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Upper Grades

As the culmination of an Avenues education, the upper grades (9–12) bring together years of academic growth, global learning, and student agency into an experience defined by exceptional rigor, depth, and purpose. Through advanced coursework, meaningful mentorship, and abundant opportunities for exploration and leadership, students are challenged to think independently, pursue their passions, and shape their own learning journeys as they prepare for life beyond Avenues.
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ACADEMIC OUTCOMES

Avenues World Elements

Designed by our Research and Development Team, Avenues World Elements (AWE) is a bespoke global system that sets clear learning goals for our students. This innovative tool supports growth at all grade levels, and across all our campuses. 
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ACADEMICS

The Upper Grades Curriculum

After establishing a foundation of integrated, interdisciplinary studies in grade 9, students are supported to take increasing ownership of their learning, with opportunities for advanced-level coursework and a range of bespoke signature programs.
Filters
  • English
  • World Course
  • Math
  • Natural Sciences
  • Modern Languages
  • Social Sciences
  • Visual Arts and Design
  • Performing Arts
  • High-Intensity Practice
  • Wellness and Movement

English

English is taught alongside the World Course as part of our interdisciplinary approach to the humanities. Students develop skills from the Avenues World Elements table including empathy and public speaking, while engaging with classic works, and exploring questions of identity and meaning.
Grade 9: Global Humanities Foundations: English
Students develop a foundational understanding of world civilizations and literature. While studying the rise of ancient China, India, Islam and the emergence of the West in their World Course class, they read origin stories and coming-of-age narratives from various literary genres, and develop their own skills as storytellers in English. Texts for study have included novels such as Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close and The Joy Luck Club, and Emily Wilson’s translation of The Odyssey.
Grade 10: Global Humanities Modernization: English
Students engage with the causes and effects of modern globalization, and what literature can teach us about them. While studying significant chapters in the history of modernization–colonization, the Enlightenment, the scientific and industrial revolutions, the rise of modern Islam and the World Wars–students examine the human impact of globalization through the literature of displacement, migration and identity. Texts for study have included: Frankenstein, Wake and Things Fall Apart.
Grade 11: American Literature
In this interdisciplinary course, students learn to think about America from two angles: the historical forces–such as slavery, Indian removal and imperialism–shaping American society, and how storytelling and mythmaking have contributed to the shaping of national identity. Students also develop their skills as writers, crafting personal essays that draw on their own experiences, values and beliefs. Texts for study have included The Great Gatsby, selected poems by Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson, and essays by James Baldwin, Margaret Fuller, and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Grade 12: World Literature
Students engage with a range of literary genres with attention to questions of style, structure, and meaning. Texts are drawn from those that examine issues of race, class, gender and sexuality, originating from global perspectives and traditions. Writing assignments range from poetry and short stories to personal and analytical essays. Texts for study have included personal narratives by Ishmael Beah, Charles Blow, Michelle Zauner and Karl Ove Knausgard.
English Electives
Advanced Humanities: The New Yorker (10)
Advanced Journalism (11–12)
Shakespeare’s Masterpieces (11–12)
Advanced Shakespeare’s Masterpieces (11–12)

World Course

In grades 9–11, the World Course is taught with English as part of an intensive, interdisciplinary humanities program. The World Course concludes in grade 12 with the Senior Seminar. In grades 11–12, students may also choose from a range of humanities electives under the World Course umbrella.
Grade 9: Global Humanities Foundations: World Course
Students develop social science and research skills that are critical for success in high school, higher education and life. While engaging with the work of prominent philosophers, political scientists and historians, students examine Ancient Greece, Rome and selected Asian, African and Central/South American civilizations through the interpretative lenses of power and social structures.
Grade 10: Global Humanities Modernization: World Course
This course examines the causes and effects of modernization and globalization, from the Enlightenment through the rise of decolonization movements around the world after the Cold War. Students make connections between historical and contemporary events, with particular reference to international politics, social and economic stratification, and the environment.
Grade 11: American Studies: World Course
This class examines the concept of the American Dream and how its definition has evolved over time based on social, political and economic conditions. Drawing on the fields of history and literary studies, students investigate the untold and sometimes troubling aspects of America’s past, and explore how storytelling and mythmaking have contributed to the shaping of national identity.
Grade 12: Senior Seminar
A college-level interdisciplinary learning experience that defies categorization, Senior Seminar represents the pinnacle of an Avenues education. Each year, readings and discussions focus on a particular theme in the humanities and social sciences (in 2023-24, the theme was China). Students think critically and work collaboratively, exploring applications of what they have learned throughout their time at Avenues. Students complete both a group research project and an independent research project as part of the class.
Electives
The following humanities electives, offered under the World Course umbrella, are available to students in grades 10–12:

Advanced History (10)
Eastern Philosophy (11–12)
International Relations and Globalization (11–12)
Philosophy: What is Wisdom? (11–12)
Advanced Philosophy: What is Wisdom? (11–12)

Math

In grades 8–11, students take Integrated Math, a seminar-style class in which they deepen their mathematical reasoning skills and learn to articulate mathematical concepts accurately in both writing and discussion. In grade 12, students may choose from a range of selective math courses. 
Grade 9: Integrated Math 2
Following on from Integrated Math 1 in grade 8, this seminar-style class covers Pythagorean theorem, slope, triangles, vectors, linear motion, parametric equations, and Euclidean geometry.

A STEM section is available for students who have demonstrated a capacity and desire to extend their math skills to STEM applications.
Grade 10: Integrated Math 3
This seminar-style class covers fundamental geometry skills, including an extended study of volume and trigonometry. Later in the year, students explore matrices, exponential functions, and logarithms.

A STEM section is available for students who have demonstrated a capacity and desire to extend their math skills to STEM applications.
Grade 11: Integrated Math 4 or Integrated Math with Data and Probability
In 11th grade, students may take either Integrated Math 4 (a prerequisite for a 12th grade calculus course) or Integrated Math with Data and Probability (for students interested in statistics). 
Electives
In 11th and 12th grade, the following electives are available: 

Advanced Multivariable Calculus (global elective) (11–12)
Statistics (11–12)
Data Science (11–12)
Introduction to Calculus (12)
Calculus (12)
Advanced Calculus (12)

Natural Sciences

In grades 9 and 10, students take Integrated Science, which fosters foundational knowledge and skills through project-based pedagogy and laboratory exploration. In grade 11, students progress to a yearlong in-depth study of biochemistry. A rich range of electives are offered in grades 10–12. 
Grade 9: Integrated Science 1
In Integrated Science 1, students learn to think and behave like scientists and engineers. The course fosters a deep understanding of concepts such as energy transfer and system dynamics that are foundational for all fields of science and engineering. Students engage in authentic scientific investigations and engineering design projects.
Grade 10: Integrated Science 2
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Integrated Science 2 follows in 10th grade, with continued emphasis on cultivating scientific habits of mind and practice. Through laboratory exploration, group discussions and readings, students develop an understanding of the properties, structure and behavior of matter, as well as global energy systems through the lens of climate change.
Grade 11: Biochemistry
In grade 11, students take biochemistry, an in-depth study of the chemical processes that drive biology. The course promotes a deep understanding and appreciation of complexity, diversity and the interconnectedness of life on earth, from the molecular level to the level of the organism. Topics include cell metabolism; classical and molecular genetics and evolutionary theory; and energy transformations. Students engage in extensive laboratory investigations, including dissections, and investigate biotechnological solutions to modern problems across medicine, food production and human wellbeing.
Electives
The following electives are available to students in grades 10–12:

Advanced Physics (10)
Advanced Physics (11–12)
Cosmology and Astronomy (11–12)
Advanced Chemistry (11–12)
Advanced Physics with Calculus (12)
Advanced Biology (12)

Modern Languages

Students progress their Mandarin Chinese or Spanish skills through a series of year-long courses at either introductory, intermediate or advanced level. By 12th grade, many students are ready to take advanced electives exploring literature, culture and society in their respective language.
Mandarin Chinese courses
Chinese 1: Discovery (9–10)
Chinese 2: Breakthrough (9–10)
Chinese 3: Exploration (9–12)
Chinese 4: Empowerment (9–12)
Advanced Chinese 5: Changing China: History and Society (9–10)
Advanced Chinese 5: Changing China: Literature and Arts (11–12)
Spanish courses
Spanish 1: Discovery (9–10)
Spanish 2: Breakthrough (9–10)
Spanish 3: Exploration (9–12)
Spanish 4: Empowerment (9–12)
Advanced Spanish 5: New World: Latin America (9–10)
Advanced Spanish 5: Contemporary Society: Social Media and Culture (11–12)

Social Sciences

Students in grades 10–12 may choose from a robust menu of electives in the social sciences, including philosophy, sociology, psychology, business, and economics.
Grades 10–12
Business Strategy
Psychology
Grades 11–12
Anthropology: The Rise of Humanity
Consciousness, Ethics and the Search for Meaning
Philosophy of Economics
Psychology
Sociology
Solving Big Problems with Big Data

Visual Arts and Design

In the upper grades, students may choose from a rich menu of electives spanning fine art, filmmaking, photography, ceramics, product design, and computer programming.
Visual Arts
In grade 9, students may choose to take Introduction to the Creative Process, a full-year studio course in which they create a range of original artworks while reflecting on and documenting their process.

In grade 10, students may choose a visual arts workshop from drawing and painting, mixed media, photography, or sculpture. An elective in digital art is also available. These workshops are a prerequisite for advanced art electives in grades 11 and 12. 

In grades 11–12, students may choose from a range of electives:
Advanced Art Studio I and II
Ceramics Studio I and II
Film and Animation
Film Studio I and II
Studio Practice
Design and Engineering
In grades 9–12, students may choose to take the Design and Engineering Workshop, which meets in Avenues’ maker space, the iLab. Through project work, students develop foundational skills in design thinking, fabrication (including CAD, 3D printing, woodworking and metalworking), and computer programming.

In grades 10–12, students may choose from the following:
Computer Science: Programming Foundations (global elective)
Advanced Computer Science (global elective)

Students may join Avenues’ Robotics: FIRST Tech Challenge, a competitive robotics program which participates in league competitions.

Performing Arts

Students may choose from a range of electives in the performing arts, with a focus on music. In addition, our after-school drama club allows students with strong interest in the performing arts to showcase their talent in several annual productions including plays, musicals, cabarets, open-mics, and more.
Electives
Upper grades students may choose from the following performing arts electives:

Introduction to the Creative Process: Music (9)
Vocal Workshop (9–10)
Advanced Music (9–12)
Instrumental Music Workshop (10)
Music Theory and Practice Workshop (11–12)

High-Intensity Practice

We developed High-Intensity Practice (HIP) on the premise that frequent, highly focused practice of key thinking skills over multiple years can significantly improve cognitive flexibility, executive functioning, and possibly even fluid intelligence.
Grade 9
In 9th grade, the HIP methodology is applied to both coding and Mastery, one of Avenues’ signature learning experiences. In Principles of HIP and Mastery, students develop foundational thinking skills and then apply them to an area of interest and passion, in preparation for additional Mastery experiences in the later grades. In HIP Thinking Through Coding, students undertake coding challenges designed to develop advanced problem-solving skills, creativity and critical thinking.
Grade 10
In 10th grade HIP, students continue to develop and exercise key thinking skills–including empathy, creativity, abstraction, metacognition and mental agility–through regular writing and math practice.

Wellness and Movement

All students take Wellness and Movement (WAM) throughout their time in the upper grades. In grades 11 and 12, students may personalize their WAM experience by choosing from a rich range of electives both on and off-campus, including fitness classes, court sports, and competitive athletics. 
Grades 9–10
In grades 9-10, students build a foundation for lifelong active pursuits and personal wellbeing, both in theory and practice. They explore a range of movement and fitness activities, cultivating aerobic endurance, strength, flexibility and balance. Wellness discussions focus on healthy decision-making in regard to mental health, stress management, nutrition, sleep and drug and alcohol use. A sexual health unit supports students to explore their own personal values and build safe and healthy relationships.
Grades 11–12
In grades 11–12, students choose from a range of movement courses, in addition to participating in discussions and projects focused on topics including mental health, coping strategies, sexual health, relationship skills and healthy decision-making. Movement course options include:

Studio WAM (yoga, pilates, aerobics)
Personal fitness (weight lifting and circuit training)
Court sports (basketball, volleyball, badminton, floor hockey)
Community WAM (spinning, boxing, HIIT at local fitness studios)
Independent movement (e.g. out-of-school activities or commitment to at least two athletics teams)
 

Upper Grades fast facts

Student life in the upper grades is defined by opportunity and choice, allowing for independence, self-exploration, and the pursuit of passions. 
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552
Students in Grades 9-12
17
Average class size
1:8
Teacher to student ratio
59
Electives offered
35
Athletic teams
80+
Student clubs and groups
80%
Of teachers hold an advanced degree
20
Annual community bonding trips
100%
Have digital access to the New York Times
2.5.18 Upper Grades
STUDENT LIFE

A vibrant community where every student belongs

Upper grades students can choose from 80+ co-curricular activities and affinity groups. If students have a vision for a club that doesn’t exist yet, we support them to set it up, helping to foster leadership and community-building skills. Campus life is further enhanced by our many annual traditions and seasonal celebrations, Lunar New Year and Día de los Muertos

Activities included: Acapella Club, AIT (AI in Tech), Asians @ Avenues, Astrophysics Club, Avenues Art Club, Avenues Robotics, Black Student Union (BSU), Business and Finance Club, Ceramics Club, Chess Club, Debate Club, Education For All, Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA), International Student Council (ISC), Italian Culture Club, Jewish Culture Club, Latin American Student Union (LASU), Model United Nations, Service Learning Club, and Spanish Immersion Club, and more.
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WELLBEING AND COLLEGE COUNSELING

The Deans Program

The deans at Avenues are full-time mentors whose primary responsibility is the social-emotional wellbeing and academic success of their students. Working closely with faculty and the Student Success Team (comprising counselors, psychologists and learning experts), deans ensure that students are fully supported and appropriately challenged at school. After working with one dean in grades 9 and 10, in grade 11, students are assigned a dean with expertise in college counseling, who provides 1:1 mentorship through the college process.
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