Spring is the time when Upper School students plan for the next academic year through a thoughtful and comprehensive course selection process. In Upper School, nearly 150 classes are offered, including 26 Advanced Placement courses and post-AP, college-level courses like multivariable calculus, advanced study 3D design, mobile application programming and software engineering.

“The breadth of college-prep and college-level courses we offer is designed to challenge students at the highest levels and appeal to their unique range of academic interests and talents,” said Upper School Principal Tony Jordan. “We work one-on-one with each student and their parents to craft not just their course load for the next year, but their academic path through high school.

“We ask students to challenge themselves in ways that allow them to stretch and grow as a scholar and as a person. It’s an intentional process that puts the focus on the student’s strengths, interests and personal goals,” he said.

For the 2016-2017 academic year, the Upper School has added several new advanced study courses: introduction to programming with processing, programming with Arduino, Advanced Placement computer science principles, advanced study - Roman literature and culture (post-AP course), and advanced study - Spanish culture and conversation (post AP course).

“Our curriculum is ever changing and evolving based on feedback from students and alumni, and educational trends. Certainly with technology in particular we seek to be innovative, relevant and forward-thinking in our educational offerings,” said Ryan Dahlem, Upper School assistant principal.

Department chairs and their faculty continually review and assess the curriculum making recommendations for new courses and developing curriculum. New course proposals are reviewed and approved by the academic leadership team, led by the academic dean.

In March, Upper School students attended the Advanced Placement, Honors and Elective Faire where department chairs and faculty presented course options and offered individualized course selection guidance. Students also meet with their advisors and dedicated college counselor for support on course selection.

“Charting a student’s academic course at St. Margaret’s brings together two of St. Margaret’s core values: high expectations and balance and breadth,” said Mr. Dahlem. “We want students to challenge themselves, and importantly to consider how they will balance a demanding course load with athletics, arts, leadership roles, service and other co-curricular activities. Working with their teachers, advisors, their college counselor and the Upper School administration team provides students a great amount of support.”

The process requires students to consider their academic goals; interests; graduation requirements; and, in line with St. Margaret’s liberal arts education, they are urged to always try something new. As newcomers to the process, incoming grade 9 students meet individually with the Upper School administration in the spring for added support in courses selection for next year. The administration team also holds meetings for rising grade 9, 10 and 11 parents so they are equally well informed and learn about the offerings available to their child and to have their questions answered.

Many students develop their academic and elective interested during Middle School where students are introduced to course electives in grade 8 including design and fabrication, theatrical and technical arts and Model United Nations. In grades 6 and 7, students are exposed to classes in STEM, drama, health and wellness, visual arts and world language. These “exposure classes” give students an opportunity to identify and explore new interests and passions. Middle School is also a time for students to select and play for Tartans sports teams of their choosing through the physical education and athletics program. Team practices takes place during the day and are coached by many of St. Margaret’s varsity coaches.

Middle School Principal Jeannine Clarke explained the process. “The Middle School program is designed to provide students with an increasing number of choices in curriculum as they progress. Students begin by selecting their music course in grade 4, are then are able to make choices about their physical education classes in Middle School. In grade 8, students have many choices for their elective blocks. This lays the foundation for the array of choices they will have as they plan their four-year curriculum in the Upper School,” she said.

Click here for a look at the 2015-2016 grades 6 through 12 academic progression matrix. The chart represents the typical progression of courses for Middle and Upper School students.