Course Catalog

KEC Career and Technical Education programs provide students with the academic and technical skills, knowledge, and training necessary to succeed in a future career. Please refer to the Course Descriptions for 2023-24.

2D Studio further develops the skills of drawing and painting using various techniques in a variety of media.

3D studio students will lead exploration through intermediate concepts and processes of 3D art production through various media such as paper, wheel thrown pottery, clay, wood, wire, and plaster. 

This course will cover the accounting procedures and various steps in the accounting cycle for a service business organized as a proprietorship and a merchandising business organized as a corporation.

Advanced 2D Studio is designed for the student who is serious about art and is considering post-high school study or a career in art. 

Advanced 3D Studio is designed for the student who is serious about art and is considering post-high school study or a career in art. 

Advanced chemistry goes further and expands on the topics covered in first year chemistry. This course is modeled like a typical college level general chemistry course. 

Advanced Digital Art Studio is designed for the student who is serious about digital art, graphic design, and/or digital photography and/or is considering a career in one of these fields.

In this course, the student will become familiar with the costs of materials, ordering, costs of production, and determining the selling prices.

This course will develop students’ understanding of the agricultural industry relating to the United States and World marketplace.

The purpose of this course is to help students improve their public speaking abilities. Throughout the course, students will practice and develop various academic and real world presentations while relating them to the agriculture industry and the FFA. Students in this course will gain their speech requirement for graduation while being in an Agriculture environment that they are comfortable with.

Semesters: 1 (this course has a blended option)
Prerequisites: Hands on Skills, Introduction to Horticulture, or BSAA
Credit: 1/2

This mechanics portion of the course will provide students with hands-on activities in arc welding, oxy-acetylene welding, MIG welding, and small gasoline engines.

Students will take the basics that they learned in Ag Mechanics and construction and work with staff and community members to develop products that fit their needs.

Students will participate in a real-world experience during this 18-week course.

Algebra is a traditional course in the college-prep sequence and is designed to give students a solid foundation in mathematics. 

Algebra II is a continuation of the Algebra course and extends those topics to include additional theory relating to the real number system. It formalizes the study of Algebra by expanding problem solving techniques. 

Algebra Momentum Skills is a supported math class that meets later in the day (after Algebra) and is used to reteach concepts, build math skills, and address weaknesses in math. 

AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes—energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions. 

Students combine the disciplines of Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II, and Trigonometry to explore the world around us in a highly conceptual manner. 

The course uses a comparative approach to examine the political structures, policies, and political, economic, and social challenges of six selected countries: China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the United Kingdom. 

AP Computer Science introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world.

This course is designed to engage students in developing two critical skills: 1) becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of rhetorical contexts by a variety of authors from a variety of eras; 2) becoming skilled writers who are capable of composing for a variety of audiences and purposes.

This course is designed to engage students in careful reading and critical analysis of literary works written originally in English from a variety of cultures and eras. 

This course will explore physics concepts and problem solving in greater detail and is the equivalent to a first semester college course in algebra-based physics.

This online course is designed to teach the concepts taught in a college statistics course. Topics covered include data description, the Normal distribution, bivariate data, planning a study, probability, binomials and distributions, inference, and t-distributions. 

This course is designed to prepare students for the AP Portfolio process. An emphasis will be placed on making art as an ongoing process that engages students in informed and critical decision-making.

AP US Government and Politics is an introductory college-level course in US government and politics. 

AP US History is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester introductory college or university US history course.

AP World History is an introductory college-level modern world history course. Students cultivate their understanding of world history from c. 1200 CE to the present.

The Bass Choir is predominately for Tenor, Baritone, and Bass singers. This ensemble will focus primarily on 2-part, 3-part, and 4-part musical selections. 

Biological Science Applications in agriculture-animal, soil, and plant science is a course designed to reinforce and extend student’s understanding of science by associating scientific principles and concepts with relevant applications in agriculture.

This laboratory based course centers on the understanding of the structure, function, and interaction of living organisms.

A basic laboratory oriented science program that centers on the understanding of the structure, function, and interaction of living organisms. 

This is a junior and senior level course that teaches students to use mathematics in the workplace, as well as in one’s personal life. Topics include banking, credit, loans, insurance, budgets, sales, and marketing. 

Careers in Art is an exploration of professions in the working world that require creativity. Professions such as architecture, engineering, tattoo design, fibers, and curation will be explored through hands-on projects, guest speakers, and site visits in each unit of study.

This beginning Ceramics and Sculpture course will take the student through fundamental hand building techniques focusing on both functional and sculptural ceramics. They will be introduced to a variety of concepts in three dimensional art which will lead to a wide range of projects.

Chamber Choir is an advanced level mixed choir selected through vocal and written auditions. Students must have advanced vocal skills and mature musical understanding. 

The Chamber Orchestra is for advanced and experienced players. Students are selected based on a comprehensive audition process. 

Chemistry is a course that helps the student further develop fundamental laboratory techniques, chemistry concepts, and key terminology. 

Each day, we use computers and mobile devices to navigate the World Wide Web. The internet is an essential part of our lives, and our ability to use it and understand it is key to being successful in the digital world.

This course will introduce students Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). Although many students may be familiar with VR & AR through popular gaming platforms, this course will focus on how Augmented and Virtual Reality technology is transforming our lives and the workplace.

Python is a versatile programming language, suitable for projects ranging from small scripts to large systems. This course will provide students with a practical and hands-on introduction to the Python programming language, with a focus on designing classic arcade games to creating applications/projects.

Mobile applications are becoming increasingly important to our consumption of media, news, social interaction, and learning.

This course is designed for the student who is interested in a stronger foundation in math and who wishes to develop the skills required to succeed in an introductory college math course. 

The fall color guard consists of students in grades 9-12. Membership is by invitation or audition only.

Did you know that Microsoft Office is the TOP SKILL employers look for? In today’s ever changing world, we will never have less technology in our lives. 

Concert Band is open to student grades 9-12 with at least 1 year instrumental music background. Instruction focuses on the development of instrumental technique, musical knowledge, and the performance of quality wind and percussion ensemble literature. 

This is an introductory level mixed choir that will continue to improve and build good vocal techniques and music reading skills. Students should have vocal skills training and basic music reading skills. 

The Concert Orchestra is open to all students regardless of grade, ability or experience. The curriculum focuses on reinforcing basic skills and introducing advanced technique, musical knowledge and performance styles.

Consumer Economics is designed to help the student understand the economic system of our nation and how it compares to those of other nations. 

This is a semester course designed for students who are interested in exploring various forms of creative writing: descriptive sketches, short fiction, narration, poetry, and creative non-fiction.

This introductory course provides an opportunity for students to learn about the industry of Food Science. In this class, students will learn how to prepare, store, and properly cook their own food.

This course is designed to aid the student in exploring and understanding different current issues in modern America. 

This is a semester class for experienced dancers that build on the fundamental activities and information provided in Dance Technique (Dance I). This class will engage the students in the development of more technical skills of dance, choreography, staging, and cultural appreciation.

This is a semester class offered both first and second semester. This course engages students in basic dance education and appreciation of dance as a physical activity, art form, and lifetime activity. 

The dance technique teacher assistant program allows Sycamore High School seniors to assist in Sycamore High School Dance Technique classes for one class period during the school day. 

Digital Art Studio I introduces students to the basics of art and technology through the elements of art and principles of design. 

Digital Art Studio II continues with the basics of art and technology through the elements of art and principles of design.

This beginning drawing course provides the art student with the opportunity to build and enhance their drawing skills through the use of pencil, pen and ink, colored pencil and a variety of other media.

Driver Education is taken during a student’s sophomore year. It is offered each quarter with enrollment depending on the student’s date of birth. 

A senior level course that focuses on the study of linear and quadratic functions, inequalities, mathematical induction, binomial theorem, matrices and determinants, logarithmic and exponential functions, complex numbers, and topics in the theory of equations. 

Dual College Senior English counts for both Sycamore High School and Kishwaukee College credit. While staying on SHS’s campus, students will take Kishwaukee College’s English 103 first semester and English 104 second semester of their senior year. 

A senior level course that focuses on the study of trigonometric functions and their graphs, radian measure, equations and identities, logarithms, inverse functions, and applications. 

An introductory course of study of biological science is offered First Semester which combines Biology 103 (lecture) and Biology 105 (lab) from Kishwaukee Community College.

This class will study the social, economic, cultural, political, and constitutional development of the United States. 

Earth science is a course that helps promote understanding and appreciation of the value of earth science and its applications and relevance to our daily lives.       

This one semester elective class is designed as an introduction to microeconomics and macroeconomics.

English I is a one-year, required course which empowers youth to engage life through literacy. Special emphasis is placed on reading comprehension and analysis of both fiction and nonfiction texts. 

English II is a one-year course which focuses on expanding the study of literature, vocabulary, and literary devices. 

English III is a junior-level, full-year course designed to prepare students in the areas of composition, research, interviewing, and business writing skills. 

English IV is a one-semester course designed to engage students in the processes of reading, writing, speaking, and listening in order to help them develop specific skills in preparation for college and careers, as well as to help them see these processes as lifelong, relevant, and enjoyable. 

The English Language Learner class is for students whose primary language is other than English. This class provides intensive reading, writing and speaking of English.

Watershed class is ideal for students interested in research, field biology, or environmental science. This class provides students with a unique experience blending traditional class work with research and online studies

The world of food is ever-changing and more diverse than ever. This class will look at the meals that founded some of our most basic home staples.

Film As Literature is the study and comparative analysis of short and long films, including some based on both classic and modern literature. Units include film history, film genres, film viewing/reading, film as an art form and the language of film.

This course provides a foundation for students to comprehend the language through reading and listening as well as produce the language through speaking and writing.

This course builds upon the mastery of foundational structures and vocabulary from French I. Students will comprehend the language through reading and listening activities as well as produce the language by speaking and writing. 

This optional four-session course is designed to give students extra behind the wheel time in preparation for the regular Driver's Education course taken during a student's sophomore year.

Geometry is a standard course in the traditional college preparation sequence. Students will explore the world around us while developing their spatial, inductive, and deductive reasoning skills. 

This course is designed to meet the needs of struggling math students while fulfilling the state requirements. It is a one-year course that is designed to mirror the content taught in Geometry.

This one semester class is designed to give the student a general overview of the American system of government. 

This introductory course provides an opportunity for students to learn about the industry of manufacturing.

This introductory course provides an opportunity for students to learn how the agricultural industry is organized; its major components; the economic influence of agriculture at state and national levels; and the scope and types of job opportunities in the agricultural field (Agricultural jobs account for 21% of all jobs in Illinois and 22% on the National Level).

Taken in the sophomore year, this health education class is designed to aid a student to understand the facts, concepts, responsibilities, and consequences of poor decision making and generalizations of mental health, personal health, social health, communicable and noncommunicable diseases, drug/alcohol/tobacco use in our society, and human sexuality and life styles.

This course is very similar to 2D Studio I and II; however, it is geared towards students that are considering AP Studio.

This course will engage students in critical reading and both rhetorical and literary analysis of fiction, nonfiction, poetry and drama. 

This course is designed to engage students in careful reading and critical analysis of literary works written originally in English from a variety of cultures and eras.

This course is geared towards students considering Advanced Placement and Dual Credit social studies courses in their academic future.

Hybrid version of Algebra II. This class will meet asynchronously 80% of the time with one in-school class period each Friday.

Algebra II is a continuation of the Algebra course and extends those topics to include additional theory relating to the real number system. 

Students will work independently with individual maintenance staff or principals at schools around the district (5 elementary, 1 MS, and 1 HS).

This independent study program is designed to assist the highly-motivated history student to explore topics of interest in detail. The course will be divided into two nine week segments with the objectives to be set forth by the student and teacher. 

This course is designed to expose students to the dynamic functions of the modern business world. 

This course is designed to develop student interest in the field of horticulture.

This is a junior-level college preparatory course consisting of various approaches to composition and literature with additional attention to vocabulary development which is essential to both pursuits. 

It is essential for a democracy to have well-informed citizens. This class will raise awareness for the laws that protect and restrict you.

Math Foundations is a course designed for the student who is not yet ready for Pre-Algebra. The course will contain a review of the 7th grade mathematics curriculum and emphasize the foundational skills necessary to be successful in Pre-Algebra.

This course offers students an opportunity to develop skills in public relations as they assist their peers, as well as faculty, with resources. 

This class will study both the tragic and fascinating recurring theme in human history: armed conflict.

Mind Body Fitness offers new and exciting ways to learn about your fitness while increasing it! Students will take part in group fitness formats like, but not limited to, Pilates, Step, ZUMBA, Strength (with body bars, dumbbells, exercise bands, etc), Yoga, TABATA, etc.

Music appreciation is designed as a survey of elements of music as well as history of music. The intent is to inform students of the techniques, styles, and forms used in major periods of music history. 

This course is designed to introduce and study the systems that serve as the basis for Western music. The elements of music will be examined in great detail.

This course is designed to teach students the concepts, skills, methods, and processes necessary to explore watercolor, acrylic, and oil painting. 

All percussion students in grades 9-12 will enroll in this class, which is dedicated solely to this unique segment of the Sycamore High School music program. 

The Physical Education Program is offered on a coeducational basis. This program offers an extensive program of activities for students so individual needs and interests are met.

Physical Science is a course designed to introduce students to the basic principles of Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science. 

Physical Science AB is a focused course designed to introduce students to the basic principles of Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science. 

This course is primarily designed to give students a solid foundation in physics which could be applied to their lives or prepare students for further studies in college. 

Pre-Algebra is a freshman level class designed to help students build the foundational skills necessary to be successful in Algebra 1. 

This course provides a foundation for all students who may wish to pursue a future in math and science at the college level. Students will be exposed to a rigorous curriculum that gives students the best chance for success in college mathematics. 

This course will serve as an overview of the major fields within psychology with an emphasis on developing an understanding of psychology as the science of human thought and behavior.

The purpose of this course is to help students improve their public speaking abilities. Throughout the course, students will practice and develop various academic and real-world presentations while using technology to support these presentations. 

Students in Senior Portfolio must have a general understanding of the elements and principles of art upon entry. 

This course is designed for students who plan to pursue further education after high school and fulfill college entrance requirements.

This course is highly recommended for the college-bound student who needs to fulfill college entrance requirements. Students will read and discuss major literary works from a broad range of eras, cultures, and movements. 

This course provides an introduction to social media marketing. It is built around a proven social media planning model that will provide students with an immersive learning experience. 

Sociology is an elective course that studies human society and social behavior. 

This Spanish language arts course is designed for native speaking and heritage speaking students to improve their Spanish literacy skills.

This course provides a foundation for students to comprehend the language through reading and listening as well as produce the language through speaking and writing. 

This course builds upon the mastery of foundational structures and vocabulary from Spanish I. Students will comprehend the language through reading and listening activities as well as produce the language by speaking and writing. 

This course builds upon the mastery of foundational structures and vocabulary from Spanish I and II. Students will comprehend the language through reading and listening activities as well as produce the language by speaking and writing.

This course builds upon the mastery of foundational structures and vocabulary from Spanish I through III. Students will comprehend the language through reading and listening activities as well as produce the language by speaking and writing.

An elective course for students involved in and/or interested in filming and broadcasting various events for the school district outside of regular school hours.

This course will introduce students to the study of statistics through the context of sports. Topics covered will include exploratory data analysis, hypothesis testing, experimental design, and probability. 

This course is for the beginning artist. You do not have to be good at art to take this course. 

Symphonic Band is open by audition only to students grades 9-12 with at least 3 years instrumental music background.

The teacher assistant program allows Sycamore High School seniors to assist in Sycamore elementary and middle school classrooms for one or two hours during the school day. 

The Treble Choir is a select all-female choir focusing on 3 and 4-part accompanied and a cappella literature from a variety of genres. Students must have advanced vocal skills and a solid understanding of music symbols and terms.

TV Broadcasting I is an introductory course covering foundational principles and procedures concerning television production.

TV Production II, III, and IV are year-long courses that provide advanced skills in video production.

US History is the study of the development of social, economic, and political institutions in the United States and includes the relationship of this country to other parts of the world during the 20th century. 

This course  is a  unique blend of the Studio Art and World Cultures curriculums. Students will have the opportunity to explore various cultures through  a blend of social studies strategies as well as visual arts production.

This semester class will provide a unique opportunity to participate in a weight room setting while working on each student’s individually designed weight program.

Students will be learning the basics of welding techniques and metal fabrication such as MIG, TIG, and STICK welding and Plasma cutting,  Oxy-Fuel, and CNC cutting techniques.

World Cultures is a required one year long course that can be taken during a student’s freshman or sophomore year. This class is a people-centered study involving an in-depth look at the world’s major cultures. 

A study of the story or history of many countries, areas, and people with an emphasis on Europe beginning with the Renaissance for the purpose of making real the development of history in relation to mankind and present day trends and influences.