At the beginning of the twenty-first century, it is increasingly apparent that the tasks of schools are fluid and evolving. Tenets about good teaching remain firm, yet in many cases the content and methodology of classroom instruction must adapt to new needs, new knowledge and new technology. One of the guiding principles of all Holy Child schools as noted in our school's philosophy is that the schools should be fashioned in such a way as to "meet the wants of the age." Oak Knoll's faculty take seriously the idea that "learning never ends," and through continued graduate coursework, independent study and professional enrichment opportunities, endeavor to keep abreast of the latest developments in their disciplines as well as new ways to present elements of a classic education.
Oak Knoll offers a comprehensive college preparatory program, meeting the demands for admission to the most selective colleges and universities. As a single-sex school for young women, the program is sensitive not only to issues of gender in the curriculum and the classroom, but also to issues of leadership both in school and in the wider world. Offerings in the humanities focus particular attention on the need to think, speak and write clearly. Stress on logical analysis in mathematics and science complements these skills. The creative arts provide a finely drawn balance between knowledge and performance, while particular life skills are the focus in physical education and health courses.
Honors and Advanced Placement
Holy Child Schools believe in a curriculum designed to engage intellectual curiosity and challenge abilities. This highly demanding college preparatory program often parallels honors and advanced placement work in other schools. Additionally, the school offers Honors and Advanced Placement work to stimulate the highly motivated and academically gifted student. Honors and AP courses require work much above the college preparatory courses, and students must be aware of this in the intelligent use of their time and energies. Teachers expect that students in honors and advanced placement courses are capable of a great deal of independent learning and are committed to completing these challenges.
Honors
Previous academic achievement and teacher recommendations are the basis for enrollment in honors work. It designates a student who grasps new concepts quickly, reads with comprehension, expresses herself clearly in writing, and shares ideas in class participation. Depending upon the department and the course, an honors student may be in an accelerated class or may complete independent readings and/or project work within a class. These courses carry additional weight in the grade point average. Department approval is necessary for placement in honors courses. Each department reviews grades from previous course work and standardized testing. Additional assignments and independent study is expected in all honors sections.
Advanced Placement (AP)
Many departments offer advanced placement work to juniors and seniors capable of college freshman study and achievement; Oak Knoll offers a total of 14 AP courses. Successful honors or accelerated course work in prior years is part of the selection process. The AP student is capable of independent analysis, writes with style, reads extensively in the subject, leads class discussions, and has an intense interest in a particular subject. AP courses carry additional weight when computing grade point. To receive AP credit at Oak Knoll, the student must take the AP test in May. The college of her choice may reward her test results with advanced placement, college credit for a semester or a year, or both. Oak Knoll offers AP work in Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, English Language, English Literature, United States, World, and European History, French and Spanish, Computer Science A, Chemistry, Physics and Studio Art.
AP courses require prerequisite grades/courses and summer study. Department approval is required for all Advanced Placement study. AP courses will meet 6 class meetings per cycle and, in most cases, will require additional class meetings in the morning, evening or on weekends. Students are encouraged to meet with the appropriate department chair and the Director of Guidance to discuss placement in these courses.
Individual department listings provide information about HONORS/ADVANCED PLACEMENT programs.
Guidelines for Planning a Program
As a college preparatory school, Oak Knoll offers a challenging and diversified curriculum, including opportunities for Honors and Advanced Placement work in many disciplines.Students, particularly in the junior and senior years, must make thoughtful choices in planning a well-rounded program with appropriate balance. Students should consider carefully their areas of particular academic interest and talent; as well as their extracurricular involvements in service, student government, athletics and the arts, and volunteer or work responsibilities outside of school.In the process of registering for classes, students have the opportunity to seek individual guidance with members of the faculty and administration.
COURSE OF STUDY 2008-2009
Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
* One year required either in Grade 11 or Grade 12
** Trimester courses- please consult each department section for a full description of the trimester courses offered.