2023-2024 PROFILE
Jeremy Gregersen Head of School
Kim Lalli
Upper School PrincipalCOLLEGE COUNSELING OFFICE
T. 201.227.3170
F. 201.568.0392
Email: cco@d-e.org
Website: www.d-e.org
CEEB Code: 310-355
Eileen Cunningham Feikens Dean of College Counseling
Paola Gentry
Kevin Parsons
Kelly Sutton-Skinner
Tasha Toran
Directors of College Counseling
Angie Smith
Administrative Assistant
OUR MISSION
As a community of learners, Dwight-Englewood School strives to foster in each student a passion for life-long learning. We seek excellence, honor integrity, and embrace diversity in order to develop the skills, values, and courage to meet the challenges of a changing world and make it better.
COVID-19 STATEMENT
In March 2020, students and faculty transitioned to virtual learning for the remainder of the academic year. We remained in session for the 2020-2021 school year with an intentionally paced hybrid model with students attending classes on-campus and some attending online synchronously. Extracurricular activities and athletics were limited due to COVID restrictions. Our academic graduation requirements were consistent with previous years. Individual counselor recommendations will reflect any particularly extenuating situations.
THE SCHOOL
Dwight-Englewood School (D-E) is a coeducational, independent college preparatory day school of 1015 students, serving Preschool through Grade 12. D-E is the product of three merged schools, the oldest of which was founded in 1889. The Upper School is the most ethnically diverse secondary school in Bergen County; our students represent over 118 different zip codes in New Jersey and New York. For the 2021-22 school year, the admit rate for the Upper School was 22%. Over 6.3 million dollars of the Dwight-Englewood budget is devoted to financial aid. The excellence of a Dwight-Englewood education rests firmly upon the foundation of our faculty. Of the 84 full-time members of the Upper School faculty, 77% have earned a Master’s or terminal degree in their field. Our faculty are experienced, passionate, and as dedicated to ongoing learning as our students. Dwight-Englewood is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools, and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools.
THE CURRICULUM
Based on tradition and defined by innovation, Dwight-Englewood presents a challenging, enriching environment inspiring lifelong learners. Dwight-Englewood School demands high academic performance while emphasizing the development of independent thinking and problem-solving skills. Most students complete significant coursework beyond the minimum graduation requirements. Dwight-Englewood does not rank.
Dwight-Englewood offers a structured, integrated core curriculum in grades 9 and 10 and an elective program in grades 11 and 12 that provides students the opportunity to design their programs around their interests, talents, and academic passions. D-E entrusts upper-level students with the freedom to double or even triple their load in a particular academic discipline, such as advanced sciences, mathematics, languages, fine or performing arts, or the humanities, while ensuring that each student also completes our full set of graduation requirements.
DISTINCTIONS OF A DWIGHT-ENGLEWOOD EDUCATION
Integrated Math Modeling (IMM I & II) This two-year sequence includes advanced algebra, geometry, probability, statistics, and data analysis, with an emphasis on applications and problem solving. Hyper Math: Extraordinarily talented entering mathematics students enroll in “Hyper” Math courses in Grade 9 with Honors Precalculus and typically enroll in AP Calculus BC in Grade 10.
Integrated Biology and Chemistry (IBC I & II) This required two-year laboratory-based sequence integrates key aspects of biology and chemistry, taught around an environmental theme that provides a strong foundation in all three disciplines. Topics include cellular functions, biological systems, genetics, evolution, and the interaction of living organisms. Emphasis is placed on data collection and analysis, evidence-based reasoning and the evaluation of information & sources. Students then move on to advanced science courses, including at least one required semester of physics.
The Advanced Independent Research Seminar (AIRS) offers motivated students the opportunity to pursue an advanced and specialized topic in science over a period of two or three years, leading to an extensive independent research project, often as part of the Honors Senior Focus program. Students meet three times weekly, to define and develop background in their chosen area of specialization, learn more about scientific research methods, and connect with scientists in their field, resulting in self-directed mentored research.
Honors Senior Focus In 2003, NAIS awarded the D-E Focus program its first Leading Edge Award for Curricular Innovation. Focus offers seniors a yearlong experience that combines intellectual and academic skills with extensive fieldwork. In the fall, students write a college-level major research paper on a topic of their choice that is approved and overseen by their faculty mentor. In spring, they complete an off-campus fieldwork program that complements their research-based experience (at times, adjustments are made in their spring course schedule to accommodate off-campus fieldwork). The capstone is a formal presentation to a panel of outside experts, faculty, and peers, as well as a portfolio documenting their major findings.
THE CLASS OF 2024
The Class of 2024 is composed of 138 students, in an Upper School (Grades 9-12) population of 534. The Upper School includes more than 45% students of color; 20% of Upper School students receive financial aid.
GRADE POINT AVERAGE
GPAs are unweighted and are calculated using the 4.3 scale:
ADVANCED, HONORS (H), AP, AT (POST-AP) COURSES OFFERED
Honors, AP and AT placement is highly selective compared to many of our peer schools, must be approved by the Department Chair, and is limited to approximately 35% of the students in any discipline. Students are limited to a maximum of 4 AT/AP Honors classes concurrently unless granted specific approval. Our students take an average of 3-4 AP/AT courses total over the course of their Upper School years. Our strongest students take an average of 6 or more AP/AT courses. Students enrolled in AP classes are required to sit for the examination.
ENGLISH
(H) The Personal Quest, 9th grade
(H) The American Quest, 10th grade
(H) English Seminar, 11th gradeIntensive yearlong course requiring departmental recommendation.
(AP) English Literature
(H) Calculus
(AP) Statistics
(AP) Calculus AB
(AP) Calculus BC
(AP) Computer Science A
(AT) College Linear Algebra w/ Applications: post-AP course
(AP) Spanish 5 Language and Culture
(AP) Spanish 5 Literature and Culture
(AT) Spanish 6 Language & Culture: post-AP course
The lowest passing mark is a D.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM RESULTS
The Class of 2024 has taken 218 AP exams through May 2023. 64% of scores achieved were 4’s or 5’s; 90% were 3 or higher. To date, the Class includes 15 AP Scholars, 10 AP Scholars with Honors, 5 AP Scholars with Distinction.
STANDARDIZED TEST RESULTS CLASS OF 2023
SAT Summary (N = 43) ACT Summary (N = 43)
Middle 50% Middle 50%
EBRW 620 – 730 CP 29 – 34
MA 610 – 770
Total 1230 – 1490
DISCIPLINARY REPORTING TO COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Dwight-Englewood School reserves the right to determine which disciplinary actions rise to the level of being reportable for college applications. When requested by colleges or universities, we will answer questions about suspension-level and higher disciplinary actions on the student’s record. We also report any major changes in a student’s credentials that take place after a student has made an application to a college. When asked, we expect our students to answer honestly application questions regarding discipline, in accordance with Dwight-Englewood’s stated reporting policy.
Note: Other than AP Lit and Honors English Seminar, all English courses in Grades 11 & 12 are taught in heterogeneous classes. Therefore, none are designated as Advanced or Honors.
HISTORY
(H) Early World History, 9th grade
(H) Modern World History, 10th grade
(H) US History Seminar, 11th gradeRequires departmental recommendation, taught alongside of college prep history electives.
(H) Issues in American Law I/II
(H) Macroeconomics/ (H) Microeconomics
(H) Economics Seminar
(AP) Art History
(AP) Modern European History
(AP) United States History
(AT) Contemporary World History: post-AP course
ETHICS
(H) Ancient Philosophy in Spanish
(H) Modern Philosophy in Spanish
MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE
(H) Precalculus Hyper Math
(H) Integrated Math with Modeling (IMM) I/II
(H) Precalculus
(AT) Non-Linear Dynamics: postAP course
(AT) Multivariable Calculus: postAP course
(AT) Data Structures and Algorithms: post-AP course
(AT) Introduction to Data Science with Python: post-AP course
SCIENCE
(H) Integrated Biology & Chemistry (IBC) I/II
(H) Physics
(H) Bioethics
(H) Comparative Anatomy
(H) Developmental Biology
(H) Biopsychology
(H) Human Physiology through Diagnosis
(AP) Biology
(AP) Chemistry
(AP) Physics C
(AP) Environmental Science
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
(AP) Psychology, 12th grade
WORLD LANGUAGES
(H) Accelerated French: covers two years in one
(H) French 2, 3, 4
(H) Latin 2, 3, 4
(H) Mandarin 3, 4
(H) Spanish 2, 3
(H) Spanish 4 Language, Literature
(AP) French 5 Language and Culture
(AP) Latin Literature
(AT) Spanish 6 Spanish & Latin American Literature: post-AP course
VISUAL ARTS/ART HISTORY
(H) Accelerated Portfolio
Development: Advanced Study in Art and Design
Advanced Explorations in Clay
(AP) Studio Art Portfolio
(AP) Art History
(AT) Advanced Art: Sustained
Investigation: post-AP course
CO - CURRICULAR STUDY Girl2Girl
Leaders for Equity and Diversity (LEAD)
Peer Mentoring
Supporting Adolescent Group Experiences (SAGE)
INDEPENDENT STUDY
An opportunity for juniors and seniors who have exhausted our curricular offerings in an area of interest to further their studies, or to enable a student to study an area not covered by the Dwight-Englewood curriculum. No grade is awarded for independent study.