Over the past several weeks, NDB announced a few changes to its curriculum that will be implemented during the 2026-27 school year. These changes include new course options across departments and adjusted graduation, impacting students across all grade levels.
One major revision was in the humanities department. Beginning with the Class of 2029, all sophomores will no longer take English II or English II Honors. Instead, they will all take AP Seminar.
Humanities Department Chair Sarah Boragno ‘02 explained that the decision was intended to expand access to skill development, rather than remove honors opportunities.
“We want to create an opportunity for all of our students to have a sample of growth when it comes to English classes,” said Boragno. “AP Seminar presented itself as an opportunity to add more analytical writing, more research-based writing [and] more practical skills that can apply to all classes, not just English.”
The department will also no longer offering English III and English IV to juniors and seniors, respectively. Instead, they will offer Selectives Program in Advanced Reading and Knowledge (SPARK). They will continue to offer AP English Language and AP English Literature to those who are interested and qualify.
These semester-long SPARK classes focus on a specific theme or topic. Boragno explains these classes are designed to prepare students for college, saying they “really mimic a college experience” by allowing students to take more specialized, inquiry-based courses.
Another development is the removal of the computer science graduation requirement for the Class of 2029 and on. According to Dean of Science, Engineering, Math and Schoolwide Technology Jolanda Breazeale ‘86, the decision was influenced by student and family feedback, limited flexibility within underclassmen schedules and changing expectations at the state and college level.
“As a college prep school, our biggest thing is [that] we want to make sure everybody’s prepared for college applications and, if colleges aren’t looking to see computer science as an asset … it didn’t seem as high of a priority,” said Breazeale. “But, we wanted to maintain it as an elective because we know that students are still interested in it.”
Despite no longer being a requirement, the course remains in the curriculum, and the class will continue to be offered to those interested in it.
The school also announced at a recent sophomore parent meeting that, starting with the class of 2028, the NDB Capstone project will take place during students’ second semester of their senior year.
These curriculum changes show how NDB is taking steps to prepare students for college, while also giving them flexibility in their academic paths.
