Upper School Curriculum
Upper School Curriculum
Calhoun's Upper School curriculum is a strong foundation for meaningful intellectual growth. The breadth of academic opportunities—from advanced seminars to independent studies—challenges students to dig deeper, think outside the box and unlock their own potential.
Upper School students complete required courses in English, math, science social studies, world languages, the arts and physical education. Additionally, they can choose from a wide range of advanced electives – from Multivariable Calculus to Race & Housing – that read similar to what you would find in a college course catalog.
Learn more about the Upper School curriculum below, or read the full course catalog online.
Upper School Curriculum Highlights
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![English]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1680544638/calhoun/zkn56qxzesrglzf8tq5j/20220127_Calhoun_414.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1680544638/calhoun/zkn56qxzesrglzf8tq5j/20220127_Calhoun_414.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1680544638/calhoun/zkn56qxzesrglzf8tq5j/20220127_Calhoun_414.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1680544638/calhoun/zkn56qxzesrglzf8tq5j/20220127_Calhoun_414.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1680544638/calhoun/zkn56qxzesrglzf8tq5j/20220127_Calhoun_414.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1680544638/calhoun/zkn56qxzesrglzf8tq5j/20220127_Calhoun_414.jpg","width":2200}])
English
English courses include a progressive study of vocabulary, punctuation, grammar and writing skills. Students learn to wrestle with demanding texts, with an emphasis on close reading and discussion.
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![Life Skills]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1680546764/calhoun/fqeohje8g45mj4meknc2/9thGradeCampMasonFall2022-61_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1680546764/calhoun/fqeohje8g45mj4meknc2/9thGradeCampMasonFall2022-61_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1680546764/calhoun/fqeohje8g45mj4meknc2/9thGradeCampMasonFall2022-61_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1680546764/calhoun/fqeohje8g45mj4meknc2/9thGradeCampMasonFall2022-61_1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1680546764/calhoun/fqeohje8g45mj4meknc2/9thGradeCampMasonFall2022-61_1.jpg","width":1323}])
Life Skills
Upper School students round out their studies with special courses in life and study skills.
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![Math]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1680547210/calhoun/qdgdexgpcsyz2qiuyftc/UpperSchoolClassroomPhotosJan2020-14.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1680547210/calhoun/qdgdexgpcsyz2qiuyftc/UpperSchoolClassroomPhotosJan2020-14.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1680547210/calhoun/qdgdexgpcsyz2qiuyftc/UpperSchoolClassroomPhotosJan2020-14.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1680547210/calhoun/qdgdexgpcsyz2qiuyftc/UpperSchoolClassroomPhotosJan2020-14.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1680547210/calhoun/qdgdexgpcsyz2qiuyftc/UpperSchoolClassroomPhotosJan2020-14.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1680547210/calhoun/qdgdexgpcsyz2qiuyftc/UpperSchoolClassroomPhotosJan2020-14.jpg","width":2200}])
Math
We offer courses in algebra through calculus, in addition to a range of advanced math electives. All students have the opportunity to take calculus and accelerate their math studies if they choose to do so.
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![Music]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1680544538/calhoun/zjrmq4bu2z1cfxs8b3uf/91922_calhoun_273_3015_LowRes.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1680544538/calhoun/zjrmq4bu2z1cfxs8b3uf/91922_calhoun_273_3015_LowRes.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1680544538/calhoun/zjrmq4bu2z1cfxs8b3uf/91922_calhoun_273_3015_LowRes.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1680544538/calhoun/zjrmq4bu2z1cfxs8b3uf/91922_calhoun_273_3015_LowRes.jpg","width":1067}])
Music
Upper School students can choose from a wide variety of music classes, and work in small groups with professional music faculty.
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![Physical Education]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1680548455/calhoun/vslcpd7oefeofzjntwjv/gnbjvgreen-09.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1680548455/calhoun/vslcpd7oefeofzjntwjv/gnbjvgreen-09.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1680548455/calhoun/vslcpd7oefeofzjntwjv/gnbjvgreen-09.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1680548455/calhoun/vslcpd7oefeofzjntwjv/gnbjvgreen-09.jpg","width":1118}])
Physical Education
Each Calhoun student is required to complete two P.E. credits per academic year.
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![Science]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1680544566/calhoun/fsm6vkylszzzxb525fcz/20220511_Calhoun_235.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1680544566/calhoun/fsm6vkylszzzxb525fcz/20220511_Calhoun_235.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1680544566/calhoun/fsm6vkylszzzxb525fcz/20220511_Calhoun_235.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1680544566/calhoun/fsm6vkylszzzxb525fcz/20220511_Calhoun_235.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1680544566/calhoun/fsm6vkylszzzxb525fcz/20220511_Calhoun_235.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1680544566/calhoun/fsm6vkylszzzxb525fcz/20220511_Calhoun_235.jpg","width":2048}])
Science
Upper School science courses include required studies in physics, chemistry and biology. From there, students dive deeper into STEM topics through advanced electives.
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![Service Learning]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1680545771/calhoun/glgzptel6yrtsiwc2aoa/92022_calhoun_276_0944_LowRes_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1680545771/calhoun/glgzptel6yrtsiwc2aoa/92022_calhoun_276_0944_LowRes_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1680545771/calhoun/glgzptel6yrtsiwc2aoa/92022_calhoun_276_0944_LowRes_1.jpg","width":659}])
Service Learning
Upper School students are required to do a minimum of 60 hours of community service on an individual level, with at least 30 of those hours completed outside of school.
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![Social Studies]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1680546631/calhoun/sgcqhqfbpe0kwx9893cx/20220511_Calhoun_118_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1680546631/calhoun/sgcqhqfbpe0kwx9893cx/20220511_Calhoun_118_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1680546631/calhoun/sgcqhqfbpe0kwx9893cx/20220511_Calhoun_118_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1680546631/calhoun/sgcqhqfbpe0kwx9893cx/20220511_Calhoun_118_1.jpg","width":972}])
Social Studies
Upper School students begin their exploration of social studies with required core courses in world history and U.S. history. From there, they can choose from a wide range of advanced seminars.
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![Theater]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1680544778/calhoun/k5emczn6kolka5amskr3/Calhoun-226.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1680544778/calhoun/k5emczn6kolka5amskr3/Calhoun-226.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1680544778/calhoun/k5emczn6kolka5amskr3/Calhoun-226.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1680544778/calhoun/k5emczn6kolka5amskr3/Calhoun-226.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1680544778/calhoun/k5emczn6kolka5amskr3/Calhoun-226.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1680544778/calhoun/k5emczn6kolka5amskr3/Calhoun-226.jpg","width":2200}])
Theater
Students have access to a variety of theater electives in acting, directing, playwriting, tech and design.
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![Visual Arts]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1680545476/calhoun/tz0ba9w7qagsidbvgjww/91922_calhoun_182_0263_LowRes_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1680545476/calhoun/tz0ba9w7qagsidbvgjww/91922_calhoun_182_0263_LowRes_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1680545476/calhoun/tz0ba9w7qagsidbvgjww/91922_calhoun_182_0263_LowRes_1.jpg","width":771}])
Visual Arts
Visual arts classes include pottery, sculpture, painting, printmaking, graphic design, filmmaking and photography.
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![World Languages]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1680546688/calhoun/pffs380l7a3buvzkkf2m/20220511_Calhoun_285_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1680546688/calhoun/pffs380l7a3buvzkkf2m/20220511_Calhoun_285_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1680546688/calhoun/pffs380l7a3buvzkkf2m/20220511_Calhoun_285_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1680546688/calhoun/pffs380l7a3buvzkkf2m/20220511_Calhoun_285_1.jpg","width":1074}])
World Languages
Upper School students are required to take three years of a world language course in Mandarin or Spanish.
Learn more
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