UPPER SCHOOL
Curriculum Guide
Requirements
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
North Shore Country Day's upper school provides a four-year college preparatory program. To earn a diploma, students must fulfill both curricular and co-curricular requirements. Academically, students are required to enroll in at least five courses per semester, with a minimum of four being core academic classes. Core academic classes typically include disciplines such as English, mathematics, science, social studies, and world languages. Students further personalize their academic experience by selecting from a range of elective courses to complement the required curriculum. Electives may include advanced studies within core disciplines, as well as opportunities to explore areas such as the arts, technology, and other special interests. Any exceptions to these established graduation requirements must be approved by the student's advisor, the relevant department head, and the Head of Upper School.
CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS
To graduate from North Shore Country Day, students must earn a minimum of 22 credits, distributed as follows:
- 4 credits in English over four years
- 3 credits in social studies, including one credit in United States history
- 3 credits in the same language (Chinese, French, or Spanish)
- 3 credits in mathematics
- 3 credits in science that include physics, chemistry, and biology
- 2 credits in the fine arts
Students must complete all required coursework at NSCD to graduate. Summer courses taken elsewhere (including GOA) do not count towards graduation credit, and required courses cannot be transferred from other institutions. Students in ninth and tenth grades are strongly encouraged to take six courses per semester (five academic and one fine art or computer science).
A student's semester course load cannot exceed seven courses. Within that limit, at least one course must be a fine art or non-core academic subject. The Head of Upper School may, in rare cases, approve a student to take seven academic courses. Courses taken through the Global Online Academy are included in the seven-course maximum.
Course credit is awarded only upon course completion. Partial credit is not given unless approved by the Divisional Leadership Team. Students withdrawing from a course after the semester deadline will receive no credit. The Divisional Leadership Team will determine the graduation requirements for students entering NSCD during grades 10, 11, or 12 upon admission.
GLOBAL ONLINE ACADEMY (GOA)
A student's semester course load cannot exceed seven courses. Within that limit, at least one course must be a fine art or non-core academic subject. The Head of Upper School may, in rare cases, approve a student to take seven academic courses. Courses taken through the Global Online Academy are included in the seven-course maximum.
Course credit is awarded only upon course completion. Partial credit is not given unless approved by the Divisional Leadership Team. Students withdrawing from a course after the semester deadline will receive no credit. The Divisional Leadership Team will determine the graduation requirements for students entering NSCD during grades 10, 11, or 12 upon admission.
GLOBAL ONLINE ACADEMY (GOA)
GOA courses taken during the school year will appear on the student's official NSCD transcript, and grades earned will be calculated into the student's GPA. Global Online Academy (GOA) courses cannot be used to fulfill core curriculum requirements for North Shore Country Day graduation.
CO-CURRICULAR
ADVISORY
Advisory is designed to support students' academic, social, and emotional growth throughout their high school experience. Meeting regularly in small groups with a dedicated faculty advisor, students will develop essential skills in areas such as academic planning, goal setting, time management, and self-advocacy. Advisory also provides a safe and supportive space for students to discuss relevant issues, build positive relationships with peers and adults, and explore opportunities for personal growth and development. Advisors serve as mentors and advocates, guiding students through their academic journey, connecting them with resources, and fostering a sense of belonging within the school community.
INTERIM
One week in the fall is set aside from regularly scheduled classes so students can participate in an in-depth experience of educational value outside the traditional classroom environment. Teachers seek to provide learning experiences that challenge students to expand their horizons. The philosophy of Interim reflects the origin of the word educate: to lead out into the world.
Advisory is designed to support students' academic, social, and emotional growth throughout their high school experience. Meeting regularly in small groups with a dedicated faculty advisor, students will develop essential skills in areas such as academic planning, goal setting, time management, and self-advocacy. Advisory also provides a safe and supportive space for students to discuss relevant issues, build positive relationships with peers and adults, and explore opportunities for personal growth and development. Advisors serve as mentors and advocates, guiding students through their academic journey, connecting them with resources, and fostering a sense of belonging within the school community.
INTERIM
One week in the fall is set aside from regularly scheduled classes so students can participate in an in-depth experience of educational value outside the traditional classroom environment. Teachers seek to provide learning experiences that challenge students to expand their horizons. The philosophy of Interim reflects the origin of the word educate: to lead out into the world.
All projects are faculty-sponsored or approved, and participation is mandatory. Interim projects must be planned so that at least one of the four experiences is local community service. The knowledge gained benefits the individual students and, furthermore, the entire school community when students share their experiences during Interim Night and Morning Ex. A student who needs financial aid for an interim trip can submit forms of financial assistance.
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT
Students must fulfill their performance requirement for graduation by participating in at least two school productions (dramatic or musical) during their high school career. This requirement can be met through either onstage performance (e.g., acting, vocal or instrumental music, dance) or offstage technical/production work (e.g., set design, costuming, lighting, sound, stage management). Courses that satisfy this requirement, either onstage or offstage, will explicitly state so in their course descriptions.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (9th - 12th Grades)
Upper school students are required to participate in one full semester (two quarters) of physical education during each year of upper school. Physical education courses are taught by specialized instructors in disciplines such as yoga, martial arts, athletic development, and pilates. The instructors provide instruction on campus twice weekly for forty-five minutes.
INTRODUCTION TO UPPER SCHOOL (9th GRADE)
This course is designed to support students as they transition from middle school to the academic and social environment of the upper school. Introduction to Upper School focuses on developing the essential skills and strategies needed for success in a more rigorous and independent learning environment. Students will explore topics such as effective study habits, time management, organization, note-taking techniques, and test preparation strategies. The course will also address the social and emotional aspects of navigating upper school, including building positive relationships, developing self-advocacy skills, understanding school resources, and promoting well-being. Students will participate in activities that foster collaboration, critical thinking, and communication skills. This course aims to equip students with the tools and confidence necessary to thrive academically and socially in the upper school setting. Emphasis will be placed on setting personal goals, exploring interests, and developing a plan for academic and extracurricular involvement throughout their upper school experience.
HEALTH (10th Grade)
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their physical, mental, and social well-being. Health encompasses a variety of topics designed to promote lifelong wellness and healthy lifestyles. Students will explore concepts related to nutrition, physical activity, stress management, substance abuse prevention, mental and emotional health, healthy relationships, human sexuality, disease prevention, and first aid/CPR. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking skills, analyzing health information, and practicing healthy behaviors. Students will participate in discussions, activities, and projects that encourage self-reflection and responsible decision-making. This course aims to empower students to take ownership of their health and make choices that contribute to a positive life.
DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP (10th Grade)
Digital Citizenship is a high school semester course that teaches students how to use technology responsibly, safely, and respectfully online. Topics include online etiquette, privacy protection, cyberbullying awareness, responsible media consumption, and legal implications of digital actions. The goal is to equip students to navigate the digital world as informed and ethical citizens.
ACT PREP (optional) (11th Grade)
The ACT Prep course, offered in partnership with Academic Tutoring Centers (ATC), is designed to equip students with the skills and strategies needed to succeed on the ACT exam. The program is taught by expert instructors from Academic Tutoring Centers emphasizes a reflective approach, helping students connect effective test-taking strategies to their individual learning styles. Over 22 class sessions, students will cover all five ACT sections (English, Math, Reading, Science, and Essay), practicing both individually and in combination. The curriculum includes two full-length practice tests under realistic testing conditions, plus three diagnostic exams. Classes will meet during the P.E./Wellness block and on select late-start mornings. The course aims to minimize test anxiety and maximize scores through personalized guidance and targeted practice. Participation in this program does come with a fee. Financial aid is available through the College Counseling Office.
SENIOR SEMINAR (12th Grade)
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (9th - 12th Grades)
Upper school students are required to participate in one full semester (two quarters) of physical education during each year of upper school. Physical education courses are taught by specialized instructors in disciplines such as yoga, martial arts, athletic development, and pilates. The instructors provide instruction on campus twice weekly for forty-five minutes.
INTRODUCTION TO UPPER SCHOOL (9th GRADE)
This course is designed to support students as they transition from middle school to the academic and social environment of the upper school. Introduction to Upper School focuses on developing the essential skills and strategies needed for success in a more rigorous and independent learning environment. Students will explore topics such as effective study habits, time management, organization, note-taking techniques, and test preparation strategies. The course will also address the social and emotional aspects of navigating upper school, including building positive relationships, developing self-advocacy skills, understanding school resources, and promoting well-being. Students will participate in activities that foster collaboration, critical thinking, and communication skills. This course aims to equip students with the tools and confidence necessary to thrive academically and socially in the upper school setting. Emphasis will be placed on setting personal goals, exploring interests, and developing a plan for academic and extracurricular involvement throughout their upper school experience.
HEALTH (10th Grade)
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their physical, mental, and social well-being. Health encompasses a variety of topics designed to promote lifelong wellness and healthy lifestyles. Students will explore concepts related to nutrition, physical activity, stress management, substance abuse prevention, mental and emotional health, healthy relationships, human sexuality, disease prevention, and first aid/CPR. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking skills, analyzing health information, and practicing healthy behaviors. Students will participate in discussions, activities, and projects that encourage self-reflection and responsible decision-making. This course aims to empower students to take ownership of their health and make choices that contribute to a positive life.
DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP (10th Grade)
Digital Citizenship is a high school semester course that teaches students how to use technology responsibly, safely, and respectfully online. Topics include online etiquette, privacy protection, cyberbullying awareness, responsible media consumption, and legal implications of digital actions. The goal is to equip students to navigate the digital world as informed and ethical citizens.
ACT PREP (optional) (11th Grade)
The ACT Prep course, offered in partnership with Academic Tutoring Centers (ATC), is designed to equip students with the skills and strategies needed to succeed on the ACT exam. The program is taught by expert instructors from Academic Tutoring Centers emphasizes a reflective approach, helping students connect effective test-taking strategies to their individual learning styles. Over 22 class sessions, students will cover all five ACT sections (English, Math, Reading, Science, and Essay), practicing both individually and in combination. The curriculum includes two full-length practice tests under realistic testing conditions, plus three diagnostic exams. Classes will meet during the P.E./Wellness block and on select late-start mornings. The course aims to minimize test anxiety and maximize scores through personalized guidance and targeted practice. Participation in this program does come with a fee. Financial aid is available through the College Counseling Office.
SENIOR SEMINAR (12th Grade)
Senior Seminar is a culminating academic experience designed to prepare North Shore twelfth-graders for success in college, career, and life after high school. This course encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills through the exploration of cultural and social issues. Students will engage in discussion of contemporary topics while also focusing on practical skills and navigating the transition to post-secondary life. The seminar emphasizes self-reflection, goal setting, and the development of a personal vision for the future.
SENIOR SERVICE PROJECTS
All twelfth graders conceive, design, prepare, and complete service projects during the second semester. Students may work individually or in groups of four or fewer. Students are encouraged to be independent and make this opportunity personal, worthwhile, and representative of the student's total North Shore experience. We hope each student will learn more about serving a larger community and learning something about themself. Twelfth grades who participate must have completed all other graduation requirements. In addition, they must meet all other school obligations while on their service project, such as athletics, yearbook, student government, etc. Students should be engaged in their project for at least six hours daily for the designated two-week period in May.
SENIOR SERVICE PROJECTS
All twelfth graders conceive, design, prepare, and complete service projects during the second semester. Students may work individually or in groups of four or fewer. Students are encouraged to be independent and make this opportunity personal, worthwhile, and representative of the student's total North Shore experience. We hope each student will learn more about serving a larger community and learning something about themself. Twelfth grades who participate must have completed all other graduation requirements. In addition, they must meet all other school obligations while on their service project, such as athletics, yearbook, student government, etc. Students should be engaged in their project for at least six hours daily for the designated two-week period in May.
