Lifelong Learners Through Academic Excellence
Mission Statement The mission of Gulliver Schools is to provide a superior, personalized college preparatory education fostering well-rounded, successful, lifelong learners. Gulliver is committed to developing the unique gifts and talents of each student in a nurturing environment that promotes academic excellence, innovation, global understanding and character.
Gulliver Schools
Table of Contents Mission Statement
2
Your Path Starts Here
5
Signature Academic Programs
6
Architecture
7
Biomedical Sciences
8
Engineering
9
International Business and
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Entrepreneurship Law and Litigation
11
International Baccalaureate Programme
12
Enhanced Academic Programs
14
Performing Arts
15
Visual Arts
16
Debate 17 Journalism and Graphic Design
18
Television Production
19
College and Guidance Counseling
20
Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate 21
Your Path Starts Here For 60 years, Gulliver has been committed to providing a superior college preparatory education. Gulliver was founded with the mission to recognize and nurture each student’s natural abilities and talents by providing an atmosphere that encourages him/her to strive for excellence in values-based living, academics, integrity and physical well-being. Our innovative and rigorous curriculum provides broad exposure in all disciplines and presents students with opportunities to pursue special areas of interest. The Gulliver experience stretches beyond the classroom and extends to athletics, extracurricular activities and the greater community. In the following pages, you will be introduced to a sampling of Gulliver’s Signature Academic Programs: Architecture, Biomedical Sciences, Engineering, International Business and Entrepreneurship and Law and Litigation. This series of courses is unique to Gulliver and offers our students an opportunity to further explore and develop their academic interests. In addition to our Signature Academic Programs, Gulliver is renowned for its IB Program, Enhanced Academic Programs and the College and Guidance Counseling program. We invite you to contact us for a tour of our facilities and to meet our faculty, staff and students.
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S I G N AT U R E
Academic Programs
S I G N AT U R E
Academic Programs
Architecture Integrating Creativity and Technology “Architecture is about commitment and contribution to a way of life. It is wonderful to see such young students developing a true passion for the beauty of expression that architecture provides.” – Christina Manrique-Gorsetman, Prep Architecture Faculty
Gulliver’s Architecture program, recognized as the finest architecture program in Miami-Dade County for more than two decades, prepares students for successful careers in architecture, urban planning, industrial design and technical communications.
Program Highlights
The program consists of a five-course curriculum within a three-year track emphasizing architectural design, industrial design and urban planning and design. The rigorous coursework, of an individualized nature, gives students exposure to a realistic environment in which to apply techniques learned through design, two-dimensional presentations and three dimensional modeling. Students research, observe and implement architectural styles and elements. Instruction is given in design, industry standards, specifications, surveys and site analysis, structures, architectural details, documentation and rendering. Students become proficient in Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems and generate presentations (proposals) using the latest AutoCAD/Autodesk Revit software.
Scholastic Art Awards – Various Gold Key, Silver Key and Honorable Mention awards in Architectural Design
The coursework also engages students in the study of environmental (green) design and sustainability. It provides opportunities for participation in authentic community proposals emphasizing restoration and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification with participating entities such as the City of Coral Gables, the Miami Marlins Organization, the University of Miami, Jackson Memorial Hospital, the City of Miami, and others.
Miami-Dade County Youth Fair and Exposition - Winner of multiple awards in Architectural Design, Industrial Design, Urban Planning and Technology
The Fairchild Challenge – Five-time First Place winner for LEED-certified sustainable proposals, green design, model building and documentation Florida State Technology Association – Winner of multiple awards in Architectural Design, Industrial Design, Urban Planning and Technology
Miami-Dade County Best Program Award for more than 20 consecutive years
Portfolio preparation is strongly emphasized in preparation for college entrance. Summer internships with local architectural firms are encouraged. Graduates of our program have been accepted to and have successfully completed their studies in architecture at top architecture schools in the country such as: Cornell University, Syracuse University, Rice University, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo, University of Texas at Austin, Auburn University, Pratt Institute, University of Virginia, Georgia Institute of Technology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute.
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Biomedical Sciences Inquiring, Analytical Minds, an Unquenchable Thirst for New Knowledge and Heartfelt Compassion for Others “We learn while doing interesting hands-on experiments rather than absorbing through lecture. This program puts me a step ahead of many other students interested in the medical field.” – Nikita Mayani, Biomedical Student
Program Highlights Gulliver Schools offers the only comprehensive biomedical program at an independent school in South Florida.
The Biomedical Sciences program is designed to provide a sound academic foundation for studies in fields such as medicine, biomedical engineering and health sciences. Students develop an appreciation of careers available in this broad field. Students explore how biomedical systems function using hands-on learning experiences. Areas of study include the operational performance of the human body – its physiology, genetics, pathology and bio-informatics. The program is project-based and collaborative, with students developing the interpersonal skills necessary for effective teamwork. Courses culminate in group problem-solving and presentations critiqued by peers. Strong research and writing components drive the program. Students document their research in an array of medical fields in their career journals throughout the four-year program. A considerable amount of laboratory work is performed, encouraging students to mature into independent thinkers and researchers. Summer internship opportunities are available through the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine and Baptist Hospital. These experiences provide students with an opportunity to enhance their understanding of biological/biomedical principles and their analytical/ technical skills. An advisory board consisting of a team of professionals from medical schools throughout Florida, including the University of Florida, Florida State University, the University of Miami and Florida International University, counsels on curricular and pedagogical matters.
Gulliver Schools
S I G N AT U R E
Academic Programs
Engineering Improving Lives through Innovation “For me, engineering is the perfect combination of the core academic subjects at Gulliver. From computing equations, to understanding the strain on vehicles, to developing prototypes for a person with a disability, the program allows students to combine creativity and intelligence.” – Shayanth Sinnarajah, Gulliver Alumnus, Class of 2012
Program Highlights Patent-pending device for those with disabilities Designated Project Lead The Way Model School Multiple national engineering design winners MIT continuous grant recipient for six years
With an emphasis on the application of physics, mathematics and computer programming, Gulliver’s Engineering program leads the way in curricular innovation. Students are challenged with courses that introduce them to civil, electrical and mechanical engineering. New state-of-the-art engineering rooms and a dedicated engineering tool-shop enable students to develop projects that extend into supplemental after-school programs such as The National Engineering Design Challenge and the Conrad Innovation Summit Spirit of Innovation Challenge.
Graduates of this program pursuing engineering have been accepted to top engineering schools such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Harvard University and the University of Florida.
Introductory engineering courses offer opportunities to develop problemsolving skills through computer programming, design and projects such as robotics. Students progress to Principles of Engineering where they tackle real-world engineering problems through theory and practical hands-on experiences. Students are challenged to consider the emerging social and political consequences of technological change. During the senior year of the Engineering program, students work in teams to research, design and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem, applying principles developed in their preceding courses while guided by a community mentor. Students entering university engineering programs often are exempt from entry-level coursework due to their participation in Gulliver’s program.
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International Business and Entrepreneurship Mentoring the Next Generation of Business Leaders “Learning about entrepreneurship and international business empowers students to understand and influence our world.” – Kamal A. James, Prep International Business and Entrepreneurship Faculty
Program Highlights Develops financial literacy Strengthens teamwork, communication and leadership skills Prepares students to plan, initiate and manage businesses Explores contemporary issues in economics and financial markets Exposes students to fundamentals of domestic and international business
The International Business and Entrepreneurship program is an honors-level academic program that prepares Gulliver students to be astute participants in the global economy. The entrepreneurship component nurtures students’ abilities to create and develop business ideas, while the international business component teaches them how to analyze factors at work within our complex global business environment. The emphasis on business analysis and problemsolving skills prepares students to thrive at selective undergraduate schools of business. The curriculum includes up to six courses, beginning with Introduction to Business, which gives students a fundamental understanding of what businesses do and how they work. It teaches students the language of business and familiarizes them with real-world business case studies. As students progress through the sequence of International Business and Entrepreneurship classes, they learn how to write and implement business plans, develop quantitative analysis skills through the study of statistics, economics and basic accounting and practice effective communication via collaborative projects and public speaking. In addition to coursework, students participate in co-curricular activities that are relevant, engaging and challenging. They serve as business consultants to the Gulliver Engineering program and other members of the South Florida community. Program participants also compete in local, national and international business skills competitions. The International Business and Entrepreneurship program fosters the personal development of each student by nurturing intellectual curiosity, problemsolving, ambition, academic achievement, service, leadership and interpersonal relationships. Participants develop a stakeholder view of business that emphasizes sustainable practices and an understanding of the value that our future business leaders offer society.
Gulliver Schools
S I G N AT U R E
Academic Programs
Law and Litigation Our Legal System in Action “The learning process in this program focuses on how to prepare, strategize and research a legal case while using psychology and different strategies to win the case.” – Jorge Rodriguez-Walling, Prep Law and Litigation Faculty
The Law and Litigation program provides students with an understanding of how the legal system works. Students actively apply their skills and techniques to litigate a case and argue it to its conclusion. The Law and Litigation program introduces students to the fundamentals of the legal process by exploring: ■
the methods used to take depositions
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the task of preparing a witness for examination questions
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t he components and protocols of delivering opening statements and closing arguments
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the skill of asking effective direct- and cross-examination questions
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the use of redirect questions of testimony
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i dentification of the loopholes and trappings of the court through the use of objections in the trial process
Program Highlights Students litigate criminal and civil cases. Students compete in the Miami-Dade Mock Trials with the University of Miami Litigation Skills Team and other private schools. Nationwide Law School recognition of litigation skills background Granted numerous awards and recognitions Dade Christian School’s First Annual Mock Trial Invitational Champions Two-time Quarter Finalists at the MiamiDade Mock Trial Competition
Students will litigate their own cases in the classroom and will combine their litigation practice with observation of real cases being tried in federal court. As an added feature to the law program, students will have the option to observe trials, plea bargains and mediation, and to involve themselves in legal research.
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L
Gulliver Schools
Baccalaureate Programme
I N T E R N AT I O N A L
Baccalaureate Programme
International Baccalaureate New Thinking for a New World “The International Baccalaureate Programme has provided me not only with the discipline necessary to truly develop to my full potential but also with a sense of community in order to enjoy it.” – Laura Ruiz, Gulliver Alumna, Class of 2012
Gulliver Preparatory’s International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) offers students a world-class education in a private setting where attention to the individual is paramount. Students who participate in IB studies benefit from more than a decade of experience shared by the school’s teachers and administrators. Students are motivated to realize their academic potential through the encouragement and involvement of faculty, guidance counselors, the IB coordinator and their Extended Essay and CAS advisors. Gulliver’s 96 percent pass rate for the full IB Diploma during the last 11 testing sessions attests to our commitment to academic distinction.
Program Highlights Encourages international-mindedness, starting with a foundation in one’s own language and culture Develops a positive attitude to learning that prepares students for university education Known for its rigorous external assessment with published global standards, making this a qualification welcomed by universities worldwide Emphasizes the development of the whole student physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically Provides a package of education that balances subject breadth and depth, and considers the nature of knowledge across disciplines
Gulliver’s IB Programme strives to create a learning community that challenges students to achieve higher levels of thinking and performance. The interdisciplinary focus of the programme enables students to see connections and develop shared missions, goals and respect – all within a collaborative setting supported by shared leadership. IB students emerge from the programme thoroughly equipped for the rigors of college life, with a genuine interest in global awareness, as well as 21st century skills and values for entry into today’s complex world.
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ENHANCED
Academic Programs
ENHANCED
Academic Programs
Performing Arts Nurturing Culture through the Arts “The Prep Music Department is a world within our school. Everyone is a part of one huge family, and even with all of the hard work, we manage to have fun! The program has helped me progress as a musician and has inspired me to continue music in college and beyond.” – Colan Bukowski, Gulliver Alumnus, Class of 2013
Gulliver Schools believes that through commitment and experience in the performing arts, students can develop a creative way to view the world that can enrich and transform their lives. The curriculum consists of music, dance, drama and video/film production courses. Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of stage productions and ensembles as their skills progress. The Gulliver Preparatory Music Department provides a conservatorylevel program that offers important venues for students’ to showcase their musical abilities. In addition to both large and small ensemble experience and solo opportunities, the Music Department offers AP Music Theory and a new course entitled Jazz Theory & Improvisation, which further develops and expands the knowledge attained in AP Music Theory into the world of jazz performance and composition. The dance curriculum is divided into four areas of technique: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced and Composition. The Theatre Arts Department’s primary goal is to provide a rich environment in theatre, allowing students to strengthen their confidence and raise their self-esteem through exercises, scene study and dramatic literature study. The department produces four to six live performances a year. Gulliver’s video/film program hosts a news-oriented daily television program, “RaiderVision,” that teaches students the technical and creative skills necessary both in front of and behind the camera.
Program Highlights Music – The Prep Music Program, consisting of String, Vocal and Instrumental ensembles, both large and small, is recognized as consistently superior at the district, state and national levels. Dance – The Prep Dance Program consists of five levels and incorporates technique, choreography, classical and modern repertoire and an awardwinning dance team. Drama – Students in the Theatre Arts program are encouraged to explore their creative potential, in order to investigate the social, multicultural, and historical context in which they live. Students are creators, observers and evaluators.
All of Gulliver’s performing arts courses offer students a wealth of information, performance experience, skill development and an opportunity to advance their artistry.
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Visual Arts “Art teaches students to appreciate beauty, communicate ideas and understand culture. Through creating works of art, students learn skills and techniques, practice self discipline and discover new ways of experiencing the world.” – Stacy Goldman, Prep Visual Arts Faculty and Gulliver Alumna, Class of 1996
Program Highlights Fairchild Challenge “Schools of Excellence” – Inducted after receiving Fairchild Challenge Awards for five consecutive years Scholastic Arts and Writing Gold Key awards Naomi Browning Memorial Ceramics Awards Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition Awards – including Best of Show Outstanding Senior High School Drafting Awards – Miami-Dade County Gulliver Art Walk Annual Student Art Exhibition
Gulliver Schools
Gulliver Preparatory’s Visual Arts Department believes that students can learn the necessary skills to create and enjoy art, and that, with proper instruction, nurturing, hard work and dedication, they can compile an exemplary body of work regardless of their ability, learning style or talent. A wide range of course offerings enables our students to choose from many different approaches to the visual arts. Gulliver offers 26 courses in three different disciplines: ■
Architecture, Industrial Design and Urban Planning and Design
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Ceramics and 3-D Design/Sculpture
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Drawing and Painting
During advanced-level courses, students compile an extensive and complete portfolio. Visual Arts students successfully participate in many local and nationally-recognized competitions and arts events. In the spring of each school year, all art students participate in Gulliver’s Annual Student Art Exhibition. Students demonstrate determination and eagerness to excel in the visual arts, and many decide to continue their exploration of the visual arts at the college level.
ENHANCED
Academic Programs
Debate Changing Hearts and Minds with Logical Persuasion “Debate has motivated me to expand my knowledge base and become more intellectually engaged. Debate has been one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life.� – Paula Zampietro, Gulliver Alumna, Class of 2013
The Debate Program at Gulliver Preparatory School is designed to increase student speaking, presentation and advocacy skills. Through the process of debate, students will also improve their writing, reading comprehension, research and critical thinking skills. The Debate Program consists of three classes: Speech, Debate and Competitive Debate. Speech and Debate introduce students to the fundamentals of argumentation. Competitive Debate examines contemporary debate practices with the goal of preparing students to attend local, state and national tournaments.
Program Highlights The debate team competes in more than 10 national tournaments each year and is recognized as one of the top high school programs in the country. Competitive debate strengthens writing, research, critical thinking and leadership skills. Students have the opportunity to participate in debate competitions through all four years of high school. Gulliver debaters have the opportunity to receive a variety of college scholarships.
The Debate Program encourages students to be confident and poised while discussing issues. Speaking and advocacy are life skills that extend well beyond the classroom to many situations in life. Students who have completed the Debate Program are prepared to be leaders in any field. Former Gulliver debaters are leaders in business, government, law and medicine. In addition to regular on-campus course work, Gulliver debaters participate in after-school meetings and debate tournaments across Florida and throughout the United States. The goal is to win state and national recognition in addition to local league victories. A well-established program at Gulliver, Debate has been recognized as one of the top programs in the country. The debate team has won awards from the universities of Wake Forest, Emory, Harvard, California at Berkeley, Michigan, Florida, Northwestern and Stanford. Gulliver student debaters regularly receive debate scholarships to allow them to continue competitive debating in college.
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Journalism and Graphic Design A Study of Mass Communication and Print Media “Being part of the newspaper staff throughout my high school career provided me with an opportunity to discover my passion for journalism. The experiences I had in the program reached far beyond the classroom, helping me grow as an individual and emerge as a leader among my peers.” – Brooke Rosenberg, Gulliver Alumna, Class of 2013 (newspaper editor-in-chief)
Program Highlights Nationally-recognized student-run news website and publications awarded CSPA Silver Crown Award, CSPA Gold and Silver Medals, FSPA Gold Award with Special Distinction, and NSPA First Class Interdisciplinary course involving writing, editing, graphic design and photography Opportunities to develop multimedia portfolios Member of Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, Florida Scholastic Press Association, American Society of Newspaper Editors
Gulliver’s Journalism program offers students experience in the multiple media platforms needed to be effective in today’s ever-changing communication landscape. Students will acquire the tools and knowledge necessary to prepare, create and transmit content in compelling verbal and visual formats. The Introduction to Journalism and Graphic Design class offers a comprehensive overview of communications and digital media, including the major components of college-level communications programs. Students become more coherent and forceful writers and editors in a variety of media – print, online and broadcast. In addition, the course offers students experience in graphic design for effective visual communication. After the introductory class, students may join one of Gulliver’s awardwinning news publication staffs: The Raider Voice newspaper and news online (news website) and The Raider yearbook. Students acquire handson experience while working in a fast-paced, professional newsroom environment. They also participate in real-world experiences covering advanced movie screenings and premieres, as well as interviews with film and recording artists. Whether pursuing journalism, public relations or marketing, students in Gulliver’s Journalism program gain the tools needed for success in college and in related careers. Graduates who have completed the Journalism program at Gulliver have entered competitive journalism and communications programs at Duke University, New York University, University of Florida, Florida State University and Syracuse University.
Gulliver Schools
ENHANCED
Academic Programs
Television Production The Art of Telling a Story Using Sound, Pictures and Words “This program focuses on teaching the student how to tell a story; not just with words and pictures, but by combining both with the behind-the-scenes fundamentals of putting a live production together, such as our daily broadcast of morning announcements, RaiderVision.” – Michael Sylver, Prep Video Production Faculty
Gulliver Preparatory’s Television Production program graduates have found homes in the industries of broadcast and film. Whether interested in gaining on-air studio experience or learning the ropes of editing with the latest computer equipment, Gulliver’s television and film classes assist students in developing the skills necessary to pursue their interest in front of or behind the camera. Classes are offered at three levels and guide students from the basics of camera operation to advanced editing techniques. Storytelling and newsgathering skills are emphasized as much as audio and lighting methods. The history of radio, TV and film are explored, providing a solid foundation and understanding of the birth and growth of the business. Students have the opportunity to explore – in a safe, monitored environment – the newest forms of television, film and digital media production, including social media and the coupling of newspaper and magazine journalism with video.
Program Highlights Student reporters provide stories and background information to sfhighschoolsports.com, an outlet of WQAM Sports Radio. Broadcast students act as crew for local Internet media live productions. Students serve as announcers for sporting events and emcee club events and fundraisers. Hands-on, daily, live news broadcast, RaiderVision, provides real-life experience in a studio environment and field-tostudio production.
The hands-on component of production is a vital part of Gulliver’s program. Students practice their skills by covering school events, including sports, drama, dance and music. They work side-by-side with classmates in the biomedical science and engineering programs, documenting unique projects through news segments. Students interested in becoming on-air talent build their skills and confidence by producing RaiderVision, a daily news broadcast for the student body. RaiderVision challenges students to combine their creative and technical skills to meet fast-paced deadlines. Gulliver’s Television Production program provides the background that affords many students the opportunity to study at universities with highly acclaimed programs, such as NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, New York Film Academy, Quinnipiac University School of Communications and Full Sail University.
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College and Guidance Counseling A Personal Approach “Our counselors make sure that students capitalize on their strengths, hone skills where needed and take challenging coursework that prepares them for successful college admission.” – Connie Ernsberger, Prep Director of College and Guidance Counseling Gulliver Alumna, Class of 1987
Program Highlights Each counselor has fewer than 40 students at each grade level Same counselor throughout student’s four years of high school Students encouraged to develop at least one special talent Programs for parents and students in each grade level Acceptances to top colleges, including Yale, Harvard University, Princeton University, Vassar College, Dartmouth College, Cornell University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, Duke University, Johns Hopkins University and Georgetown University
Gulliver Schools
The College and Guidance Counseling program provides the personal assistance necessary to prepare each student for successful college entrance. Counselors carefully guide students as they select from more than 225 course offerings available at Gulliver, assisting them in making choices that will develop their interests and talents. An individual counselor is assigned at the end of the eighth grade year and remains with the student throughout the Preparatory experience. Counselors assist students in identifying goals and interests and guide them to make well-informed decisions about their journey into higher education. The department hosts informational events and parent forums regularly throughout the year. Counselors are readily accessible to students and their parents to provide advice and direction. Each October, juniors attend the Miami Invitational College Fair, where more than 215 colleges are available for consultation. Gulliver hosts more than 100 college recruiters who meet with interested students during their senior year. From Ivy League colleges, music and art conservatories and liberal arts colleges, to engineering and business schools, Gulliver students are well-prepared for entrance into top colleges in the United States and abroad.
Advanced Placement/ International Baccalaureate Advanced Placement: Computers • Computer Science A AP English • English Language and Composition AP (British Literature) • English Literature and Composition AP (World Literature) Fine Arts • Studio Art Drawing Portfolio 1 AP • Studio Art Drawing Portfolio 2 AP • Studio Art 2 D Design Portfolio 1 AP • Studio Art 2 D Design Portfolio 2 AP • Studio Art 3 D Design Portfolio AP • Music Theory AP
• Microeconomics AP • Macroeconomics AP • European History AP • World History AP
International Baccalaureate: Group 1 (Studies in Language and Literature) • English A: Literature HL • French A: Language and Literature HL/SL • Spanish A: Language and Literature HL/SL Group 2 (Language Acquisition) • French B HL/SL • French ab initio SL • Spanish B HL/SL • Spanish ab initio SL
World Languages • Spanish Language AP • Spanish Literature AP • French Language and Culture AP • Italian Language and Culture AP
Group 3 (Individuals and Societies) • History of the Americas HL/SL • Economics SL • Psychology SL • Social and Cultural Anthropology SL
Mathematics • Calculus AB AP • Calculus BC AP • Statistics AP
Group 4 (Experimental science) • Biology HL/SL • Design Technology HL • Environmental Systems and Societies SL • Physics SL
Science • Biology AP • Environmental Science AP • Chemistry AP • Physics B AP • Physics C Mechanics AP Social Science • Human Geography AP • United States History AP • Psychology AP • United States Government and Politics AP • Comparative Government and Politics AP
Group 5 (Mathematics) • Mathematics HL/SL • Mathematical Studies SL Group 6 (The Arts) • Theatre Arts HL/SL • Visual Arts Option A HL/SL Theory of Knowledge
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Gulliver Schools
Preparatory School 6575 North Kendall Drive / Pinecrest, FL 33156 T 305.666.7937 / F 305.665.3791 / www.gulliverschools.org