Upper School Curriculum

Religion is part of daily life at EA, offering students the chance to think seriously about belief, values, and how people make meaning in the world. Our aim isn't to tell students what to believe, but to give them the tools to reflect on their own views, understand others, and think critically about the human condition. Through the study of sacred texts, ethical reasoning, and global religious traditions, students are challenged to engage complexity with empathy, to hold space for both belief and doubt, and to build lives of purpose, integrity, and understanding.

Courses Offered:

• Humans, God, and Law: The Torah: Focusing on the Torah, this course explores the human condition, the divine nature of God, and the need for Law in order to have a well-ordered society. 
• Prophets, Kings, and Justice: Navim: This course explores why many people point to God for the source of suffering in the world and how justice remains the primary focus of the Judeo-Christian ethos. 
• Ethics: Past, Present and Future: Why do we make the decisions we make? What is the morally right thing to do? How should we solve our really difficult dilemmas? This course explores the philosophies of thinkers such as Socrates, Plato, Augustine, Aquinas, Hobbes, Mill, Kant, Midgely, Martin Luther King Jr., and more. 
• World Religions: This explores various belief systems and how their impact has influenced humanity, challenging students to delve into some of the major questions surrounding religion and faith.

EA’s Upper School Science curriculum honors the individuality of each student by offering a wide range of course options and the flexibility of multiple pathways to graduation.
 
EA’s science offerings are divided into Level 1 (foundational), Level 2 (non-honors and honors), and Level 3 (AP) courses. Students must complete four semesters of Level 1 courses, typically by the end of their sophomore year. In their junior and senior year, they must then complete at least two semesters of a Level 2 course or above. The Level 2 courses—or any subsequent Level 2 or Level 3 courses they decide to take—are their choice. 
 
If a student is especially interested in an area of study or eventual career path, their advisors, college counselors, and science faculty can provide guidance on specific courses to take. For example, a student interested in medicine may be advised to take Biology and Chemistry courses. 

Courses Offered:

Theatre classes empower students to master the skills in communication, collaboration, and innovation as well as develop empathy and character.  
 
Upper School students must have one credit distributed among at least two of the three arts areas (Music, Theatre & Dance, and Visual Arts), or they can choose two credits in one arts area.

Theatre Offerings:

• Fundamentals of Acting 
• Honors Acting
• Improv I and II 
• Film

The World Language Department provides a rigorous program, guiding students to become proficient speakers, readers, listeners and writers of French, Spanish or Mandarin. This program follows ACTFL proficiency standards, focusing on communication through interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational skills. 

Our classrooms are active, student-centered environments where appreciation for the cultures of the countries where the languages are spoken is emphasized. Our primary goal is to teach students to communicate with and relate to members of other cultures, thereby fostering the empathy necessary to be responsible global citizens.

Courses Offered:

French

• Core: French 1, French 2, French 3, and French 4
• Honors and Advanced: Honors French 2, Honors French 3, and Honors French 4, Advanced French Conversation and Culture
• AP Level: AP French Language and Culture

Mandarin

• Core: Mandarin 1, Mandarin 2, Mandarin 3, Mandarin 4
• AP Level: AP Mandarin Language and Culture

Spanish

• Core: Spanish 1, Spanish 2, Spanish 3, Spanish 4
• Honors and Advanced: Honors Spanish 2, Honors Spanish 3, Honors Spanish 4, Advanced Spanish Conversation and Culture
• AP Level: AP Spanish Language and Culture

The Upper School Art Department offers a sequential curriculum that supports both technical growth and personal expression, guiding students from foundational skills to advanced, self-directed work. 

Courses are designed to prepare students for college-level study with opportunities for portfolio development, critique, and exhibition—but they also welcome students who simply wish to explore, take creative risks, and discover the joy of their own artistic voice. Through sustained exploration and mentorship, students gain the confidence and craftsmanship needed to pursue their artistic passions in higher education and beyond.
 
Upper School students must have one credit distributed among at least two of the three arts areas (Music, Theatre & Dance, and Visual Arts), or they can choose two credits in one arts area.

Visual Arts Offerings: 

• Foundations of Art
• 2-D Design I, 2-D Design II (Digital) , 2-D Honors III-IV
• 3-D Design (Sculpture, Architecture), 3-D Design I and II, Honors 3-D Design III-IV 
• Photography I, Photography II, Honors Photo III-V
• Ceramics I, Ceramics II, Honors Ceramics Intensive
• Wood Design & Fabrication I, Wood Design & Fabrication II, Honors Wood Design & Fabrication III-V