Studies at Metropolitan
encompass a traditional academic curriculum including English,
mathematics, science, social studies, fine and practical
arts, and physical education/health. A non-traditional
program component includes instruction in interpersonal
skills development. Both the Upper and Middle School curricula
provide a balanced program of studies with an overlying
emphasis on development of study skills, independent
and cooperative work skills and critical thinking skills.
Individual learning styles are identified, and students
receive instruction in “how to learn” based
on their personal learning preferences.
While attending Metropolitan, Upper School
students are involved with cross-curricular activities.
In their interaction with urban and rural environments,
students learn to acquire relevant information, take appropriate
risks and solve problems cooperatively. These activities
encompass a variety of curricula including language arts,
social studies, physical education and English.
Our science curriculum in The Middle School exposes students to three basic scientific disciplines: earth science, physical science and life science. The emphasis is on development of critical thinking skills (e.g., cause and effect, problem solving, analyzing information and drawing conclusions) rather than on rote memorization.
The Upper School science curriculum is integrated over a four-year cycle, providing mastery in higher end learning objectives based on the cognitive and adaptive progress of the individual learner.
Cross-curricular activities synthesize scientific thought processes with mathematical applications, literary and grammatical concerns, and historical developments. The activities often relate to environmental, sociological and psychological aspirations for a healthy and productive existence.
The Middle School Mathematics curriculum is student-centered and self-paced. Use of technology is stressed through the use of scientific calculators and PLATO Pathways.
The Upper School Mathematics textbook-based curriculum is well- suited to the needs of students with atypical learning styles. All students are individually assessed for Math proficiency and are placed accordingly.
Cross-curricular activities include Math vocabulary, collecting and analyzing data for Science experiments, and keeping statistics for sports events. Additionally, Social Studies related activities include drawing and interpreting graphs and charts, reading maps and determining latitude and longitude. Art activities include using geometric figures and proportions.
The Middle School Social Studies curriculum provides students with the basic knowledge skills required to become informed, responsible, contributing citizens within their school, local and global community. American history, world history, geography, civics and current events are interwoven throughout the curriculum, introducing students to the complexities of society and social groups.
The Upper School Social Studies Department takes great strides in making sure that its students are able to reconstruct the literal meaning of a historical passage through chronological thinking, use contextual knowledge of place and time through historical comprehension, analyze perspectives, cause-and-effect relationships, and multiple causation through historical analysis.
Cross-curricular inclusion is one of the cornerstones of the Social Studies curriculum. This inclusion can be seen in relation to scientific developments; art history, medieval and modern history of all cultures; the literature of ancient Greece & Rome, as well as the European Renaissance and modern America.
The study of historical and contemporary literature in a variety of formats is effectively combined with lessons and activities that develop students’ oral language, reading comprehension and written expressive skills through The Middle School English curriculum.
The Upper School English Department meets the needs of the students by helping them analyze the difference between expository, persuasive, narrative and descriptive essays. Students are also able to produce lucid, logical and technically appealing research papers, encompassing the initial note-taking process, evaluation of sources, development of a thesis, compilation of a bibliography and use of MLA citations.
The English faculty collaborates with the Language Arts, History, Science and Math Departments to develop experiential, cross-curricular projects. At least once a year, students attend the theater to experience Shakespeare and live performances. Also, each spring, the Art and English Departments collaborate on the publication of the Metropolitan Arts & Literature Magazine.
The Middle and Upper School Language Arts curriculums promote acquisition of a broad knowledge base and development of skills in the traditional communicative arts: listening, speaking, reading, writing and visual literacy. The curriculum framework features reading skills, from literal to critical; vocabulary development, from spelling to structural analysis; and critical thinking skills, from problem identification to decision making.
The Art program at Metropolitan School expands students’ visual literacy and enhances their ability to express themselves. The goal of the Art curriculum is to foster creativity while promoting problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Student artwork is continuously and effectively displayed throughout the school building, at the Commencement and Awards Ceremony, and in our Metropolitan Arts & Literature Magazine.
The Middle and Upper School physical education curriculum motivates students to develop physically, emotionally and socially. By participating regularly in physical activities, students develop an understanding for the ways physical activity can provide life long opportunities for enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and social interaction as well as improved health. Sportsmanship, cooperation, and respect for individual differences are emphasized as students improve their motor skills through a variety of physical activities.
