Lower School

The Donoho Lower School is comprised of the primary division PK-grade 3, and the intermediate division grades 4-6. It is at the Lower School that the foundation for creative exploration into a full range of learning areas is formed. The traditional disciplines develop learning skills in a sequential manner that leads to success in a college-preparatory program. Special emphasis is placed on reading and reasoning. As supplements to the traditional disciplines, physical education, music, art, library and computer are provided. Special classes are presented on drug and substance abuse, health and first aid, and sex education. A variety of enrichment activities such as math and science teams, peer tutorial, a student operated school store, student government, and newspaper are offered on an elective basis. Field trips are a continuous part of the curriculum as are visits from resource people. Appropriate audio-visuals target specific subjects. Tutorial help is available within the school day for those students who require reinforcement. Close contact is maintained with parents through conferences, progress reports, report cards, and daily work sent home for signature.

 
Middle School

The Donoho Middle School comprised of grades 7-8, features an academic program designed to meet the specific needs of these pre-adolescence age young men and women. In accordance with the School's purpose of thorough preparation for college, emphasis is placed on the traditional academic courses of grammar, math, science and social studies. In addition to a daily physical education program, the seventh grade curriculum includes a humanities course (music, art, vocabulary, literature) and semester courses in Latin and study skills. Additional eighth grade courses include physical education, a full year of Latin, and courses in study skills and creative writing. Computer literacy is an integral part of each academic class in both grades. Academically talented students are challenged through honors courses designed for individual needs. Algebra I is offered to mathematically gifted students as the first step in the accelerated mathematics curriculum. A comprehensive athletic program geared to the developmental level of the students begins with the seventh grade year. The Middle Division regularly takes advantage of educational opportunities offered by nearby universities, museums, and other community organizations. Field trips, historical tours, participation in academic math tournaments, the Middle School scholars' bowl contest, and various professional experts for special programs contribute to a total curriculum that is both balanced and challenging.

Upper School

The Donoho Upper School offers a college-preparatory curriculum to students in grades 9-12. It is designed to challenge students to achieve to their maximum potential. Minimum graduation requirements include 4 credits in English, 4 credits in history, 4 credits in mathematics, 4 credits in science, 3 credits in foreign language, 1/3 credit in speech, 1/3 credit in health, 1/3 credit in computer applications, and 1/3 credit in the fine arts. Honors and/or AP courses are available in English, history, calculus, languages, and government and economics. Dual enrollment courses in English grammar, computer science and American history allow students to earn college level credit while completing the requirements for the School's diploma. Teachers provide daily tutorial in all subjects during a special period within the school day. Additional tutorial opportunities are provided thirty minutes daily before school. A unique program called Intersession providing a variety of experiences is sponsored by the Upper School . The one week intersession program provides time for tenth through twelfth grade students to participate in study trips or work with community professionals and business leaders to gain experience for future careers. Of special interest are the school-sponsored trips to colleges, other countries, our national capital, and trips for the purpose of research offered through the science department.

ACCOMODATIONS POLICY

The Donoho School is designed to provide a quality education for highly motivated and intelligent students. The school is committed to the development of the total child by providing a challenging curriculum in an atmosphere conducive to the development of good citizenship, personal integrity, and devotion to religious principles. All of the school's programs-academic, athletic, arts, and social-are designed to fulfill this commitment.

While the mission of the school is to prepare students for college, a variety of teaching methods are used to meet individual learning needs of students.

Students who have been identified with a learning impairment will be provided reasonable accommodations within the classroom under the following conditions:

· A registered licensed clinical psychologist must provide to school officials a full and complete diagnosis of the student's disability.
· A diagnostic summary based on the evaluation should include an explanation of how the disability impacts learning for the student, as well as why the suggested accommodations are needed, and how the effects of the disability will be mediated by accommodations.
· Re-evaluation must be completed every three years.
· The student must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others or require fundamental alteration to the program.
· Reasonable accommodations must not compromise the mission of the school.
· The administration will meet with teachers and parents to determine appropriate, reasonable accommodations.