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Curriculum: Academics
Rolling
Hills Prep School was founded in 1981 upon the premise of educating the
whole student -- a charge which we continue to take seriously in our twenty-third
year. Taking advantage of a low student/teacher ratio (classes average
17 in size), each student becomes known very well to the faculty and administration.
Our intention is that, as our young people progress through the grades, tight structure leads gradually to students taking increasing responsibility for their own learning and management of time. A combination of challenge and support provides the foundation upon which the curriculum is based. Teachers have high expectations of their students, and go out of their way to help them realize their goals.
Rolling Hills Prep School offers a traditional academic program to each student in grades six through twelve. All students study English, Mathematics, Science, History, and a foreign language. Strong curricula in the visual and performing arts, and athletics and physical education complement the academic program. RHP also boasts one of the country's premier outdoor education programs.
RHP’s Advanced Placement (AP) Record
In the past six years, RHP students have taken Advanced Placement (AP) examinations in English Language and Composition, English Literature, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Spanish, French, Physics B, Physics C, Chemistry, and German. The precise AP offerings vary from year to year depending upon class enrollment.
Advanced Placement options in English, Calculus, Spanish, French, and Physics are also offered.
Being a student at RHP is not primarily about AP exams, but they do play a part in the college applications of our most academically gifted students. During the past ten years (1996-2005 inclusive), RHP has amassed a very strong record of advanced placement (AP) exam results.
During this time, 252 exams have been taken, with 188 (75%) of these
yielding scores of 3 or better. 102 exams (42%) have yielded scores of
4 or better, and 47 exams (19%) have yielded the top score
of 5.
AP exams are scored on a 1 through 5 scale. Many, but not all, colleges and universities allow one or two semesters’ credit for a score of 3 or better on an AP exam. RHP, in concert with many colleges, does not necessarily recommend that eligible students skip freshman courses in college even if they have scored well on the AP exam. We believe that the college experience is valuable in itself, and none of it should be skipped unless there is a compelling reason (e.g. financial) to do so.
Details of RHP scores (1996-2005 inclusive) are as follows:
Subject |
# Exams Taken |
Score |
% Scoring 3 or better |
||||
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
|||
| All Subjects | 252 |
27 |
36 |
83 |
58 |
47 |
75% |
| Calculus AB | 77 |
12 |
14 |
33 |
9 |
8 |
65% |
| Calculus BC | 25 |
3 |
3 |
7 |
4 |
8 |
76% |
| Chemistry | 4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
100% |
| English Language | 38 |
0 |
8 |
18 |
9 |
3 |
79% |
| English Literature | 23 |
0 |
2 |
8 |
10 |
3 |
91% |
| French Language | 10 |
5 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
40% |
| Physics B | 5 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
40% |
| Physics C (Mech.) | 14 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
5 |
64% |
| Physics C (E&M) | 13 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
5 |
85% |
| Spanish Language | 18 |
0 |
3 |
7 |
2 |
6 |
83% |
| European History | 17 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
10 |
5 |
100% |
The
sixth grade science curriculum incorporates a trip to the Catalina Island
Marine Institute, CIMI, an outdoor educational organization dedicated
to environmental awareness and field programs in marine and terrestrial
labs. Students participate in snorkeling, kayaking, ecology hikes, and
evening laboratory programs. Exemplifying the RHP experience, the trip
combines academics with physical challenge, creativity, and team work.
