Upper School

Students will develop foundational skills of critical thinking and analysis through reading and writing. Taught in separate French and English classes, students will read a variety of texts, including fiction novels, short stories, poems and plays. Through guided discussions and focused reading activities, students will learn how to develop and compose evidence-based essays and descriptive, well-structured pieces of narrative writing.

With the basic mathematical operations acquired in lower school, upper school students will learn more advanced forms of math, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and pre-calculus. Across their science classes, students employ the scientific method to help them understand the physical world around us, with areas of study including earth science, biology, chemistry, physics and computer science. Throughout their coursework, teachers emphasize the necessary interaction of mathematical and scientific concepts to create a cohesive learning experience. Students will learn this subject material in separate French and English speaking classrooms.

From 6th through 10th grade, students will study a variety of topics regarding American, French and global history, as well as geography. As is the focus of language and literature class, students will be guided to approach each historical era, event, artifact, etc. through a critical lens that develops their analytical skills. Our teachers strive to use authentic materials and resources to provide comprehensive history lessons within meaningful contexts. U.S. History will be taught in English, and French and global history and geography will be taught in French.

Beginning in 6th grade, students will choose to study Spanish or German as an additional language course. Students will acquire oral and written production and comprehension skills. In tandem with language-focused activities, students will also learn about each language’s unique cultural elements and how these factors influence language usage across regions.

Students attend dedicated arts and music classes and are also exposed to elements of the arts through interdisciplinary projects in their content area classes. By using a variety of mediums such as painting and drawing, and learning how to read music and play instruments, students are encouraged to unlock their creativity.

Our physical education classes aim to help students engage in sports while learning about ways to maintain their overall health. Through cooperative games and activities, students are taught important collaborative and interpersonal skills in context.