List of 11 items.

• Digital Literacies

  In this course, students are introduced to the importance of information and media literacies. However, with understanding the tools necessary for being curators of knowledge, there is an expectation for scholarly practice with technology, and appropriate study skills encouraging self-advocacy and responsible learning. Students will practice organization, research strategies, information synthesis, and more. 

• Drawing (Art I)

  The elements of art and principles of design are reinforced as students explore and engage with a variety of drawing projects and materials (contour, blind contour, printmaking, charcoal, etc). A wide variety of new drawing techniques are introduced, and various artists and time periods continue to be explored in connection with projects.

• Electives

  Upper School students further pursue their passions in elective offerings ranging from science fiction to coding to political science. Some offerings run all year long, while others rotate. Electives are offered based on student interest and faculty expertise, and as a result there are many offerings from which to choose! Please click here to view a list of some recent offerings (note: not all electives are offered each year).

• English

  Understanding that reading is a core piece of discovery in scholarship and life, students will strengthen their practices as they incorporate a wide range of texts from across place, time, and genre. In the process of cultivating the reading habits necessary to compare and critique, students will also focus on honing written and spoken communication skills. 

• Integrated Science (Science I)

  Students will study a variety of scientific concepts and their applications in the real world, including the study of systems and system models. Students gain an understanding in the life sciences, physical sciences, and environmental sciences through discussion, scientific debate, and inquiry-based design thinking projects. Students will develop crucial skills like research, evaluation, literacy, and communication. 

• Mathematics

  Mirman’s Upper School math program is a comprehensive and flexible program that begins with Math Innovations as a foundational middle grades curriculum and progresses through Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus, and Calculus. Based on their prior experience and current rates of acquisition and retention, students enter and exit the program in different places. The most typical progression is for students to take Innovations 1 in Fifth Grade, Innovations 2 in Sixth Grade, Algebra in Seventh Grade, and Geometry or Algebra 2 in Eighth Grade. Students who demonstrate readiness for courses outside of the normal progression have the opportunity to take Precalculus and Calculus before graduating from Mirman. All Mirman math classes emphasize mathematical analysis, problem solving, strong communication skills, depth and complexity, and continuous reflection about mathematical practices.

• Music I

  This year-long course focuses on developmentally appropriate experiences leading to more refined skills and knowledge in theory and composition, music history, instrumental and vocal music, and music as it relates to the world beyond the classroom. Students are given opportunities to sing, play instruments, move to music, listen and analyze, learn musical notation, create, and perform. 

• Physical Education

  Students will continue to participate in FitnessGram testing as well as organized Athletics, practicing with their teams during class. Emphasis is placed on improving flexibility, applying game strategy, practicing sportsmanship, and navigating personal as well as team success and failure. Written work including reflection and goal setting deepens connections with sport units.

• Theatre I

  Students continue to study advanced improvisation through in-class games, role playing, and activities designed to challenge their comfort zones, build trust, and develop performance skills. In this class, students begin studying theatre history. 

• World History I

  World History I is an introductory course focused on exploring the four primary river valley cultures - Egypt, Mesopotamia, Ancient India and Ancient China - before transitioning to Ancient Greece. Students study and consider interactions of dominant cultures across space and time. World History I explores origin stories by tracing the evolution of humans’ rise through the earliest stages of physical and cognitive development across diverse societies. Following this, the course transitions to the Agricultural Revolution, in which students learn how humans domesticated plants and animals, transitioning from roving hunters and gatherers to sedentary farmers, and eventually to the rise of first cities and complex societies.

• World Languages

  Our World Languages Department is focused on creating proficiency-based courses, with curriculum aligned to the standards and guidelines of the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages). Teachers are dedicated to providing a dynamic, student-centered language acquisition experience. Students in Upper School may choose Latin, Mandarin, or Spanish, and progress one level per year.