Instructional Programming and Course Overviews

Below is an overview of the instructional programs and curriculum areas offered in the School District of Springfield Township.

Our Approach to Curriculum

Our curriculum is carefully designed and regularly updated to meet student needs.
We follow a continuous cycle to:

Review what is working
Reflect on student learning
Improve and update instruction

Curriculum is not fixed. Course content and materials are reviewed and improved over time to stay current and effective.

Instruction and Materials

Teachers use a mix of resources to support learning, including:

Approved textbooks or primary resources
Teacher-created materials
Assessments to track student progress

New materials are reviewed through the district’s curriculum process to ensure they:

Meet academic standards
Align with district goals
Support student learning

Classroom Instruction

While the district provides a shared curriculum, teachers design lessons at the classroom level.
This allows instruction to:

Meet the needs of different learners
Be age-appropriate
Adjust based on student progress

Navigation

PDE Resource

Standards Aligned System (SAS)
Offers resources and guidance for all subjects taught in Pennsylvania schools.

K-12 Course Overviews by Subject

Advanced Placement (AP)

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are college-level classes for high school students who are ready for a more challenging and fast-paced learning experience.
These courses require strong skills, motivation, and a commitment to learning both in and out of the classroom.

About AP Courses

AP courses follow a curriculum approved by the College Board
They prepare students for the AP exam at the end of the course
Taking the exam is optional, but strongly encouraged
The district covers the cost of AP exams
Students may earn college credit or advanced placement, depending on their scores and the college

AP course offerings may change each year based on student enrollment. Some additional courses may be available through Virtual High School.

AP Course Offerings

Art
- AP Studio Art (2D & 3D)
AP Capstone Program
- AP Seminar (beginning Fall 2026)
- AP Research (beginning Fall 2027)
Computer Science
- AP Computer Science A
- AP Computer Science Principles

English
- AP English Language & Composition
- AP English Literature & Composition
Mathematics
- AP Pre-Calculus
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- AP Calculus AB/BC
AP StatisticsPerforming Arts
- AP Music Theory
Science
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Environmental Science
- AP Physics C: Mechanics
- AP Physics II
- AP Physics Electricity & Magnetism
Social Studies
- AP United States History
- AP Government & Politics
- AP Psychology
World Languages
- AP French Language & Culture
- AP German Language & Culture
- AP Spanish Language & Culture

Visual Arts in SDST

Our Vision

The Springfield Township Visual Arts program provides inclusive and accessible K–12 art education for all students.
Our program is based on:

Culturally responsive teaching
National Visual Arts Standards

Students build skills and creativity through:

2D, 3D, and digital art
Learning about artists from around the world
Exploring both historical and modern art

We help students express ideas, share their work, and explore future opportunities in the arts.

Equity & Inclusion in Art

We believe all students deserve access to high-quality art education.
Our program:

Recognizes barriers that may affect student learning
Values the unique identities of students and teachers
Promotes inclusive and equitable learning experiences

Supporting All Learners

We use flexible teaching strategies to support all students.
Students are given:

Different ways to learn (see, hear, and explore ideas)
Different ways to show what they know (create, present, or explain)
Tools and supports based on individual needs

Our goal is to build a creative community where every student feels valued as an artist.

What Students Learn

Kindergarten–Grade 2

Students:

Explore different art materials and techniques
Learn basic elements like line, color, shape, and form
Practice 2D and 3D art
Begin learning about artists and art styles
Build problem-solving and creativity skills

Lessons connect to subjects like language arts, science, technology and social studies.

Grades 3–5

Students:

Continue working with different materials and techniques
Learn more about art history and modern art
Study elements like color, value, shape, and form
Create more detailed and expressive artwork

Art connects to science, language arts, and social studies.

Middle School (Grades 6–8)

Students:

Expand skills in different art forms
Learn art vocabulary and design concepts
Study color theory, storytelling, and design
Explore connections to math, science, and social studies

Students also develop critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.

High School (Grades 9–12)

Students:

Build advanced skills in areas such as:
- Drawing and painting
- Ceramics and sculpture
- Photography and digital design
- Printmaking, fibers, and more
Learn design principles and composition
Explore global art and contemporary artists

Additional opportunities include:

Portfolio development
Art exhibitions
Field trips and career exploration
Presenting and showcasing artwork

Student Opportunities

Students may participate in:

Annual art exhibitions (local and regional)
Pre-college programs at art schools such as:
- Tyler School of Art
- Moore College of Art & Design
- Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts

Learn More

Future Pathways: Technology, Engineering & Business

Computer Science

Students learn how technology works and how to create with it.
Courses include:

Programming
Robotics
AP Computer Science A
AP Computer Science Principles

Students develop skills in coding, problem-solving, and computational thinking.

Engineering & Design

Students explore how to design, build, and create using technology.
Courses include:

These courses focus on creativity, innovation, and real-world design skills.

Business

Students learn important skills for managing money, starting businesses, and understanding the economy.
Courses include:

Language Arts

The School District of Springfield Township offers a comprehensive K–12 Language Arts program that builds strong reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills.

Elementary School (K–5)

Students build a strong foundation in literacy through reading, writing, and communication.
Courses include:

Students develop skills in:

Reading and comprehension
Writing and grammar
Speaking and listening

Middle School (Grades 6–8)

Students continue to strengthen their literacy skills and begin deeper analysis of texts.
Courses include:

Students focus on:

Analyzing literature and informational texts
Writing for different purposes
Building vocabulary and communication skills

High School (Grades 9–12)

Students develop advanced reading, writing, and critical thinking skills to prepare for college and careers.
Core Courses

Advanced Placement (AP)

AP English Language & Composition
AP English Literature & Composition

Electives

Mathematics

The School District of Springfield Township offers a strong K–12 math program that helps students build problem-solving skills and prepare for future learning.

Elementary Math (K–5)

Students build a strong foundation in math concepts and skills.
Resources include:

Students focus on:

Number sense and operations
Problem-solving and reasoning
Understanding patterns and relationships

Middle School Math (Grades 6–8)

Students deepen their understanding of math and prepare for higher-level courses.
Resources include:

Courses include:

Students develop skills in:

Algebraic thinking
Problem-solving
Mathematical reasoning

High School Math (Grades 9–12)

Students take a range of courses based on their interests and goals.
Core Courses:

Advanced Placement (AP)

Students may take college-level math courses:

AP Pre-Calculus
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB/BC
AP Statistics

Performing Arts

The School District of Springfield Township offers a K–12 Performing Arts program that helps students explore music, theater, and performance.
Students build skills, express creativity, and gain confidence through a variety of performance experiences.

Elementary School (K–5)

Students are introduced to music and performance through hands-on learning.
Courses include:

Students learn:

Basic music skills and concepts
Rhythm, melody, and instruments
Performance and creative expression

Middle School (Grade 6)

Students continue developing music skills and performance experience.
Courses include:

General Music (Grade 6)

Students build:

Musical knowledge and technique
Confidence in performance
Collaboration skills

High School (Grades 9–12)

Students can choose from a wide range of music and theater courses.
Courses include:

Broadway Musical Ensemble
Concert Choir
Mixed Chorus
Symphonic Band
Guitar Lab
Piano & Keyboarding
Music Theory I
Digital Music Production
Theater I
Theater II
AP Music Theory
Introduction to Performing Arts (beginning Fall 2026)

Music Program

Courses include:

Courses by Grade

Students have opportunities to:

Perform in concerts and productions
Develop advanced musical skills
Explore music theory and composition
Participate in group and individual performances

Physical Education & Health

The School District of Springfield Township provides a K–12 Physical Education and Health program that supports student wellness, fitness, and healthy decision-making.

Elementary School (K–5)

Students build healthy habits through movement, play, and basic health education.

Health

Students learn:

Basic health and safety
Personal wellness habits
Social and emotional skills

Physical Education

Students develop:

Motor skills and coordination
Teamwork and cooperation
Physical fitness and activity habits

Middle School (Grades 6–8)

Students continue building fitness and learn more about personal health.

Physical Education

Middle School (Graded 6-8)

Health Courses

Students focus on:

Healthy lifestyle choices
Physical fitness and goal setting
Personal responsibility and well-being

High School (Grades 9–12)

Students choose from a variety of courses that support fitness, wellness, and career exploration.

Physical Education

Specialized Courses

Sports Management / Medicine

Science & STEM

The School District of Springfield Township offers a K–12 Science and STEM program that builds curiosity, problem-solving skills, and scientific understanding.

Elementary School

Enfield (K–2)

Science:
STEM / Technology:

Students explore:

Basic science concepts
Hands-on experiments
Early technology and problem-solving skills

Erdenheim (Grades 3–5)

Science:
- Grade 3
- Grade 4
- Grade 5
STEM / Technology:
- Grade 3
- Grade 4
- Grade 5

Students build:

Scientific thinking and inquiry skills
Understanding of life, physical, and earth sciences
Technology and design skills

Middle School (Grades 6–8)

Science:
- Grade 6
- Grade 7
- Grade 8
STEM / Technology:
- Grade 6
- Grade 7
- Grade 8

Students focus on:

Scientific investigation and experimentation
Applying science to real-world problems
Developing technology and engineering skills

High School (Grades 9–12)

Students can choose from a wide range of science courses based on their interests.

Core & Elective Courses

Advanced Placement (AP)

AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Environmental Science
AP Physics C: Mechanics
AP Physics II
AP Physics Electricity & Magnetism

Social Studies

The School District of Springfield Township offers a K–12 Social Studies program that helps students understand history, government, and the world around them.
Students build skills in critical thinking, research, and understanding different perspectives.

Elementary School

Enfield (K–2)

Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 2

Students learn:

Basic history and community concepts
Citizenship and responsibility
Early geography and cultural awareness

Erdenheim (Grades 3–5)

Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5

Students explore:

Local, national, and world history
Geography and cultures
Government and civic responsibility

Middle School (Grades 6–8)

Students study world history and develop research and inquiry skills.

Grade 6
- World History 1
- Humanities
Grade 7
- World History 2
- Civics
Grade 8
- World History 3
- Deep Dive Inquiry

Students focus on:

Historical thinking and analysis
Understanding governments and societies
Research and project-based learning

High School (Grades 9–12)

Students build a deeper understanding of history, government, and global issues.
Required Courses

Grade 9: Civics
Grade 10: U.S. History 1
Grade 11: U.S. History 2
Grade 12: Global Studies

Electives

History Through Film
Street Law
Economics
Ethnic Studies
African American History
Developmental Psychology
Psychology
Senior Thesis
Sociology

World Languages

The School District of Springfield Township offers world language courses to help students build communication skills and learn about different cultures.

Middle School (Grades 6–8)

Students begin learning a new language and build basic skills in speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
Courses include:

High School (Grades 9–12)

Students continue developing language skills and gain a deeper understanding of culture and global communication.
Languages offered:

Advanced Placement (AP)

Students may take college-level language courses:

AP French Language & Culture
AP German Language & Culture
AP Spanish Language & Culture

Questions?

If you have questions about course content or materials, please contact:

Your child’s teacher
Your child’s school principal
The Office of Teaching and Learning