Tenth Grade

Process and Outcomes

The Tenth Grade year is rich in both questions and answers. From scientific inquiry to epistemology to the organization of human society, we analyze and study how things interrelate, grow, develop, function, and transform. Again and again, we return to the question, “How?” How do scientific processes work? How do historical events unfold? How did we get here? How do I learn? Process, the theme of the Tenth Grade year, is the key to understanding.

In Tenth Grade, students discover concepts in geometry like lines, points, and planes by carefully constructing the conic sections, forming a foundation for imaginative mathematical thinking. We observe our local microclimate to understand how the energy of the sun and the rotation of the earth act upon the air and water to produce weather and climate. We study poetry by learning how to write villanelles, haiku, and terza rima. We study how the U.S. government functions today by delving into its formation in the 18th and 19th centuries. 

Through a blend of core coursework, afternoon track classes, and elective offerings, the Tenth Grade curriculum covers the following subjects. (Courses marked with an asterisk are “deep dive” blocks, taught in 105-minute sessions during Morning Lesson.)

Science

• Biology: Embryology and Heredity*
• Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry*
• Physics: Mechanics*
• Earth Science: Meteorology*

Mathematics

• Geometry or Honors Geometry; Programming
• Conic Sections*

History

• Classical World Thought*

Cultural Studies: 

• Africa*

English 

• Explorations in Early Literature or Honors Explorations in Early Literature including works from ancient India, Mesopotamia, Ancient Persia, and Ancient Egypt

World Languages: 

• Spanish II or III; Mandarin II

Aesthetics: 

• Poetics*

Music and Performing Arts Electives

• Chamber Choir
• Concert Choir
• Orchestra
• Jazz Ensemble
• Beginning or Advanced Guitar
• Exploring Music
• Drum Ensemble
• Acting
• Eurythmy Troupe

10th Grade Complementary Learning

• Eurythmy
• Health
• Study Skills
• Odyssey Field Trip: a week of kayaking and camping!