Abbott Lawrence Academy offers students in Lawrence an opportunity previously unavailable to most: the chance to experience a rich and rewarding honors education in the tradition of the most prestigious independent schools in the country, free of charge. Our academic program challenges and inspires students to discover their passion and realize their potential. Our learning community is highly collaborative, real-world focused, and research-based.
School Calendar Year
Abbott Lawrence Academy's calendar year is on a two-semester system, and grades are annualized. A minimum of 110 credits is required for graduation (2.5 credits = semester course, 5.0 credits = yearlong course).
We only offer students advanced and accelerated courses for their core curriculum. Our course catalog also provides students with the opportunity to access classes beyond what is commonly offered by regular high schools (i.e. Organic Chemistry, Intro. to Game Design, SAT Prep).
An Academy Focused on Student Development
Abbott Lawrence Academy strives to provide its students with the opportunity and means to grow and improve throughout their high school career. Through our core values of hard work, determination and citizenship, we develop students as critical thinkers and problem solvers who are equipped to compete in their respective postsecondary settings.
Reading and Writing
Students will critically analyze texts from a variety of perspectives and cultures, forging personal and literary connections. Students will engage in interdisciplinary learning, articulate original ideas, and write coherently, creatively, and persuasively.
Problem Solving
Students will form logical and rational assumptions to address higher order thinking questions. Students will develop habits of mind while thinking creatively and outside of the box to solve problems.
Research and Resourcefulness
Students will develop executive functioning skills including goal setting, organization, and time management. Students will cultivate strong research skills that demonstrate an ability to effectively access, analyze, and cite sources to interpret evidence and support arguments, as well as use technology strategically and purposefully.
Communication and Public Speaking
Students will communicate effectively in a variety of formats: written, oral, digital, and visual. Students will speak and present effectively to multiple audiences. Students will be adept at using data, visual representations, and models to present their findings.
Advanced Honors & Pre-AP
Given the highly selective admissions process and rigorous academic program of Abbott Lawrence Academy, these are our base levels for courses. Advanced Honors courses are rigorous high school classes that offer deeper, faster-paced instruction than standard classes, but do not provide college credit. Pre-Advanced Placement (AP®) courses are aligned with College Board outcomes and serve as pre-requisites to prepare students for the demands of AP® courses.
- Higher Rigor: Courses cover topics from the standard curriculum with more depth and challenging projects, while maintaining higher expectations than regular classes.
- GPA Weight: Our school uses a weighted GPA system that recognizes the level of academic rigor associated with each course. These courses receive an additional 0.5 grade points. This approach acknowledges students who challenge themselves academically while maintaining a consistent grading framework across course levels.
- Preparation: These courses serve as either stepping stones or prerequisites to prepare students for the heavy-workload of both AP® and Early College courses.
Advanced Placement Courses
Advanced Placement (AP®) courses are college-level classes sponsored by the College Board® and taught by ALA teachers. They allow students to explore subjects in greater depth, develop advanced academic skills, and potentially earn college credit or advanced placement at a college or university.
- College-Level Rigor: The classes move at a faster pace and often require extensive reading, analysis, and more independent study and critical thinking than standard high school classes.
- AP® Exams: At the end of the school year in May, students are required take a standardized AP® exam, scored on a scale from 1 to 5.
- College Credit: Earning a score of 3 or higher on an AP® exam can often earn students college credit or allow them to skip introductory college classes, though exact policies vary by university.
- GPA Boost: Because of their difficulty, AP® classes are weighted an additional 1.0 grade point in GPA calculations.
- Admissions Value: Taking challenging AP® courses shows college admissions committees that you students willing to handle rigorous academic pressure.
Early College Courses
Early College courses are college-level classes taught at Merrimack College by professors on their faculty.
- College Credit: Through out Early College Partnership with Merrimack College, students are able to earn up to four college credits per course they take while a student at ALA.
- Student Support: Students receive targeted and intentional academic support from ALA teachers, Early College Team members, and Merrimack College staff to ensure their success in these courses.
- Cost Savings: These courses are available to students at no cost to them or their families.
- Summer & Accelerated Opportunities: Students have the opportunity to earn additional credit through the Merrimack College Early College Partnership during the summer through research opportunities, as well as during the college's accelerated winter semester.
