Upper School Curriculum
The
Upper School Curriculum is designed to provide a balanced
liberal arts foundation in the first three years and
a senior year that enables the student great choice
and exploration of interests. Students must carry five full courses
each semester in addition to physical education, graduating
with a minimum of 22 credits (any exceptions must be approved
by the Upper School Head.) Final course load for each
individual student is determined by the Upper School Head. Courses
that meet at least five times per ten-day cycle earn ½ credit
per semester. Courses that meet three times per cycle
earn ¼ credit per semester.
In the first three years students take English, laboratory science, mathematics,
history, and foreign language in addition to courses in the fine and performing
arts, affective education, physical education, SAT preparation, and public
speaking. In the senior year, an English course must be taken each semester and
a fourth year of mathematics is required.
|
9th Grade |
10th Grade |
11th Grade |
12th Grade |
|
English 9
Alg II-Geo I
Biology
Medieval History
Language*
Physical Education
Arts***
SAT Prep |
English 10
Alg II-Geo II
Physics
European History
Language*
Physical Education
10th Grade Issues
SAT Prep
|
English 10
Alg II-Geo II
Physics
European History
Language*
Physical Education
10th Grade Issues
SAT Prep
|
English electives
Math course
Physical Education**
Electives
|
In
addition to the academic requirements, each student
is required to devote a minimum of forty hours (sixty
hours starting with the Class of 2008) of community
service in one location before she graduates.
Honors as well as Regular sections are available in most
languages, English, history, mathematics, and science. Mathematics
classes have three sections, Honors, Accelerated, and Regular.
Advanced Placement courses are available in English, French
Language and Literature, Spanish Language and Literature,
Latin, Russian Language, Chinese Language, European History,
American History, Government, History of Art, Economics,
Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Psychology,
AB Calculus, BC Calculus, Statistics, Computer Science, and
Studio Art. Students who wish to take more than two
AP courses a year must have permission of the Head of the
Upper School.
* One language must be taken for three years in the Upper
School regardless of the level where one begins.
** Physical Education in grades 11 and 12 may be individually
designed.
*** Each student must take ¾ credit (3 semester courses)
of Fine and Performing Arts. One of the courses must
be completed by the end of ninth grade. At least ¼ credit
(1 semester course) must be in Studio Art and ¼ credit
in Performing Arts (dance, drama, music). The
final ¼ credit is at the student’s choice.
If you have specific questions about the Upper School
experience, please feel free to contact the Upper School Head.