By Steven Kee ’27
We all have questions on our mind that we can’t be bothered to find the answers to. With the help of The Choate News readers, we’ve gathered a couple of those burning queries and found the answers for you!
Is it true that you can leave class after 15 minutes if the teacher doesn’t show up?
Yes, it is true. While this information is not readily available to students via the school portal, it is indeed part of the School’s policy. According to page 15 of the Academic Handbook, which students do not have access to, “If no one can be found to give guidance, the students are allowed to leave the room.”
Associate Dean of Students Mr. Pat Dennehy confirmed that this has been a long-standing rule. “I think it was a 20 [minute waiting period] when it was 70 minute [class blocks], then 10 minutes when it was 45 minute classes. And now it’s 15,” he said. So, the next time your teacher goes AWOL — feel free to just leave. Stick to your gut and don’t be swayed by your peers who claim that the 15 minute rule is just a myth.
Where is the Health Center?
The Health Center is located at 283 North Main Street. It is behind St. John Hall (the SAC) and can be accessed via Beaumont Avenue or the ramp behind the mailroom.
What would happen if you swam in the Carl C. Icahn Science Center pond?
Medical Director Dr. Meredithe McNamara advises against swimming in the Science Center pond. She stated that the quality of the water itself should be relatively safe, as the water is well-oxygenated and harbors similar amounts of water-borne illnesses to any other naturally occurring body of water thanks to the solid water cycling system from the fountain. But besides being a major school rule violation, the temperature of the water could be a source of sickness if someone swam in the pond. “It depends on the time of year and what the water temperature is. Hypothermia is no joke,” Dr. McNamara said. “Do I recommend it? No.”
Why are physics and biology science diploma requirements but not chemistry?
Science Department Head Mr. Kevin Rogers explained that balancing scientific fundamentals and having flexible diploma requirements were important in designing the requirements. He said, “We wanted students to have backgrounds in both the physical sciences and the natural sciences … [not having chemistry as an official diploma requirement] maintains flexibility. If someone wants to study abroad, they can do that and not worry about having to manipulate and get chemistry in there unless they want to.” Nevertheless, he emphasized that chemistry is a “de facto diploma requirement,” as he estimates that around 95% of students take the class.
Why does Choate use a 4.3 GPA scale?
Choate uses a 4.3 grade point average (GPA) scale to calculate student grades because it is the standard for most institutions. Director of Studies Ms. Ellen Devine said, “Many peer schools and universities use the same scale.” Head of Student and Academic Life Ms. Jenny Elliott added, “I think it has to do with the complexity of weighted and unweighted grading.” As some courses, such as honors classes, are more difficult than others, it affects the weight of the GPA.
Ms. Elliott also expressed that she thinks the system has room for improvement. “I think grades and how we grade are always a topic for discussion. I think we’re trying to find ways to appropriately measure and assess student learning and also promote student learning.”
Why doesn’t Choate have AP courses?
In the 2015-2016 school year, Choate removed College Board Advanced Placement (AP) designations for its courses to allow for greater flexibility and autonomy in class curriculums. Ms. Devine said, “Choate determined that its classes would not have the AP designation because there is a specific curriculum that must be followed when courses have the AP designation.” She noted that some upper-level courses — formerly designated as AP — still have curriculums that overlap with the AP curriculums. However, not restricting the courses to the AP curriculum gives students a learning experience that is more aligned with the learning goals of each course and department.
Ms. Devine further emphasized that many of these upper-level courses still prepare students well if they wish to take the corresponding AP tests. Ms. Elliott echoed a similar message. “Choate, along with some of its peer schools, did not feel that they wanted to be bound to the AP curriculum in terms of the ways that they taught and the content they covered, and felt quite confident that the rigor, skills, [and] content that we are covering were sufficient to make these really strong courses,” she said.
Why do third-formers get fewer academic options?
Third-formers have fewer course options to ensure that all students meet diploma requirements for graduation while also making sure that certain fundamental developmental needs are met. “Some of those required courses introduce and sharpen foundational skills that you’ll need in [later courses],” Ms. Elliot said. Ms. Devine expressed a similar perspective. “We emphasize participation in certain core classes that are designed with the developmental needs of our newest students in mind,” she said.
Choate is a very big school; with hundreds of students and faculty, there’s bound to be confusion! Hopefully, this article answered some of your pressing questions.
