With 62-acres of fields and forest, multiple academic buildings, and students from across the greater Philadelphia metro area, SCH’s Upper School is an incredible community in which to learn, grow, and take important steps toward understanding yourself and your place in the world. As I share with all prospective students, families, and faculty, the heart of SCH is the relationships—among students, families, and teachers. This is a place that thrives on connection, innovation, and opportunity.
At SCH, you will be challenged as an individual and as a leader. You will leave here a different person than when you arrived. Whether it’s the collaborative experience of 9 grade Outward Bound, the bonds forged during four years of advisory, or the opportunity to stand up in front of your peers and speak, SCH will transform you. You will be encouraged to take risks, learn from failure, and meet the goals that you set for yourself.
But you will not undertake this journey alone. The classrooms of SCH are filled with teachers who seek to share their passions, skills, experiences, and joy with you. What classes, conversations, moments, or teachers will create that spark that helps you see something from a different perspective, ignite within you a new interest or fascination, or pushes you to the next level of performance on the stage, in the classroom, or on the playing field? The possibilities are one of the most exciting parts of the Upper School here at SCH, and I look forward to exploring them together and seeing where your journey takes you.
Matthew Norcini Head of Upper School
Hear more from Mr. Norcini by scanning the QR code!
COURSE OFFERINGS
AT-A-GLANCE
ENGLISH
For the full course catalog with course descriptions, requirements, and prerequisites, please scan the QR code.
Our English program cultivates a lifelong passion for reading and writing and promotes student discovery and engagement. SCH students learn to think, read, write, and speak with clarity and conviction. They identify questions and share opinions about texts, wrestle with complex ideas, build persuasive arguments and interpretations, and use writing as a means of creative expression. Students examine classic and contemporary literature, as well as diverse forms of media.
REQUIRED:
The Individual and Society (9th Grade)
Reading the World* (10th Grade)
American Stories* (11th Grade)
ELECTIVES:
Introduction to Creative Writing
Advanced Creative Writing
Monsters and the Monstrous in Literature
Literature of the Americas
Rhetorical Theory: Persuasion in Prose and Poetry
Dystopian Literature
Film as Text: The Analysis of Cinematic Language
Introduction to Journalism
Advanced Journalism
Crime, Punishment & Justice in American Literature
The Beautiful Game—Life, Death & the Humanities
Gastronomic Literature: Exploring the Delicious Literary World of Food
The Intersection of Literature and Social Justice*
Queer Narratives: LGBTQ+ Voices in Literature*
AP Literature and Composition
AP Language and Composition
*Honors also available
MATHEMATICS
The Mathematics Department strives to develop opportunities for students to engage in active inquiry at every course level and to encourage students to achieve their highest mathematical potential. All students are required to take four years of mathematics, and some choose to take one or more additional elective math courses. The typical four-year sequence of mathematics begins with Geometry and extends through Algebra, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, or Statistics.
Geometry and Algebra
Geometry*
Algebra 2*
Honors Accelerated Algebra 2/ Trigonometry
Honors Discrete Math
Honors Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry
Honors Pre-BC Calculus
Honors Calculus
Differential Calculus
Honors Linear Algebra
AP Calculus (AB)
AP Calculus (BC)
Honors Statistics
Statistics & Financial Literacy
AP Statistics
*Honors also available
WORLD LANGUAGES
The goal of the Upper School World Languages program is to offer our students the opportunity to communicate with purpose in Chinese, French or Spanish. We provide students with the skills to negotiate meaning and take risks in order to confidently engage with the world beyond our classroom. In Latin, students become competent readers and translators of the language in order to master the subtlety of usage in original Latin texts. This training provides students a window into the historical and cultural world of the Romans, as well as a mirror of the human experience of today.
Chinese 1
Chinese 2
Chinese 3 *
Chinese 4 *
Chinese 5 *
AP Chinese 5
French 1
French 2
French 3 *
French 4 *
French 5 *
AP French 5
*Honors also available
Latin 1
Latin 2
Latin 3 *
Latin 4 *
Latin 5 *
Spanish 1
Spanish 2
Spanish 3 *
Spanish 4 *
Spanish 5 *
AP Spanish 5
SCIENCE
The Science Department at SCH Academy provides students with opportunities for using the most up-to-date equipment and technologies as they ask questions, design experiments, explore, collaborate, and become efficient and effective problem solvers. The basic courses in physics, chemistry, and biology provide an excellent general background in the discipline along with other valuable experiences through our STEM curriculum at our private school. Electives, such as Environmental Science, Oceanography, and Pharmacology, are offered on a semester basis. SCH has also started a BioMedical track for students interested in the biomedical sciences.
REQUIRED:
Physics* (9th Grade)
Chemistry* (10th Grade)
Biology* (11th Grade)
ELECTIVES:
Environmental Science
Oceanography
Forensic Science
AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Physics C: Mechanics
Honors Organic and Biochemistry
*Honors also available
Human Physiology
Pharmacology
Honors Physics 2: Astrophysics
Honors Geology Psychology
Zoology
Honors Independent Research for Science Competitions
HISTORY
In today’s dynamic global environment, a strong knowledge of history and the ability to think critically is an essential part of a 21st-century education. SCH students study history in inquiry-driven classrooms that promote experiential learning and develop historical empathy. Understanding the diverse perspectives and experiences of historical figures allows students to reflect upon their own lives and understand more fully the world and cultures they live in and will help shape.
REQUIRED:
Foundations of the Modern World* (9th Grade)
Modern World History* (10th Grade)
U.S. History*/AP U.S. History (11th Grade)
ELECTIVES:
Honors Global Slavery and Emancipation
Pop Culture in America
World War II in Europe and Beyond
21st Century American Challenges
Civil Rights Movements
Rock and Soul of America
Sports & Society in the U.S. and the World
Advocacy and Debate—Exploring Controversial Issues
Honors Anthropology: What it Means to Be Human History Goes to the Movies: The Reel World vs. Reality
Honors Ancient Rome
International Issues: Global Challenges in the Modern World
AP United States Government
*Honors also available
ARTS & NEW MEDIA
Between musical and dramatic productions, an SCH recording studio, 3D modeling, digital art, and more, self-expression is at the heart of our Arts and New Media program. Our faculty members are working artists who teach foundational skills, foster courage to take creative risks, and believe in the value of each student’s unique perspective and ability.
Introduction to Drawing and Painting
Introduction to Sculpture and Ceramics
Introduction to Woodworking
Introduction to Video Production
Introduction to Songwriting and Music Production
Digital Photography and Photoshop
History of Musical Theatre
Ceramics 1–3
Ceramics Portfolio
Drawing, Design, Painting 1-3
Drawing, Design, Painting Portfolio
AP Drawing, Design, Painting
Fashion Design & Innovation 10th—12th
Woodworking 1–3 and Portfolio
Architectural Design 1–3
Design Portfolio
Digital Art and Graphic Design 1, 2
Coding: Introduction to App Development
Coding 2, 3: App Development
Coding: App Development Portfolio
Photography 1–3 and Portfolio
Video Production 1–3 and Portfolio
Vocal Workshop
Honors Chamber Singers (Hilltones & Laurelei)
Orchestra
Honors Chamber Ensemble
Honors Jazz Ensemble
Songwriting and Music Production 1–3 and Portfolio
Private Instrumental Lessons
Theatre Production: Acting
Honors Theatre Production: Advanced Acting
Theatre Production: Technical Design
Honors Theatre Production: Directing
Honors Theatre Production: Playwriting
SANDS CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP
(CEL)
Whether the problem is water pollution or food product production, our students take on interesting challenges rooted within their passions. SCH student entrepreneurs have gone on to develop their own ventures and apps, build companies, and even launch and sell their own products. We’re proud to see our trademarked CEL curriculum taught both here and abroad, enabling younger generations to gain the skills that will help them better shape their future.
REQUIRED:
Product Design (9th Grade)
Smart Engineering Design (9th Grade)
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (9th Grade)
Business Fundamentals (9th Grade)
CEL Capstone (10th Grade)
ELECTIVES:
Cultivating Leadership
Statistics & Financial Literacy
The Psychology of Happiness
Tabletop Game Design
Honors Business Principal and Personal Finance
Venture Accelerator
COLLEGE COUNSELING PROGRAM
The College Counseling Office helps Upper School students navigate the challenging yet exciting journey of finding a college. Our counseling team has 60+ years combined experience and is here to guide your family through the college admissions process, clarify the critical factors that colleges and universities consider when selecting students, and help ease the stress involved in deciding the next steps. An overview of the College Counseling program by grade follows:
9th Grade
A college counselor will meet informally several times a year with the first-year class to discuss various aspects of the college process.
10th Grade
All 10th graders will take the PSAT in October and will follow up with the College Counseling Office to discuss their results. In the early part of second semester, all sophomores are assigned to a specific college counselor and will have their first oneon-one meeting with their counselor to discuss their curricular path for the next two years.
11th Grade
In the fall of junior year, the formal college admissions process begins as students attend class meetings with their college counselor. Initially, the basics of the college process are covered, but gradually the focus narrows into the specifics of the college process (what to prepare for and when). Starting in January, students and families will meet with their college counselor to establish their initial college list.
12th Grade
The senior class becomes the main focus of the College Counseling Office in lateAugust, early-September. As soon as school begins, seniors and their parents meet with their college counselor to assess exactly where the student is in their journey. Throughout the fall, the counselor will meet individually with each student as many times as is necessary to put together a balanced list of schools that meet the student’s strengths, goals, and passions. If a student needs help with applications and essays, support is always available through individual meetings. In these individual meetings and through the weekly college counseling classes, topics covered include Early Decision, Early Action, financial aid, scholarships, and athletic recruiting.
A SELECTION OF THE MOST POPULAR COLLEGE CHOICES FOR SCH STUDENTS:
In-State Colleges:
Bucknell University
Carnegie Mellon
Dickinson College
Drexel University
Franklin & Marshall College
Haverford College
Lafayette College
Lehigh University
Penn State University
Swarthmore College
Temple University
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
Villanova University
Medium Out-of-State Colleges:
American University
Boston College
Brown University
College of Charleston
Dartmouth College
Duke University
Elon University
Fordham University
Georgetown University
Johns Hopkins University
Princeton University
Southern Methodist University
Tulane University
University of Chicago
University of Miami
Wake Forest University
Washington University
Yale University
Large Out-of-State Colleges:
Boston University
Clemson University
Cornell University
Georgia Tech
New York University
Northeastern University
Syracuse University
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Delaware
University of Maryland
University of Michigan
University of North Carolina
University of South Carolina
University of Vermont
Liberal Arts Colleges:
Barnard College
Bates College
Bowdoin College
Colorado College
Emory University
Grinnell College
Hamilton College
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Oberlin College
Smith College
Trinity College
University of Richmond
Wesleyan University
HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges & Universities):
Howard University
Morgan State University
Spelman College
Top Choices for Engineering:
Air Force Academy
Brown University
Caltech
Carnegie Mellon
Columbia University
Drexel University
Johns Hopkins University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Naval Academy
Princeton University
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
University of Pennsylvania
Virginia Tech
West Point Academy
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
BY THE NUMBERS: SCH COLLEGE SUCCESS
Learn more about college counseling by scanning the QR code!
ATHLETIC PROGRAM
SCH Academy is one of nine schools that participate in the Inter-Academic League (Inter-Ac), which traces back to 1887 when select schools organized as the InterAcademic Association of Private Schools of the State of Pennsylvania.
The Upper School Athletic program is set up on an elective basis. Requirements are outlined in the Course Catalog. A summary follows:
9th, 10th, and 11th graders must participate for two seasons.
• One season requires participation on an athletic team as a player, manager, videographer, or Fit for Life.
• The second requirement must be fulfilled as a player or manager on an athletic team, by taking PE, or participating in activities such as Robotics, Players, Facilitators/DEI, SCH Volunteers, Campus Lantern, or GameTime Sports.
12th graders must participate for one season on an athletic team as a player or manager or be enrolled in Fit For Life.
Athletic Facilities
» State-of-the-art athletic stadium
• 6-lane track
• Turf playing field
• Amenities: concession stand, restrooms, two locker rooms
» 3 athletic fields, including a second turf field
» 2 baseball fields
» 1 softball field
» Multipurpose fields for practice
» 7 hard-surfaced tennis courts located at our tennis sports pavilion
» Indoor rowing tank and erg training room
» 6 gymnasiums (including two with bleacher seating)
» 10 squash courts
» 1 wrestling room for practices and training
» State of-the-art fitness center
• Weight and cardio equipment
• Mock turf surface for drills and training
Learn more about our Athletic program by scanning the QR code!
Athletic/activity credit options:
Fall Winter Spring
Crew (Experienced only) Crew Crew
Cross Country Basketball Baseball
Field Hockey
Ice Hockey
Golf (Girls)
Football Squash Lacrosse
Golf (Boys)
Indoor Track
Outdoor Track
Soccer Wrestling Softball
Tennis (Girls)
Volleyball
Fit For Life
Physical Education
SCH Volunteers
Robotics (not 9th grade)/ Players
Facilitators/ DEI
Campus Lantern
Fit For Life
Physical Education
SCH Volunteers
Robotics/Players
Facilitators/ DEI
Campus Lantern
Tennis (Boys)
Fit For Life
Physical Education
SCH Volunteers
Robotics/Players
Facilitators/ DEI
Campus Lantern
GameTime Sports (must participate in 2 seasons)
SUPPORT SERVICES
At SCH, we believe in a collaborative partnership among students, families, and faculty to create an equitable and inclusive learning environment where every student’s needs are met. The following support structures are in place to ensure we understand each student’s unique needs from day one:
Advisory
Every Upper School student at SCH belongs to a small advisory of 10–12 students led by the same faculty advisor for all four years of high school. Advisories meet twice each week to discuss all aspects of school life. In 9th grade, advisory groups spend a week together at Outward Bound, laying the foundation for a supportive “family.” Students who join in 10th or 11th grade are quickly woven into this tight-knit community. Throughout high school, the advisor serves as each student’s primary advocate—coordinating academic and extracurricular support and acting as the main point of contact for families.
Ninth-Grade Seminar
The Ninth Grade Seminar equips students with vital information and fosters reflection on well-being. Through engaging discussions, students develop practical skills, such as time management, understand what it means to be class-ready, and learn about academic honesty and responsible AI usage. The seminar also highlights opportunities for involvement in SCH clubs and activities and emphasizes the importance of restorative sleep.
Student Academic Support (SAS)
Student Academic Support (SAS) is structured like “office hours,” open daily from 2:503:30 PM. SAS provides direct access to faculty for homework help, questions, project planning, one-on-one assistance, and building strong relationships with teachers. It’s your dedicated time to get the academic support you need.
Student Resource Center
The Student Resource Center (SRC) provides students with a supportive environment to develop essential executive functioning skills. A dedicated faculty member offers personalized guidance to strengthen organization, time management, planning, task initiation, and self-monitoring. The SRC aims to foster independent learning, boost academic confidence, and develop effective self-advocacy. Sessions are typically scheduled one to three times per cycle, with attendance required.
Academic and Emotional Support Team
A comprehensive support team including a School Psychologist, Counselor, and Learning Specialist work in coordination to provide expertise in academic learning, psychology, and child/adolescent development to all aspects of school life. We’re committed to ensuring every student, especially our diverse learners, can access the curriculum.
Official Accommodation Plans (OAP)
SCH Academy understands that diverse learning styles require tailored support. We offer a variety of activities, assignments, and assessments to support a wide range of learners. To ensure continued support, families are asked to provide an updated psycho-educational evaluation every three years.
ACTIVITIES, CLUBS, AND COUNCILS
With over 30 choices, SCH clubs, activities, and councils provide opportunities for students to discover new interests, take on leadership roles, contribute to the Upper School student experience, and make new friendships across grade levels.
The SCH Activities and Clubs program seeks to provide a diverse and meaningful collection of extracurricular and co-curricular offerings. The program exists to provide opportunities for students to express themselves, build interests, pursue passions, and establish connections with other students in an environment different from that provided by classes and sports.
Councils
Councils take the lead in shaping Upper School culture, promoting Upper School core values, and effecting positive change in ways relevant to their particular council. They are led by seniors and consist of students, grades 9-12, who choose to join at the start of the school year and commit to attending and actively participating in all meetings and events.
The Student Leadership Team (SLT) serves as a liaison between students and administration.
Student Council plans, organizes, and executes student-run events and enriches the quality of student life.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council works to build a safe, inclusive community in which students understand the value of diversity and celebrate differences.
Honor Council promotes honesty, academic integrity, positive treatment of others, and facilitates Judicial Board hearings.
Service Council spearheads ongoing and one-time service opportunities in and outside of our community and encourages students to engage in services.
Student Ambassadors work with the Admissions Office to provide a positive and informed experience on campus for all prospective students and families across all divisions and supports the transition of new students into the SCH community.
Below is a list of some of our activities and clubs. Activities and clubs may change according to student interests.
Activities & Clubs
Asian Student Association
Athletes Against Cancer
Baking for the Better Black Student Union (BSU)
Book Club
Campus Lantern Newspaper
Care Club (Babysitting Network)
Chess Club
Community Plate
Debate Club
Eco Club
Ethical Fashion Club
Game Time Sports Newscasting
GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance)
Health and Wellness Club
Intro to ASL
Investment Club
Jewish Cultural Club (JCC)
Lab Rats: Experiment Club
Mi Gente
Mindfulness
Mock Trial
Model United Nations
Morgan’s Message
Movie Club
Music Appreciation
Pickleball
Players Theater Group
Political Action Club
PUB Literary Magazine
Robotics
SAFEBae
SCHmental Health
SCHpace Club
Student Athlete Advisory
Student Facilitators (US Diversity program)
Women in STEM
Yearbook
OUTWARD BOUND
Under the leadership of experienced Outward Bound instructors and our own senior leaders, one of the first journeys a 9th grader takes in SCH’s Upper School is the all-9th grade Outward Bound five-day expedition along the Appalachian Trail in the first week of school.
SCH’s partnership with Outward Bound stretches back many years, and the experiences and testimonies of more than a thousand students and families have affirmed for us that this is a valuable experience and opportunity that is consistent with our mission and facilitates the transition of our 9th-grade students to life in the Upper School.
Through the struggle of learning to lead and work together on Outward Bound, students become more self-aware, experience personal growth, and come together as a team.
Outward Bound’s learning approach, one that “emphasizes high achievement through active learning, character development, and teamwork,” is an excellent complement to our existing orientation, advisory, and sports programs that will make the transition to Upper School both easier and more meaningful for our students. Outward Bound expeditions are a natural extension of our existing 9th-grade program with the creation of a positive group culture that emphasizes courage, integrity, thoughtfulness, resilience, and diversity—the same values we find in every SCH classroom.
Learn more by scanning the QR code
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
SCH’s schedule is based on a 7-day cycle and built around the block system. The following is an example of a 9th grader’s week, starting on Day 1 of the 7-day cycle.
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
8:15 - 9:10 INDIVIDUAL & SOCIETY 8:15 - 9:10 PHYSICS 8:15 - 9:10 SPANISH 8:15 - 9:10 FOUNDATIONS OF MODERN WORLD 8:15 - 9:10 CEL: BUSINESS FUNDAMENTALS
9:15 - 10:10 FOUNDATIONS OF MODERN WORLD 9:15 - 10:10 CEL: BUSINESS FUNDAMENTALS 9:15 - 10:10 GEOMETRY 9:15 - 10:10 CERAMICS 9:15 - 10:10 INDIVIDUAL & SOCIETY
Seniors mark their final year at SCH with a variety of cherished traditions, celebrating their achievements with the full support of our community. This includes everything from events hosted by our Parents Association to a senior picnic, where they gather to sign yearbooks and reminisce before Commencement. Other momentous highlights of senior year:
Senior Sunrise and Sunset
The school year begins with Senior Sunrise, a beloved tradition that gathers the graduating class together at dawn during the first day of school. As the sun rises, seniors gather as a class and step into the new chapter of senior year together. Then, on one of their final evenings together as classmates, they watch the sun dip below the horizon, marking the close of their time at SCH. It is a moment filled with gratitude, nostalgia, and excitement for what comes next.
Senior Buddies
Every senior begins the academic year with a meaningful assignment: becoming a mentor to one or two Lower School buddies. They connect at special campus events, celebrating together at Convocation, parading side by side at Halloween, and singing at holiday assemblies. Their final meeting in April is a heartfelt farewell where each senior gifts their buddy/buddies a favorite book from their childhood.
Senior Speech
For decades, delivering a Senior Speech at SCH has been a meaningful rite of passage. Each senior writes and delivers a personal speech, sharing wisdom, stories, or lessons learned from their high school years. These speeches can be funny, moving, or deeply personal, but each one reveals something meaningful about the student behind the words. Whether delivered to an advisory group, an athletic team, or the entire Upper School, the speech is an act of courage and authenticity. For the speaker, it is a moment of reflection and self-expression; for the listeners, it is a window into their peer’s life or a mirror that reflects their own. These speeches have become a cornerstone of SCH’s senior experience—reminding us of the power of vulnerability, storytelling, and community connection through public speaking.
Senior Project
During the final weeks of the spring semester, seniors step out of the classroom and into the real world through their Senior Projects. These month-long internships are designed in consultation with faculty mentors and tailored to each student’s interests, drawing on SCH’s extensive network of alumni, parents, and community partners. Projects span industries and passions—whether shadowing doctors, interning in law firms, teaching in classrooms, or exploring the arts. The goal is to give seniors authentic experience in professional settings, where they can cultivate new skills, build relationships, and test career paths. Often, these projects spark lifelong interests or lead to future internships, making Senior Projects a valuable culminating experience of the SCH journey.
