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In the course listings that follow, each class is worth one unit unless otherwise noted.
English
Graduation requirement: 4 units
Students are introduced to the fundamental
principles of critical reading and
effective writing. Writing skills are stressed through formal grammar
instruction, vocabulary development, written compositions, and peer editing.
Analytical as well as creative writing is developed beyond the format of the
five paragraph essay. Various literary genres are studied as students are
exposed to classical writings as well as contemporary authors.
- Introduction to Literature and Composition
- British Literature
- Advanced British Literature
- American
Literature
- AP English Language and Literature
- World Literature
- AP Literature and Composition
- Journalism
- Advanced Journalism
- Creative Writing
Fine and Performing Arts
Graduation requirement: 2 units
Basic concepts and techniques of visual and studio arts are introduced as
students create their own works and move toward a critical understanding and
appreciation of others’ work as well as their own. Opportunities are available
to explore many media in order to develop interests and abilities. Performing
art offerings allow students to experience being onstage or behind the scenes
through various music and acting productions.
-
Foundations of Visual Art
- Drama I
- Drama II
-
Advanced Drama
- Vocal Arts Ensemble
- Advanced Vocal Ensemble
- Studio Art I
-
Studio Art II
- AP Studio Art
- Ceramics
- Advanced Ceramics
- Handbells
- Painting I
- Advanced Painting
- Photography
- Advanced
Photography
- Graphic Design
-
Independent Study in Fine and Performing
Arts
- AP Art History
Foreign Language
Graduation requirement: 3 consecutive years of the same language
Foundations in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing are
emphasized in both the French and Spanish programs. Classes are conducted
entirely in the foreign language, helping with exposure to grammar and
vocabulary. Students also develop an awareness of culture, tradition, and
civilization. Literature is stressed as the language skills become more
developed.
Students who study Latin are introduced to the fundamentals of the language
through the study of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. Emphasis is placed on
derivatives, enhancing the student’s overall vocabulary. Roman history and the
cultural background of Roman life are also introduced.- French I
- French II
- French III
- French IV
- French V
- AP French Language
- AP French Literature
- Spanish I
- Spanish II
- Spanish III
- Spanish IV
- Spanish V
- AP Spanish Language
- AP Spanish Literature
- Latin I
- Latin II
- Latin III
- Latin IV
- AP Latin Vergil
- AP Latin Literature
History and Social Sciences
Graduation requirement: 3 units
Students are introduced to world history in order to gain a long-range
perspective on world culture and geographical concepts. Major historical trends
and events are emphasized, concentrating on social, intellectual, and economic
revolutions. The nature and development of such political systems such as
democracy, fascism, and totalitarianism are also analyzed. In addition to
mastering the basic facts, concepts, and themes of history, students engage in
abstract reasoning, critical reading of the
major historians, analytical and research
writing, debate and oral presentation, current
events analysis, and historical research.
- World History I
- World History II
- World History II - Honors
- U.S. Government
and Politics/Introduction to Economics
- U.S. History
- AP U.S. History
- AP U.S. Government/AP Comparative Government
- Anthropology and Archeology
- Psychology/Race & Ethnicity
-
Psychology/Women’s Studies
- Psychology/Sociology
- Holocaust Studies/Contemporary Genocide
- AP European History
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking
- Yearbook
- Advanced Publications
- AP Art History
Mathematics
Graduation requirement: 3 units
Students begin with the
fundamentals of either algebra or geometry
(depending on their previous math exposure),
gaining a strong skill base. From this
foundation, students begin to explore more
analytical forms of study including:
trigonometry, exponential and logarithmic
functions, statistical inference, and
exploratory analysis. Finding practical
applications for math in everyday life helps
students strengthen their knowledge and
appreciation for the subject.
- Algebra I
- Algebra II
- Algebra II with Analysis
- Algebra II with Precalculus – Honors
- Geometry
-
Advanced Geometry
- Precalculus
- Precalculus with Analysis – Honors
- Precalculus and Differential Calculus – Honors
- Statistical and Mathematical Concepts
- AP Statistics
- Calculus Concepts
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- Multivariable Calculus – Honors
Computer Science
New Courses for Mathematics
- Computer Programming I
- AP Computer Science
Physical Education
Graduation requirement (beginning with the class of
2007):
1 unit
Students can fulfill this requirement with a combination of
activities listed below. The marking system is pass/fail and is not
computed into the student’s GPA.
Athletic Sports: Visit our
Athletics page.
Lifetime Fitness Classes: Lifetime fitness classes are offered
to students outside the academic class schedule. The elective
offerings may include Jazzercise© and strength training, karate, and
yoga.
Independent Study in Physical Education
Designed for students who are involved in an organized sport or
dance outside of Stone Ridge, this course enables those who
participate in a sport or dance to qualify for credit following 120
clock hours of practice and competition, not including travel time.
The activity must be instructional in nature and one that is not
offered by Stone Ridge on the level the student is performing.
Practice sessions must be supervised. Students applying for this
credit must submit practice schedules and competition
information/results prior to receiving credit.
Science
Graduation requirement: 3 units
The requirement in the science curriculum includes a biology
course as well as at least one physical science course. The inquiry
approach is applied throughout the program, with double class
periods used for labs once a week. Many of the course offerings have
a heavy basis in math and cover a variety of topics. Focus is placed
on the application of theories to real world situations, enhancing
the students understanding of the subject.
First Academic Science Courses: Biology placement is based on
previous work in science, mathematics, and reading comprehension as
well as standardized test scores.
- Physics I
-
Biology
-
Advanced Biology
Second Academic Science Courses: Chemistry placement is determined
by the science department in consultation with the math department.
-
Chemistry
-
Chemistry – Honors
Third and Fourth Academic Science Courses: It is generally
recommended that students take one of the introductory physics
courses during the Third Academic year and, if desired, pursue one
of the science electives during the Fourth Academic year. Some
students, however, may wish to reverse this order or take more than
one science course in either the Third or Fourth Academic. A few
students may also wish to undertake summer lab research for academic
credit. Such decisions should be made on an individual basis after
consultation with the student’s advisor, the Science Department, and
the Assistant Head of the Upper School for Academic Life.
-
Physics
-
Physics – Honors
-
Environmental Science
-
Astronomy
-
Human Anatomy and Physiology
-
Molecular Biology and Biochemistry – Honors
-
AP Biology
-
AP Physics
- Independent Laboratory Research (One-half unit)
Theology
Graduation requirement: 2 units (4 consecutive years)
The theology courses have as their goal the education of Christian
women to recognize the ministry, mission, and love of Jesus Christ.
Emphasis is given to the universal mission of all humanity to build
a just world in response to the gospel message. To accomplish this,
each course presents an integration of sacred scripture, social
ethics, Church teachings, sacramental theology and Christology.
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Scripture:
An Introduction to the Holy Bible
(One-half unit) -
Christian Morality (One-half unit)
-
History of Theology and the Sacraments (One-half unit)
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World Religions (One-half unit)
-
Advanced Ethics (One-half unit)
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Faith and the Artistic Imagination (One-half unit)
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Social Justice and Catholic Teaching (One-half unit)
-
Contemporary Issues in Catholic Theology (One-half unit)
Consortium Courses
Courses are offered by the Bethesda Independent Schools’
Consortium: Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, Connelly School
of the Holy Child, Holton-Arms School, Landon School, and St.
Andrew’s Episcopal School and Bullis School. Courses meet at one of the member
schools, typically three days a week from 7:15 to 8:00 a.m. Students
in these courses are usually drawn from among the most able students
at member schools.
Each year the Consortium determines the total enrollment per course
and the number of students admitted to each. Admission to consortium
courses is dependent upon good academic standing, recommendation of
the appropriate academic department, and consultation with the
Director of Studies. Admission is normally restricted to members of
the Fourth Academic.
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AP Art History
-
AP Economics
- Middle Eastern Studies
- AP Psychology
-
AP French Literature
-
Multivariable Calculus
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