Academic learning

"We don’t learn Latin so that we can translate Caesar or Algebra for the skill of finding what ‘x’ is. We study these things for the way they shape our minds and teach us new ways of thinking critically and communicating about the world."

–Richard Spaulding, Jr.

At Woodhall, students take ownership in their learning. A comprehensive college preparatory course of study includes senior electives, independent study projects, and Advanced Placement classes.

The classroom experience connects skills-based learning to course content, making learning more meaningful. Students have the opportunity to develop independent study habits in a structured study hall during the class day and in the evening. Teacher guidance and dedicated carrels promote focus, organization, and appropriate use of technology.

Woodhall’s trimester structure (Fall, Winter, Spring Terms) provides frequent monitoring of each student’s progress. Students take academic course examinations at the end of each trimester. Consistent with the school’s philosophy, students are evaluated with grades for both effort and achievement. Written evaluations from their classroom teachers, Communications Group facilitator, dorm parents, coach, advisor, and Head of School, are included in each end-of-term report.

 

 

Arts

The Arts are an integral part of the curriculum through art classes, the drama program, music enrichment and opportunities to perform for the community. Studio Art classes provide a kinesthetic and visual framework for self expression. Students experience creating with various mediums, and see their work displayed throughout campus and in print in the literary magazine, Good Stuff. Students learn about artists, movements, and history in class and on field trips to museums.

 

 

Music

Music history and theory classes enhance understanding of humanity and culture. Students can schedule instrumental lessons with local teachers.

 

 

Curriculum

The Woodhall School curriculum consists of college-preparatory classes including Advanced Placement courses. The availability of electives and Advanced Placement courses depends on student need, interest and enrollment.

Advancement Placement courses have included English Literature, English Language and Composition, AB and BC Calculus, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science,  Latin: Vergil, Spanish Language, and United States History, US Government and Politics.

3 students working on computers in class

Recent electives include Advanced Studio Art, Drama, Music Theory and Composition, Discrete Mathematics, Economics, Philosophy, History of the Cold War, and Computer Science.

Course offerings have also included Environmental Science, Anatomy & Physiology, Pre-Algebra, Pre-calculus, Calculus, Statistics, and Creative Writing.

Click here to view The Woodhall School Course Guide

Graduation requirements:

  • 4 years of English
  • 3 years of  Social Studies (United States History, Modern World History, Roots of Civilization, or their equivalents)
  • 3 years of Mathematics (Algebra I and II and Geometry)
  • 3 years of Science (at least two laboratory sciences in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics)
  • 2 years of Classical or Modern Languages (Spanish, Latin, Ancient Greek)
  • 1 year of the Arts.
  • All graduating seniors must successfully fulfill the requirements for the Senior Research Project.