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One of our Prairie students would like to share a typical school day with you. Follow along with Kim as she tells you about her day in Upper School and what she likes best about The Prairie School. If you would like to visit our school in person, please contact our Admissions Office at admissions@prairieschool.com or call 262-260-4393.
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Hi, I'm Kim. Mr. Zimmermann, Upper School Head, tells me that you want to know about what a day is like in the Upper School. I'm in 9th grade, and I've volunteered to show you around.
Beginning the day at 7:30 in the morning may seem early to you, but I like starting my day with an hour of free, quiet time in the Commons. I can put finishing touches on my homework or review for my classes. See all of those computers over there? I am going to get a head start on my history paper due next week. Our teachers are also available for extra help before classes start.
First Period
Okay, time for our first class. Today that's English for me, officially known as 'The Beginnings of Western Literature.' While we're waiting for class to begin, let me explain a little bit about a 9th grader's schedule. We take 5 academic subjects — English, social studies, math, science, and foreign language. Then there's phy ed. And health. Plus we can choose from electives in the arts — like music, acting, theater workshops, art, and communications.
Second Period
Here we are in Algebra I. I've got to have 3 years of math to graduate. The math program here is really good. Besides only taking the usual math, like Geometry and Pre-Calculus, we can take AP Calculus and Probability and Statistics, if we want.
But I should tell you that if I were a 10th grader, my schedule would be different because 10th graders can take different classes. I would still have English and social studies, but I would get a choice in science and math -- things like Geometry or Algebra II, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Astronomy.
Third Period
Now we go back to the Commons for the morning meeting. All students gather in the Commons now to hear announcements and get information. After morning meeting, there's time for a break. We can sit and talk and have a snack, or work on extracurricular projects. The Class Council can meet now and plan service projects, fundraisers, or a dance. Lots of student organizations meet during this time. University and college representatives visit our campus regularly, and students can use this time to meet with them, too.
Fourth Period
It's social studies time — for me, that's World History I. I need two more social studies classes to graduate.There are lots to choose from — World History II, U.S. History, AP classes in American or European History, and Economics or International Relations. We even have a course called "The American Experience."
Fifth Period
This is time for the arts. There are so many courses to choose from to fill this slot. In visual arts, there's glassblowing, painting, drawing, weaving, photography, and ceramics. You can also belong to a jazz group, a string ensemble, or the chorus. There's an acting class, theater lighting and sound and set design. In the communications classroom, students prepare a variety of video projects, plan and prepare scenery, and use our newly refurbished sound and light system for lighting, sound, and multi-media productions in the theatre.
Sixth Period
Thank goodness, it's lunch. The food's good - it's made right here. We can choose from a salad bar, daily sandwich selection, or a full meal — every day is different. It could be tacos or sloppy joe on a bun or chicken patties or spaghetti or turkey with dressing. Or, you can bring your own lunch if you want. We get 45 minutes to eat with our friends before the next class.
Seventh Period
This is French. I need 3 years of language for graduation. I would like to get really proficient in speaking French because a foreign exchange student, Marie, is staying with my family this year. We have great conversations and help each other with our native language.
Eighth Period
I've got Healthy Choices now. We talk about health and wellness issues. My friends are taking fitness, lifetime sports, strength and nutrition.
Ninth Period
My schedule changes every day so that the subjects move around. That's good because it keeps my days interesting. That way, no matter what you consider your toughest class, you never have to take it every day at last hour.
After School
Hardly anybody goes home right away... there's too much going on. We've got 11 varsity sports and more than two dozen extracurricular activities, like the yearbook, the electronic school paper, Mock Trial competitions, and community service programs. Let's go to the theatre. We've got dress rehearsal for "Fiddler on the Roof." I'll introduce you to my friends in the cast...
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