Belmont Schools

Reading, writing, math, science, and social studies are the core academic areas for elementary students in grades K through 4. Specialists teach art, music, and physical education which are considered basic components of the elementary program.

Each elementary school has a library/media center, a gymnasium, a cafeteria, music and art rooms, wooden outdoor play structures, and playing areas or fields. Computers are available in all classrooms and in central locations such as the library/media center.

In addition to the basic curriculum, learning is enriched on a regular basis through special events and activities. The Arts and Enrichment Programs of the parent-teacher organizations sponsor artists, authors, and scientists in residence, marine biologists, musicians, opera performances, historical educators, dance companies, and storytellers. These programs supplement the curriculum. In addition, each class typically participates in at least one field trip each year.

With a slight variation in times, students in first through fourth grades attend school from 8:35 AM to 2:35 PM with a mid-day break for lunch and recess. Kindergartners attend a morning program from 8:35 AM to about noon and full day program from 8:35 AM to 2:35 PM.

Parents may elect to have their child attend an Extended Day program for a fee. This includes Kindergarten Extended Day programs, which run from kindergarten dismissal until the end of the regular school day, and After School programs which continue until 6:00 PM. These programs are structured and supervised to include time for reading, homework, arts and crafts, sports, outdoor time, and other healthy activities.

Each school also offers, through its PTO, after-school enrichment classes for a nominal fee; these classes are separate from and in addition to the After School programs. Class topics vary based on instructor and student interest but typically include instruction in computers, arts and crafts, and sports.

The Winthrop L. Chenery Middle School serves approximately 1,150 students in grades five through eight. The fifth and sixth grades constitute the Lower School and the seventh and eighth grades form the Upper School. There are 84 teachers and 30 support staff at the middle school.

The Winthrop L. Chenery Middle School opened in 1997 in a new, three-story state-of-the-art facility which includes a 700-seat auditorium, 450 seat cafeteria, integrated media center, two computer labs, band and chorus rooms, several community rooms, and fully networked technology-equipped classrooms. The building is arranged around a large courtyard designed, landscaped, and maintained by students, faculty, and community volunteers. Outside are basketball courts, tennis courts, a baseball field, and other grassy playing fields.

Belmont High School serves approximately 1,200 students in grades 9 through 12, and includes a faculty of 97 teachers. The current Belmont High School opened in 1971 with an efficient, two-story layout of classrooms, administration offices, and common areas. Set back from the street, the 250,000 sq. ft. school is sited beyond a picturesque pond encircled by a walking path. The facility includes a large auditorium, theatre, three art rooms, photography darkroom, music wing, foreign language lab, science labs, computer labs, a writing lab, and special education classrooms, as well as fully networked, technology quipped classrooms, and a large cafeteria.

The extensive High School recreational facilities include a gymnasium and field house with a swimming pool and fitness center; an ice rink; several athletic fields, tennis courts, and a new state-of-the-art all weather track and multi-purpose field.

For graduation, students must earn at least 100 credits and fulfill minimum course distribution requirements. Students are required to take six courses each year.

Courses are offered in English; fine and performing arts (visual arts, music, theatre); foreign languages (Mandarin Chinese, French, Latin, Spanish); mathematics; physical education; science, health, technology and engineering, and social studies.

Most major courses are taught on two levels of achievement: honors and college preparatory. Advanced placement courses include English, studio art, French, Latin, Spanish, Chinese, calculus, computer science, statistics, physics, chemistry, biology, psychology and neuro-anatomy, environmental science, American history, European history, music theory, and economics. Close to one-third of Belmont High School students are enrolled in advanced placement courses.

In 2012, 99% of the senior class at Belmont High School took the SAT. The combined average score was 1789 which is 291 points higher than the national average. 386 high school students took >800 AP tests in 21 disciplines with 94% of scores 3, 4, or 5.

Approximately 93% of Belmont High School graduates continue on to higher education.