Upper School Concentrations Program

Mission Statement 
Concentrations give interested students an opportunity to study a particular academic topic with the focus and depth of a collegiate scholar. Each concentration is designed for students interested in pursuing their given field at the college/university level. The required Independent Scholars Project promotes the development of research skills with an individual approach.
The school will also have the opportunity to recognize the efforts and achievements of those students who complete the requirements of a concentration program with a certificate to be presented with the student’s diploma at graduation or on the evening of the Independent Scholars presentations.
In order to receive recognition for completing an academic concentration program, a student must earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the courses dedicated to their area of study.
Shared Experience
Each concentration program will require each student to take a group of specific courses no matter the final path their concentration takes.
Individual and Varied Experience
Each concentration program will allow students to select from a group of electives in their area of study to create a personal and individualized program.
Cross-Curricular Experience
Each concentration program requires students to complete at least one related course in a different discipline from a list of approved courses.
Extracurricular Experience
Each concentration program requires students to participate in extracurricular activities related to their area of study.
Capstone Experience
All students completing a concentration are required to conduct an Independent Scholars Project in their area of study. The School may require students to take a one-term course in research skills prior to the beginning of the Independent Scholars Project. Individual Independent Scholars Projects may vary in length from one to three terms.



Environmental Science

This program provides students with a strong foundation in environmental science, statistical analysis, and research. It also includes opportunities to explore environmental engineering or sustainable design.

Visual Arts

This program provides students with a strong foundation in a variety of mediums and techniques, while allowing for the ability to develop advanced skills in an art form of their choice.

Performing Arts

This program provides students with a strong foundational study of a variety of performing genres from instrumental and vocal music to theater productions.
 

List of 5 items.

  • Shared Experience

    Students completing an Environmental Studies concentration are required to complete the following courses in addition to the 9th grade Environmental Science Research course:
    AP Environmental Science (3 credits)
    AP Biology (3 credits)
    Introduction to  Engineering (1 credit)
    Statistics through a Social Justice Lens (1 credit) or AP Statistics (3 credits)
    Students are strongly encouraged to take a college level Environmental Course through The University of Delaware’s Early College Credit Program (1 credit)

  • Individual and Varied Experiences

    Students completing an Environmental Studies concentration are required to earn at least two credits from approved electives in the Science Department. Students should refer to the curriculum book and the annual course offerings in the spring to see which courses will be offered in the following year.

    Examples of recently offered courses:
    3 credit classes: Honors Advanced Chemistry 2, Physics
    1 credit classes: Astronomy, Ecology, Botany, Horticulture.

  • Cross-Curricular Experience

    Students completing an Environmental Studies concentration are required to earn at least two credits in another department that contains elements related to the Environmental Studies program.  Students should refer to the curriculum book and the annual course offerings in the spring to see which courses will be offered in the following year.

    Examples of recently offered courses:
    3 credit classes: Global Literature
    1 credit classes: American Environmentalism, Introduction to Python Programming, 
    3D concepts: Sculpture and Architecture.

  • Extracurricular Experience

    Students completing an Environmental Studies concentration are required to be a member of at least one of our environmental clubs for at least 2 years.

    Examples of recently offered clubs:
    Apiary Club, 350 DE, Naturalist Club, Environmental Club

  • Capstone Experience

    Students completing a Environmental Studies concentration are required to complete an Independent Scholars Project and present their work to the community on an evening determined by the director of the Concentrations Program.

List of 5 items.

  • Shared Experience

    Students completing a Visual Arts concentration are required to complete the following courses:
    Foundations of Art and Design (1 credit)
    Junior Portfolio (3 credits)
    AP Studio Art (3 credits)

  • Individual and Varied Experiences

    Students completing a Visual Arts concentration are required to complete three Visual Arts electives. Those courses must cover two of the following disciplines: 2-Dimensional Design, 3-Dimensional Design, and Digital Design. Students should refer to the curriculum book and the annual course offerings in the spring to see which courses will be offered in the following year.
     
    Examples of recently offered courses (all 1 credit):
    2-Dimensional Design: Drawing, Painting, Printmaking
    3-Dimensional Design: 3D concepts: Sculpture and
    Architecture, 3D Digital Design, Ceramics, Raku Ceramics and Pottery
    Digital Courses: Digital Photography, 2D Digital Design, Animation

  • Cross-Curricular Experience

    Students completing a Visual Arts concentration are required to take 1 course in another department that contains elements related to the Visual Arts program. Students should refer to the curriculum book and the annual course offerings in the spring to see which courses will be offered in the following year.

    Examples of recently offered courses (all 1 credit):
    Film Study, Art History, Digital Video and Sound, Robotics, Horticulture

  • Extracurricular Experience

    Students completing a Visual Arts concentration are required to belong to the National Art Honor Society for at least 2 years.

  • Capstone Experience

    Students completing a Visual Arts concentration are required to complete an Independent Scholars Project and present their work to the community on an evening determined by the director of the Concentrations Program. 

List of 5 items.

  • Shared Experience

    Students completing a Performing Arts concentration are required to complete the following course(s):
    Four years of performance in a Music Ensemble:
    Concert Choir and/or Symphonic Orchestra (12 credits)

  • Individual and Varied Experiences

    Students completing a Performing Arts concentration are required to complete four Performing Arts electives. Students must take at least one course in Music and one course in Theater.  Students should refer to the curriculum book and the annual course offerings in the spring to see which courses will be offered in the following year.

    Examples of recently offered courses (all 1 credit):
    Theater classes: Foundations of Drama, Foundations of Technical Theater, Advanced Technical Theater
    Music classes: Foundations of Music, Music and Social Justice, Piano/Keyboard, Guitar

  • Cross-Curricular Experience

    Students completing a Performing Arts concentration are required to take 1 course in another department that contains elements related to the Performing arts program.  Students should refer to the curriculum book and the annual course offerings in the spring to see which courses will be offered in the following year.

    Examples of recently offered courses (all 1 credit):
    Film Study, Digital Video and Sound, Modern Drama, Poetry, American Narrative Fiction Detective Fiction

  • Extracurricular Experience

    Students completing a Performing Arts concentration are required to participate in at least 4 drama company (Playbill or Showcase) performances (on and/or off stage). 

  • Capstone Experience

    Students completing a Performing Arts concentration are required to complete an Independent Scholars Project and present their work to the community on an evening determined by the director of the Concentrations Program.
           
         

The Tatnall School

1501 Barley Mill Road
Wilmington, DE 19807
(302) 998-2292
The Tatnall School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school for students in PK3 through Grade 12 located in Wilmington, Delaware.