Academics
Upper School
Curriculum
Overview
Much has been written in both the education and business worlds about the skills required for today’s children to become effective citizens, workers and leaders in the rapidly changing 21st century. The successful 21st-century citizen will be nimble of thought, open to new ideas and the possibilities of new technologies, able to collaborate with people from many different backgrounds and above all, able to adapt to a rapidly changing world.
Through the Harkness method, our students learn the importance of engaging in discourse and thinking critically, creatively and collaboratively. At Masters, teachers present students with possibilities and ask them to do the hard work of coming to their own conclusions.
Gathered around the Harkness table, students also develop outstanding listening skills and the confidence to speak with clarity and nuance. Perhaps the most important skill Masters students graduate with is the ability and independence to teach themselves and to adapt.
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Honors, Accelerated, and Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
Courses in some subjects may be offered at college prep, honors, accelerated, or AP level. The honors or accelerated section of any given course requires students to work at a faster pace and exposes them to more difficult material or a more challenging workload than would a regular section of that course.
An AP course is a yearlong, college-level course that follows the curriculum designed by the College Board. Each course culminates in an exam given in May that provides students with an opportunity to earn college credit. All students who enroll in an AP course are required to take the AP exam for that course. Because of the demanding nature of AP course material and the high level of discipline and commitment required by the student, it is not recommended that any student take more than three AP courses in a given year.
Academic Departments
Planning Your Program of Study
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Ninth Grade
Ninth grade is an introduction to the Upper School, and all freshmen who are not in ESL classes take five major courses:- English 9
- Mathematics
- Science: Environmental Problem Solving and Applications
- World History I
- World Language (Modern or Classic)
- Ninth-Grade Seminar
- Physical Education (often fulfilled by co-curricular classes or dance)
- Visual or Performing Arts
Notes: Ninth graders must fulfill at least one-third of the Athletic Credit Requirement.Ninth graders must take at least one minor course in the Visual or Performing arts. -
Tenth Grade
All sophomores take five major courses:- English 10
- Mathematics
- Science
- World History II (which complements English 10 and World Religions)
- Language (French, Spanish, Latin or Mandarin)
Sophomores also take these required minor courses:- World Religions
- Physical Education (which may be satisfied through certain co-curricular activities)
Sophomores may also choose to enroll in additional minor courses from a selected list. All students also take the PSAT and P-ACT during the fall of sophomore year. -
Eleventh Grade
All juniors take five major courses:- English 11
- Mathematics
- United States History
- Science (strongly recommended)
- Language (French, Spanish, Latin or Mandarin)
Juniors also take these required minor courses:- Public Speaking
- Health
- Physical Education (which may be satisfied through certain co-curricular activities)
Elective courses, both majors and minors, are offered in most disciplines. Students take the PSAT in the fall of junior year and the SAT and ACT in the spring. -
Twelfth Grade
All seniors take five major courses and graduation requirements that have not yet been fulfilled. Seniors choose from a wide variety of elective majors and minors and typically take:- English (required)
- Mathematics
- History elective
- Science
- Language (French, Spanish, Latin or Mandarin)
Seniors are also required to take:- Physical Education (which may be satisfied through certain co-curricular activities)
Seniors have several electives available to them in the other subject areas as well.
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FACULTY ADVISORS
From day one at The Masters School, you’ll receive guidance as you chart a path toward your own definition of success. At the beginning of every academic year, you will be assigned a faculty advisor who you will see four times per week — individually and in small groups. With your advisor’s support, you will discover your potential, and you’ll design a customized program that will best fit your needs and interests.
The Masters School
