Our Academics : Unique Features

In order to challenge young minds while increasing the opportunity for each student to achieve academic success, the curriculum incorporates the following special provisions:

Small Classes.
Classes range in size from four to fifteen students; the average number is eight. Within classes there is ability grouping. There can be two to three levels in each subject in grades seven and eight. The upper level sections of each grade use more difficult texts, assign longer, more challenging assignments, and place more stress upon independent study and thought. The lower level sections in each grade spend more time reviewing fundamentals. Assignments and examinations are designed to challenge, but not overwhelm students.

Flexible Scheduling.
Northbrook provides for the fact that a student's ability may vary in different academic disciplines. It is not inconceivable for a student to be in upper levels of some courses and lower levels of others. Progress is evaluated regularly by the advisor and in department meetings, and a student may be changed from one level to another to increase his/her opportunity for success or degree of challenge.

Achievers Program.
Because of our ability grouping and small class sizes, Northbrook is prepared to serve students that excel beyond what is expected for their grade level. Northbrook teachers will go out of their way to employ talented student's curiosity and challenge their abilities.

Northbrook also acknowledges that there are students whose achievements are not always obvious within the traditional academic setting-- such as artistic, musical, mechanical, and kinesthetic talents. Because of Northbrook's diverse programming and extended days, teachers get to know the students outside of their primary subject areas and therefore have the opportunity to discover individual's other talents. Therefore, teachers may ask students to use their talents within a primary subject area to enhance their personal achievements. For example, a mechanically talented student may report on a period in history through a project in which they re-create the use of historical tools and study how these tools affected history.

Homework.
Homework serves an important purpose to extend classwork into the home, to reinforce subject matter with additional exercises, and to create study habits that will be useful throughout a student's academic life. However, Northbrook teachers do not believe in overloading a student with too much homework and therefore will carefully limit the amount of homework each night. One subject will take precedence each day of the week.

Grading and Reports.
Northbrook uses a trimester system, and grades and written teacher comments are sent home at the middle and end of each of the three terms. Grading includes both achievement marks and an effort rating, in order to encourage all students to work toward their potential. Faculty advisors also write to parents three times a year at mid-term to report on their advisees' overall adjustment and progress. The Northbrook faculty advisors, teachers, guidance teacher and headmaster will meet with any student below a satisfactory achievement mark or below grade level student at the middle and end of each of the three terms. It is mandatory that at least one parent attend.

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