Course Selection and Planning
Imagine creating an academic schedule based on the preferences and needs of 700 students. To many it seems impossible. However at Milton Academy it is par for the course. At Milton students don’t choose courses based on a prescribed schedule of dates and times, instead they choose courses based on need and preference and the School creates its course schedule around student choices. “We pride ourselves on giving most students their first choices,” explains registrar Pam Rodman.

Each winter the registrar’s office publishes a course catalog, a 35-page book that contains descriptions of every course offered for the next academic year. Prior to spring break each student receives a catalog and a personalized long-range planning sheet, which
outlines the courses the students have completed and the diploma requirements they still need to fulfill.

Academic Dean Geoff Theobald suggests that when selecting courses students consider both what they want to accomplish in the classroom at Milton, and afterwards. “Mapping out the courses you might want to take over your years at Milton, and maybe in your years beyond Milton can enhance a student’s decisions," explains Geoff. “Students should also remember that second short-term choices are important as some courses fill up and others may not run if enrollment is insufficient.”

In addition to the student’s advisor many people on campus can offer advice about choosing courses: the Studies Office, classroom teachers and peers.

Once course selections have been submitted (early April), the registrar’s office analyzes the numbers and determines which courses may be over- or undersubscribed and adjusts a students choices and the course offerings. The enormous task of creating the course schedule occurs during the summer. Erica and John Banderob, mathematics faculty, house parents in Robbins, have spent many hot summer months tucked away in a classroom analyzing student choices, faculty, and resources and creating a schedule that provides most students with their first-choice offerings.

Some new additions to the course catalogue this year:

While it may look and feel the same year after year, the Course Catalog is indeed always “under construction.” Each year, courses are added, changed and deleted from the curriculum in order to give students the opportunity to pursue various subjects in great depth, and to give them the chance to explore a wide variety of subjects while drawing on the strengths of Milton’s faculty. Last year, Milton offered one economics course. This year based on high demand last year, students will have their choice of three, semester-long economics courses. The Federal Government and National Economy should satisfy the student looking for a course in macroeconomics, while The Power of Markets will be available for those looking to study microeconomics. A third economics course, Global economics will round out the offerings.
Students in classes I and II interested in community service work can take Service in a Just Society, a half course in the social sciences. The course offers students the opportunity to delve into a social issue of personal interest and requires a service placement of one hour per week.

The science curriculum changed this year as well. The Class IV Methods in Scientific Research course, will be replaced with Class IV Physics. Marine biology, a popular science elective, will now be known as Marine Science and will be offered both first and second semester next year.

Thespians can enroll in a new performing arts course—Advanced Drama/ Acting for the Camera—which focuses on the development of acting skills for film and video and will include on-camera exercises and projects as well as visits from guest lecturers.

Read the course catalog for additional course offering changes.