2025-26 UPPER SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Grade 9 Grade 10
ENGLISH 9
Students focus on critical thinking, writing, reading, research and grammar skills. They write analytical arguments implementing the writing process, and read fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Discussions emphasize using evidence to support literary analysis. Students expand vocabulary using Membean.
WORLD HISTORY
A survey of World’s modern civilizations by thematically analyzing interconnections between regions within the context of increasing globalization.
GEOMETRY
Axiomatic and analytic development of plane geometry and foundation in measurement for plane and solid geometry.
• Geometry
SCIENCE
• Honors Geometry
ENGLISH 10
Students develop skills for closer textual analysis and continue to hone analytical writing skills. They continue to use the writing process in composing timed and untimed argumentative, researchedbased, and literary analysis essays. Sophomores read drama, short story fiction, and poetry and expand their vocabulary with Membean.
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT & CIVICS
Survey of American government, constitutional policies, decision making, economic history, research papers and an annual Washington, D.C. trip and end of course project.
ALGEBRA II
• Algebra 2 Pt. 1
• Accelerated Algebra 2
• Honors Algebra 2
ENGLISH 11
Grade 11
Introduction to rhetoric with readings from American literature; pre-AP language and composition skill emphasis; vocabulary study from texts and Membean; mostly nonfiction readings, but students analyze fiction and nonfiction for essays; grammar/style reviews in semester 1; independent research paper in semester 2
• AP English Lit and Comp
UNITED STATES HISTORY
Colonial America to the present, primary and secondary sources, interpretation of issues, research papers
• AP U.S. History
PRECALCULUS
• Algebra 2 Pt. 2
• Accelerated Precalculus
• Honors Analysis
Grade 12
AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Students become skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts. Students also become skilled writers who compose for a variety of rhetorical purposes. Students review grammar concepts within the context of their writing, and vocabulary acquisition continues via Membean.
• Imaginative Writing
• Topics in English
HISTORY ELECTIVES
• Topics in History
• World Religions
• AP Comp. Gov’t.
• Philosophy
• Microeconomics
• AP Macroeconomics
• Film Studies
• AP Psychology
ADVANCED MATHEMATICS
• Precalculus
• Statistics/Calculus
• AP Calculus (AB)
• Financial Literacy
• AP Calculus (BC)
• Multivariable Calculus
• AP Statistics
Science and engineering practices: asking questions/defining problems; developing and using models; planning/carrying out investigations; analyzing/interpreting data; using mathematics and computational thinking; constructing explanations/designing solutions; engaging in argument from evidence; obtaining, evaluating and communicating information.
COMPUTER SCIENCE The Upper School also offers the following Computer Science elective courses: • Computer Science Principles (9th) • Art and Code (10th) • AP Computer Science (11th)
• Data Structures (12th)
BIOLOGY
Focus on genetics, evolution, cell biology, ecology and sustainability. Course based on discussion, inquiry lab and hands-on exploration.
MODERN AND CLASSICAL LANGUAGES
Grammar, vocabulary, cultural awareness, focus on speaking, reading and writing, inquiry lab and hands-on exploration.
• French l, II
• Honors French II
• Latin l, II
TECHNOLOGY
• Honors Latin II
• Spanish I, II
• Honors Spanish II
CHEMISTRY
Properties of matter, chemical reactivity, energy changes. Inquiry-based lab work. Quantitative emphasis. Data acquisition/analysis, presentation.
• Honors Chemistry
MODERN AND CLASSICAL LANGUAGES
Review and extend previous courses’ focus on speaking, reading and writing.
• French II, III
• Honors French II, III
• Latin II, III
• Honors Latin II, III
• Spanish II, III
• Honors Spanish II, III
PHYSICS
Problem-solving, use of computer in data analysis, mechanics, electromagnetism, waves, historical context of physics.
• Honors Physics
MODERN AND CLASSICAL LANGUAGES
Review, continue to develop linguistic proficiency.
• Spanish III, IV
• AP Spanish Language
• French III, IV & Culture
• Latin III, IV
• AP French Language
• Honors Spanish III & Culture
• Honors French III
• Honors Latin III
SCIENCE ELECTIVES
• Engineering Design
• AP Environmental Science
• AP Physics
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Organic Chemistry
• Forensic Science
• AP Biology
• AP Chemistry
• Design Lab
MODERN AND CLASSICAL LANGUAGES Review, continue to develop linguistic proficiency.
• French IV, V • Spanish IV, V
• Latin IV
• Advanced Latin Literature
• AP Latin Vergil*
• AP Spanish
• Advanced Latin Literature & Culture Literature
• Business French
• AP Latin Vergil*
* Dual Credit Latin
FWCD supports a robust technical platform. All indoor areas and many outdoor spaces are covered by Wi-Fi access for constituents and guests. A professional staff provides support for informational and educational technology. The Lower School features interactive flat-panel displays in every classroom and class sets of teacher-controlled iPads in grades 2-4. Instruction in Middle School is enhanced by a 1:1 student iPad program. Upper School students are required to bring their own laptop every day. FWCD utilizes Google products, as well as Microsoft Office, Adobe, Blackbaud and more. The TEAM Room, a fully equipped makerspace, provides opportunities for teachers to integrate engaging hands-on activities into their curriculum. The space is designed for use by all students and teachers grades JK through 12.
MSON Malone Schools Online Network: See enclosed brochure.
HUMANITIES Capstone and Speech
VISUAL ARTS
ART HISTORY (GRADES 9-12) – Explore how art reflects religion, politics, society and personal experience while learning to analyze/interpret works. CERAMICS (GRADES 9-12) – Techniques for the potter’s wheel and handbuilding to create vessels and sculpture.
PAINTING & DRAWING (GRADES 9-12) – Explore a variety of subject matter, ideas and techniques through drawing and painting media.
PHOTOGRAPHY (GRADES 9-12) – Explore the process of photography utilizing digital and traditional techniques.
• AP Studio Art • AP Art History
PERFORMING
ARTS
STUDENT MEDIA (GRADES 9-12)
• Yearbook – Create 300+ page JK-12 publication.
• Senior Book – Create 120+ page senior book.
• Journalism – Produce 5 print issues and write for online student newspaper.
• Video Journalism – Produce video stories for online student newspaper.
BAND, ORCHESTRA – Ensemble focused on developing music literacy, skill and musicality through performance. Repertoire includes classical and pop literature and features a variety of musical styles, periods, languages and cultures. Students may participate in TMEA, TPSMEA, ISAS and the FWCD spring musical. ACTING (GRADES 9-10) – Vocal technique, acting styles, characterization and script analysis; one unit of playwriting. TOPICS IN THEATRE: ALL THINGS THEATRE (GRADES 9-12) – Acting, directing, playwriting, stage combat and design. TECHNICAL THEATRE (GRADES 9-12) – Behind the scenes lighting, sound and set. MUSICAL THEATRE (GRADES 9-12) – Historical study of musical theatre style vocals, choreography and heightened style of acting required by musical scripts. MUSIC HISTORY (GRADES 9-12) – Exploration of Western music from medieval to modern.
ATHLETIC PROGRAMS
Grades 9-11 students are required to participate in an athletic program or attend a PE class for two of the three seasons. Grade 12 students do not have a PE/athletics requirement. Participation in sports and/or PE is available and encouraged.
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED BALLET (OPTIONAL) – Complex barre and center floor exercises are practiced on a daily basis. Pointe, jazz, modern and choreography are offered.
GIRLS PROGRAMS – Volleyball, Field Hockey, Cross Country, Basketball, Soccer, Swimming, Softball, Tennis, Track, Golf, Cheerleading, Ballet
BOYS PROGRAMS – Volleyball, Football, Cross Country, Basketball, Soccer, Wrestling, Baseball, Swimming, Tennis, Track, Golf, Lacrosse, Ballet