Honors English IGr 9English
A foundational course cultivating critical thinking, analytical skills, and creative expression across memoirs, plays, novels, poetry, and short stories.
Honors English II: Reading and DiscourseGr 10English
A sophomore seminar-style class reading and discussing influential literary and philosophical works from a variety of historical periods and cultures.
Honors English II: Reading and CompositionGr 10English
A process-driven sophomore course in which students read, write, and think in service of developing writing and analytical skills.
Honors English IIIGr 11English
The study of rhetoric guided by Aristotle’s appeals of ethos, pathos, and logos, culminating in a writing-portfolio presentation.
Advanced Topics: English Language and CompositionATEnglish
College-level nonfiction writing with major emphasis on revision, culminating in the Portfolio Defense signature learning experience.
Advanced Topics: English Seminar and InquiryATEnglish
College-level reading and writing emphasizing inquiry, independent research, and multi-disciplinary analysis; optional AP Seminar exam.
Honors English IVGr 12English
A senior course preparing college-bound students through diverse contemporary and canonical texts plus an Independent Reading program.
Advanced Topics: English Literature and CompositionATEnglish
College-level literary conversation about fiction and poetry, culminating in the Lit Defense signature learning experience.
Honors Creative Writing: Fiction, Poetry and ScreenwritingElectiveEnglish
Students develop individual literary voices through poetry, fiction, and screenwriting, completing a polished peer-critiqued screenplay.
Honors History of FilmElectiveEnglish
A fast-paced survey tracing cinema from its 1895 origins through the digital revolution across genres and movements.
Honors Algebra IHonorsMathematics
Introduces basic functions, their graphs, and the rules of solving equations.
Honors Principles of Geometry and AlgebraHonorsMathematics
Strengthens and applies arithmetic, algebra, and reasoning to measure the world through traditional geometry concepts.
Honors Accelerated GeometryAcceleratedMathematics
Euclidean geometry with heavy emphasis on notation, justification, and proof at greater rigor and depth than Honors Geometry.
Honors Algebra IIHonorsMathematics
Uses functions to reinforce and extend Algebra I skills, focusing on elementary functions and their properties.
Honors Accelerated Algebra IIAcceleratedMathematics
An in-depth exploration of algebraic concepts, preparing students for Accelerated Precalculus and subsequently AP Calculus and AP Statistics.
Honors PrecalculusHonorsMathematics
Further development of advanced algebraic concepts and trigonometry with heavy emphasis on functions and their properties.
Honors Accelerated PrecalculusAcceleratedMathematics
Prepares students for college-level mathematics and serves as the prerequisite for AP Calculus.
Advanced Placement PrecalculusAPMathematics
A research-based exploration of function types modeling real-world phenomena, best suited to students on track for AP Calculus BC.
Honors CalculusHonorsMathematics
Introduces the topics of a semester of college calculus at a less intense pace and depth than the AP courses.
Honors StatisticsHonorsMathematics
Exposes juniors and seniors to statistics through graphing data, normal probabilities, linear regression, and experimental design; no AP exam.
Advanced Placement StatisticsAPMathematics
Major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data, preparing students for the AP exam.
Honors Discrete Mathematics and Personal FinanceGr 12Mathematics
Explores mathematics as it relates to the social sciences plus the mathematics behind money in everyday life.
Advanced Placement Calculus ABAPMathematics
A rigorous course covering a semester of college calculus through limits, differential calculus, and integral calculus.
Advanced Placement Calculus BCAPMathematics
An intense course covering two semesters of first-year college calculus including parametric equations, infinite series, vectors, and polar functions.
Advanced Topics in Mathematics and CalculusPost-APMathematics
A student-centered seminar for students who have completed AP Calculus BC, using Phillips Exeter Academy’s Mathematics 4C and 5 curricula.
Honors Principles of Chemistry and PhysicsGr 9Science
A hands-on, inquiry-based introduction to physical science covering matter, energy transformations, motion, forces, and waves.
Honors Accelerated Principles of Chemistry and PhysicsAcceleratedScience
A challenging ninth-grade physical science course covering a broader range of chemistry and physics topics at an accelerated pace.
Honors Principles of Life ScienceHonorsScience
A comprehensive foundation in biological and environmental principles including cell biology, genetics, evolution, and ecology.
Honors Accelerated Principles of Life ScienceAcceleratedScience
In-depth life science emphasizing application-based learning and analytical reasoning from molecules to ecosystems.
Honors ChemistryHonorsScience
A guided-inquiry course developing the properties, composition, and structure of matter plus energy’s role in changing matter.
Honors Accelerated ChemistryAcceleratedScience
Covers Honors Chemistry at a faster pace plus molecular geometry, periodicity, and acid-base chemistry.
Honors Chemistry and Physics IIHonorsScience
An experimentation-driven course covering chemistry and physics concepts not included in the Honors and Accelerated courses.
Honors BiologyHonorsScience
Introductory biology connecting key concepts through lab work and guided research, culminating in a third-trimester research project.
Honors Accelerated BiologyAcceleratedScience
Major principles of biology at deeper level and faster pace, with additional lab experiences and a third-trimester research project.
Advanced Topics: Environmental ScienceATScience
The scientific principles behind the interrelationships of the natural world, culminating in an independent research project.
Advanced Placement ChemistryAPScience
A year-long general chemistry equivalent covering nine major topics from atomic structure to thermodynamics.
Advanced Placement BiologyAPScience
The equivalent of a college introductory course for biology majors, built around student-directed, inquiry-based labs.
Advanced Placement Physics 1APScience
Algebra-based introductory college-level physics covering kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, torque, and rotational motion.
Advanced Placement Physics CAPScience
A calculus-based mechanics course equivalent to introductory college physics for engineering or physical science majors.
Honors Marine ScienceElectiveScience
Studies the animals inhabiting the world’s oceans, including setup and maintenance of saltwater aquariums.
Honors Anatomy and PhysiologyElectiveScience
An introductory study of the anatomical structures and physiological processes of key human body systems.
Honors Seminar: Contemporary Issues in ScienceOnlineScience
An asynchronous fully online course building appreciation for scientific phenomena relevant to scientifically literate adults.
Honors World HistoryGr 9Social Studies
Surveys prehistory through the twentieth century while equipping ninth graders with core humanities skills.
Honors Accelerated World History IAcceleratedSocial Studies
The ancient world through circa 1450 CE using the skills, practices, and methods employed by historians.
Honors Civics: Foundations of Democracy and CitizenshipGr 10Social Studies
Introduces the fundamental principles of democracy, citizenship, and economics in historical and modern contexts.
Advanced Topics: World History IIATSocial Studies
Investigates world history from circa 1450 CE to the present, culminating in the Colloquium research project and policy proposal.
Honors United States HistoryHonorsSocial Studies
Examines the development of equality, liberty, democracy, rights, and opportunity in American society.
Advanced Topics: United States HistoryATSocial Studies
Hones analytical skills across themes in U.S. History, culminating in the Symposium signature learning experience.
Honors Practicum: Civil Discourse and the Social SciencesElectiveSocial Studies
Uses current events to explore economics, psychology, sociology, political science, and history; students teach mini-lessons in Lower and Middle School.
Honors PsychologyElectiveSocial Studies
Introduces psychological science while diving into topics especially relevant to high school life.
Advanced Placement PsychologyAPSocial Studies
The scientific study of human behavior and mental processes mirroring an introductory college psychology course.
Advanced Topics: United States Government and PoliticsATSocial Studies
An analytical perspective on U.S. government and politics, culminating in an Oral Arguments Supreme Court simulation.
Advanced Topics: European HistoryATSocial Studies
A hybrid senior course investigating European history from approximately 1450 to the present across seven themes.
Honors Spanish I: NoviceLevel IWorld Languages
Foundational communication, comprehension, and presentation skills on highly familiar topics.
Honors Spanish II: Intermediate FoundationsLevel IIWorld Languages
Progresses to Novice-High and Intermediate-Low proficiency across a broader range of familiar topics.
Honors Spanish III: Intermediate Mid ALevel IIIWorld Languages
Students participate in exchanges and present on a variety of topics using familiar vocabulary and learned grammar.
Honors Spanish IV: Intermediate Mid BLevel IVWorld Languages
Refines skills and broadens exposure to diverse accents from Spanish-speaking countries.
Honors Spanish V: Language with a PurposeLevel VWorld Languages
Uses Spanish for communication and leadership through institution visits and conversations with native-speaking professionals.
AP Spanish Language and Culture: AdvancedAPWorld Languages
A rigorous interdisciplinary course taught exclusively in Spanish, building proficiency toward advanced-low.
Honors French I: NoviceLevel IWorld Languages
Acquires vocabulary and skills to start communicating in French across simple communicative tasks.
Honors French II: Intermediate FoundationsLevel IIWorld Languages
Builds on French I with daily routines, past events, and future plans plus francophone cultures and current events.
Honors French III: Intermediate Mid ALevel IIIWorld Languages
Immersive oral and written exchanges within the context of culture, connections, and comparisons.
Honors French IV: Intermediate Mid BLevel IVWorld Languages
Deepens advanced grammar and vocabulary with exposure to accents from various French-speaking countries.
Honors French V: Intermediate HighLevel VWorld Languages
An intensive class equivalent to a fourth-semester college course developing all four language skills.
Advanced Placement French Language: AdvancedAPWorld Languages
An intensive class preparing students for the AP French language examination in the spring.
Honors Chinese I: NoviceLevel IWorld Languages
Introductory Mandarin covering functional communication plus Pinyin and Chinese characters.
Honors Chinese II: Novice Mid ALevel IIWorld Languages
Students discern language patterns and forms to create complete sentences and short spontaneous conversations.
Honors Chinese III: Novice Mid BLevel IIIWorld Languages
Expands characters and compound usages with emphasis on verbal usage and circumlocution.
Honors Chinese IV: Intermediate FoundationsLevel IVWorld Languages
More complex structures and current events, designed to prepare students for the AP language class.
Honors Chinese V: Intermediate Mid ALevel VWorld Languages
Emphasizes natural colloquial usage, idiomatic phrases, Hanzi writing, and essay writing.
Advanced Placement Chinese Language and CultureAPWorld Languages
Comparable to fourth-semester college Mandarin, deepening immersion in the Chinese-speaking world.
Honors Visual FoundationsPrerequisiteArts
A one-year introductory course and the prerequisite for all Studio Art and Media Arts courses.
Honors Studio-2DHonorsArts
Examines how art across two-dimensional media communicates ideas through a choice-based classroom model.
Honors Studio-3DHonorsArts
Hands-on exploration of clay, wire, wood, plaster, and found objects to create sculptures, installations, and functional designs.
Honors Studio Arts IIHonorsArts
An introduction to deep studio practice, creating a series of work based on the student’s own artistic voice.
Honors Studio Arts IIIHonorsArts
A continuation of Studio Arts II with more independent research and out-of-class project work.
Advanced Placement Studio ArtAPArts
An intensive portfolio course for students seriously interested in the practical experience of art; portfolios replace a written exam.
Advanced Topics: Art HistoryATArts
A journey across continents and centuries pairing art analysis with hands-on studio projects; prepares for the AP Art History exam.
Honors Theater IHonorsArts
Explores fundamental skills of realistic acting plus basic principles of directing and designing for the stage.
Honors Theater IIHonorsArts
Further develops acting, directing, and design through more challenging projects and greater artistic ownership.
Honors Theater in PerformanceRepeatableArts
For experienced students committing to public acting, directing, or production design including Fall One-Acts and Arts Jam.
Honors Concert ChorusRepeatableArts
Students sing a wide variety of literature composed for mixed choirs while learning healthful vocal production.
Honors String Ensemble I–IVLevels I–IVArts
Accommodates experienced instrumentalists performing traditional orchestra and chamber repertoire with rising technical mastery and leadership each year.
Honors Upper School BandRepeatableArts
Builds on middle school band across Concert Band, Big Band, and small classical Chamber Ensembles.
Honors Cannon School Jazz ComboAuditionArts
Explores modern jazz in the small combo format with daily focus on jazz theory and improvisation.
Honors Modern EnsembleRepeatableArts
Performs American Pop, Rock, R&B, and Rap with heavy use of multi-track recording via Soundtrap.
Honors Music Technology IHonorsArts
Learns the language and mechanics of music through composition using the latest music technology; designed for the music novice.
Honors Music Technology IIHonorsArts
Deepens compositional skills through Ableton Live and the Ableton Push MIDI controller.
Honors Music Technology III: Music ProductionHonorsArts
Advanced self-driven projects using industry-standard DAWs such as Ableton Live and Logic Pro.
Honors Creative Design and Engineering IHonorsArts
Project-based exploration of the Iterative Design Engineering process across woodworking, sewing, electronics, and CAD.
Honors Creative Design and Engineering IIHonorsArts
Further develops idea curation, project planning, design, and fabrication through increasingly challenging design prompts.
Honors Creative Design and Engineering StudioPermissionArts
An open-block studio for independent maker projects, evaluated through portfolio development and project check-ins.
Advanced Topics: Principles of Computer Science and CodingATInnovation & Enterprise
Introduces the breadth of computer science, covering algorithms, programs, the internet, and AI and their consequences.
Advanced Placement Computer Science AAPInnovation & Enterprise
Fundamentals of computer science through object-oriented design in Java, including data structures and algorithms.
Advanced Topics: Microeconomics: Politics and PolicyATInnovation & Enterprise
College-level microeconomics examining supply and demand, market structures, and market failure alongside public policy.
Advanced Topics: Business and Entrepreneurship with Personal FinanceATInnovation & Enterprise
A year-long project-based course where students develop and launch a business model, culminating in a Shark Tank-style pitch to investors.
Honors Business of EsportsHonorsInnovation & Enterprise
A hands-on exploration of the esports industry and entrepreneurship; students intern for the Collective Esports Company.
Honors Glocal PerspectivesGr 12Innovation & Enterprise
An immersive service-learning exploration of global and local perspectives; required for the Global Education Certificate.
Senior Colloquium: LeadershipGr 12Innovation & Enterprise
Leadership training in which students read leadership literature and collaborate to chart the curriculum.
Honors YearbookRepeatableInnovation & Enterprise
Produces Cannon’s yearbook, The Flashback, covering graphic design, copywriting, photography, and publication business.
Wellness and Long-term Athletic DevelopmentGr 11–12Physical Education
A holistic wellness and athletic development course informed by kinesiology, exercise physiology, and biomechanics.