Students explore the ideas and writing of some of the greatest thinkers in history, including: Aristotle, Kant, Rawls, Bok, and Goleman. Students will examine the values and principles of ethical character and decision-making.

Leadership and Personal Development is designed to explore the foundation of individual social identity, the connection of the human spirit, and the collaboration needed to work for a greater purpose. Each student will be stretched beyond her comfort zone to better understand who she is in a larger context.  The students will learn both the tangible and intangible skills necessary to lead their personal and professional lives with passion, mindfulness, empathy, and courage.

Students learn the practical skills of goal setting and project management. They also have the opportunity to lead and work in teams to develop programs and activities. The culmination of the course is the development and execution of a school program such as the mini-Student Diversity Leadership Conference or the Young Women in Leadership Workshop.

This course emphasizes the development of leadership, problem-solving and communication skills, group dynamics, and informed decision-making. Any student who wishes to apply to be a peer leader should sign up for the course on her course description sheet at course registration time. All students registering for this course must list an alternative. Students applying should be aware that, depending upon specific loads, taking Peer Leadership may cause scheduling difficulties. In the winter, juniors who wish to be considered will complete an interview process that includes an application form and a group problem-solving interview. 

This course encourages students to view essay writing as an art that instills beauty, meaning, and order to their thoughts. The Art of the Essay combines an appreciation for essays with the practical foundations for honing students’ essay writing skills.  The ability to write a short, clear piece of prose is an essential skill for college-bound students, as is the ability to logically support a written argument with evidence.  Writing college essays, including the Common Application essay and college supplemental essays, is given priority during the first weeks of class.  Additionally, students will explore and write other essays, such as the standard academic essay, essays of opinion, and persuasive essays.  Throughout the trimester, this course will give students the opportunity to explore their unique voices in writing while helping them craft well-structured pieces of prose. Because good writers must immerse themselves in good literature that will challenge and shape their ideas and style, we will also read a variety of classic essays.

Students will understand the concept of leadership through the lens by creating a thematically unified and powerful series of images. Combining images with research on social issues, students will be able to design and create photo series that raise awareness. Titles of projects include: The Photo Essay, In The News, and Photo Illustrations in Psychology; all projects will join research with photography to create art that tells stories of the human condition.

This class explores stage design; students will analyze and critique several specific plays. The class explores the design elements in set design, lighting and costume design. Area design professionals will be guest instructors. The class will create will design a production and  a present a “ Shark Tank” scenario  to theater professionals. The class will create stage/set designs and costumes designs. We will see an area play as well. This class creates theatre technical support for the eighth grade musical. Offered in 2020-2021.

In this course, students use spreadsheet software to create financial models for business loans, dividends, stock projections, resource flow, and more, all from the context of a single, course-long business project. From the first day of class, students are charged with the creation, design, and virtual execution of their own small business, to be evaluated by the Stuart business office, local entrepreneurs, and faculty. In coordination with the Campus Ministry, all student businesses are designed as sustainable and profitable models that function both economically and ethically in support of local causes.  A large emphasis is placed on mathematical modeling and spreadsheet logic, with extensions into art, design, performance, statistics, and more. 

This course explores all aspects of public speaking including informational, persuasive, entertainment speech, anddebate. This class will culminate in a formal debate using controversial and relevant issues