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Upper School Curriculum

Upper School science class

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 art class

Upper School Curriculum Highlights

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

Upper School students round out their studies with special courses in life and study skills. 

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Read More about Life Skills
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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Read More about Math
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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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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Read More about Science
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

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

Students have access to a variety of theater electives in acting, directing, playwriting, tech and design.

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Visual Arts

Visual arts classes include pottery, sculpture, painting, printmaking, graphic design, filmmaking and photography.

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Read More about Visual Arts
World Languages

Upper School students are required to take three years of a world language course in Mandarin or Spanish. 

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Read More about World Languages

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