Academics

Core Program Grades 9 & 10

Teaching Students HOW to Think

Our academic program supports the school's mission by presenting a rigorous college preparatory curriculum that encourages students to think independently, learn collaboratively, and communicate effectively. It fosters thinkers who understand both traditional and emerging disciplines, master skills essential to achievement in college and beyond, and embody vital attitudes and habits of mind, including curiosity, a love of learning, and a commitment to what is right and true. The Core Program intentionally prepares students for their advanced studies in grades 11 and 12.

At Webb, we emphasize creative thinking and problem-solving over rote memorization throughout our curriculum. This approach instills skills and habits of mind essential for success in college and beyond. Webb students develop as master learners, capable of addressing problems, asking the right questions, and utilizing various resources to articulate and test their own answers, fully prepared for the future.

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Freshman Seminar

All freshmen participate in a required seminar class that focuses on human development, adjustment to boarding school community life, and important issues related to adolescent physical, social, academic, emotional, and personal growth. These classes are kept small to facilitate open and earnest discussions. Additionally, all students are required to attend scheduled speakers and discussions through the Health and Living program.

Health and Living is a four-year health program designed to address students' specific developmental milestones throughout high school. Topics rotate annually and build on the information discussed in freshman seminars. Students who enter Webb after the 9th grade will benefit from participating in introductory Health and Living meetings, ensuring they have a foundational knowledge similar to that of their peers.
Fawcett Library
Office Hours
Study Periods
Study Hours & Evening Labs
Academic Support

Webb’s tutoring policy has two core goals: 1) to ensure that tutors working on our campus are qualified professionals who communicate effectively with our academic faculty and administration to best serve our students and support the school's goals and values, and 2) to ensure the safety and security of our residential community.

While most of our students' academic needs are met through interactions with teachers in the classroom, during office hours, in evening labs, and beyond, there are rare occasions when a student requires additional support in a particular subject or skill. To address this, the school maintains a pool of approved and vetted tutors who are cleared to work on our campus. Tutors are permitted to work in our campus facilities and are expected to communicate with the Director of Studies regarding their students' progress. Tutors are considered independent contractors and are paid directly by families.

Additionally, Webb offers both individual and group SAT tutoring options to families on our campus. We collaborate with vetted SAT tutoring companies to provide skilled and affordable prep courses. Information about these companies and their services is available through the Office of College Guidance.

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Department

"I teach 9th and 10th graders. The biggest adjustment I see in the first months is that they want me to give them all the answers, and I don’t. They struggle with that. From the beginning, they are learning experimental design at 13 and 14 years old, which is a really advanced skill. The idea is that they are learning how to ask questions, make observations, form hypotheses, and analyze data. This sets the stage for the rest of the year and their entire science program."

"When a student asks me, “Is this a good hypothesis?” I respond with more questions: What makes you think it is good or bad? What are its weaknesses? This is the approach our teachers take here. We constantly encourage students to think through their process, understanding how they learn the material, rather than just presenting it to them."