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 to listen for tuning and ensemble blend during rehearsal. The aim of the course is to develop confident musicians and prepare for a public concert at the end of the term. Weekly individual voice lessons are not required but are available on campus to students for an additional fee. Students who are on financial aid at Beaver have the same percentage of aid applied to their private music lessons. Students interested in taking more than one art class should reach out to the registrar or the Head of Performing Arts to discuss possible options.
Actors’ Showcase
This workshop is designed for the enthusiastic actor developing their craft. It will focus on audition material for college and theater opportunities beyond Beaver. The course will give students an opportunity to prepare audition monologues as well as explore dramatic structure and topical themes through contemporary scene work. This course is for both the dedicated and independent drama student and students that wish to explore drama for the first time. This course will culminate in a showcase for an audience at the end of the term.
Advanced Biology – Anatomy and Physiology (Honors)
In this lab-based course, we 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 investigate the relationship between structure and function through dissections, projects, and discussions. We look into the pathophysiology of diseases and disorders that compromise the functioning of our body systems and visit Harvard MEDscience program once a week to apply this content to hands-on medical simulations. Students should note that this class deals with medical content and skills which includes simulated blood, use of needles and scalpels, and animal dissections. Students should be prepared for patient simulations which, while fun, are also realistic and intense in nature.
Advanced Biology – Molecular Research Techniques (Honors)
This course provides students with an opportunity to learn advanced techniques in molecular biology and their applications in biotechnology. Students delve deeply into advanced topics such as genetic engineering and synthetic biology, with a specific focus on the use of CRISPR technology and the ways in which they can leverage it to explore real-world problems in medicine, agriculture, and more. Students travel each week to the BioBuilder learning lab at Ginkgo Bioworks for an immersive experience in which students learn the skills and tools of molecular research through an ongoing research project.
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 covered in previous math courses.
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 to use clay as a method of expression and functionality will support your studio practice.
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 is the focus of the course. Students investigate the chemistry of key functional groups including alcohols, carboxylic acids, amines and ethers and their role in the behavior of three primary macromolecules: carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. There is be a strong emphasis on laboratory work and students engage in experiments including the oxidation of Vitamin C, organic extraction of caffeine from tea, and the hydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids.
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 a thematic and communicative way, and the topics that are discussed include: dining, shopping, asking for and giving directions, and expressing opinions. Students will study the culture and diversity of the Chinese-speaking world in the form of culturally rich images, videos, music, and some authentic texts. Audio and video materials, computer software, games, projects, skits and presentations foster student interaction and participation.
Advanced Costume Design and Construction (Honors)
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 Theater and Design classes. Costume roles can include design, draping, construction, craft, and wardrobe. Students entering this class should be highly motivated and interested in an intense and exciting experience that requires a great deal of commitment. This course involves two weeks of rehearsal outside of the regular school day at the end of the process so that the play can be performed in its entirety while adding technical elements and costumes. Recent productions include She Kills Monsters and Humpty Dumpty.
Advanced Design & Tech (Honors)
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 Advanced Costume Design classes. Technical theater roles encompass areas such as stage management, set, light, and sound design as well as technical direction and engineering. Students entering this class should be highly motivated and interested in an intense and exciting experience that requires a great deal of commitment. This course involves two weeks of rehearsal outside of the regular school day at the end of the process so that the play can be performed in its entirety while adding technical elements and costumes. Recent productions include She Kills Monsters and Humpty Dumpty.
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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
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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
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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.