Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How are parents kept apprised of their student's progress?
A. At the end of each midterm and quarter, grades are posted on STOA. Quarter grades and semester grades are also mailed home with comments from the teachers about strengths and areas in need of attention. Each student has an advisor whose role is to provide guidance and direction both within and beyond the academic arena. The faculty advisor may be a first point of contact for parents’ questions or concerns. Advisors contact parents through advisor comments, phone calls, and parent conferences, and they welcome questions initiated by parents.
Q. How doES CANTERBURY support students new to the school?
A. At the beginning of the year, students and their parents are introduced to many aspects of school life through New Student Orientation. Students work closely with an advisor to make the transition to High School. Advisors may be seen as a mentor, motivator, confidant, and holder of resources. All new students are assigned to a "supervised prep" - a designated work period for students - in which a teacher and a senior serve as resources to help new students adjust to the academic expectations of the school.
Q. What is a typical course load?
A. Students are required to take 30 class periods per week. For most students, this requirement is met by taking six classes. Some students choose to double up in a discipline. For example, a student might take two math or foreign languages courses. Some students take an elective course in an area of interest.
Q. What are the expectations for homework?
A. The time that students spend on homework varies depending on the rate at which a student works and the courses that a student is taking. However, students are expected to read, write, practice, and study on a regular basis. Most classes require approximately thirty minutes of homework per day, with Advanced Placement courses asking for more preparation and study time.
Q. How big are the classes?
A. The typical size of a required, grade-level class is approximately 16-18 students.
Q. How is student work assessed?
A. In addition to the final grade given to quizzes, tests, papers, projects, and labs, teachers regularly provide formative feedback in the form of comments, written and verbal, that offer students suggestions for improvement. Teachers also use their assessments of student learning to clarify or “re-teach” key concepts.
Q. What opportunities exist for students to accelerate?
A. The vast majority of Canterbury classes are at an honors or advanced level, so the norm is to work at an accelerated level. Canterbury offers Advanced Placement in all disciplines as well as other challenging courses such as Multivariable Calculus and Organic Chemistry. Additionally, Independent Study Projects permit students to explore a topic of interest in depth.
Q. Is it possible to earn college credit while taking high school classes?
A. In addition to the Advanced Placement courses though which students may earn college credits, Canterbury offers several "dual enrollment" classes in conjunction with IPFW. Successful completion of these classes allows a student to earn college credit.