- About
About
Our Mission: Dexter Southfield School helps boys and girls develop their individual talents and build an ethical foundation for life. Through a classical education and single-sex programs, students learn to lead with confidence and serve with compassion, living by the motto, "Our Best Today, Better Tomorrow."
- Admissions
Admissions
We invite you to experience Dexter Southfield for yourself. Attend an Open House or schedule a campus tour, meet our students and faculty, and ask questions. Explore the website, and contact the Admissions Office to be placed on our mailing list and receive our admissions materials.
- Arts
Arts
"The art studio is a place where our students reflect on their world with an open mind and a fresh vision. They're using different kinds of tools to communicate their ideas as they learn to appreciate the significance of sharing their point of view with others through art."
—Claudia Goldie, Visual Arts Faculty Member
- Athletics
Athletics
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At Dexter Southfield, we pride ourselves on the strength of student-teacher relationships, which is why most faculty members coach one or more seasons. It gives both students and teachers the opportunity to get to know one another on multiple levels. This relational model improves communication, mentoring and trust.
- Student Life
Student Life
Dexter Southfield teaches beyond the classroom, encouraging students to stretch physically and creatively. Arts and daily athletics exercise each student's body and mind in new and important ways and are core components of the Dexter Southfield experience.
- Support
Support
Invest in our students and the Dexter Southfield experience through giving.
- Academics
- Educating Boys and Girls
- STEM
- Public Speaking
- Lower School: Pre-K-Class 5
- Middle School Classes 6-8
- Upper School Classes 9-12
- Academic Support
- College Counseling
- Technology Program
- Virtual Library
- Summer Reading
Download the 2017-2018 Upper School Course Catalog to learn more about the academic program requirements and curriculum.
Upper School: Classes 9 - 12
Students in the upper school at Dexter Southfield enjoy challenging themselves in the pursuit of academic excellence. They are supported and receive guidance from a deeply committed faculty. Here we have a community that feels like a family, where members look after each other, expectations are high, individual needs are addressed, and the student body and faculty share a mindset of continual growth. The program provides students with a strong base of knowledge and skills for college and beyond, allowing them the flexibility to pursue their main interests as far as they want to go, and encouraging collaboration. Classes gradually transition from single-sex in Class 9 to all co-ed by Class 12. In keeping with our motto, “Our Best Today, Better Tomorrow,” Dexter Southfield upper school students strive to make the most of each day with regard to both academic achievement and community-mindedness.
Minimum Graduation Requirements
English – 4 years
Mathematics – 4 years
Science – 3 years
History / Social Science – 3 years
Modern or Classical Language – 3 years
Performing Arts – 1 year
Fine Arts – 1 year
Ethics – 1 year
Physical Education – 4 years
Community Service - 3 years
Courses
Regular, Honors, and Advanced Placement sections are offered in all major disciplines; course selections are based upon prior performance, standardized testing, placement tests, and faculty approval.
Placement
A student must earn an A- or better in a regular course in order to move to an Honors or AP course in that subject in a following year; from an Honors or AP course to another Honors or AP course, a student must earn a B. Students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the courses for the full year and to take the AP exams. These exams carry an additional fee.
Weekly Schedule
Advisor System
Independent Study
Any student who wishes to design a course or special project not specifically described in the School’s curriculum may apply to the Head of the Upper School for permission to create a semester-length program. To apply for independent study, a student must be on track to complete all core academic requirements; must have demonstrated academic achievement, motivation, and self-discipline; and must design a program so that the time commitment is equivalent to the time spent in any other major course. These programs will be graded. Proposals must be submitted at least one full semester in advance.
Courses are offered with regard to demand, schedules, and space.
