Academic Overview

English-4 Years Required for Graduation
Students explore the works of Shakespeare including, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Julius Caesar. Explorations of both British literature and American literature ensure a broad literary foundation and range from works such as Beowulf, Pride and Prejudice, Catcher in the Rye, The Great Gatsby, Fences, The Crucible, and To Kill a Mockingbird. In the early grades, Greek and Roman myths and The Odyssey are also explored. Connections are made for those students studying Latin as cross curricular references are explored further. All students learn how to write and prepare papers, examine literary themes and ideas, and explore literature from a historical and academic perspective. They are encouraged to use the materials at hand to think, discuss, and analyze in an intellectually charged atmosphere.


Math-4 Years Required for Graduation
Currently, all students must finish Math A and Math B which cover Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry. Incoming students will begin the integrated Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra II sequence that has been adopted by the state. As well, we provide students with Pre-Calculus and Calculus in preparation for higher level math acquisition..

Science-4 Years Required for Graduation
The current offerings include Earth Science, Biology, Regents Chemistry, Chemistry in the Community, Regents Physics, Conceptual Physics, and AP Physics. Students learn the basics of lab procedures, writing lab reports, and analyzing data, as well as the more elusive skills of logic, reasoning, and scientific observation.  The science program is infused with the most current technology available for the acquisition of scientific knowledge.


History-4 Years Required for Graduation
Students study Global Studies and American History sequences in their first three years of study. Participation in Government and Economics round out the curriculum in the senior year, with opportunities available to study AP European History, AP American History, and AP Government.

Foreign Languages-3 Years Required for Graduation
We are committed to language acquisition and the exploration of languages as a way to help create a globally minded student population. We offer Latin and Italian in order to help focus on the classical world, make connections to Western civilization and the traditional canons of literature and study, and aid in the understanding of English and basic linguistic structure. As well, in order to stay abreast of the shifting trends and foci of our global society, we are in the process of launching a Chinese language program for the 2009-2010 academic year.
The Arts-2 Years Required for Graduation
Our ability to provide a well-rounded education that turns out committed, global citizens is made possible by our focus on and inclusion of what many other schools see as "extras."  We are proud to have attracted a remarkable group of teachers that are also practicing artists.  The school has two art teachers, two dance teaches, a music teacher/accompanist, and a chorus/theater teacher.  Students are required to take two years of art courses before graduation.  The school has a complete Regents visual arts sequence and college level art courses, including AP Studio Art and AP Art History.

Phys. Ed. & Health-2 1/2 Years Required for Graduation
Our Physical Education program introduces students to an array of sports and activities while teaching and reinforcing the important lessons of maintaining healthy bodies and lives.  As required by the state, students take one semester of health prior to graduation to further teach about healthy living and to empower them to take responsibility for their own bodies and actions.

Demonstrating Mastery
All students are required to prepare for the Demonstrating Mastery Conference as a condition for graduation from the 12th grade. This requirement is in addition to all city and state mandated exams and other graduation requirements. It includes a portfolio defense and oral presentations showing thorough understanding of material covered during the course of their high school career.

Advisory
All students are assigned an advisor who is their guide, mentor, and facilitator throughout their four years at WCHS. The advisory program includes study and organizational skills building, life skills, individual student support activities, and goal setting.
The rigorous academic program at WCHS is college preparatory in nature, interdisciplinary, and focused on developing a broad liberal arts education. 

All courses must be passed with a minimum passing grade of 70. Students must also complete 50 hours of community service as of the 2007-2008 academic year and achieve a 65% or better on the New York State Regents exams in English, Math, Global History, American History, and a Lab Science in order to receive a New York State Diploma. Students not achieving this standard receive a New York State Local Diploma.