Stoneleigh-Burnham is small by design because we know that our students thrive where they feel genuinely heard. Our intentionally small classes provide each student with the support they need to take risks in their learning. Our students repeatedly remark on the palpable sense of community they find here and that begins with our faculty. Our faculty are dedicated to their students and to our school’s mission and values. Most have advanced degrees and all actively pursue professional development in their disciplines. More than half of faculty members live on campus and serve as houseparents and coaches. This translates to an academic environment where students are truly known and are provided with the skilled instruction and encouragement to become their best selves.

Assessment

Six times a year, at mid-trimester and end-of-trimester, families are formally updated on their student's academic process. At midterm reports contain class descriptions, individual student comments, and grades. Reports at the end of each trimester contain class descriptions and grades. Grades are based on a range of assessments including essays, projects, and tests that allow students to demonstrate their learning and their skills. Advisors write comments providing an overview of each student’s trimester and share updates with families throughout the school year. Teachers and advisors are available for formal conferences in the fall and spring, and as needed during the academic year in order to best support each individual student.

Graduation Requirements

To receive a Stoneleigh-Burnham School diploma, an Upper School student must earn a minimum of 20 academic credits and meet the distribution requirements below. 

SubjectYears
English4
History3 (including United States History and one year of IB History)
Mathematics4 
Science3 (two must be lab sciences), 4 recommended
Languages3 (consecutive years of the same language required), 4 recommended
Arts2 trimesters or the equivalent
 

In addition, each student takes a minimum of five credits and a maximum of six credits per year. Fewer than five and more than six require a petition to the Academic Dean. Stoneleigh-Burnham School recommends students take more than the minimum academic requirements to take advantage of the opportunity to explore new areas of learning. The School makes every effort to place students in courses that will both challenge their academic ability and promote their personal growth. Advisors play an integral role in planning each student’s academic path, working with each student and their family to make choices for the coming year and beyond.