Geometry – a study of the geometry of objects, including lines, triangles and circles. Students are taught to extract mathematical information from visual images of geometrical objects, to understand the mathematical relationships between geometrical objects, and the structure and role of proofs in geometry.

Precalculus – a study of the general concepts behind functions and the particular classes of functions: polynomial, rational, root, logarithmic, logistic and exponential. Functions are represented graphically, symbolically and numerically. The semester ends with a study of asymptotes and infinity.

Biology – begins with a short introduction to the unifying themes of biology: cell theory, genetics and the theory of evolution. An inductive approach to the study of kingdoms follows, covering bacteria, protozoa, fungi, sponges, worms, mollusks, arthropods, insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Students dissect earthworms, starfish, squid, grasshoppers, sharks, frogs and fetal pigs. This is followed by a more substantial discussion of cell theory and genetics, followed by a unit on anatomy and physiology. The course concludes with a unit and project on ecology.

Humane Letters Seminar – introduces the basic chronology of events in American history from colonial times to the early 20th century. Students read original texts, with special attention given to the foundational texts of American democracy. The meanings of events are discovered in their historical contexts so that students can understand that contemporary events are deeply rooted in the past. The literature texts are by American authors. Although they reflect certain historical issues, they stand on their own as literary works. A significant amount of time is spent training students in the fundamental skills necessary to participate effectively in the seminar. Students are taught to write a basic, five-paragraph essay. Reading list: The Federalist Papers (selections); Lincoln-Douglas Debates (selections); Stephen Crane, The Red Badge of Courage; Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird; Henry David Thoreau, Walden, Civil Disobedience; Mark Twain, Huckleberry Finn; Willa Cather, My Antonia; Frederick Douglass, A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave ; Upton Sinclair, The Jungle; Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea; Thornton Wilder, Our Town; American short stories and poetry.

Roman Catholic Doctrine – (for Catholic students) focuses on Roman Catholic beliefs and doctrines as expressed by the Nicene Creed, Roman Catholic practices (especially the sacraments) and Roman Catholic ethics as expressed in the Ten Commandments. The history of the Catholic Church in modern world is also studied.

Protestant Doctrine – (for Protestant students) a survey of the pivotal events and influential figures in church history. The students follow the concerns of the early church through the turbulent 16th century and the consequent rise of denominationalism and ecumenism. They study the four main branches of Protestantism: Lutheran, Calvinist (or Reformed), Anabaptist and Anglican. The course includes an independent study during which the students are guided through an investigation of the foundations, doctrines and practices of their own faith traditions.

Latin III – begins with an intensive eight-week review of the grammar learned in the seventh and eighth grades. Complex sentence constructions, including the use of subjunctive clauses, gerunds and gerundives are introduced. Students are prepared to translate Caesar, Cicero and Virgil in the tenth grade.

Music III – applies the musical skills developed in the seventh and eighth grades to the study of choral music. The focus is on developing a healthy vocal technique, choral score reading and ensemble performance. The study of music theory and composition continues with an emphasis on four-part harmony, culminating in a four-part vocal piece composed in the second semester.