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Curriculum
Our curriculum is straightforward and designed to prepare our students for college. Friends Seminary’s requirements meet and exceed most college entrance requirements; nevertheless, students should undertake five full-credit academic subjects each year, in addition to electives.
Students will be selecting eleventh grade courses this spring, and it is worth thinking about some of those choices. Although English is the only course required all four years, students considering selective colleges are wise to pursue math, science, history and world language for four years as well. Eleventh grade is generally the first year Friends' students will be taking advanced courses; these may require a qualifying grade and/or permission of the Department Chair and instructor. Above all, we counsel tenth graders to carefully read course descriptions in the Upper School Course Catalog and consult their advisors as registration approaches.
As you plan your eleventh grade courses, some things to consider:
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If you are interested in history and politics, consider the Advanced US History course for eleventh grade.
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If you are a strong science student, you may think about taking Advanced Chemistry or Physics in eleventh grade either in addition to or in place of Biology.
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Strong math students might take Advanced Statistics in addition to Precalculus.
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Any qualified student wishing to take more than two Advanced courses or more than five academic classes must also obtain approval from the advisor and the Head of the Upper School.
Some things to keep in mind for twelfth grade:
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All students will take English 12.
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Most students will enroll in history electives both semesters.
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If you are in Precalculus in eleventh grade, then you will be on track for Advanced Calculus I or Advanced Statistics in twelfth grade. If you are in Precalculus A, then you'll be on track for Advanced Calculus I & II in twelfth grade.
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If you are a strong science student, you may think about taking Advanced Biology or another Advanced science in twelfth grade.
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Depending on your interests and goals, you may consider doubling up in your area of interest.
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Any qualified student wishing to take more than two Advanced courses or more than five academic classes must also obtain approval from the advisor and the Head of the Upper School.
Grades
Students should be aware that college admission offices will receive a transcript that includes final grades from ninth through eleventh grade. In addition, first quarter grades will be sent for early applications and semester grades will be sent for all applications. College admission officers know that students mature during high school and may look more closely at a student's performance and curriculum in eleventh and twelfth grades. At the same time, the most selective colleges fully expect a consistently high level of performance throughout the high school years. You should also know that Friends does not rank its students nor supply a grade-point average. We also do not make academic distinctions or award prizes.
Disciplinary Issues
Some colleges require students to report disciplinary issues that lead to suspension or expulsion on applications. In these cases, both the student and the school are given the opportunity to write letters of explanation.