Academics

Curriculum

La Pietra combines a strong college preparatory curriculum with small classes, which assures that attention is given to individual needs in an atmosphere of mutual endeavor and inquiry. Electives are offered by all departments and Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered in both online and face-to-face formats.

Academic Information for the 2012-2013 School Year

Graduation Requirements

Total credits required for graduation are 22, and with the exception of Algebra 1 and Foreign Language Level 1 courses taken in 8th grade, credits are counted from 9th-12th grade.  In addition to total credits needed, the following course requirements must be satisfied:

English

4 credits - 1 full credit course per year in grades 9-12

Fine Arts

2 credits - One credit must be earned by completing two of the following courses: Intro to Visual Art, Intro to Theatre, or Intro to Music.  Once completed, students identify which of the three tracks they wish to follow to complete their second credit.  If the area of concentration is Visual Art, Art History must be taken in 11th or 12th grade. 

Foreign Language

3 credits - Levels 1, 2 and 3 in one language are taken consecutively.

Mathematics

3 credits - Algebra 1, Geometry, and either Algebra 2 or Algebra 2 with Trigonometry are required.  Students taking Algebra 2 are encouraged to take a 1/2 credit Trigonometry class is either 11th or 12th grade to be best prepared for the SAT.

Physical Education

2 credits - One Upper School PE course is required in each of the grade 9-12 years. 

Science

3 credits - Biology, Chemistry, and one or more additional credits in grades 11-12. 

Social Studies

3 credits - World Cultures in 9th Grade, European History in 10th grade and United States History in 11th grade. 

Electives

2 credits

Independent Project

Completion of the Independent Project by the first week of April in the junior year is required for graduation.