Courses at the 600 level (denoting our most advanced classes, which generally require a 500-level course as a prerequisite) expand our catalog of classes that go beyond the AP framework and challenge students to delve deeply into specialized fields of study. Three new courses in historiography – Constructing and Reconstructing History (our first 600 level course in the humanities), Cultures and Identities of East Asia (taught in Chinese), and Organic Chemistry – push students’ intellectual boundaries and allow them to study complex topics in depth. Complementing existing 600-level courses in calculus-based physics, multivariable calculus, linear algebra, algorithms and data structures, machine learning, and three in Spanish, these courses are academically rigorous opportunities that prepare students for the demands of college and beyond by requiring them to demonstrate their ability to analyze, synthesize and communicate at the highest academic levels. In addition, for students who have exhausted their options in our published curriculum, Independent Study is available at the 600 level for students who wish to undertake original research or directed readings under the supervision of a faculty member.

 

 

Several new course offerings enrich the relevance and diversity of our course of study. In addition to the aforementioned new courses, we introduce Advanced Seminar: American Civic Movements, a 500-level course exploring the historical and theoretical contexts of events in contemporary civic life. Also in history and social sciences: a new textbook is in place for AP U.S. Government, aligning with the AP curriculum while contextualizing the current election year political environment; and the emphasis on civics in the sixth-grade curriculum is expanded, acknowledging that in a time of polarization and misinformation a strong foundation and complex understanding of citizenship, democracy and civil discourse is essential. A new science offering for students in grades 10-12, Forensic Science is a 300-level course for those seeking an applied science course that introduces a distinctive approach to using science for problem-solving. On the middle school campus, a new elective focused on modern media creation integrates the design and production of the middle school yearbook with a digital broadcasting and journalism curriculum. Each of these new courses is designed to engage students with relevant subject matter and to cultivate contemporary skills that are essential for their future success.

 

 

We expand access to several existing courses, providing students more opportunity to explore their interests and seek additional challenges. Whereas previously all juniors took the same English course, they now have three options, AP English Literature for those who are especially interested in literature and/or the humanities and want to engage with college-level material earlier in their academic journey (and aspire to a new 600-level Literary Theory course that will be offered in 2025-26), and two engaging research seminars, Contemporary Literature and Women in Literature. 

Sophomores can now take our Journalism & Media Studies and Marine Field Research courses, giving them more options to develop specialized skills and pursue their passions at an earlier stage. Sophomores taking journalism may continue in subsequent years with leadership roles in our student newspaper, The Catalyst; those taking Marine Field Research might later consider higher level marine science courses and/or earning advanced certifications in RE’s co-curricular SCUBA program led by our own dive instructor and Director of Environmental Sustainability, Dr. Kelly Jackson. Our seventh-grade computer science program is now differentiated, accommodating students who have a background in programming while retaining an introductory level to ensure that all RE students develop foundational skills in coding.

 

 

At the heart of our educational philosophy is the belief that student wellbeing is fundamental to success. The physical education faculty is integrating an articulated health curriculum into all physical education courses from sixth through ninth grades, ensuring that students receive consistent and age-appropriate education on physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. And this year the entire faculty is focusing on the meaning and objective of homework, ensuring the implementation of best practices for teaching and learning while maintaining for students a balance between demands of high-caliber academics with students’ need to have time for rest, reflection, family and the pursuit of their interests outside of the classroom.

As our curriculum evolves, we are committed to inspiring our students to achieve excellence, curating a rich curriculum that offers a foundation in skill development and the liberal arts while giving students choice to explore their passions and try new disciplines, and prioritizing their wellbeing.

 

– Dr. John A. King Jr.

Associate Head of School