The Department believes that the study of biology, chemistry, and physics is important for all. Advanced courses in these fields and electives in other sciences complete a four-year program in the Upper School. The program progresses from an activity oriented approach in the early years to a rigorous study of abstract ideas in the final courses in the Upper School. Critical thinking and independent research are encouraged at all levels. The activity-oriented approach, including for example, product testing is designed to build on students' natural curiosity.
Students learn to be naturalists, keep a journal, and study local environmental issues.
They telecommunicate their findings in a water-testing project to students in other schools via the Internet. The first part of the year is spent studying astronomy and light and the second part is devoted to a study of human anatomy, physiology, and botany. Aspects of health education are also an important component of the course. This standard course includes cell and molecular biology, evolution, genetics, comparative surveys of all kingdoms, human physiology, and ecology. Laboratories include long-term independent projects.