Section 2: Academic Program Academic excellence is achieved by thorough instruction in the core disciplines, the development of good study habits, and the opportunity to be challenged by increasingly complex subject matter. Because of the quality and experience of the faculty and the careful organization of time set aside for personal instruction and guidance, we believe that a boy will find a superior academic program at Avon Old Farms. With rare exceptions, all graduating seniors go on to college. Thus, Avon’s graduation requirements closely parallel the admission requirements of many colleges. Avon students are expected to complete the following studies: English — Four years* History — Three years (including U.S. History) Mathematics — Three years (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2/Trigonometry) Science — Three years with intensive laboratory work (including Living Systems or equivalent biology credit) World Language — Through the second level/year Language Arts — One credit *The English requirement for graduation is four years, one of which must be either English 4 (two semesters), English 4 Honors, or AP Literature and Composition, taken in the senior or post-graduate year. Each year, a student pursues a program of studies consisting of a minimum of five courses, including at least four courses chosen from the following core academic subjects: English, history, mathematics, science, and world language. Additional courses could be from either core academic subjects or electives in the performing arts or visual arts. In order to be eligible to receive a diploma from Avon Old Farms, a student must meet the requirements outlined above and satisfactorily participate in Intersession. The School reserves the right to deny a diploma to any student who is not in good standing at the time of graduation due to academic or disciplinary reasons. Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and post-AP courses are offered to students who combine academic ability with the desire to pursue the most rigorous course of study. Placement in these courses is determined by the provost and academic deans after considering the student’s request, his previous course of study, and teacher recommendation. Even if a student is recommended by a teacher, final decisions about placement are made only by the provost and/or academic deans and may not be overridden by parent/student requests.
I. Schedule Changes
Changes to a student’s schedule may be made only with permission of Provost Mr. Dowling; Academic Dean Ms. Harrington; or Academic Dean Mr. Stern during the drop/add period or at other times under special circumstances. The drop/add period for all students ends on September 24, 2021. Any course changes made after the end of the drop/add date will result in an Incomplete for the affected courses during the first quarter. If a student has an Incomplete, he will not be eligible to earn a position on the Honor Roll, Dean’s List, or Head of School’s List. If a student wishes to change a course, he must confer with his current teacher, his advisor, and Provost Mr. Dowling; Academic Dean Ms. Harrington; or Academic Dean Mr. Stern about the reasons for the requested change. Changes will not be made because of teacher preferences. Students are expected to communicate any changes in their schedules to their parents/guardians. 5
