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Our Upper School curriculum prepares students for the challenges of the 21st century. We encourage students to discover their intellectual strengths in collaboration with classmates and teachers who offer a rich diversity of perspectives. Seminar classes and applied laboratory experiences demand active engagement by all Westtown students, with emphasis placed on writing, research, and critical thinking skills across the program.
A core curriculum in 9th and 10th grades provides a foundation of year-long courses in each area of study. 11th and 12th grade students pursue a rich program of elective options, classes our young alumni tell us are often more challenging than ones they take in their first year of college or university.
Hallmarks of Westtown's Academic Program
Diploma requirements which offer a solid foundation and flexibility:
Each student is encouraged to explore broadly the options open to them. There are many opportunities for students to stretch themselves once they have discovered a passion for an area of study they want to pursue in depth.
Rigorous and challenging courses:
Academic classes—many of which are on a par with college-level courses in terms of expectations for reading, research, writing and thinking—require students to prepare and participate to the utmost degree. Teachers set high standards, guiding students' learning through frequent feedback while challenging them to internalize these same criteria for themselves.
Courses which foster a sense of confidence as students develop their individual voices:
Students are taught to think critically, to listen closely, to be open to disparate points of view, to be open to conflict, to be teachable. Our program encourages students to develop the confidence to share their ideas openly and respectfully with others.
An approach which reinforces connections, collaboration and social responsibility:
Students prepare for the international world of the 21st century. Language classes emphasize immersion and fluency, essential tools in the era of globalization. In addition to broadening their perspective as citizens of a global world, students develop a sense of purpose. How can we share world resources fairly and responsibly? What impact does our language have on creating a culture of respect? How can my artistic talents create a more humane environment in the realm of medicine? These are the kinds of questions our students explore as they connect their classroom experience to the world.
First-hand experience in building community:
Requisite boarding for juniors and seniors, an integral part of a Westtown education, provides just the right opportunity for students to live what they have learned, to grow as their world is broadened through community living. Our curriculum provides a context for students to explore an understanding of their own identity while learning about the diversity of perspectives beyond their own.
Planning your curriculum:
In planning a student’s course of study, consider the student’s previous academic record, his or her abilities and interests, future college plans, and the school’s diploma requirements. Students' days are very full in this school community, with lots of opportunities for academic exploration combined with the excitement of community living, athletic and artistic programs, and community service opportunities. Keep the following points in mind:
- meet all graduation requirements
- consider your strengths; look for opportunities for growth
- challenge yourself appropriately
- strive for a balanced combination of courses and co-curricular commitments
Advisors are the primary support for returning students and their parents in the course selection process. Current teachers, department heads, the College Counseling staff, and the Director of Studies are also helpful resources to students as they select their courses. New students work with the Director of Studies who holds course registration meetings in late April and May to provide information on course selection.
Graduation Requirements:
To graduate from Westtown a student must complete eighteen full-credit courses, one 9th grade course in health, two courses in religion, one 12 th grade course in health and life skills, four years of physical education (athletics), and 2 years of required boarding on campus (11th and 12th grades).