Academics

Academics / Community

Dana Hall Senior Forum Kicks into Action

Before winter break, the senior forum classes participated in two self defense classes. These classes were held in the gym and led by two instructors from a group called IMPACT Boston. During the two classes the seniors learned the eye strike, the groin kick, and verbal avoidances. The verbal piece […]

Academics / Community

The Influence of Involution on Dana Hall’s College Application

Involution refers to the phenomenon where people work harder or put in extra work, hoping to gain more benefits but instead receive the same or even less returns as before. Involution is a term more well-known in Chinese culture, but this phenomenon is also present in American culture, especially in […]

Academics / Community

Dana Hall Changes AP Exam Policy

This year, Dana Hall has made two changes to its Advanced Placement (AP) Exam policy. First, Seniors are no longer required to take the AP Exams in May. Second, students used to be able to take any AP exams, even if Dana Hall doesn’t offer the AP course. Due to […]

Academics / Community / Featured

The English Department Adopts a New Grading Scale

The English department has been experimenting with a new grading system this trimester, with the goal of prioritizing learning over grades.  The system uses a rubric that defines the standards of success on each essay assignment.  If the student’s writing meets the standard, they receive the grade “Meeting Standards,” which […]

Academics / Community

Mr. Tipton enriches the Social Studies department

Frank Tipton is a new teacher in the Social Studies department this school year. He teaches Middle Eastern studies to sophomores and AP US history to juniors. Mia El Abd ‘25 says that “I enjoy his class. He’s very passionate about what he’s teaching.” Mr. Tipton comes to Dana Hall […]

Academics / Community

French I is not running in the Upper School this year

This year, there is no French I running in the Dana Hall Upper School. While this may come as a surprise to many, it’s actually relatively common according to Jacqui Bloomberg, head of the World Languages Department. She says, “The numbers of people who come in and out of the […]

Academics / Community

Ms. Powers joins Science Department

Kathryn (Katie) Powers joined the Dana Hall community this year as a new science teacher. She teaches two sections of General Chemistry and two sections of Current Topics in Science this year. Despite Ms. Powers’s short time as a part of Dana Hall, she is already popular with students and […]

Academics / Community

What classrooms will look like next year

Next year, Dana Hall faculty and students will return to a campus under construction. Without the use of the Classroom Building, which is being remodeled, a temporary building with six classrooms will be installed by the softball field close to the Riding Center and Shipley. Students will also have classes […]

Academics / Opinion

A sophomore’s new look at college admissions

As a current sophomore, I have been unhealthily stressed out about the college admission process. College admission is all I think about sometimes. I often ask myself what kind of college will accept my GPA, extracurricular activities, and SAT score. I thought that these are the most important jobs of […]

Academics / Opinion

Neurodiverse students aren’t benefiting from the current structure of 90-minute classes

Dana Hall introduced a new schedule this year, including new 90-minute periods. These classes were intended to benefit neurodiverse students, as these extended periods could be used for more projects and group work. Despite the good intentions for these periods, they aren’t being used in a way that benefits students.  […]