Upper School

Students are required to take a minimum of five academic courses each semester, one from the English department and the others from the history, mathematics, science, and world language departments. Students will typically earn one credit for yearlong courses and one-half of a credit for semester courses. The number of credits for each course can be found in the Course Description Guide that is published each spring for the following academic year. Any course that is repeated will yield no additional credit.

• English: 4 credits (Eng I, Eng II, Eng III, and Eng IV)
• History & Social Studies: 3 credits (2 in World History, 1 in U.S. History)
• Mathematics: 3 Credits (1 in Algebra I, 1 in Geometry, 1 in Algebra II)
• Science: 3 credits (1 in Physics, 1 in Chemistry, 1 in Biology)
• World Languages: 3 credits*
• Arts: 1  credit 
• Wellness/Health/Physical Education: 1 credit  (1/2 credit in 9th grade, 1./2 credit in 10th grade)
• Additional Electives: 3 credits
• Community Service: 40 hours
• Senior Project: Yearlong project culminating with implementation during the final two weeks of a student's senior year

* Students must complete at least through level III of a language with at least two of the three required credits earned while in the Upper School. For instance, a student who begins Upper School in a level III language must complete through level IV of the same language.

At McDonogh, students continue the tradition of our founder John McDonogh to “strive in the course of one’s life to do the greatest amount of good.” Upper School students are involved in numerous service projects that go well beyond fulfilling the 40 hours required for graduation. In addition to planting, weeding, and harvesting crops at Roots Farm, much of which is donated to the Maryland Food Bank and other outreach organizations, students work directly with those in need. Through service facilitated in large part by our signature social impact program, Greatest Good McDonogh, students learn many important life lessons as they expand their horizons.

Senior Projects are yearlong projects culminating with implementation during the final two weeks of a student’s senior year. Throughout the year, seniors design a project proposal that is submitted for approval in February. During the last two weeks of school, all seniors in good academic standing complete their project. The projects, focused on either career exploration or service, enable seniors to engage in learning experiences not typically available in a classroom setting. Seniors with any course failures or incompletes prior to the start of the projects are not permitted to participate and must instead remain at school to complete their academic obligations. The Senior Project Program is managed by the Senior grade-level dean and administered by a faculty committee.

While the primary task of the Upper School is intellectual development, we recognize that young people also need ample opportunities to explore talents and interests that lie beyond the academic realm. A variety of athletic, informational, artistic, social, travel, and service activities provide continuing opportunities for self-­discovery. Faculty-advised but student-led clubs and activities are a testament to our students' eagerness to continue working with one another and with teachers after the academic day is over.

The Upper School Course Description Guide is a detailed guide to the academic program and course offerings. Click here to see the complete course listing for the 2024-2025 school year.