Viewpoint School Profile 2015-16

VIEWPOINT SCHOOL PROFILE 2 015 – 2 016

ADMINISTRATION Mark McKee

Head of School Robert J. Dworkoski, Ph.D.

President of the Viewpoint Educational Foundation Alan Howie

Head of Upper School

COLLEGE COUNSELING Rhody Davis

Director of College Counseling rdavis@viewpoint.org; 818-591-6481

Rebecca Heller

Associate Director of College Counseling rebecca.heller@viewpoint.org; 818-591-6455

Gregg Murray

Associate Director of College Counseling gregg.murray@viewpoint.org; 818-591-6452

Brooke Smith

Associate Director of College Counseling brooke.smith@viewpoint.org; 818-591-6142

Travis Kikugawa

Director of Counseling for College Bound Athletes & Director of Soccer & Tennis Operations tkikugawa@viewpoint.org; 818-591-6417

ACCREDITATION & PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS •• California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) •• Cum Laude Society •• National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) •• Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC) •• National Association of Principals of Schools for Girls •• National Association of Secondary School Principals •• A Better Chance •• Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS) •• National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) •• Western Association of College Admission Counseling (WACAC) Viewpoint is a nominating school for the Morehead-Cain Scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and for the Jefferson Scholars Foundation Scholarship at the University of Virginia.

Viewpoint is the first school in the United States to sponsor The Duke of Edinburgh’s Young Americans’ Challenge Program.

Viewpoint was awarded the BRAVO Award in 2005 for Excellence in Fine and Performing Arts by the L.A. County Music Center.

Viewpoint School 23620 Mulholland Highway Calabasas, CA 91302 818-591-6500 Fax: 818-591-7354 www.viewpoint.org CEEB Code: 050423

Viewpoint School, founded in 1961, is an independent, non-profit, coeducational college preparatory day school with an enrollment of 1,215 students in Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade and 545 students in the high school.

LOCATION AND FACILITIES

Viewpoint’s campus is on 40 acres in the City of Calabasas, near the Santa Monica Mountains of Southern California. Many oak trees dot the campus, and Dry Canyon Cold Creek flows through its center. Facilities include: • The Dworkoski Family Hall, the Upper School academic building • Paul Family Athletic Center and Balaban-Webster Team Center • Malcolm Family Art Gallery • Academic Hall that includes the Fletcher Family Library for the Upper and Middle Schools • Gates Academic Center for the Middle School • Modern science labs, art studios, photography labs • Carlson Family Theater, with a capacity of 406 • Ahmanson Foundation Black Box Theater • S. Mark Taper Foundation Dance Studio • Ring Family Field, Rasmussen Family Pavilion, two Olympic-sized swimming pools, batting cages, playing field for Primary and Lower Schools • Outdoor spaces for gathering, performing, and reflecting • New Primary and Lower School Academic Buildings, including a library and innovation space opened in September 2015

FACULT Y AND ADMINISTRATION

Of the 115 members of the faculty and administrators who work in the Upper School as their terminal degree, 38 members hold bachelor’s degrees, 68 hold master’s degrees, eight hold doctorate degrees, and one holds a JD degree.

CURRICULUM AND ACTIVITIES

Offering a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum, Viewpoint requires students to complete a rigorous college preparatory program. In Ninth through Twelfth Grades, Viewpoint enrolls 510 students who take advantage of the School’s wide range of offerings including: • 28 Advanced Placement courses • 16 Honors courses • Opportunities in the performing arts, music, dance, filmmaking, and computer science • 34 interscholastic athletic teams • 50+ clubs and organizations • International travel programs in five countries • Independent Senior Project • Viewpoint Scholars Program • Global Scholars Program • Global Studies curriculum • CORE (Community Outreach for Everyone) • The Shakespeare Project

VIEWPOINT SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT

Viewpoint School is a welcoming, vibrant, and collaborative community that offers a challenging and enriched college preparatory education in a nurturing environment for students in Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade. The School embraces students and families from diverse cultures of the world and teaches the history and wisdom of these traditions.

Viewpoint inspires a love of learning and develops those qualities which provide strength and direction for a lifetime. The School promotes among its students respect, integrity, responsibility, and optimism.

The School celebrates its love of country by commemorating our nation’s holidays and honoring its finest traditions. Viewpoint affirms in its assemblies and programs the ethical principles inherent in all religions.

Viewpoint’s students learn the importance of service to others and to the greater community with the expectation that this introduction becomes a lifelong commitment.

Viewpoint recognizes the uniqueness of each child and is committed to the preservation and development of that individuality.

UPPER SCHOOL CURRICULUM 2 015 – 2 016

ART

• Art I− IV • Ceramics I−IV • Sculpture I−IV • Photography I−IV • Expressions in Digital Media I, II • Advanced Art I, II • Advanced Ceramics • Advanced Painting • Advanced Photography I, II • Advanced Sculpture I, II AP Courses

• AP Art History • AP Studio Art: Drawing • AP Studio Art: 2D Design • AP Studio Art: 3D Design

COMPUTER SCIENCE

• Ninth Grade Technology • Computer Science • Intermediate Programming • Computer Generated Imagery I, II • Expressions in Digital Media I, II • Programming for Video Games • Robotics Honors & AP Courses

• Artificial Intelligence Honors • AP Computer Science A

ENGLISH • English I, II • American Language & Literature Twelfth Grade Literature Seminars:

• Contemporary Short Fiction • Modern World Drama • Technologies of Power • Women in Literature and Film • World Literature Honors & AP Courses

• English II Honors • AP English Language & Composition • AP English Literature & Composition • World Literature Honors

Additional English Electives:

• The Patriot - Upper School Newspaper • Journalism: Theory & Practice I, II • Creative Writing

FILM & VIDEO

• Filmmaking I - III • Filmmaking IV-Advanced

MATHEMATICS

• Algebra I • Geometry • Algebra II • Trigonometry and Topics in Mathematics • Pre-Calculus • Financial Literacy • Statistics & Probability • Statistical Reasoning • Calculus Honors & AP Courses

• Geometry Honors • Algebra II/Trigonometry Honors • Math Analysis/Calculus Honors • AP Calculus AB, BC • AP Statistics • Advanced Topics in Calculus Honors • Linear Algebra Honors

MUSIC

• String Orchestra • Advanced String Orchestra • Chamber Orchestra • Jazz Ensemble • Wind Ensemble • Advanced Wind Ensemble • Chorus • Advanced Chorus • Vocal Jazz Ensemble • Contemporary Vocal Ensemble • Music Theory & Composition I, II AP Courses

• AP Music Theory

SCIENCE

• Biology • Chemistry • Physics • Anatomy & Physiology • Behavioral Neuroscience • Biotechnology • Environmental Science • Introduction to Engineering Design • Microscopy & Biological Imaging • Nutrition • Oceanography Honors & AP Courses:

• Biology Honors • Chemistry Honors • AP Biology • AP Chemistry • AP Environmental Science • AP Physics 1, 2 • AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism • AP Physics C: Mechanics

SOCIAL STUDIES

• Ancient & Medieval History • Modern European History • U.S. History • Psychology • Global Economics • Humanities • International Relations • Mock Trial Honors & AP Courses

• AP European History • AP U.S. History • AP Psychology • AP Comparative Government & Politics • AP World History • AP Art History

GLOBAL CORE ELECTIVES

• AP World History • AP Comparative Government & Politics • AP Art History • Humanities

CURRICULUM NOTES Enrollment in all Honors/AP courses is by department approval.

• World Literature Honors—Highest-level senior English course comparable to AP English Literature, focusing on world literature and culminating in a research paper.

• Advanced Topics in Calculus Honors—Post-AP Calculus BC course covering multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations.

• Filmmaking IV—Advanced course in which students make an original short film, requiring in-depth knowledge of professional film equipment.

• Robotics—A course and club focused on the modeling, simulation, design, and construction of autonomous robotic systems. Group hosts a tournament at Viewpoint and competes internationally.

• Financial Literacy and Introduction to Engineering Design — Two new electives that will introduce students to concepts in applied mathematics and engineering.

• International Relations • Global Economics • World Archaeology

THEATER ARTS

• Theater Workshop I-IV • Musical Theater I, II • Directing I, II • Advanced Theater Production I, II • Advanced Musical Theater Production I, II • Modern Dance/Jazz I−IV • Classical Ballet I−IV • Tap I−IV • Choreography I, II • Conservatory of Dance • Topics in Advanced Dance • Public Speaking • Advanced Public Speaking

WORLD LANGUAGES

• Chinese I - IV • French I - IV • Cultural Themes in French Cinema • Latin I - V • Spanish I - IV • Hispanic Culture & Conversation • Cultural Themes in Spanish Cinema Honors & AP Courses

• Chinese V Honors • AP Chinese Language & Culture • French III Honors • AP French Language & Culture • The Supernatural in French Literature, Honors • Voices from the French-Speaking World, Honors • Latin Literature Honors AP Latin • Spanish III Honors • Spanish IV Honors • AP Spanish Language & Culture • AP Spanish Literature & Culture

UNIQUE FEATURES OF THE CURRICULUM • Global Studies Institute—Designed to promote the study of global issues and world languages. Global Scholars take a year of Global Core electives, engage in a Global Study Experience, and take four years of the same World Language.

• Viewpoint Scholars and Independent Study Program—For students who would like to engage in a self-directed exploration or research on a specific topic. Requires administrative approval and faculty mentorship.

JUNIOR YEAR GRADES C L A S S O F 2 016 124 students are currently in the Class of 2016.

A

A- B+ B B- C+ C C- > Total 19 8 8 13 5 2 0 0 55 30 15 16 14 1 0 0 0 76 31 21 17 10 3 2 2 2 88 11 11 6 5 0 2 0 0 35 25 12 8 9 9 3 1 1 68 22 19 22 14 11 3 2 1 94 27 13 18 19 6 0 2 0 85 8 7 13 6 0 1 0 0 35 22 19 17 18 12 2 2 1 93 18 7 8 0 0 0 0 0 33

English & English Seminars AP English Language Math Math / AP & Honors Science & Science Seminars Science / AP & Honors Social Studies Social Studies / AP & Honors World Language World Language / AP & Honors

NATIONAL RECOGNITION PROGRAMS 2015 –16

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM

National Merit Scholarship Program • Semifinalists: 2 • Commended Students: 9 National Hispanic Recognition • Scholars: 1

Viewpoint offers 28 AP courses. Students enrolled in AP courses are expected to take the AP exam in May. At Viewpoint School in May 2015: • 61% earned scores of 4 or 5 • 246 students sat for 611 exams • 32% earned scores of 5 • 81% earned scores of 3 or above AP Exams

STANDARDIZED TESTING

Class of 2015

Class of 2016

Scores through SAT

Twelfth grade # Testing: 84

Eleventh grade # Testing: 69

610-690 CR 590 -700 M 630-720 WR

540-660 CR 540-690 M 550-710 WR

SAT Mid 50%

SAT Mean ACT

1976 1856 # Testing: 46

ACT Mid 50% Composite 28-32

# Testing: 51 27-32

ACT Mean 30 29

SAT SUBJECT TESTS

Subject Tests with 5 or more testers Subject For Classes 2014 & 2015

Mid-50% Range Mean # Testing Biology – Ecology Biology – Molecular Chemistry Chinese with Listening English Literature French French with Listening Math Level I Math Level II Physics Spanish U.S. History

500-790 660 620-730 674 650-720 687 480-600 543 600-720 650 540-640 597 660-730 703 520-650 615 610-740 677 640-750 694 570-630 612 640-750 689

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

3 11 26 3 71 3 3 4 75 24 9 84

Students are required to enroll in five academic classes per semester in Ninth and Tenth Grades, and a minimum of four academic classes and one elective each semester in Eleventh and Twelfth Grades. Second semester seniors may pursue an Independent Senior Project.

English – 4 years The Arts – 2 sequential semesters in the same discipline Mathematics – 3 years Physical Education – 8 trimesters Social Studies – 3 1/2 years including 1 semester of Global Core Electives Community Service – 45 hours Science – 3 years including Computer Science – Ninth Grade 2 years of laboratory science Technology or Computer Science 9 World Language – 3 years of one language or 2 years each of 2 languages

# Testing

Scores of 3 and Above

Art History 9 100% Biology 23 91% Calculus AB 23 95% Calculus BC 23 96% Chemistry 10 70% Chinese 7 100% Comparative Gov’t & Politics 43 86% Computer Science 9 88% English Language 76 92% English Literature 56 60% Environmental Science 42 50% European History 32 100% French Language 7 100% Human Geography 1 100% Latin 4 50% Music Theory 3 67% Physics 1 45 75% Physics 2 10 30% Physics C (E & M) 10 80% Physics C (Mechanics) 18 100% Psychology 43 97% Spanish Language 12 100% Spanish Literature 4 75% Statistics 35 62% Studio Art 3D Design 10 50% Studio Art Drawing 2 100% U.S. History 49 91% World History 3 100%

AP Participation by Grade: • 24% of the Tenth Grade • 87% of the Eleventh Grade • 87% of the Twelfth Grade

GRADING SYSTEM

From the May 2015 testing, Viewpoint School recognized: • 1 AP International Diploma • 7 AP National Scholars • 64 AP Scholars with Distinction • 16 AP Scholars with Honor • 41 AP Scholars

• Viewpoint School does not rank.

• Viewpoint reports both weighted and unweighted GPAs for work completed at Viewpoint only.

• One point is added to the cumulative weighted GPA for each Honors and AP course.

• Arts courses are included in GPA calculations.

COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES ADMITTING VIEWPOINT’S GRADUATES 2012 – 2 015

Institutions in blue type indicate one or more matriculates from the Class of 2015.

American AMDA – The American Musical and Dramatic Academy American Jewish University American University Amherst College Arizona State University Art Center College of Design Auburn University Babson College Bard College Barnard College Bates College Baylor University Becker College Bellarmine University Belmont University Beloit College Bennington College Bentley University Binghamton University Boise State University Boston College Boston University Bowdoin College Bradley University Brandeis University Brigham Young University Brigham Young University, Idaho Brown University Bryn Mawr College Bucknell University Butler University California College of the Arts (San Francisco) California Institute of Technology California Institute of the Arts California Lutheran University California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo California State Polytechnic University, Pomona California State University, Channel Islands California State University, Chico California State University, Dominguez Hills California State University, East Bay California State University, Fullerton California State University, Long Beach California State University, Los Angeles California State University, Monterey Bay California State University, Northridge Carleton College Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University Chapman University Claremont McKenna College Clemson University Colby College Colgate University College of Charleston College of William and Mary Colorado College Colorado School of Mines Colorado State University Columbia College Chicago Columbia University Connecticut College Cornell University Cornish College of the Arts Dartmouth College Denison University DePaul University DePauw University Dickinson College Dominican University of California Drexel University Duke University Durham University Eckerd College Elmira College

Elon University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Daytona Beach Emerson College Emory University Florida Gulf Coast University Florida Institute of Technologyw Florida State University Fordham University – Lincoln Center Campus/Rose Hill Campus Fort Lewis College Franklin and Marshall College George Mason University Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology Gettysburg College Gonzaga University Grinnell College Hamilton College - NY Hampshire College Harvard University Harvey Mudd College Haverford College Hawaii Pacific University High Point University Hofstra University Holy Names University Humboldt State University Indiana University at Bloomington Ithaca College Jackson State University James Madison University Johns Hopkins University Kansas State University Kenyon College King's College London Knox College Lafayette College Lake Forest Collegew Lebanon Valley College Lehigh University Lewis & Clark College Lindenwood University – Belleville Campus Linfield College Lipscomb University London School of Economics Loyola Marymount University Lynchburg College Macalester College Manhattanville College Marist College Maryland Institute College of Art Marymount California University Marymount Manhattan College Marymount University Massachusetts Institute of Technology McDaniel College McGill University Menlo College Miami University, Oxford Michigan State University Middlebury College Minneapolis College of Art and Design Moorpark College Morehouse College Mount Holyoke College Mount Ida College Muhlenberg College New York University Northeastern University Northern Arizona University Northwestern University Oberlin College Oberlin Conservatory of Music Occidental College Ohio University Oregon State University Otis College of Art and Design Pace University, New York City Pennsylvania State University, University Park Pepperdine University Pierce College

Pitzer College Point Park University Polytechnic Institute of NYU Pomona College Pratt Institute Princeton University Principia College Purdue University Queen's University Quinnipiac University Reed College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhode Island School of Design Rhodes College Rice University Rider University Ringling College of Art and Design Roanoke College Rochester Institute of Technology Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Rutgers University–New Brunswick Saint Mary's College Salve Regina University San Diego State University San Francisco Art Institute San Francisco State University San Jose State University Santa Barbara City College Santa Clara University Santa Monica College Sarah Lawrence College Savannah College of Art and Design School of the Art Institute of Chicago School of the Museum of Fine Arts School of Visual Arts Scripps College Seattle Pacific University Seattle University Skidmore College Smith College Sonoma State University Southern Connecticut State University Southern Methodist University Southern Oregon University Southwestern University St. John's College St. John's University – Queens Campus Stanford University Stetson University Stonehill College Stony Brook University Suffolk University Swarthmore College Syracuse University Texas A&M University Texas Christian University The American University of Paris The College of New Jersey The College of Wooster The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science & Art The Evergreen State College The George Washington University The Minerva Institute for Research and Scholarship The New School – Eugene Lang College The Ohio State University The University of Alabama The University of Alabama in Huntsville The University of Arizona The University of Georgia The University of Iowa The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill The University of Tampa The University of Texas at Austin Trinity College Trinity University Tufts University Tulane University Union College United States Air Force Academy

United States Military Academy – West Point United States Naval Academy University College London University of California, Berkeley University of California, Davis University of California, Irvine University of California, Los Angeles University of California, Merced University of California, Riverside University of California, San Diego University of California, Santa Barbara University of California, Santa Cruz University of Chicago University of Colorado at Boulder University of Colorado at Colorado Springs University of Connecticut University of Delaware University of Denver University of Edinburgh University of Florida University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Kansas University of Kentucky University of La Verne University of Maryland, College Park University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of Miami University of Michigan University of Minnesota, Twin Cities University of Mississippi University of Missouri Columbia University of Nevada, Las Vegas University of New Hampshire University of North Dakota University of Notre Dame University of Oregon University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh University of Portland University of Puget Sound University of Redlands University of Rhode Island University of Richmond University of Rochester University of San Diego University of San Francisco University of South Carolina University of Southern California University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts University of St. Andrews University of St. Mary University of the Pacific University of Tulsa University of Utah University of Vermont University of Virginia University of Warwick University of Washington University of Washington, Bothell University of Wisconsin –Madison University of Wyoming University of York Vanderbilt University Vassar College Villanova University Virginia Commonwealth University Wake Forest University Washington and Lee University Washington State University Washington University in St. Louis Wellesley College Wesleyan University Westmont College Wheaton College MA Whitman College Whittier College Willamette University Williams College Wittenberg University Yale University