Academics / Curriculum
Our curriculum creates all-around thinkers and learners, driven by curiosity — the sort of individual who is ready to take charge of their life and make a difference.
Advancement Placement courses are available throughout every core subject in the Upper School. These college-level courses not only provide a higher level of academics, they also prepare students for autonomy, the rigor and structure of college, improve time management and study skills, and inspire students to expand their learning beyond the classroom and into the field.
View the Upper School Curriculum Guide
English
From cover to cover, we cover it all. Students are offered a wide variety of courses that touch on everything from different literary narratives, classic works, creative writing and composition and critical analysis to hands-on case studies, essay writing and even an extended, research-based project that students present to the school community.
Global Languages
Upper School students take an intensive and immersive dive into their language of choice. Options in Chinese, French or Spanish are available. Each is designed to encompass every aspect of the language as well as background and history, cultural perspectives and interaction with different mediums, such as literature, film and more.
History
History is more than dates and stories — our Upper School pulls back to give students a broad view of our world. They study a host of different topics: U.S. history, government and politics, contemporary global issues, modern world history, economics and art history. It’s an expansive, perspective-altering experience from ninth all the way to 12th grade.
Math
By the time they leave Upper School math, students see the world in a whole new way. They know how to reason and communicate abstractly and quantitatively. Various levels of Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, Statistics, global application of data science and more are offered — you name it, and our students can study it.
Science
Here our students really transform into scientists. The Upper School program begins with an integrated approach combining Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Courses in all the core sciences are available as well as Forensic Science, Marine Biology Anatomy and more. In each, students are shown by knowledgeable teachers how to ask questions, gather and analyze evidence and share ideas with diverse audiences. Whether or not they have a future in a scientific field, they’ll graduate with a scientific mind.
Co-Curriculars and Beyond
Well-rounded individuals are those who are best prepared to make a positive impact on the world. Upper School students are given the ability to learn and focus on areas outside of the core subjects during the school day. This includes the arts, athletics, STEM, innovation and entrepreneurship courses, community service opportunities and more.
Chadwick offers more than 50 student-initiated and student-led clubs, providing a platform for building leadership skills. Sample clubs include Surf Club, Theater Club, Poetry Club, Red Cross Club and Girl to Girl Club, to name a few.
