Academics

High School Students Working Together - Solebury School

Dear families,

At Solebury School, we believe that learning is all about the student.

Each young person walks a unique path to graduation, a path that the student shapes with support from our talented faculty and staff. Our curriculum features incredible breadth and depth so that students can dive deep in the humanities, in STEM, and in the arts. Whether the goal is to complete a multitude of AP courses, to focus on global studies, or to explore the arts, Solebury’s academic program provides rich opportunities in these areas and many more.

Regardless of the goals our students pursue, we never lose sight of the individual, valuing most of all the diverse experiences and backgrounds each member of the community brings to our vibrant learning environment.

Rick Tony
Director of Studies

 

Academic Mission

 

At Solebury School, we believe that learning is all about the student. Our distinctive and dynamic academic program guides students to discover and pursue their passions and inspires them to set and rise to rigorous expectations.

 

 

Faculty

Solebury attracts and retains excellent teachers, all of whom are knowledgeable, passionate, and committed to students. Many administrators, including the Head of School, teach as well.

 

ADVISORY

Every student is assigned a faculty advisor who serves as mentor, advocate and guide. Advisors help students develop the skills they need to achieve their potential and to be ready for college. Advisors also serve as the point of contact for parents.
 

Honors and AP Classes

We offer students a variety of opportunities to challenge themselves at the highest levels. Advanced Placement (AP) classes are offered in every discipline, including Chemistry, 2 levels of Calculus, Government and Politics, English Literature and Composition, Spanish, French, and Studio Art. Solebury students consistently demonstrate levels of mastery in AP exams that enable them to receive college credit. Students can also choose from an array of Honors classes, including Honors Science, Math, and English classes as well as Ethics and Thesis. Designed by our faculty, these courses provide a level of challenge similar to that of AP courses.
 

Electives

Solebury School offers electives in every core discipline. Created in response to student and faculty interest, more than 100 distinct electives offer students a variety of study options that rivals that of many colleges. Whether Forensics, The Arab World, Engineering, The Works of Kurt Vonnegut, Literature of the Undead, or Digital Illustration, these courses offer choices for everyone. Together, our core, AP, Honors, and elective classes allow Solebury students to stretch themselves, to mature intellectually, and to enter college with a firm sense of their interests and strengths.
 

Daily Schedule

Classes begin at 8:30am, except on Wednesdays, when the first class starts at 9:00am. These later start times complement the natural circadian rhythms of teenagers, whose circadian rhythms keep them up later at night and put them at a disadvantage first thing in the morning. Our 80-minute classes allow for deeper, more experiential learning. In addition to lectures, teachers have time for in-class activities and explorations and to follow-up and reflect on them within the same class period.
 

Academic Resources

In an academic program that balances challenge and support, support comes in a variety of forms. The bedrock piece is the availability of teachers for extra help. For those who need more structured support, but do not require a formal support program, peer tutors are available.

 

Conference Period

Four days a week there is time built into the schedule for students to meet with teachers. Seeking help – or simply checking in – is routine.

 

Writing Center

A resource for anyone at any stage in the writing process, staffed by teachers who can help students brainstorm ideas, develop a thesis statement, edit, and proofread. The Writing Center is also a quiet place to write and no reservations are required.