At The John Dewey Academy, we take our identity as a college preparatory school seriously. With a highly credentialed staff of dedicated and passionate teachers, a small class size (six students on average), and high demands and expectations, we provide a challenging academic experience. We aim for students to master the subjects and skills required to succeed in college. More importantly, we hope to inspire them with a love of learning. Since many entering students have fallen behind in school, we work with them closely to place them in appropriate classes, coach them in their difficult subjects, and encourage them to rediscover their academic passions.
We stress active learning. In classes, we emphasize the ability to think—and then to communicate—conceptually, critically, and creatively. As students rediscover their passion to learn, they take initiative to pursue their interests in their required classes—and beyond.
Students carry a minimum of five courses a semester in the traditional divisions of English, History/Social Science, Math, Science, and Foreign Language. Most students also choose to take at least one elective in these areas or the creative arts, and therefore carry six or seven courses. Each class meets from three to five periods a week. In addition, students study outside of the classroom for a minimum of three hours a day. (This includes a school-wide quiet study hall for two hours on Sunday through Thursday evenings and another on Saturday morning for three hours). In the fall and spring semesters, we emphasize required classes. During the summer, we teach a full complement of classes, emphasizing electives, independent research, and remedial work.
The minimum requirements for graduation include four years of English, four years of Social Science (including a year of U.S. History and a year of Western Civilization), three years of Science (including two years of laboratory science, usually Chemistry and Physics), three years of Mathematics (at least through Algebra II), two years of Foreign Language (usually French, Spanish, Italian, or Latin), two years of Physical Education, and one year of Art. Students are given appropriate credit for prior work. Even when they have met these minimum requirements, students continue to carry a full course-load. Teachers offer a wide variety of advanced courses such as Existentialism, Evolution of Animal Sexual Behavior, Differential Equations, Quantum Physics, Ancient Roman Civilization, Latin American Cultures, and Cinema. In addition, students may undertake independent studies, Honors projects, and classes at Williams College.
Every graduate of The John Dewey Academy is ready, both personally and academically, to excel at college.
For a complete course listing click here.