Spring Street School also has a very distinct Educational Philosophy.

MIDDLE SCHOOL
All middle school students take classes in the four core curricular areas:

MATH: The program divides an individualized approach to developing mastery of a defined sequence of skills, beginning with pre-algebra. High school credit may be earned in Algebra I and Geometry. Emphasis is on both calculations and grasp of concepts. An effort is made to adapt teaching methods to the student's learning style.

LANGUAGE ARTS: The program emphasizes the development of reading and writing skills throughout the middle school years. The study of grammar leads to paragraph construction and essay writing skills, with exposure to basic multiple-source research skills. Reading material is selected based on a balance between high-interest and literary value. Special emphasis is given to Latin in the 6th grade and drama in the 7th and 8th grades.

SCIENCE: The program provides a survey of general science curricula and emphasizes the development of problem solving skills, use of the scientific method, observation and data collection techniques. The primary focus for 6th graders is on developing a sense of place, making observations of nature through seasonal change; for 7th graders, on lab procedures and field studies in earth science; and for 8th graders on the extension of the scientific method to physical science.

SOCIAL STUDIES: The history and social studies program for middle school pursues both content and skill objectives. In 6th grade, content focuses on the exploration of World Cultures; in 7th grade, on Washington State history and the early history of the Americas; and in 8th grade, on United States history. The content of these classes is defined to develop cultural literacy and develop and broaden cultural perspectives. Additional skill objectives are defined to help students learn to analyze issues and form opinions as informed and open-minded citizens.

Other classes offered to middle school students include:

SPANISH I (High School credit available): an introduction to comprehension of, and communication in, both written and spoken Spanish, including exposure to Spanish speaking cultures of the world.

COMPUTERS: a curriculum designed to provide a vehicle for students to pursue innovative strategies for learning that make use of the latest computer-based technologies. Initial emphasis is on hands-on use of the equipment to teach familiarity with terminology, Windows NT/98, touch-typing, and word processing. Students are then guided to use the tools, strategies and forms of collaboration that replicate the ways in which adults pursue their work. Projects cross curriculum boundaries, as students are encouraged to naturally integrate art, history, geography, mathematics, science, music, literature, and languages into relevant projects in other areas of academic pursuit.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH: A wide variety of activities is provided in a supportive environment to foster physical fitness and encourage informed, healthy lifestyle choices.

ART: Two-dimensional and three-dimensional projects are designed to provide exposure to a wide variety of media and techniques, and to support learning in core curricular areas.

HIGH SCHOOL
High school students continue their studies in the four curricular areas, begin or continue foreign language instruction, and are offered opportunities to pursue a variety of course electives, while fulfilling the graduation requirements noted below. A challenging curriculum in each area is designed to stimulate intellectual inquiry, develop academic and cognitive skills appropriate to success in a college setting, and hold students accountable for meeting established standards. The program is responsive to students' identified learning priorities and interests and encourages them to assume increasing responsibility for their own learning.

MATH (4 years required): The individualized approach established in Middle School continues throughout Algebra II. College-bound students will often continue with classes in Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus and Calculus, with some students earning AP credit and preparing to take an Advanced Placement exam in Calculus. Juniors and seniors who have mastered Algebra II may elect to meet the remaining math requirement with courses in business math, practical or technical applications, or computer science.

ENGLISH (4 years required): The program provides continued emphasis on reading and writing skills as the content and forms of expression become increasingly sophisticated. Research skills continue to be developed, with a first exposure to primary research in 9th grade that is further developed in the upper grades, in conjunction with overseas travel or Winterim's project learning, and culminating in a required senior project. Exposure to literary classics, including a variety of Shakespeare's plays, is balanced with a study of contemporary and multi-cultural literature. Some students will prepare to take the Advanced Placement exams in English Language and Composition and English Literature and Composition.

SCIENCE (3 years required, minimum 2 lab) An extension of the basic skills of inquiry established in middle school is applied to intensive study in Biology in 9th grade. Most students will continue with studies in Chemistry and Physics, though individual sequences may vary according to credits earned in other settings, and/or individual learning priorities. A Geology class is also offered, and classes in astronomy and environmental science are also under consideration. Some students will earn AP credit and and prepare to take the Advanced placement exam in Physics.

SOCIAL STUDIES (4 years required): Classes offered include: U.S. History (if requirement not met in middle school), World History, Civics, Constitutional History, World Affairs, Psychology, Economics, and World Religions. Some students earn AP credit and prepare for the AP exams in Psychology, Economics, and may prepare for exams in American Government and/or European History. The first general objective of this sequence is to ensure that students develop a level of cultural literacy sufficient to prepare them for advanced study at the college level. This sequence also seeks to develop in students a pattern of applying critical thinking skills to social issues, as students are encouraged to recognize themselves as capable and active participants in their community, and in the world.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE (3 years required): Most students take classes in Spanish I, II, and III; some will prepare for an Advanced Placement exam in Spanish. A few students take other languages on an independent study basis.

Other classes offered to enable students to earn the 23 total credits required for graduation include:
Physical Education and Health, Art, Photography, and a variety of computer classes. The Crossroads program offers students an opportunity to pursue internships and areas of study not covered in the Spring Street School course offerings. Juniors and seniors may elect to earn college credits through individual learning contracts with Evergreen State College developed in conjunction with our overseas study programs in Central America and Asia or through participation in Washington State's Running Start program.