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 develop outstanding listening skills and the ability to speak with clarity and confidence. Masters students graduate with the 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 the college prep, honors, accelerated, or AP levels. 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. All students take five major courses and at least .5 credit in the arts. A typical course load includes:- English 9
- Mathematics
- Science: Environmental Biology
- World Language (Modern or Classic)
- Ninth-Grade Seminar
- Visual or Performing Arts
- Physical Education (fulfilled by co-curricular classes or dance)
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Tenth Grade
All sophomores take five major courses and a course in World Religion. A typical course load includes:- English 10
- Mathematics
- Science: Chemistry
- World History II
- World Language (Modern or Classic)
- World Religion: Eastern or Western Traditions
- Physical Education (fulfilled by co-curricular classes or dance)
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 and Health and Public Speaking. A typical course load includes:- English 11
- Mathematics
- United States History
- Science electives
- World Language (Modern or Classic)
- Public Speaking
- Health
- Physical Education (fulfilled by co-curricular classes or dance)
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 any graduation requirements that have not yet been fulfilled. Seniors choose from a wide variety of elective majors and minors in all subject areas. A typical course load includes:- English (required)
- Mathematics
- History electives
- Science electives
- World Language (Modern or Classic)
Seniors are also required to take:- Physical Education (fulfilled by co-curricular classes or dance)
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ADVISORS
Every student is assigned an academic advisor, with each advisor having six to eight advisees. To foster and support students throughout their Masters experience, the group stays together for all four years. Students meet with their advisor and advisory group three times per 8-day rotation. With their advisor’s support, students discover their potential and design a customized academic program that best fits their needs and interests.
The Masters School
