The Upper School at Boys’ Latin is home to approximately 285 boys in grades 9-12 and occupies the north side of the Lake Avenue campus. The primary goal of the Upper School is to provide each student with the individual attention necessary for him to reach his full potential in all areas of school life. The faculty are committed to this goal and, while they are highly competent their areas of expertise, view themselves as teachers of students rather than teachers of subjects.
Pedagogy
During the course of the four years in the Upper School each boy will be challenged academically and socially. He will have meaningful, professional relationships with his teachers who will help him value and appreciate his own strengths and limitations. He will make lifelong friends who will join him in being contributing members of a positive and caring community. At the end of the four year journey, each young man will graduate with the tools necessary to succeed in college and beyond and possess a clear sense of self-identity, self-respect, and self-confidence.
Information Technology - Computers and Libraries
We employ traditional print resources and the newest technology in every classroom and the library. We focus on using both print and non-print resources to assist in teaching and learning, and in accessing information. We integrate technology into every subject area, rather than teaching technology for its own sake. All Upper School faculty members are equipped with tablet laptop computers, wireless internet connectivity, computer projectors, and screens to enhance their pedagogy. Students are welcome to use their own laptops, visit one of our computer labs, or even check out a laptop from our library. In addition, the Upper School has two mobile laptop carts for use in any classroom.
Cura Personalis
Cura Personalis is a Latin phrase that translates as "Care for the Entire Person". “Cura Personalis” suggests individualized attention to the needs of the other, distinct respect for his or her unique circumstances and concerns, and an appropriate appreciation for his or her particular gifts and insights. We pride ourselves on the individual attention we provide to each of our students in the Upper School and our exceptional history of meeting the educational needs, varying learning styles and diverse talents of our young men. Faculty are first and foremost teachers of students rather than teachers of subjects, and pride themselves in preparing each boy for the rigors of colleges and careers. We are dedicated and deeply devoted to the notion of "Education on a Scale of One" and work tirelessly to help each boy to become his own best and authentic self.
Curriculum
It is the ultimate objective of the Upper School to develop a sense of excellence in every student. The Upper School curriculum is delivered by a well educated and highly experienced faculty in modern, well equipped classrooms, complete with multimedia projectors, computers, and Internet access.
The daily schedule and course schedules are traditional in nature; students attend each of their classes for approximately 55 minutes 5 of every 7 days in a rotating block schedule. Courses are offered in half-year or full-year increments and grades are reported four times throughout the school year. Students can expect 30-45 minutes of homework in each of their classes daily.
The academic environment is one in which each boy is encouraged and expected to be astute, responsible, studious, accountable, and honorable for his academic achievement and success.
Recognizing today’s competitive college admissions environment, we offer Honors and AP courses in all disciplines. Entry into these courses is both commendable and competitive; only students who show consistent evidence of high achievement and effort are permitted to enroll.
Current Honors and AP course offerings are as follows:
Honors Courses:
Geometry
Algebra II/Trigonometry A
Pre Calculus
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Forensics
Spanish II, III, IV, and V
French III, IV and V
Latin II, III, IV, V
Non-Western Cultures History
European History
US History
African American History
American Government
English 9, 10, 11 & 12
AP Courses
AP Biology (alternating years)
AP Chemistry (Alternating years)
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP English Language
AP English Literature
AP Environmental Science
AP European History
AP Physics B
AP Statistics
AP US History
AP World History