Curriculum

The average class size at SBA is 8 students to 1 teacher, which allows teachers to individualize instruction, classwork, and student supports. The curriculum is designed around the travel of competitive athletes in winter. In the fall and spring, students have additional time in the day to focus on coursework, and in the winter, students take only the required core courses in English, Math, History, Science, and World Languages.

In the winter, students will train on-snow in the mornings and attend classes in the afternoon. Our teachers are experienced in working with students to accommodate their travel and competitive schedule while continuing to make the appropriate academic progress.

Honors Courses

SBA offers honors courses for students in grades 10-12. These courses cover material at a faster pace and meet college introductory course standards. Some colleges may grant college credit for honors courses successfully completed in high school. Students must demonstrate readiness to enroll in honors courses, which is assessed by looking at academic performance, history of timely and comprehensive submission of assignments, and teacher feedback.

Curriculum by Subject Area

  • Our English curriculum is based on a yearly progression designed to develop students’ skills of expression in reading, writing, and speaking through exposure to a diverse range of literature, vocabulary, and grammar. All high school students must complete four years of English. Our course offerings are designed to foster written and oral communication and critical analysis.

  • The offered thematics courses provide a foundation in logical reasoning and problem solving. Three years of mathematics courses are required for graduation, although most students complete four years of mathematics courses at SBA.

  • Our science courses use laboratory spaces and the expansive landscape surrounding our campus to engage in an exploration of the physical world. Our science course progression establishes and then builds on scientific knowledge while exploring and developing new understandings of the physical world in which we live. Three years of science coursework is required, and students interested in a STEM career generally complete four years of science courses.

  • Our history pathway encompasses US History, World History, Human Geography, and Economics and Government. Our history courses equip students with the tools necessary for critically exemining our past and participating in the present as informed citizens of a modern democratic society. Students are required to complete three years of history.

  • Sugar Bowl Academy offers Spanish language courses. Students may complete online courses in an alternate language, if desired. Two years of world languages is required.

  • Our arts courses introduce students to the fundamental principles of visual arts while fostering creativity, self-expression, and technical skills. Through hands-on exploration of various mediums and techniques, students build a strong artistic foundation, develop a deeper appreciation for the arts, and prepare for more advanced arts studies. One year of visual and performing arts coursework is required

  • We offer a wide variety of elective courses across multiple subject areas. Course offerings include Anatomy, Digital Photography, Computer Programming, Philosophy, Social Justice, and World Religions. Students must complete least one year of elective coursework.

  • Student-athletes train with coaches to improve overall strength and conditioning to increase competitiveness.

  • SBA seniors are required to complete a year-long senior project. This project is often a student favorite, as they get to pick the topic and design the project themselves. The senior project is a unique personal journey to develop an in-depth understanding of a particular subject area. Students are required to write a research paper, present before the entire school and document the experience through a portfolio.