Our Disciplines

By emphasizing creative and real-world applications, interdisciplinary connections, and iterative processes that enable computer science and engineering to effect change in the world, our students grasp and shape society’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. Through courses, interdisciplinary projects, and varied experiences in and out of the classroom, students develop conceptual understanding and modern technical skills. They cultivate a tolerance for ambiguity and complexity; patience, persistence, and creativity when facing difficult challenges; and the confidence, resourcefulness, and curiosity needed to undertake and solve open-ended problems.

Computer Science at Castilleja is innovative, collaborative, and interdisciplinary. Every student is exposed to coding and computer science through integrated projects and individualized opportunities through electives and co-curriculars.

Co-curricular opportunities such as Robotics and Gatorbotics, Casti Coders, and STEMx grant students drawn to the subject the freedom, flexibility, and capacity to dive deeper into CS.

With an emphasis on autonomy, difference-making, and global citizenship, Castilleja’s Computer Science program is about more than 21st-Century skills or creating gender parity in STEM fields—it’s about empowering the young women who will lead the way to a more equitable, inclusive world.

Castilleja’s English program balances discovery and exposure, creating space for students to find their voice and share their interests, while also introducing them to great works of literature, helpful ways of thinking, and effective methods for analysis and interpretation. Students leave with a solid foundation of advanced literary analysis, extensive experience with creative writing, and a lifelong love of reading. 

With an emphasis on the principles of good writing rather than rigid rules, Castilleja's writing curriculum encourages students to develop their own voices. Castilleja's English courses deepen students' ability to think critically, reason abstractly, and reflect upon questions and issues that have no easy answers.

In Fitness, Castilleja students develop the skills to become the drivers and designers of their own lifelong, active habits. Through active participation in a wide variety of games and physical activities, students learn to safely challenge themselves and reflect on the impact and importance of movement on well-being, social connections, and self-expression.  Fitness classes offer opportunities for students to explore roles and ideas and build relationships while fostering compassion for themselves and others as lifelong learners. As competent, confident, and responsible leaders, students are empowered to effectively collaborate, problem-solve, and communicate when making choices and taking action for personal health, enjoyment, and community well-being.

In the History-Social Science department, we seek to cultivate a deep understanding of the past in order to provide the skills and tools for our students to actively engage in society. As history teachers, we help students develop a framework for valuing the complex ideas and diverse perspectives of the world in which they live. Through an intentional seven-year program of courses, students hone skills in critical thinking, historical analysis, source analysis, in-depth research, analytical writing, and verbal engagement with teachers and fellow students through presentations, small group discussions, written analysis, and student-led seminars.  Spanning world and American histories, civics, and ancient civilizations, as well as special area and social science electives, our courses offer an expansive opportunity for students to consider diverse perspectives, develop a global view on historical issues, and practice strong analytical thinking and writing skills. Students are active participants in learning history and applying their knowledge to answering today's problems.Students hone their skills in critical thinking, thoughtful reading from a variety of sources, deep research, analytical writing, and both formal and extemporaneous speaking. Course offerings range from world and United States history to area studies, economics, and psychology.

Our students are equipped with both the knowledge and the habits of mind to harness the power of mathematics. Our curriculum emphasizes the understanding of profound mathematical ideas and the development of key analytical skills in a setting that encourages inquiry, engagement, and joy in mathematics.

Differentiation and a supportive classroom environment empower students to take risks, foster resilience, deepen understanding, and facilitate a growth mindset as they develop proficiency and confidence in their mathematical skills. Students progress in their math practice by engaging with new material and persevering through confusion and difficulty. Teachers guide student inquiry through problems, discussions, readings, activities, direct instruction, projects, and collaborative work.

Castilleja students learn to become scientifically literate citizens and future scientists. Through innovative, inquiry-based pedagogy, open-ended labs and structured demonstrations, they gain a solid understanding of fundamental scientific principles and learn to think like scientists. The breadth and depth of our curriculum engages students both individually and in groups as they construct their own learning and develop the analytical thinking, problem solving, and deductive reasoning skills necessary to scientific inquiry.

The Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) are an integral part of the Castilleja experience, weaving together knowledge, skill development, and self-expression while enriching the cultural life of our community.

Through an exploration of each arts discipline—dance, instrumental and vocal music, theatre arts, and visual art—students learn to be creators, collaborators, leaders, and risk takers. Students have numerous opportunities to develop abilities, pursue passions, and put their best work on stage or on display. 

Working in collaboration with the Fitness department, students spend part of their Fitness time in Wellness classes. Castilleja’s Wellness program starts in 6th grade and continues through the end of 10th grade. Wellness has five set themes that are explored each year, with the emphasis of one theme over the other as students developmentally progress. Wellness classes allow students to explore 5 topics, which include communication, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, mindfulness/gratitude, self-identity, and self-awareness/self-regulation. 

In Middle School, students build skills around decision making, resilience, creating healthy coping mechanisms, and how to engage with the world around them. In 9th and 10th grade, students practice clear communication with themselves and others to reassess habits that support and sustain their well-being. They also build off their knowledge of emotional intelligence, literacy and regulation to reflect on how their individual qualities support their well- being.

Currently, the Wellness program works in partnership with Health Connected to provide a comprehensive sexual health curriculum to 6th, 8th, and 10th grade. Students are educated around changes in the body, consent, identity, relationships, and safety.

At Castilleja, learning a second language (French, Mandarin Chinese, or Spanish) is a positive and rewarding experience. Beyond the goal of mastery of the material, our students develop critical thinking skills and effective learning strategies that facilitate second language acquisition and use of the language outside of the school setting.

Students develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills as they gain an understanding of, appreciation for, and sensitivity to the cultures of the target language. Students enjoy the benefits and values of studying a second language to become engaged and committed global citizens.