The MacDuffie School is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. It holds memberships in the National Association of Independent Schools, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and the Secondary School Admission Test Board. Academic Program A defining principle of MacDuffie's academic program is that learning is an ongoing and intrinsic part of life. Students explore intellectual and artistic possibilities, debate differences of opinion, question assumptions, and take the kind of risks that help them to grow into informed, involved, articulate, and self-confident adults. Middle School students benefit from an integrated curriculum that combines the study of English, history, math, science, Latin, and modern foreign languages, along with performing and visual arts and physical education.
Multicultural themes provide an appreciation of varied cultural backgrounds.
Students develop learning skills such as critical thinking and creative problem solving, as well as computer use, effective study habits, and the art of test taking. The goal for the sixth, seventh, and eighth graders is to become confident and articulate learners ready for the challenges of the Upper School. Upper School students choose from a solid core curriculum and have the chance to broaden their horizons through a variety of electives. To graduate, students must complete 18 academic credits in grades 9-12, plus physical education. One credit equals one full year of work.