Academic Departments
School Year
Our 11-month school year is divided into four terms. During each term, students take new classes.
SUMMER PHASE: The first term of the year, Summer Phase, typically begins at the end of July through the end of August. Summer Phase is required for all students in the Middle and Prep Divisions.
FALL & WINTER TERMS: All courses meet five days a week for 75-minute"blocks." There are 4 "blocks" per day, which include core courses and electives.
SPRING PHASE: The entire month of May is devoted to experiential learning for the Middle and Prep Divisions. The full-day courses are required for graduation, which includes the Backpacking Project for freshmen.
Grading Scale
Academic Grade-Point Average (GPA)
| A: | 4.0 |
| A-: | 3.7 |
| B+: | 3.3 |
| B: | 3.0 |
| B-: | 2.7 |
| C+: | 2.3 |
| C: | 2.0 |
| C-: | 1.7 |
| F: | 0.0 |
An example of a GPA calculation for four equal-weight classes works like this:
Class 1: A = 4.0
Class 2: B+ = 3.3
Class 3: B = 3.0
Class 4: C+ = 2.3
4.0 + 3.3 + 3.0 + 2.3 = 12.6
12.6/4 = 3.15
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). Students must not have any individual course grades of less than a D+, in addition to earning a term GPA of 3.0 or higher, to earn honor roll status. The Honor Roll Board for each quarter is prominently displayed in the Trophy Room throughout the academic year. An Honor Roll recognition takes place twice per year, in Winter Term and Spring Phase, during Convocation. Families and friends of Honor Roll recipients are invited to attend.