AREA I

I feel like I have acquired more knowledge in the past six weeks than I have acquired in 17 years of living. And I’m not talking about superficial knowledge, but rather knowledge that resembles wisdom."
– Student, 2003

ART

In the visual arts curriculum students study and practice visual expression consistent with current concepts and styles. Emphasis is placed on creative expression as students investigate and examine movement and theories in contemporary art. Sample course description

CHORAL MUSIC

The choral music curriculum concentrates on music of 20th and 21st century composers, students learn the finer points of choral singing - blend, diction, tone quality - and vocal techniques in rehearsals and performance. The aim is to take students from music that is relatively familiar in form and content to repertoire that is quite challenging aesthetically, intellectually, and technically. Sample course description

DANCE

The dance curriculum embraces and expresses 20th and 21st century theories through daily modern technique classes, a survey of recent historical pioneers, and the integration of self-expression and abstraction through improvisation, composition, and choreography. Sample course description

ENGLISH

The English curriculum focuses on modern and postmodern fiction, poetry, and drama. The students are encouraged to read closely, imaginatively, analytically, and empathetically. Some teachers present prewriting and revising strategies to help students improve their writing. Sample course description

FOREIGN LANGUAGE: FRENCH (GS EAST)

French students improve their skills in reading, writing and conversing and examine the emerging literature, music and art of French cultures. Sample course description

FOREIGN LANGUAGE: SPANISH (GS WEST)

The goal of Spanish is to expose student to contemporary thought, literature, music, art, and political trends coming from Spain and Hispanic America. Sample course description

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

The focus of instrumental music is the study and performance of significant 20th and 21st century repertoire for orchestra (West) or wind ensemble (East), small ensembles, and the creation and performance of student works. Sample course description

MATHEMATICS

The mathematics program strives to provide an atmosphere for students to independently contemplate and investigate problems that arise in contemporary mathematical fields. In addition, the program provides many opportunities, through student-faculty interaction, seminars and invited lecturers, for students to gain an appreciation for both mathematics and the work of mathematicians. Sample course description

NATURAL SCIENCE

The natural science curriculum investigates contemporary theories and topics of modern science by the use of interactive seminar, discussion, group and individual problem solving, and at Governor's School East, lab activities. Sample course description

SOCIAL SCIENCE

The social science curriculum examines the major political, sociological, psychological and anthropological concepts that have influenced the 20th and 21st centuries from theoretical and applied perspectives. Sample course description

THEATER

The goal of the theater curriculum is to introduce young theatre artists to contemporary and progressive theory, literature and technique. The approach is holistic, encouraging the actor to become a well-rounded, life-long student of the theatre. Sample course description