FACT BOOK
OUR MISSION AND CORE TENETS
Prepare this future generation to deal with the unknown.
View the needs of each child individually.
Commit to justice rather than power.
Educating and inspiring gifted students to think as individuals and to engage as a community with compassion for each other and this world.
CONTENTS
With Roeper, Southeast Michigan families have access to the nation’s oldest independent school serving gifted children in preschool through grade 12. • Founded in 1941 and designated a school for gifted children in 1956
Make equal human rights for all people a priority.
Allow children to participate in the shaping of their own destiny and consciously prepare them for it.
2 LOWER SCHOOL 2 OVERVIEW 3 STAGE I, AGES 2½–5 3 STAGE II, AGES 5–7 4 STAGE III, AGES 7–9 4 WHOLE SCHOOL & ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES 5 STAGE IV, AGES 9–11
AN INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED LEADER IN GIFTED EDUCATION
6 MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL 6 MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM 7 UPPER SCHOOL CURRICULUM 8 ARTS & EXTRACURRICULARS 9 SENIOR PROJECTS & ATHLETICS 10 OUTCOMES 11 COLLEGE PLACEMENT 11 AWARDS & HONORS 12 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 13 SIGNS OF GIFTEDNESS
• Highly individualized, inquiry-based program designed to meet college and life goals based on each student’s intellectual and personal characteristics, needs, and interests • Coed, with students from diverse ethnicities, races, and economic backgrounds • 85 faculty members, selected for their ability to understand the needs of gifted children, to provide continuing challenges and stimulation, and to develop a worldand future-oriented curriculum • Intensive professional development and opportunities to collaborate with The Roeper Institute, an international nexus for advances and advocacy in gifted education • Partnership with Ultimate Soccer, home of Roeper soccer teams
• 13-acre Lower School campus featuring a creek, Community Center with gymnasium, library, and playgrounds • Middle and Upper School campus featuring stateof-the-art science and technology labs, black-box theatre, dance studio, and Learning Commons with collaborative academic space, social space, and library • Integrated college counseling and academic advising program built around each student’s goals • Extensive parent involvement, including volunteer opportunities, educational seminars and workshops, and membership in the Roeper Parent Community (RPC) • Accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States • Member, National Association of Independent Schools, Association of Independent Michigan Schools, and National Association for Gifted Children
students from 60 Metro Detroit communities
courses offered each year
musical, dance, and theatre arts performances annually
interscholastic sports teams
years average tenure for Roeper faculty
of faculty hold master’s or doctoral degrees
of faculty and students are people of color
LOWER SCHOOL
LOWER SCHOOL AGES 2½ –11
2
At each of the four Lower School stages, we offer significant opportunities for choice, decision making, and problem solving to empower even our youngest students to take responsibility for their learning. A rich curriculum purposefully integrates language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, world languages, computer science, and visual and performing arts so children may experience these disciplines as they exist in the real world.
Lower School student/teacher ratio
Our remarkable teachers continually
Our students often develop true passions for certain subjects or issues. The flexibility to be responsive to young students is built into both the schedule and our curriculum-development process. Small student– teacher ratios make it possible for teachers to attend to each student’s learning experience.
STAGE I, AGES 2½–5 YEARS
Why Stages?
In Stage I, we emphasize play, social and emotional growth, and experiential learning. With two Stage I programs, we have the flexibility to provide children who are at various places within this stage of development with the educational plans appropriate to their needs. Full- and half-day options are offered.
Instead of grade levels, our Lower School students spend two years in a “stage” that consists of overlapping ages. This means:
STAGE II, AGES 5–7
• Students can work at higher academic levels while still being with age-mates.
With an average four-to-one student/teacher ratio during math and language arts, we are able to assist children in Stage II learn academic concepts and skills according to each child’s readiness. In the course of the day, children continually learn to share, cooperate, lead, and follow. At the same time, there is an emphasis on building self-confidence, self-control, and independence through the many opportunities for individual choice. In addition to art, music, science, world languages, library, physical education, creative movement, and computers, children individually select free choice activities from a variety of class offerings taught by specialists.
• A broader range of academic skill levels better accommodates peaks and valleys in students’ skills and interests. • By having the same teacher for multiple years, each student’s progress is consistently observed and motivated.
advance best practices, innovations, and new ways of thinking because the future is always unknown—and it is exactly for this constant state of change that we prepare your child to deal with the unknown.
• Children transition more easily to the next stage with the guidance of experienced second-year students.
Stage II—Typical Day Morning Meeting Explorations and Inquiry Language Arts and Math (small groups) or Special Classes Snack
• Mixed-age grouping takes the pressure off the gifted student to always be the class leader, and allows students to develop teamwork skills.
Language Arts and Math (small groups) or Special Classes Makerspace Art: Free Choice (every other day) Lunch Recess Whole-Class Learning or Library Woods Walk: Free Choice (every other day) End-of-Day Meeting
LOWER SCHOOL
LOWER SCHOOL
3
LOWER SCHOOL
Stage IV— Sample Individual Schedules
4
LILA’S DAY Kitchen Chemistry French Language Arts and Social Studies Math 2 Homeroom Computer Design Physical Education
STAGE III, AGES 7–9
STAGE IV, AGES 9–11
Painting
Children at this stage of development need and want to grow in independence and responsibility. They choose special classes in art, music, library, computer, physical education, science, and dance, in addition to regularly scheduled required classes in math, language arts, science, movement, computer, and world languages. Mornings are
In Stage IV, each student has a unique schedule. Children have a voice in selecting their own classes, while also being encouraged by their homeroom teachers to try new things. The curriculum includes two kinds of classes: core class blocks are centered on humanities, language arts, social studies, science, and math; special class blocks offer a rich
NOAH’S DAY
spent in the homeroom for academics and community building. In the afternoon, children attend special classes and work on experiential group-learning projects in their homeroom. Each homeroom has two full-time teachers, which allows for small group and individualized academic instruction.
Special School Activities
After-School Enrichment Activities
Environmental Stewardship
Before- and after-school care is available. Some regularly offered enrichment classes include:
Jump Rope for Heart
Book Club
Dance
Gardening
Brain Games
Golf
Empty Bowls
Brownies and Girl Scouts
Guitar
Recycling Projects
Capoeira
Mandarin Chinese
Diversity Day
Chess Team
Rocketry
Community Duty
Computer Programming
Soccer
Peace Day
Cooking and Baking
Violin
Exploration Week
Creative Writing
Yoga
LOWER SCHOOL
variety of electives in art, music, computer, STEM, dance, physical education, personal growth, and both math and humanities exploration. Science and a world language are required every other day. Students benefit from small groups for academic studies as well as large homeroom projects.
Language Arts and Social Studies Math 1 Plants and Animals Spanish Homeroom Dance Band Vikings
An Integrated Curriculum
Learning Experiences Organized around Major Issues and Themes
Higher-order Thinking Opportunities
Advanced Content Knowledge
LOWER SCHOOL
5
from each year
A Sampling of Middle School Electives Foundations of Computer Building African-American Literature Journalism and Yearbook Parody & Satire Architecture & Art Dance Fusion Math Counts Bioethics
Youth at this age experience tremendous change, with a broad array of individual differences. Our experienced Middle School faculty personalizes instruction and focuses on the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual needs of gifted students in a state of transition. The Middle School curriculum includes English literature and composition, social studies, four world language options, communications, science, mathematics, computer science, fine and performing arts, physical education, and health. Weeklong grade-level trips help students build community.
Our talented Upper School faculty have thoughtfully and expertly composed their curricula to provide advanced content for gifted learners, to hone critical thinking skills, to support interdisciplinary connections, to highlight diverse perspectives, to inspire creative thought and expression, and to focus on inquiry-driven learning. Most courses are taught at the honors level and include core classes in English, social studies, science, and mathematics through post-calculus, along with multiple electives, including world languages, technology, and many Advanced Placement classes.
Roeper’s diverse elective offerings allow students to delve into areas of keen interest and, at the same time, investigate unfamiliar territory. The pace of our academic program and its conceptual depth are well matched to our able learners. We provide opportunities for advanced work at the Upper School level, or a student may design a course with the support of a faculty mentor.
Chemistry Exploration
Chinese French Latin Spanish Model United Nations Pottery Independent Study
MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL
A Sampling of Upper School Electives
Art & Science
Biblical Literature Modern Dystopian Literature Shakespeare Painting & Mixed Media Instrumentation & Scoring Differential Equations
Fine arts, chess, robotics, and interscholastic
Comparative Anatomy Organic Chemistry Neurobiology Economics
9 grade students visit with legislators and
History of China
Roeper alumni in Washington, D.C., to gain
Political Philosophy
insight about creating change on a large scale.
Chinese
th
Research Skills
Medieval Warriors
from each year
working with either our faculty or outside experts.
theatre programs.
Abstract Reasoning
Learning Leadership through History
courses to choose
Problem-Based Computer Programming
Roeper has a no-cut policy for all athletic and
Comparative Religions
Upper School
While only two specific courses are required for graduation, all students take the equivalent of six full courses each semester, chosen to meet their interests, needs, and college requirements. Many complete independent study, internships, and a capstone project,
sports provide opportunities at all levels.
Inventor’s Workshop
Creative Problem Solving
MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL
courses to choose
UPPER SCHOOL GRADES 9–12
Thinking Skills
6
Middle School
MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADES 6–8
French Each student has a homeroom advisor who
Latin
follows their academic and social progress and
Spanish
serves as an informed contact point for parents.
Senior Project Malone Online Courses
Faculty are subject-matter experts, well
Theatre Company Class
versed in gifted education—as well as
Small Choir
dedicated advisors, mentors, and coaches.
Jazz Band
MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL
7
MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL
8
The only school in Michigan to offer Malone Schools interactive seminars, college-level courses for juniors and seniors taught by
of our Middle School
experts from across the country.
participates in a sport
ATHLETIC TEAMS
ARTS
EXTRACURRICULARS
SENIOR PROJECTS
Artistic expression is essential for gifted students. Roeper offers an extensive array of courses and opportunities in the visual and performing arts.
Roeper offers more than 30 extracurricular opportunities each year, from world language clubs to political and service groups to science and technology teams. Most are student led. A recent sampling:
Each year, one-third to one-half of the senior class completes an individual capstone project—and no two have been the same in more than 10 years. A small sampling shows the range and scope of recent projects:
Amnesty International
Middle School Social Committee
• Interning in Biophysics Research at Wayne State’s Physics Department
Model UN
• Interning at Detroit’s Metro Times
The Muse (literary magazine)
• Writing and Recording the Album In the Valley
Portuguese Club
• Sock Hop, LLC: A Study in Entrepreneurship
Quiz Bowl
• Magnetic Hyperthermia-Induced Drug Release
Repertory Dance Theatre
• This Is Detroit: Photography and Poetry
Sierra Club
• Sustainable Design: A Greenhouse for the Lower School
Art & Studio Art 25+ courses
Black Student Union Business Club
Photography 5+ courses
Chess Club
Instrumental Music 5 ensembles
Computer Coding
Vocal Music 5 ensembles
Gay Straight Alliance
Music Theory & Appreciation 12+ courses Dance 3 courses Theatre Arts 15 courses Roeper Theatre Company 3 main stage productions/year
MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL
Choir
Forensics
Interscholastic Sports Jewish Student Union Robotics & Engineering Challenges
Members of our
Student Diversity Advisory Committee Student Government Yearbook
Roeper has a no-cut policy. Even at the Upper School level, any student at Roeper can participate on a JV or varsity team. Roeper offers baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, track and field, and volleyball.
• Creating a Girls Mentoring Program
• Remote iOS Vehicle Operation • Designing a Middle School Chemistry Elective • Ending Homelessness by Renovating Abandoned Houses in Detroit • Promoting Literacy through Diversity • Engineering a Go-Kart
Over the past few years, Roeper student athletes and teams have earned numerous titles, including 2019 M.I.A.C. Golf Champions and 2018 MHSAA Boys Soccer District Champions. Roeper athletes consistently earn individual and team All State Academic awards. Roeper’s 2014 state champion boys soccer team had an average 3.91 GPA. 25% of our Upper
Chess Club hold state
School plays at least
and national rankings.
one varsity sport.
MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL
9
OUTCOMES
COLLEGE COUNSELING
10
Students work with faculty advisors to design a program of study based on their college goals. Roeper’s college counseling department works closely with students throughout the college selection and application process. More than 50 college representatives visit campus each year.
COLLEGES ATTENDED, CLASSES OF 2017–2019
million in scholarships earned by 30 students in the class of 2019
Amherst College
Reed College
Brown University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Case Western Reserve University College of Wooster Columbia University Cornell College Denison University DePaul University Duke University
AP exams
Eastman School of Music
completed
Elon University
by 46 Roeper
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
students in 2019
Rice University Ringling College of Arts & Design
• Kalamazoo College: Lux Esto Scholarship • Michigan Technological University: Leading Presidential Platinum Scholarship
• Rice University: Shepherd Music Society Scholarship • University of California Santa Cruz: Dean’s Scholarship • University of Michigan: Jean Fairfax Scholarship • Vanderbilt University: Linde B. Wilson Scholarship
Roeper graduates continue to follow their passions at excellent colleges. Recent Roeper alumni have accomplished the following:
Stanford University Swarthmore College United States Military Academy at West Point
Howard University
University of Michigan
Johns Hopkins University
University of North Carolina
Kalamazoo College
University of Notre Dame
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
University of Rochester University of Southern California
average Roeper 2018 SAT score, compared with 1068 nationwide
Skidmore College
University of Chicago
NYU Tisch School of the Arts
• Elon University: Elon and Engagement & Experience Scholarship Awards
• Oakland University: Platinum Presidential Scholarship
IN COLLEGE
Harvard University
Middlebury College
• Cornell College: Trustee and Leadership & Engagement Scholarship Awards
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Fordham University
Michigan Technological University
Two students were commended in the National Merit Scholarship Program, and other graduates were awarded valuable scholarships from their chosen schools:
Sarah Lawrence College
University of California, Santa Cruz
Michigan State University
CLASS OF 2019 AWARDS AND HONORS
• Advocating on behalf of Middle Eastern/North African-identifying students for diversity needs with the Center for Multicultural Education & Programs at New York University
• Competing in both basketball and track and field at The College of Wooster
average Roeper 2018 ACT score, compared with 24 nationwide
• Earning ACC Academic Honor Roll as a member of Notre Dame’s soccer team
• Receiving the first Ph.D. in biomedical engineering at Michigan State
University of Wisconsin Vanderbilt University Vassar College
Northwestern University
Washington University in St. Louis
Oakland University
Yale University
Oberlin College OUTCOMES
OUTCOMES 11
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
SIGNS OF GIFTEDNESS
12
Giftedness is most simply defined as having an IQ score in the range of 130, but we know there is so much more than that. If your child … tends to have intense feelings, a strong sense of justice, inherent perfectionism, and an advanced sense of humor … asks probing questions, values precision, needs to know why, and has an exceptional memory … seeks complex solutions, dives deeply into personal interests, comprehends a broad range of ideas, and learns rapidly … They will feel right at home at Roeper.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
APPLYING TO ROEPER
year in financial aid
We seek to serve as many students as possible through generous financial aid.
$11,000
A few more facts about our financial aid program:
We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, and base admission on gifted IQ test scores, prior academic performance, teacher recommendations, a personal interview, and a full-day visit.
million given each
average annual aid award
of families receive tuition assistance
• Financial aid is not a loan. It is a reduction in tuition. You do not have to pay it back. • An independent third party determines what you can afford. • Roeper’s financial aid program is based entirely on need. • Need-based scholarships are available for new students entering grades 6–10. • Partial scholarships can be combined with other financial aid.
The Roeper School is an equal opportunity institution.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The Roeper School admits students without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin and entitles them to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.
VISIT TODAY TO SEE HOW YOUR CHILD COULD FLOURISH HERE.
SIGNS OF GIFTEDNESS
13
SQUARE LAKE RD
Lower School
W LONG LAKE RD
BLOOMFIELD HILLS ADAMS RD
D
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OO W E AV
W BIG BEAVER RD
Middle and Upper School OAKLAND AVE W MAPLE RD
BIRMINGHAM
www.roeper.org
THE ROEPER SCHOOL WHERE GIFTED STUDENTS LOVE TO LEARN
BLOOMFIELD CAMPUS
BIRMINGHAM CAMPUS
Lower School & Administrative Offices 41190 Woodward Ave. Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304-5020
Middle & Upper School 1051 Oakland Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009-5762
248-203-7300
248-203-7433