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 the best of ancient wisdom and modern research, not the latest trends.
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.
“Montrose encourages students not only to think but also reflect, a skill that is absolutely necessary in college. This type of preparation at the high school level is rare.”
Susan Migliorisi, Boston College Admission department
explore our Upper school offerings
| 9th grade |
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9th Grade Character Development Theme: Civic Friendship 9th Grade 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? 9th Grade Course Map:
9th Grade Signature Program: Freshman Forum Design Thinking Workshop at Bryant College |
| 10th grade |
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10th Grade Character Development Theme: Solidarity in Service to Others 10th Grade 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? 10th Grade Course Map:
10th Grade Signature Programs: Sophomore Symposium; service projects and activities throughout the year focused on the Corporal Works of Mercy |
| 11th grade |
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11th Grade Character Development Theme: Courageous Dialogue & Citizenship 11th Grade 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? 11th Grade Course Map:
11th Grade Signature Programs: Junior Journey; class trip designed by students reflecting together on the needs of the class |
| 12th grade |
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12th Grade Character Development Theme: The Feminine Genius in Leadership to Engage the World 12th Grade 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? 12th Grade Course Map:
12th Grade Signature Programs: Senior Summit leadership symposium; Senior Capstone Speaker Series |
The Senior Capstone
Our transformational education culminates with a project unique to Montrose: the Capstone. Drawing on their study of philosophy and Catholic Social Teaching, seniors choose and research a current social challenge. Each senior presents her findings and proposes realistic solutions in a 20-page paper or 20-minute presentation, before standing for a mini-thesis deense to a panel of reviewers.
Admission representatives from colleges like Bowdoin, MIT, Wellesley and Northeastern have cited the Montrose Capstone project as impressive.
| Elizabeth Ling '18 |
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In her Senior Capstone, Elizabeth Ling '18 discusses self-reflection, communication, and the role of technology in the development of empathy. |
| Bella Rinaldi '19 |
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Bella Rinaldi '19 tackles the question of the NFL's approach to concussion prevention and awareness in her Senior Capstone presentation. |
| Nora Cahill '19 |
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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. |
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In order to graduate, Montrose students must complete a full senior year, earn a minimum of 24 upper school credits, and meet the following distribution requirements:
- English – 4 credits
- History – 3 credits
- Mathematics – 4 credits
- Science – 3 credits (must include Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
- Language -– 3 credits
- Theology/Philosophy – 4 credits
- Electives – 1.5 credits (beginning with the class of 2027, .75 credits in the Fine or Performing Arts)
- Physical Education – 0.25 credits
Students are strongly encourage to elect a fourth year of study in all major subject areas.
Jessica (Oliver) Chastek '94
"Montrose provided me with invaluable academic and intellectual skills that allowed me to flourish and excel in college. Having developed these essential skills in high school, I was able to delve more deeply into complex subjects and achieve greater academic success in college — which in turn enabled me to earn a full ride to graduate school."
Montrose offers 19 AP classes
| Biology | English Literature & Composition |
| Physics 1 | U.S. Government |
| Physics 2 | U.S. History |
| Calculus AB | European History |
| Calculus BC | Spanish Language & Culture |
| Chemistry | French Language & Culture |
| Comparative Politics | Latin |
| Computer Science A | Statistics |
| Computer Science Principles | Studio Art: 2D Design |
| English Language & Composition |
| Inquire | How to Apply |
Academic News
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Fri, 02 May 2025Congratulations Class of 2025!
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Fri, 12 Jul 2024Students Published
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Tue, 12 Dec 2023Renowned Harvard Professor