Upper School
Curriculum | Technology | College Counseling

• US Curriculum Guide 08-09
• Grade 9 course selection sheet 08-09
• Grade 10 course selection sheet 08-09
• Grade 11 course selection sheet 08-09
• Grade 12 course selection sheet 08-09
• Senior Schedule 08-09
• Grade 10 & 11 AP permission form
• Grade 12 AP permission form
  

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 urged.

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 Head of the Upper School.