Unlike in previous years, this year’s ninth grade Human Development classes will meet four times per rotation for a semester. Consequently, beginning with the class of 2028, students will not take Human Development in their sophomore and junior years.

Previously, Human Development classes met only once a rotation for a semester each in ninth and eleventh grade. In tenth grade, students met once a rotation for a whole year.

The Human Development program, a required part of the Upper School curriculum, teaches students to explore their identity, fostering a better sense of community within the student body. The class also covers sexual health and relationships, mental health, and the unique impact of drug use on adolescent health.

Upper School Human Development Teacher and Coordinator Stephanie Monteleone said that the main reason for changing the scheduling of the program is to help students develop a sense of connection in the classroom.

“Under the once-per-rotation framework, I would see my students three to four times before Outdoor Ed, whereas [now freshmen] see me eight times in the last few weeks,” Monteleone said. “What this does for the learning environment and student’s sense of ease when diving into challenging topics is monumental.”

Still, there were drawbacks to consider when altering the configuration of the class.

“The spread-out format allowed students to discuss topics as they became more relevant throughout high school,” explained Monteleone.