Upper School Curriculum

Students learn properties of functions, limits, differential calculus, and integral calculus.

Students analyze planar curves given in parametric form, polar form, and vector form and expand study of limits, derivatives, definite and indefinite integrals.

Students are introduced to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data.

Students study linear equations, inequalities and functions, systems of linear equations and inequalities, matrices and determinants, quadratic functions, and much more.

Students explore limits, derivatives, and definite integrals.

Students develop geometric proofs and learn basic trigonometry.

Students cover functions, trigonometry, systems of equations, sequences, probability, analytic geometry, vectors, and limits.

Students are introduced to multivariable differential calculus, double and triple integrals in Cartesian and polar coordinates, the chain rule, and more.

Students cover functions, trigonometry, systems of equations, sequences, probability, and analytic geometry.

Students study biochemistry, cell structure and function, cell division, cell signaling, molecular genetics, Mendelian genetics, evolution/origins, and ecology.

Students study equilibrium, kinetics, thermodynamics and thermochemistry, atomic structure, molecular structure, electrochemistry, phases of matter, and solution behavior.

Students identify and analyze environmental problems and their effects and evaluate the effectiveness of proposed solutions.

Students explore Newtonian mechanics as well as work, energy, power, momentum, and fluid statics and dynamics.

Students investigate and articulate core biology topics through the framework of human anatomy and physiology.

Students learn basic concepts of general inorganic and physical chemistry.

Students study mechanics, matter, heat, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear energy.

Students explore the breadth of engineering fields, learn the narrative of engineering, and develop engineering design skills and habits of mind.

Students cover the fundamental concepts of chemistry in greater breadth and depth.

Students investigate and articulate core biology topics through the framework of marine biology.

Students develop their skills as close readers of text and adept writers of arguments.

Students engage in careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative (fictitious and poetic) literature through the ages.

Students produce original work while engaging in critical analysis of diverse literary texts.

Freshmen engage in the careful reading and study of ancient stories from Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome.

Students learn what the American experience looks while developing a personal and academic writing style.

Sophomores read various genres of medieval and Renaissance literature, including epic poetry, drama, and novel.

Students explore and express their convictions through discussion, essays, and creative writing.

Students cultivate eloquent speaking through time-tested exercises in rhetorical theory.

Students learn to read carefully, clearly analyze both evidence and ideas, and express historical understanding orally and in writing.

Students study U.S. history from the early settlement of the nation through the presidency of Ronald Reagan.

Students survey western art and aesthetics from the Renaissance to the present.

Students experientially learn not just the major events of the war in the Pacific theater during World War II but also enter the decision-making process.

Freshmen study the foundations of Western Civilization by examining ancient cultures of the Near East, Greece, and Roman world.

Students analyze the juxtaposition of Roman and Christian worldviews and how they both clash and synthesize in the European context.

Students explore geographic, political, cultural, and economic characteristics of American history from the settlement of Jamestown through the presidency of Bill Clinton.

Seniors study origin, structure, and functions of the United States government

Seniors explore how several worldviews are expressed in culture.

Freshmen study the theology of the ancient Church while connecting yesterday's faith lessons to our life of faith today.

Students deepen their understanding and application of logical principles.

Juniors explore theological concepts through the lens of philosophical methods.

Seniors to develop and pursue a challenging, meaningful, and self-directed project during the last few weeks of the spring semester.

Sophomores wrestle with Christianity’s seminal questions.

Students are introduced to the French language and Francophone cultures.

Students are exposed to high frequency language and learn to express themselves in the present and past tenses.

Students grow in their ability to comprehend, speak, and write more complex content.

Students develop accuracy and nuance in speaking and writing French.

Students are introduced to the complex sentence and double their Latin vocabulary.

Students master the components of the complex sentence and read unadapted passages of classical Latin literature.

Students learn more Latin grammatical structures, read selections from classical Latin literature and write Latin compositions.

Students strengthen their command of Latin grammar by reading canonical works of Latin literature.

Students are introduced to basic spoken and written Spanish.

Students learn the past, future, present perfect, past perfect, and present and past progressive tenses, and conditional mood.

Students comprehend and communicate orally and in writing about a wide variety of personal, cultural, and ethical concepts.

Students develop accuracy in speaking and writing through the use of more abstract vocabulary and more advanced grammatical structures.

Students build strength, endurance, and confidence through diverse movement styles.

Freshmen learn the integration of physical, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions of a healthy lifestyle.

Students participate in weight and conditioning programs.

Students explore photographic and digital media and compile a personal portfolio.

Students develop skills in composition, dictation, harmonic analysis, structural analysis, ear training, and sight-singing.

Students expand skills by further developing their drawing and conceptual abilities.

Each student collaborates with the instructor to develop a body of artwork in the medium of his or her choice.

Students continue to master their skills on a musical instrument and perform as an ensemble in the Upper School Concert Band.

Students continue vocal training and perform as an ensemble in the Upper School Concert Choir.

Students explore the possibilities of storytelling through film and animation.

Students examine the principles of design utilizing modern digital technology.

Students delve deeper into the creative opportunities of Adobe^® Creative Cloud applications.

Students learn to play jazz styles and perform as an ensemble. All instruments welcome.

Students learn specific methods for cultivating musical fluency using notes, key signatures, scales, intervals, chords, and rhythms.

Students act, sing, and dance in Bear Creek’s quadrennial musical production.

Students collaborate to compose short plays and learn the process of building a stage-worthy script.

Students work with DSLR and mirrorless cameras, digital photo editing, and basic photo composition.

Students explore photography as an art form.

Students perform in the musical's pit orchestra as well as at special events.

Students explore the relationship between form, space, and concept.

Students explore foundational skills and techniques in various drawing media, including pencil, pen, and chalk pastel.

Students utilize and integrate the elements of art while being introduced to the principles of design.

Students expand skills by further developing their drawing and conceptual abilities.

Students learn audio engineering, stage lighting, set design, set construction, and stage management.

Students collaborate and perform a classical or contemporary play.

Students learn both object-oriented and imperative problem solving and design using Java language.

Students survey western art and aesthetics from the Renaissance to the present.

Students build strength, endurance, and confidence through diverse movement styles.

Students deepen their understanding and application of logical principles.

Students study human thought, feelings, mental processes, and behavior at an individual and group level.

Students cultivate eloquent speaking through time-tested exercises in rhetorical theory.

Students participate in weight and conditioning programs.

The yearbook editor plans, directs, and executes the Upper School yearbook and performs the following required duties.