Academics
Upper School Curriculum
Intellectually Powerful
Our rich academic program builds a rock-solid core of knowledge and skills that our graduates repeatedly report prepares them exceptionally well for college.
Ellis students graduate knowing how to study, research, craft creative solutions to challenging problems, write and present their ideas, seek help when they need it, and how to work collaboratively with diverse colleagues. They discover how they learn best as individuals and are steeped in an intellectually exciting learning environment where it’s cool to like big ideas. Our teachers work the magic of balancing just the right level of challenge and support. They believe that Ellis students learn best when they are right on the edge of their comfort zone.
Program of Study
|
Subject
|
Grade 9
|
Grade 10
|
Grade 11
|
Grade 12
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Computer Science
|
Technological Literacy
Electives: Computer Science I
|
Electives: AP Computer Science A, Data Structures & Algorithms | ||
|
English
|
World Literature I
|
World Literature II
|
American Literature
|
Poetics of Social Justice
or
AP English: Origin Story
|
|
History
|
World History I
|
World History II
|
Survey of American History
or
AP United States History
|
History Electives
(options include Contemporary Geopolitics, AP US Government)
|
|
Co-Labs and Integrated Studies
|
Voice & Vision |
Culture in Context
|
Introduction to Engineering Design |
Senior Projects
|
|
Mathematics
|
Algebra I, Geometry, or Algebra II
|
Geometry, Algebra II, or Pre-calculus /Trigonometry |
Algebra II, Precalculus/
Trigonometry, Calculus, or AP Calculus AB
|
Precalculus/Trigonometry, AP Calculus AB or BC, Calculus, or Statistics
|
|
Physical Education
|
Lifetime Wellness
|
Electives: Introduction to Sports Marketing, Strength & Conditioning, Sports & Games, Food & Nutrition, Lifetime Fitness | ||
| Science |
Concepts of Physics
|
Chemistry
|
Evolutionary Biology
AP Chemistry
|
Science Electives
(options include Everyday Science, Human Anatomy & Physiology, AP Biology, AP Physics)
|
|
Visual and/or Performing Arts
|
Students must take at least one performing or visual arts elective at some point in their Upper School years.
|
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|
World Language
|
Students must complete through Level III in Spanish, French, or Latin; Level IV and AP language courses are offered for continued study.
|
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|
Mini-courses
|
Mini-courses are required of students in grades 9–11.
|
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Upper School AP Course Examples
List of 14 items.
-
AP 2D & 3D Art & Design
-
AP Art History
-
AP Biology
-
AP Calculus AB
-
AP Calculus BC
-
AP Chemistry
-
AP Computer Science A
-
AP English: Origin Story
-
AP French Language & Culture
-
AP Latin: Vergil’s Aenied & Caesar’s De Bello Gallico
-
AP Physics
-
AP Spanish Language
-
AP United States History
-
AP US Government & Politics
Upper School Electives
List of 20 items.
-
Acting & Scene Study
-
Advanced Latin Seminar
-
Contemporary Global Geopolitics
-
Data Structures and Algorithms
-
Molecular Biology
-
Glee Club
-
Human Anatomy and Physiology
-
Computer Science
-
Playwriting
-
Introduction to Anthropology
-
Art Now
-
Introduction to Sports Marketing
-
Exploring Everyday Science
-
Statistics
-
Orchestra
-
Physics for Future Presidents
-
Studio Art
-
Voice: Sing Loud for All to Hear
-
Clayworks/Advanced Clayworks
-
Photography/Advanced Photography
Mini-courses
Mini-courses are a time for Ellis girls to embrace new ideas, unwind, and have fun. A pressure-free experience, mini-courses give the Ellis Upper School community the opportunity to collaborate, reflect, and innovate together in a joyful environment before summer break.
List of 9 items.
-
American History Through Film
-
Biking the Burgh
-
Build-a-bot
-
Bump, Birth, and Beyond: A Look at Baby-making across Cultures
-
Fashion Forward: A Project Runway Challenge
-
Game Theory
-
Global Flavors: Exploring International Cuisine
-
Power & Patience: Yoga and Meditation
-
Shakespeare’s Kings Through Film
Ashley Dotson
Head of Upper School
