Non-Departmental Courses

Many students opt to take elective credits in the form of a second Science or Foreign Language class, or an additional class in the Fine Arts. Semester electives also exist in the Social Studies and English and Computer Science departments. Additional Non-Departmental offerings are listed below: 

Course Descriptions

9th Grade Seminar

Full year, two days each cycle. Required for all 9th grade students. This semester-long course is designed specifically for 9th graders and addresses various issues and developmental needs of young adolescents as they transition to the expectations of the Upper School. Topics include goal setting; time management; decision-making skills; media literacy; study skills; leadership; character and integrity; drug, alcohol and tobacco education; wellness; emotional well-being; stress management; bullying; harassment awareness; identity development; difference; and cooperation. The purpose of the course is to help students on their way to a healthy, productive Upper School career.

Podcasting: Amplify Your Voice

First semester, repeats second semester. This course is a broad introduction to the exciting realm of podcasting—a way of telling a story through audio, using sound files, voice overs, recorded conversations, interviews, and effects woven into a narrative. We'll explore some pivotal moments and influential figures that shaped podcasting's history and explore various podcast genres and formats. Through hands-on exercises and practical demonstrations, you'll learn essential skills such as conceptualizing a show, scripting episodes, and mastering basic audio production techniques. By the end of the course, you’ll have the opportunity and knowledge to plan, produce, and launch your very own podcast, ready to make your mark in the ever-expanding podosphere.

Public Speaking and Professional Communication

First semester, repeats second semester. The primary purpose behind this class is to give students the opportunity to be comfortable in front of an audience. In addition to gaining confidence to speak to anyone, students become proficient in gathering and organizing content for a variety of different categories of speeches. Students learn the importance of active listening, in-person and online interviews, nonverbal and verbal communication, constructive criticism, as well as knowing and growing their audience as they enter the professional world.

Strength Training

Successful completion of this course qualifies as one of the two co-curricular credits needed each year. This course is suitable for all levels (beginner through advanced), athletes and non-athletes. Students will learn proper weightlifting techniques, functional movement patterns and the principles of strength development. The course will cover topics such as nutrition, injury prevention, regeneration and goal setting for performance. Training will include a combination of resistance training, power development, speed development and mobility exercises. Please note that for in-season student-athletes, workout completion during Strength Training course will fulfill their afterschool training requirements.