Upper School

The language arts program develops students’ proficiency as communicators—as writers, public speakers, and listeners—and as critical readers and thinkers. Composition courses focus on grammar and editing skills as well as vocabulary building and writing techniques in a variety of contexts. Cross-curricular writing assignments are frequent, as are multi-media enhancements—film, on-line resources, periodicals and newspapers. Literature studies canvas classic and contemporary works to expose students to wide-ranging genres. Many students participate in forensics and writing competitions, and classes often enjoy field trips to attend plays and special exhibits related to their studies.

The social sciences curriculum is designed to prepare students to become world citizens.  Throughout the course of study, students trace the rise and fall of civilizations, the connections between civilizations, and the advancement of technology.  By discovering the interconnections among societies throughout time, students discover their role in society as individuals as well as members of society.  In advanced classes, students learn to assess historical materials and the tenets of various governments.  They examine current problems in context with those of the past.  They develop an awareness of social issues and the historical significance of conflict among groups.  Students also learn the relationship between peoples and the geographical area in which they reside; they discover how natural, economic, and human resources affect the prosperity of a civilization.  The importance of philanthropy and community service is emphasized both in America and in the world.  Students focus on political attitudes and ideologies in terms of how politics affect government.  Students ultimately understand the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and the principles of democratic civic involvement.

The mathematics curriculum is traditional in scope, with increasing emphasis on skills and modes of reasoning required in a technologically advancing society.

Spanish and French courses develop students’ fundamental communication skills, prepare them for foreign language study in college, and stimulate their interest in the cultures of Spanish-speaking and French-speaking countries throughout the world. Speaking and listening exercises, as well as reading and writing assignments, reflect situations and contexts students can expect to encounter “in real life” encounters.

Students create portfolios of two- and three-dimensional works reflecting their study of art principles, artists, and art history. Rawls Museum Arts programs are made available to interested students.

Driver Education classes are offered through A-1 Drivers Ed, (757) 407-3398 or RonaldCarr@a-1driverstraining.com