Academic Disciplines

In our English and Communication & Theatre classes, we strive to spark and nurture in our students their capacities in reading, writing, the dramatic arts, and public speaking. Building upon four key skills – analytical reading & writing, creative expression, performance, and public speaking – we encourage our students’ critical thinking and creativity in exploring complex and diverse classic and contemporary texts, a variety of writing styles, and a wide range of experiences in drama. Overall, we hope to create an environment where students develop a lasting appreciation of the literary and dramatic arts as they craft their own voices and vision as writers, performer, and speakers.

The goal of the arts program is to develop an understanding of how art is made and to appreciate the roles art has played through the centuries. Building skills in discovery, perception and analysis, as well as the development of technical expertise, provide the tools for creative problem-solving in the arts. The creation of artwork and the understanding of creative concepts, aesthetics, and criticism are essential and form the core of our integrated arts curriculum.

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We believe that the study and performance of music is an integral component of a liberal arts education. Our program creates educated listeners by cultivating aural skills, critical analysis, aesthetic awareness, and the historical context of various styles. Our students grow to acquire sophisticated music appreciation and understanding.

Active as performers and educators in the artistic community, the department is affiliated with leading music institutions in and around New York City.

Competency in a second language is an essential tool in an increasingly global community. The development of fluency in another language allows one to better understand and appreciate other cultures as well as their own. Topics  include: facts about social class, religion, ethnicity, values and beliefs, art, drama, music, history, literature, information about and reactions to historical and contemporary events.

The chief goals of our mathematics instruction is to emphasize creative and alternative methods of viewing and solving problems, as opposed to a more mechanical, formula-oriented style of learning. Classroom instruction and homework assignments are structured to include problem solving so that students experience the satisfaction and joy of doing mathematics and achieve a sense of mathematical self-reliance.

We provide students with a strong foundation in science and encourage them to pursue more advanced concepts beyond the classroom. Hands-on investigations and projects are central to our science curriculum, therefore, all core science courses include a dedicated laboratory component. We promote interdisciplinary connections between science, mathematics, history, and the arts.

The History curriculum is designed to achieve four major goals:

• Teach the history of different areas of the world,including their cultural, religious, and philosophical traditions.
• Trace the historical roots of contemporary controversies, debates, and events.
• Educate students about the foundations, philosophy, and traditions of a liberal democratic society.
• Promote a thorough understanding of the history and government of the United States, enabling them to function as citizens of this nation and of the world.

The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking and understanding of the aesthetics, and to foster discussion and debate. All courses offered are aimed at developing research and writing skills.