The Upper School follows a college preparatory program, which increases in its demands throughout the four years. Advanced Placement and some elective courses in the senior year are taught at the college level. Placement in Honors and Advanced Placement level courses is subject to department approval.

The school year consists of two semesters, each two quarters in length. Teachers assess the students by letter grade and written comment every quarter. Upper School courses generally have formal examinations as end of semester assessments. Students may gain college credit by taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses and examinations in certain subjects. Each department offering Advanced Placement courses may require additional summer work, and, in some cases, additional class work.

Seniors are encouraged to work on a Senior Project preceding graduation. These projects require careful planning, and students must have the help of a faculty advisor. Oral and written presentation of the results of the project is required.

Williams benefits greatly from its connection with Connecticut College. The school makes use of a number of the College’s facilities, and selected students are able to take courses at the College in their senior year. In turn, Connecticut College students can pair with Williams’ faculty as teaching interns.

A number of the best students in the Senior class are inducted into the Williams Chapter of the Cum Laude Society, a national honor society.

The average class size at Williams is 13; the student-teacher ratio is 9:1.

Mark Fader
Assistant Head of School