Upper School
Setting New Standards of Achievement
Our students learn to listen perceptively, think analytically and creatively, and write and speak clearly and convincingly. A varied curriculum includes 20 Advanced Placement and college-level courses in English, foreign languages, history, the arts, math and the sciences, and technology. Outstanding, dedicated faculty and small class sizes allow for special attention and high standards of achievement.
As a community of learners, we maintain that education is a responsibility shared by all members. We believe understanding comes from making connections among the various disciplines and from both independent and collaborative thinking. We recognize that intellectual persistence embodies risk-taking, evaluation, failures, and successes. We value diversity among both faculty and students and respect varied teaching and learning styles.
Curriculum
Park Tudor requires students to earn a minimum of 40 credits during their high school years. At least 32 of the 40 credits must be earned in the 5 content areas of English, Foreign Language, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. Most students graduate with 45-55 credits.
Following the completion of minimum requirements, students take additional courses according to their interests, needs, and college plans.
The Global Scholars program, a rigorous course of study for highly motivated juniors and seniors, offers an in-depth opportunity for academic and personal growth, including a two-year research project that is assessed by a panel of external evaluators.
The Academic Dean and the college counselors work closely with students to ensure the optimal opportunities for successful performance and placement.
A typical class schedule:
Freshman
Biology
Algebra or Geometry
Western Civilization
English I or English I+
Foreign Language (French, Spanish, Latin and Classical Greek)
Fine Arts Elective
Physical Education and Health
Study Skills
Speech
Sophomore
Chemistry
Geometry or Algebra II
Non-western Civilizations
English II or English II+
Foreign Language
Electives
Junior
Environmental Science, Physics, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics or Physiology
U.S. History or AP U.S. History
Algebra II, Pre-Calculus or Calculus
English II or AP English III
Foreign Language
Electives
Global Scholars Program (elective)
Senior
Physiology, AP Biology, AP Chemistry or Physics
Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Calculus II or Linear Algebra
Government and/or Economics, Ethics, Sociology, Political Philosophy, Canadian History
English IV Electives or AP English IV
Global Scholars Program (elective)
Electives
Complete Upper School Course Listing
Applying New Technology
As part of our nationally recognized technology program, students regularly use computers to develop technical skills, explore their creativity, hone their problem-solving skills and become better communicators. In preparation for colleges, students learn to research information through the Internet, online services and libraries as they write research papers for special projects. Each student has an e-mail account and a folder on the schools computer server.
Outside the Classroom
Students also have opportunities to participate in a wide range of activities outside the classroom. More than 8 out of 10 Upper School students are involved in both athletics and the arts, enabling them to significantly expand their horizons and display their talents. Most of our students also participate in a wide variety of clubs, leadership activities and student government.
Service Opportunities
We believe that community service is an essential component of the personal development and growth of our students. Our community service program is voluntary; we feel that students need to do more than merely fulfill a requirement. Service to humankind is an opportunity to build a strong sense of personal esteem and self-direction. Our program emphasizes helping those who truly need help. All of our students participate in their choice of a wide variety of projects, from volunteering at a shelter for the homeless to working with autistic children to spending spring vacation building homes in Mexico.
Facilities
27 classrooms
5 computer labs
Lecture hall
17,000+ volume library/media center
Art/photography studios
Instrumental, Vocal Music rooms
Practice rooms
Dance studio
Complete theater facilities
Athletic complex
