Academic Curriculum
Overview
Each department of the South Kent School academic curriculum has the student as the focal point. The content and skills taught throughout the curriculum offer our students the most relevant, rigorous, and relational experience we can offer in the classroom.
Our curriculum is relevant by ensuring our departments approach content and skills from a real-world perspective. Building the course around a problem that our society either faces today or is projected to face in the near future.
Our curriculum is rigorous by outlining clear learning objectives for each of our skills. The students are held accountable by consistently receiving and implementing feedback on these skills.
Our curriculum is relational by ensuring students have collaborative opportunities to develop working relationships with their learning communities.
STEM
The STEM department at South Kent School aims to cultivate a passion for discovery, critical thinking, and collaboration through hands-on learning experiences. The STEM curriculum includes subjects such as Environmental Science, Chemistry, Physics, Forensic Science, Statistics, and Computer Science. Math course offerings follow a gradual progression from foundational to advanced. STEM courses integrate digital and scientific literacy skill building and engage students to be curious, observant, and empowered citizens.
Futures Literacy
The Futures Literacy program is an innovative educational initiative designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in our 21st-century world. This program offers a unique curriculum encompassing a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, robotics, technology, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, finance, mental health, and healthy living. Students engage in project-based learning, problem-solving challenges, and real-world applications to gain experience in these critical areas. By preparing students for the literacies of the future, this curriculum empowers them to adapt, innovate, and excel in a dynamic and increasingly technology-driven global landscape.
Humanities
The Humanities Department at South Kent School offers students the opportunity to explore a diverse range of courses that foster critical thinking, cultural awareness, and effective communication skills. The curriculum includes subjects such as English literature, history, philosophy, and other social sciences. Students in these courses are encouraged to delve into the nature of human thought, behavior, and society, gaining a deeper understanding of the past and present. They are challenged to analyze complex texts, develop persuasive arguments, and engage in meaningful discussions on topics ranging from ancient civilizations to contemporary social issues.
Throughout their experience in the curriculum, students are expected to learn skills such as critical reading, research, and writing, which are essential for success in college and beyond. They also learn how to appreciate the nuances of different cultures, societies, and historical contexts, fostering empathy and global awareness. Moreover, these courses provide a foundation for lifelong learning and equip students with the ability to navigate the complexities of the modern world while fostering a deep appreciation for the richness of human expression and thought.
World Languages
World Languages introduces students to language and culture by reading, writing, speaking, and listening to their chosen language. Students will learn to understand and respond to questions, commands, and sentences and read and comprehend texts. The courses cover grammar and introduce cultural material related to emphasizing the spoken word. Through engaging dialogues with peers and class discussions, students improve their comprehension, communication, and fluency skills.
Electives and Arts
South Kent School’s elective and arts course offerings provide our students with additional opportunities to expand and develop their interests and passions and cultivate their futures literacy. The block schedule provides our students with greater flexibility to explore offerings outside of the school’s compulsory courses, such as visual art and music, engineering and design, finance, entrepreneurship, and computer science. The arts and electives curriculum is a critical component in our students’ school experience as it empowers the imagination and enhances the boys’ ability to prepare, adapt, innovate, and thrive in an ever-changing world. Whether they enter with prior knowledge or never having been exposed to the material, South Kent offers a range of courses and options that allow us to help spark creativity and develop the interests of all students as they plan and practice skills for the future.
Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA)
Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA) courses offer high school students an invaluable opportunity to engage in college-level coursework while still in high school. These courses, offered in collaboration with Syracuse University, provide students with challenging academic experiences, college credit, and exposure to the rigor of higher education. By participating in SUPA, high school students can accelerate their college progress, reduce the cost of higher education, and gain a competitive edge in the college admissions process, all while honing their academic skills.
