DATES & DEADLINES
CURRENT BEAVER STUDENTS (including Beaver 8th grade students)
- Current 8th-11th grade families, students, and advisors will receive an email on April 2 with course registration details, placements, and recommendations.
- Students will get an overview of the process during advisory and class meetings; they will work to draft their choices in advisory.
- The deadline to submit choices into PowerSchool for current Beaver students (including current 8th grade students) is April 17.
STUDENTS NEW TO BEAVER
- In mid-April, students and families new to Beaver will receive an email on how to register for classes in PowerSchool.
- The deadline to submit choices into PowerSchool for students new to Beaver is April 30.
2026-2027 student schedules will be shared in early August 2026.
Question about—or during—the course registration process?
The course registration process
- Check to see which courses are required in any given year and where you’ll have some choices. In addition, take a look at your “Historic Graduation Plan Progress” in PowerSchool (you can find it under Grade History → “View Historic Graduation Plan Progress”) to understand your graduation requirements (this is especially important for rising 12th grade students).
- Explore course descriptions on our website to learn more about courses that interest you.
- Watch for placement and level recommendations via email (for returning students). These are for reference, as many courses are available based on prerequisites.
- Review the course worksheet (rising 9th grade version | rising 10-12th grade version) to see what will be offered and to make some draft choices. Returning students will go through these in advisory.
- Contact Department Heads right away if you’d like to discuss or review a placement.
- Complete the online registration in PowerSchool. Read all directions carefully, select alternates thoughtfully, and keep your long-term goals in mind.
Key reminders
- Credit values: 1-term courses = 5 credits; 3-term E block courses = 10 credits (unless noted otherwise).
- Course load: Students are required to take 4 courses per term each year; many choose 5.
- Balanced schedule: A mix across disciplines is recommended each year.
- Elective credits: Any course taken beyond the minimum graduation requirement in a discipline counts toward elective credits.
- Your choices matter: Select alternates carefully. If a scheduling conflict arises and no alternates are submitted, the Registrar will choose for you.
- Teacher assignments: Don’t assume a specific teacher will teach a specific course; this is decided later and may change.
- Prerequisites: Even with recommendations, many courses are open to you based on prerequisites alone. Keep long-term goals in mind when planning.
- Registration system: Each section may have multiple pages; sort to find the courses you need.
About the Upper School schedule
Students take classes in at least four blocks (A, B, C, D, E) each term but can choose to take five. During course registration, students should focus on picking the courses they want to take, and not worry about the block they meet.
SDP (Student Directed Projects) can be taken only in addition to four courses in any given term. The application form will be shared at the beginning of each term.
Requirements
9th grade course requirements
All 9th grade students take:
- 2 terms of ENGLISH English 9: Power + Perspectives (required)
- 2 terms of HISTORY History I: Nationalism + Age of Reforms (required)
- 3 terms of MATH Integrated Math 2*(required)
- 2 terms of SCIENCE Physics Foundations (required) and Physics Applications: Engineering* (required)
- 2 terms of MODERN LANGUAGE Choose two courses within the same language at the recommended level(s).*
- 2 terms of ARTS Choose two terms of arts (performing and/or visual) classes
- 3 terms of AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES Choose one activity per term. One of your three selections should be fitness-related (play, tech, dance count as fitness-related activities).
*Honors: Integrated Math 2B and Physics Applications: Engineering have honors sections by department recommendation only. Students can opt-in for honors in language after mastering the Intro level.
More about the choices
10th grade course requirements
Students must take at least four classes per term.
All 10th grade students take:
- 2 terms of ENGLISH English 10: American Identity + Myth & Meaning
- 1 term of HISTORY History II: From Power to Superpower
- 2 terms of MATH Integrated Math 2 or Integrated Math 3
- 2 terms of SCIENCE Chemistry Foundations and Biology: Foundations and/or Engineering Applications: Robotics
- 2 terms of MODERN LANGUAGE Choose two courses within the same language at the recommended level(s).
- 3 terms of AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES Choose one activity per term. One of your three selections should be fitness-related (play, tech, dance count as fitness-related activities).
Choices for 10th grade students:
- HISTORY A second term of history not required, but highly encouraged.
- MATH ELECTIVES
- BVR-X
- ARTS
- BVR CATALYST LAB One term class; meets for two consecutive blocks (not including E-Block)
Honors: 10th graders can opt-in for honors in English, history, BVR-X, BVR Catalyst Lab, and language (after Intro level); for math, departmental recommendation required.
More about the choices
11th grade course requirements
Students must take at least four classes per term.
All 11th grade students take:
- 2 terms of ENGLISH English 11: The View Within and one English elective
- 1 term of HISTORY History III: Empires Rise & Fall
- 2 terms of MATH Precalculus Functions & Precalculus Trigonometry
- 2 terms of SCIENCE Choose science application course(s) or elective(s).**
- 2 terms of MODERN LANGUAGE Choose two courses within the same language at the recommended level(s).
- 2 terms of AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES Choose one activity per term. One of your two selections should be fitness-related (play, tech, dance count as fitness-related activities).
**It is recommended students take one Chemistry Application course and one Biology Application course in junior year; 11th graders who haven’t taken Biology Foundations must enroll in this course.
Choices for 11th grade students:
- HISTORY ELECTIVE A second term of history is not required in 11th grade, but highly encouraged.
- MATH ELECTIVE
- BVR-X
- ARTS
- BVR CATALYST LAB One term class; meets for two consecutive blocks (not including E-Block)
Honors: 11th graders can opt-in for honors in English, history, BVR-X, BVR Catalyst Lab, and language (after Intro level); for math, departmental recommendation required.
More about the choices
12th grade course requirements
All 12th grade students take:
- 2 terms of ENGLISH Two electives
- 2 terms of MATH Calculus (strongly encouraged) or math electives
- 2 terms of AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES Choose one activity per term. One of your two selections should be fitness-related (play, tech, dance count as fitness-related activities).
- The rest is a balanced mix of electives in language, science, history, arts, BVR-X, and BVR Catalyst Lab.
Things to note for course registration:
Regardless of the minimum graduation requirement, students must take at least four classes each term of senior year.
- Make sure to review your “Historic Graduation Plan Progress” in PowerSchool (you can find it under Grade History → “View Historic Graduation Plan Progress”) to see where you are with your graduation requirements, and what more you need to fulfill them in senior year.
- Don’t pick a course based on a teacher or meeting term; those details get decided later on and are subject to change at any time.
- Make sure you get feedback from your college counselor on your course selections.
- During the online course registration, you’ll need to select both A + B parts of every two-term course you want to take.
- Science: Make sure you have taken Physics and a full year of Chemistry and Biology.
More about the choices
Graduation requirements at a glance
225 total minimum credits required for graduation
- English: 40 credits
- Math: 30 credits
- Modern Language: 30 credits of the same language
- Science: 30 credits
- Global History & Social Sciences: 30 credits
- Arts: 20 credits
- Electives: 45 credits
1 term courses = 5 credits; 10 credits of each discipline are recommended per year.
More about specific department requirements
English
The Basics
- Students take two terms of English in all grades, 9th-12th.
- In 11th grade, students take English 11: The View Within and then can choose from any English elective for their second term
- 12th grade is all electives; students must choose two.
Honors
- In 10th, 11th, and 12th grades, students can opt-in for honors once classes begin.
Courses & Examples
Contact
Global History & Social Sciences Department
The Basics
- 9th & 10th graders take two terms of history.
- In 11th grade, students take History III Empires and then can choose from any history elective for their second term. A second term of history is not required junior year but encouraged.
- 12th grade is all electives.
Honors
- In 10th, 11th, and 12th grades, students can opt-in for honors once classes begin.
Courses & Examples
Contact
Math
The Basics
- 9th graders take three terms of math.
- 10-12th graders usually take two terms of math.*
- Electives are open to 10th, 11th, and 12th graders, taken in addition to core course.
*Seeking three terms of math? Add an elective, SDP, or another core course (10th or 11th only). Reach out to the Registrar.
Honors
- Departmental recommendation required for honors; 9th-grade Honors starts after first term of math.
- Electives are opt-in for honors.
Courses & Examples
Contact
Science
The Basics
- 9th graders take Physics Foundations (first term) followed by Physics Applications: Engineering (second term).
- 10th graders take Chemistry Foundations and Biology Foundations. They may opt to take Engineering Applications: Robotics, either as a third term of science or by shifting Biology Foundations to 11th grade. (Biology Foundations is a required course).
- By graduation, students must complete at least one Chemistry Applications course and one Biology Applications course.
- Advanced science courses require at least one applications course completed at the honors level.
- Advanced Engineering Studio is available to students who have completed Engineering Applications: Robotics or have departmental permission.
Honors & Advanced
- 9th graders are placed into standard or honors Physics Applications: Engineering (term 2) based on performance and engagement in Physics Foundations; no prior recommendation needed.
- For Chemistry Foundations and Biology Foundations, honors placement is by departmental recommendation only.
- For all Applications courses, students self-select standard or Honors during course registration.
- Engineering electives are opt-in for Honors.
Upper School Science Pathways
Where your science interests can take you:
Courses & Examples
Contact
Modern Language
The Basics
- There are four levels of language courses: Intro (Conversation & Storytelling), Foundations, Intermediate, Advanced. Students take two to three terms of foundations, and two to three terms of intermediate. In order to advance to the next level of a language, students must demonstrate mastery of the necessary skills and receive Department approval.
Honors
- Sections are mixed, and students can opt-in to honors with department approval at the Foundations level and above.
Courses & Examples
Modern Language
Modern Language
Learn more about Upper School modern language courses and see examples from the classroom.Contact
Performing Arts
The Basics
- Courses are offered in all blocks (A,B,C,D,E). If you take four classes and one of them meets during E-block, you may be able to have a free in the rotation.
- Most performing arts courses are 2 or 3 term courses. When registering online, students must choose A & B of the same course.
- New students to the choral program should take one term of A Cappella Foundations and one term of B-Side A Cappella A.
- Prerequisites can be waived. Reach out to Tina Farrell, Department Head.
- Our instrumental ensembles cover a range of genres. All instruments and skill levels are welcome.
Honors
- Many courses have honors options. See course list and descriptions for more details.
Arts Options By Grade
9th Grade Arts Options
9th Grade Arts Options
Students should pick any (one) of the following options OR can choose one option from each column.10th Grade Arts Options
10th Grade Arts Options
Students can choose: one option from the rotation column or one option from the E-Block column or one option from each column.11th Grade Arts Options
11th Grade Arts Options
Students can choose: one option from the rotation column or one option from the E-Block column or one option from each column.12th Grade Arts Options
12th Grade Arts Options
Students can choose: one option from the rotation column or one option from the E-Block column or one option from each column.Courses & Examples
Performing Arts
Performing Arts
Learn more about Upper School performing arts courses and see examples from the classroom.Contact
Visual Arts
The Basics
- All 9th graders interested in visual arts take Visual Art Foundations before they can take another Level 1 course like Photography, 3D, or 2D
- Level 1 courses are only available to 9th and 10th graders
- Level 2 courses can only be taken once
- Students need to take at least 2 courses from Level 2 and be recommended to take Studio Practice (11th graders), Advanced Studio Practice or Senior Studio (12th graders)
- 12th graders must take both terms (Winter and Spring) of Senior Studio
Arts Options By Grade
9th Grade Arts Options
9th Grade Arts Options
Students should pick any (one) of the following options OR can choose one option from each column.10th Grade Arts Options
10th Grade Arts Options
Students can choose: one option from the rotation column or one option from the E-Block column or one option from each column.11th Grade Arts Options
11th Grade Arts Options
Students can choose: one option from the rotation column or one option from the E-Block column or one option from each column.12th Grade Arts Options
12th Grade Arts Options
Students can choose: one option from the rotation column or one option from the E-Block column or one option from each column.Courses & Examples
Visual Arts
Visual Arts
Learn more about Upper School visual arts courses and see examples from the classroom.Contact
BVR-X
BVR-X courses embody the non-linear, interdisciplinary nature of teaching and learning at Beaver. They allow students to delve deeper into the inquiry process, grapple with authentic and complex questions, and to consider the interrelationships of these issues.
BVR-X courses not only draw from different disciplines but also from a variety of fields like technology, media, entrepreneurship, science, art, and design.
The Basics
- Students in 10th to 12th grades are able to take BVR-X courses
- These courses count towards electives credit unless otherwise noted in the course description
- BVR-X courses can replace any not required one-term course in any given year (i.e. one term of visual art, second term of history, a science application one-term course, etc.)
Honors
- Some BVR-X courses can now be taken at the honors level.
Courses & Examples
Contact
Student Directed Projects (SDPs)
The Basics
- SDP application forms will be shared prior to the beginning of each term
- Approved SDPs are taken in addition to a full load (4 courses) in any term
How the SDP process works
- The student writes a proposal, which is reviewed for approval by Director of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation, the US Director, the Director of College Counseling, and the Director of the Hiatt Center.
- Once the proposal is approved, the student is responsible for leading the research and discussion during their meeting with their coach.
- The coach works as a resource to give feedback, assess the work, and offer guidance for next steps.
- At the end of the year, students who completed an SDP have the opportunity to showcase their work, during our Learning by Doing exhibit, an event that gives students the opportunity to share and explain their work to the community.
More about Student Directed Projects
Contact
Afternoon Activities
The Basics
- 9th and 10th graders must take Afternoon Activities in all three terms; at least one term should be a fitness-related activity.
- 11th and 12th graders need at least two terms of Afternoon Activities; at least one should be a fitness-related activity.
- All sports will have tryouts during preseason to determine placement.
- For the Hiatt Independent Opportunity, students find individual placements with support from the Hiatt Center. The plan must be solidified before the term begins.
- Participation in acting & tech for all plays will be confirmed after auditions.
- The plays, tech, and dance all count as fitness-related activities.
Things to note
- The deadlines for choosing/switching/adding/dropping athletics choices are Fall: June 30 | Winter: October 15 | Spring: November 30
- Juniors and seniors can pick “No Afternoon Activity” for any one term they want to have off.
Options
Contact
Question about—or during—the course registration process?