UPPER SCHOOL OVERVIEW
Objectives for Core Classes
Grades 9-12
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English: High school students focus on developing critical thinking skills necessary to analyze literature, write effective compositions and communicate orally. AP English Literature and Composition is available. | |
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Mathematics: The curriculum has levels in order to meet the needs of the students. Learning to think logically, master procedures, and solve problems are integral to both levels. The upper level allows students to take AP calculus in the senior year, while the other leads to the study of either a course beyond Algebra II or topics in mathematics in the senior year. Two levels of AP calculus are available. |
History: High school students focus on analyzing historical material in terms of cause and effect and writing research papers. During the first three years of high school, they study World Cultures, European history, and United States history. AP U.S. History and European History are available.
Foreign Languages: Students in grades eight through twelve study either French or Spanish. By speaking, writing and reading in the chosen language, students attain a level of proficiency commensurate with the number of years they study the language. Levels I through IV are available. Levels I and II focus on understanding the spoken language and learning to speak and write it. Literature is studied and analyzed in levels III and IV. Students also study the cultures encompassing the languages, and travel to France and Spain is sponsored by the teachers. For qualified students, Level V and AP courses are also offered.
Science: High school students learn the basic scientific principles of biology, chemistry and physics. They collect and analyze scientific data, conduct experiments, present conclusions systematically and clearly apply knowledge in different contexts. In the high school, students take physical science and biology the first two years, then they select electives. AP Biology and Chemistry are offered.
Technology: High school students are required to take a Computer Applications course and then are offered electives in technology, including Newsletter and Yearbook. They vary from year to year and involve programming and more sophisticated applications of the computer.
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Electives: Elective offerings vary from year to year in the high school, although some, such as chemistry, physics, and art are always available. In recent years, psychology, accounting, economics, photography, ceramics, philosophy, research techniques, computer applications, advanced composition and journalism were electives. RMA partners with Nash Community College to offer additional electives. AP Psychology is offered. | |
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Advanced Placement Courses: AP courses in English Literature, U.S. History, European History, Calculus AB and BC, Biology, French, Studio Art and Psychology are being offered in the 2006-07 school year. |
Special Requirements: Ninth graders take courses in art appreciation and health/guidance. Tenth graders must take a semester course in public speaking and electronic communication. An important component of student growth and development is community service, as students need to understand the value of contributing their time and talents to a needy organization. A total of 48 hours of community service is required, with at least 12 hours being completed in each of the high school years.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
4 units of English
4 units of mathematics, including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and one
course beyond
Algebra II
3 units of science, including Biology I and Physical Science
3 units of history, including U.S. History
2 units of foreign language taken at the High School level
1 course in mathematics each year
1 semester of health
1 trimester of Computer
1 trimester of Communications (Public Speaking)
23 total units, minimum
Satisfactory completion of all community service hours
Satisfactory completion of summer reading requirements
GRADE REPORTING
Providing parents and students written appraisals of classroom performance is a vital objective for the school. Report cards include a narrative description as well as a grade, and they are sent home every nine weeks. In addition, teachers send home midterm reports at 4½ weeks and interim deficiency reports as needed. To earn a place on the Headmaster's List, a student must maintain an average of 93 or above in each course.
93-100 indicates that a student is excelling in several if not all of the following: skill development, application of skills, sustained and effective use of knowledge, frequent contribution to class discussion and initiative by going well beyond standard requirements and expectations.
85-92 indicates that a student is excelling in fulfilling requirements and expectations in some areas and displaying competence in many areas.
77-84 indicates that a student is satisfactorily fulfilling requirements and expectations sometimes exceeding or falling below them.
70-76 indicates that a student is not satisfactorily fulfilling requirements and expectations in many areas.
Below 70 indicates that a student is not fulfilling basic requirements and expectations.
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