Graduation Requirements
The high school requires 22 credits for graduation. One credit is the equivalent of a yearlong course. Graduation requirements include:
| English | 4 credits |
| History | 4 credits |
| Math | 3 credits |
| Science | 3 credits |
| Foreign Language | 3 credits |
| Visual/Performing Arts | 2 credits |
| Advanced Coursework | 3 credits |
| Physical Education | 2 years |
| Service Learning | 60 hours |
Several courses can be taken for Advanced Placement (AP) credit. The requirements for AP include an increased and more difficult reading load, additional meeting time with the teacher, and a commitment to intense independent study. Some AP courses require a supplementary summer session. All students enrolled in an AP class must take the AP exam in order to receive AP credit on their transcripts. Furthermore, the teacher of the course must feel confident that a student has worked to the best of his/her ability and that s/he has met the requirements of the course before allowing a student to take the AP exam.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
A typical four-year program for Waverly students follows the guidelines listed below. All Waverly courses are year-long classes except where noted.
Freshman Year
English I: Ancient Literature
Algebra I or Geometry (Math)
Ancient History
Evolution of the Universe (Science)
French I or II/Spanish I or II
Visual or Performing Arts Elective (University of California Visual/Performing Arts requirement)
Wellness Seminar
Physical Education
Sophomore Year
English II: American Literature
Geometry or Algebra II (Math)
Regular or Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. History
Regular or Honors Chemistry (Science)
French II or III/Spanish II or III
Arts Elective and Enrichment (Waverly requirement)
Wellness Seminar
Physical Education
Junior Year
English III: 2 one-semester classes linked to history classes (combined junior/senior classes)
Algebra II or Pre-Calculus (Math)
History or Social Science: 2 one-semester classes linked to English classes (combined junior/senior classes)
Regular Biology or AP Biology
French III or IV/Spanish III or IV
Arts and Enrichment elective
Wellness
Senior Year
English IV: 2 one-semester classes linked to history classes (combined junior/senior classes)
Pre-Calculus, Statistics, Calculus, AP Calculus AB, or AP Calculus BC (Math)
History or Social Science: 2 one-semester classes linked to English classes (combined junior/senior classes)
Physics, AP Physics, Neuroscience, AP Environmental Science, or Physiology (courses offered depending on student enrollment)
French IV, V, or AP/Spanish IV, V, or AP
Arts and Enrichment elective
Wellness
Senior Project
SENIOR PROJECTS
As a graduation requirement, all seniors must complete a yearlong project. Working with a faculty or staff advisor, each twelfth grade student develops a concept for his/her project and turns in a proposal in November to the Senior Projects Committee for approval. Once approved, the senior continues to consult his/her advisor as he/she works to complete his/her project. At the end of May, the seniors put on presentations of their work for The Waverly School community. These projects reflect the individual senior’s interests, and have ranged from landscaping a backyard to recording a CD of original music.
STANDARDIZED TESTING
The PSAT is administered at Waverly in October. All tenth and eleventh grade students are automatically registered for the PSAT by Waverly’s testing coordinator. Results are sent to the school. The college counselor then sends individual results home. The college counselor and/or the English and math teachers discuss the results with groups, and/or with each student in individual meetings. The PSAT provides valuable experience in taking standardized tests.
Students in tenth through twelfth grades work with the registrar and college counselor to determine when to take the SAT, SAT II, and/or ACT exams.
Advanced Placement exams take place in May. All students enrolled in an AP class must take the AP exam in order to receive AP credit on their transcripts.
EXPECTED SCHOOLWIDE LEARNING RESULTS
The Waverly School prepares students to be:
Intellectually Curious and Literate Individuals Who:
• are committed to academic excellence
• work in a full range of academic disciplines
• appreciate the relationships among disciplines
• are self-directed
• reflect on and learn from experiences
• take intellectual risks
• employ study and research skills
• understand, interpret and create art
Complex Thinkers Who:
• utilize problem solving strategies
• analyze information and test ideas
• make informed choices
• generate and ask pertinent questions
• question assumptions
• apply abstract concepts to art forms
Effective Communicators Who:
• are able to express themselves verbally and in writing
• use language appropriate to the various academic disciplines
• use evidence and examples
• resolve conflicts in a peaceful and respectful manner
• listen actively
• express themselves creatively
• effectively use technology and understand both its powers and limitations
• use the arts as a form of expression
Socially, Emotionally, and Physically Healthy Individuals Who:
• exhibit personal and intellectual honesty and respect
• take responsibility for themselves and their actions
• adapt to change and solve conflicts
• define and confidently pursue goals
• choose a wise, safe, and healthy lifestyle
• work collaboratively
Responsible Global Citizens Who:
• are committed to peace, justice, and social change
• accept and respect the rights, beliefs, and cultures of others
• recognize diversity and the interdependence of all things
• actively protect the environment
• engage in the local, national and world communities