Our carefully developed curriculum is based on the latest research about children´s physical, social, emotional, linguistic and intellectual development. The Upper School offers students from 9th to 12th grades a college preparatory program with traditional and Advanced Placement curriculum. Upper School students are excellent communicators, orally and in writing, and highly proficient in projects and labs. They can research and write, analyze literature, work with math equations, and solve scientific problems. They can read, write and converse in multiple languages.

 

The school gives equal weight to each of the academic departments in terms of time allotted for classes, scheduled in five 45-minute meetings a week with an extra lab period for some sciences. In keeping with our mission for students to develop a coherent body of knowledge in the humanities, the sciences, and the arts, graduation credits are required in English (4), History (4), Math (4), Science (4), Spanish (4), and Visual or Performing Arts (1). There are also spiritual life, physical education and health requirements. For more information, please see our page on Graduation Requirements.

 

Upper School teachers know the students very well. Because of the hands-on approach with students and the teachers´ educational background and intellectual curiosity, the students know that teachers are truly interested in them, and, therefore, the level of student participation and engagement is high. These relationships form the heart of the Robinson School difference.

 

With vigilance, ongoing communication, and support, the Upper School assesses a student´s growth and progress through its program. Teachers use traditional tools for assessing progress - quizzes, tests, papers, presentations, labs, and projects. The cumulative marks are reported in quarterly grades and then semester grades that also include exam grades. Most exams are traditional in nature, although some teachers choose to assign papers or end-of-semester projects with letter or percentage grades accompanied by written comments. Quarter grades are accompanied by comments that address the student´s performance.

 

Prerequisites and numerous discussions among faculty about placements help teachers evaluate and determine a student´s academic course of study. The academic advising system is especially mindful of carefully choosing a schedule for each student, always seeking a balance between challenge and success.