Upper School

The mathematics program strives to provide each student with the opportunity to reach his own level of excellence. Learning proceeds from concrete levels to symbolic and abstract levels, developing all varieties of computational skills. Our goal is to facilitate mathematical literacy at all levels - from basic problem solving and standardized test skills to abstract reasoning performed at a post-secondary level. Students apply mathematical concepts in other academic areas and appreciate the purpose and power of the world's most precise natural science.

Mathematics Courses and Electives: Algebra I; Geometry; Honors Geometry/Trigonometry; Algebra II/Trigonometry; Honors Algebra II/Trigonometry; College Algebra; Precalculus; Honors Precalculus; Honors Applied Calculus; AP Calculus; AP Statistics & Probability; Multivariate Calculus; Honors Differential Equations and Linear Algebra.

While instilling and nurturing a scientific curiosity about the world around them, the BL science curriculum prepares our students for a future where continuing advances in a wide range of science disciplines can help solve a host of societal, environmental and technological challenges. Our students become experts in scientific study, prepared to succeed in college-level courses. From measuring and exploring to developing and testing hypotheses, our students know how to pursue scientifically-sound analysis and conclusions.

Science Courses: Biology 9; Honors Biology 9; Chemistry 10; Honors Chemistry 10; Physics 11-12; Honors Physics 11-12.

Science Electives for Juniors and Seniors: AP Biology; AP Chemistry; AP Physics; Environmental Science; AP Environmental Science; Honors Engineering; Honors Forensic Science.

The upper school English department carefully structures a curriculum that's assessed each year with clear goals in mind. Every BL student will have a confident command of personal expression, critical thinking and literary analysis through a mastery of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Every BL student will have an appreciation, if not a love, for literature, journalism and other genre that's wide and varied, inclusive of classical texts, contemporary writing and digital media from around the world.

English Courses: English 9; Honors English 9; English 10; Honors English 10; AP English Literature and Composition 11.

English Electives for Juniors and Seniors: African-American Literature; Honors African-American Literature; American Literature; Honors American Literature; Honors Contemporary Literature; Contemporary Non-Fiction; Creative Writing; Honors Creative Writing; Genre Studies; Inkwell Newspaper Journalism (click here to see our digital magazine: The Inkwell);  Literary Journalism; Modern American Theater; Poetry, Short Story; Writing Process; Honors Writing Process; War Words; World Literature; Honors World Literature.

Through history courses in the upper school, humanity's global interrelationship is examined on sociological, political, economic, historic, and geographic scales. Our curriculum strives to produce in each student an understanding and appreciation for the past and a tolerance and acceptance of divergent ideals, beliefs, and opinions in forming responsible, well-rounded citizens. Throughout, the development of effective communications skills in and out of the classroom is emphasized. Research, critical thinking, and creativity are deemed to be of equal importance.

History Courses: World Cultures 9, Honors World Cultures 9, European History 10, Honors European History 10, AP European History 10-12; U.S. History 11; Honors U.S. History 11; AP U.S. History 10-12; AP World History 12.

History Electives for Juniors and Seniors: Honors African American History; Honors American Government; Economics, Honors Religions of the West; Honors World Religions; Honors U.S. History 1945 to Present; U.S. Military History; Museum Curatorship; Economics (seniors only); Psychology.

Our course offerings in modern and classical languages teach both linguistic development as well as an appreciation for and understanding of the culture and civilization these languages are rooted in. Boys' Latin students are expected to complete three consecutive years of world language study while in the upper school.

World Language Courses and Electives: French I, II, III; Honors French III; Honors French IV; Honors French V; Latin I, II, III; Honors Latin II; Honors Latin III, Honors Latin IV; Honors Latin V; Spanish I, II, III, Applied Spanish, Honors Spanish II, Honors Spanish III; Honors Spanish IV; AP Spanish.