grades 10-12 (0.5 Credit)

2026 is the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. In a time of increasing polarization and low voter turnout (especially among 18-24 year olds), the need for intentional, robust civic education is more crucial than ever. The future of our democracy is in the next generation’s hands - we can help them build the skills they need to take on this task. Starting next school year, Rice will be offering a semester-long civics course to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. The course will provide students with a survey of how the United States Government works and how citizens play an integral role in its continued functioning. This course will expand beyond the aspects students learn in US History courses and cover some of the most important topics of our modern governmental system. 

Statistics will now be a full year! Grades 10-12 (1 full credit)

This course will provide an introduction to the principles of statistics. The statistical tools learned throughout this course are applied in the business sector, government sector, and in the academic sector. Students successfully completing this course will leave with an understanding of these basic statistical principles and how to apply them to a variety of relevant situations. Students will also be able to incorporate the tools of statistical analysis into their own decision making processes.

Creative Writing: Grades 9-12 (0.5 Credit)

Creative Writing is a one-semester English elective designed for students who enjoy writing and desire to develop their creative writing skills. It will explore creative writing across many genres, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. 

Catholic Spirituality: Grade 12 (1 credit)

Catholic spirituality has a diverse, multifaceted tradition that encompasses the many charisms of the Church. This course will introduce students to and help them engage with some of the spiritual families within this tradition, such as Carmelite, Ignatian, Benedictine, Franciscan, among others. Each spiritual family envisions a particular and concrete way of living out the Gospel within the interior life. Students will be encouraged to develop their own spiritual lives in the light of these past masters.

We are looking for your input! 

We are looking at adding even more electives!  Mr. Kutsanzira is working on a couple of new semester long course ideas and we are looking for your students' input.  Here are some of the new courses we are considering.  Fill out the google form so we can see what you think! 

• Digital Design and Prototyping
• Aerial Robotics and Drone Systems
• Robotics Engineering and Design

Check out Prestons! 

Rice is a school that values academic rigor and is committed to offering students a rich and challenging program. To expand our offerings, we have partnered with Prestans, an online program built around active learning and strong teacher-student relationships. Prestans offers small, live classes led by experienced educators, providing meaningful engagement and individualized support. This model also offers flexibility for students balancing demanding schedules due to athletics, arts, or other outside commitments, without compromising academic expectations. These courses are at an extra cost, but will count towards graduation credit. If your child is interested in any course, please have your child contact their school counselor.