Soundview Preparatory School

=Soundview Preparatory School=

Soundview Preparatory School is a coed private preparatory school that serves grades 6-12. It is located in Yorktown Heights, NY. It was founded in March 1989 by its Headmaster W. Glyn Hearn after a group of families came forward seeking an alternative school. It moved from its original location (an old church), to its current location because the school grew in size. The school is based on the philosophy that students will grow academically and socially by learning in a non competitive environment.

Being a private school, Soundview does not require its students to take state tests or Regents exams.

Classes

Soundview Preparatory School has a roughly 4-to-1 class to teacher ratio. The extremely small class sizes exist because the Mr. Hearn believes that small class sizes promote a better learning environment. The small class size also guarantees that the student forms good social skills and group dynamics. The school offers a variety of courses, including, but not limited to, Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, American History, European History, Psychology, and Art. The school has a strong foreign language department as well, with courses in French, Spanish, Italian, and, upon request, Latin. In addition, AP versions of some courses are available. Soundview believes that students should take courses that are on their level, whether that level be lower or higher than average. Due to this, new students, or students who have been at the school for a time already, can be put into courses intended for grades higher or lower than theirs, sometimes having their grade raised or lowered entirely.

Extracurricular

Soundview has many clubs, each one hosted by a teacher, where students can meet others who share an immediate interest. Some clubs are the Drama Club, the Ski Club, the Food Club, the Politics Club, the Chess Club, and the Yearbook Club. Usually, the clubs meet once a week.Soundview's athletes are the Soundview Bulldogs, and sports played throughout the year include soccer, basketball, and Ultimate Frisbee. To foster a sense of community and school spirit, all students are encouraged to attend at least some games. In past years, the school has had an annual trip to a foreign country, and students have been able to visit Greece, China, Russia, and Argentina. Another way that Soundview helps its students feel a sense of community is by requiring six weeks of community service.

Philosophy

The close relationship of the students and teachers is designed so that both the student and teacher can learn and teach more effectively. Because the school's community is so interconnected, the students are held to high standards involving their social behavior and their academic pursuits.