Upper School Curriculum

Grades 9-12

The Upper School program offers our diversely-talented student body a wide breadth of offerings that allows for rich discovery.  Our curriculum also encourages students to pursue interests and passions at an advanced level, thus preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that await beyond The Potomac School.

In a seven-period day, students encounter a variety of academic disciplines—from traditional subjects to an array of electives. In the weekly schedule time is set aside for students to meet advisors, discuss coursework with teachers, gather with friends, participate in a wide variety of clubs and activities, attend assemblies, and research or study in the library.

Potomac classes are small, cited by many as the basis for the unique and enduring relationships between teachers and students.

On the sports fields, Potomac’s interscholastic athletic teams consistently rank high among local independent schools, while stressing the principles of sportsmanship and teamwork. Noncompetitive options are available for students with other interests. Potomac is noted for its long tradition of high quality arts and music programs and performances.

The rich array of co-curricular offerings encourages students to invest themselves in any number of stimulating and challenging activities.  The nationally-recognized community service program, for example, boasts a strong ethos of voluntary participation and students eagerly commit themselves to service opportunities at the local, national, and international levels.

Potomac’s Upper School promotes the larger school’s belief that students learn best when they learn together, and we graduate tremendous young adults who have prepared themselves not only for college, but for life. While the list of colleges and universities to which Potomac sends graduates is impressive, we recognize this is only one measure of Potomac’s success as an academic institution. The Potomac School prepares students for a rapidly changing and demanding society even as it promotes a spirit of kindness, integrity of character, and civic conscience.

US Academic Requirements

The normal course load for most students earns them five or five and a half credits per year. A credit is earned by passing a full, yearlong course. Many students supplement a five-course schedule with a sixth course in the Arts. As a minimum, students must be enrolled in courses yielding four credits. Diploma and departmental credit will, in certain cases, be awarded for appropriate courses taken in the Intermediate School or at other schools prior to entering Potomac.

In order to earn a diploma a student must successfully:

A. Earn credits appropriate to the length of his/her Potomac career. A credit is earned by passing (i.e. achieving a grade of D- or better) a full, yearlong course. One-half credit will be earned by passing a designated semester course. The academic standard for promotion to the next grade level in the Upper School requires that a student receive not more than one grade below C- in a yearlong course, but the final decision surrounding questions of promotion rests with the division head in consultation with the Head of School.

  • A four-year student must earn nineteen credits.
  • A three-year student must earn thirteen credits.
  • A two-year student must earn nine credits.

B. Fulfill all departmental and depth requirements. Each student must successfully complete the following departmental requirements:

  • English: A full credit must be earned each year.
  • Mathematics: Three full-year courses including Geometry and Algebra II. Four years of mathematics are strongly recommended.
  • History: Three years of history are required: World History 1, World History 2 and United States History. Additional coursework beyond the requirement is strongly recommended.
  • Foreign Language: The successful completion of three Upper School courses in the same foreign language fulfills the graduation requirement. The completion of a level-four course is strongly recommended.
  • Science: Two full-year laboratory courses, one in biology and one in physical science. Three years of science are strongly recommended. Most students complete a course of study in biology, chemistry, and physics before enrolling in elective courses in science.
  • Arts: One-half credit by the end of Grade 10 and one additional credit (e.g. two half-credit courses) in Grades 11 and 12. These credits must be earned in at least two out of three areas: studio art, drama, or music.
  • Students must also complete the depth requirement by earning at least one additional credit in each of three different departments (beyond minimum diploma requirements listed above). In certain cases this may be waived or reduced for students who enter in Grades 10, 11, or 12.

 

C. Complete the Ethics course (which earns one half credit towards the graduation requirement), usually in Grade 10 or Grade 11.

D. Complete the Athletic/Activity requirements. Students entering in Grade 9 will be required to earn five activity credits during their Grade 9 and 10 years; three of these credits must be in activities offered by the athletic department. In Grade 11 and 12, students must earn four credits; three of these credits must come from the athletic department. In some cases (as outlined in the athletic sign-up forms) students may apply for waivers or independent studies in order to pursue other opportunities.

E. Complete the Senior Project requirement. During the final month of their senior year, all seniors are required to complete, and report on, a project of their own initiative and design. Classes for seniors are discontinued for the project period.

Notes:

  • The normal course load for most students earns them five or five and a half credits per year, although some students may be advised to take a fuller or lesser load. Many students supplement a five-course schedule with a sixth course in the Arts. As a minimum, students must be enrolled in courses yielding four credits.
  • Diploma and departmental credit will, in certain cases, be awarded for appropriate courses taken in the Intermediate School or at other schools prior to entering Potomac.
  • The Upper School records student progress and achievement with letter grades and narrative comments. Letter grades have the following meanings and numerical equivalents:
    • A Excellent (90-100)
    • B Good (80-89)
    • C Satisfactory (70-79)
    • D Unsatisfactory, but passing (60-69)
    • F Failure (below 60)

    On mid-semester reports teachers have the option of characterizing work as:

    • S Satisfactory
    • U Unsatisfactory

Search the Curriculum

Academics at Potomac

 

See More