Upper School Advisory Department Overview

The Advisory program at Whitfield ensures that all students are well-known, supported, and guided through their academic, social, and emotional growth. The mission-driven objectives of the program are:

• To maintain open communication and foster collaboration between the advisor, student, and parents/guardians.
• To deliver the Habits of Mind and Heart curriculum, helping students understand their strengths of character and how this understanding contributes to their personal growth and broader communities.
• To foster an appreciation for the strengths of others within the advisory group and build trusting relationships throughout the year.

Advisory 9 & 10
Ninth- and tenth-grade students engage in activities from the Habits of Mind and Heart curriculum. Through discussions, multimedia resources, guest speakers, and personal reflection, students investigate topics such as:

• Academic achievement and integrity
• Time management and organizational skills
• Health and financial education
• Digital ethics and social issues

These topics are strategically aligned with significant school events, including social events, major projects, and exams, to provide timely and relevant guidance.

Advisory 11
Eleventh-grade students continue to build on the Habits of Mind and Heart curriculum while exploring what it means to be a good student and, specifically, a good Whitfield student. Key components include:

• Service Learning: Opportunities for both group and individual service projects encourage students to understand their role within the community and beyond.
• College Knowledge: This program introduces the initial stages of the college selection process, focusing on characteristics of fit, standardized testing, and application tools. During the second semester, college counselors lead students through activities to define, research, and analyze college options based on their strengths and needs.

For more details on course offerings, please refer to the Course Description Guide.

Upper School English Department Overview

The English program at Whitfield School is designed to develop students into skilled, thoughtful, and passionate readers, writers, and communicators. The department fosters a learning environment that emphasizes communication, connectivity, and innovative thinking. Students engage with a variety of literary works and writing genres, exploring themes that challenge their thinking and enhance their appreciation for the power of language.

Organized around essential questions and thematic literature selections, Upper School English courses combine collaborative learning experiences with individualized instruction. Writing is emphasized as a process, where students learn to express themselves clearly, engage with diverse audiences, and refine their ideas through revision and feedback. The curriculum is designed to balance deep intellectual exploration with concrete skill acquisition, preparing students for success in college, careers, and their roles as informed citizens.

The English department at Whitfield School aims to provide students with the tools to think critically, communicate effectively, and write with purpose and confidence. Through reading, writing, and engaging with technology, students develop the ability to craft persuasive arguments, analyze complex texts, and express themselves in meaningful ways.

For specific course offerings in English, please refer to the Course Description Guide.

Upper School Fine Arts Department Overview

The Fine Arts program at Whitfield aims to nurture students’ creativity, critical thinking, and artistic skills while providing opportunities for self-expression and personal growth. Through a combination of visual arts, performing arts, music, and theater, students explore and develop their talents both individually and collaboratively. The curriculum, as outlined in the Course Description Guide, is designed to engage students in active learning, encouraging them to apply their creative problem-solving skills in meaningful ways.

Visual Arts
The Visual Arts program supports students in acquiring essential studio techniques, developing their artistic intent, and learning to approach art-making as a problem-solving process. Students explore themes through visual imagery and are encouraged to articulate their concepts using artistic vocabulary to critique work effectively. The grade 9 curriculum, as detailed in the Course Description Guide, emphasizes the creative process, intellectual growth, and development in all individuals. In grades 10-12, students who have completed the Design Overview course may opt for upper-level studio electives, refining their skills and artistic development.

Performing Arts
The Performing Arts program focuses on developing language and communication skills, promoting creative problem-solving strategies, and fostering a positive self-concept and social awareness. Students clarify their values and attitudes while gaining an understanding of the art of performance. According to the Course Description Guide, the program encourages students to engage in various forms of artistic expression, fostering empathy and creative thinking both in and outside the performance setting.

Instrumental and Vocal Music
Performance is central to the music curriculum, and students in the band and choir programs are expected to participate in all performances and occasional group rehearsals. This hands-on approach, as described in the Course Description Guide, allows students to develop their musical skills, build teamwork, and refine their artistic abilities in a supportive environment.

Theater
Whitfield’s theater arts program provides students with the opportunity to explore their creative potential both onstage and behind the scenes. As detailed in the Course Description Guide, the courses give students the resources needed to take risks, develop their imaginations, and learn creative problem-solving techniques. The program builds confidence in students as they hone their skills in performance and production.

Graduation Requirements:
One credit of Fine Arts is required for graduation in the Upper School (US). For more details on course offerings, please refer to the Course Description Guide.

Upper School Mathematics and Computer Science Department Overview

The mathematics program at Whitfield aims to build both confidence and competence in students through a flexible curriculum designed to meet the needs of all learners. Whether students require reinforcement or are ready for accelerated learning, the curriculum adapts to foster growth. Central to the program is an emphasis on problem-solving and active student engagement, encouraging students to view mathematics not just as a subject, but as a framework through which they can interpret the world around them.

The mathematics curriculum helps students communicate effectively using the language of mathematics, while also equipping them with the skills to select and apply various problem-solving strategies. Algebraic and geometric concepts are integrated throughout, allowing students to explore the connections between these two fields. Resources such as teacher support, online videos, and posted notes supplement student learning, ensuring all students have the tools to succeed.

In addition to the core mathematics offerings, Whitfield’s Computer Science program offers a series of elective courses within the mathematics department. These courses aim to provide students with a strong foundation in computer science principles and to inspire innovative thinking through practical, hands-on applications. Computer science electives allow students to explore coding, digital literacy, and computational thinking, preparing them for meaningful participation in our increasingly digital society. Every ninth-grade student takes a trimester-long course, Computer Science and Society, which introduces the relationship between technology and society. These courses, combined with integration of computer science concepts across other departments, help students see the relevance of computing skills in the real world.

Through both the mathematics and computer science programs, Whitfield students gain essential skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical literacy, which serve them well in both college and career readiness.

Mathematics courses are required each year for upper school students, with a total of four credits required for graduation. Computer science courses are electives. For more detailed course offerings, please refer to the Course Description Guide.

Upper School Physical Education & Health Department Overview

The Physical Education & Health program at Whitfield is designed to help students develop the skills, knowledge, and habits necessary to lead healthy, active, and balanced lives. By blending physical activity, fitness education, and health-focused coursework, students build a strong foundation in personal wellness, teamwork, and lifelong fitness practices.

Physical Education
Whitfield’s Physical Education program provides a variety of activities aimed at developing students’ understanding of vocabulary, scoring, rules of play, skill techniques, safety principles, and offensive and defensive strategies for various sports. Students are introduced to lifelong fitness activities outside of traditional sports, including resistance training, agility exercises, coordination and balance improvement, and physical conditioning. Each quarter, students may select their focus from rotations such as “team sports,” “recreational games,” or “lifetime fitness.” These options ensure a personalized approach to fitness and encourage the pursuit of individual health goals.

Health Curriculum
In ninth grade, students participate in a comprehensive health curriculum designed to empower them with the knowledge and tools to make healthy decisions throughout their lives. The curriculum is based on two key areas:

• Physical Health: Topics include first aid, injury prevention, disease prevention, hygiene, and body systems.
• Nutrition: Topics cover sleep, physical activity, human growth and development, and healthy eating practices.
  This curriculum fosters informed decision-making and equips students with practical strategies for maintaining overall well-being.

Foundations Curriculum
As part of the required Foundations sequence for ninth-grade students, this program explores critical topics for personal growth and self-awareness:

• Teen Brain Development and Self: Focuses on emotional regulation, mindfulness, stress management, mental health, and understanding brain function.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Develops skills for collaboration in a diverse world by addressing identity, cultural competence, civil discourse, implicit bias, and defining personal values.

Graduation Requirements:
Physical Education and Health are required for all ninth-grade students.

For more details on course offerings, please refer to the Course Description Guide.

Upper School Science Department Overview

The Science program at Whitfield School is designed to cultivate critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills by immersing students in scientific theory, process, and technique. Within a challenging laboratory environment, students are encouraged to go beyond the basic concepts, applying their knowledge to real-world scenarios while upholding ethical standards in their laboratory investigations.

The curriculum fosters scientific literacy and technical writing, emphasizing the importance of scientific inquiry and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively. Students are engaged in inquiry-based learning that challenges them to develop both their intellectual curiosity and technical expertise.

The science program at Whitfield is structured to produce well-rounded, confident individuals who are not only proficient in scientific procedures and theory but also possess a deep appreciation for the natural world. The program prepares students to excel in college and beyond, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in any scientific discipline.

Science courses are required each year for Upper School students, with four credits necessary for graduation. For detailed course offerings, please refer to the Course Description Guide.

Upper School Social Studies Department Overview

The Social Studies program at Whitfield School empowers students to explore and understand the complexities of history, government, geography, psychology, sociology, and economics. By studying the behavior and traditions of societies and cultures across time, students gain a deeper understanding of the world around them, both past and present.

The curriculum emphasizes the importance of critical thinking skills and encourages students to integrate, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate both primary and secondary sources. A premium is placed on helping students develop empathy for people in different times and places, fostering a broader worldview. The department offers an inclusive curriculum that highlights diverse historical narratives and the experiences of various historical actors, ensuring that all students gain a well-rounded perspective.

Throughout their studies, students are coached to express their ideas clearly and effectively, both in written assignments such as research papers and projects, and through oral presentations. These skills are vital for students as they prepare for college, careers, and engaged citizenship.

Social Studies courses are required each year of Upper School, with four credits necessary for graduation. For specific course offerings in Social Studies, please refer to the Course Description Guide.

Upper School World Languages Department Overview

The World Languages program at Whitfield offers French, Spanish, and Mandarin, providing students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in language learning and cultural exploration. Language is a required course for students in grades 6 through 11, with an additional year of language study encouraged in grade 12. Students typically continue their study of the same language from grades 9 through 11, ensuring consistency in their language acquisition.

The department's primary objective is to create an immersion environment that maximizes each student’s potential. Emphasis is placed on achieving high levels of oral proficiency, with the goal of reaching advanced oral skills through active pair practice, in line with ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) standards. As students progress, they will also develop their abilities in reading, writing, listening, and cultural understanding.

In addition to the core language classes, heritage language students may have different course options depending on their proficiency. Students are expected to demonstrate consistent progress toward fluency, and group activities encourage active engagement in the learning process.

Language courses are required each year for students in grades 9-11, with three credits required for graduation. For more details on course offerings, please refer to the Course Description Guide.

Senior Seminar
Senior Seminar is a required, graded course for all twelfth-grade students that extends the Advisory program developed in grades 6–11. Meeting each cycle, the course is designed to prepare seniors for college and life beyond Whitfield. Through a variety of activities, the program emphasizes character development, college preparation, and the completion of the Senior Capstone Project. Satisfactory completion of all expectations is a requirement for graduation.

College Preparation
The college preparation component of Senior Seminar equips students with the tools and knowledge they need for the transition to higher education. Activities include:

• Writing college essays and preparing college applications
• Planning and executing college visits
• Participating in seminars and panel discussions focused on topics such as dorm life, academic readiness, wellness, self-awareness, and self-regulation

Senior Capstone
The Senior Capstone is a year-long, student-driven project that extends education beyond the classroom and is a required element for graduation. With guidance from academic advisors and external resources, students:

• Develop a research question in an area of personal interest
• Design a personalized program of research and exploration
• Create a final product to be shared with the Whitfield community

Capstone projects may include a combination of interviews, internships, online research, participant observation, site visits, and volunteer work. Students present their final products at a public exhibition preceding graduation in the spring.

For more details on course offerings, please refer to the Course Description Guide.