Upper School Curriculum

The 2013-14 Curriculum Guide is available here.

Guidance
Guidance is coordinated by faculty advisors responsible for students at each grade level, assisted by the Guidance Department staff. At the eleventh and twelfth grade levels, college placement advising becomes the primary responsibility of the Guidance staff.

Marking Periods
The Bolles School operates on a two-semester academic year with an additional six-week summer session. Each semester is 18 weeks, with a nine-week reporting period. Twenty-two units are required for graduation.

Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement courses are offered in American history, biology, calculus AB and BC, statistics, chemistry, physics, American government and politics, comparative government and politics, computer science, English literature and English language, European history, French, Latin, Spanish, portfolio art, and art history.

Course Offerings
In addition to the Advanced Placement courses listed earlier, sequential courses in major areas are available in all college preparatory subjects. Honors, courses are offered in each discipline as well. The transcript indicates whether a course is Regular, Honors, or Advanced Placement by “R,” “H,” or “AP,” respectively. Special departmental features include the following:

The English Department offers strong literary analysis and composition experience at all levels. Electives include Introduction to Composition, Senior Composition, Newspaper, Yearbook, and Public Speaking
(Credits required: 4)

The Science Department offers college level laboratory courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Human Anatomy, Marine Science, Environmental Science, Neurobiology Honors, and Life Skills are electives
(Credits required: 3)

The Languages Department offers sequential courses in Spanish, French, Latin, Japanese, and Chinese. (Credits required: 2 years of any one language)

The Mathematics Department requires Algebra I, II, and Geometry. In addition Algebra III, Data Analysis, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, as well as Computer Applications, Web Site Development, and Programming in Java are offered.
(Mathematics Credits required: 3)

The Social Studies Department requires American Government and Economics, World History, and United States History. Electives include Recent American History, American Government and Politics, History of the Middle East and Economics.
(Credits required: 3)

The Fine and Performing Arts Department offers academic courses in Dance, Theatre, Vocal and Instrumental Music, and the Visual Arts, including Foundations in Studio Art, Sculpture, Ceramics, Painting, Watercolor, Drawing, and Photography.
(Credits required: 1)

Physical Education or an approved alternative is required of all students for two years in Grades 9-12.