Program Requirements

REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

Twenty-four-and-one-quarter credits are required for graduation from the Upper School. Each student is provided the opportunity to earn the credits while in the Upper School, and The Summit provides each student with educational options that meet the state minimum standards effective September 1983. These include, but are not limited to, independent study courses, educational travel and the Senior Search mentor program. Within our framework of required credits, there are various departmental requirements. The credits are accumulated as follows:

Religion - one credit during each year in attendance
English - four credits
Social Studies - three credits
Mathematics - three credits
Science - three credits
Foreign Languages - three credits
Physical Education - one-half credit
Health Education - one-half credit
Fine Arts - one credit
Electives - three credits
Communications - one-quarter credit Leadership - one-quarter credit

In addition to these required credits, each student must also participate in a Computer Applications course, successfully pass the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT), and successfully complete a Senior Search project prior to graduation. Taking a BASIC Programming or Computer Science course as an elective satisfies the Computer Applications requirement.

9th Year
Required
Religion 9
English 9
World/American History I 1750-1900
Mathematics (see options)
Algebra I
Algebra II
Advanced Algebra II
Science (see options)
Biology
Advanced Biology
Foreign Language (see options)
French I
French II
Advanced French II
Spanish I
Spanish II
Advanced Spanish II
Latin I
Latin II
Advanced Latin II
Physical Education

Electives
Band
Chorale/Camerata
Drawing/Painting
Ceramics/Sculpture
Computer Programming
Computer Science
Graphic Design
Photography
Music Appreciation
Health

10th Year
Required
Religion 10
English 10
Adv. World/American History II 1900-present
World/American History II 1900-present
Mathematics (see options)
Algebra II
Advanced Algebra II
Geometry
Advanced Geometry
Trig./Pre-Calculus
Advanced Trig./Pre-Calculus
A.P. Statistics
Science (see options)
Chemistry
Advanced Chemistry
Foreign Language (see options)
French II
Advanced French II
French III
Advanced French III
Spanish II
Advanced Spanish II
Spanish III
Advanced Spanish III
Latin II
Advanced Latin II
A.P. Latin
Health
Physical Education

Electives
Band
Ceramics/Sculpture
Chorale/Camerata
Computer Programming
Computer Science
Drawing/Painting
Graphic Design
Music Appreciation
Photography
Portfolio
Robotics
Web Graphics

11th Year
Required
Religion
English 11/Advanced English 11
Mathematics (see options)
Trig./Pre-Calculus
Advanced Trig./Pre-Calculus
Statistics
A.P. Statistics
Algebra II
Adv. Algebra II
Science (see options)
Physics
Honors Physics
Anatomy and Physiology
A.P. Physics
A.P. Biology
A.P. Chemistry
A.P. Environmental Science
Communication/Public Speaking
Leadership for the 21st Century
Foreign Language (see options)
French III
Advanced French III
French IV
Advanced French IV
Spanish III
Advanced Spanish III
Spanish IV
Advanced Spanish IV
Latin III
Advanced Latin III
A.P. Latin

Electives
A.P. American History
A.P. Computer Science
A.P. European History
A.P. Government
A.P. Music Theory
A.P. Portfolio
Band
Ceramics/Sculpture
Chorale/Camerata
Computer Programming
Computer Science
Foreign Language
Portfolio
Robotics
Web Graphics

12th Year
Required
Religion 12
English 12/A.P. English II
Senior Search

Electives
A.P. American History
A.P. European History
A.P. Government
A.P. Portfolio
A.P. Psychology
A.P. Calculus
A.P. Computer Science
A.P. Biology
A.P. Physics B
A.P. Physics C
A.P. Chemistry
A.P. Environmental Science
A.P. Calculus
A.P. French (Language)
A.P. Spanish (Language)
A.P. Latin (Language & Lit.)
A.P. Music Theory
A.P. Statistics
Advanced French IV
Advanced Physics
Advanced Spanish IV
Advanced Trig/Pre-Calculus
Anatomy and Physiology
Band
Calculus
Ceramics/Sculpture
Chorale/Camerata
Computer Programming
Computer Science
French IV/V or Graphic Design
Introduction to College Math
Latin IV
Physics
Physics II
Portfolio Art
Spanish IV/V Studio Art
Statistics
Trig/Pre-Calculus
Robotics
Web Graphics

INTRODUCTION

Continuing to build on what students learn and experience in previous years, the Upper School provides a rigorous education in grades 9-12 that prepares students for college while promoting the joy of learning. The Upper School embodies the values of faith and service inherent in a Summit education, and is guided by a student-developed and student-directed Honor Code that reflects The Summit’s mission.

GENERAL PROGRAMS

Clubs and Activities
A number of extracurricular activities are available to our Upper School students. More than 90 percent of our students are involved in activities; most are involved with two or more. The following is a full listing:

The Summit Adventurers
American Youth Foundation/Youth
Leadership
Amnesty International
Ancient Archeology
Camarata
Chorale
Dramatics
Hands Across the Campus
Honor Council
Insight (newspaper)
Math Club
National Honor Society
Peer Education
P.R.A.I.S.E.
Random Blossoms
Retreats
Rostrum (yearbook)
S-Club
Science Club
Spirit Club
Student Art League
Student Congress
Student Senate
Student Ambassador Club
T.E.A.M. (Development volunteers)
Worship Committee
Writers’ Salon

Athletics
The Summit considers athletics to be an integral part of the school’s educational program. Athletics provide experiences that will help students grow spiritually, mentally, socially, emotionally and physically. We believe that by promoting sportsmanship at all levels the athletic program reinforces a sound value structure, instills pride, and enhances the students’ self-image. The goal of The Summit’s athletes and teams is to “be the best that you can be.” Success is measured not by wins or losses, but by how well the athletes, individually and collectively, meet that goal. The school’s name, “The Summit,” exemplifies the plateau of achievement for which we all strive.

Participation is emphasized at The Summit. More than 75 percent of our student body participates in athletics. The Summit is a member of the Ohio High School Athletic Association and the Miami Valley Conference.

Fall Sports
Girls
Cheerleading
Cross Country
Field Hockey
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Volleyball
Boys
Cross Country
Golf
Football
Soccer
Swimming

Winter Sports
Girls
Basketball
Cheerleading
Boys
Basketball
Wrestling

Spring Sports
Girls
Track
Softball
Boys
Baseball
Lacrosse
Tennis
Track

The Honor Code
The Summit is an Honor Code school with a student-composed Honor Constitution that calls on each individual in our community to sign and subscribe to a pledge that they will not lie, cheat or steal. An Honor Council of 12 students elected by the faculty and student body administers that code by hearing cases of Honor Code violations and making recommendations to the Director.

Guidance Services
The Guidance Program at The Summit is led by two individuals: the college counselor, who assists students (juniors and seniors) with the college process; and the guidance counselor, who works to promote activities which assist students in academic and personal ways. This counselor is available for personal and academic counseling and testing and works with students in grades 9 through 11.

Advisement Program
The purpose of the Advisement Program is to give students the opportunity to work each year in a small group setting with a faculty advisor who takes interest in the academic progress of the students in his/her charge. Group activities, discussions, or interviews may take place at this time.

Pastoral Services
The religious development of each student is a prime purpose of The Summit
program. To that end, a multi-faceted formation program provides students the opportunity to foster their own spiritual development through service opportunities, regular Masses, and other paraliturgical services, all under the direction of an Upper School campus minister. In addition, we reach out in service to those in the greater Cincinnati community who are in need so that we have a living faith. The total growth of each student is important. The religious dimension of our school uniquely shapes that growth.

Leadership
Each student in the Upper School is encouraged to develop his or her leadership skills and is offered a variety of means of achieving these skills. Not only can students participate in the Honor Council, Student Senate and Congress, and become a Peer Counselor, there are opportunities for leadership within the Student Ambassador Program and T.E.A.M. (and opportunities for juniors to work with the Development Office). Each of these opportunities acts as a building block in creating a solid foundation in leadership and as seniors, students may put this background to an even greater use by applying for the A.Y.F. (American Youth Foundation) Leadership Team. This select group attends workshops, assists with freshman orientation, facilitates morning assembly as well as a host of other functions both in and out of the Upper School.

Independent Study
For students who are interested in creating a course to satisfy a special interest outside of the curriculum provided, independent study courses are available with approval from Upper School administration. A teacher must sponsor the student in their study and serve as an advisor in establishing course objectives and curriculum. Course credit is based on the number of course contact hours.

Senior Search
Ten days of released time is provided at the end of the senior year so that the student may conclude his or her secondary school education by demonstrating responsible independence during a learning experience of his or her own design. This time is to be spent in activities that will broaden the student’s learning. To accomplish this end, the project may focus on the development of an interest or skill that a student already possesses, or it may involve an initiation into an endeavor new to them. In either case, the project is to be a legitimate educational experience created and carried out by the student with the approval of the school. The project should fit one of the following categories: (a) It may be oriented to the community, involving work for a service, cultural, political or other community organization. (b) It may be apprentice-type work experience such as teacher’s aide, lab assistant or hospital aide. (c) It may be primarily academic in nature — an independent study project involving interdisciplinary or in-depth study, not part of the existing curriculum.

“SIBS” Organization
Organized and operated by the Student Senate, this program is designed to aid in the transition to the Upper School for incoming freshmen. A senior mentor is assigned to each ninth-grade student and helps that student acclimate to The Summit, ensuring a smooth transition. A variety of academic, athletic and social functions are planned to enhance this process.

National Honor Society
The National Honor Society is an organization created to honor those students who are outstanding in scholarship, leadership, service and character. The Society creates an enthusiasm for scholarship, stimulates a desire to render service, promotes leadership and develops character in the students.

Collegiate Schedule
The collegiate schedule has been developed to provide more quality time in the classroom and to prepare students for the seminar-style courses found in college academics. The academic day consists of five 70-minute periods and a 30-minute lunch bell. Each 70-minute class meets three times in a five-day rotation. Activity periods are incorporated into the collegiate schedule twice in the rotation; during this time grade meetings, selected activity and club meetings, Mass or spiritual services and additional educational opportunities may take place. Each school day begins with a 10-minute Upper School assembly, except for the days of the week when students meet in their advisory groups (see master schedule below).

Technology
Students in the Upper School extend their knowledge and use of computers in a variety of ways through the twelfth grade curriculum. Students routinely use word processing software, graphing software, along with expanded research methods using the Internet. Extensive use of computer resources is made through the math and science curriculum areas. In Physics students analyze and manipulate data gathered from computers interfaced with physics lab equipment. Graphing calculators are extensively used in math classes.

The Summit Upper School also uses the Blackboard e-education platform that serves as a valuable learning resource for students, parents, and faculty. Daily use is made of Blackboard, for assignments, grades, and class information. Blackboard helps parents monitor their children’s performance and daily activities by providing a customized view of academic activities. In addition, parents can become more active in the school community through updated announcements from teachers and administrators.