Welcome to Pennington’s Upper School! As you begin your high school years at The Pennington School, you will be faced with a series of challenges and opportunities, all of which are intended to help you develop a well-rounded, high-quality education in preparation for college study. In the first two years of your time at Pennington, you will gain an excellent understanding of the world and yourself.

Grade 9 will provide you with a course of study that examines the world through a variety of academic disciplines. This multifaceted approach allows you to understand various aspects of the human experience, giving you a “big picture” understanding of the world, with plenty of supporting ideas. Your ninth-grade year will include a foundation-level arts course and a Ninth-Grade Seminar.

General Course of Study

Select students may advance to an Honors level or proceed to the next course in sequence if approved by the Academic Dean.

In your sophomore year at The Pennington School, most of your studies will focus on the United States and Western culture. English and history classes will cover similar topics and themes. You will learn about religious traditions in Religion and Ethics. Your science class will explain important principles of matter and energy as you consider technological and environmental issues facing our society. You will also master a longstanding formal Western tradition: public speaking. Finally, as you approach the midway point of your Upper School years, you will continue your study of health and technology issues that affect your personal wellness and decision-making.

General Course of Study

Sophomore Seminar*
.5 credit
This seminar, offered by the Computer Science and Health Departments, introduces students to current technologies shaping our world. This engaging course equips students with critical skills to navigate the complexities of modern media and emerging technologies. Through an exploration of media literacy, students analyze the impact of media on perception, policy, and culture, with topics such as confirmation bias, online advertising, and propaganda. They also delve into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence, learning how AI is trained, its potential biases, and the ethical implications of its use in tools like chatbots, algorithms, and generative AI. Hands-on projects, such as analyzing AI chatbots, creating propaganda campaigns, and producing AI-generated media, encourage creativity and critical thinking. Students actively discuss and reflect on the influence of technology and media in their daily lives, culminating in collaborative presentations and real-world applications. This seminar prepares students to think critically, act ethically, and engage responsibly in our increasingly digital world. The health component of this seminar builds on the components presented in Ninth-Grade Seminar, addressing the physical, mental, social, and emotional challenges of high school and adolescence. Students strengthen their abilities to recognize, analyze, and react to unhealthy situations and develop the practices and attitudes necessary to lead a productive and balanced life. Classes are conducted as a forum for students to discuss their views in an atmosphere of trust and acceptance. Health classes are built to be age-appropriate, and topics may include external factors that influence health and wellness, life skills, good decision-making, social media, healthy relationships, sexual health and reproduction, drugs and alcohol, and mental illness.
*Required course for sophomores
Offered fall and spring semesters

Select students may advance to an Honors level or proceed to the next course in sequence if approved by the Academic Dean.

In your junior year at The Pennington School, you enter your most significant proving ground. Although you may have worked through some times of adjustment in the prior two years, this year provides you with an opportunity to show your academic maturity. As a junior, you may choose from a wider array of course offerings than in previous years. As you work hard to learn all that you can in preparation for your senior year, you will also keep an eye on those graduation requirements, which will support a well-rounded education and prepare you for the college application process.

General Course of Study*

Rhetoric and World Literature
History and Social Studies
Physics or Environmental Science
Algebra II or Precalculus
Language (continuation of study)
Arts
Religion
Elective or Study Hall
College Counseling Seminar

*Select students may advance to an Honors/AP level, or proceed to the next course in sequence, if approved by the Academic Dean.

In your senior year at The Pennington School, your earliest thoughts will undoubtedly involve the college search. Your first-semester performance will be your last opportunity to present your academic record to college admission officers, who will expect you to maintain your level of academic rigor and success throughout the year. It is important at this time to keep a steady eye on your work and maintain a determination to finish strong. Your academic successes at Pennington will serve you well in college, as will the lessons you have learned in study habits, time management, and personal expression. The culmination of your Pennington experience begins in May, when all seniors participate in the Horizon Program.

General Course of Study*

English Electives
History and Social Studies
Science
Precalculus, Statistics, or Calculus
Language (continuation of study or Chinese I)
Any Remaining Graduation Requirements
Two Electives or Study Hall

*In many courses, select students may advance to an Honors/AP level, or proceed to the next course in sequence, if approved by the Academic Dean.