UPPER SCHOOL
Curriculum Guide
Course Registration


UPPER SCHOOL COURSE PLANNING

The course selection process for returning students starts in the spring. Students are provided access to course descriptions and criteria for advanced courses so they can work with their families, advisors, teachers, the College Counseling Office, the Assistant Division Head, and the Registrar's Office to make appropriate and informed course selection decisions.

Advanced courses have recommended eligibility criteria due to their high level of rigor. Each student's request for an advanced course is reviewed to determine appropriate class placement. Reviewing requests is based on a combination of eligibility criteria, including teacher recommendations and grades. NSCD does not require advanced courses. While appropriate for some students, they are not necessary for college admission. We encourage students to pursue advanced-level work in courses of authentic interest, balancing academic rigor with physical and emotional wellness. This approach serves the whole student and positions our students appropriately for a "right fit" college search.

Graduation requirements include academic courses and completing all programs that comprise North Shore's whole student curriculum. Upper school students must meet departmental requirements and be enrolled in at least five academic classes each semester. In addition to the required diploma standards, students supplement their program with various electives.




FOUR-YEAR PLANNING PROCESS

The four-year plan outlines the courses students take during their upper school years. It starts with choosing freshman courses and is adjusted annually with input from the school's academic support team. This personalized approach ensures students' educational path aligns with their needs, interests, and aspirations.
 
The four-year plan needs to encompass all the necessary graduation criteria. It should be a comprehensive and appropriately demanding schedule that blends essential academic subjects with optional courses, considering the student's aspirations beyond high school and their interests. The plan should strike a balance, offering a manageable workload that permits students to engage in extracurricular and co-curricular activities.
 
North Shore's Four-Year Plan Worksheet is a tool for crafting a student's four-year plan. The school's academic support team guides each student through this process and assists with any necessary adjustments. It's important to remember that a student's four-year plan will evolve alongside their changing needs and interests throughout their upper school experience.