Curriculum Detail

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Department

Science

In Chatham Hall science classes, be ready to question, observe, experiment, and evaluate as you study such subjects as physics, chemistry, biology, environmental science, and even robotics as part of a club. Through our dynamic college preparatory curriculum, you’ll learn to inquire purposefully, think critically, and judge wisely. You’ll also get the background needed for further scientific pursuit—which many of our students opt for in college. In fact, a 2000 survey showed that those who attend all-girls schools are seven times more likely to major in math and science in college than those who go to coed schools.

Graduation requirements

3 credits of laboratory science including Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Physics
Honors Physics

Physics students explore the topics of mechanics, waves, optics and electricity. Laboratory exercises and demonstrations reinforce and encourage exploration of physical laws. Collaborative learning is encouraged. Often students are paired or grouped together for various activities such as problem solving, review sessions, and laboratories. Outside reading and research are required.

Year-Long Course – 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and/or placement by the academic dean; enrollment, at least, in Algebra 2.
Chemistry
Biology
Advanced Physics

This course is a continuation of Physics and is designed to be a second-year course taught at the introductory college level. The topics in the first-year course are revisited in more depth and at a faster pace. Circular motion and rotation will be introduced. Labs are performed to reinforce the concepts.

Year-Long Course – 1 Credit

Prerequisite: B+ average or better in Biology, B+ average or better in Chemistry, A- or better in Physics, A- or better in math (a minimum of Algebra 2), and submitted application
Advanced Chemistry
Advanced Biology
Sustainability

In this course, students will utilize natural resources on Chatham Hall’s campus to better understand sustainability. The course will focus on sustainability in the following major areas: Soil, freshwater, Air, Carbon, and Timber. In this course, students will have the opportunity to measure, monitor, and experience different variables on the school’s campus and greenhouse to apply their own observations to real-world issues stemming from the use or management of different resources. The course will culminate in a land management plan where students can apply their knowledge to defend their plan and justify the decisions that went into writing it. This course will not require a textbook but instead will have assigned readings of peer-reviewed journal articles.

Spring Semester – ½ Credit

Prerequisite: Chemistry and Biology
Anatomy & Physiology
Neurobiology

The course provides students with an introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system at the cellular and systems level. Throughout the semester, the students will focus on the cellular physiology of neurons, the brain, and the nervous system, as well as sensory and motor systems. The students will investigate what happens when the brain malfunctions. The course will be structured around the aforementioned topics, but in order for the experience to be meaningful to the students, they will have the opportunity to give input on topics and issues they wish to cover, as well as investigate a topic of their choice.

Fall Semester – ½ Credit

Prerequisite: Junior or Senior
Forensics
Chemistry & Art

Have you ever wondered what goes into making paints, lipstick and different color crayon names? This course explores the science beyond the art. Students will explore not only some chemistry structures and ideas but how they make up the vast pigments and properties in the art world. This course allows students to explore topics of chromatography, solubility, acids and bases, and carbon atoms with an art twist. Students should have a general knowledge of chemistry techniques.

Fall semester - ½ Credit

Open to students who have taken Chemistry
Equine Science

Department Faculty

Amelia Kolach

Science Department Chair; Chemistry Teacher; Coach

akolach@chathamhall.org
Bio
Amelia Kolach came to Chatham Hall in 2021 after teaching and coaching at The Storm King School and Emma Willard School. She holds both her B.S. and M.S. in Biochemistry & Biophysics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Amelia is drawn to the school’s strong sense of community and family spirit, and her favorite tradition is Senior Night in the Well. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys camping, baking, spending time with her family, and watching horror movies!
Austin Gregory

Biology Teacher

agregory@chathamhall.org
Bio

Austin Gregory joined Chatham Hall in January 2026 as a Biology and Neuroscience Teacher, bringing a diverse teaching background and a passion for inspiring scientific curiosity. A Chatham native, he has taught in Halifax County Public Schools, Danville Public Schools, and at Hargrave Military Academy, and is excited to share his love of science with the Chatham Hall community.

Austin holds a B.A. in English Literature and French Language, with a minor in Biology, from Hampden–Sydney College. He also studied French Literature and Art History at La Sorbonne, Paris IV, before earning his M.Ed. from the University of Virginia. He believes science is best learned through curiosity, exploration, and meaningful connections to the world around us. Outside the classroom, Austin enjoys cooking, gardening, and traveling, and is proud to still drive a manual transmission and write in cursive.
Haley Holzworth

Physics Teacher

hholzworth@chathamhall.org
Bio
Haley Holzworth joined Chatham Hall as a Physics Teacher, bringing her passion for science education and inspiring students to explore the world through curiosity, problem-solving, and discovery. She has always been drawn to the mysterious nature of physics and the pursuit of understanding how the universe behaves at its core.

Haley believes the best learning begins with a question that sparks genuine curiosity and leads to lasting understanding. She encourages students to see everyday objects and phenomena through a new lens by connecting physics to the world around them. Her goal is to cultivate a classroom where curiosity, exploration, and confidence inspire a lifelong appreciation for learning. Haley holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Engineering from Sweet Briar College.
Emma Lane

Assistant Director of Riding; Science Department

434-432-5432

elane@chathamhall.org
Bio

Emma Lane joined Chatham Hall in 2017 and serves as Assistant Director of Riding, Equine Science & Riding Theory Teacher, and Academic Advisor. She is passionate about helping students develop confidence, horsemanship, and leadership through hands-on learning both in and out of the barn.

Emma earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Hollins University and a Master of Business Administration in Equine Management from Midway University. She is a USEF/USHJA Licensed Official with an "r" rating in Hunters, Jumpers, and Equitation and currently serves as a clinician for the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program. Emma loves the incredible sense of community at Chatham Hall and especially looks forward to the Purple and Gold Picnic each year. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, cooking, and gardening.
Margaret Lewis

Riding Instructor; Assistant Equine Studies Coordinator

mlewis@chathamhall.org
Bio
Margaret Lewis ’19 returned to Chatham Hall as Riding Instructor & Assistant Equine Studies Coordinator, combining her passion for horsemanship, teaching, and equine education with her love for the School that helped shape her. As a Chatham Hall alumna, she is excited to mentor the next generation of riders while helping students develop confidence, leadership, and a lifelong appreciation for horses.

After graduating from Chatham Hall, Margaret earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business and English from Sweet Briar College and completed her MBA at Liberty University this past May. She most recently served as Barn Manager and Equestrian Instructor at Haig Point Club, where she oversaw barn operations, horse care, and riding instruction for riders of all ages and experience levels. Her experience also includes serving as an Undergraduate Admissions Recruiter at Sweet Briar College and as an FEI Groom and Barn Manager with Holling Eventing, managing upper-level event horses and coordinating competition logistics. Margaret is passionate about helping students grow as riders and leaders through hands-on learning, exceptional horsemanship, and meaningful connections with horses.