This is a Prototype Web Site Archived for Historical Purposes Only
Demonstration Developed in 1995 by Tay Vaughan ('62) and Hilary Knight ('97)
Visit www.The GovernorsAcademy.org for the most current version

Welcome to Governor Dummer Academy
America's oldest independent boarding school.

One Elm Street
Byfield, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
508-465-1763 Voice
508-462-1278 Fax
Home: www.gda.org

Curriculum

Each student normally carries five subjects -- five major courses or four major courses and a one semester course. The course selection process is a joint effort that involves the student, his or her parents, advisor and the Academic Dean. Each student's strengths, abilities and needs are considered carefully to determine the best possible course of study for him or her.

Students must successfully complete the following core courses in order to receive a Governor Dummer Academy diploma:

four years of English
three years of mathematics
three years of a foreign language
two years of history
two years of science
one year of Introductory Fine Arts
a one semester fine arts course

Special Activity Term

Juniors and seniors may pursue self-directed projects during two of the three seasons in lieu of athletics. Like the athletic and Community Service programs, special term activities are designed to involve students for the duration of an entire season.

These special activities, which have included environmental studies on the nearby Parker River, a study of leadership development and various artistic endeavors, are selected before the start of each season by students who have researched and prepared detailed proposals.

Students involved in the program meet weekly with faculty advisors and maintain detailed journals on their projects. The Director of the Afternoon Activities program later reviews students' final reports, which detail the results of their work. A positive evaluation is required for graduation.