Curriculum Guide in Brief

Unencumbered by commitments to past practices, Claremont Prep’s new High School is a 21st century High School that takes a fresh look at curriculum. We encourage fluency regarding global imperatives through our academic offerings, language study, travel and new media and technology. By rejecting traditional dichotomies between the humanities and the sciences, we seek connections among disciplines. We offer a wide range of intellectual, artistic and athletic opportunities.

Claremont Preparatory High School’s program of study is the culminating experience in a curriculum planned to ready students to be confident, active, caring, reflective, knowledgeable and inventive young men and women who value responsibility to community as well as individual achievement. The program furthers the development of academic skills as well the cultivation of creativity and the imagination. Our athletic program and co-curricular opportunities provide our students with formative learning experiences outside of the classroom. Our offerings integrate special projects that exploit partnerships with neighboring government, non-government, artistic, environmental, educational, and financial organizations through projects and internships. These experiences, coupled with community service, foster a strong connection to the city and the world and a commitment to promote a humane and sustainable society. Our intention is to encourage the development of each student’s special interests, passions and talents by providing choices in subject areas and in our varied elective program.

We expect a great deal from our students. The responsibility for learning is theirs as much as their teachers. All facets of the High School, in and out of the classroom, are viewed as learning opportunities, including the governance and the creation of the culture of this new High School. Our students participate in an active and real way in shaping the future and daily life of our school. They are the builders who set the foundation for the formation and continual renewal of Claremont Prep.

Basic Requirements

Students will be required to take five major courses every semester and will accumulate 20 credits.

English

The goal of the curriculum is to inspire students to see themselves as writers who take pride in clear, cogent and powerful expression and who approach reading, as do writers, with pleasure and with attention to language, imagery, argument, and ideas. Students practice the discipline of writing and work to acquire a rich vocabulary and achieve grammatical facility.  Students express themselves in a variety of genres including writing “in kind,” poetry, plays, stories and essays, as well as analytical writing.

Readings range from the classical to the contemporary and include works from many cultures including those that are written in English as well as read in translation. Connections to other disciplines will be encouraged.

In the ninth grade students will focus on creative and critical writing. They will read an eclectic mix of classical and contemporary works that may include a Greek epic, Shakespearean play, 19th century novel, 20th century short stories and modern poetry. The following years will focus on genre study, national literature, imaginative writing and a wide range of electives which include courses on a major author, historical periods, the literature of NYC, other cultures and a variety of interdisciplinary topics that place literature in the context of philosophy, politics, history, psychology, film and art.

History

Students study the narratives of civilizations throughout the world. They learn about political and economic development, the influence of religion, military action, and cultural and artistic trends. Students learn to approach their exploration, as do historians, relying on primary sources, texts and artifacts and questioning secondary sources. As historians they are asked to write history, which requires strong organizational skills as well as the ability to research and read with attention to detail and nuance. Students will learn to formulate, document and support their theories persuasively. The curriculum endeavors to foster in each student a connection to the wider world, an awareness of current events and the desire to be active global citizens.

Students are required to take three years of history, which will include world history in ninth grade and United States history in 11th grade. Students will choose from a range of courses including offerings in ancient history, modern European history, the history of cities, topics in American history, comparative religion, Latin American relations, Asian history, African history, the study of media and politics, and introduction to philosophy.

World Languages

The High School offers three world languages: Mandarin Chinese, Spanish and French. The three year requirement is designed to secure proficiency in oral and written communication and provide insight into the cultures where these languages are spoken through reading, film, art, theater, new media, technology, visits to New York City’s international neighborhoods and travel abroad.

The offerings include courses in language, composition and literature from beginning to advanced levels. The members of the department will determine student placement in the appropriate level.

Mathematics

The Mathematics curriculum provides students with a strong foundation in geometry, algebra, trigonometry and pre-calculus and for many students calculus. Students will develop proficiency in the skills necessary for advanced courses as well as those necessary for life experience. The curriculum encourages the appreciation of the language and theory of mathematics as well as its practical application. The offerings will accommodate varying levels of proficiency, aptitude and interest by offering accelerated topics or courses.

Students must successfully complete three years of mathematics. Those students interested in pursuing math and science in college will strongly be encouraged to take four years.  In ninth grade students will take either Geometry or Algebra 1.  For students who have completed the three years of required coursework successfully, electives will be offered in areas such as college level calculus, statistics, economics, computer science, and finance.

Science

High school students are required to take three years of science including Biology and Chemistry. Students interested in pursuing a future that involves advanced science study should take Physics and choose a fourth year from the elective offerings.  The curriculum introduces fundamental principles in biological and physical science and emphasizes the scientific method, active inquiry, problem solving and experimentation. An aspiration of the required and elective curriculum is to encourage students to play a responsible role in promoting a sustainable environment. To achieve this end course work will be sited in the field as well as in the laboratory.

Ninth graders will take Biology. Tenth graders will take Chemistry. There will be opportunities for accelerated work. Our elective offerings include Physics and advanced topics in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The electives will also include classes in Environmental Science, Astronomy and Geology. Students are encouraged to participate in research through internships arranged with hospitals, research centers and colleges.

Arts

Claremont Preparatory School’s visual and performing art offerings are notable in their scope and focus.  The curriculum encourages the development of technical skills appropriate to each artistic discipline, the appreciation of art as means to communicate the depth and breadth of human experience and the advancement of every student’s creativity and imagination. There is a two-year requirement in the High School.

Studio visual arts courses range from beginning and advanced drawing, watercolor, sculpture, photography and painting as well as interdisciplinary art offerings in film and architecture. Students will learn to use computer aided design (CAD) programs in photography, architecture and film courses

Music courses introduce students to a range of learning and performing opportunities. Choral and instrumental music courses are offered. Ensembles and combos perform classical, jazz, world and popular music.

Drama classes in acting, directing, stage and costume design are offered. There are two major productions. Advanced students have the opportunity to direct plays that will be performed throughout the school year.

Dance courses that accommodate beginning and advanced students in ballet and modern dance will be offered. There are dance performances with pieces choreographed by advanced students.

Physical Education

The Physical Education program is designed to encourage students to develop lifelong habits of fitness and health. The offerings focus on exercise and individual benchmarks as well as the development of skills associated with team sports.