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Academic Calendar and Academic Credit
THREE-TERM SCHOOL CALENDAR: One of the unique features of St. Benedict's Preparatory School is its division of the academic year into three different phases. After closing for one year, the school re-opened in 1972-73 with some major curricular and program changes. In addition to changing the racial composition of the school, the school committed itself
to alternative modes of education within the context of a traditional "college
prep" program. The eleven-month school year begins in late July with all students attending "First Term", during which students take remedial or enrichment classes. During the eight-month "Second Term," students pursue traditional college-preparatory school classes. After final examinations at the end of April, all students find themselves in "Spring Phase"
projects, full-day offerings emphasizing learning by doing. All freshmen are required to participate in the Backpacking Project, which includes two overnight hikes and a five-day backpacking trip down part of the Appalachian Trail. Other students pick from a host of other experiential learning offerings.
The three terms include:
FIRST TERM: Classes meet from the end of July through the end of August. First Term is required for all students.
SECOND TERM: All courses meet five days a week for 80-minutes "block" periods. There are 4 "blocks" per day, which includes core courses and electives.
SPRING PHASE: These full-day courses are required for graduation, which includes the Backpacking Project for Beginners.
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Academic Questions and Concerns
Academic questions & concerns should go to the attention of individual teachers first, then Jim Duffy, who is the Dean of Academics. His extension is 5746.
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Academic Grade-Point Average (GPA)
A: 4.0 B: 3.0 C: 2.0 D: 1.0 F: 0.0
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Make-Ups/Incompletes
If a student fails a course for the year, then that course must be made up in its entirety the following year. We do not allow students to make up a course in summer school, here or elsewhere.
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Fifth Year of Study
Some students, who fail a number of courses will be given an option to study here at St. Benedict's an additional year, because it will take that individual five years to complete graduation requirements.
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Graduation
Requirements
The following courses must be completed by a student at St. Benedict's Preparatory School in order to meet the requirements for graduation.
- Four years of English
- Four years of Mathematics (students must complete at least Algebra II)
- Four years of History (including World History I & II, U.S. History I & II, Newark Studies)
- At least two-and-a-half years of Lab Science (Earth Science, Biology Lab, Chemistry Lab, Physics Lab)
- At least two years of a Foreign Language (Spanish, French, Latin)
- Four years of Religion (required for all students regardless of religious background)
- Two years of Physical Education (including one semester of Health)
- Four years of Spring Phase Projects
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Honor Roll
The Honor Roll is posted after each semester and is based on a student's grade-point average: Honors (3.0 to 3.29); High Honors (3.3 to 3.69); Highest Honors (3.7 to 4.0). The Honor Roll Board for each quarter is prominently displayed in the Trophy Room throughout the academic year.
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National Honor Society
Students who have a grade-point average of 3.3 after their freshman year can apply for admission to the school's National Honor Society Chapter. Students are considered for admission by a faculty board based on the following areas: scholarship, involvement in activities, leadership, and community service.
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Scheduling A Parent-Teacher Conference
If you would like to schedule a parent-teacher conference to discuss the academic progress of your son or charge, please contact Fr. Edwin's assistant, Elizabeth Yarbrough, at (973) 792-5723. She will be able to schedule a time after school.
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