Upper School (Grades 9-12)

The Upper School English program develops students' skills in reading, writing, thinking, speaking, viewing, and listening. In 9th and 10th grades, students build a strong foundation in vocabulary, grammar, and language usage, which supports the diverse elective offerings in 11th and 12th grades. Writing in both formal and expressive modes, students also strengthen their speaking and analytical skills through discussions, presentations, and sharing their work. Courses encourage engagement beyond the classroom, challenging students to explore essential questions through diverse texts, activities, and assessments. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of themselves and their local and global communities. 

2024-25 Courses: English 9; English 10; Electives: Analysis and Criticism of Contemporary Literature; Exercises in Style; Frankenstein and Its Monstrous Progeny; Literary Nonfiction: Narrative Journalism; Journalism; Latin American Literature; Literature and Politics; Literature of the African Diaspora; Literature of “What If?”; Modern Environmental Literature; The Narrative of Suspense; Philosophy and Literature; Playwriting; Shakespeare; Wise Readings and Literary Traditions; Writing for Podcasts and Radio; Analysis and Criticism of Contemporary Literature; British Novels; Creative Nonfiction; Fiction Writing; Film as Text; Gender Studies; Jesus in Literature; Practicing Poetry; The Short Story; Social Science Fiction from Shelley to the 21st Century; Utopias and Dystopias in Literature

See the Upper School Course Guide for more information. 

The Upper School History Department offers a core curriculum that builds into a diverse range of senior electives, helping students develop key skills as historians and scholars, including reading, writing, researching, analyzing, and synthesizing. Using a wide variety of primary and secondary sources, students engage in both individual and collaborative work. With a global focus, the curriculum covers topics from ancient civilizations to contemporary society. Students explore multiple perspectives, fostering the understanding and empathy essential for responsible global citizenship.

Courses: 9th Grade: History of Great Civilizations; 10th Grade: History of the Modern World; History of the Modern World: Inquiry and Project-Based; 11th Grade: The United States and the World; 12th Grade History Electives: American Government; Big History; Global Art History; History of Islamic Civilization and Culture; History of the Russian Empire; Research Seminar in African-American History; International Conflict and Resolution; Introduction to Archival Work: “Ballitore Project”; Music History: Live from Baltimore; Unbreakable Baltimore: A History of Our City; Constitutional Issues and the Supreme Court; Cold War; Eastern Philosophy; History of Disease; International Relations; Introduction to Archival Work: World War II Collection; Modern Middle East; Native American History; Topics in Psychology

See the Upper School Course Guide for more information. 

The Upper School Mathematics Department emphasizes that learning mathematics is fundamentally about learning to think. It creates balanced learning environments that blend teacher-led discussions with cooperative, student-centered activities, fostering an appreciation for the beauty of mathematical thinking. The program aims to deepen students' conceptual understanding and procedural fluency. Through the use of technology and practical applications, the department encourages inquiry and exploration. Friends students develop mathematical communication skills and become collaborative problem solvers, preparing them for lifelong learning.

2024-25 Courses: Algebra I; Geometry; Accelerated Geometry with Algebra; Algebra 2; Accelerated Algebra and Trigonometry; Precalculus; Calculus 1; Accelerated Calculus 1; Calculus 2; Mathematical Problem Solving; Electives: Discrete Mathematics; Descriptive Statistics/Probability; Mathematics of Finance; Inferential Statistics 

See the Upper School Course Guide for more information. 

The Upper School offers four languages: French, Latin, Russian, and Spanish. The Language Department aims to spark passion and curiosity in students, helping them connect more deeply with cultures around the world. Our students develop linguistic proficiency, gain insight into cultural comparisons, and have opportunities to travel abroad on school-organized trips for language and cultural immersion. Modern language students engage in various communicative tasks, from conversations about school, home, and leisure to discussions on employment, current events, and public interest topics. Early levels focus on practical language use in everyday situations, such as making requests in a bank, restaurant, or store. By the completion of level V, students can express and support opinions on a range of intellectual topics. Enrichment through online resources, media, literature, and films in the target language allows students to experience the language and culture in authentic contexts.

2024-25 Courses: French I, II, III, IV, V; Latin I, II, III, Advanced Latin Literature: Vergil’s Aeneid; Russian II (continuation of Middle School elementary Russian), III, IV, V, Advanced Russian: Contemporary Russian Culture; Spanish I, II, III, IV, V, VI

See the Upper School Course Guide for more information. 

The Upper School Computer Science & Technology Department offers a robust computer science program featuring an array of course options for students in grades 9-12. Founded on a set of universal competencies, students reflect on the same core set of coding disciplines, habits of mind, and algorithmic thought processes for every project. The curriculum is designed to ensure that students maintain focused, meaningful, and observable growth, whether they take one class or five. State-of-the-art classrooms provide flexible space for students to work together on problems and projects and include new computers and state-of-the-art consumer 3D printers. Friends School has one of the most diverse and challenging computer science offerings of any school in Baltimore.

Courses: Data & Code; Physical Computing; Creative Coding; Web Design; Object-Oriented Programming; Robotics; Holistic Game Design; Web Design & the User Experience; Advanced Topics in Computer Science; Capstone Design

See the Upper School Course Guide for more information. 

The Upper School Science Department is dedicated to providing students with a strong foundation in both the Biological and Physical Sciences. Our diverse course offerings cater to a wide range of interests and skill levels. Students aiming to pursue science majors in college will find a solid core curriculum, while those not seeking the rigors of a science major will discover engaging and exciting options. Regardless of the path chosen, the science faculty emphasizes the importance of understanding the natural world and recognizing the moral and ethical responsibilities that come with science in society.

Courses: Biology; Life and Physical Sciences; Chemistry; Accelerated Chemistry; Physics; Accelerated Physics; Electives: Advanced Biology; Genetics; Anatomy & Physiology; Advanced Chemistry; Ecology; Environmental Humanities and Aquaponics Seminar; Evolution; Special Topics in Physics; Advanced Environmental Science

See the Upper School Course Guide for more information. 

Music

Music is valued as a co-curricular part of a Friends School education. Ensembles and classes are scheduled as part of the regular school day. A high level of performance is expected of our performing groups, providing the basis for students to be participants in and appreciators of music throughout their lives.

The General Music program of the Lower and Middle schools formally ends after eighth grade. In the Upper School, students continue to study music through a Music History component integrated into the History curriculum. In addition, students, faculty members, and invited musicians perform for Upper School Collection regularly. A student can elect to take both instrumental and choral music.

Music Major - A student who is a Music Major is enrolled in a performance ensemble plus Music Theory concurrently. When a student is enrolled in both courses simultaneously for a full academic year, he or she may elect to designate it “Music Major.”

Electives: Concert Chorale, Chamber Choir, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, String Orchestra, Jazz Rythm Lab, Music History: Live from Baltimore, Music Theory/Ear Training I, Music Theory/Ear Training II, Broadway Musical Workshop 

Dance and Theater

Friends School offers a comprehensive dance program starting in kindergarten, allowing students to nurture and express their creativity. The program develops well-rounded dancers by exploring dance from technical, performing, choreographic, and aesthetic perspectives. Students experience various forms of dance, from jazz movements in class to hip-hop routines after school and ballet performances on stage. Throughout the school year, dance classes, teams, and clubs have opportunities to perform. The Spring Dance Showcase features performances by Middle and Upper School dance classes and after-school ensembles.

Theater students are held to high standards, just like in the classroom. Led by dedicated faculty, students cultivate curiosity, refine their skills, and experience the joy of creating and sharing art within a community. Through auditions, rehearsals, and focused attention, students build self-confidence, develop authenticity, and deliver inspiring performances. In the Upper School, students participate in three annual productions: a fall play, a student-run production, and a spring musical. Students can also take courses for deeper learning. The caliber of performances in our state-of-the-art theater never disappoints.

Courses: Studio Dance 1, Studio Dance 2, Studio Dance 3, Craft of Acting, Stagecraft, Activities: Fall Play, Student-Run Play, Spring Musical, Cheer/Dance Team, Dance Company

See the Upper School Course Guide for more information. 

The Upper School Art Department fosters creativity, critical thinking, and expressive communication. Students engage with their own work and that of others with curiosity and empathy, developing a deep understanding of art’s historical and cultural significance. They refine their ability to interpret and analyze art, articulate their creative process, and master craftsmanship with thoughtful material use. Each artist embraces exploration, reflection, and integrity, shaping their unique artistic voice both in and beyond the classroom.

Art Major - This full major course prepares students for a college art program in either professional or liberal arts schools.

Courses: Design - Photoshop, Studio Art, Adaptive Design; Art, Technology, Media, and Design; Creative Coding, Drawing, Painting, Photo I, Photo II, Photo III, Printmaking, Sculpture, Web Design & Development

See the Upper School Course Guide for more information. 

To graduate, Upper School students must earn six PE/Athletics credits, divided into Four Core Credits (4.0) and Plus Two Credits (2.0). The core credits must be earned through interscholastic athletics or an approved Independent Physical Activity (IPA), with students required to participate in at least one sport per year (1.0 credit per season).

See the Upper School Course Guide for more information. 

Friends School offers courses that respond to student interests, and engage our alumni, faculty, and the Greater Baltimore community. Courses and programming include 3D Modeling & Prototyping with Fusion 360; Conflict Resolution Strategies; Diversity & Social Justice Practitioner Training; Friends Forum; Intro. to Engineering and Design Thinking; Introduction to Philosophy; Junior College Seminar; STEM Speaker Series; Scholars Certificate Programs (SCP); Student Assistant Teaching Program

See the full list of offerings in the Upper School Course Guide.