Sacred Heart 2026-2027 GREENWICH
UPPER SCHOOL CURRICULUM GUIDE
Leading with Courage and Confidence: THE SACRED HEART GREENWICH CURRICULUM BALANCES FOUNDATIONAL ACADEMIC COURSEWORK THAT EMPOWERS HIGH-LEVEL LEARNING IN ADVANCED, HONORS, AND AP COURSES WITH THE PERSONAL FREEDOM TO PURSUE INDIVIDUAL PASSIONS. As in all things at Sacred Heart Greenwich, a student’s course load is unique to her,
We believe in the strength, intellect, vitality, spirit, friendship, and faith of women.
prioritizing her talents and passions. While we’re pleased by the exceptional number of college acceptances our graduates earn to top-level institutions each year, our focus is on the entire student experience. We take great joy in learning together—with students in the driver’s seat. The all-girls advantage at Sacred Heart Greenwich empowers our Upper School students to cultivate the confidence and courage to embrace new responsibilities and opportunities, whether it’s performing onstage, competing in Model United Nations, editing the school newspaper, building robots, or striving for recognition at the Connecticut STEM Fair. Our students are encouraged to translate their knowledge into real-world applications. Rather than compartmentalizing subjects, our interdisciplinary approach fosters an environment where students integrate their learning to address meaningful challenges within their communities. This commitment to our Sacred Heart mission ensures that their education goes beyond textbooks and classrooms, making a positive impact on the world around them. Our mission is to inspire our graduates to head into the world as capable, confident, transformational leaders.
Pursuing Excellence:
At Sacred Heart Greenwich, each student is truly known and cherished for who she is. Learning extends far beyond the classroom, with a variety of cocurricular programs and experiences that empower students to develop essential collaboration skills, build a strong sense of community, and passionately pursue their interests.
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Senior Seminar A CULMINATING JOURNEY OF INQUIRY, REFLECTION & PURPOSE This honors-level interdisciplinary humanities course invites students to examine some of life’s most enduring questions through literature, philosophy, theology, history and contemporary global issues. Centered on the themes of Faith and Reason, Human Nature and Identity, and Justice, Service, and Global Awareness, students engage with classic and contemporary texts from diverse cultures while developing the intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and reflective habits that define a Sacred Heart education. The course includes the Senior Seminar Project, an experiential capstone that extends learning beyond the classroom. Building upon each student’s research, the project may take the form of an internship, service initiative, job shadow, or independent project connected to a social issue. This authentic learning experience challenges students to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways while living out the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• Interdisciplinary Humanities Course: Explore literature, philosophy, theology, and history through the lens of enduring human questions and global perspectives. • Research & Critical Inquiry: Conduct independent research, develop persuasive academic writing, and engage thoughtfully with complex ideas. • Senior Seminar Project: Design and complete an internship, service project, job shadow, or independent experience connected to a personally meaningful area of research. • Purpose-Driven Learning: Connect classroom learning to realworld challenges while deepening leadership, reflection, and civic responsibility. • Senior Symposium: Conclude the Upper School experience by presenting research and project outcomes to faculty, families, peers, and guests during the annual Senior Symposium.
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English
4 YEAR REQUIREMENT Students complete four years of English
YEAR 1
YEAR 2
YEAR 3
YEAR 4 ELECTIVE
Foundations of Literature
English Literature
American Literature
AP English L iterature
study, including our signature
English Literature Honors Journalism Reporting
Seminar in Literature & Thought in 12th grade, which earns interdisciplinary credit in both English and theology.
Theology
4 YEAR REQUIREMENT
All students complete four years of theological study, including our signature Seminar in Literature &
American Literature Honors
Advanced Topics in Literature Honors The Art of Memoir Honors
Journalism Reporting
Seminar in Literature & Thought
Journalism Editing Honors
Journalism Editing Honors
Journalism Reporting
YEAR 1
YEAR 2
YEAR 3
YEAR 4 ELECTIVE
Biblical Studies
World Religions
Christian Morality, Ethics & Social Justice
Seminar in Literature & Thought
Thought in 12th grade, which earns interdisciplinary credit in both English and theology.
“
What is the good of teaching various subjects, of wasting time in learning them, if, at the same time, we cannot teach children the words of life and touch their hearts and their consciences? :: SAINT MADELEINE SOPHIE BARAT
”
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Math
YEAR 1
YEAR 2
YEAR 3
YEAR 4 ELECTIVE
3 YEAR REQUIREMENT
Algebra I
Geometry
Precalculus
Students who complete the traditional high
Geometry
Algebra II with Trigonometry
Algebra II with Trigonometry Precalculus
AP Calculus AB
school mathematics curriculum through
Geometry Honors
Calculus before 12th grade study college-level honors courses in Linear Algebra/Multivariable Calculus.
Science
Algebra II with Trigonometry Honors
Precalculus Honors
Calculus AP Calculus BC AP Statistics Linear Algebra/ Multivariable Calculus
YEAR 1
YEAR 2
YEAR 3
YEAR 4 ELECTIVE
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Anatomy & Physiology
Physics Honors
Chemistry Honors
Biology Honors
Anatomy & Physiology Honors
Science Research
Science Research
Science Research Honors
Astronomy
Thereafter, a wide range of science electives
AP Chemistry
become available in junior and senior year.
Physics 11/12
Physics 11/12
In addition, students with a particular interest
Physics 11/12 Honors
Physics 11/12 Honors
3 YEAR REQUIREMENT, INCLUDING BIOLOGY Students build their scientific study through core courses in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
in scientific research can choose Science
Astronomy
Research as their elective course.
Astronomy Honors
Astronomy Honors
Neuroscience Neuroscience Honors Science Research Honors AP Biology AP Chemistry AP Environmental Science AP Physics C: Mechanics
Computer Science
All students study Computer Science. Students who select a full-year CS course as their elective satisfy the
CS requirement with that class and have the option to continue their study of coding throughout their high school career. Students who select a different elective participate in our one-semester 9th grade CS course.
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YEAR 1
YEAR 2
YEAR 3
YEAR 4 ELECTIVE
Introduction to Computer Science
Computational Thinking & Programming
Computational Thinking & Programming
Computational Thinking and Programming
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Computer Science A
AP Cybersecurity
Computational Thinking & Programming
AP Cybersecurity AI & Data Science
AI & Data Science AP Computer Science A
Science Research AUTHENTIC SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY. REAL-WORLD DISCOVERY. The Science Research Program engages students in authentic scientific investigation through a four-year progression from foundational research skills to independent study. Working with faculty and professional mentors, students design original research, analyze data, and communicate their findings while developing the critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for future STEM study. RESEARCH PROGRESSION Science Research I: Build foundational skills in literature review, experimental design, scientific writing, and research proposals. Science Research II: Conduct original research with a mentor, analyze data, and present findings through papers, posters, and competitions. Science Research III & IV: Advance independent research, refine analysis, and prepare findings for scientific presentations and competitions. SCIENCE WITH PURPOSE Sacred Heart Greenwich research invites students to pair intellectual curiosity with a commitment to the common good. In Science Research, students pursue questions that matter, learn from expert mentors, collaborate as a community, and consider the human impact of discovery. In doing so, they develop not only the skills of scientists, but also the wisdom, courage, and social awareness to use their knowledge in service of others. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS • Authentic Research: Design and conduct original scientific investigations. • Individualized Mentorship: Work with faculty and professionals from universities, industry, healthcare, and scientific organizations. • Scientific Communication: Present original research at the Sacred Heart Greenwich Science Symposium and regional, state, and national competitions. • STEM Preparation: Develop advanced skills in research, data analysis, scientific writing, critical thinking, and presentation.
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History
YEAR 1
YEAR 2
YEAR 3
YEAR 4 ELECTIVE
3 YEAR REQUIREMENT
World History I
World History II
U.S. History I
Contemporary Issues
INCLUDING U.S. HISTORY
World History I Honors
World History II Honors
U.S. History I Honors
Contemporary Issues Honors
AP World History
AP U.S. History
Psychology
Students build a foundation for responsible and informed citizenship with a two-year World History sequence, followed by one year of United States
Constitutional Law Honors Psychology Honors
History. Thereafter, a wide variety of senior-year
AP Art History
elective courses afford students the opportunity to
AP Comparative Government
further immerse themselves in areas of interest
AP Macroeconomics
in history and the social sciences.
AP Psychology AP U.S. Government and Politics
WORLD LANGUAGES
Chinese
Students may also select a language as an elective, allowing them to study two languages concurrently. YEAR 1
YEAR 2
YEAR 3
YEAR 4 ELECTIVE
3 YEAR REQUIREMENT
Chinese I
Chinese II
Chinese III
Chinese IV
Strongly encouraged to continue for a
Chinese II
Chinese III
Chinese III Honors
Chinese IV Honors
Chinese II Honors
Chinese III Honors
Chinese IV
Advanced Topics in Chinese
Chinese IV Honors
Advanced Topics in Chinese Honors
fourth year to further develop language proficiency and cultural competence.
AP Chinese Language
French
YEAR 1
YEAR 2
YEAR 3
YEAR 4 ELECTIVE
3 YEAR REQUIREMENT
French I
French II
French III
French IV
Strongly encouraged to continue for a
French II
French II Honors
French III Honors
French IV Honors
French II Honors
French III
French IV
Advanced Topics in French
French III Honors
French IV Honors
Advanced Topics in French Honors
fourth year to further develop language proficiency and cultural competence.
AP French Language
Spanish
YEAR 1
YEAR 2
YEAR 3
YEAR 4 ELECTIVE
3 YEAR REQUIREMENT
Spanish I
Spanish II
Spanish III
Spanish IV
Strongly encouraged to continue for a
Spanish II
Spanish II Honors
Spanish III Honors
Spanish IV Honors
fourth year to further develop language
Spanish II Honors
Spanish III
Spanish IV
Advanced Topics in Spanish
proficiency and cultural competence.
Spanish III Honors
Spanish III Honors
Spanish IV Honors
Advanced Topics in Spanish Honors
Spanish IV Honors
AP Spanish Language
AP Spanish Language
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AP Spanish Literature
Sacred Heart Network Exchange IMMERSIVE LEARNING THROUGH GLOBAL CONNECTIONS The Sacred Heart Network Exchange Program offers Sophomores the opportunity to experience life at a Sacred Heart sister school in North America or abroad. Through reciprocal exchanges, students live with host families, attend classes, and immerse themselves in another culture while building independence, global perspective, and lasting connections across the Sacred Heart Network. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS • Global Network: Connect with students across more than 150 Sacred Heart schools in 41 countries. • Reciprocal Exchange: Live with a host family and attend a Sacred Heart sister school in North America or abroad. • Cultural Immersion: Experience another culture’s traditions, language, and daily life. • Personal Growth: Build independence, adaptability, confidence, and intercultural understanding.
Global Scholars Program PREPARING YOUNG WOMEN FOR A CONNECTED WORLD The Global Scholars Program is a selective three-year academic distinction that prepares students to engage thoughtfully with complex global issues. Beginning in 10th grade, students pursue interdisciplinary learning, cross-cultural experiences, leadership opportunities, and original research, culminating in a senior research symposium. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS • Global Learning: Explore global issues through interdisciplinary coursework and experiential learning. • Cross-Cultural Engagement: Participate in exchanges, dialogues, and collaborations across the Sacred Heart Network. • Leadership & Civic Engagement: Develop a global perspective through service, leadership, and community engagement. • Research & Distinction: Complete and present original research while earning a Global Scholars certificate upon successful completion.
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Dance
Students with an interest or experience in dance can build confidence, connection, and community by
YEAR 1
YEAR 2
YEAR 3
YEAR 4 ELECTIVE
Dance I
Dance II
Dance III Honors
Dance IV Honors
YEAR 1
YEAR 2
YEAR 3
YEAR 4 ELECTIVE
Intro to Filmmaking
Creative Filmmaking
Advanced Multimedia Journalism Honors
Advanced Multimedia Journalism II Honors
exploring and improving their technique in ballet, contemporary, jazz, musical theatre, hip-hop, and choreography. Students showcase their artistic growth through various performances and projects throughout the year.
Filmmaking & Media Studies
Students are empowered to apply media,
Real World Filmmaking
technology, and entrepreneurial
Multimedia Journalism
YEAR 1
YEAR 2
YEAR 3
YEAR 4 ELECTIVE
Theatre I
Theatre II
Theatre III Honors
Theatre IV Honors
YEAR 1
YEAR 2
YEAR 3
YEAR 4 ELECTIVE
Foundations of Art
Photography I
Photography II Honors
Advanced Portfolio in Photography Honors
Drawing & Painting II Honors
Advanced Portfolio in Drawing & Painting Honors
Design II Honors
Advanced Portfolio in Design Honors
skills to solve real-world issues in class and through cocurricular programs. Students showcase their work in news shows as well as local and international film festivals.
Theatre
Students engage in hands-on work across areas of theatrical production, from acting to playwriting to design, becoming experienced and confident
Advanced Creative Filmmaking II Honors
Advanced Creative Filmmaking Honors Advanced Real World Filmmaking Honors
Advanced Real World Filmmaking II Honors
practitioners. Theatre courses and cocurricular productions provide diverse opportunities for creative thinking, collaboration, and growth within a community-focused program.
Visual Arts
Students study the essential elements of design and pursue their unique artistic interests in a variety of visual arts disciplines and spaces, from
Drawing & Painting I
painting in the studio to developing film in the
Design I
darkroom to designing in digital platforms.
AP Art & Design
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AP Art & Design
Performing & Visual Arts The Arts are central to the Sacred Heart Greenwich experience in both the development of the whole student and the building of community. Students can engage in the Arts both as part of their coursework and as a cocurricular opportunity. ARTISTIC OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:
A Ca-Bellas Bell Choir Dance Electives Fall Play Freshman Chorus
Madrigals Orchestra Theatre Electives Visual Arts & Photography Electives Winter Musical
Athletics Students have the opportunity to excel both in the classroom and on the fields and courts. More than 200 students participate in 16 different team sports each year. TEAMS INCLUDE:
Basketball Cross Country Diving Field Hockey Golf Ice Hockey Lacrosse Rowing
Sailing Soccer Squash Swimming Tennis Track & Field Volleyball
Active Wellness The Active Wellness Program supports the holistic development of each student through purposeful, active engagement. Students in Grades 10 and 12 participate in age-appropriate Health courses, while students in Grades 9–11 fulfill an annual wellness requirement through options including athletics, dance, physical education, and performing arts. Together, these experiences promote healthy choices, build confidence, develop valuable skills, and foster meaningful connections with peers.
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Student Life & Leadership In our all-girls environment, leadership is woven into the student experience, creating distinctive opportunities for every student to discover her strengths, find her voice, and make a meaningful impact. The vibrant Sacred Heart Greenwich community challenges and inspires academic, artistic, athletic, and personal growth, and cultivates leadership skills through experiences such as our Upper School Advisory Curriculum, Financial Leadership program, Student Council, Student Athletic Advisory Committee, Arts Collective, Leadership Academy, and summer Externship program.
Cocurricular Learning at Sacred Heart Greenwich takes place beyond the classroom through a number of cocurricular programs and activities. These endeavors are essential to the School experience as they allow students to hone essential collaboration skills, foster community, and pursue their passions. PROGRAMMATIC OFFERINGS INCLUDE:
Astronomy Athletics Chess Club Journalism Mock Trial
Model UN Performing & Visual Arts Robotics Club Speech & Debate Team Sustainability
Student Success ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT & SUPPORT Sacred Heart Greenwich is committed to helping every student grow as a confident, engaged learner. The Student Success program provides academic enrichment and personalized support across all grade levels, with Learning Specialists working alongside teachers to meet individual learning needs. Through individual and small-group learning supports, as well as advanced elective course offerings, students deepen their understanding, pursue their interests, and develop the skills and confidence to reach their full potential.
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Service Learning
SOCIAL AWARENESS WHICH IMPELS TO ACTION
Rooted in Goal III of Sacred Heart education, Service Learning invites students to put faith into action through meaningful service and engagement with issues of social justice. Through direct service and reflection, students deepen their understanding of the needs of others, develop compassion and responsibility, and discover how they can contribute to the common good. Service becomes not simply a requirement, but a habit of the heart that students carry beyond Sacred Heart Greenwich. DUCHESNE SERVICE PATH
Students in Grades 9–12 complete 15 hours of service annually, including at least 10 hours of direct service with communities in need. Up to five hours may be indirect service or completed during the summer. SR. SHEEHAN, RSCJ, SERVICE HONOR SOCIETY
The Society recognizes students who demonstrate a sustained commitment to direct service, reflection, Goal III, and Catholic Social Teaching. Participants begin in 9th grade, are inducted in the spring of junior year, and are recognized at graduation.
Campus Ministry In keeping with the Sacred Heart Goals & Criteria, the Campus Ministry program emphasizes experiences that develop a personal and active faith in God. Through regular liturgies, chapel services, retreats, and daily prayer, students deepen their faith, build community, and find opportunities to lead through service to others. These experiences foster courage, confidence, and a sense of belonging as students reflect, pray, and grow together as a Sacred Heart sisterhood.
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College Counseling A PERSONALIZED FOUR-YEAR JOURNEY
The College Counseling Program at Sacred Heart Greenwich empowers every student to discover the college or university where she will thrive academically, personally, and socially. Beginning in freshman year, students engage in a thoughtful, four-year process of self discovery and academic planning to support college exploration and the application process in their Junior and Senior years that reflects their unique strengths, interests, and aspirations. Working in partnership with students and families, our experienced college counselors provide individualized guidance through one-on-one meetings, grade-level programming, college counseling classes, essay workshops, admissions representative visits, and application planning. The result is a personalized experience that empowers
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Freshman Year: Establish a strong academic foundation while exploring interests, extracurricular involvement, and opportunities for personal growth. Sophomore Year: Continue academic planning, deepen involvement in leadership and cocurricular activities, and begin the college exploration process through college programming and standardized testing. Junior Year: Participate in a comprehensive College Counseling class embedded in the student schedule, complemented by individualized advising, college research, application strategy, essay development, standardized testing guidance, and family meetings. Senior Year: Continue a structured College Counseling class within the student
every student to make informed decisions with confidence
schedule while working closely with a dedicated counselor to finalize applications,
OUR PHILOSOPHY
A Personalized Partnership: Throughout all four years, students and families
Rooted in the Sacred Heart mission of educating the whole child, College Counseling is about more than college admission—it is about helping each student discover the path that best reflects her talents, passions, values, and aspirations. Through meaningful
navigate admission decisions, and prepare for a successful transition to college. benefit from individualized counseling, educational workshops, college admissions representative visits, financial aid programming, and ongoing support tailored to each student’s goals.
relationships and individualized guidance, students develop the confidence to make thoughtful decisions, embrace new opportunities, and thrive in college and beyond.
“
Setting out is one thing. You must also know where you are going and what you can do when you get there.
”
:: SAINT MADELEINE SOPHIE BARAT
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College Counseling
The Sacred Heart Greenwich College Counseling program is designed to provide close, personal attention to each student so she is afforded the information, the encouragement, and the guidance to make the most informed, well-suited decision for her future.
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Faith. Intellect. Justice. Community. Wisdom.
1177 KING STREET GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT 06831 203.531.6500 shgreenwich.org