Our Curriculum

No two students follow exactly the same academic path at Scattergood. Our curriculum challenges students to discover their intellectual strengths and to develop the skills and habits of mind to create and sustain a better world. Students take year-long core classes in Social Studies, Science, Language, Mathematics, and Seminar to provide continuity. They also take quarterly electives in Humanities (English), Project, and Physical Education to pursue individual interests and passions. We book-end our year with two interdisciplinary, Project-Based Learning experiences: Farm Term and May Term.

 

Scattergood Graduation Requirements

Electives Guide 2022-2023

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Core Subjects and Classes

Mathematics

Students learn to make connections between their lives and mathematical concepts. We emphasize discovery and collaboration in our classes.

  • Pre-Algebra
  • Algebra I
  • Geometry
  • Algebra II
  • Pre-Calculus
  • Calculus

Science

Scattergood’s living laboratories and science classrooms provide a powerful backdrop to our inquiry-based curriculum. Our science classes begin with student curiosity and unfold from there.

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Advanced Biology
  • Physics

Social Studies

Students in 9th and 10th grade build a foundation in World and U.S. History. In 11th and 12th grade, students take a variety of electives that stretch their understanding.

9th/10th: World History, U.S. History

11th/12th: Government/Social Studies Electives. Examples include: The Great Migration, Sociology, The Judiciary, Anarchist Philosophy and Practice.

Language

 Students learn a new language at Scattergood by immersion in that language from the start. Our classes are active, engaging, and fun. 

  • Spanish 1-5
  • ELL for International Students

Humanities

Whether focusing on literature, philosophy, or media studies, Humanities electives engage students with rich texts, and emphasize analysis and effective communication. Three required quarters are in Religious Studies.

Examples include: Hemingway & Faulkner, Harlem to Hip Hop, Creative Nonfiction, The Messianic Motif in Film and Literature, Russian Literature and History, Banned Books, Food & Religion, and Quakerism I/II.

Seminar

Seminar classes address the academic and developmental needs of students throughout their time at Scattergood. These classes focus on health and wellness, college-level research and writing, and the college application process.

9th Grade Seminar: Social, emotional, and physical health.

10th Grade Seminar: Creative and analytical writing across genres. 

11th Grade Seminar: Ten-page thesis-driven research paper followed by preparation for college and life after Scattergood.

12th Grade Seminar: Applying to colleges followed by the 15-20 page capstone Senior Paper.

Project

Most classes are in the Fine Arts, though there are other related classes as well. The unifying themes are creativity and hands-on skills.

Examples include: Wheel Ceramics, Drama, Graphic Design, Prairie Management, Painting, Printmaking, Songwriting, Musical Theater, and Circus Arts.

Physical Education

Physical activity is vital for all community members’ health and happiness. At Scattergood, students stay active, whether in more individual pursuits like yoga or fitness, or interscholastic sports like basketball and fencing.

Examples include: Soccer, Fencing, Basketball, Fitness, Yoga, Latin Dance, Farm Team, Swimming, and Ultimate Frisbee.