DISTINGUISHINGING FEATURES
The high school curriculum is rich, combining required core courses with
a varied assortment of interdisciplinary offerings and electives. The
focus is on reading, writing, critical thinking and analysis. Self-expression
and creativity are encouraged and often incorporated into student assignments.
Teachers typically use primary source materials and concentrate on specific
topics and themes. Classes are seminar style and discussion oriented.
Papers and projects rather than multiple-choice tests are the typical
means of assessment. Students are encouraged to become increasingly independent
and are supported in this process through numerous opportunities to exercise
judgment, make choices, demonstrate leadership and develop an ethical
sense of community and responsibility. The program provides excellent
preparation for highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities
and schools of art.
COURSE OFFERINGS
Required courses for high school students include four years each of English,
history, an additional language, mathematics, science, visual and performing
arts, interdisciplinary studies and physical education. The high school
program follows a semester schedule.
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PDS regularly offers
the following courses, which prepare students for AP exams: Calculus,
English Literature, French, Music Theory and Spanish. Students may
also prepare independently, with faculty support, for AP exams in
other academic subjects. In recent years, students have prepared
for additional AP exams in American History, Biology, Chemistry,
English Language and Composition, European History, French Literature
and Physics. Independent study or course work at nearby colleges
for seniors may be approved when appropriate.
Courses are listed by
subject below.
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here to read the entire High School Curriculum Guide
(PDF) for a complete description of courses for 2008-2009.
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CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
Co-curricular activities available to high school students include: peer
leadership, model congress, music ensembles, SOS (Planned Parenthood peer
education), diversity alliance, life-guard training, social service and
community action groups, physical education options and/or team sports.
We field varsity interscholastic sports teams for high school girls and
boys in soccer, cross-country, basketball, softball and ultimate frisbee.
RESOURCES
Our director of technology oversees the computer science program and our
networked computer system, including the training of students and faculty
in the use of computer technology. All high school students are required
to have individual laptop computers and have individual intranet e-mail
accounts. Classrooms, mini-labs and wireless laptop carts are all equipped
with up-to-date computers and internet access. Field trips to area museums,
art galleries, geological sites and other points of interest are regularly
scheduled as enhancements to the program. Optional trips abroad for language
and history students are also offered. Recent school trips have traveled
to England, France, Italy and Russia. Summer reading, writing and vocabulary
study are required every year.
DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS
In addition
to the intellectually demanding set of required courses indicated above,
the following must be demonstrated to receive a PDS diploma:
- Demonstrated ability to write a science laboratory report and a competent,
thoroughly documented expository piece in standard English on a significant
topic.
- One other strong, demonstrable interest or skill which has been developed
over a period of more than a year.
- Helpfulness to others in significant and continuing ways.
- Self-reliance in organizing time, completing assignments, initiating
projects, following through and recognizing completion.
- Participation in the community service program for a minimum of twenty
hours per academic year.
- Participation in the internship program during four weeks in the spring
of the senior year.
CHARTING STUDENT PROGRESS
Faculty members work closely with each student and family in an ongoing
assessment of work and an overview of strengths and needs. Narrative reports
and checklists of student progress are completed by the faculty at the
end of every quarter, with an official year-end report for each course
as it is completed. These thoughtful and comprehensive reports--rather
than numerical/letter grades--combined with careful advising throughout
a student's career, are used to gauge the level of each student's learning,
development and growth. They are shared with the student and parents and
are viewed as a vital part of the educational process at Poughkeepsie
Day School. Teachers give students regular feedback in a variety of ways
in individual conferences, on papers, projects, quizzes and exams. Conferences
for parents and students are held every fall; teachers and advisors are
always available for further discussion of any aspect of the program.
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