CURRICULUM

GHS boasts a diverse student body, dynamic faculty and low student-toteacher ratio. Add to these the school's progressive curriculum, unique range of elective offerings, growing sports programs and fundamental commitment to the individual student and you begin to see what makes Gifft Hill so special.

GHS's celebrated Early Learning Center is a great place to start your child's education. Our ELC follows the Creative Curriculum, a national curriculum endorsed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.With a low teacher-student ratio (1:8 or better), students move through learning centers, such as writing, computers, art, and discovery.

The GHS curriculumin grades 1-12 is based on California state standards.

Elementary: In grades 1st-5th, students build a solid foundation in the core subject areas of Language Arts,Math, Social Studies and Science through the California Curriculum. In addition, students spend time each week with specialist teachers in extracurricular fields including Physical Education, Art, Technology, Library, Spanish and Character Development. Various arts classes are offered through a partnership with St. John School of the Arts.

Middle School: During grades 6th-8th, students study five main subject areas: Language Arts,Math, Social Studies, Science and Spanish. Particular emphasis is put on writing skills, with a special writing course offered in addition to Language Arts. A range of electives are introduced in the middle school including Health, PE, Art, Gardening, Study Skills, and Technology. GHS features multiage groupings in Social Studies, Science and elective course, which has proved effective in middle school when students mature at different rates. In such classes, older students have the opportunity to be leaders and younger students are motivated by their peers.


High School: A wide variety of courses is offered in five core subjects.With an average class size of 12 students, subjects are covered in depth, incorporating a high level of discussion, debate and hands-on application.Various electives allow students to pursue interests in Technology, Art, PE and more. Independent Study provides opportunity to earn credit through research and presentation of a topic of personal interest. Students can further challenge themselves with Honors and AP courses offered in core subject areas. By taking AP classes students can earn college credit. All seniors receive individualized attention throughout the application process.

English:World Lit (9), American Lit (10), Philosophical Lit (11), Honors Lit (10/11), Senior English (12), English AP (12)
Math: Algebra (H), Geometry (H), Algebra II (H), Pre-Calculus, Calculus (H), Advanced Math
Science: Environmental Science, Biology AP, Chemistry (H), Physics (H),Marine Biology (H) Social Studies:World History, US History, Caribbean History, Government/Economics,World Religions and Philosophy (H)
Foreign Language: Spanish I-IV AP, French available
Electives: Cooking,Woodworking, Gardening, Photography, Studio Arts, Art History and more