Advisory System
Peer-support structure
Advisors play a central role in students’ lives and are a principal point of contact for parents. Students check in with their advisor at the start of each day and meet weekly in a small group setting. Advisors monitor academic progress, support personal and emotional growth, and lead students through a transition-focused advisory curriculum.

Spring Mini-Courses
Faculty-led explorations
Students spend the two days before spring break in special, faculty-developed seminars that draw on city resources. Each course expands and complements the regular curriculum. Examples include Baseball in Philadelphia and Multi-Media Sculpture in the City.

Search
Research that leads to public speaking
Each year, middle school students prepare a search project incorporating a research paper, visual display and oral presentation. Every student presents his or her work to parents and peers in the Search Symposium. That evening, parents may browse school hallways to review projects, speak with researchers and listen to selected oral reports.

Math/Science Symposium
From independent research to Rube Goldberg
Seventh and eighth graders present mathematics and science independent research projects to parents and classmates. The seventh grade may choose bio- diversity or environmental stewardship. The eighth grade physics class competes in the Rube Goldberg Machine Competition, which features student-built complex machines performing simple tasks.

Service Learning
Contributing to society—as a necessity
Service learning, either within the school community or outside, teaches the importance and necessity of making a positive contribution to society. Service is built into the schedule, and days are set aside to perform large-group service projects involving St. John’s Hospice, Eliza Shirley House, MANNA and Thomas Mansion at Fairmount Park.

Culminating Class Trips
Exciting journeys integrate yearlong learning
Each grade ends the school year with a trip which reflects that grade’s course of study. Sixth graders spend two days at the Jersey Shore documenting the water cycle; seventh graders go to New York City to study American immigrant history; and eighth graders journey to New Mexico to explore ancient civilizations.