UPPER 9th -12th Grades

The Future Of Education Is Here

Riverfield Country is committed to developing lifelong learners. This is evident in the quality of the curriculum and expertise of the faculty. The goals of the Upper School are to encour- age sound scholarship, independent learning, and critical thinking. The Upper School is the only non-sectarian independent high school in the Tulsa area and is accredited by the Independent Association of the Southwest (ISAS).

Riverfield continues to grow, with over 100 Upper School students. Small classes, with an average of 15 students per class, provide a rigorous and personalized academic program that emphasizes effective communication, fosters self-confidence, and gives a sense of purpose. A trusting and respectful environment leads to genuine dialogue among faculty and students.

Riverfield was the first school in Oklahoma to offer a Tablet PC program, a unique tool that, when paired with our wireless campus, enhances student communication, presentation, and research capabilities.

Riverfield Upper School provides challenge and support to all students so that they will graduate ready to meet the demands of , a competitive workforce, and a complex life. Small classes emphasize effective communication with peers and faculty, foster self- confidence and give a sense of purpose in academic and personal goals.

MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Riverfield Country Day School is to provide an excellent education in a family-oriented atmosphere. Students are motivated and encouraged to learn, develop, and mature in a respectful, secure, and diverse environment. A caring, creative faculty and a challenging, integrated, and personalized curriculum promote the development of the whole student as a confident and responsible learner prepared for real world success.

Riverfield Country Day School 2433 West 61st Street Tulsa, Oklahoma 74132 918.446.3553 riverfield.org Course Descriptions ENGLISH 9th Grade Focuses on developing writing and critical reading skills. Literary techniques are studied through different genres with most selections coming from American Literature. Composition instruction includes academic, creative, and per- 11th Grade General Information sonal writing. Vocabulary study includes work- A survey course of American history from the Established in 1984, Riverfield has been enriching ing with English words derived from Greek and end of World War II to the present. Focus is on students through innovation, small class sizes, and Latin. Independent and summer readings are the Cold War, expansion of Civil Rights, unfold- positive collaborative relationships. Serving chil- required. ing of social movements in the U.S., the Viet- dren from 8 weeks through Upper School, Riverfield 10th Grade nam War, political and economic changes as a helps students reach their full potential in a family- Focuses on reading and analyzing literature as result of national/international issues, and some oriented atmosphere. The 120-acre campus with its well as developing composition and vocabulary discussion of current events. barnyard animals, hiking trails, woods, ponds, and skills. Literature study is organized around the 12th Grade outdoor classrooms, is an inviting introduction to the universal search for identity, including reading Seniors have their choice of two of the follow- array of learning opportunities the school offers its and discussing value systems, loss of innocence, ing three semester courses: History of Rock students. The challenging, personalized curriculum conflicts between the individual and society, Music, Survey of Supreme Court Decisions, or is presented as an integrated process, blending many and the search for fulfillment. Genres studies Art History. Students may also consider history subjects and activities. include fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama options offered at Tulsa . Faculty with readings from American, British, and With an average of 20 years of teaching, our world literature. Composition work includes experienced faculty encourages students to expository, narrative-descriptive, persuasive, MATHEMATICS achieve their potential in all aspects of develop- and creative writing. Individual, independent ment: intellectual, social, emotional, physical, reading, and/or projects plus summer readings Algebra I and moral. They promote the development of are required. Concepts include solving equations with one- mutual goals and responsibilities. A trusting, 11th Grade variable, working with polynomials and frac- tions, factoring, solving equations with two respectful, positive school environment leads to Focuses on a survey of world literature from the genuine dialogue between faculty and students. variables, graphing, working with inequalities, ancient Sumerians to modern writers, highlight- rational and irrational numbers, and quadratic ing not only the literature but also the history and equations. Word problems related to real life ap- Graduation Requirements culture behind each piece. Writing assignments plications are emphasized throughout the course. The primary purpose of our academic program involve personal responses to literature as well as is to challenge and support students so they will multi-paragraph essays discussing various aspects Geometry graduate from RCDS ready to meet the de- of literary pieces. Writing assignments emphasize (Algebra I is a prerequisite.) mands of a competitive college and of life. extended development and support of ideas and Teaches students to draw, visualize, and follow opinions as well as attention to organization, word algorithms; understand properties, mathematical Most students take five core courses -(Eng choice, sentence fluency, voice, and conventions. relationships, and proofs; use geometric ideas in lish, Math, Science, History, and World Lan- real situations; and represent geometric concepts 12th Grade with coordinates, networks, or other diagrams. guages) in addition to the non-core offerings. Focuses on a study of British literature from A student must take at least four core cours- the Anglo-Saxon period to modern writing. The Algebra II es, and one non-core course each semester. goal is to build cultural literacy as well as in- Riverfield’s graduation requirements meet (Algebra I is a prerequisite.) dependent reading, writing, and thinking skills. Focuses on functions, graphs, and matrices; sys- those required by Oklahoma’s state Students will write multi-paragraph composi- tems of equations using graphing, substitution, and . Some colleges and univer- tions with an emphasis on expository writing and addition; quadratic functions and relations; sities have more stringent requirements that and close attention to effective development of and an introduction to trigonometry, analytical may also be met at Riverfield. ideas, organization, word choice, sentence flu- geometry, and calculus. English (4 credits) ency, voice, and conventions. Algebra III Math (3 credits) including Algebra I, Algebra (Algebra II is a prerequisite.) II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Trigonometry, and/or HISTORY Focuses on comprehensive review of concepts Calculus. from Algebra II, followed by an introduction to 9th Grade topics from college courses such as College Al- Science (2 credits) including Biology, Chemis- A survey course of United States history from gebra, Statistics, and Finite Math. try, and/or Physics. the Early Colonial period to the end of World War II. Major topics and themes include Colo- Pre-Calculus History (3 credits) including 1 year of American nial foundations of America, the era of American (Algebra II is a prerequisite.) History and 2 years from subjects of History, Eco- Revolution, U.S. Constitutional government, Includes a review of algebra and geometry con- nomics, Geography, Government, Civics, and/or non- Westward Expansion, the Civil War, the era of cepts, as well as an introduction to exponential, Western culture. Reconstruction, Industrialization, the Progres- sive Era, World War I, economic expansion and logarithmic and trigonometric functions, vec- Other (3 credits) from any of the subjects listed depression, and World War II. Topics discussed tors, complex numbers, conic sections, and ana- above or from computer science or World Languages. will include references to the concept of civics lytic geometry. At least two years of a World Languages is strongly as well as brief study of Oklahoma history. Calculus recommended. 10th Grade (Pre-Calculus is a prerequisite.) Minimum Core Total 15 credits An in-depth study of the history of major world cultures. Students are introduced to cultural, Advanced Math at TCC Also required: economic, political, and social developments (Pre-Calculus is a prerequisite.) Service - Required each semester. that played a fundamental role in shaping the Courses for college credit through TCC Con- Awareness - Required each semester. world in which they now live. Special focus will current Enrollment Program include Calculus I, Elective offerings - 2 credits with each non-core be paid to the ancient cultures of the world and Calculus II, College Algebra, Finite Math, and course worth .25 credits per semester. their contributions to the development of mod- Statistics. ern societies. SCIENCE REQUIRED NON-CORE COURSES Biology ALEKS A comprehensive overview of the central con- Students in 3rd - 12th have a subscription to ALEKS. ALEKS.com is a web-based supplement aligned cepts of biology: cell structure and functions, with student textbooks that gives an individualized snapshot of all relative concepts. At any time stu- genetics, human physiology, ecology, and the di- dents may access ALEKS from via the internet at home or school and progress is monitored and as- versity of life. Presentation of new concepts ac- sessed by math teachers. complished through student investigation of real world problems within the discipline. Evaluation Awareness of concept understanding and mastery occurs Students meet once a week in a grade level class with the school counselor to create a sense of com- through presentation of student-driven projects. munity. Topics include team building, relevant teen issues, and career interests. Students set academic Laboratory safety and skills are assessed through goals, plan course selections, and investigate their post-secondary options. periodic practical exams. SAT/ACT Prep Students take the PLAN test in 10th grade and the PSAT in 10th and 11th grades. 11 grade students take Chemistry an SAT/ACT prep course to prepare for the SAT and ACT tests that are taken in the 11th and/or 12th grade. A study of the composition, structure and prop- erties of matter and the changes it undergoes. Service Topics include atomic structure, scientific mea- Students have one period each week for service to the Riverfield and Tulsa communities. Possible choic- surement, periodicity, mass-mole relations, es for volunteering include assisting in a Pre-School or class, being an aide to a teacher chemical reactions, gas laws, acid-base reac- or staff member, or caring for the school’s many animals. tions, and fundamentals of organic chemistry. A minimum of one research or practical applica- tion project is assigned per semester. Physics Covers conceptual physics and an introduc- tion to theoretical physics. Topics include vec- tors, laws of rectilinear and curvilinear motion, waves, thermodynamics, optics, DC electricity, radioactivity, and electronics. Practical labs and projects are assigned. Anatomy and Physiology Provides an overview of the central concepts of ELECTIVE NON-CORE COURSES human anatomy and physiology: cells, tissues, Electives are selected each semester based on student interests. skin, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, endocrine system, blood, cardiovascu- Ecology Journalism Values Debate students learn the lar system, lymphatic system, respiratory sys- Natural Resource Management Newspaper students learn inter- art of persuasion, communica- tem, and digestive system. Student labs, tests, students get “hand on” with viewing, writing, and editing skills, tion, and research; examine how quizzes, and participation in discussion demon- Riverfield’s 120-acre campus as well as layout, photography, and several philosophers contributed strate students’ understanding and mastery of in this introduction to ecol- design to produce editions through- to Western thought, and discover concepts. ogy, wilderness conservation, out the year. how to affirm or negate proposi- and outdoor leadership. This tions of value. The Debate Team course compliments the well- Yearbook students work to chroni- competes in tournaments all over WORLD LANGUAGES established Roots and Shoots cle the people, activities, and events Oklahoma. program in earlier grades. En- that are important to the year. They Students may select German or Spanish for their vironmental stewardship and utilize photography, writing, de- Study Hall world languages requirement. Reading, writing, on-campus service projects are sign, and layout skills to produce a memorable yearbook. Study Hall provides time to work and speaking are emphasized. The Teaching balanced by lessons that build on homework, conduct research, Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling on coursework in Earth Science Performing Arts or work on team collaborations. (TPRS) method is used, which encourages lan- and Biology. Teachers serve as monitors and guage acquisition, not just language learning. Finance Blue Raven Chorus develops the resources as the students develop student’s voice in a choral setting. their independent study skills pre- Business provides students with Music from many different styles paring them for college. ADDITIONAL CORE OPTIONS an entrepreneurial experience. is studied throughout the year. In addition to operating the Performances include football and Technology • Acting I school’s vending machines, the basketball games, concerts, and contests. • Music Theory class examines business con- Filmmaking students create in- cepts such as budgeting, adver- Drama provides understanding dividual and group film projects • Philosophy tising, and marketing. of theatre techniques by studying while learning about storyboard- ing, video production, and video • Psychology Personal Finance & Invest- various aspects of the theatrical ments curriculum covers topics world. Improvisational and script- editing. • Survey of English History such as creating a budget, rec- ed activities are explored and help Introductory Computing students onciling a bank statement, and broaden the students knowledge of will be introduced to the funda- reading a credit card statement. focus, concentration, awareness, mentals of programming includ- Students examine planning for movement, and vocal skills while ing data types., control state- college, saving, investing, rent- onstage. ments (conditional statements ing, insurance, and taxes. The Rock Band Oklahoma’s only com- and loops), modularization, in- “All I can say is WOW! I was not just students also participate in the prehensive in-school Rock Music put/output, arrays, classes and pleased with his grades but with your stock market game. program. Students play a variety objects and exception handling. report card format as well. To see the Home Economics of instruments and perform at sev- Webpage Design students will eral large concerts on campus and thought that each teacher put into Home Economics works with focus on webpage design using at such off-campus locations as HTML. their comments and recommenda- students to develop the neces- Cain’s Ballroom, the Riverparks tions astounded my husband and sary skills to prepare them to be Amphitheater, Mayfest, and the me. It made us realize just how much effective managers of home and Tulsa PAC. Some bands perform Visual Arts your staff pays attention to our child’s community. Students will focus at the ISAS Arts Festival. Visual Arts course opportuni- strengths and weaknesses. They were on food preparation, preserva- ties include studio art, street art, spot on! Your program and staff have tion and nutrition, cleaning, eti- Speech & Debate and life drawing, and vary each by far exceeded our expectations!” quette, and some basic sewing Speech coursework prepares stu- semester. and textile skills. dents to effectively present poetry, Upper School Parent Advanced Home Economics is prose, humorous and dramatic in- available as continued course- terpertation and original speeches. work for those who have com- The Speech Team competes in pleted basic Home Economics. tournaments all over Oklahoma. RIVERFIELD ADMISSIONS Admissions Criteria Financial Aid Admission is based on a combination of Admission decisions are made prior to criteria including the student’s education- and separate from decisions about fi- al history, personal interview, visit during nancial aid. A student must be accepted a school day, and our intuition that the before the financial aid decision can be Riverfield utilizes TCC’s Concurrent Enrollment Program to offer individual is genuinely motivated to suc- made. No family should refrain from mak- ceed and will benefit from the Riverfield ing application for admission because of advanced and diversified courses. As an alternative to AP classes, experience. No one factor is more impor- limited finances. RCDS students can earn college credits and have the experience of tant than another. Our main concern is success for the student. Parents obtain the School and Student college coursework. Service for Financial Aid (SSS) packet from After an initial tour and interview, students the Riverfield Admissions or Business Of- spend a day visiting Riverfield in the regu- fice and submit completed forms to SSS EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES lar classroom environment. The parents by March 1 of each year. sign a Transcript Release Form to request Social Opportunities transcripts and records from the candi- Financial aid will not be awarded until date’s current school. Once students are information is received from SSS and the Each year the Upper School Student accepted, Riverfield may ask that a place- Riverfield Financial Aid Committee makes Government organizes many social ment test be taken for certain courses. its recommendation. activities for their peers. These in- clude, but are not limited to, music performances, game nights, lock- CONTACTS ins, sporting events, and dances. Britton Fox Admissions Coordinator [email protected]

Athletics Toby Clark Students are strongly encouraged, Upper and Division Head though not required, to participate in [email protected] current sports that include: Fall: football, girls volleyball, cheerlead- ing, and cross country COLLEGE ADMISSIONS Winter: basketball and cheerleading Riverfield creates an environment where students grow on many different- lev Spring: golf, tennis, and soccer. els. One of our fundamental responsibilities is to assist students in the se- lection of colleges that best match their abilities, interests, and overall per- sonal and school achievements. A college counselor works with students Clubs and Activities beginning in their sophomore year to determine where to apply to college and to provide assistance with applications. During this time, Riverfield will estab- Time is allotted weekly for clubs and lish relationships with colleges to which students are interested in applying. activities including Academic Bowl, Chess Club, Drumline, Frisbee Golf, Riverfield students have been admitted to the following colleges and universities: Jazz Band, Ping Pong/Jungle Pong, Spanish Club, Speech and Debate Austin College Oklahoma State Competitions, and Student Govern- Brigham Young University Rhodes College ment. Student interests may lead to Colorado School of Mines Rogers State University the development of other clubs. Cornell University Salve Regina College Drury College Southern Methodist University Hampshire College Southwestern University Campout Hendrix College Texas Christian University Each fall, the Upper School stu- Houston Baptist University Tulsa Community College dents and faculty go on a three-day Johnson and Wales University University of Arkansas campout that combines teamwork, Kansas State University University of Missouri leadership training, and some time Lynchburg College University of Oklahoma to relax and have fun. Campout ac- Missouri Southern State University University of Texas tivities include floating the Illinois Missouri University of Science & Technology University of Tulsa River, playing instrument, fishing, Northeastern State University University of West Virginia hiking, animal observations, sports Oklahoma City University Westminster College games, and dramatic presentations.

Non-Discriminatory Statement Riverfield Country Day School is a non-profit, with no religious affiliation. Riverfield is a welcoming community that strives to treat everyone fairly. All decisions regarding admissions, employment, administration, and student and faculty life are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, marital or family status, or any other criteria prohibited by law. All rights, privileges, educational, athletic, school-administrated programs, and activities made available by the school are extended to all students, families, faculty, and staff.

Riverfield Country Day School 2433 West 61st Street Tulsa, Oklahoma 74132 918.446.3553 riverfield.org