CURRICULUM
BY DEPARTMENT
MISSION
Preparing students
for college
and life.
Seattle Academy prepares students for college
and life. Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences is
an independent secondary school with a mission
to prepare students to participate effectively in a
modern society. We, therefore, seek a diversified
student body and faculty. We offer a demanding
college-preparatory curriculum integrating the arts
and emphasizing a global perspective. We utilize
the resources of our urban environment to extend
our classrooms, to enhance our programs, and to
engage our students in public service. Most of all,
we seek to graduate motivated young men and
women of talent and integrity who are prepared
to contribute productively to a changing world.
ENGLISH
6TH GRADE
Integrates vocabulary, grammar, composition,
discussion, study, and critical thinking skills.
This course lays a foundation for excellence in
reading, writing, and speaking. (3 trimesters)
Complementing their English class, students
hone their English language skills through daily
writing, reading, discussion, and word play.
Major writing assignments, which emphasize
the process of drafting, revising, and editing,
include expository and personal narrative
essays, and compilation of a poetry book.
(1/2 year)
7TH GRADE
Focuses on a variety of language skills,
including analytical reading, writing in various
modes, public speaking, and spelling,
vocabulary, and grammar. Students consider
motivations for human behavior in an attempt
to understand the nature of generosity,
compassion, and love, as well as their
opposites. Major projects include speeches,
dramatic monologue, family biography, class
publication, and writing an original novel
chapter. (3 trimesters)
8TH GRADE
Builds on themes of seventh grade but also
focuses on issues of social and emotional
growth for adolescents through reading,
writing, and discussion. Students study
vocabulary, mechanics, and the fundamentals
of written composition, emphasizing critical
thinking. Major assignments include essays,
journals, poems, a lengthy autobiography,
speeches, and creation of both a play scene
and short newspaper. (3 trimesters)
9TH GRADE
The first year of a two-year program that
begins with the ancient literature of the
Western World, later introducing the different
genres of literature: epic poetry, short story,
drama, novel, and poetry. Expository writing is
emphasized, and students are introduced to
upper school-level expectations in the writing
of research papers. The class works with the
history department to supplement the material
studied in English. (3 trimesters)
10TH GRADE
The second year of a two-year program,
emphasizing the literature and major
philosophical advances of Western Civilization,
building upon the work completed in 9th
grade. Again working with history classes,
students learn about the emergence of the
role of literature as a political and philosophical
element of societies, as well as its role in
entertainment. (3 trimesters)
11TH GRADE
Classes include an American literature survey
course, which exposes students to a breadth of
literature that includes early American writings,
modern-day novels, poetry, and drama. All
classes emphasize expository writing, literary
analysis, SAT vocabulary training, and SAT II
writing and literature test preparation. (Honors
Option, 3 trimesters)
American Studies: A closely linked English
and history program designed to examine
complex and challenging themes and patterns
of American literature and history, such as
those found in works by Faulkner, Baldwin,
Thoreau, and Emerson. (Honors, 3 trimesters)
12TH GRADE
An elective-based program which features
college-style seminar classes and a broad
range of literary experiences. College-level
writing standards are emphasized; students
learn to complete independent and thorough
research using high-level academic sources
and online databases. Examples of classes
might include:
• Creative Writing
• Playwrights Project
• Magical Realism (honors)
• Roman Shakespeare (honors)
• Violence, Morality, and Human Nature
• Renegotiating the Social Contract
• Literature of the American West
• Arthurian Legend, Ancient and Modern (honors)
• The Marginalized and the Misunderstood (honors)
• The Real Unreal: Contemporary
Re-sequenced Narratives (honors)
• Comparative Philosophy (honors)
• Literature of the American South
• Page to Stage (honors)
• Shifting Landscapes (honors)
• The Urban Muse: City Landscapes,
Internal Landscapes (honors)
All classes are one-trimester offerings.
SEATTLE ACADEMY
SEATTLEADMISSION
ACADEMY ADMISSION
OFFICE | 1432
OFFICE
15TH| AVENUE
1432 15TH
| SEATTLE,
AVENUE WA
| SEATTLE,
98122 |WA
P: 98122
(206) 324-7227
| P: (206)| 324-7227
F (206) 676-6881
| F (206)| 676-6881
WWW.SEATTLEACADEMY.ORG
| WWW.SEATTLEACADEMY.ORG
| CEEB CODE: 481154
CURRICULUM
BY DEPARTMENT
HISTORY
6TH GRADE
Ancient Civilizations: A brief introduction to
archaeology takes students on a time travel
through prehistory. Explorations include a
study of Ancient Mesopotamia and Africa.
We examine the components of culture, face
challenging issues, and struggle with the
dilemmas of an ancient culture, as we journey
through Ancient Nubia and Egypt, following
the footsteps of philosophers, kings, teachers,
slaves, and commoners to the portals of the
Ancient Empires of China and India. Students
participate in inquiry projects, simulations of
daily life and experience the contributions of
these civilizations through debates, dramas,
art, and story. (3 trimesters)
7TH GRADE
American Studies: A general overview of
the history of the United States, including
an emphasis on Washington State history.
In addition to the more traditional historical
topics, studies include multiple aspects of the
country’s culture. (3 trimesters)
8TH GRADE
Global Systems: This course studies physical
and cultural aspects of past and present
societies. Topics include the earth’s physical
environment and the relationship among landforms, climate, vegetation, and resources.
Human development includes the study of
major world religions, political and economic
systems, and environmental and global issues.
The course will focus on the non-Western
world, including Latin America, Africa, Asia, and
the Middle East. (3 trimesters)
9TH GRADE
Roots of Western Civilization: This course
examines the origins of Western Civilization
to the period of The Enlightenment, beginning
with the formation of Greek and Roman
societies, then moving to medieval Europe,
including feudalism and the rise of Christianity.
Nation-building through a study of England
and France will be examined. During a unit
on the Renaissance, the course reviews
concepts from Greece and Rome, and covers
some of the art, literature, and politics of
the period. Next comes the period of The
Reformation, Elizabethan England, and the
Age of Exploration. Throughout the course,
skill-building in such areas as research, writing,
analysis, note-taking, examination strategies,
and organizational skills is emphasized.
(3 trimesters)
10TH GRADE
Modern World History: This course
emphasizes the development of Western
Civilization from the 17th century to present
but occasionally focuses on non-western
perspectives of events that shaped, or were
shaped, by western cultures. The growth
of modern political, economic and social
structures in the 18th and 19th centuries
is examined, covering such topics as the
Scientific Revolution, The Enlightenment,
the French Revolution, and the Industrial
Revolution. Included in the course are the
collapse of old regimes; World War I; global
politics; the rise of authoritarianism in the
early the 20th century; World War II; and
contemporary issues in politics, economics,
and society from the Cold War to present.
(3 trimesters)
11TH GRADE
Survey of American History: A study of
the United States of America, a nation and
its people. Begins with post- World War II
to present, then moves to Native American
history and the relationship between the
Enlightenment and European exploration and
colonization. Covers major historical events
from colonial America and the Revolutionary
period up through the Vietnam War and the fall
of the Berlin Wall. (Honors Option, 3 trimesters)
American Studies: A closely linked English and
history program designed to examine complex
and challenging themes and patterns of
American literature and history, such as those
found in works by Faulkner, Baldwin, Thoreau,
and Emerson. (Honors, 3 trimesters)
12TH GRADE
Students have a variety of college-level
classes from which to choose.
Examples of classes might include:
Asian Studies
•
•
•
•
•
Arabs in the West: North Africans
in a Post-Colonial World (honors)
History of Modern India
Islam in Asia (honors)
Japanese History and Culture
After World War II
Modern China (honors)
Contemporary Issues
• Great Issues in Foreign Policy
• Post-Colonial African Society and Politics
Systems
• American Government/Civics (honors)
• Cultural Anthropology
• Economics (honors)
•Ethics
• Foundations and Theories
of Government (honors)
• Personal Finance
All classes are one-trimester offerings, with
the exception of Foundations and Theories of
Government, which is offered in both the fall
and winter trimesters.
CURRICULUM BY DEPARTMENT | PAGE 2
CURRICULUM
BY DEPARTMENT
SCIENCE
6TH GRADE
Science Matters: Physical Science
A survey of science covering cosmology,
chemistry, physics, and biology. The major
emphasis is on the origins, interdependence,
and unity of life. Students work individually and
in teams to acquire important competencies,
including measurement and scientific process
skills. Students learn to use a wide range
of tools, including computers, to research,
visualize, and publish their work. (3 trimesters)
7TH GRADE
Environmental Science
A survey of science that reviews and
expands upon the topics covered during
sixth grade. Major emphasis is on physical
science. Students continue to improve their
measurement skills. They perform laboratory
investigations, which increasingly move from
the more qualitative work of sixth grade to
more quantitative work. They explore the
power of mathematics as a tool of science,
and lay the foundations for success in future
science classes. (3 trimesters)
8TH GRADE
Human Biology: Through a series of
field trips, guest speakers and laboratory
investigations, students are introduced to
the study of human anatomy and physiology.
Special emphasis is placed on adolescent
health issues and the physical, emotional, and
social changes students are encountering.
A lab science. (3 trimesters)
9TH GRADE
Scientific Investigation & Emerging
Technologies: The world of science today
is driven by the dynamic interaction between
humans and technology. This project-based
class focuses on engaging students in
active scientific inquiry that uses current and
emerging technologies to investigate and
explore questions within the physical and
biological sciences. Topics in physics, biology,
and environmental science are explored
through investigation and lab experimentation.
(3 trimesters)
10TH GRADE
Chemistry: Students study matter, atomic
structure, the periodic table, chemical
compounds and reactions, the mole, solutions,
organic and biochemistry, environmental
issues, and nuclear chemistry. Students
perform frequent laboratory experiments, as
well as a few small research projects. Lab
report writing, data interpretation, and test
preparation skills are developed. A lab science.
(3 trimesters)
11TH GRADE
Biology: Course designed to teach the
fundamental concepts and research
techniques of modern biology and to increase
scientific reasoning skills and the ability to
communicate scientific knowledge verbally,
graphically, and in writing. Topics include cell
biology, genetics, evolutionary theory and
ecology. During fall and winter trimesters,
students do extensive lab work. During spring
trimester, students complete a field research
project. A lab science.
(Honors Option Available, 3 trimesters)
12TH GRADE
Physics: A year-long algebra-based physics
course, with emphasis on both understanding
the concepts and being able to apply them
mathematically. The course involves lectures,
discussions, and frequent lab work. Computer
lab interfaces are used. (3 trimesters)
Senior Science Electives: Depending upon
student need, a variety of trimester-long
electives are offered to seniors. For example,
some of the classes recently offered include
Biotechnology, Advanced Chemistry, Botany,
Environmental Studies, Evolution, Field
Ecology, Zoology, Sustainability, and Marine
Biology. (1, 2, or 3 trimesters)
CURRICULUM BY DEPARTMENT | PAGE 3
CURRICULUM
BY DEPARTMENT
MATHEMATICS
All students are placed in the most appropriate math class, based on previous preparation and achievement, not on grade.
6TH GRADE
This course lays a foundation of mathematical
skills and understanding. Topics include tools
for problem-solving, geometry, graphs and
statistics, decimals, probability, fractions, and a
brief introduction to Algebra. (3 trimesters)
7TH GRADE
Math Transitions: This comprehensive
course emphasizes arithmetic operations in
mathematics and other realms. Three themes
unify the course: applied arithmetic, prealgebra, and pre-geometry, to prepare students
for algebra and develop problem-solving skills.
(3 trimesters)
8TH GRADE
Algebra I: Builds on the algebraic concepts
with which students have already become
familiar, and introduces new concepts,
including linear equations, Cartesian graphs,
the fundamental operations used in many
different scenarios, exponents, quadratic
equations, systems of equations, statistics
and probability, and transformations.
Technology is used extensively, beginning
with Algebra I, including the incorporation of
graphing calculators and computer software,
as appropriate. In appropriate in- stances,
students may instead be enrolled in geometry.
(3 trimesters)
9TH GRADE
Geometry: The emphasis of this course is
on independent learning and resourceful
problem-solving. The course includes the
use of laptop software to develop conceptual
understanding and to test conjectures. Topics
addressed include points and lines; polygons;
transformation, congruence, and similarity;
distances, areas, and volumes; and coordinate
geometry. In appropriate instances, students
may instead enroll in algebra or advanced
algebra. Students without a strong foundation
in algebra take Intermediate Algebra in ninthgrade and meet the geometry requirement late
in high school. (3 trimesters)
10TH GRADE
Advanced Algebra: Course work includes
review of basic algebraic concepts; solving
equations; direct and inverse variations and
their graphs; mathematical modeling; linear
relations; systems of equations; parabolas
and quadratic equations; complex numbers;
functions; powers, roots, exponents, and
logarithms; trigonometry; and series,
combinations, and statistics. (3 trimesters)
11TH GRADE
Pre-Calculus: Designed to prepare students
for Upper School calculus or college
mathematics. Course focuses on discrete
mathematics, problem-solving, trigonometry,
and advanced functions. Some juniors take
advanced algebra or calculus, as appropriate.
(3 trimesters)
12TH GRADE
Math Analysis: This is a sequence of courses
that focuses on application of mathematics
rather than simply theory and computations.
The first trimester includes an overview of
statistics in preparation for research and further
study in college. The second trimester covers
math modeling, where applications relate to
mathematical principals. Topics include the
mathematics of flight, cellular automata, and
game theory. The third trimester focuses on
preparation for college- level Calculus.
(3 trimesters)
Calculus I: Introduces students to the
infinitesimal analysis of the elementary
functions of a single real variable, the
investigation and calculation of limiting values.
Students learn the fundamental techniques and
results of differentiation and integration and
then apply these methods to the solution of
problems from geometry, economics, biology,
and physics. (3 trimesters)
Calculus II: This course is for students who
have completed Calculus I. Topics covered
include advanced integration, use of the
software Mathematica, elementary differential
equations, infinite series, convergence
intervals, Taylor’s Theorem, and the calculus
of parametric and polar equations. Students
completing the course will have covered the
typical topics completed in the first year of a
technical math-based university curriculum.
(3 trimesters)
Advanced Math Electives: See 12th Grade
Calculus. Also includes senior math topics and
software development. (3 trimesters)
CURRICULUM BY DEPARTMENT | PAGE 4
CURRICULUM
BY DEPARTMENT
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
ARTS
6TH GRADE
Latin I: Introduces Latin vocabulary and
grammar, English derivatives, translations, and
Roman culture, mythology, and geography.
(2 trimesters)
6TH GRADE
In 6th through 8th grades, a series of 6-to12-week courses in vocal, theater, visual,
and dance introduce middle school students
to artistic concepts and their applications.
Students also have the option of selecting a
year-long instrumental class. Students perform
for the school community at end-of-trimester
performances and other school events.
(3 trimesters)
7TH GRADE
Latin II: A continuation from Latin I,
emphasizing grammar, vocabulary building,
English word derivation, and reviewing the
Roman period, while developing good foreign
language study habits. (3 trimesters)
8TH GRADE
Foreign Language Elective (French,
Spanish, Mandarin Chinese): Classes
are taught with a communicative approach.
Writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills
are all incorporated. (3 trimesters)
9TH – 12TH GRADE
Foreign Language Elective (French,
Spanish, or Mandarin Chinese): Beginning
through advanced levels, taught exclusively
in the target language. Stu- dents are placed
in the appropriate level, based on their
competency and experience in the language.
Grammatical structures, vocabulary, speaking
skills, and reading proficiency are emphasized.
Cultural themes are explored at all levels. In
advanced level courses, although grammar
and vocabulary are still taught, the primary
focus shifts to literary analysis and discussion.
(3 trimesters per year)
7TH GRADE
In addition to the electives which continue
from sixth grade, in seventh and eighth
grades, one trimester is devoted to the
production and performance of a fully staged
musical or theater production. Instrumental
music continues to be a year-long option.
Students perform for the school community
at end-of-trimester performances and other
school events. (3 trimesters)
8TH GRADE
6-to-12 week courses continue as described
for 6th and 7th graders. One trimester is
devoted to musical or theater production.
Students can also choose an elective from
visual arts, vocal ensemble, or speech-anddebate. A year-long instrumental class is also
available. Students perform for the school
community at end- of-trimester performances
and other school events. (3 trimesters)
9TH GRADE
A variety of performing and visual arts electives
are available each trimester. Specific courses
and sequences may vary from year to year.
Among choices regularly available to ninth
graders are vocal music, acting, jazz dance,
film-making, technical theater and design,
instrumental music, painting and drawing,
printmaking, clay, sculpture, and a variety
of theater productions. (3 trimesters)
10TH GRADE
Choices regularly available to tenth-graders
include performance ensemble, speech
and debate, film-making, vocal ensemble,
instrumental music, dance, printmaking,
sculpture, and musical theater. (3 trimesters)
11TH AND 12TH GRADES
Choices regularly available to juniors include
speech and debate, portfolio courses in
the visual arts, glass and stone sculpture,
performance ensemble, vocal ensemble,
instrumental music, stagecraft, and a variety
of theater productions. (1, 2, or 3 trimesters)
OPEN ELECTIVES
From tenth grade on, students have at least
two elective blocks in their schedule, with
flexibility to focus studies in areas of particular
interest or explore new areas. For example,
some students accumulate elective credits
in the arts; others prefer a fifth year of lab
science, advanced mathematics, and/or a
second modern language. Other electives
available include mock trial, speech and
debate, and dance. (3 trimesters)
11TH GRADE
Choices include speech and debate, youth
legislature, mock trial, computer programming,
software development, portfolio classes in the
visual arts, and musical theater production.
With permission, juniors also may choose
math, science, and social science classes
described under twelfth grade. (1, 2, or 3
trimesters)
12TH GRADE
Choices include speech and debate,
youth legislature, mock trial, and computer
programming in addition to Advanced Arts
and portfolio classes in Visual and Media Arts,
Vocal and Instrumental Music, Theatre, and
Dance. (1, 2, or 3 trimesters)
Senior Projects: By the time they graduate,
nearly all Seattle Academy seniors will have
completed optional college-level internships
with Seattle-based companies or non-profit
organizations. Participants routinely earn
top marks from their Senior Project mentors
for quality of work, communication abilities,
organizational skills, resourcefulness,
creativity, writing skills, and flexibility in the face
of ambiguity. The projects conclude with formal
presentations detailing what was learned,
which skills were used, and any solutions or
conclusions that were generated through the
internship process.
CURRICULUM BY DEPARTMENT | PAGE 5
CURRICULUM
BY DEPARTMENT
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS/CLASSES AVAILABLE TO ALL GRADE LEVELS
LEARNING SUPPORT
Learning Support classes are small-group
support classes that help students develop
skills to work within the content of our core
academic curriculum. They are classes for
students needing on-going support to develop
the skills and discipline needed to succeed
in our rigorous college-prep environment.
Students learn to improve writing; reading for
information; organizational and study skills;
and self-advocacy skills, while working on their
content coursework. These are not ESL or
special education courses, although teachers
may work on basic skills development. Fees for
this program are in addition to tuition.
MATH LAB
Upper School students who have been
identified by the math department as having
difficulty completing the school’s graduation
requirement in math may be placed in Math
Lab, which puts additional individual focus on a
student’s math development. This course puts
a strong emphasis on problem-solving and on
developing skills to make students successful
in subsequent math courses.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION / ATHLETICS
Students are required to take physical
education in grades six through nine. An
additional year is required for graduation and
may be satisfied between ninth and twelfth
grades by taking physical education, including
weight training, yoga, or circus; by participating
in team sports (basketball, cross country,
golf, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, track and field,
Ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, wrestling); and/
or by taking dance. Seattle Academy
encourages all students to participate
in interscholastic sports.
PERFORMING ARTS
Students at any grade and experience level
can join our performing arts program, which
includes dance, instrumental music, theatre,
and vocal. Rehearsal schedules vary (in-class
vs. after school) depending on placement.
Auditions may be required.
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
Software Development is a course where
students work on the cutting edge of
new technology. Students will develop
interactive software and web applications
using JavaScript, ASP (Active Server
Pages), Acrobat, Sharepoint, Frontpage,
SQL databases, and other advanced tools.
Programming experience is not required, but
demonstrated commitment to maintaining
one’s computer in working order is essential.
Software Development can be counted toward
the math/science elective requirement.
(1 trimester)
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
Can be counted as either arts or math
elective credit.
SERVICE
Each trimester, opportunities are available for
Upper School students to earn service credits.
Options may include work or service within the
school or off-campus. The program is designed
to encourage personal and social responsibility.
Service projects have included such activities
as volunteer work on crisis hotlines, working on
political campaigns, performances in nursing
homes, food drives, and software development
and programing. Four credits (160 hours) are
required to graduate from Seattle Academy.
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Available to Upper School students, usually
seniors, of high motivation and proven ability,
who wish to pursue a subject in greater depth
and breadth.
“MAKING THINGS” PROGRAM
This is an interdisciplinary project which
incorporates Materials Science and Product
design and embraces the sciences, the arts,
technology, and academics in Upper School
elective classes. Club activities such as
robotics are included, in both Middle School
and Upper School. The goal of this program
is to emphasize Seattle Academy’s handson educational approach, an approach that
requires a high degree of technical expertise,
creative vision, disciplined energy, and
collaboration among varied skill sets.
INNOVATIONS LAB
The Innovations Lab consists of two courses,
one focused on business and one on social
entrepreneurship. Students examine innovation
as a concept and look at areas of their own
lives where they could innovate. They practice
presenting in small groups, honing their
persuasive skills. They hear from weekly guest
speakers who are outstanding innovators in a
wide variety of fields and have the opportunity
to ask dozens of questions.
The process gives students a foundation
in design thinking and an introduction to
creating a business pitch, applying those
skills in a culminating project in which students
partner with outside organizations working
on a real world problem. Students work
in teams to come up with solutions the
participating organizations could put into
practice immediately.
CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS
Co-curricular activities are carefully planned
to augment the curriculum. Sixth and seventh
graders take an annual “S.E.E.” (Study,
Experience, Explore) trip to such destinations
as the Olympic Peninsula or the Oregon Coast.
Eighth graders encounter the “Seattle
Challenge,” an intense, three-day experience
bringing them face-to-face with urban
homelessness.
In the fall of their ninth grade year, students
read Homer’s The Odyssey, as a study of
the human experience. They deepen their
understanding of these works’ messages with
a two-night outdoor excursion, during which
the major points of the story become quite
apparent. Students assume responsibility for
the trip planning and making decisions, with
faculty remaining in the background.
Sophomores attend the Shakespeare Festival
in Ashland, Oregon. Juniors tour colleges each
spring. Seniors spend six-weeks on a Senior
Project outside of school.
Other trips, retreats, and activities designed
to enhance course work, the individual, or
the life of the school community, are planned
throughout each year.
EXTRACURRICULAR
OPPORTUNITIES
Extracurricular opportunities are many and
varied. As a member of the Emerald City
“A” Athletic League, SAAS competes in
interscholastic basketball, cross country,
golf, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, track and field,
Ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, and wrestling. With
Seattle Academy’s commitment to participation
and excellence, all students can participate on
state-title-winning varsity teams, junior varsity
teams, or middle school teams, at all levels of
skill and experience.
Other extracurricular activities include Student
Government, Bee Club, Squash, a Student
Newspaper, Dance, Vocal, Theatre, Math Club,
Robotics, Science Club, Model UN, Mock Trial,
Speech and Debate, Environmental Club,
Economics Club, Four Corners Diversity Club,
Youth Legislature, and travel adventures to
locales such as Africa, Alaska, China, Costa
Rica, France, New Orleans, India, Italy,
Southwest United States, Turkey, and Vietnam.
CURRICULUM BY DEPARTMENT | PAGE 6