|
Curriculum Overview
|
|
Natural Sciences and Earth Sciences
The study of science trains students to observe
carefully and think clearly about the world in which they live.
Beginning with the physical or chemical phenomenon itself and the
questions raised through that experience, students work and think
towards theoretical explanations instead of from them.
In the earth sciences the cultivation of an appreciation of the
human being’s need to work in partnership with nature is as
important as the acquisition of knowledge. Laboratory observation
and field work is an integral part of the science curriculum.
Mathematics
Mathematics demonstrates the mind’s
ability to discern truth in the intangible. The challenge of a truly
creative mathematical education is to make the conceptual world
concrete, practical and artistic. In addition to the building of
skills in the traditional areas of algebra, geometry, trigonometry,
and calculus, the mathematics curriculum is designed to develop
clear and logical thinking.
Computer Science
In computer science the logical foundations
and fundamentals of programming are explored. Software applications,
graphic and web design are included in the computer science curriculum.
Humanities
Adolescents find the reflection of their
personal struggles for freedom and individual expression in pivotal
events of history and social studies, and the spiritual struggles
portrayed by the great authors of literature.
Students are taught to observe the symptoms or phenomena of historical
periods to explore and discover what these say about the universality
of the human experience. By the time students graduate, they have
a real sense for global geography and global issues so that they
can become responsible and active citizens of the world.
English classes are laboratories for the discovery of the joy of
language. Students sharpen their thinking with work in grammar,
mechanics, usage, and vocabulary. They explore their emotional and
spiritual development through the study of great literature; they
develop the art of writing in all forms -- the critical essay, the
research paper, the short story, the poem.
Foreign Language
Our language curriculum is designed to develop a living connection
to another language, one that goes beyond basic reading and conversational
skills and fosters an appreciation for the literature of a foreign
culture. All students are required to take four years of a foreign
language, which may include Spanish, French, or German.
The Arts
Through the Arts curriculum, students develop
a lasting appreciation and understanding of the role of aesthetics.
In conjunction with this aesthetic sensibility that guides the study
of all subjects, courses in the performing, fine and practical arts
are integral to this comprehensive education. Types of classes,
offered on a block basis, may include drawing, painting, and sculpting;
choral and instrumental music; theater and eurythmy (an art of movement);
woodworking; ceramics, blacksmithing and casting, papermaking and
bookbinding. It is also expected that each student be privately
studying either voice or an acoustic instrument.
Social Service
Community service programs provide both the
individual and the group an opportunity to connect with and contribute
to the wider community in personally and socially meaningful ways.
Physical Education and Athletics
Competitive team sports provide opportunities
for learning good sportsmanship and citizenship, along with athletic
skills. Cooperation, fair play and the pure joy of playing are fundamental
values of the athletic program. Sports offered include basketball,
volleyball, track and field, and soccer.
Senior Projects
Senior Projects are courses of independent
study in
which students conduct an in-depth examination of
a subject of their own choosing. Through this work,
the upper classmen take complete responsibility for
disciplining their time and effort. Their research
concludes with a written report, art project and public
presentation.
Internship Program
It is critical for today’s adolescent that they know what
is going on in the “real” business world. Therefore,
all Academe of the Oaks senior students have the
opportunity to work for two weeks, all day long, in a
business of their choice. They experience what a work
place looks like and how the work process is structured.
|
|
"I like the way the classes are set up. The Main Lesson block lets us get immersed in our subjects. Sometimes, you are so involved that you don't feel like you are studying."
- Freshman
|
