The Upper School curriculum challenges students to stretch and surpass their academic limits with courses that prepare them for success at college and beyond.
By design, Chadwick students don’t just absorb information, they interact with course material, their teachers and each other. They become lifelong learners and leaders who make well-informed, ethical decisions, take bold action and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Upper School Curriculum
English
Upper School English is dedicated to nurturing a love of learning and developing critical, creative and engaged thinkers and communicators who are independent readers, skillful writers, clear speakers, active listeners, and discriminating viewers and consumers of media. Students build strong reading, writing and discussion skills while diving deeply into a range of texts and tasks that help them meet the diverse literacy demands of an increasingly globalized society.
The English experience culminates in the Senior Apex Project. Largely housed in the second semester of senior English classes, students apply academic skills to identify an issue or problem that they are interested in, research it in depth and demonstrate citizenship by acting to contribute to the management of the issue or problem. Middle and Upper School Chadwick students, faculty and parents attend the Apex Presentation Day where each senior gives a public fifteen-minute presentation with a question-and-answer session.
Math
In Chadwick's mathematics program, students gain conceptual understanding, procedural fluency and advanced problem-solving skills in high-level courses like algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus. A flexible program means students can move from one course level to another based on their readiness. Classwork combines investigations, direct instruction, cooperative learning, independent work, exploration of new ideas and review of key concepts. All courses use a combination of graphical, numerical and analytical techniques that help students communicate mathematical ideas in symbolic, written and oral forms.
Science
The Chadwick Science Department develops students who engage the world around them from multiple perspectives and apply their knowledge to make it a better place. By integrating Physics, Chemistry and Biology curricula, students dive deeper, connecting ideas and underlying themes between disciplines, and improving their overall retention rates. Integrated programs are highly respected by universities and colleges, and provide an excellent foundation for advanced and interdisciplinary science later on.
History
Upper School history students become informed global citizens who participate actively and effectively in the world around them by applying the lessons of our past in the face of personal and social issues. They learn to embrace cultural differences and alternative perspectives and to communicate effectively in a variety of contexts, ultimately preparing them to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Global Language
Through the deeper study of global language, students learn to communicate confidently and competently with native speakers in authentic cultural contexts. They compare native and target languages in terms of structures, syntax, expressions, and writing and speaking conventions while uncovering the inherent relationship between language, culture and other disciplines.
Visual and Performing Arts
In our visual and performing arts programs, students tap into their passions, creative talents and self-expression while realizing the profound relationship between art and society. Through the mentorship of our expert and enthusiastic teachers, students hone their respective crafts in visual arts offerings like ceramics, drawing and painting, film and photography, and graphic design, while performing arts offerings include theater, dance, and vocal and instrumental music.
Computer Science
Students practice developing advanced algorithms, debugging programs and collaborating with teammates to build complicated projects. Students are also introduced to the full spectrum software design process, getting opportunities to build real-world applications, interview stakeholders, deploy an application and implement feedback.
Life Skills
These courses give students a safe forum to strengthen decision-making and communication skills, and to address topics like peer pressure, self-esteem, personal values, healthy relationships and personal safety. Full-time staff and counselors are here to support and guide students through challenges. Elective courses give students a chance to spread their wings and engage in a wide range of afternoon activities including performances, publications, community service, athletics and more.
See what Upper School students get to experience beyond the classroom.
See how Upper School students expand and express themselves outside classroom walls.