The Program of Study

   The curriculum at SMS is designed to prepare students for success in college and beyond. Because we are a small school, we are able to meet the specific needs and interests of each student. Our academic program is flexible as it is based on skills rather than grade level.  This is one of our greatest strengths. Outstanding students are presented with opportunities for more advanced study, while all students are given the support they need to acquire mastery and receive assistance in the academic resource program.  This kind of support helps girls become active participants in their education. Each year the Director of Studies meets with each individual student to monitor her progress and select her academic program.

The Academic Year

SMS Riverfront Campus The Academic year is divided into three trimesters, each 10 or 11 weeks long. Core courses are year-long, while elective courses are offered each trimester. Progress is evaluated at the midpoint and conclusion of each trimester, and parents will receive their daughter’s grades and comments in each class at these times. In addition, the student’s advisor will contact parents personally to discuss academic progress.

Daily Schedule

Each week consists of three seven-period days, one three-period day and one four-period day. The three- and four-period days are 75-minute class sessions, allowing for flexible and varied activities that could not otherwise be done in a shorter class period. These days also accommodate early departures for sports and other activities. The Teacher Available period occurs five days a week after classes end. At this time all teachers are in their rooms, available to offer extra help.

St. Margaret's School daily schedule - download the Daily Schedule.


Departments and course listings

English
The English curriculum at St. Margaret's follows a sequential course of study, building a solid foundation in reading, writing, critical thinking and oral expression. Courses offered encourage interdisciplinary learning through connections with other subjects, such as history and art. A progressive writing program, supported by a formal study of grammar and usage, allows students to develop skills appropriate to their proficiency level.

Courses:   English 8
Introduction to Literature & Composition
Introduction to World Lit. & Composition
College Reading & Writing
Journalism
Creative Writing
American Literature
British Literature
Honors English
Advanced Placement Literature

English as a Second Language
The English as a Second Language program is designed to remove the language barriers that can keep international students from outstanding performance. The program gives students more time to meet their graduation requirements and prepare for study at an American university.

Courses:   Low Intermediate ESL Grammar and Writing
High Intermediate ESL Grammar and Writing
Advanced ESL (includes TOEFL preparation)
ESL US History
ESL American Culture
ESL Science

Senioer Art Show Fine and Visual Arts
We believe that the arts integrate and solidify the individual's personality, as well as provide a healthy forum for personal expression. The Department of Fine Arts offers a variety of classes, ranging from beginner to advanced.



Courses:   Advanced Art/Senior Portfolio
  Art History
Ceramics
Drama History
Drawing I-III
Ensemble
Fashion Design
Illustration
Mixed Media
Mosaics

Music History
Painting I-III
Photography
Piano
Technical Theatre
Treble Choir
Voice
Watercolors

Foreign Languages
St. Margaret's has modern and ancient language programs that give students the opportunity to write, read, and speak the language of another time or place, in addition to learning the history its the past and the culture its present. All students complete three years of one language or two years of two languages.

Courses:   French I-V
Latin I-V
Spanish I-V

SMS Classrooms History
Our history curriculum provides a solid background in U.S. history and government, a broad understanding of ancient and modern world history, and an appreciation for diverse world cultures that allows our students to appreciate the past and its connection to the present. Students take three courses in grades 9 through 12; World History, U.S. History and Government are required.

Courses:   Advanced Placement European History*
Advanced Placement US History*
Current Events
Foreign Policy*
Geography
Government
Great Books
History 8
The 20th Century*
US History and Government
World History I-II
*offered every other year

Leadership
St. Margaret's offers two courses in leadership. Introduction to Leadership is open to students in grades 9, 10 and 11, and Studies in Women's Leadership is open to seniors in leadership positions. In these classes, students have an opportunity to apply what they learn in their own community, reflect on themselves as leaders, and develop skills that will last a lifetime.

Mathematics
The mathematics program is structured to deliver personal attention to each student’s strengths. Girls are placed according to their own abilities, achievements and needs, and they will have access to the Math Labs for extra support.

Math
Courses:   Pre-Algebra
Algebra I-II
Geometry
Algebra III
Math Analysis
Personal Finance
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
AP Calculus (AB, BC)

Physical Education, Health and Driver Education
Team and individual sports as well as fitness programs are open to all students at St. Margaret's. Students may also earn physical education credit by participating on sports teams. Our health program focuses on all aspects of human growth and development as well as ways to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Driver Education is also available and will cover both classroom hours and behind-the-wheel.

Courses:   Health/Physical Education 8
Health
Driver Education

Religious Studies
As a school founded in the Episcopal tradition, St. Margaret's religious studies program strives to enhance both the spiritual and intellectual development of our students as they contemplate life's larger questions. Students are required to take all three religion courses, studying not only Judeo-Christian traditions, but also a wide variety of world religions.

Courses:   Introduction to the Old Testament
Introduction to the New Testament and Christianity
Comparative World Religions

SMS Science Labs Science
Science education aims to help students understand the subject's practical application in their lives, develop problem-solving and research skills, and give students a variety of hands-on experiences that facilitate learning. Biology and either Chemistry or Chemistry in the Community are required.

Courses:   Advanced Placement Biology
Anatomy and Physiology
Biology
Chemistry in the Community
Chemistry
Conceptual Physics
Ecological Issues
Ecology
Physics*
Psychology
Science 8
Watersheds
  *offered every other year



COURSE LISTINGS
View departments and course offerings at SMS.

SUMMER READING
We ask students to read at least THREE BOOKS over the summer vacation.

DAILY SCHEDULE
Download a PDF version of the daily schedule at St. Margaret's School.


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