Introduction
Middle and high school education at Kirby is characterized by active, personalized learning that promotes creativity and fosters intellectual curiosity. Students thrive in small classes where a knowledgeable, enthusiastic faculty guides their intellectual and personal development. They are passionate in their pursuit of knowledge as they demonstrate and employ it in real-world applications.
Balanced, innovative curricula fuse traditional academics, visual and performing arts, and technology. An extensive range of electives in the arts, foreign languages, math, the sciences, and the humanities afford opportunities for comprehensive study. Faculty use a repertoire of teaching methodologies to actively engage students in the learning process. All courses share common goals: reading analytically; writing with clarity and conviction; questioning actively; and thinking critically.
Middle School
Kirby’s middle school provides a well-balanced and developmentally appropriate transition from elementary school to the challenges of a rigorous college preparatory high school program. Our sixth, seventh and eighth graders explore their intellectual, creative, and physical potential in a lively and supportive environment.
Middle school students build a solid academic foundation in English, social studies, mathematics, science, foreign languages, and the arts, and develop mind-body awareness through the physical education and athletics program. Faculty help students develop important critical thinking and problem solving skills and teach them how to work effectively, both independently and in groups. Students take a math placement assessment and are enrolled in courses based upon their level of mastery; those who are ready may enroll in high school-level math courses. Developmental readiness plays a key role in placement; middle school courses and activities are designed to respond to the needs and interests of early adolescents, while high school offerings require greater maturity, attention and commitment.
High School
Kirby’s curriculum fuses traditional college preparatory academics with a wide array of electives to prepare students for the social, political, and economic realities of the twenty-first century. Here, their academic journeys prepare them for success at the colleges of their choice.
Students may pursue a general college preparatory path or may focus their study through a unique program of Intensive Paths in four areas: the Arts, Science and Technology, Languages and World Cultures, or the Humanities. Advanced study is available through numerous honors and advanced placement courses. Kirby’s high school level courses are certified to meet all “a-g” admissions requirements of the University of California system. All paths’ graduation requirements exceed University of California admissions prerequisites and the innovative elements of Kirby’s program ensure a rich, meaningful educational experience for each student.
For a complete overview of the middle school and high school instructional program, graduation requirements and course descriptions, please refer to the Curriculum Catalog. For a summary list of course sequences and offerings refer to the Course List and Sequence.