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9TH-10TH GRADE CURRICULUM: THE CORE

The Upper School Curriculum begins with a two year core program in English, history, mathematics and science. The primary goal of the core is to meet each individual student’s needs and introduce them to a higher level of study for
the future. By that we mean not only the content of each discipline will be addressed, but also the crucial skills and habits needed to make our students true scholars.

Beyond reading and writing, our students will learn how to use textbooks effectively, how to be organized and methodical in writing research papers, how to brainstorm and communicate their creative ideas and how to solve mathematical problems that involve more than just numerical calculations. We want our students to be willing to try new methodologies, venture into new subjects and utilize cross disciplinary knowledge to solve assignments. We want them to stick with a project until they are satisfied and enjoy sharing their findings with others for everyone’s educational benefits. Our students will learn what it means to study English or math or history or science and be primed for advanced work, both within any one discipline or in combination.

11TH-12TH GRADE CURRICULUM: THE ELECTIVES

The Upper School Curriculum dramatically changes in the junior/senior years. The elective program, that begins in the 11th grade, allows our students the flexibility and access to many  unique subject choices in each field. Students will have the opportunity to follow their passions and engage with seasoned teachers while tailoring a curriculum that works specifically for them. For example, students can study United States history from the perspective of the presidency, or that of industry and war, or through the lens of international relations. They can investigate conspiracy theories or journalism or forensics. Additionally, if a student wants to pursue a subject beyond what our curriculum offers, there is flexibility and support to study independently with a faculty member.

List of 4 items.

  • HONORS AND ADVANCED PLACEMENT

    At Dwight-Englewood School we offer AP/Honors courses in all areas and at all grade levels. Students are limited to taking four AP/Honors classes concurrently, unless granted special approval. Placement in these highly rigorous courses is limited to approximately 35% of the students in any discipline. We take placement in these classes seriously and ensure that the most experienced faculty conduct these demanding courses.

  • MULTICULTURAL LITERACIES AND ETHICS

    During the ninth and tenth grades students will also explore two important subjects that we term “literacies”. These literacies fall outside the traditional curriculum, but at D-E we believe are essential to our student’s growth as a scholar and as a human. In the ninth grade, students participate in a seminar on self-identity, empathy and human relations. The seminar encourages students to take advantage of the diversity within our school community while honing their academic skills for the future. 

    During the ninth and tenth grades students will also explore two important subjects that we term “literacies”. These literacies fall outside the traditional curriculum, but at D-E we believe are essential to our student’s growth as a scholar and as a human. In the ninth grade, students participate in a seminar on self-identity, empathy and human relations. The seminar encourages students to take advantage of the diversity within our school community while honing their academic skills for the future. 

  • SENIOR FOCUS

    The Focus program offers seniors a unique year long experience that combines independent intellectual and academic pursuit with extensive fieldwork. In the fall, students write a college-level research paper on a subject of their choosing. Class time is spent on the process of higher level writing and research. For the second semester, they complete an off-campus fieldwork program that complements their research-based experience. The capstone is a formal presentation to a panel of outside experts and faculty, as well as a portfolio documenting their findings. The D-E Focus program was awarded the Leading Edge Award for Curricular Innovation by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

  • THE FACULTY

    The excellence of a Dwight-Englewood education rests firmly upon the foundation of our seasoned faculty. Of the 70 members of the Upper School faculty, 80% have earned a Masters degree or higher in their field. D-E faculty are experienced, passionate and as dedicated to life-long learning as our students. 
315 East Palisade Avenue Englewood, NJ 07631 201-569-9500 Email: d-e@d-e.org
Located in Englewood, New Jersey, Dwight-Englewood is a greater New York City area private school with a rigorous college prep curriculum for boys and girls in preschool through grade 12.