 he Upper School curriculum is designed to prepare students for the college or university that is best suited for them. All courses are “college prep” and there are Honors and Advanced Placement courses available in every department. Our students do exceptionally well on AP tests and have been awarded advanced standing at many colleges and universities.
A strong and active college counseling program is available to students in grades 9-12. During their years in the Upper School, students and parents are encouraged to attend a variety of small and large group meetings and to take advantage of the on campus visits by college admission officers. Even though parents are included in much of the college planning and we provide assistance along the way, the student is expected to carry the responsibility during the search and application process.
The Upper School’s extensive list of extracurricular activities provides students with many possibilities for participation, growth, and leadership. Every student is encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities available in clubs, service organizations, publications, the arts, honor societies, and athletics.
 Courses fall into two categories: CORE courses which earn a number grade and are computed into the grade point average, and ELECTIVE courses which earn a letter grade and are not computed into the grade point average. The Honors and Advanced Placement programs offer demanding academic challenges, and we urge careful consideration when enrolling in these courses. We also reserve the right to limit the number of AP courses that a student may take in a school year. Summer reading in all English courses and AP packets for various disciplines "ensure that the student does not lose that intellectual edge we work hard to hone."
The college application and selection process is a student-centered operation. The College Counseling Office plays an important role in helping each student move through the many steps involved in finding, applying, and choosing a college. The Dean of College Counseling begins with group meetings during the freshman and sophomore years to introduce students and families to the college selection process. During the junior year, individual and group meetings are held to review the steps required in the application process and to aid each student in finding a college or university that will be the best possible match. Juniors are encouraged to have a family college-planning meeting during the spring or at least before the summer break. In addition, students and families are encouraged to use the many and varied resources available in the College Counseling Office.
Honor Code and Conduct
The concept of respect is at the heart of Walker's expectations concerning the behavior of its students. Respect for each other's rights and respect for our institution affirms the Judeo-Christian ethic central to the Walker philosophy. Through our Honor Code, we believe that the Upper School provides an environment in which students learn to value honesty and to accept responsibility for accomplishments, for actions, and for the well being of others. The Honor Council composed of students and faculty and chaired by the Academic Dean is empowered to hear issues of possible Honor Code violations. Similar to the Honor Council, the Discipline Committee is chaired by the Dean of Students and is composed of students and faculty. Both groups make recommendations to the Principal when violations of school rules or policy occur.
The Upper School Handbook (.pdf file) outlines guidelines for dress and behavior that are designed for the good of the community and to provide an atmosphere for academic and personal success. We believe the Upper School works best when students and faculty strive together to maintain an atmosphere of responsibility, trust, and accountability.
|
