Placement Testing

AAll in-coming and returning students are tested at the beginning of each academic year (or at the time of enrollment) to determine the most suitable placement in English.

Students may be moved to a different level at any time during the academic year by teacher request

Students may be re-assessed for placement at any time by parent request

At each level, the curriculum primarily differs in terms of required writing assignments and complexity of research papers, as well as the difficulty of the literature students read and critically analyze.

Students are also tested in Math, at the start of the year, or at the time of enrollment to determine most suitable placement.

Students may be moved to a different level at any time during the academic year by teacher request

Students may be re-assessed for placement at any time by parent request

The curriculum offered at each level is different in that, Math I focuses on Integrated Math, Math II focuses on Pre Algebra while Math III and IV focus on Algebra and Geometry respectively.

The Upper School Natural Science program focuses on the areas of Life Science, Earth Science and Physical Science.

Classes are generally hands on, wherein students are given the opportunity to put into practice the steps of the scientific method. Theory is presented in interesting and fun ways, which enhances the overall Science investigation experience.

The goal of the Social Studies Program is to provide students with insight into the History and development of the World from the earliest civilizations to present day. Each level focuses on different aspects of World History, US History as well as World Cultures and Geography.

At present the technology program is centered on the compilation of the school yearbook. Students learn: graphic design, thereby developing a working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop; fundraising and other minor business administration techniques.

Students are also offered a course in Keyboarding as part of the Technology program. The class is aimed at enabling students to type at faster speeds.

Students are placed in Spanish or ESL based on their demonstrated needs. The ESL program acts as a support for students new to the English language and reinforces what is taught in the regular English class. In ESL students primarily work on enhancing reading comprehension skills and building their vocabulary.

The Spanish class is offered to both native and non-native speakers. Students focus on writing mechanics, reading comprehension, developing speaking skills while learning more about the Spanish culture through literature.

Maintaining a healthy body and mind is essential. Students perform various fitness tests at different times throughout the year in an ongoing assessment aimed at enhancing fitness levels.

The program also teaches the fine points of various sports including soccer, basketball, American football, tennis, handball, hockey, ultimate Frisbee and baseball. For each sport, students learn about the rules and regulations, playing positions, scoring, and the field or pitch on which the sport is played. The program also fosters in students a sense of team spirit and.

Dance (Salsa Casino), Drama, Art and Speech are the main offerings of the Fine Arts Programs. Students in these classes participate in school-wide productions such as dance presentations, plays, skits or art exhibitions at major school events.

The Upper School program currently offers remediation in Mathematics and English. Students who have weak bases in either subject are given the special attention they need to develop the skills necessary for success in the regular Math and English classes. Math remediation focuses on topics such as decimals, worrisome fractions and word problems. English remediation focuses on vocabulary development, reading comprehension and composition.