THE PROGRAM
the
2013-2014
A School with a Bold, New Educational Vision Springside Chestnut Hill Academy was founded in 2011 following the merger of two historic schools, Springside School and Chestnut Hill Academy. SCH Academy’s comprehensive and rigorous Pre-K–12 college preparatory curriculum is driven by a 21st century vision of what today’s students need and is supported by nearly 300 combined years of academic leadership in boys’ and girls’ education, enabling us to offer an unparalleled academic experience. Our structure of one school-five divisions, described in the graphic below, expresses both our continued commitment to gendertailored education in the lower and middle grades and our recognition of the value of coeducation in a student’s final preparation for college and beyond.
preparing them for their future. Our program is not for everyone, but those who are willing to be challenged, work hard, cultivate an independent mind, and exercise their creativity and curiosity will find our curriculum engaging and rewarding. At the same time, they will discover a nurturing and joyful learning environment led by a dedicated, passionate, and highly educated faculty. Here at SCH Academy, the community created by our students and faculty is authentic and strong. It is a community in which each student’s unique gifts and capabilities are respected and valued and given just the right combination of challenge and support to ensure that they shine.
Students who attend SCH Academy will experience a robust, state-of-the-art academic program intently focused on
Lower School Girls
Lower School Boys
Middle School Girls
Middle School Boys
Upper School Coed
n All-girls
n All-boys
n All-girls
nA ll-boys
n Coed
academics; coed After School Center & enrichment programs & coed special programs
academics; coed After School Center & enrichment programs & coed special programs
academics; coed drama, service & dances
academics; coed drama, service & dances
academics, activities & clubs; singlesex advising & athletics
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Our Mission At Springside Chestnut Hill Academy we educate students to be innovative leaders, breakthrough thinkers, and imaginative problem solvers. We challenge students to learn in powerful new ways, engage in active inquiry, hone skills of creative and analytic thinking, and celebrate the joy of discovery. Through a rigorous college-preparatory program enhanced by project- and passion-based learning, we prepare our students for their future as active learners and responsible global citizens. Blending the best of single-sex education and coeducation, we empower and prepare our young men and women to meet challenges with courage, integrity, and respect.
Message from the President The New School of Thought Welcome to Springside Chestnut Hill Academy! I couldn’t think of a more exciting time to consider our school for your son or daughter as we move fully into our invigorated and expanded academic program. This program is grounded in the best of college preparatory teaching and practice, while also firmly attuned to the entrepreneurial energy and broadranging skill expectations that define the 21st century. It is no longer enough for students to be knowledgeable in the traditional liberal arts subjects of the standard college preparatory curriculum. It is no longer sufficient for them to be well versed in the analytical and critical thinking skills that our schools have historically taught. Today’s students need an educational program that is fully oriented to the demands of the future while respecting and transmitting the best of the past. This is the new brand of education that our students are receiving at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy.
At the heart of CEL is our focus on cultivating the entrepreneurial mindset— not with the intent of making business owners of all our students, but with the goal of nurturing in them those creative, can-do qualities that are the hallmark of the entrepreneur—innovation, adaptability, a willingness to stretch and take risks, an understanding of data, and a love for problem solving. These qualities will enable our students to thrive, whatever path they choose in life.
An environment of inquiry and exploration characterizes all that we do here at SCH. Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore, test intellectual boundaries, and devise solutions. They are taught not to be afraid to try new ideas—and to try again if their first effort fails. This is how they build the confidence, perseverance, and resiliency that will be so important to their success later in life.
I invite you to begin your SCH Academy journey in the pages of this book and then continue to our website for current news on the transformative teaching of our nationally renowned faculty and the achievements of our accomplished students of all ages. I am excited by the role that Springside Chestnut Hill Academy can play in helping your child develop the resilience, strength of character, passion, and joy to step boldly into the future!
An SCH Academy education earns its graduates admittance to the top colleges and universities in the nation (see page 19 of this Program). By the time they complete their academic journey, our students have not only acquired a superior college preparation, they have gained confidence and expertise in areas to which most students are not exposed until college or beyond, giving them a significant advantage in the competitive world that awaits them.
“At the heart of CEL is our focus on cultivating the entrepreneurial mindset ...”
Dr. Priscilla G. Sands President
WHAT EXPERTS SAY: Real-world competencies for student success deemed critical by 600 college presidents and CEOs: critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, agility, adaptability, initiative, entrepreneurship — Tony Wagner, Harvard Graduate School of Education Design thinking is an advanced educational method that trains students to approach and navigate complex problems with creative confidence. — Stanford University Institute of Design
Through our Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL) curriculum, students at all division levels are learning the skills that have been identified by educators and business leaders as essential for success in higher education and the professional workplace.
SCH Academy is embarking on a truly path-breaking initiative that will help redefine the scope, content, and delivery of secondary education for years to come. — John Kimberly, The Wharton School
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Springside Chestnut Hill Academy Points of Pride
One of only 2 private schools in state to be selected by U.S. Department of Education as a
Green Ribbon School
Only
Philadelphia independent school curriculum grounded in teaching the skills and mindset of the
entrepreneur
Internationally award-
winning robotics team and district host, FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Robotics competitions Largest school solar array in City of Philadelphia:
a half acre of solar panels supplying electricity to main building on Cherokee Campus
Nationally recognized faculty, including Google
certified Teacher, Apple Distinguished Educator, member of Library of Congress Advisory Board, and
winner
of national poetry book award
Outdoor program,
grades 2–9, extends classroom learning, builds self-confidence, and nurtures environmental responsibility
SCH At a Glance •A mong the oldest single-sex schools in Philadelphia, founded in 1861 (Chestnut Hill Academy) and 1879 (Springside School) •U nique structure: single-sex in grades Pre-K–8, coed in grades 9–12 •2 013-2014 Enrollment: 1,100 girls and boys. Includes 25 students from 5 different countries •A verage class size: 15 with 8:1 studentteacher ratio Over 70% of the Class of 2013 admitted to first-choice college or university 25 students from the Class of 2013 will be attending schools listed in U.S. News and World Report’s “Top 15 National Universities” or “Top 20 Liberal Arts Colleges” Faculty credentials: average tenure, 12 years; nearly 70% hold advanced degrees; all pursue ongoing professional development Families come from 91 zip codes; 54% live in the City of Philadelphia • 31% are students of color
Lower School students
design, experiment, build, and learn
Gold LEED-certified
Rorer Center for Science and Technology building
•6 2-acre campus adjacent to Wissahickon watershed in Fairmount Park and featuring 9 playing fields including 2 turf
in their own special laboratory spaces
Mandarin Chinese beginning in Pre-K
Innovative academic departments, encompassing
New Media, Engineering, and Robotics, for Pre-K–12
First area independent school to have entire faculty trained in
design thinking
Customized, 1,600-square-foot,
state-ofthe-art
Robotics and Engineering Lab
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Non-Discrimination Policy SCH does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions procedures, scholarship program, athletic, and other school programs, retaining the right to make admissions and retention decisions on the basis of the school’s ability to reasonably accommodate students with disabilities.
Message from the Head of School An Educational Experience Beyond the Expected SCH Academy’s exemplary academic program and innovative Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership are complemented and supported by its excellent faculty and facilities. Our award-winning faculty are driven by a passion for teaching, a deep caring for their students, and a commitment to their own continued professional growth. Beyond our school, SCH Academy teachers are sharing their expertise with other educators on topics ranging from genomes to entrepreneurship, serving on national advisory committees for such respected organizations as the Library of Congress and the New England History Teachers Association, and being recognized nationally as Apple educators, Google certified teachers, award-winning poets, and best teachers of the year. In short, our SCH faculty is a standout group of leaders and thinkers, all of whom are passionately committed to their students and to passing on their love of learning.
several times a day, just as they will do a few years from now on college campuses around the country. Our sports teams are reveling in their new outdoor facilities, which include two new turf fields and fully renovated and resodded grass fields. SCH Academy’s great faculty, exciting curriculum, and 62-acre campus on the edge of the Wissahickon make for an educational experience that goes beyond the expected. While our students receive excellent grounding in the traditional subjects and an appreciation of their interconnections, they also gain something more—an understanding of their own unique gifts and potential. Through facultyguided experiences that challenge them to integrate and apply their knowledge, empower their imaginations, and take the lead in solving problems, our students develop a real-world confidence and sense of themselves as agents of change, ready to make a difference, both locally and globally.
While our students receive excellent grounding in the traditional subjects and an appreciation of their intersections and connections, they also gain something more— an understanding of their own gifts and potential.
.
People have often likened our campus to that of a small college, with its mix of buildings—historic and new, two campuses, tree-lined walkways, and broad vista across our newly renovated athletic fields. Our Upper School students make “the pass” between campuses
Francis P. Steel Jr. ’77 Head of School
THE CEL MISSION In an increasingly changing and fast-paced global economy, students must be prepared for college, life, and careers. The Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership incorporates a bold and creative vision that challenges the limitations of traditional education, preparing students for the real world. A deeply passionate and progressive faculty leads students to recognize the intersections among various disciplines— where innovation, enterprise, and value creation occur—helping students become more comfortable with complexity and to be adaptable, inquisitive, and resilient. With this pioneering mindset, the graduates of Springside Chestnut Hill Academy become leaders: competitive, courageous, and Future Ready.
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Engineering/New Media Through active engagement, tinkering, and prototyping, students will design and build projects in a variety of media with input from both an artist and an engineer. Students are challenged to solve problems using the Stanford Design Process to conceptualize, design, and build their solutions. Students hone their engineering skills as they design, build, and test the electronic and mechanical sytems that will govern their robot’s movements.
Proficiencies 1. Understand fundamentals of engineering. 2. Learn 3-D design in Google SketchUp. 3. Learn prototyping through laser cutters and 3-D printing.
Ethics Through the study of ethics within the context of classical philosophy and systems of reasoning, students are exposed to various methods of thinking and are urged to ask questions and think critically.
Proficiencies 1. Use inductive and deductive logic to construct and
analyze arguments. 2. Explore one’s beliefs and respect those of others. 3. Examine ethics as it pertains to modern philosophy.
Beginning with the maxim in Lower School to “do what’s right when no one’s looking” and ending with a seminar on Ethics and Social Justice in Upper School, SCH students are asked to think consciously about their behavior and role within the larger community.
Leadership Through the study of leadership students will be exposed to the characteristics, qualities, and varied intellectual approaches of civic, political, and business leaders. For last year’s MLK Service Day, SCH 9th graders designed and led their own service projects. One project involved building tool organizers for the Friends of the Wissahickon.
CEL in Action
Proficiencies 1. Learn the basic theories and models of leadership. 2. Develop the intellectual tools needed to be responsible
stewards of communities and organizations. 3. A nalyze the impact that personal relationships have
on members of an organization.
The Art of Communication Through the art of communication students are exposed to various communication styles and tactics, both oral and written.
Proficiencies 1. Craft and dissect a persuasive argument. 2. Present and speak with passion and authority.
As early as Pre-K, SCH students learn the fundamentals of public speaking and the art of making effective presentations.
3. C ommunicate and present through a variety of mediums:
written, oral, and digital.
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Global Immersion Through global immersion collaborative projects and travel opportunities, students gain the ability to think critically about their own roles in a global community. Students develop an empathetic viewpoint, hone their problemsolving skills, and expand their worldview as they build a network of peers and mentors from within their own community, country, and around the world.
A trip to Dubai provided an opportunity for SCH students to learn about another culture and share ideas with local students. Here, SCH students introduce design thinking to a class at New York University’s Abu Dhabi.
Proficiencies 1. Gain confidence navigating complex problems with peers, organizations, and
businesses from around the world. 2. U nderstand the impact of culture, history, geography, and government on
regional and global issues and economies. 3. Develop strategies for working collaboratively across a wide cultural and
geographical span using a variety of tools and approaches.
The seven “strands” of the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL) have been
Entrepreneurship
identified by educators and business leaders as skills essential for success in the 21st century. In 2012, SCH Academy established CEL as an extension of its rigorous college preparatory curriculum to ensure that we are fully preparing our students for the world they will one day lead.
Through SCH Academy’s partnerships with large and small business leaders as well as leading organizations, students will be exposed to the ideas behind the entrepreneurial mindset, and how and why certain people and organizations are successful when taking a business model from idea to launch and beyond.
Proficiencies 1. Understand the driving forces behind entrepreneurship and business challenges in different regions and sectors.
Invention Conventions provide an opportunity for students to test their entrepreneurial wings by designing products to meet a need and a market that they’ve identified.
2. L earn from firsthand opportunities to work with leading entrepreneurs. 3. Learn that good business planning and the ability to sell ideas encompasses all fields, exposing students to a range of people including successful filmmakers, artists, scientists, and technology start-ups.
Statistics Students learn theories behind data analysis and the importance of being quantitatively literate. Statistics focuses on the idea that data is more than just numbers; it is the story behind the numbers and the significance of data context. Being able to interpret the stories that data tell and effectively tell your own stories using data are at the heart of the CEL strand in statistics.
Proficiencies 1. G raphically represent data and recognize the importance and
frequency of data mining in all aspects of society. 2. Draw conclusions and make inferences about data. 3. Become numerically literate in the digital age.
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Lower School for Girls Grades Pre-K–4
A young girl begins her journey at SCH Academy with the promise that she will be valued and celebrated from her very first day. She will thrive in a learning environment that fosters inquiry and intellectual risk taking, and where she will be encouraged to problem solve, imagine, and ask, “How else? Why? and What if?” Her school day will revolve around a core curriculum designed to build the literacy, math, science, and language foundations she will need to progress upward. At the same time, she will be encouraged to forge her own learning path through these subjects, in the process building self-reliance, cognitive awareness, and a strong sense of self. Our students enjoy a wide range of resources outside the classroom for exploring and learning, including the nearby Wissahickon watershed, where they conduct scientific experiments and gain a firsthand appreciation of our local habitat. Our Lower School Physics and Engineering Lab, ViDCAST 2 Studio for video production and programming, and a new lab for designing, testing, and building provide exciting opportunities for our students to put their learning into action. The competencies embodied within the the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership curriculum are introduced in Lower School through projects and activities that focus on developing girls’ communication, leadership, technology, and entrepreneurial skills, such as producing a weekly news broadcast or researching and collaboratively designing a new “allnatural” playground for the Lower School. Service learning is a central part of the Lower School for Girls experience and is focused on building responsibility, empathy, and compassion. Our Lower School Eco Club, which led a successful no-waste initiative in
our school cafeterias, is just one example of how young girls, bringing their imaginations to a shared interest, can make a real difference in their community and beyond. Relationships are at the heart of a girl’s social-emotional well-being, and socialemotional learning goes hand in hand with our rigorous academic curriculum. Using the latest research-based programs such as Responsive Classroom, Second Steps, and Steps to Respect, we help girls build the competencies of cooperation, collaboration, assertion, and empathy and start them on a positive path as explorers, learners, leaders, and friends.
Boots-on environmental education—all grades go into the woods to muck about, fall in love with nature, and become experts in the biodiversity of the Wissahickon.
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, our third annual division-wide literature study, involved girls in a range of hands-on activities that brought the book’s story to life, from designing and building survival huts in the Wissahickon to Skyping with author Grace Lin, creating Chinese music on iPads, and dancing at the culminating Dragon Ball.
“When I see our girls arriving at school each day with a skip in their steps and a smile on their faces and see them leave at the end of the day invigorated and joyful, this warms my heart as an educator and I know that these curious, inventive, brave, and happy girls are thriving at SCH Academy!”
Laine Jacoby Head of Lower School for Girls B.S., Skidmore College M.Ed., Chestnut Hill College 7
Pre-K
Integrated Social Studies Themes
Language Arts
Foreign Language
TechnologyAssisted Learning/ New Media
Everyday Mathematics
Science/ Environmental Education/ Engineering & Robotics
Art
Music
Physical Ed/ Outdoor Program
Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Community/Trees Oceans Author Study Egg Layers Jazz Music Research & Presentation
Homes Eric Carle Navajo Animals in Winter Brave, Smart Girls Research & Presentation
Night Kenya Lenape Great Women Research & Presentation Field Trips
Colonial Pennsylvania: Farm & City Life in Colonial Pennsylvania Communities Japan Research & Presentation Field Trips
Colonial America Egypt Maps & Geography William Penn & Influential Individuals Research & Presentation Field Trips
American Revolution Controversy & Expansion in the New Nation The Gilded Age & the Progressive Era Research & Presentation Field Trips
Developmental Reading & Writing Dramatic Play Listening/Speaking Dictation Phonemic Awareness/ Phonics Handwriting
Developmental Reading & Writing Retelling Stories Listening/Speaking Journals/Reports Word Study (spelling, vocabulary, phonics) Handwriting
Reading Genres Writing for Multiple Purposes Comprehension Word Study Grammar/Punctuation Handwriting
Reading Genres Writing for Multiple Purposes Comprehension Listening/Speaking Editing/Revising Genres & Authors Word Study Handwriting Grammar/Punctuation
Reading Genres Writing for Multiple Purposes Comprehension Listening/Speaking Word Study Writing Mechanics/ Revision Cursive Writing
Reading Genres Writing for Multiple Purposes Comprehension Listening/Speaking Word Study Cursive Writing Writing Mechanics/ Revision
Mandarin Chinese
Mandarin Chinese
Mandarin Chinese
Mandarin Chinese
Mandarin Chinese
Mandarin Chinese
Technology Operations & Concepts Media Skills: Animation KidPix Frames (animation)
Technology Operations & Concepts Media Skills: Word Processing, KidPix, Frames (animation) Research Information Fluency
Technology Operations & Concepts Media Skills: Desktop Publishing, iMovie, Animation Research Information Fluency
Technology Operations & Concepts Digital Citizenship Research Information Fluency Media Skills: Presentations
Technology Operations & Concepts Digital Citizenship Research Information Fluency Media Skills: Comic Life, iMovie
Technology Operations & Concepts Digital Citizenship Research Information Fluency Media Skills: iMovie, Animation, iTouch
Numbers & Counting Patterns Graphs Shapes, Lines, Points Measurement Estimation
Numbers & Counting Patterns Graphs Shapes, Lines, Points Measurement Estimation
Numbers & Counting Number Theory Time/Money 2-D & 3-D Shapes Measurement Probability/Statistics
All Four Operations Number Theory Time/Money Area/Volume Measurement Probability/Statistics
All Four Operations Number Theory Graphs/Fractions Area/Volume Measurement Probability/Statistics Decimals
All Four Operations Decimals Percent/Fractions Measurement Probability/Statistics Geometry
Outdoor Study: Forest & Pond/Invertebrates Sorting/Classifying Seeds & Plants Water & Air - Physical Properties Light & Shadows Garden Helpers: Ladybugs & Earthworms
Outdoor Study: Forest & Pond Paleontology Engineering: Structures Animal Adaptations: Ants & Opposums Desert Habitat
Outdoor Study: Forest & Garden Bubble Physics Electricity Bees & Pollination Engineering: Bridges Adaptations: Elephants Elective: Jr. FLL Robotics
Outdoor Study: Trees Owls Ecology Wheels & Axles Skeletal Anatomy Forensics Volcanoes Elective: Jr. FLL Robotics
Outdoor Study Water/Stream Study Birds & Adaptations Sound Simple Machines Elective: Jr. FLL Robotics
Outdoor Study Geology Robotics Electricity Cells & Microbiology Elective: FLL Robotics
Fiber Art Collage Drawing Painting 3-D Construction Clay
Fiber Art Collage Drawing Painting 3-D Construction Clay
Drawing/Painting Ceramics Sculpture Art History Oral Critique Digital Media Literacy
Drawing/Painting Ceramics Sculpture Art History Oral Critique Digital Media Literacy
Drawing/Painting Ceramics Sculpture Art History Written/Oral Critiques Digital Media Literacy
Drawing/Painting Ceramics Sculpture Art History Written/Oral Critiques Digital Media Literacy SCRATCH
Singing Rhythm Rhymes Body Awareness Contrasts Body Percussion
Singing Rhythm Rhymes Movement Patterns Percussion
Singing Graphic Notation Book-songs Movement Percussion Barred Instruments
Singing: Tonic Solfa Rhythmic Notation Melodic Notation Movement Ensemble Composition Barred Instruments
Singing: Harmony Rhythmic Notation Melodic Notation Movement Accompaniment Recorder/Strings
Chorus Rhythmic Notation Melodic Notation Composition Technology Wind Instruments SCRATCH
Team Sports Eye-hand Coordination Strength, Sportsmanship Cooperation, Fitness Heart Adventure Challenge Hikes
Team Sports, Cardiovascular Fitness, Dance, Sports & Game Skills, Cooperative Team Activities Health & Wellness Hikes
Locomotor & Ball Skills, Spatial Awareness, Dance Team Sports Following Rules Eye-hand Coordination Fitness, Cooperative Team Activities, Heart Strength, Adventure Challenge Sportsmanship Cooperation, Fitness Heart Adventure Challenge
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Lower School for Boys Grades Pre-K–5
When a child-centered curriculum is designed with the interests, passions, and developmental needs of boys in mind, school becomes the happiest place on earth! Boys thrive and fall in love with books and learning and establish a solid academic foundation on which to grow.
“I love visiting classrooms buzzing with the joyful noise of happy boys. In the Lower School, our halls and rooms are alive with conversation, movement, and the magic of learning. We celebrate boy energy and curiosity and we design each day to be a new adventure, full of discovery, wonderment, and the stuff of memories.”
We know that boys learn most effectively by interacting physically with materials and their environment. Boys love to move, explore, and experiment. Here, teachers embrace and reward boys’ natural curiosity and boundless energy, using their powerful intellects to build a stage for understanding new concepts and information in every discipline. Meaningful, authentic activities for boys—from music and art to robotics— are the foundation of a lifelong love of learning and successful engagement with school. Our core of rigorous academics is complemented by strong character education and shaped by our 21st century skill work through the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. Boys are given the freedom to develop their own projects and take on design challenges, fostering innovative thinking, initiative, creativity, global connections, and strong habits of mind. In a nutshell, we instill in our students the courage to take risks and the resilience, work ethic, leadership skills, and know-how to be successful in their daring adventures. On a daily basis, our boys experience 360 degrees of learning. As part of our Writers Workshop curriculum, they write about topics they are passionate about while learning the fundamentals of effective written communication. They read books that grab and hold their interest. They apply math skills to design challenges and realworld situations.
Janet Giovinazzo
Interim Head of Lower School for Boys B.S., M.Ed., Temple University
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From leading multimedia presentations to writing international blogs, experimenting with digital art, designing and building in the Imagineering Lab, and interacting with experts and friends from around the globe, our boys become facile with technology and develop the communication skills and cultural competence they need to be successful in our ever-shrinking world.
An overnight hiking/camping trip to the Pocono Environmental Education Center provides an opportunity for 5th grade boys to enjoy some boots-on learning about the local ecology while also getting their “feet wet” in important outdoor skills like hiking and climbing.
Every year 4th grade boys do a semester-long multidisciplinary study of Native American culture culminating in a Pow Wow in which they share their journals, posters, models, plays, and stories about the tribes they studied with parents and the Lower School community.
Pre-K Integrated Social Studies Themes
Language Arts
Foreign Language
Technologyenabled Learning/ New Media
Everyday Mathematics
Science/ Engineering & Robotics
Art
Music
Physical Ed/ Outdoor Program
Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
All About Me Bears Trains Oceans Research & Presentation
My School & Neighborhood China Dinosaurs Building & Construction Research & Presentation
Australia Colonial America Family Arid Communities of the Outback Research & Presentation
Ancient Egypt Regions of Africa Coastal Communities of Africa Communities for Positive Change Research & Presentation
Aztecs Mexico Urban Communities of Philadelphia Citizenship Research & Presentation
Early Humans Cultures of Asia Comparative Native American Regional Studies Social Issues Book Club Civics, Research & Presentation
Explorers Colonial America Underground Railroad Slavery & The Civil War Research & Presentation
Developmental Reading & Writing Dramatic Play Dictation Listening/Speaking Dictation Phonics/Phonemic Awareness Handwriting
Developmental Reading & Writing Retelling Stories Journals/Reports Listening/Speaking Word Study Handwriting
Reading Genres Writing for Multiple Purposes Comprehension Word Study Grammar/ Punctuation Handwriting
Reading Genres Writing for Multiple Purposes Comprehension Listening/Speaking Editing/Revising Genres & Authors Word Study Grammar/ Punctuation Handwriting
Reading Genres Writing for Multiple Purposes Comprehension Listening/Speaking Writing Mechanics/ Revision Word Study
Text Analysis Genres & Authors Analytic Writing Comprehension Listening/Speaking Writing Mechanics/ Revision Word Study
Text Analysis Genres & Authors Analytic Writing Comprehension Listening/Speaking Writing Mechanics/ Revision Word Study
Mandarin Chinese
Mandarin Chinese
Mandarin Chinese
Mandarin Chinese
Mandarin Chinese
Mandarin Chinese
Latin IA
SMART Board iPads Digital Storytelling
iPads Digital Storytelling Global Exchange Video Conferencing
iPads Digital Storytelling Global Exchange Video Conferencing Multimedia Writing & Drawing Tools Web Research
iPads Digital Storytelling Global Exchange Video Conferencing Multimedia Web Research
Desktop Publishing iPads Digital Storytelling iMovie, Blogging Animation Global Exchange Video Conferencing Multimedia Web Research
iPads Cloud Computing & Collaboration iMovie, Blogging Animation Global Exchange Video Conferencing Evaluation of Online Information
iPads Cloud Computing & Collaboration iMovie , Blogging Global Exchange Video Conferencing Yearbook Design
Numbers/Counting Addition/Subtraction Patterns Shapes/Lines Measurement Estimation Graphs
Numbers/Counting Addition/Subtraction Pattern Shapes/Lines Measurement Estimation Graphs
Numbers/Counting Addition/Subtraction Number Theory Time/Money 2-D & 3-D Shapes Measurement Probability, Stats
All Four Operations Number Theory Time/Money Area/Volume Measurement Probability, Stats
All Four Operations Number Theory Fractions/Decimals Area/Volume Measurement Probability, Stats Data Collection & Analysis, Graphs
All Four Operations Geometry Fractions/ Decimals/Percents Algebraic Patterns Probability, Stats Data Collection & Analysis, Graphs
All Four Operations Geometry Fractions/ Decimals/Percents Algebraic Patterns Probability, Stats Data Collection & Analysis, Graphs
The Five Senses Forest Plants & Animals Air Water Gardening: Seeds Eggs & Egg Layers Birds
Animal Classification Ants & Observation Skills Engineering & Structures The Solar System Fossils & Dinosaurs Animal Defenses Chemistry: Liquid Explorations Gardening
Scientific Inquiry: Magnets Bees & Pollinators Structures & Engineering Challenges Bubbles Desert Adaptations Gardening Elective: Jr. FLL Robotics
Water & Phases of Matter Engineering: Water Filtration Forensic Science Electricity & Energy Sources Owl Pellets & Skeletons The Food Chain Gardening & Decomposition Elective: Jr. FLL Robotics
Biomes Predator-Prey Relationships Energy Distribution Climates/Weather Bridge Building Rube Goldberg Competition Elective: Jr. FLL Robotics
Tectonic Processes Rocks/Minerals Robotics Simple Machines Forces Human Body Inventions Elective: FLL Robotics
Human Reproduction & Development Environmental Issues Robotics Earth & Solar System Scientific Method & Science Fair Elective: FLL Robotics
Drawing, Painting, Cutting, Pasting Construction Clay
Sculpting, Drawing, Weaving, Painting, Cutting, Pasting Construction Artists
Sculpting, Drawing, Painting, Weaving, Cutting, Pasting Construction Artists
Woodworking Sculpting, Drawing, Painting, Weaving Construction Found Materials Art Around the World
Woodworking Ceramics 3-D Design Drawing Printmaking Found Materials Art Around the World
Weaving Ceramics, Sculpture Paper, Fabric Drawing, Printmaking 3-D Design Art Around the World SCRATCH
Weaving Ceramics, Sculpture Paper, Fabric Drawing, Printmaking 3-D Design, Photoshop Art Around the World
Voice Body Movement Tempo/Dynamics Rhythm/Melody Percussion Instruments
Voice Body Movement Tempo/Dynamics Rhythm/Melody Percussion Instruments Notation
Tempo/Dynamics Melody/Form/ Timbre American Folk Songs Songs from Other Countries Barred Instruments Notation
Tempo/Dynamics Melody/Form/ Timbre American Folk Songs Barred Instruments Choral Singing Notation
Music for iPad Tempo/Dynamics Melody/Form/ Timbre African American Spirituals Recorders, Notation Choral Singing
Tempo/Dynamics Melody/Form/Timbre Songs from World Cultures, Recorders Volcano Sound Map MIDI Lab Composing Novice Ensemble or Boychoir SCRATCH
Tempo/Dynamics Melody/Form/Timbre Rock ‘n Roll Harmony Songs from World Cultures, Recorders MIDI Lab Composing Nano-Keyboards Novice Ensemble or Boychoir
Running, Jumping Ball Handling Games that Reinforce Shapes, Numbers & Colors
Body Awareness, Modified Sports & Agility, Coordination Games Following Directions Eye-hand Group Work Coordination Teamwork Strength & Fitness Sportsmanship Cooperation
Sports & Games Skills Strength & Fitness Sportsmanship Cooperation Outdoor Program: Hiking & Biking
Sports & Games Skills Strength & Fitness Sportsmanship Cooperation Outdoor Program: Hiking, Camping, Rock Climbing
Sports & Games Skills Strength & Fitness Sportsmanship Cooperation Outdoor Program: Hiking, Biking, Camping, Canoeing Rock Climbing Orienteering
Sports & Games Skills Strength & Fitness Sportsmanship Cooperation Outdoor Program: Hiking, Sailing Multiday Camping Orienteering, Rock Climbing
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Middle School for Girls Grades 5–8
At no other time in the life of a girl does she experience such rapid growth and change, feel so sensitive to societal pressures, or is more capable of intellectual power and self-discovery than during her early adolescent years. In Middle School for Girls, teachers speak directly to girls’ strengths and positive qualities, encouraging them to cultivate and use these qualities to create a community, in the words of one eighth grader, “of kindness and sisterhood.” Our program, grounded in the best of early adolescent girls’ education, offers a robust and diverse curriculum that encompasses both the traditional liberal arts subjects, with a strong emphasis on the sciences, and a special series of courses designed to build the 21st century skills embodied in the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. In addition, several exciting outdoor experiences, a strong arts program, and regular opportunities for service round out the MIddle School experience.
student is led to recognize and acknowledge her own intellectual and personal capabilities, she learns perseverance and resilience and, through authentic collaboration with classmates, an abiding respect for their individual talents as well as the power of working together. From Invention Conventions where students present ideas for products based on a market need they’ve identified to creating posters that analyze and illustrate data collected from their own surveys to funding microenterprises in developing countries, our students are learning to understand how the world works and that they can play an active role, even while in school. Through these diverse and challenging experiences, Middle School girls become empowered to use their talents as scholars, artists, scientists, athletes, and community activists to pursue leadership roles within and beyond the community of school.
Guided by our school mission to produce innovative leaders, breakthrough thinkers, and imaginative problem solvers, our Middle School is a busy hub of intellectual inquiry. Learning happens everywhere—from the classroom to laptop clusters in the hallways and from visits to IKEA to study product design to conversations via Skype with high school students in Japan about how to make the world better. No matter where they are, Middle School girls are bringing their curiosity, integrity, and personal drive for excellence to every activity.
Eighth graders spend three unforgettable days sailing on the Eastern Shore of Maryland immersed in the study of the history, environment, and culture of the region. Each girl tests her sailing mettle under the watchful eyes of local experts and returns home feeling more selfconfident and closer to her class than ever before.
At SCH Academy, we value the process as well as the content of learning, knowing that the skills and confidence developed in a student’s search for knowledge are as important as the knowledge attained. Our faculty take pride in knowing each of our student’s strengths and abilities; they support each girl’s interests and needs and help her come to understand how she learns best as well as where there is room for growth and improvement As each
“It is an extraordinary privilege to be a part of the SCH Academy community and our all-girls Middle School, especially now during this time of exciting change and limitless possibility! Here, we honor and cultivate the potential in each girl and strive to ground them in a caring community and a tradition of excellence while preparing them to thrive and succeed in a challenging future.”
Dr. Marilyn Tinari Head of Middle School for Girls B.A., Chestnut Hill College; M.Ed., Arcadia University; Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania
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Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
Civilizations is a 2-year interdisciplinary study of English & History taught in a single class
English
Narrative & expository reading & writing; exploring & defining culture through fiction & nonfiction; evaluating ideas through writing & discussion; editing, spelling, vocabulary & usage Independent reading
Reading contemporary novels, Shakespeare & poetry; purposeful, focused discussions & oral presentations; writing (creative, Narrative, expository & creative analytic, nonfiction); sharing original writing; exploring & defining culture writing with larger audiences; through the reading & writing grammar, usage & mechanics; of historical fiction & nonfiction; vocabulary; critical thinking & analysis; study Independent reading skills; editing, spelling, vocabulary, sentence structure & usage; Independent reading
Grade 8 Analyzing literature & connecting it to life; eriting (essay, fiction & poetry); purposeful, focused discussions; performing memorized Shakespeare monologue; grammar, usage & mechanics; vocabulary; sharing original writing with larger audiences; Independent reading
Civilizations: interdisciplinary study of Civilizations: interdisciplinary study of World History: from the rise of the early societies in the Ancient World village life in the Medieval World Roman Empire through revolutions against Absolutism
United States History: the Constitution & American Dreams, how individual Americans have found a voice in shaping their society
Language
Mandarin Chinese or Latin IA Complete Prima Lingua World Mandarin: study of new vocabulary, Language Exploratory Program: characters & sentence patterns with introduction to French, Latin & focus on listening comprehension, Spanish; study of fundamental speaking, reading & writing grammatical components of the Latin IA: study of basic grammar, three languages while exploring the vocabulary & Roman culture with culture & contemporary use of each focus on features of language language that will improve vocabulary & understanding of English & Romance language grammar
Latin IA Spanish IA French IA Emphasis on speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammatical structures, culture & geography though traditional & new media
Latin IB Spanish IB French IB Emphasis on strengthening speaking, reading, writing & listening skills; accumulation of vocabulary & understanding of increasingly complex grammatical structures
Math
Everyday Mathematics program: Everyday Mathematics program: number theory; estimation & data collection, display & computation; 2-D geometry; division; interpretation; whole number, fractions, decimals, & percents; decimal & rational number data analysis; exponents & negative operations; variables, formulas numbers; coordinate graphs; volume & graphs; 2-D & 3-D geometry; & capacity; algebraic concepts number systems & algebra concepts; probability; rates & ratios
Algebra I (Part 1): mastery of part/ Algebra I (Part 2): mastery of solving whole relationships, order of & graphing linear equations & operations & integers; introduction inequalities; algebraic systems; to simplifying expressions, solving quadratics including methods to linear equations & inequalities, & solve quadratic equations, graphing graphing & writing equations of a line quadratic equations, properties of exponents & radical expressions & equations
Science/ Engineering & Robotics
Study of living & nonliving world Earth Science: rocks & minerals, through explorations of ecosystems, plate tectonics, meteorology, water chemistry, plant biology & oceanography, stellar & planetary Newton’s laws of physics astronomy, including the design & Elective: FLL Robotics construction of robotics-based planetary explorers Elective: FLL Robotics
Life Science: cellular biology, genetics, evolution, human body systems, integrating the physics of light & sound; engineering solutions to biological issues such as disease prevention Elective: FLL Robotics
Art/ New Media
Basic design, drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, sewing/ textiles, woodworking; written critiques, service projects, digital art; art history & interdisciplinary units; off-campus community service & beautification projects such as murals, sculpture & large-scale installations SCRATCH
Basic design, drawing, painting, Basic design, drawing, painting, multimedia works, clay, sculpture, multimedia works, clay, sculpture, visiting textiles, woodworking; art history, artist; art history, class trip, oral & written interdisciplinary units, digital art, critiques, digital art, introduction to visiting artist, oral & written critiques computer-aided design (CAD)
Music/ Performing Arts/New Media
Music: novice ensemble or chorus, recorder, barred instruments; web 2.0 music notation Drama: pantomime, improvisation, monologues & scenes; introduction to video production Musica Mundi world music chorus & Steel Pan ensemble, by audition Private instrumental lessons available after school SCRATCH
Music: Chorus, Orchestra (by audition) or Explorations in Western Music (7th)/ Project-based Explorations in Music (8th) Drama: with boys, by audition Dance: in conjunction with athletics Musica Mundi world music chorus & Steel Pan ensemble (by audition) Private instrumental lessons available after school
History
Athletics
Health and Wellness
Drama: screenplay writing, acting, video production Dance: in conjunction with athletics Musica Mundi world music & Steel Pan ensemble, by audition Chorus, Orchestra or Explorations in World Music Private instrumental lessons available after school
Matter, Energy & the Environment: atomic structure, properties of matter including materials engineering, heat & home heating, solar car design & construction, wind-powered turbine engineering; electricity; energy alternatives Elective: FLL Robotics
Skill development in sports, Interscholastic Competition: cross country, field hockey, soccer, tennis, volleyball (fall); basketball, squash, (winter); teamwork & physical fitness; games lacrosse, softball, track & field (spring); instructional programs: crew (winter), dance (fall), fitness (fall, winter, spring), in preparation for all interscholastic golf (spring). life sports including yoga, flag football, badminton (winter) sports Transition to Middle School; study, research & library- & test-taking skills; navigating friendship
Physical aspects of puberty & hygiene, substance abuse
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Stress & time management, peer pressure, nutrition & exercise
Relationships, body image, media literacy, disordered eating & substance abuse
Middle School for Boys Grades 6–8
Adolescent boys are at their best when they can learn by moving and doing. They enjoy competing, having fun, and demonstrating their abilities. In SCH Academy’s Middle School for Boys, students encounter a rich and challenging learning environment filled with interactive hands-on learning, opportunities for leadership, and friendly competition. Here, too, they find teachers who understand how they learn best and who are diehard fans of boy humor. Our curriculum has been specially designed to engage boys’ boundless energy and explorer spirit while developing those essential intellectual and social building blocks—critical thinking, problem solving, effective communications, self-discipline, and responsibility—that will ensure their readiness for the rigors and independence of Upper School.
“Our goal for all boys is that they will find joy in the process of learning, will be willing to take on new challenges, and will find creative approaches to solving problems with enthusiasm, responsibility, and independence.”
Josh Budde
In the 6th and 8th grades (and next year in the 7th), students take a special class three times a cycle that involves them in real-world situations that test their planning, communications, and technology skills. Grounded in the seven strands of the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, the class presents the boys with a series of challenges that call on them to stretch beyond their comfort zones, use their creativity and initiative, and draw on their collective experience and knowledge to solve. One 8th grade project involves planning a trip downtown, including creating and working within a budget, developing an itinerary, and working out the logistics. In another, they must identify a potential audience and develop a marketing and fundraising plan for a product that they design and prototype. While Middle School is a time for boys to hone their foundations in preparation for Upper School, it is also a time to explore new horizons. Our weekly activities program offers a variety of ways for boys to test skills in unfamiliar areas. Robotics,
Head of Middle School for Boys B.A., Davidson College M.A., Pepperdine University 13
multimedia production, bottle rocket construction, school service, cooking, and political debate are just a few of the options available to them. Art and music, as well as sports, are also a core part of the curriculum, allowing boys to express themselves in a range of ways. Our trip program provides opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom, from walking in the footsteps of history at Gettysburg to discussing international affairs with foreign emissaries at the United Nations in New York City. Through this mix of academic and realworld experiences, supported by the guidance and encouragement of our dedicated faculty, the young boys who enter Middle School in 6th grade leave as confident, resilient, and independent young men, ready to take on the next challenge and manage the responsibilities and expectations of Upper School.
Weekly visits to play with children at the United Cerebral Palsy Association is just one of the service activities available to Middle School boys.
Grade 6
English
History
Language
Math
Grade 7
Grade 8
Thematic study: Journeys Critical thinking & analysis Study skills Editing, spelling, vocabulary, sentence structure, & usage
Thematic study: Legends, myths & heroes from different cultures & time periods Purposeful, focused discussions & oral presentations Writing (creative, analytic, nonfiction) Grammar, usage & mechanics Vocabulary Sharing original writing with larger audiences Independent reading
Thematic study: Formation of American identity; analyzing literature & connecting it to life Shakespeare & poetry Writing (essay, fiction & poetry) Purposeful, focused discussions Grammar, usage & mechanics Vocabulary Sharing original writing with larger audiences Independent reading
Ancient World History: from the Agricultural Revolution through the rise & fall of the first empires
World History: from the rise of the Roman Empire through revolutions against Absolutism
United States History: the Constitution & American Dreams, how individual Americans have found a voice in shaping their society
Prima Lingua: foundation for foreign language study including grammar, root words, prefixes, suffixes, adjective placement, function of nouns, pronouns & prepositions; language families; introduction to French, Spanish & Latin
Latin IA Spanish IA French IA Emphasis on speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammatical structures, culture & geography through traditional & new media
Latin IB Spanish IB French IB Emphasis on strengthening speaking, reading, writing & listening skills; accumulation of vocabulary & understanding of increasingly complex grammatical structures
Math 6: data collection, display & interpretation; whole number, decimal & rational number operations; variables, formulas & graphs; geometry; number systems & algebra concepts; probability; rates & ratios
Algebra I (Part 1): mastery of part/whole relationships, order of operations & integers; introduction to simplifying expressions, solving linear equations & inequalities & graphing & writing equations of a line
Algebra I (Part 2): mastery of solving & graphing linear equations & inequalities; algebraic systems; quadratics including methods to solve quadratic equations, graphing quadratic equations, properties of exponents & radical expressions & equations
Life Science: relationship between cells, tissues & Earth Science: geology, ecology & astronomy; organ systems of the human body; cell function & geology includes basic chemistry, rocks & structure, muscles & bones, digestive, circulatory minerals, earthquakes & volcanoes; wind & nervous systems turbine design & construction (meteorology, Elective: FLL Robotics electricity & environmental science); astronomy includes planets & solar system, the earth-moon system & objects of the universe & the design & construction of a robotics-based planetary rover Elective: FLL Robotics
Matter, Energy & the Environment: atomic structure, properties of matter including materials engineering, heat & home heating, solar car design & construction, electricity; energy alternatives Elective: FLL Robotics
Art/ New Media
Art 6: elements & principles of visual design through drawing, painting, printmaking, digital imaging, basic animation, sculpture & metalworking techniques
Art 7: elements & principles of design through drawing, painting, printmaking, digital manipulation & ceramics; world cultures study through art history
Art 8: foundation skills in ceramics, painting & drawing & woodshop; interdisciplinary & cross-cultural connections; weekly sketchbook assignments, introduction to computer-aided design (CAD)
Music/ Performing Arts/ New Media
Music History: ancient times through present day; includes Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic & 20th-21st century Boychoir (by audition), Orchestra, or private instrumental lessons available after school Explorations in World Music
Music Theory: elements of rhythm, melody, harmony & composition using digital tools to compose & encode original work Boychoir or Orchestra, by audition Middle School Drama with girls, by audition Private instrumental lessons available after school
One of three options, all by audition: Handbell Choir: ensemble work on music reading & rhythm; sacred, secular & classical works Boychoir: Music from Many Cultures Orchestra Middle School Drama with girls, by audition Private instrumental lessons available after school
Interscholastic Sports: soccer, football, golf, cross country (fall), basketball, wrestling, ice hockey, squash (winter), track & field, tennis, baseball, lacrosse (spring)
Interscholastic Sports: soccer, football, golf, cross country (fall), basketball, wrestling, ice Hockey, squash (winter), track & field, tennis, baseball, lacrosse (spring)
Interscholastic Sports: soccer, football, golf, cross country (fall), basketball, wrestling, ice hockey, squash (winter), track & field, tennis, baseball, lacrosse (spring)
Nutrition; physical aspects of puberty; drugs & alcohol; peers & peer pressure; decision making & body image
Nutrition; physical aspects of puberty; drugs & alcohol; peers & peer pressure; decision making & body image
CPR; nutrition; physical aspects of puberty; drugs & alcohol; peers & peer pressure; decision making & body image
Science/ Engineering & Robotics
Athletics
Life Skills/ Advisory
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Upper School - Coed Grades 9–12
SCH Academy’s promise to educate students to be innovative leaders, breakthrough thinkers, and imaginative problem solvers is fulfilled in our comprehensive Upper School curriculum, which combines a thorough grounding in the core academic subjects with acquisition of real-world 21st century skills.
“Beyond the impressive skills acquired through our CEL curriculum, our graduates will take away something more profound: the fundamental strengths of character and habits of mind that lie at the heart of what we do as a school.”
Dr. Christine Heine Assistant Head of School, Head of Upper School B.S., M.S. Long Island University, C.W. Post Ed.D., Columbia University
As they progress through Upper School and become fully involved in their final preparation for college, students explore in increasing depth and complexity both the traditional disciplines and the fertile intersections among them. They come to appreciate the fluidity and interconnectedness of the knowledge they are aquiring and are called on to apply this knowledge in and out of the classroom. Through these experiences they learn to navigate with confidence the unexpected questions and complexities that can arise when school learning meets the real world. By the time they graduate, they are practiced in the essential skills of the critical thinker and effective doer, ready to face the expectations and intellectual demands of college life. In addition to being rigorous, our Upper School curriculum is designed to engage and challenge. Students are encouraged to think not only analytically but boldly and independently, to respectfully debate ideas, and to explore the relevance of what they are learning. Traditional classroom study and discussions are complemented by hands-on, project-based activities that call on students to exercise their creativity, apply what they have been learning, work productively with feedback, and hone their leadership and teamwork skills. These experiences help them build confidence and begin to appreciate their own potential as agents of change. There are many opportunities for student leadership in Upper School, foremost among these being the student councils
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or one of the many clubs and activities, ranging from Mock Trial and Model U.N. to the Chess Club and school newspaper. All of these are student led with light guidance from faculty, providing authentic, hands-on experience in decision making, planning, and teamwork. Although many of our students will have had prior exposure to the seven strands of the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL), Upper School provides a unique opportunity to investigate these topics more deeply through a series of required freshman and sophomore courses and a growing number of junior-senior electives. These courses augment the traditional curriculum and provide students with a repertoire of 21st century life skills that will position them well for the challenges of college and beyond. At SCH Academy, we encourage students to explore new paths, express their ideas, take bold leaps and intellectual risks—in short, to explore the many exciting dimensions of who they are and begin to shape themselves into the successful young men and women they are meant to be. ACADEMIC GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 4 years English 4 years Math 3 levels of a Foreign Language 3 years Science 3 years History 3 semesters Arts 2 years Entrepreneurial Leadership Seminars 1 year Senior Capstone 6 or more Electives (in grades 10, 11, and 12)
ADVISING At the start of Upper School, each student is matched with an advisor who acts as an advocate and trusted mentor, serving as a liaison between the family and the school and playing a critical role in the day-today life of Upper School—academic, social, and personal. Single-sex advising groups, composed of 8-12 students, meet every week and sometimes partner with another advisory to form a larger coed discussion. The student-advisor partnership is often one of the most meaningful and valued relationships of a student’s Upper School career. COLLEGE COUNSELING Three full-time college counselors with a combined 52 years of experience ensure that each student is well known and enjoys easy access to counselor support.
Beginning in freshman year, and with increasing regularity as students progress through Upper School, the College Counseling Office meets with students to discuss all aspects of the college process, help reduce anxiety associated with the college search, and guide them towards establishing a record that will afford the widest range of college options. The college matriculation record of SCH Academy attests to the success of this comprehensive program. SENIOR CAPSTONE COURSE Beginning with the Class of 2016, the traditional spring senior project experience will be replaced by a yearlong senior capstone course involving an intensive independent project of the student’s own design. In the fall
semester, the students will work in close consultation with an advisor to define, delimit, and refine an idea for their project. In the second semester, they will research how and where they can build on their idea and further their knowledge and experience, resulting in the identification of a field or workplace project. After their CEL experiences, some students may want to try their hand at building a business. Others may seek out opportunities to gain further experience in new media, engineering, or robotics, while still others may choose to address a global issue or challenge and collaborate with students in other countries. Whatever the area of interest, the possibilities are as limitless as their imaginations and the entire globe is their potential classroom and workplace.
Student Leadership The Student Leadership Team (SLT), comprising the co-presidents of the five councils and the senior class co-presidents, is one of the most rewarding and prestigious student opportunities at SCH Academy. Council members serve as role models, help to shape the school culture, promote Upper School core values, and ensure that the student voice and perspective are at the center of the Upper School community. Each council is led by male and female senior co-presidents who must first receive the endorsement of the faculty and then be elected by the entire Upper School community (students and faculty). Council presidents must have a sterling behavior record. The councils, comprising Upper School students, meet regularly under the guidance of a faculty advisor and are responsible for organizing large-scale community events and experiences. STUDENT COUNCIL
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
• Addresses community issues and effects positive change and new policies • Enriches quality of student life • Learns how to advocate for positive change under the guidance of the faculty advisor • Acts as a solution-minded entity • Serves as the liaison between students and administration
• Explores and defines what it means to be a positive citizen of our community • Emphasizes that all actions in the community should be based upon making all feel safe, valued, and important • Builds a strong and empathetic community by celebrating differences, promoting acceptance, and organizing HONOR COUNCIL regular and varied affinity groups • Brings in speakers related to building • Integrates the Upper School core value community, emphasizing kindness and into daily community life empathy, celebrating diversity, and • Serves as role model for the student body • Enhances community culture (promotes promoting acceptance, civility, and openness in school honesty, academic integrity, positive • Works on ways of reflecting the values treatment of others, etc.) • Educates community about Judicial Board of our Upper School community in the public spaces of our community cases, outcomes, and lessons learned while maintaining anonymity of students • Runs the Big-Sib Program with younger • Empowers students who go before the SCH students Judicial Board to learn important lessons and move forward in a positive way
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SERVICE COUNCIL • Provides ongoing and one-time service opportunities in and outside of the community • Publicizes and promotes service opportunities and infuses service learning into community culture • Plans and implements Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service • Oversees all Upper School service projects • Emphasizes action-based opportunities for service rather than just fundraisers EVENTS COUNCIL • Promotes SCH spirit and community cohesiveness • Publicizes school-related events • Organizes safe, responsible dances • Plans and runs assigned Upper School assemblies; researches and brings in speakers • Plans celebratory community events • Maintains community events calendar
Grade 9
Grade 11
Reading the World: Global Literature Electives: Craft of Writing Introduction to Creative Writing
American Stories CP/H 11 & 12 Electives: Rebels with a Cause; Monstrous Imaginings: Unmaking Humanity; Craft of Writing (10 & 11); Introduction to Creative Writing (10 & 11); Intermediate & Advanced Creative Writing; Introduction to Film Studies; Folklore Myth & Fairy Tales: How Stories Shape Our Lives; Football, Voetball, Fussball: Soccer & the Humanities; Surveillance & Control; The Apocalypse: Our Fascination with the End; The Human Mask; Rhyme ‘N’ Rhetoric: From Aristotle to Jay-Z; Comeday: An Interdisciplinary Analysis; Writing Across Media H; English Literature AP
Modern World History
Regional Studies: African Studies East Asian Studies Latin American Studies Middle Eastern Studies
11 & 12 Electives: The Apocalypse: Our Fascination with the End; CEL Global Studies: Cultural Anthropology; CEL Global Studies: International Relations & Globalization; Europe in the Cold War & Beyond; Introduction to Constitutional Law; Introduction to Political Science; Pop Culture in America; Race & Gender in America; Surveillance & Control; World War II in Europe; Modern World History CP/H (11 only); Nonviolence H (12 only); Political Uses of Violence H (12 only); European History AP; United States Government AP; World History AP
French I French II CP/H Latin II CP/H Spanish I Spanish II CP/H
Chinese II French II CP/H French III CP/H Latin III CP/H Spanish II CP/H Spanish III CP/H
Chinese III French III CP/H French IV CP/H Latin IV & V H (Latin Poetry) Spanish III CP/H Spanish IV CP/H
Chinese IV French IV CP/H French V CP/H/AP Latin IV & V H (Latin Poetry) Spanish IV CP/H Spanish V CP Spanish V H/AP
Geometry CP/H
Advanced Algebra I Algebra II Algebra II & Trig H Accelerated Algebra II & Trig H
Algebra II Pre-Calculus CP/H Pre-AB Calculus H Pre-BC Calculus H Electives: Statistics Seminar in Theoretical Mathematics H Statistics AP
Pre-Calculus Differential Calculus Calculus H Electives: Statistics Seminar in Theoretical Mathematics H Vector Calculus H Statistics AP Calculus (AB) AP Calculus (BC) AP
Physics CP/H
Chemistry CP/H Electives: Oceanography Forensic Science Environmental Science
Biology CP/H (Girls) Physics CP/H (Boys Electives: Human Physiology Environmental Science Oceanography Forensic Science Pharmacology Physics II: Exploration in Physics Physics II: Applied Physics & Design Chemistry II H Independent Research for Science Competitions Baja Island Ecology Biology AP
Electives: Human Physiology Environmental Science Oceanography Forensic Science Pharmacology Physics II: Explorations in Physics Physics II: Applied Physics & Design Independent Research for Science Competitions Baja Island Ecology Chemistry II H Biology AP Physics AP Biology AP
Electives: 2-D Studio Art & Design 3-D Studio Art & Design Digital Photography & Photoshop Introduction to Woodworking & Printmaking Video Production & Animation IA Concert Choir, Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra Theatre Production
10, 11 & 12 Electives: Ceramics I & II; Ceramics Portfolio (11 & 12); Drawing Workshop; Advanced Studio/Portfolio; Painting, Color & Design; Printmaking; Woodworking; Video Production IA & IB-New Media Broadcasting; Video Production II; Video ProductionPortfolio; Photography I & II; Photography Portfolio; Digital Art & Graphic Design I & II; 3-D Modeling & Animation I; Gaming I
FIRST Robotics National Team Competition Engineering & New Media Seminar
10, 11 & 12 Electives: FIRST Robotics National Team Competition; Engineering & New Media Seminar; Engineering, Design & Robotics; Programming Real-World Systems; Mechanical Engineering, CAD & CAM; Mechatronics 301
Interscholastic Team Sports PE Health & Wellness
Interscholastic Team Sports PE
History
Math
Science
The Arts Includes: Fine Arts New Media Music Performing Arts
Engineering, Robotics & Computer Studies
Athletics
Grade 12
The Individual & Society
English
Language
Grade 10
CP: College Preparatory
H: Honors
Concert Choir (9 & 10); Chamber Singers H (Hilltones & Laurelei); Handbell Choir; Jazz Ensemble & Jazz Ensemble H (11 & 12 only); Orchestra & Orchestra H; Songwriting & Music Production I & II Theatre in History & Culture; Theatre Production: Acting, Theatre Production: Technical Design, Theatre Production: Directing H (11 & 12), Theatre Production: Playwriting H (11 & 12)
Interscholastic Team Sports PE
Interscholastic Team Sports PE
AP: Advanced Placement. Additional requirements include College Counseling course (11 & 12) and Senior Projects (12)
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Core Curriculum Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
Math Foreign Language Physics English History Arts
Math Foreign Language Chemistry English History
Math Foreign Language English Humanities Biology
Math English Humanities Senior Capstone Electives
Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Curriculum Grade 9 & 10 CEL seminars are one per quarter; grade 10-12 CEL electives are one per semester
CEL Electives 10-12
Grade 9
Grade 10
Public Speaking Entrepreneurship Engineering/New Media I Ethics & Social Justice
Statistics Global Partnerships Engineering/New Media II Leadership
Global Innovation Global Studies: Cultural Anthropology Global Studies: International Relations & Globalization
Upper School Trip Opportunities Expanding students’ global awareness and understanding is a major focus of SCH Academy’s curriculum. Each year, Upper School students are offered opportunities to travel as a way to learn firsthand about another culture and deepen their appreciation of the complexities and opportunities of living in a global world. Each fall, the entire freshman class journeys to Washington, D.C. where students attend seminars on leadership and innovation, participate in crisis simulations, and meet with experts to explore the trip’s theme, which this year is The World in 2030: Challenges and Possibilities. This three-day trip provides students with an opportunity to explore some of the most pressing questions about the future and to consider their role as the leaders in the world of tomorrow. Two of the international trips planned for the winter of 2013 were designed by the students themselves as part of a class on Global Innovations. The first, a 10-day journey through Cambodia, will introduce students to this country’s diverse cultures and environments, involve them in short service projects, and develop their awareness of issues around poverty, development, globalization, and sustainability. The second, a 7-day journey to St. Petersburg and Moscow, will provide an opportunity for students to learn about the culture, history, and architecture of the world’s largest country. For students interested in ecology or the ocean, an 8-day science trip to Isla Santo off Mexico’s Baja Peninsula during winter break will offer an opportunity to practice field research techniques and study ecological principles in one of the world’s most biologically diverse areas. Other international trips, organized through the Language Department, provide opportunities for students to practice their developing language skills and deepen their cultural understanding on native soil.
Interscholastic Team Sports Girls Fall Cross Country Field Hockey Soccer Tennis Volleyball
Boys Fall Cross Country Football Golf Soccer
Girls Winter
Boys Winter
Basketball Indoor Track Squash Swimming Winter Crew
Basketball Ice Hockey Indoor Track Squash Swimming Wrestling
Girls Spring Crew Golf Lacrosse Softball Track
Boys Spring Baseball Crew Lacrosse Tennis Track
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College Matriculation Class of 2013 College Choices American University Boston College Boston University Bowdoin College Brown University (2) Bryn Mawr College Bucknell University (2) California Institute of Technology Colgate University (2) College of Charleston College of William and Mary Connecticut College Davidson College (2) DePaul University Drexel University Duke University (2) Elon University (3) Emerson College Fordham University Franklin and Marshall College Georgetown University Gettysburg College (2) Goucher College Hamilton College - NY High Point University Hofstra University Ithaca College (3) James Madison University Johns Hopkins University Lafayette College
Lehigh University (2) Marymount University Middlebury College Moravian College (2) New York University Northeastern University (3) Northwestern University (2) Pennsylvania State University, University Park (4) Philadelphia University Princeton University (2) Saint Joseph’s University (3) Salem College Sarah Lawrence College Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania Smith College St. Lawrence University Temple University The Catholic University of America The George Washington University The University of Scranton Trinity College - CT (2) Tulane University (3) University of Louisville University of Miami University of Michigan University of Pennsylvania (8) University of Rochester University of Vermont (2) Ursinus College (3)
Vanderbilt University Wagner College Washington and Lee University Washington College West Chester University of Pennsylvania Widener University Xavier University
Mid 50% Test Ranges for the Class of 2013 SAT: Critical Reading: 580-690, Math: 570-680, Writing: 580-700 ACT: 24-30
Brian Walter
Director of College Counseling B.A., Haverford College M.S. Ed., University of Pennsylvania
Polly Kimberly
Associate Director of College Counseling A.B., Princeton University M.A., Middlebury College
Kimberly Krieger
Associate Director of College Counseling B.S., Carnegie Mellon University M.P.A., University of Pittsburgh
Boldface denotes listing in U.S. News and World Report’s 2013 Top 50 Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities
Students Speak Out About the College Process
“I became more resilient, more independent, more confident in my ability to navigate a complex situation.”
“This process brought me so much closer to my parents! It was a successful partnership, but I was in charge.”
“I could not have asked for a more supportive community throughout the process—not only from my teachers but from my peers!”
“I honestly believe acceptance to a top college has been just the next step in my journey, not a defining end result of my secondary school experience.”
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Maps & Transportation Getting from There to Here
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy Center City Bus SCH Academy provides transportation to and from Center City by yearly contract at the cost of $4,850 round trip or $2,425 one way for students in grades 2–12. There is no fee for this service for students in Pre-K, K, and 1st grades. We offer one morning route and two afternoon routes, departing campus after 3:30 PM dismissal and at 6:10 PM. The bus picks up and drops off students at four centralized locations in Center City. Please contact Felice Kruse at 215-247-4700 ext. 4201 for more information.
Riders’ Club Cooperative Shuttle Riders’ Club is an independent, nonprofit, community service providing door-to-door transportation with prices based on mileage. Families may join together to contract services or arrange for group travel, making the service more cost effective. Please contact Riders’ Club directly at 215-836-1376 to inquire about current routes and services.
SEPTA Regional Rail, Chestnut Hill West, St. Martin’s Station (www.septa.org) The Chestnut Hill West line (the R8) brings students from Center City to Chestnut Hill in approximately 30 minutes. St. Martin’s Station is located just east of SCH Academy’s campus, a 5–10 minute walk.
School District Busing Twelve area school districts provide transportation for students who reside within a 10-mile radius of the school. The City of Philadelphia provides busing for students in grades 1 through 6, while suburban districts provide busing for students in Kindergarten through grade 12. Please contact your school district’s transportation office for more information on routes and services. Detailed directions to SCH Academy can be found on the school website at sch.org. Using Mapquest: 8000 Cherokee Street, Philadelphia, PA 19118 for the Cherokee Campus, and 500 West Willow Grove Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118 for the Willow Grove Campus.
Students by Zip Code Chestnut Hill
22%
Other Philadelphia
20%
Includes Center City
309 Corridor
Flourtown, Ft. Washington, Blue Bell, Ambler, Gwynedd, North Wales
Mount Airy
12%
Wyndmoor
10%
Erdenheim, Glenside, Laverock S
E
P
TA
422 Corridor
Lafayette Hill, Plymouth Meeting, Norristown, Conshohocken
8%
611 Corridor Cheltenham, Jenkintown, Abington, Horsham
8%
Other Suburban 2%
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18%
The Admissions Process Visiting and Applying to SCH Academy Visiting SCH Academy The entire family is welcome to attend our Fall Open House on Sunday, November 3, 2:00-4:00 PM. In addition, we host mini-open houses for Lower and Middle Schools throughout the year during the school day, as well as activity-centered events, such as Boys Build with LEGOs and Girls Do Robotics. Please visit the Admissions section of our website at sch.org or contact our Admissions staff for information about upcoming event dates or to arrange a personal visit.
The Application Process The entire application process, including all testing and requisite paperwork, must be completed by January 15 in order to receive notification on February 1. Should you miss the January 15 deadline, applications for admission will be considered on a rolling, space-available basis. To begin the admissions process, please complete and submit our application form with a check for $50 made out to “Springside Chestnut Hill Academy.” The application is also available online in the Admissions section of our website and the fee may be paid online by credit card. Once we have received your application, we will mail you the other materials (teacher recommendation, transcript request forms, and parent and student statements) needed to complete the process. You can also access these materials on our website to expedite the process. Materials may be submitted in any order you like, but we do recommend that you arrange for outside testing as early as possible in the fall prior to the year of desired entry. Student visits are scheduled in the order in which applications are received.
Grade Apply Pre-K (age 4 by Sept 1) Kindergarten (age 5 by Sept 1)
Outside Testing to be Arranged by the Family
Recommendations and Transcripts
Student Visits and Assessments
Parent Interview
WPPSI–IV Call 1) Center for Child Assessment, Chestnut Hill Office, 610-331-1547 or 2) Bryn Mawr Child Study at 610-526-5900 or 3) Temple University at 215-204-7324
For grade 1: 1) Transcript, 2) Two teacher recommendations
90 minutes in small groups; to include preacademic assessments
60 minutes
Grade 2-5
WISC-IV Call 1) Center for Child Assessment, Chestnut Hill Office, 610-331-1547 or 2) Bryn Mawr Child Study at 610-526-5900 or 3) Temple University at 215-204-7324
1) Transcript. 2) For grades 2-4, two teacher recommendations. For grade 5, recommendation from both math and English teachers. A third recommendation is optional.
Two consecutive days; to include academic assessments
60 minutes
Grade 6-8
SSAT (Secondary School Admissions Test – Lower Level –www.ssat.org) [ISEE is also acceptable]
1) Transcript. 2) Recommendation from both math and English teachers. A third recommendation is optional. 3) Parent and student statement.
One day; visit and interview; to include academic assessments
75 minutes
Grade 9-12
SSAT (Secondary School Admissions Test – Upper Level –www.ssat.org)
1) Transcript. 2) Recommendation from both math and English teachers. A third recommendation is optional. 3) Parent and student statement.
One day, visit and interview
Campus tour and parent interview, approximately 75 minutes
Grade 1
The staff of the Admissions Office stands ready to help you at any time throughout your admissions process. Kathleen Tkac
Director of Enrollment Management and International Student Coordinator ktkac@sch.org 215-261-6964
Michael Reardon
Kathryn Mersky
Director of Upper School Admissions mreardon@sch.org 215-754-1608
Associate Director of Admissions kmersky@sch.org 215-261-6908
Tony Tucker
Lisa Hoag
Keisha Jordan
Murielle Telemaque
Director of Middle School Admissions ttucker@sch.org 215-754-1611
Director of Lower School Admissions kjordan@sch.org 215-754-1609
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Admissions Assistant lhoag@sch.org 215-754-1607
Admissions Office Manager mtelemaque@sch.org 215-261-6965
Tuition, Payment, and Financial Aid Tuition is inclusive of all required fees, including tuition refund plan, technology fees, books and supplies, trips, athletic uniforms, yearbook, school photos, and Parents Association dues. Optional services such as After School Center, private music lessons, personal athletic gear, or special trips will be charged separately. The cafeteria operates on a debit system. Tuition is payable in full, in two installments of 60% and 40%, or in as many as 12 installments through the HES monthly payment plan.
Boys
Girls
2013–2014 Tuition Grade
Tuition
Pre-K
$17,925
Kindergarten
$19,950
1–4
$22,975
5–8
$27,375
9–12
$30,390
Pre-K
$17,925
Kindergarten
$19,950
1–2
$22,100
3–5
$22,975
6–8
$27,375
9–12
$30,390
Interest-free Monthly Installment Plan Higher Educational Services (HES) is an independent budgeting service that enables families to pay the tuition in up to 12 interest-free monthly installments for a nominal fee. HES also offers an unsecured, revolving line of credit at a competitive rate.
Financial Aid Springside Chestnut Hill Academy awards over $5 million in financial aid each year to families with demonstrated need in Kindergarten through grade 12, with financial aid preference given to older students. Currently, over 30% of the student body receives some form of financial assistance. Springside Chestnut Hill Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, class, sexual orientation, religion or ethnic background, and the possibility of needing financial aid does not in any way affect the admissions process for a student. Springside Chestnut Hill Academy requires families to reapply for aid each year. The school is committed to supporting a student annually through graduation as long as there is demonstrated need; however, the amount of aid may change from year to year if the family’s financial situation changes.
The Application Process for Financial Aid Please indicate on your application for admission that you would like to receive a financial aid application packet, or contact the Admissions Office directly to receive forms and guidelines. All applicants who complete the admissions process by January 15, and complete the application process for financial aid by January 24, may be considered for a provisional grant upon acceptance to the school or placed on the financial aid wait list. Provisional awards will convert to a financial aid award upon receipt of a 2013 tax return by March 1. Should you miss the January 24 deadline for completing the financial aid process, we regret that it is less likely funds will be available after that time.
Named Scholarships for New Students Springside Chestnut Hill Academy offers a range of need-based scholarships to new students who have demonstrated extraordinary promise during the admissions process. Funded through the regular financial aid program, these grants, ranging from $900 to $17,000, are based upon demonstrated financial need and are awarded at the school’s discretion. • Northwest Neighbor and Community Scholar Scholarships for academically outstanding students of color entering grades 4–11 • The C.P. Pearson ’59 Scholar-Athlete Scholarship, awarded to a new Upper School boy • The Franklin A. & Margaret W. Steele Middle School Scholarship, awarded to a new Middle School boy • George V. Strong III ’74 Citizenship and Scholars Fund, awarded to a boy entering grades 9 or 10 • John J. Plunkett h’94 Scholar-AthleteCitizen Scholarship Award, given to a scholar-athlete entering Upper School • The Christopher Carrington Mellor ’69 Student Athlete Award, awarded to a new Upper School boy • The STEM Scholarship for passion in science, technology, engineering, or math, awarded to a new student entering grade 9 • The Joseph Lanktree Castle II ’50 Scholar of Promise Award, awarded to a new Lower or Middle School boy entering grades 3–8 • The Neighborhood Scholarship Award, awarded to a new Middle School girl • The Johanna Sigmund Scholarship, awarded to a new Upper School girl • The Sarah Heckscher Scholarship, awarded to a new Upper School girl • Alumni Scholarships, awarded to the sons of young alumni and the daughters and grandaughters of alumnae
For more information, please contact HES directly at 1-800-422-0010 or www.highereducationservices.org.
Financial Aid Requirements and Deadlines for Admissions Applicants Only (process and dates are different for returning students) Submit to School and Student Services for Financial Aid (SSS) by January 15 •C reate online account at www.sss.nais.org and complete Parent’s Financial Statement (PFS) online
Upload to SSS online account no later than January 25 • Signed copy of 2011 IRS 1040 • Copy of W-2(s) • Copy of most recent 2013 paystub(s)
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• Signed form 4506 • Signed copy of 2012 IRS 1040 by March 1 to confirm grant
Springside Chestnut Hill Campus Map
CHEROKEE CAMPUS
WILLOW GROVE CAMPUS
1. Business Office
8. Main Entrance: Wissahickon Inn
2. Lower School Entrance
9. Jordan Lower School Entrance
3. Middle/Upper School Entrance
10. Middle School Entrance
4. Special Events Entrance
11. Upper School Entrance
5. Upper School Entrance
12. Harris Commons Entrance
6. Vare Field House
13. Conkey Center for the Performing Arts
7. Smilow House (President’s Home)
14. Woodward/Kingsley Gyms 15. Rorer Center for Science and Technology 16. Jennings House (Head of School’s Home)
500 West Willow Grove Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Cherokee Campus 215-247-7200 Willow Grove Campus 215-247-4700 sch.org