2012-13 upper school course description book - University Liggett ...

UPPER SCHOOL
CURRICULUM GUIDE
Liggett graduates are well prepared for life beyond our Cook Road campus because they take hold of
opportunities and take ownership of all aspects of our programs. We have a dynamic community that
expects a lot of its students through their engagement in classes, service to others, team commitment,
leadership activities in clubs and grade level events, and performances in the arts. As scholars, athletes,
artists, and public servants they demonstrate the kind of commitment that raises the bar for all around
them. We have high expectations for our students and they know it; they expect to be challenged each
day.
The foundation of understanding is experience. Our academic program provides students with direct
experiences designed to build this foundation. Skills and knowledge are acquired through study,
inquiry, and demonstrations of understanding. In ninth and tenth grades the core academic program is
enhanced by access to electives in the arts. As minimum requirements are fulfilled and areas of greater
interest are identified, students add more electives to their schedules, finding opportunities for deeper
exploration of subjects introduced in earlier coursework.
For those with unique interests not available through the school’s offerings, independent study options
and individualized programs supported by outside agencies may be arranged. All twelfth-graders
participate in the “Senior Project” program, designed to give them an experience working in an
organization away from school for several weeks prior to graduation.
Minimum Graduation Requirements
Department
Credits
English 4
Math 3
Science 3
Language 3 or 4
History 3
Arts 1.5
Year-long courses earn one credit. Semester courses earn .5 credit.
English
Math
Science
Language
Students must take and pass four years of English courses, including English Core
I, Core II, and at least four additional semester electives. (4)
Students must take and pass three years of high school level math, including
Geometry and Algebra II/Trigonometry or Algebra II. (3)
Students must take one credit of Biology, one credit of Chemistry, one-half credit of
Physics, and one-half credit of an elective science course. (3)
Students must complete three or four Upper School credits of modern or classical
language, either three credits in one language or two credits in two different
languages.
(3 or 4)
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