The Classical Academy Overview

Origins

The Classical Academy is a program at Haverhill High School started by a group of teachers who felt that there was a segment of the student population that needed to be challenged beyond the regular courses offered. The model is based on the Boston Latin School and the Lowell High School Lyceum. It is a classics based education with emphasis on Latin and the humanities. Students take an entrance exam and based on their scores, teacher recommendations, and their middle school transcripts are accepted in the program. Each year the review committee accepts approximately sixty students. Many of these Haverhill students who would have attended private schools have opted to come to Haverhill High for the sole purpose of participating this program.

Freshman

Students have a prescribed four year curriculum. All courses are honors or Advanced Placement levels. Classical Academy students must take and pass three years of Latin. Some of the courses offered are unique to the program. In their freshman year, students take a course entitled Classical Connections. This interdisciplinary, project-based course incorporated and connects curricula from history, English, science, and Latin. For example, after studying Greek and Roman history, reading The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare in English, and studying Latin, students research the architecture of the ancient Greeks and Romans and produce a three-dimensional clay model showing the different column types used in the architecture of the times.

In addition to their core subjects of history, English, mathematics, science, Latin, as well as the Classical Connections class, students take wellness/physical education and one half-year elective. Students are required to maintain no less than a "C" average in any subject, and failure to do so in two or more courses results in a probationary status. After the committee reviews the students' quarterly grades, anyone who fails to meet this standard at the time of final grades is excluded from the program.

Sophomore

In their sophomore year, students are required to take Advanced Placement European History in addition to English II, a mathematics course, science, wellness, and two more exclusive courses: a half-year Research Seminar and a half-year Fine Arts Appreciation course. The Research Seminar course includes a variety of topics including but not limited to Zen Buddhism, political theory, and the effects of 9/11 on American culture and security. In the Fine Arts Appreciation course, students study Art History for one term and Music Appreciation for one term.

Junior

In their junior year, students take Advanced Placement United States History and Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition, as well a mathematics course, Latin, chemistry, and either Creative Writing or Communication Workshop (public speaking). Students may elect one and one half courses and are encouraged, but not required, to take another language, either modern (such as French, Spanish, Italian, or German), or Ancient Greek.

Juniors and seniors are also required to a community service project of their choosing.

Senior

Senior year includes Advanced Placement English and a senior project, with all other courses being electives. Students are encouraged to take honors and Advanced Placement courses.

Goal

The overall goal of the Classical Academy is to create critical thinkers who challenge themselves and are exposed to more than just the basics in their high school careers, and through this program to give them a little bit of an advantage when applying to colleges and universities.

Deborah Sasso-Flanagan
Curriculum Supervisor Foreign Language/Social Studies