It is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, the Independent School Association of Massachusetts, and the Secondary School Admission Test Board. Academic Program Deerfield's curriculum is designed to enable its students to assume active and intelligent roles in the world community. Courses and teaching methods are aimed at developing logical and imaginative thinking, systematic approaches to problem solving, clear and correct expression in writing and speech, and the confidence to pursue creatively one's interests and talents. Students take five courses per trimester. Their schedules are planned individually in consultation with advisers and the Academic Dean.
All sophomores take a one-term course in health issues.
In addition, all new students take a required course in library skills. Last year 239 students sat for 452 AP exams in twenty of the twenty-nine subject areas. Eighty-four percent of the tests received qualifying scores of 3 or better. Independent study is offered in all departments. Sophomores and juniors may spend a semester at the Island School on Eleuthera in the Bahamas.