Curriculum by Grade Level (9-12)
Once students enter high school at Catlin Gabel, interactions between grade levels expand within academic courses, through co-curricular programs and community activities. These overviews by grade level provide prospective students and families with a sense of the required coursework that is generally completed within these academic years.
Curriculum Overview
9th Grade
The ninth-grade year opens up new opportunities for all students; 25 to 30 percent of the class are new to Catlin Gabel, bringing together diverse experiences and backgrounds that enrich the learning environment and broaden perspectives.
Every student becomes part of an Upper School “C&C,” a group of mixed-grade students and faculty advisors, which meet three times per week for the next four years. The group provides support and encouragement to each other as they navigate the challenges and joys of high school. The faculty advisor provides guidance and mentorship regarding the academic pathway and tracks the development of each advisee—their challenges and accomplishments.
Ninth Grade Curriculum
English and Social Studies: courses aim to create learning environments that accommodate students of varying skill levels and interests and to build communities that allow for skill development, collaboration, and cultural responsiveness through the work of reading, research, writing, and speaking, both as individuals and in dialogue with one another. Students learn scholarship skills, gain experience in writing process steps that continue in later grades, read texts loosely focused on the theme of community, and practice community-building communication strategies. In their social studies class, they explore the question: “What does it mean to be a citizen/ civic participant?”
Science and Mathematics: Science I is the first part of a two-year sequence, which takes an interdisciplinary approach to the nature of science, physics and chemistry, investigating relevant concepts that integrate these disciplines while building scientific skills. Ninth graders take the mathematics course that best suits their abilities and interests. Most often, students take algebra or geometry, while a few may enroll in precalculus, calculus, or statistics if they have the necessary skills.
Modern Languages: Students study Mandarin, Spanish, or French; some take more than one language at a time.
P.E and Health: Students take Lifetime Fitness or apply for a physical education credit if they are athletes through Catlin Gabel or other athletic programs. All incoming students take a health course that includes a science-based understanding of sexuality and gender, along with information about alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs. Students discuss sexual consent and how to make choices that are congruent with their values. They also practice healthy communication strategies.
Electives: There are a variety of elective courses in computer science and the arts that take into account prior skill and student interest. Almost all art courses are open to ninth graders.
10th Grade
Sophomores build on the academic skills and knowledge developed in ninth grade, and further their critical thinking, reading, writing, and presentation skills. They take advantage of a wide range of electives to further their interests.
The four-year “C&C” advisory group continues to meet regularly. Faculty advisors work closely with individual students and their parents to help them plan their long-range academic trajectory and respond to the needs of advisees.
Tenth Grade Curriculum
English and Social Studies: Students continue to develop the skills of oral communication, research, critical thinking, reading, and writing. They read a variety of texts, including works from British and postcolonial traditions, that consider the relationship between power and community, and they consider how writing and art can contribute to social change. In Social Studies, students consider the question: “What does it mean to think like a historian?”
Modern Languages, Science, and Mathematics: Students engage in next-level modern languages (in French, Mandarin, or Spanish), mathematics, and science courses.
P.E and Health: Sophomores are required to take a second semester-long health course that centers on mental and physical health issues, including stress management, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relationships.
Electives: Over a dozen visual and performing arts courses are open to all Upper School students; examples may include playwriting, directing, sewing, and jewelry, as well as music and theater groups. Students continue to have the choice of enrolling in Computer Science.
11th Grade
In the junior year, students continue to be closely connected with the C&C cohort and faculty advisor, and they begin to work with the College Counseling team, who engage with students and families in a process of personal exploration to determine which universities might be the best fit.
Students in their last couple of high school years, capitalize on their increasing independence to pursue solo projects or organize small group projects that can create opportunities for younger grades. Students may choose from electives in various disciplines.
Eleventh Grade Curriculum
English and Social Studies: Juniors choose between taking American Studies (an interdisciplinary course that explores the history, culture, and literature of the United States) or United States History and English 11, which take a chronological approach to our nation’s narrative.
Science: The science curriculum also expands, with courses such as evolutionary biology, experimental chemistry, kinesiology, and pathogens and parasites, in addition to honors-level courses in biology, chemistry, and physics.
Mathematics and Modern Languages: The vast majority of juniors enter their third year of language study in French, Spanish, or Mandarin Chinese. They continue their study in the next level of mathematics, including advanced topics offered through the Global Online Academy.
12th Grade
The last year of high school begins with a focus on the college selection process and eventually becomes a time of reflection and connection, as seniors celebrate what they’ve accomplished as a class and as individuals.
The Catlin Gabel community recognizes the unique nature of every senior class, but there are also traditional events built into the academic calendar to celebrate them and their lasting connection to the school.
Twelfth Grade Curriculum
Seniors’ academic work often dovetails with their specific interests, as they embrace the many opportunities to put into practice the ideas and inspiration sparked in the classroom. Seniors also are paired with a first-grade “buddy” and serve as a role model and friend throughout the year. During the month-long Senior Projects in May, students pursue a personal interest by working with an on-site mentor at a chosen organization or completing an interest project guided by an advisor.
Required Curriculum: All seniors are required to take an English elective in the fall semester and may elect in the spring to take a semester of Senior English, or yearlong interdisciplinary courses Dialogue for Democracy or the Palma Seminar.
Advanced Courses: Students may continue to pursue advanced courses in social studies, computer science, science, mathematics, modern languages, and the arts.