It Is Your Education.
We Think You Should Have A Say In It.
At Winchendon, we’re focused on helping you get ready for what comes next. You may be finding yourself creating careers that don’t even exist yet. Together, we’ll get you ready. We are constantly studying the research and the data, processing feedback from students and parents, and listening to you to make sure that we are providing the learning opportunities that will help you be successful.
Curriculum Domains Ensure Breadth and Depth
We have been working with high school students – and developing innovative new practices based on the latest brain science – since 1926. We have leaned, and research confirms, that teens learn best in a connected community of mentors. Our curriculum is interconnected. Students are tasked with not just asking hard questions, but employing critical thinking to solve real-world problems.
Other elements of our program, including Impact Learning, Teams, Health & Wellness, and Clubs, allow students to broaden and deepen their educational experiences.
Academic Departments
Real-world learning means interdisciplinary and experiential, hands-on classes allowing you to mature as a critical thinker. Impact learning opens the doors to more possibilities. Step up, take advantage of the opportunities and challenge yourself at a School that embraces your curiosity.
Computational Thinking is quantitative problem solving and analysis, mainly consisting of math and computational science classes. There is a mix of Foundation classes and Application and Expression courses. All students must successfully complete Algebra II, Algebra II Lab, or a similar course in another school. All students must enroll in one Computational Thinking course each year at The Winchendon School. All students, with the exception of one-year seniors or postgraduates, must take at least one Application and Expression course prior to graduation.
| Foundations | Application and Expression |
| Algebra I | Finance |
| Geometry | Data Visualization |
| Algebra II (or) Algebra II Lab | Statistics & Modeling (AP) |
| Computer Science (AP) | |
| Logic | |
| Discrete Math |
Communications classes are composed of effective and progressive communications, with focus on accessing, processing, and expressing ideas. There are a mix of Foundation classes and Application and Expression courses. All students must successfully complete Ciii or Cii for second language learners prior to graduation. All 9th, 10th, and 11th graders must be enrolled in at least one Foundations class each year. Students aspiring to attend the most selective colleges and universities will need to consider strategies around world languages. For more information about Communications classes, please see the curriculum guide above.
| Foundations | Application and Expression |
| Eng. 1-3 (ESL) (MA campus only) | Creative Writing, Graphic Novels, and the Literary Tradition |
| Ci – Journalism, Storytelling, & Elements of Great Writing through Contemporary and Classic Authors | New Digital Media & Investigative Journalism |
| Cii – Speech, Debate, & The Essay* through Modern Global Literature | World Languages (Spanish I-IV, French I-III, Independent)* |
| Ciii – Analysis, Research, & Thesis* through American Literature | Junior, Senior, and PG Electives (Year Long):
|
Trimester Courses:
* Full year course |
Global Systems classes are focused on social and lab sciences about the interconnectedness of social and scientific systems in our world. For Social Systems, all students must successfully complete Politics and Ethnicity before graduation. For Scientific Systems, all students must successfully complete Biological Systems and Environmental Chemistry to earn their diploma. For more information about Global Systems classes, please see the curriculum guide above.
| Social Systems | Scientific Systems |
| The U.S. Revolution & Civil War (ESL) | Biological Systems |
| The Civil Rights Movement (ESL) | Environmental Chemistry |
| Social Systems – Asia, Africa, and the Middle East | Physics (AP) |
| Political and Economic Systems | Environmental Science (AP) |
| American Studies in a Global Context | Engineering |
| Cases in Globalization/AP Gov | Anatomy and Physiology |
| Psychology (AP) | Forensic Science |
| Trimester and Full-Year Electives: Model UN, Service Learning Leadership |
Rigorous Doesn’t Mean Boring.
High Impact Learning
The research confirms this. For you and almost every other student out there, you will learn and retain more if the learning is interesting to you, and you believe that what you are learning will really matter to you. You also learn and retain more by doing than listening or watching.
Classes That Work for You
Classes on the move – rarely sitting still – lots of discussion, debate and project work. Most will be micro-classes of 7-9 students, with lots of opportunities to be part of the discussion. You won’t need to suffer through lectures or busywork. This makes class much more interesting and fun.
Teachers Who Get You
How often have you felt that the teacher didn’t “get you” or that they didn’t care that much about what you feel is important? Your teachers will know you better – what you care about, how you learn best, and what skills and strategies will be most important to you in the future.
She has not only been supported with her class work, but is actively developing strategies that fit her learning style and strengthening skills to overcome her weaknesses.
It is your education. We are here to support you in achieving success – on your terms.
Please feel free to contact either of us if you would like to learn more about how Winchendon’s program might be the best option for you.
Assistant Head of School
MA Campus
Dean of Teaching and Learning
NYC Campus
Where to Next?
We suggest checking out these pages:
