UPPER DIVISION

The Upper Division at Garden School encompasses grades 7 to 12. The classes are small, averaging 15 students, yet it is not only our small class size that defines Garden but also the atmosphere within those classes. Middle school and high school classes provide students with the opportunity to have interpersonal relationships with their teachers, individual attention and mentoring, and meaningful educational experiences.

Our academic plan for students includes study of the five major academic disciplines—English, social studies/history, mathematics, science, and foreign language. Starting in grade 9, students are part of our detailed and targeted college planning program. Through the years, students follow a Upper Division Curriculum that prepares them for the college application process.

There is more to life than academics at Garden School. Periods are set aside each afternoon for supplementary help in every subject. Clubs tap into our students’ desire for community service values and socialization over shared interests. Our athletic program is exciting, vibrant, and important to many of our students, with three seasons of varsity sports and participation in the Girls’ and the Boys’ Independent School Athletic League.

Upon graduation, Garden School students are ready to move out into the world as caring, knowledgeable people. 

If you want to learn even more, take a look at the complete Griffin Experience below!

The Griffin Experience

Upper Division Highlights

  • Accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS)
  • Small class sizes of 18 or fewer
  • Vertical curriculum design for academic continuity through Grade 12
  • College counseling with 99%+ acceptance
  • 7 advanced placement courses
  • Choice of 2 world languages, French or Spanish
  • Choice of high school elective courses
  • International and domestic travel program, with past destinations including England, France, Ireland, Italy, Peru, Senegal, Cuba, and more…
  • Robotics & 3-D printing
  • SmartBoard Technology, classroom computers, laptops and computer center
  • Model U.N. & debate teams
  • 7 interscholastic varsity sports for boys & girls
  • Student Council, Yearbook, Key Club, and more.
  • Leadership and community service options
  • Grades and assignments available online
  • Full-time with extended day/clubs/enrichment classes until 6pm
  • Daily supervised recess and community events build spirit and support a healthy social environment
  • Full-time Registered Nurse
  • Hot lunch available
  • Garden School buses offering door-to-door transportation

Grades 7 and 8

  • Preparation for the transition to Garden School high school
  • Daily contact with Middle School Dean
  • Departmentalized classes with specialists in core subjects
  • Daily academic classes-English, history/social studies, mathematics, science and language
  • Extensive Writing Program with Writing Process, grammar and research reports
  • Science laboratory for Life Science and Physical Science
  • Physical education twice per week in gymnasium with specialized teachers
  • Music and Movement semester with classes twice per week
  • Art skills, history and appreciation semester with classes twice per week in well-appointed studio
  • SmartBoard Technology, classroom computers, lap tops and computer center
  • League sports teams for boys and girls (Baseball, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball)
  • Lectures and seminars with professionals
  • Full club program
  • Three seasons of varsity sports
  • Boys and Girls Independent School Athletic Leagues
  • International group trips

Grades 9–12

  • Rigorous curriculum, clubs and activities
  • Five academic courses required each year
  • Departmentalized classes with specialists in core subjects
  • Daily academic classes-English, history, mathematics, science and language
  • Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses in all academic departments
  • Extensive Electives for grades 11–12
  • Extensive Writing Program and research reports
  • Language Institute classes daily – Students choose either Spanish or French
  • Physical education twice per week in gymnasium with specialized teachers
  • Well-appointed studio with courses in Renaissance, Impressionism and Portfolio Art
  • SmartBoard Technology, classroom computers, lap tops and computer center
  • League sports teams for boys and girls (Baseball, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball)
  • Lectures and seminars with professionals
  • Full club program
  • Three seasons of varsity sports
  • Boys and Girls Independent School Athletic Leagues
  • International group trips

Garden School’s educational philosophy stresses learning for learning’s sake. Our students are taught that no one can know everything but that they have the ability and teacher support to learn anything, be it on their own, as part of a team project, or as a contributor to their class, grade, or the school as a whole.

The Curriculum

Grade 7

  • English 7
  • U.S. History
  • Pre-Algebra (Regular and Advanced)
  • Life Science
  • French or Spanish I
  • Art/Music
  • Physical Education

Grade 8

  • English 8
  • Area Studies
  • Algebra I (Regular and Advanced)
  • Physical Science
  • French or Spanish II
  • Music/Art
  • Physical Education

Grade 9

Starting in grade 9, students are part of our detailed and targeted college planning program. Through the years, students follow a continuum of courses that prepares them for the college application process.

  • English 9
  • Ancient and Medieval History
  • Geometry (Regular and Advanced)
  • Biology
  • French I or II, or Spanish I or II
  • Renaissance Art/Writing
  • Physical Education

Grade 10

  • English 10
  • European History or AP European History
  • Algebra II/Trigonometry (Regular and Advanced)
  • Chemistry
  • French II or III, or Spanish II or III
  • Impressionism
  • Physical Education

Grades 11&12

English:

  • AP English (Grade 12)
  • English Electives (include, on a rotating basis):
    • Shakespeare
    • The English Novel
    • The American Novel
    • Poetry
    • Science Fiction
    • Modern Drama
    • American Identity through American Literature
    • The Epic Hero
    • Bible as in Literature
    • Greek Mythology
    • Drama to the Renaissance
    • Comedy
    • Creative Writing
    • Journalism

Social Studies:

  • U.S. History or AP U.S. History
  • Social Studies Electives include:
    • Revolution and Terrorism
    • Current Events
    • Political Philosophy (Advanced)
    • Macro/Micro Economics

Mathematics:

  • Pre-calculus (Regular or Advanced)
  • AP Calculus (Grade 12)

Science:

  • AP Biology
  • Physics
  • Science Electives (include, on a rotating basis):
    • Forensic Science
    • Anatomy and Physiology
    • Engineering
    • Marine Biology
    • Bioethics

World Languages:

  • French III or IV
  • Spanish III or IV

Additional Courses:

  • Computer Science
  • Art elective
  • Physical Education

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses:

  • European History
  • U.S. History
  • Biology
  • Calculus
  • English
  • French
  • Spanish

Graduation requirements, Grades 9—12

  • English (4 years)
  • Mathematics (4 years)
  • History/Social Science (4 years)
  • Science (3 years)
  • Foreign Language (3 years)
  • Physical Education (4 years)
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