Upper School

Educational Philosophy 

The academic program of the Upper School represents a four-year college preparatory curriculum, which provides broad training in the liberal arts and sciences and stresses independent thinking, writing, critical reading, discipline, and creativity. Homework and outside preparation are required. Students may expect to spend 30 to 45 minutes per day outside of class on each academic subject. Honors or accelerated sections and Advanced Placement courses are available to qualified students upon faculty recommendation and may require significant extra effort and preparation outside of class.

The daily schedule allows time for students to meet with teachers outside of class. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor who provides guidance, counseling and support. Advisors and students share in conversation at weekly lunch meetings. During the lunch period, there are relaxed opportunities for conversations with faculty and friends. Teachers and students may schedule brief tutorial sessions throughout the week.

* The Upper School Handbook is the official policy guide and may be found at www.esdallas.org.    
 
Graduation requirements 
 
English 4 units
Mathematics 3 units taken in Upper School
History 3 units - World Cultures, World History, American History, ½ Gov't 
Science 3 units - Biology, Chemistry, plus 1 more credit unit
Modern/Classical Language 3 units in the same language *
Fine Arts 1 unit (including ½ unit in a performance-based or hands-on course)
Religion 1 unit (including ½ unit for freshmen in World Cultures)
Computer Science ½ unit (2013 programming component; may not include Journalism, Photography, or Yearkbook.)
Physical Education 2 units - Physical Education/Athletics/Outdoor Education (6 trimesters)
½ unit - Health & Wellness

* Successful completion of a Level I language taken in the eighth grade applies toward graduation if the student continues to study the same language in the Upper School.

In addition to the course requirements for graduation, successful participation in the following is required: daily attendance in Chapel, the Outdoor Education Program, Student Services, and Community Service. It is important to note that some colleges require additional units in Foreign Language, Mathematics, or Science. The student is responsible for checking college entrance requirements.