The goal of the high school science program is for students to achieve scientific literacy, defined as ?the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for scientific decision making, participation in civic and cultural affairs and economic productivity.
By the end of 12th grade, all students should have learned the following concepts, theories, and universal laws as required by the N.C. Standard Course of Study:

• The Cell

• Molecular basis of heredity

• Biological evolution of organisms

• Interdependence

• Energy in earth systems

• Geological cycles

• Structure of atoms

• Structure of the properties of matter

• Chemical Reactions

• Motion and forces

• Origin and evolution of the earth system

• Origin and evolution of the universe

• Conservation of energy and increase in disorder

• Interaction of energy and matter