 | Our Philosophy
Hawken takes its promises seriously. Our commitment to prepare students to “navigate a complex and dynamic world with self confidence and determination; embrace challenges with disciplined analysis and creativity; and engage others with empathy and integrity” goes beyond college preparation. One of the hallmarks of the Upper School experience is found in the way engaged and caring teachers and administrators work collaboratively to provide an environment where rigorous college preparation is just the starting point. The Hawken commitment is preparation for life. Through unique course structure, opportunities for independent research, and experiential learning experiences, the commitment expands to provide students with the practical skills, self knowledge and purpose they will need to become citizens of substance and character. The Upper School’s distinctive curriculum offers both core courses and elective opportunities where students can chose independent work from academics, athletics, the arts and service. Outside learning opportunities are varied and include the experiential campus at University Circle, a full menu of extra-curricular activities, and the community building House System. Our unique class schedule combines traditional learning periods with those of varying length, to allow more intensive study and multiple approaches to learning. Free time is built into all schedules to allow students the chance to conduct independent research, conference with teachers, or simply reflect.
Hawken teaches students to embrace the intrinsic value of learning – not just the rote attainment of knowledge. We do this by providing everyday opportunities for student inquiry, analysis and experimentation. We believe that the development of these skills will best equip our students for the future. We also believe it will make our communities, and our world a better place.
Academic Overview
Students Learn by Doing
Hawken prepares students to expand their horizons; think creatively and critically; and respond with compassion and wisdom to challenges. The Gries Center for Experiential and Service Learning located in University Circle, serves as a resource to support authentic engagement by providing a home base for urban excursions and partnerships between Hawken students and other University Circle institutions. Students are able to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real world learning experiences while making connections between disciplines.
Making the Most of Time: Innovative Scheduling
Hawken believes that learning should be meaningful. The Upper School schedule supports a tradition of challenging curriculum while promoting depth of understanding and applied learning. It combines traditional and innovative approaches to teaching and learning while providing opportunities for varied, differentiated instruction, collaborative work, and meaningful assessments. Built into the schedule is free time for students to conduct independent research, conference with teachers, or simply reflect. Unique highlights of the Upper School schedule include classes with varying lengths, at different scheduled days and times. Research shows this “rotating” schedule, as opposed to the traditional same day, same time, same 45 minute subject approach, accommodates more varied learning and teaching styles, and increases the probability of a more meaningful learning experience for Upper School students.
Most innovative are the 3-week Intensives, held between Thanksgiving and Winter Break and a second at year’s end. Intensives allow for focus on a single course of study and enable a collaborative learning environment. Several Intensives are situated at the Gries Center, including Homelessness, Cleveland Arts in the Circle, and Community Development and Urban Renewal. Other classes during the three-week Intensives, such as Designing Solutions, The Heroic Journey, Game Theory and Probability and Filmmaking also make use of the Gries Center on select days. Many Intensives courses include multi-day, off-campus experiential opportunities of up to two weeks. To date, highlights are an AP U.S. History three-day trip to Charleston, South Carolina; a two-week Spanish Immersion Program in Concepcion, Chile and an AP Environmental Science two-week stay at the Eleuthera Island School in the Bahamas.
Grade Level Highlights
Grade 9
Starting in 9th Grade, students partake in the Upper School Humanities program which invites a philosophical examination of human nature through a study of the relationships between the history, geography, literature and arts of primarily ancient cultures from around the globe. Upon entering the 9th Grade, students participate in The House System and are assigned to one of the four houses: Ansel, Bolton, Chester or Mather. The House System promotes school spirit, healthy competition and service learning.
Grade 10
Beginning in 10th Grade, preparations for college commence to ensure students find the right college match. Hawken’s comprehensive college counseling program starts academic scheduling consultations with 10th Graders. Parent meeting opportunities are offered as well.
Grade 11
Under the instruction and guidance of an award winning faculty member, the Writing Center teaches 11th and 12th Grade interns selected for their writing proficiency, how to work with younger and less experienced writers. Interns also assist in “work- shopping” student essays for support and feedback.
Grade 12
During the last five weeks of the year, a qualified senior may work with a faculty advisor and an off campus sponsor to plan a meaningful project as a culminating high school experience. The senior project challenges the student outside the classroom and provides a transition to college. |
| During upper school intensives, students take one course for three weeks. This provides the opportunity for field work, hands on learning, and depth of study not possible during the traditional 45-minute class period. |
| | | Hawken's expert College Counseling staff begins working with families in their junior year. Comprehensive meetings and workshops guide parents and students through college selections and applications. Website information complements the process. |
A total of 21 total credits are required to graduate.
- Computer/Technology: Computing Skills Workshop
- English: 4 years
- Fine Arts: 2 years
- Foreign Language: 3 years of French, Spanish, Chinese, or Latin
- History: Ninth-Grade Humanities, Modern World History, US History
- Mathematics: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II
- Physical Education and Health: 7 trimesters of activity, Health I, Health II
- Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
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