Founded in 1845, The Packer Collegiate Institute is the oldest independent school in Brooklyn. A co-educational, college preparatory school enrolling students from Preschool through Grade 12, Packer is located in Brooklyn Heights, one subway stop from Manhattan. Mission Statement learning environment that supports students Grounded in rich traditions while embracing the future, The Packer Collegiate Institute in developing as individuals as well as is a diverse community that balances the members of a community. This approach value of scholarship and the intellect with fosters their development as critical thinkers, the importance of meaningful and sustained compassionate citizens, and engaged learners School Profile relationships. Guided by dedicated adults, who understand the connection between Packer students are challenged to develop what is learned in the classroom and lived 2019-20 talents, pursue aspirations, and become in the world. empathetic, responsible, globally-minded individuals. Community Dr. Jennifer Weyburn Head of School We educate students to think deeply, speak Our commitment to the diversity of the people confidently, and act with purpose and heart. Maria Nunes in our community encompasses every social Head of Upper School identifier, and regarding race specifically, our Upper School Overview Nila Fortune student body consists of 34% students of College Counselor Packer’s Upper School faculty, over 79% of color. More than 29 languages are spoken in Claudia Mendez whom hold advanced degrees, are dedicated the homes of Packer families. Upper School College Counselor to helping students to develop strengths students commute from all parts of Brooklyn Lisa Shambaugh and interests in academic, artistic, and and Manhattan, and smaller numbers come College Counselor athletic pursuits, as well as to grow through from as far away as the Bronx, Long Island, leadership and service. Our program and New Jersey. In 2019-20, 25% percent of CEEB: 330790 offers interdisciplinary and project-based our students receive financial aid. Packer’s learning, the integration of technology, the community is strengthened by the inclusion of opportunity for study beyond the walls of the students from Prep for Prep, Oliver Scholars, 170 Joralemon Street school, and a balance between core academic A Better Chance, and other educational-access Brooklyn, NY 11201 requirements and student-selected areas programs. (718) 250-0265 of study. Packer’s Upper School provides a www.packer.edu Upper School Curriculum Packer does not offer AP courses. In their stead, we offer Advanced Topics (AT) classes, faculty-authored courses of equal or greater academic rigor. AT courses are offered in English, American Government, European History, Archival Research, History of Slavery, Calculus I, Calculus I/II, Mathematical Proof and Structure, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Chinese, French, Latin, Spanish, Computer Science, Studio Art, Choreography, and Photography. (See insert.) A schedule of five academic subjects is required for most students. Given the rigor of our overall program and our students’ dedication to significant co-curricular endeavors, Disciplinary Records most juniors and seniors are counseled not to take more than two AT or advanced We believe that students should respond courses each year. We also offer a three-year Independent Science Research Program see( with the utmost integrity to disciplinary opposite page). questions from schools to which they In evaluating Packer transcripts, it is important to understand that while there are apply, taking the time to reflect on multiple options for underclassmen to enroll in accelerated courses in math and science, the ways in which they have grown Prior to Eleventh Grade, there are no such opportunities in English and history. as individuals and as members of the community. College counselors will Graduation Requirements disclose only those disciplinary matters Students typically complete courses of study that exceed the minimum requirements that have resulted in a student being noted below. They also complete a community engagement requirement. placed on disciplinary probation or separated from school by suspension English: 4 History/Social Science: 3 Health: 1 or expulsion. Mathematics: 3 Arts (Visual Arts, Dance, Physical Education: 4 World Language: 3 Music, and Theater): 2 Enrollment Science: 3 Electives: 2 Pre-Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade: 1,060 students Grading System Upper School: 389 students · Semester calendar, with final exams administered in June Class of 2020: 96 students · Letter grades A through F, including pluses and minuses (see grade distribution below) · Final grades for all courses excluding health and physical education are factored into an Accreditation unweighted grade point average (GPA). New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) · Packer does not report any type of class rank. Grade Distribution 2018-19 Semester grade distribution for courses in which current juniors and seniors were enrolled during academic year 2018-19: A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D D- F English 155 156 61 26 14 8 2 1 0 2 0 0 World Language 184 68 37 18 8 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 History 114 97 73 34 7 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 Math 185 93 52 43 21 6 5 3 3 0 1 0 Science 213 111 43 28 7 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 Computer Science 28 14 4 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Arts 223 26 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 College Board Scores for the Class of 2019 Mean SAT Scores Mean SAT Subject Test Scores Mean Mean Mean EBRW 703 English Literature 690 Math Level 1 692 Math 678 Math Level 2 710 Mean ACT Composite Score: 31.5 Features of Packer’s Upper School The Packer Symposium the unique culture forged by the confluence of Judaism, For two weeks between first and second semester, regular Islam, and Christianity. Students worked independently and classes are supplanted by an array of intensive educational collaboratively to research areas of personal interest and experiences that extend beyond the regular classroom. The shared their findings with the community upon their return. Packer Symposium is defined by creative research, study, The cost of the program for all students is included as part discussion, and action that engage Packer students and of Packer’s regular tuition. faculty in meaningful collaboration and intensive learning. Individual Explorations: Juniors and seniors select from The New York Experience: Freshmen participate in an course offerings shaped by the interests and passions extensive investigation of New York City. Students choose from of both students and teachers. Through in-depth study, several distinct strands of study, each of which explores discussions with scholars and experts, and field trips around the city’s culture, history, or sustainability. the region, students explore a variety of topics, including International Program: As sophomores, the Class of 2020 scientific innovation, game design, the philosophy of traveled to the Andalucía region of Spain, where they studied happiness, and the intersection of physics and music. Independent Science Research Program walls of Packer gives us the unique opportunity to create bonds, Packer offers a three-year deepen learning, and spark a global perspective. Through the sequence of study in the examinations of issues and subjects, passions, or connections physical and life sciences, with others, our Global Travel Programs develop awareness of leading to two school years important issues impacting our world, cultural competency and two and global literacy, engagement in another summers of language, and empathy and responsibility. laboratory Packer’s Core Values research Independent Study with and Senior Thesis professional Scholarship scientists. Students in this program have These two programs allow students to received national recognition as well as credited Creativity personalize and deepen their individual publication in prominent scientific journals. interests while working one-on-one with a They also receive college credit through the Diversity selected faculty mentor. All students present SUNY system. their research publicly and seniors are Integrity awarded academic credit for participating in Student Leadership the semester-long Senior Thesis program. Joy Peer Leadership and Peer Support programs Packer in Action Program offer students the opportunity to serve as mentors to younger students. Peer Leaders/ Respect The National Association of Independent Peer Supporters are selected by faculty and Schools (NAIS) has long recognized Packer receive leadership training so they may provide for its inclusive programming and its a range of services, including tutoring and integration of diversity learning into every mediation, to younger students as they socialize and acclimate to aspect of community life. A committee Middle and Upper School life. of students and adults collaborates in preparing an annual exploration in which the entire school participates in critical Global Opportunities conversations about race, gender, equity, and diversity. The Packer's Global Travel Programs offer students the opportunity to program includes seminars, presentations, and workshops use the world as a classroom. These programs are mission-driven developed and facilitated by Packer faculty and students, as well and are inspired by our commitment to expanding our curricular as by nationally recognized speakers, activists, and organizations. and co-curricular goals. We believe that stepping outside the Rhodes College (1) Rochester Institute of Technology (1)