Upper School 2023-2024

Upper School

I. Upper School Academic Program

A. Grades 9-12

We require a total of 57 credits for graduation, 42 of which are to be earned from our core requirements across six disciplines: English, Mathematics, Science & Technology, History & Social Science, World Languages and Fine & Performing Arts. The remaining 15 elective credits allow students to further strengthen their academic preparation for college, pursue personal passions and interests, as well as meet specific college’s requirements. Equivalent transfer credits from other schools will be evaluated on an individual basis.

English (12 credits)

All students are required to be enrolled in English each year. If not enrolled in a full-year course, students must take the equivalent of a full-year course. ESL students will be placed in appropriate courses through Grade 12. A two-course ESL program (Advanced or Superior) counts as one English course.

Mathematics (9 credits)

Three years of mathematics are required, including successful completion of Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2. All students take mathematics through Grade 11. Many colleges may require mathematics through Grade 12.

History & Social Science (6 credits)

Two years of social science courses are required, including World History in Grade 9 and U.S. History. International students may be placed in U.S. History for ESL Students to fulfill their U.S. History requirement. Many colleges may require at least three years of social sciences.

Science & Technology (6 credits)

Two years of laboratory science are required. STEM 9 Physics is required of all students in Grade 9, typically followed by Chemistry in Grade 10 and Biology in Grade 11. Many colleges may require at least three years of laboratory science.

World Language (6 credits)

Two years of the same language taken at the secondary (Upper School) level are required. Students must meet department requirements before advancing to the next level within a language. Many colleges may require three or four years of the same language.

Fine & Performing Arts (3 credits)

Three credits in the Fine & Performing Arts are required. It is recommended that students work to meet their Fine & Performing Arts requirement early in their time at WMA to allow flexibility for AP courses and special interest electives in Grades 11 and 12.

B. Postgraduates

In order to be eligible for our diploma, postgraduates are required to take:

• The equivalent of a full-year English course

• An appropriate Mathematics course

• A yearlong course (or the equivalent) in Science, World Languages or History

• Two additional yearlong courses (or the equivalent) in CEEF, Mathematics, Science, World Languages or Fine & Performing Arts

C. Additional Diploma Requirements

• All Grade 9 students are required to take First Year Foundations.

• All Grade 10 students are required to take Health 10.

• Students are enrolled at the Academy throughout their Grade 12 or postgraduate year and participate in Commencement.

• Grade 12 students and postgraduates must pass the equivalent of five yearlong courses.

• All students must successfully complete the Afternoon Program requirement as stated in the Afternoon Program section of the Student/Parent Handbook.

D. Course Load Requirements

Upper School students are required to take the equivalent of five yearlong courses. Students are permitted to exceed five, but are discouraged from taking the equivalent of seven yearlong courses due to the intensity and time commitment required. A student wishing to exceed the equivalent of six yearlong courses in any marking period must be in communication with the Dean of Studies for approval.

E. Waivers

Waiver of any specific diploma or course load requirement resulting from a healthrelated issue or a diagnosed, documented disability is determined on a case-by-case basis. Students requesting a waiver will need to provide documentation supporting any request. The Department Chairs, Director of College Counseling, Director of Health Services and additional professionals may be consulted when reviewing a particular case. The Head of School and Dean of Studies make final decisions related to waivers.

F. Academic Integrity

Education presupposes a context in which integrity is a critical ingredient. Departure from this standard constitutes a violation of a major school rule. Faculty members discuss with students and include on their course syllabi, expectations for academic departments, individual courses and assignments. The following are examples of violating academic integrity. These examples are not inclusive.

• Plagiarism (unacknowledged use of another’s words or ideas)

• Using unauthorized notes or other aids in a test, quiz or examination, or copying from or being influenced by another student’s work during a graded evaluation

• Giving unauthorized aid to another student; examples include, but are not limited to, allowing another to copy or use one’s test, paper or homework

• Using help on homework, papers or take-home tests that is beyond the limits specified by a teacher, including help from other students, siblings, parents, friends, consultants, teachers and tutors

• Using translating software or translations of texts studied in class without the permission of the teacher

• Submitting the same work for credit to more than one teacher unless both teachers give their permission or resubmitting previously submitted work for another grade without permission

• Intending to cheat by preparing materials to do so, such as notecards and then bringing them into an assessment.

• Submitting work that is not your own to a school contest or publication

We recognize that generative artificial intelligence is an emerging technology. While we expect students to produce work that is wholly their own, we also understand that progressive technology can be a valuable tool for teaching and learning in our dynamic world. To that end, the appropriate, guided use of AI may be embraced by teachers on a case-by-case basis. Please note that copying or paraphrasing work generated through use of AI will be treated as plagiarism and as a clear violation of our Academic Honesty policy.

Any incident of academic dishonesty will be brought to the attention of the advisor, department chair and the Dean of Studies and addressed within the Discipline Policy as outlined in this Handbook.

In the case of cheating or plagiarizing in Online Partner Courses, on standardized tests, AP Exams or during competitions external to WMA, these incidents will be brought to the attention of the Dean of Studies immediately. WMA will cooperate with and follow any protocol set forth by outside institutions, as well as address the incident within our Discipline Policy.