Upper School Curriculum
The ProgramTo ensure breadth, all students in the Upper School must complete a rigorous core of academic requirements, but they are gradually given greater freedom in crafting their individual plans of study. Most Upper School students elect to take one or more formal Advanced Placement classes in mathematics, American and European history, science, and foreign language. They may also choose to take AP exams in English and the arts, for which their regular classes have prepared them.
Expanding the ClassroomAcademic choices extend well beyond courses in the classroom. Some students opt to pursue independent study in subject areas where they have a passionate interest. Others opt to spend a semester or a year off campus in one of the School's special programs. And about half of the students complete an optional eight-week Senior Project, pursuing personal goals in a broad variety of interests and settings. Learn more about Belmont Hill's Collaborative Programs.
Curriculum Guide
Academic Support at Belmont Hill School
Academic support is a priority at Belmont Hill School. Students are encouraged to meet with their teachers for extra help during X Block, the 4:00 Middle School Study Block, or during free periods. Research shows that students who are comfortable reaching out to their teachers in middle school and high school are most likely to approach professors in college when they have a question or encounter a problem. We want our boys to develop close relationships with their teachers and view them as valuable mentors.
Sometimes a teacher will recommend that a student meet with a peer tutor for specific help with a course. This happens most frequently with foreign language and math courses. Peer tutoring is a very valuable program to the Belmont Hill community. An older boy is able to meet individually with a younger boy and give him advice and instruction.
Finally, when the Director of the Middle School, Director of the Upper School, or Director of Academic Support, believe that a boy needs more than extra help from a teacher or peer tutor, a weekly academic support appointment is scheduled with a learning specialist at school.
Upper School Curriculum
