“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
Belle Meade School
An independent school in Sperryville, Virginia based on Montessori principles
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High School
Our high school program (grades 9-12) cultivates responsibility, thoughtfulness, and independence. We strive to promote self-discovery, self-evaluation, long-term thinking, synthesis, and analysis while fostering a level of intrinsic personal standards and motivation among our students as they enter young adulthood and begin planning for the future. At Belle Meade, high school students engage in active learning and connect with the outside world as part of an innovative and creative environment that is as rigorous and demanding as it is encouraging and accepting.
Belle Meade School adheres to the Virginia Department of Education Advanced Diploma requirements for high school while providing a unique and rigorous academic experience that focuses on individual strengths, learning styles, interests, and goals.
High School Classes
Art (elective)
Using traditional techniques and emerging technologies, this class emphasizes exploration, analysis, and investigation of the creative process. Studen…
Drama
All students participate in drama lessons which include improvisation, drama games, and exercises. Students produce and act in a Broadway quality musi…
Horsemanship/Riding (elective)
Our equestrian program offers activities that serve beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders. Students will be introduced to a wide range of horse …
HS Advanced Mathematics/Pre-Calculus
The integration of geometry, algebra, and trigonometry is the goal of pre-calculus. Detailed study of polynomial functions, exponential and logarith…
HS Algebra I
Algebra is the study of numerical patterns and their abstract representations. Students represent and analyze these patterns using functions, operatio…
HS Algebra II
This course is intended to build upon the concepts developed in geometry and Algebra I. The course covers advanced topics in algebra such as polynom…
HS American History II
American History II expands on the foundation laid in American History I. Students delve deeper into research and analysis as they study key events in…
HS American Literature
Students will read classic and contemporary works, by American authors, in a mix of mediums, including poetry, prose, essays and long-form works. Crit…
HS Anatomy & Physiology
Anatomy is a branch of Biology concerned with the scientific study of the physical structures of organisms. The structures of insects, amphibians, rep…
HS Biology
This course uses problem-solving techniques to explore living systems. High School Biology includes a variety of hands-on experiments and challenges s…
HS British Literature
Students will read classic and contemporary works, by authors from the British Isles, in a mix of mediums, including poetry, prose, essays and long-fo…
HS Chemistry
Chemistry is focused on the study of the structure and composition of matter, and the changes that occur to matter during various chemical and physica…
HS English Writing Workshop
Students will develop their self-expression through the writing process. They will be expected to write every day, including journaling, essays and cr…
HS Geometry
Geometry is the study of spatial reasoning. Students learn properties of two-dimensional and three-dimensional figures, classical reasoning, geometric…
HS Government and Economics II
Students learn the foundations and principles of government by studying the works of contemporary and historic political authors. The study the cons…
HS Physics
Physics is the study of the properties of matter and energy. The course will cover the topics of classical mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and …
HS Statistics
Statistics is a branch of mathematics that deals with the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data. Students will study and analyze…
HS The Storytelling Tradition
Fables and folktales, myths and legends, sermons and songs! Storytelling is not limited to the written word. This class will explore the storytelling …
HS World History I
World History I course covers human history up to 1500 CE. Students will research and learn about human development and ancient cultures from around t…
HS World History II
In World History II students will engage in a study of the political, cultural, social, and economic conditions from 1500 to present. Students hone th…
HS World Literature
Students will read classic and contemporary works, by authors from around the globe, in a mix of mediums, including poetry, prose, essays and long-for…
Human Intimacy and Relationships Round Table
Interest in human intimacy is a natural attribute of adolescence that ties directly into self-concept and a developing self and social identity. This …
Microeconomy
Students gain real life experience and develop independence as they engage in practical economics. Students learn economics by creating and running th…
MS Integrated Science
Students study the fundamentals of physics, chemistry, earth, and space sciences. This course introduces students to the scientific method and allow…
Music Literacy (elective)
Our music program offers instrumental and vocal students an arena in which to develop skills and public performance. Fundamentals of reading music and…
Physical Expression
Physical Expression (Phys. Ed.) focuses on exploring and engaging in outdoor physical activities that can be continued throughout life. Students gain …
Spanish I
In Spanish I students begin to develop communicative competence in speaking, writing, comprehending and reading Spanish and expand their understanding…
Spanish II
In Spanish II, the study of reading, writing, speaking, and listening continues as more complex grammatical structures are introduced. With more commu…
Spanish III
Spanish III continues development of listening, reading, writing, speaking, interpersonal communication and cultural awareness. Complexity and compreh…