AAO Science Courses

Sparking wonder through “kitchen-safe” discovery and observation. Our Science Exploration courses integrate observation, data collection, and scientific vocabulary in an experiment-rich format that sparks wonder and builds confidence. You can select these courses as year-long or semester courses to fit your needs.

• Science Explorations 4/5: A high-engagement introduction to the wonders of the natural world, sparking curiosity through hands-on demonstrations and foundational observations of life and matter.
• Science Explorations 5/6: An upper-elementary bridge that introduces formal scientific inquiry, teaching students how to ask testable questions and document their findings with clarity.

At the 4th–6th grade level, we prioritize “Curiosity Over Memorization.” Our instructors focus on the “wow factor” of the natural world first, which naturally transforms scientific terminology from a chore into a tool for discovery.

Bridging the gap between “general knowledge” and “specialized inquiry” through topic exploration and laboratory investigation. Our Middle School Science tracks—available as full-year surveys or semester-long intensives—integrate scientific reasoning and data analysis and teach a beginning research-driven writing format. Whether exploring the animal kingdom or the laws of energy, students move beyond memorization to master the “why” behind the natural world.

At the middle school level, we prioritize “Inquiry-Based Independence.” By offering modular paths like Zoology or Earth Science, we allow students to follow their specific interests, which naturally builds the self-motivation needed for more rigorous high school laboratory work.

All of our middle school courses offer an asynchronous option.

Bridging the gap between “conceptual understanding” and “academic mastery” through experimentation and quantitative analysis. Our High School Science curriculum integrates mathematical applications, lab reporting, and critical evaluation of complex systems. From foundational Biology to math-intensive Physics and AP® sequences, we prepare students for the analytical demands of university-level STEM and a lifetime of scientific literacy.

• Physical Science (HS Intro to Chemistry & Physics): A strategic high school-level survey designed to build the mathematical and conceptual foundation needed for advanced Chemistry and Physics.
  • Available as a full-year course or by semesters
    • Intro to Chemistry (1st Semester)
    • Intro to Physics (2nd Semester)
  • Asynchronous option available
  • Semester courses are also offered as self-paced courses
    • Intro to Chemistry Self-Paced (either semester)
    • Intro to Physics Self-Paced (either semester)
• Biology (Academic/Honors): The study of life’s complexity, emphasizing cellular processes, genetics, and ecology through robust laboratory investigation.
  • Asynchronous option available
• Chemistry: An exploration of the composition of matter and the changes it undergoes, with pathways ranging from conceptual theory to math-heavy quantitative analysis. We have several courses available.
  • Conceptual Chemistry: This course prioritizes the “how” and “why” of chemical behavior, focusing on real-world applications and visual models of matter without the heavy emphasis on complex algebraic problem-solving. It is ideal for students who want a strong scientific foundation but may still be building their mathematical confidence.
    • Asynchronous option available
  • Chemistry (Academic/Honors): This is a mathematically rigorous, quantitative study of matter that requires a solid grasp of Algebra 1. Students will master stoichiometry, gas laws, and thermodynamics through high-level problem-solving and formal laboratory analysis, providing the necessary preparation for AP® Chemistry or university-level STEM majors.
  • Self-Paced Chemistry: This course is the same as the Chemistry course above, but with no live instruction and at your own pace, with semester deadlines.
• Physics (Academic/Honors): A hands-on engineering-focused approach to the physical world, utilizing mathematics to master the laws of motion, electricity, and magnetism.
  • Asynchronous option available
  • Self-Paced Physics: This course is the same as the Physics course above, but with no live instruction and at your own pace, with semester deadlines.

At the high school level, we prioritize “Analytical Confidence.” Our instructors bridge the gap between complex mathematical theory and real-world application, providing detailed lab feedback that ensures students are fully prepared for the expectations of university-level STEM.

Bridging the gap between “foundational science” and “specialized career paths” through immersive studies in human behavior and forensics. These electives allow students to apply core biological and chemical principles to specific professional fields, fostering a deeper understanding of the world—and the people—around them.

Bridging the gap between “high school honors” and “university-level research” through rigorous, College Board-audited curricula. Our AP® Science tracks challenge students to master complex quantitative data and inquiry-based laboratory investigations, providing the analytical stamina required for competitive STEM degrees and professional research environments.

• AP® Biology: A college-level immersion into the evolution, energetics, and information storage of living systems, requiring advanced analytical inquiry.
  • Three sections of this course are offered.
    • AP Biology—taught by Jodi King
    • AP Biology—taught by Terri Kanner
    • AP Biology Self-Paced
• AP® Chemistry: A rigorous, math-intensive study of chemical equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics, equivalent to a first-year university chemistry sequence.
• AP® Environmental Science: A multi-disciplinary AP® track that explores the scientific principles required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world.
• AP® Psychology: An intensive scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Students explore the ethics and methods of psychological research while mastering the biological, cognitive, and developmental factors that shape the human experience.
  • AP Psychology is often considered the best “Introductory AP®” because it bridges the gap between science and social studies, offering a rigorous but accessible path to earning college credit.
  • AP Psychology Self-Paced is also available
• AP® Physics 1 (Algebra-Based): A college-level, inquiry-based exploration of Newtonian mechanics, work, energy, and power. This course emphasizes deep conceptual understanding and the mathematical “language” of the universe, preparing students for the AP® Exam and future STEM coursework.

Choose the AP® Science Track if your student has mastered foundational Biology or Chemistry and is ready for the pace of a college semester, including extensive independent reading and formal, inquiry-based lab investigations.