TODAY
Academic Curriculum
INSTRUCTIVE — Maret is a college preparatory school, that’s true. But we prefer to consider ourselves “life preparatory.” As our students move from kindergarten to university and beyond, Maret nurtures the academic discipline, intellectual curiosity, sensible risk-taking and empathetic social skills integral to become a fulfilled, contributing member of society.
INDEPENDENT — One goal is to help students tackle with confidence a rigorous set of graduation requirements. The process begins in the Lower School, where we stress analytical and critical thinking and writing skills. It continues through the Middle and Upper Schools, as age-appropriate independence encourages students to apply their emerging academic talents in new and challenging ways.
INTEGRATED — Maret is well known for our success in cross-discipline, integrated courses of studies. Beginning in kindergarten, our Humanities Department integrates the English and social studies curriculum; the cross-discipline approach becomes even more strategic in Middle School. Foreign language instruction begins in the Lower School; by Middle School, students are studying Latin in addition to a modern language of their choice. Employing the latest advances in technology, and offering more than 50 electives for junior and senior students, the approach is particularly stimulating, helping students think and learn with a “big picture” focus. Maret students enjoy mingling with one another across grade levels and divisions. Middle schoolers are “reading buddies” for lower schoolers. Upper school musical and dramatic performances are entertaining and inspiring for students in younger grades.
INDIVIDUALIZED — Another Maret hallmark is our emphasis on individualized education. A full-time learning specialist works with all Lower School students to develop strong fundamentals that boost each child’s self-confidence as a student. In the Middle and Upper Schools, students benefit from a learning skills course, which teaches strategies for note taking, test taking, critical thinking and time management. Those who need additional support are bolstered by upper school student tutors as well as by teachers. As students progress through Maret, they begin to take more responsibility for their studies and their achievements. Independent study is encouraged, as older students put their well-established learning skills and innate curiosity to the test. Curriculum advisors in the Upper School assist with course selection and encourage students to seek new areas of academic challenge, while crafting a high school profile that reflects their individual strengths and interests.
INVOLVED — In keeping with our belief that education extends beyond the classroom, Maret was one of the first schools in Washington to strategically integrate service learning throughout our curriculum. Service learning provides Maret students from Lower through Upper School the opportunity to invest knowledge and talent discovered in the classroom to help address the needs of the local and global community. For instance, in the Lower School, students develop and teach lesson plans for children at Martha’s Table day care center. The Chesapeake Bay provides an environmental service learning opportunity for middle schoolers, while the study of hunger has the ninth grade working closely with homeless organizations throughout the city.
