Academics

Foundational to the St. Andrew’s curriculum are the core subjects of English, Foreign Language, Health and Physical Education, History, Mathematics, Performing Arts, Philosophy and Religion, Science, and Visual Arts. Research shows that teaching each of these subjects across all divisions and academic subjects is critical for deeper learning. It is why each year, academic department heads and the four division heads, formally review the curriculum to help ensure that the school is providing the most challenging and innovative curriculum that prepares each individual student to not only become confident, efficient, and independent learners but to also become successful college students and adults. It is why St. Andrew’s balances foundation skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic with design thinking, social and emotional and service learning, and the use of technology that deepens learning at each development juncture of a student’s pre-collegiate learning journey.

The curriculum itself does not ensure learning happens for students. Research shows that when teachers, students, and parents see learning as a partnership, it benefits the student. Each teacher thinks critically about the design of his or her class period and recognizes that knowing and building strong, honest and supportive relationships with each student, is equally important to making learning happen. 

St. Andrew’s teachers love what they teach and they love watching students who might initially struggle with a new idea, skill, or experience stand taller because of their sense of pride and accomplishment when they “get it.” This is when we know that learning can be both challenging and joyful and that the curriculum is working for each student.