Academics
Upper School
Overview
Upper School requirements and offerings are college preparatory in that they satisfy entrance requirements of all American colleges and universities. Additionally, a focus on writing and reasoning skills prepares students for the academic rigor and challenges of college.
The curriculum provides a solid base of common, foundational components freshman and sophomore year and allows for more personalization junior and senior year. And with 19 AP courses, numerous honors and elective classes, and opportunities for independent study, students are able to pursue a course of study that is both challenging and engaging.
The curriculum provides a solid base of common, foundational components freshman and sophomore year and allows for more personalization junior and senior year. And with 19 AP courses, numerous honors and elective classes, and opportunities for independent study, students are able to pursue a course of study that is both challenging and engaging.
In order to graduate from St. John’s School, a student must accumulate a minimum of 21.5 credits by successfully completing the following:
- English I, English II, AP English Language, English IV
- Global Issues in Historical Context, World History II, and United States History
- Geometry, Algebra II and Precalculus
- Biology I, Chemistry I, and Physics I
- Through Level III of a world language
- Fine arts classes or performing ensembles (one credit; as outlined in the section entitled “Fine Arts Graduation Requirement”)
- JanPlan courses (four credits)
- Additional elective courses
In addition to the above credit requirements, students must also participate in Physical Education (as outlined in the section entitled “Physical Education Graduation Requirement” below). Unless otherwise noted, courses are yearlong.
NOTE: All courses must have a minimum number of students enrolled (generally 10) who can take the course at a single period in order for it to be offered.
NOTE: All courses must have a minimum number of students enrolled (generally 10) who can take the course at a single period in order for it to be offered.
Course Offerings
The following reflects a sampling of courses offered in the St. John's Upper School. Unless otherwise noted, courses are yearlong. All courses must have a minimum number of students enrolled (generally 10) who can take the course at a single period in order for it to be offered.
Independent Study Project
The Independent Studies Project is designed to allow disciplined and self-motivated students in classes 10-12 to pursue an area of study of personal interest in different areas or in greater depth than the standard curriculum allows. Projects may be for one semester or for the entire year and are assessed on a Pass/Fail basis; year-long and fall-semester projects require a successful mid-semester presentation in order to continue. All ISPs require a public presentation, followed by a question-and-answer session, at the end of the project. For more information, click here and contact the program director, Dr. Raulston.
Directed Study
Some courses normally offered in a classroom setting may be available for credit on a Directed Study basis. In a Directed Study, the student assumes the majority of the responsibility for completing the objectives of the course with some support and guidance from the teacher. Directed Study courses are not intended to replicate the classroom experience but are expected to be comparable in breadth, depth, rigor, and workload to the classroom version of the course. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery through quizzes, tests, papers, etc. as determined by the teacher of the course. A student must have permission from the teacher of the course, the department chair, and the academic dean. Directed Studies will not be permitted when the course is offered during the semester, and it is possible for the student to enroll. Only juniors or seniors are eligible for Directed Study. A student may not participate in more than one Directed Study at a time. The course and grade will appear on the student’s transcript with a note that the course was taken as a Directed Study.
Jan Plan
Jan Plan is a week-long experience that presents students and teachers with a space for authentic learning, collaboration, risk-taking, and enthusiasm. This time enables teachers to share a passion through a variety of pedagogies, such as experiential learning and/or interdisciplinary study. Courses may expand our existing curriculum or veer from our regularly-offered program of study. Jan Plan is a graduation requirement and is graded on a pass/fail basis. Each year, students will either participate in one full-day class (1 credit) or two half-day classes (0.5 credits each).
The St. John’s Upper School Honor Code
"A form of association which will defend the person and goods of each member with the collective force of all, and under which each individual, while uniting himself with others, obeys no one but himself, and remains as free as before."
This was Rousseau's design for the social contract. Each one of us puts into the community his person, his powers, and trust under the supreme direction of the general will.
On my honor, I have not given or received any unauthorized aid on this work.
Living together at St. John's, we have our own scaled-down, though no less important, reproduction of this social code: the student-run honor system. In theory, this contract is founded on the belief that students can take responsibility for establishing and maintaining standards for their own behavior, thus protecting personal freedom and community standards. In order to secure a greater civil freedom, individuals make a commitment to the community out of trust and mutual concern.
Honesty, respect, and responsibility for others are basic precepts of honor. Actions or attempted actions that run counter to these precepts are violations of the Honor Code. It is the student's responsibility in cases that seem unclear to check with the appropriate authority. Ignorance of the Honor Code is not an excuse for a violation.
Honesty, respect, and responsibility for others are basic precepts of honor. Actions or attempted actions that run counter to these precepts are violations of the Honor Code. It is the student's responsibility in cases that seem unclear to check with the appropriate authority. Ignorance of the Honor Code is not an excuse for a violation.
St. John's School
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