Upper School Curriculum

Required

• English 9 (Foundations in Literature)
• Mathematics (Algebra I, Algebra II/Trig Honors, Geometry, Geometry Honors)
• Biology
• World History I
• Theology 9
• World Languages (French, Latin, Mandarin, or Spanish)
• Physical Education
• Foundations courses in Visual Arts and Performing Arts
• Life Skills

Electives

• Second language
• Introduction to Computer Science & Engineering
• Performing Arts (chorus, orchestral ensemble)
• Exploration of Computer Science

Required

• American Literature
• Mathematics (Advanced Calculus AB, Advanced Calculus BC, Precalculus, Honors Precalculus)
• Honors Physics, Physics, Advanced Biology, Advanced Chemistry
• US History
• Theology 11
• World Languages (Level III, IV or Advanced)
• Physical Education
• College Counseling

Electives

• Engineering & Creative Inquiry I/II
• World Language beyond Level III or a second language
• Performing Arts (Bells, Chorus, Drama, Orchestral Ensemble, Music Theory)
• Visual Arts (Portfolio in Photography, Ceramics, Painting, Sculpture and Drawing)
• Film/Video II
• Makerspace & Coding
• Biochemistry
• Environmental Science

Required

• English (Electives)
• Theology 12
• Physical Education
• College Counseling
• Independent Capstone Project

4 other full credit courses from among the following:

• Advanced Calculus AB
• Advanced Calculus BC
• Advanced Statistics
• Calculus
• Linear Algebra
• Multivariable Calculus
• Advanced Biology
• Advanced Chemistry
• Advanced Computer Science & Entrepreneurship
• Advanced Physics
• Biochemistry
• Engineering & Creative Inquiry I/II
• Environmental Science
• Physics/Honors Physics
• 21st Century Citizenship
• Economics (Macroeconomics, Entrepreneurial Microeconomics)
• History (History of New York City, Human Rights in the Modern World, The Global 1930’s, Immigrants in American History and Life)
• Psychology
• Advanced French Language and Culture
• French IV
• French V
• French V Honors
• Advanced Latin
• Mandarin IV
• Advanced Spanish Language and Culture
• Advanced Spanish and Latin American Literature
• Advanced Literature of the Spanish-Speaking World
• Spanish IV
• Spanish V
• Art History

Electives

• Advanced Music Theory
• Advanced Art 2D Design (Design, Drawing or Photography)
• Advanced Art 3D Design (Ceramics, Sculpture)
• Performing Arts (Chorus, Drama, Orchestral Ensemble)
• Visual Arts (Photography, Ceramics, Painting and Drawing or Film/Video III)

The guiding beliefs of the English Department rest upon the expectation that each student learns to function effectively with balanced concentration on all areas of language: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. A strong focus on writing and analytical skills facilitates a student’s emerging self-awareness and her ability to think critically and to articulate her thoughts. The English program seeks to balance respect for a student’s ideas with the development of structures and skills that will help her to express herself with precision. Reading selected works from varied genres and geographies connects the student’s own concerns with the larger world, especially through the lens of Goal III: “educating to a social awareness which impels to action.” The four-year writing program provides intensive instruction in narrative, descriptive, persuasive, and expository writing. In the process, students are well prepared for college writing and the verbal portions of standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT.

English 9: Foundations in Literature
English 9 focuses on foundational skills and texts to prepare students for their study of literature in the Upper School. As students read and discuss increasingly challenging texts, studied in conjunction with the grade 9 World History curriculum, they work to sharpen their analytical skills as well as the expression of those skills in speaking and in writing. Formal grammar and usage study complements the emphasis on clear, organized writing. Writing assignments include expository, analytical, personal, and more creative models, and throughout the year all stages of the writing process are practiced and reinforced. Regular vocabulary study helps to enrich students’ diction and the varied expression of their ideas. Texts include Alcott’s Little Women, Homer’s The Odyssey, Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God, Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, as well as selected poetry, short stories, and nonfiction.

English 10: World Literature
The writing program in grade 10 emphasizes the process of drafting in the instruction of expository writing. Students write a range of essays to understand the different purposes (persuasive, informative, comparative, analytic) a writer must identify when trying to reach her audience. The ability to read texts closely and in context is developed through critical reading of novels, plays, and poetry; representative selections from around the world serve as the core of the study in literature. Grammar and usage lessons build upon the foundation from English 9 and address issues as they emerge in the revision process. Texts include Esquivel’s Like Water for Chocolate, Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus, Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Satrapi’s Persepolis, Murata’s Convenience Store Woman, as well as selected poetry, short stories, and nonfiction.

English 11: American Literature
This course stresses a student’s ability to write cogent, nuanced arguments about literature and the larger world. Students continue to practice expository writing, with an emphasis on literary analysis and, later in the year, the personal narrative. Representative selections from the multicultural texts of America serve as the core of the study in literature. Students explore what it means to be “American” and how that definition has changed from the founding of our nation to today. Additionally, this course hones critical reading, grammar, and vocabulary skills in preparation for the verbal portions of the SAT/ACT, and successful completion of this course prepares students for the AP Exam in Literature and Composition. Texts include Orange’s There There, Morrison’s Beloved, Ward’s Sing, Unburied, Sing, Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, Miller’s Death of a Salesman, as well as selected poetry, short stories, and nonfiction.

English 12: Dystopian Literature
Dystopian literature is having a moment right now. From The Hunger Games to the Divergent series to the Hulu depiction of Handmaid’s Tale, artists and audiences alike are finding grim delight in imagining nightmarish worlds that are not far off in the future. These fictional worlds underline the very real fears of current society by extending current issues—like authoritarian governments, over- reliance on technology, lack of privacy—to a foreseeable doom. Although these stories rarely have happy endings, the vivid details of these dystopian worlds often present a nuanced and thoughtful perspective on what makes us human. This course will begin with selections from Sir Thomas More’s Utopia to examine the relationship between utopias and dystopias. We will then turn our attention to more contemporary texts: Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, and in the final weeks of the course, Nobel Laureate Kazuo Ishiguro’s famously difficult novel to categorize, Never Let Me Go. The course will end with a creative writing project that asks students to write their own dystopian short story.

English 12: Elements of the Grotesque
In this course, we will explore the uses and functions of the grotesque in the short fiction of two great American writers, Flannery O’Connor and Shirley Jackson. We will examine how both of these writers use horror and the grotesque to “evoke something primal in the soul”—both the soul of America, as they address issues such as religion, gender, race, slavery, and historical memory—and the individual soul, as they delve deeply into the individual’s guilt and loneliness. Together, we will attempt to define the grotesque and how it functions in the Gothic short fiction of O’Connor and Jackson. The course will begin with Jackson’s often overlooked early novel Hangsaman; we will then move to the short stories of both writers, as well as excerpts of their letters, essays and journal entries.

English 12: Friendship and Love
Before Regina George of the cult classic film Mean Girls ostracized Cady Heron for liking math more than makeup, Caroline Bingley of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice criticized Elizabeth Bennet for dirtying her ankles on her strenuous walk to see her sick sister—how so not fetch (Regina would say), how unladylike (Caroline would cry)! However, viewers and readers alike might be baffled—or not—to discover that these two sets of women appear to be friends—or at least friendly at times—which begs the question: why are female relationships—especially female friendships—so complicated? Even before Austen’s satirical novels about social circles, Aristotle characterized friendship according to utility, pleasure, and truth; not surprisingly, the latter kind of friendship is rare because a genuine relationship depends on mutual trust, recognition, and affection. Through close readings, focused discussions, and creative written responses, we will deconstruct the definitions of friendship to determine what a constructive relationship looks like in literature and life. Texts include Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend, John Knowles’s A Separate Peace, and Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.

English 12: Introduction to Creative Writing
Introduction to Creative Writing is focused on the process and craft of fiction and poetry as well as creative nonfiction. This course provides you with the opportunity to explore your interests by looking closely at a broad range of styles, topics, and authors and how they engage with their craft and the world as writers. The overarching, skill-based focus of this course is learning how to read closely and critically as a writer. The core readings are intended to challenge you to think, study, and learn using exemplary writers as teachers and guides for your own work.

There is a place for everyone in this class, from those who might never have written before, to those who are fairly decided on their preferred forms of writing, and everyone in between. We will read work from the core reading list, as well as material that important to apprenticeship as a writer. This multi-genre approach will help students to find inspiration in perhaps the unlikeliest of places, and will also engage them in writing styles they may not have approached otherwise (such as the long poem, translations, villanelles, etc.). Students will be workshopped at least twice and in- and out-of-class exercises will be provided on a regular basis. Together, students will grow both as writers and as readers of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.

English 12: The Modern Rom-Com through Shakespeare and Austen
She’s the Man, Notting Hill, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. These texts have their roots in classic literature. In this course, we will explore how Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and Austen’s Emma established the essential elements of a romantic comedy: misunderstandings, word play, deception, and, ultimately, love. By examining these texts in context, we will develop a picture of how Shakespeare’s and Austen’s works reflect their own society’s views on love and marriage, and by tracing the essential elements of these texts through their modern day equivalent—by examining popular romantic comedies and sit-coms—we will ask ourselves how our ideas about love have evolved over time, and whose love stories have been sidelined or ignored. Additionally, we will consider the age-old question of what makes something funny. How do authors write to invite laughter and humor, and how can this laughter illuminate something about what it means to be human?

English 12: Narrating Childhood
Novels that focus on childhood or present stories from the point of view of a young person often require authors to find a proper balance between closeness and distance to personal memory. Closeness is what allows us to feel the energy, delights, and traumas of childhood as a child might; the distance enables the writer and readers to understand those experiences as only adults can understand them. In this class, “Narrating Childhood,” we will read fiction featuring a child or young adult protagonist. A central discussion will focus on the idea of the reliable narrator. Is a child more or less likely to provide a truthful narration? We will be looking at the work of Carol Rifka Brunt, Heather O’Neill, and William March. Students will also be creating their own childhood narratives.

English 12: Toni Morrison’s Novels
In her forward to Sula, Toni Morrison writes, “Outlaw women are fascinating-not always for their behavior, but because historically women are seen as naturally disruptive and their status is an illegal one from birth if it is not under the rule of men. In much literature a woman’s escape from male rule led to regret, misery, if not complete disaster. In Sula I wanted to explore the consequences of what that escape might be, on not only a conventional black society, but on female friendship.” In this course, we will examine how two of Morrison’s “outlaw” characters, Sula and Pilate, from Sula and Song of Solomon, respectively, escape the expectations that their communities and families foist on them and how they intentionally seek to construct their own sense of identity. We will look at the consequences of their choices on their friendships, relationships with family and lovers, and their communities. Through close reading, discussion, and writing responses, we will consider ideas about identity as fixed versus as in flux, the motivations that drive people to self-identify in certain ways, the challenges of encountering certain aspects of oneself, and that despite how seemingly self-aware one can be, there are always facets of identity that remain hidden until “discovered.” The course will present an opportunity for you to reflect on the aspects of your own identity—those which you have assumed from your own communities as well as those that you have deliberately cultivated and crafted—as you prepare to venture into your new communities next year.

English 12: Uncanny Latin American Short Fiction
The word “uncanny” describes something strange, mysterious, unsettling, and vaguely familiar. Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Judith Ortiz Cofer, Manuel Gonzalez, and Jorge Luis Borges are from different eras, nationalities, and backgrounds. The enduring thread between them is a focus on the uncanny details of daily life that toe the line of fantasy using language and imagery that are far more haunting than wistful. In this course, we will dive into short stories about a Mexican man in Texas who bought a unicorn, a point in space that contains everything in the universe, and a very old man with enormous wings, among others. This course will focus on developing close-reading skills, discovering how language can be ominous, and creating our own eerily unique stories. Texts include The Miniature Wife and Other Stories by Manuel Gonzalez, Collected Fictions by Jorge Luis Borges, The House of the Spirits by Isabelle Allende, and other selected short fiction.

English 12: Victorian Literature
Queen Victoria, a pillar of morality and propriety, colored the culture of her eponymous era (1837–1901) in lavender and lace. The year 1859 captures the spirit of the age with three milestones in publication history: Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, John Stuart Mill’s work on utilitarianism, and Samuel Smiles’ “bible” on self-help. For all the relative peace and prosperity of the Victorian age, times were hard—and as disorienting as a tumble down the rabbit-hole—due to imperialism, industrialization, and social issues such as “The Woman Question” and workers’ rights. Discontent lurked beneath the veneer of decorum, as evidenced by the prevalence of social critiques that masqueraded as novels. In this elective, Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray will function as the looking glass through which we will consider how our course texts reflect and problematize this age of improvement. Alongside our protagonists, we will come to our own understanding of the Victorian age as novel and (un)conventional, as really real and still relevant, and as a touchstone for the twenty-first century. Texts include Wilde’s Picture of Dorian Gray, Shelley’s Frankenstein, Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Caroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, as well as selected essays.

English 12: Women in Literature
The course will examine recurring images of women in literature and at the social contexts and constructions of identity. We will explore how identity is gendered in relation to a range of contexts and will examine stereotypes of “the madwoman in the attic” and the derivation of hysteria as an exclusively female phenomenon. We will also discuss stereotypes of feminine sexuality and the consequences of deviating from constructed norms. In addition to examining gender and sexuality, we will also look at how ethnicity, nationality, religion, class, and ability affect identity. Texts include A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams, The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, The Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, and The Awakening by Kate Chopin.

English 12: Women in Science Fiction
Women have been shaping science fiction since the dawn of the genre. In fact, one could argue that Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is one of the first science fiction novels. Beginning with Mary Shelley and Octavia Butler, this course focuses on two central themes: technology that has developed beyond human control and the role of women in shaping a more equitable and peaceful future. Additional authors may include Jennifer Eagan, Naomi Alderman, and N.K. Jemisin.

English 12: Women Writing Horror
On the surface, horror novels appear to depict violence, malevolence, or destruction. But when we dig deeper, we find the genre is often about survival. In childhood, girls are frequently told the world is a dangerous place. In this class, we will be looking at the works of women writers who claim space in a genre most often associated with men. However, Kirsty Logan, author of Things We Say in the Dark, believes women are “uniquely situated to understand the world is often a site of horror…but it can be survived and [one] can come out on the other side.” We will be reading the works of Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Edith Wharton, Susan Hill, Shirley Jackson, and Octavia Butler.

The Upper School program offers French, Latin, Mandarin and Spanish. The curriculum is planned to help students acquire an ease of expression both in writing and in speaking, a knowledge of the respective countries and cultures, and an understanding of literature.

French I
This course is designed to accommodate students who have had little or no previous training in French. The work is necessarily intensive, and equal emphasis is placed on aural and oral skills, reading and writing. The study of French culture and geography is introduced. At the successful completion of this course students are eligible for French II or French II Honors.

French II
This course continues the development of aural and oral skills, reading and writing. Vocabulary and grammar are important elements of the curriculum, which is designed to ensure the development of aural comprehension and culturally authentic speech. The program also encourages cultural awareness. At the completion of this course, students are eligible for French III.

French II Honors
This is an advanced and enriched course. Equal emphasis is placed on high achievement in oral/aural competency and reading and writing skills. Development of thematic vocabulary, mastery of grammar, and verb forms are the focus of this level. The cultural element of the program focuses on geography and the understanding of the economy as well as social life in France. At the completion of this course, students are eligible for French III or French III Honors.

French III
This course stresses aural and oral competency as well as reading and writing. A review of grammar and vocabulary is conducted in order to increase students’ proficiency. Emphasis is placed on developing the ability to communicate ideas through oral and written expression. Aspects of French and francophone cultures are studied.

French III Honors
This is an accelerated course that prepares students for the Advanced French language class the following year. A comprehensive and meticulous review of grammar is integrated with the examination of various themes of French environment. Equal emphasis is placed on high oral and aural competence and advanced aptitude in reading and writing. Intensive vocabulary acquisition is also part of the course.

French IV
French IV is designed for those students who would like to continue the study of French. This course emphasizes oral and written communication as well as an introduction to literature. Hands-on language learning and authentic, activity-based situations will not only enhance language skills but also encourage cultural exploration. Upon completion of this course, students may be eligible for Advanced French Language.

French V
French V is a continuation of French IV. French V is a program designed for those students who would like to continue the study of French. This course emphasizes oral and aural skills with a systematic review of written communication. Hands-on language learning and authentic, activity-based situations will not only enhance language skills but also encourage cultural exploration. This course emphasizes active usage and interaction, using art, music, literature, film and other cultural references to translate theoretical foundation into communicative output.

Advanced French Language
This course emphasizes the use of language for active communication. Equal emphasis is placed on advanced oral and aural competence, as well as advanced aptitude in reading and writing. A systematic study of vocabulary and cultural content will be conducted in order to speak and write accurately and logically. Little attention is given to literature but emphasis is placed on customs, current events, sociology and politics. This is an intensive curriculum and includes much reading, essay writing, research and oral presentations.

French V Honors
This course is designed for students who have previously taken Advanced French Language. Divided into four parts, the course will explore modern literature, business, classic literature, and films. The reading of a novel and a play will be the center of the literary aspect of the course. Study of current events will lead to advanced conversation and a sophisticated understanding of the French economy and politics. This part of the course will allow students to further their knowledge of French trade and international markets. Lastly, students will explore the language through cinema.

Latin I
The first-year course introduces students to the basics of Latin grammar and syntax, including all of the indicative verb tenses and noun declensions. Considerable attention is paid to developing translation skills, both of seen and sight passages, and to Latin composition. Elements of Roman history and culture figure prominently in the readings and in class discussions.

Latin II
This course completes the study of the basic forms of the Latin language and continues with advanced syntax. Students translate various episodes from Roman history and mythology and then move on to selections from Caesar’s Gallic Wars. In addition to studying the historical background of the Late Republic, students also focus on the military and political career of Julius Caesar.

Latin III
This course will strengthen and refine students’ grasp of Latin grammar by combining a review of advanced syntax with close readings of ancient prose and poetry. In the fall, the course will focus on the Amores and Metamorphoses of Ovid, through which students will hone their literary critical skills and become familiar with a large number of rhetorical terms. In the spring, the course focuses on Petronius’ Satyrica and considers not only its grammatical and stylistic features but also its historical context.

Latin IV
This course will deepen students’ literary critical skills and provide broader exposure to Latin literature. In the first half of the year, the course focuses on the poems of Catullus, with special attention paid to Alexandrian poetry and its influence on neoteric poets in Rome. In the spring semester, the focus shifts to the Odes and Epodes of Horace, with special emphasis on how Greek lyric poetry and contemporary political events influenced Horace’s poetic craft.

Advanced Latin Literature
This course focuses on Latin poetry and prose from the late Republic and early Empire. In addition to translating and analyzing extended passages from Caesar’s Gallic Wars and Vergil’s Aeneid, students will compose essays on key themes found in each author's work.

Mandarin I
This introductory course focuses on the fundamentals of listening, speaking, reading, and writing; moreover, it is designed to develop students’ confidence and interest in learning Chinese. Students will learn the Chinese phonetic system of Pinyin and the Chinese writing system through a systematic introduction. They will also be able to recognize and reproduce three hundred characters in simplified form by the end of the second semester.

Mandarin II
This intermediate course is a natural continuation of what was introduced and mastered in Mandarin I. It aims not only to solidify but also to advance students’ overall skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The words and sentences are built on their previous knowledge and students will learn to combine different grammar structures into longer and more complex sentences. Students will be able to recognize and reproduce more characters in simplified form.

Mandarin III
This course is designed for students who completed Mandarin II. It aims to further develop students’ overall linguistic command of modern Chinese. The goals of this course include a beginning mastery of reading, writing, oral comprehension, oral communication and knowledge of Chinese culture. Students are assessed on these skills through written homework, classroom participation and regular quizzes and tests.

Mandarin IV
This course is meant for students who have successfully completed Mandarin III. The main goal of this course is to assist students in developing more advanced Mandarin language skills. In addition to expanding upon their vocabulary, students will be expected to sustain increasingly complex conversation and to write with greater coherence and accuracy. Students will also continue to develop a rich in-depth appreciation for Chinese literature. By the end of the course, students should be able to read and write approximately 1500 characters and demonstrate strong intermediate to advanced level conversational fluency.

Spanish I
This course is designed to accommodate students who have little to no previous training in Spanish. The work is necessarily intensive, and equal emphasis is placed in aural and oral skills, reading and writing. At the completion of this course, students are eligible for Spanish II or Spanish II Honors.

Spanish II
The study of grammar is continued and conversation is stressed. Simple texts, situational dialogues and listening and speaking exercises are used to improve skills in all areas of the language. The geography, history and culture of Latin America and Spain are studied. Upon completion of this course, students are eligible for Spanish III.

Spanish II Honors
This is an advanced and enriched course in which equal emphasis is placed on high achievement in oral/aural competency, as well as reading and writing skills. Development of thematic vocabulary, mastery of grammar, and verb forms are the focus of this level. The cultural element of the program focuses on various aspects such as history, customs and literature of different countries of the Spanish-speaking world. At the completion of this course, students are eligible for Spanish III or Spanish III Honors.

Spanish III
Grammar is reviewed and reinforced through oral and aural exercises as well as the reading of short cultural summaries. Emphasis is placed on developing students’ ability to communicate ideas orally and in writing. Study of Spanish and Spanish-American cultures continues.

Spanish III Honors
This is an advanced course preparing students for the Advanced Spanish Language class the following year. Spanish grammar and significant reading and writing assignments are the focus of this course. Students are expected to use Spanish in class. Study of Spanish and Spanish-American art and cultures continues to be an important part of the curriculum. At the completion of this course, students are eligible for Spanish IV or Advanced Spanish Language.

Spanish IV
Spanish IV is designed for those students who would like to continue the study of Spanish. This course emphasizes oral and written communication as well as an introduction to literature. Hands-on language learning and authentic, activity-based situations will not only enhance language skills but also encourage cultural exploration. Upon completion of this course, students may be eligible for Advanced Spanish Language.

Spanish V
Spanish, movies and art: a historical and cultural look at the Spanish-speaking world through its rich artistic heritage. The objective of this course is to expose students to a number of historically and culturally relevant events of the Spanish-speaking world as described by a number of carefully selected works of art and movies such as Isabel, Juana la Loca and El perro del hortelano, the paintings of Frida Kahlo, Oswaldo Guayasamín and others. Every unit will consist of the study, through movies or relevant works of art, of the historical, social, cultural and economic factors present in the different countries at a particular point in time. The students will also study the current political, cultural and social environments of the said countries, draw contrasts and analyze the changes that have taken place. The purpose of this course is to awaken intellectual interest in the minds of the students about the Spanish-speaking world, its past, present and future.

Advanced Spanish Language
This course emphasizes the use of language for active communication. Equal emphasis is placed on advanced oral and aural competence, as well as advanced aptitude in reading and writing. A systematic study of vocabulary and cultural content will be conducted in order to speak and write accurately and logically. Little attention is given to literature, but emphasis is placed on, but not limited to topics such as customs, current events, sociology, technology and world challenges. This is an intensive curriculum and includes much reading, essay writing, research, as well as oral presentations.

Literature of the Spanish-Speaking World
This course supports the formal study of a representative body of literature written in Spanish, from Peninsular Spain, Latin America, and the United States. Students have varied opportunities to develop proficiency in Spanish across a range of skills—with emphasis on critical reading and analytical writing—and to reflect on the many voices and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.

The goals of the Mathematics Department are to develop the ability to reason mathematical concepts, to develop proficiency with skills and to provide students with a solid foundation for advanced mathematical studies and for the use of mathematics in their daily lives. Upper School students are required to take mathematics through grade 11 and to successfully complete Precalculus, and are strongly encouraged to maintain mathematics in senior year. Students in grades 9 through 12 use graphing calculators for class, homework and tests.

Algebra I with Summer Geometry (Grade 9)
This course covers a full year of algebra in preparation for summer Geometry, Algebra II & Trigonometry in 10th grade, PreCalculus in 11th grade and Calculus during senior year. Topics include the solution of linear equations and applications to problem solving, the graph and equation of a line, solution of systems of linear equations, operations with polynomials, factoring, solution of quadratic equations by factoring and formula, properties of the graph of a quadratic function, properties of exponents, probability and statistics, operations with rational functions, solution of rational equations and properties of and operations with radicals. Summer Geometry typically runs through the middle of July and covers all the topics covered in the 9th grade standard Geometry class.

Geometry (Grade 9)
This is a full-year course in Euclidean geometry with an emphasis on the writing of proofs. Topics include properties of segments and angles, perpendicular and parallel lines, triangle congruence, properties of quadrilaterals, triangle inequalities, similarity, right triangles, right triangle trigonometry, circles, metric geometry, coordinate geometry and transformation. Algebraic concepts, specifically radicals, quadratics, and systems of linear equations, are reinforced and applied throughout the course. Students will build on their problem solving skills as they develop the ability to reason through problems using postulates, theorems, and inductive and deductive reasoning.

Geometry Honors (Grade 9)
This is a full-year course in Euclidean geometry that emphasizes the writing of proofs and is taught in a way that will offer a challenge for students who wish to pursue a more rigorous study of the material. Extra work will be required of all honors students. Students learn to use TI-Nspire software to formulate conjectures. Topics include properties of segments and angles, perpendicular and parallel lines, triangle congruence, properties of quadrilaterals, triangle inequalities, similarity, right triangles, right triangle trigonometry, circles, metric geometry coordinate geometry and transformations. This course will develop each student’s ability to engage in inductive and deductive reasoning to produce mathematical proofs. Students will provide mathematical justifications for their observations, calculations, and conclusions, building their own analytic skills. Students will explore the relationships between geometric figures and the applications of these relationships in the real world. Students will think analytically and logically in order to make connections between geometrical relationships.

Algebra II and Trigonometry Honors (Grades 9 and 10)
This course is designed to build on the concepts learned in Algebra I. This course focuses not only on procedural and conceptual skills, but also the heart of problem solving at a rigorous level as well. The material includes a brief review of linear equations and solutions of systems of equations, followed by solutions of linear equations using matrices and determinants, rational functions and equations, exponential and logarithmic functions, conic sections, and complex numbers. The study of trigonometry includes the study of right triangle trigonometry, solving triangles, and introduction to sine and cosine as circular functions, including working with identities as well as solving equations. The content of this course is particularly important for standardized exams.

Algebra II & Trigonometry with Precalculus Honors (Grade 10)
This course is an accelerated study of Algebra II, Trigonometry, and Precalculus that extends past other courses into the faculty planning weeks and emphasizes both the breadth of Algebra II & Trigonometry and the depth of Precalculus. The course begins with a general study of algebraic skills, functions, and graphs. Students will explore quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, logistic, and trigonometric functions, focusing on properties, equations, inequalities, graphs, and applications of each type of function. Students will then study probability, statistics, conics, and matrices. The course culminates with a study of continuity and limits, the first key topics of calculus.

Precalculus (Grade 11)
This class is a grade 11 mathematics option that begins with the in-depth study of key precalculus concepts of function and trigonometry. Statistics and discrete mathematics topics are included to prepare students for grade 12 electives. The graphing calculator is used extensively throughout the course. Students develop mathematical models for real-world applications from a wide range of fields, including business and science. The end of the second semester is devoted to the study of the beginning of basic differential and integral calculus. By year's end, students will have been introduced to all topics covered on the SAT II subject test. This course will be taught using the iPad and an e-text. The iPad will be used to deliver content and provide a more customized approach to learning. By the end of the year, students will have been introduced to all topics covered on the Math II Subject Test.

Honors Precalculus (Grades 10 and 11)
This course begins with a rigorous precalculus program focusing on the properties of trigonometric, logarithmic, exponential and polynomial functions; appropriate integration of graphing calculator technology and algebra is emphasized. The end of the second semester is devoted to the study of the beginning of basic differential and integral calculus using the syllabus of the Advanced Calculus course. This course will be taught using the iPad and an e-text. The iPad will be used to deliver content and provide a more customized approach to learning.

Calculus (Grade 12)
This course continues the study of basic differential and integral calculus started in the Precalculus course. It begins with a rigorous study of limits in calculus. Students will then study the main branches of college Calculus; derivatives and integrals. Students will use derivatives in applications that include business applications, optimization, and related rates, as well as applications of integration to find the area under a curve. Students will apply differentiation and integration to polynomials, radical and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, as well as trigonometric functions. A strong background in precalculus is a requirement.

Advanced Calculus AB (Grades 11 and 12)
This course is a continuation of the Precalculus class in grade 11 and continues the study of basic differential and integral calculus using the syllabus of the Advanced Placement AB level course. Advanced Calculus AB will focus on the four major concepts of college Calculus: functions, limits, derivatives, and integrals. Students will not only learn the skills and concepts associated with the four major concepts of calculus, but they will apply them to real world phenomena. Their processing, decision-making, and other problem-solving skills will develop throughout the course. Students will become comfortable with multiple representations of functions (numeric, graphic, algebraic, verbal) and solve problems using each representation. Students will also use technology to deepen their understanding of how various representations of problems are related to each other. The graphing calculator is essential to this course and the student’s ability to create and share mathematical representations of problems and solutions.

Advanced Calculus BC (Grades 11 and 12)
This course is a continuation of the Honors Precalculus class in grade 11 and continues the study of basic differential and integral calculus using the syllabus of the Advanced Placement BC level course. Advanced Calculus BC will focus on the four major concepts of college Calculus: limits, derivatives, integrals and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, and Series. Students will not only learn the skills and concepts associated with the four major concepts of calculus, but they will apply them to real world phenomena. Their processing, decision making, and other problem-solving skills will develop throughout the course. Students will become comfortable with multiple representations of functions (numeric, graphic, algebraic, verbal) and solve problems using each representation. Students will also use technology to deepen their understanding of how various representations of problems are related to each other. The graphing calculator is essential to this course and the student’s ability to create and share mathematical representations of problems and solutions.

Advanced Statistics (Grade 12)
This course follows the syllabus set by the Advanced Placement program of the College Board, but is designed to be accessible to a wider range of students than calculus. Students are introduced to major concepts and tools for collecting, organizing, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. Topics include univariate and bivariate data distributions, measures of center, measures of spread, developing models and correlation and residual plots, among others. Both graphing calculators and computers are used extensively, and students do substantial independent project work.

Multivariable Calculus (Grade 12)
Students will build upon the concepts introduced in Advanced Calculus BC and extend their knowledge of functions to include more than two dimensions. Focus will be placed on parametric equations and vector functions. Vectors will be graphed in three dimensions, to allow students to analyze quadratic surfaces and cylindrical and spherical coordinates. Students will use a wide variety of techniques to maximize and minimize functions. Arc length, speed, rectilinear motion, and other topics introduced in Advanced Calculus BC are extended to the third dimension. Limits, continuity, derivatives, and integrals are analyzed with multivariate functions. The course includes numerous applications to physics.

Linear Algebra: Topics in Discrete Mathematics (Grade 12)
Students will build upon their prior knowledge of linear equations to discuss the linear dependence/independence of vectors and to analyze vector spaces and subspaces. Students will use matrices to solve systems of linear equations using inverses, matrix multiplication, and Gaussian elimination. Determinants of matrices will be used to explore the properties of matrices, such as eigenvalues, eigenvectors, and eigenspaces. This course will involve computations, proofs, and applications in its study of solving linear equations.

The focus of the Upper School science program is the development of scientific literacy to enable the student to function in a technological society. Science courses provide students with experience in problem solving, competency in laboratory work and facility in critical thinking. Three years of science are required including physics. Electives are offered to juniors and seniors interested in taking more advanced science courses.

Biology (Grade 9)
Grade 9 Biology is designed to introduce students to ways of knowing and understanding the living world at various levels of complexity. The course includes consideration of the chemical nature of cells and an examination of the evolution of living things. Students learn to respect the primacy of evidence in the advancement of the biological sciences. Relevant laboratory experiences reinforce the key concepts of this life science course.

Chemistry (Grade 10)
This course introduces students to fundamental chemical principles and concepts through inductive laboratory experiences and reasoning. Topics explored include atomic and molecular structure, periodicity, bonding, gases and thermodynamics. The course integrates laboratory activities, classroom demonstrations and problem-solving activities and fosters an understanding of chemical processes and phenomena. Throughout the course, mathematical relationships are utilized and explored when appropriate and meaningful in scientific investigations.

Honors Chemistry (Grade 10)
Honors Chemistry is an accelerated introductory-level chemistry course intended for motivated students who possess a strong background and skill in math. Students explore fundamental chemical principles and challenging concepts via an in-depth analytical and experimental approach. In addition to introductory materials, advanced topics such as thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, solutions, and redox reactions are explored. An emphasis on problem-solving using various mathematical skills, coupled with lab experiments, further solidify and enhance students’ learning and understanding of these concepts and processes.

Physics (Grades 11 and 12)
Physics introduces the quantitative study of the most fundamental behavior of natural systems through the topics of dynamical motion, electricity and magnetism, and waves. These topics are applied to understand everyday phenomena, the Solar System and Universe, the quantum structure of the atom, and technology. This course requires mathematical problem solving as an essential basis for understanding the concepts but also explores the historical context of the hallmark discoveries of physics.

Honors Physics (Grades 11 and 12)
Honors Physics introduces the same topics as covered in Physics, but delves deeper into the mathematical problem-solving and quantitative reasoning skills necessary to understand more advanced treatments of the discipline. This course is a required prerequisite for Advanced Physics and is intended for highly driven students who demonstrate strong mathematical proficiency.

Engineering I (Grades 10, 11 and 12)
In this course, students use engineering principles and standards as they focus on the design process and its application. Through problem-solving, students work in groups and individually to apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various design challenges. The course emphasizes the use of technology to help create and build solutions to solve proposed problems and create written documentation for communicating solutions to peers and the school community as a whole. This course exposes students to important concepts and topics such as energy, mechanisms, materials, and electronics and circuits.

Engineering II (Grades 11 and 12)
Students study the design concepts of form and function, as well as the application of the design process. Through project-based studies, engineering students develop their problem-solving skills and draw on fundamental engineering principles to formulate solutions to various challenges. Working in cooperative groups and individually, students explore hydraulic, electrical, and communication systems. This course will expose students to the important concepts of mechanical, fluid, and pneumatic control systems, circuitry, analog and digital fundamentals, and coding.

Introductory Biochemistry(Grade 11 and 12)
Introductory Biochemistry is an entry-level course for juniors and seniors interested in the processes of catabolism (breakdown) of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins at the molecular level. These processes provide the basic essentials for cellular function and the subsequent biosynthesis to form more complex molecules. The course will include topics such as basic organic chemistry, an introduction to biochemistry, nutritional testing and cellular measurements, and the energy aspects of metabolism. Additionally, proteins, genetics, and virology will be introduced from an experimental perspective. Laboratory based, the course will provide opportunities for student research during the second semester. These individual research projects will correspond to student interests and easily fulfill the Capstone requirement.

Environmental Science (Grade 12)
The course explores the many factors involved in decision-making in the context of environmental studies. The specific topics will be student generated, but grounded in the “sciences” with connections to any other disciplines. An initial exploration of what science is, and is not, will form the foundation for the remainder of the course. The course is modeled as a “college-type” seminar format with debates, peer-reviewed presentations, independent study, readings from the course text, selected articles, scientific journals and the popular press. This course challenges students to understand all sides of controversial issues. Since the dynamics in the science lab can only model approximate conditions in the real world, field work and experiential learning will be utilized as much as possible. There is an honors option in this course.

Advanced Biology (Grades 11 and 12)
This course is a rigorous introduction to college-level biology. The concepts focus on cellular and molecular biology, heredity and evolution and organisms and populations. This course is intended for highly motivated students who are willing to devote considerable time and focused attention to learning biology at the first-year college level. Laboratory experiments teach students to develop a sophisticated approach to data collection and analysis, reinforcing the concepts and mathematical relationships of biology.

Advanced Chemistry (Grades 11 and 12)
Mathematically and conceptually demanding, Advanced Chemistry is a fast-paced and rigorous course intended for highly-driven students interested in developing an advanced understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry. This class is designed with the equivalency of a first-year general chemistry college course. Topics such as rates of reactions, acids and bases, the application of thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and spectroscopy are explored. The lab component engages students to develop sophisticated approaches to data collection and analysis, and reinforces the various concepts of chemistry taught throughout the course. Students are expected to bring a focused attention to class and devote considerable time to learning chemistry.

Advanced Physics (Grade 12)
Advanced Physics is a calculus-based treatment of physics similar to a college-level physics course for physical scientists and engineers. It is intended for highly motivated and mathematically inclined students who wish to investigate the most fascinating subjects of Honors Physics at a level of rigor equivalent to a traditional AP Physics C course. The Advanced Physics course will cover the highlights of AP Physics C (Gravitation, Gauss’ Law, the Biot-Savart Law) but will augment these topics with in-depth studies of the Solar System, Special Relativity, and basic Quantum Mechanics. Those students who wish to further prepare for the AP Physics C exams in May will be supplied with textbook chapters to read and a list of recommended problems. Because Advanced Physics emphasizes solving mathematical physics problems, including those using calculus, essential math concepts will be taught as necessary. Potential capstone projects within the course could include learning the essentials of Linear Algebra, Statistics, and Computer Programming in order to help the students understand and develop a greater appreciation of the beauty and sophistication of the natural world.

The Upper School History and Social Science department hopes to foster the curiosity, empathy, respectful debate, and courage required by our increasingly pluralistic society and globalized world. Classes attempt to achieve this by developing the historical skills of close reading, analysis, evaluation, and research. We also practice grappling with multiple points of view and conflicting interpretations in order to reach nuanced and balanced understandings of the past and of the present. We study previous and contemporary dilemmas in order to develop the intellectual and emotional skills that are required to apply the Goals and Criteria of the Sacred Heart network in our local, national, and international civic life. In the process, students are prepared for college writing and standardized tests.

World History I: Prehistory through 15th Century (Grade 9)
The course begins with building the foundations for the study of history (historiography) with an analysis of the summer reading, The Epic of Gilgamesh. Using this epic poem, we not only practice how to evaluate sources, but also how to develop and organize the rich historical interpretations of the Neolithic Revolution. Then we dive into comparative study of other early civilizations in Africa, Asia and the Americas. Next, the development of Classical Civilizations is explored, along with an examination of their interactions with pastoralists. Finally, the year ends with the study of the Post-Classical Period and the acceleration of global contact that led to the Modern Era. Thematic connections between literature and its historical context are emphasized through the reading of The Odyssey, Julius Caesar and Antigone in English 9. Library research is introduced through projects that focus on information evaluation skills and proper citation formatting. Students also develop their digital literacy and civic skills by evaluating news sources in a running current events project.

World History II: 15th Century through the Present (Grade 10)
In this second half of the Sacred Heart world history sequence, students bring their studies of the global past up to the present, as they continue to grapple with the thorny question of whether world history represents a story of progress. The year begins with a discussion of the summer reading assignment, Tom Standage’s History of the World in Six Glasses, which serves as a bridge between the ninth and tenth grade courses. We then continue through a series of thematic units as we explore the variety of forces that have knit the world ever more closely together over the past five centuries. The course emphasizes historical analysis, communication skills, and ethical judgment, and assessments will take many forms, including in-class discussions and debates, independent research, primary source analysis, written essays, and creative projects. Students will also participate in the National History Day program, through which they will produce a work of original historical scholarship and will have the option of presenting at local, state, and national NHD competitions.

United States History (Grade 11)
This course investigates the major themes and events in American history since colonial times that have helped to shape the American character. The course of study is guided by the central questions: What does it mean to be “American”? How has the meaning of American identity changed, and not changed, over time? Students will trace the origins, essence, and significance of American identity across time by closely examining key turning points in American history. Students will be challenged to critically analyze a wide variety of primary and secondary sources and to develop organized, well-substantiated, and precise analytical essays. During the third quarter, students embark on a focused research unit in which they formulate a historically specific question, conduct independent research using primary and secondary sources, and complete a formal history research paper. Active class participation is an integral part of the course.

Psychology (Grade 12)
This course serves as an introduction to the study of psychology as a science. It covers major topic areas such as the structure/function of the nervous system, biological basis for behavior, Personality Theory, Sensation/Perception, Learning Theory and so on. Year-long themes include: the nature of scientific theory, the necessary and sufficient aspects of a “theoretical explanation” of behavior and the ethical implications of the diagnosis and treatment of behavior.

Macroeconomics (Grade 12)
In keeping with the Sacred Heart goal of preparing students “to be active, informed, and responsible citizens locally, nationally, and globally,” this course invites students to embrace the individual and communal responsibility of informed economic decision-making. This policy-oriented course will explore macroeconomic topics including the causes of booms, recessions, and crises; the effects of fiscal and monetary policies; the state’s role in managing and regulating markets; and the challenges of globalization, inequality, and international development. Students will approach these problems from a theoretical and practical perspective, becoming proficient in a wide range of economic concepts while also applying them to understand historical and contemporary issues. The course will make frequent use of reporting on current events, including articles and analysis from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, and The Financial Times. At the end of the semester, students will develop a detailed analysis of a piece of economic policy recently enacted or under consideration in New York City, assessing the policy for its impact on a broad range of communities within the city.

The Late Great 1968 (Grade 12)
1968 was a watershed year in global history. From Berkeley to Mexico City, from Paris to Prague, and from Trento to Tokyo, the years from the late 1950s to the early 1970s witnessed a moment of political and cultural upheaval that challenged the authority of governments, societies, long-standing institutions, and traditional ways of thought. The events associated with the ‘long 1960s’ transcended the realm of conventional politics: long hair, exotic clothing, rock music, and ostentatiously casual behavior became distinctive marks of a ‘restless youth’. The decade of the 1960s witnessed the rise of mass movements dedicated to racial, economic, and sexual justice, the overthrow of long-standing colonial regimes in Africa and Asia, and the mobilization of a new transnational countercultural activism among the youth, all amidst the backdrop of the ensuing Cold War. In this course, students will be challenged to connect, contextualize, and compare the radical reform movements of the 1960s that birthed new social, cultural, and political norms both at home and beyond our borders. Throughout the semester, students will examine a wide variety of primary and secondary sources including speeches, films, memoirs, and political treatises to gain a greater understanding of the aspirations, transnational connections, and achievements of 1960s-era activists. Students will finish the semester by completing a research paper that applies a comparative, transnational, or global lens to a topic, event, or movement of their choosing.

21st Century Citizenship (Grade 12)
This semester-long course will emphasize ways students can participate in civic life beyond voting. The course introduces students to the structures and access points to the federal and New York City government, the formation of political identities, and the ways in which interest groups attempt to influence the policymaking process. Students will use case studies from contemporary politics, including the evolution of the Democratic and Republican parties in the 21st century and the roles that interest groups have played in shaping party agendas. The course will also examine recent innovations, such as ranked-choice voting, to increase third-party participation in the electoral process. The course will culminate in students developing and executing a “lobbying day” meeting with a local elected official on an issue of concern to them.

Entrepreneurial Microeconomics (Grade 12)
Microeconomics is the branch of economics that studies how individual firms make decisions, and in this course, students will explore this question through a practical introduction to the challenges of starting a socially responsible small business. In addition to mastering foundational microeconomic concepts including price elasticity, measures of profit, and market failures, students will also consider these problems from the entrepreneur’s perspective, addressing issues including possible sources of startup funding, marketing strategies, and the process of researching and writing a business plan. And, given the school’s Goal Three “commitment to justice, peace, and the integrity of creation,” we will explore how a combination of sound public policy and ethical business leadership might generate both profit and social progress. The course will culminate in a business pitch competition, in which student teams develop detailed proposals for new small businesses and present them to an audience of their peers, faculty and staff, and guest judges.

Immigrants in American History (Grade 12)
Long considered a “nation of immigrants” and a “melting pot”, there is no denying that America is a country that was birthed, built, and molded by immigrants. But the story of immigration to America is complex, complicated, and multifaceted. This course traces the history of immigration and the meaning of citizenship from America’s very beginnings to the present day. In this course, students will investigate the many issues, events, and controversies surrounding the history of American immigration: questions of inclusion and exclusion, settlement patterns, issues of race, gender, and ethnicity, and the evolution of federal immigration policy. As we move chronologically through time, students will be pushed to critically analyze, question, and critique commonly held narratives surrounding immigration by examining a wide variety of primary and secondary sources to substantiate their interpretations. This course will place particular emphasis on exploring lived immigrant experiences throughout American history. Throughout the semester, students will conduct independent research, engage in mock debates on immigration issues, and apply historical context and perspective to current events surrounding immigration.

History of the Modern Middle East (Grade 12)
This course is a broad survey of the rich and complex history of the Middle East. It begins by investigating the term itself, since the definition of the “Middle East” is contested. The class will then turn to a chronological organization of the region’s history, beginning with the challenges faced by the Ottoman Empire at the turn of the 20th century and ending with the most current events of the region. Along the way we will examine the extent to which imperialism, modernization, nationalism, and migration impacted the lives of different states and groups of people. Specific turning points that will be examined include: the impact of WWI; the secularist reforms of Ataturk; the genesis and continued significance of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict; the rise of Nasserism; the Islamic Revolution of 1979; the Persian Gulf Wars; the Arab Uprisings of 2011; and the ongoing civil and proxy wars in Syria and Yemen. Students will engage closely with an array of primary and secondary sources, weigh multiple perspectives, and develop their own evidence-based arguments in writing, research, and class discussions. As a final project, students will have the choice of either conducting an interview to aid in the research of a topic of their choice, or creating a secondary source that can be used to teach others about a topic of their choice.

HISTORY/SOCIAL SCIENCE
Extra-Curricular Activities

Mock Trial
The mock trial program is a competition that has two purposes. The first is to teach high school students basic trial practice skills. Students learn the dynamics of a courtroom, how to conduct direct and cross-examinations, how to present opening and closing statements and how to think on their feet. Students will also learn to analyze legal issues and apply the law to the facts of the case. The second, and most important, purpose of the competition is to teach professionalism. Students learn ethics, civility and how to be zealous but courteous advocates for their clients. Good sportsmanship and respect for all participants are central to this competition. The program is open to students in grades 9 through 12.

Model United Nations
The goal of the Model UN is to simulate real United Nations and international bodies. Each participant will represent a country, a person or organization and advocate their policy and interests on a committee. Model UN hopes to facilitate greater understanding of international issues and promote a sense of international responsibility between participants. Ultimately, delegates should come away with a better understanding of the processes of international politics and negotiation and recognize the importance of multilateral cooperation. Model UN helps students better understand the international system, along with the numerous problems it faces. The program is open to students in grades 9 through 12.

Performing Arts: Extra-Curricular Activities

The Performing Arts Department sponsors two major productions a year: a fall drama production and a winter musical. Being collaborative in nature, these programs encourage teamwork and personal growth and help to develop a sense of community. While they are a major time commitment, many of the most successful students and school leaders are involved in these programs.

The Musical
The cast of the musical is chosen by audition open to all Upper School students. Rehearsals take place three afternoons a week after school. They culminate in a matinee and two evening performances during the winter. The choice of musical is taken from the wide range of American musical theater repertoire.

Drama Production
The cast of the drama production is chosen by audition and is open to all students in the Upper School. Rehearsals take place on Mondays and Wednesdays after school and result in two evening performances during the fall term. Plays are chosen to introduce students to the major works of playwrights that encompass a variety of theater styles.

Forensics Team
The forensics team competes annually in local, regional and national speech and debate tournaments. Upper School students in grades 9 through 12 are eligible and there are no prerequisites. Students must be available one free period per week and must compete in a minimum of five tournaments annually. The local competition season is October through March. Opportunities abound to improve stage presence, self-confidence, expression and public speaking skills, as well as to compete and socialize with students from other schools and regions.

Grades 9 through 12
The physical education program for grades 9-12 offers students a series of physical activities which complement the extensive interscholastic athletic teams and introduce wellness programs that foster student interest in lifelong activities. All students will experience core-curricular courses in self-defense, swimming, CPR/AED certification, fitness concepts and yoga technique along with other elective options.

Interscholastic Sports
As a member of the Athletic Association of Independent Schools of New York City, Sacred Heart competes on a varsity and junior varsity level with ten neighboring schools each season. In addition, games are scheduled with a number of other private schools. Varsity and junior varsity teams include basketball, cross-country, badminton, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field and volleyball.

This program is designed to support the academic program at Sacred Heart and offers assistance to students who are having difficulty with writing, reading comprehension, organization and/or study skills. The particular needs of individual students are addressed through one-on-one or small group instruction. The purpose of the program is to provide students with the support they need to meet the requirements of their various academic courses as they improve their skills and grow toward greater independence in their educational endeavors.

College Counseling

The college counseling program is a comprehensive four-year process that begins with informal counseling in grades 9 and 10 for students and their parents. In junior year, students are introduced to the college search process through weekly classes. The classes continue to meet weekly throughout the first semester of the senior year, exposing students to topics relevant at that stage of the college application process.

The mission of the library program, guided by the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Schools in the United States, is to support the curricular needs of all students, to integrate the effective use of library and information resources in the curriculum, to provide an environment conducive to learning, study and research, to foster a lifelong appreciation of literature and reading for pleasure, to help students critically select and evaluate information in all formats and to support the faculty’s development of curricula and teaching strategies.

Upper School library services are centered in two landmark rooms overlooking Central Park. Library staffing, hours, instruction and collections are designed to serve the needs of the whole Upper School community. Two librarians are available during and after school hours. Library research classes in grades 9, 10 and 11 are an integral part of the curriculum. Information literacy instruction, reader’s advisory and research assistance are available for all students on request. Librarians also assist faculty with research and the use of online information resources. The Upper School library collections include more than 15,000 books and DVDs and more than 50 magazine and newspaper subscriptions. Hundreds of new library resources are added annually to enrich learning for both students and faculty.

The resources of a virtual library are available both in school and at home. The Library Online webpage provides access to the patron’s catalog and to numerous specialized subscription databases and eBooks, which contain the full text of thousands of periodicals, including The New York Times, encyclopedias and dictionaries.

The library program is dedicated to maintaining the highest quality of instructional services, acquiring the best materials in all formats and keeping pace with the latest information technologies.

Upper School students learn the rudiments of compelling oral presentation: concise organization of content, performance technique, and audience interaction. Because public speaking is integrated into curricula, oral assessments foster communication and technology skills, and encourage students to demonstrate a nuanced and personal mastery of academic material. Oral presentations range in length from three to forty minutes, and range in style from persuasive orations to public address.

Campus Ministry, in conjunction with the student activities and community service programs at Sacred Heart, aims to enrich the Upper School academic program by providing students with a range of spiritual practices and experiences to enhance their Upper School years. The campus ministry team, comprised of students, religion faculty and the school priest, coordinates liturgies, sacramental opportunities, prayer services, retreats and celebrations of Sacred Heart traditions and feasts. All students and faculty, regardless of religious background, are encouraged to participate or to help with the planning of campus ministry events. They act as lectors, cantors and Eucharistic ministers and share their gifts of song and dance at Eucharistic celebrations.

The carefully planned retreat program in the Upper School complements the religion curriculum and offers an opportunity each year for students to explore their relationship with God, self, and others. Students of each grade are chosen to be retreat leaders to give the retreats structure and content. They meet with the religion faculty a few times before any given retreat. Seniors meet weekly over the course of several months to prepare the Kairos retreat for the juniors. Faculty volunteers participate in the grade level retreats and actively engage in the discussions or give witness to their faith.

The Grade 9 retreat takes place in November and inducts the students into the Sacred Heart family as a new and unique freshman class. They reflect on the meaning of being part of a new class community and how they can bring their individual gifts to strengthen the group. Special attention is given to team building and discovering unity within plurality. The Grade 10 retreat emphasizes student reflection on how they can be their best selves, loving God, neighbor, and self evermore fully. What are the experiences and relationships that help them thrive and allow them to share their gifts with the community and beyond through service? Grade 11 goes on a Kairos retreat. This retreat has been designed and adapted for juniors. Students leave on a Wednesday after school and return by Friday afternoon, usually the week after Christmas vacation. It is an overnight retreat outside Manhattan. It builds from one day to the next. Six to eight student leaders (from the senior class) with two members of the religion department and different faculty who have been selected prepare this retreat over a period of several months. These leaders and faculty members then share their stories and connect Jesus to their own story of growing in faith during the actual retreat. Besides faith sharing, there are a variety of activities included and occasions of prayer and reflection provided. A few of the themes addressed, are: Lifeline, Knowing Yourself, God’s Friendship, Results of and Obstacles to God’s Friendship, and Love in Action. Grade 12 is a time of transition. As a continuation of Kairos, the senior retreat’s focus is on Life Directions. Students discuss values, options and ideals. What choices are life-giving? What is the right direction? How to leave high school? How to cope with the risks of leaving family and friends? What do they regret in their past but what can they learn from it to move on? Is this the end, the beginning, or the continuation of a spiritual life after CSH? What role does God play in their choices?