Tenth Grade Curriculum

Tenth grade students begin to compare and contrast ideas, asking themselves (and their teachers), “How are these different?” For example, in their study of Native American cultures, the characteristics of the Northern and Southern tribes are compared; on the trip that is an integral part of the block, students experience the ancient spiritual traditions and ask themselves, “How could these universal truths of respect and compassion be carried into our modern daily life?” In American Documents, they explore the questions “How were these documents created?” and “How have the themes evolved over the centuries and how are they still applicable to modern political life?”

Tenth graders often find themselves feeling somewhat disconnected and restless; our curriculum meets that state of being with dynamic academics, beginning in the fall with the Native American Traditions block and ending in the spring with Geology, a week of which is conducted outside, mornings spent rafting the San Juan River and afternoon classes held in the towering geologic formations surrounding them.