Curriculum

Where academic excellence meets holistic growth.

Our meticulously designed curriculum fosters a dynamic learning environment that empowers students to thrive intellectually, emotionally, and socially. With a commitment to personalized learning and a comprehensive approach to education, Marian cultivates future-ready graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to navigate a rapidly evolving world.

Course Description Book
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Course Description Book

Departments & Graduation Requirements

Theology - 4 Credits

The Theology Department seeks to educate young women in an environment permeated by Gospel values of love, compassion, justice, reconciliation and concern for the poor and vulnerable. Students are encouraged to integrate essential elements of the Catholic faith, develop critical thinking skills, and recognize and articulate their faith experience. The theology curriculum, grounded in the liberating mission of Jesus, is designed to maximize the spiritual, intellectual and personal growth of the student; classes are designed to lead to an internalization of the teachings of Jesus, a personal relationship with God, trust in the wisdom of the Spirit and a clear understanding of what it means to live as a person of faith.

Theology Course Paths

Grade	Required Courses
9	Introduction to Catholicism
10	1 Semester: The Mission of Jesus Christ (The Paschal Mystery) 1 Semester: The Church and Sacraments
11	1 Semester: Life in Jesus Christ 1 Semester: Sacraments as Privileged Encounters with Jesus Christ (Class of 2026, 2027 requirement only). (Beginning with Class of 2028: Theology Course)
12	1 Semester: Catholic Social Teaching 1 Semester: Theology Course

Graduation Requirements

Completion of four credits according to the chart above.

Theology Courses

Fulfill Theology Course Requirement

Living the Christian Life
Women of Faith
World Religions

Beyond the Classroom

At Marian, faith isn't confined to textbooks – it's a journey of encounter and response.

Explore Marian's Faith Life

English - 4 Credits (Over 4 Years)

The English Department believes that literature is a window into the vastness of human experience, and that solid writing is an indispensable skill in both personal and professional expression.

The study of English includes knowledge of the language itself, development of its use as a means of communication and appreciation of its artistry as expressed in literature. The use of English involves skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and observing. The development of these skills is a lifelong process.

English Course Paths

Grade	College Prep Program	Honors Program
9	English 9	Honors English 9
10	United States Experience in Literature and Writing	Honors United States Experience in Literature and Writing
11	1 Semester Expository Writing 1 Semester Literature Course	2 Semesters AP Language and Composition OR 1 Semester Advanced Writing 1 Semester Honors British Literature or 1 Semester Literature Course
12	1 Semester Advanced Writing 1 Semester Literature Course	2 Semesters AP Literature and Composition OR 2 Semesters of Literature Courses (if student has already taken Advanced Writing or AP Language and Composition)

Graduation Requirements

Four full years that include completion of the following:

Grade 9: Full year course (1 credit)
Grade 10: Full year course (1 credit)
Grade 11: One semester in writing (1/2 credit) and one semester in literature (1/2 credit) OR full year AP Lang/Composition (1 credit)
Grade 12: One semester in writing (1/2 credit) and one semester in literature (1/2 credit) OR full year AP Lit/Composition (1 credit)

Literature Courses

Fulfill Literature Course Requirement

20th Century Literature
African American Literature
Mythology
Women in Literature
Honors British Literature

Optional Electives

Fulfill General Elective Requirement

Yearbook The Marian Way

Science - 3 Credits

The Science Department incorporates Next Generation Science Standards into all courses to increase science and engineering practices, cross cutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas. A variety of opportunities to practice these concepts are presented to accommodate diverse learning styles and levels of knowledge. Qualified students may elect to take more than one science class at a time.

Please note that all honors science courses carry an honors math co-requisite.
For the 2025-2026 school year, a move-up test will be offered for Honors
Chemistry and Honors Physics. Impact of concurrent enrollments should be
considered when changing classes that are included in the co-requisite structure.

Science Course Paths

Grade	Fundamental Program	College Prep Program	Honors Program
9	Biology	Biology	Honors Biology
10	Principles of Chemistry	Chemistry	Honors Chemistry
11 or 12	Physics	Physics	Honors Physics OR AP Physics

Graduation Requirements

Grade 9: Biology or Honors Biology
Grade 10: Principles of Chemistry, Chemistry, or Honors Chemistry
Grade 11 or 12: Physics, Honors Physics, or AP Physics

All levels of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics are NCAA eligible.

Optional Electives

Fulfill General Elective Requirement Only

Anatomy & Physiology I (10,11,12)
Anatomy & Physiology II (10,11,12)
Astronomy
Earth Science (11,12)
Environmental Science I (10,11,12)
Forensic Science (11,12)
Genetics (10,11,12)
Microbiology (10,11,12)
AP Biology (11,12)
AP Chemistry (11,12)
Honors Physics (11,12)
AP Physics (11,12)
AP Physics 2 (12)

Beyond the Classroom

Marian offers a wide variety of STEM-focused co-curricular activities beyond the classroom, including Marian Medical Club, FIRST Robotics, and National STEM Honors Society.

Explore Co-Curriculars

Mathematics - 4 Credits (Over 4 Years)

Mathematics education at Marian is designed to prepare students for the future by increasing their knowledge of mathematics and its applications. The mathematics curriculum provides students with the knowledge and skills that will allow them to function as productive citizens in a society which extensively utilizes technology and information processing. The overall design is to develop mathematical concepts, techniques, and problem-solving skills so the student can become responsible for her own learning and apply these skills to other disciplines, educational pursuits, and life situations.

Mathematics Course Paths

Grade	College Prep Program	Honors Program	Double Up Option	9th Grade Geometry Placement	Accelerated Option
9	Algebra I	Honors Algebra I	Honors Algebra I	Geometry	Honors Geometry
10	Geometry	Honors Geometry	Honors Geometry AND Honors Algebra II (2 full-year courses)	Algebra II	Honors Algebra II
11	Algebra II	Honors Algebra II	Honors Precalculus	Precalculus OR Statistics	Honors Precalculus
12	Precalculus OR Statistics	Honors Precalculus	AP Calculus (AB or BC)	AP Calculus AB	AP Calculus (AB or BC)

Graduation Requirements

Four years that include completion of Honors Precalculus, Precalculus, Statistics, or Integrated Algebra with Statistics.

Optional
Electives

Fulfill General Elective Requirement Only

AP Statistics

Accelerated Option

An Accelerated Option allows students to take Honors Geometry in 9th Grade,
Honors Algebra II in 10th Grade, Honors Precalculus in 11th Grade, and AP Calculus in 12th Grade provided the student achieves proficiency on the Algebra I placement exam prior to 9th grade. Marian offers prospective students an optional Online Algebra Supplement proctored by Marian faculty during their 8th grade year to prepare for the placement exam.

Double-Up Option

A Double-Up Option allows students to take two math classes in one year. If a student chooses the Double-Up Option, it is chosen for their sophomore year when they enroll in both Honors Geometry and Honors Algebra II. Students enrolling in a math course as a graduation requirement will be given priority in enrollment over students enrolling in the course as an elective. Only freshmen with an "A" in Honors Algebra I may choose the double-up option.

Preparatory Math for 8th Graders

Marian offers two courses for 8th graders to prepare for Math at Marian: Summer Math Foundations and the Online Algebra Supplement.

Explore Preparatory Math Programming

Social Studies - 3 Credits

The Social Studies Department at Marian High School believes that America’s binding heritage is a democratic vision of liberty, equality, and justice. To preserve this vision and bring it into daily practice, we teach students how American history was shaped by the past, what events and forces either helped or obstructed it, and how it has evolved down to the circumstances of our time. Our students also explore the diverse cultural heritage of the world’s many peoples, for a comprehensive study of history and people keeps our students in touch with these realities. Marian students are made aware that this knowledge is essential for informed judgment, responsible democratic citizenship, and respect for the dignity of all individuals.

Please note that all honors social studies courses carry an honors math corequisite.
For the 2025-2026 school year, a move-up test will be offered for
Honors Economics. Impact of concurrent enrollments should be considered when
changing classes that are included in the co-requisite structure.

Social Studies Course Paths

Grade	College Prep Program	Honors Program
9	World History (2 semesters)	Honors World History (2 semesters)
10	U.S. History (2 semesters)	Honors U.S. History (2 semesters), OR may apply for AP U.S. History junior or senior year. Honors U.S. History may alternatively be taken junior year.
11	Economics (1 semester) - may be taken senior year	AP U.S. History (2 semesters) - may be taken senior year Honors Economics (1 semester) - may be taken senior year
12	U.S. Government (1 semester)	Honors U.S. Government (1 semester) AP Government & Politics (2 semesters)

Graduation Requirements

1 year World History or Honors World History
1 year U.S. History, Honors U.S. History or Advanced Placement U.S. History
1 semester Economics or Honors Economics
1 semester U.S. Government, Honors U.S. Government, Honors U.S. Government/AP Government & Politics

Optional Electives

Fulfill General Elective Requirement Only

Global Studies (11,12)
Psychology I (11,12)
Psychology II (11,12)
AP European History (10, 11, 12)

Beyond the Classroom

Model United Nations (MUN) at Marian is an authentic simulation of the United Nations in New York and serves to introduce club members into the field of diplomacy and negotiation. In the simulation, students assume the role of delegate representatives of the United Nations member states to debate issues on the United Nations global agenda. The delegates draft resolutions, plot strategy, negotiate with supporter nations and adversaries, and resolve conflicts toward the goal of mobilizing international cooperation to find solutions to problems affecting every nation on the earth. Membership is open to all Marian students.

Modern Language - 2 Credits

The mission of the Modern Language Department at Marian High School is to facilitate proficiency in the four skills of a target language: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The students will develop an awareness of and an appreciation for the culture of the countries whose language they are learning.

Students may study more than one language. Freshmen and/or transfer students with previous language studies, and who demonstrate proficiency will be placed accordingly.

Modern Language Course Paths

Grade	College Prep Program	Honors Program
9	German I Spanish I	Honors German I Honors Spanish I
10	German II Spanish II	Honors German II Honors Spanish II
11	German III Spanish III	Honors German III Honors Spanish III
12	German IV German V (if placed in German II as a freshman) Spanish for Proficiency	Honors German IV Honors German V (if accelerated) AP Spanish

Graduation Requirements

Two years (four semesters) of the same language: German or Spanish

Optional Electives

Fulfill General Elective Requirement Only

Students may elect to take Honors Latin I, II, III, and IV at Brother Rice. These courses do not fulfill the Marian Modern Language requirement.

Beyond the Classroom

German and Spanish Honor Societies offer membership to students who have attained a 3.5 grade point average for at least three semesters in their language of study, are enrolled in the language's classes at Marian, and also maintain a 3.0 grade point average for all subjects. Members get together to speak their language of study in social settings, among other activities.

Fine and Performing Arts - 1 Credit

The Fine and Performing Arts Department, which includes art, drama and vocal music offers courses as well as clubs, organizations, plays, and several choirs to consider. We are committed to nurturing the artistic talent of students who choose to take a course or participate in the many extra curricular choices we have to offer.

Fine And Performing Arts Courses

More About Arts at Marian

Fine Arts & Media Arts

The Art Department fosters an appreciation and an awareness of art and how artists work. Students are guided through the artistic process of inspiration, design, creation, and reflection in a choice-based environment, allowing students to take ownership of their art. The Art Department inspires students to become aware of their potential, challenges their creativity, and encourages them to explore different media.

Drama

Drama classes provide opportunities to improve communication, problem solving, creative and analytical skills. By creating, performing, analyzing, and critiquing dramatic performances, students will build confidence and develop a deeper understanding and acceptance of personal issues and a broader understanding and
appreciation of life around them as reflected in the realm of theatre.

Musical Arts

The primary goal of the Marian Music Department is to foster a life-long appreciation and enjoyment of music. By offering non performance based classes that focus on music history, music creation, and music sharing, as well as choral ensembles that perform a variety of musical styles throughout the year, all students have the ability to experience and express themselves through music.

Grade	Fine Arts	Media Arts	Musical Arts
9	Art Exploration	Graphic Imaging & Design I Intro to Film Technical Theatre & Design Acting and Communication Music Technology	Acting and Communication Intro to Film Technical Theatre & Design Marian Rice Concert Choir / Honors Concert Choir (2 semesters) Marian Melodies (2 semesters) Beginning Concert Ensemble Intermediate Concert Ensemble Jazz Band Drumline Guitar I Guitar II
10	Art Exploration Drawing & Painting Pottery I Pottery II	Graphic Imaging & Design I Graphic Imaging & Design II Intro to Film Technical Theatre & Design Acting and Communication Music Technology	Acting and Communication Marian Rice Concert Choir / Honors Concert Choir (2 semesters) Marian Melodies (2 semesters) Beginning Concert Ensemble Intermediate Concert Ensemble Jazz Band Drumline Guitar I Guitar II
11	Art Exploration Drawing & Painting Pottery I Pottery II AP Studio Art: Drawing (2 semesters) AP Studio Art: 2-D Design (2 semesters) AP Studio Art: 3-D Design (2 semesters)	Graphic Imaging & Design I Graphic Imaging & Design II Intro to Film Technical Theatre & Design Acting and Communication Music Technology	Acting and Communication Technical Theatre & Design Intro to Film Marian Rice Concert Choir / Honors Concert Choir (2 semesters) Marian Melodies (2 semesters) Beginning Concert Ensemble Intermediate Concert Ensemble Jazz Band Drumline Guitar I Guitar II
12	Art Exploration Drawing & Painting Pottery I Pottery II AP Studio Art: Drawing (2 semesters) AP Studio Art: 2-D Design (2 semesters) AP Studio Art: 3-D Design (2 semesters)	Graphic Imaging & Design I Graphic Imaging & Design II Intro to Film Technical Theatre & Design Acting and Communication Music Technology	Acting and Communication Technical Theatre & Design Intro to Film Marian Rice Concert Choir / Honors Concert Choir (2 semesters) Marian Rice Concert Choir / Honors Concert Choir (2 semesters) Beginning Concert Ensemble Intermediate Concert Ensemble Jazz Band Drumline Guitar I Guitar II

Graduation Requirements

1 credit (2 semesters) in any fine and performing arts courses

Beyond the Classroom

From Marian's performing arts company Marian Rice Players, Marian's premier vocal ensemble The Marian Melodies, to our legacy of Gold Key Scholastic Arts Awards, Marian offers vast programming in the arts outside the classroom.

Explore Marian Arts

Business, Marketing, Computer Science, & Engineering - 1 Credit

Our business, marketing, computer science, and engineering courses are tailored to equip students for both immediate career opportunities and future endeavors within a variety of industries. We aim to cultivate an awareness of the diverse paths available to women in business and empower students to explore their potential.

Graduation Requirements

Computer Applications I
Computer Applications II OR Computer Science

Grade	Business & Marketing	Computer Science & Engineering
9		Computer Applications I Architectural Drawing Engineering Design
10	Introduction to Business	Computer Applications I Computer Applications II Computer Science Architectural Drawing Engineering Design Digital Electronics
11	Introduction to Business Fundamentals of Business Law Accounting I Introduction to Marketing Sports and Entertainment Marketing	Computer Applications I Computer Applications II Computer Science Architectural Drawing Engineering Design Digital Electronics Advanced Engineering Technologies
12	Introduction to Business Fundamentals of Business Law Accounting I Introduction to Marketing Sports and Entertainment Marketing	Computer Applications II Computer Science Architectural Drawing Engineering Design Digital Electronics Advanced Engineering Technologies

Beyond the Classroom

BEAM&R (Business Entrepreneurship Alliance for Marian & Brother Rice) empowers students to excel in the business world through innovative programs, hands-on activities, and DECA competitions, preparing future leaders in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.

The Marian Rice Mech Warriors, a distinguished co-ed robotics team at Brother Rice, engineers advanced robots for two competitive seasons: OCCRA (fall, Oakland County) and FIRST (winter, statewide), showcasing their skills against top teams.

Physical Education & Health - 1 Credit

Marian’s Health and Physical Education courses are designed to help students develop positive attitudes and behavior patterns while practicing skills in decision-making, goal setting, and self-management as they learn about key concepts related to personal health and wellness.

Grade	Required Courses
9	Physical Education (1 semester) - may alternatively be taken sophomore or junior year
10	Health (1 semester) - may alternatively be taken junior year

Graduation Requirements

1 semester of Physical Education
1 semester of Health

Beyond the Classroom

Marian Athletic Performance Program (MAPP) aids student-athletes in three general categories:

Strength & Conditioning
Athletic Nutrition Education
Mental Skills Training

Explore Athletics

MACS (Marian Acts in Christian Service) - 1/2 Credit (40 service hours)

Marian Acts in Christian Service (MACS) is a required program designed for students to receive academic credit for Christian volunteer service given to an agency, church, or organization approved by Marian's Campus Minister. MACS seeks to provide students with an opportunity to actively live out their faith and beliefs by being of service to people in need. The spiritual and corporal works of mercy act as a guide for selecting a service project.

Credits	Service
1/2 Credit	40 hours of service
1 Credit	80 hours of service

Graduation Requirements

40 hours of service, equivalent to 1/2 credit. Service must be fulfilled outside of the school day and off the school site. The MACS requirement is fulfilled when all hours have been worked and all the required paperwork and documentation has been filed in the Campus Ministry Office. it. In order to have senior status, this requirement must be completed by June 30 of the student’s junior year.

Electives - 1 Credit

Placement Process for Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) Coursework

Marian encourages students to pursue a challenging academic course load. All students accepted to Marian have demonstrated the academic potential for success in our college preparatory curriculum. Some applicants will qualify, further, for honors courses. Our prerequisites, supported by decades of data and observation, guide our course placement process at every level. Marian’s college preparatory curriculum is highly regarded by colleges across the state, region, and nation, making a Marian graduate stand out during college applications. To maintain the quality of our education and uphold our academic reputation, our course placement process is thorough and competitive. While we offer multiple opportunities for students to qualify for honors and AP courses, not every student will meet the criteria. For more information, please contact our admission team or your counselor.

Incoming Freshmen

Course placements are based on High School Placement Test (HSPT) and other standardized test scores.
All students will have the opportunity to discuss and work through placements with their freshman counselor.

Rising Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors

Course placements are based on freshman year performance. Students who did not enter freshman year on the honors track may still be eligible to enter it following the outlined move-up procedures below.

Move-Up Procedures

FAQ

What is the minimum number of credits required for graduation?

How many classes must students carry per semester?

What subjects do colleges recommend 3-4 years of study in?

Can required courses offered at Marian be taken at summer school elsewhere to fulfill graduation requirements?

What is required for class status?

How does the Accommodations Program relate to AP courses?

Accommodations are assigned and supported with those students who qualify and have an Marian High School Accommodation Plan. All accommodations are implemented school wide, however there is a stipulation when it comes to Advanced Placement courses.

High school Advanced Placement (AP) classes are designed to provide students with a challenging, college-level academic experience. AP classes cover more advanced, in-depth and rigorous content compared to college preparatory and honors courses.

AP courses, often equivalent to introductory college-level courses, and are nationally standardized. As a result, certain rules and policies will apply that are unique to AP offerings. Included in these policies is the prohibition, specifically, of formula sheets (note cards). With various alternate means of curriculum access, AP students are ensured a reasonable variety of options to aid in access to AP curricula while honoring College Board policy.

AP courses, as with any classes at Marian, welcome and support the use of accommodations for those students who require them. Accommodations, in best practice, are supplemental aids or strategies that provide curriculum access to students who have specific needs. Please consult your counselor or the Accommodations Specialist if you would like to review your available accommodations or discuss your personal potential for success in a certain AP course.