Academics

Upper School

The Upper School Difference

Montrose students build a solid core of academic strength through our rich liberal arts curriculum, studying carefully curated texts that reflect both ancient wisdom and modern research. Our signature character and leadership program is infused into everything we do. Students graduate with the good habits of mind, heart and character needed to thrive in college and beyond.

Academics & Character: 2 Sides of the Same Coin

Contact Us:

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  • Photo of Barbara Whitlock

    Barbara Whitlock 

    English, Director of Upper School



9th Grade

Character Development
Theme: Civic Friendship

Essential Question: Given that friendship is essential to individual and community flourishing, how can we cultivate a broad spirit of friendship, marked by generosity, curiosity and affection for others?

Signature Program: Freshman Forum Design Thinking Workshop at Bryant College

10th Grade

Character Development
Theme: Solidarity in Service to Others

Essential Question: Given that people are our brothers and sisters in a shared humanity, how can we contribute to others' good, especially those in need?

Signature Program: Sophomore Symposium; service projects and activities throughout the year focused on the Corporal Works of Mercy

11th Grade

Character Development
Theme: Courageous Dialogue & Citizenship

Essential Question: How can we create a school community that fosters courage to stand up for our convictions while remaining open to understanding and growing from dialogue with others, in ways that build a more flourishing civic culture?

Signature Program: Junior Journey; class trip designed by students reflecting together on the needs of the class

12th Grade

Character Development
Theme: Leadership to Engage the World

Essential Question: How can we cultivate vision, collaboration, and a spirit of service to effectively lead others to transform our world in small and large ways?

Signature Programs: Senior Summit leadership symposium; Senior Capstone Speaker Series

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  • 9th Grade Course Map

    English
    Genres of Literature (H1/H2)
    Sample texts include: Great Expectations (Dickens),  The Odyssey (Homer)

    History
    Western Civilization (H1/H2)

    Math
    Geometry (CP or H)
    Algebra II (H)
    Introduction to Calculus

    Science
    Biology (CP or H)
    Computer Science Principles (AP)

    Classical & World Language
    Latin II
    French I
    Spanish I

    Theology & Philosophy
    Tracing God's Plan Through Salvation History

    Electives
    Drawing
    PE
    Handbells
    Theater Tech
    Acting

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  • 10th Grade Course Map

    English
    British Literature (H1/H2)
    Sample texts include: Pride & Prejudice (Austen), Merchant of Venice (Shakespeare)

    History
    European History (H or AP)

    Math
    Algebra II (CP or H)
    Introduction to Calculus

    Science
    Chemistry (CP or H)
    Biology (AP)
    Computer Science
    Principles (AP)

    Classical & World Languages
    Latin III
    French II
    Spanish II

    Theology & Philosophy
    Theology 10: Discovering the Fullness of Human Dignity

    Electives
    Drawing
    Painting
    Handbells
    Chorus
    Modern Fitness
    Theater Tech
    Acting

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  • 11th Grade Course Map

    English
    Language & Composition (AP)
    American Literature (H)
    Sample texts include: The Scarlet Letter (Hawthorne), Macbeth (Shakespeare)

    History
    US History ( H or AP)

    Math
    Intro to Calculus
    Pre-Calculus (H)
    Calculus AB (AP)
    Calculus BC (AP)
    Functions, Statistics & Trigonometry

    Classical & World Languages
    Latin IV (CP or H)
    French III (CP or H)
    Spanish III (CP or H)

    Theology & Philosophy
    Embracing Big Questions for Human Flourishing

    Electives
    Art - Portfolio I (H)
    Studio Renaissance Art
    Handbells
    Chorus
    Modern Fitness
    Theater Tech
    Acting

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  • 12th Grade Course Map

    English
    Literature & Composition (AP)
    Modern Literature (H)
    Sample texts include: Purgatorio (Dante), Hamlet (Shakespeare)

    History
    US Government & Politics (AP)

    Math
    Calculus BC (AP)
    Calculus AB (AP)
    Statistics (SP, H or AP)

    Science
    Biology (AP)
    Chemistry (AP)
    Physics C: Mechanics (AP)
    Anatomy & Physiology (CP or H)
    Computer Science A (AP)
    Computer Science Principles (AP)

    Classical & World Languages
    Latin (AP)
    French Language & Culture (AP)
    Spanish Language & Culture (AP)
    Spanish IV (H)

    Theology & Philosophy
    Capstone: Big Questions for Human Flourishing Part II

    Electives
    Elements of Design: Science & Art
    Studio Art (AP) - 2D Design
    Handbells
    Chorus
    Modern Fitness
    Theater Tech
    Acting

Signature Academic Programs

  • Capstone

    The Capstone is the culmination of the Montrose educational experience. Each senior chooses and researches a current social challenge, presenting her findings and realistic solutions in a 15-page research paper or 20-minute presentation and defending it before a panel of reviewers.

  • Study Abroad

    In the Footsteps of Dante is Montrose's unique study abroad program in Florence, Siena and Rome. Offered to juniors and seniors, it is an integrated seminar and tour led by a college professor.

  • College Guidance

    Our unique college guidance program offers a comprehensive curriculum starting in grade 9 that guides students as they grow in self-knowledge and make the transition to directing their college search.

  • Math

    All upper school students have the opportunity to take calculus - whether they have been in honors classes or not. Accelerated math allows for the study of advanced calculus senior year.

  • Science

    All classes in science for all four years of upper school are inquiry-based laboratories.

  • Philosophy

    Girls benefit from 2 years of study in philosophy - ethics, metaphysics and political philosophy. Works read range from Aristotle, St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas to modern philosphers.

  • Literature

    Literature offers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the works of our greatest authors. Our comprehensive reading lists in the seminal works of literature and history include Sophocles, Dante, Dickens, Chekhov and seven years of Shakespeare.
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The Senior Capstone


The Capstone is the culmination of the Montrose educational experience.

Capstone: Elizabeth Ling '18

In her Senior Capstone, Elizabeth Ling '18 discusses self-reflection, communication, and the role of technology in the development of empathy.

Capstone: Bella Rinaldi '19

Bella Rinaldi '19 tackles the question of the NFL's approach to concussion prevention and awareness in her Senior Capstone presentation.

Capstone: Nora Cahill '19

Nora Cahill '19 shares her research on gender disparity in the American justice system and her proposals for how to solve it in her Senior Capstone presentation.
An independent school for girls in grades 6-12
Inspired by the teachings of the Catholic Church

Montrose School

P: 508-359-2423