The Waverly School: High School

Our Approach
Waverly High School is a tight-knit community offering a rigorous college preparatory program. Students thrive in an environment which values inquiry, debate and critical thinking. Teachers work closely with students to help them develop these habits in all subject areas. At Waverly, we believe that all students can be scholars. Teachers set high standards and push students to develop as intellectuals.

Curiosity and a desire to learn are the essential traits of a successful Waverly student. We want students to reflect on the world around them, interpret events with a critical eye and participate in making change. As a school, we seek to equip students with the tools necessary to have their voices heard.

Curriculum
Graduation requirements exceed the minimum entrance requirements of the University of California. The school offers a wide range of Advanced Placement courses; all courses are approved by the University of California. As a result, Waverly graduates are well-prepared for the college application process. Most importantly, the teaching habits of the Waverly faculty produce students well-prepared for the academic demands of college.

Waverly faculty members are specialists in their fields and excel at bringing out the best in their students. Teachers take an active interest in the academic progress and emotional well-being of each student. Frequent meetings about student progress allow teachers the opportunity to discuss students and develop plans to help each student succeed.

Photo by Jennifer Dakan

Assessment
Waverly believes that a focus on letter grades distracts students from the most important elements of their education. As a result, emphasis is on individual academic progress rather than a grade. Though letter grades are given, teachers write extensive narrative analyses of student work and cumulative progress twice a year. These are designed to provide insight to both students and parents into the intellectual development of each student.

Course Catalogue
Waverly High School offers an incredible variety of courses each year. The diverse talents and interests of the school’s faculty allow us to respond to the diverse talents and interests of our student body. Each year teachers plan and implement new courses. All courses are approved by the University of California.

To view descriptions of past and present courses, please click here.

College List
Waverly is a college preparatory school. Its curriculum is specifically intended to prepare the student for higher education. When we review the list of colleges and universities who accept our graduates, we think we're on the right track. Click here for a list of colleges and universities that have accepted Waverly students.

Community Service
At The Waverly School, we are committed to making a lasting contribution to our community. We believe that service reinforces the idea of respect and care for others that is a hallmark of our school’s curriculum. In addition, it reminds students of their ability to make a lasting impact on the world in which they live. All students in grades 7-12 are required to perform 15 hours of service during the school year.

Photo by Jennifer Dakan

Students, parents and faculty regularly volunteer within the school and with agencies and organizations throughout Southern California. Students organize and attend events to support environmental, political and community health organizations. Within the school, older students frequently tutor their younger peers and assist in classrooms. Several students have founded service organizations themselves.

As a school, we seek to establish long term relationships with community organizations so that students see the impact of their work over time. Our first success in this area was with Union Station Foundation, a social service agency committed to helping homeless people throughout the San Gabriel Valley. When we first announced plans to prepare a meal once a month at the shelter, 30% of our students volunteered to take part. Now middle and high school students prepare two meals per month for Union Station.

Every other school year, Waverly students in Grades 11 and 12 take an international trip with a large service component. The inaugural trip to Costa Rica in 2006-2007 included work with educational and environmental organizations. In addition, students lived with Costa Rican families and explored the natural riches that Costa Rica has to offer.