Academics

The curriculum and requirements at St. Mark’s present students with many choices, as the school seeks to provide a broad, balanced curriculum with the opportunity for students to pursue their academic interests to the highest levels. We take time to be certain that all students are introduced to the skills necessary to be successful in courses like Third Form Seminar and then encourage them to build on those skills and pursue work at advanced levels in all disciplines.

The school’s greatest academic resource is the people who participate in the academic program, including the teachers, students, and support staff.

On one level, students share a common academic experience, hereby fulfilling the academic requirements in seven disciplines (arts, English, history, language, mathematics, religion, and science). Within those disciplines, however, there are choices and courses to challenge even the most advanced students to test themselves and indulge their curiosity. Students are in this way both exposed to different fields and given the opportunity to discover hidden talents and encouraged to explore their enthusiasms and chosen fields.

The school’s greatest academic resource is the people who participate in the academic program, including the teachers, students, and support staff. Classes are small, with an average class size of 10. Many classes are taught around a discussion table, and while teachers lead the sessions, students usually direct them.

Classes are small, with an average class size of 10. Many classes are taught around a discussion table, and while teachers lead the sessions, students usually direct them.

Student placement is based on ability and few students have the same programs. New students in the past few years have started in almost every math course offered, and placement in languages (Spanish, German, French, Latin, and Greek), based on a test given before the start of the year, shows a similar range. A student’s individual abilities determine placement and how far he or she can go.

At the advanced levels, the school offers Advanced Placement courses in almost every discipline for a total of more than 20 courses. Many students go beyond the AP level for advanced work in small classes or independent studies with interested faculty members. Every year, the English Department introduces new sixth-form electives based on faculty interests. In recent years, offerings have included Shakespeare, Representations of the Civil War, Chaucer, and Detective Novels. In the sciences, students are encouraged to develop a basic literacy in the core sciences (physics, chemistry, and biology), but the school offers opportunities for advanced work in all areas and encourages independent research through courses like Introductory DNA Science. In the arts, students are encouraged to develop existing interests and to explore their talents in new ways. The department offers advanced courses in drama, ceramics, studio art, and music, as well as art history.

Every year, students, advisors, and families are encouraged to work together to look ahead and make plans for the coming years. The Studies Office will do whatever we can to answer questions and facilitate planning. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

David Conti
Director of Studies