Indian River Charter High School

Coordinates: 27°38′01″N 80°27′09″W / 27.633644°N 80.45248°W / 27.633644; -80.45248

Indian River Charter High School (IRCHS) is a co-educational, high school, and charter high school. The school operates under charter from the Indian River County School District.

Features

Founded in 1998, Indian River Charter High School enrolls 650 students in grades 9 through 12. Located on Indian River State College’s Mueller Campus, students are encouraged to participate in dual enrollment. IRCHS has regularly rated an “A” or “B” school by Florida’s School Rating System and has been the highest rated high school in Indian River County for the past ten years. Students shoulder a great deal of responsibility within the school environment, from the open campus, to HomeBase expectations, and participation in community projects such as cultural events, government meetings, and volunteer activities. Each student is expected to follow a seven point behavior contract in order to remain a student at IRCHS. All students, staff and board members participate in an initial drug test with all students and staff participating in ongoing random drug testing throughout the school year.

Curriculum

IRCHS offers four levels of classes designed to challenge students: regular, honors, dual enrollment (DE), and advanced placement (AP). Most students are encouraged to enroll in at least one or two dual-enrollment classes at Indian River State College (IRSC). Students have the opportunity to earn an A.A. Degree, an A.A.S. Degree or work toward completion of a certificate from IRSC. The IRCHS AP Program is beginning its fifth year. The first year, IRCHS offered AP Biology and AP English Language and Composition. IRCHS now offers a full complement of AP courses. All students who take an AP course are required to take the AP exam. All courses taught are authorized by the College Board. AP English Language, AP English Literature, AP European History, AP US History, AP Government, AP Biology, AP Physics B, AP Music Theory *** AP World History, AP Spanish Language,AP Psychology, AP Human Geography, and AP Calculus AB.

Programs

IRCHS offers two specialized programs: a Visual and Performing Arts Program and a Golf Program, in addition to participating in the IRCHS Core Curriculum Program.

Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA): Program provides students with a learning environment to excel in the fine arts. Five artistic disciplines are offered: dance, drama, music-vocal, music-instrumental, and visual arts. Each course of study goes beyond the basic Florida high school graduation requirements. Students must take the required foundational, historical, and theoretical classes germane to their specific discipline.

Theatre Program - IRCHS Theatre believes in the philosophy of The Actors Creed: "I am an evolving actor. I am in a sacred, safe, and supportive space. In this space, I will challenge myself, study humanity, and take risks. To perfect a performance I will perfect my lines. To be the actor I want to be, I will make mistakes. To understand a character, I will understand myself. Only in this dynamic struggle will I find my talent. I am an evolving actor." Course include: Acting I (acting for beginners), Acting II (technique acting), Acting III (studying theatre at the college level), Comprehensive Honors Theatre (audition based, performance troupe), Musical Theatre (audition based) , Musical Theatre Honors (auditions based), Stagecraft, Stagecraft Honors, Production and Design (Costumes, Makeup, Hair), Production and Design (Set and Property Design). IRCHS Theatre is a member of the International Thespian Society and competes annually at Florida State Thespians, where they have won numerous Superior ratings in virtually all categories. IRCHS Theatre has submitted performances to Florida State Thespians "MainStage" three times and has been selected every time to perform at the state festival in Tampa. Students of the theatre department have gone on to study theatre at universities and colleges thought the United States including SCAD, Miami School for the Arts and Marymount. www.irchstheatre.org

Golf: Curriculum focuses on developing skills, etiquette, and improved understanding of golf history and the golf industry. Expectations for on-course behavior are high and instruction is thorough. The program’s partnership with The Links at Pointe West (part of Vero Beach) gives students access to Pointe West’s nine-acre practice facility, including a unique short game area, putting greens, bunkers and expansive grass teeing areas. Students can enroll in various Indian River State College dual enrollment golf course operations classes in Port St. Lucie.

Model United Nations Since 2010, Indian River Charter High School as maintained a MUN (Model United Nations) club that has competed at international, national, and regional conferences. These include CAIMUN (Vancouver), NAIMUN (Washington, DC), MICSUN (Miami), GATORMUN, and KnightMUN. Students have distinguished themselves as Best Delegate, Outstanding Delegate, Honorable Mention, and Best Position Paper.

Grading

Grades are calculated for both a weighted and unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. GPA is cumulative and calculated semi-annually. All AP, dual enrollment and honors courses earn an additional 1.0 point when calculating a weighted GPA.

Extra Curricular Activities (Sports teams included)

IRCHS students have the opportunity to participate (via the county's other high schools - IRCHS tries to accommodations these activities in the student's academic scheduling) in many activities including football, soccer, baseball, golf, Navy JROTC, tennis, lacrosse, track, basketball, and a variety of clubs. Students can participate in any activity if they meet the GPA requirement.

External links

• http://www.irchs.org/
• http://www.irchstheatre.org/
• http://www.indianriverschools.org
• http://www.irsc.edu/