At Parkmont, students dive deeply into topics that interest them through our Main Lessons and Afternoon Classes. Take a look at the range of offerings for Session 1!
Middle School
Main Lessons
Health. Students will gain information and skills to help them make positive decisions that keep their bodies, minds, and relationships healthy. We will be covering the following topics this fall — nutrition and fitness, puberty, reproduction & the human body, sexual health, relationships & conflict resolution, and tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.
Life Science. Life Science for Middle School this session is an introduction to biology, the study of life. We will cover a variety of ideas within topics related to the characteristics of living things, including growth, reproduction, use of energy, and interactions with the environment. Students will be encouraged to share their own experiences and perspectives in order to help all students gain a better understanding of the world around us. We will also focus on engaging in scientific practices such as asking questions, evaluating information, and constructing an argument.
Reading Group
Young Adult Classics. In this class, we’ll read some literary classics for young adults! They’re books you’ve probably heard of—maybe you’ve seen the movie or have a dusty copy at home. We’ll study must-read young adult novels from different times and places, discussing what makes these stories and ideas so lasting. This class will entail regular reading, as well as writing assignments, projects, films, vocabulary and grammar development, and independent reading.
Upper School
Main Lessons
Journalism and Media Studies. Journalism and Media Studies has two main objectives. One: to get students to become more media literate, meaning able to identify and interpret news, its accuracy and its message. Two: to improve students’ writing and reading skills by reading news, summarizing articles, and writing their own stories. In order to achieve these goals, we will analyze current events and write our own articles. We’ll watch the news, read the paper, listen to podcasts, practice journalistic writing, watch films, and engage in discussions that enhance our understanding of journalism and current events.
Mechanics. Physics is the fundamental study of how and why things happen; it is the study of change. Physics studies the nature of matter, of energy, and of the very space-time they operate in. Physics has many overlaps with Chemistry and Biology: Whether it’s the change from chemical energy into kinetic energy in a car or human body, or the change from the sun’s radiant energy into stored chemical energy in a plant leaf, these are all predicted and understood through the laws of Physics. Physics attempts to simplify, quantify, measure, and compare all of this change around us. Though Physics makes things much easier to predict, having the universe so neatly ordered, with very specific and predictable rules such as gravity, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics, Physics continuously reveals intriguing, unanswered questions. Mechanics looks at the development of these concepts, from ideas into Laws (the Law of Gravity, Laws of Motions, and Laws of Theromodymics), so students understand not just the end ideas, but the process by which we gain confidence in these ideas.
Anatomy and Physiology. This section of Biology will enable students to identify and understand key structures, organs, systems, and spatial relationships in living systems. We will start with the anatomy of the human body. We will then compare the different physiologies of the five kingdoms to see the uniqe strategies each has evolved to succeed in their environments. Upon completion of the course, students should broadly understand the roles of the different organ systems in their body, and the mechanisms by which those systems act (at both the macroscopic and microscopic levels), and will have gained a greater appreciation for, and understanding of, their own bodies.
Speech and Debate. Speech and Debate aims to develop students’ skills and confidence in the areas of public speaking, research, debate, and creative performance through a mixture of games, interactive activities, movies, and writing assignments. The course will cover the fundamentals of effective public speaking: preparation, pace, tone, facial and vocal expressiveness, and anxiety management. At the end of the course, students will have increased their abilities in preparing, delivering, and evaluating public speeches.
Computer Science. In this class we will explore what we can do with computers and how they work. We will start with a high-level overview of the world of computing, including the origin of computers, the infrastructure that makes technology work, and how people learn about computers. Next, we will break down what computer science is and the different topics it includes. We will also learn about the history of computer science, the internet and programming. Throughout the course, we will consider how technology is used today and how it affects us, and we will be making guesses about where it’s all headed. We will then dive into writing some code and programs using Javascript, HTML, and CSS. We will finish the year by making a webpage.
Reading Groups
Coming of Age. The journey from adolescence to adulthood is shaped by experiences, choices, relationships, and environment. In this reading group, students will examine how characters in both classic and contemporary literature navigate personal growth, identity, and societal expectations, while also reflecting on how these same forces shape their own lives. Together, we will consider what it means to challenge our beliefs and confront the complexity of the world around us. By the end of the course, students will have strengthened their understanding of coming-of-age literature and developed the ability to reflect on their own journey toward adulthood. In addition to group discussions and exploring the noted themes, students will complete independent reading projects that connect to course themes and build their writing skills through consistent practice.
Westward Expansion. Students in this Reading Group will receive a .5 credit in US History and a .5 credit in English. The aim of this class is to provide students with a greater understanding of how the colonization and settlement of the Americas led to our nations’ rapid growth and political/cultural identity, a legacy that is both rooted in the exploitation of its indigenous and enslaved populations as well as its celebrated explorers and immigrants. We will focus on the period of first contact between indigenous American communities and European explorers through the 19th century and the end of the Mexican-American War. Students will read class books focusing on the various periods and themes we are studying: first contact, forced migration, manifest destiny, and immigration. Additionally, students will complete independent reading projects and related writing assignments throughout the year.
Reading to Discover the World. Students will explore different countries and continents of the world by analyzing these key areas: location, place, human and environmental interaction, movement, and regions. Our analyses may include the study of maps, physical characteristics of the earth, populations, ethnic groups, natural resources, pollution, and patterns of human settlement. Students will read a variety of texts, including excerpts from textbooks, newspaper articles, and novels. Students will be required to write in various forms, as well as actively study grammar, sentence mechanics, and vocabulary to improve their writing and reading abilities. Students will earn .5 English credit and .5 History credit.
Speculative Fiction. What if technology reshaped our lives? What if magic or myth were real? What if a single choice created an alternate world? In this reading group, students will explore speculative fiction across five broad themes: the future, magic, fear, spirits, and alternate realities. Each session will pair a classic work with a contemporary one, giving students the chance to see how writers from different times tackle similar questions about humanity and imagination. Students will take on an independent reading project (IRP) book that connects to each theme. In addition to group discussions, students will study the mechanics of excellent writing—how authors craft prose, build worlds, and use language to create atmosphere and meaning. Regular writing practice, vocabulary study, and creative projects will help students deepen both their critical thinking and their own writing craft.
Afternoon Classes
Afternoon classes are open to all grades.
Study Skills. This course will offer time management skill enhancement and the time and space to attend to classwork and/or homework during the school day.
Art and Self. This course invites students into a creative journey of self-exploration through the intersection of art-making and art therapy. Art and Self emphasizes both technical skill-building in drawing, painting, and mixed media, as well as reflective processes that encourage deeper awareness of identity, selfhood, and meaning-making. Students will experiment with diverse artistic techniques while engaging in guided practices such as journaling, mindfulness, and dialogue to connect their creative expressions with personal narratives.
Sports. Soccer
Tabletop Games. We will play a variety of card/board games based on the interest of the group.
Journaling. We will explore journaling as a tool for fostering creativity, self-reflection, and mindfulness. We will keep an active journal that will include creative writing exercises, responses to prompts, and mindfulness activities. We will also take walks and practice creative expression through drawing, sketching, and scrapbooking. Students will have dedicated time to reflect on their day, feelings, identity, upcoming opportunities, and the challenges they may be facing.
Yoga/Walking. We will alternate yoga classes and walks in the neighborhood to promote physical and mental well-being. We will also introduce mindfulness and meditation practices.
Trail Running. Trail Running is designed to introduce students to endurance running. We will run in Carter Barron, Rock Creek Park, and the surrounding neighborhoods.
