The English Department cultivates passionate readers, writers, and thinkers. Literature provides opportunities for reflection on the human experience, and studying it enriches our lives. In all Upper School grades, literature, vocabulary, diverse writing assignments, poetry, and grammar are interwoven daily in the classroom. The English Department’s course offerings produce a collaborative environment in which students engage in exciting discussions and critical analysis to articulate ideas with confidence. Classroom discussions are central to developing students’ understanding, application, and creative thinking. A comprehensive selection of electives gives students access to a wide range of subjects and the opportunity to experience interrelations among the disciplines.

• Grade 9: English 9 or English 9 Honors (A Study of Heroes and Journeys)
• Grade 10: English 10 or English 10 Honors (American Literature); Public Speaking (graduation requirement); The New York City Experience (required)
• Grade 11: One English elective (required)
• Grade 12: One English elective (required)
• Recently Offered Electives: 
  • AP English Literature and Composition
  • AP English Language and Composition 
  • The Modern Family in Literature
  • The Epic Adventure in Literature
  • PREP: Literature Goes to School
  • Voices Unheard
  • Murder, Mistrust, and Madness
  • The Breakfast Club: Identity Theme in Literature
  • Fantasy and Realism in Literature
  • Ethics and Literature; Betrayal Theme in Literature
  • Triumphs and Tragedies in Literature

The Mathematics curriculum, materials and methodologies allow students to discover, understand and predict arithmetic patterns, creating models of inquiry so that results may be analyzed and generalized. Students are expected to challenge hypotheses and discover concepts and formulas by truly owning them. Multi-sensory teaching strategies support various learning styles. Students study three or four years of mathematics giving every student the opportunity to study calculus by their senior year.

• Grade 9: Algebra I  or  Geometry
• Grade 10: Geometry or Algebra II or Algebra II & Trigonometry or Algebra II & PreCalculus
• Grade 11: Algebra II or Algebra II & Trigonometry or Algebra II & PreCalculus or PreCalculus or Calculus or Advanced Calculus I and/or Statistics / Discrete Mathematics
• Grade 12: PreCalculus or Calculus or Advanced Calculus I o Advanced Calculus II and/or Statistics or Discrete Mathematics

The science program prepares students with the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and appreciate scientific theories, concepts, and laws governing the living and physical worlds. A rich variety of course offerings integrate historical knowledge into the present context, encouraging students to examine, organize, test, and communicate information coherently. Physics, chemistry, and biology are required, and individual research projects are encouraged and supported.

• Grade 9: Physics
• Grade 10: Chemistry or Chemistry Honors
• Grade 11: Biology or AP Biology
• Grade 12: Optional Science Elective(s)
• Recently Offered Electives (Grades 11/12): 
  • Anatomy
  • Psychology
  • AP Psychology
  • AP Biology
  • AP Chemistry
  • AP Environmental Science
  • AP Physics
  • Astronomy
  • Oceanography

The History program inspires respect for the past and an appreciation for cultural diversity through examining evidence, fostering debate, and articulating conclusions. A wide variety of offerings provides a curriculum that promotes community and global awareness, stimulates independent and creative thought, and instills ethical leadership and good citizenship in students who live in a rapidly changing and complex world. Three years of history are required.

• Grade 9: Ancient History
• Grade 10: US History (Political/Economic/Social)
• Grades 11 and 12: One History elective (required)
• Recently Offered Electives (Grades 11/12): 
  • AP US History
  • AP World History
  • AP European History
  • Race Relations
  • Constitutional Dilemmas

This curriculum enables students to acquire a working language to understand and express themselves within the range of their experiences and needs. In that process, students gain a better understanding of language in general. Students are placed according to their level of proficiency in the language, not necessarily by grade, and are required to study three consecutive years of a foreign or classical language. Students must understand the culture, history, and way of life of people associated with their selected language (contemporary or from the past). Learners are welcome to take more than one language at a time. To teach modern language courses, we use an immersive method for in-depth learning, speaking only in the target language.

• Mandarin I, Spanish I, or Latin I
• Mandarin II, Spanish II, or Latin II
• Mandarin III, Spanish III, or Latin III
• Mandarin IV, Spanish IV, or Latin IV
• AP Spanish, AP Latin, or World Language elective
• Recently Offered Electives: 
  • Latin American History
  • Spanish Golden Age Literature Seminar 
  • Latin Authors 
  • Etymology

The Department of the Arts fosters self-confidence and artistic expression in all students while developing their unique talents. Building on a solid foundation of skills, students learn to think creatively and understand that risk-taking is a natural part of the artistic process. Through exposure and experience, students develop a life-long love and respect for the arts.

Upper School students must take two years of formal art classes, one in Grade 9 and the other during any other year. In Grades 10-12, students may elect to take courses in the department as they wish. The College Guidance team, working in tandem with the Arts faculty, assists students with a strong desire to pursue arts study and arts-related careers to find the best-fitting college program.

• Grade 9: Foundation of Art, Foundation of Theater: Shakespeare
• Grades 10-12: One Required Art Elective
• Electives In Theater: 
  • Introduction to Theater 
  • Theater History
  • Theater in Contemporary Society
• Electives In Music: 
  • Orchestra
  • Concert Choir
  • Guitar Workshop
  • Drumming in World Cultures
  • American Cultural History
  • Popular Music
  • Women in Music History
  • Music Theory
• Electives In Visual Art: 
  • 2D Studio Art
  • 3D Studio Art
  • Advanced 2D Studio Art
  • Advanced 3D Studio Art
  • Art History

The Computer Science Department uses current and emerging technology to foster 21st-century learning skills. Our offerings, tools, and resources help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Grade 9 students take a year-long Computer Science Principles course, while students in Grades 11-12 may take Advanced Placement Computer Science A and Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles with departmental approval. The Computer Science Department supports the integrated use of technology in all disciplines.

• Grade 9: Computer Science Principles 
• Grades 11-12: Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles or Computer Science A (departmental approval required)
• Computer Science Principles Topics: 
  • Graphic Design
  • Multimedia Authoring
  • Web Page Development 
  • Introductory Programming
  • Android App Development
  • Robotics and Introductory Electronics using the Open-source Arduino Platform

The mission of the Physical Education and Health Department is to promote holistic well-being. Exposure to and proficiency in all aspects of the curriculum ensures that students leave Staten Island Academy prepared to lead healthy lives in mind, body, and spirit. Physical Education is required every year.

• Grade 9: Healthful Living and Physical Education
• Grade 10: Physical Education
• Grade 11: Physical Education
• Grade 12: Physical Education (student athletes are exempt)