Calculus – a study of limits and their application to slopes, to derivatives of functions and to the area under curves of functions (that is, to integrals). Real-world applications are emphasized. Both semesters include a week-long project involving several calculus-related story problems. Differential equations are introduced, as time permits.

Physics – a study of mechanics (motion, energy, momentum), waves and thermodynamics. Students develop conceptual understanding and problem-solving competency through laboratory work, traditional problem-solving and the writing of computer code to simulate physical situations. Students are given laptop computers and are taught computer coding in the Matlab program.

Humane Letters Seminar – focuses on the close reading and discussion of texts drawn from the classical Greek and early Christian corpus. Students continue to work on writing analytical essays. They write at least 6 essays per semester. Reading list: Homer, Iliad and Odyssey; Aeschylus, Oresteia; Sophocles, Theban plays; Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War; Plato, Meno, Euthyphro, Gorgias, Apology, Crito, Phaedo, Republic; Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics; Augustine, Confessions; Athanasius, On the Incarnation.

Drama I – introduces students to the elements of acting, performance and play production. The course begins with technical instruction, group activities and creative workshops designed to build acting skills–especially those of voice, movement, stage presence and collaboration. Students produce and perform a full-length play from Shakespeare’s corpus.

Art III – focuses on learning how to look at and create representational and nonrepresentational abstractions.

Art History I – covers sculpture, architecture, painting and other forms of art from the prehistoric era through the 12th century AD. Students learn how to employ artistic vocabulary, formally analyze a work of art and appreciate art in its historical context.

Modern Language I – Students select French, Italian or Spanish. The focus of each course is mainly the study of grammar and vocabulary, enabling the student to read and translate basic literature in the target language. The student will also have some experience with oral language, both speaking and listening. Cultural exposure takes a tertiary role, accessed through the other aspects of the course.

World Issues – a hands-on course that offers an opportunity for students to apply the critical thinking skills they’ve learned in other courses to current issues encountered by humanity in different regions in the world. Students first research specific problems individually, then methodically propose and evaluate possible solutions in groups. Through the study of human suffering, poverty and disease, they come to understand the depth and complexity of the issues facing humanity and experience the challenges of bringing about change.