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

Entrepreneurship

One semester. Prerequisite: Application and instructor approval. In this course, students work with carefully selected local entrepreneurs who present real and urgent business 
dilemmas with hard deliverables and deadlines to build real-life business solutions. The program includes active, collaborative and team-based activities requiring full engagement in and out of the classroom. Students start the semester with an immediate immersion into the Lean Startup methodology and Design Thinking techniques. Students then learn processes including customer 
development, agile development, and rapid prototyping. Student curiosity drives the curriculum, while the instructor provides the scaffolding, resources, skills and background information necessary. In the final portion of the course, students will construct, present, and launch 
their own startups. Open to seniors. Juniors may be eligible, though they must petition the instructor.

Freshman Seminar

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. 

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.

The New Journalism: Storytelling and Podcasting I and II

Journalism is rapidly changing, and technology is leading the way. Join us as we visit the basics of storytelling and the growing trend of podcasting using our recording studio. Podcasting is a way of telling a story through audio — using pieces of sound files, voice overs, recorded conversations and effects woven into a narrative. Podcasts help students strengthen their writing abilities, listening skills, and develop public speaking skills. 

Cardio/Core

Successful completion of this course qualifies as one of the two co-curricular credits needed each year. This conditioning class is meant for all students: those who are athletes and those who want to become healthier and more fit. Cardio/Core involves both strength and cardio exercise, resulting in total body conditioning. This class is designed to target all major muscle groups. Free weights, resistance bands, med balls, kettle bells, steps, and BOSU balls will all be incorporated into the program. This class is focused on the five components of fitness each day (Cardiovascular Endurance, Muscular Strength, Muscular Endurance, Flexibility, Body Composition). Note that this course does not involve weight room activities.

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 be exposed to the basic upper and lower body lifts as well as advanced levels of strength and conditioning exercises. Strength Training involves weight training and some cardio fitness in every class.

Lifeguarding: ARC Certification Program

Successful completion of this course qualifies as one of the two co-curricular credits needed each year. This class is designed to teach the basics in water safety and the proper protocol when dealing with any emergencies around the water. Both traditional lecture style and hands-on training are incorporated to teach effective techniques to deliver prompt and accurate care 
to those in need. ARC Lifeguard Certification is awarded upon successful completion of the course and is valid for two years.