Academics and College

Academic Programs

Thinking about a Stevenson education? Our curriculum is designed to challenge our students and to invoke a passion for learning in each of our students

Curriculum

Interested in Literature and film, or what about marine biology? Check out our Academic Curriculum for more information about course offerings.

Advanced Placement Courses

Need a challenge and want to get college credit? In 2012, 234 of our students took Advanced Placement courses at Stevenson. Of the 398 exams they took, 95% of these students received passing grades.

Student Milestones / Achievements

See our Facebook page for the latest student milestones, updated frequently on our Wall.

College Counseling

College Counseling- it's about finding the right college for you. College counseling at Stevenson extends far beyond the college application process.

Programs for students:

• Naviance: Stevenson students use this comprehensive website to compile their own personal college information records.
  
• Stevenson College Tours: What better way to see a broad range of colleges and universities throughout California and the Northeast than with your advisors and friends?
  
• College Center Workshops and Events: Check out the schedule of college related workshops and events at Stevenson.
  
• Newsletters: Frequent newsletters are a great source of information for an overview of college counseling events each term.
  
• Colleges Visiting Stevenson: View a list of colleges who visit Stevenson to share information and meet with students throughout the school year.
  
• SAT and SAT Prep

College Counseling Highlights

• East Coast College Tour
• Southern California College Tour
• Thirty annual workshops about the college search
• Average SAT score: 1870
• 556 College Acceptances in 2012 for 129 graduating seniors

Testimonials

Alex '11 reflects on his favorite aspects of Stevenson:

"My favorite part about being a Stevenson student is the immense range of opportunities and extracurricular activities that are at my disposal. I can push my comfort level in so many different areas which I feel I could not do anywhere else. I also feel that there is a real sense of wholeness, in that everyone is comfortable with each other. If you don't know someone there's no need to hesitate when introducing yourself; every person I’ve met has welcomed me with open arms."

Kirstin '11 reflects on her favorite aspects of Stevenson:

"The thought of boarding school was so scary for me, but Stevenson made it comfortable and fun for me. I love going home, but I love being at school too. I believe I have the best of both worlds by being at Stevenson."

Harrison '12 reflects on his favorite aspects of Stevenson:

"My favorite part about being a Stevenson student is the welcoming atmosphere that the school has created and the opportunity it has given me to be myself. There is never a feeling of judgement, rather the feeling on campus is one of acceptance and encouragement."

Emma '13 reflects on her favorite aspects of Stevenson:

"I love the environment at Stevenson. I love that I can wake up in the morning and want to go to school. Everyday I become closer with someone new, whether that someone is a student or a teacher, and Stevenson's warm environment lets that happen for me."

Daniel '13 reflects on his favorite aspects of Stevenson:

"My favorite part about Stevenson is the way we balance our academic prestige with a fun atmosphere. I can finish a mind-wrenching test and walk outside to play frisbee on the Rosen steps with music playing and friends surrounding me."

Karina '11 reflects on her favorite aspects of Stevenson:

"Being exposed to so many different types of people at Stevenson has given me the opportunity to really step out of my box and discover new possibilities while still holding on to my own beliefs."

Shelly '10 reflects on her favorite aspects of Stevenson:

"Like the student body, there is also a lot of diversity amongst the faculty. I really like how there are teachers here of all different ages and from various different backgrounds. There is a broad range of different styles of teaching, too. Some teachers tend to have more formally structured classes while other teachers have a more casual approach. In this way, Stevenson maintains a nice balance. Throughout my time at Stevenson, I have felt that my teachers, coaches, and dorm parents have always looked out for my best interest. They want to see me succeed and they do their best to try and teach me the tools I will need to do well in life.
I am really glad that I have taken advantage of the art and sports opportunities at Stevenson. By participating in activities other than regular academic school work, I have developed skills that I wouldn't have otherwise. The art classes I have taken while at Stevenson have taught me critical problem solving skills, the importance of creativity, and have encouraged me to define and express myself as an individual. I learned that the more time and effort I put into my art, the more beautiful the result will be and being able to physically see the progress I'm making in my work is very rewarding.
Playing a team sport has taught me valuable skills when it comes to working with others. Being on a team has taught me important lessons about responsibility, teamwork, and sportsmanship, and has made me aware of the importance of each individual player on a team. Playing sports at Stevenson also encouraged me to set goals and push myself in ways I wouldn't have otherwise. I also have made a lot of new friends through sports that I may not have gotten to know otherwise."

Laura '09 comments on her favorite aspects of Stevenson:

"The community and vast amount of opportunities are what excite me the most about Stevenson. The people you meet here are unlike anywhere else. The diversity, the compassion, and the close relationships you form here, both with students and teachers, are very unique. Stevenson also has something for everyone. Whether it is the arts, athletics, clubs, or academics, there are endless opportunities and possibilities."

Joey '09 comments on why he chose Stevenson:

"Stevenson has a vibrant atmosphere despite the typical foggy weather. The diversity of the student body is tied together by the common aspiration to succeed. The teachers here not only teach their curriculum but impart life lessons onto their students. From the first visit I took in eighth grade I noticed these things and decided that Stevenson was the place for me."

Susan '09 on her application for Tour Guide:

"Going to boarding school has changed me in so many ways and has helped me grow beyond what I could have ever imagined. I have closer relationships with my parents, and I have become independent and stronger because of both the people and the experience here at Stevenson. I truly believe Stevenson is a great school, and I hope to help others find their place here and to receive the incredible opportunity that I have been lucky enough to have been given."

Clayton '09 on choosing Stevenson:

"When I was looking for a high school, I had no idea what I wanted. Looking at schools across the country, I thought I would never be able to find one that I liked over all the others. When I went to Stevenson, however, I realized that I was looking for all the wrong things. It wasn't athletics, or class size, or a large endowment that makes a school great; it's the people there. The community at Stevenson seemed so welcoming and so generous that I realized without question that this was the only place I could truly feel happy attending."

Jeremy '06 relfects upon his Stevenson experience:
"It is hard not to look around the forests and the beaches and feel a surge of excitement and joy to be able to attend Stevenson.  In addition, the school offers diverse opportunities for students to continue a passion in a specific field or to try something new.  Whether you have participated in competitive swimming your entire life, or never had your own radio show, Stevenson enables its students to pursue these goals and passions without any obstructions.  The best part is that along the way, you meet peers that share similar interests and goals, and they ultimately become your closest friends...".

A graduate from the class of 2000 writes:
"People at Stevenson had the amazing capability to turn their gratitude for being able to be passionate about what they are doing into unbroken generosity toward others...".