Why Should You Attend D’Evelyn Junior-Senior High School?
We call it the D’Evelyn Difference. What makes our curriculum distinctive?
There are three basic models for secondary education.
Liberal arts schools prepare students broadly with extensive coursework surveying culturally significant ideas and achievements, and objective knowledge in the academic subject areas of English, social studies, mathematics, science, a world language and the fine arts. Moreover, connections are made in the sequential learning of a particular subject as well as between disciplines.
Vocational schools prepare students for their postsecondary careers by teaching specific job skills.
Comprehensive schools, also known as neighborhood schools, blend vocational and liberal arts curricula by providing a vast array of choices, enabling students to create their own program of study, with an equal value given to whatever course of studies a student chooses.
As a liberal arts school, D’Evelyn focuses on core academic subjects that build a foundational understanding of knowledge important to the pursuit of postsecondary studies. D’Evelyn students develop the ability to think critically, to communicate effectively and to be an engaged citizen.
D’Evelyn’s curriculum provides sequential continuity over the entire seven years through courses that build upon the previous year, becoming progressively more complex. Different instructors teaching the same course, while varying in style, cover the same textbook-based content using whole-group instruction.
Philosophy Statement
The D’Evelyn program is based on the belief that all students, not just an elite group, should be held to rigorous academic and behavioral standards and that all students can achieve in a challenging program. We believe the purpose of education is to convey an essential body of cultural knowledge to the next generation, and that a solid liberal arts education is required for all citizens to be effective participants in their communities.
Independent, analytical reasoning, based on objective knowledge, is an essential skill and is encouraged throughout the program. There is an emphasis on year-to-year sequential continuity in the development of basic knowledge and competence, with gradually increasing complexity and requirements. A mastery of the skill and knowledge acquired through the study of the basic academic subjects is the foundation for all subsequent learning, regardless of the student’s future pursuits.
Though the academic disciplines are distinct, they are also related and reinforce each other. A sound, content-rich curriculum consists of a healthy balance of required core subjects, augmented by equally challenging electives. The classes involve teacher-led, whole-group instruction. Students will be evaluated using an objective grading system.
A good work ethic will be expected of all.
Junior High Curriculum
The D’Evelyn curriculum is the core of the program and curricular modifications are not made for students, although accommodations can be put in place for eligible students, per district and school guidelines, to enable them to master the curriculum. D’Evelyn believes that the study of core academic subjects in the Junior High years lays the foundation for subsequent learning throughout high school. Students will have successfully completed at least the following areas of junior high study:
- Four years of English (2 years in 6th grade, 1 year in 7th grade, 1 year in 8th grade) - focus on vocabulary, grammar, writing mechanics and composition as well as reading and analyzing literature
- Three years of Social Studies - World Area Studies, Geography, and American History
- Three years of Mathematics - Students initial math courses are based upon a placement exam taken prior to the start of the school year
- Three years of Science - Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science
- 1 Semester of Physical Education
- 1 Semester of Computer Applications or students must pass a competency test
All students will demonstrate ability in basic computer applications, participate in physical education, and choose electives to complete the 18 credits required for continuation.
Senior High Curriculum
The D’Evelyn curriculum is the core of the program and curricular modifications are not made for students, although accommodations can be put in place for eligible students, per district and school guidelines, to enable them to master the curriculum. Each graduate of the school will have successfully completed at least the following areas of high school study:
- Four years of English – reading and analyzing major works of literature, writing as a means of thinking, public speaking and critical listening
- Four years of Social Studies – Eastern Civilization, Western Civilization, American History, American Government, and Economics
- Three years of Mathematics* – Algebra/Geometry I, II, and III
- Three years of Science – Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- Three years of the same World Language – Latin, French, or Spanish
- One semester course in the Fine Arts – Music, Visual Art, or Theatre
*Accelerated math students must complete at least three years of sequential mathematics in grades 9-12 or complete Advanced Placement Calculus BC.
All students will demonstrate ability in basic computer applications, participate in physical education, and choose electives to complete the 22 credits required for graduation. Students desiring a more challenging level of studies may select certain advanced level courses, including certain Advanced Placement (AP) courses, to replace required courses during their high school years.
Core Courses
English
Our English program is literature-based with an emphasis on great literature, writing, and grammar. Students read significant works every summer as well as during the school year, developing the ability to appreciate and discuss various genres of literature.
Social Studies
Students of history are able to take advantage of the accumulated human experience to gain insight regarding past, current, and future events. D’Evelyn courses progress through a carefully planned sequence, building upon previous knowledge to develop an understanding of recurring historical themes, culminating in the senior year with the study of American Government and Economics.
Math
The Saxon Math program is a unique aspect of D’Evelyn that provides our students with a solid preparation for college mathematics. The Saxon program is distinguished by its incremental, cumulative approach toward math concepts rather than the “unit concept” approach of many texts. Students learn to identify the appropriate solutions for a given problem type and continue to use that knowledge to solve problems throughout the school year. This program also gives advanced students the opportunity to earn college credit.
Science
Science and the scientific method are essential for understanding our world and man’s place in it. Therefore, our science program is based upon the three pillars of science - Biology, Chemistry and Physics, in that order, beginning with Biology in 9 th grade. These three main elements are the basic foundation to all other scientific fields of study. Moreover, they form a continuity of understanding in which knowledge from one supports and extends the conceptual framework of the others.
World Language
Knowledge of another language and culture is considered essential and is required of all D’Evelyn students. French, Latin and Spanish are taught at the high school pace.
Electives
Our elective courses are carefully designed to augment the core curriculum. These additional offerings are focused in the areas of fine arts, visual and performing arts, physical education, and computer science, as well as extended studies in the academic disciplines. We do not offer courses in career or technical education or in family and consumer sciences.
Senior High Athletics
D’Evelyn offers a menu of athletic programs sanctioned by the Colorado High School Activities Association. Fees for each sport must be paid each year.
Some sports, including gymnastics, wrestling and lacrosse, are offered at several of the other Jeffco high schools. Students may participate in these sports at another school, but D’Evelyn’s athletic secretary must be notified in advance.