At Rice, Academics Matter.

"Academic Excellence" is not simply a buzzword. It's a crucial part of our mission to help each student achieve their potential. Rice provides opportunities for students to grow, develop deep academic interests, and prepare for college and careers. We work hard to make sure our teaching and our culture celebrates challenging, engaging academics - it's at the foundation of who we are.  
 

What do we do differently that shows our commitment to academic excellence?
 

1. We keep class sizes small.

The average class size is about 16 students, small, but not too small. This allows our teachers to focus on each student and offer personal attention. No one gets left behind. Currently, Rice has about 400 students in total. At this size there are still plenty of opportunities for students to collaborate with a wide group of peers, play on sports teams, and get involved with extra curricular activities that suit their personal interests.
 

2. We use traditional grading. Rice has no proficiencies.

With the clarity of traditional A-F grading, and no proficiencies translations along the way, students, parents, teachers, and universities can all understand the evaluation system. Transcripts are clear. It is also mathematically accurate to use the finer granularity of the traditional system. Because we do not spend any time with proficiencies, teachers focus on content and curriculum. We pay close attention to how students are doing in class all along the way, act quickly if a student is struggling, and have supportive teachers that consistently go the extra mile to support students.
 

3. Classes are dedicated by level.

This means dedicated Honors classes can move at an Honors pace, while dedicated non-Honors classes adopt their appropriate pace and challenge every student. This enables vibrant, challenging discussion tailored to the level of each student. Students can switch between classes as appropriate from year to year. Students also receive homework according to the level of class they are taking. Homework is an important part of encouraging responsibility, independence, and furthering personal learning - we believe it prepares students well for life beyond high school.
 

4. Honors & AP classes

We have 15 AP classes, 16 Honors classes, and are always looking to add more. Honors courses play a critical role in challenging students to achieve their potential. Also, we are one of only two schools in Vermont with the AP Capstone program. This exceptional program develops students' skills in research, analysis, evidence-based arguments, collaboration, writing, and presenting. All students have the opportunity to push themselves at their own unique level and guided by their personal interests. View the Current List of AP Courses
 

5. We take course sequencing seriously.

An emphasis on mastering fundamentals underlies the freshman and sophomore curriculum. Learning those fundamentals early and taking the appropriate courses allows students to explore different paths of academic interest junior and senior year. There are diverse options for students to pursue as they fall in love with an academic field. For example, many freshman start in biology instead of earth science, as they have already had earth science in middle school. This allows Rice students to take several advanced science courses like AP Physics, AP Chemistry, or AP Biology.  Read more about Course Sequencing

 

The Bottom Line:

We have high academic expectations and we plan to keep raising the bar. We are proud to continue strategies that are proven and effective: homework, encouraging responsibililty and independence, fostering a love of learning, challenging and offering support. We'd be happy to answer questions about our approach over the phone or during a personal tour of our school.

Contact our Admissions Team