Academics

List of 6 items.

• Arts

  The Arts Department cultivates students’ abilities to express their ideas artistically in performing and visual arts; to understand the fundamental characteristics, tools, and components of various artistic mediums; and to recognize and appreciate the aesthetic dimensions and cultural contributions of performing and visual arts throughout their lives.  

  
  

  Upper School Arts courses provide the foundation for students to communicate their ideas about and through visual and performing arts. Students learn the structural elements of art; the cultural, historical, and social significance of the arts; and the skills needed to produce original art. Faculty emphasize the essential role of curiosity, risk-taking, and original thinking in the artistic process.  Through independent and collaborative work, students challenge themselves intellectually and emotionally as they navigate novel, unfamiliar situations and demands.   Alongside learning how to create art, students develop the vocabulary to express their opinions about others’ art.  

  
  

  Within the Arts Department, students have the opportunity to focus on both performing arts and visual arts. The performing arts concentrate on drama, dance, and music; the visual arts focus on two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. Courses frequently involve all-school presentations, field-trip experiences, and guest lectures.    

  
  

  Students are required to take three semester-long art courses, or 1.5 academic credits, in order to graduate from JHCS. Electives in the Arts Department include 2D Art, 3D Art, American Architecture, World Architecture, Jazz Band, Music Theory, Theater, and Video Production.

• English

  The English Department cultivates students’ abilities to develop and express an argument confidently and persuasively, to engage respectfully in discussion with their peers, and to recognize the many ways that literature reflects universal aspects of the human experience.

  
  

  Upper School English courses focus on reading, writing, and discussion alongside a deep engagement with literature from diverse genres, geographical regions, historical periods, and authors. Students gain experience with close reading and literary analysis while simultaneously recognizing how exploring and reflecting on literature provides a deeper understanding of ourselves and others. In their oral and written assignments, students articulate their individual interpretations of and responses to literature and underlying, universal questions about what it means to be human with emphasis on textual evidence, the logical development of ideas, and clear, concise, and precise communication. Students complete a variety of writing assignments, both formal and informal, with particular attention on the thesis-based essay. The English Department embraces class discussions not only to provide students with opportunities to develop their oral communication but also to help students realize the value of listening and responding to other perspectives in a collective learning experience.    

  
  

  Students are required to take the following English courses in order to graduate from JHCS: English 9, The Power of Story; English 10, Exploration of World Literature; English 11, American Literature; and, during their senior year, American West Literature (one semester) and Postcolonial Literature (one semester). The central themes and questions in each of these courses parallel the focus of study in the concurrent history courses. Electives in the English Department include Journalism and Creative Writing.

• History

  The History Department cultivates students’ abilities to critically analyze historical events, to recognize the ways history impacts the present, and to become articulate, engaged participants in our global society who engage with profound contemporary challenges and different points of view.

  
  

  Upper School History courses require students to use primary and secondary source materials to gain a deep understanding of how and why the world in which we live has come to be what it is. Class readings, discussions, and assignments encourage students to challenge their existing beliefs. Faculty emphasize the imperative to maintain an open-minded, respectful approach to diverse opinions and sources. Students evaluate historical arguments and develop their personal views on historical decisions and outcomes with attention to understanding and explaining the factors that help to explain why events unfolded in a specific way. These factors include political developments, economic systems, trade patterns, religious beliefs, wars, scientific breakthroughs, technological innovations, environmental issues, and geography. By asking questions, analyzing texts carefully, conducting independent research, embracing multiple perspectives, exhibiting empathy, and discussing their ideas with classmates, students use the tools of historians and develop their interpretations of history.  Ultimately, students establish connections between the focus of their historical inquiries and their lives.

  
  

  Students are required to take the following History courses in order to graduate from JHCS: History of Humanity (9th grade); Modern World History (10th grade); and United States History (11th grade). The central themes and questions in each of these courses parallel the focus of study in the concurrent English courses. Electives in the History Department include History of the American West (12th grade), Postcolonial World History (12th grade), Ethics, and Comparative World Religions.

• Mathematics

  The Mathematics Department cultivates students’ abilities to understand and communicate in the language of mathematics; to solve problems and interpret data graphically, numerically, symbolically, and analytically; and to recognize mathematics as a tool to help them navigate their lives. 

  
  

  Upper School Mathematics courses emphasize the five strands of mathematical proficiencies: productive disposition, conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, adaptive reasoning, and strategic competence.  Students recognize mathematics as a useful and powerful system of quantitative reasoning that enables its users to describe, gain insights, and make informed decisions about situations. Faculty-led discussions, individual explorations, and collaborative group work prioritize logical thinking and the importance of asking questions to enhance understanding.  Students learn to use calculators and computer software to solve problems, graph solutions, and develop spreadsheets. In addition to focusing on the real-world applications of mathematical concepts, Mathematics courses help students see the order and beauty of mathematics. 

  
  

  Students are required to complete three credits of Mathematics courses in order to graduate from JHCS, with at least one Mathematics course during each of their first three years of high school (grades 9, 10, and 11). Successful completion or comprehension of Algebra 2 is required.  The Mathematics Department course progression proceeds with the sequence of Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2.  After Algebra 2, students choose either Precalculus or Statistics for Data Science. Successful completion of Precalculus enables students to enroll in Calculus or Statistics for Data Science.  Students who complete Calculus have the opportunity to enroll in Calculus BC.

• Science

  The Science Department cultivates students’ abilities to think scientifically by asking questions, making observations, and developing and testing hypotheses through experimentation and documentation; to recognize connections between their study of biology, chemistry, physics, and other scientific disciplines and the natural world; and to understand, discuss, and evaluate contemporary scientific issues, technologies, and discoveries.

  
  

  Upper School Science courses feature active, experiential learning through classroom demonstrations, laboratory experiments, and both performance-based and field-based activities. Students develop their problem solving and critical thinking skills as they work independently and collaboratively, frequently using models to represent ideas and explanations. As they progress in their courses, students learn to be objective in their observations; accurately gather, record, and interpret data; make conclusions based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning; and communicate their scientific ideas. Students identify and solve real-world problems with a commitment to ethics and integrity.  

  
  

  Students are required to complete three credits of Science courses to graduate from JHCS.  All students must take Biology (9th grade), Chemistry (10th grade), and Physics 1 (11th or 12th grade).  Electives in the Science Department include Ecology of Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and Physics 2, both year-long courses, and the following semester-long courses: Astrobiology: The Search for Life, Engineering Explorations, Global Environmental Challenges, Science Research, and Science in Society.

• World Languages

  The World Languages Department cultivates students’ abilities to communicate in a second language, to recognize languages as central components of their own and other peoples’ cultures, and to view bilingualism as a path to numerous professional, cultural, and interpersonal benefits that last a lifetime.  

  
  

  Upper School World Languages courses provide the opportunities for students to learn a second language through immersive experiences, with the language of study frequently the primary if not the only means of communication in class. Students study the grammatical structures and communicative strategies used in the language. Through attention to reading, listening, writing, and speaking the second language, students develop receptive and expressive language skills.  Students recognize that mistakes and risk taking are essential aspects of the learning process as they gain confidence and develop fluency in communicating in the language of study.  

  
  

  Alongside a focus on gaining proficiency at an intermediate and advanced level, with bilingualism as the ultimate goal, students develop an understanding of the links between language and culture. They explore the holidays, songs, literature, film, food, and aspects of daily life in cultures where the language of study is the primary language of communication.  This exploration connects to special programs at JHCS and leads to experiences outside of school at local restaurants and cafes. As a result of this attention to other nations’ cultural hallmarks, students gain an understanding and appreciation of different cultures while simultaneously reflecting on their own. Their cultural explorations foster empathy and open-mindedness as key elements of cultural competency.   

  
  

  Students are required to complete the third level of a world language in order to graduate from JHCS.  World Language courses at JHCS include Spanish 1, Spanish 2, Spanish 3, Spanish 4, Spanish for Advanced Language Learners (SPALL), Advanced Spanish: Cinema, and Advanced Spanish: Literature. If students would like to study a language other than Spanish, they may pursue language study through LanguageBird or a different online provider pursuant to the JHCS Alternative Studies Program. Students who complete a summer, a semester, or a year abroad may be eligible to receive credit pending the approval of the department.