High School | Grades 9-12

List of 9 items.

• English

  The goal of the English Department is to develop clear and meaningful communication through reading, writing, listening, and speaking.  Students learn to think critically, effectively express ideas, and examine varied interpretations of literature through reading for information and pleasure.  We engage in a diverse selection of texts and regularly update the pieces that students read.
  
  

  Courses include:
  Writing Composition
  Ancient World Literature
  Modern World Literature
  American Literature
  English Literature
  AP English Literature and Composition
  AP English Language and Composition
  Creative Writing
  
  

  Students are required to take four years of English.

• Mathematics

  The Mathematics department strives to create critical thinkers who embrace problem-solving as a creative process by encouraging students to explore first. Students use their failures and successes to develop learning pathways that are meaningful, interesting, and inspiring. They understand mathematics as a global language and engage in authentic applications across borders and boundaries. 

   

  Students in high school expand upon the foundation built in middle school to more challenging coursework. All students entering Pilgrim take an assessment to determine the appropriate course level.
  
  Courses include:

  Algebra 1

  Geometry

  Algebra 2

  Pre-Calculus

  AP Calculus AB

  AP Calculus BC

  AP Statistics
  
  

  Students are required to take three years of mathematics up to Algebra 2.

• Science

  The Science Department prepares students to be curious, creative scientists knowledgeable in scientific processes, precise in their measurements, thoughtful in their conclusions, and skeptical of scientific claims. Students engage in authentic, self-directed inquiry to develop a global, ethical, and robust understanding of scientific principles and problem-solving strategies. Through independent and collaborative work, students find meaning and connection with the world around them.

  
  Courses include:
  Biology
  Chemistry
  Physics
  Environmental Sustainability
  AP Biology
  AP Chemistry
  
  Students are required to take three years of science, with at least one year each of physical and life science.

• Social Studies

  The Social Studies Department facilitates students’ development toward becoming engaged community members at all levels. Students form their responses to thematic questions in social sciences through an inquiry-based curriculum, research projects, and analysis of primary sources. Students engage with multiple perspectives - traditional narratives alongside historically excluded stories and voices. Students will build an understanding of the relationship between past and present to shape a better future.

   

  Courses include:

  Global Studies

  U.S. History

  AP Human Geography

  AP Psychology

  AP U.S. History

  Comparative Government

  Entrepreneurial Studies

   

  Students are required to take three years of social studies, with at least one year of U.S. History and one year of world history.

• World Language

  The World Language department immerses students in the target language and culture of the course. Language learning is an opportunity to expand knowledge while gaining respect, understanding, and enjoyment for people worldwide. Students use the language to communicate with others and take pride in their ability to do so.

   

  Students can take either Spanish or Mandarin. Students can enter High School beginning at Level 1 or take a placement assessment to determine the appropriate level within the target language.

   

  Spanish courses include:

  Spanish 1-5

  Spanish Film and Conversations

  AP Spanish Language

  AP Spanish Literature

   

  Chinese courses include:

  Chinese 1-5

  AP Chinese Language

   

  Students are required to take three years of world language in high school.

• Arts

  The arts program at Pilgrim nurtures individuality and encourages the student to find their creative voice while integrating cultural traditions, history, core skills, and innovative technology. We believe exposure to and participation in the visual and performing arts can create not only artists, but art lovers, art supporters, and members of a community that values the creative spirit. We aim to provide a safe artistic platform from which the students can leap into the world as inquisitive thinkers and fearless doers.  To learn more about our overall arts program, click here.
  
  Studio Art courses include:
  2D Art Foundations
  3D Art Foundations
  Advanced 2D Art
  Advanced 3D Art
  L.A. Art Experience
  Studio Art Portfolio Development
  
  Digital Art and Film courses include:
  Digital Video Production
  Introduction to Digital Filmmaking
  Ship's In Production
  Beat Lab
  
  Performing Arts courses include:
  High School Dance
  Theater Arts
  Guitar
  Band
  AP Music Theory
  
  Students are required to take at least one year of art.

• Engineering and Computer Science

  The Engineering and Computer Science Department prepares students to be ethical and equitable problem solvers who can effectively address the complexity of our modern, globalized world. Students can take four years of engaging coursework within each discipline.  Classes include:
  
  

  Engineering
  Introduction to Engineering Design
  Principles of Engineering
  Aerospace Engineering
  Digital Electronics Engineering
  Environmental Sustainability

  
  Computer Science
  Introduction to Programming
  Web Design
  Data Structures
  Game Design
  Cryptography
  
  Students are required to take one year of either engineering or computer science.

• Physical Education

  The Physical Education department empowers the vision that everyone is a student-athlete. Through interdisciplinary design and strategy/teamwork, our Physical Literacy staff looks to facilitate continuing education in the world of play and athletics.

  
  High School students may fulfill their requirements either by engaging in the High School PE or Strength Training courses or participating in one of our athletics teams.  To learn more about Pilgrim Athletics, click here.
  
  Students are required to take two years or six seasons of PE/athletics.

• Advisory

  The Advisory program in the Secondary School is a weekly, small group time for students and advisors to work together to strengthen community relationships through conversations and activities. The focus of advisory is building interpersonal relationships, communicating and having discussions, responsible decision making, global understanding, and emotional intelligence. Advisory is an open and safe space for students to approach topics of concern within the school, their lives, or their community with the support of an invested and engaged adult.
  
  Advisory meets weekly in High School.