Curriculum
Our core curriculum empowers students to think ethically, critically, and creatively about global issues and their local manifestations. With the support and guidance of our faculty, Thaden students develop the skills to build coherent, compelling, and innovative arguments. Through independent and collaborative work, they are encouraged to see connections among the humanities, sciences, and mathematics as integrative disciplines in the search for knowledge, meaning, and beauty.
A Glimpse at Course Offerings
Grade 6
To view our complete list of Middle School Course Offerings follow this link.
Patterns and Problem Solving
developing quantitative reasoning through arithmetic, geometry, and algebra by using logic, trial and error, and problem solving
Scientific Foundations
focusing on experimental design, data collection/analysis, and article annotation through hands-on exploration and connecting science to the outdoors
English 6
using short stories, novels, excerpts, and podcasts to examine genres, authors, and characters to sharpen their skills as readers, researchers, discussants, and critical thinkers
Ancient World History
discovering early, ancient, and pre-modern history in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe by closely examining early civilizations
Art Rotation - one trimester of each course
Visual Arts, Theater, and Musical Arts
Language Rotation - one trimester of each language
Spanish, Latin, and Mandarin
Physical Education
exploring various games and sports to understand how and why physical activity is integral to a healthy lifestyle
Grade 7
To view our complete list of Middle School Course Offerings follow this link.
Pre-Algebra or Pre-Algebra with Additional Problem Solving
developing arithmetic, algebra, and problem-solving skills through individual and collaborative efforts; additional problem-solving courses offer deeper mathematical understanding
Science 7: Systems and Cycles
studying geology, ecology, and life science by investigating plate tectonics, food webs, climate change, and more to develop observation, analysis, questioning, and problem-solving skills
English 7
refining strategies for effective reading, annotating, and engaging with classic and contemporary works while writing creative essays, poetry, and short stories
Human Geography
investigating how geography, culture, politics, and economic systems shape the development of societies, locally and globally, through research-driven learning
Arts Rotation - one trimester of each course
Visual Arts, Theater, Musical Arts
Language Level A - choice of one language
Spanish, Latin, Mandarin
Signature Rotation - one trimester of each course
Meals, Reels, Wheels
Physical Education
exploring games and sports to understand how and why physical activity is integral to a healthy lifestyle
Grade 8
To view our complete list of Middle School Course Offerings follow this link.
Algebra or Algebra with Additional Problem Solving
learning the basic structure of algebra while developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills by focusing on data analysis and visual representation of data sets
Physical Science and Engineering
investigating the fundamentals of physical science (motion and kenematics, dynamics, and chemistry), while learning about solar energy, computer hardware, circuitry, and electricity
English 8
honing reading, writing, thinking, and discussion skills through the study of novels, short stories, poetry, and drama
American Studies
learning the foundational skills of inquiry such as critical reading, note-taking, research, analytical writing, and civic discourse through the study of American diaspora
Art Rotation - one trimester of each course
Visual Arts, Theater, Musical Arts
Language Level B - choice of one language
Spanish, Latin, Mandarin
Signature Rotation - one trimester of each course
Meals, Reels, Wheels
Physical Education
exploring games and sports to understand how and why physical activity is integral to a healthy lifestyle
Grades 9 - 12
To view our complete list of Upper School Course Offerings follow this link.
To view our complete list of Upper School Course Offerings follow this link.
Science
Grade 9 - Inquiries in Biological and Environmental Sciences
Grade 10 - Inquiries in Chemical and Physical Science
Grades 11 and 12 - Chemistry II/Environmental Science/
Molecular Genetics/Physics II/Robotics/Anatomy/Psychology
Math
Grade 9 - Geometry
Grade 10 - Algebra II/Accelerated Algebra II with Pre-calculus
Grades 11 and 12 - Pre-calculus/Calculus I/Calculus II/Statistics
English
Grade 9 - English I: Journeys and Transformations
Grade 10 - English II: Individuals and Communities
Grade 11 - English III: Money and Power/Love and Loss
Grade 12 - English IV: Tragedy or Comedy
History
Grade 9 - Modern World History
Grade 10 - U.S. Government and Economics
Grade 11 - American History
Grade 12 - Advanced History/Social Science Electives
Language
Grades 9 to 12 - Language Levels I-V
Physical Education/Wellness/OAKS Program
exploring physical, emotional, social and intellectual well-being through traditional
physical education as well as environmental activities such as wilderness skills, fly fishing, rock climbing, archery, and much more
Electives
Subject-Specific Electives
Signature Programs - Meals, Reels, Wheels courses
Visual and Performing Arts
Graduation Requirements
Program | Credits | Notes |
---|---|---|
English | 4 | The required sequence in Grades 9-12 (English I, II, III, IV) fulfills this four-credit requirement. |
Math and Computer Science | 4 | The required sequence in Grades 9-11 ( Algebra I-II and Geometry) fulfills three credits of this four-credit requirement. Courses taken in Middle School may also count for up to one credit with approval of the Upper School Director. |
History and Social Science | 3 | The required sequence in Grades 9-11 (Modern World History, Government and Economics, U.S. History)
fulfills this three-credit requirement. |
Science | 3 | The required sequence in Grades 9-10 (Inquiries in Biological and Environmental Sciences, Inquiries in Chemical and Physical Sciences) and one additional year-long course fulfills this three-credit requirement. |
World Languages and Cultures | 2 |
Students must study the same language for at least two consecutive years in Upper School. Foreign language study in Middle School may count for up to one credit with approval of the Upper School Head. |
Signature Programs | 2 |
Students may choose elective courses in three areas: Meals, Wheels, and Reels. |
Visual and Performing Arts | 2 |
Students may choose elective courses in three areas: music, theater, and visual arts. Courses in dance will be offered in future years. |
Wellness and Physical Education | 2 |
The Wellness requirement is fulfilled by taking a one-trimester course during Grades 9 and 11. The Physical Education requirement is fulfilled by taking four one-trimester courses (one each year) or by participating on a Thaden Athletics team. |
Additional Courses | 3 |
This requirement may be fulfilled by taking elective courses in any field of study at Thaden School. |
Total | 26 |
To fulfill the total graduation requirements of 26 credits, students must carry a course load averaging 6.5 courses per trimester. Students may take no less than six courses and no more than seven courses during any one trimester. |