Doane Academy - Academics

Character Development - Recognition

In keeping with the most enlightened research on adolescent self esteem and child development, Doane Academy recognizes effort and attitude as much, if not more than it recognizes achievement. In other words, most growth and most commitment take priority over most valuable player, highest GPA or any other public recognition.

The Spartan Awards, initiated in 2008-09, recognize students for their response to the breadth and depth of the School’s academic and co-curricular offerings. Those who receive this recognition will, over time, have made significant commitments to exploring and realizing their unique potentials, not just as students and individuals of character, but as athletes, artists, leaders and musicians. It is important to underscore unique. Every student has a different set of natural talents and interests. Our goal is to have each student fully explore and develop that which comes naturally to them, as well as that which does not, as they prepare to make college and career choices that are solidly based on both what the have been told and what they have experienced.

There will be two levels of recognition to which a student can aspire - The Spartan Award and The Distinguished Spartan Award.

The Spartan Award:

Satisfying all of the academic and co-curricular requirements for graduation, including participation in one sport per year, and:
Achieving Honors or High Honors for final grades in at least two of the years 9th through 12th.
Satisfactory participation in two additional Athletic/Co-Curricular activities, for a total of ten qualified activities.
Achieving exemplary standing in the individual rankings of the Right Onward Awards in at least two of the years 9th through 12th.
Completion of two “Spartan Challenges”, including a personalized “Senior Challenge” developed by the student in conjunction with their advisor and the Headmaster.

The Distinguished Spartan Award:

Satisfying all of the requirements for The Spartan Award, and:
Achieving Honors or High Honors for final grades in both the 11th and 12th grades.
Exemplary participation in two additional Athletic/Co-Curricular activities, for a total of twelve qualified activities, balanced to include both sports and other activities demonstrating leadership and services.
Achieving exemplary standing in the individual rankings of the Right Onward Awards in both the junior and senior years.
Completion of two additional “Spartan Challenges” (for a total of four different Challenges).

Spartan Challenges:

An academic presentation to Upper School peers and teachers. The topic must be approved by one the Academic Deans.
A presentation and musical performance for Upper School peers and teachers. The presentation must be approved by the Music Department.
A presentation and discussion of the student’s artwork for their Upper School peers and teachers. The art Department must approve the presentation.
A presentation detailing significant involvement (as determined by the Community service Advisor) in a community Service activity (on or off campus).
Successful completion of two Advanced Placement courses during grades 9-12, with final grades of at least B and AP scores of 4 and 5.
In the 12th grade year, enrollment and completion of two AP courses, with final grades of at least B.
Preparation for and successful completion of challenging solo experiences, e.g. rowing round trip across the Delaware River.
Nomination by a coach or faculty member in recognition of exemplary achievement or contribution to the success of a team or activity.
Selection and performance as an All State Vocalist or Instrumentalist.
Outstanding recognition of artistic endeavors by Teen Arts or a similar group.
A presentation detailing an accomplishment such as the Eagle Scout Award.
A presentation and discussion following a summer or semester of study or travel abroad (through an organized program).
Other as approved by one of the Upper School Academic Deans.

In addition to the new Spartan Challenges Awards, KICS (Community Service), athletics and fine and performing arts have their own year end recognition. Class Night, the night before graduation, includes recognition for outstanding achievement in the full range of activity & citizenship as well as outstanding growth & effort.

Throughout the year during All School Meetings, the faculty recognizes students for outstanding performance or effort in the regular course of all school meetings. Lapel pins, certificates, ties, or ribbons are all used to recognize students who have gone above and beyond that which is expected or required. The Headmaster and Assistant Headmaster publicly recognize individuals and groups who have represented themselves, their teams and/or the School at the “best ever” level.