Academics

Two Rivers' art courses explore the basic elements of art while helping students gain an understanding of the historical contexts and cultural traditions that influence art. Students are introduced to basic technical skills for drawing, painting, ceramics, and graphic design, then have the opportunity to develop these skills more in courses focused on each medium. Commercial art courses provide experience for students interested in careers in design and visual arts by exploring design foundations, layout for advertising, typography, illustration, and graphic design.

AVID stands for “Advancement Via Individual Determination.” The AVID program targets students in the academic middle who have the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard. AVID places these students on the college track, requiring them to enroll in their school’s toughest courses, such as Honors and Advanced Placement. To support students in the rigorous coursework, AVID helps them learn organizational and study skills, develop critical thinking, learn to ask probing questions, receive academic help from peers and college tutors, and participate in enrichment and motivational activities to make their college dreams reality.

Business Education courses cover a range of skills and subjects that help prepare students to be responsible and capable in the workplace and at home. Students can develop skills in keyboarding and business writing; explore human relations, legal concepts, business ethics and management; practice managing personal finances; and gain training and understanding of various computer programs and systems, including web page design. Courses also aim to help students develop the knowledge and techniques to become wise consumers and effective communicators in both business and personal environments.

English Second Language courses help meet the linguistic, academic and cultural needs of students. The first level helps English Language Learners focus on both English grammar and vocabulary, as well as reading strategies and literacy development. Each consecutive course builds on these skills, further developing writing, listening and speaking skills, while also integrating instruction with mainstream curriculum. Higher-level courses are designed to prepare students to transition out of the ESL program for success in mainstream courses. The department also collaborates with Inver Hills Community College to prepare students for the transition into college. 

Family and Consumer Science programs (FACS) help students build and apply problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking, communications, literacy and math skills. Programs include interpersonal communications, family systems, human development, parenting, resource management, community service, consumerism, housing and interior design, foods and nutrition, textiles and apparel. Students learn to synthesize knowledge from multiple sources, work cooperatively and apply high standards to their lives.

The Language Arts (English) program provides a variety of course offerings in literature, writing, speaking, media and drama. Students gather, synthesize, and evaluate information and ideas, and work to increase higher order thinking skills that cross disciplines. Required courses cover language arts (reading, writing, speaking and listening) American and world literature, composition. Advanced level courses, including Advanced Placement Language and Composition, are available. Electives are offered in acting, creative writing, film studies, and yearbook publishing.

Two Rivers mathematics courses help students develop an understanding of the concepts, methods and applications of numbers, shapes and algebraic relationships. Students learn to use deductive reasoning and logic to solve complex problems. Courses cover several levels of algebra, geometry, statistics and calculus, with Advanced Placement courses available in statistics and calculus. Computer programming and Advanced Placement computer science are also available.

Two Rivers students may participate in Band, Choir or Orchestra. Ensembles are designed to expand students’ skills and knowledge in music literacy, music theory, music history, improvisation, and their playing or singing technique. Performances take place throughout the year. Out-of-school ensembles are available for interested students. Advanced Placement Music Theory is offered as an in-depth study of how music “works,” how it affects the listener, the composer’s intent, and the performer’s choices.

Physical education and health courses help students learn about making lifelong healthy decisions. Physical education courses explore exercise and fitness, strength training techniques, and rules and etiquette of individual and team sports. Health courses cover nutrition; mental, emotional and sexual health; social issues; and more

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college nonsectarian courses at eligible participating postsecondary institutions. Most PSEO courses are offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online. Each participating college or university sets its own admissions requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses. Eleventh and 12th-grade students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis; 10th graders are eligible to enroll in PSEO on a more limited basis (see note below). Students must meet the PSEO residency and eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09. If a school district determines a pupil is not on track to graduate, she/he may continue to participate in PSEO on a term by term basis.

By March 1 of each year, or three weeks prior to the date a student registers for courses for the following school year (whichever is earlier), schools must provide PSEO information to all students in grades 8-11 and their families. To assist the district in planning, a student must inform the district by May 30 of each year of their intent to enroll in postsecondary courses during the following school year.

There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course; however, students may incur fees for equipment that becomes their property when the course or program is completed, textbooks that are not returned to the postsecondary institution according to their policies, or for tuition costs if they do not notify the district by May 30 and the district does not waive this date requirement.

Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for qualifying students to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses. For more information on these funds, access the PSEO Mileage Reimbursement Program Instructions.

Enrolling in a PSEO course does not prohibit a student from participating in activities sponsored by the high school.

School districts must allow a PSEO student reasonable access to the high school building, computers and/or other technology resources during regular school hours to participate in PSEO courses, whether on-line or on campus.

Each year, districts must publish their grade-weighting policy on their website, including a list of courses for which students can earn weighted grades.

All courses taken through the PSEO program must meet graduation requirements. Districts must transcript credits earned in PSEO by a ratio prescribed in statute. Districts have the authority to decide which subject area and standards the PSEO course meets. If there is a dispute between the district and the student regarding the number of credits granted for a particular course, the student may appeal the board's decision to the commissioner. The commissioner's decision regarding the number of credits will be final.

Postsecondary institutions are required to allow PSEO students to enroll in online courses consistent with the institution’s policy regarding postsecondary student enrollment in online courses.

Tenth-grade students may initially enroll in one Career and Technical Education (CTE) PSEO course if they receive a reading proficiency score of “meets” or “exceeds” on the 8^th grade MCA. If 10th graders taking a CTE PSEO course earn at least a grade C in that class, they may take additional postsecondary courses. If the student did not take the MCA in 8^th-grade, another reading assessment accepted by the enrolling postsecondary institution can be substituted. For students with disabilities, there is an alternative option to demonstrate reading proficiency.

For current information about the PSEO program, visit the Minnesota Department of Education’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) webpage.

Two Rivers' broad science offerings help students learn how to use observation, analysis and data to understand the world and its systems. Students develop high-level reasoning and critical thinking skills while conducting hands-on experiments using technology and real-world scientific techniques. Courses cover physical science, biology, chemistry, physics and exercise physiology. Advanced Placement courses in biology, chemistry and physics are offered.  College in the Schools (CIS) is offered in Physics.

Social studies and history courses aim to help students understand cultures, community and governmental institutions, and social science processes. This knowledge is vital for responsible citizenship in a democratic society. Courses cover geography, government and political science, world and United States history, sociology, psychology and economics. Advanced Placement courses are offered in world history and geography, U.S. history, psychology and economics

Students who have communication, learning, cognitive, social, emotional, physical, or other health disabilities may be eligible for Special Education Services. Students who qualify for service will receive a continuum of service based on individual need. This service is determined by the Individual Education Plan (IEP) team and is written in the student’s IEP. Courses cover English, social studies, science, math, individualized instruction, and more.

Two Rivers' technology education courses help students develop skills and learn how to collaborate and apply research and design to solve real-world problems. Classes incorporate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts and processes in four main areas of study: graphic communication incorporates photography and printing; engineering uses the Project Lead the Way program to incorporate hands-on learning; manufacturing covers metals and woodworking; and transportation courses include auto mechanics, small gas engine repair, and super mileage car design.

World language study prepares students with the linguistic and cultural knowledge to better understand and connect with a diverse global community. Courses in French, Spanish and German build competency in reading, writing, speaking and listening, while incorporating cultural traditions, interactions with native speakers, and real-world situations. Advanced “College in the Schools” courses are offered in each language.