The Upper School carries out the St. Luke's mission to prepare students for a "lifelong commitment to learning and social responsibility" by teaching critical thinking skills, highlighting global imperatives, imparting aesthetic sensibilities, and by offering an integrated approach to science and technology.
Please click below to be taken to the Upper School galleries within the Multimedia Library.
All students must be enrolled in at least five academic courses (one credit per course). Each student must also enroll in Physical Education in grades 6-9. Eleventh graders must enroll in Health. Students must pass at least five academic courses for promotion to the next grade. Seniors must pass each course attempted in the senior year in order to graduate. In the Upper School, 20 credits are required for graduation and must include the following:
English:
Four years, including a year of Senior English electives after a year of American Literature in 11th grade;
Math:
At least three years, including Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II;
Computer:
Media Literacy taken in grade 9;
World Language:
World Language through level three; three years of study in the Upper School
Science:
Biology plus Chemistry or Physics plus one additional year of science;
History:
World Regional Geography, Western Civilization, U. S. History. One other course or full year set of electives is recommended.
Art:
At least one year of Art or Music, preferably completed by the end of 11th grade;
Physical Education:
Grades 5 through 9 and one semester of health, in grade 11.
St. Luke's School supports the latter half of its motto, "Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve," by an active community service requirement. While required volunteer hours may seem like a bit of an oxymoron, the hours help ensure that all students become involved in service beyond the St. Luke's community, a mission so fundamental to our school. The community service program begins in the Middle School, where parent-led class projects expose students to different ways that they can have a positive impact on the community through their service. In the Upper School, all students are required to perform 20 hours of community service a year. While the school offers opportunities throughout the year for students to be engaged in different projects in the community, it is ultimately the responsibility of each student - grades 9 through 12 - to make sure that (s)he meets these hours. The fulfillment of these community service hours is a requirement for graduation.
The Upper School newspaper,
The Sentinel,
publishes monthly editions throughout the school year. Students choose, write, and edit the stories; they also take photographs and lay out the paper using the Adobe InDesign software program.
The Sentinel
mixes stories and editorials on national and world events with school news, critical reviews, and satire. The newspaper is run by a spectacular and dedicated staff, and both the student body and faculty look forward to each new edition. This year's Editor in Chief is Alexandra Jaffe, and the faculty advisor is Steve Flachsbart, English Department Head.
The Pendulum
is the Upper School's literary magazine, a glossy annual magazine that includes a collection of student work, including poetry, short stories, and illustrations.
The Caduceus
is the School's yearbook. Some class time and academic credit are afforded this activity.
Crusader Close-Up
is the Middle School newspaper. The newspaper is staffed by students from Grades 5 through 8, with prominent interest from 5th and 6th Graders.
Crusader Close-Up
has five main sections: School News, Arts and Entertainment, Humor, Photo, and Sports. Within each section, students take on various responsibilities, such as creative work, reviews, interviews, and reportage. Our newspaper takes pride in student production - what we put in is what we put out.
View the Upper School Curriculum and Faculty by selecting a department from below.
--Select a Department--
Art
Computer
English
History and Social Science
Mathematics
Music
Physical Education
Science
Theater
World Language
The St. Luke's curriculum currently includes fifteen Advanced Placement (AP) offerings distributed among all academic areas. Admission to AP courses depends upon a student's record of academic excellence and passion for work in the discipline. In the 2004-2005 academic year, departments will offer two additional courses, AP Latin and AP English Literature and Composition. All AP students are required to take AP exams in May. For more details on eligibility requirements for AP courses, you may peruse the curriculum guide. Listed below are our current offerings.
AP Biology
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP Chemistry
AP Computer Science
AP Environmental Science
AP European History
AP French
AP Government and Politics
AP Language and Composition
AP Latin
AP Literature and Language
AP Physics
AP Spanish
AP Studio Art
AP United States History
Part of the mission of St. Luke's School is to provide programs that go beyond the academic experience and contribute to the development of the whole child - that is, the social, emotional and physical growth of each student. Afternoon activities are the primary vehicle for delivering these programs, which are designed to broaden students' experiences at St. Luke's by providing them with an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities. Participation in these activities enriches a student's skills, knowledge and relationships with other students and faculty members. It is essential that parents fully understand the purpose and importance of afternoon activities and assist the school in fulfilling its mission.
