Academics
How flexible is the curriculum, and can I tailor it to my desires?
Curriculum is and isn’t flexible -- more flexible as you get older, with fewer choices available during freshman year.
When did the JCHW open?
January 2018.
Is there an arts requirement in the Upper School?
Yes, one year of performing arts (drama, music) or visual art.
What area is never shown on tours unless specifically requested?
Freshman Hallway/Sophomore Bubble
What is the average class size for Lower School students?
In grades K and 1, there are 2 classes of approximately 16 students. In grades 2, 3, and 4, there are 3 classes of approximately 16 students.
If there’s a class I’m really interested in, but it doesn’t appear in the course offerings, will there be a way for me to take it?
Yes, Hackley students are encouraged to create “independent studies,” which allow them to explore any subject with a teacher. These typically meet 2-3 times a cycle.
Do I have to play sports?
No, but you have to do a PE activity, whether it be Zumba, Weight room, Yoga or something else.
Is there a way for students to participate in the performing arts if they don’t have room in their schedules to take performing arts classes?
Yes, many of the students in the fall and winter plays are not in the acting class and many of the performers in the Coffeehouses (which occur three times a year) are not enrolled in chorus, band, or orchestra. Students are also able to take lessons from our music teachers after school, regardless of whether they’re scheduled in a performing arts class.
Can I take tours up to the gym and/or up to the playing fields?
No, definitely do not do this, but feel free to talk a bit about those locations.
How does math placement work in the Middle School?
In grades 5 and 6, all students take the same math class centered around the Singapore Math Program. In 7th grade, students who are determined to be capable of taking Algebra 1 will do so, and the rest of students will take Pre-Algebra. In 8th grade, students who took Algebra in 7th will take Geometry, and students who took Pre-Algebra in 7th will take either Algebra 1 or Linear Topics in Algebra depending on skill level/capability
Does Hackley offer AP/honors/accelerated courses?
Hackley offers accelerated and AP courses in math, science, and languages, but doesn’t in the humanities because we find that these courses in English and History don’t provide enough time for students to dive deep into literary and historical texts. Yet, students are encouraged to sit for AP English and History exams in May (usually of their junior years), and often receive very high scores on these tests.
How big of an emphasis is there on sports at Hackley?
Many students play at least 1 sport, however, a sizeable portion does not. Students enjoy and take pride in cheering for their classmates in athletic contests (mention Stings), but students also support their more artistically inclined classmates by attending Coffeehouses and seasonal plays. Artsy students and athletic students coexist at Hackley.
How do the visual arts programs progress at Hackley?
Freshmen and Sophomore year students can take a variety of art classes, such as sculpture and drawing and photography as a sophomore, each of which meet 3 times out of the 7 day cycle. Junior year, serious art students have the option to take AP art which meets 6 times out of the 7 day cycle and has the students create an entire portfolio. Also be sure to point out the art on the walls, all of which is student created.
What should you do if you don’t know the answer to a question someone on your tour asks?
Don’t try to make up the answer/circumvent the question, simply say “I’m not exactly sure, but that’s a great question for Mr. McColl/Ms. Clemente/Ms. O’Callaghan.” If you have a pad with you, you can write it down so you don’t forget.
What languages can my child take in the Middle School?
In 5th grade, all students will take Spanish. In 6th grade, students have the option to continue learning Spanish or begin studying French, Chinese, or Latin.
What is the average course load of a Hackley student?
Most students take 5 majors and 1-2 minors.
Discuss the facilities in the new JCHW.
3 basketball courts, 2 fitness rooms, 8 squash courts, Olympic size swimming pool, wrestling room, trainer’s room, new locker rooms, seating areas, 1 indoor track, 1 fencing studio, 1 cafe, lobby
Who directs US acting, and discuss some of the plays performed in the past?
Mr. Teacher. "Almost, Maine," etc.
How long should tours last?
25 minutes is too short, but 40 minutes is too long. Somewhere around 30 minutes is good.
Talk a bit about the Science program in the Lower School.
Grades 1-4 come to science lab. Program is super hands on -- Hackley’s campus and 2 year old garden are utilized. More or less set curriculums -- talk about 4th grade owl pellet project for a fun anecdote. Problems solving.
What is the most advanced math class Hackley offers?
Multivariable Calc
What sports are offered in the fall/winter/spring?
Fall: B/G Soccer, B Football, G Field Hockey, B/G Cross Country, G Tennis
Winter: B/G Squash, B/G Basketball, B/G Swimming, B/G Wrestling, B/G Indoor Track
Spring: B Tennis, B/G Lacrosse, B/G Track and Field, B Baseball, G Softball
Discuss some the arts program for 7th and 8th graders in the Middle School.
7th grade - students choose an arts “major,” which meets 5/7 times a cycle. This is either Drama, Visual Arts, or Music (Band, Chorus, or Orchestra). In 7th grade, students must also take an arts “minor,” which meets 3/7 times a cycle, in an arts department that does not correspond with their major. In eighth grade, students must enroll in an arts minor in an arts department they have not yet taken a course in yet.
EX: If a student took Drama major in 7th and 8th, they could take Art minor in 7th and Intro to Musical Theater in 8th.
How should I speak and walk when leading tours, especially around big groups?
Speak loudly and clearly with emotion and project your voice, and try to walk backward with big groups.
How is the Character Education Program demonstrated in the Lower School?
Virtues of the month. Monthly presentations in AP Room about these virtues. Activities within each classroom surrounding virtue of the month. Team-building, cooperation, “character is higher in than intellect.”