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Introduction
A Seven Hills education includes active learning experiences within a well-integrated program of studies. We teach students to think, analyze, and find creative solutions to problems while mastering skills that will get them ready for a successful future. To best prepare students, Seven Hills faculty integrates curriculum areas and presents lessons that encourage active, rather than passive, listening.
The ECE classrooms have an open structure in which a child freely chooses areas of interest. All activities are play-based, with a balance between active and quiet play throughout the morning. Teachers also lead small and large groups to further facilitate learning.
Lower School teachers challenge students with a highly academic program in a nurturing environment. Students in Kindergarten - 5th grade learn in self-contained homeroom classes; specialists in Spanish, physical education, computer technology, art, music and library skills augment core studies.
Middle School students learn in a departmentalized program and move from subject to subject each period. They also spend time in small, cross-grade advisory groups to ensure the individual attention so important at this critical stage in development.
Beyond core subjects, Middle School students enjoy all of the specialized classes offered to Lower School students along with the opportunity to choose French or Spanish as a foreign language. The integrated expressive arts curriculum includes art, music, video production, technology, speech and debate and drama. Mandatory day excursions and extended field trips round out the academic program. An after-school interscholastic sports program teaches lessons of effort and perseverance, teamwork and sportsmanship, and the grace to handle both victory and defeat.
Students are required to attend and participate in all courses offered at their grade level. In rare instances, the administration modifies an individual student’s schedule if the child has a documented learning issue and it is educationally advantageous to let the student use foreign language time for tutoring or additional study. At the discretion of the administration, a newly enrolled 7th or 8th grade student who would be too far behind to benefit from the coursework, may be allowed to audit the class, with support from an outside tutor. The student may also pursue a modified program without the foreign language requirement. Any change to a student's schedule includes discussions with teachers, administrators, and parents. The final decision is made by the administration.
Class Size
As a commitment to quality education, Seven Hills maintains the following class sizes:
If the addition of one more student to a Lower or Middle School classroom would enhance the overall academic, social or gender ratio, one may be added to the class. The number of students in the Early Childhood programs (Preschool and Pre- Kindergarten) is governed by the State of California.
Class Placement
A committee of teachers and administrators determine class placement; the Headmaster makes the final decision. To achieve an optimal learning environment, the committee considers the following variables:
You may have concerns and insights which might be helpful to the committee. Please pass that information on to your child's teachers or the administration via email. We will not entertain requests for specific teachers because they could undermine the careful balance the committee has achieved through its recommended list.
Class placement decisions are available the week before school begins. Posted class lists are final. Through this careful process we hope to make the school year a happy and successful one for all Seven Hills students.
Grading Policy
Students in kindergarten through third grade receive a narrative which reflects individual performance on standards of learning for their grade level. Students are evaluated on a rubric which indicates their level of mastery of these standards. In addition to performance toward these standards, Lower School students are evaluated on their personal growth, approach to learning and contribution to the learning community.
Middle School students receive standard letter grades. Grade Point Averages (GPA’s) for 6th - 8th graders are computed as follows:
A = 4.0 B- = 2.7 D+ = 1.3
A- = 3.7 C+ = 2.3 D = 1.0
B+ = 3.3 C = 2.0 D- = 0.7
B = 3.0 C- = 1.7 F = 0
Percentages are as follows: 100-90% - “A” range (excellent to outstanding work), 89-80% - “B” range (good to very good work), 79-70% - “C” range (passing or adequate work), 69-60% - “D” range (barely passing work), and below 59% - “F” range (not passed course).
Report Cards
Report Cards are mailed home at the end of each semester. Seven Hills mails duplicate documents to non-custodial parents, if requested.
Middle School Mid-Quarter Progress Reports
Mid-quarter Progress Reports are sent home to inform parents of a Middle School student’s academic and behavioral progress. Please read the notices carefully and discuss them with your child. These reports must be signed by a parent and returned to the school the following school day.
Middle School Honor Roll
Middle School students who achieve a 3.5 – 4.0 grade point average for the semester are placed on the Seven Hills Honor Roll. We compute grade point averages based on grades in the core subjects of English, history, mathematics, science, foreign language, physical education, and integrated expressive arts. Here are Seven Hills' Middle School honor rolls::
Headmaster’s Honor Roll: 4.0 GPA
Jaguar Honor Roll: 3.8 – 3.99 GPA
Green and White Honor Roll: 3.5 – 3.79 back to top
Middle School Academic Probation
We recognize that each student has varying interests and abilities, and our expectation is that all students will successfully complete the requirements in all subjects. If a student is not working to the best of her ability and improvement is not forthcoming, the following procedures will occur:
Final Examinations
At the end of each semester, seventh and eighth grade students take final examinations in English, History, Math, and Science. Sixth graders take a final examination in History.
Second Semester Exemption from Exams
An eighth grade student who has attained a second semester straight “A” average (94% or above) in a subject, may be exempt from the final exam at the discretion of the teacher and approval of the administration.
Promotion and Graduation Requirements
Each student must complete teacher-determined satisfactory classwork and homework in order to be promoted to the following grade level. Year-end failure in any two core subjects suggests a student's inability to meet the academic standards at Seven Hills; the student will not be re-admitted to school the following year. A single failure may be made up during the summer. In some cases an examination on the failed subject matter may be administered and the student may not be re-admitted to school unless the examination or outstanding work is completed. The administration coordinates all make-up programs during the summer.
At the discretion of the administration, a student who fails one or more courses at the close of the eighth grade year is not eligible for a diploma or participation in graduation ceremonies. In this event, work may be made up during the summer and the student may receive his diploma upon the acceptable completion of the make-up work.
Conferences
We welcome and encourage parent conferences with teachers and administrators. Informal conferences may be conducted over the phone or by note and you, the teacher or advisor can arrange meetings. Formal parent conferences occur in October and March. Both parents are encouraged to attend these conferences. Conferences will not be rescheduled, so please mark your calendars.
In the Middle School, parents and students meet with individual teachers. Occasionally, at the request of the parents, teachers or administrators, round table conferences with all teachers and an administrator will be scheduled. At this conference, students, parents, teachers, and an administrator focus on student strengths and accomplishments, and ways to improve academic standing or behavior. If you find it impossible to attend your child’s conference during the assigned time, you will only have the option to meet with your child’s advisor.
Standardized Testing
The Comprehensive Testing Program III of the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) is used each year to assess students in grades 3 - 8. This information helps us gauge individual student progress and the effectiveness of the Seven Hills curriculum.
The ISEE is required for application to many independent high schools and offered at several East Bay locations throughout the school year, including Seven Hills. Seventh and eighth grade students receive a packet early in the school year that details all the information you will need about this standardized testing program. As a regular part of the high school counseling program, we offer a weekend ISEE fee-based preparation course to our students.
Tutoring Policy
Occasionally a student may need the assistance of a tutor. Seven Hills administration and student support team, in consultation with your child’s teacher and any outside specialist, may recommend a tutor. Students can be tutored by a current staff member for a fee, with prior authorization. Please contact your child’s teacher if your child works with a tutor.
Cumulative Folders
Cumulative folders, maintained by the registrar, contain each child’s educational history at Seven Hills, as well as records from previous schools.
If your student should transfer and require records sent to another school, please sign a parental release form. The new school or Seven Hills can provide the release form. It is Seven Hills policy to release a child’s cumulative folder only to another school. However, you may receive a copy of your child's file by presenting the school with a written request. Transcripts released include: standardized test scores, report cards, information on awards and/or honor roll and medical/immunization records.
