Academic Program Updates

Academic Program Update By Director of Academics Dr. Jeremy Jernigan

"Nothing can beat the individual approach to teaching that a small class affords.” - Anonymous 2021 Parent Survey Response

Reading student and parent surveys is not only the most valuable activity I do each year, but also an annual highlight of my school year. The results across these surveys are consistently and remarkably strong, a testament to our faculty and the unique learning environment at Oldfields. We know our students at Oldfields, which is what allows us to focus on each girl's success. When I think of our academic program, I think of excellence, with support. We hold each student to high standards that will prepare them for college and beyond, and we provide the support each student needs to achieve those high standards. What that means for each student can vary—that's what personalized learning is all about. We constantly push our students to challenge themselves to grow and improve, and we push ourselves to do the same. We always strive to be better. Within this spirit of continuous improvement, we are excited to share news of enhancements to our Academic Program for the 2021-2022 school year. These changes have been informed by extensive and inclusive internal and external reviews of our programs, our recently completed ten-year Association of Independent Maryland Schools (AIMS) re-accreditation self-study, and recent student, faculty, staff, and parent surveys. We have been intentional in identifying areas where we could provide an even better experience for our students while being careful to maintain the essence of what makes our academic program unique—a personalized experience. These enhancements have been designed to expand the breadth, depth, and diversity of opportunities and the support available to every student at Oldfields.

NEW COURSE OFFERINGS

• AP Statistics • Biology Honors • Drawing I • Genetics • Global Conflict and Justice • Open Eyes, Open Minds: New

Perspectives on Understanding • Painting I • Shakespeare in Film • Strategies for Academic Success • Theatre: Comedy and Improv • Theatre: Television and Film • Travels, Journeys, and Voyages in

Literature • Women in Literature: Women of

Justice • Women and Gender Studies • World Building: Science Fiction and Creative Writing • Young Adult Literature: A Journey

Through Adolescence

EXPANDED ACADEMIC COURSE OFFERINGS

Students have more courses to choose from this year, including the new option of semester courses. This, along with our slightly redesigned schedule, will allow students more choice and flexibility in designing their personalized academic path. Students also have increased access to both Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors courses. Advanced Placement courses will prepare students for the College Board's AP exams, which can award college-level credit to high school students. Honors courses will offer equally challenging course designs and expectations. All of our courses will remain college preparatory, and we will continue to provide a diverse set of support structures including highly accessible faculty and advisors, regularly scheduled extra-help blocks, 1:1 academic support sessions, professional and peer tutors, and structured study halls.

EXPANDED EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Learning takes place beyond the classroom. Experiential learning provides students structured opportunities in which to challenge themselves through new experiences, to reflect on those experiences, and grow from them. Students will have access to significantly more of these experiential learning opportunities. These opportunities are present throughout our co-curriculum, but will be especially evident in our expanded weekend experiential learning activities, our new one-week experiential Winter Program offered the first week of January, and our signature two-week May Program, entering its 51st year in 2021-2022. These opportunities are part of our "100-mile classroom" approach to learning, taking learning out of the classroom and into the culturally rich environment that surrounds the Oldfields campus (and well beyond, with our international May Programs).

NEW ACADEMIC CONCENTRATIONS

Academic concentrations allow students to pursue more focused study in certain areas. Oldfields has always been known for strong visual and performing arts programs. Beginning in 2021-2022, we will offer a new Arts Concentration Program designed to allow students who are passionate about the arts to be recognized for their deep engagement. The Arts Concentration will integrate academic courses, experiential learning, community service, and capstone performances into a flexible, college-like major. Not all students will pursue an arts concentration, but all students will benefit from an even stronger arts program at Oldfields. Looking forward, we will offer additional concentration programs in the coming years, including a potential Global Justice Concentration Program beginning with the 2022-2023 school year. These are just some of the changes our students and families will notice when they return to campus for the 2021-2022 school year. We hope they result in an even more personalized learning experience for each student as they pursue their individual definition of excellence, with support.

"My daughter has grown so confident in her academics thanks to her teachers and advisors. She is always ready to take on a new challenge