CURRICULUMOVERVIEW challengedBE
Our Distinctive Program
At Boston University Academy, high school students who love learning are challenged to think critically and read deeply, and to explore adventurously the wider world of learning on the campus of a global research university.
Boston University Academy’s academic program pairs a liberal arts core high school curriculum with courses at Boston University. It’s an optimal blend of small classes and individualized teacher attention at BUA and the vast educational resources available through BU. Students’ zeal for learning can take them as far as they are capable: there are no limits to learning at BUA.
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Master Class Schedule
Best of Both Worlds
Ninth- and Tenth-Grade Seminars, courses on issues of relevance to today's teenagers (more info on p. 9)
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While ninth- and tenth-grade students follow a classically-based, globally focused liberal arts curriculum, eleventh and twelfth graders have the freedom to choose from more than 2,000 classes from Boston University’s course catalog. In their BU courses, eleventh- and twelfth-grade students build upon their underclassmen experience to pursue their individual interests at advanced levels.
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BlockAcademic Advising Advising
A shared academic experience to support study across a wide variety of disciplines in eleventh and twelfth grades
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAYTUESDAYMONDAY 9:30-10:45 8:30-9:45A C 8:55-9:55 8:55-9:55 2:45-3:25 10:05-11:05 10:05-11:05 1:25-2:25 12:30-1:45 1:25-2:25 1:25-2:40 12:15-1:15 12:15-1:15 2:00-3:00 10:50-11:30 9:55-10:55 11:55-12:10 11:55-12:10 8:30-9:20 12:20-1:10 11:00-11:20 12:30-1:45
Interdisciplinary approach to humanities through immersion in the classic works of Western civilization in conversation with global texts and with emphasis on close reading and writing
9/10 Class LunchMeeting E
Elective modern language courses offered online through Middlebury Interactive Languages in 9th and 10th grades
The BUA curriculum — the only one of its kind in New England — enables students to gain exposure to new disciplines and to pursue their particular interests at advanced levels. It is a program built for students’ growth as thinkers and as individuals. By design, the curriculum evolves to provide an appropriate level of challenge and support for each grade level, preparing students for the myriad of opportunities offered at BU in their junior and senior years. Boston University Academy’s program is mindful of each student’s unique interests and needs.
Liberal arts curriculum that includes English, history, science, mathematics, classical language, the arts, and physical education
Lunch LunchLunch 10:05-11:058:30-9:45 2:00-3:00
The BUA approach prompts students to understand historical perspectives, to think critically and delve deeply, to master the use of primary texts, and to hone their interpretive skills. BUA students learn to question what they read, to craft a well-reasoned argument, and to appreciate the connections between literature, history, philosophy, religion, science, and political theory. Classes focus on the debate of “why” and “how.”
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Lunch B ASM
2:35-3:50
ASM - All-School Meeting PE - Physical Education
Boston University Academy classes are all honors level. Every student gains a solid foundation in the humanities—English, history, and language. Ninth and tenth graders also study physics and chemistry, a visual or performing art, and the level of mathematics they are prepared for, from advanced algebra to multivariate calculus and beyond. BUA’s core curriculum prepares students for in-depth study of just about anything.
Grades 9 & 10
2 Curriculum Overview Boston University Academy 3
AcademicSeminar/Block AcademicSeminar/Block C 2:35-3:25 Advising 11:55-12:15 Activity Block
Two-year study of Latin or ancient Greek; tenth graders who test into the third semester of a modern language may choose to take that course at BU instead of the second year of classical language
A A CPE B B
EDUCATIONPHYSICAL 2:45-3:25
WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAYTHURSDAY THURSDAYFRIDAY FRIDAY
POWER AND WISDOM IN THE ANCIENT WORLD
ADVANCEDALGEBRA
10:05-11:05
8:55-9:55
ACADEMIC BLOCK
CLASS MEETING
LUNCH 11:10-11:50
12:15-1:15
LUNCH
PHYSICS
LUNCH
ALL-SCHOOL MEETING
9:55-10:55
10:05-11:05
1:25-2:40 long
9:55-10:55
long CHORUS
8:30-9:45 long GEOMETRY 8:30-9:45 long LATIN I
1:25-2:25
LUNCH
GLOBAL CITIZENS
9:30-10:45 long
LUNCH
LUNCH
2:35-3:25
11:10-11:50
ACADEMIC BLOCK
Sample Ninth-Grade Schedule
8:30-9:20
11:10-11:50
11:55-12:15
8:30-9:45
NINTH-GRADESEMINAR
1:25-2:25
MAKINGS OF THE MODERN WORLD
ALL-SCHOOL MEETING
11:35-12:25
11:55-12:10
ANCIENT GREEK II
LUNCH
1:25-2:40 long PHYSICS
11:10-11:50
TENTH-GRADESEMINAR
ADVISORY
12:30-1:45 long
2:00-3:00
8:55-9:55 CHORUS
GLOBAL CITIZENS: THELITERATUREOFEVOLUTIONENGLISH
SELF & SOCIETY: THE CONVERSATIONCANONLITERARYIN
11:00-11:20
12:30-1:45 long
ANCIENT GREEK II 1:25-2:25 CHEMISTRY
LUNCH
VISUAL FOUNDATIONSARTS I
TUESDAYMONDAY MONDAY
8:30-9:45 long
ACADEMIC BLOCK
TUESDAY
8:55-9:55
LATIN I
VISUAL FOUNDATIONSARTS I
ADVISORY
2:45-3:25 ACTIVITY BLOCK
VISUAL FOUNDATIONSARTS I 12:15-1:15
8:55-9:55 CHORUS 1:25-2:25 CHEMISTRY
12:30-1:45 long
8:30-9:20
GEOMETRY
11:25-12:25
2:35-3:50
PHYSICS
11:35-12:25
10:05-11:05
11:55-12:15
MAKINGS OF THE MODERN WORLD
ADVISORY
2:00-3:00
12:30-1:45 long CHEMISTRY
9:30-10:45 long
2:35-3:50
10:05-11:05
SELF & SOCIETY
11:10-11:50
GEOMETRY
LATIN I
11:55-12:10 ADVISORY 11:55-12:10 ADVISORY 11:25-12:25
12:20-1:10
ADVISORY
10:05-11:05
LUNCH
EDUCATIONPHYSICAL
2:00-3:00
SELF & SOCIETY 10:05-11:05
POWER AND WISDOM IN THE ANCIENT WORLD
10:50-11:30
ACTIVITYBLOCK
2:00-3:00
11:10-11:50
12:15-1:15
4 Curriculum Overview Boston University Academy 5 BE challenged
ADVANCEDALGEBRA
ANCIENT GREEK II
MAKINGS OF THE MODERN WORLD
2:35-3:25
GLOBAL CITIZENS
ACADEMIC BLOCK
12:20-1:10
10:50-11:30
12:15-1:15
LUNCH
11:00-11:20
Sample Tenth-Grade Schedule
ADVANCEDALGEBRA
11:55-12:10
POWER AND WISDOM IN THE ANCIENT WORLD
CLASS MEETING
9:30-10:45 WOMEN
All students must complete calculus by the end of their senior year
MUSLIM WORLD 8:30-9:45 long CALCULUS I 12:30-3:15 long BIOLOGY I LAB 11:15-12:05 SENIOR
TUESDAY
MONDAY
CALCULUS I I9:30-10:45 IN THE WORLD IN THE THESIS
The courses shaded classes taken at Boston University.
Students can pick from over 2,000 BU courses including 27 modern languages
Sample Twelfth Grade Schedule
THURSDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
All University courses are taken for credit with Boston University faculty and students; most students earn as many as 48 college credits (the equivalent of 12 college courses or 1½ years) prior to graduating
MUSLIM
WEDNESDAY FRIDAY
Course credits may be transferred at the discretion of the college at which a student matriculates
MONDAY
Grades 11 & 12
All seniors complete a year-long thesis project under the guidance of a University professor and a BUA faculty advisor
Most students graduate with proficiency in two languages: one classical and one modern (students often achieve in two years the equivalent of four years of high school language study)
8:55-9:55 CALCULUS
10:10-11:00 PSYCHOLOGYGENERAL 10:10-11:00 PSYCHOLOGYGENERAL 10:10-11:00 PSYCHOLOGYGENERAL 2:00-3:50 SEMINAR:RESEARCHJUNIORHAL 10:05-11:05 IDENTITY & BELONGING: THE STORY OF LITERATUREAMERICAN 12:20-1:10 SENIOR SEMINAR: THE SHORT STORY 12:20-1:10 SENIOR SEMINAR: THE SHORT STORY 12:20-1:10 SENIOR SEMINAR: THE SHORT STORY 1:25-2:15 discussion GENETICS 12:20-1:10 FRENCH IN THE WORLD 12:30-1:45 GENETICS 12:30-1:45 GENETICS BU BU BU BU BU BU BU BU BU BU 8:30-9:20 ALL-SCHOOL MEETING 8:30-9:20 ALL-SCHOOL MEETING 11:00-11:50 CLASS MEETING 8:30-9:20 CLASS MEETING 12:20-1:10 FRENCH IN THE WORLD BU 9:55-10:55 US HISTORY 12:20-1:10 FRENCH IN THE WORLD BU 10:05-11:05 IDENTITY & BELONGING: THE STORY OF LITERATUREAMERICAN 10:05-11:05 US HISTORY 1:25-2:15 BIOLOGY I BU 1:25-2:15 BIOLOGY I BU 2:30-4:20 elective MUSIC THEORY 1:25-2:15 BIOLOGY I BU 12:30-1:45 IDENTITY & BELONGING: THE STORY OF LITERATUREAMERICAN 8:30-9:45 IDENTITY & BELONGING: THE STORY OF LITERATUREAMERICAN
TUESDAY
8:55-9:55
in red are undergraduate-level
Most juniors enroll in Biology 107 and Biology 108, completing the science sequence that began with physics and chemistry at BUA, and a modern language at the University
Sample Eleventh-Grade Schedule
All eleventh and twelfth graders enroll in courses at BUA and BU; juniors typically take two courses a semester at the University, while seniors can take as many as four courses a semester at BU
long US HISTORY 9:30-10:45 WOMEN
WEDNESDAY
6 Curriculum Overview Boston University Academy 7 BE challenged
Advising and Student Support takes on many forms at BUA. Every student is paired with an advisor who supports and encourages that student’s academic and social-emotional wellbeing. Ninth- and tenth-grade students meet with their advisor and advising group three times per week. Class advisors coordinate weekly grade-wide meetings that focus on community norms, adjusting to life at BUA, as well as student health and wellness. The BUA Student Support team also includes the school counselor, learning specialist, and the University liaison who serves as a conduit of communication between BUA and BU instructors.
Typical course progression: Advanced Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus, Calculus I, Calculus II, and Multivariate Calculus. Placement is determined by ability and exposure, not grade level; completion of Calculus I is a graduation requirement. Students can take up to Multivariate Calculus at BUA, after which higher level math courses are available at BU.
RequirementsGraduation
SeminarTenth-Grade
Foundations in Language and Logic introduces students to concepts of writtten argument and style. This unit aims to develop an early awareness in students of words as both fun and powerful, and of the ways in which language and logic are working on us every waking hour.
Topics for these year-long electives vary from year to year; recent offerings have included: Independent Study in 2D Design, Shakespeare Study, Music Theory, and Musicianship.
This full-credit elective program enables underclassmen to study a modern language alongside the five full-credit course load. There are two ways in which ninth and tenth graders can study a modern language: the first is an online program through Middlebury Interactive Languages; the second is advanced modern language study at BU for those tenth graders who demonstrate proficiency equivalent to two years of high school language (by placing into a third semester language course at BU).
Students examine research methods in the humanities and social sciences, including how to navigate the myriad of University resources in developing research papers.
Educating and supporting the whole student is a fundamental part of our philosophy at BUA.
9 10 11 12 Continued>> Program Highlights
Ninth- and Tenth-Grade Seminars — required
CAS BI 107 & 108:
Power and Wisdom in the Ancient World Makings of the Modern World United HistoryStates
Student Clubs and Activities provide meaningful ways for students to pursue non-academic interests, enjoy creative outlets, reduce stress, and build community. With more than 50 clubs and 15 interscholastic and recreational sports to choose from, there are more extracurricular opportunities than there are hours in a day!
8 Curriculum Overview
Physics Chemistry Biology
Program Highlights
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LANGUAGECOURSEWORKSCIENCEHISTORYMATHARTSADDITIONAL
BUA’s physical education program utilizes BU’s extraordinary athletic facilities and program offerings.
Students in ninth and tenth grade can choose from over two dozen PE electives to fulfill this requirement. Upperclassmen may choose to use any of the fitness equipment; weight rooms; multipurpose fitness studios; aquatic facilities; and squash, racquetball, and basketball courts housed within BU’s 270,000-squarefoot Fitness and Recreation Center (FitRec).
Computer Science has broad application in today’s job market, and is a key life skill no matter what field of study one chooses to pursue. Students learn the fundamentals of Computer Science through interactive lessons in coding (using Python) and other basics.
The non-shaded areas represent andcourseselectiveshadedrequirements,graduationwhiletheboxesrepresentoptions.AllBUAarehonorslevelthereisnotracking.
Physical Education — required of all 9th and 10th graders
Junior Research Seminars — optional ½ credit elective for 11th graders
All-School Meeting (ASM) takes place every Tuesday morning during the academic year and is an essential part of the BUA program. It is a time for the BUA community to come together to learn, to share news and announcements, and to discuss important issues facing our school and society at large. These weekly gatherings often include talks given by BU professors, visiting scholars, or BUA faculty on their areas of expertise.
Academic Block provides opportunities for students to get a jump-start on homework and to seek out support from teachers and tutors. Academic Blocks are quiet, proctored hours carved out of the school day for all underclassmen.
The Ninth- and Tenth-Grade Seminars are opportunities for fun, hands-on learning without the added pressures of grades or homework. These courses meet once per week, and rotate through various topics of study: Health & Wellness; Cultural Competency; Computer Science; Design Thinking at the BU Innovate and BUild Lab; Engineering at BU's Engineering Product Innovation Center (EPIC); and Foundations in Language and Logic. These themes were chosen based on their broad applicability to adolescents and their importance in preparing students for their futures as responsible, productive citizens in society.
SeminarNinth-Grade Junior Research Seminar (half-credit elective) Physical Education Physical Education Senior Thesis
The Health & Wellness unit offers engaging lessons on physical and emotional health and wellbeing with special attention to topics of relevance to today’s teenagers, including nutrition; mental health; sexual health; social interactions; and social media and technology use.
History, Arts, and Letters (HAL)
Advanced Art Seminars — ½ credit elective for 11th and 12th graders
Chamber Ensemble, Chorus, Jazz Band, Drama or Visual Art Advanced seminars available at BUA and BU
Ninth- & Tenth-Grade Seminars: A Deeper Dive
Students tour various laboratories and examine current science periodicals; many students opt to conclude the course by participating in summer research internships.
It is critical that BUA students learn to be thoughtful, informed, and culturally competent citizens in an increasingly diverse world. The Cultural Competency unit provides a chance to discover our common humanity through active, experiential workshops exploring identity, empathy, stereotypes and bias, and the eight core cultural identifiers.
Community Moments
Senior Thesis — required coursework for all 12th graders A culminating BUA experience, this year-long project provides students with the opportunity to follow an intellectual passion in depth with the guidance of a university professor and BUA faculty advisor.
Identity and Belonging: The Story of American Literature 27 modern languages offered at BU; placement is determined by exam (not grade level)
Latin or Ancient Greek Latin or Ancient Greek Modern ProgramLanguage Modern ProgramLanguage BU Course BU Course
BU's Engineering Product Innovation Center (EPIC) hosts technology clinics where students are introduced to hand tools, laser cutting, waterjet cutting, and 3D printing. In the BU Innovate and BUild Lab, students learn to apply design thinking skills to real-world problems.
Modern Language Program — elective for 9th and 10th graders; by application
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
ENGLISH Self and Society: The Literary Canon in Conversation Global Citizens: The Evolution of English Literature Senior Seminar at BUA or an English course at BU
Juniors with defined academic interests may enroll in one of two optional, honors-level seminars. These ½ credit electives provide students with skills in research methodology, and introduce students to University faculty and research being undertaken at Boston University. For many students, these seminars become the basis for their Senior Thesis.
One University Road, Boston, MA 02215 617-358-2493 academyadmission@bu.edu617-353-8999
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In our caring high-school community, students who love learning are challenged to think critically and read deeply, and to explore adventurously the wider world of learning at Boston University.
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