Upper School Academic Life Academic Program & Focus

The heart of any excellent school must be the quality of its academic program. Webb’s curriculum is an integrated four-year program based on the premise that there is a body of knowledge that every member of our school community should acquire. Hence, graduation requirements include courses in the arts, humanities, and the sciences. The sequence of course requirements provides a balance between gaining a solid academic foundation and exploring a wide range of disciplines. Beyond that, the curriculum is designed to provide students with a range of educational opportunities that satisfy the most exacting requirements for entrance to colleges and universities.

In addition to preparing students for the next step in the educational process, Webb also believes that we should prepare students to be confident, independent, and responsible citizens in the 21st century. It is our aim to help students learn to lead their day-to-day lives with compassion and kindness and a commitment toward service to others.

Grades & Academic Reports to Parents

After each grading period, families are able to view their student’s grade report online. In addition to the grades that teachers send at the end of a marking period, teachers send progress reports as needed, and advisors hold two scheduled conferences with parents annually. As the need arises, other conferences can be called by parents or teachers.

Grades earned at Webb School are based on a general standard of college preparatory work. Since faculty have some discretion in the computation of grades, students should familiarize themselves with the expectations of each instructor. Faculty evaluate student performance on an A, B, C, D, F scale with pluses and minuses possible. The highest GPA possible is a 5.0. Grades that appear on the report card and the transcript have not been weighted. However, in calculating the GPA, Webb assigns a (.5) weight for honors courses and a (1.0) for AP courses. The GPA calculation includes all grades from courses taken at Webb in grades 9 through 12, except for Freshman Seminar, physical education/athletic participation, and community service.

Graduation Requirements

In order to provide students with a liberal arts education and to prepare them for matriculation into higher education, Webb School requires that students successfully complete the following courses in the Upper School. In addition to the required core courses listed, Webb further requires students to successfully complete at least five academic courses each semester. It is the responsibility of students to complete all graduation requirements.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

1 Credit: 3 athletic seasons (1/3 credit = 1 season)

Approved Alternate P.E. activity: (120 hours = 1 credit; 40 hours = 1/3 credit)

COMMUNITY SERVICE

60 Hours – 15 hours per academic year

The minimum load for a student is five academic classes each semester. If a student fails to pass a course for a semester, he or she must make up or retake that course if it is a requisite for graduation. If it is not a course necessary for graduation, the student must replace the unearned credit by taking an additional course (beyond the required five) in a subsequent semester.

Physical Education

Students are required to earn one unit in physical education before their senior year begins. They may choose one or a combination of interscholastic athletics or approved inside or outside-of-school alternatives. One physical education credit equals three (3) athletic seasons or approved Alternate P.E. activity of 120 hours of participation. The office of the Director of Athletics supervises and approves all alternatives.

Letter Grades

Webb's Upper School defines letter grades as follows:

A Consistent and exceptional performance and achievement in all areas of a course.

B Commended performance and achievement in all areas of the course.

C Adequate performance and achievement in the course, but lacking commendatory strength in all areas of the course.

D Partial completion of the minimum requirements of a course or inadequate performance and achievement in the course *

F Failure to meet the minimum requirements of the course.

* Note: While a “D” grade is a passing grade at Webb, certain Webb academic sequences require at least “C-” grades for students to move to the next level in the sequence.

GRADING SCALE & GPA CONVERSION

. All subjects except physical education/athletic participation, community service, and Freshman Study Hall/Seminar are included in the cumulative GPA. Due to small class size and the competitive nature of admissions, rank in class is not used