Upper School Head Rick Kirschner

Oak Hall's Upper School curriculum is a challenging, college preparatory program consisting of a core curriculum and a wide range of electives. Building on the strong foundation established in the Middle School, this program prepares students for acceptance and success in competitive colleges and for success in life beyond college. Honors and Advanced Placement courses are offered in every academic department. Many semester- and year-long electives are also offered.

Oak Hall has high expectations for all students. Upper School classes emphasize both mastery of specific content and the skills necessary for success in college and in the years after college. These skills include self-reliance, critical reading and thinking, effective oral and written communications, problem solving, research techniques, and the use of technology as a tool in the acquisition of knowledge.

Beyond the core courses of English, history, math, science, and foreign language, students are encouraged to develop their aesthetic dimension through participation in a variety of art, music, and drama classes. They are also encouraged to participate in the school's athletic and outdoors programs in order to acquire an appreciation for physical fitness, cooperation, and the natural environment.

Graduation Requirements

All students must earn twenty-four credits in grades nine through twelve. They must be enrolled in and successfully pass a minimum of six courses earning six credits each year. If a student does not successfully earn six credits, they may be required to attend summer school or make up the credit in some other way. Additionally, students must take four academic courses (defined as offerings from the English, History, Math, Science, and Foreign Language departments plus all AP classes) each semester.

I. English: 4 credits required.

• English I
• English II
• English III
• English IV

English I and II are offered at the Honors and college preparatory levels. English for juniors and seniors is offered at the Advanced Placement and college preparatory levels.

II. History: 3 credits required.

• American Government
• World History
• U.S. History

American Government and World History are taught at the Honors and college preparatory levels. U.S. History is taught at the Advanced Placement and college preparatory levels.

III. Mathematics: 3 credits required.

• Algebra I (may be completed in Middle School)
• Geometry (may be completed in Middle School)
• Algebra II

Algebra II and Geometry are taught at the Honors and college preparatory levels.

IV. Science: 3 credits required.

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Science Elective

Biology, chemistry, and physics are offered at the Advanced Placement, Honors, and college preparatory levels.

V. Foreign Language: 2 credits in the same language in the Upper School required.

• Latin I and II or French I and II or
• Spanish I and II

Students completing Level I in the Middle School are still required to complete two years of the same language in the Upper School.

VI. Fine Arts: 0.5 credit required from any of the following:

• Art I 
• Drama
• Drawing and Painting 
• Instrumental Music
• Graphic Design 
• Advanced Instrumental Music
• Computer Animation 
• Music Technology
• Photography 
• Video Production
• Ceramics I-II 
• Vocal Performance
• Sculpture AP 
• Studio Art
• Acting 
• String Ensemble
• 3-D Art

VII. Health and Physical Education: 0.5 credit of each required.

VIII. Computer Applications: 0.5 credit required. 

This requirement may be satisfied with the Middle School computer class or by examination.

Grading Procedures

Oak Hall School operates on a two-semester academic calendar, with two grading periods (quarters) each semester. The semester grade is determined by assigning 40% weight to each of the two quarters and 20% to the semester examination. Semester exams are given in all courses except performance and computer classes. Only the semester grade is recorded on the student's permanent record. One-half credit is awarded for each passing grade earned.

The school reports letter grades on report cards, transcripts, and teacher comments. Grade point averages (GPAs) are determined on a 4.0 scale. For computing GPA, Advanced Placement courses are weighted 1.0, and Honors courses are weighted .5. A percentage equivalent is included in the following chart:

Honors and Advanced Placement Courses

To qualify for Honors and Advanced Placement courses students must meet criteria established by each department. Students who then elect to take these courses must maintain a C average in the current course. Students earning a D or below will be placed on probation in that course for one quarter in order to allow them to raise their average to a C. Students who are enrolled in Advanced Placement courses are expected to take the AP examination, which is administered by the College Board in May. Students are normally limited to four AP classes each semester.

Dual Enrollment

Qualified Upper School juniors and seniors may be dually enrolled for both college and high school credit in courses offered at Santa Fe Community College and at the University of Florida. Oak Hall will permit these courses to satisfy only those graduation requirements outside the core curriculum. Students should plan to take no more than two dual enrollment courses per semester, and grades earned in these courses, while listed on the transcript, will not be computed into Oak Hall's grade point average. Each semester dual enrollment course will be awarded ½ high school credit. Arrangements to participate in dual enrollment must be confirmed at least two weeks prior to the beginning of each semester.

A junior or senior enrolled in four or more Advanced Placement and/or approved college dual enrollment courses in either first or second semester or both semesters may opt to enroll in only five credit-bearing courses. That student must have enough previous credits to be on track to meet the Oak Hall graduation requirement of twenty-four.

Independent Study

Independent Study exists as an option for highly motivated and responsible seniors. The purpose of this option is to allow students to explore an area of special academic interest, that is not offered at Oak Hall School, or to pursue work in a subject at a more advanced level than we offer. In many cases the Dual Enrollment option at Santa Fe Community College or the University of Florida can accommodate such special individual needs. When Dual Enrollment is not an option, Independent Study may take its place.

Independent Study projects should be proposed by the student using the proper form. The student's project must be approved by the Department Heads Council and by a sponsoring faculty member. To be approved the project must be completed independent of regular class meetings, the student and the sponsoring faculty member must meet and discuss the project at least twice a week. If credit is to be granted for the project, the student must produce a tangible product and/or sit for an examination. Independent Study projects should be planned to last one semester and should result in the equivalent of one semester's work. Deadline for approval is one week before the end of a semester.