The Upper School, which encompasses Grades 9 through 12, completes
the program of college preparation at the Academy. As students
transition from the Middle to the Upper School, learning continues to
be authentic and engaging with rigorous curriculum offerings at three
levels: college preparatory, honors, and advanced placement. Dialogue
and interchange between teachers and students are hallmarks of the
Upper School, where the focus moves from subject mastery to
higher-order thinking skills. In this unique setting, students have the
opportunity to develop their individual talents and creativity through
a carefully sequenced and integrated curriculum.
The Upper
School program provides an excellent academic curriculum as well as
varied athletic, artistic and leadership opportunities. It fields a
variety of athletic teams; provides opportunities in the performing
arts, including band, chorus and theater productions; and offers
numerous co-curricular offerings to develop leadership ability.
Students compete and consistently win in divisional, regional, and
statewide academic and athletic competitions, including previous
recognition in the Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE)
and Rube Goldberg contests.
With a rigorous academic program,
four-year college guidance, weekly assembly period, peer mentoring
program, and standardized test review preparation, our students are
accepted at the nation's best colleges and universities, including
Brown, Harvard, Princeton, Dartmouth, Stanford, the University of
Illinois - Champaign/Urbana, University of Pennsylvania, University of
Chicago, Northwestern, Williams, M.I.T. and the Naval Academy.
In
the Upper School, students can customize their curriculum to meet
individual needs, interests and abilities. With a variety of academic
and co-curricular offerings, students can excel in learning
opportunities in and out of the classroom. Hypothesis, experimentation,
and conclusion are the focus of science classes, over nomenclature.
Numerical reasoning rather than solution becomes the goal of
mathematics. In history, facts give way to reasons and social
understanding. While mastery is still the focus of foreign language,
students approach fluency in real language situations. In English,
students are exposed to a large sample of the best works of literature
and learn to communicate concisely and precisely. In addition to its
core courses, the Upper School offers exciting opportunities in the
visual and performing arts with two full-length productions in fall and
spring. The new Global Scholars program prepares students to serve and
lead as stewards in the world, and to promote environmental awareness,
global thinking, and local action. Whether taking on a leadership role
in a school club or organization, participating in service learning
projects, or volunteering in service opportunities locally or around
the world, Upper School students exemplify the Academy’s commitment to
excellence as independent thinkers and global leaders of the 21st
century.
Approximately 80% of the Academy’s faculty hold master’s degrees or higher in the disciplines they teach.
The Academy’s nationally recognized faculty has received numerous awards including:
Two Tandy Technology Scholars
A Golden Apple Finalist
Thoreau Scholar
Other faculty members have been named
Rockefeller Foundation Fellow
AT&T Fellow Illinois Humanities Scholar
Liberty Foundation Scholar
National Endowment for the Humanities Scholar
An
overall student/faculty ratio of 7:1 allows for mutual respect between
teachers and students, which encourages a free exchange and expression
of thoughts and ideas. College Guidance Staff Tom Drahozal, Dean of the Upper School Matt Sheahan, Director of College Counseling Denise Boswell, Dean of Academics
Morgan Park Academy's academic curriculum is at the heart of all our students' learning. The curriculum is integrated, progressing by grade, and in many cases accelerated programs are available.
College counseling at MorganParkAcademy begins even before the freshman year, when
students meet with their advisors to plan a course of study for their UpperSchool careers. In addition, the college
counselor meets with students in their freshman and sophomore years to
administer the EXPLORE and PLAN exams , and
to discuss their results.
College advising becomes much more focused beginning in a student’s
junior year. In addition to taking the PSAT, students also participate in a
required weekly seminar – College 101 – that walks students through the college
application process. At the conclusion of the seminar, students should have a
draft of their personal statement and resume, and a solid game plan for
beginning the college application process in their senior year.
In the senior year, students regularly meet individually and in small
groups with the college counselor, and with the dozens of colleges and
universities that visit our campus to recruit our students. Evening seminars are
also available to parents, to talk about college applications and the financial
aid process. Parents are also given access to Family Connection, our online
support for career and college counseling. Family Connection tracks programs the
students are considering, and the status of student applications, among other
features. All told, MorganParkAcademy’s college guidance
faculty members spend about 25 hours with each student and family, supporting
them through this critical time.
The Results Are Clear
The results are clear. For example, the Class of 2009 collectively
submitted nearly 340 applications to colleges and universities around the nation
and internationally. In one of the most competitive college recruiting seasons
on record, approximately 80% of all applications from MorganParkAcademy seniors were accepted, including
applications to some of the most selective institutions in the
nation.
I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework. - Lily Tomlin as "Edith Ann"
At Morgan Park Academy, our teachers do far more than teach facts or school subjects. We cultivate our mission through our students’ learning every day in the classroom. Character education is both respected and reinforced through teachers’ daily interactions with students.
Morgan Park Academy is placing more importance on its advisory program throughout the entire school. The idea that all students have someone advocating for them and guiding them through their education is crucial to their success, and plays a vital role in helping them feel part of a caring community. Having this “special faculty member” looking out for students is valuable at every grade level.
Every Upper School student chooses an advisor group to join, which is led by an Academy teacher. Each coeducational advisor group has eight to 10 students in the same grade. Advisor groups meet twice a month, with the purpose of sharing the challenges and milestones the students encounter on their educational journeys.
The Advisor Program strengthens student-teacher relationships, and keeps our community healthy. Advisors nurture, advocate for, and guide their advisees, and in return, students learn to share with a group of peers, and develop time management, organizational and team-building skills. The advisees develop a group affiliation, make personal connects with, and build academic and interpersonal skills within their group.
To balance academics, there are many co-curricular activities for students to engage:
Clubs and organizations include: Student Council, National Junior Honor
Society,
Leadership Council, Chorus, Band, French Club, Spanish Club, Yearbook,
Math Club, Science Club, Sign Language Club, and Chess Club, and many more.
The performing arts program stages a full-length production each year.
The Academy is a member of the Independent School League and
plays a regular season with member schools consisting of both home and
away games.
Middle School athletic teams include soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball, and baseball.
Morgan Park Academy students are college-bound, and with rare exceptions, such as actor and 2009 graduate Maestro Harrell’s decision to pursue his promising career in Hollywood, 100% of our students enroll in higher education.
The Class of 2009 included two National Merit Commended Students. Over
the past nine years, Morgan Park Academy has had nine National Merit
Scholarship Finalists, four Semi-Finalists, 30 Commended Students, five
National Achievement Scholarship Finalists, and four National Hispanic
Scholar Finalists.
• Students’ ACT and SAT scores are well above the National and State averages. • Opportunity to earn non-Honor’s Credit in required courses. Fourteen AP courses and 10 Honors courses offered. • Four-year graduation requirement in English; three-years in history, math and science; two-years in world languages • 100 percent graduation rate, with 99 percent of students going on to college. • Writing is done extensively throughout Upper School and the writing process is stressed. • Research is continued throughout Upper School with added demands on skills, understanding and independence. • More than 60 percent of Upper School students achieve Honor Roll or High Honor Roll. • Students studying French regularly receive recognition in the National French Contest.
Reflects enrichment:
• Hands-on science is emphasized in the Upper School. • Simulation-based learning projects help students gain a deeper knowledge of topics. • Eleven varsity sports are offered. • Music, art, fine arts and physical education are part of the regular curriculum and taught by subject specialists. • Students can be involved in two major dramatic performances each year. • Students can join organizations such as WYSE, Model UN, Mock Trials, Band and Chorus.
Reflects global perspectives and understanding:
• Global Scholars program enhances students’ global awareness and involvement. • Diverse student body celebrates Diwali, Ramadan, Eid and more. • International Day is an extensive educational project in Upper School involving research, planning and sharing cultural knowledge. • Social studies is taught throughout the Upper School. Areas of study include local, US and world history, and current national and world events. • Electives in all disciplines allow for a deeper analysis of the subject matter.
Reflects individualization:
• College and wellness counseling programs to meet student needs. • Advisors work closely with students and families. • Students choose from a variety of electives in all disciplines. • Projects are used in addition to traditional assessment in order to allow for varied learning styles and strengths. • AP and Honors sections are offered in many courses. • Accelerated mathematics materials are used at all grade levels. • Open-ended and student-chosen activities, including writing projects, allow for varying developmental levels and abilities.
Reflects state-of-the art in education:
• Curriculum is updated on a regular basis to address student needs. • Program stresses a multi-disciplinary approach to science and social studies in addition to English, mathematics, world languages and fine arts. • Computers and SMARTBoards are used in the classroom and students continue to develop computer skills.
Learning flourishes in environments where students are
encouraged to go beyond the normal classroom routine to explore their
intellectual curiosity and express their individual interests and talents. The
Academy’s Upper School supports this throughout the school year through a
number of activities and events.
During New Student Orientation, all students spend a day at
Iron Oaks with the Student Council. The program stresses interdisciplinary
activities in an outdoor setting. Students are instructed by trained counselors
in the areas of orienteering and teamwork, among other topics. Students gain
leadership skills and challenge themselves individually, but also learn to bond
as a group.
During 10th Grade, students can apply for an
exchange program with the Sutton Valence School in England. Students who are
selected spend several weeks attending classes and living in the dorms at
Sutton Valence. Later in the school year, students from Sutton Valence travel
to Chicago to attend classes at Morgan Park Academy, hosted by Academy families.
Academy students have many opportunities to travel overseas
during Project Week. In the past, faculty have led trips of students to venture
to such destinations as Turkey, England, Africa, Spain, France, Norway, Costa
Rica, Mexico, Germany, Italy, Hungary and the Czech Republic. Students have the
chance to have hands-on learning about different cultures.
Besides overseas destinations for Project Week, many
domestic trips are available. In the past, students have gone dog sledding in
Maine, kayaking through the Florida Keys, on Habitat for Humanity trips to New
Orleans and Arizona, and college-based visits to Los Angeles and New Orleans,
as well as trips to New York City and Boston. Students staying in Chicago for
Project Week have gone to stunt school, attended stand-up comedy workshops at
Second City, attended a variety of theater shows, attended gymnastics camp, and
learned about the legal system and Chicago’s own CSI program.
Morgan Park Academy offers
a rigorous liberal arts, college-preparatory education which has a
carefully sequenced and integrated curriculum that promotes the
development of individual talent and creativity.
The 36-week
school year is divided into semesters by the winter recess, although most courses are year-long. All academic classes meet five periods per
week (including double periods) for a minimum of 200 minutes a week.
Laboratory classes meet an additional 80 minutes per week. One credit is
granted for successful completion for each year of course work for each
major academic subject. Quarter or half credit is granted in minor
subjects.
A minimum of 21.5 major course credits are required for graduation. Of this number, 16.5 must be as follows:
Students
are strongly encouraged to earn 4 credits in the 5 major academic
disciplines. All students are required to carry 5 major
courses per year, while most juniors and seniors carry 6.
Additional
major credits are available in elective courses in all disciplines. All
major courses are offered at three levels: College Prep; Honors; and
Advanced Placement (AP). Minor credits are available in art workshop,
band, chorus, computer applications, drama workshop, journalism, and
physical education.
Courses Offered
English English 1, English 1 Honors Literature (study by genre and the mechanics of composition) English 2, English 2 Honors Literature (study by theme and genre, analysis, expository and creative writing) English 3, English 3 Honors (American literature and critical writing) English 4, English 4 Honors (College-level composition and literature) English Literature AP English Language AP
Full-year electives Creative writing Journalism (1/2 credit) Novels into Films Speech Yearbook (1/2 credit)
Full-year electives AB Calculus AP BC Calculus AP Statistics AP
Science Laboratory Science (Integrated physics and chemistry) Biology Honors Chemistry Honors Full-year electives Biology AP Chemistry AP Physics Honors
One-Semester electives Introduction to Biology AP Principles of Genetics Astronomy Science in the Frontiers History & Social Studies World History, World History H US History US History AP
History and Social Studies
Full-year electives US Government AP Comparative Government AP Humanities 2 History Lab (1/2 credit)
One-Semester electives Political Science 1 Political Science 2 Geography of the Developing World World Religions Global Issues
Foreign Language French 1, French 1 Honors French 2, French 2 Honors French 3, French 3 Honors French 4 Honors French 4 AP Language French 5 Honors French 5 AP Literature
Spanish 1, Spanish 1 Honors Spanish 2, Spanish 2 Honors Spanish 3, Spanish 3 Honors Spanish 4 Honors Spanish 4 AP Language Spanish 5 Honors Spanish 5 AP Literature
Visual and Performing Arts Foundations in Art and Music
Full-year electives Studio Art 1 Studio Art 2 Studio Art AP Studio Art Workshop (1/2 credit)
One-Semester electives Acting 1 Acting 2 Acting 3 Band (1/2 credit) Chorus (1/2 credit) Documentary Filmmaking Drama Workshop 1 Drama Workshop 2 Introduction to Film Studies
Grading System Morgan
Park Academy reports grades on a 4.0 scale. We do recognize exceptional
performance in classroom with a grade of A+. As such it is possible
that some students may have a cumulative GPA just above a 4.0.
Due
to the overall challenge and competitiveness of our standard college
preparatory curriculum, as well as our expectations of excellence from
all of our students, Morgan Park Academy elects not to weight grades.
For those same reasons, as well as our small class sizes, we do not
believe class rank is an effective method to evaluate our students. As
such we do not rank our students beyond recognition of Valedictorian
and Salutatorian standing. If there are questions regarding this
grading system, please contact the Dean of Academics.
Upper School students may elect, or may be placed in, courses
which are officially pre-designated as Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Students
pursue these academically challenging courses and exams to earn college credit
or advanced placement. If the student completes the course and takes the
Advanced Placement examination, the AP designation will automatically be entered
on the permanent record card. (Note: All students enrolled in AP
courses are required to take AP examinations. If, because of emergency, the exam
cannot be taken, the AP designation on the permanent record card will be
removed.)
Morgan Park Academy offers the following Advanced Placement
courses: Biology AP, Chemistry AP, English Language and Composition AP, French
Language AP, French Literature AP, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Statistics and
Probability AP, Spanish Language AP, Spanish Literature AP, United States
History AP, Studio Art AP, Government and Politics: Comparative AP, Geography
AP. Detailed course information can be found in the Curriculum
Guide.
The requirements for earning the AP designation in a course
not pre-designated as Advanced Placement are as follows:
Student has written the appropriate Advanced Placement
examination
A grade of 2.7 (80%) or higher
The successful completion of additional work as specified by
each department
Note: Faculty will notify the Upper School Office in
writing of such situations. A student not enrolled in an AP designated course
who takes the AP exam is not automatically exempt from taking a final
examination.
Honors Designated Courses
Upper School students may be enrolled in courses which are
officially pre-designated as Honors courses. If the student completes the
course, the “H” designation will automatically be entered on the permanent
record card.
Morgan Park Academy offers the following Honors courses:
English 3 H, Algebra 2 H, Pre-Calculus H, Lab Science H, Foreign Language 4 H,
Biology H, Foreign 5 H (non AP), Chemistry H, Geometry H, Physics H.
Students may earn honors credit in other required courses but
must fulfill departmentally established standards in order to earn such
designation. Individual teachers must notify students in writing of the criteria
for earning honors credit. Honors credit will be placed on the student’s
transcript at the completion of the school year.
Note: Faculty will notify the Upper School Office in
writing in such a situation.
Along with a rigorous academic program and strong
co-curricular and athletic offerings, a number of unique opportunities
exist for students to learn beyond the traditional classroom setting.
The
Global Scholars Program is a new student leadership program that emphasizes cultural
education, cultural exchange, service, and environmental
sustainability. This program integrates curricular and co-curricular
activities; graduating students will be designated Global Citizens.
Students may also opt to earn the additional Diplomat diploma designation, or the
highest-ranking Ambassador diploma designation by concentrating their studies and
activities, and in the case of the Ambassador diploma, completing a
capstone project in their senior year.
The Global Scholars
Program includes Project Week, which is an opportunity for students and
faculty to learn outside the classroom together. Held in February,
Upper School students and faculty have traveled to Greece, taught
children in Tanzania, dog-sledded in northern Minnesota, cooked ethnic
foods at the Dean’s home, and built houses for Habitat for Humanity,
and much more.
Two service-learning days are intregal to the
Global Scholars program, as well as other service opportunities
coordinated by the director of service learning. During service-learning days, students and faculty participate in a variety of
community service events. Students must each complete eight service days in
their Upper School careers.
Students have many opportunities to
lead. Students may participate in the Honor Council, which enforces the
Academy’s honor code. Students may become members of the
Student-Faculty Assembly Committee. Seniors may participate in the Peer
Mentoring Program, providing peer and individual support for the
freshman class. Students may also become members of the Student
Council, working closely with the Dean to create positive change within
the school.
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