Mount Vernon High School and our alternative pathway programs (Aspire Academy, Mount Vernon Virtual Learning) prepare students for college, career, and life beyond graduation. Curriculum is aligned to Washington State Learning Standards and the state's graduation pathway requirements, with substantial elective and CTE offerings layered on top of the core.
By subject area
English Language Arts (ELA)
High school ELA is built on locally developed grade-level curricula combining anchor literary works, contemporary nonfiction, and writing studios. Course offerings include AP Literature, AP Language, College in the High School composition, and CTE-integrated communication coursework. Standards: Washington ELA Standards.
Mathematics
High school math uses Big Ideas Math as the primary text across Geometry, Algebra 1, and Algebra 2. Honors and AP Calculus pathways extend through the math sequence; CTE-integrated math options are available for graduation pathway flexibility.
Science
The high school science sequence covers Biology, Chemistry, and Physics aligned to Washington Science Standards (NGSS). Additional offerings include AP Biology, AP Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Anatomy & Physiology.
Social Studies
The social studies sequence covers World Geography, World History, U.S. History, Civics, and Contemporary World Problems, all aligned to Washington State Learning Standards. AP offerings include AP U.S. History, AP World History, AP Government, and AP Psychology.
Health & PE
Health uses Goodheart-Willcox's Comprehensive Health framework. PE follows the Achieve! PE High School model, with weight training, team sports, and lifetime fitness options for elective credit.
CTE and electives
Mount Vernon offers an extensive CTE program: agriculture, business, computer science, culinary arts, manufacturing/woods, automotive, engineering, family & consumer sciences, and health sciences. Many CTE courses include college credit through Skagit Valley College partnerships. See the high school course catalog for current offerings.
Behavior and SEL frameworks
High school continues with Safe and Civil Schools as the positive behavior framework, and CharacterStrong for social-emotional learning, delivered through advisory period and integrated supports.