academics
Academics Introduction Also in Academics:Introduction | Mathematics | Science | Humanities | Computer Science | Advanced Placement | Current Course Catalog | Educational Philosophy | Graduation Requirements | J-Term A message from the Academic Dean
The academic program at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM) is well-defined and demanding.
Students must enroll in a minimum of four or five courses per semester. Among these courses, mathematics, laboratory sciences, and English are mandatory each semester. Each student is also required to participate in recreation and work service each semester. At MSSM, we believe learning goes beyond the walls of the classroom.
All of this would not be possible without a dedicated and caring community. Everyone at the MSSM works together to ensure the success of the students and the school. Faculty, administration, residential staff, support personnel, and students are dedicated to achieving their personal best while helping others to do the same. It is this sense of community that makes MSSM such a strong and unique learning environment. The small class size, advisory program, and faculty availability contribute to MSSM's strength and uniqueness. The average class size is 16 students which means there is a great deal of faculty-student interaction.
The faculty at the MSSM are all specialists in their fields. They are enthusiastic about disseminating information and challenging students to explore the world. Faculty work with students outside of the classroom and take an active interest in each student. An MSSM education prepares young people for future studies and for life. At the MSSM, students learn the importance of time management, organization, and inquisitiveness while being a positive contributor to a community. Students learn to live and grow with others who may be very different from themselves. They learn the importance of honesty, dedication, and hard work. An MSSM education is truly one that prepares the whole student for life. Catherine S. Bowker Academic Dean bowkerc@mssm.org |
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MSSM courses challenge students to push themselves beyond their limits. There are several levels of mathematics and science courses which meet individual students' needs and abilities. While these classes are well-known for their high quality, our humanities and social science courses also provide students with a challenge which fosters their overall development. Students may choose from a variety of English, foreign language, and social science courses. Through MSSM classes, students gain valuable skills which help them to succeed in college.
January Term (or J Term) is an intensive two-week session that follows the fall semester. Each student selects one area of study during this period. Experiences range from traditional classroom settings to trips and job shadows. During J Term, students focus on a particular area of interest and broaden their experiences.
The advisory program is another means of close interaction. Each MSSM student is assigned an academic advisor who meets with the student on a regular basis. The advisor and the student work together to devise the student's schedule, as well as, to review the student's progress. The academic advisor, serving as the student's advocate, oversees and helps the student handle any difficulties that may arise.
