The Curriculum Committee has an academic challenge program called the Mastery Learning Program. This program is open to Upper School students and is designed to provide an opportunity to explore a topic or execute a project that falls outside the boundaries of typical high school courses. For example, a student could choose to write a children’s book in Spanish, construct a working replica of the Marconi wireless transmitter, research the circus and produce a documentary about it, learn how to write a grant proposal and write one, or design and produce high fashion clothing.
Each student accepted into the program works under the guidance of a member of the faculty and meets monthly with that faculty member. At the end of the semester, an assembly is held for Mastery Learning students to present their completed projects. Since the purpose of the project is to encourage and allow students to pursue a nontraditional option within their educational program, projects are noted on transcripts but are not awarded credit.
Students who would like to propose a project should submit a proposal to the Mastery Learning Faculty Committee of under 500 words to Sarah PW which delineates:
- proposal
- process
- rubric for assessment
- faculty mentor preference
Student proposals are due Nov 21 for students who wish to complete an MLP spring semester (January – May 2015). Students who would like to complete an MLP next fall will submit proposals in late May 2015.