Upper School Academics
In the Upper School, students tackle the basics AND also launch into so much more: they listen, build, revise, ask questions, partner, write, debate, and engage thoughtfully with their work, tapping into their curiosity to connect their learning to the world around them.
At Beaver, we develop modern education skills and a broad-based curriculum focusing on real-world application. We aim to inspire students to reach their full potential. One of the first things you’ll notice about our classes: students and teachers are genuinely caught up in the excitement and momentum of learning. The learning environment is intimate, interactive, and inclusive, and in all of our classes, students are encouraged to share their opinions. They speak up. They disagree. They learn from their teachers—and from each another.
The academic program is both flexible and broad: each student works closely with an advisor to plan a balanced program of study. Since we know our students well, we can guide them in the direction that best fits their interests, ambitions, and passions. We offer a curriculum designed to prepare students for the rigors and rewards of college, community, and life.
Upper School Course Catalog
See below for credit requirement as well as additional FAQs. By default, courses are organized alphabetically by title; to see requirements by grade-level, select the specific grade you’re looking for in the “Grade” dropdown.
A Cappella Foundations
A Cappella Foundations will introduce students to the fundamentals of a cappella singing, including vocal technique, music literacy, and artistic expression. They will also cultivate a working knowledge of fundamental music theory and explore the wider cultural context of the repertoire they study. Throughout the course, students will learn how
Advanced Arabic
In Advanced Arabic, students spend the first term reviewing Modern Standard Arabic, and they use it in real life situations. In the second and third terms, students choose an Arabic dialect and they spend the rest of the year learning that dialect. In the past, students have focused on Egyptian
Advanced Biology – Anatomy and Physiology (Honors)
In this lab-based course, we will explore the integrated systems that make up the incredible human body and learn about how the structures of the body perform the functions necessary to maintain the balance of life (homeostasis). Students will continue to investigate the relationship between structure and function through dissections,
Advanced Biology – Molecular Research Techniques (Honors)
This course will provide students an opportunity to learn advanced techniques in molecular biology and their applications in biotechnology. Students will delve deeply into advanced topics such as genetic engineering and synthetic biology and the ways in which they can be used to solve real-world problems in medicine, agriculture, and
Advanced Calculus – Derivatives & Integrals (Honors)
This course covers all of the topics of an introductory Calculus course, exploring concepts in depth with a greater emphasis on both the abstract aspects of calculus and its various applications in the real world. Students will be expected to enter the class with a firm grasp of all concepts
Advanced Ceramics
This course builds off the foundational skills from Ceramics and provides the opportunity to expand on hand-building and wheel-throwing practices. You will explore your point of view as a ceramicist by creating a portfolio inspired by a theme or chosen process. Research into how and why artists have and continue
Advanced Chemistry – Organic Chemistry (Honors)
Organic molecules are the building blocks of all life on Earth, and the carbon atom is central to the formation of this class of molecules. The importance of chemistry in biological systems will be the focus of the course. Students will investigate the chemistry of key functional groups including alcohols,
Advanced Chinese
In Advanced Chinese, students will continue to develop their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. At this level, students have greater autonomy with the language and are encouraged to use it creatively and authentically. Grammar is studied incrementally through storytelling as functional chunks for meaningful communication. Vocabulary is practiced in
Advanced Costume Design and Construction (Honors) (BVR-X)
Advanced Costume is a one-term, process-to-production course designed to prepare students for 2 public performances at Beaver. The course begins by focusing on script analysis and design, and then students work as costume technicians and designers to bring the play to fruition with the Advanced Theater Acting and Advanced Tech
Advanced Design & Tech (Honors) (BVR-X)
Advanced Design & Tech is a one-term, process-to-production course designed to prepare students for 2 public performances at Beaver. The course begins by focusing on script analysis and design, and then students work as theater technicians and designers to bring the play to fruition with the Advanced Theater Acting and
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Upper School Academics Information
Please note: this is a sample schedule; students will have different courses in the scheduled blocks.
Graduation Requirements
- English: 40 Credits
- Global History and Social Sciences: 30 Credits
- Modern Language: 30 Credits of the same language
- Arts (Performing and/or Visual): 20 Credits
- Science: 30 Credits
- Math: 30 CreditsElectives: 45 Credits (this includes BVR-X and NuVu)
Total credits required: 225
1 term courses = 5 credits
2 term or 3 term G-Block courses = 10 credits
Mini Studios are an opportunity for students to take ungraded, hands-on workshops such as life skills; dialogue and rhetoric; programming; and others. Each course will be offered once a week and will last between 1-4 weeks depending on the topic. Mini Studios are optional. Some students will facilitate or co-facilitate some mini studios as an extension of their Student-Directed projects.
The goals of mini studios are to spark ideas amongst students; expand the learning experience beyond the classroom and regular class times; and experience the real-life, practical implementations of any topic.
Office Hours & X-Block are integral to providing ongoing feedback and support to all students. Checking in with teachers, collaborating with peers on projects, and working independently or as a whole class are all part of the X-Block period. Students will be encouraged to go deeper into—and be creative with—the material, seek feedback from teachers and peers, inquire about their progress, and reflect upon the learning process. In addition, during Office Hours, students have dedicated time to talk to teachers, ask for help, and explore a topic on a new level.
The Beaver curriculum is college preparatory, and all graduates go on to attend four-year colleges.
We view technology as a tool to enhance learning. When it makes sense to use, we use it.
Upper School Academic & Schedule Contacts
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Lisa Brown
Director of Upper School - Email Lisa Brown
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Lisa Brown
I grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, DC. As a girl I loved reading; I remember going to the school library one day with my 5th grade class and overhearing my 3rd grade teacher tell one of her students to ask me to suggest a book because “Lisa has read every book in here.” Now, clearly that wasn’t true and I squirmed and blushed, but I was proud. Better than being remembered as the kid who put glue on everyone’s stool in 7th grade art. In middle school and high school, though, I stopped reading as much, but I re-discovered my love for it in college. By some miracle of scheduling, I took an American literature and American history at once, and the proverbial light bulb went off. The relationship between what was happening in the country and the author’s story captured my interest and made me want to keep reading and exploring the world. More importantly, it made me want to create that moment for other kids. After graduating, I taught in Tijuana, then Southern California and Maryland before making my way to Beaver. The committed faculty, the creativity in the classrooms, discussions about great literature, and the excitement of kids having their own “ah-ha” moment as learners all energize me and push me as a teacher.
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Elisha Cho
Assistant Director of the Upper School - 617-738-2764
- Email Elisha Cho
Elisha Cho
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Lesley Colognesi
Director of Academic Services - 617-738-2734
- Email Lesley Colognesi
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Lesley Colognesi
I am a lifelong learner. I love school and therefore I never left. As the Director of Academic Services, I enjoy watching students develop a sense of themselves as learners. This is the most rewarding part of my job. Beaver students have the chance to reflect upon their growth, advocate for themselves, and build upon their areas of strength. Beaver is constantly growing, shifting, and evolving…students are the designers and creators. As an educator, the energy and magic that evolves from this philosophy have kept me feeling like it is day one for the last 30 years.
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Cynthia Monasterios
Director of Academic Information Systems and Registrar - 617-738-2733
- Email Cynthia Monasterios
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Cynthia Monasterios
I grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and came to the U.S. in 2004 to study business, so I can relate well to students who are anticipating the changes and challenges they will face when they leave home for college. As the Registrar, and working very closely with the college counselors, I can help students develop their “stories” from Day One. I am here to assist every student from his or her first day at Beaver right through Commencement. Believe me, I do everything in my power to make every single step in between as smooth as possible for them! It’s extremely fulfilling to see how they change from being nervous, anxious, and a bit insecure to being happy and so mature soon-to-be freshmen in college.