Upper School Curriculum

Discimus Agere Agendo – we learn to do by doing – through creative engagement, meaningful participation, and reasoned argumentation, Newman students practice the skills needed to become effective participants in the global community.
 
We believe that mastery of the core disciplines combined with rigorous development of critical thinking skills is fundamental to the education of informed, versatile, and creative citizens. Accordingly, the Newman classroom supports risk taking and is a place where precise content knowledge is pursued not merely for its own sake but, just as important, in the service of collaborative and productive intellectual endeavors.

Newman offers opportunities for students to challenge themselves beyond the standard course offerings in all disciplines. Nearly all regular courses are complemented by AP or Honors-level classes, and students may calibrate the rigor of their academic experience according to their interests. This flexibility allows each student to choose the right course level for their particular aptitude and skill set in each discipline in order to maximize learning.

Newman currently offers 16 AP courses across all disciplines, and students may also choose to take an AP exam even if they are enrolled in a standard level course. Depending on a graduate’s chosen college, strong performance on AP exams may result in college credit. Students may begin taking AP-level classes as early as sophomore year at Newman.

List of 7 items.

  • Arts

    We believe that the arts are a universal language that is essential to the development of the whole child. We believe that every student is an artist and the mission of the arts department is to foster the artist within each student. The arts develop creative thinking and self-expression. Through exploration of the arts, Newman students develop a broad and deep understanding of the world around them, greater engagement with ideas, and a well-rounded educational experience. We want all Newman students to make connections between arts and life.

    • 2-D Design & the Printed Image
    • 3-D Art and Design
    • Acting
    • Art History
    • Art History Honors
    • Band
    • Band + Chorus
    • Ceramics – Beg.
    • Ceramics – Int./Adv.
    • Chorus
    • Dance – Beg.
    • Dance – Int./Adv.
    • Drawing and Painting
    • Film Production
    • Film Production Practicum
    • Intro to Film Production
    • Introduction to the Studio Arts
    • Monologue and Scene Study
    • Photography
    • Photojournalism
    • Print Media Design
    • Survey
    • Tech Theater – Beg.
    • Tech Theater – Int./Adv.
    • AP Studio Art: Drawing and 2-D Design
  • English

    The Newman English Department offers students a rigorous and academically challenging college preparatory curriculum. Teachers ask, and teach students to ask, increasingly complex questions about literature, and help students discover the knowledge and wisdom preserved in texts. Students learn to articulate their ideas in clear, authentic prose, and learn how to support those ideas using cogent reasoning and textual evidence.  In an environment where students and teachers alike are encouraged to take risks, we foster self-confidence, independence, and responsibility.

    English I
    English II
    English II Honors
    English III
    English III Honors
    English IV
    English IV Honors
    Public Speaking
    Creative Writing – Poetry
  • History

    Isidore Newman’s History Department is integrated across grades 5-12. Our offerings have two main goals. The first is to help each student learn how to organize and present cogent arguments both in writing and in speaking. Our second goal is to give our students a lasting familiarity with some of the key information about the past, information that we feel an informed American citizen needs to have in today’s world. We pursue the first goal by having our students do a great deal of writing. The expectations of writing assignments become more advanced each year, always incorporating what students learned in earlier years. Students in the sixth grade, for example, focus on writing good paragraphs with clear topic sentences, while tenth grade students are expected to write multi-page essays with clear and well-supported arguments. We pursue our second goal in a series of courses whose content is in large measure determined by external factors such as state requirements. Within those limits, we include content that will allow each student to develop a greater appreciation for the complexities of the historical record and the richness of the global community.

    • Government & Economic Systems
    • World History
    • AP World History
    • U.S. History
    • AP U.S. History
    • Global Studies: Africa
    • Global Studies: China/Japan
    • Global Studies: European Union
    • Global Studies: Latin America
    • Global Studies: Middle East
    Topical Electives
    • AP Economics
    • AP U.S. Government
    • U.S. Conflicts: America at War
    • The Ongoing Struggle for Social Justice
    • Katrina: Ruin, Rage, and Recovery
  • Mathematics

    The primary goal of the Mathematics Department is to provide Newman students with a solid foundation in mathematics for college. In addition to preparing students academically, we attempt to instill in them a mathematical curiosity, a love of learning, and a respect for mathematics as a discipline inherently worthy of study, not simply as a method of problem solving. We consider the ability to compute correctly, to use current technology, and to perform algebraic manipulations as necessary, but not sufficient, conditions for success in future academic endeavors. Therefore, we emphasize the understanding of concepts, the appreciation of mathematical systems, and the development of sound reasoning in order to enhance the ability of our students to apply mathematics to the real world situations as well as to other areas of study.

    At each grade level from seventh to twelfth grade there is an accelerated math course in addition to the standard challenging math course. Although our standard high school curriculum is Algebra 2 in 9th grade, followed by Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus, there are ways to vary this course of study somewhat to meet the needs of students with different learning styles and interests.

    • Algebra I
    • Algebra II
    • Geometry
    • Honors Geometry
    • Pre-Calculus
    • Honors Pre-Calculus
    • Intro to Calculus
    • Calculus
    • Honors Calculus
    • AP Calculus AB
    • AP Calculus BC Honors
    • AP Statistics
  • Physical Education

    Through the Newman Upper School Physical Education program, students build a foundation of physical fitness knowledge, the skills, and confidence to perform a variety of physical activities and the intrinsic motivation to pursue a healthy, active lifestyle. 

    There are two avenues to pursue Physical Education at Newman. One avenue is through the Athletic program and has an interscholastic sports emphasis. The other avenue is through the Physical Education Department and focuses on building the knowledge, skills, and strategies for incorporating physical activity into a comprehensive, life-long personal health practice.

    Activities in physical education are designed to improve cardiovascular endurance (through running, biking, cross-training, swimming, etc.), muscular strength and endurance (through body weight exercises, weight training, medicine ball work, core development, etc.), flexibility (through static and dynamic exercises), and nutrition. At the beginning of each semester, students in PE classes are tested in core strength, aerobic capacity, flexibility, and agility. The students set personal goals, customize a fitness and nutrition plan, execute the plan, and retest periodically to assess progress and adjust the plan as needed. Customized activities are performed on a daily basis, giving students the feel of having a personal trainer.
  • Science

    The goal of the Isidore Newman Upper School Science Department is the production of graduates who are scientifically literate, understand worldwide scientific issues, and have the technical skills to excel in tomorrow’s workplace. The Science Department strives to stimulate curiosity and the joy of discovery and embraces Newman’s motto, “we learn to do by doing,” in all areas of science.

    In Newman’s Upper School, students are required to take three years of science, including one year of biology, chemistry, and physics. In the ninth grade the Science Department requires biology of all students. In the tenth grade the Science Department typically teaches two levels of chemistry: regular and honors. In the eleventh or twelfth grade, students choose among physics, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, or AP Physics C. Students are also strongly encouraged to take a fourth year of science which may include AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Biology, Genetics, or Anatomy and Physiology. Additionally, the Science Department has recently added a several research and design elective classes which emphasize engineering, statistics, and computer programming.

    • Anatomy & Physiology
    • Biology
    • AP Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Honors Chemistry
    • AP Chemistry
    • Organic Chemistry
    • AP Environmental Science
    • Genetics
    • Psychology
    • Physics
    • AP Physics 1
    • AP Physics 2
    • AP Physics C: Mechanics
  • World Language

    The emphasis of the World Language Department is on developing language proficiency, based on an early start, language choice, and the mastery of listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Also emphasized are the cultures which the languages represent, so that students learn how people who speak another language think and act. French and Spanish are offered beginning in Pre-K, the starting point for Latin is sixth grade and, the starting point for Chinese is ninth grade. In the ninth grade, students are given the opportunity to switch to a different language, but most students continue with the same language. The Upper School requires three consecutive years of the same language for graduation.

    Chinese
    • Chinese I
    • Chinese II
    • Chinese III
    • Chinese IV
    • Chinese IV Honors
    • AP Chinese Language & Culture (directed study)
    French
    • French IV
    • French IV Honors
    • French V
    • French V Honors
    • French VI
    • French VI Honors
    • AP French Language & Culture
    • French Seminar
    • The European Union (fulfills Global Studies requirement)
    Latin
    • Latin IV
    • Latin V
    • Latin VI
    • AP Latin
    Spanish
    • Spanish IV
    • Spanish IV Honors
    • Spanish V
    • Spanish V Honors
    • Spanish VI
    • Spanish VI Honors
    • AP Spanish Language & Culture
    • Latin American Studies (fulfills Global Studies requirement)

Contact Faculty & Staff

  • Photo of Emily Bomersback
    Emily Bomersback
    Director of Communications
    Appointed: 2021
    504-896-6392
    Indiana University - Master of Arts
    Purdue University - Bachelor of Arts
  • Photo of Sav Bowerfind
    Sav Bowerfind
    Computer Science/MakerSpace Teacher
    Appointed: 2025
    University of California, Berkeley - Bachelor of Arts
  • Photo of Aaron Burns
    Aaron Burns
    Assistant Director of Admission (applicants for 4th - 9th grade)/Varsity Lacrosse Coach
    Appointed: 2016
    504-896-6535
    Eleanor Roosevelt High School
    University of Georgia - Bachelor of Arts (English)
  • Photo of John Byrnes
    John Byrnes
    MS/US Librarian
    Appointed: 2022
    Gustavus Adolphus College - Bachelor of Arts
    University of Minnesota - Master of Education
    Minnesota State University at Mankato - Certificate in School Librarianship
  • Madison Cassidy
    Outside Athletic Trainer
    Appointed: 2024
  • Photo of Joel Causey
    Joel Causey
    Upper School English Teacher
    Appointed: 2015
    504-896-6438
    Texas Christian University - Master of Arts
  • Photo of Kimberly Causey
    Kimberly Causey
    Coordinator of Community and Inclusion
    Appointed: 2015
    504-896-6364
    University of Notre Dame - Master of Arts
    University of Notre Dame - Bachelor of Business Administration
  • Photo of Kelsey Chan
    Kelsey Chan
    Outside Athletic Trainer
    Appointed: 2022
  • Photo of Dakota Coats
    Dakota Coats
    High Performance Coach
    Appointed: 2021
  • Photo of Erik Cooper
    Erik Cooper
    Head of Upper School
    Appointed: 2020
    504-896-6359
    Dickinson College - Bachelor of Arts
    Boston University - Master of Arts
  • Photo of Madeline Corcoran
    Madeline Corcoran
    Upper School Counselor
    Appointed: 2023
    New York University - Master of Arts
    Tulane University - Bachelor of Science
  • Photo of Alison Cransac
    Alison Cransac
    French IV/Honors IV Teacher
    Appointed: 2014
    504-896-6357
    Tulane University - PhD
    Tulane University - MA, PhD
    University of Colorado, Boulder - BA, cum laude
  • Photo of Stephanie Davis
    Stephanie Davis
    World Languages Teacher
    Appointed: 2001
    504-896-6421
    Louisiana State University - Bachelor of Science
    Middlebury College - M.A.
  • Meredith Dubose
    Upper School Counselor
    Appointed: 2020
    Tulane University - BA
    Tulane University - MSW
  • Photo of Brian Dufour
    Brian Dufour
    Band Director
    Appointed: 1996
    504-896-6345
    University of New Orleans - M.M.
    Southeastern Louisiana University - B.M.E.
  • Photo of Corne Eksteen
    Corne Eksteen
    Admission Coordinator
    Appointed: 2017
    504-896-6323
    University of the Free State, Bloemfontein - Master’s Degree
  • Photo of Erin Friend
    Erin Friend
    School Nurse
    Appointed: 2013
    504-896-6386
    Indiana University - Bachelor of Science
    Columbia University - Bachelor of Science
    Loyola University New Orleans - Master of Science in Nursing
  • Photo of Alexandra Gonzalez
    Alexandra Gonzalez
    Associate Director of College Counseling
    Appointed: 2020
    504-896-6333
    McGill Toolen Catholic High School
    Tulane University - BA Political Science
  • Photo of Katie Gray
    Katie Gray
    World Language Department Chair/Spanish Teacher
    Appointed: 2017
    504-896-6483
    Huntington High School
    Tulane University - BA
  • Sarah Harvey
    Appointed: 2022
  • Photo of Roger Hibbert
    Roger Hibbert
    Communications Manager
    Appointed: 2010
    504-896-6429
    SUNY Buffalo - Bachelor of Arts
  • Photo of Joanna Izaguirre
    Joanna Izaguirre
    Band & String Ensemble Director and Music Production Teacher
    Appointed: 2017
    504-896-6432
    Loyola University New Orleans - Bachelor of Music Education
    University of Florida - Master of Music in Music Education
  • Photo of Matthew Jones
    Matthew Jones
    Science Department Chair
    Appointed: 2011
    504-899-5641
    Walt Whitman HS - Master of Education
    Washington University in St. Louis - Bachelor of Science
    George Washington Univ. - MA Secondary Education
  • Photo of David Kern
    David Kern
    Upper School Math and Science
    Appointed: 2017
    504-896-6539
    Isidore Newman School
    The University of Chicago - Ph.D., Comparative Human Development
  • Kenneth Lass
    Producer/Director
    Appointed: 2015
    James Madison University
  • Photo of Amanda Livaudais
    Amanda Livaudais
    Upper School Assistant
    Appointed: 2018
    504-896-6330
  • Photo of Randy Livingston
    Randy Livingston
    Varsity Basketball Coach/Peer Leadership
    Appointed: 2018
    LSU - Bachelor of Arts
    University of Phoenix - Business Management
  • Photo of Juan Lumas
    Juan Lumas
    MS P.E. Teacher
    Appointed: 2017
    504-896-6248
    St. Augustine High School
    Loyola University New Orleans - Bachelor of Arts, Psychology/1999
  • Photo of Raynette Lumas
    Raynette Lumas
    Assistant Director of College Counseling and Testing Accommodations Coordinator
    Appointed: 2021
    504-896-6404
    Xavier Preparatory School
    Loyola New Orleans - Bachelor of Business Administration, Management and Marketing/1999
    University of New Orleans - Master of Business Administation/2011
  • Photo of Gregory  Malis
    Gregory Malis
    Math Department Chair, US Math Teacher
    Appointed: 2011
    504-896-6487
    University of Illinois - B.S.
  • Photo of Carrie Massey
    Carrie Massey
    Academic Coach/Writing Instructor
    Appointed: 2018
    504-896-6242
    Florida State University - B.A. - English Literature/Teaching Cert.
    Middlebury - M.A. - English Literature
    ADD Coach Academy - Certified ADD/ADHD Coach candidate
  • Photo of Jason Mathews
    Jason Mathews
    Chief of the Office of Safety Management
    Appointed: 2015
  • Photo of Lisa Mauthe
    Lisa Mauthe
    French Teacher
    Appointed: 2010
    504-896-6245
    Middlebury College - Master of Arts
    Tulane University - Bachelor of Arts
  • Photo of Romaine McCarthy
    Romaine McCarthy
    Upper School Learning Specialist
    Appointed: 2020
    University of Southern Mississippi - Bachelor of Science
  • Photo of Robyn McCormick
    Robyn McCormick
    Associate Head of Upper School
    Appointed: 2004
    504-896-6331
    University of New Orleans - M.Ed.
    Southern University at New Orleans - B.A.
  • Photo of Maritza Mercado-Narcisse
    Maritza Mercado-Narcisse
    Chair of the Performing Arts and Dance Teacher
    Appointed: 2015
    504-896-6558
    Eleanor McMain
    Loyola University New Orleans
    Tulane University
  • Photo of Adrianne Montoya
    Adrianne Montoya
    Upper School Spanish Teacher
    Appointed: 2022
    Metropolitan State College of Denver - B.A.
    University of Colorado at Boulder - M.A.
  • Photo of Masse Ndiaye
    Masse Ndiaye
    Upper School History Teacher
    Appointed: 2015
    504-896-6303
    Boston University - PhD
  • Photo of Alma Nicholson
    Alma Nicholson
    Department Chair MS/US English, US English Teacher, Asst. Coach Speech/Debate
    Appointed: 2011
    504-896-6485
    Valdosta State University - Bachelor of Science in Education
    Valdosta State University - Bachelor of Fine Arts
  • Photo of Meghann Niehus
    Meghann Niehus
    Media Arts & Film Teacher
    Appointed: 2006
    504-896-6402
    Chantilly High School
    University of New Orleans - M.Ed.
    Syracuse University - B.Sc.
  • Photo of Brett Ohler
    Brett Ohler
    Appointed: 2024
    Louisiana State University - Bachelor of Fine Arts
  • Photo of Robert Poole
    Robert Poole
    Upper School Science and Math Teacher
    Appointed: 2022
    Louisiana State University - MA
  • Photo of Brigid Richwine
    Brigid Richwine
    SwapShop Coordinator
    Appointed: 2022
  • Photo of Dillon Rockrohr
    Dillon Rockrohr
    Appointed: 2024
    Penn State University - PhD
    University of Nebraska - Master of Arts
    Kansas State University - Bachelor of Arts
  • Photo of Alejandra Sanchez
    Alejandra Sanchez
    Upper School Spanish Teacher
    Appointed: 2011
    504-896-6427
    Tulane University - PhD
  • Photo of Jeffrey Satriano
    Jeffrey Satriano
    Upper School Latin Teacher
    Appointed: 2014
    504-896-6300
    Tulane University - BA
    Florida State University - MA
  • Andrew Scherer
    Appointed: 2020
  • Photo of Anthony Sears
    Anthony Sears
    Director of Choral Activities
    Appointed: 2009
    504-896-6307
    Westminster Choir College - Master of Music
    Southeastern Louisiana University - BMuEd
  • Photo of Marjorie Smith
    Marjorie Smith
    Latin Teacher
    Appointed: 1985
    504-896-6551
    University of Texas - M.A.
    William and Mary - B.A.
  • Photo of Stephen Soud
    Stephen Soud
    Director of College Counseling
    Appointed: 2019
    504-896-6313
    Davidson College - B.A.
    University of Florida - M.A.
    University of Florida - Ph.D.
  • Photo of Paige Valente
    Paige Valente
    Upper School Art Teacher
    Appointed: 2024
    504-512-5178
    Boston University - Master of Arts
    Savannah College of Art and Design - Bachelor of Fine Arts
  • Photo of Christopher Vincent
    Christopher Vincent
    Head Speech and Debate Coach
    Appointed: 2019
    Louisiana State University - ABD
  • Photo of Camille von Hoven
    Camille von Hoven
    Upper School Math Teacher
    Appointed: 2013
    504-896-6465
    Tulane University - Bachelor of Science & Bachelor of Arts
  • Photo of Jenna Walden
    Jenna Walden
    Upper School Math Teacher
    Appointed: 2015
    504-896-6244
    Rocky Hill High School - High School Diploma
    University of Tennessee - Bachelor of Science
    University of Tennessee - Master of Science
  • Photo of Rebecca Weatherall
    Rebecca Weatherall
    Upper School Science Teacher
    Appointed: 2018
    504-896-6451
    University of Hawaii at Hilo - Bachelor of Arts
    University of New Orleans - Master of Science
  • Photo of Anna Yarborough
    Anna Yarborough
    Upper School Learning Specialist
    Appointed: 2017
    504-896-6363
    Southwest Missouri State University - Bachelor of Science
    Webster University - Master of Education
  • Photo of Katherine Zell
    Katherine Zell
    French Teacher
    Appointed: 2001
    504-896-6523
    Tulane University - Ph.D. in French and Francophone Literature
    Tulane University - M.A. in French and Francophone Literature
    Kalamazoo College - B.A. in French and in English
1903 Jefferson Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70115
Phone: 504.899.5641
Fax: 504.896.8597
Open 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday
An independent,
co-educational,
non-denominational day
school in New Orleans for
early childhood through 12th grade