The Olney Friends School science department is implementing a two-year transition to a new science sequence which will be fully complete in 2007-2008. All Olney students are required to take three years of science and all students encouraged to take a fourth year as well. NOTE: It may not be possible or logical for all transfer students to follow the prescribed sequence, in which case, students may petition to take courses out of sequence. The sequence described below is designed to make the best use of students' developmental as well as mathematical strengths and to help students acquire a true love of scientific inquiry and the natural world in which we live.

*Beginning in 2006-2007 the sequence of required science courses for incoming freshmen will be:

  • Biology - 9th grade;
  • Conceptual Physics - 10th grade;
  • Chemistry - 11th grade.

In 2006-2007 the standard sequence of required science courses for those entering the sophomore year will be:

  • Biology - 10th grade
  • Chemistry - 11th grade.

In 2006-2007 those entering the junior year will take Biology (Those transferring in with high-school biology credit from another school will have the option to take Environmental science in their junior year)

In 2006-2007 seniors and those who've met Olney's core science requirements may elect to take

  • Environmental Science
  •     OR
  • AP Physics (Students wishing to take AP Physics must have taken AP Calculus or be enrolled in that course.)

*This will be the standard sequence of courses going forward for all students in 2007-2008.