New Teachers! -- and Strategic Plan
With faculty on site and students arriving over the next few days, the 2012-2013 school year is about to begin. I am excited to introduce our new... more ยป
Curriculum at a Glance
Humanities
This double-block class blends history, literature, and geography using primary sources and local resources whenever possible. Students progress through Humanities 9, 10, 11, and 12. They build reading, research, and writing skills from year to year. The sequence includes World History and Literature I (Prehistory to 1100 CE), World History and Literature II (1100-1800 CE), American History and Literature, and World History and Literature III (1800-Present).
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Mathematics and the Sciences
Students are required to take at least three years of science and three years of mathematics. They are encouraged to take math and science all four years. Science classes are land-based and project-based: Biology, Conceptual Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, AP Physics (two sections: Mechanics; Electricity & Magnetism). To a lesser extent, math courses also integrate environmental science across the curriculum: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Statistics (focused on consumer economics), Precalculus, and AP Calculus (AB).
Looking for mathematics beyond calculus? Take AP Physics: Electricity and Magnetism, which doubles as a mathematics course.
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Foreign Language
Olney Friends School offers Spanish I through Spanish IV as well as an elective in Mandarin Chinese. Students are required to have at least two years of the same language. Students learn modern culture as well, interacting with native speakers as much as possible. The foreign language requirement is waived for non-native speakers of English.
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Religion
Students are required to take a Quakerism elective as well as two other religion electives of their choice. Courses are designed to facilitate students’ exploration of their own beliefs. Our community is multifaith.
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Fine Arts
The arts at Olney Friends School are a source of joy, self-expression, and community-building. Students must take at least four quarter-long electives in the visual and performing arts.
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Practical Skills
At Olney Friends School, you will engage not only your mind, but your hands and your heart as well. Your required elective in this area might be Web Design, or it might be Bicycle Repair. Whatever it is, we know you’ll enjoy it and put the skills to use right away.
ESL (English as a Second Language)
Each year, students come from a dozen or so different countries around the globe to join peers from throughout the US to form a single high school community. At least intermediate-level English skills are needed to succeed in Olney’s college preparatory curriculum. We offer electives in ESL and/or writing skills throughout the year.
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