English 9: Foundations in EnglishGr 9English
First of a two-year foundations sequence, introducing advanced literary study through argument-building and examination of poetry, short stories, and longer texts.
English 10: Foundations in English II: The Individual in SocietyGr 10English
Studies classic and modern texts through how literature reflects the desire to understand oneself in relation to the world.
English 11: American LiteratureGr 11English
A selected survey covering the Enlightenment, Romanticism, and Modernism, culminating in an autobiographical portfolio.
AP English 11: Language & CompositionAPEnglish
College-level study of rhetoric and composition, with students expected to sit the AP exam.
AP English 12: Literature & CompositionAPEnglish
College-level literary analysis across genres and periods, with students expected to sit the AP exam.
IB English 11 (HL)IB HLEnglish
Required first year for IB juniors, expanding experience with a broad range of genres, periods, and styles.
IB English 12 (HL)IB HLEnglish
Second year of the two-year IB Language & Literature commitment.
English 12Gr 12English
Senior English for students continuing from English 11 outside the AP and IB tracks.
Creative WritingSemesterEnglish
A semester elective in original composition.
Intermediate & Advanced ESLYearEnglish
English-language-support courses, alongside ESL American History and ESL World History, which may substitute for English or History credit.
Algebra IYearMathematics
The foundational algebra course.
GeometryYearMathematics
Standard-level geometry.
Honors GeometryHonorsMathematics
Accelerated geometry; requires 90 in Algebra I plus teacher recommendation.
Algebra IIYearMathematics
The second-year algebra course.
Honors Algebra IIHonorsMathematics
Accelerated Algebra II; requires 90 in Geometry or 83 in Honors Geometry.
Honors Algebra II/PrecalculusGr 10 onlyMathematics
A compressed two-subject course open only to sophomores who completed Honors Geometry in ninth grade.
Algebra III/TrigonometryYearMathematics
A bridge course extending algebra into trigonometry.
Dynamic MathYearMathematics
An alternative mathematics pathway.
Pre-calculusYearMathematics
Standard precalculus.
Honors Pre-calculusHonorsMathematics
Accelerated precalculus; requires 90 in Algebra II or 83 in Honors Algebra II.
Introduction to Calculus & StatisticsYearMathematics
A survey of both calculus and statistics concepts.
AP StatisticsAPMathematics
College-level statistics; qualifying students should choose either AP Calculus AB or AP Statistics, not both.
Advanced AP Statistics with R and R StudioPost-APMathematics
Post-BC-Calculus statistics using the R language; requires 83 in BC Calculus or concurrent enrollment.
AP Calculus ABAPMathematics
First-semester college calculus.
AP Calculus BCAPMathematics
The full-year college calculus sequence; requires 87 in Honors Precalculus or Honors Algebra II/Precalculus.
IB Applications SLIB SLMathematics
IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation at standard level.
IB Analysis SLIB SLMathematics
IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches at standard level; requires 83 in Honors Precalculus.
Calculus III/IB Analysis HLPost-APMathematics
Multivariable calculus doubling as IB Analysis Higher Level; requires 83 in BC Calculus.
Inquiries in Biological and Physical ScienceYearSciences
An introductory integrated science course.
Biology IRequiredSciences
Required of all students in ninth or tenth grade; the core high-school biology requirement.
AP BiologyAPSciences
College-level biology; prerequisites Biology I and Chemistry I.
IB Biology SLIB SLSciences
IB biology at standard level.
IB Biology HLIB HLSciences
IB biology at higher level.
AP Environmental ScienceAPSciences
College-level environmental science covering eutrophication, acid rain, ozone depletion, and climate change, with mandatory field trips.
Environmental IssuesSemesterSciences
A survey of contemporary environmental issues drawing on the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, culminating in team debates.
Marine BiologySemesterSciences
Marine biology concepts including trophic dynamics and marine ecosystems, with an expected overnight Charleston data-collection trip.
Human Anatomy: External Structural SystemsSemesterSciences
The body’s major organ systems with in-depth study of the skeletal and muscular systems; dissection is mandatory.
Human Anatomy: Internal Structural SystemsSemesterSciences
Deeper study of the nervous, blood, cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive systems; dissection is mandatory.
Chemistry IYearSciences
Develops conceptual understanding of chemistry; requires Biology I and concurrent Algebra II or higher.
Honors Chemistry IHonorsSciences
Accelerated chemistry; requires 87 in Biology and 87 in a math course.
AP ChemistryAPSciences
College-level chemistry; requires previous or concurrent Precalculus.
IB Chemistry SLIB SLSciences
IB chemistry at standard level.
IB Chemistry HLIB HLSciences
IB chemistry at higher level.
Physics IYearSciences
Introductory physics.
Honors Physics IHonorsSciences
Accelerated physics; requires previous or concurrent Precalculus.
AP Physics C: Mechanics, E&MAPSciences
Calculus-based college physics in mechanics and electricity and magnetism; requires previous or concurrent AP or IB Calculus.
Astronomy: Solar SystemsGr 11–12Sciences
Constellations, celestial navigation, telescope design, electromagnetic radiation, and solar-system bodies, assessed by a major project.
Forensic Science: Biochemical ApplicationsSemesterSciences
Biological and biochemical methods of criminal investigation including forensic pathology, entomology, anthropology, and DNA profiling.
Forensic Science: Physical ApplicationsSemesterSciences
Physical-science forensics including glass and matter analysis, toxicology, bloodstain pattern analysis, fire investigation, and firearms identification.
Organic ChemistryPost-APSciences
Replicates a semester of undergraduate organic chemistry with a full synthetic lab component; requires AP or IB Chemistry.
Honors Principles of EngineeringHonorsSciences
Structural mechanics, material science, and digital electronics through projects from digital keyboards to a wirelessly controlled robotic hand.
Physical Computational BiochemistryResearchSciences
Primary research on protein folding and 3D-printed dynamic models, working with professors nationally with potential to publish.
9th Grade HistoryRequiredHistory & Social Studies
Introduces basic historical thinking through in-depth study of several crucial themes.
Modern World HistoryRequiredHistory & Social Studies
The second required history course, typically taken in tenth grade.
Honors Modern World HistoryHonorsHistory & Social Studies
Accelerated Modern World History; requires 87 in 9th Grade History.
IB World History SLIB SLHistory & Social Studies
IB history at standard level.
United States HistoryRequiredHistory & Social Studies
Required of all graduates, usually completed junior year.
AP United States HistoryAPHistory & Social Studies
College-level US History satisfying the graduation requirement; requires 87 in Modern World History.
IB History of the Americas HLIB HLHistory & Social Studies
IB higher-level history through which IB students typically fulfill the US History requirement senior year.
AP PsychologyAPHistory & Social Studies
College-level psychology, with preference given to seniors.
IB Psychology SLIB SLHistory & Social Studies
IB psychology at standard level.
AP Human GeographyAPHistory & Social Studies
College-level human geography.
AP European HistoryAPHistory & Social Studies
College-level European history, with preference given to seniors.
AP US Government and PoliticsAPHistory & Social Studies
College-level American government and politics, with preference given to seniors.
Ancient EmpiresGr 11–12History & Social Studies
The origins, evolution, and varieties of ancient civilizations from c. 3000 BCE to c. 1000 CE using primary sources and archaeological findings.
Adolescent Psychology and BehaviorGr 11–12History & Social Studies
Adolescent psychosocial development and the mental-health challenges adolescents face, including protective factors and intervention strategies.
African American History: From Slavery to Civil RightsGr 11–12History & Social Studies
Major themes from slavery in Africa and the Americas through abolition, the Harlem Renaissance, and the Civil Rights Movement.
Education for Social JusticeGr 11–12History & Social Studies
Critical analysis of several forms of social oppression and alternative ways of understanding social relations.
IB Digital SocietyIBHistory & Social Studies
Open to IB and non-IB students; requires previous or concurrent Precalculus.
Honors Chinese I–VHonorsModern & Classical Languages
A five-level Honors-only Mandarin sequence; entry requires 87 in a current French, Spanish, or Latin class.
Chinese IIYearModern & Classical Languages
Non-honors second-level Mandarin.
IB ChineseIBModern & Classical Languages
The IB Mandarin course.
French I–VYearModern & Classical Languages
A five-level French sequence building proficiency across all four skills.
Honors French II, III, IVHonorsModern & Classical Languages
Accelerated French; requires 93 in the current language class or 85 in current Honors.
AP French Language & CultureAPModern & Classical Languages
College-level French language and culture; requires 87 in Level 4 Honors.
IB French HLIB HLModern & Classical Languages
IB French at higher level.
Spanish I–VYearModern & Classical Languages
A five-level Spanish sequence.
Honors Spanish II, III, IVHonorsModern & Classical Languages
Accelerated Spanish.
AP Spanish Language & CultureAPModern & Classical Languages
College-level Spanish language and culture.
IB Spanish HLIB HLModern & Classical Languages
IB Spanish at higher level.
Latin I–VYearModern & Classical Languages
A five-level Latin sequence.
Honors Latin II, III, IVHonorsModern & Classical Languages
Accelerated Latin.
AP LatinAPModern & Classical Languages
College-level Latin.
IB LatinIBModern & Classical Languages
The IB Latin course.
Concert ChoirYearFine Arts
A non-audition choral ensemble.
Honors Concert ChoirHonorsFine Arts
Honors-level concert choir.
Honors Chamber ChoirAuditionFine Arts
A select choral ensemble admitted by audition, open to Grades 10–12.
Symphonic BandYearFine Arts
The concert wind band.
Honors Symphonic BandAuditionFine Arts
Honors wind band admitted by audition.
OrchestraYearFine Arts
The string and full orchestra ensemble.
Honors OrchestraAuditionFine Arts
Honors orchestra admitted by audition.
Introduction to PianoSemesterFine Arts
Beginning keyboard instruction.
Supersonic: Percussion EnsembleSemesterFine Arts
A percussion performance ensemble.
AP Music TheoryAPFine Arts
Develops the ability to recognize and describe melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, form, history, and style; requires an entrance proficiency exam.
Acting/Directing ISemesterFine Arts
Introduces the tools of acting through disciplined work on voice, speech, movement, and the actor’s use of self.
Acting/Directing IIGr 10–12Fine Arts
Advanced acting and directing across Stanislavsky, Strasberg, Adler, and Meisner approaches in workshop format.
Theater WorkshopGr 10–12Fine Arts
A capstone project course for advanced students in acting, directing, or improv.
Improvisation ISemesterFine Arts
In-depth study of short- and long-form improvisation plus sketch writing.
Improvisation IISemesterFine Arts
Advanced improvisation building on Improvisation I.
IB Theatre Arts (SL, HL)IBFine Arts
IB theatre at standard or higher level.
2-D Art I–IVSemesterFine Arts
A four-level sequence in two-dimensional art and drawing.
Design/Photography I–IVSemesterFine Arts
A four-level sequence in digital design and photography.
Sculpture I–IVSemesterFine Arts
A four-level sequence in three-dimensional and sculptural work.
Architectural Design StudioSemesterFine Arts
A studio course in architectural design.
Special Projects in Visual ArtsSemesterFine Arts
Portfolio-based independent studio work following Level IV; requires portfolio evaluation.
AP Studio: 2D ArtAPFine Arts
A portfolio course emphasizing art-making as informed and critical decision-making.
AP Studio: Design/PhotographyAPFine Arts
An AP portfolio course in digital and photographic arts.
AP Studio: SculptureAPFine Arts
An AP portfolio course addressing sculptural issues and purposeful decision-making.
AP Art HistoryAPFine Arts
Significant works of art and architecture in European and non-European traditions from cave paintings to the twenty-first century.
IB Art I & II (SL, HL)IBFine Arts
A two-year IB visual arts course; portfolios due February of sophomore year for admittance.
YearbookYearFine Arts
Students produce The Postscript, learning page layout, photo and copy editing, and writing.
Yearbook Editor, HonorsHonorsFine Arts
A leadership option for returning yearbook staff serving as team leaders and editors.
Exploring Computer ScienceSemesterTechnology & Computer Science
The breadth of computer science including Python programming, web page design, data analysis, phone apps, and ethical issues in computing.
AP Computer Science AAPTechnology & Computer Science
Follows the College Board syllabus in Java, emphasizing problem-solving, object-oriented methodologies, algorithms, and container classes.
Advanced Topics in Computer ScienceHonorsTechnology & Computer Science
Data structures in Java, then student-designed projects presented before the academic council; requires AP Computer Science.
9th Grade SeminarRequiredNon-Departmental
A required transition course covering goal setting, time management, decision-making, media literacy, leadership, wellness, and identity development.
IB Theory of KnowledgeIB coreNon-Departmental
A junior-year IB core course analyzing personal and shared knowledge using the knowledge framework.
Public Speaking and Professional CommunicationSemesterNon-Departmental
Builds confidence before an audience and proficiency organizing content for varied speech categories, interviews, and active listening.
IB Extended Essay & CASIB coreNon-Departmental
The IB core also requires the Extended Essay, a major research paper completed junior year, and Creativity, Activity & Service.
Strength TrainingSemesterPhysical Education
Weightlifting technique, functional movement, nutrition, injury prevention, and goal setting; satisfies one of two annual co-curricular credits.
Ultimate FrisbeeAfter-schoolPhysical Education
Practices three days a week with winter-term scrimmages; credit based on attendance.