SEATTLE ACADEMY ADMISSION OFFICE | 1432 15TH AVENUE | SEATTLE, WA 98122 | P: (206) 324-7227 | F (206) 676-6881 | WWW.SEATTLEACADEMY.ORG

CURRICULUMBY DEPARTMENT

Preparing students for college and life.

SEATTLE ACADEMY ADMISSION OFFICE | 1432 15TH AVENUE | SEATTLE, WA 98122 | P: (206) 324-7227 | F (206) 676-6881 | WWW.SEATTLEACADEMY.ORG | CEEB CODE: 481154

MISSIONSeattle Academy prepares students for college and life. Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences is an independent secondary school with a mission to prepare students to participate effectively in a modern society. We, therefore, seek a diversified student body and faculty. We offer a demanding college-preparatory curriculum integrating the arts and emphasizing a global perspective. We utilize the resources of our urban environment to extend our classrooms, to enhance our programs, and to engage our students in public service. Most of all, we seek to graduate motivated young men and women of talent and integrity who are preparedto contribute productively to a changing world.

6TH GRADEIntegrates vocabulary, grammar, composition, discussion, study, and critical thinking skills. This course lays a foundation for excellence in reading, writing, and speaking. (3 trimesters)

Complementing their English class, students hone their English language skills through daily writing, reading, discussion, and word play. Major writing assignments, which emphasize the process of drafting, revising, and editing, include expository and personal narrative essays, and compilation of a poetry book.(1/2 year)

7TH GRADEFocuses on a variety of language skills, including analytical reading, writing in various modes, public speaking, and spelling, vocabulary, and grammar. Students consider motivations for human behavior in an attempt to understand the nature of generosity, compassion, and love, as well as their opposites. Major projects include speeches, dramatic monologue, family biography, class publication, and writing an original novel chapter. (3 trimesters)

8TH GRADEBuilds on themes of seventh grade but also focuses on issues of social and emotional growth for adolescents through reading, writing, and discussion. Students study vocabulary, mechanics, and the fundamentals of written composition, emphasizing critical thinking. Major assignments include essays, journals, poems, a lengthy autobiography,

speeches, and creation of both a play scene and short newspaper. (3 trimesters)

9TH GRADEThe first year of a two-year program that begins with the ancient literature of the Western World, later introducing the different genres of literature: epic poetry, short story, drama, novel, and poetry. Expository writing is emphasized, and students are introduced to upper school-level expectations in the writing of research papers. The class works with the history department to supplement the material studied in English. (3 trimesters)

10TH GRADEThe second year of a two-year program, emphasizing the literature and major philosophical advances of Western Civilization, building upon the work completed in 9th grade. Again working with history classes, students learn about the emergence of the role of literature as a political and philosophical element of societies, as well as its role in entertainment. (3 trimesters)

11TH GRADE Classes include an American literature survey course, which exposes students to a breadth of literature that includes early American writings, modern-day novels, poetry, and drama. All classes emphasize expository writing, literary analysis, SAT vocabulary training, and SAT II writing and literature test preparation. (Honors Option, 3 trimesters)

American Studies: A closely linked English and history program designed to examine

complex and challenging themes and patterns of American literature and history, such as those found in works by Faulkner, Baldwin, Thoreau, and Emerson. (Honors, 3 trimesters)

12TH GRADEAn elective-based program which features college-style seminar classes and a broad range of literary experiences. College-level writing standards are emphasized; students learn to complete independent and thorough research using high-level academic sources and online databases. Examples of classes might include:

• Creative Writing • Playwrights Project • Magical Realism (honors) • Roman Shakespeare (honors) • Violence, Morality, and Human Nature • Renegotiating the Social Contract • Literature of the American West • Arthurian Legend, Ancient and Modern (honors) • The Marginalized and the Misunderstood (honors) • The Real Unreal: Contemporary Re- sequenced Narratives (honors) • Comparative Philosophy (honors) • Literature of the American South • Page to Stage (honors) • Shifting Landscapes (honors) • The Urban Muse: City Landscapes, Internal Landscapes (honors)

All classes are one-trimester offerings.

ENGLISH

CURRICULUMBY DEPARTMENT

HISTORY

6TH GRADEAncient Civilizations: A brief introduction to archaeology takes students on a time travel through prehistory. Explorations include a study of Ancient Mesopotamia and Africa. We examine the components of culture, face challenging issues, and struggle with the dilemmas of an ancient culture, as we journey through Ancient Nubia and Egypt, following the footsteps of philosophers, kings, teachers, slaves, and commoners to the portals of the Ancient Empires of China and India. Students participate in inquiry projects, simulations of daily life and experience the contributions of these civilizations through debates, dramas, art, and story. (3 trimesters)

7TH GRADEAmerican Studies: A general overview of the history of the United States, including an emphasis on Washington State history. In addition to the more traditional historical topics, studies include multiple aspects of the country’s culture. (3 trimesters)

8TH GRADEGlobal Systems: This course studies physical and cultural aspects of past and present societies. Topics include the earth’s physical environment and the relationship among land- forms, climate, vegetation, and resources. Human development includes the study of major world religions, political and economic systems, and environmental and global issues. The course will focus on the non-Western world, including Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. (3 trimesters)

9TH GRADERoots of Western Civilization: This course examines the origins of Western Civilization to the period of The Enlightenment, beginning with the formation of Greek and Roman societies, then moving to medieval Europe,

including feudalism and the rise of Christianity. Nation-building through a study of England and France will be examined. During a unit on the Renaissance, the course reviews concepts from Greece and Rome, and covers some of the art, literature, and politics of the period. Next comes the period of The Reformation, Elizabethan England, and the Age of Exploration. Throughout the course, skill-building in such areas as research, writing, analysis, note-taking, examination strategies, and organizational skills is emphasized.(3 trimesters)

10TH GRADEModern World History: This course emphasizes the development of Western Civilization from the 17th century to present but occasionally focuses on non-western perspectives of events that shaped, or were shaped, by western cultures. The growth of modern political, economic and social structures in the 18th and 19th centuries is examined, covering such topics as the Scientific Revolution, The Enlightenment, the French Revolution, and the Industrial Revolution. Included in the course are the collapse of old regimes; World War I; global politics; the rise of authoritarianism in the early the 20th century; World War II; and contemporary issues in politics, economics, and society from the Cold War to present.(3 trimesters)

11TH GRADESurvey of American History: A study of the United States of America, a nation and its people. Begins with post- World War II to present, then moves to Native American history and the relationship between the Enlightenment and European exploration and colonization. Covers major historical events from colonial America and the Revolutionary period up through the Vietnam War and the fall

of the Berlin Wall. (Honors Option, 3 trimesters)American Studies: A closely linked English and history program designed to examine complex and challenging themes and patterns of American literature and history, such as those found in works by Faulkner, Baldwin, Thoreau, and Emerson. (Honors, 3 trimesters)

12TH GRADEStudents have a variety of college-level classes from which to choose.

Examples of classes might include:

Asian Studies • Arabs in the West: North Africans in a Post-Colonial World (honors) • History of Modern India • Islam in Asia (honors) • Japanese History and Culture After World War II • Modern China (honors)

Contemporary Issues • Great Issues in Foreign Policy • Post-Colonial African Society and Politics

Systems • American Government/Civics (honors) • Cultural Anthropology • Economics (honors) • Ethics • Foundations and Theories of Government (honors) • Personal Finance

All classes are one-trimester offerings, with the exception of Foundations and Theories of Government, which is offered in both the fall and winter trimesters.

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6TH GRADEScience Matters: Physical ScienceA survey of science covering cosmology, chemistry, physics, and biology. The major emphasis is on the origins, interdependence, and unity of life. Students work individually and in teams to acquire important competencies, including measurement and scientific process skills. Students learn to use a wide range of tools, including computers, to research, visualize, and publish their work. (3 trimesters)

7TH GRADEEnvironmental Science A survey of science that reviews and expands upon the topics covered during sixth grade. Major emphasis is on physical science. Students continue to improve their measurement skills. They perform laboratory investigations, which increasingly move from the more qualitative work of sixth grade to more quantitative work. They explore the power of mathematics as a tool of science, and lay the foundations for success in future science classes. (3 trimesters)

8TH GRADE Human Biology: Through a series of field trips, guest speakers and laboratory investigations, students are introduced to the study of human anatomy and physiology.

Special emphasis is placed on adolescenthealth issues and the physical, emotional, and social changes students are encountering.A lab science. (3 trimesters)

9TH GRADEScientific Investigation & Emerging Technologies: The world of science today is driven by the dynamic interaction between humans and technology. This project-based class focuses on engaging students in active scientific inquiry that uses current and emerging technologies to investigate and explore questions within the physical and biological sciences. Topics in physics, biology, and environmental science are explored through investigation and lab experimentation. (3 trimesters)

10TH GRADE Chemistry: Students study matter, atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical compounds and reactions, the mole, solutions, organic and biochemistry, environmental issues, and nuclear chemistry. Students perform frequent laboratory experiments, as well as a few small research projects. Lab report writing, data interpretation, and test preparation skills are developed. A lab science. (3 trimesters)

11TH GRADEBiology: Course designed to teach the fundamental concepts and research techniques of modern biology and to increase scientific reasoning skills and the ability to communicate scientific knowledge verbally, graphically, and in writing. Topics include cell biology, genetics, evolutionary theory and ecology. During fall and winter trimesters, students do extensive lab work. During spring trimester, students complete a field research project. A lab science.(Honors Option Available, 3 trimesters)

12TH GRADEPhysics: A year-long algebra-based physics course, with emphasis on both understanding the concepts and being able to apply them mathematically. The course involves lectures, discussions, and frequent lab work. Computer lab interfaces are used. (3 trimesters)

Senior Science Electives: Depending upon student need, a variety of trimester-long electives are offered to seniors. For example, some of the classes recently offered include Biotechnology, Advanced Chemistry, Botany, Environmental Studies, Evolution, Field Ecology, Zoology, Sustainability, and Marine Biology. (1, 2, or 3 trimesters)

SCIENCE

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MATHEMATICSAll students are placed in the most appropriate math class, based on previous preparation and achievement, not on grade.

6TH GRADEThis course lays a foundation of mathematical skills and understanding. Topics include tools for problem-solving, geometry, graphs and statistics, decimals, probability, fractions, and a brief introduction to Algebra. (3 trimesters)

7TH GRADEMath Transitions: This comprehensive course emphasizes arithmetic operations in mathematics and other realms. Three themes unify the course: applied arithmetic, pre-algebra, and pre-geometry, to prepare students for algebra and develop problem-solving skills. (3 trimesters)

8TH GRADEAlgebra I: Builds on the algebraic concepts with which students have already become familiar, and introduces new concepts, including linear equations, Cartesian graphs, the fundamental operations used in many different scenarios, exponents, quadratic equations, systems of equations, statistics and probability, and transformations. Technology is used extensively, beginning with Algebra I, including the incorporation of graphing calculators and computer software, as appropriate. In appropriate in- stances, students may instead be enrolled in geometry. (3 trimesters)

9TH GRADEGeometry: The emphasis of this course is on independent learning and resourceful problem-solving. The course includes the use of laptop software to develop conceptual understanding and to test conjectures. Topics addressed include points and lines; polygons; transformation, congruence, and similarity; distances, areas, and volumes; and coordinate geometry. In appropriate instances, students may instead enroll in algebra or advanced algebra. Students without a strong foundation in algebra take Intermediate Algebra in ninth-grade and meet the geometry requirement late in high school. (3 trimesters)

10TH GRADEAdvanced Algebra: Course work includes review of basic algebraic concepts; solving equations; direct and inverse variations and their graphs; mathematical modeling; linear relations; systems of equations; parabolas and quadratic equations; complex numbers; functions; powers, roots, exponents, and logarithms; trigonometry; and series, combinations, and statistics. (3 trimesters)

11TH GRADEPre-Calculus: Designed to prepare students for Upper School calculus or college mathematics. Course focuses on discrete mathematics, problem-solving, trigonometry, and advanced functions. Some juniors take advanced algebra or calculus, as appropriate. (3 trimesters)

Advanced Math Electives: See 12th Grade Calculus. Also includes senior math topics and software development. (3 trimesters)

12TH GRADEMath Analysis: This is a sequence of courses that focuses on application of mathematics rather than simply theory and computations. The first trimester includes an overview of statistics in preparation for research and further study in college. The second trimester covers math modeling, where applications relate to mathematical principals. Topics include the mathematics of flight, cellular automata, and game theory. The third trimester focuses on preparation for college- level Calculus.(3 trimesters)

Calculus I: Introduces students to the infinitesimal analysis of the elementary functions of a single real variable, the investigation and calculation of limiting values. Students learn the fundamental techniques and results of differentiation and integration and then apply these methods to the solution of problems from geometry, economics, biology, and physics. (3 trimesters)

Calculus II: This course is for students who have completed Calculus I. Topics covered include advanced integration, use of the software Mathematica, elementary differential equations, infinite series, convergence intervals, Taylor’s Theorem, and the calculus of parametric and polar equations. Students completing the course will have covered the typical topics completed in the first year of a technical math-based university curriculum.(3 trimesters)

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From tenth grade on, students have at least two elective blocks in their schedule, with flexibility to focus studies in areas of particular interest or explore new areas. For example, some students accumulate elective credits in the arts; others prefer a fifth year of lab science, advanced mathematics, and/or a second modern language. Other electives available include mock trial, speech and debate, and dance. (3 trimesters)

11TH GRADEChoices include speech and debate, youth legislature, mock trial, computer programming, software development, portfolio classes in the visual arts, and musical theater production. With permission, juniors also may choose math, science, and social science classes described under twelfth grade. (1, 2, or 3 trimesters)

12TH GRADEChoices include speech and debate, youth legislature, mock trial, and computer programming in addition to Advanced Arts and portfolio classes in Visual and Media Arts, Vocal and Instrumental Music, Theatre, and Dance. (1, 2, or 3 trimesters)

Senior Projects: By the time they graduate, nearly all Seattle Academy seniors will have completed optional college-level internships with Seattle-based companies or non-profit organizations. Participants routinely earn top marks from their Senior Project mentors for quality of work, communication abilities, organizational skills, resourcefulness, creativity, writing skills, and flexibility in the face of ambiguity. The projects conclude with formal presentations detailing what was learned, which skills were used, and any solutions or conclusions that were generated through the internship process.

6TH GRADEIn 6th through 8th grades, a series of 6-to-12-week courses in vocal, theater, visual, and dance introduce middle school students to artistic concepts and their applications. Students also have the option of selecting a year-long instrumental class. Students perform for the school community at end-of-trimester performances and other school events.(3 trimesters)

7TH GRADE In addition to the electives which continuefrom sixth grade, in seventh and eighthgrades, one trimester is devoted to the production and performance of a fully staged musical or theater production. Instrumental music continues to be a year-long option. Students perform for the school community at end-of-trimester performances and other school events. (3 trimesters)

8TH GRADE6-to-12 week courses continue as described for 6th and 7th graders. One trimester is devoted to musical or theater production. Students can also choose an elective from visual arts, vocal ensemble, or speech-and-debate. A year-long instrumental class is also available. Students perform for the school community at end- of-trimester performances and other school events. (3 trimesters)

9TH GRADEA variety of performing and visual arts electives are available each trimester. Specific courses and sequences may vary from year to year. Among choices regularly available to ninth graders are vocal music, acting, jazz dance, film-making, technical theater and design, instrumental music, painting and drawing, printmaking, clay, sculpture, and a varietyof theater productions. (3 trimesters)

10TH GRADEChoices regularly available to tenth-graders include performance ensemble, speech and debate, film-making, vocal ensemble, instrumental music, dance, printmaking, sculpture, and musical theater. (3 trimesters)

11TH AND 12TH GRADESChoices regularly available to juniors include speech and debate, portfolio courses in the visual arts, glass and stone sculpture, performance ensemble, vocal ensemble, instrumental music, stagecraft, and a varietyof theater productions. (1, 2, or 3 trimesters)

6TH GRADE Latin I: Introduces Latin vocabulary and grammar, English derivatives, translations, and Roman culture, mythology, and geography.(2 trimesters)

7TH GRADELatin II: A continuation from Latin I, emphasizing grammar, vocabulary building, English word derivation, and reviewing the Roman period, while developing good foreign language study habits. (3 trimesters)

8TH GRADEForeign Language Elective (French, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese): Classes are taught with a communicative approach. Writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills are all incorporated. (3 trimesters)

9TH – 12TH GRADEForeign Language Elective (French, Spanish, or Mandarin Chinese): Beginning through advanced levels, taught exclusively in the target language. Stu- dents are placed in the appropriate level, based on their competency and experience in the language. Grammatical structures, vocabulary, speaking skills, and reading proficiency are emphasized. Cultural themes are explored at all levels. In advanced level courses, although grammar and vocabulary are still taught, the primary focus shifts to literary analysis and discussion.(3 trimesters per year)

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

OPEN ELECTIVES

ARTS

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LEARNING SUPPORTLearning Support classes are small-group support classes that help students develop skills to work within the content of our core academic curriculum. They are classes for students needing on-going support to develop the skills and discipline needed to succeed in our rigorous college-prep environment. Students learn to improve writing; reading for information; organizational and study skills; and self-advocacy skills, while working on their content coursework. These are not ESL or special education courses, although teachers may work on basic skills development. Fees for this program are in addition to tuition.

MATH LABUpper School students who have been identified by the math department as having difficulty completing the school’s graduation requirement in math may be placed in Math Lab, which puts additional individual focus on a student’s math development. This course puts a strong emphasis on problem-solving and on developing skills to make students successful in subsequent math courses.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION / ATHLETICS Students are required to take physical education in grades six through nine. An additional year is required for graduation and may be satisfied between ninth and twelfth grades by taking physical education, including weight training, yoga, or circus; by participating in team sports (basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, track and field, Ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, wrestling); and/or by taking dance. Seattle Academy encourages all students to participate in interscholastic sports.

PERFORMING ARTSStudents at any grade and experience level can join our performing arts program, which includes dance, instrumental music, theatre, and vocal. Rehearsal schedules vary (in-class vs. after school) depending on placement. Auditions may be required.

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENTSoftware Development is a course where students work on the cutting edge of new technology. Students will develop interactive software and web applications using JavaScript, ASP (Active Server Pages), Acrobat, Sharepoint, Frontpage, SQL databases, and other advanced tools. Programming experience is not required, but demonstrated commitment to maintaining one’s computer in working order is essential. Software Development can be counted toward

the math/science elective requirement.(1 trimester)

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGYCan be counted as either arts or mathelective credit.

SERVICEEach trimester, opportunities are available for Upper School students to earn service credits. Options may include work or service within the school or off-campus. The program is designed to encourage personal and social responsibility. Service projects have included such activities as volunteer work on crisis hotlines, working on political campaigns, performances in nursing homes, food drives, and software development and programing. Four credits (160 hours) are required to graduate from Seattle Academy.

INDEPENDENT STUDYAvailable to Upper School students, usually seniors, of high motivation and proven ability, who wish to pursue a subject in greater depth and breadth.

“MAKING THINGS” PROGRAMThis is an interdisciplinary project which incorporates Materials Science and Product design and embraces the sciences, the arts, technology, and academics in Upper School elective classes. Club activities such as robotics are included, in both Middle School and Upper School. The goal of this program is to emphasize Seattle Academy’s hands-on educational approach, an approach that requires a high degree of technical expertise, creative vision, disciplined energy, and collaboration among varied skill sets.

INNOVATIONS LABThe Innovations Lab consists of two courses, one focused on business and one on social entrepreneurship. Students examine innovation as a concept and look at areas of their own lives where they could innovate. They practice presenting in small groups, honing their persuasive skills. They hear from weekly guest speakers who are outstanding innovators in a wide variety of fields and have the opportunity to ask dozens of questions.

The process gives students a foundationin design thinking and an introduction to creating a business pitch, applying thoseskills in a culminating project in which students partner with outside organizations workingon a real world problem. Students work in teams to come up with solutions the participating organizations could put into practice immediately.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS/CLASSES AVAILABLE TO ALL GRADE LEVELS

EXTRACURRICULAROPPORTUNITIES

CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS

Co-curricular activities are carefully planned to augment the curriculum. Sixth and seventh graders take an annual “S.E.E.” (Study, Experience, Explore) trip to such destinations as the Olympic Peninsula or the Oregon Coast.

Eighth graders encounter the “Seattle Challenge,” an intense, three-day experience bringing them face-to-face with urban homelessness.

In the fall of their ninth grade year, students read Homer’s The Odyssey, as a study of the human experience. They deepen their understanding of these works’ messages with a two-night outdoor excursion, during which the major points of the story become quite apparent. Students assume responsibility for the trip planning and making decisions, with faculty remaining in the background.

Sophomores attend the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon. Juniors tour colleges each spring. Seniors spend six-weeks on a Senior Project outside of school.

Other trips, retreats, and activities designed to enhance course work, the individual, or the life of the school community, are planned throughout each year.

Extracurricular opportunities are many and varied. As a member of the Emerald City “A” Athletic League, SAAS competes in interscholastic basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, track and field, Ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, and wrestling. With Seattle Academy’s commitment to participation and excellence, all students can participate on state-title-winning varsity teams, junior varsity teams, or middle school teams, at all levels of skill and experience.

Other extracurricular activities include Student Government, Bee Club, Squash, a Student Newspaper, Dance, Vocal, Theatre, Math Club, Robotics, Science Club, Model UN, Mock Trial, Speech and Debate, Environmental Club, Economics Club, Four Corners Diversity Club, Youth Legislature, and travel adventures to locales such as Africa, Alaska, China, Costa Rica, France, New Orleans, India, Italy, Southwest United States, Turkey, and Vietnam.

CURRICULUMBY DEPARTMENT