Alzar School Curriculum Guide Alzar School Curriculum Guide 2021-2022 | Page 10

Standardized Tests :

In Fall semesters , all Alzar School students will have the option to take the PSAT ( offered on-site ). Scores will be sent to the students ’ sending schools . For Fall and Spring semester students , there are avenues to take the SAT and / or ACT , however , it is strongly encouraged that students take the SAT / ACT during the time before or after their semester with Alzar School and not during their semester . Depending on the testing schedule and the Alzar School calendar , students who opt to attend SAT and / or ACT tests often miss integral learning opportunities that are arranged for Alzar School students . For example , students might have to leave the wilderness medicine or river safety course , or miss a day of hiking in order to attend the standardized test . If students do not complete the full course or training , they will not receive a certificate of completion . Many testing dates also fall during the cultural exchange in Chile , when it is logistically impossible for students to take the SAT or ACT .
Lastly , because the testing location is often located off-campus , it also requires students to miss even more time to travel to and from the test site . Families will be invoiced for the transportation and staffing costs to get students to these off-site tests .
The Alzar School experience is an intense and enriching semester packed full of rewarding opportunities . While it is an option , students who take time to do standardized tests during their Alzar School semester do so at a detriment to their overall experience . In addition , the tests can bring a natural anxiety that supersedes events leading up to the test date for some students . For this reason , we also suggest that students save test preparation for their time before or after the Alzar School semester . See “ Advanced Placement ( AP ) Classes ” for information on AP exams .

Academic Accommodations :

We are committed to offering students both the challenge and the support they need to learn at high levels . If a student receives academic accommodations at their sending school , families should communicate this information with Alzar School ( our enrollment process will prompt completion of an Academic Form soliciting this information ). Alzar School will uphold and provide academic accommodations as much as possible . Further , Alzar School boasts a low teacher to student ratio and small classes , which allow for individualized attention and instruction .
If a student has academic accommodations ( such as extra time on tests , among others ), and wishes to receive these accommodations on AP , SAT , and / or PSAT tests , the student must receive College Board approval via the SSD Coordinator at their sending school . It is the sending school ’ s responsibility to obtain College Board approval for extended time and other accommodations , and the family ’ s responsibility to share approval with Alzar School . We recommend families begin seeking this approval early , as it can take several months to obtain .
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