Each student’s Academic Plan guides her course selection
through the Upper School years. Designed when the student
first enters the Upper School, the Plan gives careful consideration
to all aspects of the School’s requirements. It should
also ensure that a student’s program provides challenge,
diversity and pleasure. Though intended as a commitment,
the Plan may at times be modified to reflect changes in
interests and academic aspirations, as well as possible
changes in course offerings.
The Academic Plan is constructed with the help of the student’s
adviser and is approved by her parents. Each student will
meet with her adviser to work out the Plan, to register
for the next year’s courses, and to make any agreed-upon
changes.
Technology is integrated regularly into our curriculum to enhance the students' educational experience. Students receive an iBook computer as part of the Kent Place School Laptop Program. The laptop provides instant access to information from a variety of sources. In addition, all Upper School students are given an e-mail account which allows them to better communicate with teachers and peers regarding homework as well as school-related activities and events. The Laptop Program affords students the opportunity to learn how to use technology responsibly as well as how to respect and care for technology.
Kent Place offers a number of Technology Electives as well:
Introduction to Computer Programming
Computer Programming and Computer Programming II
Web Page Development
Multimedia Projects with Web Publishing
Computer Programming
The English program emphasizes close reading, frequent writing
and the importance of clear reasoning and expression. Courses
acquaint girls with literary works from a range of periods
and genres and develop their ability to read with discrimination.
Students also cultivate the skills of accurate and effective
expression while building familiarity with the structure
and function of language. Upper Schoolers must take four years
of English; in addition, ninth graders take a one-trimester writing course, Pen to Paper.
English 9
Pen to Paper
English 10 (British Literature)
English 11 (American Literature)
English 12 – consists of three trimester-long electives:
Advanced Placement English 12
Conscience and Consequence
Women in Literature
Shakespeare from Page to Stage
Eastern and African Voices
Contemporary Fiction
Russian Literature
Studies in the Anti-Novel
Revisionary Literature
Short Sotry
World Mythology
Upper School provides a stimulating climate in which personal
expression, imagination, creative endeavor and intellectual
curiosity may thrive. Six trimesters of arts electives—whether
in the visual arts, dance, drama and music—are
required for graduation. A course list follows. For more
information, see the Arts
section of the site.
Visual Art Workshop
Drawing
Painting
Printmaking
Studio Art
Made in Africa - An Art-Historical Investigation
Portfolio
History of Art
Photography I - Basic Black and White Photography
Photography II
Picture/Book
Filmaking I
Dance: From Ballet to Modern
Chamber Dancers (Advanced)
Dance Ensemble (Intermediate)
Fundamentals of Dance Technique
Acting Workshop
Introduction to Film Study
Acting Seminar
Film
Music for the Theater
Music Theory
Music History
Chorale
Chamber Singers
Orchestra
Kent Place Singers
Kent Place students must complete the third level of one
world language; at least two years of that language must
be studied in the Upper School. The world language department
strongly encourages students to continue in the language
through advanced levels and to pursue a second world language
for as many years as possible. In all three languages, French, Spanish and Latin,
advanced courses allow for a fine selection of literature
to be read; in addition, students may opt for Advanced Placement
courses or independent study under a mentor from the world
language department. Local field trips and student trips
abroad round out the program. In addition, students may
select a one-trimester course in Etymologies.
Latin I
Latin II
Latin III
Latin IV/V: Vergil
Latin IV/V: Latin Literature
Etymologies
French I
French II
French III
French IV
French V
Advanced Placement French Language
Advanced Placement French Literature
Spanish I
Spanish II
Spanish III
Spanish IV
Spanish V
Advanced Placement Spanish Language
Advanced Placement Spanish Literature
The history/social science program provides knowledge and skills essential to understanding the United States and our interdependent world. The department strongly recommends a four-year
program. Ninth graders can elect a year-long World History
course. During the sophomore and junior years, a student
must take U.S. History I and II. Seniors may select more
than one full year elective including AP Modern European
History, AP Economics and Contemporary History.
World History
U. S. History I - The American Experiment
U. S. History II - America Looks Forward
Advanced Placement United States History
Advanced Placement Economics
Contemporary History
Advanced Placement European History
The mathematics department strives to help each student to strengthen her problem solving and cognitive skills. In the classroom, we encourage our students to express their understanding of mathematics through active participation in class discussions. We encourage our students to develop their critical thinking skills and to work cooperatively with their peers. Each student is required to complete a three-year sequence of courses based on her previous work and ability. Students are encouraged to complete a fourth year course and the majority of our students do with many taking Advanced Placement mathematics by their senior year. Students may elect to take the SAT II: Level II Math exam upon completion of pre-calculus.
Algebra
Geometry
Advanced Algebra
Functions and Trigonometry
Pre-Calculus
Applied Calculus
Advanced Placement Calculus AB
Advanced Placement Calculus BC
Statistics
Advanced Placement Statistics
The Physical Education requirement stresses fitness, social interaction and the importance of lifelong sports and exercise. When a student is participating in a Kent Place School sport or any dance class, the department waives her physical education requirement for that trimester. If a student is a Varsity or JV player or Chamber or Ensemble Dancer in all three trimesters, she fulfills her physical education requirement.
Science courses foster students’ awareness of and appreciation for their biological and physical environments. The curriculum stresses laboratory experience and problem-solving, so that students will gain the basic skills and knowledge that they need for future study. Departmental offerings include laboratory-oriented courses in the traditional disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics, and others that allow students to explore specialized topics at an advanced level. Real-world connections are emphasized throughout the curriculum. Three years of a laboratory science are required for graduation, including Biology I and Chemistry I, which are required of students in grades 9 and 10, respectively.
Biology
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Advanced Placement Biology
Advanced Placement Chemistry
Human Anatomy & Physiology
Physics
Advanced Placement Physics
Biomedical Issues
Student Designed Practical Research
This first-through twelfth-grade curriculum explores issues
that affect the physical and psychosocial development of
women throughout their lives. Through class discussion,
group activities and role-play, girls learn about problem-solving,
decision-making, values clarification, coping and communication.
In addition, relevant topics generated from students' concerns and current events are addressed. All ninth-graders participate in the peer education program,
which is run by selected seniors. All tenth-graders take
Foundations in Women’s Life Studies, which covers
a wide range of topics related to women’s psychological,
sexual and social development.
