Upper School
Program Overview
Stratford Friends School is built on the belief that all students have the right to succeed and have been a pioneer in educating unique learners since 1976. With the guidance of our Strategic Plan, Stratford is moving forward to implementing a new 9th-12th grade Upper School program for neurodiverse learners.
The proposed initiative would include restructuring the current 9th grade program which in past years has been dedicated to a one-year transition program for students who needed one more year before moving on. Starting in 2025-2026 academic year, SFS will grow one class year per academic year, with the addition of 10th grade as of the start of September 2025. SFS will continue to grow one grade level per year until 2027 when we welcome our 12th grade class.
The new Upper School Program serves neuro diverse students who learn best when taught at their instructional level. Stratford Friend’s multi-sensory teaching approach combined with small group instruction allows students to continue to make academic growth. Our program offers inclusive programming focused on fundamental academics with real-life experiences built into PA Standard HS requirements so that students earn a High School diploma upon graduation. Our commitment to community engagement and project-based hands-on learning help prepare the students to become the best independent version of themselves possible.
The goals of the 10th Grade are to:
- Provide strong, multisensory, small group instruction to teach curriculum that is standards-based and provides all students with the opportunities to develop the skills of analysis, synthesis, evaluation and problem solving, and information literacy.
- Provide lessons on how to navigate peer relationships, self-advocacy, executive functioning skills, and career and life readiness transitions programming.
- Engage students in a variety of elective courses and hands-on opportunities centered around career, and technical education, financial literacy, technology, and family & consumer sciences.
- Engage students in physical, art, music, and health education as a holistic approach to educating our students.
- Incorporate project-based learning opportunities focused on real world experiences.
Graduation Requirements
A Minimum of 24 Credits
Core Classes:
- 4 credits in ELA
- 1 credit in Writing (.5 per year 9th/10th)
- 4 credits in math
- 3 credits in science
- 3 credits in history
- 1 Reading Intervention (.5 per year 9th/10th)
- 2 credits in arts and humanities
2 credits in health and physical education
Electives:
- 4 additional elective credits
- Financial Literacy .5
- HS 101 .5
- HS 101 .5
Sample Schedule
|
8:00-8:30 |
Advisory |
Advisory |
Advisory |
Advisory |
Advisory |
|
8:35-9:20 |
ELA |
ELA |
ELA |
ELA |
ELA |
|
9:25-10:10 |
Math |
Math |
Math |
Math |
Math |
|
10:15-11:00 |
Writing |
Reading Intervention |
Writing |
Reading Intervention |
HS 101 |
|
11:05-11:45 |
Art and Humanities Class |
Health and Wellness
|
Art and Humanities Class
|
Health and Wellness
|
Financial Literacy |
|
11:45-12:05 |
Lunch |
Lunch |
Lunch |
Lunch |
Lunch |
|
12:10-12:45 |
Academic Support |
Community Engagement |
Academic Support |
Community Engagement |
Academic Support |
|
12:50-1:35 |
Science |
Science |
Science |
Science |
Science |
|
1:35-2:20 |
History |
History |
History |
History |
History |
|
2:25-3:00 |
Study Hall |
Study Hall |
Study Hall |
Study Hall |
Study Hall |
Outcomes
Stratford Friends School believes that all students are capable of learning growth and deserve a safe and caring education environment designed to help them thrive. A Stratford Friends School education will empower students to
- Develop critical thinking skills needed for independent living beyond High School
- Understand their personal strengths and learning style
- Accept the uniqueness and diversity of others which will help them create strong relationships beyond High School.
Community is an important part of Stratford Friend School, and we strongly believe in the value of having parents as a collaborative member of our team.
Additionally, SFS values the relationship with our community members. Our Upper School program will allow students to engage with community members through Community engagement activities and vocational lessons aimed at helping our students become the best independent version of themselves.
Curriculum
All Upper School students will complete academic classes assigned based on PA Academic Standards, following graduation requirements needed to earn a High School Diploma. Content taught within each class is designed to support where students are academically while preparing them for life after High School. Upper School lessons include project based activities, assessments, presentations, and hands-on learning opportunities to enhance student learning of concepts.
English: 4 Credits (1 credit each year)
Language Arts 9th
Language Arts 10th
Language Arts 11th
Language Arts 12th
Writing: 2 Credits (.5 credit each year)
Writing 9th grade
Writing 10th grade
Writing 11th grade
Writing 12th grade
English and Writing Overview:
English and Writing classes focus on the core components of the English language: literature, writing, speaking/listening, and presenting. It introduces students to literature through different genres, including poetry, short stories, nonfiction, dramas, novels, and fairy tales. Students use a variety of strategies to create written texts to inform, to persuade, to describe, and to entertain, as well as practice grammar, mechanics and paragraphing. Throughout the course, students give informal and formal presentations to the class, and even to the Head of School! Additionally, students will continue intense coursework using Orton Gillingham instruction model to enhance and strengthen decoding skills.
Language Arts 9th
Language Arts 10th
Language Arts 11th
Language Arts 12th
Writing: 2 Credits (.5 credit each year)
Writing 9th grade
Writing 10th grade
Writing 11th grade
Writing 12th grade
English and Writing Overview:
English and Writing classes focus on the core components of the English language: literature, writing, speaking/listening, and presenting. It introduces students to literature through different genres, including poetry, short stories, nonfiction, dramas, novels, and fairy tales. Students use a variety of strategies to create written texts to inform, to persuade, to describe, and to entertain, as well as practice grammar, mechanics and paragraphing. Throughout the course, students give informal and formal presentations to the class, and even to the Head of School! Additionally, students will continue intense coursework using Orton Gillingham instruction model to enhance and strengthen decoding skills.
Math: 4 Credit Minimum (1 credit each year)
Math 9th
Math 10th
Math 11th
Math 12th
Math Overview:
SFS’ High School Math course will support the PA Core Standards for Mathematics and focus on the four key areas of Numbers and Operations, Algebraic Concepts, Geometry, and Measurement, Data and Probability. The four standards will serve as a guide in curriculum design to meet each students’ individual learning needs for each grade level.
Science: 3 Credits Minimum
Earth and Space Science
Life Science
Physical Science
Science Overview:
Each course is designed to help students learn more about the physical world in which they live as they strengthen skills such as observation, critical thinking, verbal and written communication, manipulation of equipment, and applying technology. SFS’ High School Science classes will use the 2023 PA STEELS standards as their guide to develop coursework supporting PA Science standards, while meeting individual students' academic levels and offering hands on learning opportunities. Throughout their high school experience, SFS students will study physical science, life science, earth and space, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability, and Technology & Engineering.
Math 9th
Math 10th
Math 11th
Math 12th
Math Overview:
SFS’ High School Math course will support the PA Core Standards for Mathematics and focus on the four key areas of Numbers and Operations, Algebraic Concepts, Geometry, and Measurement, Data and Probability. The four standards will serve as a guide in curriculum design to meet each students’ individual learning needs for each grade level.
Science: 3 Credits Minimum
Earth and Space Science
Life Science
Physical Science
Science Overview:
Each course is designed to help students learn more about the physical world in which they live as they strengthen skills such as observation, critical thinking, verbal and written communication, manipulation of equipment, and applying technology. SFS’ High School Science classes will use the 2023 PA STEELS standards as their guide to develop coursework supporting PA Science standards, while meeting individual students' academic levels and offering hands on learning opportunities. Throughout their high school experience, SFS students will study physical science, life science, earth and space, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability, and Technology & Engineering.
History: 3 Credit Minimum
Civics and Government
Pennsylvania and US History
World History
History Overview:
History classes for the high school program at SFS are designed to support student individual learning levels while teaching an understanding of chronological events and the application of historical thinking skills. Over the course of the four years, students will study civics and government, PA and US history, and World history.
Arts and Humanities: 2 Credit Minimum
Arts and Humanities expose students to hands-on lessons with an emphasis on developing a deeper understanding of the culture and community that surrounds them. Students will explore unfamiliar cultures; challenge their assumptions about their own; and learn to think critically, read analytically, speak articulately, and write persuasively.
Health and Physical Education: 2 Credit Minimum
SFS students will explore a variety of health-related fitness classes/activities focused on teaching our students teamwork, cooperation, decision-making skills, sportsmanship and leadership skills through a community-based learning model. Additionally, Health classes will focus on healthy decision making with nutrition, sex education, and self- advocacy.
Civics and Government
Pennsylvania and US History
World History
History Overview:
History classes for the high school program at SFS are designed to support student individual learning levels while teaching an understanding of chronological events and the application of historical thinking skills. Over the course of the four years, students will study civics and government, PA and US history, and World history.
Arts and Humanities: 2 Credit Minimum
Arts and Humanities expose students to hands-on lessons with an emphasis on developing a deeper understanding of the culture and community that surrounds them. Students will explore unfamiliar cultures; challenge their assumptions about their own; and learn to think critically, read analytically, speak articulately, and write persuasively.
Health and Physical Education: 2 Credit Minimum
SFS students will explore a variety of health-related fitness classes/activities focused on teaching our students teamwork, cooperation, decision-making skills, sportsmanship and leadership skills through a community-based learning model. Additionally, Health classes will focus on healthy decision making with nutrition, sex education, and self- advocacy.
Community Engagement
SFS’ Upper School program will offer 4 years of Community Engagement curriculum that will provide outings and community-based learning activities designed to help students access their community and practice both essential life skills and functional skills. Students will create a Community Engagement resource guide that they can use post-graduation to support them as they transition to adulthood.
