Curriculum

Mathematics is fundamental at Harkness. All students must complete a minimum three-year sequence of study in grades 10 through 12.  The mathematics department strives to develop a broad understanding of the nature of mathematics by balancing the “hows and whys” of the subject.

The department helps students develop an understanding of the fundamentals and structure of a mathematical system as well as mathematics’ inductive and investigative processes.  The department seeks to instill a level of competence that enables students to advance confidently to and succeed in higher mathematics.

Our students have consistently participated in mathematics competitions at the local, state, and national levels. Our students have represented the state in the National Math Olympics twice, and once in the female Olympics. They have also participated and received honor mentions in the Gau55  and the A.N. Kolmogórov Math Competitions.

The mission of Harkness´ science program is to accomplish three specific objectives:

• Instill in all students a genuine interest in and appreciation of the natural world, as well as a life- long commitment to learning about and caring for their physical environment
• Produce Harkness graduates who are “scientifically literate” as demonstrated both by their broad knowledge of concepts and their ability to apply scientific “habits of mind” to all aspects of their lives and problem-solving
• Prepare all students for college entrance and for a successful college experience in science, technology, and science-based education.

By the time they have graduated, students have delved into biology, physics, chemistry, and earth sciences. Our student’s excitement and proficiency have led them to consistently participate in science competitions. We are proud to say that our students have reached the state and national levels of the Physics and Chemistry Olympics. 

All Harkness students must complete a three year sequence of study in Spanish Literature. Topics covered in class span the fields of Iberian and Latin American literature, culture, and linguistics, from the medieval period to contemporary literature and film. A strong emphasis is given in developing writing and reading comprehension skills.  

English is a required class every year. Students read and write to realize and clarify what they know and believe. Students engage both personally and analytically with complex texts and share their insights through discussion. Writing instruction emphasizes graceful expression, effective use of descriptive language, and the development of strong supporting detail as students stretch themselves in a variety of genres.  Writing process, revision, grammar, and vocabulary skills are interwoven throughout the curriculum as tools for making writing more vibrant and mechanically correct. 

The Social Sciences department seeks to nurture each student’s enjoyment of history, ethics, politics, philosophy, social sciences, and economics. We teach a body of knowledge, hone skills in research and writing, and in critical thinking. The department encourages students to reflect on motive forces in history, to investigate their own questions about the meanings of the past, and, from those pursuits, to cultivate a sense of social concern and engagement for the wider society in which they live.

Our computer science education encompasses ideas such as digital literacy, digital competency, and computational thinking. Our students are offered an introductory course in digital culture in their sophomore year. From there, students build their knowledge in computer hardware, networks, web design and design software. In addition, the school offers a robotics workshop. We are very proud to say that our team has been the five time champion of the Tec Challenge in robotics.

Art possesses the capacity to stir the mind, imagination and spirit. In the classroom art is taught as a process, consisting of visual analysis, skill development, intuitive discovery and critical thinking. The curriculum stresses perception and drawing, design concepts, problem solving, persistence and craft. Inventiveness and informed risk-taking are celebrated. In a world of continual change, a visual arts education encourages students to see complex problems from multiple perspectives.