Curriculum
The classes at NorthwesternPreparatory School are designed to make you the most successful cadet or midshipman that you can be with regard to scholarship, leadership, athletic performance and honor. Your studies will concentrate on math, English, chemistry, physical conditioning, current events, study skills, etiquette protocol, social aptitude and an awareness of career potential. Year after year our students have exceptional academy appointment and graduation rates. The students confirm that their work at Northwestern Prep enables them to reach levels of performance that otherwise would not have been possible. We work closely with our former students and with the academies to ensure that everything done at Northwestern Prep is relevant to the challenges students will face at the academies.
******
English
This note from you English instructor describes the focus of the class.
To Prospective Students:
In a letter written to a friend in 1819, John Keats wrote, “English ought to be kept up.” This message was true in 1819, and it is most emphatically true today. The English classes at Northwestern Preparatory School lay the foundation for studies of communication, mainly in relation to linguistic understanding. It is the study of the English language as a medium for syntax and analysis of structure.
Syntactic theory, especially with issues in complex sentences, explores embedded meanings-thereby facilitating the study of writing techniques. The English classes at Northwestern Prep will introduce you to these perspectives and more. Join us and become part of the Northwestern Preparatory School experience. We are a close-knit unit, and we are devoted to making your stay a success.
Sincerely,
Orpha Becker
Professor English
******
Chemistry
Currently also an Associate Chemistry Professor at a university, our chemistry instructor designed the course which provides six hours of lecture per week, versus a typical college course which would have four hours. The college chemistry textbook consists of 18 chapters, 17 of which are covered in rigorous fashion, and both the depth and breadth of coverage of topics are the same as the equivalent course taught at the university. After this course, many of our students score high enough on academy placement tests to qualify for General ChemistryII or to validate the entire year of chemistry.
******
Mathematics
Before arriving at Northwestern Prep most students have usually completed two years of algebra, a year of geometry, advanced topics including trigonometry or pre calculus and a year of calculus. A significant number of students have been in AP, IP or honors classes. We build on these topics and take them to higher levels which include an emphasis on trigonometry. Original thinking, planning an organized approach to a solution, in-depth understanding and mastery of the material are the results of the work done in this class. This very challenging course enables students to excel in their academy curriculums which have heavy concentrations in math and science.
******
Vocabulary studies
Daily tests in vocabulary words give you tools to augment your writing, speaking and reading skills. The power of word is recognized as a positive force that will help you throughout your school and military careers. Over 2,000 carefully chosen college-level words and definitions plus 200 roots, prefixes and suffixes which unlock several thousand more will become part of your strengths.
******
Physical Conditioning
Daily physical training classes emphasize cardiovascular endurance through daily runs and strength development through weight lifting and calisthenics. Besides classes with instructors throughout the week, students enjoy running and lifting on their own during their leisure time and weekends. Many recruited athletes have said that they were in better shape at the end of our term than they were when playing their sport.
******
Current events
Six classes weekly are exercises in current events incorporating listening skills, attention to detail and discussion techniques.
******
Etiquette and protocol
Receptions and banquets with visiting dignitaries offer the opportunities to polish social skills and build confidence.
******
Test performance and study skills
Students are involved in comprehensive analysis of test-taking technoques in general, and college entrance gets in particular, with emphasis on demand performance of acquired skills and stress management in testing situations. Students also become more effective in their studies due to direction in study skills and time management.
******
Visiting lecture series
Throughout the term dignitaries who are experts in their fields and former students who are cadets and midshipmen make presentations on a wide variety of subjects, including military topics, leadership, the honor code, careers development and testing of aircraft, academics, global awareness and much more. As many as twenty speakers may be engaged each term.