Curriculum

Curricular Overview  

The "core" curriculum is composed of the following major courses: 1) Science, 2) Math, 3) Engineering, 4) Social Studies, 5) English, and 6) Philosophy. In addition all students enroll in 7) Spanish Language Arts, 8) Creative Arts, and 9) Physical Fitness minor courses that meet 2-3 times a week. Creative Arts and Physical fitness will consist of rotating minicourses on varied subjects or themes. For example, Physical Fitness will have yoga, jogging, pilates, ultimate frisbee, swimming, weightlifting, etc. minicourses. Creative Arts have experiential minicourses such as: Architecture in the City, MOMA, Rock and Hip Hop, Ethnic Foods, etc. Students also choose from a pool of in-school elective options (currently we are considering the following options: Science Fiction Literature and Film, Marine Biology, Computer Technology, Environmental Science, Multimedia Design) and an optional Afterschool Electives program with offerings such as: Robotics, Chess, Journalism, Typing, Webpage and Multimedia design, and Research. The school has an extended day schedule 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays an OPTIONAL afterschool enrichment program from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. This afterschool program includes enrichment electives and in-school tutoring and study periods.  An optional Saturday Academy program meeting from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm provides additional opportunities for academic enrichment and special academic support.  

The school’s curriculum is distinguished by:  

  • Participation in Columbia University’s vast academic and cultural offerings. (Advanced upper school students, for example, may take courses at the University);
  • Science, math, and engineering focus with research and service learning opportunities at Columbia University; 
  • A writing intensive and public communications focus. Students will learn public speaking, become adept at using multimedia to communicate and become effective writers;
  • A Philosophy-Scientific Inquiry core course that will address critical thinking, moral reasoning, and personal and ethical decision-making skills; 
  • An advisory program that provides students with mentoring, guidance and support necessary for academic and personal excellence;
  • A comprehensive Field Expeditions and Travel Abroad program will allow students to explore the world’s natural and cultural diversity; and 
  • Afterschool science, math, and technology electives and Saturday Academy programs.