Academics

College Preparatory with Room to Explore

Oldfields offers a traditional college preparatory curriculum enhanced by small classes and a supportive faculty. Classes meet in eighty-minute class periods, with students taking five or six courses. Courses are full-year and are awarded one credit. Students in Honors courses prepare for, and are encouraged to take, the appropriate Advanced Placement examination or SAT Subject Test.

Oldfields faculty prefer the curriculum flexibility of an Honors course; thus, while students prepare for advanced national exams, the AP designation will not appear on the student transcript. Courses offered at the Honors level are Biology, US History, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Physics, Chemistry, English 11, English 12, French Language, Spanish Language, Spanish Literature, and Portfolio (Studio Art).

Since its beginnings, Oldfields has dedicated itself to the intellectual development of each individual girl in grades 8-12 or post graduate year given her particular learning profile. The academic program is designed to be rigorous and challenging, as well as personal and supportive of each girl, allowing her to expand and apply her learning strengths while also developing strategies to manage her learning weaknesses.

Within our supportive yet demanding environment, each girl develops the courage to assume risks that result in true intellectual and personal growth. The result is a secure confidence in oneself that becomes an asset in college and in life.

Oldfields is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and approved by the Maryland State Department of Education. In addition, Oldfields is a member of the Association of Independent Maryland Schools, The Association of Boarding Schools, the National Association of Principals of Schools for Girls, the National Coalition of Girls' Schools, the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, the Secondary School Admission Test, the Independent Educational Consultants Association, the Educational Records Bureau, the Potomac and Chesapeake Association of College Admissions Counseling, and the National Association of College Admission Counseling.  Oldfields recognizes the NAIS and NACAC Principles of Good Practice.