Upper School Curriculum

The Upper School English program develops critical thinking, clear written expression, and thoughtful analysis through engagement with diverse literature. Students progress through increasingly complex texts while honing their ability to analyze literary elements beyond plot and character. Writing is taught as a process—from prewriting through revision—with class time devoted to developing skills at each stage. As students advance, they craft longer, more sophisticated essays across various genres, including personal narratives, persuasive writing, creative pieces, and formal literary analysis. Throughout the program, selected readings intentionally represent diverse perspectives, encouraging students to develop empathy for experiences different from their own. 

Building on a solid foundation in English 9 and 10, eleventh and twelfth graders choose from a rich array of semester-long electives that allow them to explore specific interests. Options range from genre-based courses like “The Contemporary Novel” and “The American Short Story” to thematic explorations such as “African American Literature” and “Contemporary Issues in Shakespeare's Work.” 

Students interested in creating their own work can pursue “Creative Writing” or “Writing for Stage & Screen,” while those drawn to journalism can progress through multiple levels of specialized reporting. For college-bound students seeking additional challenge, the program offers Honors English 10, AP English Language, AP Literature and AP English Literature, which feature more complex texts, increased reading volume, and deeper contextual analysis. Placement in AP level courses is based on an application process. 

The Upper School History program prepares students to become engaged citizens in American society and the global community by developing their understanding of both United States and World History. Our curriculum emphasizes the interconnected nature of global events and the diverse character of the American experience. Students learn essential historical thinking skills including source evaluation, digital literacy, hypothesis formation, and problem-solving. As a Quaker institution, we intentionally explore the moral and ethical dimensions of historical events, encouraging students to question assumptions, listen respectfully to diverse perspectives, and articulate their own informed views. 

Research is foundational to our history curriculum, with all courses incorporating both short-term and long-term research projects that allow students to practice evaluating sources, organizing information, creating historical arguments, and working with primary documents. Our comprehensive program begins with History I, which builds fundamental skills through thematic inquiry units, and continues with History II's exploration of 20th-century global acceleration. Upperclassmen may choose from diverse electives including AP United States History and semester courses focusing on topics such as Latin American history, gender and sexuality, civil rights, and global conflicts. Honors sections offer students a more intensive experience with additional reading, writing, and student-led discussions. 

The Upper School Mathematics program develops critical thinkers who understand the "why" behind mathematical concepts, not just formulas. Through a comprehensive study of Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus, Calculus, and Statistics, students become flexible problem-solvers who can apply their knowledge to real-world contexts. Our program emphasizes strong mathematical communication skills, with students learning to articulate their thinking clearly through class discussions and understanding the symbolic language of mathematics. Following National Council for Teachers of Mathematics standards, we teach the "rule of four," where mastery is demonstrated through graphical, analytical, numerical, and verbal representations. 

Our curriculum offers both regular and honors tracks, with honors courses providing accelerated, more challenging versions that require greater independence and deeper conceptual understanding. Students can follow various pathways depending on their skills and interests, from foundational courses to advanced options like AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Multivariable Calculus, and AP Statistics. Additionally, two semester-long electives in statistics—Statistics A: Collecting and Displaying Real-World Data and Statistics B: Numerical Methods of Data Analysis—allow students to explore specialized areas of mathematical application beyond the traditional course sequence. 

Placement is reviewed annually through departmental recommendations, with specific grade requirements for continuing in or moving to honors courses, ensuring each student receives appropriate challenge and support. 

The Upper School Theatre program offers both curricular and co-curricular experiences that immerse students in the multi-faceted world of live performance. Students can pursue acting, technical theatre, or both tracks, developing essential individual skills in textual analysis, effective communication, and artistic expression while emphasizing the collaborative nature of theatrical production. The program provides a sequential curriculum that allows students to progress from introductory courses to advanced work, with offerings that include Introduction to Acting, Improvisation & Devising, Acting Ensemble, and various levels of Technical Theatre that cover set design, lighting, sound, and production leadership. 

The program balances theoretical understanding with extensive hands-on experience through classroom work and participation in mainstage productions. Students in the acting track develop performance techniques, scene analysis, and character development skills, while those in the technical track learn practical stagecraft and design concepts. Advanced students can take leadership roles in productions as stage managers, designers, and technical directors. For students interested in creating original work, the program offers “Writing for Stage & Screen” (Grades 11 and 12) and opportunities to develop and perform original devised pieces. Additionally, students can earn fitness credits through participation in theatrical productions, making the program a well-rounded component of the Upper School experience. 

The Upper School Health/Wellness/Athletics Education program embraces a holistic approach that nurtures students' physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual wellbeing. Grounded in Quaker educational values, the program empowers students to make informed decisions through engaged learning that honors individual experiences while developing lifelong wellness habits. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to address the full spectrum of wellness dimensions, including emotional/mental, social, physical, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, occupational, and financial wellness, with emotional and social wellbeing serving as foundational elements throughout the learning process. 

Students participate in required Health Education courses in both 9th and 12th grades, carefully timed to address age-appropriate concerns. The 9th grade course explores topics including nutrition, family relationships, healthy relationship dynamics, comprehensive sex education, gender identity, sexuality, mental health awareness, and substance abuse prevention. The 12th grade course prepares seniors for their transition to college independence, covering crucial topics such as separation from family, relationship skills, contraception, consent, substance use, mental health maintenance, financial literacy, and time management, along with CPR/AED certification. This developmental approach ensures students gradually build the knowledge and skills needed to maintain wellness throughout their lives. 

The yearbook course invites students in grades 10-12 to collaborate on creating Outward Bound, our school yearbook, while developing professional skills in graphic design, digital photo manipulation, and web-based publishing software. Students who take this course for multiple years develop leadership skills by mentoring newer staff members and overseeing larger sections of the publication process. 

Students can also take courses in journalism, learning what it takes to write with passion, investigate with integrity and follow their interests. By working alongside their peers in the student-led Upper School newspaper, The Blue and White, students get firsthand experience in a collaborative and frenetic newsroom environment.