The Masters School Science department strives to provide its students with a learning experience that is intentional, meaningful and relevant. Through courses which examine the real-world context for learning, we regularly provide students with experiential opportunities that present a deeper understanding of the science concepts and ideas we explore. 

Students are encouraged to identify their role in the environment and the greater community in their support of the School’s mission: to be a power for good in the world. As students transition from middle school to upper school, we provide new opportunities to strengthen fundamental science skills, such as making predictions and inferences, recognizing bias, setting up experimental design labs, graphing, analyzing data, and more.  

We support all of our students and pledge to develop essential skills that empower students to recognize and dismantle systematic racism, bias, and discrimination. A few examples of this work in our classrooms include the incorporation of environmental justice; gender equality in science; recognition of the current and historical contributions of scientists of marginalized identities; and understanding how science can be misused and its impact on members of vulnerable populations. 

Students in ninth grade Environmental Biology explore an understanding of life on our planet, and examine how human actions impact those basic understandings. For example, the study of cells may become a discussion on how certain environmental factors can cause cell mutations that lead to cancer. In our study of ecosystems, we examine the natural environment of our wooded campus, the life that exists around us and how we can become stewards for this natural space. Ninth graders have an additional option to take a spring semester Introduction to Science Research course, which provides a chance for students to delve into a research topic of interest to them.

Chemistry in tenth grade provides an important foundation for further science studies while developing an understanding of some of the major scientific issues of today. Courses offered include Applied Chemistry, Chemistry and Honors Chemistry. Students will be challenged not only to learn how substances interact, combine and change but also to understand why. Through the process of discovery and inquiry-based laboratory exercises, students will build an understanding of the chemical world that surrounds them and hone their observational and analytical skills. Students are expected to work independently on a variety of assignments and accept greater responsibility for their learning in an effort to help them become more creative and effective problem solvers.

In addition to Chemistry, students in tenth grade have the opportunity to take Science Research, a course that allows them to delve deeply into a research project of their choosing. Research students have worked with university professors, studied in the field and have the chance to present their work at the national and international level. This course is also available for eleventh and twelfth grade students. 

Along with Science Research, opportunities expand for students in eleventh and twelfth grades, where they can elect to take semester-length seminar courses in various areas of science. Classes such as GeoScience, Astronomy, Human Anatomy, Evolution, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Physics and Honors Physics challenge students in more focused disciplines. Other courses such as Food Education, Forensics, Climate Change and Sustainability encourage students to develop a deeper understanding of how their actions impact the world around them. Should students choose to take Advanced Placement courses, Masters offers Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Science.*

*Beginning in the fall of 2027, Advanced Study courses will take the place of AP courses. Please click here for more information.