Columbus School for Girls Upper School Curriculum Guide 2025-2026
Upper School Curriculum Guide 2025-2026 - Page 1
Table of Contents US Curriculum Overview
3
College Counseling
6
Computer Science
7
English
8
Fine Arts Music Theater Visual Art
12
Health and Physical Education
21
History
24
Independent Studies
30
Mathematics
31
Publications
36
Science
37
World Languages Mandarin Chinese Latin Spanish
44
Institute for Innovation & Leadership
52
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Upper School Curriculum Overview Columbus School for Girls offers a varied selection of required and elective courses with increasing flexibility and options as students progress through their four years of Upper School. Some courses may vary from year to year as the curriculum changes in response to student interest and/or world events. All classes and seminars are designed around highly challenging academic standards. Each Upper School student collaborates with her college counselor, academic advisor, and faculty members to customize her course schedule based on her college and career interests.
Graduation Requirements: 24 credits English
4 Credits
At least 1 credit per year
Mathematics
4 Credits
At least 1 credit per year Required: Precalculus or higher
History
3 Credits
Required: World History, US History, and US Government (or equivalent AP classes)
Science
3 Credits
Required: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
World Languages
3 Credits
Three years in the same language, including the third level of that language
Fine Arts
1.5 Credits
Required total of 1.5 credits in any combination of classes in the Fine Arts Department
Health & Physical Education
Varies by Track
Computer Science
0.5 Credit
Requirements vary by track or option Required by all: Health & Wellness 9, 11, and 12 Required: Introduction to Computer Science or equivalent
Public Speaking
Required: Senior Speech
Electives
As required to meet total for graduation
Non-Credit Courses
May Program
*Students are required to take a minimum of five credits of courses each semester*
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Courses are designated either graded or pass/fail:
A student who does not meet Public Speaking Requirement the stated eligibility During their senior year, requirements for an AP or students will demonstrate their Graded courses receive the honors course may request distinct potential as learners and standard grade equivalents of A, consideration with a petition. To leaders through the delivery of a B, C, D, or F. petition, a student must speech to the upper school complete and submit to the community. Working from a Pass/Fail courses are graded Upper School office a petition topic they have chosen and on a pass or fail basis and do form that includes a written letter reflecting on the CSG mission not count toward the fulfillment to explain the student’s interest for each student to know her of departmental graduation in taking the course and why power, seniors will conduct requirements except in the she thinks it is a good fit and an research, work with faculty to areas of Health and Physical appropriate challenge in which hone their delivery, and produce Education. she can be successful. Petition a speech that represents the forms are due to John high level of writing, thinking, Advanced Placement Courses Hartshorne by 3:30 PM on speaking, and personal growth Columbus School for Girls offers February 21st. Departments will that students develop during many courses in the national review all petitions in the spring their time at CSG. Advanced Placement Program. and return one of three AP classes are intensive and decisions: approved, not Independent Studies accelerated and require more recommended, or denied. A “not An independent study project preparation than other courses. recommended” decision means offers students the opportunity These courses can offer several that the student may enroll in to pursue an academic interest advantages: students will study the class but should discuss in consultation with a faculty the subject with a breadth and doing so with her advisor in the advisor. Independent studies depth not found in other context of her anticipated course can be arranged in most areas courses, and some universities load. Petition approvals may of the curriculum and may be offer credit for a score of three come with stipulations to be met either a single semester or a full or better on the AP Examination. through the remainder of the -year commitment. Recent current academic year. independent study topics have been in areas of internet Admission into an AP course is The College Board AP has an security, technology, history, dependent upon meeting certain examination for each course at French, German, Greek, writing, prerequisites which are the end of the year. Families will visual arts, and genetics. See explained in the course register and pay for AP exams pg. 30 for details. descriptions. Each student in the fall, via an online enrolling in an AP course must Cum Laude obtain departmental permission registration. The cost (set by College Board) is approximately In order to be eligible for Cum in order to do so. $100 for each exam. Exam fee Laude, students must be enrolled in courses worth a total Approval for AP courses at the reductions are available for time of scheduling is provisional students who qualify for financial of at least 2.5 credits during aid. each semester of their upper and depends on continued school years. Courses taken at success in the prerequisite local colleges and universities Course Offerings courses. All AP scheduling will Courses are offered based upon receive credit; however, the be reviewed at the end of Cum Laude average is based projected enrollment. In the Semester 2 to ensure that student grades and performance event that actual enrollment for only upon averages in courses taught by a CSG faculty a specific course is insufficient are consistent with AP member. Grades in Advanced to support it, CSG reserves the standards. Students enrolled in Placement or post-Advanced right to cancel the course for the AP courses are evaluated Placement courses are academic year. Any student during the first few weeks of weighted for Cum Laude Semester 1 of the course to be affected by this may select consideration. another course to complete her sure that AP placement is schedule. appropriate.
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Schedule Changes Students' course requests determine the number of faculty hired, course materials ordered, teaching assignments and the number of course sections offered. Because scheduling requests are integral to academic planning structure for the upcoming school year, students must be committed to their requests before submitting them. Once the school year ends, no scheduling changes will be accepted until the start of the new school year and then will require written approval from a student’s faculty advisor and family.
Additional Academic Options One Schoolhouse Courses Tuition for OS courses is Columbus School for Girls is an separate from CSG tuition. affiliate member of One Students who are interested in a Schoolhouse (OS) which is a course from OS must fill out a fully accredited online school registration form with CSG prior that serves independent school to June 2025. CSG will handle students in the U.S. around the the course registration through world. Online courses require an OS. Please check the website exceptional degree of selfwww.oneschoolhouse.org for motivation and time specific course descriptions and management. With approval availability, and fill out the from the Department Chair and Course Intent Form by May 1, Division Director, CSG students 2025. may take OS courses not offered at CSG for elective credit beginning in Form X. While the credit and grade for an OS course will be shown on the student’s transcript, the grade will not be included in the GPA calculation for the student.
Questions Concerning Curriculum and Scheduling: Please direct curriculum questions to: Mr. Scott Parsons, Director of Upper School sparsons@columbusschoolforgirls.org 614.252.0781, ext. 115
Please direct scheduling questions to: Mr. John Hartshorne, US Scheduler jhartshorne@columbusschoolforgirls.org 614.252.0781, ext. 298
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College Counseling
COLLEGE PREPARATION No credit, non-graded • Required of all students in Form XI (spring) and Form XII (fall) • Semester course; no credit • Meets once/rotation This course prepares students for the college search experience and application process. Topics of discussion include: college visits, interviewing, essay writing, the application process, the Common Application, and more.
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Computer Science
The primary goal of CSG’s INTRODUCTION TO AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A computer science department is COMPUTER SCIENCE Full-credit, graded course to introduce students to current Full-credit, graded course • Open to students in Forms X, and emerging technologies and • Required of all students in XI, XII to help them develop the fluency Form IX • Prerequisites: Introduction to necessary to be users of an ever • Prerequisites: None Computer Science, Algebra I -changing list of devices, • Semester course (offered • Full year, 1 credit programs, and literacies. each semester), 0.5 credit Courses are project-based and AP Computer Science A focus on problem solving and This course is an introduction to teaches object-oriented understanding hardware, computer science programming. programming methodology with software, and major topics in Through the course, students an emphasis on problem solving computer science. will learn fundamental and algorithm development. It programming concepts and how also includes the study of data to apply them. This course has a structures and abstraction. AP heavy problem-solving Computer Science A is taught in emphasis allowing students to Java and is equivalent to a be creative through an online, college-level Introduction to graphics-based computer Computer Science course. The science curriculum taught in topics include iteration, Python. recursion, arrays, object oriented programming and more. Upper School Curriculum Guide 2025-2026 - Page 7
English
The English department's goals are to foster students' love of language and literature and to develop their ability to think and communicate effectively. The program emphasizes critical communication skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Students continually hone their ability to read with comprehension, discrimination, sensitivity, and pleasure; to express their ideas with clarity, coherence, and fluency, and to understand the structure, complexity, and power of the English language. These skills are continually taught and reinforced at all grade levels, with the degree of development
becoming more complex with each consecutive course.
the stated prerequisites. New electives are periodically developed and offered by the Upper School students take English faculty according to their courses that follow a preset areas of expertise, the interests trajectory: English IX, Form X of students, and the evolving Survey of American Literature, discipline of English. Each and Form XI Survey of British elective allows students to Literature (or, if they meet the explore specific topics within stated requirements, Form XI one or more broad curricular AP Literature and Composition, threads: author/literary periods, which features many of the genre studies, and multicultural same readings as the British and inclusive literature. Juniors Literature course, but also may also choose to sign up for prepares students for the AP the semester electives in examination). Form XII students addition to their required Form choose two semester-long XI English course or AP elective courses or take a full Literature and Composition. year of AP Language and Composition, should they meet
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ENGLISH IX SURVEY OF AMERICAN SURVEY OF BRITISH Full-credit, graded course LITERATURE LITERATURE • Required of all students in Full-credit, graded course Full-credit, graded course Form IX • Required of all students in • Required of all students in • Full year, 1 credit Form X Form XI, unless enrolled in • Prerequisites: Successful Advanced Placement English This course will bring together completion of English IX Literature and Composition. three key strands: (1) a • Full year, 1 credit • Prerequisites: Successful reimagining of the heroine, as completion of Form X Survey presented in traditionally In this course, students will of American Literature canonical, as well as recently focus on a comprehensive • Full year, 1 credit published texts, so students can overview of American literary see different models of female works. Students will read In this course, students will read voice, courage, resilience, and literature from early America to major works of British literature social justice; (2) literary the present, including poetry, from the medieval period to our “windows” and “mirrors,” which autobiography, essays, short contemporary era, with elicit self-reflection on their own stories, novels, and plays. continued attention to the history perspectives and lived Students are taught to read and development of the English experiences as well as those carefully, to think critically, and language throughout. The encountered both in the texts we to demonstrate their reading and course is designed to develop read and in class discussions thinking skills in a variety of and refine students’ skills in with their peers; and (3) a broad writing assignments, with reading literature, thinking range of writing activities and particular emphasis on essays critically, writing analytically and assignments, so students can of literary analysis. imaginatively, and working with develop foundations for and documenting secondary analytical and rhetorical modes sources, such as scholarly of writing in preparation for literary criticism. In addition to college-level writing.
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shorter analytical and creative creative writing, listening and China’s Journey to the West, writing assignments, students speaking, and research writing and more contemporary takes will have multiple opportunities and documentation. on the genre. Students will gain to practice research skills and a deeper understanding and writing: they will find and CREATIVE WRITING appreciation of the historical and effectively use historical and Full-credit, graded course social contexts out of which literary resources and document • Open to Form XI and XII these stories arose; the helpful these sources according to MLA • Semester 1 only, 0.5 credit and harmful ways in which such guidelines. They will also • Course will require a minimum literature has been viewed as continue to develop their skills in ‘representative’; and what these of 8 students to run and will grammar, punctuation, listening disparate stories have in also be capped at 16 and speaking, and source common thematically and students, based on date of documentation. structurally. request.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION Full-credit, graded course • Open to Form XI • Prerequisites: Successful completion of Form X Survey of American Literature with a final grade of A; PSAT verbal scores may also be considered. • Full year, 1 credit
This course is for students who ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND want to take the leap from COMPOSITION reading, interpreting, and Full-credit, graded course analyzing poetry, fiction, and nonfiction to crafting it. • Open to Form XII Readings will include stories • Prerequisites: Successful and contemporary poetry by a completion of Form XI English diverse range of writers. By or AP Literature and studying select works, tackling Composition with a final grade creative-writing exercises, of A; PSAT verbal scores may participating thoughtfully in peer also be considered. workshops, and revising • Full year, 1 credit carefully, students will produce, by semester’s end, portfolios of This course will introduce In this course, students will develop the reading, writing, and their best original work. students to the principles and analytical skills necessary for practice of rhetoric and success on the Advanced EPIC LITERATURE composition. Students will gain Full-credit, graded course Placement English Literature further exposure to the genre of and Composition examination. literary nonfiction and will refine • Open to Form XI and XII AP students will study a variety • Semester 1 only, 0.5 credit their skills as close and careful of short fiction, poetry, and • Course will require a minimum readers, better able to analyze novels, including but not limited the rhetorical and stylistic of 8 students to run and will to works featured in the Survey choices made by a diverse also be capped at 18 of British Literature course, range of writers. The course will students, based on date of and tackle writing assignments prepare students for the request. that push them to produce highAdvanced Placement Language level, rigorous work. Being able and Composition examination, For millennia, cultures all over to read a significant amount of as well as college-level classes the world have been telling writing quickly and to write stories about grueling journeys, in rhetoric and composition. comfortably and effectively on physical and psychological timed writing is central to struggle, and heroes whose success in this course, as names endure today. In this students are required to take the course students will read a AP Literature and Composition survey of epic literature from a exam at the end of this brisk variety of times and places, course. Students will continue to including works like Sumeria’s develop their skills in Epic of Gilgamesh, Greece’s vocabulary, grammar, Iliad, West Africa’s Sundiata, punctuation, analytical and
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INTRODUCTION TO SHAKESPEARE AND WOMEN’S STUDIES CONTEMPORARY Full-credit, graded course INTERPRETATION: ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE • Open to Form XI and XII Full-credit, graded course • Semester 2 only, 0.5 credit • Course will require a minimum • Open to Form XI and XII • Semester 2 only, 0.5 credit of 8 students to run and will • Course will require a minimum also be capped at 18 of 8 students to run and will students, based on date of also be capped at 18 request. students, based on date of request. This interdisciplinary course will introduce students to key This course will focus on a close concepts, issues, and debates reading of various Shakespeare in women’s studies. Through tragedies, comedies, histories, readings, class discussion, analytical and persuasive writing and romances, and their film assignments, and research and and/or stage adaptations. Through reading, writing, and service projects, students will discussion, students will learn how culture and society shape gender and how gender consider the major themes presented in the plays and the intersects in complicated ways way those themes translate to with issues of race, ethnicity, film and other media. Students class, and nationality. The will develop a familiarity with course will also focus on Shakespeare's language and women’s leadership and will historical context, as well as with emphasize hands-on, projectthe language of film criticism. In based learning. Texts may addition to reading and include autobiography, discussing the assigned texts, biography, nonfiction, fiction, students will also continue to and film and will draw from the develop their skills in grammar, fields of history, science, punctuation, analytical and politics, economics, and the creative writing, listening and arts. Students will write speaking, and research writing reflection papers and textual analyses; they may also present and documentation. their research on a variety of historical and current, national and international women’s issues.
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Fine Arts
Studies in the fine arts have been developed to instill a knowledge and appreciation of the creative process through both the performance and academic lens. Students should emerge from these studies with first-hand experience in self-expression and communication through artistic disciplines and with an aesthetic appreciation for the similar expressions of others. Performing arts courses enable students to explore dramatic and musical literature in situations that encourage collaborative work. Skills are developed in ensemble and rehearsal technique. Students learn how to use problem-solving strategies, take direction, and acquire the discipline necessary for high quality performances. Creativity and risk-taking are encouraged as students develop confidence in their abilities. Students have the opportunity to build and refine technique, develop analytical and critical skills, and increase their repertoire of expressive tools. Performance classes allow students to grow in their involvement and appreciation for the process of the art as well as for the final performance. Visual arts courses have a multifaceted goal of building confidence in artistic competence through practical experience and academic critique, nurturing individual expression through multi-cultural and interdisciplinary studies, and encouraging aesthetic literacy through the study of historic and modern modes. Process and product are important. Through a spiral approach, artistic growth in manipulative skills and visual perception is cultivated from early childhood to young adulthood and beyond. Note: Scheduling priority in the Fine Arts courses is given to students in Form XII. All other forms have equal priority after seniors.
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PERFORMING ARTS - MUSIC CONCERT CHOIR VOCAL ENSEMBLE: THE events as well, including OMEA Partial-credit, graded course GRACE NOTES events such as Solo and Partial-credit, graded course Ensemble and All-State Choir. • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII; this course may be taken • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII; STRING ENSEMBLE more than once, each time for this course may be taken credit. more than once, each time for Partial-credit, graded course • Full year; 0.66 credit credit. • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII; • Costs: Students are • Prerequisites: Must audition; this course may be taken responsible for covering the departmental signature more than once, each time for cost of trips and honor and allrequired; concurrent credit. state choir tuition and enrollment in Concert Choir. • Prerequisites: Intermediate or expenses, as well as official • Full year, 0.66 credit advanced experience on a performance attire; limited • Costs: Students purchase string instrument. need-based funding is their own outfit accessories • Full year, 0.66 credit sometimes available. and are also responsible for • Costs: Students who do not covering the cost of trips and own their own instruments Concert Choir is an intermediate honor and all-state choir may rent them through private vocal performance group. tuition and expenses; limited music companies or may use Students will sing a variety of need-based funding is a school instrument, at no styles and genres from different sometimes available. cost, when available. Students time periods. Emphasis will be are responsible for covering placed on developing sightThe Grace Notes offers the cost of trips and honor and reading, ear training, and qualifying students an all-state band tuition and musicianship skills, as well as opportunity to learn and perform expenses as well as official exploration and development of an advanced level of vocal performance attire; limited vocal production techniques and repertoire from many styles and need-based funding is skills necessary for achieving periods. Students will focus on sometimes available. excellence in performance. the skills and musicianship Major concerts per year include: required for consistent String Ensemble offers an the CSG Thanksgiving Program, excellence in performance, as opportunity for string students to Fall, Winter, and Spring well as further development of continue improving their Concerts, and District/State advanced vocal techniques. The technical and musical skills in a contest (dependent on performance commitment is performance based setting. eligibility). In order to participate essential and students will be Technical areas to be covered in the OMEA Solo and expected to represent CSG in include: advanced key Ensemble and large group many different settings, signatures, complex rhythm contests, enrollment in this including competition. Interested reading, upper position playing, course is mandatory. students may participate in other
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vocabulary, and tone development. In addition, musical skills such as phrasing, balance, intonation, and blend will be developed.
adjudicated events; limited need-based funding is sometimes available.
be covered include scales, rhythm reading, intonation, articulation, dynamics, music notation, vocabulary, and The Upper School Select String technical and tone development. Repertoire will be selected Ensemble will offer dedicated, Materials will include scales and advanced, and advancing string according to the appropriate ability level of the players. selected etudes, as well as students an opportunity for string orchestra literature increased musical challenges appropriate for the playing level within a smaller chamber music Several in-school and evening of the ensemble. Music of the setting. Students will have the performance opportunities will major stylistic periods will be opportunity to sharpen their be scheduled throughout the included in the repertoire of the musical, technical, and year. Attendance is required at ensemble. Several in-school collaborative rehearsal skills by all Concert Band events. In and evening concerts will be rehearsing and performing order to participate in the OMEA scheduled throughout the year. chamber music. Students in the Solo and Ensemble Contests, Attendance is required at all Select String Ensemble will enrollment in this course is String Ensemble events. In represent CSG by performing mandatory. order to participate in the OMEA within the school and larger events such as the Southcommunity serving as music SELECT WIND ENSEMBLE Central Region Orchestra and ambassadors for CSG. Partial-credit, graded course Solo and Ensemble Contests, • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII; enrollment in this course is CONCERT BAND this course may be taken mandatory. Partial-credit, graded course more than once, each time for • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII; credit SELECT STRING ENSEMBLE this course may be taken • Prerequisites: Advanced Partial-credit, graded course more than once, each time for experience on a band • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII; credit. instrument; departmental this course may be taken • Prerequisites: Intermediate or signature required; concurrent more than once, each time for advanced ability on a brass, enrollment in Wind Ensemble. credit woodwind, or percussion Must audition; rising IX and • Prerequisites: Advanced instrument. new Upper School students experience on a string • Full year, 0.66 credit may audition in the spring for instrument; departmental • Costs: Students who do not the following fall, or they may signature required; concurrent own their own instruments audition at the beginning of enrollment in String may rent them through private the fall semester and add it to Ensemble. Must audition; music companies or may use their schedules during the rising IX and new Upper a school instrument, at no add/drop period. School students may audition cost, when available; students • Full year, 0.66 credit in the spring for the following are responsible for covering • Costs: Students who do not fall, or they may audition at the cost of trips and honor and own their own instruments the beginning of the fall all-state band tuition and may rent them through private semester and add it to their expenses as well as official music companies or may use schedules during the add/drop performance attire; limited a school instrument, at no period. need-based funding is cost, when available. Students • Full year, 0.66 credit sometimes available. are responsible for covering • Costs: Students who do not the cost of trips and own their own instruments Concert Band offers an adjudicated events; limited may rent them through private opportunity for intermediate and need-based funding is music companies or may use advanced level woodwind, sometimes available. a school instrument, at no brass, and percussion students cost, when available. Students to continue improving their This course is designed for are responsible for covering technical and musical skills. students who desire a smaller the cost of trips and Technical and musical areas to ensemble experience with
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advanced, varying repertoire. Students will focus on aspects of their performance and how it relates to creating a wellblended, well-balanced ensemble sound. The ensemble will perform at OMEA Solo and Ensemble and may be available to perform at school and community functions as the opportunities arise.
AP MUSIC THEORY NOT OFFERED THIS YEAR: Full-credit, graded course MUSIC THEORY • Open to Forms XI and XII • Prerequisite: Music Essentials Full-credit, graded course with a passing grade, • Open to Forms X, XI, XII Advanced ability on • Prerequisite: Enrolled in a instrument (instrumental or CSG performance ensemble vocal); departmental signature • Passing grade required to required. take AP Music Theory • Full year, 1 credit • Semester course; offered • Offered in 2025-26 (offered in both semesters; 0.33 credit even-numbered graduation • Offered in 2026-27; offered CLASS PIANO years.) on odd-numbered Full-credit, graded course graduation years. AP Music Theory is a course • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII The Music Theory course is • Prerequisite: students with no designed to develop musical skills that will lead to a thorough intended to develop a solid prior piano experience; does understanding of music foundation of music theory and not take piano lessons composition and music theory. musicianship skills in our Upper • Semester course; offered both Students will receive instruction School musicians beginning at a semesters; 0.33 credit in the following content areas: basic, foundational level. advanced application of key Students will review each Class Piano is for students who signatures, scales, modes, essential music element and wish to learn to play piano in a chord structure and function, demonstrate understanding group setting. Little-to-no melodic and harmonic earthrough performance as well as experience is required/ training, meter, chordal analysis, written assessments at the basic requested as the course starts secondary-dominant functions, and intermediate levels. After with training in basic skills. dictation, circle of 5ths, two-part students demonstrate mastery Students will learn to play counterpoint, common of foundational music skills and simple melodies with left hand compositional forms, and concepts, a spiral curriculum of chorded accompaniment by the listening repertoire. Students will applications, experiences, and end of the first nine weeks and be prepared to take the AP demonstration of multiple will continue studies with Music Theory Exam when they concepts will be assessed. intermediate level music on the have completed the course. Topics will include note names, piano by the end of the rhythm, time and key signatures, semester. Students will follow basic aural and sight-singing Alfred's Basic Adult All-in-One training, basic terminology, Course Book with teacher composers, and multiple genre added supplements. Students videos of great will learn in a group setting, performances. Students practice, and eventually move at wishing to take AP Music an independent pace with Theory the following year must teacher guidance. pass this course first.
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PERFORMING ARTS - THEATER ACTING I Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII • Prerequisites: None • Semester course (offered each semester), 0.33 credit Students will explore basic acting techniques, principles of character interpretation and performance. Students will receive at least two monologues to practice and refine in class. Projects and exercises are presented to aid students in discovering more about their monologue, characters, acting techniques or the plays being worked on. Instructional methods will include research projects, exercises, rehearsals, scene work, improvisation, individual coaching and group coaching to promote physical and vocal awareness as well as self-confidence and creative problem-solving.
ACTING II Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms X, XI, XII • Prerequisites: Acting I • Semester course (offered each semester), 0.33 credit Designed for students who are seriously interested in acting, this course provides the opportunity for in-depth one-onone work on monologues and scenes. Students will participate in some Acting I exercises/games as refreshers. Students will also build upon skills through more in depth
instruction on methods of acting introduced in Acting I. Participants in this course will select a play to collectively work on in class. They will analyze the script and each be assigned one role to perform from the play. Each student will follow the arch of the character through the script. Students will also receive individualized instruction based on the needs of the character or play such as learning IPA, dialect or accent coaching, and stage combat. Instructional methods will include research projects, exercises, rehearsals, scene work, improvisation, individual coaching and group coaching. MUSICAL THEATER Full credit, graded course • Open to IX, X, XI, XII • Prerequisite: Acting I • Semester 2 course; 0.33 credit Musical Theater invites students to explore basic techniques of singing, dance and acting in a safe environment that allows for creative risk taking. We experiment with physicality, scene work, emotion, songs, and more to not only teach the student how to be a better
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musical theater actor, but to also VISUAL ART promote self-awareness, empathy and confidence. CERAMICS Students will explore basic Full-credit, graded course techniques and principles of • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII; character, script and song class size is limited to 16 analysis. Classroom students. presentations are for the • Semester course (offered purpose of working on particular each semester), 0.5 credit musical theater skills and • Offered in 2025-26; offered styles. Musical Theater builds each Semester of evenupon skills and terms learned in numbered graduation years. Acting I; evolving skills that the young actor/actress needs to successfully participate in a musical production. Standards in our production process require the theater student to challenge themselves and stretch their abilities in a new direction.
This course explores clay through traditional wheel throwing and handbuilding. The beginning of the semester focuses on throwing on the wheel, glazing, and firing techniques; the latter part of the semester focuses on hand building.
Units in this course will include: Musical theater history, Beginning Jazz, Beginning Tap, ADVANCED CERAMICS Full-credit, graded course Beginning Ballet, Acting the song, Acting for a musical, and • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII, class size is limited to 16 Group work. students. • Prerequisites: Ceramics • Semester course (offered each semester), 0.5 credit
• Offered in 2025-26; offered
each Semester of evennumbered graduation years.
This course is a continuation of the techniques covered in Ceramics. Development of hand building and wheel throwing skills are further enhanced in this course. Students learn how to create more complex forms and expand their learning to explore more conceptual ways to develop their skills and craft. Regular critiques at this level will be an integral part of the course. SCULPTURE Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII • Semester course (offered each semester), 0.5 credit • Offered in 2025-26; offered each Semester of evennumbered graduation years. The study and application of design principles and a variety of materials to create threedimensional works form the foundation of this course. Students explore reductive and additive sculpting methods through the use of media such as clay, cardboard, fibers, found objects, as well as nontraditional materials. Students will learn how to critique 3Dimensional works with a critical eye and understanding of art terminology. ADVANCED SCULPTURE Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII • Prerequisites: Sculpture • Semester course (offered each semester), 0.5 credit • Offered in 2025-26; offered each Semester of evennumbered graduation years.
This course is a continuation of the principles covered in Upper School Curriculum Guide 2025-2026 - Page 17
Sculpture. Advanced sculpture qualities of this medium. ADVANCED PORTFOLIO ART students will work to further Students will be evaluated by a Full-credit, graded course develop their skills within the final edited portfolio of Offered each year medium they choose (clay, wire, developed and printed work. • Open to Forms X, XI and XII; found objects, etc.) and will be this course may be taken challenged to create more ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY more than once, each time for complex and conceptual works. Full-credit, graded course credit. Regular critiques at this level will • Open to Forms IX, X, XI XII; • Prerequisites: A combination be an integral part of the course. scheduling priority is given to of CSG art coursework (may Form XI and XII students. include 2 of the following: PHOTOGRAPHY • Prerequisites: Photography I Drawing, Advanced Drawing, Full-credit, graded course • Semester 2 course; offered Painting, Advanced Painting, • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII; every year, 0.5 credit Photography, Advanced class size is limited; Photography, Ceramics, scheduling priority is given to Advanced Photography builds Advanced Ceramics, Form XI and XII students. upon the traditional skills and Sculpture or Advanced • Semester course; offered techniques learned in Sculpture) or have advanced each semester every year, 0.5 Photography from the darkroom experience equivalent to credit experience. Students will combinations of the above. alternate between using film and • Full year, 1 credit This course is an introduction to digital cameras and will learn black and white film how Photoshop is used in a This course is for the highly selfphotography. Fundamentals of variety of industries where motivated art student and manual camera operation, film photography may exist. This is demands significant time and developing, and printing in the an advanced, fast paced course production commitment. It is darkroom are taught. where each project builds upon designed to help students create Assignments specific to basic the previous one in complexity a body of work that is design principles and and intensity. Students will be representative of their strengths fundamentals in art help the evaluated by a final edited in 2-D and/or 3-D art. Students student develop her own style portfolio of printed work. will pursue special creative and way of seeing; critiques and problems in depth and will have class discussions aid the a completed portfolio by the end student in grasping the unique of the school year.
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ADVANCED PLACEMENT submitted and will go through a ADVANCED DRAWING ART AND DESIGN: rigorous national committee Full-credit, graded course DRAWING, 2-D DESIGN, OR review by the AP College • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII 3-D DESIGN Board. Students work closely • Prerequisites: Drawing Full-credit, graded course with the art teacher to select the • Semester course (offered top quality work and may submit Offered each year each semester), 0.5 credit work in one of the following • Offered 2026-27; offered each • Open to Forms XI and XII; this areas: Drawing, 2-D Design, or Semester of odd-numbered course may be taken more 3-D Design. graduation years. than once, each time for credit. This course is a continuation of • Prerequisites: A combination the Drawing class. Students of CSG art coursework (may move from observational include 3 of the following: drawing to more challenging Drawing, Advanced Drawing, and conceptually based subject Painting, Advanced Painting, NOT OFFERED THIS YEAR matter and content with each Photography, Advanced project. Traditional drawing Photography, Ceramics, materials are reinforced in DRAWING Advanced Ceramics, tandem with the introduction of Full-credit, graded course Sculpture, Advanced non-traditional materials. Sculpture, or Advanced • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII Students learn to effectively use Portfolio Art) or have • Semester course (offered the medium to create the advanced experience each semester), 0.5 credit equivalent to combinations of • Offered 2026-27; offered each desired end result. Regular critiques at this level will be an the above; a portfolio of Semester of odd-numbered integral part of the course. artwork made during a graduation years. student’s HS career (IX, X PAINTING and above) is a prerequisite The beginning of the term Full-credit, graded course for this course; departmental focuses on basic drawing recommendation required. methods (measured drawings, • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII • Full year, 1 credit • Prerequisites: None additive and subtractive • No April practice examination processes, etc.) and introduces • Semester course (offered is required in this course; a each semester), 0.5 credit the student to a variety of portfolio must be submitted to traditional drawing materials • Offered 2026-27; offered each the College Board in May. Semester of odd-numbered (graphite, charcoal, conte, etc.); Students participating in the graduation years. the latter portion of the term will May program will have to focus on non-traditional submit their portfolios in April methods and materials and will This course is intended to build prior to the College Board and develop an understanding explore more contemporary deadline date. of color theory, drawing, and methods of drawing. Students learn to draw from life as well as compositional skills through the This course is for the highly self- from source material for use of traditional painting motivated art student and mediums. Controlled use of reference and will have the demands significant time and color palettes and introduction opportunity to experiment with production commitment. It is to various painting techniques historical, contemporary and designed to provide the same will be filtered into this course. personal themes in art. benefits to secondary school Sketchbook assignments students as those provided by complement in-class projects an introductory college course. and allow students to develop Students will pursue special and research a diverse range of creative problems in depth and subject matter. will prepare a portfolio consisting of concentration work; the portfolio will be Upper School Curriculum Guide 2025-2026 - Page 19
ADVANCED PAINTING Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII • Prerequisites: Painting • Semester course (offered each semester), 0.5 credit • Offered 2026-27; offered each Semester of odd-numbered graduation years. This course is a continuation of the principles covered in Painting. More concentration and focus is directed at fewer, longer projects. Students learn the importance of slowing down and mastering specific painting techniques. Regular critiques at this level will be an integral part of the course.
DESIGN: THE INTERSECTION introduced, practiced and OF ART AND ENGINEERING applied to actual problems. The Full-credit, graded course, cocourse will have an emphasis on listed science and art hands-on learning, allowing departments students to develop critical • Open to students in Forms IX, thinking and problem-solving skills. The students will learn to X, XI, XII • Semester 1 course. 0.5 credit collaborate, innovate, and communicate. Special emphasis • Offered 2026-27; offered Semester 1 of odd-numbered will be put on how to express ideas to others through both two graduation years -dimensional representations This course will introduce students to the world of design (sketches, drawings) and threedimensional models. Students as seen through the eyes of will create individual portfolios to engineering and applied arts, building on students’ abilities in document the process, from math and science while applying ideation phase to prototyping to final product. The application of fundamental principles taken the design process to the worlds from the fields of engineering of industrial design, product and art. The design process, design, and the visual and fine (i.e. the process of applying arts will emphasize the creative skills in the interdisciplinary nature of development of a solution to a design. Additional activities in defined problem), will be this course will include presented via project-based discussions, guest speakers, instruction. The approach will class exercises, case studies, reflect the present off-site field trips, and student interdisciplinary one used by presentations. many leading design companies. Various methodologies used in the execution of this process will be
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Health & Physical Education
HEALTH
sexuality, and certification in Health and Wellness 11 First Aid and CPR through the discusses topics of concern specific to high school and The Health curriculum provides American Red Cross. This course will also focus on college-bound women. The each student with the skills and nutrition and individual fitness. objective is to equip students knowledge to make informed with the knowledge and skills healthy choices about personal This course will increase a student’s awareness of necessary to make intelligent wellness and lifestyle. cardiovascular fitness and decisions on matters pertaining movement through a variety of to personal and community activities including, but not health. This course offers HEALTH AND WELLNESS 9 limited to yoga, strength training, multiple speakers on different Full credit, graded course and circuit training. health-related topics, human • Required of all students in sexuality, and comprehension of Form IX the law related to drugs and HEALTH AND WELLNESS 11 • Offered both semesters, 0.5 alcohol. Recertification through Full credit, graded course credit the American Red Cross, stress • Required of all students in management and depression, Form XI An introduction to personal breast cancer, growth and • Prerequisites: Successful wellness, this course development, body image and completion of Health and emphasizes responsible eating disorders, and nutrition Wellness decision-making, a life free of • Offered both semesters, 0.33 are also covered throughout the drugs, alcohol, and tobacco course. The self-defense credit abuse, cancer research, mental portion of the course focuses on health, issues relating to human the importance of self Upper School Curriculum Guide 2025-2026 - Page 21
awareness in addition to CARDIO, FLEXIBILITY, & PHYSICAL physical opportunities. It will STRENGTH: WELLNESS EDUCATION help students develop safety REVOLUTION techniques using their voices as Partial credit, pass/fail The Upper School Physical well as physical capabilities in • Required of all IX and/or X Education curriculum real-world situations. students in the Academic emphasizes understanding the Physical Education Program, HEALTH AND WELLNESS 12 importance of leading physically one semester each year OR active lifestyles and creating Partial-credit, pass/fail one semester plus one other opportunities for students to elective PE course- this • Required of all students in take ownership of their personal course may be taken more Form XII fitness and physical activity. The than once, each time for credit • Semester 2 course, 0.17 overall goal of the program is to • Semester 1 only, 0.33 credit credit develop young women who • Meets once/rotation have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of The course provides a number of options for students to The objective of this course is to healthful physical activities. improve their flexibility, strength, give students an opportunity to and cardiovascular fitness. discuss wellness topics within Students are required to Possible class activities include the framework of their upcoming complete one of the following yoga, circuit training, Zumba, transition to college life. Topics options for graduation: will include relevant information • Interscholastic Athlete Option HIIT, and weight lifting. The objective of this course is to that pertains to multiple aspects (see page 23) promote lifelong physical fitness of wellness; physical, social • Academic Option: Two and wellness. emotional, mental, risk semesters of physical reduction, safety, etc. With a education courses during combination of speakers, class Upper School discussions, and opportunities to ask questions in a safe space, students will grow in their knowledge and understanding allowing them to make healthy informed decisions while living independently through college and beyond.
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STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING Partial-credit, pass/fail, elective course • Open to all students • Semester 2 only, Tuesday & Thursday morning 7:00-8:00 AM, 0.33 PE credits
INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETE • Selection to any PROGRAM interscholastic team will No credit, non-graded require that student-athletes (successful completion waives meet appropriate team certain PE requirements) standards in order to be a member of that team. • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII • Prerequisites: None • A student-athlete must attend • No credit* is awarded for all team practices, athletic team participation. competitions, and team • One CSG US sports season This course provides students events, beginning with the each of 4 years with an opportunity to participate sport’s official start date set by in physical education with a the Ohio High School Athletic more advanced specific focus This policy is intended to free Association (even if this date on strength and time for additional academic is prior to the opening of conditioning. Each class will scheduling during the school school in the fall) and include the following: consistent day for committed continuing through all postdynamic warm up, class specific interscholastic sport studentseason play. This may also warm up, focus lift/skill/concept athletes. Student-athletes include events held over of the day, workout of the day, meeting the requirements of this school holidays. cool down. The objective for this policy will not receive a grade or course is to expose students academic credit for • Each student-athlete is proper lead ups, technique, and interscholastic athletics; responsible for remaining however, grades and academic cues for many different skills, academically eligible credit will be awarded for Health lifts, and movements within throughout the sports season. Olympic Lifting, general & Wellness 9, 11, and 12. If at any time a student-athlete strength, HIIT, and conditioning, Successful completion of the does not meet the criteria set applicable Interscholastic how to create a workout, and forth above, they will be create a level of understanding Athlete Program option fulfills required to make up the the graduation requirement that is conducive with appropriate coursework. It is independent weight room use in regardless of the total number of the student’s responsibility to credits earned. their personal lives. Strength & contact the US Scheduler and Conditioning is a pass/fail PE/Health Department Chair course that meets before school Participation in an to make any necessary on Tuesdays and Thursdays interscholastic sports season schedule changes. from 7-8 AM during Semester 2 means the following: of the 25-26 school year. 2025-2026 Interscholastic *An Off-site Athlete option Sports Seasons: is available by request if certain requirements are • Fall (Golf, Cross Country, met. Interested students will Field Hockey, Soccer, Tennis, be required to get approval Volleyball): Friday August 1, from the PE & Health 2025 – Postseason Department Chair during the scheduling process in order • Winter (Basketball and Swim to be considered. & Dive): Friday October 24, 2025 – Postseason • Spring (Lacrosse and Track &
Field): Monday February 23, 2026 – Postseason
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History
Our history curriculum introduces students to the breadth and depth of the human experience by a comparative study of past and contemporary societies and cultures and provides the foundation for them, as historians, to offer complex causal explanations of human events and processes and to challenge simplistic assumptions. Secondly, we develop students’ ability to conduct research, analyze and assess conflicting information and evidence, and articulate sound conclusions both orally and in writing. Particular attention is given to the skills necessary to develop a critical understanding of the diversity of global cultures and contemporary global issues.
WORLD HISTORY Full-credit, graded course • Required of all Form IX students • Full year, 1 credit This course introduces Upper School students to the foundations of historical inquiry and analysis by focusing on world regional geography and world history. Discussions of primary and secondary sources lay the foundation for historical and geopolitical analysis of civilizations in Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. The course offerings are arranged thematically with emphasis placed on analytical essays and creative exercises in logic.
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HONORS WORLD HISTORY DESIGNATION Full-credit, graded course • Prerequisites: Recommendation of the Middle School faculty Students may declare an Honors designation that will require them to complete a semester-long research project in addition to regular class assignments. It will require meetings with the instructor and school librarian outside of class time and will culminate in a presentation of their research at the end of the semester. Fall Offerings (0.5 credit): Science and Technology- This course explores the role of science and technology in World history. Students will study how breakthroughs in scientific knowledge and technological innovations
changed how past societies The course will also examine perspective about understood the world around the diversity within each contemporary events in a them, influenced global religion and the interactions political, economic, and politics, and affected local and influences between social framework. cultures. Themes will include different religious traditions. the production of scientific The objective of this course Comparative Government and knowledge and its practical is to promote understanding Politics- This course will application, the influence of and appreciation of the provide students the culture on the production of complexity and diversity of opportunity to examine the scientific and technological religious traditions around political institutions and knowledge, and the the world and its influence on processes of a number of globalization of scientific and human history. different countries, including technological authority and but not limited to China, Iran, practices. Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and Spring Offerings (0.5 credit): the United Kingdom—and The 20th and 21st Centuriescompare the ways they World Religion- This course This course will focus on the address problems. Students will provide an overview of major turning points that will be asked to analyze data the major religions of the shaped the contemporary and readings to draw world, including but not world from World War One to conclusions about political limited to Hinduism, the global interdependence systems. Students will be Buddhism, Judaism, of today. Topics include the asked to consider if certain Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, rise of totalitarian forms of government are and Jainism. Students will governments, the search for more effective than others study the historical stability and peace, and 20th and how those styles of development and core -century cultural trends. By government impact an beliefs of each religion, as the end of this course, individual country and how well as their impact on students should be able to the countries of the world culture, politics, and society. develop a historical interact with one another.
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UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS Full-credit, graded course • Required of all students in Form X who do not enroll in AP US Government and Politics • Full year, 1 credit • Students may not earn credit in both United States Government and Politics and AP United States Government and Politics.
with a grade of A or better or Honors World History with a grade of A- or better; PSAT verbal score of 580 or better. • Full year, 1 credit • Students may not earn credit in both United States Government and Politics and AP United States Government and Politics .
Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics will give students an analytical perspective on a variety of This course pursues a thematic topics, institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute approach to the political and political life in the United States. social responsibilities required by residence in a nation served Topics of investigation include by a democratic constitution and the underpinnings of tradition. Emphasis is placed on constitutional government, the structure of national political the development of critical institutions, public policy, thinking skills necessary for participation in social, civic, and political beliefs and behaviors, political processes, recognition political parties, interest groups, mass media, and civil rights and and consideration of moral liberties. We will also explore a dilemmas and ethical wide variety of topics through awareness, an appreciation of current event discussions, civic involvement and constructive social criticism, and primarily focusing on governmental policies and their the development of political bias, bureaucratic interpersonal skills necessary reform, and the relationships for the resolution of social conflicts. Students will study the between citizens and government institutions. primary documents of our democratic heritage with special Students will be prepared to emphasis on the Constitution as take the AP United States it relates to everyday situations, Government and Politics exam major Supreme Court decisions in May. Summer work may be and a discerning analysis of civil required for this course. liberties. UNITED STATES HISTORY ADVANCED PLACEMENT Full-credit, graded course UNITED STATES • Required of all students in GOVERNMENT AND Form XI who do not enroll in POLITICS AP United States History Full-credit, graded course • Prerequisites: Successful • Required of all students in completion of United States Form X who do not enroll in Government and Politics or United States Government AP US Government and and Politics. Politics • Prerequisites: Successful • Full year, 1 credit completion of World History
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United States History surveys the evolution of our country's history from the colonial era to the present. This course seeks to define who we are as a nation, what we believe in, and why we are as we are. The course concentrates on the following major topics: colonialism, revolution, nationalism, sectionalism, isolationism, imperialism, the role of women and people of color in the growth of the nation, economic change, and political development and reform. The class is student-centered and oriented toward an open discussion of the challenges facing the United States. Independent research and cooperative learning projects are an integral part of the course. Numerous opportunities are provided to encourage reflective, independent thinking. Current events play a role in the daily life of this class. ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES HISTORY Full-credit, graded course • Required of all students in Form XI not enrolled in United States History. • Prerequisites: Successful completion of United States Government and Politics with a grade of A or better or AP US Government and Politics with a grade of A- or better; PSAT Verbal score of 600 or better . • Full year, 1 credit AP United States History surveys, in greater depth, the evolution of our country's history from the colonial era to the present. This course seeks to define who we are as a nation, what we believe in, and why we are as we are. The course concentrates on the following
major topics: colonialism, disorders, and social they will also present their revolution, nationalism, psychology. research on a variety of current sectionalism, isolationism, Students will explore ethical international issues with special imperialism, the role of women considerations and consideration to historical and people of color in the methodologies used in understanding. It is the intent of growth of the nation, economic psychological research and gain this class to provide a change, and political skills in critical thinking, discriminating perspective to development and reform. The analysis, and application. international problem solving in class is student-centered and Through engaging activities, hopes of promoting tolerance oriented toward an open discussions, experiments, and and an appreciation of cultural discussion of the challenges projects, students will develop a diversity and interconnection. facing the United States. deeper appreciation for the Independent research and complexities of human behavior THE PERSONAL AND THE cooperative learning projects and mental processes. POLITICAL: GENDER AND are an integral part of the The course prepares students to SEXUALITY IN AMERICAN course. Numerous opportunities take the AP Psychology exam HISTORY are provided to encourage and succeed in future collegeFull-credit, graded course reflective, independent thinking. level coursework. This • Open to Forms X, XI, and XII Current events play a key role in challenging and rewarding • Semester 2 course, 0.5 credit the daily life of this class. experience is ideal for students with an interest in psychology, This course places gender and Students taking this level of social sciences, or related fields. sexuality at the center of United States History are historical inquiry and human CONTEMPORARY WORLD expected to work at a higher experience. It examines the ISSUES level and will be prepared to varied and changing attitudes Full-credit, graded course take the AP United States toward gender and sexuality that History exam in May. Summer • Open to Forms X, XI, and XII have shaped institutions, ideas, work may be required for this • Semester 1 course, 0.5 credit and everyday interactions in a course. range of historical settings. This course will introduce Centrally, it explores the ways in ADVANCED PLACEMENT students to global issues and which gender and sexuality PSYCHOLOGY institutions and the increased have become so central to Full-credit, graded course ties between economics, American identities, politics, and politics, cultures, and societies. culture. Using both primary and • Open to Forms X, XI, and XII We will debate the benefits and secondary sources, students will • Prerequisite: PSAT Verbal detriments of organizations, score of 580 or better consider: How do gendered actions, and policies. Through • Full year, 1 credit ideals for dress, appearance readings, class discussion, and behavior emerge among analytical and persuasive writing The Advanced Placement (AP) different social groups and in assignments, projects, and Psychology course offers different societies and historical students a rigorous introduction debate, students will learn how periods? What factors to the systematic and scientific governments and organizations contribute to the formation and work together to shape study of behavior and mental success of movements for and response to global issues such against gender and sexual processes. This course covers as terrorism, poverty, major psychological concepts, equality and fluidity? In what environmental change, trade, theories, and research findings, ways do gender and sexuality and more. Texts will include providing students with a relate to other forms of social scholarly articles and film and comprehensive understanding difference such as class and will draw from the fields of of the field. Topics include race? Topics include gender history, science, politics, biological bases of behavior, ideologies, reproduction, economics, geography, and sensation and perception, censorship, sexual violence, sociology. learning, cognition, motivation, queer identities, and legal Students will write position emotion, development, codes. papers and textual analyses; personality, psychological Upper School Curriculum Guide 2025-2026 - Page 27
ADVANCED PLACEMENT EUROPEAN HISTORY Full-credit, graded course • Open to Form XII • Prerequisites: Successful completion of United States History or AP United States History with a grade of B+ or better, or successful completion of US Government and Politics or AP United States Government and Politics with a grade of B+ or better; PSAT verbal score of 580 or better. • Full year, 1 credit
Students are prepared to take the AP examination. Summer work may be required. NOT OFFERED THIS YEAR: POLITICAL SCIENCE Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms XI and XII • Semester 1 course, 0.5 credit • Offered every four years during Semester 1 of oddnumbered graduation years with presidential elections
Political Science is an elective course designed to acquaint This course traces the history of students with both political Europe from the Renaissance to theory and practical politics. To the present day and builds upon that end, the course is divided the student's knowledge of the into three subject areas: 1) narrative background Political theory 2) American established in World History. campaign politics 3) Foreign This class addresses the theme Policy formulation. Topics of change in history and studied include democracy, emphasizes political revolutions capitalism, Marxism, socialism, (English Civil War, French communism, fascism, liberalism Revolution, Revolutions of 1848, and conservatism, revolution, Russian Revolution, etc.), the imperialism, and civil social impact of economic disobedience. The class is conditions (Industrial student-centered with Revolution), intellectual assignments that demand movements (Humanism, independent and creative Scientific Revolution, and thought. Political Science is Enlightenment), and artistic oriented toward respectful, open schools (Romantics, Cubists, discussion of different political Surrealists, etc.). Major themes experiences and viewpoints. that have influenced our contemporary world are PROTEST AND POWER: developed and historically MAKING CHANGE IN traced: nationalism, liberalism, AMERICA conservatism, industrialism, Full-credit, graded course internationalism, imperialism, • Open to Forms XI and XII and socialism. Emphasis in this • Semester 1 course, 0.5 credit course is placed upon a critical and sophisticated analysis of In this course, students will primary and secondary historical grapple with one of the most sources, a personal definition of prominent trends in modern human nature, and an history: protest. The primary appreciation of the competing focus will be on movements for forces of history. There is civil rights (beginning with considerable supplementary abolition), women’s rights, reading on particular themes workers’ rights, and antiwar that are examined in depth. movements in America. We pay
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particular attention to the cultural production and consumption of dissent as a powerful voice of both individuals and movements, as well as movements’ transnational contexts and connections. Students will examine protest literature, visual sources, music, interviews with activists, and articles to engage with questions about what makes an effective protest movement, how to best make change in the world, and the ways in which movements engage with communities and governments. The course will culminate in a research project in which students study and evaluate a modern-day protest movement and compare their goals, methods, and protest literature to a movement of the past. ECONOMICS Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms XI and XII • Semester 2 course, 0.5 credit This course aims to provide students with theoretical underpinnings and functional knowledge in economics, so they may become informed consumers, producers, and citizens in today’s world. Economics is the study of how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions about the use of scarce resources in a world of unlimited wants and needs. This is done at both the microeconomic level and the macroeconomic level, both of which will be examined in detail. At the microeconomic level, students will investigate the smaller units of the economy and individual firms and markets. In macroeconomics, students will study the global economy and economics of nations and governments as
they attempt to foster growth present-day opportunities and engaging with the past, each and stability. Students will learn obstacles for female candidates other, and themselves in this how to think like an economist and female politicians. By the way, students will have a and will be required to use and end of this course, students will foundation for investigating the apply tools (such as graphs, understand the visible and existential, moral, and political tables, statistics, & equations) to invisible roles women played in issues that confront them daily. their understanding of economic American political history, laws and principles. Finally, this concepts of gender, sex, and FROM HUMORS TO course will also require students power, the gendered decisions HOSPITALS: A HISTORY OF to demonstrate understanding of of candidates, the roots of AMERICAN MEDICINE the connections between women’s underrepresentation, Full-credit, graded course economics and personal and the structural barriers that • Open to Forms XI and XII financial decisions. prevent women and minorities • Semester 1 course, 0.5 credit from running for office. Students WOMEN IN AMERICAN will also consider possibilities for This semester-long course POLITICS their own engagement in the examines the evolution of the Full-credit, graded course political sphere by evaluating American medical system from potential solutions to women’s • Open to Forms XI and XII colonial times through the underrepresentation, applying • Prerequisites: US present. Using a variety of empirical evidence to assess Government and Politics or primary and secondary sources, campaigns and elections, as AP US Government and students will explore the ways in well as draw connections Politics which the overarching between political theories and • Semester course, 0.5 credit transformations of American hands-on learning experiences. history affected the delivery of This course examines women’s healthcare, the social position of PHILOSOPHY evolutionary role in American medical practitioners, and the Full-credit, graded course politics as citizens, activists, importance of science and voters, and elected officials, • Open to Forms XI and XII technology in Americans’ daily from the early leaders of the • Semester course, 0.5 credit lives. The course begins with a Iroquois nation to suffragists like study of the evolving Lucretia Mott to the first Black This course is an introduction to understandings of medical Congresswoman Shirley the discipline and tradition of theory and the Chisholm. Topics will include, philosophy. Students will study professionalization of medicine. but are not limited to: the and discuss argumentative It next focuses on the mobilization of women into structure, epistemology, the development of American public politics through the suffrage good life, metaphysics, the health, particularly the laws and movement and the modern existence of God, ethics, institutions aimed at promoting a women’s movement; the role of political justice, and bioethics. healthy society and the ways in gender in shaping public opinion Readings come from a range of which public health intersects and electoral behavior; public philosophers throughout world with communities and opinion and electoral behavior civilization (ancient and modern, individuals. Lastly, the course on gender issues; women’s western and eastern) as well as concludes with several case activities within the political novels relevant to topics at studies related to medicine and parties; the experience of hand. The course is studentethics. Events such as the women candidates and directed with an emphasis on eighteenth-century smallpox officeholders; and policymaking analysis, self-reflection, inoculation debates, the J. on gender issues. Through discussion, and the written Marion Sims gynecological extensive readings, analysis of articulation of considered views. experiments on enslaved primary sources, class Assignments are meant to be women, the Tuskegee Syphilis discussions, conversations with exploratory, introspective, Experiment, government and female politicians, and individual interactive, creative, and social reactions to the HIV/AIDS research, students will learn motivated by or relevant to epidemic, and the Buck v. Bell about women’s historical students' own philosophical Supreme Court case will be contributions as well as the questions. The goal is that by studied and debated in detail. Upper School Curriculum Guide 2025-2026 - Page 29
Independent Studies
Partial-credit, pass/fail course • Open to all students; this course may be taken more than once, each time for credit. • Prerequisites: Instructor’s agreement required, common time availability. • Semester (offered each semester) or full-year course, 0.2 credits per semester. • Meets 1 or 2 times a rotation based on the discretion of the instructor. • Credit earned does not satisfy departmental graduation requirements. • This course is scheduled at the beginning of the academic year with the student’s Independent
Studies advisor.
An independent study offers the student an opportunity to design a project in an area of interest to her. Upon the start of the academic year (or Semester 2 if the work is limited to that semester), the student must complete an Independent Study Contract. The student meets with a teacher on a regular basis for guidance and evaluation, but the majority of the time is spent in independent work. Meeting times will be arranged between the student and the faculty member once the school year begins. Students should plan to spend the equivalent of three periods per rotation on an independent study project. At least one period per rotation will be formally scheduled with the independent study teacher. The final project is generated by the student and requires approval by the teacher. Independent projects are graded on a pass/fail basis and earn 0.2 credit per semester. Credit earned does not satisfy any departmental graduation requirement. Neither required courses nor curricular requirements will be displaced by an independent study project.
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Mathematics
The mathematics department is committed to a core college preparatory curriculum that reflects the mandates set forth by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics in "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for Teaching Mathematics." Mathematics must be ever-developing so that students continually expand their understanding of mathematical concepts in both breadth and depth as they progress through middle school and upper school. We strive to maintain a balance between skills and concepts, the concrete and the abstract, intuition and formalism, structure and problem solving, and induction and deduction. The goals of the mathematics department are that all students learn to value mathematics; to apply mathematical techniques confidently, skillfully, and accurately; to reason mathematically; to become effective mathematical problem-solvers; to communicate mathematically; and to become efficient users of modern technology. Students are encouraged to seek out and to accept appropriate challenges as they pursue their mathematics education.
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ALGEBRA I Full-credit, graded course • Required of all students in Form IX who did not complete Algebra I in Middle School. • Prerequisites: successful completion of Foundations in Algebra IA or equivalent course at another school • Full year, 1 credit • Technology required: TI-84+
of coordinate geometry and three-dimensional geometry are integrated with plane geometry throughout the course. HONORS GEOMETRY Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms IX and X • Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra I with a grade of A- or better; PSAT scores may also be considered. • Full year, 1 credit • Technology required: TI-84+
covered are a review of Algebra I, linear equations, quadratic equations, factoring, polynomial functions, graphing using transformations, irrational and complex numbers, probability, trigonometry, and rational expressions and equations.
HONORS ALGEBRA II Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms IX, X, XI Algebra 1 is the critical element • Prerequisites: Successful in secondary mathematics completion of Geometry with a education. Topics introduced in grade of A- or concurrent Algebra 1 provide the foundation enrollment in Geometry with students require for future The content of Honors teacher recommendation; success in high school Geometry is similar to Geometry PSAT scores may also be mathematics, critical thinking, but emphasizes formal proofs considered. and problem solving. The and constructions. • Full year, 1 credit primary goal in Algebra 1 is to • Technology required: TI-84+ help students transfer their Honors Algebra II is an in-depth ALGEBRA II concrete mathematical course in which the student Full-credit, graded course knowledge to more abstract continues the study of algebra. • Open to Forms IX, X, and XI algebraic generalizations. The course content commences • Prerequisites: Completion of Topics include: functions, linear with a review of Algebra I topics Geometry or concurrent equations and inequalities, and progresses to include a enrollment in Geometry with systems of equations and study of the irrational and teacher recommendation inequalities, exponents and complex numbers, quadratic • Full year, 1 credit radicals, polynomials, and equations and functions, • Technology required: TI-84+ quadratic functions and equations and numerical equations. methods, polynomial functions, Algebra II is a continuation of rational expressions and the study of algebra. Topics GEOMETRY equations, probability, and Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms IX and X • Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra I • Full year, 1 credit • Technology required: TI84+ The content of Geometry includes a strong emphasis on the basic concepts of Euclidean Geometry and the development of logical reasoning, including the formal method of proof. Students study triangles and triangle relationships, quadrilaterals, similarity, right triangle trigonometry, circles, area and volume. Concepts
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trigonometry. Students in Honors Algebra II spend significant time investigating the graphs of functions and transformation of functions. Graphing technology plays an integral role in the learning of mathematics in this course.
their questions and provide HONORS PRECALCULUS AB mathematically grounded Full-credit, graded course conclusions and solutions. • Open to Forms X, XI, XII Students will present the results • Prerequisites: Successful of their research to peers and completion of Honors Algebra faculty at the annual CSG STEM II with a grade of B- or Research Symposium and/or via successful completion of publication in Sisters in STEM. Algebra II with a grade of A- or completion of Advanced ADVANCED STATISTICS PRECALCULUS Quantitative Reasoning; PSAT Full-credit, graded course Full-credit, graded course scores may also be • Open to Forms X, XI, XII considered. • Open to Forms X, XI, XII • Prerequisites: Successful • Full year, 1 credit • Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra II. If a • Technology required: TI-84+ completion of Algebra II student is planning on taking • Full year, 1 credit Precalculus, this course can In addition to the topics covered • Technology required: TI-84+ only be taken concurrently in Precalculus, this course more with or after Precalculus; this This course takes a conceptual deeply investigates course cannot be taken before and analytical approach to trigonometric identities and or instead of Precalculus. applications of trigonometric concepts in precalculus • Full year, 1 credit functions. Additional topics necessary for the study of • Technology required: TI-84+ include vectors, parametric college-level mathematics functions, and polar coordinates courses. The study of Advanced Statistics provides precalculus builds and deepens and graphs. The course students opportunities to includes an introduction to the students' conceptual understand, collect, and study of limits in preparation for understanding of function. interpret data in order to Particular emphasis is placed on AP Calculus AB. address globally and locally polynomial, rational, relevant issues. After HONORS PRECALCULUS BC exponential, logarithmic, establishing a basic trigonometric, inverse, absolute Full-credit, graded course understanding of randomness value, and piecewise functions, • Open to Forms X, XI, XII and probability, students will use each of which is explored in a • Prerequisites: Completion of various inferential statistical variety of ways: graphical, Honors Algebra II with a grade tests, graphing techniques, and analytical, and using technology. of A-; PSAT scores may also numerical methods to analyze Additional topics include an be considered. data sets and predict future introduction to sequences, • Full year, 1 credit trends. Students will series, trigonometric identities, • Technology required: TI-84+ demonstrate their skills and and equations. A variety of growth through multiple projects assessment methods are used In addition to the topics covered throughout the year, including to capture understanding such in Precalculus, this course more opportunities to engage with as projects, tests, and deeply investigates large publicly available data sets quizzes. Students who enroll in trigonometric identities and (such as from the U.S. Census this course will traditionally enter applications of trigonometric or World Health Organization) into Advanced Statistics, Linear functions. Additional topics and chances to use Algebra, or Discrete include vectors, parametric experimental design to properly Mathematics. functions, and polar coordinates gather their own data to make and graphs. In preparation to conclusions. The course will take AP Calculus BC, this culminate with students taking a course culminates in a rigorous deep dive into an issue, introduction to limits, continuity, problem, or phenomenon of and derivatives. interest by developing the methodology and statistical analyses necessary to answer Upper School Curriculum Guide 2025-2026 - Page 33
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS AB Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms X, XI, XII • Prerequisites: Successful completion of Honors Precalculus AB and the recommendation of the Upper School faculty. • Full year, 1 credit • Technology required: TI-84+
course prepares students for the multiple integrals, line integrals, AP Calculus BC examination. Green’s Theorem, parametric Students are expected to work surfaces, Divergence Theorem, both together and independently and Stokes Theorem. to apply, to synthesize and to articulate their understanding of LINEAR ALGEBRA the interconnectedness of the CONCEPTS various mathematical topics to Full-credit, graded course which they have been • Open to Forms XI and XII introduced over the • Prerequisites: Successful years. Students begin by completion of or concurrent exploring the concepts of enrollment in Precalculus derivatives of functions and This course consists of a full • Semester 2 course, 0.5 credit relations; including parametric, • Technology required: TI-84+ academic year of work in vector-defined and polar calculus that is comparable to • Offered in 2025-2026, offered functions; and their applications, courses in colleges and on even-numbered graduation and proceed to working with universities and prepares years students for the AP Calculus AB definite and indefinite integrals This semester course is a (including improper integrals) examination. Centered on the rigorous introduction to the themes of derivatives, integrals, with applications, differential study of linear systems through equations and mathematical limits, approximation, and the use of matrix algebra. It applications and modeling, this modeling, and concludes with a provides the mathematical study of sequences and course is primarily concerned content necessary for series. with developing the students’ application to college-level understanding of the concepts science and engineering MULTIVARIABLE CALCULUS: classes. The course content of calculus and providing experience with its methods and A SURVEY COURSE includes systems of linear Full-credit, graded course various interdisciplinary equations, matrices, applications. It emphasizes a determinants, vector space, • Open to Forms XI and XII multi-representational approach • Prerequisites: Successful coordinate systems and bases, to calculus, with concepts, completion of AP Calculus BC linear transformations, results, and problems expressed • Semester 1 course, 0.5 credit eigenvalues, eigenvectors, inner geometrically, numerically, product and orthogonality, • Technology required: TI-84+ analytically, and verbally. • Offered in 2025-2026, offered orthogonal matrices, geometric on even-numbered graduation and real-world applications. ADVANCED PLACEMENT years CALCULUS BC Full-credit, graded course This semester course follows NOT OFFERED THIS YEAR: AP Calculus BC and is an • Open to Forms X, XI, XII introduction to multivariable • Prerequisites: Successful ABSTRACT ALGEBRA calculus. It is designed to be a completion of Honors THEORY college level course in terms of Full-credit, graded course Precalculus BC or AP both its content and rigor. Calculus AB • Open to Forms XI and XII and the recommendation of Applications to science and • Prerequisites: Successful engineering will be highlighted the Upper School faculty. completion of AP Calculus AB throughout the course, and • Full year, 1 credit or AP Calculus BC computer technology will be • Technology required: TI-84+ • Semester 1 course, 0.5 credit used to help students visualize • Offered in 2026-27; offered on Through a multi-representational the three-dimensional problems. odd-numbered graduation The course content includes approach to calculus, with years. vector-valued functions, concepts, results, and functions of several variables, problems expressed in Topics covered in this course partial derivatives, directional geometric, tabular, numerical, include basic number theory, derivatives, gradients, extrema, analytic and verbal form, this
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congruence and congruence DISCRETE MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS’ GREAT classes, modular arithmetic, ring Full-credit, graded course THEOREMS theory, arithmetic in F[X], Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms XI and XII congruence in F[X], and group • Prerequisites: Successful • Open to Forms XI and XII theory. Possible additional completion of Algebra II. • Prerequisites: Successful topics include public-key • Semester 2 course, 0.5 credit completion of or concurrent cryptography, geometric • Technology required: TI-84+ enrollment in Precalculus construction, algebraic coding • Offered in 2026-27; offered on • Semester 2 course, 0.5 credit theory, and field extensions. odd-numbered graduation • Technology required: TI-84+ years. • Offered in 2026-2027, offered DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS: on even-numbered graduation A SURVEY COURSE Have you ever wondered how to years Full-credit, graded course find the shortest route from point A to point B on a map? What is In this course, students will • Open to Forms XI and XII the least amount of colors spend time exploring, critiquing, • Prerequisites: Successful and interpreting the completion of AP Calculus BC needed to color a map? How mathematical arguments used • Semester 2 course, 0.5 credit does a post really go viral? Looked into how many different to prove the great theorems that • Technology required: TI-84+ ways you can deal 5 cards out have guided mathematical • Offered in 2026-27; offered on of a standard 52 card deck? thinking for thousands of years. odd-numbered graduation Discrete Mathematics provides Focusing on algebraic proofs years. an opportunity to dive deeper and using only the math into the logic and problem available to the original authors This course is a study of the at the time they were written, we basic concepts and methods for solving of our traditional mathematics curriculum. will learn the impact of those solving ordinary differential Looking to study topics such as theorems on mathematics, equations. Topics include slope logical reasoning, graph theory, science, society, and politics. fields; separable, linear, exact, tree diagrams, as well as This course will also expose Bernoulli, and homogeneous combinatorics and probability, students to a diverse group of first order equations; discrete math focuses on the individuals who developed the homogeneous and integers and their applications. proofs of the theorems and the nonhomogeneous second and This class is designed to social milieu in which they lived higher order linear equations; challenge students to think and worked, including the Laplace transforms; series mathematically and apply their infighting, jealousy, and solutions; and numerical logical reasoning to real world sabotage that nearly undid methods. Applications to problems. This elective is open many of them. Through this physical sciences and to all students who have finished exploration of the major engineering are highlighted. Algebra II or equivalent. theorems of math, students will grow to appreciate the foundation upon which their study of math has been built, as well as understand that their own mathematical thinking exists in a social context of other contemporary thinkers and that there are many mathematical questions that remain unanswered. Students will use the theorems studied as evidence to explore the unanswered question of whether mathematics is created or discovered. Upper School Curriculum Guide 2025-2026 - Page 35
Publications
NEWSPAPER (Silhouette)
articles and using InDesign and other design applications to create page layouts. Each student will have an active role in the publication along with instruction in skills including journalistic writing, interviewing, editing, and more.
This workshop affords students an opportunity to participate in Newspaper Workshop the publication of the Columbus (Editors) School for Girls yearbook, Partial-credit, graded Topknot. Activities include digital layout design online, • Requires submission of an digital photo editing and application, writing and pagecropping, and copywriting to layout samples, and approval prepare materials for use by a and signature of the faculty publishing company. Students advisor. interested in taking pictures for • Open to XI and XII YEARBOOK (Topknot) the yearbook are encouraged to • Full year, 0.4 credits Yearbook Workshop (Editors) sign up for the class but may still contribute to the publication if Newspaper Workshop (Staff) Partial-credit, graded this class will not fit into their Partial-credit, pass/fail • Prerequisites: Approval and schedules. • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII; signature of faculty this course may be taken advisor. Completion of at more than once, each time for least one semester as Staff. credit. • Open to XI and XII • May be taken one or two • Full year, 0.4 credits semesters, 0.2 credits per semester Yearbook Workshop (Staff) Partial-credit, pass/fail This workshop gives students • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII; an opportunity to participate in this course may be taken the publication of the Columbus more than once, each time for School for Girls newspaper, credit. Silhouette. Activities include • Full year, 0.4 credits composing and workshopping
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Science
We believe that science is BIOLOGY experiences, and textbook to everywhere and for everyone. Full-credit, graded course develop study and organization We want all students to discover • Required of Form IX students skills essential to academic that they are scientists: success in science and beyond. • Full year, 1 credit confident, curious, and capable of analytical and critical thinking. This course is designed to HONORS BIOLOGY DESIGNATION develop understanding of the We offer students the essentials of living systems at a Full-credit, graded course opportunity to explore a wide variety of scales, from • Prerequisites: range of scientific disciplines biochemical reactions and Recommendation of Middle and time to engage in the cellular metabolism to School faculty practices of scientists and evolutionary biology and global engineers. We guide students of ecology. Emphasis is placed on All students who are enrolled in all ages to approach the world connecting new knowledge to Biology have an opportunity to with wonder and curiosity. past work in science classes earn an honors designation. Students will develop the and on connecting biology to Students choosing this option confidence to analyze and solve their own lives. Classwork takes desire to master individual real-world problems, and many forms, including lecture, presentation skills and gain present evidence for their video, student presentations, deeper understanding of course thinking. modeling, and laboratory content by conducting experiments and simulations. All independent research partnered laboratory work includes safe with a full class presentation use of materials and appropriate each semester. Additionally, laboratory techniques. Students students in the Honors Biology will also use the course content, pathway are curious, creative Upper School Curriculum Guide 2025-2026 - Page 37
and detailed thinkers who enjoy Major areas of study are activities, group work, projects, and thrive in the laboratory centered around four Big Ideas: and labs. Students will reinforce setting. Those choosing the 1) the process of evolution their study using Anatomy in Honors Biology option will be drives diversity and unity of life; Clay MANIKEN models asked to show mastery 2) biological systems utilize free throughout the year to sculpt the of additional precision, energy and molecular building muscles, organs, nerves, blood accuracy and methodology blocks to grow, reproduce, and vessels, and other structures of writing components for each maintain homeostasis; 3) living the human body in clay. completed laboratory systems receive, transmit, and experience in the coursework respond to information; and 4) CHEMISTRY each semester. These skills will biological systems interact. This Full-credit, graded course be specifically assessed in the fast-paced course has a • Required of Form X students chosen measurement tools used significant laboratory component not enrolled in Honors in investigations and the with long- and short-term Chemistry reporting of data collected in experiments, allowing students • Prerequisites: Successful order to confidently support a to develop scientific research completion of Biology or claim in an investigation. Finally, skills and present their results Honors Biology students who earn an Honors through papers, poster • Full year, 1 credit credit will also need to complete sessions, and discussion. a separate and additional Students will also be guided as Chemistry is a laboratory and midterm and final assessment in they read professional scientific inquiry-based course. This addition to showing proficiency papers and relate them to their course covers the major in their independent work and own experimental work. concepts of chemistry, placing laboratory methodology writing. Summer work may be required. more emphasis on the It is important to note that fundamentals of chemistry and students choosing to participate HUMAN ANATOMY AND how they impact our daily lives in this pathway will need to earn PHYSIOLOGY and less emphasis on the proficiency in Honors Biology Full-credit, graded course mathematics of chemistry that is assessments in the fall • Open to Forms XI and XII taught in Honors Chemistry. In semester in order to continue • Prerequisites: Successful addition, students master into the spring semester. completion of Biology or scientific skills including Honors Biology and Chemistry observation, data collection, ADVANCED PLACEMENT or Honors Chemistry hypotheses and predictions, and BIOLOGY • Full year, 1 credit synthesis skills to make and Full-credit, graded course • Offered in 2025-2026: Offered support scientific claims. Each during even-numbered • Open to Forms XI and XII unit in Chemistry includes graduation years • Prerequisites: Successful laboratory exercises, problemcompletion of Biology or based group activities, Human Anatomy and Honors Biology (grade assessments and regular class Physiology is a course that average of B+ or better) and checks for understanding. investigates the structure and Chemistry or Honors Students will learn through class function of the human body. Chemistry; PSAT verbal lectures, labs, activities and Topics covered will include the scores may be considered. independent work that includes basic organization of the body, digital and print media, • Full year, 1 credit its biochemical composition, and interactive digital media giving • A final graded assessment is the major body systems, along students the ability to explore required; taken during an academic day, it will count as with the impact of diseases on different styles of learning. This a CSG Semester 2 exam or a certain systems. From course fulfills the prerequisite for major portion of the student’s biochemistry and anatomical AP Biology and Organic terminology to the large-scale semester grade. Chemistry. details of each of the major body systems, students will learn This is a college-level survey through print and digital reading course that prepares students for the AP Biology examination. materials, digital and kinesthetic
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HONORS CHEMISTRY Full-credit, graded course • Required of Form X students not enrolled in Chemistry • Prerequisites: Recommendation of Biology teacher; PSAT math scores may also be considered. • Full year, 1 credit
chemical kinetics, solutions, equilibria, acid- base theories, oxidation-reduction, electrochemistry, and the important role of chemistry in our society. Classroom methods include demonstrations, discussions, small group problem-solving exercises, and lectures. Online computer links are available for drill and The emphasis of this course is enrichment. Students enrolling on the experimental approach and the development of unifying in this class should have a high comfort level with Algebra I. concepts. Understanding and application of chemical ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I principles is stressed while memorization of factual material Full-credit, graded course is minimized. Concepts • Prerequisites: Successful discussed are generally related completion of Chemistry or to laboratory experiences or to Honors Chemistry demonstrations. Topics include: • Semester 1 course, 0.5 credit laboratory techniques, quantitative problem-solving This course provides a strategies, chemical formulas conceptually-based treatment of and equations, stoichiometry the fundamentals of organic and the mole concept, atomic chemistry and serves as a good structure, the periodic law, bond introduction to basic principles formation and molecular for students interested in the geometry, kinetic theory and gas medical, dental, and laws, enthalpy and entropy, pharmaceutical fields. Students
will cover concepts of naming compounds, basic molecular structure and geometry, organic functional groups, structural and stereoisomers, and basic organic chemical reactions. We will also discuss analysis of organic compounds by interpreting infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy as well as mass spectrometry. Students who have taken any general chemistry course will be prepared, though a strong knowledge of structures of compounds and 3-dimensional geometries is essential. ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II Full-credit, graded course • Prerequisites: Successful completion of Organic Chemistry I • Semester 2 course, 0.5 credit This course provides a conceptually-based treatment of the fundamentals of organic chemistry and builds off of basic
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principles presented in Organic Chemistry I. Continuing with the concepts introduced and developed in the first semester, mechanisms of reactions will be explored through application of thermodynamics and kinetics. The predominance of substitution vs. elimination mechanics in certain reactions will be investigated. Basic discussions around alkanes will expand to include alkenes and alkynes and addition reactions in which they are involved. General reactions with Laboratory material reinforces applications. Laboratory functional groups will also be the principles and concepts investigations, films and covered. covered in the lecture class. computer-based models will be Textbook and laboratory used to strengthen the examples will be covered in understanding of concepts. In ADVANCED PLACEMENT preparation for the Advanced addition to providing students CHEMISTRY Placement Chemistry with a clearer understanding of Full-credit, graded course examination. The course is a their physical world, this course • Prerequisites: Successful “gradeless” course that seeks to enhance their natural completion of Honors emphasizes skill-building and curiosity and strengthen their Chemistry with a grade average of A- or better; PSAT understanding of concepts over ability to reason clearly and accumulation of points. A effectively. math scores may also be student/teacher meeting at the considered. end of each semester will be HONORS PHYSICS • Full year, 1 credit held in order to determine the Full-credit, graded course • A final assessment is grade that is submitted for the required; taken during an • Required of Form XI students student’s transcript. academic day in April, it will not enrolled in Physics count as a major portion of the • Prerequisites: Successful PHYSICS student’s semester grade completion of Chemistry or Full-credit, graded course Honors Chemistry; concurrent • Required of Form XI students This is a college-level course enrollment in or successful not enrolled in Honors Physics that follows the Advanced completion of Precalculus; • Prerequisites: Successful Placement curriculum set forth PSAT math scores may be completion of Chemistry or by the College Board. Major considered. Honors Chemistry topics covered in the course are • Full year, 1 credit • Full year, 1 credit the electromagnetic spectrum, Honors Physics challenges the chemical bonding and This course provides a student both to conceptualize geometries, intermolecular conceptually-based treatment of and to resolve problems in attraction, stoichiometric the fundamental principles and Newtonian mechanics and relationships, chemical reactions and trends, gas laws, solutions, processes of the physical world. dynamics. Topics include: With the use of basic algebra 1D/2D motion, forces and chemical equilibria, solubility, skills, topics such as motion, Newton’s Laws, circular motion, chemical kinetics, acid-base forces, energy, sound, light, rotational motion, torque, rolling chemistry, oxidation-reduction, electricity and magnetism will be motion, momentum and electrochemistry, and basic covered. Upon completion, collisions as well as energy and organic chemistry. An emphasis students should be able to work, and as time allows, is placed on critical analysis, describe the principles studied oscillations, sound and basic laboratory procedures, and with the use of examples and circuits. Lectures, discussions technology in science.
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and laboratory exercises are used to explore these topics. The course is supplemented with films, demonstrations, and computer simulations. In addition to providing students with a clearer understanding of their physical world, this course seeks to enhance their natural curiosity and strengthen their ability to reason clearly and effectively.
have a strong emphasis on electromechanical devices. The “open-ended” labs in which the application of the design process to the worlds of student makes careful robotics, product design, theater observations of physical set design, and visual arts will phenomena. The course is supplemented with films, be discussed in order to demonstrations and computer emphasize the interdisciplinary modeling. In addition to providing students with a clearer nature of engineering and understanding of their physical design. Additional activities in this course could include world, this course seeks to discussions, guest speakers, enhance their natural curiosity class exercises, case studies, and strengthen their ability to labs, and student reason clearly and effectively. ADVANCED PLACEMENT presentations. As a final project Textbook and laboratory PHYSICS C: MECHANICS for this course, the students will examples will be covered in Full-credit, graded course apply the tools and techniques preparation for the Advanced • Open to Form XII learned during the semester. Placement Physics C: • Prerequisites: Successful The final project will be studentcompletion of Honors Physics Mechanics examination. specific and will relate to the with a grade average of A- or student’s own interests. better; concurrent enrollment PRINCIPLES OF in or successful completion of ENGINEERING AND DESIGN CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN Full-credit, graded course AP Calculus; PSAT math SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, scores may also be • Open to Forms X, XI, XII considered. • Semester 2 course, 0.5 credit AND TECHNOLOGY PUBLIC • Full year, 1 credit • Offered in 2025-2026: Offered POLICY Full-credit, graded course • A final graded assessment is during even-numbered • Open to Forms X, XI, XII required; taken during an graduation years • Semester 1 course, 0.5 credit academic day in April, it will This course will expose students • Offered in 2025-26 count as a CSG Semester 2 examination or a major portion to the engineering design process including team This course will focus on of the student’s semester development, brainstorming, science and technology public grade drawing and modeling, reverse policy and how challenging The AP Physics C – Mechanics engineering, research and issues of the day are addressed course is calculus-based and analysis, communication by legislative, administrative and follows the AP course methods, technical judicial decision makers. description as provided by the documentation, and Students will discover how College Board. This collegemanufacturing. A component of policy decisions by governments level physics course challenges this course will be learning the and other political actors in the the student both to basics of a state-of-the-art 3D form of laws, regulations and conceptualize and to resolve solid modeling design software funding priorities affect the problems in kinematics, (such as Autodesk Inventor, everyday lives of not only CSG Newton’s laws of motion, work, SOLIDWORKS, or TinkerCAD). students, but of people all over energy and power, impulse and In addition to learning the basics the world. Through group momentum, circular motion and of solid modeling and computer- discussions, case studies of rotation, oscillations and aided-design, students will be contemporary events, lectures, gravitation. If time permits, some introduced to rapid prototyping and especially, via guest topics not included on the AP via the use of three-dimensional speakers from the world of Physics C Mechanics test such printers, the Glowforge laser public policy, students will as waves, sound, optics and cutter and engraver, and will develop a critical understanding electrostatics, and electric work with Arduino Uno of how science and technology circuits might also be covered. microcontroller units, providing a public policy is made on the The laboratory component will platform for prototyping local, state and federal levels. Upper School Curriculum Guide 2025-2026 - Page 41
Recent topics covered include: and field work presented course will have an emphasis on Artificial Intelligence, threats to throughout the course. Students hands-on learning, allowing the electric grid, train safety, will be required to identify and students to develop critical global warming, plastic pollution, analyze environmental thinking and problem-solving and autonomous vehicles. problems, evaluate the relative skills. The students will learn to risks associated with these collaborate, innovate, and problems, and examine communicate. Special emphasis alternative, sustainable solutions will be put on how to express NOT OFFERED THIS YEAR: for resolving or preventing ideas to others through both two them. Students will have the -dimensional representations opportunity to think creatively on (sketches, drawings) and threeAP ENVIRONMENTAL a project, perform experiments, dimensional models. Students SCIENCE and analyze data involving the will create individual portfolios to Full-credit, graded course study of air, water, as well as document the process, from • Open to Forms XI and XII projects that explore modeling ideation phase to prototyping to • Prerequisites: Successful complex systems, recycling, final product. The application of completion of Biology or composting, biodiversity, and the design process to the worlds Honors Biology (grade the urban environment. of industrial design, product average of B+ or better) and design, and the visual and fine Chemistry or Honors arts will emphasize the DESIGN: THE INTERSECTION Chemistry interdisciplinary nature of OF ART AND ENGINEERING • Full year, 1 credit design. Additional activities in • Offered in 2026-27; offered on Full-credit, graded course, cothis course will include listed science and art odd-numbered graduation discussions, guest speakers, departments years class exercises, case studies, • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII • A final graded assessment is • Semester 1 course, 0.5 credit off-site field trips, and student required; taken during an • Offered in 2026-27; offered on presentations. academic day in April, it will count as a CSG Semester 2 odd-numbered graduation PHYSICS MEETS examination or a major portion years ENGINEERING: ELECTRICITY, of the student’s semester MAGNETISM, AND CIRCUITS This course will introduce grade. students to the world of design Full-credit, graded course as seen through the eyes of This is a college-level survey • Prerequisites: Concurrent course that prepares students engineering and applied arts, enrollment in or successful for the AP Environmental building on students’ abilities in completion of Precalculus Science examination. This math and science while applying • Semester course, offered in fundamental principles taken course will focus on the issues both semesters, 0.5 credit that not only threaten the natural from the fields of engineering and art. The design process, world, but our civilization. In this course students will Students will be expected to (i.e. the process of applying embark on an exploration of engage with the scientific creative skills in the electricity, magnetism, and principles, concepts, and development of a solution to a circuits, and how they are defined problem), will be methodologies required to applied in electromagnetic presented via project-based understand the devices to improve our everyday interrelationships of the natural instruction. The approach will lives. The course offers a world and the human impact on reflect the present comprehensive understanding the environment. This course interdisciplinary one used by of essential principles of includes inquiry-based projects, many leading design electricity and magnetism, while companies. Various laboratories, and field giving students the knowledge investigations. These will weigh methodologies used in the and skills to design and execute significantly throughout the year, execution of this process will be a wide range of projects. The and it is expected that students introduced, practiced and students will examine the participate in all projects, labs, applied to actual problems. The influence of electromagnetic
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devices on various aspects of COSMOLOGY: ORIGIN AND ASTRONOMY: OUR SOLAR our modern world. The course DEVELOPMENT OF THE SYSTEM will start by providing a solid UNIVERSE Full-credit, graded course foundation in the basic Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms XI and XII principles of electricity and • Open to Forms XI and XII • Semester 2 course, 0.5 credit magnetism, including electric • Semester 1 course, 0.5 credit • Offered in 2026-27; offered on fields and forces, electric • Offered in 2026-27; offered on odd-numbered graduation potential, current and odd-numbered graduation years. resistance, circuits, magnetic years fields and forces. With this Astronomy: Our Solar System is Cosmology: Origin and knowledge, and as part of the a descriptive introduction to the course’s laboratory component, Development of the Universe foundational principles of focuses on the study of the the students will design, build astronomy with a focus on our origin of the universe and the and test circuits, explore the astronomical neighborhood, the largest objects in it. Topics fundamentals of voltage, Solar System. Topics covered current, and resistance, and covered include the life and include the history of death of stars, special relativity astronomy, ancient and modern gain insight into the intricate and black holes, the formation world of electromagnetism. astronomical tools, interactions and types of galaxies, and the Throughout the course, of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, Big Bang Theory. Students in students will apply scientific gravitation and the motion of the the course will use what we concepts to real-world planets, the formation of the scenarios involving electrical know about the universe today Solar System, and comparative to predict its ultimate fate. We circuits, examining the planetology. The history and applications of electromagnetic will also look at how popular future of human travel within the media portrays these scientific Solar System is also discussed. devices in industries, events and concepts. This transportation, and everyday The course reviews some basic course reviews some basic appliances. This course is concepts from biology, meant for any student looking to concepts from biology, chemistry, and physics. While understand the physical world chemistry, and physics. While not math-intensive, this course around them, and is especially not math-intensive, this course will use mathematical equations relevant for students intending will use mathematical equations (density, velocity, momentum, to describe observed to major in a STEM field. etc.) to describe observed phenomena where appropriate. phenomena where appropriate. Class work is supplemented by Class work is supplemented by laboratory activities and laboratory activities and research projects. research projects.
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World Languages
The World Languages Department strives to provide every student with meaningful study of languages and cultures. Our course offerings are in Latin, Mandarin, and Spanish. We guide our students in the development of communication and multicultural skills to become confident leaders and lifelong learners in an interconnected world. Our students undertake a journey of discovery and pursue their language studies to their highest potential, resulting in deeper cultural understanding and an enriched life experience. Developing the skills to become an effective language learner requires continuity and frequency. In the Upper School, The first three levels of a language form a foundation upon which significant oral proficiency and cultural understanding can be achieved. The process of language acquisition as an academic and natural endeavor is both valuable and necessary for the 21st century student. For this reason, satisfactory completion of a world language through Level III is required for graduation. Beyond the graduation requirement, it is encouraged that students take a language through their senior year. Upper School World Language classes highlight, practice and assess three approaches to language production and communication: interpretive, interpersonal and presentational. Students read, listen, speak and write on authentic and relevant topics of the target language. Upper School students are given the opportunity to participate in travel experiences to Think Globally and demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of differences.
MANDARIN CHINESE MANDARIN CHINESE I • Prerequisites: Forms IX, X, Full-credit, graded course and XI, none; Form XII, the student must be enrolled in • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII five other full-credit courses (scheduling priority is given to each semester. students in Form IX); seniors may take a first-year language • Full year, 1 credit only as a sixth course.
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Chinese I is taught through a method called TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling). The class focuses on providing students with compelling and comprehensible input (like an
immersion setting) of Chinese language and culture before requiring students to produce the language on their own. Class activities include discussing relatable topics, watching clips from Chinese TV shows, reading lots of patterned stories, asking and answering personalized questions, sampling Chinese food and drinks, playing language games and celebrating Chinese holidays.
conversations and discussions, using connected sentences.
The topics for Chinese I include: greetings, self-introduction, family and friend relationships, preferences in food and beverages, the date and weather, Chinese New Year, birthday celebrations and experiences on learning Chinese. By the end of the course, students will be able to express themselves on familiar topics using learned material and memorized phrases.
At the end of this course, students will be able to form their own sentences in order to handle a number of uncomplicated communicative tasks. These include comparing school life in China and the U.S., going shopping, taking public transportation, asking for directions, making and eating Chinese food, describing the various Chinese cuisines, and visiting other people’s homes.
MANDARIN CHINESE II Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms IX,X, XI, XII • Prerequisites: Successful completion of Mandarin Chinese I • Full year, 1 credit
MANDARIN CHINESE III Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms X, XI, XII • Prerequisites: Successful completion of Mandarin Chinese II • Full year, 1 credit
Students in Chinese II continue to develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and typing Chinese. The focus is using Chinese in reallife contexts, combining the study of both Chinese language and culture. Additional class activities include taking field trips and interviewing native Chinese speakers.
Chinese II continues through a Chinese III is taught through a method called TPRS (Teaching method called TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling). The class and Storytelling). The class focuses on providing students focuses on providing students with compelling and with compelling and comprehensible input (like an comprehensible input (like an immersion setting), building on immersion setting), building on what the students have what the students have mastered in Chinese I. Teaching mastered in Chinese I and II. content includes funny videos, Teaching content (in Chinese) clips from selected Chinese includes funny videos, soap soap operas, songs, reality operas, movies, songs, reality television shows, and longer television shows, and longer stories and Chinese novels than stories and Chinese novels than in Chinese I. Students engage in in Chinese II. Students engage more sophisticated in more sophisticated
conversations and discussions, producing strings of sentences and expressing their opinions regarding a large range of topics. Students in Chinese III continue to develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and typing Chinese. Class activities focus on using the language in real-life contexts, combining the study of both Chinese language and culture. In addition, students participate in scavenger hunts, take field trips, have group discussions, write their own stories, and interview native Chinese speakers. The topics include describing locations and places, introducing the home and community environment, Chinese folk stories, the history of Chinese food, Chinese geography, traveling andtransportation in various regions in China, physical features, and the philosophy of aesthetics in Asian cultures. At the end of this course, students will be able to handle a wide range of uncomplicated communicative tasks by creating their own sentences. MANDARIN CHINESE IV Full-credit, graded course • Open to Form XII • Prerequisites: Successful completion of Mandarin Chinese III • Full year, 1 credit Chinese IV continues to be taught through a method called TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling). Also, students continue to develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and typing Chinese.
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Chinese IV focuses on providing restaurant. Outside speakers issues around the world (such students with lots of compelling will be invited to share with the as political events, historical and comprehensible input (like students their expertise in stories, and contemporary an immersion setting), building Chinese. news). An additional topic will be on what the students have a historical study of doing mastered in Chinese I, II, and III. At the end of this course, business in China, beginning However, more emphasis is students will be able to handle a with the ancient Silk Road. placed on student language wide range of uncomplicated output in real-life simulated communicative tasks by creating Readings include the Chinese situations than in the earlier their own detailed sentences. folk story Meng Mu San Qian levels. For example, students Thus, students will be at the (concerning the effect of engage in more sophisticated “Intermediate Low to Mid” parental influences and living conversations and discussions proficiency level designated by environments on education) and both among themselves and the American Council on the the Chinese documentary film with native Chinese speakers. In Teaching of Foreign Languages. Please Vote for Me (concerning addition, students read an entire student elections in a Chinese Chinese novel (The Monkey’s MANDARIN CHINESE V school). In addition, students Paw) and write paragraphs in Full-credit, graded course read an entire Chinese novel Chinese, expressing their (Great Expectations). • Open to Form XII opinions in detail. • Prerequisites: Successful The topics covered include completion of Mandarin Field trips, hands-on projects, traditional Chinese housing, the Chinese IV pen-pal projects and speakers concept of Feng Shui, traditional • Full year, 1 credit will all be incorporated in this Chinese gardens, China’s class. Through extensive This course challenges students reading, writing and discussion, geography and landscapes, to develop their conversational students will achieve the Chinese literature, doing fluency in formal and informal business in China and “Intermediate Mid” proficiency environmental protection. There discussions based on topics level designated by the are field trips to Columbus’ related to themselves, familiar American Council on the Asian market and to a Chinese issues in their community, and Teaching of Foreign Languages.
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LATIN LATIN I LATIN II addition, an appreciation of Full-credit, graded course Full-credit, graded course classical literature is encouraged through reading • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII various works of Greek and (scheduling priority is given to • Prerequisites: Successful students in Form IX); seniors completion of Latin I; for rising Roman literature. may take a first-year language Form IX CSG students, only as a sixth course and are successful completion of Latin LATIN IV given last priority in in Form VIII with a grade of B- Full-credit, graded course scheduling. or better and departmental • Open to Forms XI, XII • Prerequisites: Forms IX, X, signature. • Prerequisites: Successful and XI - none; Form XII - the • Full year, 1 credit completion of Latin III student must be enrolled in • Full year, 1 credit five other full-credit courses Students continue with the This course is a survey of Latin each semester. reading-approach in Lingua literature. In the fall, students • Full year, 1 credit Latina textbook series. More complex grammar is introduced, focus on prose with Cicero, Formal introduction to the including the subjunctive mood, Caesar, and historians like classical language is participles, gerunds, gerundives, Sallust & Tacitus. In the spring, accomplished through a blend of and all varieties of subordinate they turn to Augustan poetry the reading and grammar and authors like Ovid, Horace, clauses. Students are further approaches using Lingua Latina. exposed to Roman culture and and Vergil. Scansion of dactylic The textbook is supplemented hexameter and elegiac couplets history through a variety of with Latin readings from readings in English and lectures are studied in depth, with the Colloquia Personarum. The student attaining mastery in this provided by the instructor. focus of the course is on Introductory skills in Latin prose area by the end of the course. developing reading proficiency composition are acquired. and mastery of fundamental ADVANCED PLACEMENT Latin vocabulary and grammar. LATIN III LATIN Systematic expansion of English Full-credit, graded course Full-credit, graded course vocabulary occurs through • Open to Forms XI, XII • Open to Forms X, XI, XII detailed study of Latin stems • Prerequisites: Successful • Prerequisites: Successful and modern root derivation. completion of Latin IV with a completion of Latin II Students learn about Roman grade of A- or better or • Full year, 1 credit history and culture through a instructor approval; a strong variety of English readings and In the student’s third year, work ethic and exceptional creative projects. coursework transitions from talent in listening, reading, slightly adapted Latin to real speaking, or writing. Latin with readings drawn from • Full year, 1 credit authors such as Cicero, Livy, • A final graded assessment is and Catullus. Grammar is required; taken during an renewed in depth with academic day in April, it will concentration on those forms count as a CSG Semester 2 and grammatical constructions examination or a major portion found in standard prose authors of the student’s semester and culminates in more grade. advanced prose compositions The AP Latin course is designed based on the style of Cicero. to prepare students for Rhetorical devices, stylistic elements and literary tropes are undergraduate Latin translation and Classics courses as well as discussed in depth as each the Advanced Placement author is encountered. In examination in Latin. Some Upper School Curriculum Guide 2025-2026 - Page 47
class time will be spent ADVANCED READINGS IN discussing the format of the LATIN LITERATURE exam, its scoring, and Full-credit, graded course successful test-taking strategies. • Open to Forms XI, XII Students will work on numerous • Prerequisites: Successful practice exercises from practice completion of AP Latin with a AP Exams to become as familiar grade of B or better; a with the test as possible. In the consistently strong work ethic course, students and exceptional ability to comprehensively read, discuss, analyze, comprehend, and and interpret Virgil and Caesar translate Latin. in preparation for the AP Latin • Full year, 1 credit exam, but also a variety of canonical prose authors such as The Advanced Readings in Latin Literature course provides Cicero, Livy, Sallust, and Seneca and canonical poets students who have completed such as Ovid, Catullus, Horace, AP Latin an opportunity to and Propertius. Students study translate and analyze particular scansion of dactylic hexameter Latin authors not covered by the and elegiac couplets through in- AP Latin curriculum. The course depth, accelerated study of the focuses on the genres of major poets. Students will read biography & philosophy. Students read and analyze the relevant biographical and authors like Cornelius Nepos, stylistic information for each author from Gian Biagio Conte’s Suetonius, Seneca, Lucretius, Latin Literature. and Apuleius.
There is also a significant research writing component to the course that emphasizes breadth of preparation and analysis.
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SPANISH
and improve their Spanish class is conducted primarily in listening, speaking, reading, and Spanish. Students who pursue writing skills, as well as build an honors designation will SPANISH I their vocabulary. This class is complete required, Full-credit, graded course conducted primarily in Spanish. communicative tasks each • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII quarter to further challenge students who did not take themselves and gain more SPANISH II / HONORS Spanish in Middle School Spanish Proficiency. (scheduling priority is given to DESIGNATION Full-credit, graded course Form IX); seniors may take a SPANISH III / HONORS • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII first-year language only as a DESIGNATION sixth course and are given last • Prerequisites: Successful Full-credit, graded course completion of Spanish I priority in scheduling. • Full year, 1 credit • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII • Prerequisites: Forms IX, X, • Prerequisites: Successful and XI, none; Form XII, the This course reviews and builds completion of Spanish II/II student must be enrolled in on the basics of Spanish Honors five other full-credit courses grammar learned in Spanish I. It • Full year; 1 credit each semester. includes a detailed study of new • Full year, 1 credit grammar, including the This course provides an imperfect and preterite tenses, intensive review of the grammar This course teaches the basics of Spanish grammar. Emphasis commands, and the future and learned in Spanish II, while also conditional tenses, as well as introducing new grammatical is placed not only on written other grammatical topics. topics. It also focuses on the expression and correct grammar Reading and writing skills are history and culture of the usage, but also on proper oral practiced through daily Spanish-speaking world, expression and pronunciation. assignments and board work. including the Latinx population Students are encouraged to be There is an increased emphasis of the United States, by use of creative with the language and on speaking and listening skills literature, videos, art, and so on. speak it as much as possible in These sources serve to drive class. Daily assignments and in- in level II, and thus many inclass activities are geared class discussion and class class activities, such as written toward working on those skills. assignments, including papers, exercises, board work, questionStudents speak with partners, skits, projects, etc. Given that answer routines, mini-plays, the course is taught entirely in listening exercises, and Spanish perform skits in groups, and engage in conversation with the Spanish, great emphasis is language videos, challenge teacher on a daily basis. The always placed on speaking students to continually practice Spanish in class, and students are encouraged to be creative with the language. At the end of this course, students will be able to handle a range of uncomplicated communicative tasks by creating their own detailed responses, and should be able to express some familiarity with cultures of the Spanish speaking world. Students who pursue an honors designation will complete required, communicative tasks each quarter to further challenge themselves and gain more Spanish Proficiency.
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SPANISH IV / HONORS DESIGNATION Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms X, XI, XII • Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish III/III Honors • Full year, 1 credit This course reviews the more challenging grammatical concepts of Spanish II and III, while placing a far greater emphasis on the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Given that students in Spanish IV normally are familiar with language basics, we instead focus on strengthening those basics and delving into exceptions to grow their language competency. To accomplish this, we use a wide students who wish to study ADVANCED PLACEMENT array of cultural artifacts, Spanish literature and review SPANISH LANGUAGE AND including short readings, audios, grammar. Emphasis is placed CULTURE videos, and literature, to put on readings from a variety of Full-credit, graded course their language competency to sources, including: short stories, • Open to Forms XI and XII use. Given that the class is articles, and plays, as well as • Prerequisites: Successful taught entirely in Spanish, the application of key completion of Spanish IV/IV strong emphasis is placed on grammatical points to both Honors with department speaking Spanish in class. At written and oral language. Class approval. the end of this course, students discussions will be conducted in • Full year, 1 credit will be able to handle some Spanish to grow student • A final graded assessment is more complex communicative communicative confidence. required; taken during an tasks by creating their own Given that this may be the final academic day in April, it will detailed responses, and should Spanish course that many count as a CSG Semester 2 be able to express familiarity students take at CSG, it is examination or a major portion with cultures of the Spanish designed to prepare them to of the student’s semester speaking world. Students who pursue the study of Spanish grade. pursue an honors designation literature and language at the will complete required, college level. At the end of this This course challenges students communicative tasks each to develop a high level of course, students will be quarter to further challenge fluency in spoken language, to comfortable holding basic themselves and gain more acquire a command of conversations in Spanish, be Spanish Proficiency. able to handle many basic and vocabulary and language structure similar to that of an some complex communicative tasks, and should be able to advanced non-native speaker, SPANISH V and to understand complex express deep familiarity with the Full-credit, graded course cultures of the Spanish speaking literary and non-literary prose • Open to Forms XI and XII written by Spanish and Latin world. • Prerequisites: Successful American authors. Class completion of Spanish IV. discussion will be conducted • Full year, 1 credit entirely in Spanish. Designed as a college-level class, this course This course is open to all
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also prepares students for the required; taken during an with the past tenses, Advanced Placement Spanish academic day in April, it will prepositions, and the Language examination. Some of count as a CSG Semester 2 subjunctive, among others. The the class time will be spent examination or a major portion course structure will allow discussing the format of the test, of the student’s semester flexibility to identify where its scoring, and successful testgrade. students need improvement, taking strategies. Students will and specifically target those This course is designed to work on numerous practice areas. At the end of this course, accommodate our students who students will be comfortable exercises from each section of have completed all possible the test to improve their skills holding extensive conversations Spanish courses at CSG up to and to become as familiar and in Spanish, be able to handle and including AP Spanish comfortable with the test as many basic and complex possible. All students enrolled in Language and Culture. The communicative tasks, and this course are required to take focus of this course will be to should be able to express deep improve students’ fluency and the AP Spanish Language familiarity with the cultures of linguistic accuracy. Students will the Spanish speaking world. examination. At the end of this read and discuss various texts, course, students will be engage in conversation, and comfortable holding extensive This course is taught entirely in write compositions while conversations in Spanish, be Spanish and all submitted work able to handle many basic and exploring Hispanic/Latinx is in Spanish. Grading is based complex communicative tasks, cultures. on participation, completion of and should be able to express reading selections, oral and Texts may include longer short deep familiarity with the cultures written quizzes, submission of of the Spanish speaking world. stories (such as those by Jorge critical analyses, and oral Luis Borges and Rosario project presentations. At the end Castellanos), young adult POST AP SPANISH of this course, students will be literature (including Esperanza LANGUAGE AND CULTURE able to handle a wide range of Renace by Pam Muñoz Ryan communicative tasks by creating Full-credit, graded course and El teatro de los monstruos their own detailed sentences. • Open to Form XII by Viviana Cordero), movies Thus, students will be at the • Prerequisites: Successful (Bajo la misma luna), and plays “Intermediate Mid to Advanced completion of AP Spanish performed in class (such as La Low” proficiency level Language and Culture and casa de Bernarda Alba by designated by the American departmental approval. Federico García Lorca). Council on the Teaching of • Full year, 1 credit Strengthening language Foreign Languages. • A final graded assessment is competency may include work
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Institute for Innovation & Leadership From foundational curricula to cutting-edge technology to global experiences, this premier program will not only offer students the chance to develop talents in a variety of disciplines, but it will also prepare them for life after they graduate from CSG. With exceptional foundational knowledge, advanced studies, and real-world experiences, they will be prepared to stand out in their work after CSG and succeed in the next steps toward their future. Each Center is designed to empower our students in each of the respective fields of study. From leading in the classroom to performing on the stage to competing in a robotics tournament and more, the Institute offers every girl a chance to discover her distinct potential as a learner and leader.
GLOBAL SEMINAR I Partial credit, pass/fail course • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII; • Full year, 0.34 credit (meets once/rotation)
GLOBAL SEMINAR II LEADERSHIP SEMINAR Partial credit, pass/fail course Partial credit, pass/fail course • Open to Forms X, XI, XII • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII; • Prerequisite: Global Seminar I this course may be taken • Full year, 0.34 credit (meets more than once, each time for once/rotation) credit. Global Seminar examines the • Full year, 0.34 credit (meets concept of global citizenship and Global Seminar II continues to once/rotation) develops students’ level of develop students' global global competence by competence by extending their Leadership Seminar is a lecture examining local, global, and knowledge and experience with and discussion-based class that intercultural issues while investigating the world, examines the question: “How do understanding and appreciating understanding and appreciating I lead myself?” Students will the perspectives and world different perspectives, read scholarly articles, hear views of others. Students will communicating across cultures, from guest speakers, take hear from guest speakers, and taking meaningful action in personality and leadership engage in discussion-based their world . Students will take assessments, and engage in classes, follow the global news an active role in building their deep self-reflection as they cycle, and work towards global competence through develop the skills to express geographical mastery. engaging in discussion-based their authentic self with clear classes, researching current communication, practice issues, hearing from guest balance in school and personal speakers, and engaging with life to achieve wellness, and their local and global engage in courageous and community. healthy risk taking.
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AMERICA BY THE NUMBERS Partial credit, pass/fail course • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII • Full year, 0.34 credit (meets once/rotation)
TO INFINITY AND BEYOND: EXPLORING THE BOUNDARIES OF ZERO AND INFINITY IN MATHEMATICS, LITERATURE, AND POETRY Partial credit, pass/fail course • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII • Semester course, 0.17 credit (meets once/rotation)
America by the Numbers is an interdisciplinary exploration of how mathematics, science, and engineering have shaped key moments in U.S. history. This What lies beyond the edges of course highlights the vital role our understanding? To Infinity these disciplines played in the and Beyond invites students to nation's development, from the explore the fascinating worlds of statistical innovations behind the zero and infinity, two concepts U.S. Census to the physics and that have intrigued and baffled engineering breakthroughs that thinkers across centuries. This enabled the construction of the interdisciplinary course bridges transcontinental railroad and the mathematics and literature to Apollo space missions. examine how zero and infinity shape our understanding of Students will examine historical reality, existence, and the milestones such as the human condition. Through Industrial Revolution, the mathematical theories, development of electricity, and philosophical inquiries, and the Manhattan Project all literary reflections, students will through the lens of trace how these enigmatic mathematical and scientific concepts influence logic, advancements. The course will paradoxes, and perspectives on feature real-world problemthe infinite. solving, applying concepts from algebra, geometry, physics, and Students will explore the history calculus to historical case and development of zero and studies. Additionally, students infinity in mathematics, from will explore how engineering ancient civilizations to modern innovations influenced everything from the design of bridges and skyscrapers to advancements in transportation and communication.
calculus, and will connect these ideas to literary works that grapple with the boundless and the void. Readings may include selections from Borges, Calvino, and Shakespeare, as well as mathematical texts on limits, calculus, and number theory. In this journey, students will grapple with the seemingly impossible, confront paradoxes, and consider the ways mathematics and literature combine to expand our intellectual and imaginative horizons. INTRODUCTION TO DESIGN THINKING Full credit, graded course • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII • Semester course, 0.5 credit (meets three times/rotation) Design Thinking is a multidisciplinary creative problem-solving methodology with human needs at its core. This approach allows teams to create meaningful products which tackle complex humancentered challenges and also allows individuals to solve their big life questions.
By blending history with STEM, students will gain both a deeper appreciation for the past and practical skills in data analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design. Whether you're a history buff, math enthusiast, or aspiring engineer, this course provides a dynamic and accessible way to explore America's story through the power of numbers, science, and innovation. Upper School Curriculum Guide 2025-2026 - Page 53
Introduction to Design Thinking will allow students to explore this methodology to solve community problems and personal dilemmas. Coursework will include completing short design projects and exercises, generating idea boards, interviewing people, developing personas, drawing sketches, building prototypes, creating presentations, giving and receiving feedback, and more. Students will develop their empathy skills, build creative confidence, and enhance their problem-solving skills.
their labs year-round. Content will fluctuate depending on the field(s) that students are engaged/interested in and where they need support, but can include: how to search for and read primary literature, writing/editing help for papers and/or posters, discussion of challenges faced by high school students in a research lab or industry setting, collaborative problem solving around those challenges, and understanding the technical background research in their field that their placement is focused on. Topics will also include research lab STEM SEMINAR conduct, oral and written Partial credit, pass/fail course presentations, and • Open to Forms X, XI, XII; this communication with research mentors. Note that students course may be taken more taking this course are not than once, each time for guaranteed of a placement with credit. a research group outside of • Full year, 0.34 credit (meets CSG; however, the skills once/rotation) developed in this class will help students apply for and succeed This seminar class helps students apply and expand upon in these endeavors. This course the skills they have developed in can be taken by students their core science classes and/ multiple times throughout their or used in off-campus research high school career; veteran students will be encouraged to placements over the summer help and engage students new (and potentially during the school year). It also provides the to the class, while new students bring in new ideas, interests, collaborative environment and and perspectives. support needed for students who decide to engage in outside research to be successful in
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RESEARCH CAPSTONE: THE ART OF HISTORICAL DETECTION Partial-credit, graded course • Open to Form XII • Prerequisites: While there are no formal prerequisites, we recommend students have a strong interest in research, writing, and discussion of historical topics. • Full year, 0.34 credit (meets once/rotation)
This research seminar will offer students the opportunity to conduct work similar to that of professional historians. It will build advanced skills in the methods of historical research, including the framing of research questions; the location, analysis, and evaluation of sources; the construction of argument and counterargument; and the presentation of results. Throughout the year, students will immerse themselves in the research, writing, and revision process as they thoroughly investigate particular historical issues or problems. To start, students will generate research questions through their interest in current events or issues. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to visit archives such as the OSU Special Collections and Local History Room at the Columbus Metropolitan Library and conduct hands-on archival research. Ultimately, the research will culminate in an article-length original research paper (20-25 pages) and a defense of their findings to a faculty panel. Regardless of field, students will be grounded in the form and substance of research paper writing.
DEIB SEMINAR Partial credit, pass/fail course • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII • Full year, 0.34 credit (meets once/rotation) This course is designed to provide students with the introductory and foundational knowledge necessary to better understand identity, diversity, multiculturalism, and social justice. Students participating in professional financial advisors, WRITING COMMUNITY this course will embark on a this introductory personal Partial credit, pass/fail course journey of identity development. finance course explores • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII We will begin by exploring budgeting, credit cards, credit • Full year, repeatable, 0.34 various cultural identifiers and scores, interest rates, taxes, and credit (meets once/rotation) will engage in a number of insurance policies as well as an exercises and activities that help introduction to careers in In this course, students will build a community of trust while finance. explore writing in a supportive also equipping students with the and creative community tools necessary to better PEER TUTOR PEDAGOGY environment. The class will understand themselves and the Partial credit, pass/fail course meet once a rotation to engage lenses that inform their in ongoing creative writing • Open Forms X, XI, XII engagement with their exercises designed to explore a • One semester, 0.17 credit community and the world. wide range of genres and craft. (meets once/rotation) Previous leadership or diversity In a supportive workshop-style training is not required. Students In this course, students will be environment, students will need to come to each class with introduced to the principles and expand their writing skills, an open mind and a willingness practices of tutoring while they develop confidence, and work to embrace new perspectives. are working in the Upper School together to build a vibrant This is a dialogue-based class Writing Center. In addition to culture of writers. where enjoyable activities tutoring every week, students should be expected along with a will convene once a rotation to deep dive into culture, identity, discuss current issues, ideas, and multiculturalism. and solutions related to tutoring. NOT OFFERED THIS YEAR: Students will also gain exposure to texts relevant to tutor CFO: CHIEF FINANCIAL THE HOLOCAUST, pedagogy and learn more about OFFICER GENOCIDE, AND MODERN the Writing Center discipline in Partial credit, pass/fail course HUMANITY secondary and post-secondary • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII Partial credit, pass/fail course settings. Students also • Full Year, 0.34 credit (meets contribute to an annual Writing • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, XII once/rotation) • Full Year, 0.34 credit (meets Center publication that is once/rotation) published every Spring. Overall, Fewer than 12 percent of girls this course helps promote consider themselves very strong literacy skills in the Upper The course “Holocaust, confident in making financial Genocide, and Modern School and supports the decisions. And, almost half of teenage girls assume that debt broader community of writers at Humanity” will introduce the history of the European CSG. is a normal part of life. Holocaust and address the Emphasizing the "M" in STEM, wider questions of genocide in this course positions you to be the modern world. Examination the Chief Financial Officer of of these events in comparative your own life. In partnership with Upper School Curriculum Guide 2025-2026 - Page 55
context (including such events By the end of this course, activists, LGBTQ movements, as Armenian, Stalinist, and students will better understand and the influence that television Cambodian massacres and the the colonial, revolutionary and had on all of it. By the end of this Rwandan and Darfur genocides) founding eras of the United course, students will understand and discussion of their impact States of America. Students will how the many events of this on modern cultural, political, and consider the role one man had singular year are interwoven to intellectual developments will be in the history of this country, and create a story of bitterness and explored. Students would be analyze how the arts can help hope, tragedy and progress, and exposed to some of the greatest us better understand the past. ultimately how they changed the moral and ethical dilemmas in The course will also require world forever. Students will modern history to examine the students to take part in the focus on the skills crucial to the notion of humanity. How does Hamilton Education Program discipline of history such as the an understanding of the origins (through the Gilder Lehrman reading and applying primary and virulence of genocide Institute of American History. and secondary sources, challenge societies to be more The goal of the Hamilton research, critical thinking, tolerant, pluralistic, and open? Education Program is to help writing, and informed and This course will cover the topics students see the relevance of engaged discussion. Ultimately, of identity, the Holocaust, the Founding Era by using students will seek to understand resistance to persecution, justice primary sources to create a how the past informs the present after genocide, case studies in performance piece (e.g., a rap, and how that past can help them genocide, and modern human poem, dramatic piece), following better understand the globalized rights issues. the model used by Lin-Manuel world we live in today. Miranda to create the Hamilton HAMILTON: THE HISTORY musical. BEHIND AN AMERICAN MUSICAL 1968 - A YEAR THAT Partial credit, pass/fail course CHANGED THE WORLD Partial credit, pass/fail course • Open to Forms X, XI, XII • Full Year, 0.34 credit (meets • Open to Forms X, XI, XII once/rotation) • Full Year, 0.34 credit (meets once/rotation) Lin Manuel Miranda’s, Hamilton: An American Musical, has To many, the year 1968 is captivated audiences across the synonymous with the phrase globe turning musical lovers into “sex, drugs, and rock and roll”. historians and historians into However, this year was also full musical lovers! This course of cultural and political upheaval analyzes the context and the around the globe. From riots and history behind the musical. Each assassinations to activists and class meeting will be centered counterculture movements- this around a song or songs from the class will study the pivotal year musical using primary and and consider the influence on secondary sources to analyze and similarities with our present. the meaning behind the lyrics, Over the course of the year, while we determine the role students will study topics such Alexander Hamilton played in as the Vietnam War, Cold War, the founding of the United LBJs Presidency, the Civil States of America. Students will Rights movement, the learn more about the early assassinations of MLK and economy, development of the Robert Kennedy, Prague Spring, American nation including the youth movements, the 1968 writing of the US Constitution, DNC riots, film, music, theater, and social constructs which women’s rights movement, were common during the time. environmentalism, indigenous
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Columbus School for Girls Upper School Course Catalog 2024-2025 65 S. Drexel Ave. Columbus, OH 43082 614.252.0781
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