Academics

The Stamford High School partnership of administrators, faculty, and staff believes that all students can learn. We believe that we must provide a rigorous, relevant curriculum for all students that promotes critical and creative thinking and works to engage all students regardless of their varied abilities and backgrounds with an education that cultivates productive habits of mind, body and heart in every student. To do so, we must give students multiple opportunities to succeed in the high school experience as well as set high expectations for all students and hold them, and ourselves, accountable. We must also foster and maintain a culture that focuses on the importance of academics and routinely celebrates academic achievement. It is our responsibility to model lifelong learning, civic engagement, and respect and tolerance for diversity and for each other.

 

We employ a single, open curriculum with no prescribed tracking system. Over 200 courses are offered. Provided prerequisites are met, most subjects are available to students. Two college preparatory mathematics programs are offered: a traditional sequence of Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus, and a two-year course (A&B) that is equivalent to a full year of algebra and geometry. English as a Second Language (ESL) and Sheltered English programs are offered. A comprehensive special education program accommodates a full range of students with special needs. Several focused school-to-career academics augment the regular curriculum: Academy of Finance, Academy of Architecture and Engineering (housed at the Academy of Information Technology and Engineering), and a Regional Center for Agriscience and Technology (housed at Westhill High School). An Independent Study program is available. Opportunities for a volunteer experience as a Student Aid are also offered.

Achievement, test scores, and teacher recommendations determine eligibility. These courses are available in English, Geometry, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Social Studies 9, Modern World History, Civics, French and Spanish. Accelerated students in the honors program will have taken the first level of World Language.

Achievement, test scores, and teacher recommendations determine eligibility. These courses are available in English Language, English Literature, Studio Art, Art History, Music Theory, Calculus, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Government and Politics, European History, U.S. History, French, and Spanish. 241 took 418 Advanced Placement examinations in May 2010.