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Academics
All Girls & STEM
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Preparation
Critical thinking and problem-solving, creativity and innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship — this is the foundational basis of STEM at DSHA.
It all happens within the all-girls environment that sets students up to pursue excellence as they grow in math and science self-confidence with a vision for their future. Students move from a foundational knowledge base into the ability to integrate and apply the concepts of mathematics and science toward real-world problem-solving.
It all happens within the all-girls environment that sets students up to pursue excellence as they grow in math and science self-confidence with a vision for their future. Students move from a foundational knowledge base into the ability to integrate and apply the concepts of mathematics and science toward real-world problem-solving.
STEM Confidence & Vision By-the-Numbers
- Girls' school grads on average report greater science self-confidence than co-educated peers.1
- Girls' school grads are six times more likely to consider majoring in math, science, and technology compared to girls who attend co-ed schools.2
- Compared to co-ed peers, girls' school grads are three times more likely to consider engineering careers.3
- 60% of the DSHA Class of 2024 plan to pursue a STEM field of study in college and beyond. Of the 101 students on this path:
- 49% intend to pursue a career in the medical field.
- 36% intend to pursue an engineering degree.
1 Dr. Tiffani Riggers-Piehl, University of Kansas City, Missouri, Fostering Academic and Social Engagement: An Investigation into the Effects of All-Girls Education in the Transition to University.
2 Goodman Research Group, The Girls' School Experience: A Survey of Young Alumnae of Single-Sex Schools.
3 Dr. Linda Sax, UCLA, Women Graduates of Single-Sex and Coeducational High Schools: Differences in Their Characteristics and the Transition to College.
Advanced Mathematics Classes
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AP Calculus (AB)
After a brief review of the prerequisites for Calculus, students study limits, continuity, and the topics of differential and integral Calculus. The material in this course is very challenging and may require an increased amount of time to do homework. All students are expected to take the AP Calculus AB exam in May. Most colleges offer one-semester credit for successful completion of the AP Calculus exam. Additional meeting times may be scheduled in April and May in preparation for the AP exam.
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in AP Precalculus and teacher recommendation
Semesters: 2
Fee: Additional fee for AP exam
Other requirements: TI-84 + CE or any T-84 graphing calculator -
AP Calculus (BC)
While similar in rigor and initial content to AP Calculus AB, this course includes additional topics from the second semester of college Calculus including concepts related to sequences and series, vectors, parametric and polar coordinates, etc. The pace of this course is accelerated compared to AP Calculus AB and the class will be extended to 3:15 two days/week. All students are expected to take the AP Calculus BC exam in May. Students who successfully complete the AP Calculus BC exam may receive credit for two semesters of college Calculus.
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in AP Precalculus and teacher recommendation
Semesters: 2
Fee: Additional fee for AP exam
Other requirements: TI-84 + CE or any T-84 graphing calculator; extra class time is required twice each week (until 3:15 p.m.)
Learn more about AP & Dual-Credit offerings. -
College Algebra
This course provides an overview of the fundamental concepts of algebra. Topics include linear and quadratic equations and inequalities; the Cartesian plane and graphing; functions; graphs and models; polynomial and rational functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; and systems of equations and inequalities.Students who started freshman year in Algebra I are good candidates for taking College Algebra.Prerequisite: Any Geometry and Algebra II class
Semesters: 2
Other requirements: TI-84 + CE or any T-84 graphing calculator
Students will be eligible to receive 3 transferable college credits from Marquette University by enrolling in the Concurrent Enrollment dual-credit program.
Learn more about AP & Dual-Credit offerings. -
Discrete Mathematics
Discrete mathematics is a branch of mathematics that studies functions and relations which are discrete (individually separate and distinct) and not continuous. This course will introduce and study different methods of counting, sequences, symbolic logic, and graph theory. Since discrete mathematics is widely used in many fields (ex. computer science, engineering) we will look at applications to those fields. In order to run this course, at least 10 students must be enrolled. Please note that this is an elective math course and should not replace any class in the math sequence.
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus (or concurrent enrollment)
Semesters: 1
Other requirements: TI-84 + CE or any T-84 graphing calculator -
Linear Algebra
Linear Algebra is a branch of mathematics that studies linear equations and linear functions and their representations through matrices and vector spaces. This course will introduce and study matrices, vectors, and their applications. Since linear algebra is widely used in many fields (ex. computer science or engineering) we will look at applications to those fields. In order to run this course, at least 10 students must be enrolled. Please note that this is an elective math course and should not replace any class in the math sequence.
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus (completed or concurrent enrollment)
Semesters: 1
Other requirements: TI-84 + CE or any T-84 graphing calculator
Advanced Science Classes
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AP Biology
Advanced Placement Biology is the equivalent of a one-year college introductory course in biology. It is designed to be taken after successful completion of a first course in high school biology. A college text is used, and the laboratories are intended to be the equivalent of those done in college. The principal topics included in the course are molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, organisms, and populations. Emphasis is on understanding the concepts related to each of these topics and recognizing the unifying themes that prevail throughout biology. Application of knowledge and critical thinking are reinforced through quantitative laboratory work. Students should be prepared to spend a minimum of five hours per week completing coursework outside of class. Students are required to complete a summer assignment before the start of school. Students are required to do extensive reading and perform all required AP labs and are expected to take the AP exam in May. The course fee covers AP lab materials.
Prerequisites: Accelerated Biology and Chemistry or Honors Chemistry
Grades: 11 and 12
Semesters: 2
Fee: $50 plus additional AP exam fee
Other requirements: Depending on the total number of AP Biology sections, the extra time requirement may be scheduled before school, over lunch, or after school.
Learn more about AP & Dual-Credit offerings. -
AP Chemistry
Advanced Placement Chemistry is a college-level course designed to build on the concepts learned in first-year chemistry as well as prepare students for the AP Chemistry exam in May. The course is designed to provide students with an increased depth of understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry in the areas of the structure of matter, stoichiometry, gas chemistry, oxidation-reduction, equilibrium, thermodynamics and descriptive chemistry, to name a few. Significant class time will be devoted to hands-on laboratory work. Students should be prepared to spend a minimum of five hours per week completing course work outside of class. Students are required to complete a summer assignment and are expected to take the AP exam in May. The course fee covers consumable materials.
Prerequisites: Honors Chemistry or extremely successful completion of Chemistry, and Precalculus with Trigonometry and Statistics
Grades: 11 and 12
Semesters: 2
Fee: $50 plus AP exam fee
Additional requirements: Graphing calculator and additional time commitment of 30 minutes each week either before school or during the lunch period, depending on the hour the class is scheduled -
AP Environmental Science
The AP Environmental Science course is the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. The course requires that students use a college textbook, complete laboratory experiments, and understand environmental science typical of an introductory college course. Students will identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. This course is made as an interdisciplinary course, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. Application of knowledge and critical thinking are reinforced through quantitative laboratory work. Students are required to have successfully completed Biology and Chemistry prior to taking this course. Students will need to spend a minimum of five hours of outside work on this course each week and complete all AP labs to successfully prepare for the AP exam in May. The course fee covers the AP lab materials.
Prerequisites: College-Prep Biology or Accelerated Biology AND Chemistry or Honors Chemistry
Grades: 11 and 12
Semesters: 2
Fee: $50 plus AP exam fee
Additional requirements: Scientific or graphic calculator and time commitment of 30 minutes per week before school or during the lunch period, depending on the hour the class is scheduled -
AP Physics C Mechanics
DSHA offers Advanced Placement Physics C Mechanics as a year-long course. This course is designed to be equivalent to a first semester Calculus-based college Physics course. Students must be enrolled in an AP Calculus course concurrent with this course, but prior coursework in Physics is not required. Course content includes kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, and power, momentum, circular motion and gravitation, rotational motion, and oscillations. Significant class time will be devoted to hands-on laboratory work. Students should be prepared to spend a minimum of five hours per week completing course work outside of class. Students are required to complete a summer assignment before the start of the first semester and are expected to take the AP exam in May. The course fee covers consumable materials.
Prerequisites: Precalculus with Trigonometry and Statistics and concurrent enrollment in Advanced Placement Calculus AB or Advanced Placement Calculus BC
Semesters: 2
Fee:$50 plus AP exam fee
Additional requirements: Scientific or graphic calculator -
Biological Concepts
This is a dual-credit course; as an introductory science course, this class would be appropriate for someone who is considering being a biology major but would also be a great choice for a student who knows she does not want to major in biology/science but would like the opportunity to earn college science credits at DSHA. This is a lab science course and will provide students with an opportunity to go more in-depth on the following biology concepts: cell division and reproduction, principles of genetic inheritance, gene theory, and genetic engineering, the theory of evolution, natural selection and methods of speciation, and more.
Prerequisite: Accelerated Biology and Chemistry or Honors Chemistry
Grades: 11 and 12
Semesters: 2
Fee: $50
**Students will be eligible to receive 4 transferable college credits from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (for course BL 105) by enrolling in the Concurrent Enrollment dual-credit program. This course is a 4-credit college course. -
Honors Anatomy & Physiology
This is a course covering the basic structure and function of the human body at various levels, including the cell, the tissue, the organ, and the organ system. A minimal amount of chemistry is reviewed at the beginning of the course to enhance the student’s understanding of the chemical processes underlying cellular function. The focus of this course is normal structure and function; however, some disease states will also be discussed. Laboratory studies using cow and sheep organs, cadaver study at Marquette University, computer simulations, and various medical test analysis will supplement the course material.
Prerequisite: completion of Chemistry or Honors Chemistry, Accelerated Biology, or College-Prep Biology
Grades: 11 and 12
Semesters: 2
Fee: $50
Advanced Specialized Studies Classes
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AP Computer Science A
This course will teach computer programming using JAVA, an object-oriented programming language. It is equivalent to a first-semester college-level course and will cover programming methodology, algorithm design, testing methods, logical reasoning, and problem solving. Topics include data structures, conditional statements, iteration, arrays, inheritance, recursion, and object-oriented design. The course follows the syllabus recommended by the College Board. Students who successfully complete the AP Computer Science A exam may receive credit for a one-semester introductory college computing course. A laptop using Windows or MacOS is required. A Chromebook is not sufficient for this course.
This course is run opposite years of Intro to Computer Science. AP Computer Science A will run in 2023-2024. Intro to Computer Science will be offered 2024-2025.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in or successful completion of any Algebra 2 course
Grades: 10, 11, and 12
Semesters: 2
Fee: Additional fee for AP exam
Other requirements: Internet access is highly recommended. A laptop using Windows or MacOS is required. A Chromebook is not sufficient for this course.
"AP Computer Science is not just for the math genius or the aspiring engineer. AP Computer Science is for the student who wants to be challenged in their thought process and wants to better understand the world around them. I can confidently say taking AP Computer Science was one of the smartest decisions I have ever made at DSHA because it ignited a passion for coding that I did not know I had. Additionally, I was able to apply the skills I learned in the class, such as problem-solving, into real-life situations and other academic classes."
- Mary Kaupp, DSHA '20
Learn more about AP & Dual-Credit offerings. -
AP Statistics
AP Statistics is intended for students who wish to complete studies equivalent to a one semester, introductory, non-Calculus based, college course in statistics. This course will introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Broad conceptual themes treated in this course include exploring data by describing patterns and departures from patterns, sampling, and experimentation, anticipating patterns using probability and simulation, and statistical inference. Students who successfully complete this course and the AP exam may receive credit, advanced placement, or both for a one-semester introductory college statistics course. All students are expected to take the AP Statistics exam.Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in or successful completion of any Algebra 2 course
Grades: 10, 11, and 12
Semesters: 2
Other requirements: TI-84 + CE or any T-84 graphing calculator
Learn more about AP & Dual-Credit offerings. -
Advanced Economics
The course is an introduction to the foundation of economics and the economic way of thinking. The focus will be on the concepts, principles, and models of micro-economics and the application to real world events. Microeconomics is concerned with the analysis of economic phenomena from the perspective of the individual. This course covers the concepts and tools needed to undertake the analysis of such problems that are created by the law of scarcity. Emphasis will be placed on the characteristics of a free market system, supply and demand, competition, and markets. The students will be expected to apply these concepts, principles, and models in problem-solving activities. Activities include lectures, discussion, and problem-solving real-world events and challenges. If time permits, macro-economic topics will also be explored.
Prerequisites: Cultures & Civilizations and U.S. History; or AP U.S. History or AP Government and Politics
Grades: 11 and 12
Semesters: 1 -
AutoCAD
This is an introductory course to the AutoCAD program. It will be offered 2nd semester. Students will learn how to set up, create and edit 2D architectural drawings. Lessons covered over the course of the semester include: drawing setup, 2D drawing and editing tools, navigation tools, understanding of layers and properties, drawing completion including text and dimensions. Students will be expected to supply their own laptop and a mouse for this course and download an educational version of AutoCAD onto their laptop. Use of a personal laptop will aid the student in the ability to work on homework outside of class.
Grades: 10, 11, and 12
Semesters: 1
Other requirements: Personal laptop able to run AutoCAD 15 and a mouse required -
Introduction to Computer Science
This course provides an opportunity to explore the field of computer science, understand the impact of computers on our global society, and build a foundation in the basics of computer programming. Topics will include computer hardware, the internet, cloud-based computing, cyber-security, web page design, and an introduction to programming. The software used in this course is free and can be downloaded onto any Windows or iOS computer. A laptop using Windows or MacOS is required. A Chromebook is not sufficient for this course.
Offered every other academic year; will run next in 2024-2025. This course is run opposite years of AP Computer Science which will be offered in 2023-2024.
Grades: 10, 11, and 12
Semesters: 1
Other requirements: Internet access is highly recommended. A laptop using Windows or MacOS is required. A Chromebook is not sufficient for this course. -
Introduction to Engineering
This course is designed for students interested in problem-solving and real-world applications of engineering principles and serves as a basis for students who may be considering engineering as a career. In this project-based course, students will become familiar with the engineering process as they consider the distinct phases of engineering and problem-solving. Projects involve structural design, data analysis computer programming, reverse engineering, and more. Students will meet female engineers from a variety of disciplines. The course fee covers consumables used for project work.
Offered every other academic year; is running in 2024-2025.
Grades: 10, 11, and 12
Semesters: 1
Fee: $30
DSHA STEM Scholars
The DSHA STEM Scholars program grows in popularity each year. Students find community among other students through small group meetings, professional growth opportunities to engage with women in STEM careers, and additional STEM-related enrichment opportunities.
Additional STEM Offerings and Co-Curriculars
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Biology Eco Adventure
Dashers can spend time each summer for an on-site, hands-on biology field study. Recent locations include Hawaii and Costa Rica. -
Robotics Team
Dashers and Marquette University High School students plan, practice, build, and compete together on the Hilltopper Robotics Team 1732. The team competes in state, regional, and national meets through the worldwide organization FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). -
SMART Team
SMART (Students Modeling a Research Topic) Team gives students the chance to practice being real-world research scientists while working on a year-long project with professionals at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Students present their work each year at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology national conference alongside college and graduate students from across the country. -
Future Healthcare Professionals
This co-curricular is dedicated to preparing students for careers in the health sciences. The group's mission is to empower its members to become leaders in the global health community through education, collaboration, and experience. -
Investment Club
Dashers learn more about investing and other finance topics. This co-curricular teaches students how to follow the market and practice with mock investments. -
Science Olympiad
Prepare for Science Olympiad academic competitions in categories such as genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering, and technology. -
School Garden and Ecology Team
The School Garden team grows organic food for our school cafeteria and uses the garden harvest sales to donate money to local food pantries. The School Garden team also learns the environmental benefits of fresh, local, organic food while also discovering how enjoyable gardening and the outdoors really are!
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