Upper School
An exemplary program, designed to meet the needs of the individual, the Upper School program allows extensive
opportunities for appropriate student placement in honors
and advanced placement (AP) classes. For the 9th-12th
grade levels, the program is further complemented by
academic offerings at our coordinate schools. Gilman
and Bryn Mawr. Seniors may self-design an off-campus
internship for academic credit as a means to explore
career options and pursue their interests in a "hands-on"
fashion.
Every Upper School student at RPCS is assigned a faculty
advisor at the beginning of 9th grade and then can choose
her own advisor in the 10th grade. Over the four years,
advisee groups from the same grade level meet regularly,
in both formal and informal ways, with their faculty
advisor to discuss academic and non-academic issues.
We in the Upper School strive to help students recognize, develop and realize their potential as scholars, artists, athletes and citizens. The rigorous academic program extends from core requirements to a wide range of electives; through this program, the faculty nurture students’ curiosity, creativity and love of learning. Our wide range of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities encourages students to grow into their own interests and abilities while learning to build and sustain inclusive communities. The Upper School experience helps students learn to lead and to follow, to take risks and to accept responsibilities, to grow from their mistakes and to find fulfillment in sincere effort. We prepare our students to emerge from RPCS as confident, well educated women, ready to engage in the world with empathy, integrity, and generosity of spirit.
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 strongly recommended.
In addition to the academic requirements, each student is required to complete a minimum of sixty hours 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, 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, Studio Art, and Music Theory. Students who wish to take more than two AP courses a year must have permission of the Upper School Head.
GRADE 9 |
GRADE 10 |
GRADE 11 |
GRADE 12 |
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 11
Math 11
Chemistry
American History
Language*
Physical Education**
Public Speaking
SAT Prep |
English Electives
Physical Education**
Electives |
If you have specific questions about the Upper School
experience, please feel free to contact the Upper School Head.