Upper School
Altamont’s Upper School encourages students to take charge of their learning, their experiences, and their community. Because we define success as much more than a high GPA, our happiest students are our busiest: those who take advantage of new opportunities and learn to balance academics and extra-curricular activities. Advisors, teachers, and administrators support that balance, and as a result, Altamont graduates cite their relationships with teachers as one of the most rewarding aspects of an Altamont education. The trust built among faculty and students affords great privileges and responsibilities that prepare students for a principled life beyond Altamont.
We encourage our students to follow their interests, solve problems, be respectful of others, and strive to improve the fabric of society. Every Altamont student’s experience is different, so the question is: what kind of Knight will you be?
Schedule
There are seven periods in the schedule. All seven classes meet on Mondays and on Fridays. Five (longer) classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and four classes meet on Wednesdays (due to the late start and X period).
A full credit course will meet all year long, four days per week: a 50-minute class on Monday, two 75-minute classes among Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and a 50-minute class on Friday. Each course drops one of the three middle days.
Graduation Requirements
All listed graduation requirements must be completed after 8th grade. No courses taken during 8th grade or earlier can count towards satisfaction of a graduation requirement.
Total Credits: Students are required to have a total of at least 24 credit hours over the four years of Upper School. (This is a consequence of our study hall policy, which limits students to one full study hall period per year.)
9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
- AP American Literature
- AP U.S. History
- Honors or AP Science (Honors Physics, AP Biology with Lab, AP Chemistry with Lab, AP Physics C, AP Psychology, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A)
- Honors Math
- Honors World Language (Levels II, III, IV, V)
- Fine arts course or elective
- Consider completing requirements from:
- Health
- Speech
- Fine Arts course
- Independent Study
12th Grade
- Two Semester Honors Seminars in English
- Two Semester Honors/AP Seminars in History
- Honors or AP Mathematics (Honors Precalculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Finite Mathematics, Honors Statistics, or Math Electives)
- Honors or AP Science (Honors Physics, AP Biology with Lab, AP Chemistry with Lab, AP Physics C, AP Physiology, AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A)
- Honors World Language (Levels IV, V, VI, AP)
- Fine Arts course
- Fine Arts course
English
The study of literature is a study of the human condition. In English classes students explore a diversity of experiences as they practice empathy and shape their own voices. As writers, Altamont students focus on the power and potential of language, critical analysis, and creative expression to instill a distinct set of portable skills that go well beyond disciplinary boundaries. Students practice literary analysis, frequent and diverse writing, grammar review, vocabulary enrichment, independent reading, and intellectual integrity. The cornerstone of our program is cultivating students' abilities to think critically and to express these thoughts effectively.
The English Department at Altamont designs instruction, assessment, and reflection to focus on the following core competencies and beliefs.
Fine Arts
The Fine Arts Department endeavors to instill in students a love for the Arts in all its many forms. This goal is achieved through developing our student's creativity and presenting challenges through a comprehensive performing and visual arts curriculum that provides a wide-range of learning experiences and performance opportunities. We encourage students to develop confidence, perseverance, self-identity, and healthy coping skills in a safe, inclusive, and open-minded environment.
Health/Physical Education
History
Mathematics
Science
World Languages
Note: Students may complete only the following courses in summer school at Altamont to apply toward graduation requirements: Honors Geometry, Honors Ancient & Medieval Civilizations, and Public Speaking.