Upper School (Page 1 of 2)

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National Association of Independent Schools

350 Park Street
Elgin, IL 60120
phone: 847.695.0300
fax: 847.695.5017

The Liautaud-Lyons Upper School (9-12)

Elgin Academy’s Upper School program became known as The Liautaud-Lyons Upper School in 2007 in recognition of the contributions of outstanding alumnus, James J. Liautaud, Class of 1982, and Jim Lyons, a renowned teacher and dean at the Academy from 1980 to 1991. The "Liautaud-Lyons Upper School” is housed in two facilities: Edwards Hall and The Harold D. Rider Media, Science, and Fine Arts Center. The Upper School Office is in Edwards Hall.

[Page 1 of 2]

PAGE 1
Overview | Curriculum | Course Selection Examples | Faculty
Advisor System | College Placement

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Overview: Upper School
We remain certain that students who have been solidly prepared in English, science, mathematics, foreign language, social studies and the arts will not only continue to have competitive advantages at college but indeed, will be in a position as adults, to respond to a changing society. Processing and utilizing new information, analyzing and synthesizing complex problems, using technology as an important tool for learning and research, developing teamwork skills as well as a passion for learning are all vital for today's student.

At Elgin Academy, Upper School students are receiving an education that is rooted in the best traditions of the American, college preparatory approach. At the same time, we are steadfastly aware of the future needs of our students. The reality for those who will live the majority of their life in the 21st Century is that they will encounter constant change. While rapid change is certain, its exact nature is not. We believe that both our curriculum and community experience offer students a unique opportunity to face the future with confidence and enthusiasm. We invite you to learn more by reading this document, visiting our Upper School and meeting with our faculty.

Upper School Curriculum
[Download in PDF format]
The Upper School curriculum is structured with college preparation in mind. A series of courses provides all students with the depth and breadth expected by the finest colleges. Students must complete:

English – 4 years Mathematics – 4 years

Social Studies – 3 1/2 years Foreign Language – 3 years

Laboratory Sciences – 3 years Fine Arts – 2 years

Athletics – 6 seasons Total credits required – 24 1/2

While the program provides significant structure and ensures a core background for all students, it also allows each individual the flexibility needed to build a selection of courses that is appropriate, challenging and of particular interest. To illustrate the versatility within the curriculum, consider the profile of the following three students. While all three have met the requirements for graduation, the range and focus of courses is significant. Note that in some examples, previous work in middle school in either a foreign language or mathematics has allowed the student to move directly into a more advanced course in ninth grade.

Upper School Course Selection Examples
The following hypothetical examples illustrate varying options for completing the Academy's requirements for graduation and college preparation.

Example 1:

9^th Grade 10^th Grade 11^th Grade 12^th Grade

English I English II English III English IV

Algebra I Accelerated Geometry Accelerated Algebra II Pre-Calculus

World Cultures I World Cultures II U.S. History AP Psychology / Political Science

Biology Chemistry Physics AP Biology

Spanish II Spanish III Advanced Spanish IV AP European History

Introduction to Fine Arts Theatre Workshop Advanced Theatre Independent Theatre

Team Sport Team Sport Team Sport Team Sport*

Example 2:

9^th Grade 10^th Grade 11^th Grade 12^th Grade

English I English II English III English IV

Accelerated Geometry Accelerated Algebra II Pre-Calculus AP Calculus A/B

World Cultures I World Cultures II AP U.S. History AP European History

Biology Honors Chemistry Honors Physics AP Chemistry

French II French III Advanced French Advanced French

Introduction to Fine Arts Drawing I Painting I Intro to Photography

Team Sport Team Sport Team Sport Team Sport*

Example 3:

9^th Grade 10^th Grade 11^th Grade 12^th Grade

English I English II English III English IV

Algebra I Geometry Algebra II Finite Math

World Cultures I World Cultures II U.S. History AP Psychology / Political Science

Biology Chemistry Physics Environmental Science

Latin I Latin II Latin III Advanced Latin

Introduction to Fine Arts Chorus Chorus Chorus

Team Sport Team Sport Team Sport Team Sport*

* Participation in six seasons is mandatory before the end of junior year. Most students however, will be involved as Seniors.

Upper School Faculty
Of the twenty faculty members in the Upper School, fifteen hold at least one advanced degree. They have graduated from such schools as Northwestern, University of Chicago, Boston University, Columbia University, Middlebury College, the Universities of Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin, and several others. Collectively, they have more than 240 years of teaching experience.

Our Upper School instructors range in age from their late twenties to the "latter" stage of their careers. By any standard, they are an outstanding faculty who not only brings academic expertise to the classroom, but also a genuine love for what they do. They have chosen to be at the Academy because it allows them the full opportunity to do what they do best – share their love for both learning and their subject. With a learning environment characterized by small, personalized classrooms of energized students who want to learn and grow, EA is an ideal place to teach. To contact our faculty, consult the Faculty and Staff Directory.

Advisor System
The Academy employs a system of advising which not only provides an important link between home and school, but also allows students the opportunity to develop a close relationship over four years with a faculty member. Faculty members are responsible for 7 or 8 students. The advisor monitors academic progress, acts as a liaison between home and school, provides counsel, and generally assists the student both inside and outside the classroom. He/she also writes a well-honed letter each semester capturing each advisee's academic and social growth to date, and conferences throughout the year with each family to discuss goals and objectives related to the student's Learning Plan.

[Upper School program continued on page 2...]

For additional information on The Liautaud-Lyons Upper School, please contact:

Seth Hanford
Upper School Director, Assistant Head of School and College Counselor
847.695.0309, ext. 216
shanford@elginacademy.org

School Hours:
8:15 am - 2:45 pm on school days

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Updated Thursday, February 28, 2008