English

The English curriculum engenders excellence by teaching students to be sensitive and responsive readers, confident and articulate writers, logical thinkers, and effective speakers. Students learn literary analysis and interpretation through instruction, class discussions, and composition. Opportunities for creative expression emerge from responses to literature as well as from personal experience. Writing is viewed as a tool to construct meaning as well as to communicate understanding. Students write frequently. All students are required to take a one-credit course in English per year.

Languages

Foreign languages are an integral part of a sound education. Living as we do in an increasingly diverse and interdependent world, we need to develop proficiency in at least one foreign language. We seek to address and honor many ways of learning. Beginning courses emphasize the skills of listening and speaking; subsequent courses help students develop their writing, reading, and critical thinking. A library of films on video and DVD provides a valuable addition to the curriculum.  Our new digital language lab enhances all aspects of our courses, especially in listening and speaking.  All classes have access to and requirements in the lab.

All students must study a foreign language through the third level in order to graduate.  International students who do not reside in the United States and whose native language is not English are not required to study an additional foreign language. Those international students whose command of English is strong are encouraged to begin the study of a new language.

Each year, the School plans extended trips which enrich the students’ learning of a foreign language, and the culture and history of another country.  These trips are guided by Dana Hall faculty, and specific trips occur over Spring Break, generally on alternating years.

Mathematics

Preparation for continued mathematics study at the college level is a primary goal of the Math Department at Dana Hall. Students develop an appreciation of mathematical concepts and of the power of logical argument while learning to analyze problems and accurately apply the principles of mathematics. Students also learn how to organize quantitative material and recognize the value of mathematics in both the natural and social sciences.  Placement into math courses is made by the department head.

Science

Education in the sciences is especially important to young women. Development of the students’ understanding of the natural world and their role in it, their ability to apply the methodology of science, and their awareness of societal concerns relating to science are fostered in Dana's science program. Courses are designed to be challenging and to encourage student responsibility, independence, and precision. Traditional classroom and laboratory work provides students with the sound background needed for college. All students are encouraged to pursue three or four years of science, especially those who are considering a highly-selective college or a career in a science-related field.  The department makes course placements for all ninth graders and all Honors and AP courses.

Social Studies

Social Studies courses foster an appreciation of both Western and non-Western worlds. In addition to work in United States history, each student investigates one of the following areas: East Asia, Africa, Russia, Middle East, or Latin America. Students study social and cultural developments, the history of political institutions, and the interaction of traditional and modern societies. Teachers ask students to read closely, think critically, write persuasively, present powerfully, and collaborate effectively.

Computer Science

The Computer Science curriculum is a dynamic program that is constantly expanding. Due to rapid advances in technology, students are presented with both opportunities and challenges for growth, exploration, and research. Computer Science courses afford students the opportunity to develop their problem-solving and media production skills, and to study the latest advances in software and hardware.

The program is suited for all learners and allows for varying degrees of study from introductory office skills to more advanced courses in media production, Web design, and computer programming.

Students regularly use technology as part of their academic course work in many disciplines and in the preparation of school-related publications and multimedia events. Students also learn how to access and critically analyze diverse sources of information and use the Internet safely.

Fitness and Athletics

Fitness and Athletics offerings are a vital aspect of a total education essential for a healthy mind and body.  The Fitness and Athletics program is designed to meet the varying needs of students.  Within the program are numerous opportunities for decision-making, challenge, confidence building, and teamwork.  The program engenders an appreciation of one's own talents as well as the talents of others.  Students are exposed to beginning skills in a wide variety of team and individual sports, and they develop an appreciation of sports as players and spectators.  Throughout the program, students learn the value of fair play and sportsmanship.

Dana Hall's athletic program is an integral part of the School's curriculum, and as such, provides opportunities for instruction, participation, and growth.  The athletic program strives to promote healthy competition and to embody the highest ideals of sportsmanship and respect.  Students are encouraged to strive to compete at the highest level of their ability and performance.

Performing Arts

At Dana Hall, students from the beginning to advanced levels have exciting opportunities to explore and become proficient in the performing arts. Courses are offered in dance, theatre, instrumental music, vocal music, and music history, on many skill levels and in many styles. Performance opportunities are available during the academic day as well as before and after school. Students are required to take one-half credit in the performing arts and are strongly encouraged to explore many offerings. In addition to the courses listed below, students perform in dance recitals, class productions, music recitals, concerts, area competitions, convocations, choral music concerts, musicals, and drama productions in collaboration with local boys' schools. The greater Boston area offers many opportunities for special training and for attending professional performances. A student who is interested in pursuing further education in the performing arts is encouraged to take courses in all areas offered by this department to develop her expression and her understanding of the relationship among the arts. Students who would like to pursue additional opportunities in the arts should speak to the course instructors and to the department head.

Visual Arts

The visual arts expose students to creative work from many different cultures, and they are an essential educational experience for all students at the secondary level. By developing skills in visual language and creative exploration, a student is encouraged to become a more accurate and sensitive observer of herself and the world around her.  Skills in art, as in all other subjects, are learned through instruction, practice, and experience. With time and effort, all students are able to produce work of increasingly high quality.  Courses are taught at both the beginning and advanced levels, offering strong sequences for portfolio preparation and college admission; the program is enriched by trips to museums, lectures by visiting artists, and exhibits in the Dana Hall Art Gallery.  Student artwork is exhibited throughout the School on an ongoing basis.