As a dynamic academic community, Nichols celebrates not only individuals' accomplishments, but also shared excellence. Each student's daily participation in this community determines the quality of his or her experience. The mutual respect between students and faculty creates a serious and encouraging academic atmosphere.
Nichols' rigorous academic program assists our Upper School students in developing critical thinking skills, self-discipline, and other qualities of intellectual maturity. Individual attention is the hallmark of the Nichols program: small classes, curricular flexibility, advanced placement courses, independent projects, and individualized college planning are all attributes of an educational experience which prepares students well for a competitive college and the world.
Some unique program highlights are:
A student to faculty ratio of 8:1 and an average class size of 15;
18 Advanced Placement-level courses: 3 out of 4 students post scores that make them eligible for college credit;
Independent study courses with individual faculty members;
Exchange programs in Costa Rica and France; and
Emphasis on strong writing skills: extensive creative and expository writing is assigned and evaluated frequently.