Departments & Courses

ART

Integral to the NDP curriculum, the four-year sequential art program provides the stimulation, encouragement and enhancement of the creative, disciplined potential of each student. By offering courses in various media, NDP gives each student the opportunity to have a range of art experiences and to pursue continued study of art in consecutive years. Most recently, a graphics art lab was added to the department so that students can familiarize themselves with new technological possibilities in the art field, including graphic design, web site design and architectural drawing. Aside from the development of the visual and applied skills of the studio experience, students study art history, art criticism and aesthetics through museum visits, readings, and slides and videos.

ENGLISH

Offering college-preparatory, honors, and Advanced Placement courses, the English Department strives to challenge and advance our students appropriately within a common context of study.  Infused into the six-through-twelve curriculum is a writing program which ranges from fundamental grammatical construction to sophisticated college-level research assignments. Effective expository writing is the primary focus, but the curriculum also offers opportunities for creative writing. The literature program, which includes both genre and survey courses, challenges our students to comprehend, interpret, analyze, and evaluate literary works. Courses include American and British literature, as well as numerous senior electives on a host of topics ranging from classical Greek drama to the literature of the Sixties.  The English Department also sponsors The Gateway (newspaper), Esprit (literary magazine) and Finis (yearbook), and offers electives in journalism, creative writing, yearbook production and drama.

The acquisition of second languages not only makes the student more of a global citizen, but also gives her better insight into her own language.

LANGUAGES

NDP believes second language study is essential to a student's preparation for college life. The acquisition of second languages not only makes the student more of a global citizen, but also gives her better insight into her own language. Included in the language curriculum are courses in French, Spanish, Latin, Italian and Japanese. All modern language students work in the school's new state-of-the-art Language Center that contains 41 internet-connected computers, and a listening and speaking area.

MATHEMATICS

The Mathematics Department is committed to helping students develop appropriate skills in and understanding of mathematics as the language of science and research. All classes, from algebra to calculus, solve problems by applying math to real-world situations. Math teachers incorporate current technologies such as graphing calculators, computers and specialized software throughout the curriculum as needed to support skill development and understanding of concepts. The department also seeks to encourage students to appreciate the beauty and fun of mathematics through participation in activities such as the Maryland Mathematics League.  All students in grades 9-12 must have a Texas Instrument graphing calculator for use in math and sciences classes.  The preferred models are TI-83, TI-83+, TI-84 or TI-84+.

MUSIC

Music plays a significant part in the NDP community.  Through the Middle Level Performing Arts program, students may participate in their choice of band, orchestra, chorus, introductory piano classes, or general music.  In the Upper Level, students may elect to participate in credited music courses in Band, Orchestra, Chorus, Piano, Guitar, Music Technology, and Music Appreciation.  Students may also participate in an extra-curricular program for private lessons.  To learn more about the music department and its offerings, click here.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION & HEALTH

NDP's physical education and athletics programs reflect the school philosophy that students must develop not only academically, but also physically and creatively as well. Our physical education classes, team sports and intramurals allow students to learn self-discipline and control, the value of teamwork and mutual respect, and appreciation of personal accomplishment.

RELIGION

NDP's religious studies department's philosophy is firmly rooted in the innovations and ideals of Vatican II. Throughout the department's three branches-academics, campus ministry and social service-we stress the development of personal and community spirituality and the development of a social consciousness and conscience. In addition to courses in Hebrew and Christian scriptures, students study world religions, social service and church issues. Several community outreach programs have been incorporated into NDP's religious studies program, enabling students to pursue hands-on, social service projects.

SCIENCE

NDP students typically choose to study beyond the required three science courses for graduation.

The science department aspires to instill in its students a deep understanding and appreciation of their natural world; to create a sense of the interdependence of all life; to encourage contributions to future achievements in scientific fields. Middle Level students study three different topics each year in the areas of earth, life and physical sciences. In the Upper Level, students pursue a variety of topics, such as biology and AP biology, marine sciences and physics. Laboratory experience is an integral part of all science classes. NDP students typically choose to study beyond the required three science courses for graduation, and many have participated in programs such as the NASA Space Camp, the Johns Hopkins Women's Science Consortium and internships at colleges and national science organizations.

SOCIAL STUDIES

The social studies department encourages lively classroom discussion and enhances lectures with research activities and independent study. In addition to classroom study, social studies students attend field trips to museums, areas along the Chesapeake Bay, Gettsyburg, Williamsburg and Washington, DC. The department sponsors a Youth in Government Club, which allows students to participate in mock legislative assemblies, and Mock Trial, in which students compete in mock judicial events. Every four years, the department sponsors a school-wide political campaign to raise political awareness in young "voters." Campaign 2004 will include debates, a pep rally, political cartoon contest and a mock election. The department also offers a wide range of electives from AP Modern European History to a Women's Issues course.

TECHNOLOGY

Most computer instruction is integrated into regular classroom instruction. Middle Level students advance their skills each year through technology clubs and exploratory classes based on the National Educational Technology Standards and preparation for the Upper Level laptop program. In 2006, the NDP Upper School became a fully implemented wireless laptop learning environment. To that end, all incoming grade nine students are required to have laptops, purchased usually through the NDP program, and to attend a summer laptop camp in preparation. Two elective classes are offered to Upper Level students: Intro to Computer Science, which includes both applications and an introduction to programming, and AP Computer Science A.