The Oldfields Humanities Department offers courses that are both rich in content and rigorous in their expectations. Through the study of English, History, and World Languages, our departmental mission is to awaken a deep respect and passion for the learning process and the human experience. Students study the language, literature, culture, and history of various countries in English, French, Mandarin, and Spanish, depending on the course. Humanities classes emphasize critical analysis of written work and encourage the expression of concrete and abstract thinking through thesis-driven compositions. Our classes focus on students achieving proficiency in writing analytically, and our teachers use unique, engaging methods to help them reach this goal. By the end of each year, students will have become increasingly perceptive readers, deeper thinkers, and more persuasive communicators.

Global Awareness Day, prominent guest speakers, field trips, and May Program all reinforce and expand the lessons learned in the classroom.  Opportunities for students to teach their peers about their culture, experience the beauty of Shakespeare's language on stage, or travel abroad to use a second language to help understand the context of major historical events. Through these experiences, the lessons from the pages of a book and the voices of the past come alive for our students in a relevant way.

The Oldfields approach to math and science is based on the philosophy that problem-solving in all areas requires students to become logical thinkers. From Elements of Algebra and basic Physical Science to Calculus BC and Honors Physics, students are equipped with the skills necessary to achieve a balance between mathematical structure and the process of creating and testing hypotheses through laboratory experiences. By developing fluency in the language of math and science and reinforcing basic mathematical skills, students develop an understanding and appreciation for fundamental scientific processes while learning to make informed decisions about scientifically related social issues.

Our personalized combination of mathematics and science ensures that every girl with a thirst for knowledge is prepared to pursue the additional challenge and enrichment of courses in technology and engineering. Numerous enrichment opportunities in STEM-related activities such as field trips, May Programs, guest speakers, and special projects are designed to foster our girls’ natural curiosity and further expose them to career paths in the STEM field. The goal is for all to become creative thinkers who can apply their knowledge to real-life problem solving through systemic, measured, and informed analysis and reflection.

Math

• Elements of Algebra
• Algebra I
• Algebra II
• Business Math and Personal Finance
• Pre-calculus
• Calculus
• AP Calculus
• AP Calculus Honors
• Geometry
• AP Statistics